New York, NY (TIP): The “Unlock Your Inner Power” event in Manhattan was a resounding success, drawing over 600 guests including distinguished dignitaries such as India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Jagdish Sewhani, Anna Yusim of Yale University, Dr. Candice Perkins, Kunal Sood, community leaders, Indian media houses, journalists, authors, actors, and other esteemed guests. Hosted by the Sadhu Vaswani Center for World Peace, the event united the Western and Indian communities in a profound evening of spiritual enrichment and cultural celebration.
Didi Krishna has a word with India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj
Grammy-nominated devotional singer Krishna Das, joined by Nina Rao and Arjun on the tabla, mesmerized the audience with his enchanting kirtan and soulful singing.
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj set the tone with a powerful speech, highlighting the importance of inner strength and global harmony.
ALotusinthemud.com publisher Parveen Chopra has a word with Didi Krishna. Seen in the middle is film director Neha
Didi Krishna, the current spiritual leader of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, captivated the attendees with her insightful talk and guided meditation, guiding everyone to the source of their inner power. The event also featured a recorded video message from the revered spiritual master, Dada J.P. Vaswani, whose timeless wisdom touched many hearts. The evening was a testament to the unifying power of spirituality, as attendees from diverse backgrounds came together to explore their inner potential and foster a sense of community. The Sadhu Vaswani Center for World Peace, dedicated to spreading the teachings of Dada J.P. Vaswani, was proud to host this impactful event for the greater benefit of all.
Kunal Sood greets Didi Krishna. Looking on is India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj
Upcoming Event: World Peace Festival in New Jersey
Building on the success of the Manhattan event, the Sadhu Vaswani Center for World Peace is thrilled to announce the World Peace Festival, to be held on June 1st in New Jersey. This free-to-attend event promises to be a grand community and interfaith gathering, with families, friends, and community leaders engaging in essential dialogues about peace in today’s world.
The festival will feature a variety of performances, a peace pageant, a guided meditation by Didi Krishna, interfaith talks, and delicious Indian food including snacks and lunch. Over 1,000 people are expected to join this momentous occasion, making it a unique opportunity for connection and inspiration. This will be Didi Krishna’s last event in person in the tri-state area for the year, so we invite everyone to participate and make the most of this special day. Just as the Manhattan event opened many hearts, we aim to achieve even greater impact with the World Peace Festival.
Didi Krishna poses for a photograph with her followers
Join us on June 1st to partake in this transformative event and be a part of the movement for global peace and unity. For more details and to register, please visit our website at www.sadhuvaswanicenter.com
Let us come together to create a more peaceful and compassionate world.
For more information about the Sadhu Vaswani Center for World Peace and our upcoming events, please visit our website or follow us on social media.
· Website: www.sadhuvaswanicenter.com
· Instagram: @sadhuvaswanicenter
Join us on June 1st for the World Peace Festival in New Jersey – an event not to be
missed!
https://bit.ly/worldpeacefestival
United Nations (TIP)- In a sharp retort, India has said Pakistan harbours a “most dubious track record” on all aspects, as it slammed “destructive and pernicious” remarks made by Islamabad’s envoy in the UN General Assembly here.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj’s stern response came after Pakistan’s UN envoy Munir Akram made lengthy remarks against India, including references to Kashmir, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, during his address to the UN General Assembly meeting on ‘Culture of Peace’.
“One final point…in this Assembly, as we endeavour to cultivate a culture of peace amid these challenging times, our focus remains steadfast on constructive dialogue. We thus choose to set aside the remarks from a certain delegation, which not only lacks decorum but also detracts from our collective efforts due to their destructive and pernicious nature,” Kamboj said on May 2.
“We would strongly encourage that delegation to align with the central principles of respect and diplomacy that must always guide our discussions. Or is that too much to ask of a country that harbours a most dubious track record on all aspects in itself?” she said.
Kamboj asserted that terrorism stands in direct opposition to the culture of peace and the core teachings of all religions, which advocate compassion, understanding and coexistence.
“It sows discord, breeds hostility and undermines the universal values of respect and harmony that underpin cultural and religious traditions worldwide. It is essential for Member States to work together actively to nurture a genuine culture of peace and to view the world as a united family, as my country strongly believes,” she said. Source: PTI
NEW YORK (TIP): After successful events in Miami and Dallas conducted recently, Didi Krishna continues her journey of spiritual enlightenment, bringing transformative events to the tristate area and beyond.
Join us as we celebrate Mother’s Day and the rich Sindhi community heritage on May 12th at the Sadhu Vaswani Center in Closter New Jersey. This special event promises a vibrant gathering of over 1000 people filled with cultural performances, festivities, and a heartfelt talk by Didi Krishna.
On May 21st, immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening in Manhattan, at Jay Conference center in New York, where Grammy-nominated singer Krishna Das will enchant audiences with a soul-stirring concert. Following the performance, Didi Krishna will share insights on unlocking your inner power, guiding you on a journey of self- discovery and empowerment with 600+ guests including dignitaries like Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj.
Experience the power of unity and multifaith harmony at the World Peace Event by Sadhu Vaswani Center For World Peace on June 1st at Royal Albert palace in New Jersey. Join thousands of participants for an inspiring gathering featuring performances, interfaith dialogue, children’ s activities, delicious snacks, Indian lunch meals, and a special peace meditation led by Didi Krishna, the event will also see many dignitaries from the community.
Calling all youth in NYC to rise and thrive with Didi Krishna on June 2nd at Pier 57 in Manhattan. Explore tools to raise your vibrational frequency and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace.
These events are free to attend and include scrumptious meals and engaging programs. Seats are fast filling so please RSVP on the website below.
Additionally, don’t miss the annual 3-day residential Sadhana Camp with Didi Krishna in Stamford, Connecticut, over Memorial Day weekend. Dive deep into the theme & “Design Your Destiny” with Didi Krishna and fellow seekers at a very nominal fee.
Sadhu Vaswani Center For World Peace, a registered non profit and Didi Krishna, the current leader of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission in Pune, India are dedicated to sharing the teachings of Dada J.P. Vaswani and Sadhu T.L. Vaswani as pioneers from the Sindhi Community who lead with compassion, forgiveness, gratitude and service to humanity as their principals to promote peace and foster harmony worldwide.
For event details and registration, visit www.sadhuvaswanicenter.com. Join us in creating a more peaceful world, one heart at a time as we seek to sow seeds of peace in hearts of humankind.
At Sadhu Vaswani Center for World Peace, we seek to sow the seeds of peace in the hearts of humanity through the timeless and profound teachings of Dada J.P. Vaswani and Sadhu T.L. Vaswani. Our pillars of Forgiveness, Compassion, and Gratitude as expressed through selfless service guide us in promoting peace, compassion, and inclusivity globally. As an overseas outpost of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, headquartered in Pune, India, we honor these teachings through initiatives in education, service, sustainability, interfaith dialogue, and Universal Love. Join us in our mission to cultivate peace, harmony, and unity worldwide.
The Indian Panorama is grateful to Dr. V.K. Raju, President of the Eye Foundation of America and the board of directors of the Eye Foundation of America for their noble humanitarian work and great support to the publication. Their collaboration in publishing the special edition to pay tribute to Martyrs of India on the Martyrs Day is worth appreciation and deserves our gratitude.
We take this opportunity to briefly introduce the eminent eye surgeon and a great philanthropist and his team dedicated to creating a world without childhood blindness.
Dr. V.K. Raju
VK Raju, MD, FRCS, FACS
Ellis Island Award Nominee 2019
Ophthalmologist, Regional Eye Associates
President and Founder, Eye Foundation of America
President and Founder, Goutami Eye Institute
Clinical Professor, West Virginia University
Director, International Ocular Surface Society
Adjunct Professor, GSL Medical School
Adjunct Professor, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University
Author: Musings on Medicine, Myth, and History-India’s Legacy
Dr. VK Raju received his medical degree from Andhra University, India and Residency and Fellowship in UK. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American college of Surgeons.
V.K.Raju, MD, FRCS, FACS is a clinical professor of ophthalmology at West Virginia University, WV, USA, and practicing ophthalmologist at Regional Eye in Morgantown, WV, USA. In 1977, work began on what is now known as the Eye Foundation of America. With Dr. Raju’s guidance, the Eye Foundation of America’s work has grown. To date, the Eye Foundation of America has performed over 4 million vision screenings in rural areas of over 30 countries across the world, the latest being Guatemala in November, 2023. Through the Eye Foundation of America, over 400,000 sight-saving surgeries have been performed at no cost. Over 800 medical professionals, including many residents and ophthalmologists, have been trained to identify and treat eye diseases.
Dr. Raju remains highly involved as the Founder and President of the Eye Foundation of America to this day, returning to India every few months to participate in educational programs, vision screening camps, and surgeries.
New green Goutami Eye Institute under construction
His insatiable drive to improve the lives of others has also resulted in the recent culmination of another lifelong goal. The construction of another eye hospital is underway with wings devoted to specialties including ocular oncology, pediatric ophthalmology, and the retinopathy of prematurity, a disease effecting premature babies.
Dr. V.K. Raju with President Jimmy Carter
Dr. VK Raju has received awards from American Academy of Ophthalmology four times for his teaching, research and international service. A partial list of awards include Doctor Nathan Davis International award of Excellence in Medicine by American Medical Association Foundation, Lifetime Achievement Award from WV State Medical Association, the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama, Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Samman award for Achievement in Medicine, House of Lords, London. He also received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Achievement Award from West Virginia University. He was also inducted into Medical Missions Hall of Fame by University of Toledo and Medscape placed him among the best doctors in America. Recently, he was awarded The Indian Panorama Lifetime Achievement Honor by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Dr. Raju receiving The Indian Panorama Lifetime Achievement Honor from Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
For over 40 years, Dr. Raju has dedicated himself to eliminating avoidable blindness in children and adults through outreach programs, surgeries, and educational efforts. V. K. Raju has published over 100 scientific articles, 17 book chapters, and 2 books. Still, he will tell you, “My work is only the beginning.” Only this morning, Dr. Raju shared with me two quotes. Now these quotes are a pointer to his mind.
“Of all the senses vision is the most precious.”
( SARVENDRIYANAM NAYANAM PRADHANAM- in Sanskrit.
80% of our learning is through vision.
Join us in giving a gift of vision “
Another now.
“There is nothing new under the sun.”
In this world, nothing is more important than children’s nutrition and education. If we give them nutrition and education, they will take care of themselves.
Since 1977, Eye foundation of America is striving to do just that.
“Be part of that effort”.
He often speaks about the colossal work which needs to be done to prevent childhood blindness. He is passionate about his vision of a world without childhood blindness.
Luckily for him, he says, he has been blessed with a wonderful team who are always there to share his vision and work for its realization. Let me introduce the readers of The Indian panorama to this great team.
The Eye Foundation of America Board of Directors.
We have no doubt that the vision of Dr. Raju to have a world without childhood blindness will be realized. If human effort could create a world without polio, why can’t the world be free from childhood blindness?
We wish you, Dr. Raju and your dedicated team all success.
Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj honors four eminent Indian Americans
Tom Suozzi, Congressman-elect, felicitates The Indian Panorama
Parveen Chopra February 26, 2024 HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): The Indian Panorama celebrated its 18th year of publication uniquely by hosting a grand Gratitude Gala on February 25 here.
For The Indian Panorama’s Founding Editor and Publisher Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, it was a double celebration as he also cut a cake for his 80th birthday.
In a busy program, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj presided and presented awards to four honorees. Congressman-elect Tom Suozzi dropped by to thank Prof Saluja and the Indian community for their support. The Indian Panorama also lent its platform to launch Blitz India’s US edition.
Attorney Ravi Batra introduced Ambassador Kamboj as a giant of a diplomat who has brought India much respect at the United Nations.Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj in her address described the Indian diaspora as the best in the world, and praised Prof. Indrajit Saluja, publisher and chief editor of The Indian Panorama for maintaining the highest standards of journalism.Congressman -elect Tom Suozzi spoke highly of the Indian Americans and characterized the US-India relations as strong and getting stronger.Tom Suozzi was presented a replica of the Golden Temple, the Vatican of the Sikhs. L to R: Ranju Batra, , Sunil Hali, Purnima Desai, , Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Tom Suozzi, FIA President Avinash Gupta, GOPIO President Lal Motwani, Prof. Saluja.
Even as Prof Saluja expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the guests present in the chandeliered ballroom of Pearl Banquet Hall, as well as his readers and the Indian community for their loyal support over 18 long years, he chose to honor four eminent Indian Americans at the event. All were honored with a citation scroll, a shawl, and a model of the Golden Temple.
Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj presented to Dr. V.K. Raju, President of the Eye Foundation of America, the lifetime Achievement Honor. L to R: Dr. Leela Raju, Secretary of the Eye Foundation of America, Ambassador Kamboj, Dr. V.K. Raju, Prof. Saluja.
The four honorees are well-known in the community. Dr. V.K. Raju (Life Achievement Honor) is an eminent ophthalmologist who is on a mission to eliminate childhood blindness through his Eye Foundation of America.
Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj congratulating her friend Ranju Batra after honoring her with the Excellence in Promotion of Diplomacy Award. L to R: Deepak Dwivedi, Ambassador Kamboj, Ranju Batra, Abha Bhatnagar, Prof. Saluja.
Ranju Batra (Excellence in Promotion of Diplomacy Award) honors diplomats at the Diwali Stamp – Power of One awards every year after she secured the Diwali Stamp from USPS.
Harry Singh Bolla (Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award) runs a billion-dollar chain of gas stations and has started a charity to support good causes here in New York and India. He could not be present in person to receive the award.
Ambassador Kamboj presented to Purnima Desai the Excellence in Culture Award. L to R: Ms Desai, Ambassador Kamboj, Purnima Desai, Flora Parikh, Jag Kalra.
Purnima Desai (Excellence in Culture Award) is the founder of Shikshayatan Cultural Center and Sriniketan Foundation to encourage and support Indian music and arts through training and events.
They were also presented citations from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Introducing the Chief Guest, Ravi Batra said Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj joined her post when India was already a Member of the UN Security Council and she took it to a higher trajectory.
Ambassador Kamboj in her brief address commended The Indian Panorama for not only being a mirror of the vibrant roots of our culture but also showcasing the journey of the Indian diaspora. She also called the US diaspora the best in the world. She lauded the achievements of the Indian community in the US, describing their journey as nothing short of inspirational. She emphasized the diaspora’s significant role in fostering excellence and innovation globally. Ambassador Kamboj congratulated all the honorees, and in particular, Ranju Batra whom she has come to know well because of her work at the UN. She commended Ranju for creating goodwill and earning a name for her country of origin.
Own Murtajiz Naqvi, Executive Director, Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs, on behalf of Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive, presents a Citation to Dr. VK Raju (All photos : Mohammed Jaffar-SnapsIndia)
Tom Suozzi (D-NY3) said he sees the US-India relationship as the most important in the next 50 years. “These two will define the long-term global world,” and whether it would abide by the “noble principles” outlined in the constitutions of both countries. While in the US Congress (he took the oath of office on February 28), Suozzi said he would do everything possible to represent the diverse Indian community in his district.
The new Consul General of India in New York, Ambassador Binaya S. Pradhan could not make it because of a conflict in scheduling.
Blitz India Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Deepak Dwivedi and CEO Sandeepp Saxena flew in from New Delhi for the US launch of their news weekly, which is India’s first chronicler of development news. The duo was joined by Prof Saluja and other dignitaries and mediapersons to release printed copies of the paper.
Two more media events followed. Journalists Beyond Borders (JBB), a fraternity organization founded by Prof Saluja in 2022, was formally launched. Local publishers and editors joined in to reveal its logo. Through journalism, JBB aims to protect and promote human rights, human values and world peace. Prof Saluja used the occasion to felicitate his friend Parveen Chopra, Founder and Editor of ALotusInTheMud.com, on the first anniversary of his wellness and spirituality web magazine.
Copies of The Indian Panorama’s 18th year Gratitude Gala souvenir were distributed among the guests. All guests were also gifted a model of the Golden Temple, the Vatican of the Sikhs.
Video messages were screened from Padma Bhushan Sant Chatwal, India’s Ambassador to Guatemala Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Emmy-nominated film director and actor Tirlok Malik, and Prabhjot Singh, a senior journalist from Chandigarh.
The standing-room only audience was hooked on to the show, beginning with the very first item when two lithe dancers from Battery Dance took to the floor. The last item was the adrenaline-pumping bhangra dance. In between, dancers trained by Shilpa Jhurani and Rimli Roy showed their classical moves. The artists were profusely applauded by the audience for their mesmerizing performances and thanked by Prof. Saluja.
The guests at the gala included Padma Shri Dr Sudhir Parikh, Chairman and CEO of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, who congratulated Prof Saluja for his “great work in the media,” over the 18 years of The Indian Panorama. Dilip Chauhan from NYC Mayor’s office congratulated The Indian Panorama on behalf of Mayor Eric Adams. Zahid Syed, Director, Community Affairs with the Town of Hempstead and Rokeya Akhter, Community Coordinator with Queens District Attorney’s office also graced the occasion.
Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive sent his representative Own Murtajiz Naqvi, Executive Director, Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs to present Citations to the Honorees- Dr. VK Raju, Ranju Batra, Harry Singh Bolla and Purnima Desai.
Prominent Community organizations were represented: Gobind Munjal and Dr Jagdish Gupta from AIA, Dr Avinash Gupta, Srujal Parikh, and Alok Kumar from FIA-Tristate, Thomas Abraham from GOPIO, Pradeep Tandon from IALI, and George Abraham from IOC-USA, Shiv Dass, President, Jackson Heights Indian Merchants’ Association, besides many others.
Veteran Sikh community leader Master Mohinder Singh, a former president of Gurdwara Sikh Cultural Society, Richmond Hill, and a founder President of Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Sikh Center was present with Gurmej Singh, a former president of Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lobana, besides many others from the Sikh community.
The media fraternity stood in solidarity with Prof. Saluja: they included, besides Dr. Parikh, Sunil Hali (Promoter, Radio Zindagi, and Publisher, The Indian Eye), Sharanjit Singh Thind (Editor-Publisher, South Asian Insider), Varinder Bhalla (Publisher, Bollywood Insider).
The evening’s program was ably emceed by Piya Jyoti Kachroo, ITV anchor and producer.
The sumptuous dinner with a top-of-the-shelf bar was enjoyed by the guests. Prof. Saluja expressed his heartfelt thanks to Pearl CEO Gary Sikka and his staff for excellent food and hospitality.
Prominent guests included Arish Sahani, Sudhir Vaishnav, Gobind Bathija, Baldev Singh Grewal, Shiv Dass and Ashok Arora.
Guests came from various parts of the US and even India. They included Bidisha Roy, Assistant Editor of The Indian Panorama (TIP) from Tampa, Florida, Zia Khan, a celebrated photographer who looks after TIP’s Dallas edition, and Parminder Singh Aujla, TIP’s California representative, from Sacramento,
Politician Puneet Ahluwalia came from Virginia, social activist Murtaza from Pennsylvania. Harry Singh Panaser, Mrs. Manjit Kaur Panaser, Harvenderpal Singh, Seema Jagtiani, Nutan Dabholkar, Dave Makkar, Mrs. Rashmi Makkar, Prachi and Surya Makkar, Rimli Roy, Rupinder Singh, and many more from New Jersey.
From India came Arminder Arora and his wife Tript Arora, Sparsh and Bhola.
Those at the event from the electronic media included Pardeep Gill from Global Punjab, Munish Byala, and Gurinder Hothi. Photographers included Mohammed Jaffer, Vijay Shah and Kripa Prasad.
Prof Indrajit Saluja has become synonymous with his weekly newspaper, a labor of love. He is not only an eminent editor but also a well-respected community leader who has forged links across the ethnic, ideological, and political spectrum. His friends from all over the US and even India, supporters, and who’s who of the community wished him a long life on his 80th birthday.
For Prof Saluja, The Indian Panorama is an expression and extension of his love for India as well as a platform to project the rich South Asian culture and how our successful community has made a place in the melting pot of America. A trilingual, he has also helped start newspapers in Hindi and Punjabi.
Started 18 years ago in New York, The Indian Panorama has a Dallas edition.
Indefatigable Prof Saluja’s spirit and intensity of work belie his years. He came to the US over 20 years ago after having a long career as a Professor of English Literature at leading colleges in India. Alongside, he founded a prominent monthly magazine titled ‘Punjab Beat’.
Prof Saluja feels proud that throughout its eventful journey, the Indian Panorama has remained true to its motto, EVER TRUTHFUL”. “This commitment is not just a slogan but a guiding principle, a promise to our readers, and a testament to the collective effort that sustains the publication,” he insists.
Own Murtajiz Naqvi, Executive Director, Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs, on behalf of Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive, presents a Citation to Ranju Batra.Own Murtajiz Naqvi, Executive Director, Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs, on behalf of Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive, presents a Citation to Purnima Desai.Blitz India US edition is launched by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj.Deepak Dwivedi and Prof. Indrajit Saluja present a Citation to Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj.Journalists Beyond Borders, an international organization of Journalists founded by Prof. Indrajit Saluja is formally launched by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj. Ashok Arora, the International Legal Advisor to The JBB exhibited the JBB logo.Prof, Indrajit Saluja felicitated his friend Parveen Arora on completion of a year of founding of ALotusinTheMud.com
Ruchira Kamboj is the Permanent Representative of India / Ambassador of India to the United Nations in New York. On presentation of her credentials to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on 2 August 2022, she became the first lady diplomat from India to assume this position.
In her over three-decade long diplomatic career, she has served in many key positions.
Ruchira Kamboj joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1987. She was the All India woman topper of the 1987 Civil Services batch as well as topper of the 1987 Foreign Service batch.
She began her diplomatic journey in Paris, France where she was posted as the Third Secretary (later Second Secretary) in the Indian Embassy to France from 1989-1991.
On presentation of her credentials to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in August 2022, Ruchira Kamboj became the first lady diplomat from India to assume the position of Permanent Representative of India / Ambassador of India to the United Nations.
From Paris, she returned to Delhi where she worked as Under Secretary in the Europe West Division of India’s Ministry of External Affairs from 1991–96. In this capacity, she also represented India at the 14th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 1995 at Auckland, New Zealand.
From 1999-2002, she served as Deputy Secretary and later Director in charge of Foreign Service Personnel and Cadre in the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi.
Ruchira Kamboj was posted as Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York from 2002-2005, where she dealt with a wide range of political issues, including UN Peacekeeping, UNSC Reform, the Middle East crisis, etc. Upon release of Secretary-General Kofi Anan’s Blue Ribbon Panel Report in December 2014, she was part of the G-4 team that worked on the reform and expansion of the UNSC.
From 2006-2009, she was India’s Consul General in Cape Town, South Africa. The position involved close liaison with the Parliament of South Africa. In this period, she also steered the visits of the President of India to Cape Town in 2008.
Ruchira Kamboj was picked to be the Deputy Head of the Office of the Secretary-General at the Commonwealth Secretariat, London. She was among the two Staff Officers of the Commonwealth Secretary-General in a multilateral setting, overseeing a wide range of political and economic issues, attending as well in this period the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in 2009 at Trinidad and Tobago. Chief of Protocol, India
From 2011-2014, she was India’s Chief of Protocol, the first and only woman in Government to have held this position. In this capacity, she directed all outgoing visits of the President of India, the Vice President of India, the Prime Minister of India, and the External Affairs Minister of India. She also dealt with all incoming Heads of Government and State in India.
As Chief of Protocol, she was involved in the organization of international Summits in India inclusive of the 4th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in 2012 and the 11th Council of Ministers Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association at Bangalore, India in 2011. She also successfully steered the ASEAN India Commemorative Summit in December 2012 marked by the presence of 10 Heads of State and Government in New Delhi. In 2013, she directed the 11th Asia Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held at Gurgaon, Haryana which was attended by 52 Foreign Ministers from Asia and Europe with over 1500 participants. PM Modi’s Swearing-in Ceremony
In her third tryst with multilateralism, she was posted as India’s Ambassador to UNESCO Paris in April 2014. However, she was called back to direct the swearing-in of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was marked by the presence of Heads of State and Government from the SAARC countries and Mauritius. She resumed her duties in Paris on completion of this special assignment.
Ruchira Kamboj had a stellar three-year stint at UNESCO. In 2016, history was made when three Indian sites were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list including Nalanda Mahavihara. The same year, she steered India to victory when Yoga was declared as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In April 2016, she organized an International Conference on the Zero at UNESCO showcasing the great and glorious tradition of India in Mathematics and Science. A bust of ancient Indian mathematician Aryabhata was gifted to UNESCO.
In 2015, she was called back to assist in the organization of the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit held in New Delhi, which was marked by the presence of Heads of State and Government of the 54-member African Union. High Commissioner to South Africa
Ruchira Kamboj was the High Commissioner of India to South Africa, with concurrent accreditation to the Kingdom of Lesotho from 2017 to 2019. This stint was marked by the first-ever India-South Africa Business Summit held in Johannesburg in 2018. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj participated in a unique commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the Pietermaritzburg ‘incident’ (involving Mahatma Gandhi), celebrating people-to-people ties between India and South Africa. The visit of PM Modi to Johannesburg in July 2018 for BRICS10 was a reaffirmation of the salience of the India-South Africa relationship and BRICs. Ruchira Kamboj was appointed as Ambassador to Bhutan in 2019.
During her tenure, many important initiatives were successfully undertaken in both traditional and newly identified areas of cooperation. Seven new trade routes were opened with Bhutan, including Allhay, which facilitated the movement of essential and non-essential goods during the Covid pandemic. In the IT Sector, the India – Bhutan E-Library project was completed; the connection between the National Knowledge Network of India and its counterpart, Druk-Ren was facilitated and arrangements were firmed up for a Third International Internet Gateway for Bhutan. The India – Bhutan Satellite project was due for a launch in 2022. In appreciation of the positive and contributory role played by India during Covid pandemic to strengthen India – Bhutan relations, His Majesty The King of Bhutan conferred Bhutan’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, upon PM Modi in 2021. Publications and Family
Ruchira Kamboj has written several OpEds in newspapers and magazines. She has also been called upon to speak at prestigious events in India and abroad on a wide range of issues.
Ruchira Kamboj, a native of Lucknow, is married to businessman Diwakar Kamboj and has one daughter. Her late father was an Officer in the Indian Army and her mother is a writer-professor (Retd.) of Sanskrit from the University of Delhi. She speaks three languages, Hindi, English and French.
She was recently featured in the “Top 100 Women Achievers of India” in India Today ‘She’ List of 1st January 2024.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj received the Guinness World Record for most nationalities in one yoga session organized at the UN Headquarters in New York in 2023. During her stint at Unesco, she steered India to victory when Yoga was declared the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
“The ideals of Diwali are the ideals of UN Charter” : Chair of Diwali Foundation USA Ranju Batra
UNITED NATIONS (TIP): Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and three veteran diplomats were honored with the annual ‘Diwali Power of One Awards’, hailed as the ‘Oscars of diplomacy’, for their selfless efforts to “help form a more perfect, peaceful, and secure world for all”. The former UN chief was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Diwali Stamp — The Power of One Award ceremony organized by the Diwali Foundation USA. The other awardees for the year 2023 are former permanent representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN Ambassador Mirsada Colakovic, former permanent representative of South Korea to the UN Ambassador Kim Sook and 72nd UN General Assembly president and EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Miroslav Lajcak. They were honored at a special ceremony held in the UN Headquarters on Monday, December 11.
Former Secretary General Ban Ki-moon addressing the gathering after receiving the award. Seen, among others, are India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj ( extreme left) , Ranju Batra (4th from left), and Ravi Batra (behind Mr. Ban Ki-moon) (Photo : Mohammed Jaffer / SnapsIndia)
Ban commended the work and “forward-thinking vision” of the Diwali Foundation USA “for advancing vital light in a world of increasing darkness”.
Ban said the world of today “seems fractured like never before” as he cited the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crisis and regional conflicts, particularly “regional crisis as we see today in the Middle East and Ukraine”.
“But it is exactly at times such as these that the work of the United Nations is indispensable. The United Nations and its pursuit of peace, human rights and sustainable development exemplifies the values and principles that we should all espouse to replicate,” he said. Ban was the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations, serving two terms as the world’s top diplomat from January 2007 to December 2016.
He said that as the world moves into 2024 and beyond, “we share a common destiny illuminated by peace, sustainability and prosperity. Let us work together and expand our unified efforts to realize this shared destiny for all. This is your political responsibility and for me, my moral responsibility as a former Secretary General” and as an awardee of the Power of One honor.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, in her address to the event attended by UN diplomats, envoys, civil society members and policy experts, said that Diwali is a celebration that holds a very special place in the hearts of over a billion Indians across the globe.
Diwali “is more than just a festival. It is a sentiment that embodies the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair”, she said.
Kamboj said, “as we light the lamps of Diwali, let us remember that every small light, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in dispelling the shadows”.
Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Mohan Pieris said “Deepawali has become truly a secular festival in the world, since its message is not exclusively restricted to any religious creed.
“This festival has united the global community with the central message that we need more than ever the humanistic ideals to engage the inglorious wars, which are bleeding the innocence of humanity,” he said.
Pieris underscored that for the world to have peace, it is important that the whole world must be united to save the higher ideals of humanity, which have evolved since the millennium in various religious traditions.
Chair of Diwali Foundation USA Ranju Batra, who had spearheaded efforts for over seven years to get a commemorative ‘Forever Diwali’ stamp issued by the US Postal Service in 2016, said: “Diwali is a message of peace.” She said her journey for the Diwali stamp is seen as a “metaphor of peace and harnessing its power to promote excellence in diplomacy. The ideals of Diwali are the ideals of UN Charter”.
She noted that the 2023 Power of One awardees have clearly demonstrated that “one person can make a difference”. The Diwali stamp celebration is not of a religion or nation but of the spirit of harmonious inclusiveness and cross-cultural understanding that all religions deserve, she said.
Eminent Indian-American attorney and Chair of National Advisory Council South Asian Affairs and moderator of the award ceremony Ravi Batra said the UN transcends borders and boundaries.
“The need to acknowledge excellence is critical, generally, but in diplomacy, which is on life support in today’s world, it is essential and that’s how these awards are – the Power of One,” he said, adding that they honor “world class diplomats who have changed the world by what they did”.
Awardees and organizers of Power of One Awards (Photo : Mohammed Jaffer / SnapsIndia)
Hailed as the ‘Oscars of Diplomacy’, the awards are presented to former Permanent Representatives or former high-level members of the UN Secretariat or member state, or soon to be “former”, who have “toiled selflessly to help form a more perfect, peaceful and secure world for all”.
The 2023 Award ceremony was co-organized by the Diwali Foundation USA and Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, and the Permanent Missions of Chile, Eritrea, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Morocco, Oman and Sri Lanka to the United Nations. The co-sponsors included the Permanent Mission to the United Nations of Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Cyprus, France, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Philippines, South Korea, South Africa, Spain, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkiye, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Palestine, and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA-NY) among others.
Diwali Foundation USA was established in 2017 to promote a peaceful and consensus-based process to achieve societal “good, as befits the high hopes and ideals of humanity enshrined in the United Nations Charter”.
The Foundation established ‘The Power of One’ awards to celebrate and highlight the important work done in a peaceful manner, especially at the United Nations.
Previous honorees include former UN assistant secretary general and deputy executive director of UN Women, Lakshmi Puri, former UK Ambassador to the UN, Matthew Rycroft, former permanent representative of Georgia to the UN, Kaha Imnadze, and former permanent representative of Grenada to the UN Keisha McGuire.
(Source: PTI)
The traditional lamp lighting . Mr. & Mrs. Ban Ki-moon with organizers of Power of One Award lighted the lamp. (Photo : Mohammed Jaffer / SnapsIndia)
UNITED NATIONS (TIP): India has voiced support for the U.N.’s efforts in continuing the Black Sea Grain initiative and expressed hope for an early resolution to the present impasse, a day after Russia announced it was terminating implementation of the U.N.-brokered deal that allowed export of grain and related foodstuffs and fertilizers from Ukrainian ports.
Moscow on Monday, July 17, said it was terminating the implementation of the Black Sea Initiative — a U.N.-brokered deal that allowed food exports from Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia — including the withdrawal of Russian security guarantees for navigation in the North-Western part of the Black Sea.
Addressing the U.N. General Assembly’s annual debate on the ‘Situation in the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine’ on Tuesday, India’s Permanent Representative to the U.N. Ambassador, Ruchira Kamboj, said New Delhi is concerned about the recent developments in the region, which have not helped in securing the larger cause of peace and stability.
“India has supported the efforts of the U.N. Secretary-General in continuing the Black Sea Grain Initiative and hopes for an early resolution to the present impasse,” Ms. Kamboj said.
“India continues to remain concerned over the situation in Ukraine. The conflict has resulted in the loss of lives and misery for its people, particularly for the women, children and elderly, with millions becoming homeless and forced to take shelter in neighboring countries,” she said.
Ms. Kamboj asserted that India’s approach to the Ukrainian conflict will continue to be people-centric.
“We are providing both humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and economic support to some of our neighbors in the Global South under economic distress, even as they stare at the escalating cost of food, of fuel and of fertilizers — which has been a consequential fall out of the ongoing conflict,” she said.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced deep regret over Moscow’s termination of the implementation of the Black Sea Initiative decision, saying the initiative ensured the safe passage of over 32 million metric tons of food commodities from Ukrainian ports.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has shipped more than 725,000 tons to support humanitarian operations — relieving hunger in some of the hardest-hit corners of the world, including Afghanistan, Horn of Africa and Yemen, Mr. Guterres said.
He added that the Black Sea Initiative and the Memorandum of Understanding on facilitating exports of Russian food products and fertilizers have been a “lifeline” for global food security and a beacon of hope in a troubled world.
“At a time when the production and availability of food are being disrupted by conflict, climate change, energy prices and more, these agreements have helped to reduce food prices by over 23 per cent since March last year,” he said. The U.N.-brokered Black Sea Initiative agreed by Russia, Turkiye, and Ukraine allowed millions of tons of grain and other foodstuffs to leave Ukraine’s ports, which Guterres said played an “indispensable role” in global food security.
The U.N. noted that nearly one year into the agreement, more than 32 million tons of food commodities have been exported from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports to 45 countries across three continents.
The partial resumption of Ukrainian sea exports enabled by the Initiative has unblocked vital food commodities and has helped reverse spiking global food prices, which reached record highs shortly before the agreement was signed, the UN said.
Ms. Kamboj underlined that it is unfortunate that as the trajectory of the Ukrainian conflict unfolds, the entire Global South has suffered substantial collateral damage.
“It is thus critical that the voice of the Global South be heard, and their legitimate concerns be duly addressed,” she said. Ms. Kamboj further said in her remarks that reports of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are deeply worrying.
“We have consistently advocated that no solution can ever be arrived at the cost of human lives. Escalation of hostilities and violence is in no one’s interest. We have urged that all efforts be made for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an urgent return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy,” she said.
The Indian envoy underscored that dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes, however daunting that may appear at this moment. “The path to peace requires us to keep all channels of diplomacy open,” she said.
Noting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s repeated engagements with both Russia and Ukraine, Ms. Kamboj said it is essential to emphasize that “we firmly believe that this is not an era of war. It is with this understanding and spirit that India actively participates in this debate.” She said that the global order that “we all subscribe to” is based on international law, the UN Charter and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all States. “These principles must be upheld without exception,” Ms. Kamboj said.
(Source: PTI)
UNITED NATIONS (TIP): India has organized a special exhibition on the millets at the UN headquarters in New York to commemorate the ‘International Year of Millets 2023’. The focus of the exhibition launched on Tuesday, February 14, by India’s Permanent Mission to the UN was on the different kinds of millets grown in India, their nutritional value and health benefits, including information on calorific content. The exhibition was attended by over a hundred delegates from the UN member states and senior UN officials.
In her brief remarks, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj shared the reasons why India pursued making 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM) and how millets were an important solution in the collective march towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This was followed by a launch video on the IYM and a special address by Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. The Co-Founder and Director of MRIDA Group, Arun Nagpal, shared his experiences on his journey with millets from the farm to the table. This was followed by a special address by the Chef de Cabinet of the UN Secretary-General Earle Courtenay Rattray, after which the exhibition was officially opened.
Millet-based savories were the other attraction for the guests to taste, while millet grains were also placed on display. The United Nations was treated to a sensory blend of seeing, touching, tasting, and learning about millets.
The millet exhibition will be on display at the United Nations General Assembly Delegates Entrance Exhibition area from 14-17 February 2023, a media release said.
The year 2023 has been designated as the ‘International Year of Millets’ after a proposal for it was brought forward by India and endorsed by Members of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Governing Bodies, as well as by the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly.
Millets were among the first crops to be domesticated in India with several evidence of its consumption during the Indus valley civilization. Being grown in more than 130 countries at present, millet is considered a traditional food for more than half a billion people across Asia and Africa.
In India, millets are primarily a Kharif crop, requiring less water and agricultural inputs than other similar staples. Millets are important by virtue of their mammoth potential to generate livelihoods, increase farmers’ income and ensure food and nutritional security all over the world.
(Source: PTI)
New Delhi (TIP)- India abstained in the UN General Assembly on a draft resolution condemning Russia’s referendums and the annexation of four Ukrainian territories, saying its decision was “consistent with its well-thought-out national position.” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ruchira Kamboj said India had consistently advocated that no solution could be reached at the cost of human lives. “Escalation of hostilities and violence is in no one’s interest. We have urged that all efforts be made for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy,’’ she said. The resolution — Territorial integrity of Ukraine: Defending the principles of the Charter of the UN — was adopted with 143 nations voting in favour, four against and 35, including India, abstaining.
“The path to peace requires us to keep all channels of diplomacy open. We, therefore, sincerely hope for an early resumption of peace talks to bring about an immediate ceasefire and resolution of the conflict. India stands ready to support all such efforts aimed at de-escalation,’’ said Kamboj. “There are other pressing issues at play, some of which have not been adequately addressed in the resolution voted today. Our decision to abstain is consistent with our well-thought-out national position,’’ she added. India also expressed its concern over the developing world being forced to bear substantial collateral damage.
“As developing countries face the brunt of the conflict’s consequences on fuel, food and fertiliser supplies, it is critical that the voice of the global South be heard and their legitimate concerns duly addressed. We must not initiate measures that further complicate a struggling global economy,’’ the Indian PR stressed.
Last month, India had abstained from a draft United Nations Security Council resolution to condemn Russia’s referendums and annexation of four Ukrainian territories as invalid. No member of the BRICS bloc voted along with the West.
India slams Pakistan after it raises Kashmir issue
India dismissed as “frivolous and pointless” Pakistan’s attempts to raise the Kashmir issue during the emergency debate on the Ukraine issue at the UN General Assembly. Speaking after the UNGA had voted on the issue, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Munir Akram said he looked forward to a “similar concern and condemnation on attempts by India to formalise’’ the annexation of Kashmir. Pakistan, he said, had abstained on the resolution because it “endorses the basic principle reflected in the draft resolution that referendums cannot apply to regions which are part of a sovereign state and in an environment which is not free.’’
India’s PR Ruchira Kamboj replied by saying that statements by “one delegation to misuse this forum and make frivolous and pointless remarks against my country deserve our collective contempt and sympathy for a mindset which repeatedly utters falsehoods. We call on Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism so that our citizens can enjoy the right to life and liberty.’’ Pakistan replied with diplomat Gul Kaiser Sarwani commenting on Hindutva, the RSS, cow vigilantism and the state of minorities in India.
India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived in New York on September 18, 2022 to attend the United Nations General Assembly session. During his stay in the City, he met with United Nations officials, world leaders, diplomats, and the community.
Jay Mandal, a well-known photographer, took hundreds of photographs of the visit of the External Affairs Minister. Here are a few selected photographs.
All Photos: Jay Mandal/On Assignment
Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj greets External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar with a bouquet of flowers at JFK Airport in New York City. (September 18, 2022)Dr. S. Jaishankar (Right), Union Minister for External Affairs during a bilateral meeting with his counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan of UAE on the sideline of 77th UNGA in NY City. Also in the Picture, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj (Left), India’s Permanent Representative to the UN. (September 19, 2022)Dr. S. Jaishankar (Center), Union Minister for External Affairs before a trilateral meeting with his counterparts Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Left) of UAE and Catherine Colonna of France on the sideline of 77th UNGA in NY City. (September 19, 2022)French President Emmanuel Macron (Left) welcomes India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar As he arrives to attend a dinner hosted by the French President, on the theme of the North-South Divide at the French Consulate in New York. (September 20, 2022)Dr. S. Jaishankar, Union Minister for External Affairs (Right) at a bilateral meeting with James Cleverly, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, on the sideline of the 77th UN General Assembly in New York. (September 22, 2022)QUAD Meeting in NYC. From left, The Secretary of State of the United States, Antony Blinken, the Foreign Minister of Australia, Penny Wong, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi at a multilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York City. (September 23, 2022)
Dr. S. Jaishankar, Union Minister for External Affairs delivers his statement at the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York City. (September 24, 2022)India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar (left) calls on CSABA KŐRÖSI, President of the 77th UN General Assembly, at the UN Secretariat in New York. (September 19, 2022)India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar (left) and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry at the bilateral meeting in New York City. (September 19, 2022)Dr. S. Jaishankar (Center), Union Minister for External Affairs before a bilateral meeting with his counterpart Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov of Russia on the sideline of 77th UNGA in NY City. (September 19, 2022)
GARDEN CITY, NY (TIP); Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, launched “Fearless Governance,” a book authored by Kiran Bedi, a former governor of Puducherry, at a select gathering here on September 1, 2022. “Fearless Governance” describes Bedi’s experiences and experiments with governance during her 5 years as governor of Puducherry.
Chief guest, Ambassador Kamboj in her speech mentioned how she became an admirer of Bedi at a very young age when she was in school. She said that her writer mother first mentioned to her about India’s first woman IPS Officer, Kiran Bedi. Ambassador Kamboj said she had no idea that years later when she was posted at the Indian Mission as a junior officer, she would have an opportunity to work with Kiran Bedi at the UN. Ms Bedi was on deputation to the UN as a civil Police Administrator.
The book release was organized by the New York -based “Group 30” under the aegis of India Vision Foundation.
