WILLIAMSPORT, INDIANA (TIP): A 23-year-old Indian American student at Purdue University, who was found dead in a nature preserve in Indiana this week, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to authorities.
Sameer Kamath, a US citizen, was found dead in the woods on February 5 at approximately 5 pm in NICHES Land Trust – Crow’s Grove in Williamsport, Indiana.
Justin Brummett, Coroner at Warren County Coroner’s Office, said in a press release Wednesday that a forensic autopsy was performed on Kamath on February 6 in Crawfordsville, Indiana.
The press release from the coroner’s office said that the preliminary cause of death is a “gunshot wound of the head” and Kamath died by “suicide”. A toxicology report is pending.
“Through extensive investigation by the Warren County Coroner’s Office in conjunction with multiple other local and federal agencies, we are now able to release a preliminary cause and manner of death,” the release said.
The coroner’s office said that prior to releasing this information, Kamath’s family was notified of the results.
This is an ongoing investigation with the Warren County Coroner’s Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Purdue University Administration and other supporting agencies, it said.
“Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family, and we hope they are respected during such a difficult time,” Brummett said.
A report said that Kamath was a doctoral candidate in mechanical engineering. The report added that mechanical engineering head Eckhard Groll said in an email to the ME community that Kamath was from Massachusetts.
He “received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and came to Purdue in the summer of 2021,” the report added.
Kamath was to graduate from the doctoral program in 2025, according to his LinkedIn profile, the report said.
Kamath’s death is the latest in a string of tragic incidents among students of Indian-origin and from India in the US. Last month, another Purdue student 19-year-old Neel Acharya, who had been reported missing, was found dead on the Purdue University West Lafayette campus. Acharya was a US citizen. Authorities have said that there was no trauma or significant injuries found during the autopsy on Acharya and “no foul play is suspected at this time”.
Last month, 25-year-old Indian student Vivek Saini was hammered to death by a homeless drug addict in Georgia. Earlier this month, another Indian student, Syed Mazahir Ali, hailing from Hyderabad and pursuing master’s in information technology, was chased and brutally attacked by three unidentified men in Chicago.
Tag: Texas
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Indian American Purdue University student Sameer Kamath died by suicide
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Indo-Pacific Strategy has made US and region more secure, more prosperous: White House
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The US has said the execution of its Indo-Pacific Strategy in 2022 amidst the strategic competition with China has made the country and the dynamic region more secure and more prosperous, and expanded the bilateral partnership with India in unprecedented ways.
Addressing the media on the second anniversary of the launch of the landmark foreign policy strategy of the Biden administration, Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the National Security Council of the White House, said “the United States has never been in a stronger position in the Indo-Pacific”.
“Over the past two years, we have made historic progress in advancing an Indo-Pacific that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. Thanks to President Biden’s leadership, the United States has never been in a stronger position in the Indo-Pacific,” she said.
In the two years since the launch of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, the US has reinvested and revitalized its alliances and partnerships and taken them to new heights, Watson said.
“We have deepened and elevated alliances with Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Australia, the Philippines, and Thailand. We upgraded our bilateral relationships with Vietnam and Indonesia, and our partnership with ASEAN.
“We have expanded our partnership with India in unprecedented ways. We have surged our efforts in the Pacific, including with two historic summits for Pacific Island leaders at the White House and the establishment of the Partners of the Blue Pacific,” she said.
The United States is an Indo-Pacific nation. As the most dynamic and fastest-growing region on earth, the Indo-Pacific is an essential driver of America’s future security and prosperity, the state department said in a fact sheet.
The region is home to more than half the world’s population, and it accounts for 60 per cent of global GDP as well as two-thirds of global economic growth. Trade between the United States and the Indo-Pacific region reached over USD 2 trillion in 2022, and the United States benefits from USD 956 billion in foreign direct investment from the Indo-Pacific, it said.
“But as our cooperation to advance our common values and interests has grown, so too have our challenges. We have seen the People’s Republic of China (PRC) become more repressive at home and more assertive abroad, undermining human rights and international law, and seeking to reshape the international order,” the fact sheet noted.
At the briefing, Watson said President Joe Biden hosted the historic US-Japan-South Korea trilateral summit at Camp David to open a new chapter in this important partnership, she said.
Under his leadership, the US has elevated the Quad with Australia, India, and Japan to a leader-level summit and has delivered concrete results for the Indo-Pacific region, from vaccines to maritime domain awareness to scholarships for students, she said.
“And three of the four Official State Visits President Biden has hosted were with leaders of Indo-Pacific countries: the Republic of Korea, India, and Australia. This year, the President will welcome Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan. We have also undertaken historic cooperation between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines,” Watson said.
The US has also built closer ties between Europe and the Indo-Pacific, including through the launch of AUKUS, a historic partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, she said.
Today, there is a recognition both in Europe and the Indo-Pacific that the opportunities and challenges in one region directly affect the other, she said.
“We have seen that with historic support from some of our Indo-Pacific partners for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s brutal invasion. And we see that recognition from our European partners as we work to address the direct military support from the DPRK (North Korea) to Russia’s war in Ukraine,” she said.
After just two years, the execution of the Indo-Pacific Strategy has made “our country and the Indo-Pacific region more secure and more prosperous”. “All of this strengthens the United States’ position in the Indo-Pacific and advances our interests in and vision for the region amidst strategic competition with the People’s Republic of China. And even as we confront challenges elsewhere, the United States will proudly continue to prioritize our work in this critical region for our future,” Watson said.
(Source: PTI) -
Allegations of Indian involvement in assassination efforts in US and Canada is very concerning says State Dept nominee
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The allegations that India was involved in the assassination attempts in the US and Canada are very concerning, a senior academician nominated to a top human rights diplomatic position in the State Department has told lawmakers.
“Yes, it is very concerning what happened on US soil and Canadian soil,” Dafna Hochman Rand, nominee to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, told members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during her confirmation hearing on Thursday.
She was responding to a question from Senator Ben Cardin, Chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “I want to raise India… We know about a plot to assassinate… on US soil and Canadian soil. I’d like to hear your commitment to how you would get engaged in those types of efforts to make sure that type of conduct does not take place,” Cardin asked. “First and foremost, it’s clear that India is a critical ally, the oldest democracy there, the biggest democracy, but it is those shared values, the democratic values that we need that bind this alliance. And as if confirmed, as DRL’s Assistant Secretary, I will be a voice in the administration, making sure that we’re not abashed,” Rand said in response to the question.
India has described as a “matter of concern” the US linking an Indian official to a man charged with conspiring to kill a Sikh separatist on American soil, and asserted that follow-up action will be taken based on findings of a panel investigating the allegations.
India has already constituted a probe team to investigate the allegations relating to the foiled plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh extremist who is an American and Canadian citizen.
Regarding Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations that there was a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in a Vancouver suburb in June.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said the main issue with Ottawa has been that of activities of anti-India elements in that country.
“Insofar as Canada is concerned, they have consistently given space to anti-India extremists and violence. That is at the heart of the issue. Our diplomatic representatives have borne the brunt of this,” he said.
On other issues, Rand said, “We are not afraid to talk about our concerns about human rights, democracy and of course these troubling trends towards what we’re seeing…Again, I’m not in the administration, so I don’t know all the details of what happened. And I understand the DOJ and FBI are working on it, but I think it’s critical that even as we strengthen our relationship with India as part of our Indo-Pacific strategy, we make human rights and democracy the center of that relationship,” Rand said.
“We talk truth in this relationship and we speak frankly about our concerns. So I’m not shy and I will be a voice at the State Department and in the administration making that clear,” said Rand who on November 9 last was nominated by the president to this position.
Rand currently serves as a Distinguished Resident Fellow in Strategic Affairs at Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy and as a Lecturer at Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs.
She has spent the past two decades in public service, including most recently as the Director of the Office of Foreign Assistance at the Department of State. Previously, she was the Vice President of Policy and Research at Mercy Corps, a non-governmental humanitarian organization serving communities in over 40 countries.
Earlier in her career, Rand served as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, as well as on the staff of the State Department’s Office of Policy Planning and the National Security Council. She is the former Deputy Director of Studies at the Centre for a New American Security and a former professional staff member of the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
She started her career in government as the foreign policy and defense Legislative Assistant to Senator Frank R. Lautenberg from New Jersey. Her research has focused on international security and governance in the Middle East and North Africa, including two books on the subject. A native of Massachusetts, she earned her undergraduate degree at Harvard University and her PhD in political science at Columbia University.
(Source: PTI) -
Indian American Bhavini Patel is running for US Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): From helping her single parent mother running a food truck “India on Wheels” in Pittsburgh to launching a tech startup after completing her education from the Oxford University, Indian American Bhavini Patel is now running for US House of Representatives.
Patel, 30, last year on October 2 announced her decision to run for the Congress from the 12th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, which is currently held by her Democratic Party colleague Summer Lee.
Notably, Congresswoman Lee is one of the few lawmakers who had boycotted the historic Joint Address to the US Congress by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June last year.
Preparing for her first hurdle of the primary, scheduled for April 23, Patel has raised over USD 310,000, of which she says roughly 70 per cent has been raised from within the State.
“It’s truly emblematic of the community and the needs of the community. We’ve earned several labor union endorsements including support from the steamfitters, the operating engineers, and SMART, which is a railroad transportation union. When we think about support from the unions, that’s a really big deal, especially coming from Western Pennsylvania where there’s such a strong history of the power of the labor movement,” Patel told media.
In addition to that, she has also got endorsements from roughly 33 elected officials, including mayors of small towns as well as members of council in those areas.
Patel is a die-hard Biden supporter. “To be quite honest, I think he’s one of our most progressive presidents that we’ve seen” she said, referring to some of the key bills that his administration has been able to deliver, including infrastructure bill, Inflation Reduction Act, and Chips and Sciences Act.
Originally from Gujarat in India, her mother came to this country as an immigrant.
“She came to this country with very little, which I think is a story that resonates with many people in the Indian diaspora here in this country. When she came here, she raised my brother and me as a single parent. We moved around quite a bit, to various different cities, and she worked various odd jobs, washing dishes in the restaurant industry, working in the motel industry,” Patel said.
“Then she eventually came to Monroeville, which is a small suburb in western Pennsylvania, and that’s where she started a small catering business, supplying samosas and various other pastries to the local Patel brothers there. From there she started a food truck business. So, my family has been running food trucks for the last 25 years,” she said.
“It’s called India on Wheels. In many ways, that is my story. I grew up working in that family food truck business, grew up on Pitts campus, ran the serving window, helped out on the weekends with catering, and then at some point decided that I wanted to attend the University of Pittsburgh,” she said.
Patel soon became the first in her family to graduate from college. “Then I earned a scholarship to get my master’s at the University of Oxford. Since then, I have been involved in various different public service efforts. When I think about the Indian diaspora, I think about the power of that story. To me, that’s so much, it’s very much so emblematic of the American dream.
It’s the power of an idea, being able to come from a small village growing up in poverty, but being able to raise a daughter, educate your children, and then raise a daughter that’s running for US Congress. To me, that is the power of this country. That’s the positivity of what this country has to offer, and that’s what my candidacy is about, and that’s what this campaign is about,” she said.
While she has been running a very positive campaign in her district, Patel of late has been a target of hate crime and racial abuse because of her ethnicity.
Following this, Hindu and Jewish groups across the country have come out in her support. Hindu American PAC recently held a fundraiser for her.
Patel is a strong advocate of India-US relationship. “Our relationship with India is very critical. I think there’s a burgeoning young population there. There’s a lot of hunger and desire to build a life and to contribute to the growth of India, but also globally there’s a lot of talent. So how can the United States, particularly how can Western Pennsylvania best position itself to attract that talent?” she said.
“We’re home to Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, and other university institutions. Many students do come from India. They earn their degrees. So being able to continue to build out a more robust visa program to allow people to attend the universities, to enter into the workforce, build small businesses, innovate and solve some of the biggest challenges that we’re facing in this country, including addressing things like the climate crisis,” she said.
“It’s going to take innovation and real thought to be able to tackle the biggest crisis that our generation is facing. And I think that to be able to build coalitions globally, it’s absolutely critical to be able to address those concerns,” Patel said. -
Indian-origin judge Sanket Jayshukh Bulsara nominated by Joe Biden to US Court for Eastern District of New York
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): President Joe Biden has nominated Indian-origin judge Sanket Jayshukh Bulsara, an expert in securities, contract, bankruptcy and regulatory matters, for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
A child of immigrants from India and Kenya, Bulsara, 46, has been a US Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York since 2017. He was the first South Asian American federal judge to serve on any court in the Second Circuit when he was appointed as a Magistrate Judge.
The White House announced Bulsara’s nomination on Thursday as Biden named the 45th round of judicial nominees, which included four individuals to federal district courts. All of them are extraordinarily qualified, experienced and devoted to the rule of law and the Constitution, a media statement said.
“These choices also continue to fulfil the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country—both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds,” the White House said. From January 2017 to May 2017, Bulsara served as the Acting General Counsel of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, where he had been the Deputy General Counsel for Appellate Litigation, Adjudication, and Enforcement since 2015. -
Indian-origin executive dies after being assaulted in US; suspect on the run, police release
A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered by police to anyone who can provide information that leads to arrest of suspects involved
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): In yet another disturbing incident, a 41-year-old Indian-origin executive died in the US, days after he was assaulted during an altercation outside a restaurant in downtown Washington.
According to investigators, officers responded to the 1100 block of 15th Street Northwest outside Shoto Restaurant around 2 am for an assault on February 2.
Once officers arrived, they found Vivek Taneja on the pavement. He was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. A preliminary investigation found that Taneja and an unknown man were involved in a verbal argument that turned physical, WUSA, a television station in Washington, DC, affiliated with CBS, said.
Taneja was knocked to the ground and hit his head on the pavement.
He died from his injuries at the hospital on Wednesday. Police are now investigating Taneja’s death as a homicide.
Taneja was the cofounder and president of Dynamo Technologies. According to the company’s website, Taneja “leads Dynamo’s strategic, growth, and partnership initiatives, with an emphasis on the federal government contracting arena.”
Police continue to search for the man who threw the deadly punch. He was captured on surveillance camera.
A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered by police to anyone who can provide information that leads to arrest of suspect(s) involved in each homicide committed in the District of Columbia.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect involved in a homicide that occurred on the 1100 block of 15th Street, NW on February 2.
According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an assault, where they located an adult male suffering from life-threatening injuries as a result from an assault. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. On February 7, the victim succumbed to his injuries.
MPD offers a reward to anyone who provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide in the District.
Earlier this week, Syed Mazahir Ali, an Indian student was attacked by robbers in Chicago. Earlier, 25-year-old Indian student Vivek Saini was fatally attacked in Georgia state’s Lithonia city by a homeless drug addict.
Four other Indian-origin students were reported dead in the US this year.
(Source: PTI) -
Indian American Satwinder Kaur elected Kent City Council president for a 2-year term
KENT, WASHINGTON (TIP): The Kent City Council in Washington has unanimously elected Indo-American Satwinder Kaur as its president for a two-year term. In her new role, Kaur, who is in her seventh year on the council, replaces Bill Boyce who nominated her for the top position, according to a media report.
“You’ve got some little shoes to fill. I’m sure you will do a great job and we are here to support you and make sure you are very successful,” Boyce said after Kaur’s election in a February 6 meeting.
Thanking Boyce for mentoring her, Kaur said: “As I start this, I know all of us have the same goal of serving the community and making sure Kent is a better place for all of us.”
The seven-member council is the legislative body for the City of Kent, and besides establishing policies and regulations, it approves financial expenditures and the city’s biennial budget.
In addition to serving as the official spokesperson for the council, Kaur will work closely with the mayor to see what kind of support the council will give to issues and proposals.
According to the Kent City Council website, Kaur sees her role on the council as a great learning opportunity and a chance to bring a fresh set of eyes to the City’s problems.
“I want to bring new perspectives that may not have been considered before,” the website says, quoting Kaur. -
Indian-origin Australian Senator Varun Ghosh takes oath on Bhagavad Gita
CANBERRA (TIP): Barrister Varun Ghosh became the first ever India-born member of the Australian Parliament to take oath on Bhagavad Gita.
Varun Ghosh from Western Australia has been appointed as the newest Senator after the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council chose him to represent the Australian state in the Senate of the Federal Parliament.
Welcoming Varun Ghosh, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, “Wonderful to have you on the Labor Senate team.”
“Welcome to Varun Ghosh, our newest Senator from Western Australia. Senator Ghosh is the first ever Australian Senator sworn in on the Bhagavad Gita. I have often said, when you’re the first at something, you’ve got to make sure you’re not the last,” the Minister posted on X.
She added, “I know Senator Ghosh will be a strong voice for his community and for West Australians.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also wished Varun Ghosh. “Welcome Varun Ghosh, our newest Senator from Western Australia. Fantastic to have you on the team,” he posted on X.
Taking to X, the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia said, “The Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council have chosen Senator Varun Ghosh to represent Western Australia in the Senate of the Federal Parliament.”
Varun Ghosh is a lawyer from Perth. He received degrees in Arts and Law from the University of Western Australia and was a Commonwealth Scholar in Law at the University of Cambridge. He previously worked as a finance attorney in New York and as a consultant for the World Bank in Washington, DC.
The political journey of Varun Ghosh began when he joined Australia’s Labor Party in Perth. He was just 17 when his parents moved from India in the 1980s.
“I have had the privilege of a good education and believe strongly that high-quality education and training should be available to everyone,” Varun Ghosh said in a statement.
For the past few years, Ghosh has worked as a barrister, dealing with legal matters in Western Australia and internationally with the World Bank.
In the 2019 federal election, Ghosh was placed fifth on the Australian Labor Party’s Senate ticket in Western Australia but was not elected.
Born in 1985, Ghosh moved to Perth in 1997 and attended Christ Church Grammar School.
He has been actively involved in public service, reflecting his commitment to high-quality education.
Before his current role, Ghosh worked as a finance attorney in New York and as a consultant for the World Bank in Washington, DC. He returned to Australia in 2015, working with King & Wood Mallesons, dealing with legal matters for banks, resource companies, and construction companies. -
Indian American executive Sonia Fernandes named Politico’s first global HR, diversity officer
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Indian American Sonia Fernandes has been named as the global chief human resources and diversity officer of Politico, a Washington-based digital newspaper focused on politics.
“In this new role, she will be responsible for leading, integrating and harmonizing Politico’s talent functions across continents,” the publication announced Feb 1 noting that the function will be centralized globally for the first time in its 17-year history.
Based in Politico’s Rosslyn, Virginia headquarters, India-born, Mumbai-educated Fernandes will begin her new role on Feb 8.
“Fernandes will drive positive change that will impact and elevate the well-being, professional growth and experience of every Politico across seven newsrooms, two continents and seven time zones,” the publication said.
Fernandes’ dual role as chief diversity officer reflects Politico’s commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and empowering workplace in line with its ambition for additional global growth, it added.
“Politico’s success is driven by great journalism and great people,” said Mark Dekan, chief operating officer of Politico Media Group. “Sonia brings a wealth of international experience and a fresh perspective to Politico. Her role is integral to building upon Politico’s track record as the most successful news start-up of the 21st century as we grow into a top global brand.”
“It is a privilege to join Politico, an iconic brand dedicated to purpose-driven work with people at its heart,” said Fernandes. “I look forward to the exciting journey ahead and the limitless possibilities we’ll create together as a team.” Fernandes brings over two decades of expertise in HR management and transformative change to her new role. She is seasoned in shaping organizational, cultural and talent ecosystems to drive business growth, the announcement stated.
She was most recently the chief people officer for the MediaCom Asia Pacific division of WPP, a global advertising agency, and was responsible for the well-being of 2,500 employees across 15 countries.
Her extensive career spans global entities such as KPMG, Bain & Co., the BBC and MediaCom, where she spearheaded progressive HR strategies with a focus on design and execution.
Having lived and worked in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore and India, Fernandes possesses deep knowledge in international HR. She has expertise in integrating cross-border HR strategies and operating models to align with commercial objectives, according to the publication.
Fernandes’ deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) will serve her as Politico’s first chief diversity officer. Balancing local needs with global scalability, she champions a “people-first, better results” approach, fostering a human-centric and high-performing culture.
She is a collaborative force in driving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, having designed and implemented 75 grassroots programs across 15 countries, Politico said.
Additionally, she has played a key role in leading M&As from due diligence to integration, implementing strategic talent-mapping programs and overseeing large-scale recruitment projects.
Born in India, Fernandes holds a BA in psychology and sociology from The University of Mumbai and a master’s in management and employment relations from The University of Auckland, New Zealand. -
Canadian police arrest 2 teens after shooting incident at house of Hardeep Nijjar’s associate
SURREY, BC (TIP): Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with a shooting incident that occurred last week, targeting the home of a Sikh activist linked to pro-Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India who was shot dead in Canada last year. Multiple gunshots were fired in the incident, which occurred just after 1.20 am on February 1 at the South Surrey home of Simranjeet Singh.
The Surrey unit of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said on Thursday that their Serious Crime Unit executed a search warrant on a residence in the 7700-block of 140 Street on February 6.
“Police seized three firearms and multiple electronic devices during the search. Two 16-year-old males from Surrey were arrested for careless use of a firearm and discharging a firearm with intent,” Surrey RCMP Corporal Sarbjit K Sangha said in a statement. While the two have been released without charges, police said that investigators continue to gather information on the case to determine the motivation behind the shooting. “Surrey RCMP takes threats and acts of violence seriously and we work closely with victims to ensure their continued safety,” Sangha said. According to CBC news channel, a car was heavily damaged in the gunfire, and there were multiple bullet holes in the house itself. Moninder Singh, a spokesperson for the British Columbia Gurdwaras Council identified Simranjeet as a “friend” of Nijjar, whose killing outside a Sikh temple in Surrey in June last year triggered a diplomatic row between New Delhi and Ottawa.
Moninder told CBC that community members believed Simranjeet’s links with Nijjar might have played a part in the shooting. He added that the firing came just days after Simranjeet helped organize a pro-Khalistan protest at the Indian consulate in Vancouver on January 26.
According to Moninder, Simranjeet was in touch with the RCMP to report being followed after protests and fear for his life.
(Source: IANS ) -
An Indian American pilot and two others die in Florida plane crash
TAMPA, FL (TIP): Indian American Jemin Patel tragically lost his life, along with two others, when the single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza V35 he was piloting crashed into a mobile home park in Clearwater, Florida, last Thursday, February 2.
The victims of the devastating crash included Patel, aged 54, and two women who were inside one of the mobile homes at the time of the accident. Clearwater officials identified the two women as Martha Parry, an 86-year-old resident of the mobile home park, and Mary Ellen Pender, aged 54, according to the local media.
Following the crash, which occurred around 7 pm, a fire engulfed four mobile homes within the park. It was reported that Patel had notified authorities of an engine failure shortly before the plane descended and crashed into the mobile home park. This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of aviation accidents and their far-reaching consequences.
The ill-fated aircraft had departed earlier that day from Vero Beach Regional Airport, located approximately 34 miles from Melbourne Beach. According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aircraft registry records, the plane is registered to Control Data Inc. of Indianapolis.
The FAA reported that Patel, who was the sole person on board, had communicated an engine failure. Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the crash, with the NTSB taking the lead and providing any updates.
The Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department, the first agency to respond to the incident, stated on the X platform that they received the crash call at 7:08 PM that evening, and their officers arrived at the scene by 7:15 PM.
Patel, a licensed pilot, was described as “a well-known and trusted figure in the skies above Melbourne Beach” in an obituary featured on a website. -
5 Indian-origin people arrested in Canada for extortion targeting South Asian businesses
They have been identified as Gagan Ajit Singh, 23, Anmoldeep Singh, 23, Hashmeet Kaur, 25, Iyamjot Kaur, 21, and Arundeep Thind, 39
TORONTO (TIP): A specialized Canadian police task force has arrested five people, including two women of Indian-origin for alleged extortion and firearm-related offences targeting the South Asian business community in the Greater Toronto area. The Peel Regional Police Extortion Investigative Task Force (EITF), with the support of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), executed a search warrant resulting in the arrest of four individuals, Gagan Ajit Singh, 23, Anmoldeep Singh, 23, Hashmeet Kaur, 25, Iyamjot Kaur, 21, and Arundeep Thind, 39, according to a Peel Regional Police press release on Wednesday.
While Gagan Ajit Singh, Hashmeet Kaur and Iyamjot Kaur belong to the Brampton area, Anmoldeep Singh belongs to Mississauga. They have been charged with extortion, unauthorised possession of a firearm, unauthorised possession of prohibited or restricted weapon, and fraud, among other offences. The fifth suspect, Arundeep Thind, has no fixed address and has been charged with extortion.
The Peel Regional Police launched the EITF in December last year in response to a wave of South Asian business owners reporting threats of violence against them and their families if they didn’t pay money, according to a CBC News report.
Superintendent Shelley Thompson, who heads the unit, at a news conference on Wednesday, said a total of 24 charges have been laid in relation to the 29 extortion attempts under investigation. Thompson said in nine of those instances, guns were fired at unoccupied businesses, according to the Toronto Star newspaper. However, no injuries were reported in connection with the shootings.
She further said the targeted businesses vary but include restaurants and bakeries, trucking and transport companies and independent used car dealerships, all with South Asian owners. Explaining the modus operandi, Thompson said the owners were contacted either by phone, social media apps or video calling services like WhatsApp. The financial demands varied from victim to victim, Thompson said, but the perpetrators would always ask for either cash or money transfers of Canadian dollars or Indian rupees.
Similar extortion attempts are under investigation by law enforcement in Edmonton, the Lower Mainland of British Columbia and several jurisdictions in the US, she said.
She said the Peel task force is in touch with police services in all of those locations, as well as with the police agencies in India.
“There is currently no information to suggest that the extortion attempts in Peel are connected to wider Indian organized crime,” Thompson said, adding that such a possibility is being actively investigated.
“One of the reasons we are doing this (news conference) is to put it out there to the community that we are looking for information,” she said. The investigators believe there are likely more victims.
(Source: PTI) -
Suozzi Holds Press Conference Calling Out Pilip’s Outrageous Partisan Stance on Bipartisan Border Bill
GLEN COVE, NY (TIP): Former Congressman Tom Suozzi, today, held a press conference in response to his opponent, Mazi Pilip, taking an outrageous partisan stance and siding with her extreme GOP party bosses in the House and their mission to play politics with people’s lives by coming out against the Senate’s bipartisan border deal. The Senate’s bill is the toughest and fairest set of reforms to secure the border our country has had in decades. It would make our country safer, make our border more secure, and treat people fairly and humanely while preserving legal immigration, consistent with our values as a nation.
Yet Pilip called this bipartisan legislation: “the legalization of the invasion of our county.” During the press conference, Suozzi underscored that the reason Pilip is opposing the bill is because she’s completely beholden to the national Republicans. And like them, she’s only interested in playing politics with people’s lives instead of actually working to solve problems.
“It’s incomprehensible to me that a candidate can claim that her number one priority is securing the border yet takes a dead-on-arrival approach on the only compromise border bill that has had a chance of passing our Congress over the past 30 years,” said Suozzi.
“This isn’t the first time Pilip has proven she’s beholden to the extreme wing of her party. She’s aligned with some of the most dangerous members of the Republican Party, who are all also on board with opposing this bipartisan border deal because they think it will help them politically, even if it’s at the expense of the people. People are sick of these political games that Mazi Pilip and her DC handlers are playing, and I will work with whoever it takes to get people to come together to actually get stuff done and fix our border.”
This isn’t the first time Pilip has proven she’s beholden to the extreme wing of her party. In a CNN interview over the weekend, in a complete flip-flop from the past two months, Pilip whole-heartedly embraces Trump even if he’s convicted of a crime. She claimed he is innocent of the 91 criminal charges against him. And she dismissed the fact that Trump led the insurrection of our nation’s Capitol on January 6th.
Meanwhile, Suozzi has built his entire life in public service by working with anyone to get things done for the people, especially on immigration. In 2019, he worked across the aisle with Peter King to put forth bipartisan solutions to fix our border. Suozzi has long called for investments in border security while supporting a pathway to citizenship for people who follow the rules.
In 2018, not only was he one of 18 Democrats to support funding ICE, but Suozzi was critical of the far-left in his party who wanted to abolish them.
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Dr. Inderpal Singh Chhabra Takes Over as President of AAPI-QLI
LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): Eminent physician Dr. Inderpal Singh Chhabra has taken over as President of AAPI-QLI , a chapter of national AAPI. AAPI of Queens and Long Island is a Not-for-Profit Organization, representing all Physicians of Indian Origin in Queens and Long Island, NY. It was started in June 1995, under the leadership of Dr. Narendra Hadpawat. AAPI Queens and Long Island (AAPIQLI) represents the interests of all physicians of Indian Origin in its area including providing Continuous Medical Education (CME) and engaging in charitable activities for the benefit of our community at large. Since its inception there has always been a strong alliance with and support from National AAPI, the largest ethnic Physicians Organization in USA
According to the information available on the AAPI-QLI website, this “organization has been growing rapidly in membership and is well accepted by all other local and national professional organizations. From the very beginning the leadership has put heavy emphasis on transparency and the democratic process, which are the main ingredients for its enormous success. AAPI of Queens and Long Island currently represents over 800 active physicians and donates more than $60,000 annually for charitable purposes. It is also, one of the largest chapters of National AAPI.AAPI-QLI is a vibrant chapter of AAPI. Namaste and a heartfelt welcome to this distinguished assembly at AAPIQLI. It is a privilege to stand before you today as we applaud the progress and dedication of the Indian medical community thriving in Queens and Long Island.”
In his presidential speech, Dr. Chhabra emphasized on the mission and vision of the organization.
“In the vast landscape of healthcare, we honor the unwavering pursuit of knowledge by our colleagues. The collaborative endeavors of our colleagues pave the way for transformative breakthroughs. Let us acknowledge and celebrate the spirit of cooperation propelling medical progress.
Let’s be mindful that we operate in the United States, our karma Bhoomi. Addressing public health necessitates championing preventive measures and community engagement. AAPIQLI is proud to host and sponsor a number of Health fairs in our communities.
In my role as President of this esteemed organization, I am committed to bringing you education on cutting-edge healthcare, including emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, to tackle the pressing issue such as physician burnout.In conclusion, let this gathering catalyze continued collaboration, innovation, and advocacy in the field of medicine. Together, we can shape a healthier and more resilient future for our communities.
Thank you, and may our shared commitment to health and healing propel us to new heights in the service of humanity. Jai Hind and God bless America!”
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The Indian Community embraces Tom Suozzi, a commonsense candidate for Congress
QUEENS, NY (TIP): It was pretty evident from the enthusiasm and energy exhibited at the recent gathering of the Indian Americans in the Santoor Restaurant in Floral Park, Queens, New York, that they are excited to have Tom Suozzi back in the political arena again. “The Indian Community has always admired Mr. Suozzi for standing up for issues that our community has cared for, and this gathering strongly reflects those feelings’ Said Mr. Koshy Thomas, one of the leading organizers of the event in Queens. The meeting brought together people from diverse backgrounds who have roots in South Asia.
In his address, Mr. Suozzi thanked the Indian community for their support and said, “The Indian American Community truly understood the importance of voting, particularly in this special election.” Mr. Suozzi assured the audience that he would continue his excellent work of bringing people together to resolve many thorny issues, including the border crisis”.
Mr. Suozzi has a reputation as a middle-of-the-road politician who is keenly aware of the issues an average citizen is concerned about, such as rising crime, inflation, the need for better schools for the next generation, and creating jobs for the new graduates. However, these issues often get marginalized by both far-left and far-right policies that are highlighted and garner the most attention. It is time for the nation to return to common sense policies that are beneficial to the majority of voters who are increasingly concerned about their lack of say in addressing these issues.
Raju Abraham, one of the event organizers, applauded Mr. Suozzi for his stand on principles and said, “Tom is a strong advocate for consensus building and who will be able to bring together various factions for necessary compromises that will end the paralysis in Washington and take the nation forward.”
George Abraham, one of the avid supporters of Mr. Suozzi, conveyed his message urging the community to come out and vote and send a message to Washington that Congress should make policies to improve people’s lives, not disrupt them. Whether dealing with increasing crime in the neighborhoods or fighting inflation at gas pumps, we need politicians who use common sense. That is where Tom Suozzi truly stands out from others. He truly believes that every American should have the same right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. If someone is out there to destroy that American dream, they should be held accountable”. -
United States federal agency announces major overhaul of its annual lottery for H-1B visa
H-1B visa application submission process for fiscal year 2025 to begin from March 6
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The H-1B visa application submission process for the fiscal year 2025 would start from March 6, a US federal agency said on Tuesday, January 30, as it announced a major overhaul of its annual lottery for this specialty occupation visa.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.
The new system, among other things, includes provision of a beneficiary-centric selection process for registrations by employers. As a result, unlike in the past of multiple applications by an individual that often resulted in abuse of the system, the H-1B visa applications would now be counted and accepted based on individual applicants. Even if one individual files multiple applications for various companies, they would be counted as one application based on their personal credentials like passport numbers. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also announced a set of new rules which are aimed at strengthening the integrity of and reducing the potential for fraud in the H-1B registration process. This includes reducing the potential for gaming the registration system and ensuring each beneficiary would have the same chance of being selected, regardless of the number of registrations submitted on their behalf, the federal agency said.
“We’re always looking for ways to bolster integrity and curtail the potential for fraud while improving and streamlining our application processes,” said USCIS Director Ur M Jaddou.
“The improvements in these areas should make H-1B selections more equitable for petitioners and beneficiaries and will allow for the H-1B process to be fully electronic from registration, if applicable, until final decision and transmission of approved petitions to the Department of State,” he said.
USCIS said the initial registration period for the fiscal 2025 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 6, and run through March 22. During this period, prospective petitioners and their representatives, if applicable, must use a USCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the associated registration fee for each beneficiary. Starting February 28, companies would be allowed to open their account which can be used to start and complete the registration process.
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Canada Investigates India influencing Canadian Elections; The United States Needs to do the same
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): On Wednesday, January 24th, 2024, Canada’s Foreign Interference Commission released the following statement, opening up inquiries concerning ways the Indian Government may have been tampering with Canadian elections:
“Pursuant to its Terms of Reference, the Foreign Interference Commission has requested that the Government of Canada’s collection and production of document relating to paragraphs clause (a)(i)(A) and (a)(i)(B) of its Terms of Reference include information and documents relating to alleged interference by India related to the 2019 and 2021 elections.” The FIC was formed in September 2023, and had announced at the time it would be investigating election interference from China and Russia, as well as any other “foreign actors” who may have interfered with elections. India has now been publicly implicated as one of those foreign actors.
This comes on the heels of Canadian officials accusing the Indian Government of orchestrating the assassination of Canadian Citizen Harpreet Singh Nijjar, a strong critic of the Indian Government who was killed in front of his Gurdwara in British Columbia last June. Clearly Canada’s government believes India has the ability to send covert operatives into foreign countries to illegally enforce their will on the world stage. They have also made it clear they will have zero tolerance for any kind of transnational repression like this within their borders.
We believe the same thing is occurring within the United States, and we call on our government officials to apply the same diligence our Canadian neighbors are doing to protect the rights of their citizens.
United States officials have already implicated Indian national Nikhil Gupta as a go-between, hired by the Indian Government to coordinate the assassination of Nijjar, as well as a New York lawyer, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the head of ‘Sikhs for Justice in the US. Thankfully, the plot to kill Pannun was thwarted by undercover officers. According to an October 19th article in the Sacramento Bee, many United States citizens who have been criticizing the Indian Government have had their lives threatened, and have been warned by the FBI that they are being watched by operatives of the Indian government on American soil.
Such operatives have also been extending their influence on US elections. For example, in 2010 and 2012, California Congressman Ami Bera’s father, Babula Bera, illegally siphoned funds into his son’s campaign, which contributed to Ami Bera winning an extremely close election in 2013. According to Fox 40 News, “The elder Bera was convicted of paying friends and strangers to make contributions to his son’s congressional campaign — more than 130 contributions to the tune of $260,000.” While Congressman Bera claimed to have no knowledge of his father’s actions, he never took responsibility for the fact that since more than ten percent of his campaign funds had been obtained by illegal means, he should have ceded his seat in congress.
The entire ordeal has been highly suspicious, especially since further investigation revealed that Babula Bera had been involved in an ongoing illegal “shell game” fundraising scheme, which including partnering with supporters of Louisiana Congressional candidate Ravi Sangisetty. Families of both candidates have strong ties to India’s ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In 2020, Presidential Candidate Tulsi Gabbard, a practicing Hindu, was photographed wearing a BJP scarf, draped over her by a supporter. The image later drew much scrutiny, but she responded to concerned members of the public by stating “Sometimes, as we’re standing … people come up and they want to take a picture. Somebody put something around my neck and snapped a picture without my knowing what it was…That’s the reality of …what happened in the picture…Any implication or accusation or efforts to elicit some kind of suspicion about me or my motives can only be attributed to religious bigotry because I’m a practicing Hindu.” Such claims seem hollow in light of her documented attendance at multiple Overseas Friends of the BJP fundraising events. Further, she eventually dropped out of the election after credible evidence emerged that she was in fact a member of the RSS, the Hindu Nationalist organization behind India’s BJP. The BJP’s illegal involvement in her campaign is further backed by statements from Vijay Chauthaiwale, the head of the BJP’s foreign policy department.
In September, 2020, while Gabbard was running for President, Chauthaiwale bragged to Indian press about what he had accomplished through the Overseas Friends of the BJP in the United States, and then added instructions he gave its members on the need to be covert with respect to their relationship to the BJP. “The OFBJP-USA members can participate in the US election campaign and support any candidate or a party in their personal capacity but they have been instructed not to use BJP or OFBJP name during the campaign,” he said.
These are just some instances of ties between BJP money and American politicians. Many more exist. Many American agencies have uncovered and made public election tampering by Russia and China. Given that we now know a plethora of Indian government operatives have entrenched themselves on American soil with the specific intent of exerting Indian power and influence on American citizens, we strongly urge our leaders to follow the example of our Canadian neighbors, and investigate India’s interference in American elections. This degree of transnational repression should not be tolerated by any democracy, Organization of Minorities of India, said in a statement sent to The Indian Panorama.
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Indian Americans participate enthusiastically in the Indian Consulate Republic Day Celebrations
A View of the gathering. NEW YORK CITY (TIP): The 75th Republic Day of India was celebrated in Consulate General of India, New York with a flag hoisting ceremony on Thursday, January 26th 2024.
Consul General Mr. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan unfurled the national flag. Over 150 members of Indian American community and friends of India joined as the national anthem was sung. Consul General then read out the Address of the President of India which she had delivered on the eve of India’s Republic Day. A short cultural program of patriotic songs was presented by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, USA. A large number of members of Indian diaspora and friends of India participated in the celebration filling the hall with patriotic fervor. New Jersey State Senator, Mr. Raj Mukherji graced the occasion with his presence and spoke about the strong US-India partnership. Artists from Bharatiya Vidya bhavan presented Patriotic songs. The event was webcast live through the Consulate’s social media platforms. In the evening, Consul General hosted a reception which was attended by prominent members of the diaspora, elected officials, members of the diplomatic corps, friends from media and people from different walks of life.Among the esteemed guests were Congressman Michael Lawler, Mayor of Edison Township Mr. Sam Joshi, and senior diplomats and officers from NYC Mayor’s office and NY State Governor’s office.
Video messages conveying congratulations on the 75th Republic Day were played from notable figures, including New York State Governor Ms. Kathy Hochul, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, etc. The program included a video showcasing the Consulate’s activities across the ten states in the northeast U.S. The event also saw vibrant cultural performances from young but very talented artist, Ms. Maheshwari Jagabattula and a captivating performance from Grammy award winner, Ms. Falu Shah. Guests were then treated to a delightful Indian dinner, featuring a diverse array of regional cuisines from various parts of India. The celebration embodied the spirit of unity, diversity, and shared heritage, marking a memorable Republic Day for all in attendance.
Grammy award winner, Ms. Falu Shah sings a song. 
A dance performance by Ms. Maheshwari Jagabattula -
Biden admin officials applaud Ambassador Taranjit Sandhu for his leadership in India-US relationship
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Applauding Taranjit Singh Sandhu for his leadership in strengthening the India-US relationship, senior Biden administration officials have said that the outgoing Indian ambassador has made the groundwork for a “thousand flowers to bloom” in the garden of bilateral ties.
A farewell reception hosted, on Monday, January 22, at the India House in honor of Sandhu, who will retire from the foreign service after more than three decades of a glorious career, later this month. The reception was attended by officials from the Biden administration and the think-tank community.
“Ambassador, you have served India well and have made the groundwork for thousands and more than a thousand flowers to bloom,” said Rahul Gupta, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy in the White House.
“Thank you for your leadership and accomplishment, and for setting the groundwork,” he said.
“I don’t think there is another ambassador in this city (like Sandhu) who has been as active and creative, as much up in our direct messages, signal and WhatsApp with new ideas to strengthen this relationship,” said the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland.
“If you look at where we were, which was already a strong place before you started and where we are now, I think a huge amount of credit goes to Ambassador Sandhu,” she said.
“I think everybody in this room will agree. Not only that, but he’s just a delight to work with because he is always up. He is always looking to make the situation better. We’re going to miss you,” Nuland said.
Frank Kendall, US Secretary of the Air force, said Sandhu has played a key role in this relationship.
“Our friendship has grown over the years, as our relationship with our two countries has grown. We met when you were the deputy chief of mission here about 10 years ago. I was working with Ash Carter at the Pentagon at the time. I took over the leadership from him with the defense technology and trade initiative. We worked together to build that,” he said. “You talked about the garden. I think the garden has matured. It’s been well-attended. I think in addition to the pretty flowers, there are some fruits and vegetables that I think are very nourishing in that garden and are going to do as well going into the future,” Kendall said.
In his remarks, Sandhu said that the India-US relationship has now matured. “That’s the most satisfying part. It’s like a garden, a well-attended garden. There are always some challenges in the way, but at the end of the day, the flowers are blooming and increasing,” he said.
“Some of you who were here in 2016 will remember that when my prime minister addressed the US Congress, he used the words, we have overcome the hesitations of history… This relationship has grown, matured, and blossomed. So, it was apt when my prime minister came last year,” he said.
“And he said, I’m quoting him. ‘The scope of our cooperation is endless. The potential of our synergies is limitless, and the chemistry of our relations is effortless.’ I think if I look around the room, I can see so many people who have made it happen,” Sandhu said.
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Indian community has been anchor of Indo-US relationship: Ambassador Sandhu
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The Indian-American community has been an anchor of the Indo-US relationship, India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said, emphasizing that the diaspora has a great role to play in the development of India.
Sandhu was speaking at his farewell reception on Thursday, January 25, in a Maryland Suburb of Washington DC that was hosted by Indian-American organizations, including Sikhs of America, Overseas Friends of BJP USA, US India SME Council. “Indian community here has been an anchor of the fantastic relationship that has emerged,” Sandhu said. During the farewell reception, several members of the Indian-American community, particularly those from the Sikh Diaspora, urged him to do something for his hometown Amritsar and his home State of Punjab after his retirement.
In response, Sandhu speaking in Punjabi said that the Diaspora can do more for Amritsar.
He said that every time members of the diaspora go to Amritsar, they should spend an additional two days in the city and play a role in the development of the city and the state.
“The tourism of Amritsar is like that of Agra, no less,” Sandhu said.
Addressing the gathering, Jasdip Singh Jesse from Sikhs of America, said that Sandhu has made the community proud and has played a very important role in strengthening the India-US relationship.
Under his leadership, the embassy resolved several issues impacting the community.
Adapa Prasad, president of Overseas Friends of BJP USA, said that Sandhu has been the top Indian diplomat during whose tenure the bilateral relationship reached a new height.
He hoped that the country would continue to benefit from his services in one capacity or the other post-retirement. Elisha Pulivarti, president of the US-India SME Council, presented Sandhu with the “Modern Day Chanakya and Master Strategist” award on the occasion.
Sandhu, 61, retires from the foreign service after 35 years of diplomatic career this month.
(Source: PTI) -
SALDEF Welcomes FBI’s Release of Punjabi PSA on Transnational Repression
Building on SALDEF advocacy, the release is an acknowledgement of community concerns
WASHINGTON D.C. (TIP) : The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) welcomes the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for releasing a public service announcement (PSA) in Punjabi, addressing transnational repression.
“By releasing this announcement in Punjabi, the FBI is validating the ongoing and very real threat of transnational repression against Sikhs in America, ” said SALDEF Acting Executive Director, Kavneet Singh. “This release builds on months of discussions with the Administration on how to effectively ensure the safety of the community in light of deep concerns shared with us by the sangat and other minority communities. Issuing it in Punjabi means that this information will reach the most members of our community as possible. This public service announcement underscores how seriously the government is taking our concerns around the safety, security, and sovereignty of America and its residents.”
The PSA highlights various forms of transnational repression such as surveillance, stalking, harassment, and cyberattacks. It underscores the FBI’s commitment to protecting individuals in the United States from foreign threats and ensures that reports of repression are taken seriously, without the fear of information being shared with foreign governments.
This critical development is a direct result of SALDEF’s continuous advocacy and engagement with the FBI, Congress, and the Administration to protect the rights and freedoms of the Sikh American community.
With detailed research reports in the past and a forthcoming report on transnational repression, SALDEF continues to lead the charge engaging with national leaders regarding the safety and advancement of Sikh American civil rights. SALDEF urges community members and the press to listen to and share the PSA, and to report any instances of transnational repression. The PSA is a crucial tool in our collective efforts to combat intimidation and threats from foreign entities.
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Ambassador Sandhu has been one of the leading architects of India-US relationship: USISPF head
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): In his remarks at a farewell reception hosted in honor of the outgoing Indian envoy here on Thursday, January 25, Mukesh Aghi, the president and CEO of US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF), said Sandhu’s resume of achievements remains long and impressive.
“Ambassador Sandhu has been one of the leading architects of this relationship, which stands at its apex from the deep synergy in clean energy, education partnership, space collaboration, defense, and technology ties,” said at the farewell organized by the USISPF.
Sandhu, 61, retires from the foreign service after 35 years of diplomatic career this month.
However, when Ambassador Sandhu took the helm in Washington in February 2020, ominous times were about to upend the economies and suspend daily lives, Aghi said, adding that a cataclysmic pandemic meant new challenges even for a veteran diplomat.
Sandhu steered through COVID-19, helping Indian students return home, working through visa backlogs for the diaspora, and strengthening vaccine diplomacy between the two countries.
“A post-Covid-era saw the onset of Ambassador Sandhu helping lead the first in-principal Quad Summit in Washington, the restart of the Trade Policy Forum, and then the onset of the I2U2, IPEF, consolidating bilateral ties in multilateral settings,” he said.
The I2U2 is a grouping of Israel, India, the United Arab Emirates and the United States to deepen technological and private sector collaboration in the region and tackle transnational challenges in six focus areas: water, energy, transportation, space, health and food security.
The United States launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) along with countries like India, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to advance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness for participant economies.
“Today, the Indo-Pacific is a priority as Ambassador Sandhu has overseen new defense partnerships, from iCET to INDUS-X, to drone transfers to jet engine manufacturing deals, from semiconductors to supply chains, ushering in a new chapter in critical technology,” Aghi said.
The highlights of Sandhu’s tenure, he said, would be the historic state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden’s first visit to India as Commander-in-chief for a momentous G20 summit, and also organizing former president Donald Trump’s maiden visit to the country.
However, one must remember that the relationship was not always smooth sailing, he noted.
“Sandhu’s perspicacity was evinced early on, during his first Washington stint as the First Secretary (Political) as he formed crucial relations on Capitol Hill, with both Democrat and Republican lawmakers, during a time of sanctions from the Clinton Administration,” he said. “Today, the relationship is truly bipartisan, and the India Caucus and the Samosa Caucus, are in deep admiration of Ambassador Sandhu’s diplomatic efforts to steer the relationship from choppy waters then to the pristine seas now,” Aghi said.
His second stint in Washington was as second in command to S Jaishankar, as then DCM Sandhu and Ambassador Jaishankar, wrote the beginning chapters of Prime Minister Modi’s engagement with the United States, he noted.
“But more important than the dossiers, visits, and agreements, have been the intangible bonds of friendship that Ambassador Sandhu has forged with the diaspora. From young students to veteran business leaders, from entrepreneurs to titans, from cultural communities and caucuses, the diaspora across the US has at least one Ambassador Sandhu story,” he said.
“Historians will note that he changed the nature of the relationship, forged new connections, strengthened the strategic partnership, and above all remained affable and humble in challenging and celebratory times,” Aghi said.
Ashley Tellis, a top American expert on India, in his remarks, said that Sandhu has been an insidious contributor to this relationship because he understood right from the beginning how important this partnership is for the future of both countries.
“In his last tenure here in Washington, he had to deal with a very complex environment in terms of our bilateral relationship. But the fact that we have still managed to stay the course and move this relationship ever upward is a great tribute to you, Taranjit,” Tellis said. Eminent Indian American defense expert Vikram Singh said Sandhu has been a steward of this relationship for an entire generation. “For those of us who have been involved, it’s been one of the best parts of our jobs trying to advance this relationship to have you as our partner. You are sought, kind of irreplaceable because you have this long span of history of the period of growth, dynamism, and transformation of the US-India partnership,” Singh said.
In his remarks, Sandhu recollected the words of Prime Minister Modi at an event hosted by USISPF in the city in which he said that the US-India partnership is not just for convenience, but for conviction, compassion and of shared commitment for a better future. “So, our relationship touches the people. It is for development,” Sandhu said.
(Source: PTI) -
ICJ ruling vindicated us: South African President Ramaphosa after U.N. court’s decision in genocide case
JOHANNESBURG (TIP): South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said the International Court of Justice has vindicated his country’s decision to charge Israel of genocide during its military offensive in Gaza. The top UN court on January 26 stopped short of ordering a ceasefire in Gaza but demanded that Israel try to contain death and damage in its military offensive. South Africa, which brought the case, had asked for the court to order Israel to halt its operation.
The top U.N. Court decided not to throw out genocide charges against Israel for its military offensive in Gaza, as part of a preliminary decision in the case.
In a national TV broadcast on Friday evening, Mr. Ramaphosa said the International Court of Justice on Friday issued a ruling that is “a victory for international law, for human rights, and above all, for justice”.
“The court has concluded that pursuant to Article 9 of the (1948 Genocide) Convention, it has jurisdiction to adjudicate our application. The effect of the order that the ICJ has granted today is that there is a plausible case of genocide. This follows the unprecedented action taken by South Africa to take another country to the International Court of Justice,” he said.
The President said the ICJ ruling marked an important first step in South Africa’s quest to secure justice for the people of Gaza.
“Some have told us to mind our own business. Others have said it was not our place. And yet it is very much our place, as people who know too well the pain of dispossession, discrimination, and state-sponsored violence. “We are also a people who were the victims of the crime of apartheid. We know what apartheid looks like. We experienced and lived through it. Sadly, many people died and were exiled like our beloved leader Oliver Tambo and others, others were jailed, like the father of our democracy [Nelson Mandela] and others were maimed,” Mr. Ramaphosa said.
He said, “We, as South Africans, will not be passive bystanders and watch the crimes that were visited upon us being perpetrated elsewhere. We stand on the side of freedom for all. We stand on the side of justice.” Paraphrasing a statement by Nelson Mandela made 30 years ago when he was elected South Africa’s first democratically elected President, Mr. Ramaphosa said, “We say again today, never, never and never again shall it be that acts of genocide are perpetrated with impunity as we, the international community look on.” The President said he firmly believed that following this judgment there should now be a more concerted effort towards a ceasefire.
“Negotiations should commence on a permanent two-state solution, to enable Israel and Palestine to live side by side as independent states,” he said as he thanked those in the international community who had supported South Africa’s application to the ICJ.
“We will not waver in our commitment to the Palestinian people and their quest for self-determination. Our own painful history obliges us to do no less. We thank the International Court of Justice for upholding its role of achieving justice, promoting peace, preventing genocide and holding those guilty of genocide accountable,” Mr. Ramaphosa said.
South Africa filed the ICJ application on December 29 last year, arguing that Israel was in breach of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
The ICJ, as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, handed down a ruling that Israel should immediately implement a set of provisional measures to prevent any further acts of genocide in Gaza, desist from such acts, and take effective measures to prevent the destruction and ensure the preservation of evidence relating to acts of genocide.
“As the South African Government, we welcome the decision of the ICJ. We note the court’s statement that it is acutely aware of the extent of the human tragedy that is unfolding in the region and is deeply concerned about the continuing loss of life and human suffering and that the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is at serious risk of deteriorating further before the court renders its final judgement. “This order is binding on Israel, and must be respected by all states that are party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide,” Mr. Ramaphosa said in a veiled reference to the U.S., U.K. and other countries who are supporting Israel.
“We expect Israel as a self-proclaimed democracy and a state that respects the rule of law to abide by the measures handed down by the International Court of Justice. After more than half a century of occupation, dispossession, oppression and apartheid, the Palestinian people’s cries for justice have been heeded by an eminent organ of the United Nations,” Mr. Ramaphosa concluded.
(Source: PTI) -
Mayor Eric Adams Unveils Gandhi Statue in Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar’s Constituency
Mayor Eric Adams said the event “is not only a symbolic unveiling, it is a commitment that we have that we’ll continue in the footsteps of our great leader, our leader Gandhi.” RICHMOND HILL, NY (TIP): On Sunday, January 21, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar—the first Hindu-American elected official in New York State—brought Mayor Eric Adams and the community together to unveil the magnificent new Mahatma Gandhi statue at Shri Tulsi Mandir, a beloved Hindu temple in South Richmond Hill. The Gandhi statue replaces one destroyed as a result of two separate vandalism incidents in August 2022.
When the statue was destroyed, Assemblywoman Rajkumar brought worldwide attention to the issue, gaining the support of the White House and drawing international news coverage. She brought together Mayor Adams and the community at the mandir, where they launched a worldwide movement for mutual understanding among all faiths and cultures. The Assemblywoman also convinced the NYPD to investigate the case as an anti-Hindu hate crime, one of the first ever classified as such in New York.
This week, Assemblywoman Rajkumar again brought together a diverse coalition of elected officials, community leaders, and people of all faiths to celebrate the historic unveiling of a brand new Gandhi statue and the Gandhian values it embodies. Joining her and the Mayor were Assemblyman David Weprin, Councilwoman Lynn Schulman, Mayor Adams’ South Asian Community Liaison Sookranie Dhanpat, Tulsi Mandir founder Pandit Lakhram Maharaj, and Richmond Hill community leader Romeo Hitllal.
At Sunday’s unveiling ceremony, Assemblywoman Rajkumar spoke about the Gandhian principles of ahimsa (nonviolence) and satyagraha (love), which inspired her commitment to public service. She spoke of honoring the Gandhi belief in not just respecting people of other backgrounds, but embracing them as if they are your own. Assemblywoman Rajkumar also spoke of Mahatma Gandhi’s influence on the American civil rights movement. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously spoke of how Gandhi’s nonviolent movement for social change his guiding light was. Assemblywoman Rajkumar spoke to the community about how achieving peace around the world, while not easy, is within our reach through love, hard work, and dedication.
During the event, Assemblywoman Rajkumar said, “I am here to say that hate against any group will not be tolerated in my district, in Queens, or anywhere in New York City. Vandals may have destroyed the first statue, but nothing can destroy our belief in the Gandhian principles of love, unity, nonviolence, and peace. Today, as a symbol of our everlasting faith, we proudly unveil a brand new Gandhi statue.”
She added, “Let us all, as Gandhi commands, be the change we wish to see in the world. Take a moment today to extend a hand and lay down the sword. Maybe even to embrace and show love to someone who does not do the same to you. It is the first step for a peaceful world.”
Mayor Adams recounted the inspiration he continues to draw from Assemblywoman Rajkumar’s event uniting the community in 2022 in the wake of the initial hate crime, saying that the Assemblywoman truly embodies the idea of embracing other cultures as her own. He expressed his deep admiration for Gandhi, whose teachings inspire his work as Mayor. He vividly described visiting Gandhi’s home and the powerful image of his preserved footsteps, serving as a permanent reminder of the importance of nonviolence and understanding. The Mayor also praised the Richmond Hill community for their commitment to tolerance, faith, family, and hard work, which serves as a shining example for all New Yorkers.
Mayor Adams said, “I thank you for allowing me to participate in this event. I often look at the photo we took together out front and how we all came together, and the diversity of those who were here because I agree with our Assemblywoman: our strength lies in our faith and, Assemblywoman, you personify that—your level of comfort of embracing all the different faiths in this City is what a true leader [is], not only in Albany but here in the beautiful rich neighborhood.”
He added that the event “is not only a symbolic unveiling, it is a commitment that we have that we’ll continue in the footsteps of our great leader, our leader Gandhi.”
Assemblywoman Rajkumar spoke about the Gandhian principles of ahimsa (nonviolence) and satyagraha (love), which inspired her commitment to public service. The event continued Assemblywoman Rajkumar’s extensive work to combat hate crimes and foster unity among diverse communities—a hallmark of her tenure in office. She recently passed groundbreaking legislation to address hate crimes through creation of the first ever State level Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission, which will develop policies to end anti-AAPI hate crimes. The Assemblywoman also regularly responds to hate crimes by bringing people of diverse backgrounds together in solidarity. She also led the historic movement establishing Diwali the South Asian “Festival of Lights” as a New York City public school holiday. Assemblywoman Rajkumar passed the historic Diwali bill in Albany this year to worldwide acclaim.
Assemblywoman Rajkumar said afterward, “The unveiling of the new statue symbolizes our City’s resilience. As the statue rises, so too will love always rise above hate. A central tenet of Hinduism is inclusivity toward people of all faiths. Hindus believe not just in tolerance, but in one step more than tolerance—actively loving and welcoming people of different backgrounds and faiths. This was Mahatma Gandhi’s dream: a peaceful, loving world. We have achieved Gandhi’s dream in Richmond Hill, where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, and Christians live together in harmony, often on the same block. Together, we are a powerful force inspiring peace and understanding throughout the world.”
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Top Ophthalmologists of India Discuss Important Issues in Rajahmundry Conference
Padma Bhushan Dr K I Vara Prasad Reddy, Founder and Chairman of Shantha Biotechnics, Hyderabad, was the Chief guest. 
Dr. V.K. Raju, Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at West Virginia University and founder and president of The Eye Foundation of America and Goutami Eye Institute welcomed the guests 
Dr R D Ravindran, Chairman of Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai delivered the ‘Dhanvantari Oration’ 
Dr Jyotirmay Biswas, Director of Uveitis and Ocular Pathology Department of Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai delivered the
Susrutha Oration’NEW YORK (TIP): Goutami Eye Institute and Eye Foundation of America in association with Young Ophthalmologists Society of India (YOSI) under the aegis of Indian Medical Association, Rajahmundry – Andhra Pradesh, India organized a conference on “Anybody Can Research and Innovate’ on January 7, 2024 at GSL Medical College, Rajahmundry.
Dr. V.K. Raju, Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at West Virginia University and founder and president of The Eye Foundation of America and Goutami Eye Institute welcomed the guests. Mr V V Kumar gave the welcome address. Padma Bhushan Dr K I Vara Prasad Reddy, Founder and Chairman of Shantha Biotechnics, Hyderabad, was the Chief guest. A record number of prominent ophthalmologists from all over India and delegates participated in the conference.
There were three sessions in the daylong conference. The first session started with a panel discussion moderated by Dr Karan Bhatia. The panelists were Dr (Maj Gen) V S Gurunadh, Dr Y Srinivas Reddy, and Dr Kandula Satish. Some of the topics discussed were ‘How to plan a clinical trial’ by Dr Mithun Thulasidas and ‘How to write a case report’ by Dr Amanjot Kaur.
After that, Dr R D Ravindran, Chairman of Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai delivered the ‘Dhanvantari Oration’ on ‘Epidemiology of Cataract and Cataract Surgery Trends in India.’
Session 2 started with a free paper competitive session where each participant got 8 minutes for presentation and 7 minutes for discussion. Dr R D Ravindran, Dr Jyotirmay Biswas, Dr Y Srinivas Reddy, Dr A Prashanth Kumar, And Dr Sabyasachi Sengupta were the judges. Then there were discussions on various topics by Dr Akshay Wagh, Dr Anjali Maheshwari, Dr Ipsita Barman, among others.
Then Dr Jyotirmay Biswas, Director of Uveitis and Ocular Pathology Department of Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai delivered the Susrutha Oration’ on ‘Polymerase Chain Reaction in Ocular Infection – Three decades of our Research.’
The last session, which was chaired by Dr V K Raju, had a panel discussion with Dr R D Ravindran, Dr Jyotirmay Biswas, And Dr P Viswa Mithra and moderated by Dr Divyansh Mishra. The conference came to an end with vote of thanks from Dr Prashanth Kumar.