New India Abroad English E-paper Apr 3 2023

A platform for the voice of next generation Indian Americans Year 1, Volume 24 Washington DC, Monday 3 April, 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. Indian-origin Sikh creates history as Connecticut’s assistant police chief Georgia passes resolution condemning Hinduphobia ...Page 3 ...Page 20 Ramesh Bhutada donates US$ 1 million to Hindu University of America ...Page 5 Options available for H-1B workers to stay in US beyond 60 days ...Page 6 Spouses of H1-B visa holders can work VIKAL SAMDARIYA I n a welcome move for thousands of Indian techies working in the United States, the District Court of Columbia, on March 28, 2023, ruled that spouses of H1-B visa holders can work in the country. The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows US companies to hire foreign professionals for employment. Spouses and minor dependents of H-1B visa-holders are granted H-4 visas allowing them to reside in the United States as well. Save Jobs USA, an association representing Southern California Edison workers, challenged the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) rule allowing H-4 visa holders to apply for employment authorization. However, Judge Tanya Chutkan dismissed the order stating that the DHS’ approval is ratified by the congress. “That contention runs headlong into the text of the (Immigration and Nationality Act), decades of executive-branch practice, and both explicit and implicit congressional ratification of that practice,” her ruling read. “The fact that the federal government has had longstanding and open responsibility for authorising employment for similar visa classes further manifests Congress’ approval of it exercising that authority,” she further added. Save Jobs USA argued that Defendant’s promulgation of the H-4 Rule was arbitrary and capricious in violation of the applicable act but the court noted that the petitioner failed to demonstrate that the H-4 Rule was arbitrary and capricious. Tech industry giants such as Google and Amazon had come out against the lawsuit. Over 1,00,000 work permits have reportedly been issued to spouses of H-1B professionals. Certainly, many of them are Indians. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field Office in San Antonio, Texas. Image(2017) - Facebook/ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Richard Verma at top State Department post VIKAL SAMDARIYA The US senate confirmed Indian –American lawyer and diplomat Richard Verma as Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources by a vote of 67-26 “CONFIRMED: Richard Verma to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources By a vote of 67-26,” the official handle of live floor updates from the U.S. Senate Democratic Majority tweeted. Verma, the former US Ambassador to India, would be the highest-ranking Indian American in the US State Department in the new role also referred to as the chief operating officer of the State Department. As Deputy Secretary, Verma will serve as the principal adviser to the Secretary on overall supervision and direction of resource allocation and management activities of the Department. Additionally, he will assist in carrying out the Secretary’s authority and responsibility for the overall direction, coordination, and supervision of operational programs of the Department, including foreign assistance programs, the State Department said. Welcoming the confirmation, the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) tweeted ,“Congratulations to USISPF Board Member and former U.S. Ambassador to India, Richard R Verma on being confirmed by the Senate.” Head of Global Public Policy of Mastercard, Verma carries over 25 years of international experience across senior levels of business, law, diplomacy and the military. Apart from being the former vice chairman of The Asia Group, he is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and the recipient of a number of military awards and civilian decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the State Department’s Distinguished Service Award. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Richard Verma. Image - Twitter/USIPF Image - Twitter/Mastercard

2 New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 Banga will next be interviewed by the Bank’s Board of Directors before taking office. Indian Star LLC Published Weekly Copyright © 2022 Indian Star LLC Editor in Chief Dr. Sridhar Krishnaswami [email protected] Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Bhambri [email protected] Editor (Hindi) Dr. Rameshwar Dayal [email protected] Registered Address Indian Star LLC, 6215 Rockhurst Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA Email [email protected] Ph. 7323476511 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 Banga’s World Bank nomination proceeds unopposed VIKAL SAMDARIYA The United States’ pick to lead the World Bank did not receive any opposition from other members resulting in Indian - American Ajay Banga’s nomination being the only one for the post. Confirming the news after the alloted nomination period for other candidates closed on March 29, 2023, the World Bank said, “The Board received one nomination and would like to announce that Ajay Banga, a US national, will be considered for the position.” According to the established procedure, the next course of action will be an official interview of the candidate conducted by the Bank’s Board of Executive Directors in Washington D.C. The Indian government already endorsed Banga’s candidacy soon after his nomination was announced. Since then, a diverse group of governments has extended support for Banga, including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom. The seasoned finance and banking expert was tapped by President Biden in February 2023 to head Washington D.C based World Bank after incumbent president David Malpass revealed his plans to step down. The US nominee for World Bank President , Indian - American Ajay Banga. Image - Council on Foreign Relation Madhur Jaffrey gets James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award Amit Kshatriya to head NASA’s Moon to Mars Program BHAVANA P An Indian origin software and robotics engineer, Amit Kshatriya, has been named the first director of NASA’s new Moon to Mars Programme. The new mission aims to carry out NASA’s activities for the benefit of humanity on the Moon and Mars. Kshatriya’s role entails designing and carrying out the project for manned expeditions to the Moon and Mars. As the single point of concentration for risk management, he will supervise and oversee the programmes to make sure the planning, development, and operations are compliant with Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD) criteria. Kshatriya started his career as a software engineer, robotics engineer, and spacecraft operator in NASA’s space programme in 2003. He primarily worked on the robotic assembly of the International Space Station. The engineer, previously held the position of associate administrator for Common Exploration Systems Development, where he provided leadership and integration for a number of the programmes that came within its purview. “The Moon to Mars Programme Office will help prepare NASA to carry out our bold missions to the Moon and land the first humans on Mars,” said administrator Bill Nelson, in a statement. “The golden age of exploration is happening right now, and this new office will help ensure that NASA successfully establishes a long-term lunar presence needed to prepare for humanity’s next giant leap to the Red Planet.” MADHU BALAJI I ndian American actress and cookbook author Madhur Jaffrey was named as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the James Beard Foundation, on March 29, 2023. The foundation, that celebrates, supports and elevates the people behind America’s food culture will present the awards at a ceremony scheduled to happen in June 2023. Acknowledging the positive and longlasting impact of Jaffrey’s contributions to the food scenario in America, the foundation credited her for bringing mainstream attention to Indian cuisine, both in the U.S. and the U.K. through her first cookbook - An Invitation to Indian Cooking published in 1973. The book was inducted into the foundation’s Cookbook Hall of Fame in 2006, a news release noted. As an actress, Jaffrey is known for her role in the film Shakespeare Wallah, which bagged the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival in 1965. Popularly known as the ‘Godmother of Indian Cooking,’ she has published more than 30 award-winning cookbooks and is also known for her iconic show ‘Madhur Jaffrey’s Indian Cookery’ which premiered on the BBC in 1982. For her efforts in promoting Indian cuisine worldwide, the government of India conferred on her the Padma Bhushan in 2022, the third-highest civilian award. Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, said, “We congratulate all those recognized today and look forward to celebrating them at another exciting Awards Weekend in Chicago this June.” The honorees will be honoured at the Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Madhur Jaffrey Amit Kshatriya is deputy associate administrator for the Moon to Mars Program Office in NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate. Image - NASA Image: She the People

New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 3 Colon is the first Indian - American in the history of New Haven to serve as a high ranking police official. Indian-origin Sikh creates history as Connecticut’s assistant police chief VIKAL SAMDARIYA The New Haven Board of Police Commissioners promoted Indian – American Lt. Manmeet Colon as the assistant chief of the New Haven Police Department on March 14, 2023. Mumbai native Colon’s elevation to the assistant chief post was unanimously approved by the Board of Police Commissioners, according to a release. Her promotion is of significance as she becomes the first person of Indian descent to serve as assistant chief in the history of the department. In his congratulatory note, the Mayor of New Haven said, “She’s also an immigrant, a University of New Haven graduate, a mom, a 15-year veteran of the NHPD, and a dedicated public servant and I’m confident Assistant Chief Colon will continue to serve our residents and city with honor and distinction in this critical new role.” “This is a great day for the City of New Haven and also for the Indian community and women of color in the city and state; another glass ceiling has been broken,” said Police Commission chair Evelise Ribeiro remarked. The 37-year-old, Punjabi-origin police officer moved to the US with her family and is a longtime resident of New Haven. She graduated from the police academy and studied criminal justice at the University of New Haven, according to a release. Indian – American Lt. Manmeet Colon ( first from left) at the swearing in ceremony with Mayor of New Haven , Justin Elicker (third from left). Image - Facebook/Justin Elicker He’s one of the five scholars who got recognized for their excellence in teaching and service. University of Illinois names Prashant Jain as “University scholar” BHAVANA P Prashant Jain, an Indian American professor, was one among five University of Illinois faculty members recognised as University Scholar, an award that recognises their excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. According to the news release by the University, the award is granted to professors at the universities of Chicago, Springfield, and Urbana. Each scholar in the program receives US$15,000 over the course of three years, which they can use for travel, supplies, study assistants, books, or other purposes. “We value the critical role of our diverse, world-class faculty in maintaining the University of Illinois System’s preeminence as a global leader in higher education,” Nicholas Jones, the System’s executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs said. Jain’s nominator described him, as “a world leader in three high-impact fields of research: artificial photosynthesis, catalysis and fundamental nanoscience.” According to the University, Jain, a chemistry professor,“reimagines and reinvents” how chemicals and fuels are manufactured. Born and raised in Bombay, India, Jain earned his bachelor’s degree in polymer engineering from the Institute of Chemical Technology. When he began graduate school at Georgia Tech, he switched fields due to his keen interest in physics and chemistry. Using ultrafast spectroscopy and theoretical electrodynamics, Jain investigated the structure of energy and carrier relaxation in photoexcited metal nanoparticles at Georgia Tech. He also created the now-famous scaling principles for electromagnetic interactions at the nanoscale. Professor Prashant Jain University of Illinois Urbana Champagne. Photo-illinois.edu.

4 New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 USIBC connects the two largest democracies in the world and serves as the premier voice of industry to create connections between businesses and governments [email protected] US lawmakers call for H-1B, L-1 reforms MADHU BALAJI I n an effort to reduce fraud and abuse in the United States immigration system, and bring more transparency in the recruitment of foreign workers legislation a bill has been introduced in the Senate to reform H-1B and L-1 visa programs. According to a press note by the Judiciary committee the legislation assumes significance as it comes in the midst of the H-1B filing season, when tech companies are applying for new visas although the industry has laid off thousands of American and immigrant workers. The legislation, introduced by Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Chuck Grassley, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, proposes new wage, recruitment, and attestation requirements for employers intending to hire L-1 and H-1B workers. Durbin noted that outsourcing companies have used legal loopholes to displace qualified American workers and replace them with foreign workers who are paid subpar wages. “The H-1B and L-1 visa programs were established to fill in gaps in America’s high-skilled workforce, not supplant it. Unfortunately, some companies have exploited these programs to replace American workers with cheaper labor, which ultimately harms American workers and foreign labor alike. Our bill puts American workers first and ensures that the programs promote fairness for all workers,” Grassley said. Image: US Embassy and Consulates in India Representative image USIBC inducts new board members VIKAL SAMDARIYA The US Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) inducted four new executives to its global board of directors including three Indian –origin business leaders. CEO and MD of Welspun India, Dipali Goenka, senior executive vice president, of BNY Mellon, Akash Shah, president and CEO of Tellurian Inc, Octávio Simões and vice president of Applied Materials Inc., Dr Prabu Raja, were the new additions to the USIBC board. Welcoming the new members, president of USIBC, Atul Keshap said, “I am thrilled to announce the addition of four distinguished and accomplished leaders to our diverse Global Board of Directors. Bringing on leaders of this calibre is instrumental to our council’s ability to deliver on an ambitious and wide-ranging advocacy agenda, particularly as India assumes this year’s G20 Presidency.” Lauding Harvard alumnus Goenka for transforming the textile business, a traditionally male-dominated industry, into one of women’s empowerment, USIBC said, “Her tenure has seen Welspun’s female workforce grow to 30 per cent up from just 7 per cent a decade ago, and Welspun’s textile business grow to a US $1 billion enterprise globally.” In his leadership role with BNY Mellon, Yale University alumnus Shah oversees firmwide Strategy and Global Client Management. He is responsible for delivering BNY Mellon’s strategic growth platform across its businesses and regions and expanding its network of strategic partnerships and investments. Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi alumnus Raja heads the semiconductor products group where he leads multiple business units, global customer accounts, strategy, marketing, and operations. He is recognized in the industry for his leadership in business, technology, customer relationships, and industry partnerships. Established in 1975 at the behest of the U.S. and Indian Governments, the U.S.-India Business Council represents hundreds of top global companies operating across the United States, India, and the Indo-Pacific. (Left to Right) Dipali Goenka, Senior Executive Vice President, of BNY Mellon, Akash Shah, President and CEO of Tellurian Inc, Octávio Simões and Vice President of Applied Materials Inc., Dr Prabu Raja.

New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 5 Daniel Mookhey swears on Gita as NSW Treasurer VIKAL SAMDARIYA I ndian-Australian Daniel Mookhey was sworn-in as the Treasurer of the New South Wales (NSW) in Australia. He became the first minister to take the oath of allegiance on the Bhagavad Gita. In a statement, Mookhey, who had earlier sworn on the Gita said, “I am incredibly honoured and humbled to be the first Australian Minister, state or federally, to take my oath of allegiance on the Bhagavad Gita”. “This is only possible because Australia is so open and so welcoming to the contributions of people like my parents, whom I was thinking about a lot as I took my oath earlier today,” Mookhey added. Born to Punjabi Indian migrants, the newly appointed Treasurer was elected to the Parliament of NSW in May 2015 as a Member of the Legislative Council, his profile stated. NSW’s new Parliament will have the maximum number of Indian-origin representatives that include Daniel Mookhey, Charishma Kaliyanda, Gurmesh Singh and deputy premier Pru Car, who also has Indian roots. Image - Facebook/ Daniel Mookhey Twitter/Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns Treasurer of the New South Wales, Daniel Mookhey at swearing in ceremony. The newly appointed Treasurer of the NSW took the oath of allegiance on the Bhagavad Gita. Ramesh Bhutada donates US$ 1 million to Hindu University of America SUPRIYA SINGH Houston-based entrepreneur and philanthropist and the CEO of Star Pipe Products, Ramesh Bhutada donated US$ one million to the Hindu University of America (HUA) and was felicitated in an event organised by by the University in association with Hindus of Greater Houston (HGH) at VPSS Haveli, Houston. The event was attended by 500 community members, who honored Bhutada and his family for their generosity. In his address, the Indian American said, “Hindu Dharma teaches us how to live in harmony within ourselves, with our family, friends, colleagues, and with the entire world.” However he added that traditional Hindu upbringing and teachings about Hinduism within the family and home environment alone are not sufficient. Drawing on his own experience, he underlined that knowledge imparted by am institution will the ensure that the younger generations understand and apply Hinduism in their lives. “Other universities may impart knowledge for students to earn a livelihood but an institution like HUA can impart knowledge that teaches a student how to live their life,” he said sharing the reason behind his donation. According to a news release, the event also included a presentation on HUA’s courses and programs, as well as the experiences of students and faculty. Chairman of the HUA Board and Padma Bhushan awardee Ved Nanda and HUA president Kalyan Viswanathan spoke about the rejuvenation of HUA, its current state, and future roadmap. Viswanathan in his speech called on all the attendees to “come together to build a Hindu university that lasts a 1000 years just like the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur. Sharing future plans, he added “over the next five years, HUA aspired to become self-sustaining, and establish itself as a shared platform for all Hindu traditions and organizations to offer their teachings.” HUA Chairman Ved Nanda stated that HUA “will seek to become an authoritative voice in the academic domain for all matters pertaining to Hindu Dharma, not only in the United States but also globally.” Ramesh Bhutada speaks at HUA Houston Gala HUA Board Members. Images- Hindu University of America

6 New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 When a H1-B worker’s laid off, either voluntarily or involuntarily, they may apply for a change of nonimmigrant status and stay in the U.S. legally. Options available for H-1B workers to stay in US beyond 60 days VIKAL SAMDARIYA There is a misconception that laid-off immigrant workers with H-1B visas have to leave the US within 60 days, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Ur M. Jaddou said in a response to the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies USA (FIIDS). Last month, FIIDS wrote a letter to the USCIS asking for an extension of the 60-day deadline for laid-off H1B professionals, after which they will lose their visa status. In the received response posted on March 29, 2023, USCIS stated “When nonimmigrant workers are laid off, most individuals facing job loss already have several options in order to remain in the United States while continuing their job search past 60 days.” As per available remedies, when a nonimmigrant worker’s employment is terminated, either voluntarily or involuntarily, they may apply for a change of nonimmigrant status, adjustment of status, a “compelling circumstances” employment authorization document; or be the beneficiary of a non frivolous petition to change employer if eligible, to remain in a period of authorized stay in the US. If one of the actions occurs within the 60-day grace period, the nonimmigrant’s period of authorized stayin the United States can exceed 60 days, even if they lose their previous nonimmigrant status. USCIS further stated, “If the worker takes no action within the grace period,they and their dependents may then need to depart the US within 60 days, or when their authorized validity period ends, whichever is shorter.” “We appreciate the USCIS for clearly providing options for the laid-off H1B holders. The official communication will improve the possibility for the H1B holders to remain legally in the US. We will still work with the DHS to change the grace period” FIIDS policy director, Khanderao Kand said. In its response, the agency messaged, “USCIS recognizes the contributions made to the United States by talented foreign-born workers including in the STEM fields. We will continue to monitor technology sector layoffs and explore appropriate measures.” Image - Visa Guide Missing Indian American teen found safe in Florida STAFF REPORTER I ndian American teenager Tanvi Marupally was found in Florida’s Tampa, 74 days after the 14-yearold reportedly disappeared from home. “Her parents have been notified and we are currently working with Tampa Police Department and the US Marshals Service to bring her back to Conway,” the Conway Police Department announced on a Facebook post. They thanked the community and the agencies involved in finding the teenager. “This investigation will continue, and we will release more information as it becomes available,” the police added. The month-long search for Marupally extended to Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Tennessee. According to the media, information about Marupally was passed on to the police by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which received a heads-up from a Tampa resident. “They recognized a situation. They may have recognized the child. They took a quick picture and sent it to our call center,” said John Bischoff, vice president of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. A reward of US $25,000 has been offered for helping police locate the girl’s whereabouts. Marupally reportedly fled from Conway Junior High School on January 17, 2023. Her father told the media that he believes his daughter ran away because of their uncertain immigration status. He worked at a tech firm, an told the teenager that they would have to leave the U.S. if he loses his work visa. The parents were engaged in the search mission and handed hundreds of flyers in all parks and surrounding areas. Her father reportedly visited around 45 Arkansas state parks to locate her. Tanvi Marupally Image: Twitter/@ConwayPolice Tanvi Marupally reportedly fled from Conway Junior High School on January 17, 2023. USIBC, USISPF organise reception for Eric Garcetti MADHU BALAJI The US-India Business Council (USIBC) and the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) greeted the new US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, at a welcome reception hosted in Washington. Wishing Garcetti a safe trip to India, USIBC President Atul Keshap expressed excitement to continue working with US Embassy in India under his leadership. During the event, the business community conveyed to the new ambassador the need for the private sector’s strong support for the growth of the US-India economic relationship. “As the world’s fifth largest economy, India is among the most important markets on earth. US.-India trade and investment will be central to driving the next phase of global growth and forging resilience across key supply chains,” USIBC press statement said. “A pleasure to host the incoming US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti for an industry interaction. Wishing Ambassador Garcetti all the best for New Delhi,” USISPF shared on social media with glimpses from the industry interaction they organized. The councils earlier congratulated the former mayor of Los Angeles on his confirmation as the next envoy to India. Garcetti’s appointment was confirmed by the US Senate by a vote of 52-42. Eric Garcetti Image -Twitter/@metmuseum

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8 New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 Jindal is the second person to receive the prestigious award from the university after Nobel Laureate Aziz Sancar. University of Texas honors Naveen Jindal SUPRIYA SINGH Chairman of Jindal Steel and Power, Naveen Jindal, was conferred with Lifetime Achievement Award by the University of Texas (Dallas) for his accomplishments in industry, politics, and education. An alumnus of the university (1992 batch), he received the award in a ceremony held by the varsity on March. 25, 2023. He is the second person to receive the prestigious award from the university after Nobel Laureate Aziz Sancar. In order to celebrate the enormous success of their most distinguished alumnus, the university honoured him by renaming their School of Management as the Naveen Jindal School of Management in 2011. During his time at the the university, Jindal served as both student government vice president and president and earned the student leader of the year award. He was recognized with the university’s distinguished alumni award in 2010. The Lifetime Achievement award is the highest honour that the university bestows on an alumnus. It recognises a graduate whose extraordinary contributions have bettered society, transformed the university, and inspired others to reach new heights of excellence. Navin Jindal receiving the award from the University of Texas (Dallas) Image- Jindal Steel and Power John Chambers is Grand Keynote Speaker at TiEcon 2023 Journal of Business Research ranks Somnath Lahiri among most prolific scholars MADHU BALAJI I ndian origin Dr Somnath Lahiri, a professor of strategy and international business at Illinois State University’s College of Business, was named among the Journal of Business Research’s top 5 most prolific scholars of India-based international business and management research publications. According to the Illinois State University’s press statement, the journal ranked individuals based on the number of publications produced in the previous nearly 50 years. Dean of Illinois State’s College of Business, Dr Ajay Samant, congratulated Lahiri on the achievement and said, “This is a great accomplishment for Dr Lahiri and makes his colleagues and me in the College of Business proud. Lahiri has published his scholarship consistently in very well-known peer-reviewed journals in the fields of international business and organizational strategy.” Sharing the motivation behind his Indiafocused studies, Lahiri said that being born in the country he was naturally inclined to study its many small, mid-sized, and large companies that do business in Asia and internationally. According to the press note, Lahiri has tracked the foreign direct investment (FDI) in India for two decades and currently a few papers on India under review in academic journals and three others being prepared for submission. “In the future, he plans to examine a long list of other emerging economies, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia, Turkey, Mexico, and China,” the release noted. Lahiri joined Illinois State University in 2007 and has a PhD in business administration from the University of Memphis, a diploma in management and a bachelor’s in civil engineering. He is currently part of the editorial board of the Journal of World Business and the Journal of International Management. Additionally, he has received many awards, including the College of Business Outstanding Service Award in 2017 and 2022. SUMAN VARANDANI TiEcon 2023, the world’s largest technology-anchored entrepreneurship conference, is being organized by TiE Silicon Valley – a nonprofit dedicated to fostering global entrepreneurship. TiEcon, which has ranked among the 10 conferences worldwide for ideas and entrepreneurship, will take place between May 3-5. The event will showcase thought leaders and bring together innovators, corporate business decision-makers, next-gen entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and technology firms to inspire and advance entrepreneurship. This year’s conference will focus on the hottest areas of innovation: artificial intelligence & machine learning, cloud technologies, crypto, cybersecurity, healthcare, supply chain, semiconductors, manufacturing, and more. John Chambers, a highly accomplished and honored global technology legend, will be the grand keynote speaker for the conference on May 4. Chambers is the founder and CEO of JC2 Ventures, which focuses on helping disruptive startups from around the world build and scale. He is also the Chairman of the USIndia Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF). He was most recently appointed Global Ambassador of French Tech by President Emmanuel Macron of France. Chambers not only invests and mentors entrepreneurs, but also promotes entrepreneurship, gender equality, and accelerating overall new business creation. According to Chambers, startups will be the core driver of economic growth and job creation in the Digital Age. “TiE has continued to be a champion of change and growth, as it has been for the past 31 years. It gives me great pleasure to return to the TiEcon stage and address a global audience of innovators and changemakers who are here to dream, believe, and achieve what’s possible,” Chambers said in a statement. Chambers spent more than 25 years with Cisco, where he served as CEO, Chairman, and Executive Chairman. He currently holds the title of Chairman Emeritus with the organization. Chambers has received numerous awards for his leadership, including being named the number two “Best-Performing CEO in the World” in 2015 by Harvard Business Review and receiving the Edison Achievement Award for Innovation. He was also awarded the Outstanding Civil Service Medal by the U.S. Army, as well as France’s National Defense Gold Medal, the only foreign business leader to ever receive the award in its 35-year history. His most recent accolade includes the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to the trade and tech industries in India. Chambers was also named one of Barron’s “World’s Best CEOs”, Chief Executive Magazine’s “CEO of the Year”, Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People,” 20/20’s “Best Boss in America”, one of BusinessWeek’s “Top 25 Executives Worldwide”, the Business Council’s “Award for Corporate Leadership,” “Best Investor Relations by a CEO” from Investor Relations Magazine three times, and the 2012 Bower Award for Business Leadership from the Franklin Institute. “We are beyond excited to have John Chambers, an iconic leader, to inspire our global audience attending TiEcon 2023.,” Anita Manwani, President, of TiE Silicon Valley said. Lahiri who focuses much of his research on Indian businesses said that India is “a hotbed of business activities, innovation, and talent in both manufacturing and services.” Dr Somnath Lahiri Image-Twitter/@JohnTChambers Image: Illinois State

New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 9 Mahatma Gandhi statue vandalised in Canada VIKAL SAMDARIYA Abust of Mahatma Gandhi located at the Burnaby campus of Simon Fraser University in Canada`s British Columbia province was vandalized by unidentified miscreants on March. 27, 2023. The recent attack is the second such incident within a week, according to a news release the first incident took place in the town of Hamilton. Condemning the attack, India’s Consulate in Vancouver, tweeted, “We strongly condemn the heinous crime of vandalising the statue of harbinger of peace Mahatma Gandhi. The Canadian authorities are urged to investigate the matter urgently and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.” Crafted by the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the statue was placed at the Simon Fraser University campus in 1970. Every year on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the University organises garlanding of the statue to pay respect to the Indian leader. In similar incidents, last year, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was defaced at the Vishnu Mandir in Richmond Hill. Last month, a Hindu temple in Toronto was targeted with anti-India graffiti on the walls. In the same manner, Shri Ram Mandir in Mississauga and the Gauri Shankar Mandir in Brampton were also targeted in the recent past. A bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Burnaby campus of Simon Fraser. Image(File) - Twitter/ India in Vancouver India takes up security breach of diplomatic missions in Canada STAFF REPORTER I ndia summoned the High Commissioner of Canada on March 25, 2023, to convey its strong concern over the actions of separatist and extremist elements at India’s diplomatic mission in Canada this week. This comes after a breach of security at Indian missions was reported despite the presence of police in the area. The Ministry of External Affairs of India (MEA) said in a statement, “The Government of India sought an explanation on how such elements were allowed, in the presence of police, to breach the security of our diplomatic Mission and Consulates.” According to reports, earlier this week India’s envoy to Canada, Sanjay Verma had to call off his participation in a reception at Surrey, British Columbia after nearly 200 protestors, some wielding swords, had gathered at the venue. In its strong protest, India reminded Canada’s of its obligations under the Vienna Convention, that states it is the responsibility of the host countries to assure the safety of foreign diplomatic missions and staff. The ministry has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the individuals who have already been identified as being involved in such acts. In the recent past, India’s diplomatic Mission was targeted by protesters in San Francisco, United States; Vancouver, Canada and London, United Kingdom. Image - Facebook/India in Canada India reminded Canada’s obligations under the Vienna Convention, that mandates it to take all steps to ensure the safety of diplomats and security of diplomatic premises. Indian-origin professor bags ERC Advanced Grant MADHU BALAJI I ndian-origin professor Varinder Aggarwal was named the recipient of the ERC (European Research Council) Advanced Grants worth US$ 2,700,000, the University of Bristol announced. Currently the professor of Chemistry at the University, Aggarwal has been awarded his third ERC Advanced Grant for the project titled “Conformation, Automation and Applications of Polyborons in Synthesis (COOLIES).” Reacting to the news, the India-born chemist said, “The longer-term funding for ambitious projects that ERC provides, will enable us to explore the potential to short-circuit complex organic syntheses, and even automate them. This should enable pharmaceuticals to be made more easily and at a lower cost. The information storage and retrieval field has been dominated by silicabased materials that take up considerable space. Using single molecules for information storage and retrieval has the potential to miniaturize this considerably.” Born in Uttar Pradesh, India, in 1961, Aggarwal’s family moved to the UK in 1963. He received his PhD from the University of Cambridge in 1986, pursued his postdoctoral studies at Columbia University, and started as a lecturer at Bath University. Aggarwal then moved to Sheffield University in 1991 and became a professor in 1997. In 2000, he came to Bristol University, where he serves as the Alfred Capper Pass Chair in Chemistry. He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 2012. Professor Varinder Aggarwal Image: Bristol Univeristy

10 New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 The landmark Affordable Care Act also known as Obamacare was signed into law in 2010. The act aimed to provide affordable health insurance coverage for all Americans. AAPI president lauds Biden’s Medicaid expansion SUPRIYA SINGH Dr Ravi Kolli, president of the American Association of the Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) represented the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States at the 13th anniversary celebrations of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at the White House in Washington, DC. Quoting statistics, Dr Kolli who praised the current administration for its efforts to provide millions with affordable health benefits pointed out, “During 2023 open enrollment, a record high of 16.4 million people signed up, with 4.4 million more people enrolled for health insurance since 2021. A new Health and Human Services(HHS) report shows more than 40 million people are currently enrolled in marketplace or Medicaid expansion coverage related to provisions of the ACA-- the highest total on record.” “It was such a privilege and an honour to be at the White House representing AAPI, to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act,” the physician remarked. He further thanked the Biden administration for the open enrollment outreach that was tailored to reach audiences that experience lower access to health care including Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, African Americans, Spanish and English-speaking Latinos. According to a AAPI news release, the President shared his administration’s progress in advancing health care policy through the Act and highlighted recent moves by several pharmaceutical companies to cap the price of insulin. The landmark Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was signed into law in 2010. It aimed to provide affordable health insurance coverage for all Americans and was also designed to protect consumers from insurance company tactics that might drive up patient costs or restrict care, the release noted. Several healthcare professionals, industry leaders, and heads of federal agencies, along with Vice President Kamala Harris, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi marked the 13th anniversary of the passage of ACA in the same room where the ex-President of the United States Barack Obama signed into law the historic Act benefitting millions. US President Joe Biden speaking at the 13th anniversary celebrations of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at the White House in Washington, DC. AAPI President, Dr Ravi Kolli at the White House. Images-AAPI

New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 11 The first-ever nonstop flight is the 3rd connectivity between Amritsar and UK, with this new service Amritsar has connectivity with twenty-one cities. Air India launches direct flight from Amritsar to London VIKAL SAMDARIYA Air India launched its first-ever nonstop flight service to Gatwick Airport in London from Amritsar. Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated the direct flight service to the second-largest airport in the UK on March 27, 2023. In his inaugural address, the Minister said, “This new international connectivity will work as a catalyst for the development of the region. It is an emotional subject also as lakhs of people of Punjab live in the UK and this new service will connect families living in two different countries.” The Minister added, “This is the third connectivity between Amritsar and England and there are six international flights which are operational from Amritsar.” He lauded PM Modi’s efforts in the development of Amritsar Airport. In his address, he recalled, “By 2014 Amritsar was connected to only six cities, in nine years under the leadership of PM Modi, it has increased to twenty-one cities, a jump of 250 per cent.” In the government’s initiatives to strengthen flight services, he informed “The government has signed an open sky offer with Canada wherein airline operators can operate unlimited flights between Indian cities and their Canadian counterparts.” As per the released schedule, the inaugurated Amritsar to Gatwick Airport flight will operate three days a week. Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated the direct flight from Amritsar to London. Image - Twitter/MOCA, GO The flight services which were discontinued due to the Covid-19 outbreak resumed after three years. Etihad Airways resumes daily flights to Kolkata MADHU BALAJI Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, has commenced its direct flights to Kolkata. The first flight operated with an Airbus A320 aircraft, EY256, departed from Abu Dhabi on March 26, 2023, and landed at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport. The flight services which were discontinued due to the Covid-19 outbreak resumed after three years. The inaugural flight passengers were welcomed with a cake-cutting ceremony attended by Etihad and Kolkata airport executives. Impressed with the demand, Etihad Airways’ chief revenue officer, Arik De, said, “We are delighted to resume daily flights to Kolkata, a key cultural and commercial hub in the Indian subcontinent. Re-establishing this vital air link with East India will support the growing demand from travelers in and around the region, offering them easy access to Abu Dhabi and connectivity to our global network alongside a world-class flying experience.” Etihad now offers a total of seven weekly nonstop services between Abu Dhabi and Kolkata, according to the news release. The release further added that Etihad passengers who fly from Kolkata to the US could benefit from the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Etihad Airways at Kolkata airport Image: Twitter/@aaikolairport Air India Express starts direct flight from Indore to Sharjah SUPRIYA SINGH Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel Jyotiraditya M. Scindia along with MoS Ministry of Civil Aviation Vijay Kumar Singh inaugurated a direct flight between Indore and Sharjah. According to the aviation ministry this new route will enhance connectivity with the Middle East. It will operate three days a week commencing March 31. “After Indore to Dubai, this route will be Indore’s second air connectivity with the UAE which will not only boost trade and commerce but will also connect families living in two different countries,” said Scindia in his inaugural address. Speaking on connectivity and infrastructure development, Scindia added, “In 2013-14, Indore was connected to only six destinations. In the nine years under PM Modi’s government, it has increased to 24 including two international destinations which is a 400% growth. Earlier, weekly air traffic movement from Indore was 320 which has now increased to 500 which is a 52% growth.” The minister further said that In 2014, the state of Madhya Pradesh had air connectivity with only eight cities of the country, but now it is connected to 26 cities which is a 300% growth. The weekly air traffic movement from the state was 500 aircraft, in nine years it has increased to 840. Madhya Pradesh was given 60 routes under the RCS UDAN scheme, 33 of them are already operational and 12 will be operational soon. Recently, Reva airport’s foundation was laid whereas in Gwalior and Jabalpur, a new integrated terminal building is being developed. Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel Jyotiraditya M. Scindia

Entrepreneur Vivek Wadhwa “AI technologies have started advancing on steepest part of the exponential curve sooner than everyone expected. We will see incredible, amazing, and terrifying things now. They’re as unstoppable as covid was.” Diaspora Talks Actor Ritu Arya “I think even just one woman speaking up in a crowd of people shows strength. We are in a world where there’s just such a disparity.” EDITORIAL I t has now come to be a routine nightmare for parents in America, that when a child leaves home to school, the kid returns safely in the afternoon. But this did not happen on that fateful day in Nashville, Tennessee when an armed shooter unloaded clips at The Covenant School killing three nine year olds and three other adults before being taken out by law enforcement officers. As if this horror was not enough by itself, the reminders by way of statistics started pouring in: that firearms are the biggest killers of kids. The President of the United States, Joseph Biden, was not the only one sick to his stomach upon hearing the terrible news; nearly every law abiding citizen anywhere in the world would have had a sense of revulsion at what is taking place. But what makes the whole environment even more disgusting and toxic is in the kind of rationales put out for this kind of madness and in a kind of fancy thinking that it is people who are to blame, not guns. In a country where there is an estimated 400 million guns somehow an impression is sought to be foisted that it all comes down to the person holding the gun or a high powered rifle is the only one responsible. And the blame game does not end with the shooter. In a country where phobias are aplenty, there is a new twist to the Nashville killing: that perhaps it all happened because the 28 year old Audrey Hale, identified as the perpetrator, was a transgender as they are supposedly more prone to violence. This cheap shot comes after police first identified Hale as female, then as trans and now dabbling in the realm of uncertainty. That apart, common sense shows that virtually all of the shootings in schools and elsewhere have been the handiwork of cisgender males and transgenders have generally been at the receiving end of violent crimes, not just in the United States but elsewhere too. The attempt by the far right to look for excuses other than guns reveals an element of desperation—an attempt to turn the debate into an opportunity to further tighten legislations against transpeople especially in conservative states. At the national level President Biden and the Democrats may try all they want to tighten restrictions on guns, especially assault weapons. But they are also painfully aware that the other side too needs to be part of any meaningful solution; and this is not about to happen anytime soon and for political reasons. It is indeed a sad commentary to see the gun lobby walking away easy and perhaps hoping to gain something more out of events like Nashville. Blaming educators for opening the eyes of children in the name of a liberal-conservative divide is not helping; for that matter having gun toting security guards in schools or turning educational institutions into airports-like metal detection environments is certainly not helping the learning process. In a deeply polarized political environment, Republicans and Democrats need to come together for the future generations of America or meekly allow the tragedy to continue. THE TRAGEDY CONTINUES 12 New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 President Biden and the Democrats may try all they want to tighten restrictions on guns, especially assault weapons. But they are also painfully aware that the other side too needs to be part of any meaningful solution Dr Prabhakar highlighted that the aim of the newly launched Gandhi King Center for Non-violence was to tackle gun violence Covenant School, site of the Nashville shooting Vijay Prabhakar discusses gun violence with Biden cabinet members MADHU BALAJI US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, along with US Representative Jonathan Jackson, and Senator Dick Durbin, were at Kennedy-King College, Chicago, recently, to deliberate on mental health and gun violence in the area. President of the American Multiethnic Coalition, USA, Dr Vijay G Prabhakar speaking at the event. President of the American Multiethnic Coalition, USA, Dr Vijay G Prabhakar also joined the roundtable discussion and highlighted the, “Gandhi King Center For Non-Violence” recently launched in the Englewood area which has one of the highest crime rate at 86 per cent. The Indian American public health professional, who initiated and launched the center stressed on the need for a meaningful collaborative approach to reduce violence in Englewood by involving community leaders, healthcare providers, and local law enforcement. The host Becerra termed gun violence as a health problem that must be addressed. “President Biden and the US Department of Health & Human Services are addressing the gun violence issue as a focused priority,” the secretary said. The conference was aimed to visually highlight the existence and effect that poverty and gun violence have on the Englewood community. The HHS Secretary announced that more than US $300 million is allocated to support and expand Certified Community Behavioral health clinics nationally which provide 24/7 crisis intervention and comprehensive behavioral health services to local communities. Biden cabinet discusses gun violence, mental health President of the American Multiethnic Coalition, USA, Dr Vijay G Prabhakar speaking at the event. Image: Facebook/ Vijay G Prabhakar Image-Twitter/@MNPDNashville

New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 13 ProCogia delivers projects for global clients including Microsoft, T-Mobile,Getty Images, and Roche. PRA Group, Inc. is a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans. Vikram Atal named President and CEO of PRA Group SUMAN VARANDANI PRA Group, Inc. has named longtime board member Vikram (Vik) Atal as its president and CEO, effective immediately. He will be succeeding Kevin Stevenson, who served as president and CEO since 2017. PRA Group, Inc. is a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans. Atal, who joined PRA Group’s board in 2015, served on the audit committee and as chair of the risk committee. He has a career spanning 27 years during which he was part of Citigroup where he led the North American card franchise, with 30,000 employees and 60 million customers. As the vice-chair of Citigroup’s worldwide credit card franchise, he oversaw operations spanning 50 countries. His team successfully managed US $200 billion of highrisk consumer assets during the 2008 financial crisis. Atal, who holds degrees in economics and finance from the London School of Economics and mathematics from St. Stephens College in India, is a member of the board of Goldman Sachs Bank USA and has served as a senior advisor to both McKinsey & Company and venture investment firm MissionOG. He has worked extensively in Europe, Asia and Latin America as well as the U.S. He currently lives in New York City but will relocate to Norfolk for the new job role. “I feel privileged to have the opportunity to serve the talented and deeply experienced team of PRA Group from an exciting new vantage point,” Atal said in a statement. “Our strategic focus as a company remains unchanged—capitalizing intelligently on the near-term growth we expect in the receivables pipeline; optimizing operational performance with customers and controls at the centre; building out our global expansion into newer markets; and continuing to identify and test new opportunities that complement our core franchise. And we will do so without ever losing sight of our values and the responsibility to our communities that have been key to PRA Group’s sustained performance and will contribute to our future success.” Current PRA Group Board Chair Steve Fredrickson reacted to Kevin Stevenson’s exit by saying: “We wish Kevin the best and thank him for his many contributions over the years. We now look forward as we transition to a deeply experienced, collaborative new leader who is truly passionate about our company and our future.” Fredrickson said: “Vik has been a tremendous asset to our board, and will now bring his unmatched vision, integrity, market insight, energy and leadership skill to shaping our growth from the other side of the boardroom table, and unlocking new opportunities to serve our customers, scale our business and expand our reach around the globe.” PRA Group, Inc. has named longtime board member Vikram (Vik) Atal as its president and CEO. Image - Twitter @PRAGroupInc British-Indian led firm ranks third in World’s most innovative companies Established in 2016 and headquartered in London Builder. ai is a leading AI-powered app development platform that allows anyone with an idea to build an app. BHAVANA P Builder.ai, co-founded by British Indian serial entrepreneur Sachin Dev Duggal, has been ranked third in the “Artificial Intelligence” category on Fast Company’s distinguished annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2023. With a variety of services and solutions like Builder studio, builder cloud, builder now, studio shop, and studio rapid, the London-based app development platform is revolutionizing how software is developed and maintained. “We’re thrilled to be recognized by Fast Company as a leading innovator and especially in the AI space!,” said Sachin Dev Duggal, Founder and Chief Wizard of Builder.ai. “We believe that every business, every entrepreneur should feel empowered to unlock their true potential. We’re always pushing the boundaries of the perception that creating an app is too difficult – that it’s only for a select few with coding skills. This perception restricts creativity and prevents good app ideas from ever getting started. We’re here to make software development as easy as ordering pizza; and powering the dreams of the next 100m app builders and it feels great to be recognized for this,” he added. The 2033 list honours companies who are setting the pace for future advancements in their respective fields. A total of 540 firms from 54 different sectors and locations are recognised in addition to the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies. Sachin Dev Duggal, founder, Builder.ai. Image- LinkedIn/Sachin Dev Duggal Forbes Technology Council inducts Mehar Pratap Singh STAFF REPORTER I ndian-origin business executive Mehar Pratap Singh was accepted into the Forbes Technology Council, an invitation-only community for World-Class CIOs, CTOs, and technology executives. CEO and founder of ProCogia, a data consultancy, based in Vancouver BC, with locations in Seattle, Toronto, India, and Ireland, Singh was selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience. The acceptance criteria include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honors, a news release noted. “We are honored to welcome Mehar Pratap Singh into the community,” said Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes Councils, the collective that includes the Forbes Technology Council. “Our mission with Forbes Councils is to bring together proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social capitaldriven network that helps every member grow professionally and make an even greater impact on the business world.” As a member, Singh can access a variety of exclusive opportunities designed to help him reach peak professional influence. He will connect and collaborate with local leaders in a private forum. He will also be invited to work with a professional editorial team and to contribute to published Q&A panels alongside other experts. He will also have exclusive access to vetted business service partners, membershipbranded marketing collateral, and the high-touch support of the Forbes Councils’ member concierge team. “My team and I are honoured to be included in the Forbes Technology Council. This opportunity excites us, as it enables collaboration between global technology leaders. We’ve seen much change and disruption across industries over the last 20 years, and I’m excited to share my expertise on how technology, data and automation will shape businesses’ future. My hope is that ProCogia’s insights and thought leadership will add value to the Forbes Technology Community,” Singh said. Mehar Pratap Singh is the CEO and Founder of ProCogia – a Data Consultancy, based in Vancouver BC. Image - LinkedIn - Mehar Pratap Singh

14 New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 Granules India Ltd produces some of the most widely used drugs, including Paracetamol. Ambassador Sandhu inaugurates Virginia facility SUMAN VARANDANI I ndian pharmaceutical company Granules recently established a packaging facility in the Virginia State of the United States to expand the packaging capacity of essential drugs. The facility was inaugurated by Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu. US-India Business Council president Atul Keshap was also present on the occasion. One of the first Indian pharmaceutical companies, to receive FDA authorization to export to the United States, Granules has invested more than US$ 100 million in the country, Dr Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, founder, chairman and managing director of the firm said in a statement. “We have nearly 200 employees in Virginia with a large majority of them first- generation Indians,” he added. Lauding the establishment of the new facility, the ambassador wrote in a tweet, “Happy to see Made in India’ medicines value added in the US by Granules. A perfect example of the India-US partnership in affordable healthcare!” “India has the largest number of FDA-approved plants outside of the US. Our pharma and life sciences companies are also setting up manufacturing facilities in the US, making drugs affordable and accessible,” he added. US-India Business Council president Atul Keshap said, “The new plant will expand packaging capacity for essential drugs in Virginia, strengthening the biopharmaceutical supply chain. Granules, was one of the first Indian pharmaceutical companies, to receive FDA authorization to export to the United States. Image - Twitter@SandhuTaranjitS

New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 15 “India is strong, secular and inclusive, and we do not feel an ounce of discrimination,” said Dr Prabhakar at an India unity day event organised in Illinois U.S. media spreading lies of communal disharmony in India says AMEC-USA chief SUPRIYA SINGH Head of the American Multi Ethnic Coalition Inc., AMEC-USA, Vijay Prabhakar upheld the secularism of India and emphasized that all communities in the country are living prosperously in peace. “I am an Indian Christian by birth and practice. I am proud to say that India is a secular country. Muslims, Christians, Jews, Sikhs, Hindus and Parsis are prosperously living in peace in India,” he said while speaking at the third annual celebration of India Unity Day during a meeting of the AMEC-USA in the USA. Referring to the recent instances of communal violence in India being reported by American media, Dr Prabhakar said, “The media with vested interests here in the United States is spreading vicious rumors of disharmony and hate among our own Indian brothers and sisters, especially those living in America. We are one. My best friends are Muslims and Hindus. We don’t feel religious separation. We never felt it while growing up in India.” “India is strong, secular and inclusive, and we do not feel an ounce of discrimination. Please stop looking at India as a land where minorities are persecuted because that is the farthest from the truth,” he maintained. In his remarks, Dr. Prabhakar also praised Sher Mohammed Rajput, a Muslim Indian often called the Mayor of Devon, for attending the event nding in the midst of Ramadan. Rajput was awarded the G.S.A. Pride of India Award for his over four decades of community service in Chicago. “I work to bring all religions together. We are all brothers. We have lived together for 5,000 years,” Rajput, who is the founding trustee of East West University, Chicago said. The event, attended by scores of Indians and community activists, was organized to oppose an “Anti India “ legislation introduced three years ago by Ald. Maria Hadden (49th) in Chicago city council. Denouncing to the now defeated legislation, Dr Bharat Barai, chairman of the U.S. India Friendship Council, Munster, Indiana, remarked that the council should focus on Chicago’s pressing issues rather than being concerned about issues in India, which is 10,000 miles away. During the event, Democrat Congressman from Illinois (D-7) Daniel K. Davis gave strong hints of his bid for re-election to the 119th Congress, which he will announce after the April 4th mayoral and aldermanic runoff elections are held. Head of the American Multi Ethnic Coalition Inc., AMEC-USA, Vijay Prabhakar (third from left) with Sher Mohammed Rajput. Image-Facebook/@Vijay Prabhakar

16 New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 As per an assessment, India may need an additional 1,000 pilots every year over the next five years. ISRO launches India’s largest LVM3 with 36 satellites LVM3 M3/OneWeb India-2 Mission Image: Twitter/@isro) Image: PIB MADHU BALAJI The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched India’s largest Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3) rocket/OneWeb India-2 Mission on Sunday, March 26, 2023. The vehicle that placed 36 satellites into orbit took off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. PM Modi in a congratulatory message said, “It reinforces India’s leading role as a global commercial launch service provider in the true spirit of Aatmanirbharta.” According to media reports, this is the second mission of the UK-based Network Access Associates Limited (OneWeb Group) under a commercial agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) to launch 72 satellites to LowEarth Orbits. The first set was launched in October 2022. The 5,805 kg vehicle began injecting the satellites from the twentieth minute, after it gained the required altitude of 450 km in about nine minutes of flight, ISRO said in a statement. “The vehicle performed a sophisticated manoeuvre to orient in orthogonal directions and injected the satellites into precise orbits with defined time-gaps to avoid collision of the satellites,” it added. “The C25 stage performed a sophisticated exercise to repeatedly orient itself in orthogonal directions and inject satellites into precise orbits with defined time-gaps to avoid collision of the satellites. 36 satellites were separated in 9 phases, in batches of 4. OneWeb confirmed the acquisition of signals from all 36 satellites,” ISRO revealed. Somanath S, secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO, greeted the organization, NSIL, and OneWeb on the successful launch. He also extended gratitude to the Indian Government, which expressed confidence in LVM3. Radhakrishnan, chairman, and MD of NewSpace India Limited termed the event as ‘momentous’ and recalled the challenge of the complex mission in terms of manoeuvrability. Radhakrishnan, chairman, and MD of NewSpace India Limited termed the event as ‘momentous’ and recalled the challenge of the complex mission in terms of manoeuvrability. World Bank approves US$363 million loan for Karnataka 15 % of Indian pilots are women, 3 times more than global average VIKAL SAMDARIYA I ndia’s civil aviation regulatory body, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)’s which released statistics on the country’s pilot strength informed that fifteen per cent of the pilots in the country are women, which is three times the global average of five per cent. As per the data released from various Indian scheduled airlines, a total of 244 pilots have been recruited in 2021. And, data estimates that India may need an additional 1,000 pilots every year over the next five years. However, currently, there is no special programme in the government to encourage pilot training for women and backward classes including SCs/STs, the regulatory body said. As of now, India has 67 foreign pilots working with different air operators, it said. According to the release, there are 35 DGCA-approved Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) in the country, operating at 53 bases. The International Society of Women Airline Pilots’ report on gender equality in the aviation sector in 2021 underlined that at 12.4 per cent India ranked top in gender equality at the flight deck in 2021, followed by Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Canada, Germany, USA, UK, and New Zealand. STAFF REPORTER The World Bank’s executive board of directors approved a US$363 million loan, on March 28, 2023, to provide clean drinking water supply to two million rural households through piped water connection in the Indian state of Karnataka. According to a World Bank statement, almost 77 per cent of Karnataka is arid or semi-arid and vulnerable to climate-change-related variable rainfall causing droughts and floods, leading to groundwater depletion, and deteriorating water quality. “The Karnataka Sustainable Rural Water Supply Program will support the Government of Karnataka’s ambition to provide functioning tap water connections to every rural household in the state,” the statement added. Under the approved loan, the rural water program will include the construction of the drinking water distribution network and the installation of water meters in rural households and will benefit around 10 million people across all 31 districts in the state. Commenting on the significance of the loan, World Bank’s country director for India, Auguste Tano Kouamé said “Gender parity is at the heart of our support to India’s target to get piped water to all rural households.” The World Bank’s program aims to support the state government to introduce policies and result-based initiatives that are expected to improve the overall operational efficiency in the delivery of rural water supply services. Under the Program, around 500 rural water reservoirs in seven water-stressed districts will be revived to help increase water storage capacity and A group of women commercial pilots. groundwater recharge. Image - Tata Group

New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 17 Reliance animates cross-border children’s show Sammy & Raj SUMAN VARANDANI Reliance Animation, one of the leading and fastest growing animation studios in India has made its debut in the United States with Nickelodeon International and Nickelodeon India’ first-ever children’s series with a cross-border cultural mix, ‘Sammy & Raj’. The 20-episode comedy, produced by Reliance Animation, follows the misadventures of a pair of cousins who have access to a time-altering program and can pause, rewind, fast-forward, and slowmotion their way through a variety of situations. The animated series was released first in the United Kingdom, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East and will be eventually released in India, a news release by Reliance noted. According to the release Reliance produced the show using the Harmony software platform. It is the first production house to get Bollywood IPs into animation, by partnering with Rohit Shetty, director of the franchise ‘Singham’ & the comedy franchise ‘Golmaal’. ‘Sammy & Raj’, 20-episode comedy, produced by Reliance Animation. Image - Twitter@sriramsr

18 New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 The New York Delegation, led by Indian-American Commissioner Dilip Chauhan, makes an impression at the Urban 20/G20 Inauguration Conference in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Indian passport ranking records largest global drop STAFF REPORTER According to the Passport Index 2023 published by financial advisory services company Arton Capital, the Indian passport fell six positions since its last recorded position in 2022, recording the sharpest decline globally The country, currently ranks 144th with a mobility score of 70 as opposed to 138th position out of 199 nations in 2022. The score denotes the total number of countries that can be easily accessed with a given passport. India’s score in 2019 the score rose from 71 ahead of the pandemic in 2019 to 73 in 2022. With a mobility score of 181, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) topped the list. It was followed by Sweden, Germany, Finland, Luxembourg, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Austria with a joint mobility score of 174. Other Asian economies like Vietnam, Indonesia, China, and Thailand asol witnessed declines in their rankings on the index. According to media reports, the shift in the European Union’s strategy has been blamed for India’s dramatic drop in rankings. There has been pressure on certain countries, like Serbia, to impose visa requirements for citizens of India. Based on a country’s passport’s ability to travel to other countries, the Passport Index is an interactive passport ranking tool supported by Arton Capital. As the countries’ mobility scores change, the ranks in this real-time tool also change. Photo by Blake Guidry / Unsplash The shift in the European Union’s strategy has been blamed for India’s dramatic drop in rankings. Ahmedabad hosts Urban 20 meet BHAVANA P Ahmedabad held the “Urban 20” (U20) inception meeting in early February, keeping with India’s G20 theme of “One Planet, One Family, One Future.” The plenary sessions were attended by hundred delegates, who represented more than forty cities around the world, as well as thirty partner organizations and institutions. Top-level delegations from various countries attended the three-day meeting. Dilip Chauhan, who hails from Ahmedabad in Gujarat, represented New York’s most important metropolis at the U20 meet. He is the first Indian-American to be selected as Deputy Commissioner in the Honorable Mayor Eric Adams administration’s commission on international affairs, foreign direct investment, and innovation in New York City. Ahmedabad, the sixth U20’s host city, called on cities to unite in order to strengthen their mutual cooperation and jointly come up with solutions that are consistent with the G20’s overarching goals. The goal of the sixth U20 was to reduce the gaps between policy and practice at all levels of governance in order to move from intention to action and to produce a roadmap for a global shift that will be driven by cities. It emphasized how local decisions can have a lasting positive impact on the world, underscoring how interconnected everything is and how our shared future depends on it. U20 identified six topics as priorities that are essential for motivating local government responses to global objectives. They include promoting “local” identity, reinventing frameworks for urban governance and planning, ensuring water security, accelerating climate finance, encouraging environmentally responsible behaviour, and catalysing digital urban futures. The U20 engagement summit demonstrated its significance in achieving the motto “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhai” (welfare and prosperity of all sections of society), which is in line with the vision of Prime Minister Modi of “One Earth, One Family, One Future”. Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan during the U20 Summit During the Summit All Image - AMC U20 Delegation is taking group picture with CM Bhupendra Patel

New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 19 The scholarships will be available to students entering in the May and September 2023 semester. Xavier University School of Medicine announces scholarships for 2023 SUMAN VARANDANI Aruba-based Xavier University School of Medicine, established by Indian American Ravishankar Bhooplapur, announced that it will be awarding the ‘Shaping Xavier’ scholarship to 20 students joining the school in the May 2023 and September 2023 semesters. Each full-tuition scholarship valued at at more than $189,000 will cover the tution costs of the receipients. Five of the 20 total scholarships will be reserved for students from New York State, a news release noted. “We are excited to announce the Shaping Xavier scholarship opportunity,” said Bhooplapur, president of Xavier University School of Medicine. “We are launching an investment of more than US$5 million in new scholarships for 2023 to provide additional deserving students the opportunity to attend Xavier and have successful careers in medicine.” This comes amid the development of Xavier’s new academic campus in Aruba, which is set to open for the Fall 2024 semester. The construction of the academic campus will last for approximately 18 months. The new campus will include a theatre-style auditorium, state-of-the-art classrooms and labs, research facilities, seminar rooms, a new library, study areas for individuals, small groups, and large groups, student lounges, and a walk-in clinic. “Xavier’s new academic campus, combined with our new residential campus that opened in September of 2021, will become not only one of the best medical school facilities in the Caribbean but one of the best in the world,” president Bhooplapur added. It is aimed at attracting some of the best and brightest students to medical school in Aruba after the success of Xavier University School of Medicine has had in preparing students for successful careers in the medical field in the US, Canada, and all over the world. The scholarship will cover the full tuition for students. Image - Twitter @xusom

20 New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 The resolution documented instances of hate crimes against Hindu-Americans over the last few decades in many parts of the country. Georgia passes resolution condemning Hinduphobia VIKAL SAMDARIYA The Georgia state assembly passed a resolution c o n d e m n i n g Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu hate on March 27, 2023, thereby becoming the first American state to bring forth such a measure. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Lauren McDonald and Rep. Todd Jones from Forsyth County, an Atlanta suburb and home to one of the largest Hindu and Indian American diaspora communities in Georgia, according to the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA). The unanimously passed resolution reads, “Hinduism is one of the world’s largest and oldest religions with over 1.2 billion adherents in over 100 countries and which encompasses an array of diverse traditions and belief systems with values of acceptance, mutual respect, and peace,....” The historic resolution observed that the American Hindu community’s contribution in diverse areas including yoga, ayurveda, meditation, food, music, and art has enriched the cultural fabric of America. Moreover, it welcomed the diversity brought by Hindu Americans. “It was a true honor to work with Rep McDonald and Rep Jones as well as other lawmakers who guided us through the whole process of getting this County Resolution passed,” said Rajeev Menon, CoHNA vice president. “We also heard that all the lawmakers had been working really long hours given the number of legislative items on the agenda, but still decided to join us on the Advocacy Day to show how much they value the Hindu community,” he said. CoHNA spearheaded the efforts to get the resolution passed despite an extremely busy legislative season. Local leaders from BAPS, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Umiya Mata Mandir, Shree Shakti Mandir, Sewa International, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), and others participated in CoHNA’s efforts to connect with lawmakers of Georgia State. A copy of passed resolution. Image - Twitter/CoHNA Indian-origin IMF employee shares hacks to save money in US SUPRIYA SINGH Young Indian research analyst Vatsal Nahata recently shared some tips on LinkedIn on how to live in the US comfortably without running out of money. Currently working at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Nahata made headlines in 2020 for landing a job at the World Bank during the pandemic. Nahata emphasized that Indian immigrants in the US can save lots of dollars, be stressed free and obtain health benefits on their purchases by just honing their marketing skills and being aware of some alternatives. According to Nahata, a crucial first step was getting a credit card immediately even if someone is likely to spend $10 per month. “I could have saved at least $700 on my car loan interest payments if I had built some credit history. Because I only got my first credit card after graduating, my credit score stayed depressed for a year,” the 23-year-old said. Other hacks he suggested in his post included getting a CVS membership for toiletries which costs only $5 and brings benefits worth $10, not buying winter clothes from India as local American brands offer discounts and buying daily essentials from dollar stores. “If one intends to stay 3-4 years, universities offer good health insurance. Book regular health checkups and physician appointments through it. I did it personally and it still helps me to navigate the system to date,” Nahata said sharing his own experience. The Yale graduate further advised all immigrants on researching the immigration system thoroughly and even hiring an immigration lawyer for $100 an hour. “Also one should find out immigration options on OPT, and STEM OPT. A company can hire only on STEM OPT if they are verified, unlike OPT where anyone related to your field can hire. I regret not doing it,” Nahata wrote in the post that has since received a lot of attention on the platform. Vatsal Nahata Image- Linkedin Vatsal currently works for the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He has done his graduation in Economics (Hons) from the Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) and has completed his Master’s in Economics from Yale University.

New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 21 3 Monday, 6 February, 2023 New India Abroad Ami Bera on the Select Committee on Intelligence, Raja Krishnamoorthi on the Select Committee that looks at Strategic Competition between the US and China; Ro Khanna on the Sub-committee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies and Information Systems and Pramila Jaypal on the Sub-committee on Immigration. Indian American Legislators in key House Committees STAFF REPORTER The Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives has picked four Indian American law makers for critical Committee positions: Ami Bera of California for Select Committee on Intelligence: Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois as Ranking Member in the Select Committee that looks at Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party; Ro Khanna of California as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies and Information Systems (CITI) and Pramila Jaypal of the State of Washington as Ranking Member in the Sub-committee on Immigration. Bera’s influential House Permanent Select Committee oversees intelligence activities of the United States including that of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), the National Security Agency (NSA) and military intelligence programs. “At a time of increased threats, both at home and abroad, I take seriously this new role and the responsibility entrusted to me to protect and defend American families”, Bera has said. In a new Committee formed in the 118th Congress to specifically investigate and develop policy to address America’s economic, technological and security competition with the Communist Party of China, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi will be serving as Ranking Member. “The Chinese Communist Party poses serious economic and security threats to the United States and to democracy and prosperity across the globe, illustrated by its threats against Taiwan’s democracy, its weaponization of TikTok, and its theft of hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of American intellectual property”, the Illinois Democrat said. “… at a time when anti-Asian hate and violence are on the rise, it’s essential that this committee focuses its vital work on protecting all Americans from the threat posed by the CCP, while avoiding dangerous rhetoric that fuels the types of xenophobia that have endangered members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community”, he added. Congressman Krishnamoorthi is also a senior Member in the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. While Ro Khanna is also a member of the committee on the Chinese Communist Party, he has been selected as a Ranking member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies and Information Systems (CITI) in the 118th Congress. “Our adversaries are making advances in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence for their defense systems and have the potential to unleash cyberattacks against our critical infrastructure,”Khanna said. “In planning for the future of defense, our emerging and commercial technologies must be at the forefront. One of my goals on this committee will be to strengthen the bridge between Silicon Valley and the Department of Defense,” he added. Pramila Jayapal has been tapped to serve in the sub committee of the House Judiciary Committee on Immigration, Integrity, Security and Enforcement as a Ranking Member making her the first immigrant in a leadership role. “As the first South Asian woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and one of only two dozen naturalized citizens in Congress, I am honored and humbled to serve as the Ranking Member…”, she said in a statement. “ It is extremely meaningful to me that I will now be in this position to better move the needle and re-center our broken immigration system around dignity, humanity, and justice”, she added. Congresswoman Jayapal’s Sub committee will have jurisdiction over immigration law and policy, naturalization, border security, refugee admissions, nonborder immigration enforcement, and other various issues. Images- Twitter Mohanty will take charge from February 23, 2023. Kuldip Mohanty is Chief Information Officer in North Dakota MADHU BALAJI Governor of North Dakota Doug Burgum has announced the appointment of Kuldip Mohanty to the North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT) department as the state’s next chief information officer (CIO). Mohanty will take charge from February 23, 2023. He has served the private sector for about 30 years. “Kuldip brings a wealth of experience in modernizing services and transforming IT that will help the State of North Dakota become more efficient and responsive, serving citizens 24/7 with smart, easy-touse systems. With his leadership of the outstanding team at NDIT, we look forward to building upon North Dakota’s reputation as a national leader in cybersecurity as we reduce redundancies, improve services and enhance the security of citizens’ data,” Burgum said. “It is a great honor and privilege to serve the people of North Dakota. I’m thankful to Gov. Burgum for the opportunity to lead the amazing team at North Dakota Information Technology,” Mohanty said. “I look forward to building on the momentum and successes of NDIT and collaborating with all stakeholders to build a citizen-centric, frictionless customer experience,” he added. Mohanty has served as senior vice president of IT and North America CIO for ManpowerGroup, a leading global workforce solutions company, from 2018- 2019. He has also served as vice president of enterprise IT strategy and services for CNO Financial Group from 2014-2018. Mohanty has a master’s degree in computer applications from Jorhat Engineering College and a master of business administration degree from the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at DePaul University in Chicago. He serves on the board of the executive service corps in Chicago and has worked to improve education and health care in rural India with the Abhaya Foundation. Kuldip Mohanty Image: Twitter 22 Monday, 6 February, 2023 New India Abroad Known for combining Bollywood influences in her music, Aurora said she had so much to learn from all the artists performing at the event. SRK after Pathaan success My genuine desire is to spread happiness Khan said the overwhelming success of the film on the worldwide box office has “still not sunk in” SANJEEV KUMAR Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan a.k.a SRK on Jan 30, 2023 expressed his love for acting after the success of his new film, Pathaan, and said, “My genuine desire is to spread happiness and I feel bad if I fail to do so’. Khan made these remarks during the first press meet organized for the success of Pathaan, which has proved to be a blockbuster earning around US$ 67 million in just five days. His co-stars, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, and director Siddharth Anand were also present on the occasion. SRK started the press meet by thanking fans, cast and crew for all the love and said, “There were some things that could have stalled happy release of the film, Pathaan and we can’t thank people enough on behalf of all Bollywood colleagues for bringing life back in cinemas.” Commenting on the controversy surrounding the movie, Khan said, “Our aim by making movies is to spread love and kindness even if we are playing bad characters, say bad things and it isn’t intended to hurt any sentiments. Fun and entertainment should left at that and it shouldn’t be taken seriously,” Khan added. He shared that his intention in film making was to ensure that people can watch it with love. Yet there were some incidents when some fans got too excited and might have broken a chair or two. “But It shouldn’t hurt or disturb anyone. Cinema watching, film making and film experience is an experience of love, more than an empty box of popcorn,” the Bollywood superstar said. Responding to a query on getting immense love after his movies become a hit, Khan retorted that his fans’ love remain the same even after a film doesn’t work. of fans who love me. My elders had told “I have millions, billions me that if some things don’t work go to the people who loves you. So whenever I am happy or sad, I go to my balcony (to meet people who love him). I am grateful that the God has given me lifetime ticket to the balcony.” Talking about his four year hiatus from movies, the actor said two and half years got marred by Covid and I, too, like everyone else, had good and bad parts. But most importantly, I was with my children and for first time, I saw my children, Aryan, Suhana and Abram grow up. “After Zero tanked then many people said my films wont work anymore now. So I had even thought of an alternate career during Covid, cooking and learned Italian cooking,” he said, adding he was planning to open Red Chillies Food Eatery. at Pathaan 2 by saying that he was grateful King Khan also hinted to Yash Raj Films (YRF) and Anand for giving him the opportunity to work in the movie and would definitely like to work in the sequel of the spy thriller. Image- Twitter/@JacyKhan “Feel so welcomed” Indian American singer Raveena Aurora on performing at Lollapalooza India STAFF REPORTER I ndian American singer and songwriter Raveena Aurora was overwhelmed with the love she received from the audience during her performance, at the inaugural Lollapalooza music festival held in Mumbai, India on January 29, 2023. Aurora took to Instagram to share her feelings after the show, “First show in India, can’t even explain how special this was, especially because of how much ‘Asha’s awakening’ (her new music album) was inspired by here.” “I think maybe in a way I was always searching for a sense of belonging somewhere and I think for a moment I felt it at this show,” the singer added. Known for combining Bollywood influences in her music, Aurora said she had so much to learn from all the artists performing at the event. “There is so much beauty and talent in every corner of my country. I love u all so much and thank u for making me feel so welcomed, I hope this is a spark to many more shows in India,” the 29-year-old singer wrote. It is worth noting that Aurora who is recognized for her ability to pair soothing sounds with powerful and soulful lyrics previously created headlines as the first ever Indian American to perform at Coachella 2022. Inspired by Indian singing legends such as Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle, Aurora’s songs usually bring attention to social issues such as sexual assault, identity politics, sexuality, and heartbreak. Raised by Sikh parents in New York and Connecticut, she is considered a trailblazer for her exploration of sexuality and identity in her art, especially in the representation of the queer South Asian Community. Image - Instagram/@Raveena Aurora 15 Monday, 6 February, 2023 New India Abroad Dr. Shivangi maintained that health care across the world is regarded as an important determinant in promoting the general, physical, mental, and social well-being of people around the world and can contribute to a significant part of a country’s economy STAFF REPORTER S tressing that the diaspora wants to make India’s health care a world class endeavour by utilizing information technology, medicine, finance, banking and politics, Dr. Sampat Shivangi, a physician, an influential community leader and a veteran of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) recommended that the government of India must collaborate with the professional body. “I want to stress the importance of working together with solid cooperation and partnership, which will make such a tremendous change in the Indian healthcare system,” Dr. Shivangi said in remarks made to delegates at the recently held Pravasi Bharatya Diwas in Indore. During the recent Covid catastrophe, AAPI provided extensive support to India raising more than US$ 5 millions that were used to procure and provide Oxygen Concentrators, Ventilators, High Flow Oxygen and setting up dozens of Oxygen plants, and Chemiluminescence ImmunoAnalyzers (CLIA). The AAPI also adopted several villages and closely coordinated the overall development by providing primary care and preventive medicine to dozens of rural villages across India. A close friend of the Bush family, Dr. Shivangi was instrumental in lobbying for the first Diwali celebration in the White House and for President George W. Bush to make his trip to India. He had accompanied President Bill Clinton during his historic visit to India. The prominent Indian origin Physician also played a critical role during the United States-Indian Civilian Nuclear Agreement, seen as a landmark deal of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and George Bush tenures. Dr. Shivangi maintained that health care across the world is regarded as an important determinant in promoting the general, physical, mental, and social well-being of people around the world and can contribute to a significant part of a country’s economy, development, and industrialization when efficiently improving human health and providing access to affordable highquality health care. “India has made striking progress in health standards in the postindependence era. The sustained efforts to control the country’s population & the political will to march towards the SDG in health will help India to make a significant impact in the international health sector”, he said. Dr. Shivangi, an obstetrician/gynecologist, has been elected by a US state Republican Party as a full delegate to the National Convention. He is one of the top fund-raisers in Mississipi state for the Republican Party. Besides being a politician by choice, the medical practitioner is also the first Indian to be on the American Medical Association, the apex law making body. Dr. Sampat Shivangi was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Sanman in 2016 in Bengaluru by the then President Pranab Mukhejee. He was awarded the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor in New York in 2008. Diaspora has role in promoting healthcare ecosystem during Amritkaal… Dr. Sampat Shivangi Dr. Sampat Shivangi with Minister of Health Mansukh Mandaviya 7 Monday, 6 February, 2023 New India Abroad India’s Republic Day celebrated at Vaishnav Temple of New York BHAVANA P The first traditional Pashtimargiya temple in North America, The Vaishnav Temple of New York (VTNY), along with the The Cajani Sam of New York (CSNY) celebrated 74th Republic Day of India, with almost 300 Indian “Desh Bhakts” on January 29, 2023. Founded by the late Dr. Arvind Shah, in 1986, VTNY along with the Indian community have been celebrating India’s Republic Day for more than 30 years. Dr. Bobby Kalotee, chairman of the Nassau County Commission on Human Rights, and Ragini Srivastava, Town Clerk of the Town of North Hempstead, in Nassau County, New York, were the event’s chief guests. Dr. Pratix Shroff and his family, who are devout Vaishnavs, sponsored the event. Famous for both general and cosmetic dentistry, Shroff has for long supported VTNY. The celebration began with a parade of the Indian and American flags, in which all the dignitaries, trustees, executive committee members, and other Indians from VTNY and CSNY participated. Everyone was welcomed by Kamat Madaria, secretary of VTNY. Champakbhai Parikh and his sons Bharathbhai Parikh Charpakhat led the flag hoisting event, which has been conducted for more than 20 years, while all the senior members of VTNY and CSNY joined on the stage with the dignitaries. Avantika Shah sung the American National Anthem, which was followed by the Vande Mataram, flag hoisting by dignitaries, Rashtra Dwaj salami, and everyone singing India’s National Anthem. The community members were then honoured for their altruistic contribution by Kalotre and Srivastava. The festivities also included patriotic song dance performances by young kids and teenagers from the community. The celebration grandly commenced with a parade of the Indian and American flags, which recorded participation from the dignitaries, trustees, and executive committee members. As part of India’s commitment to the idea that “the world is a family,” BMVSS (Jaipur Foot), which is the largest lower limb rehabilitation facility, aims to help people worldwide. Bobby Kalotee and Ragini Srivastava presented Citation to Mrs. and Mr. Jignesh Pratix Shroff, addressing the gathering, as the events sponsor. 74th Republic Day Flag Hosting at Vaishnav Temple of New York. Images - Provided Jaipur Foot camp inaugurated in Beirut STAFF REPORTER On the occasion of India’s 74th Republic Day, the Jaipur Foot artificial limb fitment camp was launched in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon at the Rafik Hariri University Hospital. Organized by Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayati (BMVSS), Jaipur, under the Indian Ministry of External Affairs’ “India for Humanity” initiative, the camp was was attended by Dr. Jihad Saadeh, chairman of the Rafik Hariri University Hospital, Colonel Nadim Kakoun, who represented the Lebanese Armed Forces, and Joseph El Helo, Minister of Public Health. The Elite Center of Culture and Education Tripoli, Dar El Handassa, El Khalil Foundation, and Rotary club were among the partner associations represented at the inauguration ceremony. Speaking on the occassion, Joseph El Helo commended the Indian government’s efforts and thanked it for supporting the handicapped people of Lebanon. He hoped that this partnership would persist. Dr. Jihad Saadeh emphasized the necessity of such programmes in Lebanon and recognized the efforts of the Government of India and the Jaipur Foot organization. Charge d’Affaires Sandeep Grover stressed on the value that India places on its long-standing relations with Lebanon and expressed his happiness that the inaugural Jaipur Foot camp was launched on India’s Republic Day, a day of special significance. According to D R Mehta, the founder and chief patron of BMVSS the ‘India for Humanity’ campaign was inaugurated in 2018 to mark Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birthday by late External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayati (BMVSS) in the Jaipur foot camp Images - BMVSS A platform for the voice of next generation Indian Americans Bringing you the Latest from Indian communities around the world New India Abroad thenewindiaabroad NewIndAbroad New India Abroad Email [email protected] Website www.NewIndiaAbroad.Com subscribe now

22 New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 According to Sacramento, California Sheriff’s Department spokesman Amar Gandhi, at least three men who all seemed to know each other were involved in shooting against one another. Indian-American pleads guilty to insider trading SUMAN VARANDANI An Indian-American, who was arrested and charged in July 2022, pleaded guilty to 13 counts arising from his participation in a scheme to commit insider trading, Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a statement. Amit Bhardwaj, 49, the former Chief Information Security Officer at Lumentum Holdings Inc, traded on the misappropriated material, non-public information (MNPI) himself and tipped his associates. He “ironically failed to keep the confidential information he was trusted with secure as he shared it with numerous friends and a family member in order to make a profit, ”Williams said. “Not only did Bhardwaj betray his company and cheat the securities markets, but when confronted by the FBI, he also schemed to conceal his illicit behavior and obstruct the investigation. Today’s guilty plea emphasizes this Office’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the financial markets,” he added. A resident of San Ramon, Bhardwaj pleaded guilty to seven counts of securities fraud and two counts of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison. He also pleaded guilty to four counts of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum term of five years in prison. According to court documents, Bhardwaj learned that Lumentum was considering acquiring Coherent, Inc in December 2020, after which he purchased Coherent stock and call options, and tipped three associates, one of whom agreed to pay him 50 per cent of the profits that he earned by trading in Coherent based on the MNPI provided by Bhardwaj. When Coherent’s stock price increased substantially, Bhardwaj, and his accomplices, closed their positions in Coherent securities and collectively profited by nearly US$ 900,000. The following year, Bhardwaj learned that Lumentum was engaged in confidential discussions with Neophotonics Corporation about a potential acquisition. This information was passed to Srinivasa Kakkera, Abbas Saeedi, and Ramesh Chitor, who traded in Neophotonics securities after receiving the tip. Chitor and Bhardwaj agreed to split the profits equally. When Neophotonics’ stock price increased substantially in November 2021, the three closed their positions in Neophotonics securities. This resulted in a collective income of nearly US$4.3 million in realised and unrealised profits. Bhardwaj is scheduled to be sentenced by District Judge Gregory H. Woods on July 11, 2023. Amit Bhardwaj traded on the misappropriated material, non-public information(MNPI) himself and tipped his associates. Amit Bhardwaj, 49, the former Chief Information Security Officer at Lumentum Holdings Inc, pleaded guilty to insider trading. Image - Twitter@Lumentum Two alleged rival Sikh gang members critically shot SUNITA SOHRABJI S ACRAMENTO, California — Two men were shot and critically wounded March 26 in the parking lot of the Sacramento Sikh Gurdwara on Bradshaw Road. At least three men were involved in the incident. Two have been taken to a hospital, while another is on the lam. Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director of the North American Punjabi Association, told New India Abroad that the fight occurred a short while after the gurdwara had held its firstever Nagar Kirtan. “The shooters were known to each other, and they had some grudges against each other,” he said, adding that they were members of rival gangs. “The victims are in critical condition. We do not know if they will survive.” Chahal said he knows the names of the men involved, but does not want to disclose them during the law enforcement investigation, which is still active, as police hunt for the second shooter. Sacramento, California Sheriff’s Department spokesman Amar Gandhi told local television station KCRA that according to witnesses, a fight broke out on temple grounds at around 2:30 p.m. when one suspect shot a friend of the second suspect. The second suspect retaliated by shooting the first suspect and then fled the scene on foot, Gandhi said. “The individuals involved all seemed to know each other. It seemed very targeted in the fact that it wasn’t some random thing that posed any danger to the other patrons other than the shooting,” Gandhi said, confirming that the shooter at large is Indian, in his late 20s or early 30s. Photos and video sent to NIA by Chahal show a tall man in handcuffs being led away by police. A young teen also seemed to be under arrest, according to the photos. “These shootings happening regularly in our community give Sikhs a bad name,” said Chahal. “It is no wonder that hate crimes against Sikhs are on the rise,” he said, noting that after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, more Sikhs have been targeted in hate crimes than Muslims because of their distinctive appearance. The Sacramento gurdwara on Bradshaw Road released a statement. “The Bradshaw Sikh Society hosted its first Sikh Parade with thousands of congregants from the region. The parade was peaceful and a celebration of faith.” “It is unfortunate that a few misguided people tried to ruin a cultural and religious event. A shooting occurred at the Gurdwara while the parade was in procession. We hope the culprit(s) is punished to the fullest extent of the law.” “They were not a part of the parade and showed up after the parade left hours earlier. These displays of violence go against our Sikh faith. We regret any inconvenience and fear this may have caused. We are strong and resilient together,” stated the Society in a statement. Bobbie Singh-Allen, who is running for mayor off nearby Elk Grove, said: “I come from a faith that is built on optimism or what we call Chardi Kala. Despite the unfortunate shooting that took place this afternoon, the gurdwara is open for worship.” “We will not let the acts of a few tarnish our faith and people,” she said. Photo courtesy of Satnam Singh Chahal A shooting suspect at the Sacramento Gurdwara on Bradshaw Road is led away in handcuffs. Photo courtesy of Satnam Singh Chahal

New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 23 Trump indicted by Manhattan grand jury for business fraud Russia arrests US Journalist for espionage STAFF REPORTER Russia detained an American journalist on the charges of espionage, a statement by the Russian authorities said on March 30, 2023. The incident comes amid growing tensions between Moscow and the United States that increased after Ukraine’s invasion. The journalist, Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal correspondent based in Moscow, is believed to be the first American reporter to be held as an accused spy in Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Russian Federal Security Service, or F.S.B., said in a statement that Gershkovich “is suspected of spying in the interests of the American government” and had been detained in the city of Yekaterinburg. “We’re not talking about suspicions,” Dmitri S. Peskov, spokesman for the Russian President, said, adding, “He was caught red-handed,” Peskov didn’t share further details, according to the Wall Street Journal. Condemning the arrest, the US State Department said in a statement, “Whenever a U.S. citizen is detained abroad, we immediately seek consular access and seek to provide all appropriate support. In the strongest possible terms, we condemn Kremlin’s continued attempts to intimidate, repress, and punish journalists and civil society voices.” “The Department of State’s highest priority is the safety and security of US citizens abroad. We reiterate our strong warnings about the danger posed to US citizens inside the Russian Federation. US citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately, as stated in our Travel Advisory for Russia,” the statement added. Rejecting the accusations against Gershkovich, WSJ in a statement demanded his immediate release. SUMAN VARANDANI F ormer US President Donald Trump faces more than 30 counts of business fraud in an indictment from a Manhattan grand jury , making it a first in the history of America that a current or former president has faced criminal charges. The indictment has been filed under seal and will be announced in the coming days, CNN reported. Trump is expected to appear in court on Tuesday. A ccording to media reports, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has been investigating the former president in connection with his alleged role in a hush money payment scheme to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election. Reacting to the indictment, Trump said it was, “Political persecution and election interference at the highest level in history.” Accusing the democrats for framing an innocent person in his statement he alleged that the attorney investigating his case was funded by George Soros, an active supporter of the Democratic party. “I believe this Witch-Hunt will backfire massively on Joe Biden,” the former President said. “The American people realize exactly what the Radical Left Democrats are doing here. Everyone can see it. So our Movement and our Party – united and strong – will first defeat Alvin Bragg, and then we will defeat Joe Biden, and we are going to throw every last one of these Crooked Democrats out of office so we can MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, called the indictment “completely unprecedented” and said it is “a catastrophic escalation in the weaponization of the Former US President Donald Trump faces more than 30 counts of business fraud. justice system.” Image - Twitter@realDonaldTrump Trump in response to the indictment claimed it was “political persecution and election interference at the highest level in history.” Evan Gershkovich, a correspondent based in Moscow. Image - Twitter@shanvav

24 New India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023

NZ Prime Minister visits BAPS temple Musical show “Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna” to air in U.S. ...Page 4 ...Page 8 *India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affiliated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. BJANA celebrates Holi in New Jersey Women entrepreneurs showcase Indian handicrafts in California VIKAL SAMDARIYA I ndian-origin women entrepreneurs from various Indian states showcased their creativity at a handicrafts promotion event in Milpitas, Santa Clara County, California, in Silicon Valley. The event was organized by the Consulate General of India San Francisco in association with ‘WomenNow’ led by Ena Sarkar, on March 27, 2023, according to the SF consulate statement. The Consulate said, “The event has attracted many women entrepreneurs working on Indian handlooms/handicrafts from various states.” The consulate informed that most of the states participated in the display of respective handicrafts and the Indian community had a glimpse of the creativity under one umbrella. The event was marked with a presentation on the history and legacy of Indian handicrafts particularly the Madhubani paintings from Bihar and other forms of art from other Indian states. Additionally, a Stanford graduate student Priyanka Ladha made a presentation on the sustainability of Indian handlooms. According to her profile, Ladha founded Unnati Silks – one of India’s most renowned sustainable (Handloom) fashion brands. The event helped not only in promoting handicrafts but also bring together women entrepreneurs promoting Indian handicrafts and artisans in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana etc., After the event, many women entrepreneurs expressed interest in continuing such events to promote handicrafts. In his address, Consul General Dr TV Nagendra Prasad shared that the best way to promote creativity is through ODOP (One District One Product) and encouraged each of them to promote popular handicraft products of their district of birth. All Images - BJANA The event’s chief guest was Dr Ashish Jha (Covid-19 Response coordinator and assistant to the US president). BHAVANA P Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) celebrated Holi, one of its signature festivals at the Royal Albert Castle in New Jersey. The event was attended by more than 550 persons of Bihar and Jharkhand’s BJANA family from Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. At the Holi celebrations, scholarships were awarded to deserving students. Events included the publication of Vaishali, a special Holi magazine, and the presentation of awards to the children who contributed to it. The event’s principal guest was Dr Ashish Jha (Covid-19 Response coordinator and assistant to the US president), and the guest of honour was Randhir Jaiswal, consul general. Dr Jha thanked the BJANA team for the gracious invitation and wished everyone success and growth in the holiday season. The Consul General commended BJANA for its efforts in promoting Made In Jharkhand Products’ Jharcraft’, as well as Made In Bihar Products ‘Biharika’ on the occasion. At the celebrations, Drs Sujal Singh, Archana Narain, D. Ramjee Prasad, a scientist from Denmark, and Mohan from TEAM Aid were also honored for their remarkable services to society. BJANA president, Anurag Kumar, addressed the crowd and outlined the organization’s fundraising initiatives and social/charitable programmes, such as US Kids Educating the Kids in Bihar and Jharkhand, which promote travel and business opportunities. Kumar also thanked the Ramesh Bhatia Foundation for its generous financial support of BJANA’s charity and social initiatives. Musical and dance performance by kids at the event Dr. Ashish Jha, Covid-19 Response coordinator and assistant to the US president, at the event Consul General of India, Dr TV Nagendra Prasad with women entrepreneurs. Image - Facebook Women entrepreneurs exhibited India’s rich traditional craft at the event to promote their skill and products. MELANGE IPL Season begins...Page 6

2 India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 According to the SALT project website, less than 1 per cent of translated literature published in the United States over the past 10 years was originally published in South Asian languages. 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। SALT Project translates South Asian literature to English SUPRIYA SINGH University of Chicago’s Department of South Asian Languages and Civilizations (SALC) in partnership with the American Literary Translators Association, English PEN, the British Council and Words Without Borders announced the launch of the South Asian Literature in Translation (SALT) project. A multi-year initiative to fund the translation of South Asian literature into English, the project will be formally launched on July 1, 2023. Funding for the project has come from a donor who wants to remain anonymous, a release by the SALC said. SALT will translate written work from many South Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, into English for publication worldwide. Additionally, the project will establish a literary translation summer school with a focus on South Asia. Eight mentorships for translators working with South Asian languages, a series of workshops for publishers across South Asia, and multiple grant programs for both will be offered as part of the project. “With this project, we aim to bring some of the extraordinarily rich literature of the subcontinent to publishing markets where it has thus far been severely underrepresented,” co-directors Jason Grunebaum and Daniel Hahn said in the release. “SALT is an astutely planned effort to provide South Asian literature in translation with a much-needed boost of funding and training. The impact will be felt not just in the United States, but also worldwide,” Daisy Rockwell, SALT advisory board member and 2022 International Booker Prize co-winner commented on the intiative. Image- Pexels

India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 3 Click here for registration

4 India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 All those present at the gathering paid tribute to Cyclone Gabrielle’s victims and prayed for all who had been impacted by the catastrophe. NZ Prime Minister visits BAPS temple BHAVANA P The newly elected Prime Minister of New Zealand, Chris Hipkins, was welcomed by the Hindu community in New Zealand at a reception organized at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Tait, Lower Hutt, Wellington. The leader was praised and congratulated for being appointed to the role as BAPS children presented a kumkum chandlo, nadachdadi, and garland to him as part of a customary Hindu welcome and honour. As a sign of peace and unity, the kids also waved the flags of India and New Zealand. In addition to receiving a personal audience with Shri Akshar-Purshottam Maharaj, the prime minister also learned about Mahant Swami Maharaj, the BAPS’s present spiritual guide. All those present at the gathering paid tribute to Cyclone Gabrielle’s victims and prayed for all who had been impacted by the catastrophe. Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Hipkins said, “I’ve been the prime minister for just over eight weeks now. During that time, we have faced some extraordinary challenges. And what we have seen is communities rallying around and supporting each other. So, I acknowledge the contribution that BAPS has made in that regard in supporting our communities, making sure that they are fed, making sure that they get what they need to get through very challenging times. I am so proud to live in a country where people are free and able to celebrate who they are, to worship as they choose to in a way that is free, where they are not discriminated against.” In addition, Hipkins recalled his attendance at the Shilayanas Vidhi (ground-breaking ceremony) of the new BAPS Temple, which is being constructed in Wellington’s Lower Hutt neighbourhood of Naenae, and expressed his satisfaction at the development. New Zealand Prime Minister Hon Chris Hipkins visits BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Wellington. NZ prime minister during the gathering All Image - BAPS

India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 5 HERE'SYOUR CHANCETOBEADJ DIASPORA JOURNO With Indians in all corners of the world, there's never a dull moment! New India Abroad gives you the unique opportunity to capture such moments and be a journalist for your community. All you have to do is: Cover communitynews Sendusyourreport Waitforittobepublished Inform us about diaspora events in your area. You can cover both immediate and future events Send us a report with all the details and other material like images, audio/video clips, and interviews Our team will edit and publish your story in our paper & website with due credit given to you NOW ANYBODY CAN BE A DJ! New India Abroad prides itself in being a platform for the Indian Diaspora - Be it in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East or Africa. Send your stories to [email protected] HERE'SYOUR CHANCETOBEADJ DIASPORA JOURNO With Indians in all corners of the world, there's never a dull moment! New India Abroad gives you the unique opportunity to capture such moments and be a journalist for your community. All you have to do is: Cover communitynews Sendusyourreport Waitforittobepublished Inform us about diaspora events in your area. You can cover both immediate and future events Send us a report with all the details and other material like images, audio/video clips, and interviews Our team will edit and publish your story in our paper & website with due credit given to you NOW ANYBODY CAN BE A DJ! New India Abroad prides itself in being a platform for the Indian Diaspora - Be it in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East or Africa. Send your stories to [email protected]

6 India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 The movie will release in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada on April 28 Ponniyin Selvan 2 set for April release SUPRIYA SINGH The much-awaited sequel of Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan 1 will be released worldwide on April 28. The trailer of the film was released on March 29 during a star-studded event at Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. Based on author Kalki Krishnamurthy’s novel, PS-1 released in 2022, was a roaring success and went on to become the fourth highestgrosser of Tamil films of all time. Music of the upcoming film has also been composed by Oscar winner Maestro A.R. Rahman. The audio was also launched along with the trailer during the same event in Chennai. The producers of the film, Lyca Productions and Lyca Talkies, revealed a new poster- -featuring lead actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Chiyaan Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Trisha Krishnan and Aishwarya Lekshmi to promote the film. Other prominent actors include Prakash Raj, Trisha Krishnan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, R. Sarathkumar, Parthiban, Jayaram, Prabhu and Sobhita Dhulipala. Ponniyin Selvan 1 ended on a cliffhanger with revered warrior Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan (Karthi) and the heir to the Chola empire Arulmozhi Varman (Ravi), jumping to death and presumed to have drowned when Oomai Rani, the older lookalike of Nandini, evil Queen of Pazhuvoor (Bachchan) swam to rescue them. Glimpses from the trailer and audio launch held in Chennai. Images -Twitter/@Lyca Productions IPL Season begins STAFF REPORTER The Indian Premier League 2023 season began on March 31, with an opener between defending champions Gujarat Titans and fan favorites Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Ahmedabad’s renowned Narendra Modi Stadium. A magnificent opening ceremony that took place just before the game featured performances by celebrities like Rashmika Mandanna, Tamanna Bhatia, and Arijit Singh. Bollywood singer Arijit Singh touched Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s feet as he entered the stage. On social media, images of the famous musician being seen making a kind gesture have gone viral. One user wrote “Best picture on Internet today.” During the game, CSK’s opener Ruturaj Gaikwad shone with the bat, scoring a critical 92 runs off of 50 balls. Dhoni then provided the final flourish as he smashed a six and a four off Dayal in the final over to propel CSK to 178/7. In response, Shubman Gill of Gujarat scored 63 runs off of 36 deliveries, aiding Gujarat in completing the complete chase with four balls remaining. The 16th season of the IPL features a total of nine teams, representing different cities in India, who compete against each other in a round-robin format followed by playoffs. The finals will be held in June. Captains of CSK and Gujarat Titans at the season opening toss

Aries You are heading into a period in which you will have many work and, therefore, economic opportunities, Aries. Think about your goals and open your eyes wide to recognize them and build on them. A certain astral conjunction helps you increase your ability to adapt to changes and new situations. Your intuition will be very sharp, so if you have to decide something, trust your inner voice more than anyone’s advice. You will have the judgment and the ability to tackle any problem and come out of it with flying colors. Do not go into a business that is offered to you; it may be very tempting, but it is also very risky. In love, don’t get carried away by envious comments that might make you jealous. Don’t believe a word of their gossip and control your urge to make a scene because your partner might be hurt by your doubts and attitude and you might alienate them. Taurus You’ll be overly sensitive these days, Taurus, and you need to do your best to see reality and not get carried away with your perceptions. You may think the whole world is against you, or get angry over unimportant matters. Don’t blame anyone for what they say or do, everyone is free to express themselves. Before you start, think twice. You can be very harsh with your words, and the fact is that when you go beyond your extreme touchiness, you might regret it. Your finances are going through a very favorable period, which will lift your spirits and allow you to benefit from a more comfortable situation. Finally, the economic balance that was partly responsible for your state of mind will return to your life. You have many things to think about, but until the last days of the week, you will surely not have the mental clarity necessary to do so. Wait, don’t make decisions that might be wrong. In the love aspect, this mindset complicates things for you. Think about it. Gemini It’s time to start looking for new work opportunities, Gemini. You have worked hard to grow in your current company but your struggle does not seem to have paid off, in part perhaps because your relationships with certain people in power have not been very harmonious. This week you will also begin to feel the need to feel more free, to be more independent. If you share a relationship with other partners, this feeling will make you feel a little uncomfortable, because you will want to make your own decisions without having to consult them. Don’t be bitter about it. Talk about it calmly, discuss your aspirations and you can find a solution together. In love, sometimes you have to take refuge with your friends because your partner goes too far in his suspicions of infidelity. You then feel alone and unable to refute his arguments, because he does not reflect the truth. Ask yourself if you really want to spend your life with someone who doubts you. Cancer Finally, your head is no longer in the fog because of professional problems, Cancer. The difficult period you went through recently, due to disagreements with one of your superiors, is over. If you’ve chosen to ignore the problem and keep working hard to prove your professional worth, now is the time to reap the rewards of your efforts, because they won’t have been in vain. You were able to prove your level and your tenacity. This week you will get the recognition you deserve. It will bring you many benefits and you will finally feel relieved. This is very important because you spend most of your day at work. This change will also be beneficial for your love life, because you will transmit relaxation and happiness and your partner will be delighted. If you’re a lonely hearter right now, don’t be melancholic, celebrate your professional success and hang out with friends. Love is closer than you think, but if you’re more interested in other things, you won’t be able to detect it. Refine your intuition. Leo The time has come for you to analyze what is happening at work, Leo. You’ve had friction with a boss or co-worker and you don’t seem to feel comfortable. But this week, the atmosphere will be more relaxed and you can reflect on the reasons for these disagreements. Perhaps you unconsciously provoke them yourself. If you invest money, focus on the return of that investment. You have achieved good results, but you need to develop a business plan to plan the next steps. Be careful with money, which tends to slip through your fingers. And also beware of scams and scams, small scale, of course, but they are very annoying. In love, a very pleasant week awaits you, which will allow you to compensate for other disappointments. If you have started a relationship, you are full of illusions, enjoy the present and do not think too much about the future. Virgo Too much activity at work will have a negative effect on your mood, Virgo. Avoid this as it could lead to relationship issues with your colleagues. You should be happy because an increase in activity means things are going well, better than they have been so far. You may be nervous because you will have to do things you are not used to and you may feel unsafe. Keep calm, you are perfectly capable of achieving anything you want. You are not lacking in abilities and resources. The most important thing to succeed is to control your nervousness. This will allow you to generate additional income later, but you will probably spend a few days in a difficult situation. Not because you do don’t have enough money, but because it flows out of your hands like water. Control your expenses. In love there will also be movement. You may notice strange behaviors in your partner that will alert you. Before making a mess, think that you are the one who is stressed. Come to your senses. Libra You will have an intense week of work that will allow you to demonstrate your skills and your ability to work perfectly even under pressure, Libra. It will be very positive for you, so don’t get overwhelmed. In business, on the other hand, caution is required. Perhaps you have already encountered problems in carrying out a project and, although you do not see yourself capable of solving it, you do not want to listen to those who give you a way out. Be a little more humble and change your attitude. On the other hand, in love, you have a clear vision and you realize that your other half gets carried away over trifles of no importance. Now that you have found someone who loves you and makes you feel safe. Scorpio You have an excellent week in the field of work thanks to a very positive astral influence, Scorpio. Now you can achieve anything you want. Towards the end of the week, you are likely to get the opportunity you have been dreaming of and you will gain great professional prestige. On the other hand, financial matters are at risk. This is not the right time to start a project. Also, maybe someone you know will ask you to lend them some money. If you feel like it, do it, but more than likely you won’t get it back. On a sentimental level, free-hearted Scorpios might be surprised. Maybe a longtime friend will finally tell you that he’s been in love with you all your life. if he leaves you in shock and you are considering answering him with a big “no”, think twice because an affirmative answer is more advisable. He knows you very well, he loves you very much and you have always felt good with him/her. Try ! Sagittarius You might be disappointed these days, Sagittarius. It is possible that, for various reasons, a project that you want to carry out in the field of work is put on hold. Do not be discouraged, the opportunity will come later. This week, try to take things calmly, because in the financial field, too, you must act with caution. The atmosphere is turbulent and it’s not the right time to make important decisions. Even less if they involve high expenses. Therefore, if you have thought about buying a car or even an apartment, wait a little longer for these questions to be better aspected by the stars. On a sentimental level, you may have to face some problems with your partner. You are more attractive than ever and you have many suitors. You may be tempted to fool around with some of your admirers, perhaps in your work environment. If this gets to your partner’s ears, there could be a major argument. It’s not worth it. Capricorn You are entering a good phase in your professional life, Capricorn. Now you feel more comfortable because your work is valued. Despite this, it is advisable to exercise a little more restraint when you have to say something in this environment, as you tend to be too abrupt. The same problem can arise if you have your own business. If something doesn’t go the way you planned, you’ll put yourself in a situation that will end up getting you in trouble. Take advantage of the fact that the stars are thought-provoking this week and think about how you can improve this aspect of your character. Try to be more tolerant, especially of other people’s mistakes, to avoid unnecessary resentment. It’s always best to be on good terms with those you spend so much time with. On a sentimental level, these days, problems could arise with your partner because of your lack of confidence in him. At first, he may even be amused by your jealousy, but If you continue with this attitude, he will eventually get bored. Aquarius You will have a very positive week in the field of work, Aquarius, and you could have a good surprise. Each time there was an internal promotion in your company, you wanted to take steps to achieve it but you never acted because you thought it was useless and that you would not be taken into account. But now you know for sure that your superiors have noticed you and that you have great support. This will boost your morale significantly. However, there are some aspects of your character that you should polish up, such as always wanting to be right and not listening to the advice of more experienced people. Listen to the advice of others, also in the financial field. If you turn a deaf ear and go your own way, you could lose money. In love, you don’t listen to your partner when he/she tries to inform you and then you complain that he/she doesn’t tell you anything. It’s up to you to solve this problem. Pisces These are very important days for you as they could influence your professional projection, Pisces. The most positive thing might come to you from a powerful person in your company, perhaps someone recently hired, who will notice your abilities. You distinguish yourself from others by your performance. In your free time, think about everything that’s going on. A good astral alignment will allow you to have precise thoughts on all aspects of your life. You will clearly see the path to follow and you will determine the mistakes not to make. On a sentimental level, if you are alone right now, you will meet someone who will completely change your life and who can make you immensely happy. Weekly Horoscope Sundeep Kochar Astrologer https://www.sundeepkochar.com India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 7

8 India Abroad Monday, 3 April, 2023 Published Weekly Copyright © 2022 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 Musical show “Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna” to air in U.S. SUPRIYA SINGH F ilm industry veteran Shiraj Sherief has announced a new musical bi-weekly show “Kabhi Alvida Na Kahna” following the grand success of his entertainment show “Abhi to Main Jawan Hun.” Set to air exclusively on ITV Gold starting April 3rd, 2023, the show will take viewers on a musical journey through Indian classical cinema with some of the greatest hits from Bollywood’s golden era, a news release noted. Mumbai-born Sherief who has worked with esteemed Indian broadcaster Ameen Sayani, will provide commentary occasionally during the half an hour episodes of the show, that will broadcast bi-weekly, the release added. The former radio artist has interviewed several Bollywood personalities and musicians and has compered over 50 musical stage shows in different states of the United States. Commenting on the show, Ilayas Quraishi, the chief operating officer of ITV Gold and director of the show said, “We are thrilled to bring ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kahna’ to our viewers on ITV Gold. This show is a beautiful tribute to the golden era of Indian cinema and showcases some of the best musical numbers of all time. We are confident that our viewers will enjoy this spectacular journey through classic Indian cinema.” Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre grand opening STAFF REPORTER I n an effort to showcase Indian art music, theatre, on a world stage, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), named after the wife of India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani opened on March 31, 2023. The ceremony in included a specially curated art and craft exposition called ‘Swadesh’ along with three blockbuster shows – a musical theatrical called ‘The Great Indian Musical: Civilization to Nation’; a costume art exhibition called ‘India in Fashion’ and a visual art show called ‘Sangam/Confluence’. “Bringing this Cultural Centre to life has been a sacred journey. We were keen to create a space for both promoting and celebrating our artistic and cultural heritage in cinema and music, in dance and drama, in literature and folklore, in arts and crafts and in science and spirituality. A space where we showcase the best of India to the world and welcome the best of the world to India,” Nita Ambani said during the launch. The highlight of the event was the costume exhibition on April 1, 2023, which was attended by a long list of prominent Bollywood celebrities and even global stars including model Gigi Hadid, Actress Zendaya, Actor Tom Holland and many others. The attendees put on a display of Indian fashion blended with western trends. Over 140 pieces of costume documenting India’s impact on the global fashionable imagination were showcased at the exhibition. The India-inspired pieces have been sourced from some of the biggest museums and unseen personal collections from around the globe, a news release noted. Global and Bollywood stars at the launch ceremony. Global and Bollywood stars at the launch ceremony. ImagesTwitter/@ nmacc_india Nita M Ambani and Mukesh Ambani at the grand opening. Model Gigi Hadid attends the opening in Indian attire