A platform for the voice of next generation Indian Diaspora Year 1, Volume 43 Washington DC, Monday 14 August, 2023 *New India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affiliated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. Snacks that make you feel like you're at home! Order now - www.rajbhog.com Lawmakers introduce bill to declare August 15 ‘National Day of Celebration’ MEHAK LUTHRA I ndian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar led a group of lawmakers in introducing a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to declare India’s Independence Day as a “National Day of Celebration of the World’s two largest democracies.” Congressman Buddy Carter and Brad Sharman co-sponsored the bill. The bill conveys the belief in the enduring partnership between the United States and India that is grounded in shared democratic values, and emphasizes how it will further promote global democracy and contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity for all nations. It also highlights Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official state visit to the United States in June and states that the visit orbited the United States and India into a new level of trust and mutual understanding. According to the lawmakers, it the bill is significant as Americans of Indian heritage play significant roles in public life within the United States, serving as government officials, military personnel, and law enforcement officers who steadfastly uphold the principles of the U.S. Constitution. They also contribute to the nation’s diverse tapestry, enriching its cultural fabric. “It is proper and desirable to celebrate with the Indian people, and to reaffirm the democratic principles on which the two nations were born, ” the text of the bill reads. It is currently referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The resolution aims to declare India’s Independence Day as the ‘National Day of Celebration’ in recognition of the world’s two largest democracies. www.NewIndiaAbroad.Com Happy Independence Day!
2 New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 Indian Star LLC Published Weekly Copyright © 2023 Indian Star LLC Editor in Chief Dr. Sridhar Krishnaswami sridhar54k@newindiaabroad.com Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Bhambri rajeevb@newindiaabroad.com Editor (Hindi) Dr. Rameshwar Dayal rdayal@newindiaabroad.com Registered Address Indian Star LLC, 6215 Rockhurst Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA Email Info@newindiaabroad.com Ph. 908-472-0006 Website www.NewIndiaAbroad.Com Disclaimers: 1. New India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affiliated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. 2. Indian Star LLC assumes no liability for claims / assumptions made in advertisements and advertorials. Views expressed by the writers are their own. A publication of Advisory Board Albert Jasani Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Dr Suresh Kumar President TIE-NJ Media Partner Bollywood Insider No-confidence motion defeated in Lok Sabha YASMIN TINWALA Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the no-confidence motion brought against his government by the opposition, on August 10. The motion was defeated in Lok Sabha after a voice vote was taken by the Speaker. In his speech, PM Modi said that the motion has proved to be a good omen for his government in the past, and the opposition by doing so again has sealed the NDA-BJP party victory in the 2024 elections. He also predicted that when and if the opposition brings a third no-confidence motion against them in 2028, India will be among the top three economies globally. Referring to the newly formed Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A), Modi said that it was not an Indian alliance but Ghamandia (arrogance) alliance and that everyone who is a part of it wants to be the PM. “Opposition believes in changing names but they can’t change their work culture.” It is to be noted that the opposition majorly moved the no-confidence motion against the Modi government to ensure that the PM addresses the Manipur issue in the parliament. However, an hour into his speech, the Prime Minister had not touched upon it. It was after an hour and a half into his speech that he addressed the violence in Manipur. Assuring the women of the state that the Nation is with them, Modi said, “Crimes against women are unacceptable and the Central Government and the State Government will work to ensure that the guilty are punished.” He also assured the government’s efforts to put Manipur back on the track of development, as the development of Northeast has been his government’s top priority. PM Modi concluded his speech by emphasizing that the government had succeeded in laying strong foundations for advanced development in the country as India is projected to be fully developed by 2047. He further said that the country had emerged from worse situations as a unified unit and that political parties must not use the Manipur issue for petty politics. “We must emphasize the pain and suffering and do our best for recovery. This is the way forward,” he maintained. The rally was organised by the Ministry of Culture under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to spread awareness on the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. VP Dhankhar flags off ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ rally SUPRIYA SINGH Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar flagged off ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ bike rally in Delhi organised by the Ministry of Culture as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to spread awareness on the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. A Government of India initiative to foster a sense of patriotism, the campaign aims to connect the people of India and the National Flag in the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat”. Addressing the participants, the VP said, “It is an occasion to celebrate our joy, accomplishments, and achievements and give respect to our Tiranga.” He called upon them to be proud Indians and always put the nation first. “Take pride in your historical achievements. The world is stunned in recognition of your historical achievements,” Dhankhar said. Appreciating the enthusiasm and amicable atmosphere, he extolled that in 2047, when India completes 100 years of its independence, it would be at the top on the global stage. The bike rally was flagged off from Hall No. 14 of Pragati Maidan and passed through Bhairon Marg towards India Gate. It took a complete circle of India Gate and concluded at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, opposite the National War Memorial. The occasion also saw lively cultural performances paying tribute to the nation and evoking a sense of patriotism. Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region, G. Kishan Reddy said, “Like last year we all must unite again and make the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign successful. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur urged every Indian to come out and celebrate Independence Day with fervour. “The tricolour is our national pride, symbol of our unity, freedom and patriotism. It represents the legacy of our great nation and the sacrifices of the brave daughters and sons of India.” Vice-president flagging off ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ rally. Image- PIB Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s almost two-hour speech was heavy on criticism for the Congress and opposition parties, however, it also included his brief comments on Manipur.
New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 3 The Indian American politician suggested that election day as a national holiday, combined with paper ballots and voter id matching with voter files will help eliminate election interference and end complaints about election outcomes. Vivek Ramaswamy proposes national holiday on election day YASMIN TINWALA Republican primary presidential race 2024 candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy proposed a solution to end voter fraud which he believes can be eliminated implementing single-day voting and declaring election day as a national holiday. The Indian American made the proposals during an event in his home state, Ohio and reiterated the same through a video he shared on his Twitter page. “I just voted here on election day in my home state of Ohio. I was proud to do it and coming out of that voting booth, reflecting on how simple this was, it gets me a clear answer on how we move forward on the debates about election integrity in this country. I think there are serious concerns about ballot fraud across the U.S,” he said in the video. According to Ramaswamy apart from declaring a holiday on election day, introducing paper ballots, single-day voting, and government-issued voter IDs can help address the issue of election fraud in the country. “That’s it. And if we get to that place, I commit, that as the leader of the conservative movement, as the leader of the Republican Party, or as the leader of this country, I will lead all Americans to move beyond the debates and complaints about election outcomes or election interference,” Ramaswamy asserted. While pushing for election day to be a holiday, Ramaswamy opined that Juneteenth and Memorial Day should be cancelled as holidays. His comments come almost two months after calling Juneteenth a “celebration of the American dream itself,” in one of his tweets. Image- vivek2024.com Kalpana Kotagal sworn in as EEOC Commissioner MADHU BALAJI I ndian American Kalpana Kotagal was sworn in as the Commissioner of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee on the basis of caste, race, gender , religion among others. The commission presently includes chair Charlotte Burrows, vice chair Jocelyn Samuels, and commissioners Keith E. Sonderling and Andrea R. Lucas. According to an official statement by the EEOC, Kotagal’s swearing-in restores the Commission to its full complement. Kotagal was nominated by President Biden on April 1, 2022, and was confirmed on July 14, 2023, to serve as Commissioner. Speaking of Kotagal’s experience, chair Burrows said, “She has dedicated her career to advancing civil rights both in the courtroom and by working collaboratively with employers. Her creative approaches to ensuring equal opportunity, her legal expertise, and her commitment to workers will greatly benefit the Commission.” Sharing her excitement for the new role, Kotagal said, “It’s an honour to start a new chapter as an EEOC Commissioner and an incredible opportunity to apply the experience from my previous work. I look forward to working toward solutions for the issues facing today’s workforce alongside my colleagues on the Commission and in the agency.” Kotagal is a highly-acclaimed litigator who has represented women and other marginalized people in employment and civil rights litigation involving issues related to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act, as well as wage and hour issues and the non-discrimination provision of the Affordable Care Act. Before her appointment to the EEOC, Kotagal was a partner at Cohen Milstein, a member of the firm’s Civil Rights & Employment practice group, and chair of the firm’s Hiring and Diversity Committee. She has served as a law clerk to Betty Binns Fletcher of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Kotagal attended Stanford University, where she was a Morris K. Udall Scholar and graduated with honours. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, where she was a James Wilson Fellow. Image: EEOC Rejani Raveendran announces Senate bid STAFF REPORTER I ndia-born college student Rejani Raveendran has announced her candidacy for the US Senate in Wisconsin, becoming the first Republican contender against Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin. In a recent interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Raveendran said she was disappointed with the current happenings in the country. “Unfortunately looking at our country’s current stage, I can confidentially say that Washington DC needs new people with new ideas!.... So I decided to run for US Senate to bring the perspective of Regular People and Regular Moms to Washington,” Raveendran said in an official statement. The current chair of the University of WisconsinStevens Point College Republicans, said her election campaign will focus on securing the border and cracking down on illicit drugs like fentanyl, stopping illegal immigration and advocating for medical freedom, citing her opinion against forced vaccinations. She will also focus on introducing bills to protect children from sex trafficking. During her visit to Washington DC as part of her bachelor’s degree in political science and a certificate program in international relations in the spring of 2023, Raveendran happened to meet a lot of politicians, and policymakers, which motivated her to run for elections. In terms of political alignment, Raveendran revealed her support for former President Donald Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections and reaffirmed her backing for his candidacy in 2024. A mother of three, Raveendran immigrated to the US in 2011 from India. She became a US citizen in 2015 and resided in California before moving to Wisconsin in 2017. She will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point next year. Rejani Raveendran Image: Twitter/@RejaniforSenate Raveendran will face Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin in the State Kotagal is a highlyacclaimed litigator who has represented women and other marginalized people in employment and civil rights litigation. Kalpana Kotagal swearing-in ceremony
4 New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 Zaidi moved to the United States in 2021 to pursue a masters degree. aparnadave@immigration2us.com USISPF honours Consul General Nagendra Prasad VIKAL SAMDARIYA US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) honoured Dr T.V. Nagendra Prasad the outgoing Consul General, San Francisco for his contribution to strengthening US-India relations in a farewell ceremony at the Consulate General of India office in San Francisco. In June, Prasad was promoted as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Kazakhstan by the Government of India. Lt. Governor of California Eleni Kounalakis wrote an appreciation letter to thank Prasad for his service as a Consul General to strengthen the relationship between the two nations. “I could not let you leave without thanking you for your outstanding collaboration. Working together we and our teams were able to solidify the already close and friendly relations between India and California and to lay the foundation for even further cooperation.” In her letter, Kounalakis said, “India has been fortunate to have had you as its Consul General in the western United States. As you depart the lovely city of San Francisco and our beautiful Golden State, please know that you will leave behind many friends and that you will be missed.” In response to the USISPF honour, Prasad tweeted “Thank you @MukeshAghi and members for the kind words and wishes. @ USISPForum has been a great support during my tenure at @ CGISFO in furthering US-India Strategic Partnership. A 1993 batch diplomat, Prasad received a rousing farewell from various sections of society of the US administration, and business organizations to civil society groups since his new posting was announced. President and chief executive officer (CEO) of USISPF Mukesh Aghi wished Prasad on his appointment as an Ambassador. Prasad is presently discharging his duties as Consul General at the Consulate General of India of San Francisco. (R to L) Consulate General of India of San Francisco Dr T.V. Nagendra Prasad and President and chief executive officer (CEO) of USISPF Mukesh Agni. Image - Twitter/USISPF Image - Twitter Minhaj Zaidi The funds will go towards providing medical treatment to victims and support to their families Indian American girl raises funds for Odisha train tragedy victims MEHAK LUTHRA A16-year-old Indian American girl has collected and donated more than $10,000 to the PM Cares fund for helping the victims of the tragic triple train incident in Odisha’s Balasore district earlier this year. The collision, termed as the deadliest train accident in over 20 years, led to the death of nearly 300 people, leaving about 900 injured. Tanishka Dhariwal, a youth member of the Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA), started a GoFundMe page for the cause. In the appeal she wrote, “According to a key witness, he woke up on the train due to screeching; however, when he opened his eyes, he found 10-15 people dismembered, limbless, mangled and dead before his eyes.” Dhariwal presented the funds which were raised to Randhir Jaiswal, the Consul General of India in New York. The funds will contribute to providing rescue work and medical treatment and support the families of the victims who have lost their lives and are undergoing treatment. The triple train accident in Odisha that claimed hundreds of lives. File Photo Consulate in Chicago assists starving Hyderabadi woman BHAVANA P The Consulate General of India in Chicago has stated that it has made contact with the Indian woman from Hyderabad, who was recently found starving on the streets of the United States. As per a tweet, the Consulate has offered to fly her back home. Syeda Lulu Minhaj Zaidi, 37, who came to the U.S. two years ago to pursue higher studies was found “depressed” and famished on the streets of Chicago last week. “Happy that we could contact Syeda Zaidi and offered help, including medical assistance & travel to India. She is fit and spoke to her mother in India,” the Consulate General of India in Chicago tweeted. “She is yet to respond to our offer of support to return to India. We stand ready to extend to her all assistance.” Zaidi, a resident of Moula Ali in the Medchal district on the outskirts of Hyderabad, was pursuing a Master’s in Information Science at TRINE University in Detroit. However, when her mother, Syeda Wahaj Fatima, lost contact with her she approached the External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to intervene and bring her daughter back to India as soon as possible. Fatima informed the minister that Zaidi had not been in contact with the family for the past two months. “Recently through two Hyderabadi youths we came to know that my daughter is under deep depression and her entire belongings have been stolen due to which she is on the verge of starvation and being spotted on roads of Chicago,” the letter by Wahaj Fatima, which was posted on Twitter by Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) leader Amjedullah Khan, read.
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6 New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 WISE Act to protect immigrant survivors of violence VIKAL SAMDARIYA Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal along with Reps. Jan Schakowsky Adriano Espaillat and Jimmy Panetta introduced the Working for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment (WISE) Act in the U.S. House of Representatives to protect immigrant survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and gender-based violence. The proposed bill seeks to empower immigrants to protection under different federal and state laws. It envisages that immigrants have the right to access protections intended by the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Trafficking Victim Protection Act (TVPA), and other applicable laws, according to a release. The bill would also ensure survivors pursuing relief are not detained or deported before their applications are fully adjudicated. Raising her voice in favour of violence victims, Jayapal called survivors of crime to come forward to report without fear of deportation. “Immigrant women are significantly more likely to suffer domestic violence, nearly three times the national average. We must take steps to ensure that survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and gender-based violence are protected.” Co-sponsors Schakowsky, Espaillat and Panetta endorsed Jayapal’s concerns about immigrant survivors of violence and underlined, “Immigrant women and children are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence, and the rate of abuse against immigrant women is nearly 49 per cent, three times the national average. While domestic violence is a consistently underreported issue, immigrant survivors are significantly less likely to report these crimes due to fear of deportation.” The WISE Act proposed a range of measures to strengthen protections for immigrant survivors including eliminating arbitrary caps on the U Visa and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS); granting work authorization to survivors while their applications are pending; prohibiting detention and deportation of immigrant survivors while their cases are pending and other measures, according to a release. The legislation is sponsored by several lawmakers and groups including Oxfam America, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence and many others. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. WISE Act proposes a set of measures to empower immigrants to report violence committed against them without the fear of deportation Image - Pramila Jayapal Rep. Krishnamoorthi on global food insecurity YASMIN TINWALA I ndian American Congressman, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-IL., along with lawmakers Earl Blumenauer and Brian Fitzpatrick expressed their concerns about the continued global food insecurity crisis and the need for vigorous funding for emergency national food aid, particularly for the Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in a letter to the Biden administration. “I am proud to join with my colleagues in this bipartisan letter to the Administration calling for additional funding to prevent famine and mass malnutrition among the world’s most vulnerable,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi in an official statement. In the present scenario several factors have led to people across the globe facing acute food insecurity. These include, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, etc. All these factors have led to a rise in the number of people facing acute food insecurity from 135 million in 53 countries to 345 million in 79 countries in 2023, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). “Because of the impacts of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, extreme drought felt in many regions across the world, and supply chain and inflation repercussions resulting from the pandemic, we must take action now to prevent further mass suffering,” Krishnamoorthi asserted. According to Blumenauer more than 10 million children need emergency malnutrition treatment and that the RUTF can help in providing them relief. “Readyto-Use Therapeutic Food is an inexpensive, simple-to-use treatment made from American agricultural products. This should be at the centre of our efforts to help support those suffering from the most severe forms of malnutrition,” the Congressman highlighted. Globally only 25 per cent of children suffering from wasting have access to RUTF because it is vastly underfunded and underprioritized by the international community, said the press release. “Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) is proven to save the lives of children lacking access to nutrition, and I am proud to join this bipartisan effort urging the Biden Administration to continue to fund this crucial program,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. Image-Krishnamoorthi.gov Image- Khanna.gov Community raises concerns with Rep. Ro Khanna SUPRIYA SINGH Acoalition of Indian American civil society organisations recently met with Congressman Ro Khanna. The meeting was held ahead of Congressman Khanna’s trip to India, during which he aims to highlight and discuss critical priorities for the region. Husnaa Vohra, representing the Indian American Muslim Council, expressed her deep concern about the threat to liberal democracy, pluralism, and human rights in India. “We stand as a diverse coalition of Indian American organizations, seeking to safeguard the fabric of pluralism and democracy in India, and urging Congressman Khanna to address ongoing violent acts and human rights violations,” Vohra said. A spokesperson for the India Civil Watch India International stressed the importance of a democratic alliance against totalitarianism and sought the Congressman’s help in the matter. Ria Chakrabarty of the Hindus for Human Rights urged Congressman Ro Khanna to embrace progressive Hindu values and support efforts to combat caste discrimination. Prachi Patankar of India Civil Watch International raised concerns about extremist groups and urged the congressman to stay away from hate and misinformation. The coalition presented diverse perspectives, shedding light on various concerns within the Indian American community. Congressman Ro Khanna expressed his unwavering commitment to upholding democratic values and human rights both within India and the United States. He fully recognized the concerns articulated by the coalition and wholeheartedly endorsed the imperative of fostering a pluralistic and democratic India. He expressed his desire to protect minority rights in India. Furthermore, Congressman Khanna underscored his dedication to these principles by proudly announcing his cosponsorship of the SAFEGUARD Act, which ensures that the protection and promotion of human rights are intrinsic considerations in the export of arms and defence services to foreign countries. Finally, the Congressman agreed to hold a public call with the coalition when he returns from India. Congressman Ro Khanna. Ro Khanna is the first Indian American to lead the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.
New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 7 India's Independence Day Celebration & Flag Hoisting We welcome all the sponsors & Supporters We invite all Dancing Group & Vendors Please confirm your name and logo
8 New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 The Inspiring Leaders and Rising Stars were selected after following a rigorous selection process with over 3,140 nominees and 123,172 votes worldwide. Lalitha Murali conferred ‘Women that Build’ BHAVANA P Globant, a digitally native company that helps organizations reinvent themselves, announced the regional winners of the fourth edition of the Women that Build Awards on August 8. Indian-American Glendale School District teacher, Lalitha Murali was named as an Inspiring leader from USA/ Canada. The awards recognise exceptional women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) who have broken barriers and made a positive difference in their disciplines. It also provides global awareness, education, and networking opportunities, empowering women-identifying individuals to flourish and demonstrate achievements that occur when technology meets passion. Hailing from India, Lalitha Murali works as a Glendale School District teacher. She pursued her bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Madras, India. When she first started teaching, she realized that there were just a few immigrant and minority students in gifted programmes. Lalitha believes that given the correct materials and experiences, each child may achieve his or her full potential. She began reaching out to marginalised groups in her school by launching educational outreach programmes and organising workshops, and today she has a strong advanced level programming for all of her pupils, with more minority and immigrant children participating. In 2017, Lalitha was named one of the top 20 women of impact in her state for her educational leadership. She was also chosen as one of the top 21 International Rotary Peace Fellows in 2019 and spent three months in Thailand. She is one of the 2023 Kohls Fellows for her leadership skills as an agent for positive change and her superior ability to inspire a love of learning. This year’s Women That Build Awards are supported by global partners such as NYSE, Salesforce, Women Corporate Directors, Udemy, and Coachub, as well as local marketing from over 40 organizations. Inspiring leader Lalitha Murali Image - Globant Indian-born researchers aim to address the global challenge of climate change at the state level by providing a technical solution Suprem Das and Bala Natarajan honoured with GRIP award VIKAL SAMDARIYA The Kansas State University’s office of the vice president for research awarded a team of two Indian– origin researchers Suprem Das and Bala Natarajan with the university’s inaugural Game-changing Research Initiation Program (GRIP) award. Both the researchers’ proposal has secured the first position among the 36 teams from the university. Das and Natarajan were awarded for their proposal themed “Science and Technology Center for Greenhouse Gas Smart-Sensing and Mitigation for Kansas Climate and Agriculture (GHG SmartSense STC),” according to the university. The project aims to provide a solution to the global grand challenges facing the community linked to climate change. Das is an assistant professor at the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering at Kansas State University. His recent research interests involve additive manufacturing and laser-based technology for sensing and energy applications, his bio reads. He is interested in studying various other forms of energy storage and conversion sciences. In 2020, Das was awarded a US National Science Foundation and UK Research and Innovation joint research funding to study the Signal in the Soil, where he leads an international team of scientists from Kansas, Texas, Alabama, and Sheffield (UK). He earned a graduate degree from Utkal University, India, a master’s from the University of Puerto RicoRio Piedras Campus and a PhD from Purdue University. Natarajan is a professor at Kansas State University. He currently holds the Clair N. Palmer and Sara M. Palmer Electrical Engineering Professorship and is the director of the Cyber-physicalSystems and Wireless Innovations (CPSWin) group. In his tenure at K-State, he has held multiple administrative positions within the department and across the university including serving as the interim director of International Research Development and Graduate Recruitment for the College of Engineering from 2014-15, his profile reads. Natarajan received his Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India in 1997. He holds dual PhD degrees from Colorado State University in electrical engineering and Kansas State University in statistics. Under the award, Das and Natarajan are eligible to receive $300,000 per year for three years, plus an additional $50,000 in on-ramp funds before the official start of the first year, for a total of $950,000 per project, according to a release. ( L to R) Suprem Das and Bala Natarajan Bhumi Purohit wins 2023 William Anderson Award MADHU BALAJI I ndian American researcher Bhumi Purohit bagged the William Anderson Award 2023, presented annually by the American Political Science Association (APSA). The award honours dissertation in the general field of federalism or intergovernmental relations, state, and local politics. The association recognized Dr Purohit’s research into behavioural and institutional barriers to women’s political representation and public service delivery. The dissertation also received APSA’s Women, Gender, and Politics Section’s Best Dissertation Award this year, the researcher revealed. The award committee of ASPA observed that this was the first study to systematically examine the bureaucratic resistance at the local level, three decades after decentralization reforms introduced quotas for women in local elections. “Local bureaucrats are often described as being forced to ration resources and time. This very fine contribution to our understanding of local politics and power in India provides a convincing explanation for how they make such decisions,” the citation from the award committee read. The committee includes Professor Louise Tillin of King’s College London, Dr Charles R. Hankla of Georgia State University, and Professor Sara Niedzwiecki of the University of California, Santa Cruz. Dr Purohit, an assistant professor of public policy at Georgetown’s McCourt School, said, “Bureaucratic resistance particularly impacts female politicians, and subsequently leads to worse public service delivery outcomes in their constituencies.” Her first book titled Laments of Getting Things Done: Bureaucratic Resistance Against Female Politicians in India, examined how bureaucrats’ explicit and implicit gender biases, combined with their career incentives, drive bureaucratic resistance. Before Georgetown, Dr Purohit was a postdoctoral research associate at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, with a joint appointment in the Department of Psychology. She worked as a J-PAL Policy Consultant for the Ministry of Rural Development in India to create policy implementation plans for finance management reforms and rural poverty reduction. She completed her PhD in Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley. She earned her master’s degree in Area Studies from the University of Oxford; and a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy from Duke University. Dr Bhumi Purohit Image: Twitter/ @bhumipurohit
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10 New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 This comprehensive guide equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools necessary to establish and thrive in the dynamic landscape of the United States business sector. Sikh American’s book delves into the business prospects in America BHAVANA P S atpreet Singh, a US-based business entrepreneur and organisational leader’s has published a book titled, “Starting a Business in the United States of America: Navigate the Land of Opportunity,” to inspire and give useful insights to prospective entrepreneurs. “I’ve been through the ups and downs of starting businesses in the United States, and I am passionate about sharing the insights I’ve gained along the way. I hope that this book will provide aspiring business owners with the tools they need to succeed and flourish in the American business landscape,” Singh said during the book launch event held jn Manteca, California. Various subjects, including tax and financial considerations and sorts, are covered in the book. “Starting a Business in the United States of America” is the product of Singh’s commitment to empowering businesspeople and establishing a flourishing business community, a release said. Known for his extraordinary business acumen and unwavering pursuit of success, Singh’s has written the book with an aim that it acts as a thorough guide for readers to follow as they traverse the complexities of starting and developing a business in the United States of America. He intends to simplify the process of entering the U.S. market, which is sometimes seen as a land of opportunity, by drawing on his own experiences and extensive knowledge. In addition to his literary and business achievements, Singh established Ranjit Nagata, a nonprofit group dedicated to making the world a better place. Additionally, his commitment to providing the Sikh community trustworthy news, inspired him to start Khalsa News, a platform that keeps its audience up to date on happenings and advancements in the community. Satpreet Singh at the book launch Image - Ardass/website
New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 11 Indian origin Mysore and Gupta are young fiction writers working on their new novel Singh is a myeloma survivor and a veteran in the finance industry RIT names Prabu David as senior VP for academic affairs MEHAK LUTHRA I ndian American, Prabu David has been appointed as the new provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs at Rochester Institute of Technology, assuming the role of the university’s highest academic officer. David, who previously held positions such as vice provost for faculty and academic staff development, interim vice provost for Teaching and Learning Innovation, and dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU), officially joined RIT earlier this month. Before serving as the dean at MSU, he held the role of professor and associate dean at Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, where he played a crucial role in establishing and enhancing programs, recruiting faculty, and structuring the administrative framework of the newly established college. Before his time at Washington State University, David was a faculty member at Ohio State University. During this period, he held positions such as assistant and associate professor, director of Undergraduate Studies at the School of Communication, and faculty associate with OSU’s Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Center for Public Health Preparedness. “Dr David was selected based on his reputation as a leader, collaborator, curricular innovator, and researcher,” said RIT president David Munson. “His history of fostering interdisciplinary research and building strong ties amongst health colleges, engineering, social sciences, the arts, and humanities, will serve us well as we strive to further develop our partnerships across all colleges. I’m confident that his presence will strengthen our leadership position in the areas of creativity and innovation as we continue to build our preeminence at the intersection of technology, the arts, and design.” “RIT’s commitment to experiential learning and student success immediately caught my attention. Further, the people-first emphasis in the strategic plan was a clear signal that the institution was driven by the right values,” said David. “RIT’s bold new initiatives in research and graduate education on topics such as artificial intelligence, personalized health technology, and sustainability are exciting growth opportunities that can be transformative.” David obtained his physics degree from Loyola College in Chennai, India, a journalism master’s from Ohio University, and a mass communication doctorate from the University of North Carolina. Image - Michigan State University Over the course of his career, he has won awards for research, training, and design. Sanjay Singh elected to International Myeloma Foundation board YASMIN TINWALA I ndian American myeloma survivor and global finance and strategy leader, Sanjay Singh, was elected to the board of directors of the International Myeloma Foundation headquartered in California, an official statement noted. A veteran at Procter & Gamble, Singh has more than 30 years of experience as the chief financial officer and strategic business experience at some of the world’s leading consumer product and retail brands. His personal battle with multiple myeloma served as the inspiration to become a passionate advocate for accessible and equitable patient care for those with a similar condition, he told IMF in an interview. “I hope to bring to the Board my unique perspective as a patient who has experienced the myeloma journey firsthand and has benefited from leadingedge research in the treatment of this condition,” said Singh who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in September 2021. He was treated at the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital and two years later, he is in complete remission. Singh said he was blessed to be living in the U.S. and near UPenn, where he was able to sign up for clinical trial and had the means to afford the treatment as well as take time off to focus on healing. He realized that the absence of these benefits would have led to a different outcome and the “humbling realization” has compelled him to “pay forward the privilege.” Blurb: Sanjay Singh, a myeloma survivor and a 30-year veteran in the finance industry hopes to bring to the board his perspective as a patient who has benefited from pioneering research in his treatment. Image-LinkedIn/Sanjay Singh Two Indian American authors named Tin House Scholars VIKAL SAMDARIYA New York-based Tin House publisher named Indian American writers Meghana Mysore and Nitya Gupta as the 2023 Tin House Summer Scholars along with eighteen other writers. A Portland, Oregon resident Mysore is a 2022-2023 Steinbeck Fellow in creative writing. A Bread Loaf-Rona Jaffe Scholar in Fiction and a Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference Scholar, she has also received recognition from the Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing and The de Groot Foundation, according to her profile. She has written seven novels and is working on two more including one on an Indian American family in the US. Apart from fiction, she has written many essays and poems. Mysore graduated from Yale University and has an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Hollins University. Recipient of several literary awards, Mysore is working on a novel exploring three generations of a South Indian American family, according to her website. A fiction writer, Gupta is currently an MFA candidate at the University of Wisconsin– Madison. She was a finalist for the 2022 Jesmyn Ward Fiction Prize and was shortlisted for the 2023 DISQUIET Literary Prize. Her work has appeared in Michigan Quarterly Review and Grist Journal, bio reads. She lives in Chicago and holds a B.A. in English from the University of Michigan. On receiving the scholarship, Mysore said “This support for my novel about a South Indian American family—their dreams, heartbreaks, desires and joys—means the world to me. Thankful for the community of brilliant artists I found here.” The Tin House announced twenty-one scholarships (across genres) under nine categories. 2023 Tin House Summer Scholars named under General Scholarship with eight scholars, BIPOC Scholarship with six scholars anda scholar selected under First Conference Scholarship, Debut 40 Scholarship, Oregon Scholarship, Scholarship for Indigenous Writers, Scholarship for Trans Writers, Without Borders Scholarship and The Carol Shields Prize Foundation Scholarship for Indigenous Women and NonBinary Writers categories. (L to R) Meghana Mysore and Nitya Gupta. Image - Meghana Mysore and Tin House
Chef Vikas Khanna “The largest food festival in North America of Indian heritage. 350,000 guests visited. This is the influence of India. This is the soft power from food to education to arts. I’m humbled to be a part & supporter of this change.” EDITORIAL FINDING WAYS TO DEAL WITH CHINA EFFECTIVELY 12 New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 Executive Director - HAF Suhag Shukla “When Hindu Americans run for any office ‘it’s inspirational for kids to know they can be who they are and be proud of their heritage and values.” Diaspora Talks F or close to three years now the Biden administration has been limping around to fine tune a strategy for the People’s Republic of China, only to find that it is yet to craft one that will secure American national interests and that of its allies and friends in Europe and the Indo Pacific. The latest salvo comes by way of an order that sets apart advanced computer chips, micro electronics, quantum information technologies and artificial intelligence as areas in which American investments are limited so as not to help Beijing’s military plans and strategies. The latest fiat is in addition to restrictions already in place on processor chips used in smartphones and other technologies on security grounds which has expectedly brought about a sharp response from China accusing Washington of pursuing “technology hegemony” and demanding for immediate revocation of an “erroneous decision. Indications from China are that a tit-for-tat is on the cards on grounds that it has the right to safeguard its own rights and interests. The domestic reaction to the Biden White House move has been along expected lines with Democrats hailing the decision and the Grand Old Party slamming it. “For too long, American money has helped fuel the Chinese military rise”, the Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said; while Republican Senator Marco Rubio maintained that the plan was “almost laughable” and “riddled with loopholes. And a Spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington has added his two cents worth saying that 70,000 American companies do business in China and that the recent measures will hurt both American and Chinese businesses besides denting investor confidence in the United States. Those experts in the know of things argue that Washington’s obsession with chips and artificial intelligence does not fully come to terms with China’s broader strengths in the realm of technology in which the communist giant has made rapid strides. Further the Biden administration, like that of its predecessor, is not coming to a holistic solution to a runaway trade deficit; and that throwing all the marbles into semi-conductors and AI may not fully address the problem. The width and depth of American business involvement with China will force enterprises to look for novel ways to circumvent restrictions. Just look at how businesses in Europe and the United States are beating Russia sanctions over the Ukraine war; and businesses are all too familiar with the antics of Democrats and Republicans in an election cycle. Now is the time when both parties will start getting into an over-drive with China policies with the Ukraine conflict funding perhaps as a sideshow. The Biden administration should take a fulsome look at China as a way of reassuring allies and friends in the Indo Pacific that it has indeed a strategy that is sustained by long term commitment. Waving the economic stick every now and then not only risks certain retaliation from Beijing but also jeopardizes countries that are dependent on the China trade for their own economic well- being. The domestic reaction to the Biden White House move has been along expected lines with Democrats hailing the decision and the Grand Old Party slamming it. Biden restricts US tech investments in China BHAVANA P United States President Joe Biden, on August 9, issued an executive order that will restrict new American technology investments in China in crucial areas of computer chips and demand government authorization for investments in other such industries. The order aims to address the threat to national security by prohibiting American investments in countries of particular concern. Along with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the order lists the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong and the Special Administrative Region of Macau, as a countries of concern. According to the White House, the signed order also grants the U.S. Treasury secretary the power to forbid or limit American investments in Chinese companies across three industries—semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum information technology, and specific artificial intelligence systems. “This program will seek to prevent foreign countries of concern from exploiting U.S. investment in this narrow set of technologies that are critical to support their development of military, intelligence, surveillance, and cyber-enabled capabilities that risk U.S. national security,” a statement by the White House noted. “The Biden Administration is committed to keeping America safe and defending America’s national security through appropriately protecting technologies that are critical to the next generation of military innovation. This narrowly targeted action will complement our existing export control and inbound investment screening tools, and protect our national security while maintaining our longstanding commitment to open investment,” the Treasury department maintained. The goal of the directive is to stop American resources from assisting China in the development of technology that could enable its military modernisation and thereby jeopardise U.S. national security. Image- The White House/website Image - istock President Joe Biden Chinese President Xi Jinping
New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 13 AKSHAY SARASWAT The shocking video of two girls being molested and paraded naked in Manipur left the entire country shocked and disgusted. This is the most stark but only the latest reminder of the ghastly situation prevalent in the north-eastern state. The spiral of violence Involving the most dominant community of the state, the Meiteis, who populate the Imphal valley, and the Kuki tribe, concentrated in certain hill areas, has kept getting more intense . Despite reinforcement of armed forces and the oversight of the Union Home Ministry, the violence continues to simmer, sometimes flaring up in the form of most appalling acts. The tragedy of Manipur Is that this degeneration into violence came out of nowhere. When the last assembly elections were held in 2022, Manipur had witnessed a prolonged period of relative peace and development. The state seemed poised to turn a corner and go from being a disturbed area to a land of promise. Road and rail connectivity in the state was given a massive booster shot. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated several highway projects in the last few years to boost Manipur’s intra-state as well as inter-state connectivity. The ambitious Trilateral highway, going from Moreh in Manipur, through Myanmar, is now more than 70% complete and would have given Manipur a major stake in trade and commerce with ASEAN countries. The long-overdue rail connectivity for Manipur is also in the process of attainment with the 141-meter high Noney bridge – set to be the world’s highest railway pier bridge – the showpiece structure in this endeavour. Yet, the sudden turn into vicious chaos shows how slim the line is between peace and tumult in this state. It also proves that despite tangible and quantifiable progress over the last few years, Manipur remains constantly a misstep away from regressing into complete disorder. The state government is getting blamed squarely for this crisis. However, it is hard to figure out what it could have done to prevent such a conflagration. The Inner Line Permit was introduced in 2021 to assure the local population, especially Meiteis of their cultural identity being protected. The attempt to spread the fruits of development to the areas inhabited by tribes was also gaining some success. The fact that one High Court judgement could tear apart the state says more about the internal social fragility of the province than any lack of administrative diligence. Some suggest that the aggressive war on drugs launched by the ruling party has indirectly led to the crisis, with the affected parties looking to stir up trouble. But one can’t blame a government for such an endeavour. What many people outside Manipur do not realise is that the current conflict in Manipur is not of the type they are familiar with. On social media, right-wing accounts are depicting it as a clash between Hindu Meiteis and Christian Kukis, the former seen as ‘nationslists’ and the latter depicted as ‘secessionists’. This depiction is incredibly ill-informed, if not downright perverse. The Meitei community, despite a majority of them being Vaishnavite Hindus, have grievances of their own against the Indian state. These may not be justified but undercut the simplistic binary drawn by keyboard warriors. The day of Manipur’s accession to India – October 15 – is still considered a black day by a significant section of the population, including Meiteis, and usually witnesses a statewide bandh. This lingering sense of resentment may not be a widespread emotion but it has anyway led to major impediments in Manipur’s full cultural integration with the rest of the country. For instance, Bollywood movies are not allowed to be screened in the state, as it is seen as a means of endangering the native identity of Manipur. For those who consider this a Hindu vs Christian problem may want to remember that heart-rending picture of a group of Manipuri women, all Hindu, standing naked in front of Assam Rifles Headquarters in Imphal with a banner saying ‘Indian Army rape us’. This shocking protest was in response to the brutal killing and rape of Manorama Thangjam, allegedly by members of security forces. The lady who then came to symbolize the fight against AFSPA, the controversial act that gives immunity to security personnel from prosecution in ‘disturbed areas’, was led by a Hindu Meitei women – Irom Sharmila. She went on a hunger strike that went on for 16 years. For giving herself strength, Sharmila used to keep a copy of Bhagvad Gita with herself. When the BJP came to power in 2017, in a coalition government, they managed to provide five full years of relative peace and development. Interestingly, despite its reputation, the party worked hard on cultivating support among the tribes, almost entirely Christian, who inhabit the mountains that surround the Imphal Valley. These tribes, numbering around 30, fall into two major categories – Nagas and Mizos. While the present conflict has seen the Meiteis in conflict with the Mizo Kuki tribe, there have been major clashes involving the Meiteis and Nagas too. In 2011, a planned division of a Naga-majority region through the creation of a separate district led to a 121-day blockade by the United Naga Council. As can be imagined, the public of the state endured enormous suffering with supplies running low and prices sky-rocketing. Another lockdown, this one 139-day long, took place in 2016-17. Once again, the people suffered economic hardships that went largely unnoticed in the rest of the country. The BJP government, under Chief Minister N Biren Singh, knew that they cannot rely only on the Meiteis to win electoral power. Furthermore, the progress of the state also depended on the co-operation of the Hill Tribes. The N Biren Singh government thus launched a special program to reach out to the hill tribes. The ‘Go to Hills’ mission saw two iterations, the second in the run-up to the elections in 2021. As part of this initiative, the CM visited different hill districts and inaugurated or laid the foundation of several developmental projects. Interestingly, the first stop in ‘Go to Hills 2.0’, in 2021, was Churachandpur, the same district which has been the center of violence in the last few weeks. This district, with a large population of the Kuki tribe, has been at the center of a storm before also. In 2015, it was in this district that nine men were killed while protesting against three laws that the then Congress government was bringing to modify the definition of native population. This led to a long protest at Jantar Mantar where the tribal communities of Manipur demanded action against these killings and the discarding of these laws. The dead bodies of the nine tribal men were not interred for a long period pending these demands. This protest hardly gained any attention from the media but then BJP MP and RSS ideologue Tarun Vijay visited the protesters at Jantar Mantar and even raised the issue in Parliament. The sensitivity of this district in particular and the fractious relationship between the Meiteis and Mizos has been a long-standing problem. For a long time, violence in Manipur and sufferings of its people hardly got a mention in national media. Because of the opposition’s all-out attempt to corner the BJP in the runup to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the present situation is getting leading coverage. This should lead the central government to pull out all stops to resolve the conflict. However, the underlying issues that prevent Manipur from gaining complete normalcy are much more complex and difficult to solve. The author is a senior journalist in politics, international affairs, social issues and sports. The article is sourced from 5WH.com. Manipur: A state perpetually on the precipice of violence
14 New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 The Troubled Birth of the Indian National Army VIJAY BALAN As we savor the 77th year of India’s independence, two very different struggles were brewing 81 years ago in 1942. The Quit India movement was raging in India; trains were derailed, bombs set off in cities, the leadership of the freedom movement was in jail, and yet, clandestine calls for independence were broadcast from a secret radio station. Across the Bay of Bengal, in Japanese-occupied Malaya and Singapore, the seeds of a more organized armed struggle were sown. The Indian National Army (INA), an organization that has received renewed attention since the installation of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s statue in New Delhi, was taking shape. Yet, the INA is arguably the least-understood aspect of India’s freedom struggle. For instance, few know that the first leader of the INA was Captain Mohan Singh, not Netaji; there was an INA before the INA that many know about. In 1941, a young Japanese intelligence officer, Major Iwaichi Fujiwara and a staff of 14, along with volunteers from a clandestine independence league in Bangkok led by Pritam Singh, followed on the heels of Japanese troops invading Malaya to contact surrendering Indian troops. Those landings on the Malayan coast took place at the same time as the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor on the other side of the planet. Their mission was as simple as it was audacious- to get Indian soldiers fighting for Britain to switch sides and form the INA. One of the officers they convinced was Captain Mohan Singh of the 1/14 Punjab regiment. After the fall of Singapore on 15 February, 1942, thousands of surrendered Indian troops were separated from their British officers and brought to Farrer Park- a former Singapore race course. Upon hearing a call from Captain Singh and Major Fujiwara to join an army to liberate India, many enthusiastically joined the INA. Fujiwara sincerely believed in Indian independence, with an almost Lawrence-of-Arabia-like zeal. He campaigned with Tokyo for a sovereign post-war India devoid of British, and importantly, Japanese control. A parallel political arm, the Indian Independence League (IIL) was created at a March 1942 conference in Tokyo attended by Indian representatives from all-over Japanese-held South East Asia. Rash Behari Bose, an Indian revolutionary and long-time resident of Japan was made president (Pritam Singh died in air crash enroute to Tokyo). The INA and IIL grew quickly. The Japanese replaced the small Fujiwara team with Colonel Hideo Iwakuro and a staff of 500 to manage the burgeoning operation. Iwakuro, the IIL and the INA also established a secret spy school in Penang (the subject of my book The Swaraj Spy). Unlike Fujiwara, Iwakuro was not driven by idealism. Armed with shrewd political instincts, he sensed and implemented Tokyo’s wishes. About 100 IIL delegates met again at the Silpakorn Theatre in Bangkok in June 1942 to define the rules of engagement between the IIL/ INA and Japan. An IIL Council of Action steering committee of 5 delegates was formed. The Bangkok Resolution that was passed by Indian delegates, clearly enunciated Japan’s role in India’s freedom struggle, command and control of the INA, ownership of vacated Indian properties and other points. A key point in the resolution was a declaration that Japan did not have colonial designs on India; the IIL foresaw the possibility of Indian soldiers fighting to overthrow colonial rule, only to replace British rulers with Japanese overlords. The resolution was submitted to Tokyo with a request for a point-by-point response. Beyond a general declaration that Japan would help India gain independence, that point-by-point response never arrived- not under the Mohan Singh or later, the Bose-led INA. The relationship between the Indians and the Japanese frayed quickly. Mohan Singh refused to move INA troops unless the pointby-point response to the Bangkok Resolution was received. Iwakuro deflected requests to expand and equip the INA into a fighting force of consequence. Twenty cadets from the spy school were sent prematurely by the Japanese to India without IIL/ INA consent, leading to their capture by the British. Several attempts to mediate over the differences, including those by the idealistic Fujiwara, did not succeed. The Japanese dissolved the INA and arrested Mohan Singh in December 1942. He remained under house arrest until the end of the war. Members of the IIL Council of Action, other than Rash Behari Bose, resigned. The first attempt at forming a military and political force to defeat Britain with Japanese help, collapsed under the weight of distrust and dysfunction. It took Subhash Chandra Bose, brought by submarine from exile in Germany in 1943, to resurrect and revive the INA; the rest is relatively well-known history. As India strives today to balance its equations with great powers, it is instructive to reflect on this history and an African saying, “When elephants fight, the grass gets trampled.” The author is an avid Atlanta-based history-buff and author of ‘The Swaraj Spy’ (Harper Collins, 2022 www.theswarajspy.com) Subhash Chandra Bose Captain Mohan Singh Source - Brittanica/Sidha Wikipedia Commons Major Iwaichi Fujiwara Rash Behari Bose and his wife Wikipedia Commons Wikipedia Commons
New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 15 l न्यू इंडि्ा अब्रॉि नेटवर्क भारती्य-अमेररकी दंपती और उनके शकिोर बेटे को िबशलन, ओहा्यो शसथत उनके घर पर मृत पा्या ग्या है। तीनों की मौत गोली लगने से हुई है। पुशलस मृत्यु का कारण पता लगाने में र्ुटी है। दंपती और उनके बेटे की हत्या हुई ्या ्यह सामूशहक आतमहत्या का मामला है, इसकी पडताल की र्ा रही है। मीशि्या ररपोटस्र में बता्या ग्या है शक भारती्य मूल के रार्न रार्ाराम (54), िांशतलता रार्न (51) और उनके बेटे अनीर रार्ाराम (19) के िव 18 र्नवरी को उनके घर में शमले। पररवार के एक र्ानने वाले ने उनकी खैरर्यत र्ानने के शलए फोन शक्या था लेशकन शकसी ने उठा्या नहीं। इसके बाद उसने पुशलस को इत्ला दी। पुशलस मौके पर पहुंची तो घर में िव शमले। पुशलस के खुशफ्या सूत्ों ने अपनी प्ारंशभक र्ांच में कहा है शक तीनों की मौत गोली लगने से हुई है। ्यह हत्या ्या सामूशहक आतमहत्या का मामला हो सकता है। अशधकारर्यों का कहना है शक उनहें इस बात के सुबूत नहीं शमले हैं शक घर में कोई र्बद्रसती घुसा हो। ्यह भी लग रहा है शक घर के अंदर िव कई शदनों से पडे हुए थे। रिेंकशलन काउंटी का्या्रल्य के ररकॉडस्र के आधार पर बता्या ग्या है शक रार्न पररवार उस घर में 1998 से रह रहा था। रार्न शसनशसनाटी शसथत टेक्ोसॉफट कॉपटोरेिन में इंर्ीशन्यर थे। उनकी पत्ी र्ेपी मॉग्रन चेस में काम करती थीं। बेटा अनीर ऑकसफोि्ट, ओशह्यो शम्यामी शवशवशवद्ाल्य के फाम्रर सकूल ऑफ शबर्नेस में अकाउंशटंग प्मुख था। शवशवशवद्ाल्य ने एक ब्यान में कहा है शक छात् अनीर की मृत्यु की खबर से संसथान के कम्रचारी और बेहद दुखी हैं। पररवार के पररशचत और दोसत भी घटना को लेकर व्यशथत हैं। िबशलन कॉफमैन हाई सकूल के एक शिक्षक एली शर्मरमैन ने मीशि्या से कहा शक वह अनीि को तब से र्ानती हैं र्ब वह कॉफमैन में पहले साल आ्या था। वह सामुदाश्यक सेवा संगठन से भी र्ुडा हुआ था। एक समझदार, िांत और मेहनती बच्ा था। वह पढाई में तो अचछा था ही, उसमें नेतृतव के भी गुण थे। अनीर के बचपन के एक दोसत गाबे शफनटा ने मीशि्या से कहा शक उनकी मुलाकात तब हुई थी, र्ब वे आठवीं कलास में थे। हाल ही में वह दुबई की ्यात्ा पर गए थे र्हां अनीर ने अपने एक िर पर र्ीत हाशसल की थी, वह िर था सकाईिाइशवंग का। अनीि ऐसा लडका था र्ो शर्ंदगी को पूरी तरह र्ीना चाहता था। उसकी और पररवार की मौत से हमें बहुत दुख है। 16 न् यू इंडि्ा अब्रॉि सोमवार, 30 जनवरी, 2023 ओहायो में भाितीय मूल िे दंपकत औि बेटे िे िव कमले, हतया या सामूकहि आतमहतया? खबरों में बताया गया है लक भारतीय मूल के राजन राजाराम (54), िांलतलता राजन (51) और उनके बेटे अनीष राजाराम (19) के िव उनके घर में लमले। तीनों की मौत गनोली लगने से हुई बताई गई है। Image - Girl up/website UP teen chairs Girl Up advisory board BHAVANA P Girl Up, a UN initiative to promote gender equity driven by young changemakers, has announced the next cohort of 24 youth leaders who will serve on its 2023-2024 Teen Advisory board. As per the announcement an Indian girl from Uttar Pradesh, Saundarya Nair, has been chosen as the co-chair, along with American teenager Lilianne Asokwah. “Our excitement for this incoming class is immeasurable— we can’t wait to see the beautiful, powerful and daring things we will achieve,” Saundarya Nair and Lilianne Asokwah remarked on being elected as the co-chairs Nair, who is passionate about Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Justice (SRHRJ), gender-based violence and women in sports takes an active part in multiple missions and projects based on contemporary issues. Creation of gender-safe spaces, cultural awareness, and financial independence for rural women have been her focus areas of work and interest. An enthusiastic public speaker, Nair has represented both Girls Up and Girl Up India in events ranging from The Pad Project’s annual Bleed Green event to UNA-USA’s InterGenerational MUN and YOUNGA’s delegate training programmes. “Being a part of the Teen Advisor class of 2022-2023 was truly a momentous experience: we have never felt more accepted, understood, or appreciated. This program allowed us to not only grow our passion for gender justice, but also to fully understand the impact our voices can have. We now have lifelong sisters who will continue to inspire us in every aspect of life.” expressed Lilianne and Saundarya. The new board also includes Indian student, Pranavaa Giri, a passionate Girl Up Club leader and teen advisor. Her Girl Up journey started in 2021 when she started her club to advocate positive social change in the small city she resides. Giri is currently the school pupil leader at her school, president of Girl Up TIPSE, and an avid MUNer and speaker. Commenting on the board, CEO of Girl Up, Melissa Kilby said, “These bold and brilliant teenagers represent the transformative power of youth leadership the Girl Up movement so fiercely embodies. Their passionate advocacy and unwavering commitment to gender justice are not only an inspiration to me but also to our global community of changemakers. Together, we will shatter barriers, drive meaningful impact, and continue creating a future where every girl can thrive.” Saundarya Nair appointed as Co-chair Pranavaa Giri member of the advisory board Image - Girl up/website
16 New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023
New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 17 The 45-year-old executive joined Tesla, after it acquired SolarCity in 2016 Tesla appoints Vaibhav Taneja as CFO BHAVANA P Am e r i c a n automaking giant, Tesla announced the appointment of Indian-orgin, Vaibhav Taneja, as its chief financial officer to replace Zachary Kirkhorn, who will be stepping down from the position. Taneja will function as CFO in addition to his current role as chief accounting office, the firm said in an official statement. Taneja joined Tesla when the company purchased SolarCity in 2016. At the firm, he initially served as the assistant corporate controller, and was promoted to the corporate controller in May 2018. Following which he was appointed as the chief accounting officer in 2019. Before Tesla, Taneja worked at PwC, a consultancy and tax services firm, in both India and the U.S. between July 1999 and March 2016. He holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Delhi University and studied accounting at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. I’m extremely proud of the work we’ve done together since I joined over 13 years ago.” Meanwhile, Kirkhorn, who has been with Tesla for 13 years, will stay on until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition, the firm announced. In a LinkedIn post, Kirkhorn said, “Being a part of this company is a special experience and I’m extremely proud of the work we’ve done together since I joined over 13 years ago.” Vaibhav Taneja, current CFO at Tesla Image - LinkedIn Nuwal will bring his 20 years of biopharmaceutical experience to the company. Tushar Nuwal is COO and CBO of Ligandal MADHU BALAJI Genetic medicine biotechnology company Ligandal Inc. has announced the appointment of Tushar Nuwal as its chief operating officer and chief business officer. He will be responsible for the company’s research and development, manufacturing, product launch operations, licensing, portfolio, and commercial strategy, among others. The New York-based company said in its statement that Nuwal, who is regarded as a pharmaceutical veteran has successfully led and closed over US$2 billion in transactions and launched products generating over US$1 billion in annual revenue. He has served organizations such as Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Purdue Pharma, and Fresenius Kabi. Commenting on the appointment, Ligandal chief executive officer, Andre Watson, said, “His experience in negotiating multi-billion-dollar pharmaceutical transactions and his drive to scale Ligandal’s platform will be invaluable to our growth.” Nuwal said that he is thrilled to join the company, advancing cell and gene therapy platform. “I am particularly inspired by Andre Watson, our Founder and a Forbes 30 under 30 recipient in Healthcare. I am excited about collaborating with him and our world-class team. Together, we will scale the company’s vision and mission,” Nuwal said. Nuwal has enrolled in a medical sciences certificate course at Harvard University. He has earned his postgraduate diploma in Finance from New York University; MS in Transactional and IP Law from Northwestern University; and BS in Chemical Engineering and Economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Tushar Nuwal Image: LinkedIn/@Ligandal Tridip Saha joins Agilitz as CEO SUPRIYA SINGH Agilitz, a London-based firm specialising in providing Microsoft solutions for enterprises globally has announced that Tridip Saha, who has joined as co-founder, will be appointed as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the firm. Saha, who has experience spanning 25 years has served in senior executive roles at Mindtree, Sonata and Infosys, a release stated. Under his leadership, the firm aims to accelerate its growth across all regions and be recognised as a leader in Microsoft platforms, it added. “We are delighted to have Tridip on board as one of our founding members and CEO. With his extensive experience in IT, leading growth for several organisations and his strategic vision, we are sure that together we will accelerate the journey that we started at Agilitz,” said Anurag, Girija and Rajat- the founding members of the company. “I am very excited to have this opportunity to lead the growth with team Agilitz. We are planning for significant expansion in the coming quarters as we bring new and innovative solutions to the market, and build expertise in the AI-led & Microsoft platformbased transformation that our clients need whilst continuing to provide best-in-class quality in our services,” said Saha. Ashwin Rangan receives ORBIE award MEHAK LUTHRA Ashwin Rangan, the SVP of Engineering and chief information officer (CIO) of the Los Angeles-based non-profit, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) received the Nonprofit/Public Sector ORBIE award for government, education and nonprofit organizations. During a career spanning more than two decades, Rangan has held diverse roles, within a range of organizations, both big and relatively small. Regarded as a forward-thinking figure, he has gained recognition as a strategist and trailblazer, adept at introducing imaginative and groundbreaking IT solutions to address the ever-changing demands of businesses and institutions. Notably, he has held the role of CIO at prominent brands such as Rockwell International and Wal-Mart, and most recently at Edwards Lifesciences. In his current role, he maintains close collaboration with the ICANN operations teams situated across various locations such as the US, Turkey, Singapore, and Uruguay, as well as other regional operations teams. Rangan’s role at ICANN encompasses various responsibilities, notably the assurance of consistent availability for IT-driven services. He oversees teams that handle IT Governance and project management, IT Security, IT Infrastructure, solutions for engaging with the community, and operational systems for staff. Additionally, he offers leadership, strategic guidance, and management for the L-Root operations team. Image - LinkedIn Image - LinkedIn AshwinRangan
18 New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 HindiUSA pays tribute to our brave Freedom fighters and Martyrs whose sacrifices paved the way for the freedom we enjoy today. Best wishes on this momentous occasion of Independence Day! For more information contact us:www.hindiusa.org, 877-HINDI-USA (+1-877-446-3487) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do not divide the country based on language. Teach your children Hindi and impart to them the language, culture, values, and their identity. Join us in our mission to promote the Hindi language, preserve our rich traditions, and pass on our vibrant culture to the next generations from the grassroots level. Be a part of the movement for a stronger, united India. Embrace your heritage with HindiUSA! Celebrating India's illustrious 76th Independence Day, HindiUSA wholeheartedly extends its warmest wishesto all, while paying homage to the bravery and sacrifices of our freedom fighters.
New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 19 The Indian American student runs a food waste campaign in many public schools in Montgomery County and partners with corporate sponsors to make the communitycentric initiative a big success. L’Oréal honours Shrusti Amula as ‘Woman of Worth’ VIKAL SAMDARIYA An Indian American student entrepreneur was named as a 2023 Woman of Worth by L’Oréal Paris USA along with 10 other non-profit leaders working to address the nation’s biggest issues. Shrusti Amula, a senior at Richard Montgomery High School foundedthe Rise N Shine Foundation, that provides community services through volunteerbased solutions and enables people to take on leadership positions. She manages the foundation as the chief executive officer (CEO). Commenting on the recognition as a Women of Worth, Amula said, “With this honour, I hope to expand the reach of our programs and inspire youth nationwide that they too can create change in their communities.” Her foundation was recognized by the Maryland General Assembly for its work with a citation while the Maryland Environmental Trust awarded it a grant to work on food waste. Amula has received numerousaccolades from various institutions for her community service they include the Environment Crisis Hero by Flags for Our Heroes and a Women Making History by the Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women. She was also honoured with the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award and the Governor’s Youth Service Award. Apart from her service to the community, Amula is a trained Indian classical dancer and National Women’s cricket player. She was selected to play in the USA Women’s Cricket National Championship games, which were held from August 9 to 11, 2023. 2023 L’Oréal Women of Worth title recipient Shrusti Amula. Image - X/LOreal Paris USA Raj Chetty awarded Harvard’s Ledlie Prize MEHAK LUTHRA Economist Raj Chetty was awarded Harvard University’s coveted George Ledlie Prize for wielding big data to break myths about who achieves the American Dream and the obstacles faced by others. Last given out in 2021 to Dan Barouch of Harvard Medical School for his work on developing a vaccine for COVID-19, the honour is bestowed every two years to a member of the Harvard community who has, “since the last awarding of said prize, by research, discovery, or otherwise, made the most valuable contribution to science, or in any way for the benefit of mankind.” “Raj’s groundbreaking work on economic mobility and his efforts to share this data with policymakers are making the American Dream more accessible to all,” said University provost and chief academic officer Alan M. Garber. Currently the William A Ackman professor at Harvard University, Chetty serves as the director of Opportunity Insights, a team of economists who developed the Opportunity Atlas, an interactive resource that visually represents economic prospects for children throughout the United States. The Atlas identifies neighbourhoods that appear to provide the greatest potential for upward mobility from poverty. This free online tool employs data from multiple generations and encompasses 70,000 neighbourhoods across the country, a University statement noted. Chetty’s interest in this research stems from his experience of immigrating to the U.S. from India with his parents at the age of 9. He observed disparities between New Delhi and the U.S. and within his own family, comparing his situation to that of his cousins. “My parents, grew up in very low-income families and villages in South India … the opportunities they had were greatly shaped by the fact that they happened to be the ones who were picked to get a higher education in their families.” Opportunity Insights is dedicated to aiding policymakers and economists in comprehending the tangible determinants that influence economic mobility. They aim to facilitate novel strategies that can extend the American Dream to everyone. Chetty’s approach employs extensive data analysis akin to using a microscope in the biological sciences, granting precise insights into economic opportunity at a granular level. Image - Harvard University Currently the William A. Ackman Professor of Economics position at Harvard University, Chetty serves as the director of Opportunity Insights. Sudip Parikh calls for better communication between science community and Government MEHAK LUTHRA S udip Parikh, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and executive producer of the Science family of journals, engaged in a virtual conversation with Theodore DeWeese, interim dean of the medical faculty and CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine. They discussed the future of science in the United States and emphasized the importance of improved communication and engagement with policymakers and the public. “We know more about the universe, more about the planet, and more about ourselves than ever before,” said Parikh, who has served in leadership roles across the private sector and the federal government. “We need to do more, as a nation, to help the public and policymakers understand the exciting advancements happening— and why they matter,” he emphasized adding that scientists and science advocates need to build bridges with their community and communicate more efficiently to solve the problem. “In many ways, we have a hard time communicating the beauty and wonder and utility of what we’re working on, and we’ve got to make sure we’re becoming better science communicators, not just a few people … but rather all of us as a scientific enterprise,” Parikh said. Only then can “we heal some of this disconnect that’s occurred over the past few years.” Parikh is the ninth expert to engage in the Health Policy Forum series, initiated in the fall of 2020 to showcase the university’s collaboration with prominent leaders on topics related to health policy and healthcare. The Health Policy Forum series is a collaborative effort between Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health, Carey Business School, School of Nursing, and Johns Hopkins Medicine. Image - John Hopkins University
20 New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 The academy annually elects up to 52 outstanding UKbased scholars who have achieved distinction in any branch of humanities and social sciences as its fellows. Indian-origin professors named British Academy fellows SUPRIYA SINGH I ndian-origin academicians Jaideep Prabhu Professor of Marketing at Cambridge Judge and Sujit Sivasundaram Professor of World History, University of Cambridge have been named as fellows of the British Academy, which is the UK’s national academy for humanities and social sciences. The academy annually elects up to 52 outstanding UK-based scholars who have achieved distinction in any branch of humanities and social sciences as its fellows. Prabhu is a professor of marketing, the Jawaharlal Nehru Professor of Indian Business and Enterprise at the Judge Business School and director of the Centre for India and Global Business. He is also a fellow and director of studies at Clare College. “I am delighted to be joining such a distinguished group of academics, not only in my area of management and business studies but also across humanities and social Sciences. I look forward to working with the other fellows of the academy on issues of importance to the UK and the world where the humanities and social sciences have a crucial role to play,” professor Prabhu said. Meanwhile, professor Sivasundaram is a professor of world history and a fellow of Gonville and Caius College. He is currently working on the long history of Colombo as an exemplar of the global South city and also on the environmental history of the Indian Ocean. “World history is about reaching for unexpected places to bring light to the human present and future. Research in this field is necessarily and fittingly collaborative and builds on the insights of librarians, curators, students and intellectuals, among others, in various places in the world,” Professor Sivasundaram said. Both professors have joined the latest cohort of fellows which highlights the depth and breadth of the SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy) disciplines and reflects the importance of interdisciplinary research. Welcoming the new fellows, Professor Julia Black, President of the British Academy, said “It is with great pleasure that we welcome yet another outstanding cohort to the Academy’s Fellowship. The scope of research and expertise on display across our newly elected UK, Corresponding and Honorary Fellows shows the breadth and depth of knowledge and insight held by the British Academy. It is our role to harness this to understand and help shape a better world.” Professor Sujit Sivasundaram and professor Jaideep Prabhu. Image- University of Cambridge University of Warwick appoints Sudesh Kumar as VP for Health MEHAK LUTHRA The University of Warwick has appointed Professor Sudhesh Kumar as its new Vice President for Health. This newly established position will further enhance Warwick’s ongoing advancements in health and medical science research and education. Commenting on his new appointment, Professor Kumar said, “I am delighted to take on this new appointment, where I think we have an unprecedented opportunity to build a powerful new healthcare innovation ecosystem in our region of national and international significance.” “I am passionate about this vision and look forward to working with colleagues right across our university working closely with our healthcare and industry partners to realise this vision. This work will build on some recent successes and reflects a step change in university ambition in this area that I am excited about,” he added. Professor Kumar brings with him extensive experience, having held the position of Dean of Medicine at Warwick Medical School (WMS) for over eight years. Prior to this, he was a senior leader within WMS. As a clinical endocrinologist, he has made significant contributions to the field, excelling both as a clinician and an academic. In addition to his academic roles, Kumar served as a Non-Executive Director on the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust Board and NHS Digital, where he held the position of Vice Chair of the Board. His dedication and contributions to the field of medicine were recognized through the Coventry City Award of Merit in 2011, and he was honoured with an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2019 for his exceptional services to medicine. Image - University of Warwick He held the position of Dean of Medicine at Warwick Medical School (WMS) for over eight years. The grants are awarded to urologists who provide patient care and education in underserved areas Two physicians named recipients of 2023 Humanitarian Grant MADHU BALAJI Dr Samit Sunny Roy, a resident at the University of Tennessee, and Dr Rajiv K Singal, a surgeonin-chief at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto have been nominated to receive the 2023 Humanitarian Grant by the Urology Care Foundation. According to a press statement, the foundation recognizes the efforts of urologists and projects providing patient care and education in underserved areas, either within the United States or worldwide. The foundation noted that Dr Roy mentored by Dr Amar Singh visits Sadbhavna Trust Hospital, Kalsar, Bhavnagar, in Mahua, Gujarat, India, providing training in routine and complex urologic surgery and postoperative care. Meanwhile, Dr Singal serving at the Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto, is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC). He was an associate professor at the University of Toronto and headed trips to the Zomba Central Hospital in Malawi. The foundation recognized his support with the Malawi Medical Council and the College of Surgeons of Eastern Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) for providing them with a long-term sustainable solution to the lack of urologic care in the country. Harris M Nagler, president of the Urology Care Foundation, said, “We continue to be extraordinarily pleased by all the outstanding applicants we received for these grants. The continued and growing interest demonstrates the importance of humanitarian work to our members.” Dr Samit Sunny Roy (left) and Dr Rajiv K Singal (right) Image: File Photo
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22 New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 Air India gets new look STAFF REPORTER Air India, the-country’s secondbiggest airline in terms of fleet size revealed its new brand logo and revamped identity on August 10, 2023. The rebranding comes as part of the airline’s five-year transformation roadmap, Vihaan.AI, which aims to position Air India as a world class airline. “Our new livery and design features a palette of deep red, aubergine, gold highlights and a chakra-inspired pattern. Travellers will begin to see the new logo and design starting December 2023,” the airline said in a tweet. The aircraft windows have also changed, and reimagined into a gold window frame symbolizing a “window of possibilities.” As per the release issued by the airline, the new logo called, ‘The Vista’, is inspired by the peak of the gold window frame “signifying limitless possibilities, progressiveness, and the airline’s bold, confident outlook for the future.” It replaces the old logo of a swan with orange spokes. All Air India airlines will be updated with the new branding by 2025. Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran said the new logo represents progressiveness and confidence. “Today is an important milestone, because the new Air India, the vision we have for the airline is also in the backdrop of a new resurgent India, where the aspirations of everyone are limitless,” Chandrasekaran said plans to revamp other aspects of the airline are in the works and the best of artificial intelligence and machine learning will be deployed at Air India. Speaking on the revamped brand identity, Air India CEO & MD Campbell Wilson said, “Our transformative new brand reflects an ambition to make Air India a world-class airline serving guests from around the globe, and that represents a new India proudly on the global stage. The new Air India is bold, confident, and vibrant, but also warm and deeply rooted to its rich history and traditions that make Indian hospitality a global benchmark for standards in service.” Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran (R) and Air India CEO Campbell Wilson (L) unveiling the logo and livery. Image - Air India
New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 23 Government of India launches Study in India portal YASMIN TINWALA I n line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduced to globalize education in India and establish the country as a preferred choice of international students, the Study in India (SII) portal was launched in New Delhi. Union Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar jointly launched the portal in the presence of several ministers and ambassadors from more than 10 countries. The SII portal will provide detailed information about Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The website will illustrate academic programs covering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral level programs as well as courses in Indian Knowledge Systems like yoga, ayurveda and classical arts. The portal will also act as a one-stop solution for international students with the registration and visa application process consolidated under one platform. Speaking at the event, S. Jaishankar said the portal represents the government’s commitment to making India the global Hubspot for education by welcoming students from diverse backgrounds. It will establish a strong international footprint of the brand ‘India’ in the education sphere, Jaishankar said. He further spoke about the importance of having international students come to India for an education saying the benefits will be reaped by domestic students who will become rightly prepared for working in the global workplace. Minister of State for Education Dr Subhas Sarkar; Minister of State for Education; Annapurna Devi, Minister of State for Education and External Affairs; Rajkumar Singh, Member of Parliament; Dr Mahesh Sharma and senior officials of Ministry of Education and Skill Development were present at the event. (L) Dharmendra Pradhan, (R) Dr S. Jaishankar jointly launching Study In India portal Image-PressInformationBureau The SII will act as an integrated solution for international students willing to study in India and will address all needs from visa and university applications to the selection of courses. India exports first trial shipment of fresh pomegranates to US MADHU BALAJI I n a major boost to fruit exports prospects, India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has facilitated the export of the first trial shipment of fresh pomegranate to the United States through air. The trial shipment was carried out by the APEDA-registered INI Farms, a leading horticulture company in collaboration with the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of India, the US’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (US-APHIS), Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), ICAR-National Research Centre on Pomegranate, Solapur (NRCSolapur) and others. Commenting on the initiative, Abhishek Dev, APEDA chairman, said that the increase in pomegranate exports to the US would result in higher price realisation and an increase in farmers’ income. Cheerful over the acceptance of Indian mangoes in US markets, exporters are hopeful that pomegranate would also become a successful product in the US. India’s first export consignment to the US (Representative) iStock MEHAK LUTHRA Digital Locations, Inc., a company specializing in groundbreaking technology to provide high-speed Internet from satellites directly to smartphones globally, has revealed that its CEO, Rich Berliner, engaged in a podcast conversation with Dr Althaf Azeez, a research engineer at Oregon State University. As per a release, the discussion focused on leveraging direct messages from Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) to cell phones as a means of warning communities about impending natural disasters. NavIC, also known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) comprises a cluster of seven satellites and an array of ground stations that operate around the clock. “The NavIC system features an internal messaging system where from the Met (Meteorological) satellites, a control centre can know where the cyclone is, and it can upload that information to all the seven NavIC satellites in orbit. The NavIC satellites can then beam that information, so anyone with a capable NavIC receiver can receive this information,” said Azeez. He also emphasized the significance and potential of high-speed Internet and data in spreading knowledge and information, highlighting that access to such services has evolved into a fundamental human right. An Indian Institute of Technology, Indore alumnus, Azee completed his degree in astronomy, astrophysics, and space engineering. He further pursued his Master’s degree in control systems and instrumentation. Later, he obtained a PhD from Oregon State University, focusing on algorithm development for a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) that is currently operational in orbit as part of India’s NavIC system. RISHIKA BHARDWAJ Home Minister Amit Shah introduced three pivotal bills in the Lok Sabha on August 11, signifying a change in India’s criminal justice system. A motion to replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860, Criminal Procedure Code, (1898), 1973 and Indian Evidence Act, 1872 by The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakhshya Bill, 2023 was presented. Shah highlighted the significance of the bills as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, marking the transition from the era of independence to the Amrit Kaal of rejuvenation. He emphasized the bills’ alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ending laws influenced by British rule and the beginning of a modern Indian legal framework. Shah emphasized that these bills safeguard citizens’ constitutional rights. Instead of just punishing, the focus is on preventing crime and ensuring fast fair justice. This approach, different from before, is backed by input from judges, experts, scholars, MPs, and the public, making these reforms comprehensive and inclusive. The changes in the laws are significant, making them more efficient and effective. Modern technologies, digital processes, and faster trial methods, like video conferencing and better forensics, are key parts of these changes. Satellites to warn communities about natural disasters Criminal justice reforms introduced in Lok Sabha
24 New India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023
Rohit Sharma’s CricKingdom opens in California Sewa International USA organizes relief camps in Manipur *India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affiliated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. Anupam Kher meets US Representatives in Mumbai...Page 5 Year 1, Volume 43 Washington DC, Monday 14 August, 2023 Melange ...Page 2 ...Page 8 The Indian Consulate’s annual Utsav showcased India’s diverse and vibrant culture ‘Kala Utsav’ in Chicago showcases India’s rich heritage VIKAL SAMDARIYA The Consulate General of India in Chicago organized its annual flagship event, Kala Utsav, to showcase India’s diverse and rich heritage as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav at Naperville’s Yellow Box Theatre in Chicago. The event celebrated diversity and cultural pride through the performances by diverse cultural troupes from across the US Midwest region. Consul General of India(CGI) in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, Congressman Bill Foster and State Senator Laura Ellman inaugurated the Utsav and addressed a gathering of six hundred people. In his inaugural remarks, Consul General Ghosh thanked the dignitaries, members of the Indian American organisations and friends of India, and emphasized that the event is an endeavour to promote youth and upcoming artists. The CGI shared that the Consulate is planning more events and collaborating with organisations to strengthen IndianAmerican cultural relations. “Though India is the most populous country and there are numerous languages, cultures, and different religions, the fundamental strength of India is India’s unity in diversity,” he added. The artists highlighted the different styles of Indian dance from across regions including classical and folk art forms. Shreekant Shah and Sutanu Sur played the sitar and tabla, Nrithya Sangeeth and Natya Dance Theater performed Bharatanatyam, Bhangra Rhymes Chicago presented a Bhangra recital and a folk dance was performed by the Association of Haryanvis in America. The event witnessed Indian and Western musical fusion performances by the artists from Kalapadma Dance Academy, Shirlzar Dance Co. and I-Radha dance group. State Bank of India, Chicago sponsored the mementos given to the participating teams. The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Arya Samaj of Chicago, North America Manipur Association and other several Indian American groups along with individuals contributed in organizing the event. ( L to R) CGI Somnath Ghosh, Congressman Bill Foster and State Senator Laura Ellman inaugurated the Kala Utsav. Image - Facebook/ India in Chicago Image - Facebook/ India in Chicago Artists performing at Kala Utsav. World Vegan Vision and Iselin Adult Care Center celebrate India’s Independence STAFF REPORTER World Vegan Vision and an Iselin Adult Care Center jointly celebrated India Independence Flag Hoisting Day in Woodbridge, New Jersey on August 11, 2023. Deputy Consul General of India in New York, Dr. Varun Jeph and Acharya Lokesh Muni unfurled the Indian flag at the event which was attended by 250 people. The flag hoisting was accompanied by the Indian national anthem followed by speeches and wishes from esteemed guests. Renowned singer Varsha Joshi delivered a patriotic song, while event emcee Kulraj Aanand led the singing of the American National Anthem. In his speech, Deputy Consul General, Jeph expressed his gratitude and stressed the importance of celebrating this day with seniors and members of the community. He also lauded the World Vegan Vision’s mission and urged everyone to support it. Several prominent community leaders and organisations extended their support to the event including the Gandhian Society, the Indo-American Cultural Association Edison, N.J, GOPIO Silicon Valley, Dipak and Nayna Shah, Dr. Jayesh Patel, Mukesh Parikh among others. A vegan lunch was served to all the guests, to promote healthy and sustainable food choices. Images - World Vegan Vision
II India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 Sewa International USA organizes relief camps in Manipur VIKAL SAMDARIYA S ewa International USA extended assistance to the violence-hit state of Manipur by organizing 11 relief camps in the state to provide support to those affected due to ethnic clashes. In May, ethnoreligious violence erupted in India’s north-eastern state of Manipur between the tribal Meitei and Kuki communities. To address the humanitarian emergency in the state and the SEWA volunteers mobilized resources on the ground and distributed relief materials in camps, benefitting 1,435 displaced individuals. The relief aid package included daily-use items like toiletries and cleaning products with beds, mosquito nets, and even TV sets. The Sewa volunteers paid special consideration to the needs of children and teenagers. They distributed clothing, footwear, in addition to chocolates biscuits, games and sports kits to uplift the spirits of the youngsters in the camp. On expanding its services to more areas in the state, Sewa said in an statement posted on social media, that it plans to extend help to seven more centres, targeting approximately 845 individuals in Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, and Kangpokpi Districts. Meanwhile, the Central and state governments, civil society groups, individuals and institutions have been working tirelessly to provide relief to the affected people in the state. Home Minister Amit Shah recently appraised the parliament on the reason for the violent clashes between the two communities and appealed for peace. Sewa volunteers provide essential commodities in relief camps. Image - Facebook/Sewa International USA Image - Facebook/Sewa International USA Barron Arts Centre hosts Darshana exhibition BHAVANA P The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, (HSS), USA recently hosted “Darshana: A Glimpse into the Hindu Civilization” exhibition at the 145-year-old Barron Arts Centre (BAC) in Woodbridge, New Jersey. The month-long celebration of Hindu civilization was inaugurated by Middlesex County, New Jersey, division head of Folklife and Culture Isha Vyas and Woodbridge Mayor John E. McCormac. Sponsors of the exhibition include Mayor McCormac and the Woodbridge Township Cultural Arts Commission, led by Dr Dolores Capraro Gioffre. Mayor McCormac expressed his gratitude that BAC hosted Darshana and accepted a proclamation to recognise the exhibition. “Woodbridge township maintains a long history of embracing a diverse population and stands committed to promoting equality and fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all people from across the globe. Woodbridge Township is proud of the vibrant Hindu community and their contributions to science, education, medicine, law, business, and culture,” the Mayor said. More than 300 guests utilised the opportunity to discover more about Hindu civilization. Children from Hindu-American families presented songs, dances, and other aspects of Hindu culture. A colourful overview of Hindu ideas and customs was presented as part of the exhibition which offered a chance to learn about one of the world’s oldest civilizations with an ongoing influence on modern society. The poster exhibition highlighted how Hindu knowledge has appeared in all spheres of human endeavour. Topics covered ranged from yoga and divinity to mathematics and administration. Images - HSS USA Mayor John E. McCormac Woodbridge, NJ Woodbridge and Edison HSS USA chapters and BAC collaborated to host the event.
India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 III ARSHA VIDYA PITHAM 651, Route 115, SAYLORSBURG, PA 570-992-2339 The Gift For a Day Program Arsha Vidya Gurukulam was founded in 1986 by Pujya Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati. The Gurukulam is situated on 99 acres of partially wooded land in the Pocono Mountains, graced by a Lord Dakṣ iņ ā mū rti temple. The facility houses a 400-seat state of the art auditorium and dining complex, library, reading room, bookstore, modern accommodations suited to contemplative study, The traditional study of Vedanta & Yoga, Sanskrit, Jyotisha, and Ayurveda camps are organized at the Gurukulam . The ashram is run on the donations of the members. The Members value the teachings at AVG and support the gurukulam by donating $500 for a day’s expense of running the gurukulam under Gift For a Day Program. When $2000 is donated for four Gift-For-A-Day programs per family of 2 adults & children and they become Patron Members for that year. The features of Patron Membership are as given below: 1. The new patron members (who opt for 4 GFDs per year) can avail one week camp for free in place of free books for the first year. 2.All the existing patron members can avail themselves of any one of the long weekend camps if they do not get a chance to attend the patron camps. 3. There is no need to pay donation for using homa building once a year for all the patron members depending on the availability of the priest’s slot for that day. 4.The donation is tax exempt.
IV India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 BAPS highlights the role of mentors at cultural program in NJ SUPRIYA SINGH Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) hosted a special cultural program themed, ‘My guru, my guide,’ at the Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey. The program highlighted the role of a guru (mentor) as a beacon of light to help navigate life’s toughest challenges by strengthening one’s faith in the divine. Brahmviharidas Swami, a renowned orator, spoke of the role of a guru as more than just a guide from darkness to light and a guardian of morality but as one who brings others closer to God. He mentioned that both Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj have guided thousands of people throughout their lifetimes through constant letter responses, telephone calls, and personal counselling. Ishwarcharandas Swami, senior swami at BAPS, said, “Patience, tolerance, and trust allow you to serve selflessly. With faith, everything is possible. We are fortunate that our guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj instilled such faith in us. Owing to his inspiration and the selfless service of thousands of volunteers, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham stands as a centre of faith for millions who walk through it.” Several honourable guests including Arthur Kapoor, president and CEO of Health EC, shared their appreciation of the Swaminarayan Akshardham as a testament to Hindu values and culture. Kapoor, an entrepreneur with expertise in data-driven patient care, was accompanied by his wife, Sangita Kapoor. Narsimha Kappula, the director of the World Hindu Economic Forum, along with his wife Pratibha Kappula was also present at the event. Images- BAPS The program explored the role of a guru as a beacon of light and a guide to help navigate life’s toughest challenges by strengthening one’s faith in the divine. Bala Devi Chandrashekar to perform at Symphony Space Image- Symphony Space STAFF REPORTER I nternational Bharatanatyam performer and scholar Bala Devi Chandrashekar will perform on celebrated production of Padmavati: An Avatar at Symphony Space on September 30, 2023. The United States premiere of Chandrasekhar’s solo performance is based on the Gita Govinda by the 12th century poet Jayadeva, conveying the captivating love story of temple dancer Padmavati and Jayadeva. First presented in Mathura, India in November 2021, Padmavati: An Avatar, conceptualized, researched, and choreographed by Chandrashekhar showcases cultural festivities, devotional songs, and resounding instrumentals, a news release stated. The work’s original music, recorded in India by an ensemble of 25 specialized musicians, was composed by Rajkumar Bharathi and features lyrics by Dr S. Umapathi, Siromani. Vocals and chorus are complemented by the rhythmic recitation of Natttuvangam, a traditional South Indian art form. “Padmavati: An Avatar takes its audience on a spellbinding journey of love and devotion,” said Chandrashekar. “The show’s melodic tapestry is enriched by a diverse ensemble of artists and musicians. Percussion, string, and wind instruments form the foundation on which this beautiful story is told.” A Bharatnatyam exponent and research scholar, Chandrashekhar has given over 300 performances across 30 countries. She is an empaneled artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi, and an approved artist by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India for overseas performances. Bala Devi Chandrashekar is a Bharatanatyam exponent and research scholar and has given over 300 performances across 30 countries. Mahant Swami Maharaj address the assembly A Symphony at the special cultural program themed, ‘My Guru, My Guide,’ at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, NJ
India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 V Freshworks CEO books 2,200 tickets for Rajnikanth’s ‘Jailer’ for employees MADHU BALAJI I ndian American chief operating officer of global software-as-a-service (SaaS) company Freshworks, Girish Mathrubootham said that he booked 2,200 tickets for Rajinikanth-starrer film Jailer across seven screens for the company’s employees. Mathrubootham, a Rajnikanth fan himself, offered leave to employees to watch the 2016 film Kabali on the first day of its theatrical release, according to a Business Today report. The entrepreneur is said to have booked the entire Sathyam cinemas in Chennai for his employees to watch the film. Helmed by Nelson Dilipkumar, Jailer released worldwide on August 10 across 7,000 screens. According to media reports, many offices in Chennai and Bengaluru declared a holiday on the day of the film’s release. The movie marks Rajinikanth’s return to the big screen after a two-year break and sees him in the role of a retired police officer. The 200-crore action-thriller film is produced by Sun Pictures and stars actors Ramya Krishnan, Vasanth Ravi, Yogi Babu and Vinayakan in lead roles. Actors Mohanlal, Jackie Shroff, Shiva Rajkumar and Tamannaah Bhatia make cameo appearances. The music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, while the cinematography is handled by Vijay Kartik Kannan. The box office collection in the United States, as per trade analyst Ramesh Bala has already crossed $1.45 million, which is more than Vijay’s Varisu which collected $1.14 million during its entire run in the country. According to a Times of India report, the action entertainer had a massive start at the United States box office as the premiere shows raked in around US$ 920,000. Rajnikanth-starrer Jailer. Image - Sun Pictures The box office collection in the United States, as per trade analyst Ramesh Bala has already crossed $1.45 million. Khanna emphasized expanding Indi-US relations in the cultural segment and lauded Kher’s work as an actor. Anupam Kher meets US Representatives in Mumbai VIKAL SAMDARIYA I ndian American Congressman Ro Khanna and Congresswoman Deborah Ross met with Bollywood actor Anupam Kher at the latter’s acting school in Mumbai during their official visit to India. The lawmakers engaged with students in an interactive session at the school. Speaking to the students, Khanna emphasized the need to expand India-US relations in people-topeople and cultural segments. “It is not sufficient to just have defence, technology and economic alignment, ultimately there has to be a people and cultural alignment in art movies play such a huge role,” the Indian American was quoted as saying in a video of the event posted by Kher. “Inspiring to speak with the acting students of @anupampkher. He has helped train over 100,000 young people to achieve their dreams. He came to Bollywood with 37 rupees and made it by studying drama,” Khanna wrote on X, formerly Twitter, after the event. The actor expressed pleasure on hosting the representatives at his school. “We had a great interactive session with the upcoming students of acting. It was my joy to show them around the school. Thank you my friends for your warmth and appreciation. Jai Ho!” Khanna is currently on an India visit to take part in the 77th Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi on August 15. He is heading a US Congressional delegation on an official visit to India. The delegation will visit Hyderabad and New Delhi during their trip. (L to R) Rep. Ro Khanna and Actor Anupam Kher. Image - X/Ro Khanna Akshata Murty named the best-dressed Brit Image-Instagram/@akshatamurty_official YASMIN TINWALA Akshata Murty, wife of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has been named the bestdressed Britisher for the year 2023 by Tatler magazine. Murty surpassed numerous notable personalities, some of them related to the British Royal Family, to claim the top spot on the list. Murty’s style, as seen on her Instagram feed, is workchic. Some of her style staples include tailored pants, A-line skirts, cardigans, shirts, and formal midi dresses. She does not go overboard with jewellery or makeup and follows a minimal approach when it comes to work outings or appearances at community gatherings. However, she does experiment with colours and does not shy away from pairing bold colours together. An example would be the electric pink top and green pants she sported in Japan where she arrived alongside Sunak for the G7 summit earlier this month. The 43 year old businesswoman and fashion designer has made a mark with her sartorial choices, a result of which is the number one spot on the best dressed list. Lana Peel, Lady Harriet Dalmeny, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, and Princess Beatrice’s husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi all featured on the list below Murty. With an individual net worth of US $63 million there’s no fashion label out of reach, however, in recent times Murty has swapped out expensive designer outfits for easy-on-the-pocket options. The switch was made after she came under fire for sporting expensive clothing, and it did not take long for Murty to invest in homegrown fashion brands.
VI India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 The premiere timing and date will be released by TIFF on August 15. Bishal Dutta’s film ‘It Lives Inside’ to hit theatres RISHIKA BHARDWAJ F rightFest UK will screen award-winning director, Bishal Dutta’s horror film “It Lives Inside” on August 25. The European premiere will be followed by the film’s official release on September 22, 2023. The film follows the story of Sam, an Indian American girl, who struggles to balance her culture and her classmates. When her closest friend Tamira, becomes possessed by a Pishach, a mythological demonic spirit, her life takes a dark turn. As the Pishach’s grip tightens around Tamira, Sam is forced to confront her own identity and embrace her heritage to combat the ancient evil. The film explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the power of embracing one’s origins, all wrapped in tension and horror. The lead is played by Megan Suri, known for her role in the Netflix teen favorite Never Have I Ever and romantic comedy and holiday commemorative piece Valentine’s Day. The cast also includes Mohana Krishan, who plays the role of Tamira Sam’s friend. The film won the South by Southwest Film Festival (SXSW) 2023 Midnighters Audience Award. Neon, the American independent film production company behind ‘It Lives Inside,’ has worked on films like ‘Sanctuary’ and ‘Oldboy’ among others. Bishal Dutta has directed short films, digital series, music videos, and commercials. His short film, ‘Life In Colour,’ was chosen for the prestigious 2018 Cannes Film Festival’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase. A winner of six Best Director awards, his films have seen nearly two dozen global festivals, spanning Italy, Austria, France, and beyond. The horror film features an IndianAmerican girl, who must embrace her heritage to defeat a supernatural spirit, as the lead Diljit Dosanjh starrer ‘Punjab 95’ to premiere at Toronto Fest YASMIN TINWALA I ndian singer-songwriter turned actor Diljit Dosanjh’s film titled Punjab 95 is set for its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The 48th edition of TIFF is scheduled to take place from September 7-17, 2023. Based on the life of prominent human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, the film is directed by Honey Trehan. Arjun Rampal and Suvinder Vicky, who recently was hugely appreciated for his leading act in the Netflix series Kohhra, also star in main roles. Khalra was instrumental in discovering evidence of abduction, murder, and cremation of thousands of unidentified persons by the police. His investigation, concerning 25,000 illegal cremations in Punjab during the militancy period from the mid1980s to the mid-1990s, sparked worldwide protests. The first-look poster of the movie was shared by Dosanjh on his Instagram page with the caption, “Waheguruji ka Khalsa, Waheguruji ki Fateh! World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Presenting the first look of Punjab ‘95, a compelling story based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.” TIFF will release the showtime for Punjab 95’s world premiere on August 15. Image-Instagram/DiljitDosanjh UNDP India’s climate champion, Prajakta Koli debuts as an author with the 2024 novel ‘Too Good to Be True’. Prajakta Koli to debut as author with romance novel STAFF REPORTER Popular Mumbai-based youtuber, blogger, and actor, Prajakta Koli, is set to make her debut as an author with an upcoming contemporary romance novel titled ‘Too Good to Be True.’ The book, acquired by HarperCollins India, is scheduled for publication in 2024. ‘Too Good to Be True’ is a tale of love and relationships, with Prajakta’s unique and relatable style. Characterized by wit, authenticity, and a touch of social consciousness, the story is set to be a delightful blend of emotions that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end, a release said. Reflecting on her debut journey of novel writing, Prajakta shared, “I always knew I could start writing a book. But not in a million years did I think I would finish one. ‘Too Good To Be True’ is a fictional piece of my heart that’s brought a lot of happiness to me. I’ve always enjoyed the process of storytelling but writing this book has opened a whole new door of possibilities in my mind. It is easily one of the most challenging yet most special pieces of content I have worked on so far. I hope it brings as much joy to you as it did to me. Here’s to romance and everything that it brings to us.” Known for storytelling skills, Prajakta Koli has garnered a massive following on various platforms, specifically YouTube. As one of India’s successful female Youtuber, she has not only entertained but also educated and inspired her followers. Her commitment to social responsibility is evident through her involvement as a global ambassador for YouTube’s ‘Creators For Change’ initiative and her recognition as UNDP India’s first Youth Climate Champion. Image - Instagram/@mostlysane ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’ grosses $10 million overseas MEHAK LUTHRA Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani (RRKPK), a romantic comedy starring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh crossed the $10 million mark overseas, according to Box Office India. The film which marks Karan Johar’s directorial comeback has also hit record numbers in India grossing over $12 million in just two weeks. In response to the news, the reowned Bollywood director took to Instagram to pen an emotional note. Johar expressed his gratitude towards his team, and acknowledged the cast, crew, and close friends who contributed to the film’s success. “Before this film’s release, I found myself on the verge of collapse, often feeling the need for an IV drip! I questioned whether it was due to the 7-year hiatus, the accumulated anxiety of the past 3 years, or the uncertain state of the box office. Whatever the underlying cause, I was undeniably overwhelmed! However, on the 28th of July, all I felt was thankfulness, validation, and unadulterated joy. This film is undoubtedly the result of collective team spirit and affection,” the filmmaker wrote. Talking about Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, Johar stated, “To Rocky and Rani, a distinct letter of affection awaits you, one I aspire to compose. Yet, I wish to express that you both stand as irreplaceable pillars of this ‘prem kahaani’ (love story). It is not solely the film’s shaping that you impacted, but also the vigour you infused in me through your affection. My affection for both of you knows no bounds, and I anticipate and hope for the opportunity to collaborate with you once more shortly.” India Box Office estimates that the film will reach the $15 million mark overseas as it is still going strong. In his post, Johar went on to thank “couture maverick” Manish Malhotra, “supremely talented” Eka Lakhani, cinematographer Manush Nandan, editor Nitin Baid, composer Pritam, lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya, choreographers Vaibhavi Merchant, Ganesh Acharya, Remo D’Souza, Farah Khan, publicity designers Rahul and Himanshu Nanda, and his friends including Gauri Khan. Image - Instagram @aaliabhatt
Aries You have ahead of you a week full of creativity, which will be very useful in your work, Aries, both now and later. You will also express your emotions and ideas with great ease. But in your environment, you may encounter some resistance to the recognition of your merits. Do not try to impose your ideas and your tastes on the people around you, because you will not succeed in this way. You will get better results by using your persuasiveness. Sometimes you get upset because you’re struggling to advance professionally, the competition is high, and things seem to be stagnating. However, do not stop working. As for your personal development, it is linked to a course, which will not happen immediately. A bit of patience. In love, you may experience some moments of suffering due to jealousy. You doubt your partner’s fidelity because he may have had contact with his ex. Stop suffering for this reason. He loves you. Taurus A good surprise awaits you in the professional world, Taurus. A person from this environment with whom you have never communicated much will suddenly ask you to participate in one of his projects, in which you will have to work as a team. You may be suspicious because you don’t know it in depth, and you may think it might actually harm you. But this is not the case; this person is in good faith and seeks to reach an agreement in which you could both benefit from your mutual knowledge because, in reality, you are very complementary. Think carefully about whether the project interests you, but don’t dismiss it out of mistrust; your suspicions are unfounded. In any case, you have a few days left to think about it and work out the details. In love, you are tired of your partner not caring and having to take on all the tasks. Try to make him react. You are united by a very intense love. Gemini It’s all up to you, Gemini. Your week will depend on your attitude. Focus on issues that relate to your work and your goals, because soon nothing and no one will be able to stop your professional progress. Plan, take care of everything that needs special attention, and pay attention to details. An intense week also awaits you in love. If you’re a Gemini in love and want to solidify your relationship, be careful how you express yourself. Avoid long silences, but don’t spend the whole day texting either. If your partner isn’t responding to you, don’t get discouraged; respect their freedom and give them all the time they need to make up their minds. It’s the best strategy. Cancer You’ll have more time to reflect now, Cancer, and you’ll be able to find the reason why, no matter how hard you try, you’re failing to scale your work. You’ll find that someone more experienced than you is getting in your way and making sure your qualities go unnoticed. The only solution is to act intelligently and, above all, with great cunning. You need to plan a strategy, so get to work this week. In the field of business or finance, you sometimes lack the courage to decide and achieve what you desire. Psychologically, you are not ready to take such risks. In love, you can experience good times. Your partner is everything—your lover, your friend, and your travel companion. I can’t ask for more. You can trust him, and you have his full support. Now, for this to be consolidated, you have to take on more responsibility. You need to move forward in your relationship. These days will bring you closer to each other. Leo You may have recently started a new job and are now in the adjustment phase. If you’re worried about how things are going to turn out from now on, relax because you’ve got it right. You will achieve great success over time. Now you have to have a little patience. If you have a business, you are worried because you now see the future as very uncertain. Remember that sometimes things take a complicated turn, and that seems to be the case for you. Prepare to face difficulties, but do not lose heart, because you will manage to get back on your feet. Take advantage of your current financial possibilities to increase your future resources; this will allow you to pass this difficult course. On a sentimental level, a few tense days await you, but since you know this, try to avoid any situation that could lead to an argument. Nerves are on edge; do your best to control yourself and don’t say things you’ll regret. Virgo You’re going through a very nervous time, Virgo, and it’s not all about work. In matters of the heart, you have a lot of emotional insecurity right now. It may be because your recent relationship with someone was established in an open, non-committal way. But now you realise that you fell in love and wish you had something more. Give yourself time to take stock of your feelings, to find out if you really feel love, and also to try to find out what he or she is thinking. He or she may also have changed and be afraid to tell you. These next few days will be important and decisive, as you will realise the true nature of what binds you at this time. Although you thought you were going to approach it a certain way at first, events may have led you to act differently. It wouldn’t be the first time; it’s more common than it seems. And due to the favourable astral conjunction affecting you this week, you are going to gain the upper hand. Libra Now that you have time, Libra, your mind circles around certain situations in your work environment. You have become a bit paranoid. You always need to be in control, and when something unexpected happens, you panic. You are mistaken, but such mistrust can offend those around you. You need to empathise with your team members, whether they are at the bottom or at the top. Fantasy plans for next weekend may fall through, but don’t be negative about it. Remember that everything in life has a purpose, so adapt and plan another activity, even at home. Why don’t you go through your wardrobe? But it is also true that very intense days are ahead on the social level, even on the phone or your computer screen. You’ll talk to people you can’t even imagine. If you are lonely, you may find your soul mate in one of these people. Scorpio Keep all negativity away from you, Scorpio. You must be 100% positive now. Maintaining this attitude is the best way to deal with certain adverse circumstances. You, who are so organised, should make a schedule so that you can do all the things you never have time for every day. Outside of work, your list can include a little yoga or stretching, natural beauty treatments, reading... Take advantage of tutorials on languages, music, painting, and much more that you can find on the internet. And if there’s an idea in your head, maybe it’s time to put it into practise. In the sentimental domain. Sagittarius You’ve probably had a few run-ins with one of your superiors in recent days, Sagittarius. This has caused you a lot of discouragement, among other things, because you think that the question is unresolved. But in a few days, a new project may arise, and you will be the first to be surprised when your boss asks you for help. This will be the time to iron out this conflict once and for all. In these days, Sagittarius begins a period of great economic growth that will last about six months. You won’t notice it too much at first, but your business will move forward. You don’t have such an easy life in the sentimental field. A little patience before everything goes back to normal. Capricorn Life is going to surprise you with an unexpected situation these days, Capricorn. Something that you never thought would happen is going to materialise precisely now. On a personal level, it will be a stressful week, not only because you want to go out and travel and you won’t be able to do it now, but also because a friend will need your emotional support. Do what you can in this regard. You may have noticed that your partner has drifted away from you over the past few days, but he or she hasn’t given you an explanation either. Don’t get upset or angry with him or her. It is possible that this attitude is due to the fact that he or she does not assimilate to a certain situation or that he or she has problems in his or her family environment. Don’t worry, it will pass. You have to be patient now and forgive what you would not have done otherwise. Aquarius If you were expecting changes in the work environment, Aquarius, in a few days, maybe a few weeks, there could be some very positive changes. This week, you will receive a call for a future interview that will lift your spirits. Start preparing; be confident; everything will turn out fine, and you will get what you want. You may also receive a proposal to participate in a commercial operation. You will do well to think about it before you decide, because it could harm you financially. In love, an excellent sentimental week awaits you. You might be contacted by someone who will dazzle you, and it seems that they are also very interested in you. Your doubts stem from the fact that it seems too good to be true, but you must put aside your mistrust. A very good opportunity to be happy in the very near future. Pisces This week, Pisces, you will receive a great lunar impulse that will allow you to successfully face difficult situations and adapt perfectly to some important changes that may occur in your life. For this reason, if you have to make important decisions during these days, be guided by your own judgment, as it will be the most accurate. Now think about that proposal you received that would mean career advancement. If you accept it, you will adapt to the new situation in the blink of an eye. In the sentimental domain, you waste a little time recreating the nostalgia of a love that was important to you but that ended a long time ago. Even if this person now comes to mind with intensity, turn the page. There is a person who can make you happy, but he will only appear when you are convinced that the past will not return. Weekly Horoscope Sundeep Kochar Astrologer https://www.sundeepkochar.com India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 VII
VIII India Abroad Monday, 14 August, 2023 Published Weekly Copyright © 2023 Indian Star LLC Editor in Chief Dr. Sridhar Krishnaswami Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Bhambri Registered Address Indian Star LLC, 6215 Rockhurst Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA Disclaimers: 1. India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affiliated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. 2. Indian Star LLC assumes no liability for claims / assumptions made in advertisements and advertorials. Views expressed by the writers are their own. Indian Star LLC A publication of Editor (Hindi) Dr. Rameshwar Dayal Rohit Sharma’s CricKingdom opens in California The center at Milpitas will cater to the growing number of cricket fans in the region. SUCHITRA SRINIVAS I ndian Skipper Rohit Sharma, inaugurated his cricket academy CricKingdom, in Milpitas, California at a grand event attended by a large number of cricket fans. The academy in the Bay area will be the first CricKingdom center in the United States and will operate in partnership with the US Cricket Store. CricKingdom founded by Rohit Sharma is the world’s first platform connecting cricket, players, coaches, students, academics, and facilities across the world. Currently it has over 40 centers operating across India, Singapore, and Japan with a center in Bangladesh, expected to open soon. Speaking at the event, co-founder, Chetan Suryavanshi, former captain of the Singapore National team, said it was their dream since 2017 to create an ecosystem for players from different regions to have access to quality coaching and the best facility to practice and perform. “To develop well-rounded cricketers, we need a proper platform, coaching center, and schedule a lot of matches. We work to deliver all these,” he asserted. Responding to a question during the interaction session, Sharma said that he was a great fan of Sachin Tendulkar and that his favorite book was Sachin’s biography called ‘Making of the Cricketer.” “I have learned a lot from this book. It is the only book that I have read in full all through my life,” he said. Sharma advised the young players not to get frustrated with what happens on the field as well as before important matches. He shared that he used to isolate himself from others before important matches, as there was always so much happening that would impact his thoughts and affect his performance. “When I was growing up I was so caught up with the match that I missed having fun in life outside cricket,” he said urging the youngsters to not make the same mistake. “There will be so much criticism, a lot of eyeballs on you. You should not be dragged by these experiences as a teenager.” Sharma said that instead of focusing on every comment, a player should focus on his shortcomings and make an effort to improve. “I focus on my failures and that’s where I learn to become better,” he emphasized. In a response to a question about the pressure while playing against Pakistan, the Indian captain said, “I would look at individual players and not the country. These thoughts of playing against a specific country put unnecessary pressure on us.” US Cricket Store under the leadership of Deepak Kaundal, president, has been a fast-growing outlet for cricket gears in Bay area and has one of the finest indoor cricket lanes. As a result, its partnership with CricKingdom is being lauded as a boon to the aspiring cricketers in the region. The event was attended by state and township officials who offered their support for the game of cricket. Fremont Mayor Lily Mie, in her speech, was appreciative of the efforts in bringing quality coaching to the United States through the academy and assured all help from her office. Mayor Carmen Montano of Milpitas said, “We plan to have more grounds and provide a thriving ecosystem for our men and women to play cricket. We have a wonderful women’s cricket team as well.” State Assembly member from the 24th District, Alex Lee, in his speech, acknowledged that the region had the most Asian American population which will benefit from the partnership as cricket is gaining attention and the required momentum to create the appropriate infrastructure is underway. The officials handed over their commendations and citations to the CricKingdom team to show their support. State Assembly member from the 24th District, Alex Lee handed over the State Citation to Cricketer Rohit Sharma at CricKingdom launch function at CA. Mayor Carmen Montano of Milpitas (to R of Alex) and Fremont Mayor Lily Mie (extreme L) are also seen. Pakistan cricket team to travel to India for World Cup MEHAK LUTHRA The Pakistani government recently announced that it would allow its cricket team to travel to India and participate in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup, thereby resolving months of uncertainty surrounding their participation in the prestigious event. According to a statement from the foreign ministry, Pakistan has consistently emphasized the separation of sports from politics. In line with this principle, the country has decided to send its cricket team to India to participate in the upcoming World Cup. “Pakistan believes that the state of bilateral relations with India should not stand in the way of fulfilling its international sportsrelated obligations,” the Ministry stated. However, the Ministry expressed that while Pakistan is committed to participating, it holds significant concerns about the security of its team. These concerns will be communicated to both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Indian authorities. “We expect that the full safety and security of the Pakistan cricket team will be ensured during its visit to India,” the statement further read. The Ministry also emphasized that Pakistan’s decision demonstrates a constructive and responsible approach, especially when compared to India’s uncooperative stance, given India’s refusal to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. The 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will be held in India from October 5 to November 19. The tournament will feature a total of 10 teams with the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match taking place on 14 October. Image - X @TheRealPCB The 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will be held in India from October 5 to November 19. STAFF REPORTER The Indian Men’s Hockey Team defeated Malaysia 4-3 in the finals of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023 on August 12, 2023 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Egmore, Chennai. With the win, the team takes their trophy titles to a grand total of four, and becomes the most successful team in the history of the tournament. In the first quarter India took the lead with a goal from Jugraj Singh (9’) which was soon levelled by the Malaysian side. The Malaysians continued the attack in the second quarter scoring as many as two goals in the 18th and 28th minute respectively. With the score 3-1 at half time, India needed to make a comeback. The chance came when, Sukhjeet Singh was tripped inside the circle resulting in a penalty stroke, being awarded to India which was converted into a goal by skipper Harmanpreet Singh (45’). Soon another goal followed by Gurjant Singh (45’) to level scores 3-3. In the final deciding quarter, both teams created several scoring chances with India taking the lead courtesy of a goal by a trademark big shot by the experienced Akashdeep Singh in the 56th minute. With four minutes of play left, Malaysia were left with no chance to equalize the goal resulting in an important win for the Men in Blue. India lifts Asian Champions Trophy