WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have extended their greetings of Mahavir Jayanti to the Jain community across the world and encouraged people to strive for peace and harmony. “(First Lady) Jill (Biden) and I wish a happy and prosperous Mahavir Jayanti to all those observing. Today, we recognize the values of Mahavir Swami and strive to live with peace, truth, and harmony,” Biden tweeted on Tuesday. Vice President Harris also sent her greetings on the occasion.
“On Mahavir Jayanti, Doug and I join Jains around the world in celebrating the birth of Mahavir Swami, who taught that all living beings are equal. Today, let us recommit to upholding these universal values of respect and non-violence,” Harris tweeted. The greetings from the US president and the vice president were welcomed by an Indian American community leader.
“We members of the Jain community thank President Biden and Vice President Harris for sending greetings on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, which no other president has done in the last,” said community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria. “On this day, let us also take a pledge to work towards creating a more peaceful and harmonious world by following the path of Ahimsa, which was the core principle of Lord Mahavir’s teachings,” he said.
Let us strive to create a society where there is no violence, discrimination, or hatred, and where everyone is treated with equal dignity and respect, Bhutoria said in a statement.
“As we celebrate the birth of Lord Mahavir, let us also take a moment to reflect on his life and teachings, and to seek inspiration from his journey towards enlightenment. May this day bring us closer to our true selves and help us lead a life of purpose, compassion, and righteousness,” Bhutoria said.
WASHINGTON D.C. (TIP): As trusted global partners, India and the US are working to address the “pressing challenges of our times,” Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu said on Thursday, April 6.
Addressing the New Hampshire State Assembly, a rare privilege given to foreign diplomats, Sandhu said that India stands today as a “beacon of stability, amidst geopolitical uncertainties; an usher of global economic growth; a solution provider to some of the complex challenges of the times; and a consensus builder, in times of conflict and rising tensions.” “India remains interesting, important and incredible,” he said.
President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi characterize India-US ties as a “Partnership for Global Good” and people call it the “most defining relationship of the 21st century,” he told the lawmakers.
“Our partnership within the QUAD, IPEF and I2U2 frameworks is creating progress and prosperity for the world at large,” he added.
Sandhu said that India and the US, as trusted global partners, are working to address pressing challenges of the times, the solutions to which would involve combining American technology and Indian talent, Washington’s strength to innovate and New Delhi’s ability to scale.
“Some of this is already happening,” he said.
American companies are manufacturing more in India than before, the two countries have launched a historic initiative on critical and emerging technologies, he said, adding, “The technologies that are driving tomorrow’s world, yesterday, – semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, telecom, and quantum.” “We have active vaccine and medicine collaborations such as the Corbevax that are more affordable and accessible,” the Indian envoy said.
Sandhu said, “From New Delhi to New Hampshire, there are several threads that bind us together.” “From the world’s largest democracy to the largest State Assembly, in the United States, we are guided by the same values and the vision, ‘we, the people’,” he said. Addressing the packed State Assembly, Sandhu said that he was convinced of the strength of the shared beliefs of the two countries and the deep-rooted friendship and partnership as he stood “in this temple of democracy, steeped in people’s hopes and aspirations.”
Taking to Twitter after the address, the Indian Ambassador wrote, “A privilege to address the historic #NewHampshire House of Representatives & Senate Members this morning. Highlighted India’s transformative journey and its ever-strengthening partnership with the US.” During his address, Sandhu said that India is an ancient civilization but a young nation as 50 per cent of the population is below 25 years. He added that its talent can be a game-changer for innovation and research for the world.
“We bring to the table our strengths and successes, and we are always ready to share it with the world: From vaccines to disaster relief, to our digital public goods, to our skills,” Sandhu said.
Noting that India supplied vaccines to over 100 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic and it was the first country to send a humanitarian mission when disaster struck Turkiye, Sandhu said, “As India leads the G-20 this year, with the motto of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, our approach to the global good, will resonate, far and wide.” “When our students seek education, in Dartmouth, or when a scholar from South New Hampshire University, pursues a Fulbright scholarship in India, we create a lasting friendship, between our peoples,” the top Indian diplomat in the US said.
The Indian diaspora, he said, has been a vibrant and strong bridge connecting the two great nations.
“The Bretton wood twins- IMF and World Bank- were born here in New Hampshire, at the Mount Washington Hotel- and here we are when the World Bank is soon going to be headed by a proud Indian-American!” he said, referring to Indian-American Ajay Banga who is poised to become the next President of the World Bank, adding that the second in command in IMF is already an Indian-American.
He said that 40 per cent of the world’s digital payments come from India.
“Be it the world’s largest biometric programme, Aadhar or world’s largest financial inclusion programme, ‘Jan Dhan Yojana’, or world’s largest Health Protection Mission, ‘Ayushman Bharat’, India has actively used technology as a tool for good governance,” he said. “We have more than 80,000 start-ups, out of which 115 are unicorns. Our rural internet users (USD 340 million), outnumber urban users (USD 290 million). IMF has forecast 15 per cent of global growth this year would come from India,” Sandhu said.
(Source: PTI)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The Internal Revenue Service wrapped up the annual Dirty Dozen list of tax scams for 2023 with a reminder for taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals to watch out for these schemes throughout the year, not just during tax season.
Many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare their tax returns. In reality, these scams can occur throughout the year as fraudsters look for ways to steal money, personal information, data and more.
To help people watch out for these scams, the IRS and the Security Summit partners are providing an overview recapping this year’s Dirty Dozen scams.
“Scammers are coming up with new ways all the time to try to steal information from taxpayers,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “People should be wary and avoid sharing sensitive personal data over the phone, email or social media to avoid getting caught up in these scams. And people should always remember to be wary if a tax deal sounds too good to be true.”
Working together as the Security Summit, the IRS, state tax agencies and the nation’s tax industry, including tax professionals, have taken numerous steps since 2015 to warn people about common scams and schemes during tax season and beyond that can increase the risk of identity theft. The Security Summit initiative is committed to protecting taxpayers, businesses and the tax system from scammers and identity thieves.
Some items on this year’s list were new and some made a return visit. While the list is not a legal document or a formal listing of agency enforcement priorities, it is intended to alert taxpayers and the tax professional community about various scams and schemes.
2023 Dirty Dozen summary:
Employee Retention Credit claims
Taxpayers should be aware of aggressive pitches from scammers who promote large refunds related to the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). The warning follows blatant attempts by promoters to con ineligible people to claim credit. The IRS highlighted these schemes from promoters who have been blasting ads on radio and the internet touting refunds involving Employee Retention Credits. These promotions can be based on inaccurate information related to eligibility for and computation of the credit. Additionally, some of these advertisements exist solely to collect the taxpayer’s personally identifiable information in exchange for false promises. The scammers then use the information to conduct identity theft.
Phishing and smishing
Taxpayers and tax professionals should be alert to fake communications from those posing as legitimate organizations in the tax and financial community, including the IRS and the states. These messages arrive in the form of an unsolicited text (smishing) or email (phishing) to lure unsuspecting victims to provide valuable personal and financial information that can lead to identity theft. The IRS initiates most contacts through regular mail and will never initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text or social media regarding a bill or tax refund.
Online account help from third-party scammers
Swindlers pose as a “helpful” third party and offer to help create a taxpayer’s IRS Online Account at IRS.gov. In reality, no help is needed. The online account provides taxpayers with valuable tax information. But third parties making these offers will try to steal a taxpayer’s personal information this way. Taxpayers can and should establish their own online account through IRS.gov.
False Fuel Tax Credit claims
The fuel tax credit is meant for off-highway business and farming use and, as such, is not available to most taxpayers. However, unscrupulous tax return preparers and promoters are enticing taxpayers to inflate their refunds by erroneously claiming the credit. The IRS has seen an increase in the promotion of filing certain refundable credits using Form 4136, Credit for Federal Tax Paid on Fuels.
Fake charities
Bogus charities are a perennial problem that gets bigger whenever a crisis or natural disaster strikes. Scammers set up these fake organizations to take advantage of the public’s generosity. They seek money and personal information, which can be used to further exploit victims through identity theft. Taxpayers who give money or goods to a charity might be able to claim a deduction on their federal tax return if they itemize deductions, but charitable donations only count if they go to a qualified tax-exempt organization recognized by the IRS.
Unscrupulous tax return preparers
Most tax preparers provide outstanding and professional service. However, people should be careful of shady tax professionals and watch for common warning signs, including charging a fee based on the size of the refund. A major red flag or bad sign is when the tax preparer is unwilling to sign the dotted line. Avoid these “ghost” preparers, who will prepare a tax return but refuse to sign or include their IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) as required by law. Taxpayers should never sign a blank or incomplete return.
Social media: Fraudulent form filing and bad advice
Social media can circulate inaccurate or misleading tax information, and the IRS has recently seen several examples. These can involve common tax documents like Form W-2 or more obscure ones like Form 8944. While Form 8944 is real, it is intended for a very limited, specialized group. Both schemes encourage people to submit false, inaccurate information in hopes of getting a refund. Taxpayers should always remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Spearphishing and cybersecurity for tax professionals
Phishing is a term given to emails or text messages designed to get users to provide personal information. Spearphishing is a tailored phishing attempt to a specific organization or business. The IRS is warning tax professionals about spearphishing because there is greater potential for harm if the tax preparer has a data breach. A successful spearphishing attack can ultimately steal client data and the tax preparer’s identity, allowing the thief to file fraudulent returns.
Offer in Compromise mills
Offers in Compromise are an important program to help people who can’t pay to settle their federal tax debts. But “mills” can aggressively promote Offers in Compromise in misleading ways to people who clearly don’t meet the qualifications, frequently costing taxpayers thousands of dollars. A taxpayer can check their eligibility for free using the IRS Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool.
Schemes aimed at high-income filers
Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CRAT): Charitable Remainder Trusts are irrevocable trusts that let individuals donate assets to charity and draw annual income for life or a specific period. Unfortunately, these trusts are sometimes misused by promoters, advisors and taxpayers to try to eliminate ordinary income and/or capital gain on the sale of the property.
Monetized Installment Sales: In these potentially abusive transactions, promoters find taxpayers seeking to defer the recognition of gain upon the sale of appreciated property. They facilitate a purported monetized installment sale for the taxpayer in exchange for a fee. Bogus tax avoidance strategies
Micro-captive insurance arrangements: A micro-captive is an insurance company whose owners elect to be taxed on the captive’s investment income only. Abusive micro-captives involve schemes that lack many of the attributes of legitimate insurance. These structures often include implausible risks, failure to match genuine business needs and, in many cases, unnecessary duplication of the taxpayer’s commercial coverages.
Syndicated conservation easements: A conservation easement is a restriction on the use of real property. Generally, taxpayers may claim a charitable contribution deduction for the fair market value of a conservation easement transferred to a charity if the transfer meets the requirements of Internal Revenue Code 170. In abusive arrangements, which generate high fees for promoters, participants attempt to game the tax system with grossly inflated tax deductions. Schemes with international elements
Offshore accounts and digital assets: The IRS continues to scrutinize attempts to hide assets in offshore accounts and accounts holding digital assets, such as cryptocurrency. The IRS continues to identify individuals who attempt to conceal income in offshore banks, brokerage accounts, digital asset accounts and nominee entities. Asset protection professionals and unscrupulous promoters continue to lure U.S. persons into placing their assets in offshore accounts and structures saying they are out of reach of the IRS. These assertions are not true. The IRS can identify and track anonymous transactions of foreign financial accounts as well as digital assets.
Maltese individual retirement arrangements misusing treaty: These arrangements involve U.S. citizens or residents who attempt to avoid U.S. tax by contributing to foreign individual retirement arrangements in Malta (or potentially other host countries). The participants in these transactions typically lack any local connection to the host country. By improperly asserting the foreign arrangement as a “pension fund” for U.S. tax treaty purposes, the U.S. taxpayer misconstrues the relevant treaty provisions and improperly claims an exemption from U.S. income tax on gains and earnings in and distributions from the foreign individual retirement arrangement.
Puerto Rican and foreign captive insurance: U.S. business owners of closely held entities participate in a purported insurance arrangement with a Puerto Rican or other foreign corporation in which the U.S. business owner has a financial interest. The U.S. business owner (or a related entity) claims a deduction for amounts paid as premiums for “insurance coverage” provided by a fronting carrier, which reinsures the “coverage” with the Puerto Rican or other foreign corporation. Despite being labeled as insurance, these arrangements lack many of the attributes of legitimate insurance. Where appropriate, the IRS will challenge the purported tax benefits from these types of transactions and impose penalties. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division is always on the lookout for promoters and participants of these types of schemes. Taxpayers should think twice before including questionable arrangements like this on their tax returns. After all, taxpayers are legally responsible for what’s on their return, not a promoter making promises and charging high fees. Taxpayers can help stop these arrangements by relying on reputable tax professionals they know and trust.
Help stop fraud and scams
As part of the Dirty Dozen awareness effort, the IRS encourages people to report individuals who promote improper and abusive tax schemes as well as tax return preparers who deliberately prepare improper returns.
To report an abusive tax scheme or a tax return preparer, people should mail or fax a completed Form 14242, Report Suspected Abusive Tax Promotions or Preparers and any supporting material to the IRS Lead Development Center in the Office of Promoter Investigations.
Mail:
Internal Revenue Service Lead Development Center
Stop MS5040
24000 Avila Road
Laguna Niguel, California 92677-3405
Fax: 877-477-9135
42 key initiatives, 190 key projects designed to help taxpayers, the tax community and the nation
WASHINGTON D.C. (TIP): Following months of work, the Internal Revenue Service, on April 6, unveiled its Strategic Operating Plan, an ambitious effort to transform the tax agency and dramatically improve service to taxpayers and the nation during the next decade. The 150-page report to the Secretary of the Treasury outlines the agency’s historic plans to make fundamental changes following funding from last year’s Inflation Reduction Act. The plan makes clear that the resources to be deployed over the short and long term will be used to:
Rebuild and strengthen IRS customer service activities, putting an end to long wait times on the phone, adding capacity to the in-person taxpayer assistance centers around the country, and providing new online tools for those who want to engage with the IRS digitally.
Add capacity to unpack the complex filings of high-income taxpayers, large corporations and complex partnerships, addressing a growing chasm between the number of experienced compliance personnel at the IRS who audit high-income, high-wealth tax filings for compliance (about 2,600 employees) and the roughly 30,000 individuals making more than $10 million a year, 60,000 large corporations and 300,000 large partnerships and S corps. Update various outdated systems in IRS core operations to help ensure the agency has the most modern and robust security in technology to protect taxpayer data.
In IRS customer service initiatives, taxpayers can already see important changes this tax season, and the plan provides a foundation for future efforts. In compliance initiatives, the IRS will ensure that the agency follows Treasury Secretary Yellen’s directive not to raise audit rates above historical levels for small businesses and households making less than $400,000. What this means is that over the next number of years, as the IRS moves to implement the Strategic Operating Plan, the agency is focused on pursuing high-income and high-wealth individuals, complex partnerships and large corporations that are not paying the taxes they owe. As a result, the IRS has no plans to increase the audit rate for small businesses and households making less than $400,000.
“The plan is a bold look at what the future can look like for taxpayers and the IRS,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said. “Now that we have long-term funding, the IRS has an opportunity to transform its operations and provide the service people deserve. Through both service and technology enhancements, the experience of the future will look and feel much different from the IRS of today. This plan charts the course forward for the IRS and tax administration.”
The plan is organized around five objectives:
Dramatically improve services to help taxpayers meet their obligations and receive the tax incentives for which they are eligible. Quickly resolve taxpayer issues when they arise. Focus expanded enforcement on taxpayers with complex tax filings and high-dollar noncompliance to address the tax gap.
Deliver cutting-edge technology, data and analytics to operate more effectively.
Attract, retain and empower a highly skilled, diverse workforce and develop a culture that is better equipped to deliver results for taxpayers.
Each objective will be accomplished through specific initiatives outlined in the plan. The plan contains 42 initiatives designed to achieve IRS goals, each of which includes multiple key projects and milestones to measure progress. The plan covers more than 190 key projects and more than 200 specific milestones. The IRS will identify additional projects and milestones as work continues. The number of projects and milestones will grow significantly over time as the plan evolves to meet the needs of the nation and tax administration.
For each milestone, the plan includes specific timeframes based on year.
Following passage of the law last August, the IRS embarked on this effort to identify the highest-priority opportunities to deliver transformational change. In addition to working with the Department of the Treasury, the IRS received input from tax professionals, partner groups inside and outside of the tax community, taxpayer groups, IRS federal advisory groups and IRS employees. The planning process also built on prior IRS efforts that received feedback, including the Taxpayer First Act Report to Congress.
In addition to the efforts outlined in the plan, the Inflation Reduction Act is already making a difference for taxpayers and tax professionals during the 2023 filing season.
“People can see the first signs of change this filing season following this infusion of funding,” Werfel said. “Taxpayers and tax professionals can see the difference as we have dramatically improved our phone service thanks to more staff. More walk-in services are available across the country. New digital tools have been added. And these are just first steps.” The future will bring more improvements, with taxpayers able to get more online access to their tax accounts – simplifying their interactions with the IRS. Detailed information about refunds will be easier to track through improvements to the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. Many more service improvements are detailed in the plan.
“For years, the agency has not had the resources to provide the service people deserve. Across all of our operations we’ve seen the impact. We’ve lost employees and seen our resources stretched thin with new mandates and an increasingly complex economy,” Werfel said. “The IRS looks forward to demonstrating how the actions under this plan will translate into real improvements for taxpayers. Technology as well as in-person assistance will be cornerstones of this effort.”
The plan also highlights how the IRS will be working to ensure fair enforcement of the nation’s tax laws and compliance with existing laws while respecting taxpayer rights. The IRS will be solely focused on increased efforts on identified compliance issues involving large corporations, larger partnerships and high-wealth individuals.
“Effective enforcement is an important component of this plan,” Werfel said. “Revenue collected by the IRS supports everything from the nation’s defense to education and roads.”
As the IRS begins implementation of this plan, the agency will work with the public, partners and oversight groups to ensure the transformation work meets the needs of taxpayers and the nation.
“This plan is only the beginning of our work,” Werfel said. “This is a unique opportunity for the IRS and the nation, and we will continue to work closely with our partners as this effort moves forward. This investment in the IRS is already helping taxpayers this tax season, and this plan shows that historic changes are coming.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman speaks on the occasion. To his right is Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, and to his left is Ragini Srivastava.Senator Kevin Thomas presents a proclamation from the NY Senate to Prof. Saluja.Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and Ragini Srivastava present proclamation on behalf of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to Ambassador Jaiswal who also received a proclamation for Dr. Abha Jaiswal.Crowning of “Mahamoorkh” Tirlok Malik. Crowning ceremony was performed by Ambassador Jaiswal, Ravi Batra, a former “Mahamoorkh”, and members of the organizing committee of Holi & Hola celebrations.County Executive Bruce Blakeman enjoying the Gatka performance.Ambassador Jaiswal watching a performance
HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): The Indian Panorama organized the fourth Holi & Hola celebrations at Antun’s by Minar here on March 19, 2023. Attended by over a hundred guests, the event exhibited the fraternal bonds between the diverse Indian diaspora. The very idea of celebrating Holi and the Sikh Hola Mohalla together is to promote brotherhood and amity among Indian Americans practicing diverse faiths and cultures.
A display of the rich cultural heritage impressed the guests who included the chief guest Ambassador Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, Consul General of India at New York, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, New York State Senator Kevin Thomas, New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, Town of North Hempstead Clerk Ragini Srivastava, Nassau County former Human Rights Commission chairman Zahid Ali, Ravi Batra, Chair, the National Advisory Council on South Asian Affairs, AK Vijaykrishnan , Consul, Community Affairs, among others.
A thrilling display of the Sikh traditional martial art called Gatka by the Akal Gatka Gurmat Group led by Sardar Daler Singh, President of Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lobana left everyone spell bound Before the Gatka performance. Master Mohinder Singh, a senior leader of the Sikh community, a founder President of Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lobana, spoke about the traditional Sikh martial art.
The Gatka performance evoked from County Executive Bruce Blakeman the comment that he had never ever witnessed such a thrilling performance. He was simply awe-struck. The other attractive performances included Holi Dance by the dancers from Rhythm Dance Academy, Bollywood Medley Dance by dancers from RS International group, and a Holi Song by a Florida based celebrated singer Kadambini.
Prachi Makkar’s Punjabi songs and Bolian brought many to the dance floor. Surya Makkar on Punjabi Dhol was a great accompanist to his sister Prachi. Bollywood singer and director Vicky Kohli regaled with his lovely singing.
The gathering
One of the attractions of the celebrations was the selection of the traditional Holi “Mahamoorkh”. Emmy nominated film maker and actor Tirlok Malik was crowned Mahamoorkh through a draw of lots.
Speaking on the occasion, County Executive Bruce Blakeman said:
“On the occasion of Holi and Hola. I convey my warmest wishes to all our Indian American community members here in Long Island and we are thankful to Professor Indrajit Saluja for organizing a very beautiful function to get everybody together to celebrate our culture and heritage. We celebrate every race and every religion.
“You are such an important part of the fabric of Nassau County. Think about what your contributions have been in medicine, law, business, finance, education, technology. Your contributions make this a better County and a better country.”
In an interview to the TV channels Global Punjab and TV Asia Mr. Blakeman said: “I am glad to be here at Antun’s in Hicksville celebrating with all my Indian Sikh friends for The Indian Panorama Holi and Hola festival. We love the Indian Americans that live here in America. They contribute so much to our county and country- medicine, technology, education, business; Indian American community contributes so much. They make us a greater County and I’m so blessed to be here. Thank you all. God bless you and have a wonderful festival.”
Gatka performance by Akal Gatka Gurmat Group. (Photos : Jay Mandal-on assignment)
Ambassador Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, Consul General of India at New York who has always maintained a close contact with the Indian American community and taken keen interest in its various activities was the chief guest. In his brief address, he praised the Indian American community for preserving and promoting Indian culture.
The Consul General said:
“I convey my warmest wishes to all our Indian American community members here in Long Island and we are thankful to Professor Indrajit Saluja for organizing a very beautiful function to get everybody together to celebrate our culture and heritage.” Others who spoke on the occasion included Senator Kevin Thomas, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and Town of North Hempstead Clerk Ragini Srivastava.
A dance performance by the dancers from Rhythm Dance Academy.Bollywood Medley Dance by dancers from RS International group.
Earlier, welcoming the guests, Prof. Indrajit S Saluja said the idea of organizing the Holi and the Hola Mohalla together was prompted by his desire to promote a feeling of togetherness, amity and brotherhood between the two major communities of Indian origin here. He thanked the gathering for their response and support.
The organizing committee which worked real hard for the success of the event included Indu Jaiswal, Jyoti Gupta, Amita Karwal, Gunjan Rastogi, Shashi Malik, Anu Jain, Jag, Jaskiran Saluja, and Parveen Chopra. “A lot of thanks to the greatest team”, Prof. Saluja said.
He also thanked his family for their support and advice always.
The media persons were extremely supportive and deserve all thanks, said Prof. Saluja. TV Asia, PTC TV , ITV , Global Punjab deserve special gratitude for the extensive coverage of the event.
Parminder was a great DJ , as usual, with excellent sound service.
Anmol Dhawan was a great help with banners and publicity. The Indian Panorama is grateful to the young man who has always been supportive. Not to forget the great photographer Jay Mandal whose clicks will surely please our readers. Thank you, Mr. Mandal for your support.
The food catered by Mr. Neetoo of Antun’s by Minar received approval and praise from all guests who looked forward to another attendance at the place.
Kadambini sings a Holi song.Surya Makkar on Dhol and Prachi Makkar singing Punjabi songs and bolian.Vicky Kohli regaled with his lovely singing.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The wait time for a US visitor’s visa interview in India has been reduced by 60 per cent this year, a senior official has said, attributing it to several steps the United States has taken, including increasing the number of officials and opening other diplomatic missions to process these applications.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services Julie Stufft told PTI in an interview that the goal of the State Department is to get to 1 million visas issued this year, which would be above the pre-pandemic number.
“We have increased the number of officers going to India. We have set up arrangements, which is unprecedented, with other embassies in the world like Bangkok to take Indians who are seeking visas. We are opening a new consulate in Hyderabad… and we’re just focused on making sure that we can bring the wait time down in India,” she said. Stufft noted that Frankfurt, London and Abu Dhabi have taken a lot of Indian citizens who are seeking visas. “We have asked these missions to take Indians as if they were from their own host country. Especially in places like Bangkok where there is no visa required for Indians and it is a relatively short flight.
“Obviously this is not ideal. We want Indians to be able to apply in India, and that’s where we’ll get to,” she said.
More than 100 US diplomatic missions have been issuing visas to Indians. “As a result of all of these efforts, the visitor visa interview wait time has decreased by 60 per cent just in the last couple of months. This is a result of all the work that we’ve put into making sure that Indians who wish to travel to the US can do so.”
Stufft said that currently, “visa production in India is 40 per cent higher than it was before the pandemic” and asserted that the State Department was working hard to bring down the wait time.
In February, the US had the highest on-record production of visas in India. “Our team there is working very hard and they’re well on their way to accomplishing the 1 million visa goal,” Stufft said.
In addition to the visitor’s visa, the State Department official said they are working on other types of visas including student visas. “Because we have been able to expand interview waivers, meaning fewer Indians need to come to the embassy or consulate for an interview, we can process that without seeing the applicant. That has helped us tremendously because we have had consular officers in dozens of countries who are actually remotely processing these Indian visas,” Stufft said.
This has made it possible for people who don’t need an interview, those who have travelled to the US before, to get their visa in a record time of less than two weeks, she said.
“It really is a global effort. Because we have such strong ties with India and the relationship between our two countries means that the categories of visas are the highest in India.. students, tech workers, and crew members. It’s a high cultural, educational and work relationship between our countries,” Stufft said. She said anyone who has to travel to the US urgently for any sort of humanitarian matter, those cases will be expedited.
“But make your appointment, find the place that you can go in India or outside of India where it’s possible. And bear with us as we bring these wait times down. We’re very excited to be hitting records every month with the number of visas that we’re issuing in India,” she said.
Stufft also said that the State Department is very excited about launching a pilot project on domestic renewal of visas soon. Under this, holders of certain work visa categories who are living in the United States can apply for visa renewal without leaving the United States.
“What this means in particular for a large number of tech workers from India is that people would not have to go back to India or another post in the world to apply for their visa,” Stufft said.
“That’s very exciting for all of us. It will take time. We’re building up that operation from zero. That’s something that we have not done for several decades at this point. This will have big benefits for Indians who are living and working in America,” she added.
(Source: PTI)
DALLAS, TX (TIP): The University of Texas at Dallas has conferred Indian industrialist Naveen Jindal with a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his accomplishments in industry, politics and education.
An alumnus of the University of Texas at Dallas’ 1992 batch, Jindal received the award in a ceremony held on March 25. Jindal is the second person to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Texas at Dallas after Nobel Laureate Aziz Sancar, according to a media release. As a student at the university, Jindal served as both Student Government vice president and president and earned the Student Leader of the Year Award. He was recognized with the University’s Distinguished Alumni award in 2010.
To celebrate the success of their distinguished alumni, the University of Texas at Dallas honored him by rechristening their School of Management as the Naveen Jindal School of Management in 2011.
The lifetime achievement award is the highest honor that the University of Texas Dallas bestows on alumni, to recognize a graduate whose extraordinary contributions have bettered society, transformed the university and inspired others to reach new heights of excellence, the release said.
(Source: PTI)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): In a statement on Monday, March 27, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services said it has received enough electronic registrations during the initial period to reach the fiscal year 2024 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption — the master’s cap.
“We have randomly selected from the registrations properly submitted to reach the cap and have notified all prospective petitioners with selected registrations that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration,” it said.
H-1B cap-subject petitions for the financial year 2024, including those petitions eligible for the advanced degree exemption, may be filed with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) from April 1, 2023, if based on a valid, selected registration. Only petitioners with selected registrations may file H-1B cap-subject petitions for 2024 fiscal and only for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration notice, the USCIS said.
The US Congress has set the current annual regular cap for the H-1B category at 65,000. Of this, 6,800 visas are set aside under the terms of the legislation implementing the US-Chile and U.S.-Singapore free trade agreements. Unused visas in this group become available for H-1B use for the next fiscal year’s regular H-1B cap.
(Source: PTI)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The United States is watching the court case of Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi, an official has said while observing that Washington continues to engage with India on the shared commitment towards democratic principles and the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression.
Gandhi was on March 23 sentenced to two years in jail by a Surat court in a 2019 criminal defamation case over his “why all thieves have Modi surname” remark. A day later, he was disqualified from the Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction in the case. “Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. We are watching Mr. Gandhi’s case in Indian courts and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including, freedom of expression,” the State Department’s Deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters at a news conference on Monday, March 27.
“In our engagements with our Indian partners, we continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression, as a key to strengthening both our democracies,” he said.
Responding to a question, Patel said it is normal and standard for the United States to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where it has bilateral relationships.
Opposition parties in India stepped up their offensive against the Narendra Modi government and observed a “black day for democracy” on Monday, three days after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from the Lok Sabha. The BJP condemned the ruckus created by the Opposition in Parliament and accused the Congress of resorting to “low-level politics” in its bid to justify Gandhi’s remarks against the OBC community.
(Source: PTI)
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India’s Union Minister for Jal Shakti during a Q&A session after delivering a talk at the Indian Consulate on March 21, 2023. (Photo : Jay Mandal- On Assignment)Photo:-Jay Mandal/On Assignment
NEW YORK (TIP): India’s Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was accorded a civic reception at the Indian Consulate here on March 21, 2023. The visiting minister who spoke in Hindi dwelt on the phenomenal work India had done in the field of water management. He claimed that safe drinking water has been made available in the entire country. There were areas earlier where water was too scarce for human survival, and people had to travel miles to fetch drinking water. He said that the situation has changed. In the field of agriculture, too, the drought prone areas have been identified and plans drawn to reach water where required.
To a question on connecting rivers of India, as suggested by the former President of India Dr. Abdul Kalam, the minister said that the former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee was enthusiastic about the proposal. The proposal which had gone into cold storage is now being reconsidered. Consul General of India Randhir Kumar Jaiswal moderated the question answer session. Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph thanked the visiting minister and the guests. Ms Shahana at the Community affairs section of the consulate emceed the program.
A view of the audience. (Photo : Jay Mandal- On Assignment)Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph thanks the visiting minister and the guests (TIP Photo)The Master of Ceremonies, Ms. Shahana. (TIP Photo)
From left to right: Dr. Ramu Reddy-philanthropist, Mrs. Padma Taduri EC Member, Dr. Shilpa Reddy – philanthropist, Mrs. Sadhana Reddy Pailla-philanthropist, Mr. and Mrs. Sudhakar Vidiyala-Industrialist/philanthropists, Mr. Chauhan-Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Rajinder Jinna, Chairman NYTTA, Mr. Sunil Reddy Gaddam President NYTTA, Srinivas Guduru Founder NYTTA, Usha Teepireddy BOD, Dr Sheetal Desai South Asian Advisory member for New York State Assemblymember David Weprin, Mr. Vamshi Reddy President Telangana American Telugu AssociationCultural Performance During the event.
FLUSHING, NY (TIP): NYTTA, organized, NYTTA SAMBARALU, a grand celebration of Maha Shivaratri and Women’s Day on March 4, 2023, in Hindu Temple Auditorium, Flushing. (SAMBARALU, in Telugu, a South Indian Language means Celebrations). Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu Festival, celebrated in India, especially in the State of Telangana. Devotees fast during the day and offer all-night vigil called JAGARAN, singing bhajans in praise of the Lord Shiva. Incidentally, on this day Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi got married. Lord Parvathi is known as Jaganmatha, (mother of all mothers) is known to be a very powerful Shakti. Hence it was thought that it is apt to celebrate Women’s Day offering prayer to Goddess Parvathi, together with Maha Shivaratri.
The event has been graced by more than 600 guests from all over New York City, Long Island and neighboring New Jersey and Connecticut states. Telanganites have a great presence not only in these states but also other states within the US. Children from the local community enthralled the audience with their gracious dances, devotional and folklore songs, composed by eminent Gurus. The festivities went on from 3 PM to midnight, with the audience pinned to their seats and watching the cultural programs. Artists from India have performed filmi and Telangana specific folklores. Sumptuous dinner with specials from the Telangana State have been served. Some of the authentic food items not available have been flown specially from India.
It was a great honor that Mr. Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Innovation, the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, Brooklyn President’s Office, graced the occasion. Mr. Dilip Chauhan has been a great friend of the Indian Community, especially Telugus in New York. He has attended several cultural, economic, and educational programs in New York, and has been a great inspiration for the community. As a Deputy Controller of the Minority Affairs office in Nassau Country he is a well-known motivating personality in Long Island as well. Thus, he has established a strong bond with the community spread across Long Island and New York City.
In his speech to the audience, Mr. Chauhan congratulated the NYTTA Chairman, Dr. Rajender Jinna, and the President of NYTTA, Mr. Sunil Reddy Gaddam, on organizing such a massive gathering of Telangana Community. He congratulated the children and the parents on carrying the cultural values of their motherland forward and practicing them here as well. This brings diversity to the community which is the strong pillar of New York, which embraces communities from different countries and cultures. He said Telugus are one of the fastest growing communities, contributing to educational values and also as most of them are IT Professionals, Doctors, Engineers contributes significantly to the economy. He led the galaxy of leaders and philanthropists in releasing the first ever Souvenir commemorating the grand gala.
NYTTA SAMBARALU commemorative souvenir being released by, Deputy Commissioner, in the presence of galaxy of leaders and philanthropists, Executive Committee and Board of Directors of New York Telangana Telugu Association.
Chairman, Dr. Jinna thanked Mr. Chauhan for his valuable time and said the goal of the organization is to bring up the children to grow up as the responsible citizens. He said, the organization will make every effort in utilizing the encouragement provided by the Mayor’s office to the communities. President, Mr. Sunil Reddy Gaddam, explained him the upcoming activities of the organization and efforts of the organization in serving the community here in US and back home. Mr. Chauhan appreciated him for the innovative themes Mr. Sunil introduced this year. The founder of the organization, Mr. Srinivas Guduru, a long-time friend of Mr. Chauhan, gave his vision of establishing the organization in New York, and introduced him to the generous donors supporting the organization, and the esteemed local leadership from various organizations. He vehemently thanked Mr. Chauhan for his continuous support to the South Asians in general, and Telugus in particular, of this region.
(Based on a Press Release)
Usha Teepireddy BOD; Dr. Ramu Reddy-philanthropist and Committee members with Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan.Chief Guest of the event, Mr. Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Innovation, delivering speech at the NYTTA SAMBARALU event, at Hindu Temple Auditorium, Flushing, March 4, 2023
Dr Arun Swaminath explained the various symptoms related to colorectal disease, including diarrhea and weight loss.
NEW YORK (TIP):- Describing colon cancer as “an epidemic that has been underneath the surface” for a long time, leading physicians here have voiced concern over the low screening rates among the South Asian community and underscored the importance of spreading awareness about its early detection and treatments. Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). Other types of cancer affecting the colon include lymphoma, carcinoid tumors, melanoma, and sarcomas.
New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan on Monday, March 20, said that as the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, “we have a unique opportunity to turn the tide on these low rates of colorectal cancer screening, to reengage in our overall health and well-being, to focus… on prevention, moving upstream and focusing on the impact of diet and activity and exercise.” “This is an epidemic that’s been underneath the surface for a long time,” the Indian-origin physician and epidemiologist said at a seminar on Colorectal Cancer Awareness organized at the Consulate General of India here.
Dr. Peter Bhandari spoke about colorectal cancer and its impact on the South Asian community.
Citing data on low screening rates for colon cancer in certain communities, Vasan said, “the proof is in the epidemiological pudding,” adding that according to the city’s data, Asian and Pacific Islanders have the lowest rates of colorectal cancer screening (48.1 per cent) compared to the Blacks, Whites and Latino counterparts (70.8 per cent). At the seminar, Dr Arun Swaminath, who serves as the director of the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Programme at Lenox Hill Hospital explained the various symptoms related to colorectal disease, including diarrhea and weight loss.
Swaminath noted that five per cent of the US population will develop colon cancer in their lifetime and “most of them will have no symptoms,” stressing the importance of getting regular tests, and colonoscopy screenings to ensure early detection and treatment. The New York Chapter of the American College of Physicians (NYACP) Council Board Resident Representative for the Manhattan/Bronx Region Dr Peter Bhandari spoke about colorectal cancer and its impact on the South Asian community.
Dr. Aditya Sreenivasan outlined colorectal risk factors as well as dietary and lifestyle habits, including regular exercises, that can help in the long term.Dr. Aditya Sreenivasan
He said colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer worldwide with approximately 1.9 million new cases in 2020. It is the second deadliest cancer with approximately 900,000 deaths and is also responsible for approximately 10 per cent of global deaths related to cancer, he said. “It is one of the most preventable cancers when identified early,” Bhandari said. He cited studies that have enabled physicians to identify potential barriers as to why the South Asian community has not been able to obtain colorectal screening at par with other ethnicities.
He said these include a lack of awareness of colorectal cancer, geographic and economic accessibility, social and cultural beliefs, stigma in getting a colonoscopy and communication barriers. Associate Programme Director, Department of Gastroenterology, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health Dr Aditya Sreenivasan outlined colorectal risk factors as well as dietary and lifestyle habits, including regular exercises, that can help in the long term. “Many people understand the clear link between smoking and lung cancer, lung disease or heart disease, but it is clearly associated with the increased risk of colon cancer as well,” he said. He noted that being sedentary for more than 14 hours a day was associated with more than 2.5 times the risk of developing colon cancer. “So it’s more important than ever to get up, walk around and get some form of exercise every day,” he explained. The experts noted that colonoscopy is considered the “gold standard” for colon cancer screening. It is recommended that adults between the ages of 45 and 75 have a colonoscopy at least once every 5-10 years, depending on family medical history, digestive health issues and other gastrointestinal symptoms, according to Northwell Health.
Young children aged between 6 and 13 years gave well-researched presentations about millets.
PHILADELPHIA, PA (TIP): The Gangaur Festival in Philadelphia turned out to be a major millets event in the US, attracting over 400 people. Young children gave educational presentations about millets, which was a key highlight.
Bhartiya Temple celebrated the 16th Gangaur Festival this year on Sunday with much gusto at the Bhartiya Temple in Chalfont, Philadelphia. The event, which was jointly organized by Bhartiya Temple (BTI) and Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal (PARAM), highlighted the Rajasthani culture in Greater Philadelphia Area. Besides the festivities, millets was the biggest highlight as young children gave engaging presentations about millets, dishes were served and a poster was also unveiled with PM Narendra Modi’s quotes about healthy grains.
Dr. Varun Jeph, Deputy Consul General of India, New York, was the Chief Guest and Prem Bhandari, President of Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA), New York and Jaipur Foot USA, was the Guest of Honor. The event also witnessed a multitude of Rajasthani and Indian origin people coming together to celebrate the festival, turning it into a grand-scale event. With more than 400 people in attendance, this was the biggest millets festival by scale in the US.
The key highlight of the festival was active and enthusiastic participation by young children aged between 6 and 13 years, who gave well-researched presentations about millets, its health and environmental benefits, ease of cultivation, affordability aspects and more. There were a total of 11 children who gave millets presentations and even made their own posters, which gripped the attention of hundreds of people.
Bhandari was delighted by the way these young children gave such educational presentations about millets. After all their presentations, Bhandari asked the children if they knew who was instrumental behind the UN declaring 2023 as the “International Year of Millets” and the unanimous response won the hearts of everyone.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the kids said in unison.The presentations were a testament to PM Modi’s vision to see the use of millets being passed down to future generations. “Youth of our country should be aware that millets have been a part of our staple diet for 3000 years. Therefore, sensitize our younger generation about MAGIC MILLETS,” PM Modi had said.
BTI & PARAM has pledged to support the United Nation’s “The International Year of Millets” initiative to incorporate and promote awareness of the importance of millets in daily diet due to its nutritional value. Prem Bhandari inaugurated the initiative in North America at this event and unveiled a millets poster, featuring PM Narendra Modi’s portrait and his quotes about millets.
Bhandari also spoke at the event in the Rajasthani language, which is in line with his cause to get the language recognized in the Indian constitution’s eighth schedule and be made the “Raj Bhasha” of the state of Rajasthan.
Bhandari was felicitated at the event. In a heartwarming gesture, Bhandari shared the shawl with all the children, who gave presentations about millets.
RANA board members Ashok Pandey and Jaipur Foot USA board member Ajay Patel attended the event. Bhandari’s wife, Dr. Rekha Bhandari also attended the grand event.
Gangaur is colorful and one of the most important festivals of the people of Rajasthan, which is observed throughout the Indian state with great fervor and devotion by womenfolk who worship Goddess Gauri – the wife of Lord Shiva – during the month of Chaitra (March ~ April). It is the celebration of spring, harvest, marital fidelity, conjugal blessedness and childbearing. The festival is celebrated with great fanfare in Philadelphia.
Nand Todi, founder and president of Bharti temple, has been decorating Gangaur palanquin for 16 years. Gangaur procession was taken out by Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal, while Deputy Council General of India Dr. Varun Jeph, RANA President Prem Bhandari carried the Gangaur’s ride on his shoulder wearing a Rajasthani turban on his head. PARAM Founder President Dr. Ravi Murarka has been organizing events for the past 16 years.
The UN’s International Year of Millets stands to provide a unique opportunity to increase global production, ensure efficient processing and consumption, promote a better utilization of crop rotations, and encourage better connectivity throughout food systems to promote millet as a key component of the food basket. Millets are a good source of protein, fiber, key vitamins, and minerals. The potential health benefits of millets include protecting cardiovascular health, preventing the onset of chronic diseases such as diabetes, helping people achieve and maintain a healthy BMI, and managing gut inflammation.
The Gangaur festival celebration was a joyous occasion, complete with various cultural events including Gangaur Pooja, a procession with traditional Indian musical instruments such as Dhol and Taasha, live singing and dance performances throughout the evening. Traditional Rajasthani millet-based delicacies like Dal Baati, Churma, Gate ki Sabi, Mohanthal, Bajra Rotla, were served to promote millet awareness in the community.
At the event, Prem Bhandari also unveiled the poster for millets, which featured PM Modi’s portrait along with his quotes about millets.
Chief Guest Dr. Varun Jeph, Deputy Consul General of India, New York (third from the left) looks at the millet dishes prepared on the occasion. To his right is Prem Bhandari.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): A group of pro-Khalistan protesters on Sunday, March 19 made an attempt to set on fire India’s consulate in San Francisco, with senior Indian diplomats informing their American counterparts that they anticipate more such protests by anti-national elements in the coming weeks.
The incident is reported to have taken place around 4.20 am on Sunday, a portion of which was captured on the consulate’s CCTV.It is believed that two bearded men wearing a cap, who remain unidentified so far, poured flammable material at the entrance of the Indian mission in San Francisco and tried to put the building on flame, sources told media. However, the fire did not spread for reasons not known, possibly due to the building material or the quality of flammable liquid, multiple sources told media on Monday, March 20.
The consulate in San Francisco immediately took up the matter with the city police and concerned authorities at multiple levels from San Francisco to Washington DC.
However, the protestors went violent later in the day.
Around 11 hours later, in the absence of a strong law enforcement and city police presence, pro-Khalistan supporters broke the makeshift barricade, forced entry inside the premises of the Indian Consulate in San Francisco and hammered at the doors and windows, shattered the glass panes after their Khalistan flag was removed by the mission staffers.
In the process, one of the consulate employees sustained minor injuries. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco and senior officials from the Indian Embassy here have lodged a very strong protest at multiple levels in the US Government and the California State Government.
On Monday, the Khalistani protestors pitched a tent outside the San Francisco consulate. Among those present in the protest were those who were part of the vandalism and defacing of Indian property. The local Indian American community is outraged that the San Francisco Police have taken no action against them.
Several people who came to the consulate for passport or visa services were harassed by the protestors and in some cases even obstructed from entering the premises.
Multiple sources told media that it all started on Saturday evening when a group of Khalistan activists pitched a tent in front of the consulate premises and started the protest.
Saturday evening, the separatist Sikhs defaced the wall and premises of the consulate with graffiti. Consulate employees were quick enough to remove the graffiti. All the concerned law enforcement authorities were immediately informed about it. They were told that they had information that the protest might turn violent.
On Sunday – around 4.20 am as captured on CCTV of the consulate – there was a serious attempt to put the building on fire. Local officials were soon informed about this failed attempt, which if successful could have dented permanent damage to the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Senior Indian diplomats have told their American counterparts that they anticipate more such protests by anti-national and anti-social elements in the coming weeks and months. Security has been beefed up at all the Indian diplomatic missions in the US. Separatist Sikhs have held a similar protest in front of the Indian Embassy in Washington DC. But the protest remained a peaceful one, mainly because of the pro-activeness of the Washington DC Police and Diplomatic Security.
But this wasn’t the case in San Francisco, which till Monday had not deployed enough security to prevent any attack on the premises , and no action has been taken so far against those responsible for such unprecedented vandalism and defacing of the Indian Consulate.
In recent months there has been a rise in anti-India activities in Canada, Australia and the UK by Khalistan supporters who have vandalized some Hindu temples in these countries. India on Monday lodged a strong protest with the US Charge d’Affaires in Delhi over the incident of vandalism at the Indian consulate general in San Francisco by some pro-Khalistan elements during a protest. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi said the US government was asked to take appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
“In a meeting with the US Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi, India conveyed its strong protest at the vandalization of the property of the Consulate General of India, San Francisco,” the MEA said.
(Source: PTI )
NEW YORK (TIP): New York Governor Hochul had proposed a multipronged plan to help fill the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s budget gap of nearly $3 billion by 2025 through a mix of new revenue streams, including $500 million a year from New York City.
But lawmakers shot down the pillars of her plan. Both the Senate and Assembly opposed her proposal to raise payroll taxes on businesses that benefit from the transit network, as well as the $500 million yearly contribution from the city. The Senate also rejected her move to divert revenues from three planned casinos in the New York City region to help the authority. Instead, the Senate proposed giving the New York City Council the authority to create a parking permit system in the city’s residential neighborhoods, an idea that has been floated by some transit advocates for years but has failed to gain traction.
The city would be allowed to charge up to $30 a month for a permit, and the revenues would be dedicated to the M.T.A. The proposal would give the Council the power to require permits in certain areas, with the aim of easing the difficulty that many residents have in finding street parking.
Wharton Arts at its Annual Gala on Thursday, March 9, 2023, honored former New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS) Artistic Director and Conductor Barbara Barstow posthumously with the Education Award. The award was presented by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Helen H. Cha-Pyo and accepted by Barstow’s husband, Bill Barstow. The event featured a tribute performance of Karl Jenkin’s ‘Palladio’ by a string ensemble of current NJYS students and alumni in addition to a live auction during a three-course dinner.
Barbara Barstow was the second Artistic Director of New Jersey Youth Symphony (2000-2009) and longtime conductor (1981-2009) who spearheaded the start of the youth orchestra program’s Preparatory Orchestra, Junior Strings, and Orchestral Strings Training Ensemble (OSTE), as well as the annual NJYS summer camp and Playathon. Her dedication and visionary leadership for nearly three decades helped shape the organization into the thriving musical community that it is today.
Barbara Barstow (left), husband Bill Barstow.
Said Cha-Pyo, “We cannot express enough our gratitude for Barbara’s unwavering commitment to NJYS, which has been instrumental in transforming it into the dynamic and flourishing musical community of 15 ensembles that it is today. By honoring Barbara with this year’s Education Award, we also celebrate the countless musicians and music lovers whose lives she has deeply touched over the years. As we approach NJYS’ 45th anniversary season, we look forward to continuing this celebration with our NJYS alumni and carrying on Barbara’s legacy of excellence in music education.”
The 2023 Wharton Arts Lifetime Achievement Awardee Angel Blue, Grammy award-winning opera soprano was also honored. Angel Blue has taken the opera world by storm with historic performances as Violetta in Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’ and, despite being told it would never happen, Ms. Blue was the first black woman to ever sing the fully staged role in Italy at Teatro alla Scala. She currently sings the role of Violetta Valéry in the new Metropolitan Opera production of ‘La Traviata.’
Angel Blue.Angel Blue
Peter H. Gistelinck, Executive Director of Wharton Arts, shared his enthusiasm for the honoree and said, “Angel Blue is not only an amazing internationally-recognized and celebrated opera singer with huge credentials, but also represents the tenacity and courage necessary to persist in the professional world of classical music. Her career and life path are testimonies to this, and she definitely is an example to all of us.”
“I am so honored to be recognized with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award of Wharton Arts, an organization I admire for their work and creative mission of offering accessible, high quality performing arts education that sparks personal growth and builds stronger communities,” said Angel Blue.
The Gala was held at the Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park, NJ. To find out more about the event and tribute to Barbara Barstow, visit WhartonArtsGala.org.
————————————
WHARTON WITH YMCA INSTILLS SIGNIFICANCE OF COMMUNITY FOR SENIORS By Mabel Pais
Wharton Arts, New Jersey’s largest non-profit performing arts education center partners with the Summit Area YMCA to offer programs for adults aged 55 and over beginning March 20, 2023.
Seniors CAFÉ Choir.(Credit : Wharton Arts.)
The Wharton CAFÉ (Creative Aging for Everyone) Choir is a free eight-week choir program that will culminate with a public performance in New Providence on May 9. The program is a continuation of a pre-pandemic rendering made possible through funding from the National Guild for Community Arts Education.
In the fall of 2017, Wharton Arts was one of 20 organizations selected for the National Guild for Community Arts Education’s Catalyzing Creative Aging Program, a multi-phase initiative that supports the establishment of new creative aging programs at nonprofit arts education organizations nationwide. With the support of the Guild, Wharton Arts piloted its first CAFÉ (Creative Aging for Everyone) Choir in 2019 with 30 participants from Brighton Gardens of Mountainside and Sunrise of Madison. The free 12-week program culminated in a final concert at the Chatham United Methodist Church, where the choir performed popular standards from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer.
When asked to complete a program evaluation, more than 70% of the choir respondents indicated that CAFÉ Choir increased their appreciation of the arts and their interest in learning more about singing and the performing arts. The majority of respondents also indicated that the program increased their confidence, mental engagement, and confidence in creating art, and half of the respondents indicated that this program encouraged them to take part in other community activities.
“In response to the growing community’s need for more and better opportunities to improve quality of life and outlets to stay fulfilled and connected throughout one’s lifetime, Wharton Arts cultivated several avenues of creative expression for adults of all ability levels,” said Cha-Pyo.
This season’s CAFÉ Choir differs from the initial rendition in that it is a shorter, 8-week course open to the public, but the program is still completely free to participants. Classes take place at two area YMCA locations: the Summit Area Y and the Berkeley Heights YMCA.
Said Summit Area YMCA Program Coordinator Mary Grace McCann, “As a member of the Diversity, Inclusion and Global Innovation Network, the Summit Area YMCA is committed to bridge building and encouraging a welcoming atmosphere within the community. The Y is made up of people from all walks of life who are joined together by a shared commitment to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.”
Both Wharton Arts and the Summit Area YMCA hope that promoting this free opportunity among their over-10,000 combined members in an area spanning the communities of Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Millburn, Springfield, Short Hills, Summit, Gillette, Stirling, and beyond will offer meaningful social engagement with peers, family, and communities, further contributing to an improved quality of life for participants to feel valued and empowered as they make connections between art and their own life experiences.
As the older adult population in NJ increases exponentially in the coming years, the development of accessible, high-quality programs and resources that improve quality of life are essential. Research shows the positive impacts of arts participation for older adult audiences who often experience extreme social isolation. For example, Dr. Gene Cohen, a leader in the field of geriatric psychiatry, demonstrated that older adults who participate in community-based cultural programs report better physical health, fewer doctor visits, less medication use, and higher morale than study participants who did not engage in such programs. The sense of empowerment that comes with skill development is also linked to improvements in physical and mental health in older adults.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the need for engagement and connection among these audiences, and Wharton Arts hopes to meet this incredible need by engaging adults 55+ through a variety of Lifelong Learning programs. For more information about the Wharton CAFÉ Choir, visit WhartonArts.org.
Wharton Arts
Learn more about Wharton Arts at WhartonArts.org.
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)
LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): The community stood together in joy and pride at the celebration of 12th Outstanding Women’s Achievement Gala on March 5, a part of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day Celebrations. At the gala, attended by over 300 guests, five distinguished women with the highest caliber were honored for their achievements. Chairperson Indu Jaiswal and Gala Chair Shammi Singh, both known for their strong commitment and dedication to the community cause, along with the entire team of IAF, were the organizing force behind the GALA.
A dance performance.
New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and Town of North Hempstead Clerk Ragini Srivastava were described as symbols of woman empowerment and success in his welcome address by Dr. Bobby Kalotee.
Five distinguished women who had excelled in their profession and community services were presented with Outstanding Women’s achievements Awards. They were also presented with Citations from Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby from Town of Hempstead, Joseph Saladino , Supervisor Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County Comptroller Office Elaine Phillips, Town of North Hempstead Clerk Ragini Srivastava.
The honorees included Sandhya Bhatia, Branch Manager, Vice president of Flushing Bank , Nayana Brahmbhatt – a BAPS Volunteer, Vandana Jauhar, a leading musical artist and singer, Dr. Parul Dua Makkar, the owner of PDM Family Dental in Long Island, and Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist at Allergy and Asthma Associates of Murray Hill. Young Achiever Ria Parashar is a volunteer at Children’s Hope and helps the Special Needs Community. The honorees were graciously moderated by Ratna Bhalla, Inesha Joneja, Chanbir Sethi, Roopam Maini, Dr. Prachi Dua, Dr. Pallavi Singh and Sunita Manjrekar.
Dr. Bobby Kalotee addresses the gathering
This was followed by a special Bare Foot -Special presentation by Nilima Madan. Bare Foot Empress follows the remarkable journey of Karthyayani Amma, who having never access to education as a girl finally gets to join a first-grade class at the age of 96 years. Written and directed by Michelin Star Chef Vikas Khanna it is produced by Oscar nominated Doug Roland. Video clips were provided by well-known TV anchor Ms. Renee Mehrra.
Among those present during the event were Honorable Padma Shri Dr Sudhir Parikh, Dr Sudha Parikh, Dr Bobby Kumar Kalotee Founder of IAF, Dr Urmilesh Arya, Dr Bhupendra Patel, Mr Surinder Rametra, Beena Kothari, Vijay Goswamy, Anju Sharma, Sanju Sharma, Jasbir Jay Singh, Flora Parekh – President of Gift of Life USA, Anil Shah from VTNY, Sunil Jain from Vass Pipe, Rizwan Qureshi from HAB Bank, Madhu Pareek from Navika, Anuj Rihal, Dr. Harshad Bhatt from BAPS, Gobind Munjal President National AIA, Smriti Khanna, Dr Dina Pahlajani President Children’s Hope, members of AAPIQLI, Harry Malhotra several past honorees and many distinguished community and organizational leaders.
JUS Punjabi TV anchor Aashmeeta Yogiraj emceed the event.
The entire IAF team with several volunteers were instrumental in making the event a grand success.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): President Joe Biden on Thursday, March 10 unveiled a USD 6.9 trillion annual budget for the year 2024, which proposes a hefty tax on the rich, massive spending on social measures and investment on building key infrastructure.
The budget was termed a “non-starter” by the Republicans who have a majority in the House of Representatives.
Biden at a rally in Philadelphia asserted that his budget reflects what “we can do to” lift the burden on hard working Americans and it would reduce the deficit this year by USD 160 billion.”To support working parents, my budget expands access to affordable childcare for millions of families. And it’s going to invest in paid family medical leave,” Biden said, adding that his budget also invests in elder care and home care and restores the child tax credit.
Biden said the budget will deliver funding to help the US lead the world again. “My budget also invests in critical issues that matter to families, increasing the supply of affordable housing, lower rental costs, and make it easier to buy a home, all of which will generate economic growth and prosperity,” he said. Asserting that he brought down the deficit of USD 1.7 trillion more than any president in American history, Biden said his latest budget is going to reduce the deficit by nearly USD 3 trillion over 10 years.
The budgetary proposals call for imposing a 25 per cent minimum tax on the wealthiest 0.01 per cent of households, quadrupling a one per cent surcharge on corporate stock buybacks, restoring the top marginal income tax rate to 39.6 per cent. It proposes to raise the corporate income tax rate from 21 per cent to 28 per cent. “No billionaire should be paying a lower tax than somebody working as a schoolteacher or a firefighter or any of you in this room. So, my plan is to make sure the corporations begin to pay their fair share. It used to be 35 per cent. We cut it down to 21 per cent. I think we should be paying 28 per cent,” he said.
“There’s going to be a real fight in that but we should be paying more than 21 per cent. And I made clear under my plan, and I made this commitment when I ran and I haven’t broken it yet and I never will,” he said.
Acknowledging that there are sharp differences with the Republicans, Biden said he is willing to sit down with them to talk and negotiate.
“My budget is about investing in America and all of America, including places and people and folks who have been forgotten. Amid the economic upheaval of the past four decades, too many people have been left behind or treated like they’re invisible. Not anymore,” he said.
The opposition Republican party was very critical of the budget. “President Joe Biden’s budget is a reckless proposal doubling down on the same Far Left spending policies that have led to record inflation and our current debt crisis, said Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik in a joint statement.
“After passing trillions of dollars in new deficit spending that we cannot afford, over the next 30 years, the national debt will be nearly twice the size of the entire economy. In the next ten years, the federal government will spend over USD 10 trillion on interest alone,” they said. Vice President Kamala Harris said the administration is investing in the full potential of the American people. “Our budget will lower costs, invest in workers, and strengthen Medicare and Social Security. It does all of this while cutting the deficit and making sure billionaires pay their fair share,” she said.
(Source: PTI)
WASHINGTON,D.C. (TIP): A bipartisan bill was introduced in the US House of Representatives on Friday to properly utilize the employment-based visas currently allocated each year under existing federal immigration law.
Introduced by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi from the Democratic Party and Larry Bucshon from the GOP, the Eliminating Backlogs Act of 2023 would give greater flexibility to use existing allotted work visas that employers desperately need, its authors said.”Even as our country’s high-skilled immigration system helps us draw top talent from around the world, current law caps the number of employment-based visas available based on workers’ country of origin, leaving thousands of visas that would otherwise help our economy unused,” Krishnamoorthi said.
The legislation is aimed at ending country-based discrimination in high-skilled immigration to ensure use of all allotted visa to draw skilled workers from across the globe to help strengthen the American economy and create jobs while they also continue to invest in the domestic workforce, he said.
“Under current federal immigration law, there are a certain number of visas allocated annually for skilled workers, such as doctors and engineers, to ensure our workforce can meet the demands of our economy in Indiana and across the country,” Bucshon said.
Unfortunately, bureaucratic policies and delays have prevented hundreds of thousands of these visas from being used, despite a serious need for more skilled workers across the country, he said.
The bill helps eliminate this backlog and ensure that visas allocated under existing federal immigration law can be properly used. “This will help support an immigration system that incentivizes and rewards legal applicants and boosts our economy,” said Bucshon. Every year, the Congress allows for a set number of foreign nationals with specific skills and training to come to the US for work. This helps ensure that American businesses have access to the skilled labor force they need to succeed.
Each nation is capped at receiving only seven per cent of the allotted employment-based slots in any year. Due to this per-country limitation and bureaucratic delays, US immigration officials failed to utilize approximately 9,100 employment-based visas in FY2020 and over 66,000 in FY2021, the media release said.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The nomination of Eric Garcetti for US Ambassador to India moved a step closer to being confirmed by the Senate as it adopted a cloture motion, indicating that the ruling Democrats have the support of a super-majority for his selection for the key position.
Such a move by Senate Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer came a day after the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at its business meeting voted 13-8 in favor of his nomination.
Garcetti’s nomination is pending before the US Congress since July 2021, when he was nominated for the prestigious diplomatic posting by President Joe Biden.
His nomination was not brought to the Senate floor for a vote during the last Congress as the ruling Democratic Party did not have enough support to get the 52-year-old close aide of Biden through.
On Thursday, March 9 afternoon, a Senate clerk read and brought the nomination of Garcetti to be Ambassador of the US to India on the Senate floor.
“I send the cloture motion to the desk,” Schumer said on the floor which was adopted by a voice vote. A cloture motion is a procedural motion that, if adopted, limits further debate on the matter at hand. It allows the majority to defeat efforts by the minority to delay or obstruct proceedings on a matter by showing the matter has the support of a super-majority. After that, the clerk read a message from 16 senators.
“We, the undersigned senators, in accordance with the provisions of rule 22 of the standing rules of the Senate do hereby move to bring to a close debate on the nomination of executive counter number 65, Eric Garcetti of California to be ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of India,” the clerk said.
Schumer sought and received consent that the names of the 16 Senators are not read, following which the cloture motion was agreed to. Kenneth Juster, the last occupant of the ambassadorial residence of the US in New Delhi, stepped down in January 2021 after the change of government in America.
During Thursday’s session, Schumer also got a similar cloture motion passed on the nomination of Indian-American Ravi Chaudhary to be an Assistant Secretary of the Air Force.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris led the country in sending greetings to the Hindu community in the United States, in India and across the world on the occasion of Holi.
While for several years now the festival of colors has been observed in various parts of the country, which many a times attracts thousands of participants like the one at Barsana Dham in Texas or in Atlanta and Florida, and lawmakers have been sending their greetings for quite some time now, this is for the first time probably the greetings of Holi has been broadcast from the White House.
“I wish the happiest Holi to those celebrating love, laughter, goodness, and the arrival of spring during today’s Festival of Colors,” Biden said in a presidential tweet.
“As we come together to mark the arrival of spring and celebrate the triumph of good over evil, may the vibrant colors of Holi brighten our world with joy, hope, and positivity. Happy Holi to all who celebrate,” tweeted Vice President Kamala Harris. Both of them had a colorful picture of Holi with the logo of the White House on it.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken soon followed with his own tweet. “Wishing all celebrating a very happy Holi. May this festival of colors fill you with joy,” he said.
As images of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo playing Holi at the residence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi went viral, several lawmakers extended greetings on the festival. “Happy Holi to everyone celebrating across the world! Hoping you have a bright and peaceful Festival of Colors!” said Senator Mark Warner, co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Congresswoman Judy Chu said “Happy Holi” to the millions that celebrate in the United States and around the world! “Let us commemorate this festival of colors by remembering to see the light even in the face of darkness and to celebrate our differences as strengths. May the arrival of spring bring new beginnings, hope, and happiness to all,” she said.
Congresswoman Grace Meng said Holi is a joyous occasion to revel in the arrival of spring and to celebrate the victory of good over evil. “In the spirit of Holi, I hope we can all find optimism in the conviction that good will prevail when we stand by our beliefs and step forward in unity. I am grateful for all things that bring our communities joy, peace, and strength. Happy Holi!” she said.
Holi is a joyous celebration that welcomes spring and reminds us that good will always triumph over evil, said Congressman Ted Lieu. “As we celebrate the renewal of life that spring brings, I am hopeful that 2023 will bring us more light, peace, and joy. Wishing a happy and prosperous Festival of Colors to all!” he said.
Ami Bera, the longest serving Indian-American Member of Congress, said Holi is the celebration of light vanquishing darkness and the triumph of good over evil. “This new spring season, let us recommit to spreading love and tolerance within our communities and celebrate the ties that bind us closer together,” the Congressman said. Influential Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal wished a happy Holi to all who celebrate in Seattle and around the world! “This is such a powerful time of year, as we come together to welcome in spring and new growth and celebrate the triumph of good over evil. I hope this holiday brings us all communion, love, and gratitude. Happy Holi!,” she said.
“Happy Holi to everyone in CA-17 and around the world celebrating. Holi is a reminder of the triumph of good over evil and that there’s a bright future ahead for our country. I hope this year’s celebration brings you joy, renewal, and hope for the coming year,” said Congressman Ro Khanna.
Congressman Andy Kim said even through the most challenging times, Holi signals a brighter future and reminds of the lasting triumph of good. “We hope this vibrant, spring celebration brings you and your loved ones together, to celebrate love and hope for a brighter future,” he said.
Powerful Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said during this festival of colors, “let us take a moment to celebrate the arrival of spring and renew our commitment” to bringing peace and prosperity to all.
“Happy Holi to Hindu communities in the East Bay and across the globe! The Festival of Colors is a celebration of good over evil, of light over darkness. May this special time bring you and your loved ones peace and joy as we enter spring,” Congresswoman Barbara Lee said.
“As we celebrate the start of Holi, let us boldly affirm our commitment to unity, diversity, and inclusivity. This festival of colors reminds us that our differences are a source of strength, and that by coming together with love and respect, we can overcome any obstacle. Let us pledge to continue spreading the vibrant hues of happiness and togetherness, and to stand up against hate and division in all its forms. Happy Holi to all in Michigan and around the world!” said Congressman Shri Thanedar.
“Happy Holi to all those celebrating in Southern California and across the country! This colorful festival brings communities together to celebrate the new spring season and its fortunes. I join my CAPAC colleagues in sending joy, positivity, and good wishes to you and your family,” said Congresswoman Linda Sanchez.
Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel also sent in her Holi message. “Happy Holi to all Hindu, Sikhs, and Jains who are celebrating today. May this festival of colors bring much joy as you mark the arrival of spring and celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Happy Holi!” she said.
Come get inspired at The International Day of Women celebration! Discover new connections!
Gathering of participants on Women’s Day (Photo : Courtesy NJPAC)
Women@NJPAC, for over 25 years, has enabled women to channel their time, talent and treasure in promoting the beneficial role of the arts in our everyday lives.
Now, more than ever, we need the arts in all of its manifestations as we continue to fight injustice, reaffirm the autonomy and resilience of women and find sustenance for the journey toward equity and justice for all.
The ‘Gathering of Givers’ event is a unique experience, offering women from across the state of New Jersey the chance to gather, connect, heal, motivate each other and recommit their energies to the collective fight ahead.
Join the illustrious group of women on International Women’s Day for inspiration, healing and new connections as we work toward lasting change in our communities, our state and our world.
PROGRAM
What: ‘Gathering of Givers: Embracing Resilience and Unleashing Hope’
When: Wednesday March 8, 2023, 8:30-11:30AM
Where: NJPAC, 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ
How: Rsvp @ njpac.tfaforms.net/257 or call 973.353.7566
Who: Featuring
Aisha Glover, VP, Center for Urban Innovation, Audible
Nina Cooke John, Principal, Studio Cooke John; Architect and Artist, ’Shadow of A Face’, The Harriet Tubman Monument, Newark, NJ
Tamara Linde, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, PSEG; and Board Chair, Community Foundation of New Jersey
Nelba Márquez-Greene, Founder, The Ana Grace Project
LaMonica McIver, Council President, Newark Municipal Council
Angelica M. Ogando, MBA, Co-Founder & COO of Yoshida Academy; Co-Founder & CEO of Warrior Queen Cosmetics
fayemi shakur, Arts and Cultural Affairs Director, City of Newark
Senator M. Theresa Ruiz, New Jersey Senate Majority Leader
Lindsay Schambach, Executive Director, Imagine
Scheherazade Tillet, Co-Founder, The Long Walk Home
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)
—————————————————
TIK TOK COMEDIAN PINKY PATEL MAKES MILLIONS LAUGH
By Mabel Pais
“I want little Indian girls to watch their moms laugh because they have a phone in front of them and when they peek over their shoulders, it’s me, an Indian woman on their screen, making their mom laugh. To me, that is full circle.” – Pinky Patel
Pinky Patel (facebook.com/PinkyPatelOfficial)
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) brings us PINKY PATEL and her ‘NEW CROWN WHO DHIS’ TOUR at the Victoria Theater, Newark on Saturday, March 11, at 8 PM.
Pinky Patel, originally from Illinois, is a PTA mom turned creator, comedian, and social media personality with over 5 M Tik Tok followers. She is a fresh new comedian who got her start on TikTok, making millions of people laugh.
When Pinky is not busy giving out free hits of serotonin, you can find her being an everyday PTA mom to her two young roommates and trying to find new and inventive ways to evict all of the extra eight-legged roommates she keeps acquiring in her glam cave. She is best known for her hilarious commentary and viral videos from her glam cave that has garnered millions of likes on social media. She has worked with brands such as Clorox, Pfizer, Pure Leaf Tea, and many more. You can catch Pinky in a city near you on her much-anticipated ‘New Crown Who Dhis Tour.’
“You are more than a mom or a wife. You are more than the labels society places on you, you become whoever you want to be, whatever that looks like,” says Patel.
“Pinky Patel is real, a comedian for every-woman. This new wave of comedy strays from the overdone approaches of forced shock and awe, unintelligible vulgarity and inflated egos,” says Bridge Magazine.
TICKETS
Tickets to see Pinky Patel can be purchased by visiting NJPAC.org or the NJPAC Box Office or calling 888. GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
Follow NJPAC Online:
Website: njpac.org
Twitter: @NJPAC
Instagram: @NJPAC
Hashtag: #NJPAC
Facebook: facebook.com/NJPAC
YouTube: NJPACtv
Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:
Website: njpac.org/takeastand
Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand
Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)
———————————————–
WOMEN IN POWER: CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Girl Talk (scene) Photo : worldchannel.org.
By Mabel Pais
‘WOMEN BE SEEN, BE HEARD, BE CELEBRATED’ is the theme of World Channel’s (worldchannel.org) presentation of films for Women’s History Month.
Celebrate women – their history and present – appreciating the hard won battles for gender equality and recognizing how much more we all have to work toward.
For too long, women in the United States, and around the globe, have been overlooked and oppressed, their intelligence, talents and opinions suppressed to maintain a patriarchal status quo. Today, through the achievement of trailblazers who fought against inequality, and the many waves of the feminist movement, women of all identities are able to demonstrate their leadership and power in science, politics, the arts and beyond.
This Women’s History Month, watch films that showcase how women are working against deep-rooted gender discrimination and stereotypes while advocating for their stories to be told – from the groundbreakers of the suffrage movement to the high school students amplifying their voices to win championships and parity on a Massachusetts high school debate team in the new Local USA special ‘Girl Talk.’
To access the month’s film schedule, visit worldchannel.org. The films are also available on other viewing platforms: pbs.org, youtube.com, Apple Podcasts (apple.com/apple-podcasts) and Spotify (spotify.com).
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, activist Varshini Prakash and others in ‘TO THE END’
Vandana Shiva in ‘SEEDS OF VANDANA SHIVA’
Children’s Films and many more
One Earth Film Fest, poster
The 12th Annual The ‘One Earth’ Film Festival of the greater Chicago area presents its 12th annual edition with the theme ‘Let’s Get Loud!’
The Festival, on February 7, 2023, called on the audience to advocate the 2023 theme and programs which make a call to action to join the climate movement. The ‘One Earth’ Film Festival returns March 3-12, 2023, for its 12th festival season with its annual launch party and 10 thoughtfully curated film events that will be streamed online, with about a dozen in-person screenings, including ‘View & Brew’ events, in the greater Chicago area.
The 2023 Festival launches with its annual opening night launch party at Park Tavern on March 3, offering both live and virtual participation. For this year’s theme, the Festival chose ‘Let’s Get Loud!’ to equip and empower individuals and communities far and wide to get loud in advocating for the planet. The films reveal what successful grassroots organizing looks like across different continents and cultures and the power of ordinary people getting loud, working together, and changing history.
“Since its inception, One Earth has stressed the importance of taking collective action,” One Earth Collective Director Ana Garcia Doyle said. “Film is a powerful way to spur us toward social change and collective action. Much environmental communication heavily depends on data, but that’s not going to change hearts. The stories told through film invoke our empathy and spur our will to act. We must pull together – and be loud about it. The moment to make noise is now.”
Films screened during the Festival encompass a range of environmental topics and themes that will take viewers around the planet. Through its streamed programs, One Earth now reaches audiences across the U.S., also attracting participant viewers in other countries. Its in-person programs reflect One Earth’s work with a slate of partners across the Chicago region to activate communities around solving the climate emergency. All One Earth presentations are designed to educate, inspire, and prompt action amid current environmental catastrophes. Screenings are accompanied by an expert panel discussion, offering ideas to equip audiences with ways to take action on the world’s most pressing environmental problems.
Family & Youth Films, poster
SCHEDULE OF FILMS
In-person events are being added, so check oneearthfilmfest.org for the latest program details. All films have a virtual viewing option.
2023 Opening Night Launch Party | March 3 | Park Tavern Chicago 6:30 p.m.
Children’s (age 3-6+) Short Film Program | March 4 | 10 a.m. | Oak Park Public Library
Children’s (age 7 to 12+) Short Film Program | March 4 | 10:30 a.m. | Oak Park Public Library
Vandana Shiva. (Phots : One Earth Film Fest 2023)
“The Seeds of Vandana Shiva” | March 4| 6:30 p.m. | First United Methodist at the Chicago Temple
“Devil Put the Coal in the Ground” | March 5| 6:30 p.m.
“Into the Ice” | March 6| 6:30 p.m.| Gorton Community Center, Lake Forest
“Wasteland: Iowa” | March 7| 6:30 p.m.| Good Sheppard Lutheran, Oak Park
“No Climate, No Equity, No Deal” | March 7 | 6:30 p.m. | Good Sheppard Lutheran, Oak Park
International Women’s Day Selection
“Powerlands” | March 8 |6:30 p.m. | Oak Park Public Library | Pilot Project Brewing, Chicago
“Going Circular” | March 9 | 6:30 p.m. | Waubonsee Community College, Aurora | Maine South High School, Park Ridge
“The Falconer” | March 10| 6:30 p.m. | North Park Village Nature Center, Chicago | Euclid Ave. United Methodist Church, Oak Park | Four Rivers Environmental Education Ctr., Channahon
“Mardi and The Whites” | March 10| 6:30 p.m. | North Park Village Nature Center, Chicago| Euclid Ave. United Methodist Church, Oak Park | Four Rivers Environmental Education Ctr., Channahon
“Utama” | March 11| 6:30 p.m. “To The End” | March 12| 11:00 a.m. | Tavern at Haymarket Pub & Brewery, Chicago|The Well Spirituality Center, LaGrange Park
TICKETS
Tickets are available and mostly free, with a suggested donation. For Tickets, Film, and Program information, visit oneearthfilmfest.org.
One Earth Film Festival
One Earth Film Festival is the Midwest’s premier environmental film festival, creating opportunities for understanding climate change, sustainability and the power of people. It showcases top-issue, thought-provoking environmental films, leads audiences in interactive post-film discussions focused on solutions, and offers concrete actions people can take. One Earth Film Festival is a production of One Earth Collective. For more, visit oneearthfilmfest.org
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)
NEW YORK (TIP) : NYC Council Members Jennifer Gutiérrez and Kevin Riley are introducing on March 2, comprehensive legislation to create free Universal Child Care in New York City. The bill, Intro 941, which has been in formation for nearly a year, was crafted in careful consultation with advocates, providers, and other stakeholders, and informed by child care programs in cities and countries around the world. The legislation goes beyond proposing a slate of fixes to an inherently broken system, to fully reimagine child care in New York City and create equal access and equity for all.
The need for Universal Child Care is significant: with average annual costs between $10,000 and $20,000 for home- and center-based care, respectively, the affordability crisis for parents has reached new heights. Simultaneously, child care providers, who are predominantly women of color and immigrants, are in the bottom 3% of earners in NYC, and their employers are often forced to take out loans to keep facilities afloat. The bill’s comprehensive plan looks to both ease the financial and logistical burden on families accessing childcare, as well as support and expand the early childcare workforce. The bill will provide free, high-quality, and accessible child care for children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age, expand hours and days of operation, and include access for undocumented children. The bill strengthens the provider pipeline, ensures pay parity, and creates opportunities for small business ownership, as well as building a healthier streetscape by creating a pathway for thousands of vacant commercial and community spaces to be converted into childcare locations.
The bill, which was partially inspired by Council Member Gutiérrez’s own challenges with accessing child care, is being introduced to the first women-majority Council, with the most new mothers in the history of the legislative body. Universal Child Care has long been championed by NYC Mayors, Comptrollers, and other elected officials, but this is the first legislation of its kind that also outlines a path to implementation. Mayor Eric Adams’ recently released Blueprint for Child Care and Early Childhood Education estimated that the lack of Universal Child Care results in an annual loss to New York City of $23 billion in economic output and $2.2 billion in tax revenue.
“Parents are constantly forced to choose between caring for their children or chasing professional success, while child care providers are forced to choose between keeping their doors open or paying their staff. Our child care system is fundamentally broken, and as a working mom who spent months navigating it, I know firsthand how difficult it is to find quality, affordable child care,” said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. “With the introduction of this bill, we are fully re-envisioning the economy of care in our city – redefining what it means to care for our children, our parents and families, our providers and educators, and ensuring that no one has to make these impossible choices again. Universal Child Care will fundamentally change hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers’ lives. We simply cannot afford not to do this.”
“Universal Child Care means expanding quality and equitable access to childcare that supports all New York families across this City,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “It is an honor to partner with my colleague, Council Member Gutiérrez, in championing this historic piece of legislation that seeks to transform our City’s child care system and address the need for free reliable service that families rely on. With a truly comprehensive approach, this bill would also provide a sustainable plan to amend our infrastructure, improving support for child care providers through training, resources and a fair pay rate that allows them to continue their essential work. While New Yorkers are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and combating the overwhelming effects of current inflation , I urge support for this Universal Child Care bill that will bring equitable services to all and aid in rebuilding our City through economic development and increased employment opportunities.”
“Our child care system is broken, putting far too much pressure on working mothers and child care providers, who are mainly women of color and immigrants. That’s why I’ve long been fighting for policies that achieve affordable child care for all on the federal level,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez. “This comprehensive bill will help ensure that every New Yorker has access to free high-quality child care and that workers in this industry are fairly compensated. I’m proud to support this legislation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to achieve the goal of Universal Child Care in New York City.”
“The time and cost of child care forces New York families to choose between caring for their children and working to provide for them. Universal child care would provide the needed support so that working parents can be confident their children are safe, taken care of, and gaining invaluable early education experience. This legislation lays out a roadmap towards giving all New York families access to the care our youngest New Yorkers deserve,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.
“This is the real impact of having parents of young children in the rooms where policy is made. While I continue my efforts to expand eligibility for child care in the state budget, I’m grateful that Councilmember Gutiérrez is pushing for vital and wildly popular universal child care infrastructure,” said New York State Senator Jessica Ramos.
“In every New York City neighborhood, parents and caregivers count on high-quality early childhood care and education programs so that their children may prepare for kindergarten and parents can work. And too many families are struggling to find child care that meets their needs. The Day Care Council of New York applauds Councilmember Jennifer Gutiérrez and her colleagues in the City Council for their work to build a City where all children have access to quality childcare and a strong start to their educational journeys. DCCNY looks forward to working with the City Council to ensure that the City supports the community based organizations and home based providers offering child care and early childhood education services by investing in the early childhood workforce, stabilizing budgets for early childhood providers and paying child care providers on time, and reducing barriers facing parents looking for child care,” said Gregory Brender, Director of Public Policy at Day Care Council of New York.
“This monumental legislation recognizes the critical, yet often overlooked, work of family child care educators who care for more than half of New York City’s infants and toddlers in subsidized care,” said Steven Morales, NY Policy Director at All Our Kin. “If we want stability for our families and our economy, the City must ensure that all children have access to high-quality child care provided by educators who are compensated fairly for their expertise. All Our Kin thanks Councilmembers Gutierrez and Riley for their leadership and we look forward to working with the Council to make universal child care in New York City a reality.”
“NYC is facing a major affordability crisis, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the cost of child care,” said Liza Schwartzwald, Senior Manager of Economic Justice and Family Empowerment at The New York Immigration Coalition. “While programs like Promise NYC have made some strides in expanding access to child care subsidies for immigrant families, there is still much more to be done. The Universal Child Care Act is a big step in the right direction. It is time for the City to ensure that all families have access to safe, affordable child care.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held on March 2, a video press conference announcing the Social Security Expansion Act of 2023. In 2021, Social Security lifted 26.3 million Americans out of poverty, but fast-rising costs and the aging population are putting benefits of current retirees and future generations at risk. This bill would expand Social Security benefits by $2,400 a year and ensure Social Security is fully funded for the next 70+ years – all without raising taxes by one penny on over 93% of American households that make $250,000 or less. “Social Security touches the lives of every American, directly or indirectly. It impacts the lives of older Americans, people with disabilities, and wounded warriors. We must not only protect our Social Security system, but we must also strengthen and expand it,” said Senator Gillibrand. “In 2021, Social Security lifted 26.3 million Americans out of poverty, including more than 18 million older adults. We have to ensure that it’s giving retirees and their families the support they need – and the support they spent their entire lives earning. Social Security is truly a matter of survival for so many retirees and their families across New York and the country. Social Security is essential, and it’s something that I will do everything in my power to protect and strengthen.”
Nearly 90 years after Social Security was enacted, it remains one of the most popular and successful government programs in the history of the United States. Today, the nation’s older adult poverty rate is just 10.3%. Social Security provides an essential lifeline to the one in seven older adults who rely on the program for 90% or more of their income, as well as the roughly 50% of Americans who are 55 years old and older living without retirement savings. The Social Security Expansion Act would ensure the program’s solvency through nearly the end of the century and require millionaires and billionaires to finally pay their fair share into the program. This bill would also help low-income workers stay out of poverty by:
· Improving the Special Minimum Benefit;
· Restoring student benefits up to age 22 for children of disabled or deceased workers;
· Strengthening benefits for older Americans and people with disabilities;
· Increasing cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs);
· Expanding program benefits across the board.
The Social Security Expansion Act has been endorsed by more than 50 major organizations, including: Social Security Works, AFA CWA, AFSCME, Alliance for Retired Americans, American Federation of Government Employees, American Federation of Teachers, American Postal Workers Union, BMWED/IBT, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America (UE), United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, National Education Association, Indivisible, MoveOn, National Domestic Workers Alliance, People’s Action, Public Citizen, Care in Action, CASA, Center for Medicare Advocacy, Center for Popular Democracy, Blue Future, Church World Service, CommonDefense.us, Connecticut Citizen Action Group, Demand Progress, Health Care Awareness Month, Hunger Free America, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, Just Care USA, National Partnership for Women & Families, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, NJ State Industrial Union Council, Oregonizers, Our Revolution, Right to Health Action (R2H Action), Sunrise Movement, The National Employment Law Project, Upper West Side Action Group: MoveOn/Indivisible/SwingLeft, Working Families Party, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC), Indivisible Marin, Children’s Aid, P Street, East New York Farms, Partners for Dignity & Rights, Generations United, Broadway Community, Inc., National Council of Jewish Women, New York State Public Health Association, Justice in Aging, National Women’s Law Center, Americans for Tax Fairness, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Labor Campaign for Single Payer, and American Medical Student Association.
This bill is led by Senator Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Warren (D-Mass.), Representative Schakowsky (D-Ill.), and Representative Hoyle (D-Ore.). In addition to Senator Gillibrand, this bill is supported by Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), as well as 25 cosponsors in the House including Reps. Alma Adams (D-N.C.), Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), Cori Bush (D-Mo.), Troy A. Carter (D-La.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Jesús Chuy García (D-Ill.), Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Stephen F. Lynch (D-Mass.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.), Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-D.C.), Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-N.J.), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.).
Signup to our Newsletter!
Don’t miss out on all the happenings around the world
