The Indian Panorama

Tag: Queens

  • HONOR RESTORED: ATTORNEY RAVI BATRA WINS FOR KRITTIKA BISWAS CASE AGAINST NY CITY

    HONOR RESTORED: ATTORNEY RAVI BATRA WINS FOR KRITTIKA BISWAS CASE AGAINST NY CITY

    $225,000 settlement along with an acknowledgment that Krittika was an Honor Student at the time of her false arrest

    I.S. Saluja : NEW YORK (TIP)When on September 30, 2013, SDNY Judge Koetl issued a scholarly and thorough Order, in which the court rebuffed the defendants’ (New York City) ignoble attempt to dismiss Krittika’s case in its entirety, it was becoming clear that defendants were losing ground in the case. Therefore , when in September, 2014 New York City came forward with the Stipulation of Settlement, it didn’t surprise Krittika’s attorney Ravi Batra.

    “We have vindicated Krittika’s honor, Indian Diplomats’ honor, and India’s honor in the United States” said Ravi Batra, Krittika Biswas’ lawyer, in announcing a $225,000 settlement won from New York City along with an acknowledgment that Krittika was an Honor Student at the time of her false arrest and 1-day spent in jail on February 8, 2011 awaiting arraignment in court on misdemeanor charges. Attached hereto, is the Stipulation of Settlement, which has been submitted for the Court’s approval.

    Recalling the incident which shocked the entire Indian American community, Mr. Batra said, “On February 9, 2011, while I was on my way to Supreme Court in Manhattan to fight my then-pending libel-in-fiction case against Dick Wolf and Law & Order before Justice Lucy Billings, I got a frantic call from my friend and India’s then Consul General, Ambassador Prabhu Dayal, saying that one of his viceconsul’s daughter had been arrested yesterday, and despite all efforts, including with the US State Department, and his officers being in Court, they had not gotten anywhere and could I rush to Queens.

    I promised him that I would do so. And indeed, I rushed to Queens Criminal Court and met Deputy Consul General Gondane (Devyani Kobragade’s uncle), Krittika’s parents and many other officials of India” recalled Batra. “Within minutes of my arrival, I personally met on February 9, 2011 with Queens District Attorney Richard Brown and during such meeting assured him that Krittika was actually innocent and this case was going to blow up and become a problem case.

    Judge Brown, as DA Brown is known given his exemplary service to all New Yorkers for over 50 years, including, as counsel to NYS Governor Hugh Carey and later as a high ranking appellate Justice, took the rare step to administratively dismiss all criminal charges against Krittika based upon my word – such that Krittika never had to step into Criminal Court and pled “not guilty,” her file was “sealed,” and she could legally say that she was never arrested.

    It is for this reason, I called Judge Brown an American Hero” said Batra. “Of course, the ethically compromised and arrogant Principal Howard Kwait upon learning of the unconstitutional charges being dismissed, retaliated by suspending Krittika. During those proceeding we proved Krittika’s innocence – that her Internet Service Provider (ISP) was Time- Warner’s “Roadrunner” while the culprit’s ISP was “Earthlink.” One day later, with our forensic expert’s sworn report, the actually guilty student was identified and he confessed – except he was not arrested or criminally charged – proof of foul discriminatory disparate treatment of Krittika despite her actual innocence” said Batra.

    Krittika then filed a Notice of Claim, and given then-Secretary of State Clinton’s Legal Advisor’s stance on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963, and on May 7, 2012 we sued in Federal District Court for the SDNY in Manhattan the following defendants: City of New York, it’s Department of Education, John Bowne High School’s arrogant principal Howard Kwait, who has since been punished by NYC for being unethical, Teacher Jamie Kim-Ross, nowretired, who dreamt up false and unreasonable suspicion that Krittika was the author of offensive emails threatening violence, and several police officers who should have known better that they had no probable cause to arrest Krittika” Batra added.

    The defendants moved to dismiss the complaint, we filed an amended complaint, the City moved again to dismiss and after argument before the scholarly and learned SDNY Federal Judge John G. Koeltl, he issued an Order that refused to dismiss Krittika’s entire case. The City then took an interlocutory appeal to the second highest court in the country, the Lofty Second Circuit Court of Appeals and we did a full briefing of 4th Amendment’s unreasonable searches and seizures jurisprudence across our nation -including probable cause, arguable probable cause and qualified immunity.

    After that, on August 20, 2014, we argued against the appeal before legal giants – Judge Jose A. Cabranes of the Kiobel-fame, Judge Chester J. Straub who has served as a senator and chief of federal judge-selection committee and Judge Raymond J. Lohier, Jr. of SDNY United States Attorney’s Office fame. A transcript of the Argument is available upon request – and empowers the parents of 1.1 million of our kids who attend public school and run the risk of being falsely arrested, falsely charged, and end up in jail with a criminal record.

    Within 3 days of the Argument, on August 25, 2014, the three appellate Judges issued a lightening fast Order agreeing with our argument in toto and denied the defendants’ appeal and sent the case back to J. Koetl for discovery and trial. “Having completely won Krittika’s case on the law, I advised, and Krittika agreed, with her diplomatic family’s support, that in recognition of the warm relations between India and United States, exemplified by President Obama having Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as his First State Guest in November 2009 and PM Narendra Modi’s upcoming meeting with him this month, as well as having nominated the now-legendary Preet Bharara as a SDNY US Attorney and Sri Srinivasan as a federal appellate judge on the DC Circuit, our family friend Mayor Bill de Blasio having Indian-Americans in various important cabinet-level positions governing NYC, the greatest city in the world, and India having released NYPD Police Officer Manny Encarnicion and dismissed the criminal charges arising out of 3 bullets in packed luggage, that a just resolution of this case also needed to be mutually respectful in both tone and timing so as to enhance the bilateral relationship – itself in need of what I call a ‘mutually respectful reset’” said Batra.

    So, I’m happy to announce on Krittika’s behalf that she joins me in “thanking Judge Brown, Senior Senator Chuck Schumer, Senior Congressman Gary L. Ackerman, the Indian- American community, everyone in India, members of the international media, Ambassadors Prabhu Dayal and Meera Shanker, and all her former classmates and teachers at John Bowne High School who gave her emotional and moral support to give her the strength so that she has been able to settle the case in full measure.” “Finally, I thank NYC’s Corporation Counsel Zach Carter and City’s Senior Federal Litigation Division Attorney Sumit Sud, worthy adversaries, for rising to the occasion and seizing the moment of graciousness and mutual respect and bringing an honorable closure to this case of ‘many tears.’ Of course, NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer’s genius is in saving taxpayers’ money that would otherwise have been spent in giving us, as lawyers, a bigger legal fee approaching a million dollars.

    I proud of having protected Krittika, and vindicating India’s daughter’s honor in full measure with legal Orders documenting same, even as we forgave the defendants obligation to pay our legal fees in full measure, given my desire to enhance our nation’s foreign relations with India and every Indian.” said Batra. “As a comparison, on January 15, 2014, after nearly a decade of litigation by New York Civil Liberties Union against NYC, a class settlement was reached for $18 million for 1800 protesters arrested during the 2004 Republican Convention that nominated President George W. Bush for his Second term – that settlement netted each protester $6,400 each and legal fees of $7.6 million. Krittika’s settlement far exceeds that $18 million historic settlement, even as we forgave our City it’s obligation to pay much more towards legal fees as a proud New York Lawyer-Citizen” concluded a happy Batra.

    No doubt, Attorney Ravi Batra deserves congratulations and gratitude of not only Krittika Biswas and her family, but of the entire Indian American community to put up a determined legal fight to vindicate the honor of a young Indian girl. I must also mention here that Attorney Batra’s wife Ranju Batra has been a constant and strong source of encouragement and comfort to Krittika and her family during the most stressful period for them. All is well that ends well.

  • A Benevolent Law Abused

    A Benevolent Law Abused

    Racketeers use SIJS to make big money

    By I.S. Saluja & The Indian Panorama Investigative Team

    Number of Undocumented Children Who Cross U.S. Border Alone Has Tripled

    (The Pew Charitable Trusts: May 9, 2013)

    Each year, thousands of unaccompanied alien children (UACs) risk harrowing journeys and travel alone to seek refuge in the United States. These children come from all over the world for many reasons, including to escape persecution in their home countries, to reunify with family members and to look for a better life. In recent years, the U.S. government has had roughly 6,000-8,000 of these children in its care and custody each year. While these children may be as young as infants, most (approximately 70 percent) have been between the ages of 15 and 17. – Women’s Refugee Commission

    (The Migrationist: August 8, 2013)

    Hundreds of thousands of youth (under age 18) attempt to enter the U.S. every year. Some come with their families, others alone, either of their own will seeking jobs, protection and family reunification or they are smuggled into the country for sweatshop labor or sexual exploitation. The exact number of children who attempt to enter the country is unknown. In 2005, the U.S. granted legal permanent resident (LPR) status to 175,000 children under 14 years of age and to 196,000 youth ages 15 to 24. Twenty thousand youth ages 17 and under were accepted as refugees and 2,000 were granted asylum in the same year. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) apprehended almost 122,000 juveniles in the U.S. in 2004. Of this total, 84.6 percent were released back to Mexico, or in rare cases to Canada.

    (National Juvenile Justice Network)

    It has been said the crooks will always find creeks to enter any system in the world. And when the system is welcoming and benevolent, the infiltration is much easier. Special Immigrant Juvenile Status law (Please read the article below by eminent attorney Anand Ahuja) was enacted with a humanitarian objective to provide protection to these minors who are victims of domestic abuse.

    Over the years, the law stands abused. It has become a booming business in many countries to push young boys and girls, mainly boys (77%), in to the United States territory and make them take advantage of SIJS.

    The Indian Panorama Investigative team came across quite a few people in Queens and Long Island in New York who are part of the thriving racket to smuggle in young boys and girls from India. The reports received by us indicate that it is a big business in many South Asian countries, in particular, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan as also in many other countries across the world.

    We were taken for a shock to get to know how elaborate the racket’s dragnet is, which involves agents in countries from which the young people are sent, agents at the Mexican side of the US border who help them cross over in to the United States, agents in the US who manage a guardian for the boy/girl and so on so forth. All this involves huge money. In India, the price to send a young boy or a girl in to USA is anywhere between $80,000 to $100,000.

    Another shocking revelation was the involvement of church in this racket. During our talk with some who are involved in the racket told us, on condition of anonymity, that at least, one priest from a Christian Church in New York and a Sikh priest from a Sikh Gurudwara in Arizona are actively involved in running the racket. The authorities do not suspect the priests of any wrong doing and the latter take advantage of it.

    Our source told us that the Christian Priest who is based in New York and comes from Punjab, India, visits his home state in India to “recruit” the youth who want to come to USA. It was pointed out to us that the pries has been making regular trips for the job. He arranges the incoming youth’s stay and finds him a guardian. Interestingly, all the young people who come here and come to have guardians, work and stay elsewhere, not necessarily with their guardians.

    The person agreeing to be a guardian to a youth is offered a payment of between $5000.00 to $10,000. The attorney’s fees is anywhere between $3000.00 and $5000.00. We were also told about two attorneys whose services the priest utilizes regularly. Also, there are some attorneys who specialize in such cases. The gentleman who offered to be guardian to a young man confided in us that the young man had disappeared and that he had to report the disappearance to the court.

    The malaise is much deeper and goes beyond simple monetary racket. It has serious implications for America’s security. With ISIS and Al Qaeda stepping up recruitment of young people from all over the world, USA is threatened as never before because of such soft laws which allow easy infiltration in to the country. Our source, on condition of anonymity, told us that he had come to know that the enemies of USA are all set to push in young people in to USA to carry out their agenda in America, which is to harm the country in every way.

    A thorough investigation by the US administration agencies concerned in to the racket and the possible infiltration of enemies of USA in to the country, taking advantage of the benevolent soft humanitarian laws needs to be done sooner than later. And the earlier, the better.

    Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

    Throughout its history, the United States has been a refuge for oppressed people from around the world. The Pilgrims, the Quakers, the Amish, and countless others came to this country in centuries past, while in the more recent past immigrants have been Cubans, Jews, Southeast Asians, and others.What those diverse people shared was a belief that America could offer them refuge from government oppression. The United States has always been at the forefront of protection issues, and traditionally has granted sanctuary to victims of human rights abuses from around the world.

    This refuge or protecting in the USA, however, is not limited to victims of political oppression but also is available to those who are victims of domestic violence and abuse specially minors.With an objective to provide protection to these minors who are victims of domestic abuse, Congress, in 2008, enacted a new statute, the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008, (TVPRA 2008).

    The statute expands the definition of Special Immigrant Juvenile so that more children can qualify for the status, provides greater protections from aging out, removes additional grounds of inadmissibility to lawful permanent residence, and requires the US government to process the cases within 180 days for those undocumented youth who qualify for SIJS.

    The Trafficking Victims Protection and Reauthorization Act has expanded the definition of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) to allow undocumented immigrant youth to petition for legal status based on abuse, neglect, or abandonment by one or both parents. SIJS waives unlawful entry, working without authorization, status as a public charge, and certain immigration violations. Once a minor receives SIJS, he/she will be able to adjust his/her status to that of a lawful permanent resident, obtain work authorization, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.

    To be eligible under SIJS, one must be (a) under 21 at the time of filing, (b) Currently must be unmarried, and (c) Must be present in the United States. Further, SIJS visa program is different from other types of visas in that it requires coordination with a state family or Surrogate court. Special Immigrant Juvenile Status has two prong tests. First, the minor has to engage in a custody/adoption proceedings in the Family or Surrogate’s Court in the county where he/she resides.

    As part of this proceeding, the court is to find minor’s eligibility for SIJS. Besides a guardianship petition, it is also possible to file a petition requesting an order though a custody, neglect, adoption, permanency hearing for children in foster care etc., proceeding. An order from a Family Court or Surrogate Court granting custody/adoption is a pre-requisite to applying for SIJS status. On February 5, 2014, the New York Appellate Division, Second Department, stated that New York State Family Courts do in fact have the authority to appoint a natural parent to be the guardian of his or her own children.

    The court explained that under the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act, any person may petition for guardianship of an infant. SCPA §1703. Therefore, the court reasoned that since the statute does not impose any limitations, appointment of guardianship may also be granted to a natural parent. The court’s reasoning was based upon prior decisions involving contests for guardianship between a natural parent and a relative or nonrelative of a child, where the natural parent has been named as the guardian or co-guardian of the child.

    Matter of Revis v. Marzan (100 AD 3d 1004); Matter of Justina S. (180 AD 2d 641). One is to keep in mind that a state Family court and/or Surrogate court that grants custody/adoption petition does not make any immigration decision. After receiving this order from the Family or Surrogate’s Court, one has to go through the second stage, i.e., the one is to then apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) for SIJS. Though USCIS one will get SIJS that would bestow upon the child lawful permanent residence and work authorization.

    Whether one receives one’s special immigrant juvenile visa and green card concurrently or applies for an adjustment of status after your SIJ application is approved, one generally receives most of the same rights and privileges as other lawful permanent residents. If the petition is approved and the child becomes a lawful permanent resident, he or she will have access to financial aid for college, be able to work legally, be eligible for some public benefits, and be able to apply for US citizenship five years after becoming a permanent resident.

    However; one is to keep in mind that the granting of SIJ status is based on allegations of abuse, abandonment or neglect by the applicant’s parents, a person who receives a green card or even ultimately citizenship through the SIJ program cannot petition for a green card on behalf of those parents. Moreover, SIJ program participants cannot petition on behalf of their siblings until they become U.S. citizens through naturalization. “Immigration law is extremely complicated-and with children, more so,” says Lenni Benson, a New York Law School professor and director of Safe Passage, a nonprofit that provides legal assistance to immigrant children in the state.

    Since expertise in both the family law and immigration law is required for SIJS, therefore, it’s better to retain the services of a competent attorney for these cases.

    (The author, an Attorney at Law, is licensed to practice law in the States of New York, Connecticut, Virginia, United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, U.S. Tax Court, U.S. District Court; Southern District of NY, U.S. District Court; Eastern District of NY. He works as an attorney with Anand Ahuja Associates, Attorneys at Law and International Business Consultants, 76 North Broadway Suite # 2000, Hicksville, NY 11801. He can be reached at anandesq@hotmail.com or on phone nos. (516) 502-3262, and (718) 850-1952. )

  • Senator Tony Avella- the man you can trust to be on your side

    Senator Tony Avella- the man you can trust to be on your side

    Remember to vote for Tony Avella on Tuesday, September 9

    Senator Tony Avella has dedicated his life to fighting for middle-class families and progressive Democratic values. Senator Avella’s distinguished public service career began over 30 years ago as an aide to New York City Council Member Peter Vallone, Sr. Senator Avella later served as an aide to Mayors Koch and Dinkins and as Chief of Staff to the late State Senator Leonard Stavisky and to State Senator Toby Stavisky. Prior to seeking public office, Senator Avella served in numerous capacities as a civic activist and was a member of Queens Community Board #7. In 1997, Senator Avella was awarded New York State’s Community Service Award for his numerous volunteer and civic endeavors on behalf of all New Yorkers.

    In 2001, Senator Avella won election to the New York City Council in the 19th District – Northeast Queens and was re-elected with an overwhelming majority in both the 2003 and 2005 elections. As a member of the City Council, Senator Avella served as Chair of the Zoning and Franchises Committee and was a member of five Council committees: Higher Education, Housing and Buildings, Fire and Criminal Justice Services, Land Use, and Veterans.

    Senator Avella was also the founder and Chair of the first Italian-American Caucus of the City Council. During his tenure on the Council, Senator Avella authored several important pieces of legislation. Signed into law in 2005, his “Demolition by Neglect” bill enabled the Landmarks Preservation Commission to prevent the willful destruction of our City’s treasured landmarks by unscrupulous property owners. Senator Avella’s legislation was strongly supported by 46 preservation and civic groups including the Landmarks Conservancy, the Historic Districts Council and the National Historic Trust.

    As a trusted public servant, Senator Avella has made fighting over-development and protecting our quality of life his top priorities. In the City Council, Senator Avella led the fight citywide against overdevelopment, the proliferation of McMansions, and other major abuses of the City’s building and zoning codes. In an effort to preserve the unique residential character and quality of life in neighborhoods throughout the City, Senator Avella helped create new zoning districts such as R2A, which prevents the construction of McMansions, rezoned major portions of his district as well as numerous other neighborhoods in the City, and enacted citywide amendments to the “Community Facilities” section.

    Senator Avella’s hard work resulted in the first real changes in the City’s zoning code in over 40 years. In addition to his efforts to stop out-ofcharacter construction, Senator Avella was at the forefront of the battle to reform the City’s Department of Buildings and the Board of Standards and Appeals. Senator Avella was also the acknowledged leader in the City Council for landmark preservation, animal welfare, good government, and Veterans’ issues and benefits. As a member of the City Council, Senator Avella refused the “lulu”; an additional taxpayer funded salary increase in return for loyalty to council leadership instead of taxpayers.

    Senator Avella fought against and subsequently refused the 25% City Council pay raise, which he considered unethical. Senator Avella was honored by numerous fraternal organizations, civic associations, sports and school/educational groups. Senator Avella has received such honors as the “Friend In High Places Award” from the Historic District Council, the Community Mayor’s Humanitarian Award, the coveted Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award from the New York Landmarks Conservancy, and the Benefactors’ Award from the Alley Pond Environmental Center.

    In 2009, Senator Avella received the “New York City Human Rights Award” for obtaining the highest score of elected officials in New York City on the Human Rights Project’s report cards. A city-wide human rights coalition with over 100 groups from all over the City, the Human Rights Project is the lead organization of the New York City Human Rights Initiative.

    First elected to the State Senate in 2010, Senator Avella, as a freshman senator, was appointed ranking member of the Cities and Environmental Conservation Committees, and has served on the Education, Aging, Banking, and Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committees. His reputation as a staunch reformer has helped to bring real change to Albany.

    As a state Senator, he is proud of bringing ethics reform to New York’s Capitol, and has again refused any “lulus” for his committee positions. A strong advocate for reform and transparency in government, Senator Avella is fighting to transform the State Senate so that it works for the people once again. Senator Avella spent his first few years in Albany fighting for the people that elected him. He is proud to have voted for four on-time budgets without raising taxes. As ranking member of the Environmental Conservation Committee, he lead the fight in advocating for a ban on hydrofracking, an extremely dangerous drilling practice that poses a risk to local water supplies.

    He introduced and passed in the Senate legislation that would equalize co-op and condo property tax assessments with one-two and three family homes and help lower costs at the gas pump. Re-elected by an overwhelming majority in 2012, Senator Avella has continued his dedicated service to the people of the 11th Senatorial District. He has continued to fight for progressive legislation by working to increase the minimum wage, pass the SAFE Act – the toughest gun control laws in the nation, and implement Universal Pre-K. He has prioritized women’s rights by fighting for and co-sponsoring the Women’s Equality Act.

    He is an avid advocate for animal rights, having introduced multiple bills in support of the protection of animals, as well as sounded the alarm against animal rights violations. During this past legislative session, Senator Avella passed seventeen bills, four of which have been passed in the Assembly and two of which have been signed into law. He currently serves as the Chair of the Social Services Committee, Vice-Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, and is a member of the Transportation, Education, Codes, Housing, NYC Education, Insurance, Judiciary and Banks Committees. Senator Avella is a graduate of Hunter College of the City University of New York.

    He is a lifelong Queens resident and currently resides in Whitestone with his wife Judith. Avella has been endorsed by a number of Unions which include Local 246 , SEIU Automotive/Mechanical, Motor Vehicle Operations Union Local 983, 1199 SEIU, United Healthcare East, Communications Workers of America (CWA) District 1 Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), Plumbers Union Local 1, International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC), Uniformed Firefighters Association of New York (UFA-NYC), Uniformed EMTs, Paramedics & Fire Inspectors – Local 2507, FDNY, Fire Alarm Dispatchers Benevolent Association, FDNY, New York State Troopers, Council of Administrators and Supervisors, Nassau County Sheriff’s Correction Officer Benevolent Association, Correction Officers Benevolent Association (COBA), NYC Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA), Public Employees Federation (PEF), New York State Supreme Court Officers, New York State PBA, New York State Nurses Association, New York State Police Investigators Association. Mayor Bill de Blasio and Congressmember Steve Israel are among the elected officials who have endorsed Tony.

    The organizations which have endorsed him are League of Humane Voters; League of Conservation Voters, Empire State Pride Agenda, Citizens Union and Sierra Club.

  • South Asians for Strong America endorses Leroy Comrie for New York State Senatorial District 14

    South Asians for Strong America endorses Leroy Comrie for New York State Senatorial District 14

    NEW YORK (TIP): A press note issued by SASA under the signatures of its Executive Director Jagjeet Singh and Director of Operations Sanjeev Jindal, carries an appeal to voters to vote for Leroy Comrie who is seeking election to New York State Senate from Senatorial District 14. The note says, “Mr. Comrie has an impressive track record of public service and is an experienced political activist who understands deeply the needs of immigrant community.

    We have seen on various occasions his stands on various issues where he has given unflinching support to the South Asian Immigrant Community. “Comrie, a former Councilman and a resident of Queens epitomizes determination, fairness and compassion for the immigrant community. “SASA endorses candidates based on their support and willingness to serve the South Asian Immigrant Community. “SASA is proud to support the candidature of Leroy Comrie and urges all its supporters to go out and vote on the 9th September and elect Mr. Comrie.”

  • Dallas Sikh Congregation threatened to leave country by man posing as IRS Officer

    Dallas Sikh Congregation threatened to leave country by man posing as IRS Officer

    DALLAS, TX (TIP): On August 10th , a man walked into Gurdwara Singh Sabha of North Texas claiming to be an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officer there to do an audit. He confronted one of the gurdwara members, and accused the gurdwara of not having paid its taxes. He said the IRS would be raiding the gurdwara very soon, and started to walk out of the building towards the parking lot.

    Narinder Singh Sekhon followed him and asked him why he was there. Sekhon stated, “As I approached the perpetrator, he called me, and our community, terrorists and said you have 48 hours to leave the country or I will finish you.” Threatening and yelling racial slurs, he then drove off the gurdwara premises. The man’s picture and license plate number have been recorded and reported to the authorities. A human rights and advocacy group UNITED SIKHS has claimed that it is helping the gurdwara management committee to work with local law enforcement, the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Justice, Community Relations Service to investigate this act of racism and hate.

    Surinder Singh Gill, a member of the Board of Directors at Gurdwara Singh Sabha commented on this incident stating, “We will continue to assist law enforcement with their investigations and work on this until complete justice is served.” Gurdwara committee member, .Harjeet Singh Hothi, added “I request the Sikh community to be vigilant. This individual claimed to be an IRS agent, used offensive language, and tried to intimidate us and threatened us.” This incident occurred right after second anniversary of the Oak Creek, Wisconsin Gurdwara massacre in which six Sikhs lost their lives after a white supremacist opened fire at the congregation. Since then, Sikhs across the country have been vigilant during large gatherings and have worked with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to better secure our gurdwaras.

    A prime example of this is the State of New Jersey where UNITED SIKHS worked with local gurdwaras and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) to develop security protocols for congregations. Along with protocols, NJOHSP identified and trained congregation members on how to identify suspicious activity and other security related issues concerning the gurdwara. Similar incidents have recently occurred in New York City. A week ago, Dr. Jaspreet Singh Batra was first verbally abused, called a ‘terrorist’ and then attacked by a group of ten teenagers in Roosevelt Island. Dr Batra was walking with his mother at the time to have dinner.

    Earlier, in Queens, NY, Sandeep Singh was called racial slurs, told to “go back to his country” and then run over by a truck driven by the perpetrator. Sandeep was dragged almost 60 feet with the truck after being mowed over, but miraculously survived. With all these incidents occurring around the same time, the Sikh community at large is grieving and remains on high alert.

    Our efforts for justice will continue as we work with the Gurdwara Singh Sabha of North Texas to ensure this case is being properly investigated. Harvinder Singh Randhawa, another member of the Gurdwara’s Board of Directors, stated: “We appreciate UNITED SIKHS’ efforts in assisting the sangat in this trying time and look forward to collaborating further.” UNITED SIKHS urges Sikh communities across the nation to remain vigilant and report any kind of suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

    We also encourage installation of cameras on gurdwara premises and parking lots to help capture such incidents to better assist law enforcement track perpetrators.

  • Queens Borough President joins a rally aimed at saving the Rockaway Ferry

    Queens Borough President joins a rally aimed at saving the Rockaway Ferry

    Queens Borough President Melinda Katz joined other elected officials and residents of Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan on the steps of City Hall on Thursday, August 21, for a press conference and rally aimed at saving the Rockaway Ferry. Borough President Katz called on the current administration to extend the ferry service that connects the Rockaways to Manhattan and Brooklyn beyond its scheduled October 31, 2014 termination date.

    The Borough President also asked that weekend runs to be added to the ferry’s schedule so data can be gathered to show the true potential of how permanent, seven-daya- week ferry service could benefit the Rockaways. Borough President Katz believes weekend service would increase the number of people who visit the Rockaways’ wonderful beaches and patronize its waterfront businesses.

  • Queens Borough President at London Lennie’s seafood restaurant in Rego Park

    Queens Borough President at London Lennie’s seafood restaurant in Rego Park

    Queens Borough President Melinda Katz was the first guest of the evening to be seated by former Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz’s on Friday, August 22, as he made a guest maître d’ appearance at London Lennie’s seafood restaurant in Rego Park.

    Markowitz is now a vice president of NYC & Company (the City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization) and his appearance was intended to bring attention to Queens’ many culinary attractions and to encourage visitors to explore the borough.

    As part of her economic development strategy, Borough President Katz has been actively working with NYC & Company and other organizations to encourage both local residents and out-of-town visitors to patronize the many wonderful restaurants, shops and cultural attractions that can be found in Queens, which is known as “The World’s Borough” because of its amazing diversity.

  • MAN ARRESTED FOR ANTI-SIKH HATE CRIME IN NEW YORK CITY

    MAN ARRESTED FOR ANTI-SIKH HATE CRIME IN NEW YORK CITY

    NEW YORK (TIP):
    After nearly three weeks of sustained Sikh community activism, the New York Police Department (NYPD) arrested 55-year-old Joseph Caleca for hitting, dragging, and seriously injuring Sandeep Singh with a truck in Queens late last month. While Sandeep continues to recover at home from his injuries, Caleca faces attempted murder and hate crime charges.

    The Sikh Coalition is grateful to the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force for its ongoing efforts to deliver justice to Sandeep Singh and his family. The Sikh Coalition also thanks the Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service for their work to address community tensions related to the hate attack. Roosevelt Island Case Still Unsolved A few days after Sandeep Singh was attacked, another Sikh-Dr. Jaspreet Singh Batra-was assaulted on Roosevelt Island, New York City, in front of his mother.

    The investigation is still ongoing. The Sikh Coalition has called on the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force to use its specialized expertise to capture his assailants. “I made the call to the Sikh Coalition around midnight while I was being treated in the ER. Not only did the team listen to me patiently, but also took action immediately and offered me all their support and available resources.

    Words cannot express my gratitude for all the assistance I have received from this team. They are very proactive and engage various law enforcement agencies to pursue these cases with due diligence.” – Dr. Jaspreet Singh Batra.

  • CROWLEY CALLS ON MAYOR, NYPD TO ADDRESS VIOLENCE AGAINST NYC’S SIKH COMMUNITY

    CROWLEY CALLS ON MAYOR, NYPD TO ADDRESS VIOLENCE AGAINST NYC’S SIKH COMMUNITY

    New York Sikhs feel “under siege” in wake of multiple brutal attacks

    NEW YORK (TIP): Rep. Joe Crowley (DQueens, the Bronx), a leader on Sikh- American issues that spearheaded the effort to encourage the Department of Justice and FBI to begin tracking and quantifying hate crimes against Sikhs, called on Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner William J. Bratton to develop a comprehensive action plan to address the recent surge of attacks on members of the New York Sikh community.

    “The disturbing pattern of escalating violence and hate against New York’s Sikh community is unacceptable and immediate steps are needed to both protect the community and prevent such attacks from happening in the first place,” said Crowley. “New York City should send a strong message that this kind of bigotry and violence will not be tolerated.”

    As part of an action plan, Crowley suggests the City consider expanding security presence at Sikh places of worship, designating a liaison to the Sikh community, and expanding the service of observant Sikhs beyond the Metropolitan Transit Authority to include service in the NYPD, as a way of demonstrating support for the Sikh community. Crowley’s call comes in the wake of two separate attacks on Sikhs in New York City over the last two weeks alone.

    Dr. Jaspreet Singh Batra – a Sikh physician – was assaulted and injured in front of his elderly mother on Roosevelt Island, and Mr. Sandeep Singh-a Sikh business owner and father-was run over and seriously wounded by a driver in a pick-up truck in Queens. In both cases, the targets were subjected to bigoted slurs. These attacks sadly coincided with the second anniversary of the attack on the Sikh Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, which killed six worshippers and seriously injured several others, and come on the heels of last year’s brutal attack on Columbia University professor Dr. Prabhjot Singh that resulted in his hospitalization. Further, members of the Sikh community have shared with officials news of other instances of hate employed against them, which all too often were not reported to the authorities.

    “…[T]hese attacks have created a situation in which the families that comprise New York’s Sikh community feel under siege – concerned even to carry out everyday activities like patronizing a restaurant, walking home from work or going shopping. Our city now faces a unique situation, in which a key community reports that they are living as targets for violent bigotry,” said Crowley in the letter.

    Sikh-Americans are often targeted for hate crimes because of their distinct identity and common misperceptions with respect to their attire and appearance. Attackers sometimes appear to erroneously believe that Sikh-Americans are affiliated with extremists and were somehow responsible for the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States.

    In other circumstances they are attacked because of their Sikh identity. A recognized leader in Congress on issues related to the Sikh-American community, Crowley has led a major effort in the U.S. House of Representatives to convince the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to begin collecting data on hate crimes committed against Sikh-Americans and Hindu- Americans – introducinglegislation and sending multiple letters to the DOJ and FBI.

    Last year, then-FBI Director Robert Mueller announced the agency would begin this program. Crowley’s efforts have been supported by the Sikh Coalition, American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, Hindu American Foundation, Indian American Forum for Political Education, SALDEF, and South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) among other leading national organizations.

  • DR. SUBHADRA NORI happiness in service of humanity and God

    DR. SUBHADRA NORI happiness in service of humanity and God

    The South Asian and American Women’s Alliance (SAAWA), a Long Island based organization, recently recognized a few ladies at their 2014 annual gala. One of the honorees who drew my attention, in particular, was Dr. Subhadra Nori who was recognized for her “contribution to medicine”.

    I felt impelled to speak with her after the formal part of the function was over to know more about her, primarily to satisfy my curiosity as to how a busy physician could train herself in to a motivational speaker and, also because I felt the readers of The Indian Panorama will get to know what made Dr. Subhadra Nori “a successful woman”. Such success stories prove to be very educative and serve as source of inspiration to others.

    So, here we go. Dr. Subhadra Nori is a physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Working as the Regional Director of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Queens health network composed of Elmhurst and Queens Hospitals in New York, she is responsible for 4o Therapists, 10 attending physicians, 28 rotating residents through Mount Sinai School of medicine and hospital. What better way to understand a persona than to know what ideals are dear to him or her.

    What vision does he or she have of the variegated life? So, in order to unravel Dr. Nori’s personality, I asked her a couple of questions which she readily answered. Here they are. The first question I asked her related to the most important institution in the life of a personfamily. Asked about her views on family, she said, “Family is the most important part of your life. You need the support and love of your spouse for achieving anything in career, life and happiness. It’s not how many gifts, jewelry or clothes are given but simple things as taking care of you, making sure you are comfortable, is the most important thing.


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    Judy Bosworth, North Hempstead Town Supervisor gives away the award to Dr. Subhadra Nori for her “contribution to Medicine”. Also seen in the picture, to the left of Bosworth, is Anila Midha, MD, Founder and President of South Asian American Women’s Alliance.


    I am lucky and proud to say I have that 100%. To achieve the pinnacle of happiness you need the children’s acceptance and love. The last comment of hers brought me to the subject of children. I asked her what she thought about the upbringing of children, particularly, in a country which has a lot different set of values than Indians normally subscribe to. Dr. Nori said, “I was just like my mother.


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    Noris at their daughter’s wedding, with son, daughter in law, daughter, son in law and their parents


    I didn’t think twice before providing, nurturing or pushing them when needed, to achieve many different aspects as culture, dance, music etc. However, their education was the primary goal for me”. She recalled how her parents also laid a great emphasis on education. “Our family’s emphasis was on education. without any discrimination between a boy or a girl. My parents were hard working, goal oriented, paying close attention to budget. Yet, they never hesitated when needed on education, for example, my medical college”.


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    Noris have always had political connections though they are not politically involved. Seen here with Hillary Clinton, then a Senator


    Asked about the values she cherished most, she counted on her fingers, family, friendship and religious values. Dr. Subhadra Nori said she was proud of her heritage. “I am proud to say that both my parents came from solid families with many teachers and again, with emphasis on education. My paternal grandparents lived in Burma and spoke Burmese”.


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    Dr. Subhadra Nori with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg (right).


    Asked to give her views on religion, Dr. Nori said, “I believe in one Supreme God, and recently started reading on meanings of Vishnu Sahasranamamas, Aditya Hrudayam etc. I have great respect for the speaker of the pravachans Brahmsree SamavedamShanmukha Sharma. I have great faith in our Guruji Sree Vishwayogi Vishvamji. I believe he is always with me”. Asked if it gave her strength, she was emphatic in her affirmation. I thought it was time to bring her down from the high perch of philosophical reflections to other mundane affairs.

    Knowing that most people in America are fitness conscious and Dr. Nori herself looked physical extremely fit, I asked her what she thought of health and fitness. “I am a big fan of exercise and use every possible available time to exercise. I have been a regular attendee of the gym for over 15 years. I do 2 days of circuit training with a personal trainer and attend 2 days of aerobics classes at the gym.

    Zumba and kick boxing are my favorites. A little swimming in the summer as well. I am also careful with my diet and still read quite a few books and magazines on health and fitness, using audiobooks while doing dishes or commuting or gardening”. Asked to comment on her attitude to work, she said,” I believe in honesty and dedication towards work and ethics. I am a straight shooter and avoid cunning people.

    I despise those who try to take advantage of the weak and the system. ” Dr. Subhadra Nori is a recipient of a number of awards and honors. These include the Best Teacher Award by Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore and Jacobi Medical Centers, and award for outstanding contribution to the residency program in PM &R 2003- 2005. And then, the SAAWA 2014 Award for her contribution to Medicine.

    Asked what she thinks is the satisfying thing for her to do, she said, if human beings could help each other it would be the best thing to do. And she added she and her husband, the renowned Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Dattatreya Nori find real happiness in serving humanity and divinity. She said, “I was the secretary of Indo American Cancer Association which, in association with the Basavatarakam Foundation in Hyderabad was responsible for building a cancer hospital in Hyderabad. “The hospital is exclusively treating cancer patients from all over India, and is well known for its association with world renowned Sloan Kettering cancer center in New York.

    10% to 15% patients get free service. We are very proud to be one of the founding members of this hospital. This hospital now has a nursing school, a wellness center and a chowltry for the needy.” Coming to the other source of happiness, the divine, Mrs. Nori said,” Along with my husband, Dr. Dattatreya Nori, myself and my family is fortunate to have established two Shirdi Sai Baba temples and cultural centers in New York and New Jersey. We conduct not only religious services but also run health camps, dance classes, tabla classes, SAT instructional classes and many others”.

    It is a large canvass of life, of which any person could be legitimately proud. Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh born Subhadra, in her own words, is “successfully and happily married to Dr. Dattatreya Nori”. The Noris have two childrena son, Sateesh who is a lawyer and a daughter, Priya who is an infectious diseases physician. To the satisfaction of Noris both are successful in their professions and life. A life lived well in the service of humanity and God: that’s the source of happiness and success for Dr. Subhadra Nori and her illustrious husband Dr. Dattatreya Nori.

  • New York City’s Economy shows fastest growth in nearly a year

    New York City’s Economy shows fastest growth in nearly a year

    NYC Growth Expected to Top National Rate in 2014, but Unemployment Remains Flat

    NEW YORK, NY (TIP):
    New York City’s economy grew more than three percent in the second quarter because of robust job growth and higher personal income, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer found in his quarterly update on the City’s vital economic stats released today. The City’s Real Gross City Product (GCP) grew an estimated 3.1 percent and represented an estimated four percent of the nation’s total economic output.

    “As the weather heated up, so did the City’s economy,” said Comptroller Stringer. “Across the board the City has outperformed previous quarters. While unemployment remains stuck at 7.9 percent, the economy has added tens of thousands of jobs in the private sector, pointing to a firmer labor market, stronger tax revenues and a more stable economy.

    The “New York City Quarterly Economic Update” analysis summarizes economic results for the second quarter of 2014, including GCP, job growth, income growth, unemployment rates and inflation, among others. Findings include:

    ● The City’s private sector added 22,400 payroll jobs. Except for two quarters, the City’s private-sector job base has grown faster than the nation’s for the past eight years.
    ● Both New York City total jobs and private-sector jobs were up by 6.5 percent and 8.4 percent respectively, since August 2008 -the previous peak. The most significant gains this quarter were in leisure and hospitality and education and health services.
    ● The unemployment rate in the City stayed at 7.9 percent, the same as the previous quarter. This rate is deceiving however, as the City’s labor force increased by 37,100 in the second quarter – the largest increase in over 12 years as a result of more people reentering the labor force.
    ● Personal income tax withheld rose 6.6 percent in the second quarter to about $1.6 billion indicating positive income trends, job growth, salary increases and late bonuses.
    ● Shoppers woke up from their winter slumber, with general sales tax collections rising 5.2 percent to $1.7 billion.
    ● Transit ridership remained steady, with 1.5 percent more straphangers on New York City subways in April and May. Ridership fell 3.3 percent on buses, but the Long Island Railroad saw ridership gains of 4.3 percent.
    ● Manhattan apartment sales climbed 6.3 percent higher than the same time last year – up to 3,342. The Brooklyn housing market also continued to do well, though the Queens’ median sale price dipped 9 percent, while the number of sales fell 3.6 percent.
    ● The tourism industry is booming – with Manhattan hotel occupancy at 93.2 percent, the highest quarterly rate since records became available.
    ● Broadway also continued its showstopping year with ticket sales up 21.7 percent in the second quarter of 2014 and total attendance rising 21.7 percent during that same period. “We must remember these are not the boom-town years of the late 1990s or of the credit bubble years. There is mounting evidence that the national and local economies have settled into a prolonged period of steady but modest growth,” Comptroller Stringer said.

  • Indian American couple held for physically abusing their 12 year old daughter

    Indian American couple held for physically abusing their 12 year old daughter

    NEW YORK (TIP):
    An Indian American couple from Queens, New York, are behind bars and face lengthy jail time for physically abusing their 12-year-old daughter for two years, including beating her bloody with a baseball bat, belt, rolling pin, kicking her with shoes on, giving her cold showers and starving her behind closed doors. Authorities are saying that the child, who kept quiet on her ordeal fearing that a complaint against her parents would result in her step-siblings being taken away by authorities and kept in foster care, finally got the courage to speak up after she went to live with relatives after being discharged from hospital for an assault on her.

    They say if the girl had not spoken up, it would have led to her death at the hands of her savagely cruel parents. The Ozone Park couple, father Rajesh Ranot, 46, and step-mother, Sheetal Ranot, 31, face multiple counts of assault and child endangerment for allegedly starving and beating their daughter between December 2012 and July 2014, reported ABC, based on documents from the office of Queens district attorney, Richard A. Brown.

    According to the complaint against the couple, in one instance the child was allegedly hit with a broken metal broom handle that cut her wrist down to the bone and required hospitalization and surgery. District Attorney Brown said, “The criminal charges allege that this young victim was subjected to years of unspeakable physical abuse at the hands of her father and stepmother – including being locked in her bedroom by her stepmother without food or water for extended periods of time and forced to take cold showers while her father hit her about her body with his hands and even a baseball bat.

    Despite the bruising and scarring on her body which served as a silent testament to the violence and cruelty she purportedly endured, it is alleged that for a long time this emaciated child was fearful of disclosing the true nature of her injuries or those responsible for her suffering for fear that her younger step-siblings would be taken away by authorities and placed in foster care.

    Fortunately, she found the courage to speak up.” He continued, “I want to thank the law enforcement and social service personnel involved in this case. Without their intervention, it is not too hard to imagine that this case would have ended in the child’s death.” Brown said that Sheetal Ranot repeatedly hit her stepdaughter, Maya Ranot, about her body and face, causing bruising and pain, and locked her inside her bedroom and refused to feed her for extended periods of time between December 1, 2012, and May 6, 2014.

    In one instance, it is alleged that on December 21, 2012, Sheetal Ranot kicked Maya in the face while wearing footwear, causing bruising, swelling and substantial pain about her eye and face. On a second occasion, May 6, 2013, Sheetal Ranot allegedly hit Maya with a broken metal broom handle about her body, causing a deep laceration and bleeding about her left wrist and right knee. When medical personnel arrived at the family residence, they found Maya lying in a pool of blood in the kitchen with the tendons to her left wrist cut to the bone.

    Maya was transported to Elmhurst Hospital where she underwent surgery for her wrist and received stitches to her knee. At the time, doctors allegedly observed several bruises, marks and scars in various stages of healing throughout Maya’s body. In a third instance, Sheetal Ranot allegedly hit Maya in the face with a wooden rolling pin on April 16, 2014, causing a laceration, swelling and pain to her left cheek and requiring removal to a local Queens hospital for medical attention.

    At the time, doctors allegedly observed her to be underweight and thin, weighing 58 pounds, and wearing dirty clothes. It is additionally alleged, according to the criminal complaints, that Rajesh Ranot repeatedly beat Maya about her body with his hands, his feet, a belt and a baseball bat between December 1, 2012, and May 6, 2014, causing bruising, swelling and pain about her body. During this same time period, it is alleged that he too would lock her inside her bedroom without food or water for extended periods of time and that he forced her to take cold showers while he struck her about her body with his hands and various objects.

    On March 31, 2014, he allegedly hit her with a baseball bat, causing bruising, swelling and pain about her head and face. It is further alleged that between April 16, 2014, and May 6, 2014, Ranot continued to hit his daughter with a baseball bat about her head and legs, causing bruising and pain about her ears, head and legs. On May 6, 2014, Maya was taken to Elmhurst Hospital’s emergency department where doctors observed various bruises, marks and scars in different stages of healing throughout her body, including bruises on her right scapular area, right ear and legs. According to ABC, Sheetal Ranot was arraigned before Queens Criminal Court Judge Deborah Steven Modica on July 29, 2014, on a criminal complaint charging her with second-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

    Ranot was rearrested and arraigned on August 1, 2014, before Queens Criminal Court Judge David Hawkins on a criminal complaint charging her with first-and second-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Bail was set at $10,000 and $50,000, respectively, and Ranot was ordered to return to court on August 13th in both cases. Ranot, who is presently being held in jail in lieu of a total of $60,000 in bail, faces up to seven years in prison in the first case and up to 25 years in prison in the second case if convicted.

    Rajesh Ranot, who is the child’s biological father, was arraigned on August 1, before Queens Criminal Court Judge Michelle Armstrong on a criminal complaint charging him with second-and third-degree assault, first-degree unlawful imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a child. Ranot, who faces up to seven years in prison if convicted, remains in jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.

    His next court date is also August 13th. According to The New York Times, lawyers for the Ranots could not immediately be found. The girl is being represented by the Legal Aid Society, which declined to comment. The father once owned a deli at 96th Street and Liberty Avenue. A clerk there, Monir Uddin, said he sold it after disputes with his wife, said the Times report. Uddin said he never noticed scarring or bruising when the child first visited the store. He noted that she often seemed scared, sheepish and meek.

  • CONGRESSMAN CROWLEY STRONGLY CONDEMNS ATTACK ON SIKH BUSINESSMAN IN QUEENS

    CONGRESSMAN CROWLEY STRONGLY CONDEMNS ATTACK ON SIKH BUSINESSMAN IN QUEENS

    QUEENS, NY (TIP): Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), a leader on Sikh- American issues who spearheaded the effort to encourage the Department of Justice and FBI to begin tracking and quantifying hate crimes against Sikhs, issued a statement, August 5, condemning attack on a Queens businessman who was injured after being run down by a pickup truck outside of his office late last week. Advocates and the Sikh-American community in Queens joined together to rally behind Mr. Singh and call for justice.

    The Congressman said, “I’m deeply concerned about the events that took place last week here in Queens, and I wish Mr. Singh a speedy recovery. Two years after the massacre in Oak Creek, it is clear that the Sikh community is still facing the threat of violence, and this kind of continued hate and these attacks against Sikh Americans must come to an end.

    I hope the Department of Justice and FBI can offer assistance in this case, including using the updated system for specifically tracking hate crimes against Sikhs. The intolerance and ignorance that contributed to the attack on Mr. Singh is unacceptable, and we must continue to work to end these hate crimes.” Sikh-Americans are often targeted for hate crimes because of their distinct identity and common misperceptions with respect to their attire and appearance. Attackers sometimes appear to erroneously believe that Sikh- Americans are affiliated with extremists and were somehow responsible for the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States.

    In other circumstances they are attacked because of their Sikh identity. Over the past three years, Crowley has led a major effort in the U.S. House of Representatives to convince the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to begin collecting data on hate crimes committed against Sikh-Americans and Hindu- Americans – introducing legislation and sending multiple letters to the DOJ and FBI.

    Last year, then-FBI Director Robert Mueller announced the agency would begin this program. Crowley’s efforts have been supported by the Sikh Coalition, American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, Hindu American Foundation, and Indian American Forum for Political Education, SALDEF, and South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) among other leading national organizations.

    Congressman Crowley is the eight-term representative from the 14th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives.

  • MELINDA KATZ GOES MUSICAL

    MELINDA KATZ GOES MUSICAL

    Queens Borough President Melinda Katz is seen singing “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess during the 16th Annual Great Lawn Summer Concert held Wednesday night, July 30, on the Queens campus of St. John’s University.

    The concert featured Willie Martinez and the La Familia Sextet with members of the Queens Symphony Orchestra (QSO) conducted by Constantine Kitsopolous, the QSO’s music director.

    In addition to singing “Summertime,” the Borough President was the guest conductor for “Stars and Stripes Forever.” More than 1,000 people attended the free concert.

  • Sikh Youth from Queens becomes victim of a hate crime

    Sikh Youth from Queens becomes victim of a hate crime

    NEW YORK (TIP): Just when the nation was remembering the martyrs of the tragic shooting two years ago, on August 5, 2012, in the Sikh temple at Oak Creek in Milwaukee, there came painful news of a young Sikh being made a target of hate crime in Queens , New York. The incident has sent shock waves among the Sikh community, here and everywhere.

    It is reported that a young Sikh, Sandeep Singh, 29 was called a terrorist by a truck driver. When Sandeep protested, the truck drive ran the truck over him. Sandeep was dragged for about 30 feet before getting disengaged from the truck. The truck driver escaped.

    Sandeep who was seriously injured, was taken to a hospital where his condition is stated to be stable. Meanwhile, Sikh community in Queens organized a protest and demanded immediate arrest of the culprit and adequate security for the peaceful Sikh community.


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    Queens Sikh Community held a protest on August 5 to demand justice for the victim Sandeep Singh

  • GUJARATI SAMAJ OF NEW YORK LEADERS HONORED

    GUJARATI SAMAJ OF NEW YORK LEADERS HONORED

    Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing) honored the President and Board of Directors of the Gujarati Samaj of New York on the organization’s 40th anniversary, for their nearly half century of service to the community. Since 1974, the Gujarati Samaj has been dedicated to preserving and celebrating the traditions, language culture of the State of Gujarat in India, famous as the home of Mahatma Gandhi and India’s current Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    The Samaj solidified their roots in the Queens community in 1985 when they opened a community center in Fresh Meadows, which has since been the meeting place for hundreds of community events, such as religious festivals and community healthcare programs.

    To commemorate the anniversary, Senator Stavisky presented Senate proclamation to President Harshad Patel, Program Manager Bharati Desai, Chair of the Board of Trustees Raman Patel, Vice Chair Khandu Patel, President of the Society of Indo American Engineers and Architects Mihir Patel, Community Advocate Jitu Mehta and Chairperson Dilip Chauhan. On the occasion, Senator Stavisky was honored with traditional shawl by the Gujarati Samaj of New York.

  • Queens Borough President’s Ecology Concern

    Queens Borough President’s Ecology Concern

    Queens Borough President Melinda Katz joined the Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers on Friday, July 18, on a boat tour of the Bay to observe the restoration projects taking place on the marsh lands in the areas of Broad Channel and the Rockaway Peninsula.

    Ecowatchers co-founders Dan Mundy Sr. (l.) and Dan Mundy Jr. (r.) and Jamaica Bay advocate and film maker Dan Hendrick updated the Borough President on projects such as the Sunset Cove wetlands restoration effort, a federally funded initiative to restore the shoreline of the southern portion of Broad Channel Island.

    The project will create wetlands along the shoreline and include a rock and oyster revetment barrier, a dune berm with a walking trail and an upland forest. The Borough President said projects like the Sunset Cove restoration are ecologically sound and play an important role in protecting the communities along Jamaica Bay against hurricanes and other serious weather events.

  • The Nartanrang Dance Academy’s Nritya Ranjani captivates

    The Nartanrang Dance Academy’s Nritya Ranjani captivates

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Nartanrang Dance Academy of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan held its annual dance production, Nritya Ranjani, at the Hindu Temple Auditorium in Queens, New York, on Sunday, June 22nd, 2014. Choreographer and director Swati Vaishnav incorporated a unanimously loved theme into the show: the music of maestro AR Rahman.

    The students of Nartanrang performed to popular and classic AR Rahman numbers such as “Taal Se Taal Mila,” “Jai Ho,” & “Ruth Aa Gayee Re,” while also adding a few unconventional songs into the mix such as “O Saya” from Slumdog Millionaire, “Innisai” from Tamil blockbuster Varalaru, & “Keep The Hustle” from Million Dollar Arm.


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    Consul General Dyaneshwar M. Mulay presents a certificate to a participant. Also seen is Dr. Navin Mehta, chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, New York

    Dances were choreographed by Swati and Siddhi Vaishnav. The students were visibly excited in having the opportunity to dance to such chart-toppers, but what was more notable was the energy and passion for the art of dance that was palpable to the audience all throughout the evening. From the first-time stage performers in the minor group to the stalwarts of the adult group, all of Nartanrang’s disciples proved that the stage is where they were meant to be.

    The vivid & colorful costume design and the exuberance and interactive stylings of emcee Monty Kataria only added to the overall grandeur of the show. The most spectacular surprise of the evening was a personal video message recorded by musical genius Mr. AR Rahman himself, specifically for Nartanrang Dance Academy, that was played at the halfway point of the event.

    Mr. Rahman apologized for not being able to be present at the show due to numerous prior commitments, and generously wished the students the best of luck and imparted the knowledge that all you need to succeed is perseverance and hard work.


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    Choreographer and director of Nritya Ranjani Swati Vaishnav, with a group of performers

    “Nartanrang Dance Academy is the only school of its kind to offer a graduation certificate for students who attend the school for five consecutive years and then go on to complete a small apprenticeship during their last year.


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    Nritya Ranjani Performers

    Graduates then perform solo pieces as well as a group graduate piece at the recital and receive trophies and graduate certificates”, said Swati. This year’s graduates, Pooja Pandya, Chandni Patel, Ami Zala, and Anuja Desai, showcased their achievement in beautiful and touching performances.

    Consul General of India in New York, Dnyaneshwar Mulay who was the chief guest gave away trophies to the winners. Nartanrang Dance Academy of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is a school dedicated to preserving our Indian heritage and providing newer generations with a keener insight into our rich & ancient culture. Students range from ages 5-55 and all levels are welcome. Nritya Ranjani 2015 is tentatively scheduled to take place on June 28th. For more information, please e-mail Swati at vaishnavswati55@gmail.com.

  • SOUTH ASIAN AMERICAN WOMEN’S ALLIANCE RECOGNIZES TALENT

    SOUTH ASIAN AMERICAN WOMEN’S ALLIANCE RECOGNIZES TALENT

    LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): South Asian American Women’s Alliance (www.SAAWA.org) celebrated its third gala, Colors of Life, on Saturday June 28th in Bethpage. Speaking on the occasion, President and Founder of SAAWA, Dr. Anila Midha said that the mission of the organization is to encourage education among South Asian American girl students, because when you educate girls, you transform the society, community and the world.

    Eleven awards were given to seven high school girls who excelled in Stem subjects, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math and one community Service Award. The awardees included Bhavani Ananthabhotla, Intel Science Talent Search Semifinalist Award and Simon Fellow, SAAWA Math Award ; Varsha Venkatesh, INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Finalist, SAAWA Science Award; Deepika Dhawan, SAAWA Stem Award; Priya Alagesan , Intel Science Talent Search Semifinalist 2014 Award, SAAWA Science Award; Priyanka Kumar, Intel Science Talent Search Semifinalist 2014 Award ,SAAWA Stem award; Priyanka Wadgaonkar, Team Winner of 2013 National Siemens competition; Shobha Tewani,SAAWA Community Service Award.


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    South Asian American Women’s Alliance President and Founder Dr. Anila Midha speaks about the organization

    Judi Bosworth was awarded SAAWA Woman of the Year award, Serena McCalla was awarded SAAWA Teacher of the Year award. Dr. Anila Midha acknowledged SAAWA Executive Board, Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, Aruna Saxena, Sabina Ali and Bharathi Nelanuthala .


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    The entertainer of the evening: Juana Cala who regaled the gathering with electrifying Flaminco

    Five distinguished women of the Community, who have excelled in their fields of expertise and profession were honored. The honorees included Arti Datta, who is a clinical scientist by profession and the Artistic Director of Mudra Dance Studio; Renu Jain, who is an IIT Graduate , financial consultant and a classical vocalist; Dr. Subhadra Nori, who is a regional Director, Department of Rehabilitation medicine, Elmhurst Hospital, Queens General Hospital and The Queens Health Network.


    6
    Musicians who brought the East and the West in to a superb musical fusion: Samir Chatterjee on tabla, Elijah Shiffer on saxophone, Matt Osburn on guitar, Emiliano Andres Valerio and Tripp Dudley on percussions

    She has established a cancer hospital in Hyderabad, India, and two Sai Temples in Long Island and New Jersey along with her husband ; Dr. Sunita Kanumury, who has a private practice in Allergy and Immunology in New Jersey and has been the President, National APPI( American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin); Jaya Bahadkar, a registered nurse practitioner, who has been an active community worker for 25 years.


    7


    The entertainment of the evening was a scintillating performance “Indo Flame” a fusion of Kathak and Flamenco dance styles to live music: Samir Chatterjee on tabla, Elijah Shiffer on saxophone, Matt Osburn on guitar, Emiliano Andres Valerio and Tripp Dudley on percussions. Kathak was performed by Anu Sahasrabudhe and Flaminco was performed by Juana Cala. The audience was awed by the enchanting ensemble and the jugalbandi under the direction of Tabla maestro Samir Chatterjee.

  • Liu and others call on MTA to avert transit Shutdown

    Liu and others call on MTA to avert transit Shutdown

    “The time for excuses and blame games is over. Commuters deserve a resolution now.”

    QUEENS, NY (TIP): At a press conference, July 10, at the Bayside LIRR station, Democratic State Senate candidate and former City Council Transportation Chairman John Liu called on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to reach a labor agreement to avert a shutdown in the coming days. Highlighting the fact that thousands of residents in the 11th Senate District would be adversely affected by a possible shutdown, Liu urged the MTA to find a resolution before the looming deadline.

    “For neighborhoods that already have limited access to mass transit, a wholesale service shutdown will turn a difficult situation into a disaster for our communities. The MTA’s failure to act in good faith is jeopardizing the safety and livelihood of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers,” said Democrat John Liu. “Moreover, the MTA’s suggestions to the public to explore travel alternatives like ‘telecommuting’ is just simply appalling and out-of-touch. The MTA has twice ignored the rulings of an independent panel, hoping that if they ignore the problem someone else will clean up the mess they created. The time for excuses and blame games is over, commuters demand and deserve a resolution now.”

    In a letter sent to MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas Prendergast, Liu blasted the agency for refusing to continue negotiations before the National Mediation Board. “Instead, MTA negotiators inexplicably announced that a settlement could not be reached and they would be seeking Congressional intervention, which then failed.” Full text of the letter can be found below. The MTA has not reached a resolution with the LIRR unions to avert a shutdown on July 20. A potential shutdown would affect approximately 300,000 daily riders. “For the thousands of Queens commuters, it is critical that the MTA reach an agreement and avoid stranding our working families, businesses and LIRR employees,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic whose district does not have subway access and relies heavily on the nearby LIRR.

    “Expecting local residents to depend on overcrowded, inconsistent local and express bus service is not a viable option.” “A transit strike would be a great disservice to the people of this City,” said Assemblymember David Weprin. “Thousands of commuters in my Assembly District rely on our public transportation system daily. I urge the MTA and union leaders to agree on fair terms as quickly as possible, as this transit strike must be avoided.” “It’s our hope this issue is resolved as soon as possible without a strike,” said Councilmember Paul Vallone. “Our district relies heavily on the Long Island Railroad for transportation within New York, and this would be a severe setback to our community.”

    “Residents of Bay Terrace and Bayside rely heavily on the LIRR to get to work, shop and as a means of transportation to get to New York City’s entertainment opportunities,” said Phil Konigsberg of the Bay Terrace Community Alliance. “Their passage to and from the Bayside train station, as well as others along the corridor also stimulate the economy of the businesses that provide goods and services to the daily and weekend commuters. We need someone who represents this district to utilize their negotiating skills while having a precise financial background and understanding that can stop the looming strike before the deadline is reached.”

    “For many residents of Northeast Queens who travel to and from Manhattan, the LIRR is their only mass transit option,” said Warren Schreiber, Co- President of the Presidents Co-op & Condo Council. “In Northeast Queens the LIRR is our subway. A LIRR shutdown would impose a heavy financial burden on commuters and merchants who depend on the railroad for their livelihood. All sides must bargain in good faith to reach an agreement that is fair to both LIRR employees and customers.”

  • Melinda Katz President Borough of Queens

    Melinda Katz President Borough of Queens

    Dear Friends: On behalf of the 2.3 million residents of the Borough of Queens, I would like to extend greetings to all the readers of The Indian Panorama and wish you all a very Happy American Independence Day! I am also very pleased that the editors of The Indian Panorama have chosen to publish this special issue in recognition of the 238th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. When the founders of our country issued the Declaration of Independence, they did more than just establish a single new nation. They actually expressed universal principles about the equality of all people and about how all of us throughout the world have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

    Thanks to the wisdom and foresight of those founders, members of our multicultural American society enjoy equality under the law and the freedom to pursue their dreams and aspirations without fear of persecution. The millions of Americans who have connections to South Asia are among those who experience this equality and freedom. I therefore hope the members of our country’s South Asian community fully enjoy the wonderful celebrations that will mark Independence Day across our great country. I congratulate the editors of The Indian Panorama for producing this special issue and I thank them for allowing me to contribute this letter to their publication.

    I would also like to invite all the readers of this fine newspaper to visit Queens, the most diverse county in the United States and the home of a thriving South Asian community. We call Queens “The World’s Borough” because our residents include immigrants from more than 100 countries and speakers of more than 160 languages.

    But despite our cultural and linguistic differences, we all share in that desire for equality and liberty that our nation’s founders knew was universal. That’s what makes Queens uniquely American. Thanks again to the editors of The Indian Panorama for allowing me to contribute this letter. Happy Independence Day to you all!

  • Dr. Dattatreya Nori honored by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

    Dr. Dattatreya Nori honored by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York honored Dr. Dattatreya Nori at their International Brachytherapy Symposium , with the “Distinguished Service Award” for his outstanding contributions and pioneering work at MSKCC as Chief of Brachytherapy services. Dr, Nori introduced many innovative cancer treatment programs for lung, gynecological and genitourinary cancers, which have become the standard of care at the present time. Dr. Nori has participated as primary investigator in many National Cancer Institute sponsored brachytherapy studies , to standardize brachytherapy practice across the U.S. He has contributed over 200 publications and 4 books on Radiation Oncology and Brachytherapy.

    He is also the associate Editor for 3 Oncology journals. Over the last decade, Dr. Nori has been selected as one of the top doctors for cancer treatment in America by Castle & Connolly. Dr. Nori has trained over 200 residents, who have become leaders in various academic centers in the U.S. and abroad. Dr. Nori is presently a professor & Vice Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, and Chairman of Radiation Oncology at New York Hospital Queens.

  • NYC Comptroller urges raising minimum wage to $13.13 per hour

    NYC Comptroller urges raising minimum wage to $13.13 per hour

    OVER ONE MILLION NEW YORK CITY RESIDENTS WOULD SEE WAGES RISE BY $100 A WEEK

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Raising the minimum wage to $13.13 in New York City would benefit nearly 1.2 million City residents by an average of $100 a week, according to an analysis released June 16, by Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. “New York City deserves the ability to set its own minimum wage,” Comptroller Stringer said. “We are falling behind other states and cities when it comes to the minimum wage, despite the fact that this is the most expensive city in which to live in the nation.

    There is no one size fits all when it comes to the minimum wage; raising it to $13.13 would make an enormous difference for more than one million New York City residents.” Currently, New York State’s minimum wage is $8.00/hour, and is set to rise to $8.75/hour in 2015 and $9.00/hour in 2016. These small increases are not sufficient to make a substantial impact on the lives of lowwage workers.

    Comptroller Stringer supports a State bill co-sponsored by Assemblymember Carl Heastie/Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and State Senator Adriano Espaillat/Senate Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (A8343A/S6518A) which would raise the minimum wage in New York State to $10.10/hour by December 31, 2015 and allow cities and counties to establish local minimum wages of up to 30% above the state minimum, or $13.13. This local flexibility is particularly important for New York City, where the cost of living is 80% higher than in Buffalo, 70% higher than in Rochester, and 60% higher than in Albany. Not only is New York City’s cost of living the highest in the State, it is also the highest in the country.

    Because of this, low-wage workers rely on public programs to subsidize their incomes. The Comptroller’s estimate shows the greatest number of beneficiaries of a raised minimum wage would be in Brooklyn, with 376,000 people seeing a raise in their wages, followed by 348,000 in Queens, 220,000 in the Bronx, 194,000 in Manhattan and 31,000 on Staten Island. When adjusted for cost-of-living, the City’s current minimum wage is the lowest of any major city in the nation.

    Many cities across the country have recently increased their municipal minimum wages, helping millions of working families in the process. San Francisco’s is $10.74; San Jose’s is $10.15; Santa Fe’s is $10.51; and Washington D.C.’s is set to rise to $11.50 by 2016. And just this month, Seattle enacted the nation’s highest minimum wage of $15.00/hour. Many states have also hiked their minimum wages in recent months.

    In March, Connecticut enacted an increase up to $10.10/hour and in May, Maryland followed suit. In addition, Vermont enacted a $10.50/hour wage and the Massachusetts Senate voted to raise the Commonwealth’s minimum wage to $11 by 2017. “New York City should be a leader, not a follower, when it comes to raising the minimum wage. The time has come for the Big Apple to pay its workers a wage that works for employees and employers,” Stringer said.

  • GUJARATI SAMAJ of New York to hold CULTURAL FESTIVAL of Gujarat on August 8, 9, 10

    GUJARATI SAMAJ of New York to hold CULTURAL FESTIVAL of Gujarat on August 8, 9, 10

    NEW YORK (TIP): Gujarati Samaj of New York announced a CULTURAL FESTIVAL OF GUJARAT to mark the celebration of its 40th Anniversary. The festival will be held on August 8,9 & 10, 2014. Consul General Dyaneshwar Mulay inaugurated the kick off with traditional lighting of the lamp. Chamunda Swami chanted Shlokas from Hindu scripture to seek divine blessings for the success of the undertaking. Ambassador Mulay expressed the need to market India to the mainstream. He asked every member to invite friends from mainstream to events and educate them about richness of India and Indian culture. He wondered why India still does not have a permanent seat at the Security Council.

    He spoke of the Consulate’s initiative in hosting a series of events on India’s rich culture, lofty thought and diversity. He shared his conviction that India and USA are best partners to build the global economy. And every NRI should help make that happen. A spokesman for the Samaj said that Gujarati Samaj of New York was established in 1974, and has now a membership of more than 2400 families representing some of the most successful and affluent Gujarati Americans of Tri-state area. On the occasion of 40th Anniversary, Gujarati Samaj of New York is organizing a mega event for 3 days called “CULTURAL FESTIVAL OF GUJARAT” (CFG) showcasing the rich history, culture and heritage of State of Gujarat in India, the birth state of Global icon Mahatma Gandhi, Iron man Sardar Patel, religious Gurus including Pramukh Swami, business leaders Ratan Tata and Dhirubhai Ambani and the recently elected Prime Minister of India, Narendrabhai Modi among others. CULTURAL FESTIVAL OF GUJARAT (CFG) is to be held over three days in August on 8th, 9th and 10th in St. Anthony’s Conference Center in Melville, New York.

    The 3-day mega event will include programs such as Garbo from Gujarati Samaj, Bhavai by Shakuntal Arts, Kamlesh Patel Dance, Dayro by Sairam Dave & Group, Women Seminar by Kajal Oza, Group Bhajans by Hari Bharwad, comedy by Jagdish Trivedi, concert by Mauli Dave, Fashion Show by Sringar group, Archan Trivedi for drama, Bhanubhai Vora of Swarkinnary group from Bombay, Sanjay Oza and Party, Sahitya lecture, Auction of Arts and Award ceremony. R. D. Patel, Chairman of Board of Trustees said, “We are excited to present this mega event to the community to thank our predecessors who brought the Samaj reach this far. This institution has been the cornerstone for our community to continue to share our culture with generations over last 40 years and I promise to continue to build with help from each Trustee of the Board in coming years”.

    Harshad Patel, President of Gujarati Samaj of New York said, “I am fortunate to be the President in this historic year, and look forward to host an event of international standards with help from Dilip Chauhan, Minesh Patel and Bhupendra Patel, along with day to day contribution from my able committee members, Jatin Upadhyay, Chandrakant patel, Chimanbhai Patel, Anil Patel, Kiritbhai Patel and Divyesh Tripathi, to make this dream come true. I urge each of the community person of Indian origin to join us, and business community to help with support to make it a grand success”. Bharti Desai, Program manager and host of Gujarati Samaj of New York and launch event, said, “It has been a pleasant experience for me to host and organize multiple events at the Samaj in last few decades. It has helped me creatively to contribute in making each program a success. After having worked with several Presidents at the Samaj, now I look forward to handling this mega event and take the events presented by the Samaj to the next level in organizational excellence”. Samaj showcased “Garavi Gujarat” film on Gujarat’s riches and unfolded the video on CFG. The web site was inaugurated by Consul General. Attendees will enjoy traditional Gujarati food, enjoy very famous Gujarati movies like Jigaraneami, Akhand Saubhagyavati and Mahendi Rang Lagyo. Various booths will decorate the exhibition at the event with book stalls and handicrafts.

    Top Government officials, public persons, Business and community leaders, young professionals, achievers and VVIPs are expected to attend the mega event over 3-days to be attended by 5,000 on a day. Dr. Navin Mehta, Trustee and major supporter of Samaj thanked the attendees and community in helping Samaj in last 39 years. He was proud to see Narendrabhai Modi, a Gujarati lead the nation as PM. He saw a growing and prosperous India in the making. He fondly related his own association with Samaj since he was doing his residency in New York.

    Gujarati Samaj of New York which was established as non-profit organization by about one hundred first generation Gujarati families, today, has a life membership of over 2400. Over last 39 years the Samaj has conducted several activities to promote Gujarati and Indian religious and culture in New York area to community persons from all generations. In 1985, the Samaj acquired its own 12,000 sqft center located in Fresh Meadows, Queens, New York. The Center can accommodate up to 700 people.

    The center is used mainly for Samaj activities. In 2009-2010, the Center was refurbished. Several thousand members of the Tri-state area are now using the Center for family events. In addition several other ethnic organizations are taking benefit of the central location to conduct their events at the center. Today, Gujarati Samaj of New Yorkis one of the oldest and vibrant organization in the tri-state area serving the Gujarati and other communities with educational, religious, and social activities such as FOGANA, Health Awareness Expo, Medical and Yoga Camp, Holi Celebration, Navaratri Celebration, Diwali Celebration, Gujarati Dayro and Drama, Appreciation Dinner, Cultural Tours, Gujarat Day Celebration, Independence Day Celebration, Republican Day Celebration among others. Samaj of New York is planning to have blood bank and Matrimony section for community benefit. Samaj held 10th anniversary at Madison square Garden and 20th Anniversary at Jacob Javits Center.

    Gujarati Samaj of New York announced a raffle draw for a BMW car for the attendees. Earlier, before the formal program began, a minute’s silence was observed to pay homage to BJP leader Gopinath Munde who lost his life in an accident.

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  • 14,000 strong CWA Local 1180 endorses John Liu for State Senate

    14,000 strong CWA Local 1180 endorses John Liu for State Senate

    QUEENS (TIP): After New York Hotel Trades Council, UFCW Local 1500, and New York City Coalition of Operating Engineers, it is CWA Local 1180 which has strongly supported John Liu for State Senate. Citing Democrat John Liu’s proven track record as a tireless fighter for working families and the middle class in New York City, CWA Local 1180 endorsed progressive Democrat John Liu’s campaign to bring Democratic leadership back to Senate District 11. CWA Local 1180 is one of the largest public sector locals of the Communications Workers of America, representing more than 14,000 workers and retirees, and has committed its full support behind the candidacy of Democrat John Liu against the status quo. “Democrat John Liu is the people’s champion. He has always displayed great courage in his willingness to question the status quo and to take on powerful interests on behalf of working people,” said CWA Local 1180 President Arthur Cheliotes. “During his tenure as New York City Comptroller, he uncovered the fraudulent CityTime contract, put a stop to the corrupt project and returned half a billion dollars to the City.

    He also audited the 911 system overhaul, noting overbilling of millions of dollars; which the City has recently suspended. While Comptroller he released several reports detailing: the value of public sector employees, the advantages of defined benefit contributions, gender equity in the workplace, the cost of rent in NYC, and income inequality. Time and time again, John has defended and supported the workers and the middle class of New York City and we know that he will do the same in Albany. John has always led with integrity and he represents the voice of the people. We are proud to stand with him again to help realize a bold vision for New York.”

    “It is my honor to accept the endorsement of my brothers and sisters of CWA Local 1180,” said Democrat John Liu. “The Union and its members have always stood up for the working women and men of New York and beyond. In my years of public service as City Councilmember and New York City Comptroller, it has been a privilege to stand side by side with my friends at CWA Local 1180 in the fight to bring good jobs, higher wages, quality public education, and affordable housing to all New Yorkers. I look forward to working with the Union when I’m in Albany, where I’ll put an end to the Senate status quo that has, for far too long, stood in the way of real reforms that will make positive changes in the lives of New York’s working families.” The CWA Local 1180 endorsement is yet another show of labor support for John Liu’s surging campaign.

    The Liu campaign has also been endorsed by numerous major New York City labor unions, including UFCW Local 1500, which represents 23,000 grocery store workers; the New York City Coalition of Operating Engineers, which represents 18,000 crane and heavy equipment operators Locals 14 and 15; stationary engineers Locals 30 and 94; school custodians Local 891; and New York City building inspectors Local 211. Liu also earned the coveted endorsement of the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, AFL-CIO (HTC) that boasts 50,000-plus workers and retirees, and is known for its highly sophisticated political operation.

    In addition to labor support, John Liu’s campaign has also received endorsements from tenants’ rights group Tenants PAC, grassroots activist organization New York Communities for Change, and the nation’s largest progressive online community Daily Kos. CWA Local 1180 is one of the largest public sector locals of the Communications Workers of America, representing more than 14,000 workers and retirees. It is comprised of workers at dozens of New York City Mayoral agencies including the Health and Hospitals Corporation, the Board of Education, the Housing Authority, the Transit Authority, the School Construction Authority, the state’s Unified Court System; and private companies such as the Jacob Javits Convention Center; and at not-for-profit organizations including Planned Parenthood of New York City, the ASPCA, Human Rights First, and Human Rights Watch.