New India Abroad English Epaper Feb 20, 2023

A platform for the voice of next generation Indian Americans Year 1, Volume 18 Washington DC, Monday 20 February, 2023 Indian American millionaire likely to run for President in 2024 ...Page 03 Air India resumes Mumbai New York nonstop service ...Page 9 Indian diaspora celebrates Mahashivaratri in Sydney ...Page 18 *New India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affiliated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. Nikki Haley kicks off Presidential campaign BHAVANA P Nikki Haley, an Indian-origin Republican leader, formally began her 2024 Presidential run on Feb. 15 positioning herself as a younger, fresher alternative to her former employer, former US President Donald Trump. Haley, 51, is a former US ambassador to the UN and a twoterm governor of South Carolina. Addressing her enthusiastic supporters at an event in South Carolina, she declared, “For a strong America... For a proud America... I am running for President of the United States of America!”. “When America is distracted, the world is less safe... And today, our enemies think the American era has passed. They’re wrong. America is not past its prime. It’s just that our politicians are past theirs! “We won’t win the fight for the 21st Century if we keep trusting politicians from the 20th century. And so, I have an announcement to make. I stand before you as the daughter of immigrants – as a proud wife of a combat veteran – and as the mom of two amazing children,” she said. Make no mistake: This is not the America I will leave to my children! We must stop socialism before it’s too late. It’s weakening America from within,” said Haley, who if elected would be the first Indian-American and first woman to be elected US president. Her formal announcement makes her the first candidate to enter the race to unseat her former boss Trump, 76, who declared his third candidature for the White House late last year. She will be the first candidate to enter the race to unseat her former boss, 76-year-old Donald Trump, who declared his third candidature for the presidency late last year. Image - Twitter @/NikkiHaley Updated US Immigration rule prevents some Indian American kids aging out AVANI ACHARYA The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS) on February 14, 2023 updated the rules to calculate a noncitizen’s age under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) to when an immigrant visa number “becomes available” rather than when they turn 21. For a child to obtain a permanent resident status in the United States on their parent’s approved petition for a family-sponsored or employment-based visa, they must be below the age of 21. Once they turn 21 they “age out” and are no longer eligible to immigrate based on the parent’s petition and have to file a new petition as an adult. According to the change, USCIS will calculate the age of the children based on the “Dates for Filing” chart rather than the “Final Action Date” chart on the Visa Bulletin resulting in some noncitizens with a pending application having a CSPA age that is under 21. The new update, which is effective immediately, will keep alive the hopes of a green card for some children, mostly Indian Americans, who came to the country with their parents many years ago. Dip Patel, founder of Improve the Dream, said , “Thank you, @USCIS, for making this narrow, commonsense policy change. It will be lifechanging for many young people who narrowly age out! While this is a great step, it is also important to recognize this affects a very narrow population of aging out children. Much broader changes are both necessary and possible (both administrative and legislative).” Read Editorial on Page 12

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Air India- Boeing historic deal hailed F-35 jets make debut at Aero India 2023 STAFF REPORTER The United States Air Force’s (USAF) latest fifth-generation fighters, multirole F-35A Lightning II and F-35A Joint Strike Fighter touched Indian soil on February 13, 2023, to mark their debut at Aero India 2023 summit taking place in Bangalore. USAF flew in the stealthy, supersonic and multirole fighter jets flew from Hill Air Force Base in Utah, United States specially to participate in India’s prestigious aerospace event. According to a statement by the US embassy, the F-35A jets flown from Utah will demonstrate aerobatic manoeuvres with its unique aerial capabilities while the F-35A Lightning II from Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska will be on static display. “In addition to the F-35, an F-16 Fighting Falcon duo will conduct daily aerial demonstrations from February 13-17, showcasing the capability of one of the USAF’s leading fighter jets. On static display, the F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet are multirole fighters,” US Embassy revealed. Commenting on the F-35 debut in India, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, Major General Julian C. Cheater said “The F-35 represents the leading edge of U.S. fighter technology. Aero India is an ideal forum to showcase the most advanced, capable, lethal, and interoperable weapons systems the U.S. has to offer. This system and others are designed to penetrate and defeat advanced adversary air defences.” STAFF REPORTER US President Joe Biden and the US- India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) hailed the landmark deal between Air India and Boeing as a testament to the growing USIndia strategic and commercial relationship. Biden spoke with Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on February 14, 2023 to welcome the agreement as a “shining example of mutually beneficial cooperation that will help create new employment opportunities in both countries”, a statement by the Prime Ministers’office said. As per the agreement, Air India will purchase 220 planes from Boeing, including 190 B737 MAX, 20 B787, and 10 B777X for US$ 34 billion. Additionally the Indian carrier has employed Boeing Global Services for support services, including digital solutions, spare parts and landing gear exchange programs, pilot and maintenance technician training, aircraft modifications and other services. In his conversation with PM Modi, President Biden noted that the historic deal will support over one million American jobs across 44 states and many will not require a four-year college degree in the US. “Together with Prime Minister Modi, I look forward to deepening our partnership even further as we continue to confront shared global challenges—creating a more secure and prosperous future for all of our citizens,” Biden said. The USIndia Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) also welcomed the deal and praised Air India and Tata Sons, Chairperson N Chandrasekharan on Air India’s expansion of a record 470 jets from Boeing and Airbus. “This is the one of the largest purchase in the commercial aviation history and a testament to the strength of US – India Commercial partnership,” the trade body said. Tamil culture popular globally says PM Modi VIKAL SAMDARIYA Prime Minister, Narendra Modi said that Tamil culture is popular in abroad while responding to a tweet by Singapore Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, in which the latter was seen taking part in Pongal (a popular festival in Tamil Nadu) festivities. “This is gladdening to see. The vibrant Tamil culture is popular globally,” Modi said reacting to the tweet of his Singaporean counterpart. In his tweet, Loong shared glimpses of his belated Pongal celebrations with the diaspora in Ang Mo Kio, Kebun Baru and Yio Chu Kang constituencies. In his message, Loong said“ Events like this within the neighbourhood bring residents together to celebrate and learn about each others’customs and traditions, strengthening our multiracial and multicultural identity and social fabric.” Thai Pongal or Pongal is a traditional Tamil festival celebrated by Tamil people across the world at the end of the harvest season. Pongal heralds the significant Tamil solar month, bringing joy, celebrations and auspicious ceremonies to Tamil families. It is a four-day festival which usually takes place from January 13 to 16 every year. Singapore Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong celebrating Pongal. Image - Twitter/@leehsienloong Image - Twitter/US Air Force

New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 3 Indian American schoolboy exposes carbon footprint of private jet owners BHAVANA P Akash Shendure, an IndianAmerican 17-year-old high school student from Seattle has exposed the massive carbon footprint of some of America’s most blatant gas guzzlers by totaling the CO2 emissions from all of their private jet flights in 2022. Tom Siebel, a businessman from Silicon Valley, is at the top of the list; in 2022, his carbon footprint was approximately 300 times larger than the typical American’s. Other offenders include Pitbull, Jeff Bezos, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and the jet-setting family of Rupert Murdoch. Shendure, a self-described physics wiz who calls the effort the Climate Jets project ranks, told The New York Times on Tuesday that he came up with the concept after Twitter opted to ban an account in December that had been monitoring Elon Musk’s private flights. Seeking to see what data was publicly available, the teenager swiftly drew on the few publicly available resources, gleaning the positions of several high-profile planes from a compilation prepared by a network of volunteers and knowing the carbon dioxide emissions for each type of fuel from government statistics. The identification numbers for the jets come from a database created by Jack Sweeney, the 20-year-old operator of the since-removed Elon tracker. Several of the jets’ owners are businessmen and celebrities who have questioned attempts to combat global warming. Musk, on the other hand, was listed by Shendure as the 41st worst emitter in the world, responsible for 1,699 tonnes of emissions just last year. Shendure’s studies also revealed that the Tesla CEO’s private aircraft emissions exceeded the sum of 109 ordinary Americans’ carbon footprints, attained after 190 flights in a single aircraft, or 14 and a half days spent in the air. That said, 40 others - including billionaires such as Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Mark Cuban, and stars like Kylie Jenner, Jerry Seinfeld, and Jay Z - far surpassed the outspoken Twitter honcho in terms of pollutants. But at the outset of his tracking journey in late December, Shendure told the Times that he still did not have the resources necessary to correctly tally the emissions of the world’s wealthiest residents. Shendure - who also runs a website that provides various math activities and services for students and teachers - reportedly told the company that he needed the information for an educational project. Akash Shendure, 17, Indian American schoolboy from Seattle Image - Adv Math portfolio Bharat Ramamurti, Deputy Director of the National Economic Council and Advisor for Strategic Economic Communications. Ramamurti previously served as the Director of the Corporate Power program at the Roosevelt Institute, and as economic policy adviser to Senator Elizabeth Warren. Biden names Bharat Ramamurti to economic team VIKAL SAMDARIYA President Joe Biden named Indian American Bharat Ramamurti, Deputy director of the National Economic Council, as a key member of his economic team, on February 14, 2023. Ramamurthi will serve as an advisor for Strategic Economic Communications in the group that advises the President on the formulation of both domestic and international economic policy. Before joining the Biden Administration, Ramamurthi was appointed by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer as a commissioner on the Congressional Oversight Commission for the CARES Act in 2020, according to a White House news release. Ramamurti previously served as the director of the Corporate Power program at the Roosevelt Institute, and as economic policy adviser to Senator Elizabeth Warren in her Senate office and on her presidential campaign. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Yale Law School, the release noted. Along with Ramamurti, Biden appointed Lael Brainard to serve as director of the National Economic Council, Jared Bernstein as chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, Heather Boushey as chief economist to the Invest in America Cabinet, and Joelle Gamble, as deputy director of the National Economic Council. On Ramamurti and others’ appointments, Biden said, “Along with Bharat, Heather, Joelle and other key members of my White House economic team, Lael and Jared will help bring a seriousness of purpose to the task of building a strong, inclusive, and more resilient economy for the future.” “This team will be committed to implementing that strategy, while managing the transition of our historic economic recovery to steady and stable growth,” he added. On his selection to the President’s Economic Team, Ramamurti tweeted, “Very excited to work with these excellent folks. And welcome back, @ joelle_gamble!” Image - Harvard Magazine Indian American millionaire likely to run for President in 2024 STAFF REPORTER I ndian American republican Vivek Ramaswamy is reportedly considering running for the post of the President of the United States in the 2024 elections. The 37-year-old millionaire has recently been spotted giving talks and conducting test runs for his campaign. Ramaswamy gained attention as a Presidential candidate due to a statement made by American investor Bill Ackman on Twitter, “Vivek Ramaswamy, who is of Indian descent, will run for POTUS and win!” “I think the country is ready for his message. He is young, smart, and talented, and will attract the centre to the right to win. He speaks hard truths which many believe but fear to say,” Ackman said adding a video of Ramaswamy’s speech in which he talks about cuting a cultural cancer that threatens the American Dream. Speaking about his plans to run for the highest office in the country in an interview with Fox News, Ramaswamy said, “I’m seriously considering it. I’ve been very transparent about that. In fact, I expect to make a decision in relative, the relative near-term.” “Should I enter this race my focus is going to be making it a campaign, a movement of ideas, a cultural revival in this country, “ he was quoted as saying in the interview. Born in Cincinnati to Indian immigrants from Kerala, Ramaswamy is a well-known biotech businessman who has developed several drugs, including five that received FDA approval. He studied at Yale and Harvard and also authored “Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America’s Social Justice Hoax.” According to reports, Ramaswamy’s present net worth of over US$500 million will be enough to fund his campaign through the early stages. Vivek Ramaswamy. Image - Twitter

4 New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 GSA India @75 Expo is further hosting sequels across North America, Europe, Africa, Latin America and Australia throughout Amrit Kaal. To make Indian Americans be included in the mainstream, FIIDS called for inclusive policies and resolutions. 75 receive Pride of India awards in US BHAVANA P The Global Strategic Alliance (GSA) India @75 Expo USA conferred the Pride of India awards to 75 deserving Indians from various walks of life for their impactful work as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. It was an initiative taken by the Indian diaspora community from Chicago, USA. Amongst the 75 awardees, were Vikas Kimar, IPS officer from Karnataka, Pejavar Murari IAS (retd) advisor to president, Praful Billor, CEO of MBA Chaiwala, Dr. Chitti R. Moorthy, radiation oncologist, Geetha Radhakrishnan, CPA, NYC, Manav Subodh, founder - Global ambassador UC Berkeley & Founder 1M1B. Shree Guruswamy, CEO, GSA India Expo, highlighted the theme of the event “Made in India, Made for the world” and added that the showcasing of India will continue through Amrit Kaal for the next 25 years. The India @75 expo is “one of a kind,” remarked Dr. Vijay G Prabhakar, president, GSA India adding that it combines “Ancient India” and “new India” on a single platform, which includes vibrant trade shows, meaningful workshops, informative plenary sessions on India’s growth, interactive session on yoga, meditation, and ayurveda, with a rich cultural extravaganza of India’s dance and music. The expo, held between December 15-17,2022, was the most impactful event of 2022, according to Dr. Ajit Pant, chairman, GSA India @75 expo. Seeta Bala, one of the jury, said that the Pride of India awardees will be given each year to outstanding Indians including Indian diaspora under different categories in recognition of their contribution to the growth of the community. She further informed that the GSA India @75 Expo is hosting sequels across North America, Europe, Africa, Latin America and Australia throughout Amrit Kaal. Few of the awardees India’s Consul General of Chicago Somnath Ghosh, IFS and Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle “The Iron Lady of America” along with Global Strategic Alliance India @75 Expo U.S.A Leadership Team. Image - Asian Media USA Image - Facebook FIIDS seeks redressal of Indian Americans’ concerns VIKAL SAMDARIYA The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) raised issues and policy matters important for Indian Americans before the 118th congress, the speaker of the house, and recently elected India Caucus leadership. In its communique, FIIDS congratulated the Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Mike Waltz for their new leadership role in the India Caucus and wished for the India caucus to be more active under their leadership as well as work towards strengthening the US-India partnership. FIIDS highlighted a set of issues faced by the Indian American community and called the elected leaders to stop injustice to high tech immigrants, increase grace period for laid off H1B’s and stop terror funding military aid to Pakistan. It also reasked for the immediate appointment of an ambassador to India. The organization lauded the US- India partnership in diverse areas and requested the authorities to help permanently remove India from any time consideration under Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Additionally, FIIDS asked that Indian Americans be included in the mainstream and stressed on the need for inclusive policies, resolutions recognizing cultural festivals like Diwali, Holi and other occasions and contributions from Indian American charity organizations. Image- CampusWell

New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 5 Parikh is the chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, IndianAmerican publishing outlets in the US. [email protected] Sudhir Parikh awarded honorary doctorate by Indian University MADHU BALAJI Padma Shri awardee Dr Sudhir Parikh was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Literature (D-Lit) degree on February 7, 2023, by Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan University (JRN). The degree was conferred by the University chancellor Prof S S Sarangdevot at JRN’s Udaipur campus for Parikh’s contribution in the field of social service. Parikh is the chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, IndianAmerican publishing outlets in the US. Speaking at the convocation, Parikh said, “This degree is awarded by an institution which is founded on principles of humanity, social work, and inclusion of the backward and needy in the mainstream.” He added that humanity and social causes acquired a new dimension globally. He invited JRN students and youth to engage in social service. A collaboration between JRN and Physicians of Indian origin in the US was established at the event. Parikh said that a team of medical experts would visit the university every year to organize medical camps and conduct free surgeries. He announced that Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold would support and help the efforts of JRN to gain international recognition. Dr Sudhir Parikh (Image: Gujarat Times) VIKAL SAMDARIYA I ndian – American Priti Krishtel, a health justice lawyer has been named to the O’Neill-Lancet Commission on Racism, Structural Discrimination, and Global Health, to promote anti-racist strategies and actions that will reduce barriers to health and wellbeing. Working from Georgetown University Law Center, the three-year commission named Krishtel with four other experts from diverse backgrounds to realize set goals. O’Neill’s experts bring experience from academia, government, civil society, private practice, and nongovernmental organizations to a wide variety of national and global health law topics, the commission informed. “I’m so proud to serve on this Commission that will help shape a future where all people know they can keep their loved ones healthy, where people actively shape what access to medicines looks like for their families and communities”, Krishtel said. She has spent 20 years exposing structural inequities affecting access to medicines and vaccines across the Global South and in the US, the Commission noted in a statement. A MacArthur and Ashoka fellow, Krishtel, cofounded I-MAK, a non-profit building a more just and equitable medicines system. She is also a TED speaker,Presidential Leadership Scholar, and frequent contributor to leading international and national news outlets on issues of domestic and global health equity. Image - Skoll Foundation Priti Krishtel in O’ Neill-Lancet Commission

6 New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023

New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 7 The resolution exposes a deep fissure within the Indian American community. Supporters say caste discrimination is rampant, while opponents say it is rare and existing laws offer protection. Seattle City Council poised to pass ban on caste discrimination SUNITA SOHRABJI More than 157 people assembled Feb. 14 to give their public comments on a controversial resolution proposed by Seattle, Washington city council member Kshama Sawant, which would ban discrimination based on caste. Seattle would be the first city in the nation to have such a law on the books. The city council is scheduled to vote on the measure on Feb. 20. City council members have received hundreds of letters both supporting and opposing the measure. Almost all of the letters are from Indian Americans, who are sharply divided on the issue. Supporters say caste-based discrimination — largely by other Indian Americans — still exists at schools, universities, at the workplace, and even in personal interactions. Opponents challenge the notion that caste-based discrimination exists in the U.S., and contend that existing laws protect those who feel they have been discriminated against. During the hour-long public comment period, city council members heard from 50 people who overwhelmingly supported the measure. Several Dalits shared their experiences of workplace discrimination, alleging they were denied promotions and raises once their managers identified them as lower caste. Some Brahmins also voiced their support for the resolution, saying they had witnessed discrimination against their friends and colleagues. Several speakers said they had immigrated to the U.S. to be free of the oppressive caste system, but were disappointed to find that culture prevalent in the U.S. (Video by Sunita Sohrabji) Pushpita Prasad, of the Coalition of Bay Area Hindus of North America alleged to New India Abroad — after the public comments period — that speakers who opposed the measure simply were not allowed to speak. “Seattle is a very accommodating city. But this resolution singles out a group of people. If a law like this is passed, any human conflict can be weaponized as discrimination,” she said. “This is our moment. Seattle will be the first city in the country to really protect workers’ ability to complain to the city if they face discrimination,” Thenmozhi Soundararajan, executive director of Equality Labs, told New India Abroad. “Companies lack competency about caste equity: they are allowing significant discrimination and bias to exist at their workplaces.” Seattle is home base for many tech giants, including Amazon and Microsoft. Soundararajan is the author of “The Trauma of Caste,” published by Penguin Random House and released last November. Earlier last year, the Dalit activist was invited to give a talk at Google. But Google employees complained, saying Soundararajan was “anti-Hindu” and “Hindu phobic.” She went to the top: Google chief Sundar Pichai, who is also from India and of Brahmin caste. But her talk was canceled nonetheless. Tanuja Gupta, who had invited Soundararajan to speak, resigned in protest. “These groups could have chosen to listen to the voices of the oppressed and attempt to begin the process of healing. They did not, which tells me that Google is content to ignore its caste problems,” said Soundararajan. Maya Kamble, a member of the Ambedkar Association of North America which wrote a letter to Seattle city council members supporting the resolution, told New India Abroad she had also faced direct workplace harassment because of her caste. “An Indian manager I worked with at a tech company in the Bay Area would always undermine me in meetings, or ignore what I had to say. My colleagues started to back me up.” “One day, he said in front of all of them: ‘you better not touch this project, because you are ill-fated.’ I come from an untouchable background. We are told we are untouchable because we are ill-fated. So he was clearly making a reference to my caste in front of my colleagues. It really stung deeply,” said Kamble. “I never imagined that caste would come back to me in this way in America,” she said, noting that she is an expert in her field. “I just want to work. I don’t want to fight every day,” said Kamble. “I’m hopeful that this resolution will encourage Amazon to add caste as a protected category in their sustainability code.” But Aldrin Deepak, who is Dalit, had a markedly different point of view. “I have lived in the U.S. for 35 years. I have never been asked ‘what caste do you belong to?’” he told New India Abroad. “How do people know who is Dalit and who is not? No one is giving out any certificates.” Deepak is the IT Director at a local San Francisco Bay Area company. “The friends who guided me along my career path are all Brahmins,” he noted. “This is a ridiculous issue meant to divide our community,” said Deepak. Suhag Shukla, executive director of the Hindu American Foundation, noted that the U.S. Constitution inherently guarantees protection from discrimination based on race or nationality. “Existing laws that ban discrimination based on national origin could arguably protect anyone who has faced caste discrimination, which is very rare,” she told New India Abroad. “This is perhaps the greatest civil rights challenge our community has faced. It adds one more stereotype of Indians as racists. They are dragging the politics of the subcontinent to the U.S. and pitting communities against each other. This will impact our children and our grandchildren,” said Shukla. HAF has also sent a letter to Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison opposing the resolution. In July 2020, a Dalit employee of Cisco, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, filed a complaint with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, saying he was discriminated against by his Indian American supervisors because of his caste. The employee, who was not named, said he received lower wages and fewer opportunities because of his caste. Moreover, his supervisors allegedly mocked him, saying he had only got admission into the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology because of India’s affirmative action policies. DFEH dropped the case, but it is now scheduled to be heard by the California Supreme Court. Seattle, Washington city council member Kshama Sawant has introduced a resolution banning caste-based discrimination. Twitter photo

8 New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 In December 2022, President Biden nominated Richard Verma to serve as the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. The move was lauded by many individuals including New York Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar. NYC Councilwoman introduces bill supporting school holiday on Diwali VIKAL SAMDARIYA F ollowing Utah Senate’s move to recognize Diwali as a state commemorative period, New York City Councilwoman Linda Lee introduced a resolution to establish Diwali as an official holiday for New York City public school students. In her statement before the City Council, Lee said, “In recognition of the 1.1 million Asian American Pacific Islanders who call New York City home, it is my honor and privilege to introduce Resolution 164 to require New York City Schools to recognize Diwali as a holiday.” She urged council members to vote in favour of the resolution by highlighting New York City’s cultural diversity and expressed gratitude to her colleagues who supported the Bill. Arguing in support of the resolution, she said, “We cannot fully appreciate the great diversity of culture and beauty of our City when one-fifth of our public school students are ultimately forced to make a painful choice between attending school and celebrating their traditions at home with family.” Following the session, she tweeted “Today capped a multiyear effort to reflect the culture of our great city in our schools. Thanks to the support of my NYC Council colleagues, Res. 164 will pave the way for kids to partake in their celebrations in ways that previous generations of New Yorkers could not.” Image- Jagran Senate resolution reaffirms Arunachal as integral part of India Optimistic about America’s ability to lead on global stage: Richard Verma STAFF REPORTER Oregon’s Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley and Tennessee’s Republican Senator Bill Hagerty jointly introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution reaffirming the US’s recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India. The resolution comes on the heels of China’s aggression along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the border it shares with India. In December 2022, the region witnessed the biggest clash in the Eastern Sector in six years. Merkley, who serves as the co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China underlined America’s values to support freedom and a rules-based order around the world. Commenting on the resolution, he stressed, “This resolution makes clear that the United States views the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Republic of India—not the People’s Republic of China— and commits the U.S. to deepen support and assistance to the region, alongside like-minded international partners and donors.” Highlighting its importance, Senator Hagerty said, “At a time when China continues to pose grave and gathering threats to the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, the United States must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our strategic partners in the region—especially India.” While condemning the Chinese’ provocations, the bill commends the Government of India for taking steps to defend itself against aggression and security threats from the People’s Republic of China. “These efforts include securing India’s telecommunications infrastructure; examining its procurement processes and supply chains; implementing investment screening standards; and expanding its cooperation with Taiwan in public health and other sectors, the statement noted. STAFF REPORTER The Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources nominee, Indian American Richard Verma appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to take part in his confirmation proceedings on February 16, 2023. Highlighting US’s strength to lead on the global stage at a time of unprecedented challenges and conflicts across the world, Verma said before the committee, “Today’s world suffers from no dearth of challenges and is truly optimistic about America’s ability to lead on the global stage and meet this critical moment in time.” Recalling his contributions as the U.S. Ambassador to India, Verma added, “In India, I was able to work closely with extraordinary career professionals from across the State Department and US Government to create a lasting impact.” The seasoned lawyer and diplomat underlined his past association with US Institutions including the Department of State in varying capacities and assured, “If confirmed, I will seek to bring this constellation of experiences to this role.” In his concluding remark, he asserted, “If confirmed, it will be an honour to return to the Department and support Secretary Blinken in his mission to equip and empower the Department and its workforce to meet the challenges of the 21st century.” If the Senate confirmed Verma’s nomination, he would be the highest-ranking Indian American in the US State Department. The Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources is also referred to as the Chief Operating Officer of the State Department. Image - Pexels The Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources nominee, Richard Verma. Image- Twitter/@MastercardNews

New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 9 With the opening of this route, Air India will offer 47 nonstop flights available each week between India and the United States. l न्यू इंडि्ा अब्रॉि नेटवर्क भारती्य-अमेररकी दंपती और उनके शकिोर बेटे को िबशलन, ओहा्यो शसथत उनके घर पर मृत पा्या ग्या है। तीनों की मौत गोली लगने से हुई है। पुशलस मृत्यु का कारण पता लगाने में र्ुटी है। दंपती और उनके बेटे की हत्या हुई ्या ्यह सामूशहक आतमहत्या का मामला है, इसकी पडताल की र्ा रही है। मीशि्या ररपोटस्र में बता्या ग्या है शक भारती्य मूल के रार्न रार्ाराम (54), िांशतलता रार्न (51) और उनके बेटे अनीर रार्ाराम (19) के िव 18 र्नवरी को उनके घर में शमले। पररवार के एक र्ानने वाले ने उनकी खैरर्यत र्ानने के शलए फोन शक्या था लेशकन शकसी ने उठा्या नहीं। इसके बाद उसने पुशलस को इत्ला दी। पुशलस मौके पर पहुंची तो घर में िव शमले। पुशलस के खुशफ्या सूत्ों ने अपनी प्ारंशभक र्ांच में कहा है शक तीनों की मौत गोली लगने से हुई है। ्यह हत्या ्या सामूशहक आतमहत्या का मामला हो सकता है। अशधकारर्यों का कहना है शक उनहें इस बात के सुबूत नहीं शमले हैं शक घर में कोई र्बद्रसती घुसा हो। ्यह भी लग रहा है शक घर के अंदर िव कई शदनों से पडे हुए थे। रिेंकशलन काउंटी का्या्रल्य के ररकॉडस्र के आधार पर बता्या ग्या है शक रार्न पररवार उस घर में 1998 से रह रहा था। रार्न शसनशसनाटी शसथत टेक्ोसॉफट कॉपटोरेिन में इंर्ीशन्यर थे। उनकी पत्ी र्ेपी मॉग्रन चेस में काम करती थीं। बेटा अनीर ऑकसफोि्ट, ओशह्यो शम्यामी शवशवशवद्ाल्य के फाम्रर सकूल ऑफ शबर्नेस में अकाउंशटंग प्मुख था। शवशवशवद्ाल्य ने एक ब्यान में कहा है शक छात् अनीर की मृत्यु की खबर से संसथान के कम्रचारी और बेहद दुखी हैं। पररवार के पररशचत और दोसत भी घटना को लेकर व्यशथत हैं। िबशलन कॉफमैन हाई सकूल के एक शिक्षक एली शर्मरमैन ने मीशि्या से कहा शक वह अनीि को तब से र्ानती हैं र्ब वह कॉफमैन में पहले साल आ्या था। वह सामुदाश्यक सेवा संगठन से भी र्ुडा हुआ था। एक समझदार, िांत और मेहनती बच्ा था। वह पढाई में तो अचछा था ही, उसमें नेतृतव के भी गुण थे। अनीर के बचपन के एक दोसत गाबे शफनटा ने मीशि्या से कहा शक उनकी मुलाकात तब हुई थी, र्ब वे आठवीं कलास में थे। हाल ही में वह दुबई की ्यात्ा पर गए थे र्हां अनीर ने अपने एक िर पर र्ीत हाशसल की थी, वह िर था सकाईिाइशवंग का। अनीि ऐसा लडका था र्ो शर्ंदगी को पूरी तरह र्ीना चाहता था। उसकी और पररवार की मौत से हमें बहुत दुख है। 16 न् यू इंडि्ा अब्रॉि सोमवार, 30 जनवरी, 2023 ओहायो में भाितीय मूल िे दंपकत औि बेटे िे िव कमले, हतया या सामूकहि आतमहतया? खबरों में बताया गया है लक भारतीय मूल के राजन राजाराम (54), िांलतलता राजन (51) और उनके बेटे अनीष राजाराम (19) के िव उनके घर में लमले। तीनों की मौत गनोली लगने से हुई बताई गई है। Air India resumes Mumbai New York nonstop service HARI BALAKRISHNAN Air India, the largest airline in India and a member of Star Alliance, will resume its nonstop service between Mumbai and JFK airport in New York starting on February 14, 2023, an official statement from the airline said. The route, which was stopped in early 2019, is the third non-stop Air India service from Mumbai to the USA, joining flights to Newark (EWR) and San Francisco (SFO). The resumption of the service is in line with the airline’s persistent effort to make Mumbai an important hub, second only to Delhi, offering the greatest possible international connectivity between India and the rest of the world. Commenting on the initiative, Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India said, “A key element of Air India’s Vihaan.AI transformation is considerably improving connectivity between India’s major cities and major global destinations. Adding this new service from Mumbai to New York JFK, following December’s launch of non-stop flights from Mumbai to San Francisco, affirms our commitment to develop a major international hub in India’s commercial capital.” “With the opening of this route, Air India will offer 47 nonstop flights available each week between India and the United States, with a further 14 serving Canada every week,” he added. Air India currently offers nonstop service from Mumbai to San Francisco and Newark, Delhi to New York, Newark, Washington DC, San Francisco, and Chicago, and Bengaluru to San Francisco. Members of the diaspora gathered at the airport for the flight’s launch. Image:Twitter/@NewsIADN

10 New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 “I wanted to make Winnipeg a mecca for cardiovascular medicine,” the Indian American cardiologist said. Indian community hero in UK faces deportation Pandya came from India to the UK on a study visa in 2011 and was denied re-entry into the country in 2014. MADHU BALAJI An online petition to prevent the deportation of an Indian immigrant from the United Kingdom has gained over 175,000 signatures. The petition demands the Home Office to let 42-yearold Vimal Pandya, who faces deportation to India after losing an immigration appeal, stay in the UK. Pandya emerged as a community hero for supporting over fifty families with free food during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was honored for his services in a letter of appreciation sent to him by the late Queen Elizabeth II. The social worker reportedly came to the UK on a study visa in 2011 but was denied re-entry to the country in 2014 on the pretext that his institution had lost visa sponsorship rights, which he was not informed about. Since then, Pandya continued to fight to stay in the UK and resides in Rotherhithe, south London. In February 2023, his appeal to stay in the country was rejected at a tribunal hearing in Hatton Cross, amounting to his deportation. Reacting to the result, the residents of Rotherhithe in the petition said, “We are devastated. He is devastated. But we will not give up the fight, if any path forward can be found. Vimal has met with his lawyers and we are now waiting to see what more might be done.” “Vimal has always shown how much he cares about the Rotherhithe community where he’s lived for 11 years. So many of us have benefited from his help and support over the years, which is why we are fighting to stop him being unjustly deported, “ the residents’ petition reads. Vimal Pandya received support from locals Image: Twitter Alice L. Walton School of Medicine names Sharmila Makhija as founding Dean STAFF REPORTER I ndian American women’s health expert has been appointed as the founding dean and chief executive officer of the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, effective May 2023. Established in 2021, the new school has a first of its kind curriculum that focuses on the compassionate, inclusive, and whole health approach to care for not only patients, but also students, faculty, and staff. In her new role, Sharmila Makhija will work with health systems and institutional partners to enhance medical education and prepare students for their future healthcare roles in the community and country, a news release noted. The Alabama-born medical professional previously served as the Chella and Moise Safra endowed chair at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System in New York, where she was also department chair of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health and professor of gynecologic oncology. Makhija has held faculty positions at the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Emory University, and the University of Louisville. Hailing her appointment, School of Medicine Founder, Alice Walton said “Her background and commitment to medical education will advance our work in equipping physicians to tackle challenges of the 21st century by focusing on the physical, mental, social, and emotional health of the people and communities we serve.” BHAVANA P Canadian ice hockey team, Winnipeg Jets, on February 11 hosted the South Asian Heritage night during which they honored Dr. Naranjan Dhalla for his outstanding contributions in the South Asian culture and community. A cardiologist, Dhalla is credited for making Winnipeg well known in the scientific community for being a center for cardiovascular research. The Ghanieke, Punjab- native immigrated to North America at the age of 25 and settled in Pennsylvania, where he earned his Ph.D. and Master of Science degrees. In an interview with Winnipeg Jets he said, “When I came to North America, I had a tough time with the language and communicating with people. Where I could connect with others was through using my smarts and choosing to serve people.” “I wanted to make Winnipeg a mecca for cardiovascular medicine, and I wanted to serve people of the international community,” Dhalla confessed. Hailing the team as a symbol of the city, Dhalla shared, “ In 1974, I traveled to Kazakhstan for a lecture on heart disease. After delivering the lecture, one of the attendants approached me and asked if I knew Bobby Hull. I was naturally delighted to find someone on the other side of the globe who knew about Hull and the Winnipeg Jets. Every city has landmarks, and it was clear then that the Jets are the insignia of Winnipeg,” he added. Dhalla is a Distinguished Professor in the University of Manitoba’s Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology and the Director of Cardiovascular Developments at St. Boniface Hospital’s Albrechtsen Research Centre. He is known internationally for his groundbreaking cardiovascular research and has a long list of accomplishments. His crucial leadership role as the founder of the International Society of Heart Research and the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences, two organizations that have brought together numerous nations in the ongoing effort to secure advanced cardiovascular knowledge and health globally, is worthy of mention. Winnipeg Jets honours cardiologist Dr. Naranjan Dhalla Image - Winninpeg Jets

New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 11 Indian Expat donates over US $1,328,000 for earthquake-hit Turkey and Syria Harvard Alumni Association names Indian-origin alumni for posts VIKAL SAMDARIYA Two Indian-origin Harvard University alumni have been named along with other candidates for the election to fill five anticipated vacancies on the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) Board of Overseers and for six openings among its elected directors. Srishti Gupta Narasimhan was named to the Board of Overseers seat and Anirudh Suri’s name has been proposed for six openings among the HAA elected directors. Narasimhan is currently serving as a board director of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals and the Norrsken Foundation, Switzerland. Additionally, she is vice-chair of the International School of Basel Board, and a Board Member of Backpack. Suri is currently the managing partner at India Internet Fund, a technology-focused venture capital fund based in India and the US. Previously, he has worked with the Government of India in Delhi, McKinsey and Company in New York, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington DC, and Goldman Sachs in London. The HAA Board, including its elected directors, is an advisory board that aims to foster a sense of community, engagement, and University citizenship among Harvard alumni around the world, a news release said. MADHU BALAJI AUAE-based businessman from Kerala Dr Shamsheer Vayalil has donated over US $1,328,000 as aid for earthquake-hit Turkey and Syria. Vayalil, the founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings, has handed over the money to the Emirates Red Crescent which is involved in the relief efforts. As per reports, the amount will be used to provide medical and other supplies while relocating displaced individuals in the region. “This donation is part of our ongoing efforts to assist in the relief work. My heart goes out to all affected by the devastating earthquake, and I hope this contribution will support their needs,” said Vayalil. According to media reports, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardee continues to contribute to aid several humanitarian efforts in India, including donating to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023, that killed over 37,000 people. India has sent relief materials, including emergency medicines and protective items, worth US $845,000 to Syria and Turkey under Operation Dost, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare revealed. Founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings Shamsheer Vayalil and devastation caused by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. India sends relief materials to earthquake-hit Turkey and Syria Image Wikimedia, Twitter Image Wikimedia, Twitter Srishti Gupta Narasimhan. Anirudh Suri. Image - Banglore International Centre Image - Harvard

Author Shrabani Basu “I’m not a great fan of how Western television has shown India, particularly in fictionalised drama. It is either an overdose of Bollywood or curries or Raj-era nostalgia.” Diaspora Talks Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy “I’m fed up with corporate America’s game of pretending to care about justice in order to make money. It is quietly wreaking havoc on American democracy.” EDITORIAL I n the rough and tumble world of American Presidential politics, a gutsy Indian American has thrown her hat in the ring for 2024 knowing full well not only the challenges within her own party but also the fringe elements in the political spectrum taking pot shots sitting on the sidelines. Not to be cowed down by either the establishment conservatives or extremists, 51 year old Nikki Haley, the two term Governor of South Carolina and former American Ambassador to the United Nations has dared them all sending a clear message that she is in the fray and not for the crumbs. The video message that came with her announcement made it quite clear that she was willing to take on anybody and professionally at that. The first generation Indian American stressed not only generational change but also for mandatory competency tests for politicians who are past 75 years of age, a definite reference to not only the oldest person sitting at the Oval Office Joseph Biden but also her former boss Donald Trump who has already announced his intention of seeking the highest office one more time. “In the America I see, the permanent politician will finally retire. We’ll have term limits for Congress. And mandatory mental competency tests for politicians over 75 years old”, Haley said. The road to the White House is undoubtedly a political minefield, the first of which to cross would be winning the Republican Party nomination. The pack within the Grand Old Party promises to be crowded even if only two have come forward so far. Aside from Trump and Haley, the potentials include Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, former Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Rick Scott. And this is just for starters. But what makes it more challenging for Haley is that she is a woman of color and an Asian American at that. “Every day we’re told America is flawed, rotten and full of hate. Joe and Kamala even say America is racist. Nothing could be further from the truth. The American people know better. My immigrant parents know better”, Haley said in announcing her run for the White House. Daughter of Sikh parents who migrated to the United States from Punjab, Haley has been taunted in the past for not being a “full” Christian in spite of having converted at the time of her wedding in 1996; and this is something that will continue to face in the treacherous campaign trail. The people of South Carolina looked past all this to elect her twice to the post of Governor; and hopefully Americans see her official track record during the process of campaigning and beyond. Indian Americans have come a long way in the United States in every imaginable field including politics. It could well be that Haley could be challenged by other Indian Americans within the Republican Party for the nomination; or that upon getting the final GOP nod, Haley could face off Vice President Kamala Harris in case President Biden decides not to seek re-election. Gone are the days when the Indian Americans voted only Democrats; today the community has its share of strong Republican supporters; and the Democratic party is itself worried about those strong progressive and Independent voters who make a difference locally and nationally. The election of November 5, 2024 is undoubtedly about the future; and Nikki Haley will certainly set a healthy tone to the upcoming debates. NIKKI HALEY MAKES A PITCH FOR 2024 12 New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 Gone are the days when the Indian Americans voted only Democrats; today the community has its share of strong Republican supporters Presidential candidate Nikki Haley Human Rights Watch’s Misplaced Statements INDRANILL BASU-RAY MD Human Watch (HRW), warned in its annual report that any intention to shift its factories or supply chains out of China and to India could signal a capitulation to the Indian government and its prime minister Narendra Modi. It is essential to conceive that such an opinion is not only damaging to the ideals of liberal democracy but surreptitiously, either with or without intent, supports the most brutal nation on this planet. It also smacks a complete lack of appreciation of the actual ground realities. In 2020 the same organization warned about the deplorable state of human rights in China, contending that “China’s Government sees human rights as an existential threat.” Unfortunately, the situation in China has progressively worsened. Albeit HRW information may be minimal as an entry of such organizations is banned in China! The 2020 report criticizing China explicitly mentioned how the country treats its Uyghur Muslims. While forced incarceration, extrajudicial killing, and forced sterilization are rampant. Thousands of these Muslims are forced to do hard labor. Hundreds have vanished from the face of the earth. CPC’s (Chinese Communist Party) unpretentious lack of respect toward human rights was in the full exhibition as it implements its flawed and illogical “Zero Covid” policy. As part of that initiative, CPC closed the whole country until recently, leading to spiraling human abuse. Hundred died starving and lack of medical care, locked in their apartments. BBC and NYT contended reports of deaths of the old and frail due to covid with lack of food and primary medical care aggravated by illogical lockdowns. This is the only country in the world that has an ignominious history of quelling protests by running armored tanks on its protesting students. However, China’s deplorable abuse is not restricted to its hapless citizen. CPC’s economic power generated by manufacturing has created its military might. This is inappropriately used against all its neighbors. The only country in the world with territorial claims against each barring may be one of its neighbors is China! The Indian government has room to improve civil liberties, like in many democratic countries. In a democratic setup, minority rights must be respected with greater urgency with appropriate care. The report also draws attention to government raids on largely foreign-funded NGOs by Indian institutions under the guise of “anti-national activities.” While if the circumstances leading to these raids are unconstitutional and impinge on human rights, the aggrieved can tap at the door of the Indian Judiciary, which remains an impartial force in the democracy. When civil liberties have been threatened in India, the courts have taken “Suo moto cognizance” and held various entities accountable, including the government. So, there is a civil liberties problem in this country, too but what makes it still great is that it is still a democratic nation! Like India, many democratic nations have right or ultraright governments, including Israel and Italy- but all of them are better than China as their democratic structure ensures a balance of power. The opposition parties must bring any policy errors to light and push for them to be changed. That is the virtue of a sound democracy. The opposition and the government must present a united front to reassure investors that it is safe to do business in the country. Considering the vast gulf between China and India’s human rights records, the western world must see the absurdity of HRW’s request that China is supported while India be ignored. As many experts have rightly pointed out, companies will not shift their supply chains to India based on human rights concerns alone. If they had to do that, they would have done it long ago because China’s human rights record has been abysmal since Mao’s reign. The companies take a lot of things into account, including the ease of doing business, the economic policies of the country, and its growth potential. India, since independence, was on the receiving end against China due to red tape, bureaucratic stranglehold, and other forms of democratic malfunction. While communist China, with scant regard toward human rights, got rid of these like a magic wand by killing, maiming, or jailing officials not performing up to CPC diktats. However, things have started changing in India in the last decade with a more efficient governmental machinery responsible to the electorate. Human Rights Watch has also been criticized for its impiety toward genuine human rights abuse. This includes their sacrilegious blind eye towards the U.S. government during the “Black Lives Matter” movement. Its present exercise of demeaning India, one of few existent liberal democracies of the world, particularly in comparison to China, is not only arbitrary but also signals a dangerous precedent to play into the hands of such evil but brutal powers. India, or for that, any other democracy, has basic structures of human values ingrained in its systems and can never match communist China in the brutality and abject lack of human rights. It is time to move out every bit of western investment in China to other safer havens where humans are respected. Sadly, from lifesaving antibiotics to garments to small machinery comes the U.S. from China. Otherwise, one day the U.S. and other western nations will have to pay the price blackmailed by China. HRW’s contentious advice, thus, however well meant, completely loses the big picture. The author is the President of the nonprofit American Academy for Yoga in Medicine. He can be contacted at ibr@ ibasuray.com. Favoring China against India is another example of Western Stupidity in the Garb of Saving Human Rights.

New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 13 Born in India, Bansal immigrated to the United States for higher studies and began her career in cybersecurity. She settied in Cary eight years ago. Sarika Bansal to run for Cary Town council STAFF REPORTER I ndian American businesswoman, Sarika Bansal announced her campaign for Cary Town Council District D on February 16, 2023. “I am running for Town Council because we must embrace Cary’s potential. We must include more voices from the community so the town can make strategic investments for future generations,” Bansal said launching her campaign. The cybersecurity professional said her focus as an elected member will be on public safety, smart growth, and investments in the town’s future. “I know the importance of community services. By providing access to essential services, it will help improve the well-being of individuals and families, build relationships, engage meaningful activities, and strengthen overall vitality of the community,” Bansal said adding that work needed to be done to enhance the region’s parks programs including aquatics and tennis. Born in India, Bansal immigrated to the United States for higher studies and began her career in cybersecurity. She moved to Cary after marriage with her husband to start a business and family. “I’m proud to live the American dream. Our hard work with determination persevered and we built a great life in Cary. I want to make sure the same opportunity is available to everyone who want to call Cary home,” the 43-year-old said. A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, Bansal is actively involved in numerous civic and community organizations including animal rescue support groups, Sankara Eye Foundation, We Win, Pratham USA and Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her family is also a patron of several temples and cultural organizations in RTP. Image - Facebook

14 New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 American India Foundation is building a lasting bridge between the United States and India: KTR Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the United States will participate in the event. AAPI announces 41st Annual Convention in Philadelphia in July 2023 MADHU BALAJI The American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI) announced that its 41st annual convention and scientific session will be held from July 6, 2023, to July 9, 2023, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. According to the organization, physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country will convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances to develop health policy agendas and encourage legislative priorities during the event. Dr Sanjay Gupta, convener of AAPI Convention 2023, said, “We have convened a fantastic group of people to meet the needs of the convention and are very excited about this great event.” Highighting the themes of the event, Dr Anjana Samadder, president-elect of AAPI, said, “AAPI, the largest ethnic medical organization in the country, is focusing on themes such as how to take care of self and find satisfaction and happiness in the challenging situations they are in while serving hundreds of patients every day of their dedicated and noble profession.” “Today, AAPI is strong, representing over 120,000 Indian American physicians, 130 local chapters, who make up 10 per cent of total physicians in the US and nearly 50 per cent of International Medical Graduates, rooted in every corner of the nation, who serve every 7th patient in the US,” Dr Ravi Kolli, AAPI president said underlining the importance of the upcoming networking event. “We have a wonderful team planning and organizing the event to make the 2023 annual convention a memorable experience,” Kolli added urging the community members to participate in the three-day convention. Leaders of AAPI (Image: AAPI) KTR launches American India Foundation’s first India Chapter in Hyderabad STAFF REPORTER KT Rama Rao (KTR), Minister of Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Telangana, launched the first AIF (American India Foundation) India Chapter in Hyderabad on February 17, 2023, in the presence of philanthropists, patrons, and industry leaders. According to AIF, the Hyderabad Chapter is a voluntary body of individuals with leadership abilities in business and philanthropy, coming together to represent the organization and help build sustainable partnerships in the state. AIF has been operating across ten districts in Telangana, running educational and livelihood programs and supporting low-income and vulnerable communities, a news release noted. “This Chapter will leverage AIF’s solutions to social inequity and poverty and galvanize the outreach and impact in the state by bringing in deeper engagements and large-scale projects,” the release highlighted. Speaking at the event, K T Rama Rao said, “American India Foundation is building a lasting bridge between the United States and India through highimpact interventions in education, livelihoods, public health, and leadership development, with a particular emphasis on empowering girls and women to achieve gender equity. It’s a matter of great satisfaction that AIF has decided to set up its first Chapter in Hyderabad. The Government of Telangana will be glad to partner with AIF.” The chairperson of the chapter representing founding members, Prashant Lahoti said, “The incubation of the Hyderabad Chapter, shows the focus and dedication of AIF towards the state of Telangana. The chapter will act as a catalyst to deepen the focus and amplify AIF’s impact across the communities they serve.” K T Rama Rao, Minister of IT, Industries, MA and UD with the AIF CEO Nishant Pandey and Hyderabad chapter members. Image: American India Foundation K T Rama Rao, Minister of IT, Industries, MA and UD Image: American India Foundation

New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 15 A graduate of Jadavpur University Kolkata, Hazra has over three decades of working in technical, quantum, and supercomputing jobs all across the world. Founded by an Indian American, the Navika Group, with its main office in Uniondale, New York, has a sizable portfolio of incomeproducing properties in the hospitality, leisure, and corporate areas. Navika Group acquires two New York hotels STAFF REPORTER The Navika Group of Companies has bought two New York hotels which oversee the iconic Hudson River and offer one of a kind views of the New York cityscape. EnVue, Autograph Collection by Marriott, and Residence Inn by Marriott, Port Imperial, Weehawken, NJ, have been added to the list of renowned hotels like Sheraton Mahwah, Marriott Long Island, and Andaz Wall Street, that the real estate firm already owns. Located on The Hudson River and across the street from the NY Waterway ferries to NY terminal, EnVue is one of NYC’s top-rated hotels. It presents visitors breathtaking views of the city skyline and Hudson River. Meanwhile, the Residence Inn Weehawken Port Imperial is a boutique hotel with a panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline. situated on the Hudson River in Weehawken, New Jersey. Central Park and Midtown Manhattan are also easily accessible by ferry from the hotel for visitors who want to experience the city that never sleeps. Founded by an Indian American the Uniondale-based firm has a sizable portfolio of income-producing properties in the hospitality, leisure, and corporate areas, including hotels, offices, apartment buildings, shopping malls, and golf courses. Limited and Full Service Hotels that are affiliated with well-known international brands like Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental, Wyndham, and Best Western are part of its portfolio. Residence Inn, New Jersey. HARI BALAKRISHNAN Rajeeb Hazra has been named the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Quantinuum, one of the world’s largest integrated quantum computing companies, an official statement by the company said on February 15, 2023. Hazra will replace Ilyas Khan, the current CEO of Quantinuum, who will serve as vice chairman while continuing to be a member of the board of directors. Additionally, Khan will continue to serve as a senior executive for the business on a full-time basis and lead product research and development as Quantinuum’s first chief product officer. With over three decades of experience working in technical, quantum, and supercomputing jobs all across the world, Hazra will lead a team that presently numbers more than 480 individuals and will be responsible for innovations in the fields of drug development, healthcare, materials science, cybersecurity, energy transformation, and climate change. Reacting to his new role, Hazra said, “I’m honored to step into the CEO role, where I’m excited to focus on helping Quantinuum grow and drive the innovations that will transform the way quantum computing positively impacts the world. Building on the solid foundation that Ilyas and the team have laid, we will continue to accelerate Quantinuum into the future.” Hazra will collaborate closely with Khan and the executive team to develop the commercialization of the company and speed up quantum computing. “Raj is uniquely qualified for this role, having proven his technical abilities in advanced technologies and supercomputing in both small and large organizations,” former CEO Khan said. “He has an entrepreneurial spirit, a strategic mindset, a passion for software and hardware technologies, as well as leadership experience in developing new commercial opportunities for quantum computing. He will continue to ensure that Quantinuum is ‘science-led, enterprise driven.’ I look forward to partnering with Raj as we create knowledge and real solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges,” Khan added. A graduate of Jadavpur University, Kolkata, Hazra most recently served as senior vice president and general manager of the Compute and Networking Business Unit at Micron Technology. Prior to that, he served as senior vice president of Corporate Strategy and Communications. In order to formulate and carry out a five-year strategic plan for the business, he established the corporate strategy office in close collaboration with the CEO staff. Rajeeb (Raj) Hazra has been named the new CEO of Quantinuum Image:Twitter/@HPC_Guru Rajeeb Hazra is Quantinuum CEO

16 New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 HERE'S YOUR CHANCE TO BE A DJ DIASPORA J OURNO With Indians in all corners of the world, there's never a dull moment! New India Abroad gives you the unique opportunity to capture such moments and be a journalistfor your community. All you have to do is: Cover community news Send us your report Wait for it to be published Inform us about diaspora events in your area. You can cover both immediate and future events Send us a report with all the details and other material like images, audio/video clips, and interviews Our team will edit and publish yourstory in our paper & website with due credit given to you NOW ANYBODY CAN BE A DJ! New India Abroad prides itself in being a platform for the Indian Diaspora - Be itin the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East or Africa. Send yourstories to [email protected]

New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 17 Sikh Coalition and UCLU underlined the religious practices of Sikhs and other religious minorities who are required by faith to keep their facial hair. City Mayor Jim Kenney expressed happiness about the city being recognized as a Certified Welcoming city. Philadelphia: Certified Welcoming city for immigrants MADHU BALAJI The city of Philadelphia has been officially named a Certified Welcoming city for immigrants by Welcoming America, a formal designation for cities that have created policies and programs reflecting their values and commitment to immigrant inclusion. At present, there are only eighteen such certified cities and counties across the country, including Philadelphia, according to a statement from the Office of Immigrant Affairs. “Citywide efforts earned Philadelphia an overall score of 92 out of 100 points in the certification process. The average score among Certified Welcoming cities and counties is 55 points,” the statement added. City Mayor Jim Kenney expressed happiness about the city being recognized as a Certified Welcoming city. “Philadelphia has worked tirelessly to be a place where people—from all walks of life—feel a sense of belonging. This special recognition is not the end of our efforts, but a true testament to the commitment and hard work of City departments and partner organizations,” Kenney said. “Philadelphia’s leadership as a Certified Welcoming city shows how a principled response to migration, driven by values of equity and inclusion, can strengthen communities for all people,” said Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America.” Amy Eusebio, executive director of the Office of Immigrant Affairs, said, “Our office looks forward to leading the next phase of welcoming policies and programs in partnership with our local community and with ongoing support from Welcoming America.” Philadelphia, a home to immigrants Image: Office of Immigration Affairs Sikh group condemns California’s discriminatory beard policy VIKAL SAMDARIYA The Sikh Coalition and ACLU Foundation launched a protest against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)’s recently rolled out policy that mandates bearded peace officers to shave or face disciplinary actions. Terming CDCR’s policy as discriminatory the advocacy groups demanded the authorities to immediately halt the implementation of it in a letter addressed to the organization. In its letter, Sikh Coalition underlined the religious practices of Sikhs and other religious minorities who are required by their faith to keep their facial hair. “In the week since the policy went into full effect, both organizations have received requests for legal help from Black and Sikh individuals working at CDCR facilities across the state who have been negatively impacted by this policy,” a news release noted. Sikh Coalition senior counsel Harsimran Kaur said, “This policy has created enormous fear and confusion for Sikh CDCR peace officers whose previously held religious accommodations are no longer valid.” “The discriminatory policy change is not only untenable for Sikh peace officers; its effect is enormous because it adversely impacts every peace officer who requires a religious or medical beard accommodation,” she added. Director of the Racial and Economic Justice Program at the ACLU Brandon Greene shared medical concerns of Black officers due to CDCR’s new policy. “Black people often face hair discrimination in the workplace, and this policy may result in disproportionate discipline and firings of Black CDCR officers,” Greene noted. Sikh soldier taking oath. File Photo

18 New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 SARASWATI SINGH On the day of Mahashivratri, expatriates visited temples and pagodas from every corner of Sydney. This year Shivratri was celebrated on Saturday 18 Feb 23. In temples where grand decorations were seen, Sydney Shakti Temple devotees anointed Mahadev with water and milk chanting the Har Har Mahadev mantra. The priest of Sydney Shakti Temple, Anand Gurukkal said, “This time Maha Shivratri is on Saturday with the association of Pradosh, which is a wonderful and auspicious occasion., so it’s a very great day for shiva devotees.” “In Australia, all multinational Indian communities are living in Sydney, Brahmins Panjabi, Gujarati, South Indians, North Indians, Fiji Indians and all are very enthusiastic about puja archana, hawan on mahashivratri festival. Today’s last maha abhisheka for shiv includes rice-flour abhisheka, haldi powder (Turmeric) abhisheka, milk, dahi (yogurt), abhisheka, coconut, vibhuti, chandan, sugarcane water, watermelon, abhisheka and all other things. And the special thing is that most of the devotees will stay till the night aarti.” According to the Hindu calendar, the festival of Mahashivaratri, which is celebrated on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi date of Phagun month, has a very special place in Sanatan Dharma. According to mythological beliefs, Shiva and Parvati got married on Mahashivaratri, Shivling originated, and the universe was also created on this day. Speaking to New India Abroad, Krishnan Gounder, president of Shakti Temple said, “Today people of Indian origin come here to worship, we try to fulfil their religious wishes and try to celebrate every festival. Because people have the same faith that people living in India have. Coming here to the temple, people feel connected to their culture. We are happy that we are giving people the opportunity to worship, for me these people are my family. We are from different backgrounds but one thing which is common in all of us is that we are Indians. According to Shaivism, without shakti (Parvati) Shiva is considered inanimate which shows the importance of Mother Parvati in his existence. Maha Shivratri, a festival dedicated to Shiva and Shakti, gives a beautiful opportunity to the devotees to worship both Shiva and Shakti and get the blessings of a long happy married life and fulfilment of their wishes. Neelam Pandey, a devotee who came to worship Mahadev, says, “I am from Jharkhand, Mahashivaratri is worshipped here with great rituals. Today, like India, here too we observed fast and worshipped Lord Shiva at home with the whole family. Everyone in our house is a devotee of Lord Shiva and this day of Maha Shivratri is even more special, everyone’s wish is fulfilled by Lord Shankar. Today, even here in the temples, the crowd of devotees is as seen in India.” There is a special importance in worshipping Mahadev in four phases on Mahashivratri. There is a ritual to include milk in the first phase, curd in the second phase, ghee in the third phase and honey in the fourth phase. On Shivratri, devotees only eat fruits and fast during the day. The flow of energy seen in Sydney’s temples transformed it into Kashi, the city of Shiva. Indian diaspora celebrates Mahashivaratri in Sydney Devotees anointing Mahadev with milk in Sydney’s Shakti Temple All images - Saraswati Singh

New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 19 Neal Mohan has held a variety of positions throughout his career at Google, DoubleClick Inc and Microsoft. A pilot launch event will take place among delegates from various nations at the G-20 Bangalore summit. Founded by Indian Americans Romesh and Sunil Wadhwani, the institute specially focuses on finding AI based solutions to agricultural issues in India. Neal Mohan named new CEO of YouTube EbixCash becomes first Indian firm to offer UPI to foreigners STAFF REPORTER EbixCash Limited, a prominent financial services platform became the first company in India to pioneer, launch, and enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions for foreign visitors in the country. The company made UPI services available to international delegates attending the G-20 summit being held in India. The move will allow a foreign national pay for goods and services in India, using UPI in seconds. T C Guruprasad, Managing Director, Payment Solutions Division and EbixCash World Money said. “We are excited to announce the launch of UPI for foreign nationals exchanging currencies across airports in India. This would enable passengers to visit our airport counters across India for converting their foreign currency into digital Indian currency, with a UPI interface to pay for goods and services across the country”. To further its mission, EbixCash will also be carrying out a pilot launch shortly at the Bangalore G-20 summit, involving dignitaries from the world’s 20 most powerful nations, a news release noted. With its extensive network of 81+ retail branches, 250 franchisee partners and duty-free shops, 27+ bank clients, and 1200+ corporate clients, including top Fortune 500 clients, and 5-star hotels in India, EbixCash World Money, the foreign exchange division of EbixCash Limited, holds a leadership position in the foreign exchange industry in India. With retail kiosks at 20 international airports and 12 seaports, EbixCash Global Money is a major player in the money exchange industry in India’s airports and seaports. HARI BALAKRISHNAN Neal Mohan, an IndianAmerican business expert, will take over as YouTube’s next CEO (chief executive officer) from Susan Wojcicki, who will be stepping down from office. With this promotion, Mohan will joins an elite group of Indian-origin CEOs leading some of the world’s biggest firms. Mohan served as the chief product officer, at YouTube under Wojcicki. Before that, he represented the business on several talk shows, including the well-liked Lew Later (unbox therapy), where he discussed his upbringing and YouTube’s future objectives. In her goodbye letter, Wojcicki lauded Mohan’s appointment to the post and said that he was instrumental in the rollout of some of the company’s most significant offerings, such as YouTube TV, YouTube Music, Premium, and Shorts. “Mohan will be the SVP and new head of YouTube. I’ve spent nearly 15 years of my career working with Mohan, first when he came over to Google with the DoubleClick acquisition in 2007 and as his role grew to become SVP of Display and Video Ads,” said Wojcicki. “He is an excellent leader and understands this community and what you need today, tomorrow, and in the future better than anyone. I plan to stay around for a period of time to help Neal with the transition, and will serve as an advisor to Google and Alphabet,” she added. Mohan has held a variety of positions throughout his career at several companies, including that of senior vice president of Display and Video Advertising at Google and vice-president of Business Operations at DoubleClick Inc. He was also the manager of Corporate Strategy at Microsoft. With him becoming CEO of YouTube, the list of highly soughtafter Indian-American CEOs who have held key leadership positions at well-known Internet businesses continues to increase. Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google and Alphabet, Satya Nadella of Microsoft, Shantanu Narayen of Adobe, and Arvind Krishna of IBM are few of the notable names. Neal Mohan, Chief Product Officer, YouTube. Formerly SVP, Display and Video Ads at Google Image: Twitter/@nealmohan Image: Twitter/@Ebix_IR Govt of Karnataka, Wadhwani AI partner to promote farmer welfare STAFF REPORTER The Karnataka State Department of Agriculture (KSDA) and Wadhwani AI, an Artificial Intelligence based nonprofit, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on February 17, 2023, to enable scaled deployment of Wadhwani AI’s early pest warning system in the state and provide solutions to farmers cultivating cotton and other crops. To make the agriculture department AI ready, Wadhwani AI will also conduct capacitybuilding programmes for staff on the proper use of AI and its application to improve agriculture systems in the state. “We look forward to collaborating with Wadhwani AI and leveraging their expertise in developing cutting-edge AI-powered solutions to enhance agriculture systems in Karnataka and improve the income of farmers. We intend to unlock the value of the agriculture pest and disease data at our disposal and utilise it to create novel solutions in crops like cotton, maize, chilli, and other crops in Karnataka, with the help of emerging AIbased technologies,” said B. C. Patil, Minister for Agriculture, Government of Karnataka. Founded by Indian-American tech entrepreneurs Romesh and Sunil Wadhwani., Wadhwani AI is a cross-domain AI impact institute that works to enhance the lives and means of sub-Saharan communities by developing and deploying AI solutions. They collaborate closely with international partners and governments to find solutions to the difficult issues that afflict developing nations and in which AI may have a game-changing impact. Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally inaugurated the Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence in 2018. Since then, the Institute has created a major and long-lasting social effect in India, by focusing on issues affecting underserved populations, developing AI-powered solutions for those issues, and scaling their deployment. Shivayogi C Kalasad, Secretary to Government of Karnataka, Agriculture Department; Shekar Sivasubramanian, Chief Executive Officer, Wadhwani AI; B C Patil, Minister for Agriculture, Government of Karnataka; Dr G T Puthra, Director, Agriculture Department - Karnataka State Image: Twitter/@WadhwaniAI

20 New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 MANEESH PANDEYA The contribution of Indian-origin doctors in American healthcare does not need an introduction. Statistically, every seventh American is being attended by an Indian American doctor. The same status will change to every fifth by an Indian doctor soon. That’s the growing influence and recognition of the Indian diaspora in American healthcare. To this is also the growing band of public health experts and community health scholars, who are enriching the healthcare sector with their vast repository of information and scholarly publications. One among them who recently got due recognition is Dr. Manoj Sharma, Professor and Chair of Behavioral Sciences at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. Dr. Sharma, is a public health physician and educator with a medical degree from the University of Delhi and a doctorate in Preventive Medicine (Public Health) from The Ohio State University. In his career, spanning over 35 years, he has trained and taught over 6,000 health professionals, has authored 14 books, and is an expert on obesity prevention, lifestyle diseases, stress-coping, and integrative mind-body-spirit health interventions. New India Abroad spoke to Dr. Sharma on his journey from India to America, and the transition from a doctor to a public health academic. The public health guru spoke at length about precautions in the post-COVID era, and how lifestyle can be balanced through exercise, diet, and stress-relieving yoga as part of our daily routine. Excerpts. l From an MBBS in India to a renowned public health expert in American academia. How has this journey treated you? I started my journey in medicine, treating patients one-on-one, but was never impressed with the medical model as it was making people dependent on medicines and doctors. I dreamed about making people take charge of their lifestyles and empowering them, so the transition to public health, particularly health promotion, was quite natural for me. I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey and it sure has been a rewarding one. I enjoy teaching public health students, conducting research, and doing community and professional service. I love every aspect of my work to the core, so much so that my spouse says that I am married to public health and not her! l Every Indian comes here to live his “Big American Dream”. Have you been able to live that? What is still left to do? When I first came to the United States, my dream was to acquire education and gain skills to start and head a “Global Collaborative Center in Health Promotion” based in India. Unfortunately, as destiny would have it, right after completing my doctorate, my wife met with a catastrophic pedestrian accident that left her paralyzed. So, for her continued care, I had no option but to stay in the US and my travel had to be restricted. Hence, I pursued a career in teaching and research that I have thoroughly enjoyed and alongside, I have engaged in work with more than 15 countries to partially realize my dream. I would like to continue building my students who are my long arms in accomplishing what I could not accomplish. Besides imparting scientific knowledge, I would also like to promote yoga to my students. For example, in a lecture of 60 minutes, I teach for 55 minutes and discuss yogic philosophy for 5 minutes. This mission is still left to do. I am the president of a not-for-profit organization called “Health for All” to promote yoga since 2000 and I intend to take up more projects through it in the future. l What needs to be done to balance our daily lifestyle while managing daily work pressure? How can we achieve enhanced health outcomes? Continuing with my thoughts on your previous question and answering this one, I would like to point out that research has identified two primary modalities of dealing with stressors: (1) emotionfocused coping in which the hypothalamuspituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is made calm through techniques such as meditation, relaxation, social support, hobbies, creative activities, etc. and (2) problem-focused coping in which the cerebral cortex is used to alter thinking and particularly controllability of stressors with techniques such as rational emotive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, learned optimism, introspection in Yoga, Gestalt therapy, etc. So, while dealing with daily hassles or role strains of work pressure one should use both these modalities to lessen the effects of stressors. Also important in this context, are the practice of healthy behaviors that I pointed out earlier of maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, not smoking, not drinking, a high-quality diet, and regular seven-to-nine-hour sleep. l How can India and the US play the role in making Asia healthy? That is a question very dear to my heart as it relates to my dream which you asked earlier. India is the largest democracy while the United States is the greatest democracy. India, for 5000 years, has been the nexus of myriad cultures, and the US, for 400 years, has been the salad bowl for all 200 countries on our planet. India is the powerhouse of spirituality/philosophy, and the United States is the powerhouse of science. Together these superpowers can not only transform Asia but unite the world in a global order which is so very much needed for the survival of humankind in the future. This may sound a bit utopian to the uninitiated, however, if you see closely this is already happening especially in the field of health where I see it beginning. We are with joint efforts able to eradicate smallpox, almost eradicate polio, and even more recently mitigate COVID-19 to some extent. Better cooperation would have accrued even better results. So, I am hopeful for a very bright future of cooperation between these two countries. India’s spiritual and US’ Science prowess essential for survival of humankind: Dr. Manoj Sharma l Last three years of isolation during COVID-19 also impacted our lifestyle and added to our stress levels. Your take? Stress has a very important role to play in our health. We all face stressors but how we deal with those makes all the difference between distress (negative stress) and eustress (positive stress). It is not the stressor that is important but the attitude that we have in dealing with that stressor that makes all the difference. Undoubtedly, the three years of isolation adversely affected many people, but it also had a positive impact on a substantial number of people especially those who were able to differentiate between “loneliness” and “solitude.” Paul Tillich, a German-American theologian has very nicely said, “Loneliness expresses the pain of being alone and solitude expresses the glory of being alone.” Using this approach, in my life, the last three years have been extremely productive for me where I have been able to undertake more research and writing. So, in my opinion, the ultimate onus of distress lies on the individual. l As a public health expert, tell us if we are out of COVID yet. If not, what needs to be done? The negative effects and threats of the COVID-19 pandemic have been reduced but not eliminated. For example, there are still parts of the world where it is still causing havoc. There are still effects of long COVID. The systemic conditions associated with long COVID can last weeks, months, or years. Healthy lifestyles such as maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, not smoking, not drinking, a highquality diet, and regular seven-to-ninehour sleep have been shown to reduce the risk of long COVID. Further, there are still individuals who are hesitant to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Hygiene measures such as simple regular handwashing and getting vaccinations as recommended can go a long way in preventing the spread and severity of COVID. India is the powerhouse of spirituality/philosophy, and the United States is the powerhouse of science. Together these superpowers can not only transform Asia but unite the world in a global order which is so very much needed for the survival of humankind in the future.

New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 21 Benjamin’s artwork blends five of her identity markers: South Asian, immigrant, American, woman, and Jew. CSU gallery displays Indian origin artists’ works VIKAL SAMDARIYA An art exhibition f e a t u r i n g multicultural art crafts by IndianAmerican-Jewish artist Siona Benjamin is on display at the galleries of the Cleveland State University (CSU), Ohio. Titled “The Beyond Borders: The Art of Siona Benjamin”, the exhibition features over forty artworks that consider and challenge themes of immigration, gender, race, and the concept of home. Benjamin immigrated to the US in 1986 from Mumbai, India and according to an official statement has been pondering over the meaning of belonging in her adopted homeland from all five of her identity markers: South Asian, immigrant, American, woman, and Jew. According to a news release, Benjamin’s artwork rooted in her creative imaginary insights reflects and blends tradition with innovation in diverse domains including Bollywood, Indian folk imagery, Persian miniatures, and Hebrew illuminated manuscripts. The artist has been awarded two Fulbright Fellowships to explore multiculturalism in Israel and India. Her art has been exhibited in galleries, museums, and sacred spaces around the world. Curated by Professor of Art History, CSU, Dr Samantha Baskind, the current exhibition will be on display till March 25, 2023. In April, her artwork will be exhibited at the Skirball Museum in Cincinnati, the release noted. Artist Siona Benjamin. Image - Hey Alma

22 New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 Hussain said he was influenced by his father to start the Masters of Percussion tour. Launches 30th Masters of Percussion Tour Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain SUNITA SOHRABJI BERKELEY, California — Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain will launch the 30th year of his “Masters of Percussion” tour March 11, bringing together percussionists from throughout the world. “For me, there is still the thirst to learn, Hussain told New India Abroad in an interview, shortly after returning back to his home in the San Francisco Bay Area from a musical tour in India. The famed musician also returns to Mumbai every year — where he was born and raised — to pay homage to his late father, tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha. “Every time I invite a new maestro percussionist, it’s about what can I learn from that person and how can I grow as a percussionist? And also it keeps me fresh, keeps me up to date, keeps me valid. There’s so much more to learn out there,” said Hussain. “And just because I’ve received the Grammys or the Kyoto Prize or the Padma Vibhushan or whatever, it doesn’t mean that the learning stops. It must continue.” “And the maestros who live in these countries, who do not get the chance to perform all over the world and perform for audiences who have not seen them before, get the kind of visibility and accolades that they deserve,” he said. Hussain received the Padma Vibhushan in 2023 and the Padma Bhushan in 2002. He was a Kyoto Prize Laureate in 2022, Japan’s highest honor. In 2009, Hussain received a Grammy for his collaboration with the Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart. The 2023 Masters of Percussion tour features Tupac Mantilla from Bogota, Colombia, who has worked with the famed jazz musicians Bobby McFerrin, Esperanza Spalding, Danilo Perez, and Julian Lage. Melissa Hie will play the Djembe, a West African drum. And on sarangi is Sabir Sultan Khan, the son of legendary sarangi player and vocalist Padma Bhushan Ustad Sultan Khan. He belongs to the Sikar gharana. On dholak is Navin Sharma, who first started playing with his father Shri Shyam Rughuram Sharma, and then studied with Hussain’s father Ustad Alla Rakha. “This is the first time that we are introducing a female percussionist artist in the Masters of Percussion,” Hussain told New India Abroad. “And I’m really stoked about it because Melissa is such a fabulous artist. And she will bring the African tradition to us, which is probably the oldest percussive tradition in the world.” “Tupac is a shaman and has that spiritual layer of understanding inside of him. And he’s so good with not just playing percussion drums, but also using his body as a rhythmic tool. How does that happen? He takes all these rhythmic ideas and tradition and then just kind of prints The legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain Exclusive Interview it onto his physical self and then brings that forth with just his body as a percussion instrument. It is uncanny. And I’m really looking forward to not only watching it up close, but also learning that process.” Hussain said he was influenced by his father to start the Masters of Percussion tour. There are so many great percussionists in India, in every nook and corner of various states in the east, the west, not south. Find them and showcase them for the audiences in the world.’ That was my father’s advice to me. So I decided to look for them.” “Whenever I went to play concerts in cities or in remote areas of India, I inquired if there were any percussionists there or any tradition existing. And I would find one or two or three of them, then I would invite them to Bombay, where I lived, Mumbai, and we would interact and just kind of hang out, just go out for lunches, dinners and talk and not necessarily play. That would come later. But first it was important to get to know each other as people,” said Hussain. “But then I felt that I was not being fair to percussion traditions all over the world. Why not have Indian percussionists interact with percussionists from different parts of the world so the Indian percussionists can find out that there are other things happening? So now we are at a point where Tupac Mantilla from Brazil and Melissa Hei from Africa are joining us, and the circle expands.” “I can’t wait to see who else is out there to learn from. We have miles to go before we sleep,” said the musician. TOUR SCHEDULE March 10 : Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, Tracy, CA. March 11 : Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley, CA March 12 - Kuumbwa Jazz, Santa Cruz, CA March 16 - Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine, CA March 18 - La Jolla Music Society, La Jolla, CA March 19 - Orpheum, Vancouver, BC March 21 - Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland, OR March 23 - Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale, AZ March 31 - Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts, Fairfield, IA April 1 - Yardley Hall, Midwest Trust Center. Overland Park, KS April 4 - Macky Auditorium, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO April 7 - Symphony Center, Chicago, IL April 8 - Massey Hall, Toronto, ON

Aries This week, be prepared for unforeseen events, Aries, because many things will take you by surprise. If you want to avoid making bad decisions, let yourself be guided by logic, common sense and your intuition. They will prevent you from making mistakes. There could be restructuring changes at work that could affect you. Don’t get discouraged. The best thing you can do is to adapt, to let go, to let everything work by inertia. Don’t complain because it won’t help. Also, although it may be difficult at first, you will realize as the days go by that what happened is working in your favor, so keep your spirits up. Fortunately, if you are in a relationship, love flows naturally. Good times and nights full of passion await you. If you are single, you will meet someone who will make you see things in a new light. Taurus You’ve always been convinced that you’re a good leader, Taurus, but this week you might find that your team members are far from seeing you as a hero. It hurts, no doubt, but you can fix it with a good dose of willpower and also humility. Correct your behavior and the way you address people. In the end, you will turn out to be the leader you thought you were. Take advantage of these days when the stars strengthen your capacity for reconciliation and heal any conflicts that may arise. You can be happy because now your finances are safe. If you’ve done your best to organize your income and expenses, you’re starting to reap the rewards of that effort. On the sentimental level, this week, a threat hangs over relationships. Gemini You’re a bit in the doldrums these days from the boredom of routine at work, Gemini. You feel less and less satisfied with the way your work is going. You will have to seriously consider a change, because you cannot allow it to influence other aspects of your life. Don’t decide right away, but think about it. Explore the possibilities available to you in this area. Just thinking about it and educating yourself will lift your spirits. If you set yourself the goal of finding a new opportunity, you will definitely succeed and find a place where you will feel fulfilled. On a romantic level, you could meet an ex with whom you did not get along well and your feelings for him could be rekindled. Cancer A lucky week awaits you in the field of work, Cancer. The stars are aligning in your favor. You are entering a cycle that will allow you to progress and promote yourself professionally. Visualize what you would like to be, the position you would like to occupy. Put all your energy into these thoughts and repeat them often. You now have a great astral impulse to achieve this. If you have a business, this week is also a good time to invest in upgrades or equipment renewals. You need to do this because something is not working properly and could cause you loss. In love, if you are worried about some change in your partner’s attitude and suspect that there may be someone else in his life, it’s not someone tied to their job like you think. Take a look at your social circle. Before making a decision, find out what is really going on. Leo This week, the stars bring you all the energy you need to clarify your ideas in order to make the right decisions on the matters that concern you, Leo. Trust your judgment and your ability to resolve any situation. Avoid provocations from envious people around you at work. If you are responsible for a business that is not doing as well as it should, don’t throw in the towel, make an effort to overcome the crisis. Next weekend you will have an intense social and family life, from where you will receive advice and offers that will benefit you. In the sentimental domain, avoid anchoring yourself in past situations that make you suffer or make you uncomfortable. If you decided to stay with someone, forget all the negative things and focus on the good things you’ve done with him. Only then can you once again enjoy what love and this particular relationship can offer you. If you succeed, nights of great passion await you. Virgo This will be a breakthrough week for you professionally, Virgo. You may have recently had a disagreement with a superior. It seemed like everything was settled, but your intuition tells you that there is a grudge. You are not wrong. This person’s ego has been hurt and they are waiting for the opportunity to make you pay for it. It may be time to change course, as your sign is now very well aspected for changes in your work. The important thing is to walk away from negativity. These days, you should try to get rid of the bad mood that invades you at times, due to family problems, and which you often unload on your partner. Take notice and apologize to your other half. He or she is the best person to help you get through it. If you are a Virgo who is afraid to fall in love again for fear of suffering, here is an opportunity. Courage. This time you have everything to be happy. Libra Although you feel super energetic and full of optimism, Libra, control the negative people around you these days and don’t let them affect you with their pessimism. This vision and complaints about everything are absolutely useless. It is better to fight to improve your situation. Use your intuition. If you have a business, a good opportunity for expansion may present itself this week. However, someone around you, perhaps a partner, may not see it clearly. You will have to face this obstacle and calmly develop a plan to achieve your goals. Try to convince them with good arguments and better words. You can do it, you are good at negotiation. This week, you are particularly protected by the stars as far as reconciliations are concerned. You will have the ability to forgive and forget old frictions. This will serve you at the level of friendship and family, but especially in love. Now is the time to show your loved one how you feel, not with words, but with deeds. Scorpio You may receive thanks from your superiors this week, Scorpio. There will be people around you who will praise you profusely, but don’t trust everyone. Some people who don’t belong in your category, neither ethically nor professionally, feel envy towards you and your accomplishments, which results in poisonous “praise” because that your success does not suit them. The best thing to do in this situation is to pretend you don’t know, to ignore the question. Focus on your goals, that is to say on what really interests you to progress, and forget the rest. In the sentimental field, for some time there has been a difference of opinion with your partner. That’s not so bad on its own, but instead of taking your own part of the blame, you attribute these frictions to bad influence from people in your partner’s circle. Change your attitude! Sagittarius You are aware of your talent and your creative ability, Sagittarius, but you perceive that people do not fully understand your initiatives. Maybe you should explain yourself better and with more enthusiasm. However, there is also an element of envy of others that prevents you from developing as you would like. But don’t worry and keep working hard because luck will come sooner than you think. Also try to be more optimistic. You can’t change situations, but you can change how you see them and how you approach solutions. Also, you have reason to rejoice, as your finances are balancing out and it is likely that you will receive some money that you had not expected. On a sentimental level, if you are in a relationship, gossip can reach your ears during these days. Do not be careful and trust the person you love, because the stars predict a very good future for this relationship. Capricorn It is very important, Capricorn, that this week you keep calm, that you are not in a hurry to solve a problem. You must think about each of your steps in order not to make mistakes. In the field of work, this is not the time to make decisions. There may be changes or novelties in your work. Try to adapt to it and you will find the solution next week. It is possible that a new option will be offered to you, but the answer will be delayed for a few days. Focus on controlling your money because there is a risk of loss. Do not spend unnecessarily, and even less do not invest just anywhere. You may receive an invitation from a friend to go to a meeting or a weekend outing. Don’t accept it, because a person who caused you emotional damage from which you have not recovered will also be present. In love, if you are in a relationship, you are going to experience very important moments, perhaps an official engagement. Aquarius You are now entering a period favorable to changes in the field of work, Aquarius, but you also have on the horizon the possibility of a promotion. Wait a bit to make up your mind and put your thoughts in order. Listen to your intuition, which will guide you in the right direction. There will be turmoil in your family these days and you will need to resolve these conflicts. On a sentimental level, you may have a crush on someone who has nothing to do with your current partner. Think carefully before embarking on an adventure with an uncertain future. Your partner has always behaved in an exemplary manner, especially in difficult times. You don’t really have anything to complain about. Be more realistic and don’t get carried away with vanity. Pisces Changes will now be the order of the day in your professional life, Pisces. You may be suffering because you fear that certain restructurings in your company will have negative consequences for you. This is not the case, on the contrary. These changes could be very beneficial to you. You will now have the opportunity to show your talent. Don’t go too far. If, as a result, you are planning to quit your job and try your luck in a business you have in mind, it is not advisable. It is true that you are on the right track in this area, but you now view this possibility with too much optimism. Analyze it more deeply and don’t make hasty decisions. In your relationship with your partner, friction arises because you always want to be right. Sometimes we get angry because we want to impose our will, no matter who is right. You don’t allow your partner to express their opinions, ideas, or goals. If you want the relationship to work, change your attitude, give it more attention. Weekly Horoscope Sundeep Kochar Astrologer https://www.sundeepkochar.com New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023 23

24 New India Abroad Monday, 20 February, 2023