UN recognizes Akshaya Patra for serving four billion meals

*New India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affi liated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. Treat your taste buds to delicious Indian flavors! www.rajbhog.com Forbes names Neal Katyal among America's top lawyers for 2024 ...Page 03 Year 2, Volume 25 Washington DC, Saturday 06 April, 2024 www.newindiaabroad.com A platform for the voice of next generation Indian Diaspora Study led by Indian American shows keto diet improves mental illness ...Page 21 City & State names Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar in 2024 Above & Beyond: Women list...Page 05 American shows keto diet improves mental 21 The Akshaya Patra Foundation embarked on its meal service journey in 2000, reaching its fi rst billion meals milestone in 2012 MEHAK LUTHRA T he Permanent Mission of India to the UN in New York celebrated India's signifi cant strides towards achieving Zero Hunger (SDG 2) at an event held at the United Nations Headquarters. The focus of the event was on 'Achievements in Food Security: India's Strides Towards Sustainable Development Goals.' The spotlight was on The Akshaya Patra Foundation's remarkable milestone of serving '4 Billion Meals' under the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan initiative, demonstrating a substantial advancement in nourishing India's future. PM Modi praised the Akshaya Patra Foundation for its efforts, highlighting the intrinsic values of nutrition and community deeply embedded in Indian culture. “It is with immense pride and joy that I congratulate the entire team of the Akshaya Patra Foundation on achieving the remarkable milestone of serving 4 Billion Meals." "From the sacred Annaprashan ceremony marking a child’s first ‘rice meal’ to the concept of a ‘Thali’ emphasising the importance of a balanced diet, our societal ethos creates an interplay among nutrition, diet and diversity. The significance of this milestone was further highlighted by serving the meal at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, showcasing a passion for global well-being,” the Prime Minister said in a message read by Ruchira Kamboj, the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations. The Akshaya Patra Foundation embarked on its meal service journey in 2000, reaching its first billion meals milestone in 2012. By 2016, the organization had served a cumulative total of 2 billion meals, celebrated in the presence of thenPresident of India, Pranab Mukherjee. In 2019, Akshaya Patra achieved the significant milestone of serving 3 billion cumulative meals, with PM Modi commemorating the occasion. The event featured speeches from notable figures including Nobel Laureate and UN SDG advocate Kailash Satyarthi, N R Narayana Murthy, chairman emeritus of Infosys and Madhu Pandit Dasa, founder-chairman of The Akshaya Patra Foundation. "No country can build a sound and sustainable path to increasing prosperity for its citizens without a strong foundation of primary and secondary education. Such a foundation needs nutritious food for children. Akshaya Patra’s grand and noble battle to ensure that no child is denied education because of hunger is a crucial piece in this complex jigsaw puzzle. I appreciate, applaud, salute, and congratulate the heroes of Akshaya Patra on this well-planned and robust mid-day meal scheme,” Murthy said at the event. “Yesterday's UN event celebrated #India's food security achievements & the milestone of Akshaya Patra’s 4 billionth meal served. Halving poverty ahead of 2030 & leading the 'International Year of Millets', we are committed to a sustainable, nourished future for all, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN said in a post on X. The event featured speeches from notable figures including Nobel Laureate and UN SDG advocate Kailash Satyarthi, N R Narayana Murthy, chairman emeritus of Infosys and Madhu Pandit Dasa, founder-chairman of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, / Special arrangement Madhu Pandit Dasa, founderchairman of The Akshaya Patra Foundation / UN recognizes Akshaya Patra for serving four billion meals figures including Nobel Laureate and UN SDG The Akshaya Patra Foundation, / Special

2 New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 MALVIKA CHOUDHARY I ndian External Aff airs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated his government’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the safe return of Indian citizens back to the country during crises. "When you leave the borders of India and go out into the world, then go with full confidence that the Indian government is standing with you,” the Minister said in an address during an event in Gujarat's Rajkot city on Apr.2. Jaishankar cited recent instances of India's decisive action in facilitating the return of its citizens, through Operation Indravati in Haiti and Operation Ganga in Ukraine. "If you see Ukraine, we people ran 90 flights at that time, some countries were running 4-5 flights, and many left their people there, saying if you are stuck, get out of there by yourself, we can't do much for you," Jaishankar highlighted. Addressing concerns around India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council, the Minister articulated the need for concerted efforts to realize this goal. He emphasized the need for India, along with other nations like Japan, Germany, and Egypt, to advocate for reforms within the UN framework to reflect the evolving geopolitical landscape. Jaishankar's remarks underscored India's growing global stature, citing instances where India's developmental achievements and resilience have garnered international recognition. He highlighted India's role as a beacon of democracy and progress, particularly noting its economic resilience amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, Jaishankar drew attention to India's contributions in the social sector, including initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission in Tanzania, which aims to provide access to clean water for rural communities. Such efforts not only reflect India's commitment to global development but also demonstrate its capacity to address pressing humanitarian challenges. In his address, Jaishankar reaffirmed India's readiness to assume a greater role in addressing global challenges, leveraging its demographic dividend, technological prowess, and economic potential. He underscored the imperative for India to assert its leadership on the world stage, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable international order. “Go out into the world…with full confidence,” Minister assures Indians worldwide safe return back Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar / ImageX (@DrSJaishankar) Indian Star LLC Published Weekly Copyright © 2024 Indian Star LLC Editor in Chief Dr. Sridhar Krishnaswami [email protected] Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Bhambri [email protected] Registered Address Indian Star LLC, 6215 Rockhurst Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA Email [email protected] Ph. 908-472-0006 Website www.NewIndiaAbroad.Com Disclaimers: 1. New India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affiliated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. 2. Indian Star LLC assumes no liability for claims / assumptions made in advertisements and advertorials. Views expressed by the writers are their own. A publication of Media Partner Bollywood Insider STAFF REPORTER Acoalition of U.S. Representatives, led by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, has taken a fi rm stance against recent attacks on places of worship, specifi cally targeting mandirs, or Hindu temples, across the United States. The group, which includes Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar, Pramila Jayapal, and Ami Bera, has penned a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ), seeking clarity on ongoing investigations into these incidents and a broader strategy to combat hate crimes against Hindus. “Attacks at mandirs from New York to California have contributed to increased collective anxiety among Hindu Americans,” the Members wrote. “Leaders from these impacted communities have expressed there are unfortunately ‘no leads’ on suspects, leaving many to continue to live in fear and intimidation,” stated the letter. The letter underscored the lack of progress in identifying suspects, leaving affected communities in a state of fear and uncertainty. Questions have been raised regarding the coordination among law enforcement agencies and the need for federal oversight to ensure equal protection under the law. “It takes relatively few coordinated acts of hate to create fear within a community that has often been marginalized or neglected, and we must work collaboratively to combat hate against all religious, ethnic, racial, and cultural minorities in America. We therefore request that you provide us with an understanding of what the Department’s strategy is specifically concerning hate crimes targeting Hindus in the United States.” Emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to combat hate in all its forms, the signatories stress the necessity for transparency regarding the DOJ's approach to addressing hate crimes targeting Hindus. They have called for an urgent briefing on the matter, scheduled no later than Apr. 18th. Khanderao Kand, Chief of Policy and Strategy at the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies expressed that this call for federal intervention comes at a time of growing concern within the Indian diaspora and South Asian communities, who fear for their safety and religious freedom in the United States. Raja Krishnamoorthi / Krishnamoorthi.house.gov The letter underscored the lack of progress in identifying suspects, leaving aff ected communities in a state of fear and uncertainty Jaishankar's remarks underscored India's growing global stature, citing instances where India's developmental achievements and resilience have garnered international recognition. Indian American Representatives call for DOJ action following temple attacks

New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 3 Siddhartha Mukherjee to deliver UPenn’s commencement speech MEHAK LUTHRA P hysician, researcher, and best-selling author Siddhartha Mukherjee has been selected as the keynote speaker for the 2024 University of Pennsylvania Commencement, scheduled to take place on Monday, May 20, at Franklin Field. “I am delighted that Siddhartha Mukherjee has accepted our invitation to address the Class of 2024 at Commencement,” said Penn interim president J. Larry Jameson. “Dr. Mukherjee is a brilliant oncologist and researcher who has provided an invaluable service to the world by conveying the history and complexity of important medical subjects through his acclaimed writings. It will be a day to remember as he shares his passion and wisdom with our graduates and their families.” Mukherjee holds the position of associate professor of medicine at Columbia University and serves as an oncologist at the university’s medical center. He gained widespread recognition as the Pulitzer Prizewinning author of ‘The Emperor of All Maladies’ (2011), a seminal work in the field of oncology. ‘The Emperor of All Maladies’ earned a place among Time magazine’s list of the 100 best nonfiction books of the past century, highlighting its profound impact and relevance. His subsequent books, ‘The Gene: An Intimate History’ (2016) and ‘The Song of the Cell’ (2022), form a trilogy that has significantly influenced public conversations surrounding human health, medicine, and science. Additionally, both "The Emperor of All Maladies" and "The Gene" were adapted into PBS documentaries by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns, further extending their influence and reach to broader audiences. As a trailblazing medical researcher, Mukherjee has led groundbreaking studies exploring the composition and behavior of cancer cells. His research has also paved the way for novel treatments that transcend traditional pharmaceutical approaches, delving into the realm of biological and cellular therapies. Mukherjee's contributions extend beyond his books; he is a writer for publications like The New Yorker and The New York Times Magazine. His work have also been featured in journals like Nature, Cell, and The New England Journal of Medicine. Forbes names Neal Katyal among America's top lawyers for 2024 BHAVANA P F ormer Principal Deputy Solicitor General of the United States, Neal Katyal has been named among Forbes' America’s Top 200 Lawyers for 2024. The publication recognises Katyal’s 29 years of litigation experience demonstrated by his involvement in 50 cases argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. It also acknowledged his significant victories, including defending the constitutionality of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and winning a crucial voting rights-related case in 2023 concerning North Carolina's gerrymandering. Katyal’s recognition highlights his exceptional legal skills, particularly in constitutional law and litigation. At 52, the Indian American has surpassed the record for most Supreme Court cases argued by any minority attorney, breaking Thurgood Marshall’s record. In December 2017, American Lawyer magazine named him The Litigator of the Year. With 48 cases argued before the Supreme Court and two more scheduled for March and April of this year, Katyal's legal experience spans various areas including constitutional, technology, corporate, patent, securities, criminal, employment, and tribal law. Before joining as a partner at Hogan Lovells, Katyal served as Acting Solicitor General of the United States, handling major Supreme Court cases such as defending the constitutionality of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and representing former Attorney General John Ashcroft. Katyal's accolades include his role as the Special Prosecutor for the State of Minnesota in the George Floyd murder case and winning the prestigious Edmund Randolph Award from the U.S. Department of Justice. Apart from his legal career, Katyal has appeared on television shows and won awards for his pro bono work. He currently serves as a Trustee of Dartmouth College and the Whitney Museum in New York City. “Congratulations to partner @NealKatyal, who Forbes Magazine just named one of America’s Top 200 Lawyers. The series highlights top legal practitioners, including those with stellar track records, leaders in their fields, and who are respected by peers and clients,” Hogan Lovells wrote on social media platform X, formerly twitter. Forbes' America’s Top 200 Lawyers list for 2024 also includes two other Indian Americans, Monica Arora, partner at Proskauer Rose, NY, and Ambica Kumar, partner at Davis Wright Tremaine, Seattle. Arora leads Proskauer's Private Funds Group, advising asset managers on various funds, from buyouts to infrastructure. Kumar, co-chair of Davis Wright Tremaine's media practice, specializes in content liability and electronic privacy. She's known for her expertise in free speech, the Communications Decency Act, and advises clients like Facebook and Microsoft on defamation, copyright, and trademark matters. Siddhartha Mukherjee / Image - University of Pennsylvania Neal Katyal named among Forbes Top 200 Lawyers in America / (Image - Hogan Lovells/ website) Katyal's expertise in constitutional law and litigation earned him the Forbes recognition for 2024 Mukherjee will be honored with an honorary Doctor of Sciences degree by the university

4 New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 US makes historic revision in collection of race and ethnicity data AVANI ACHARYA I n a welcome move for the immigrant community in the United States , the federal government is making a revision on how it categorizes people by race and ethnicity, an eff ort that offi cials believe will more accurately represent the population. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced the revisions on Mar. 28. According to the proposed changes the office will combine questions about race and ethnicity that were asked separately on forms into one as many would either skip the question or answer inaccurately due to confusion between the two questions. Additionally, a new Middle Eastern and North African category will be added to the choices available for questions about race and ethnicity. American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and White are the existing categories. Welcoming the revision, Karthick Ramakrishnan, founder and executive director of AAPI Data, said, “We applaud the federal government for releasing these long-needed revisions for standards that more adequately recognize and honor the diversity, strength and needs of our communities. Today’s announcement represents a vital step forward in the movement for data equity, with particular benefits for the diverse Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities we support through our work.” “The collection of accurate data that more meaningfully represents our communities is a foundation to build collective progress on in the form of stronger policies, programs and investments across every sector — which in turn will positively impact our communities in all spheres, from health and education to access to jobs and public resources,” said Akil Vohra, director of policy for AAPI Data. The OMB has also announced its decision to establish an Interagency Committee on Race and Ethnicity Statistical Standards which will support and supervise the ongoing work of all federal agencies to meet the revised requirements. Image: Wikipedia The revision is the fi rst of its kind since 1997

New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 5 Renuka Jagtiani is India’s newest billionaire MALVIKA CHOUDHARY F orbes recently unveiled its much-anticipated 'World's Billionaires' list for 2024, revealing a notable increase in the number of Indian billionaires. Among the newcomers to this list is Renuka Jagtiani, a nonresident Indian who has made her debut as one of India's wealthiest individuals. Chairwoman and CEO of Landmark Group, a multinational consumer conglomerate based in Dubai, Renuka Jagtiani inherited her husband Micky Jagtiani’s fortune following his passing last year. According to Forbes, her net worth now stands at over $4.8 billion, placing her at No. 44 on the list. The Landmark Group, founded in 1973 with a single store in Bahrain, has grown into a significant player in the retail and hospitality sectors, boasting over 2,200 stores and outlets across various regions, including the GCC, Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The conglomerate's portfolio includes well-known brands such as Max, Splash, Babyshop, Centrepoint, Shoemart, Homecentre, Emax, Fitness First, and Funcity. Jagtiani's career has been marked by notable achievements, including recognition as Businesswoman of the Year in 2012 and Outstanding Asian Business Woman of the Year in 2007. Her contributions to Landmark Group's expansion and success have been pivotal, particularly in the establishment of Splash, a fast-fashion business with a significant presence in the Middle East and Africa, and the setup of Indian operations, including Lifestyle. City & State names Jenifer Rajkumar in 2024 Above & Beyond: Women list AVANI ACHARYA I ndian American Assembly woman from New York, Jenifer Rajkumar, was named in the 2024 Above & Beyond: Women list by City & State, a NY-based media publication among other women making history in New York. The organization recognized Rajkumar’s journey as a daughter of immigrants from India to being the first South Asian woman elected to state office in New York. Having served in the assembly since 2021, the publication credited her for representing the burgeoning South Asian community of Queens, New York. Rajkumar was instrumental in spearheading the legislation to make Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, an official school holiday in New York. She also introduced legislation to establish New York’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission and sponsored a measure to incorporate domestic workers – who are overwhelmingly immigrants of color – into the state’s human rights law. Prior to her political career, Rajkumar was a successful lawyer and won her first case, a workplace discrimination suit on behalf of 5,000 women. She also collaborated with the U.S. Department of Justice on cases combating corporate fraud and excess. Rajkumar has also served as a professor at the City University of New York (CUNY)’s Lehman College and as a fellow at the National Women’s Law Center advancing policy at the federal level advancing women’s equality. For her achievements the publication had previously named her as a “40 Under 40” Rising Star. She also received the New York County Democratic Party’s Bella Abzug Award and the WIN Young Women of Achievement Award, among others for her political endeavours. Jenifer Rajkumar / X/JeniferRajkumar Rajkumar is the only Indian American on the list

6 New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 ASU recognizes Yash Raka as outstanding graduate Debopam Chakrabarti receives UCF’s highest faculty honor BHAVANA P Barrett, The Honors College, at Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions, has recognized an Indian American student, Yash Raka, as an Outstanding Graduate from the spring 2024 graduating class. Raka, who will receive a bachelor's degree in biomedical informatics, is among seven exceptional graduates set to be felicitated during the honors college's convocation on May 6. As per the university, throughout his academic journey, Raka has demonstrated remarkable leadership and commitment to service. He has served as an ASU Undergraduate Student Government senator and spearheaded initiatives to support mental health services for all ASU students. Additionally, Raka served as a student ambassador, representing his peers and advocating for the benefits of higher education. He has volunteered with organizations such as the ASU Prison Biology Initiative and the New Song Center for Grieving Children. The Indian American senior has interned at the Washington University School of Medicine and contributed significantly to research, focusing on topics ranging from Zika-carrying mosquitoes to the impact of fungicide exposure on honeybees. His work has won accolades in prestigious competitions such as the Mayo Clinic Health Futures + CHS Clinical Solutions Competition. “Barrett Honors College’s core values are community and belonging, leadership and agency, courage and curiosity. These outstanding graduates are exemplars of the values in action and represent the excellence of all honors students. We’re confident they’ll all take these values into whatever they do next, including careers, graduate and professional schools, and public service,” said Barrett Honors College Dean Tara Williams. RISHIKA BHARDWAJ I ndian American professor Debopam Chakrabarti was named UCF 2024 Pegasus Professor by the University of Central Florida. The Pegasus Professorship, which is the university’s highest faculty honor, recognizes faculty who have a global influence in their fields, advance student success and make valuable research discoveries that elevate UCF’s reputation for excellence and impact. Chakrabarti, the head of division of molecular microbiology at the Burnett School of Medical Sciences was recognized for his research focused on Malaria, a disease that affects millions worldwide. As part of the honor he will receive $5000 in earnings. He is currently investigating using cancer drugs, and identifying natural productderived antimalarials from fungi, bacteria, coral and sponges to find new ways to treat malaria as it is getting resistant to current therapies. Reflecting on his journey, Chakrabarti said in a statement, “My anti-malaria drug discovery program started at UCF. It’s a UCF-grown program that is finding the cure for malaria.” His research secured a 5-year, $3.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health in partnership with scientists at Stanford University and the University of California San Diego to test cancer drugs for malariathwarting properties. The study was published recently in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. A second $3.8 million NIH grant, was given to Chakrabarti’s team along with a University of Oklahoma chemist to examine how fungus-derived compounds kill the malaria parasite. Their findings were recently published in Cell Chemical Biology. Chakrobarti will be awarded at the Founders’ Day Faculty Honors Celebration in the Pegasus Ballroom of the Student Union, UCF. Yash Raka named outstanding graduate by The Honors college / Image - ASU/website Debopam Chakrabarti was one of the three awardees for the Pegasus Professor title, winning for his work in battling malaria / UCF Raka’s contribution to service and leadership has earned him the recognition He bagged the Pegasus Professor title for his work in battling malaria

New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 7 AVANI ACHARYA Arecent survey conducted by the Asian American Foundation (TAAF) revealed that in 2023, one out of every two Asian Americans residing in New York have encountered acts of racial or ethnic hatred. The report titled ‘Asian American Perspectives: NYC Safety Study’ found that these incidents included insults, harassments, threats, or a physical attack, with every one in five experiencing the latter. As a result, an overwhelming majority (70 percent) of Asian American New Yorkers admitted to feeling unsafe in different public settings. When asked about issues affecting Asian Americans in New York, 78 percent of Asian Americans New Yorkers said that “public safety” was either a “major problem” or “somewhat of a problem” that needed to be addressed. This concern was higher among women, with 83 percent of them flagging it. Significantly, three out of four Asian Americans in New York stated that they have altered their habits and behaviors due to concerns about being targeted solely because of their Asian American identity. 48 percent said they avoided going out late at night or taking the subway or public transportation (41 percent). When asked about reporting anti-Asian instances, less than half of the respondents (46 percent) said they did. In most cases, the survey found that they shared it with a friend or family member (61 percent), followed by local or federal law enforcement agencies (54 percent, with 29 percent going to NYPD). Meanwhile, those who did not report such instances most commonly said they did not want to bring additional attention to themselves (42 percent). Other reasons included not knowing that this was something New Yorkers could report (29 percent), not knowing how to report such incidents (27 percent), and not feeling comfortable reporting the incident to law enforcement or other officials (26 percent). The community believes that improved relations with the police (67 percent), mental health and legal services (62 percent), senior services (60 percent), youth activities (58 percent), and training on how to report incidents or safely intervene 1 in 2 NYC Asian Americans experienced discrimination in 2023 Infographic / TAAF Asian American Perspectives: NYC Safety Study when witnessing an incident can help prevent the rise in these incidents. The Asian American Foundation commissioned BSP Research to conduct this survey with a representative sample of 1,000 Asian American residents of New York City aged 16 to 82. Indian Americans formed 17 percent of the sample size. “This survey brings into sharp focus the need to immediately address the unsafe reality of AAPI NYers, while continuing to drive towards longer term solutions that make the City safe for all residents, “ TAAF said. “We hope that this type of data and research, combined with the interventions described above, can begin a paradigm shift for the nearly 2 million AAPIs who call New York City home today.” Representative Image / Unsplash Indian American respondents formed 17 percent of the survey's sample size.

8 New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 Sanjay Mehrotra to receive honorary degree RIT to honor Sanjay Mehrotra with a honorary doctorate / (Image - RIT.edu/website) BHAVANA P T he Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has named Sanjay Mehrotra, president and CEO of Micron Technology, as one of the of honorary degree recipients to be honored at the commencement ceremony, scheduled to be held on May 10. Mehrotra will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for his leadership of Micron Technology one of the world’s largest semiconductor companies. Under his leadership the firm, aims to establish the largest semiconductor manufacturing facility in U.S. history in central New York under the government’s CHIPS and Science Act. It has also been making strides in the computing architecture and artificial intelligence sector driving new opportunities for memory and storage technologies. Mehrotra boasts over 40 years of experience in the non-volatile semiconductor memory industry, having co-founded and led SanDisk to Fortune 500 status before its acquisition by Western Digital in 2016. He also serve in various roles at leading technology firms like Integrated Device Technology Inc., SEEQ Technology, and Intel Corp. The Indian American has earned global recognition, with over 70 patents to his name and his election into the National Academy of Engineering in 2022. After immigrating from India at the age of 18, Mehrotra earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California, Berkeley. He later enrolled at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business Executive Education program. Along with Mehrotra, RIT will confer honorary degrees to designer and gerontologist Pattie Moore, Choreographer Garth Fagan, and university professor Rita Colwell. “We are honored to award these distinguished individuals with honorary degrees in recognition of their pioneering contributions to science, engineering, the arts, and design, and to society as a whole,” said RIT President David Munson. “Their achievements are a testament to their remarkable combination of creativity, talent, and perseverance. As we encourage our graduates to make a difference in the world, these honorary degree recipients provide inspiration to our graduates, and to the entire RIT community, through their groundbreaking innovation.” AVANI ACHARYA I ndia has witnessed tremendous changes in the past decade, to the point where it is now on "everyone's radar," according to Bharat Patel, chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), which has more than 80 percent Gujarati members. While the changes have taken place over a period of ten years, Patel believes that the world only really took notice of India when its economy surpassed that of the United Kingdom, in terms of size, making it the fifth largest in the world. Speaking to New India Abroad in an exclusive interview, Patel said, “The moment they (India) moved past the UK. That's when everybody took notice and so sometimes it is who you are passing before, they notice you. So now definitely, India is on everybody's radar. It is noticed.” Acknowledging the country's growing influence, Patel added the AAHOA members should think of visiting India and consider investing in the country as well. However, he maintained that currently investing in India is still a “complicated route” for small business owners. “I think investing in India is still a complicated route. There are some regulatory barriers. But whatever they (Government) can do to change it. Now they have changed it for Cisco and the bigger, top 500 Fortune companies… but for the smaller businesses, you need to adjust that too.” As a defining moment of his tenure as chairman of AAHOA, Patel recalled the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States and his address to Congress. In 2023, he and the association’s leaders penned a letter to Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the House of Representatives, encouraging him to extend an invitation to PM Modi to speak to the American lawmakers. Additionally, AAHOA partnered with the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) to host “We the People: Celebrating the U.S.-India Partnership,” a special appearance by Modi and other officials and business leaders at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. A second generation Floridabased hotelier, Patel took over as the chairman of AAHOA in 2023. Under his leadership, the association spearheaded advocacy efforts, such as introducing the LIONS Act, which aims to amend Small Business Administration (SBA) loan limits from $5 million to $10 million. The bill was supported by Indian American Michigan Congressman Shri Thaneder. In a message to the future chairman and current vice chairman, Miraj Patel, he advised him to adopt a membercentric approach and keep their needs in mind while making decisions. In conclusion, he urged the United States leadership to prioritise the interests of hotel owners, who contribute significantly to the nation's economy in terms of taxes and job creation. Outgoing AAHOA chairman Bharat Patel. Courtesy Photo "India is on everyone’s radar,” says AAHOA chairman Bharat Patel A second generation Florida-based hotelier, Patel took over as the chairman of AAHOA in 2023. Under his leadership, the association spearheaded advocacy eff orts, such as introducing the LIONS Act, which aims to amend Small Business Administration (SBA) loan limits from $5 million to $10 million.

New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 9 Start your journey with through our video primers! Hindu Dharma At the Hindu American Foundation, we are committed to ensuring Hinduism is portrayed accurately and fairly. Our bite-size explainer videos, crafted by our knowledge experts, are the perfect primers for people of all ages to get started with exploring the history and significance of Hindu Dharma and it’s various concepts and symbols. Ready to begin? Simply scan the QR code or visit myhaf.org/ia-ytexp. Hindu American Foundation myhaf.org/ia-ytexp hinduamerican.org Looking forward to results of investigation: US State Dept on Pannun case MEHAK LUTHRA T he US Department of State reaffi rmed its dedication to thoroughly investigate the purportedly thwarted assassination plot targeting Indiadesignated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. They emphasized their communication to the Indian government regarding this matter, urging for a similar investigation. During the daily press briefing at the US State Department, Mathew Miller, an official spokesperson, stated that the US had not received any report regarding India's internal investigation into the case. He emphasized the US's anticipation of the investigation's outcomes on the Indian side. “I’m not going to speak to media reports. I will just say that we have made clear to the Government of India that we want to see them conduct a full investigation, and we continue to look forward to the results of that investigation, but I don’t have any updates to offer,” Spokesperson Matthew Miller said during the press briefing. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, identified as an India-designated terrorist, holds citizenship in both the United States and Canada. He has been known to make repeated threats against India. According to the US Justice Department indictment, Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national currently in custody, has been charged with the murder-for-hire of Pannun. The indictment alleges that a member of the Indian government, who remains unnamed, recruited Gupta to hire a hitman to allegedly assassinate Pannun. This plot was reportedly foiled by US authorities. Miller was asked about the US' stance on political prisoners in Pakistan, particularly in light of its support for Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal. “I would not agree with that characterization. We have made clear on a number of occasions that we want to see everyone in Pakistan treated consistent with the rule of law, treated with respect for human rights, as is our position with respect to any country in the world,” he said. Looking forward to results of investigation: US State Dept on Pannun case / Screengrab from official video Miller stated that the US had not received any report regarding India's internal investigation into the case

10 New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 STAFF REPORTER Overseas Friends of BJP-USA (OFBJP-USA) orchestrated car rallies across 20 cities spanning four time zones in the United States on Sunday afternoon, Mar. 31, in support of Narendra Modi and the BJP's reelection campaign. Dr. Adapa Prasad, national president of OFBJP-USA, expressed immense enthusiasm within the Indian American community for seeing the Modi-led BJP and NDA secure over 400 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha Election 2024. He remarked on the unprecedented fervor among the Indian American diaspora, noting it as unparalleled in his experience. Dr. Vasudev Patel, national general secretary of OFBJP-USA, highlighted the enthusiastic participation of the community in the coordinated car rallies from coast to coast and across various regions. In the Washington DC metro area, rallies were held in Virginia and Maryland, while New Jersey witnessed a carnival-like atmosphere with approximately 200 cars participating in the event. The San Francisco chapter of Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) organized a large-scale car rally promoting the campaign theme "Abki Baar 400 Paar" for the upcoming Lok Sabha Election 2024. Starting from the Fremont Warm Springs/South Fremont BART Station, the convoy proceeded to Milpitas City Hall, covering significant ground in the San Francisco Bay Area. The rally drew a substantial crowd, with around a hundred cars and hundreds of participants from various parts of the Bay Area showing their support for the Modi government's re-election bid. Participants displayed banners, flags, and slogans, reflecting their enthusiasm for India's progress under Modi's leadership. Attendees praised the achievements of the Modi government, particularly its efforts in advancing India's development and promoting global peace. They expressed their hope for the government's return to power in the upcoming elections, citing confidence in its vision and leadership. Additionally, rally participants expressed support for anticipated reforms, including the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), highlighting their endorsement of policies aimed at strengthening Indian democracy and society. In Atlanta, Georgia, around 150 cars took part. Similar scenes spread-out in Austin, Dallas, Chicago, Raleigh, and Detroit. In Detroit, Michigan, another 150 decorated cars joined displaying placards with slogans like "Modi ka guarantee, India 3rd largest economy," "Ab ki baar 400 parrrr," and "Modi 3.0." VERONICA EZHIL P rime Minister Narendra Modi dismissed concerns raised by opposition parties regarding the issue of electoral bonds data, asserting that any perceived shortcomings can be addressed and that the opposition would soon regret their stance. In an interview with Thanthi TV, a Tamil news channel, Modi rejected the notion that the electoral bonds controversy had dealt a blow to his government, emphasizing that his administration remained steadfast in its commitment to governance. Addressing the critics, Modi emphasized the need to refrain from politicizing every action, emphasizing his dedication to serving the nation's interests beyond electoral gains. He particularly highlighted the potential of Tamil Nadu as a crucial contributor to India's development, underlining his vision of a "Viksit Bharat" where every region experience progress. "Tell me what have we have done that I should see it as a setback? I firmly believe that those dancing over it (bond details) and taking pride in it are going to repent," the Prime Minister said. Regarding the electoral bond system, Modi defended its implementation, stating that it facilitated transparency in political funding by revealing the sources and beneficiaries. He challenged critics to disclose pre-2014 political funding data, suggesting that the current system had improved transparency compared to earlier practices. "Just because I am a politician does not mean I work only to win elections. Tamil Nadu has huge potential which must not be wasted," he said. "Viksit Bharat means that every corner of the country should be a recipient of development. I believe that Tamil Nadu has the potential to become the driving force behind our dream of a Viksit Bharat," he said. “Can someone tell me how much these companies paid to political parties before 2014? Nothing is perfect, imperfections can be addressed," the Prime Minister added. The Prime Minister's remarks come in response to criticism from opposition parties, including the Congress, who have seized upon revelations following a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year, deeming the previous political funding system unconstitutional, to launch attacks on the government. What are electoral bonds Introduced in 2017, electoral bonds transformed political funding in India by allowing individuals and corporate entities to contribute unrestricted funds to political parties while maintaining anonymity. However, a recent landmark ruling by the Supreme Court in midFebruary invalidated the longstanding election funding mechanism, just weeks before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April-May. Previously, donors acquired these bonds in fixed denominations from the State Bank of India (SBI) and transferred them to political parties, which could then encash them through a designated bank account. Notably, the unique feature of these bonds was their ability to shield the identity of donors from disclosure, even to regulatory bodies such as the Election Commission of India (ECI). PM Modi stands firm on Electoral Bonds amid opposition criticism Friends of BJP in US rallies for Modi 3.0 / Special arrangement Electoral bonds transformed political funding in India by allowing individuals and corporate entities to contribute unrestricted funds to political parties PM Modi stands firm on electoral bonds amid opposition criticism / SCI 10 Overseas Friends of BJP in US rally for Modi 3.0

New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 11 AVANI ACHARYA Ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, Sunita Kejriwal, read out six election pledges made by her husband, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi at a mega rally held at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on Mar. 31. At the "Loktantra Bachao" (meaning "save democracy") rally, organized under the banner of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc, prominent figures from the opposition, such as Rahul Gandhi, Farooq Abdullah, and Mallikarjun Kharge, gathered together. The rally aimed to protect the sanctity of the Constitution and democracy as well as protest the arrest of Kejriwal, who is currently in probe agency Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in a case linked to the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam. In the letter read out by his wife, Kejriwal called for collective effort to build a new India and asserted that these six promises will be implemented in the first five years by the INDIA alliance if it comes to power. He apologised to the INDIA bloc partners that he did not get to discuss these guarantees with them before announcing them as he was in jail. “Let us together create a new India, the India of the dreams of 140 crore people, an India where every person will get enough food, every hand will get work, no one will be unemployed, no one will be poor, and no one will be illiterate. Every child will get a good education, whether rich or poor, every sick person will get good treatment, whether rich or poor,” his letter read. Kejriwal concluded the letter by saying, “I am in good health in jail, I’m full of enthusiasm, this arrest has further strengthened my courage. Your blessings are always with me, God is with me. I will meet you all very soon, Your Arvind.” Arvind Kejriwal makes six poll promises from jail Gandhi emphasized “This election is a fi ght for the soul of India" Sunita Kejriwal reads six pledges by her husband at the mega rally held at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi / AAP/Screengrab TRISHANTHYA V Congress leader Rahul Gandhi fi led his nomination papers from the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat on Wednesday, reaffi rming his connection to the constituency by stating, “Wayanad is my home, and the people of Wayanad are my family.” Gandhi, who currently serves as the sitting Member of Parliament (MP) of Wayanad, held a roadshow in Kerala alongside his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Taking to X, formerly known as twitter, he expressed gratitude towards the people of Wayanad, saying, “From them, I have learned a great deal over the last five years and received an abundance of love and affection. It is with great pride and humility that I file my nomination for Lok Sabha 2024 once again from this beautiful land.” In the 2019 polls, Gandhi secured victory from the seat with a substantial margin of over four lakh votes, defeating Communist Party of India (CPI) leader PP Suneer. However, in the upcoming elections, he will face formidable opponents in Bharathiya Janata Party (BJP) state president K Surendran and CPI leader Annie Raja. Gandhi’s party is part of the opposition’s alliance,Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), which has been formed to challenge the BJP led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Speaking on the significance of the upcoming elections, Gandhi emphasized, “This election is a fight for the soul of India; it is a fight to preserve our democracy from the forces of hatred, corruption, and injustice that seek to suppress the voice of Bharat Mata.” He further pledged to mobilize citizens across the nation, stating, “I, along with every member of INDIA bloc, will not rest until this battle is won. We will bring together every citizen from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and from Manipur to Mumbai to strengthen our Union of States.” Voting in Kerala for the Lok Sabha polls is scheduled for Apr 26, with the counting of votes set to take place on Jun 4. Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Kerala’s Wayanad Rahul Gandhi / X @RahulGandhi The six main election promises made by Arvind Kejriwal are: 1. 24-hour electricity across the entire country 2. Free electricity for the poor throughout the country 3. Constructing government schools in every village and neighbourhood 4. Establishing Mohalla (community) clinics in every village and neighbourhood 5. Ensuring fair prices for crops to farmers as given in the Swaminathan Commission Report 6. Granting full statehood to Delhi.

12 New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 Civic Leader Eboo Patel Pinching the baby and rocking the cradle T he confl ict in the Gaza is six months old. Aside from painfully remembering the goings on in that small strip of land that was started by the terror attack of the Hamas on October 7, no sane person can possibly look for any serious milestones. The war’s only achievement thus far has been in the movement from one level of ruthlessness to another. How else does one look at the attack on the convoy of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) killing seven workers when the organisation’s sole purpose was only to assist in alleviating the hunger and miseries of more than two million Gazans going without essentials, and for a very long period of time. It does not require a Nobel Laureate to figure out what is happening in the Gaza in the name of a response to a terror attack. By the same token the comity of nations does not need the International Court of Justice to say what Crimes Against Humanity are all about. If terrorism is one on the list, laying waste to a small strip of land that houses hundreds of thousands of people and depriving them of food, water, electricity and medical facilities certainly adds up another form of behavior to be classified in the same category. And worse senior officials of WCK are alleging that its convoy was targeted “car by car”, rubbishing any weak proposition that Israeli jets went after wrong cognates. The Biden administration is most certainly skating on thin ice. Washington “allowed” the latest United Nations Security Council Resolution on a ceasefire get through on abstention does not qualify it for any applause. The United States’ gameplan is for all to see: on the one hand making all the right noises on the plight of the Gazans and sending ‘warnings’ to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. And on the other hand making sure the munitions and fighter jets reaches its ally on time. And all that rhetoric about aid not reaching Tel Aviv on account of so-called extremist Republicans in the House of Representatives is also falling flat. The White House, Pentagon and American Intelligence Agencies are all experts in circumventing Congressional approval, legally ofcourse! And this is not the first time they would be indulging in such an exercise. So all that hand wringing and crocodile tears about the inability to help an ally in time of need could be to whip up a hysteria that also comes valuable in an election year. In the hallways of Washington for five decades, President Joe Biden ought to know better: that pinching the baby and rocking the cradle does not work all the time. The White House foreign policy in the Gaza is so pathetic that it is not an exaggeration to say that the Democratic left, center, progressives together with Independents are seriously re-thinking their vote. Add to this the segment of Democrats who do not wish to see Biden in 2024, then the problem gets worse. Politicians might want to remember something attributed to Abraham Lincoln: “You can fool all of the people some of time; you can fool some of the people all of the time, but you can't fool all the people all the time.” EDITORIAL The big idea of a potluck is that you want to gather a diverse array of people, and invite them to bring a dish that is distinctive to their identity. This is the everyday magic of American civic life. The Governor has tasked me to lead Maryland's economic recovery efforts, ensuring a coordinated response to affected businesses and workers. Maryland will rebuild. DIASPORA TALKS Lt. Governor Aruna Miller MALVIKA CHOUDHARY I ndian American Democrat, Pramila Jayapal has condemned the death of seven humanitarian aid workers of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) who were killed during an Israeli air strike in Gaza. The victims hailed from various nations including Australia, Canada/US (dual citizen), Gaza, Poland, and the United Kingdom. Israel acknowledged the killings, terming it as "a tragic event in which our forces unintentionally harmed non-combatants," and categorizing it as an unfortunate consequence of warfare. The Congresswoman took to X, formerly Twitter, to denounce the attack and called for the restriction of military aid to Israel. “The latest horror inflicted by Netanyahu’s air strikes on Gaza—killing brave souls at World Central Kitchen delivering food to starving Palestinians. Another strike also killed at least 15 Palestinians in Rafah, including 5 children. We must stop US military aid used for indiscriminate killing,” her post read. The Democrat in a previous post said, “The U.S. is the largest funder of military aid to Israel. We need to utilize our funding leverage to get an immediate and permanent ceasefire to allow sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza and secure the release of the hostages.” Since Oct.7, the Biden administration has announced two significant military sales to Israel. According to a report by The Washington Post, in December, the administration approved the sale of nearly 14,000 tank ammunition cartridges and associated equipment to Israel, valued at $106.5 million. Additionally, a sale of 155mm artillery shells and related equipment worth $147.5 million was also sanctioned. WCK calls for independent investigation The founder of WCK, Chef José Andrés, confirmed the loss of several staff members in the Israeli air strike, expressing profound grief and calling for an end to such indiscriminate violence. Emphasizing the brutality of the war , he said, “The Israeli government needs to stop this indiscriminate killing. It needs to stop restricting humanitarian aid, stop killing civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon. No more innocent lives lost. Peace starts with our shared humanity. It needs to start now.” In response to the incident, Javier Garcia, executive co-chair/treasurer, and Erin Gore, chief executive officer of WCK, issued an official statement advocating for an independent investigation to uncover the truth, ensure accountability, and prevent future attacks on humanitarian aid workers. Rep.Jayapal calls for restricting military aid to Israel after WCK volunteer killings Rep. Pramila Jayapal / Image- X (@ RepJayapal) “Right now, there is no higher priority in Gaza than protecting civilians, surging humanitarian assistance, and ensuring the security of those who provide it. Israel must meet this moment, If we don’t see the changes that we need to see, there’ll be changes in our own policy.” Antony J. Blinken SECRETARY OF STATE

New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 13 VERONICA EZHIL T he Congressional Research Service (CRS) released a report “Terrorists Group in Afghanistan” on Apr. 2. The report highlighted the persistent and multifaceted threat of Islamist terrorism in Afghanistan. Probing into the intricate dynamics of the region's security landscape, the report emphasizes the continued prominence of groups such as Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) and Al Qaeda, despite recent geopolitical shifts. According to the findings presented in the CRS report, ISKP, the Afghanistan-based affiliate of the Islamic State, remains a formidable threat both within Afghanistan and internationally. Despite facing significant military pressure from US and Afghan forces in recent years, ISKP has demonstrated its resilience by executing attacks not only within Afghanistan but also in various other countries, including a recent incident in Russia. The group's ability to adapt and operate beyond its borders underscores the complex challenges in combating extremist ideologies. Similarly, the report sheds light on the enduring activities of Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. Despite efforts by the Taliban to downplay its presence, the group continues to maintain a foothold in the region. The recent killing of AQ leader Ayman al Zawahiri has added further complexity to the relationship between the Taliban and Al Qaeda, raising questions about the future trajectory of the group's operations in Afghanistan and beyond. In addition to ISKP and Al Qaeda, the report highlights the involvement of other terrorist entities such as the Haqqani Network and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Furthermore, it discusses designated foreign terrorist organizations like the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), all of which contribute to the intricate security landscape in Afghanistan. The CRS report underscores the importance of continued attention and strategic engagement in addressing the terrorism threat emanating from Afghanistan. According to the report, in 2014, Al Qaeda's leader, Zawahiri, announced the formation of a separate group in South Asia called Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). This group received the designation of a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in 2016. AQIS was established with the goal of strengthening Al Qaeda's presence in the region by establishing connections with local actors, especially the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This decision was partly influenced by the relocation of some Al Qaeda leaders, who were mainly Arab, to Syria. Asim Umar, a former leader of AQIS and an Indian national, met his end during a joint operation conducted by US and Afghan forces in Afghanistan in September 2019. It is worth noting that Umar had connections to Pakistan and is believed to have sought refuge with Taliban forces prior to his demise. Following his death, Osama Mahmood, a Pakistani citizen, assumed leadership of AQIS. In December 2022, the US State Department designated Mahmood and two of his associates as Specially Designated Global Terrorists. “All of the groups above face US sanctions as designated FTOs. Congress may consider additional sanctions measures related to terrorism in Afghanistan and examine the Administration’s application of existing sanctions authorities,” the report concluded. Congressional Research Service report warns of terror threat in Afghanistan / CRS Al Qaeda continues its foothold in Afghanistan says study

14 New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024

New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 15 South Asian Bar Association raises US$50K for new legal defense fund SUNITA SOHRABJI SAN FRANCISCO, California — The South Asian Bar Association of Northern California collected US$50,000 in donations to launch a new legal defense fund in its Mar. 30 annual gala in San Francisco, California. The national legal non-profit will be known as the South Asian American Justice Collaborative (SAAJCO). Fremont, California-based attorney Kalpana Peddibhotla, one of the key organizers of the new initiative, told New India Abroad that the South Asian American population is rapidly growing, but often lacks the resources it needs to battle immigration issues, fight against hate crimes, and understanding their basic rights. A lack of fluent English language skills often becomes a barrier to gaining justice, she said. Peddibhotla pointed to last year’s death of 23-year-old student Jaahnavi Kandula, who was killed by a speeding police car as she attempted to cross the street. Her death was largely unnoticed until community advocates demanded an investigation. Working with the Asian American Legal defense and Education Fund, SABA brought on a legal fellow last year, Erum Kidwai, who has helped Nepalis apply for Temporary Protection Status to remain in the US; created a rapid response system to battle the current wave of hate crimes; and created “Know Your Rights” materials. SABA’s 29 chapters last year collectively raised US$170,000 to fund Kidwai’s work for two years. Peddibhotla told NIA she is hoping to raise at least US$340,000 this year to get SAAJCO off the ground. “If we have learned anything from the last couple of decades since 9/11 — and frankly the more than 130 years that South Asian Americans have lived in the US and struggled with bigotry and anti-immigrant sentiment — it is that our rights must be defended,” she said onstage at the gala. “The tool that we, the legal community, can offer is to fight for the rights of our community in the courts,” said Peddibhotla. “SAAJCO is born from hope, not fear. “Together, we can empower our communities so that they know that we will fight for their rights and pursue access to justice,” she said. The new initiative has already gained traction outside the legal community. The non-profit organization Indiaspora has agreed to partner with SABA on the legal defense fund, as has donated US$25,000 in seed funding. MR Rangaswami, Indiaspora’s founder attended the Mar. 30 San Francisco gala, and told NIA he was pleased to support the new venture. “Over the years, there has been a lack of community focus and resources to address the growing danger of hate crimes that affect ethnic minorities,” he said, likening the new initiative as the equivalent of the Anti Defamation League, created by the Jewish American community. Since 2020, the Asian American community has been the target of more than 11,000 hate crimes and incidents, according to data collected on the web platform Stop AAPI Hate. Islamophobia is on the rise in the US, amid the IsraelHamas war. from left to right: Ritu Singh, SABA Foundation President, Charanjit Brahma, President, SABA North America, Indiaspora founder MR Rangaswami, speaker Kalpana Peddibhotla, SABA Northern California President Dan Vaswani, and Siraj Husain, SABA NC Incoming President. / Photo- Sunita Sohrabji

16 New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 STAFF REPORTER T he Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) an international network of people of Indian origin (PIO) recently met in Edison, New Jersey, to discuss the launch of the GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) central Jersey chapter. This comes after the organization had to change the name of the chamber from GOPIO International Chamber of Commerce (GICC) to GCCI and decided to relaunch it during the upcoming New Jersey convention, scheduled for Apr.26–28. Established with the objective of providing a network to 5 million plus small businesses and professional practitioners worldwide, the GCCI's New York chapters have already been established. The New Jersey meeting was addressed by GOPIO International chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, convention convener Prakash Shah, co-convener and international coordinator-at-large Dr. Asha Samant, international coordinatorat-large Nami Kaur, GOPIO-Edison president Pallavi Belwariar, GOPIOCentral Jersey president Kunal Mehta, community leader and businessman Pradeep Kothari, and Radio Zindagi owner and Indian Eye publisher Sunil Hali. A special guest was New Jersey Assemblyman Sterley Stanley who extended his support for GOPIO Convention 2024 and GOPIO Chamber of Commerce. GOPIO leaders met at Edison New Jersey for a planning meeting ahead of the launch / Courtesy Photo GOPIO members discussing the chapter's launch in New Jersey GOPIO to launch businessindustry network in NJ MONICA AGGARWAL T he US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has appointed Mark Linscott, former assistant US trade representative for South and Central Asian aff airs as senior advisor of trade policy. Linscott has extensive experience in international trade negotiations, notably in US-India trade relations. He has served in various senior roles within the US government - most recently holding the position of assistant US trade representative for South and Central Asian affairs from December 2016-2018. During his tenure as the US trade representative, he played a crucial role in spearheading the development of trade policy with countries across South and Central Asia. Linscott also led bilateral Trade Policy Forum discussions with India to strengthen Trade and Investment Framework Agreements (TIFAs) with countries like Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Central Asia. Additionally, Linscott also served as the assistant US trade representative for the World Trade Organization (WTO) and multilateral affairs from 2012 to 2016, taking care of coordinating US trade policies in the WTO. Dr. Mukesh Aghi, president and CEO of USISPF, welcomed Linscott’s appointment. "His profound experience, rich expertise, and insight into trade policies will prove indispensable as we fortify the economic bonds between the United States and India. I am confident that his contributions will significantly enhance USISPF's role in advancing bilateral trade and investment between our nations,” he said. Commenting on his appointment, Linscott stated, “I am delighted to join USISPF, which has been a leading voice on the US-India relationship in recent years. I look forward to bringing my trade experience with India, both bilateral and multilateral, to USISPF as we forge ahead with the hard work to build up the trade relationship to the levels of the strategic partnership between the United States and India.” Taking to LinkedIn, Linscott also expressed honor in joining the Forum. "USISPF will allow me to cover the full range of US-India trade. We might even dream of future US-India FTA negotiations and, dare I say, some harmony in the WTO!" he wrote. He holds a BA in economics from the University of Virginia. The United States is India's top trading partner, with bilateral trade currently estimated at approximately $200 billion. It is expected to surge to $500 billion in the coming years in key areas of mutual interest, including defense, agriculture, space, climate, health, and education along with semiconductors and AI. USISPF appoints Mark Linscott as senior advisor-trade policy Mark Linscott named as USISPF senior advisortrade policy / FICCI He was previously an assistant US trade representative for South and Central Asian aff airs. The organization has successfully launched the GCCI chapters in New York

New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 17 SOON COMING STAY TUNED Sikhs Today Sikhs Today [email protected] Monthly Magazine

18 New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 MEHAK LUTHRA T he US Coast Guard has implemented a temporary alternative route for ships involved in the debris removal process following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. This measure is a key component of a phased approach aimed at restoring access to the primary maritime route serving the vital port. Several barges and tugboats stranded in the Port of Baltimore following the incident are expected to transit through this channel. While crews work on the intricate task of clearing the debris, the primary objective remains the phased reopening of the main shipping channel, crucial for the port's functionality. The temporary channel, currently in use, primarily facilitates vessels engaged in debris removal. It also accommodates some barges and tugs stranded in the Port of Baltimore since the tragic incident. Maryland Governor Wes Moore stressed the importance of both recovering the remaining victims of the collapse and swiftly reopening shipping channels. He underscored the challenging nature of the recovery process, characterizing the wreckage as "chaotic." Moore revealed in a press conference that the BidenHarris administration also approved the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Relief Declaration. “We have a long road ahead but I’m grateful for the extraordinary work of this team and the people out there,” he emphasized. The temporary channel has been designed with a depth of 11 feet, ensuring sufficient horizontal and vertical clearances to accommodate marine traffic involved in the cleanup operation, the Mayor said. Progress has been made in lifting substantial portions of the bridge debris. A significant milestone was achieved with the removal of a 200-ton span by a large crane, representing a crucial advancement in the extensive recovery operation. Joshua Messick, in his role as the executive director of the Baltimore International Seafarers' Center, is one of the few individuals who have maintained communication with the crew. In conversations with the BBC, Messick disclosed that he has been in WhatsApp communication with the crew members after arranging for the delivery of a care package, which notably included WiFi hotspots. He described the crew members as "rattled" and notably hesitant to discuss their current circumstances as investigations into the incident continue. "They're not saying much at all to anyone who has been in touch with them," Messick told BBC. "They didn't have WiFi until Saturday and they didn't really know what the perception of the rest of the world was. They weren't sure if they were being blamed, or demonised. They just didn't know what to expect,” he said. "They are also in a very sensitive situation. What they can say can reflect on the company. I would imagine that they've been advised to keep a lowprofile for the time being,” Messick added. Baltimore bridge collapse: Indian crew to stay aboard till end of probe Authorities have assigned the temporary route primarily for ships involved in the debris removal eff orts Baltimore bridge collapse: Indian crew to stay aboard Dali till end of probe / X- @GovWesMoore

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New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 21 MEHAK LUTHRA Apilot study conducted by researchers at Stanford Medicine led by Shebani Sethi has revealed that following a ketogenic (keto) diet can help patients deal with serious mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Essentially a low-carb diet, ketogenic diets aim to deprive the body of glucose that is used to produce energy. In the absence of glucose a state of ketosis is eventually induced, during which the body turns to stored fat, which the liver converts into ketones for energy. Published in Psychiatry Research, the findings highlight that such a diet not only reinstates metabolic health in patients who suffer from metabolic side effects due to their medications but also enhances their psychiatric conditions. “It’s very promising and very encouraging that you can take back control of your illness in some way, aside from the usual standard of care,” said Shebani Sethi, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and first author of the study. “The ketogenic diet has been proven to be effective for treatment-resistant epileptic seizures by reducing the excitability of neurons in the brain. We thought it would be worth exploring this treatment in psychiatric conditions,” she added. There is growing evidence suggesting that psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may originate from metabolic deficiencies in the brain, which impact the excitability of neurons, Sethi explained. The researchers posit that similar to how a ketogenic diet enhances overall body metabolism, it may also positively impact brain metabolism. “Anything that improves metabolic health in general is probably going to improve brain health anyway. But the ketogenic diet can provide ketones as an alternative fuel to glucose for a brain with energy dysfunction,” she noted. Sethi is the founder and director of the Metabolic Psychiatry Clinic at Stanford Medicine. As a physician, she cares for many patients with both serious mental illness and obesity or metabolic syndrome. “Many of my patients suffer from both illnesses, so my desire was to see if metabolic interventions could help them. They are seeking more help. They are looking to just feel better,” she highlighted. Sethi is the founder and director of the Metabolic Psychiatry Clinic at Stanford Medicine. / Image - Stanford University Study led by Indian American shows keto diet improves mental illness AJAY JAIN BHUTORIA I n today's fast-paced world, where screens dominate our lives, taking a break from the digital realm can be a game-changer. Inspired by the vision of Anuvrat Anushastha His Holiness Acharya Shri Mahashraman Ji, t Ajay Jain Bhutoria explores the signifi cance of a digital detox and why it's essential for our overall wellbeing.to reclaim our time from the digital realm and rediscover the beauty of life beyond screen Why Give it a Try? Feeling Good: The constant barrage of digital information can leave us feeling stressed and fatigued. A digital detox provides the much-needed respite, allowing us to unwind and recharge. Get Moving: Sitting in front of screens for extended periods can take a toll on our physical health. Detoxing offers a chance to break free from the sedentary routine, encouraging us to move, exercise, and feel healthier. Time with Friends: Our digital devices often steal precious moments with loved ones. Detoxing creates space for meaningful connections, helping us rekindle relationships and enjoy quality time with friends and family. Do More Stuff: Without the constant screen distraction, we discover newfound time to engage in activities we love. Whether it's reading a book, expressing creativity through art, or simply playing outside, a digital detox opens doors to a more fulfilling offline life. How to Do It Start Small: Don't feel the need to go cold turkey. Begin with short breaks away from screens and gradually extend the duration as you become more comfortable with the idea. Plan Fun Activities: Create a list of enjoyable offline activities to replace screen time. From taking a leisurely walk to engaging in board games with friends, having a plan makes the detox more enjoyable. Tell People: Communication is key. Inform your friends and family about your digital detox plans, ensuring they understand the temporary nature of your unavailability. Stick with It: The initial phase might be challenging, but persistence pays off. As you persevere, you'll notice the positive impact of unplugging and reconnecting with the world around you. Anuvrat Digital Detox Solution We have a solution for the same, and that is ‘Anuvrat Digital Detox,’ which means small (anu), vows (vrat) towards Digital Detox. It means taking a break from using an electronic device or being online for a scheduled amount of time to spend more time strengthening relationships with family and friends, relieving stress, and improving sleep. The Anuvrat Vishva Bharti Society has taken a commendable step towards promoting ‘Anuvrat Digital Detox (ADD)’. Ajay Bhutoria has been Inspired by the vision of Anuvrat Anushastha His Holiness Acharya Shri Mahashraman Ji, the society is spearheading a movement to reclaim our time from the digital realm and rediscover the beauty of life beyond screens. Taking a Break from Screens: Why Digital Detox Matters Growing evidence suggests that psychiatric disorders may originate from metabolic defi ciencies in the brain. Image: Unsplash

22 New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 ENGLISH, ɫ=ʌ*ʍ, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, Ljુજરાતી NOW AVAILABLE IN weekly epaper

New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 23 BHAVANA P I ndia witnessed signifi cant improvement in its ranking as a global business environment a recent analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), an organization that provides forecasting and advisory services to assist entrepreneurs, fi nanciers, and government offi cials. India came third on the list of most improved countries after Greece and Qatar, due to its burgeoning youthful demographic, promising robust demand, and a readily available labor force, as outlined in the report. Emphasizing India's unique potential in market scale, akin to that of China, the report underscores the nation's allure for foreign direct investment, projecting strong economic growth between 2024 and 2028. This projection comes amidst a global trend of companies seeking alternative manufacturing destinations beyond China, further enhancing India's appeal as a business hub. “India is the only single-country market that offers a potential scale comparable to that of China. India’s youthful demographic profile promises both strong demand and good labor availability,” the report said. Greece, alongside India, witnessed substantial progress in the Business Environment Rankings (BER), attributed to policy reforms under a pro-business government. On a broader scale, Singapore, Denmark, and the US retained their positions as the top three countries for conducting business globally. Germany and Switzerland secured fourth and fifth positions, respectively, solidifying their status as favorable business destinations. Meanwhile, Canada, Sweden, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Finland completed the top ten, reflecting a diverse range of economies offering conducive business environments. The EIU's comprehensive assessment evaluates the attractiveness of business environments across 82 countries and territories, taking into account factors such as inflation, cost of living, economic growth, and fiscal policies. This report serves as a valuable tool for businesses and policymakers alike, offering insights into global trends and opportunities for economic development. India emerges as third most sought after business destination / Image - Unsplash India’s global appeal as business destination increases The EIU anticipates robust economic expansion from 2024 to 2028, foreseeing increased foreign direct investment fl owing into India As rupee plummets to a low, analysing past trend indicates an increased infl ow of remittances Rupee at historic lows; indicates increase in remittances RISHIKA BHARDWAJ T he Indian rupee recently took a nosedive to an all-time low against the US dollar, with the country’s trade defi cits indicating a potential investment opportunity for nationals residing abroad. The Indian rupee closed at a record low of 83.43 against the US dollar. The fall in the rupee can be associated with the recent trade balance data, which revealed a widening deficit in February, to $18.71 billion from January’s $17.49 billion. Exports rose by 11.89 percent while imports surged by 12 percent. How can NRI’s benefit from this? Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are set to benefit from the depreciating rupee. The rupee’s decline means that every dollar held a greater value. This has previously triggered a surge in NRI remittances, particularly from countries such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. In 2023 alone, India’s inward remittances stood at $125 billion, comprising 3.4 percent of India’s GDP according to World Bank estimates. The Reserve Bank of India’s simplification of regulations governing remittances, like the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) has further fuelled NRI investment activity. Real estate could be a lucrative avenue for investment, alongside bank fixed deposits, like NRE and FCNR deposits. Moreover, the lower interest rates in India, coupled with the appreciating value of foreign currencies is lucrative for investment. The Indian rupee stood at INR 47 against the US dollar in 2001, and at INR 83.43 in 2024 / Canva

24 New India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 India Marching Forward Organized by OFBJP-USA: Disseminated by Overseas Friends of BJP-USA, a registered foreign agent, on behalf of the Bharatiya JanataParty. More information is on file with the Dept. of Justice, Washington, DC President: Dr. Adapa Prasad | Org Secretary: Dr. Vasudev Patel Overseas Friends of BJP - USA under the visionary leadership of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas Sabka Vishwas Sabka Prayas To build an Atmanirbhar Bharat Ek Bharat Bharat Vikasit Bharat Shreshtha Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a Motto committed to the ideals of

*India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affi liated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. ...Page V Year 2, Volume 25 Washington DC, Saturday 06 April, 2024 Ram Rath Yatra across North America Reflecting on three decades of learning MUM’S THE WORD ...Page II ...Page VI Glimpses from the event / Image- Courtesy Photo TRISHANTHYA V T he Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) convened its 2024 Spring National Advocacy Conference (SNAC), bringing together over 200 prominent AAHOA leaders and members for a two-day event in Washington, D.C. The conference aimed to bridge AAHOA leadership with elected offi cials to address signifi cant challenges confronting the hospitality industry. The conference commenced with a legislative learning session at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, followed by an evening Congressional Reception at the Cannon House Office Building. The event reached its pinnacle with a full day of Congressional meetings, where AAHOA leaders held nearly 160 in-person meetings with U.S. Senators, Representatives, and their staff, transcending party lines. During the Congressional Reception, attended by nearly 30 members of Congress, elected officials delivered speeches underscoring the pivotal role played by AAHOA and its members in shaping national policies and advocating for the interests of hoteliers. They also engaged in one-on-one discussions with AAHOA Member constituents to fortify relationships for future collaboration. Among the attendees was Congressman Shri Thanedar, who recently introduced the Loans in Our Neighborhoods Act (H.R. 7242), a bill endorsed by AAHOA. The LIONS Act aims to amend the Small Business Act by raising the maximum loan amounts for SBA 7(a) and 504 loans from $5 million to $10 million. Guest speakers at the event included Senator Roger Marshall and Congressman Ro Khanna. Congressman Khanna, addressing AAHOA Members, underscored the significance of representation in government and advocated for diverse voices in policymaking. He highlighted the shared experiences between Indian-American communities and AAHOA members, advocating for increased political participation among Indian Americans. In a statement, AAHOA President and CEO Laura Lee Blake expressed the organization's commitment to advocating for legislation benefiting its members and fostering economic prosperity in the hotel industry. She lauded the burgeoning relationships between AAHOA Members and elected officials, recognizing the pivotal role of advocacy in shaping national policy. AAHOA Chairman Bharat Patel echoed Blake's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of SNAC in educating AAHOA leaders on industry issues and facilitating meaningful interactions with policymakers. He underscored AAHOA's growing influence and recognition in Washington, attributing it to the proactive advocacy efforts of its members. AAHOA unites industry leaders and elected officials in Washington, D.C 2024 Spring National Advocacy Conference (SNAC) / AAHOA Among the attendees was Congressman Shri Thanedar and Congressman Khanna

MALVIKA CHOUDHARY T he Indian state of Uttarakhand has launched the country's maiden helicopter service for Adi Kailash and Om Parvat, two hilly regions that bear signifi cant religious importance for devotees of Lord Shiva. The first-of-its-kind initiative launched in collaboration between the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) and Trip to Temples aims to overcome seasonal and geographical hurdles, ensuring that these revered pilgrimage sites are accessible to a wider spectrum of devotees for an extended duration throughout the year. Traditionally, reaching these sacred destinations necessitated arduous journeys, either by enduring long treks or a combination of car travel and walking, constrained to brief periods between May and June or September and October. Adi Kailash, nestled in the Vyas Valley, holds significance as the second abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, while Om Parvat, sculpted into a perfect "Om" symbol, stands as a natural marvel along the India-Nepal-Tibet border. Previously, the closest vantage point to witness Om Parvat was Nabhidang, demanding an intimidating 11 km trek from the Old Lipu Lekh Pass. Trip to Temples, in collaboration with UTDB, have significantly improved the pilgrimage experience by offering devotees a one-day aerial darshan of both sites, commencing from Pithoragarh. A five-day helicopter yatra, starting from April 15th, will further enhance accessibility, with helicopters landing near the holy sites, reducing walking distances. Vikas Mishra, CEO of Trip to Temples, emphasized the commitment to enhancing accessibility, "We are dedicated to partnering with the Uttarakhand government to make Hindu pilgrimage destinations more accessible. We strive to extend this accessibility, enabling more devotees to fulfill their spiritual aspirations." District Tourist Officer Kriti Chandra Arya disclosed that the two-hour journey will incur a cost of approximately US$479 (INR40,000), per passenger. The service will be managed by Sky One Airways. Registration details for the Adi Kailash Yatra by Helicopter can be obtained via phone, WhatsApp at +91 8510007751, or the Trip to Temples website. II India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 STAFF REPORTER T he Shri Ram Rath Yatra Initiated by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) and its Canadian counterpart, went across North America with connecting Hindu temples throughout the United States and Canada, this 60-day expedition covers a distance of more than 16,000 miles, spanning over 850 temples in the US and 150 in Canada. The inaugural ceremony for the US leg of the Yatra commenced on Mar. 23, 2024, coinciding with the festival of Holi, at the VHPA headquarters in Sugar Grove, Illinois The yatra covered over 500 miles and visited nine temples on its first day. According to the organising committee, the objective of this initiative is to foster unity among Hindu communities and traditions across the continent. The Yatra aims to share the spiritual significance of the Shri Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha ceremony held in India on Jan. 22, 2024. The Yatra is facilitated by three specially designed Raths (chariots), each adorned with imagery of Shri Ram Lalla across North America. In Canada, the Yatra began on Mar. 25 with ceremonies at the Vishnu Temple in Richmond Hill, Ontario. The Canadian inauguration featured the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, followed by a puja specifically for the Rath. As of Mar. 31, 2024, the US leg of the Yatra traversed nearly 100 temples across various states, covering approximately 4,000 miles. Each temple visit, though brief, followed a precise protocol, with the sacred idol of Shri Ram Lalla being reverently installed and rituals conducted. Meanwhile, the Canadian contingent of the Yatra focused its efforts within the Greater Toronto area, making stops at approximately twelve temples and journeying around 900 miles. Noteworthy events included a visit to Parliament Hill in Ottawa, where Shri Ram Lalla was honored, marking a significant moment of cultural and spiritual acknowledgment. Moving forward, the US team will be travelling in the states of Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, while the Canadian team will divide its focus between provinces, culminating their journey with visits to numerous temples in the Greater Toronto Area. Ram Rath Yatra across North America ISKCON New Vrindavan, Moundsville, West Virginia / Special arrangement The first batch of pilgrims which took an aerial tour to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat on Monday / ImagePIB release Uttarakhand Tourism starts Helicopter service for hilly pilgrimage sites As of Mar. 31, 2024, the US leg of the Yatra traversed nearly 100 temples across various states, covering approximately 4,000 miles A fi ve-day helicopter yatra, starting from April 15th, will further enhance accessibility, with helicopters landing near the holy sites, reducing walking distances. Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario / Special arrangement Hindu Temple of New Hampshire, Nashua, New Hampshire / Special arrangement Bharat Mata Mandir, Brampton, Ontario / Special arrangement

India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 III Aries : You are heading towards a period in which you will have many work and, therefore, economic opportunities, Aries. Think about your goals and keep your eyes open to recognize them and take advantage of 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 else's advice. You will have the judgment and ability to face any problem and come out of it with flying colors. Taurus : These days you will be overly sensitive, Taurus, and you must do your best to see reality and not get carried away by your perceptions. You may think the whole world is against you, or you may get angry over unimportant matters. Do not 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 exceed your extreme sensitivity, you might regret it. Your finances are going through a very favorable period, which will boost your morale 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. Gemini : It's time to start looking for new work opportunities, Gemini. You have worked hard to advance in your current company but your struggle does not seem to have paid off, perhaps in part because your relationships with some people in power have not been very harmonious. This week you will also begin to feel the need to feel freer, to be more independent. If you share a relationship with other partners, this feeling will make you a little uncomfortable, because you will want to make your own decisions without having to consult them. Don't be bitter about it. Cancer : Finally, your head is no longer in a fog due to professional problems, Cancer. The difficult period you went through recently, due to disagreements with one of your superiors, is over. If you have chosen to ignore the problem and continue to work hard to prove your professional worth, now is the time to reap the rewards of your efforts, because they will not have been in vain. You were able to prove your level and your tenacity. This week you will get the recognition you deserve. This 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. Leo : It's time for you to analyze what's happening at work, Leo. You've had friction with a boss or coworker and you don't seem to feel comfortable. But this week, the atmosphere will be more relaxed and you will be able to think about the reasons for these disagreements. Perhaps you unconsciously provoke them yourself. If you invest money, focus on the return on 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. Virgo : An Excessive activity at work will have a negative effect on your mood, Virgo. Avoid this as it could lead to relationship problems 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 doing and you may feel unsafe. Stay calm, you are perfectly capable of achieving anything you want. You have no shortage of capabilities and resources. The most important thing to succeed is to control your nervousness. 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. This will be very positive for you, so don't get overwhelmed. In business, on the other hand, caution is required. You may have already encountered problems completing 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 loses his temper over unimportant trifles. Now that you have found a person who loves you and makes you feel safe, try not to complicate your life and theirs with unnecessary problems. Scorpio : You have an excellent week in the field of work thanks to a very positive astral influence, Scorpio. Now you can a c h i e v e anything you want. Towards the end of the week, you are likely to get the opportunity you have dreamed of and you will gain great professional prestige. On the other hand, financial matters are at risk. Now is not the right time to start a project. Additionally, maybe someone you know will ask you to lend them money. If you want it, do it, but more than likely you won't get it back. Sagittarius : You might be disappointed these days, Sagittarius. It is possible that, for various reasons, a project that you wanted to carry out in the field of work is put on hold. Don't be discouraged, the opportunity will present itself later. This week, try to take things calmly, because in the financial area too you need to act with caution. The atmosphere is turbulent and it is not the right time to make important decisions. Even less if they involve high expenses. Therefore, if you have been thinking about buying a car or even an apartment, wait a little longer until these issues are better aspected by the stars. On the sentimental level, you may have to face certain problems with your partner. Capricorn : You are entering a good phase of 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 will put yourself in a situation that will eventually cause you problems. Take advantage of the fact that this week the stars are good for reflection 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. Aquarius : You will have a very positive week in the work area, Aquarius, and you could be in for a nice surprise. Every time there has been an internal promotion in your company, you have wanted to take steps to achieve it but you have never acted because you thought it was useless and that you would not be taken into account. But now you know for a fact that your superiors have noticed you and that you have a lot of support. This will boost your morale significantly. However, you should refine certain aspects of your character, such as always wanting to be right and not listening to the opinions of more experienced people. Pisces : These are very important days for you because 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 notices your abilities. You stand out from others by your performance. In your free time, think about everything that is happening. A good astral alignment will allow you to have precise thoughts about 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 at the moment, 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

IV India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024

India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 V Houston Fine Arts Museum to host Raqib Shaw's art exhibit STAFF REPORTER T he Indo-American Community Federation (IACF) recently held its annual Unity Dinner, marking their 30th anniversary. The event, themed "Unity through Diversity: Breathing Life into Education," underscored the signifi cance of social and emotional learning in modern education. The evening commenced with a Bollywood performance by Aerodance and renditions of both the American and Indian national anthems was sung by Tania Gupta. Attendees were treated to a presentation honoring three decades of IACF's contributions, followed by an insightful presentation by 9-year-old Shyla Zutshi titled "Understanding Yoga." The panel discussion moderated by attorney Anjali Zutshi highlighted the SKY Schools program, that focuses on stress management techniques like yoga and meditation. This initiative has been instrumental in training teachers and youth in the USA and globally for over two decades. Since 2008, these methods have reached over 200,000 young individuals and educators across the Western Hemisphere, spanning regions like South America, the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico. Panelists included SKY Schools Director Bill Herman, school principal Kasturi Basu, and founder of, Dr. Nilima Sabharwal, founder, Home of Hope, Vivek Prasad, member, Fremont Unified Board of Education and Alameda County Board of Education member, Elaine McDonald. Speakers including Alam Khydeeja, executive director, California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (APIA) and Dr. Lokesh Muni, the founder president of “Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, delivered addresses emphasizing unity and social responsibility. Assembly member Ash Kalra delivered a keynote speech emphasizing diversity's strength. The evening also featured several prominent guests including Mayors of Fremont, Milpitas, Sunnyvale and Santa Clara; Councilmembers from Fremont, San Jose, Santa Clara; Alameda County Supervisor (CA1), David Haubert, Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee, representatives from Attorney General of California, Congressman Ro Khanna and many others representing Chamber of Commerce, Boards and Commissions. The event was attended by over 350 community members and dignitaries from various cities and counties. STAFF REPORTER T he Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is preparing to host the exhibition "Raqib Shaw: Ballads of East and West" from Jun. 9 to Sep. 2, 2024. Organized by the Frist Art Museum, Nashville, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston, the showcase will feature the intricate paintings of Raqib Shaw, a London-based artist known for his fusion of Eastern and Western infl uences in his work. "Raqib Shaw's universe is revealed through the memory of childhood experience in the extraordinarily beautiful Valley of Kashmir, the tragic history of modern Kashmir, and his knowledge and appreciation of the history of art both Western and the Eastern," commented Gary Tinterow, Director of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The exhibition’s cornerstone work, Retrospective 2002–2022, includes 60 miniaturized versions of Shaw’s own paintings and sculptures in a reworking of the famous suite of three paintings from the 1750s by Giovanni Paolo Panini, each titled Picture Gallery with Views of Modern Rome. Dr. Zehra Jumabhoy, exhibition curator and lecturer on the history of art at the University of Bristol, elaborates, "Raqib Shaw is inspired by the next lines of Kipling’s ballad, which propose the opposite: when like-minded souls meet 'there is neither East nor West' even if 'they come from the ends of the earth!' Shaw creates a resounding affirmation that this 'meeting' can be fused in art with remarkable results." Born in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, in 1974, Raqib Shaw spent most of his childhood in Kashmir. Shaw's paintings blur the lines between art and ornamentation, incorporating elements from various cultures such as Japanese aesthetics, Mughal artifacts, Islamic textiles, and Indo-Persian architecture. Reflecting on three decades of learning Community leaders at the unity dinner Jeevan zutshi, Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni with other attendees / All Images: Special arrangement The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is preparing to host the exhibition / raqibshawstudio.com The event was themed "Unity through Diversity: Breathing Life into Education" / Courtesy Photo Community leaders at the unity dinner Jeevan zutshi, Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni with other

VI India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 Under Special Arrangement of Bollywood Insider. https://www.bollywoodinsider.us/ BOLLYWOOD INSIDER TEAM F ebruary this year brought good news for two couples. Anushka Sharma and her cricketer husband Virat Kohli welcomed their son Akaay, on the 15th, three years after daughter Vamika. Meanwhile, Vikrant Massey and his wife Sheetal Thakur announced the arrival of their son Vardaan on Feb 7, asserting that he was nothing short of a blessing. The nine months life-altering journey continues for… RICHA CHADHA & ALI FAZAL On February 9, the twosome made hearts melt with a collaborative post that read, “A tiny heartbeat is the loudest sound in the world.” Gazing into each other’s eyes, their new math, 1+1=3, was easy to figure out. Their journey together dates back to 2012 and the shoot of Fukrey. The actress jokes that since Manjot Singh Dhillon (Laali Halwai) was juvenile, Varun Grover (Choocha) lost in work and Pulkit Samrat (Hunny) only spoke about fitness, there was only Ali to chat with. The conversations continued even after the film ended and by 2016, buzz was that the friendship had gotten serious. After staying apart for weeks following the lockdown, the duo moved in together and later revealed they had secretly married in September under the Special Marriage Act. Ali and Richa have an impressive lineup of productions ready to be showcased, but clearly their most prized and ambitious project is the one growing in the womb. DEEPIKA PADUKONE & RANVEER SINGH Their love story also began in 2012 on the sets of Goliyon Ka Leela Ram-Leela their first film together. However, through the dinner dates, PDAs and heart emojis, the actress remained tight-lipped on the subject. The shaadi happened in Lake Como, Italy, on November 14 and 15, 2018, in a mix of Sidhi and South Indian rituals, followed by receptions in Bengaluru and Mumbai. Deepika later revealed that they had been engaged for four years. In the six years since, they have lived through a pandemic, played husband-wife (Kapil Dev and Romi) in Kabir Khan’s ’83 in 2020, and applauded each other’s phenomenal growth. This year, she made an appearance at the BAFTA awards as a presenter draped in a midriff- concealing sari. Which lead to reports in The Week, a source had confirmed that Deepika is pregnant and in her second trimester. The couple confirmed the news shortly after the rumours went rampant. NATASHA DALA & VARUN DHAWAN Just a couple of months short of his 37th birthday on April 24, Varun Dhawan announced that wife Natasha Dalal and he are pregnant with their first child. He even appended a picture of him going down on his knees to kiss her baby bump. The actor and the fashion designer have known each other since they were in school, but Cupid’s arrow struck at a music concert years later. Despite the rumour mills churning overtime, Varun remained loyal to and fiercely protective of Natasha. After months of playing hide-and-seek with the paps, they were clicked while holidaying in London in August, 2018. On Diwali, they wished the world together, then rang in the New Year with a pic from a ski-trip, but the much-anticipated shaadi only happened quietly during the pandemic, on January 24, 2021 at a beach resort in Alibaug, owing to lockdown restrictions. YAMI GAUTAM & ADITYA DHAR They found each other during Aditya’s debut directorial, Uri: The Surgical Strike. And like Varun and Natasha, had a small, intimate wedding in her home in Himachal on June 4, 2021. Yami admitted that like her, the groom hated the wastage of food, flowers and other décor items at large weddings. They announced their union simply, with an eloquent line from Rumi, “In your light, I learn to love.” Romance is in the air whenever they are together, but being very private people, love is always conveyed through soft smiles, knowing glances and sweet gestures. Like Aditya getting a cushion for Yami so she would not be uncomfortable sitting through a recent press conference. The Vicky Donor actress is five-and-a-half-months pregnant, but true to type, the couple waited to share this news too, till the trailer release of Aditya’s first production starring her, Article 370. The next announcement, about the baby, too will be just as simple and quiet, because where emotions run deep, words are superfluous. Image: Instagram.com/alifazal9 Image: Instagram.com/deepikapadukone Image: Instagram.com/varundvn Image: Instagram.com/yamigautam MUM’S THE WORD

India Abroad Saturday, April 06, 2024 VII STAFF REPORTER ZEE5 Global, the world's largest streaming platform for South Asian content, has announced that HanuMan, the fi lm starring Teja Sajja, ranked as the secondbiggest Telugu movie to premiere on its platform till date, following the monumental success of RRR. The Telugu superhero film released in theatres on January 12, 2024. It is set in the fictional village of Anjanadri, a dystopian hamlet, and is based on Hanumanthu, who gets the power of Lord Hanuman to save the people of the village. Since its launch, HanuMan has contributed to nearly 60 percent of the platform's subscriptions from the US alone and led to an increase in the overall Telugu content viewership on ZEE5 Global, an official statement noted. Additionally, 'HanuMan' became a global success, trending on ZEE5 Global in key markets like the USA, UK, UAE, Canada and Australia. Commenting on the film’s performance, Archana Anand, chief business officer at ZEE5 Global said, “The Telugu blockbuster, HanuMan, captures the ethos of South Asian culture in totality by weaving together elements of tradition and modernity. Following its remarkable theatrical run, its World Digital Premiere on our platform has been a remarkable success, quickly becoming one of the top titles on the platform and yet another driver of the growing demand for Telugu content globally and especially in the US on ZEE5 Global. “ The film is produced by Primeshow Entertainment. It also features actors like Amritha Aiyer, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Raj Deepak Shetty, and Vinay Rai. Also, it is the debut film in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), a superhero film franchise. 'Jai HanuMan,' the title of the sequel, appeared in the film's end credits. HanuMan becomes second biggest Telugu opener on ZEE5 Global ‘Crew’ records 2 million opening, sets record MALVIKA CHOUDHARY Bollywood's latest release, 'Crew', featuring Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon, made an impressive debut at the box offi ce, raking in US$ 2.3 million (INR 20 crore) world-wide on its opening day. Notably, 'Crew' has etched its name in the annals of cinematic history by securing the "highest-ever opening for a three-female lead film worldwide". Producer Ektaa Kapoor took to Instagram to announce the news. "Thanku INDIA !!!! My girls and our director showed the world how it’s done!!! World wide dhamaka! (sic)." The film, which hit screens on March 29, follows the story of three friends working as cabin crew members for Kohinoor Airlines, whose lives take a chaotic turn when they become embroiled in a complex situation. Directed by Rajesh A Krishnan, the film boasts a diverse cast including Diljit Dosanjh in a pivotal role and Kapil Sharma in a cameo appearance. With a release across 2000 theaters and premieres in over 75 countries, spanning 1100 locations, 'Crew' has made a significant mark on the global cinematic landscape. Kareena Kapoor Khan, echoing Kapoor's sentiments, expressed her excitement for the project, stating, "Round 2 with @rheakapoor, @ ektarkapoor and me… What started with Veere Di Wedding and now continues with CREW (red heart emoticons) So lucky to be on board with these lovely ladies @kritisanon, @tabutiful & the amazing @rajoosworld We got this!" 'Crew' is a collaboration between Ekta Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor, who previously worked together on 'Veere Di Wedding'. Kapoor celebrated the success of the film on Instagram, highlighting the fruitful partnership between herself and Kareena Kapoor Khan. With its strong box office performance and promising storyline, 'Crew' is set to captivate audiences further in the coming days, solidifying its position as a notable addition to Bollywood's repertoire. The cast of Crew / Image- Instagram Film Poster / Zee5 Notably, 'Crew' has etched its name in the annals of cinematic history by securing the "highest-ever opening for a three-female lead fi lm worldwide".

Published Weekly Copyright © 2024 Indian Star LLC Editor in Chief Dr. Sridhar Krishnaswami [email protected] Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Bhambri [email protected] 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 Saturday, April 06, 2024 India Abroad AVANI ACHARYA I ndia’s Consul General at San Francisco Dr. K. Srikar Reddy recently inaugurated a cricket pitch at the University of the Pacifi c’s Stockton campus in California. Christopher Callahan, president of University of the Pacific, Niraj Chaudhary, the university’s dean of libraries, students from the Indian community and around a 100 people attended the event. Chaudhary, who had suggested the idea to Callahan during the university delegation's trip to India, spearheaded the project to set up the new pitch. Callahan said,“Niraj knows I am an easy sell. We wrote the plan for the facility on the way back from India, and he is the one who made it happen.” Consul General Reddy highlighted the significance of the pitch for the 450 Indian students, who account for about 50 percent of total international students at the University. “This certainly will make more students from India consider University of the Pacific. I could not be more pleased with this event today. We appreciate how the university has embraced our culture. We will have a great friendship with Pacific,” he said. On the occasion, the Consul General further took part in an exhibition match and underscored the growing interest in cricket across the United States, especially with the U.S. hosting ICC T20 World Cup matches in June this year. He also held discussions with president Callahan and senior faculty members regarding enhancing collaboration with Indian educational institutions. “It means a lot to us that the university would consider and build a cricket pitch. This shows how much Pacific cares about students,” said Devkumar Patel ’24, president of the Pacific Cricket Club. “Back home in India, we would play the sport every day. This will allow us to do the same thing here at Pacific.” Indian food, Bollywood performances and much more were a part of the inauguration ceremony at the University. India’s Consul General at San Francisco Dr. K. Srikar Reddy inaugurating the cricket pitch at the University of the Pacific. / Image -UOPacific Indian Consul General inaugurates STAFF REPORTER Anew timelapse video released today shows how New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium is coming up to shape to host eight high intensity matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. “We are delighted to be marking 60 days to go to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024,” International Cricket Council (ICC) head of Events, Chris Tetley said. The tournament is set to commence on Jun.1 with co-hosts USA taking on Canada. “The project to build a fully modular stadium in Nassau County is a first for international cricket and we are delighted that construction is progressing full as planned. The scale of the venue in the latest timelapse is impressive and a visit to the stadium is not to be missed,” he added. “What has been accomplished in just two short months of construction in Nassau County is truly unprecedented and as we mark the 60 days to go, we’re excited to welcome cricket fans from all over the world to this first-of-its kind international cricket venue,” T20 USA, Inc. CEO Brett Jones remarked. With just two months to go for the highly anticipated tournament to begin, additional limited tickets for six matches at the stadium in New York, which includes India versus Ireland on Jun.5 and USA against India on Jun.12 will now be released. Additionally, tickets for all four matches at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Texas, including the opening World Cup match featuring the USA and Canada on Jun. 1 will also be available. Nassau County stadium gears up for World Cup; tickets for India matches go on sale Nassau County International Cricket Stadium gears up for T20 World Cup / Image-ICC/ YouTube Lakshya Sen’s likely Paris qualification to create Badminton history for India MEHAK LUTHRA I ndian badminton player Lakshya Sen is on track to create history for India with his qualifi cation for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Currently ranked 12th in the BWF Race to Paris classification rankings, Sen’s qualification is yet to be officially confirmed. According to the rules, the top 16 in the BWF Road to Paris rankings on May 1 secure an Olympic berth. India’s H.S. Prannoy, meanwhile, is currently ranked 9th. If confirmed, Sen will be the second Indian to qualify in the men’s singles event, joining Prannoy. The achievement will mark the first time in two decades that two Indian shuttlers have qualified for the men’s singles event. In the 2004 Athens Olympics, both Abhinn Shyam Gupta and Nikhil Kanetkar represented India in the same category. Sen's exceptional performance in the recently concluded All England Badminton Championships significantly contributed to his qualification for the Olympics.