Tag: Taranjit Singh Sandhu
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Indo-US relationship based on trust which is increasing: Ambassador Sandhu
WASHINGTON (TIP): India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said that there is a very strong base between the Indo-US relationship which is of trust and that is increasing.
Sandhu, during a reception he hosted at the India House for senior Congressional staffers, said that India and America not only have strong strategic and defense relations, but also a deep relationship in healthcare and pharma. “And that is going to deepen,” he said on Thursday, October 21.
“Today, there is a very strong base between our bilateral relationship and that base is of trust. And that trust is increasing. And that’s very important in the number of partnerships which we share,” said Sandhu, who has been making special efforts with his Congressional outreach.
As close aides of lawmakers both in the House and the Senate, Congressional staffers, a number of whom are of Indian-origin, play a key role in shaping the policies and legislative agenda of the US Congress.
Many of them in the years to come climb up the ladder to even serve in presidential administration.
India, Sandhu asserted, plays a significant role in affordable healthcare, affordable medicines and vaccines.
“I’ll just give you one example. Six years ago, both the US and India collaborated for a vaccine. We partnered in bulk production of a vaccine for another virus called RotaVirus. That collaboration got the cost of a single dose down from USD 60 to USD 1. That is the kind of depth that is there,” he said.
Reiterating that there is a huge potential between India and the US in the healthcare sector, Sandhu also referred to the cooperation in energy, climate change and renewables. Knowledge partnership and education sector is another key area of collaboration between the two countries, he said.
“I know that all of you are involved in some way or another in our bilateral relationship. I’m only going to quote what President (Joe) Biden said in 2006 that this is going to be one of the most important bilateral relations. In fact, he said, the most important. I have only added one of the most important,” Sandhu said in his address to the senior Congressional staffers. As part of his engagement with Congress, a day earlier, the ambassador hosted the leadership of the Indian Caucus at India House.
“Discussed deepening India-US relations incl, recent bilateral & QUAD Summits. Appreciate their strong support for India United States partnership (sic),” Sandhu said in a tweet.
He had another “engaging conversation” at the US Capitol with Congressman Jason Crow, a member of the House Armed Services Committee on the multifaceted India-US relations, including in vaccines, climate change and emerging technologies. “Also discussed Quad partnership and other regional developments,” Sandhu said.
The ambassador also had a substantive discussion with Senator Ben Ray Lujan on India-US partnership in health and vaccines; climate change and clean energy; education and research; Quad and deepening people-to-people ties.
(Source: PTI)
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PM Modi had a very successful visit to US, says Ambassador Sandhu
Remarks by India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, come at a dinner event hosted by Indiaspora
WASHINGTON, DC (TIP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a very successful visit to the US during which he held his maiden bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden and had a good candid and substantial exchange with like-minded Quad leaders at their first in-person summit, India’s envoy here has said.
Remarks by India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, came at a dinner event hosted by Indiaspora on Wednesday, September 29. “We just had a very successful visit here,” Sandhu said. Eminent members of the Indian-American community had gathered for the first time in the national capital after the Covid pandemic hit the country. During the visit, there was an important bilateral meeting between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi, the first one since the Biden-Harris administration was inaugurated in January this year. The two leaders had earlier met in 2014 and 2016 when Biden was the vice president of the country. “So, it was not the first time they were meeting, but the bilateral meeting was very good,” Sandhu said in his first public appearance after last week’s visit of PM Modi.
The interaction with Vice President Kamala Harris went very well, he said. The Quad summit hosted by Biden at the White House and attended by Modi along with their counterparts from Japan and Australia “really went off very well”, he said.
“There was a good candid and substantial exchange between all the four leaders,” he said, adding that there are practical areas in which the corporation is moving quite ahead. “In fact, in vaccines, all the four countries are bringing their respective strengths together and we are on our way to producing one billion vaccines in 2022 which will be distributed over the Indo-Pacific particularly in Southeast Asia,” Sandhu said. During his stay in Washington DC, Prime Minister Modi had two other bilaterals with Prime Minister Scott Morrison from Australia and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan.
During his trips, the US handed over 150 historic antiquities to India, which the prime minister took with him on his return to India. From Washington DC, the Prime Minister went to New York where he addressed the UN General Assembly.
Quickly running through some of the important areas during the trip in addition to the strategic ones, Sandhu said the prime minister had a good exchange on regional issues as well as other international challenges.
(Source: PTI)
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India’s US envoy Sandhu visits Dalip Singh Saund Post Office in California
This is probably the first time that an Indian Ambassador has visited the post office named after Saund, who was elected to the House of Representatives thrice from 1956 to 1962
WASHINGTON (TIP): India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu visited the Dalip Singh Saund Post Office, named after the first Indian-American lawmaker, during his recent visit to California. This is probably the first time that an Indian Ambassador has visited the post office named after Saund, who was elected to the House of Representatives thrice from 1956 to 1962. The post office was named after him after the then President George Bush signed a bill in this regard into law on July 21, 2005. During his visit to California last week, Sandhu interacted with the Indian- American community leaders.
He also held meetings with top US lawmakers from the region, including Scott Peters, who serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Committee on Small Business; Darrell Issa, who is a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs – Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa and Subcommittee on Terrorism, Non-proliferation, and Trade; and Mike Levin, member of the Hispanic and Progressive Caucus and House Committee on Natural Resources Committee on Veterans Affairs Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.
Sandhu visited Los Angeles and San Diego. He had engagements with the community, members of the US Congress and at the University of California.
He interacted with the Indian community leaders on board the historic Star of India ship in the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Built in 1863, Star of India is the world’s oldest active sailing ship.
In his remarks, the ambassador said the US had come out in an overwhelming manner to offer support to India during the Covid crisis. He also praised the role of the Indian diaspora during this grim time.
“Every bit that you do has been key to saving a life in India, making an actual difference to someone’s life. Community has always been a strong pillar, (as has been) seen it in the past, too, to maintain the strong connection with India,” he said. (Source: PTI)
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Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu interacts with White House fellows
WASHINGTON (TIP): Founded in 1964, the White House Fellowship is a non-partisan programme that brings young leaders into the federal government to provide first-hand experience working at the highest levels of government
India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Thursday, July 1, interacted with White House fellows and discussed with them the intricacies of diplomacy and the relationship between the world’s oldest and largest democracies.
Sandhu, in a tweet, said “an enjoybale and substantial interaction” with the White House fellows at Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which is part of the White House complex.
“Covered wide areas ranging from diplomacy, India-US relations, regional developments, health care, energy, environment, IT and education with this group of young emerging American leaders in different fields!” he added.
Founded in 1964, the White House Fellowship is a non-partisan programme that brings young leaders into the federal government to provide first-hand experience working at the highest levels of government.
A key element of this unique fellowship is the education programme in which prominent leaders from across society meet the fellows.
In the past, the fellows have heard from dignitaries like Colin Powell, the former secretary of state.
Sandhu was the first one to be invited under the Biden administration to this interaction.
In the past, several Indian-Americans have been selected for the prestigious fellowship. Prominent among them include Dr Sanjay Gupta of CNN, Rajeev Venkayya, EVP Vaccines, Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
Indian-American Priya Dandiya from Florida is a White House fellow for the year 2020-21.
(Source: PTI)
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Indian American community in US celebrates International Day of Yoga
Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu and senior embassy staff in a yoga session at India House. 
Participants in a yoga session at India House. 
Virtual participation. WASHINGTON (TIP): The Indian Embassy in Washington as also all five Consulates of India in the US celebrated the 7th International Day of Yoga on Sunday with the theme “Yoga for Wellness” with active participation of the community. Welcoming the participants at India House, Washington, Indian Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu stressed Yoga’s potential to provide both health and happiness by improving the physical and mental well-being of people. Given the impact of the Covid-19, he also noted that India and the US have stood shoulder to shoulder with each other in fighting the global pandemic, according to a press release from the embassy. Sandhu and other embassy officials also participated in a common Yoga protocol session in person, while a large number of people across US joined virtually through Zoom and Embassy’s social media handles. All the five Consulates of India in US namely New York, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta and San Francisco held various programs to mark IDY 2021.
In New York, the Consulate partnered with Times Square Alliance to host celebrations at the iconic Times Square, attended by more than 3,000 people.
In keeping with IDY 2021 theme, the event showcased holistic health. In another event, the Indian community in New Jersey led Yoga celebrations at the Liberty State Park.
In Chicago, the Consulate commemorated IDY 2021 in Grant Park in partnership with Yoga organizations in the Midwest region, wherein there was enthusiastic participation in virtual and in person modes. The American Academy of Yoga and Meditation, with the support of the Consulate General of India in Atlanta, is organizing International YogaCon USA 2021 with unprecedented response. The Consulate also held events in Florida and Puerto Rico to mark the IDY2021. The Consulate General of India, Houston held Yoga events at Buffalo Bayou Park, Houston and at River Walk in partnership with the City of San Antonio.
The Indian consulate in San Francisco held Yoga Day celebrations at Palace of Fine arts. Distinguished Speaker sessions were also held by Vivekananda Yoga University in Los Angeles and Yoga quiz on FM radio. In the run up to IDY 2021, several curtain raiser events in various formats were organized by the Embassy and Consulates.
Celebrations were held in several other places with the active participation and support of American people, including community organizations and Yoga enthusiasts.
(Based on a press release)
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Education important pillar of India-US ties: Ambassador Sandhu
WASHINGTON (TIP): Education is an important pillar of India-US partnership, India’s top diplomat in the United States said after a virtual meeting with the Chancellor of the University of California, Davis. Good discussion this afternoon with Chancellor Gary May and his team on the big potential for knowledge and research partnership in agriculture, health, digital and climate change, said Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s Ambassador to the US.
“Education is an important pillar of India-United States partnership,” Sandhu said in a tweet after the meeting with Chancellor May.
Chancellor May is known as a highly engaged educational leader with a passion for helping others succeed.
In 2015, the then President Barack Obama honored him with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mentoring students in science, technology, engineering and maths. In 2021, he received the prestigious Lifetime Mentor Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science for demonstrating extraordinary leadership to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in the fields of science and engineering.
The university is located in the heart of the region which has historical ties with the US Sikh community, which includes many immigrants from Punjab.
Today, half of the Sikh population in the US resides in California.
To preserve the stories and history of the immigrants from Punjab and share their contributions to the state of California, the university has created an archive of videos, photos and other documents. The ambassador’s interaction with Chancellor May is part of his continuing outreach to US universities.
(Source: PTI)
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Indian envoy interacts with U.S. business community on COVID-19 relief efforts
WASHINGTON (TIP): India’s Ambassador to the U.S. Taranjit Singh Sandhu held an interaction with members of the business community on the current COVID-19 pandemic situation in the country.
The virtual meeting was hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, April 29.
During the talks, Mr. Sandhu appraised the business community of the items that India is trying to identify and source, including oxygen concentrators, cylinders, ventilators and oxygen generation plants and COVID-19-related drugs like Remdesivir and Tocilizumab.
“Appreciated the Chamber for coordinating the swift response and resource mobilization by the U.S. business community in support of India to meet the Covid challenge,” Mr. Sandhu said in a tweet.
In the past few days, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has mobilized support, brought together partners from other industry bodies and coordinated with the U.S. government to deliver critical medical supplies to India.
Significant additional supplies of medical equipment are being dispatched by the private sector. Earlier the U.S. Chamber had urged the Biden administration to release unused AstraZeneca vaccine doses for use in India.
Mr. Sandhu said he had an “important conversation” with Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer.
The Ambassador said he highlighted the Indian government’s decisions to facilitate import of vaccines and to fast-track emergency-use authorizations for those which have already been given approval in other countries.
Also read | U.S. defends restrictions on export of COVID-19 vaccine raw materials amid India’s request to lift ban
“Discussed ways in which Pfizer could support healthcare efforts including vaccines in India, and strengthen our pandemic response,” he added.
Two U.S. aircraft on their way
The Ambassador said two U.S. aircraft with oxygen equipment and other COVID-related supplies are on their way to India.
“Thank you @POTUS (President Joe Biden) for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with India during this challenging time,” Mr. Sandhu tweeted.
WalMart CEO Dough McMillion had interacted with Sandhu a day earlier.
“My heart is breaking for our friends and associates across India as they battle a devastating surge in pandemic cases,” Mr. McMillion said in a statement.
Walmart is diligently working to deliver oxygen and vital equipment to communities across the country, he said.
FedEx also issued a statement saying it was continuing its support to the fight against COVID-19 and had plans to send a dedicated aircraft with thousands of oxygen concentrators and critical aid for healthcare facilities in India.
(Source: PTI)
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Happy Vaisakhi
Nothing could give us a greater pleasure than to present an edition with great reading. Here we are with Vaisakhi special edition which is dedicated to farmers in India who are protesting against the Farm Laws enacted by Modi government in June 2020 and demanding their repeal.
What is the issue? Well, it is a question of perception. The government claims the laws will protect the interests of the farmers, helping them to double their income, and also getting freedom from an exploitative system.
The farmers, on the other hand, see in the laws, an attempt to ultimately render them landless, turn them into laborers for the big businesses, and impoverish them.
Both sides have lined up economists and agricultural experts to support their claims. Government of India, with its vast resources to reach out to people have taken no chances in trying to convince Indians and the world of the utility of the enacted laws. The Indian media, believed to be pro-Modi, has been at pains to explain the laws to people. Indian missions abroad have been doing the same. They were tasked with reaching out to lawmakers in countries like the US, the UK and Canada, which have sizeable population of Indians, to reach out to lawmakers to convince them that the laws were in favor of the farmers, and that the protest of the farmers was unwarranted. They did it to prevent these lawmakersfrom taking up the cause of the farmers. But, in the process, it helped internationalize the issue, which has assumed enormous proportions now, being viewed as a movement to save democracy. Several lawmakers in the US, the UK, and Canada have expressed their concern at the violation of basic human rights of farmers in India.
Here are two such letters.
We are carrying in this edition a few articles by eminent and well-informed people which analyze the various aspects of the issue. We hope, readers will have a clearer view of the laws and the protest, which, in fact, probably no side wants.
However, we cannot but express concern at the apathy of the Indian government to the bread givers of the nation. Without going into the facts and the figures here, which readers will find in plenty in the articles in this edition, it would do well to remind ourselves that a democratic government is for the people. And, here we are, stonewalled by a government which does not believe in listening to people. Farmers have been protesting against the government’s farm laws for around 10 months now, first, in their states, and, for the last around five months at Delhi borders, in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, in inclement weathers and the severe cold winter season, during which more than 350 persons lost their lives.
The government barricaded the protest area at Singhu border, which restricted free movement of people and stopped movement of vehicles; hindered supplies of essential articles, cut off internet, water and electricity supply, and even allowed BJP cadres to attack the protesters in the makeshift camps. On top of it, the goons who attacked were never apprehended; rather, the victims were charged with criminal assault. Videos and photographs available reveal the true story, as against the narrative of the government and the authorities. What an abdication of government duty to protect people and do justice!
Well, all this happens in a conflict. But the question is: Is demanding justice a conflict with the elected, chosen government? Is asking for ones’ rights sedition?
No, my friends, we ought to respect the common man who, in fact, is the MASTER. A government is there to serve people who have elected them. People have chosen them to work for them, according to the Constitution. Because billions cannot be directly governing, the concept of democracy has a few chosen by billions managing the affairs of the nation for the good of the people.
We believe, Mr. Modi will find time from the unending election campaigns, to consider thereal vital issue of saving the country’s economy, agriculture, and the future of the farmers, and above all, ensuring the human rights of the people are not trampled underfoot.
There will be no better Vaisakhi gift for all Indians and friends of India than a resolution of the contentious issue, NOW.
Happy Vaisakhi!!
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India looks forward to upping ties with US in five areas: Envoy
New Delhi (TIP): India looks forward to closely working with the new US administration and other stakeholders around five immediate baskets of cooperation, India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu told The Tribune in an interview. Speaking after the February 18 Quad summit, Sandhu outlined cooperation in healthcare and pharma as the first item on the wish list. This also includes ensuring affordable medicines and vaccines. Like Covid cooperation, the second area — digital space; information and communication sectors — was also discussed in the Quad under the rubric of emerging technologies. The third is the energy sector, including LNG, renewable and solar, that will help in the fight against climate change. Equally important are advanced partnerships in education and knowledge partnership; and cooperation in strategic and defence areas, including in the Indo-Pacific. “We look forward to building on the momentum to strengthen our existing partnerships across diverse sectors,” he said.
He said industries in both countries were working together to chart out reliable supply chains in next-generation defence technology and to undertake joint R&D, manufacturing, innovation and experimenting in new domains. Both sides can offer a lot to each other in critical and emerging technologies such as AI, big data analytics, robotics, quantum computing, block chain and Internet of things. “In recent years, we have cemented traditional areas of cooperation, while simultaneously exploring new horizons. Today, there is no area of human activity that the partnership does not touch — from nanotechnology to space and Indo-Pacific to Covid vaccine manufacturing and delivery,” he observed. “The visit of US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to India will enable the two sides to review ongoing cooperation and provide new momentum to our defence ties,” he said.
India remained committed to the bilateral trade target of $500 billion and hopes to re-engage with the US on trade and tariff issues. “In coming days, once senior officials of the Biden administration take their positions, intensive discussions can be expected on trade issues,” he added.
Sandhu was hopeful that the brakes on immigration and easier work visas would also be revisited by the new administration. “We remain engaged on issues related to movement of Indian professionals, who bring in value to the US economy,” he said. There is a strong sense of commitment and determination among the political leadership of both India and the US to take the bilateral strategic partnership to the next level. The Ambassador, however, did not take questions on the farmers’ agitation and allegations in New Delhi about the increased activity of US-based Khalistanis. Source: The Tribune
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India-America ties stronger than ever before: Ambassador Sandhu
WASHINGTON (TIP): The India-US defense trade, which has grown significantly in a short span of time, now stands at USD 21 billion, India’s envoy here has said, asserting that the bilateral military and security ties are stronger than ever before. India’s ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu said that India’s designation as a ‘Major Defense Partner’ and accordance of Strategic Trade Authorization-1 Status by the US and the signing of the four foundational agreements with Washington will enhance military-to-military cooperation between the two countries. “Our defense and security ties are stronger than ever before,” the Indian ambassador to the United States said in an interview.
(Source: PTI)
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Mushaira-Kavi Sammelan is a manifestation of India’s diversity—Anurag Kumar
Mushaira/Kavi Sammelan celebrating the 74th Independence Day of the Subcontinent
By Dr. Zafar Iqbal
Greeting authors, poets and the audience, Program Coordinator Dr. Zafar Iqbal said “The goal of this annual program is to provide a forum where diverse people—transcending political, religious, regional, and geographical boundaries—could assemble under the same umbrella and appreciate the Ganga-Jamuni culture of the Subcontinent.”
MARYLAND (TIP): “India is proud of its diversity and this program is a manifestation of this diversity,” said Mr. Anurag Kumar, Minister for Community Affairs, Embassy of India. He thanked the organizers for holding such a beautiful program every year and appreciated showcasing of new talents through this program. He also conveyed the best wishes from the Ambassador of India, H.E. Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Kumar indicated that subject to easing of COVID-situation, the Embassy would consider hosting this program.
The Aligarh Alumni Association-Metro DC (AAA-DC), in association with the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin-Metro DC (GOPIO-DC), hosted a successful Mushaira/Kavi Sammelan on Sunday, 9th August 2020, celebrating the 74th Independence Day of the Subcontinent. This annual event has been a part of Washingtonians’ literary life for the last fourteen years. AAA-DC and GOPIO-DC are the only organizations that bring local poets of Urdu and Hindi at one platform to promote a sense of brotherhood in the best traditions of Sanjhi Virasat, as well as to encourage and promote the local talents of these literature(s).
This year, because of the COVID-19 situation, the program was conducted using Zoom technology and it was simultaneously broadcast on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. Several hundred literary enthusiasts enjoyed the event and many encouraging and positive comments were posted on the media. A recording of the event is now available on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/AligarhAlumniAssociationOfDC/) and AAA-DC YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/qNmkjJ-jAso).
Greeting authors, poets and the audience, Program Coordinator Dr. Zafar Iqbal said “The goal of this annual program is to provide a forum where diverse people—transcending political, religious, regional, and geographical boundaries—could assemble under the same umbrella and appreciate the Ganga-Jamuni culture of the Subcontinent.” In addition to sharing poetry, this event also recognizes local poets and authors by releasing their recently published books, he added. He recognized the leaders of four cultural community organizations —Mr. Kaleem Kawaja of the Association of Indian Muslims (AIM), Mr. Pavan Bezwada and Mr. Shammi Singh of the National Council of Asian-Indian Associations, Inc. (NCAIA, Inc.), Mr. Sunil Singh & Mr. Kirpa Shankar of the National Council of Asian-Indian Associations (NCAIA), Mr. Moazzam Siddiqi and Mr. Mohsin Alikhan of the Hyderabad Association of Washington Metro Area (HAWMA), and Dr. Mike Ghouse of the Center for Pluralism (CFP), who were co-sponsors of the program. “We are pleased that the Embassy has been supporting this program from the beginning, and it hosted the First Bilingual Poetry recitation program on 10th June 2011 with the help of AAA-DC and Metro GOPIO,” Iqbal added.
Mr. Afzal Usmani, President AAA-DC welcomed and thanked the participants and the audience on behalf of the association. He also applauded the increasing popularity of the program. Welcoming on behalf of GOPIO-DC, Dr. Zafar Iqbal appreciated the participation of poets and guests attending the program. “We have been with this program promoting Ganga-Jamuni culture since the start of the program in 2007,” said Iqbal. GOPIO-DC Chairperson, Dr. Renuka Misra could not join the live broadcast due to technical problems.
The event brought the diaspora with multiple ethnic backgrounds together using social media. A special treat was the participation of Dr. Ashok Narayan from his home in India. He retired from the Indian Administrative Service. Participating poets (in alphabetical order) included: Abdullah, Ashok Narayan, Astha Naval, Daler Ashna Deol, Khurram Yusufzai, Mike Ghouse, Mohammad Akbar, Mohammad Jaweed, Narendra Tandon, Preethi Govindaraj, Razi Raziuddin, Satyapal Anand, Sukesh Chopra, Suman Vardhan, Vandana Singh, Vinita Tiwari, Vishakha Thaker, and Yusuf Rahat. Stalwart poet, author, and critic Professor Satyapal Anand presided over the mushaira. Afzal Usmani compered the poetry recitation session with remarkable literary skill.
Several poets and authors in the past have released their books through our program. Some of them are Professor Satyapal Anand, Professor Asghar Wajahat, Dr. A. Abdullah, Dr. K. Mohan, Mr. Raj Kumar Qais, Mr. Anadi Naik, Dr. Astha Naval, Mr. Dhananjaya Kumar Mrs. Rashmi Sanan, Mrs. Daler Deol Aashna, and Mr. Surender Deol.
This year also three recently published books were presented at the event by Dr. Abdullah. Commenting on Dr. Salman Akhtar’s book Meer Nama, he said that the beauty of the book that each couplet of 54 Ghazals Meer in it. This book is published in both Urdu and Devanagari scripts. The second book Urdu Ghazal- A Gift of India’s Composite Culture was co-authored by Professor Gopichand Narang and Surinder Deol. Dr. Abdullah also presented Deol’s book Sahir—A Literary Portrait that has a foreword by Dr. Narang. This book emphasizes Sahir’s passion for democratic ethos, Sanjhi Virasat, bhajans, women’s rights, and world peace. Reminiscing his fascination with Sahir, Deol said that Sahir’s book Talkhian was the first book he had bought during his student days and he reads it now and then.
The AAA-DC started this Independence Day annual Mushaira-Kavi Sammelan tradition more than a decade ago, and GOPIO-DC joined its efforts soon after. It is very gratifying to see that other community organizations are also supporting this program.
(Zafar Iqbal, Ph.D. can be reached at Raabta.india@gmail.com / 240-328-0162)
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India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu to be accorded a Welcome reception in New Jersey on March 15
ISELIN, NJ (TIP): Consulate General of India , New York and the Federation of Indian Associations NY-NJ-CT will be hosting a welcome reception to Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu who took over as India’s Ambassador to the United States of America following the transfer of Harsh Vardhan Shringla as Foreign Secretary in January, 2020.
The Tri-State of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut community organizations are supporting and participating in the welcome reception scheduled for Sunday, March 15 from 6 to 9 P.M. at Marriott Woodbridge, 515 US Highway 1 South. Iselin, NJ 08830.
Ambassador Sandhu assumed office on February 3 and presented his credentials to the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump at the Oval office of the White House, February 6.
Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu is one of the most experienced Indian diplomats on US affairs, having served in the Indian Mission in Washington DC twice earlier. He was Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Washington DC from July 2013 to January 2017. Earlier, he was First Secretary (Political) at the Embassy of India, Washington, DC responsible for liaison with the United States Congress from 1997 to 2000. He has also been at the Permanent Mission of India to United Nations, New York from July 2005 to February 2009.
Prior to his current assignment in Washington DC, Ambassador Sandhu was High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka from January 2017 to January 2020. He had also served at the High Commission of India, Colombo earlier as the Head of the Political Wing from December 2000 to September 2004.
Ambassador Sandhu was Consul General of India in Frankfurt from September 2011 to July 2013. He has worked in the Ministry of External Affairs in various capacities: as Joint Secretary (United Nations) from March 2009 to August 2011; and later as Joint Secretary (Administration) heading the Human Resource Division. He was Officer on Special Duty (Press Relations), Ministry of External Affairs from December 1995 to March 1997, and was responsible for liaison with foreign media in India.
In a distinguished career spanning over thirty years in the Indian Foreign Service since 1988, Ambassador Sandhu started his diplomatic career from former Soviet Union (Russia) where he worked as Third Secretary (Political) / Second Secretary (Commercial) in the Indian Mission from 1990 to 1992. Following the breakup of Soviet Union, he was sent to open a new Embassy in Ukraine. He served as Head of Political and Administration Wings in Indian Embassy in Kiev from 1992 to 1994.
Born on 23 January 1963 in a family of educationists, Ambassador Sandhu studied at The Lawrence School, Sanawar and graduated with History Honors from St. Stephens’ College, Delhi. He pursued a Master’s Degree in International Relations at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
