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FIA's DANCE PE CHANCE 40TH EDITION - DAZZLING MOVES & UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS T renton, NJ - February 10, 2024 - FIA's Dance Pe Chance competition, held on February 10, 2024, at Patriots War Memorial Theater in Trenton, NJ, was a spectacular showcase of talent and artistic expression. Featuring contestants ranging from 6 to 60 years old, the event captivated an audience of approximately 1700 people with vibrant performances inspired by Bollywood themes and Indian culture. The competition celebrated the rich heritage and artistic expressions of India, with performers presenting a fusion of tradition and modernity across various dance styles. From classical to contemporary, each performance left the audience mesmerized. The incorporation of Broadway-styled production values, such as a huge LED backdrop, captivating lighting, and intricate costumes, added an extra layer of grandeur and spectacle to the performances, transporting the audience into the world of dance and storytelling. Over 700 children from 14 dance academies spread across four states enthralled the crowd of about 1700 with 27 mesmerizing performances, showcasing their talent, discipline, technique, and costumes in FIA's oldest cultural competition. Present at the event were Chief Guest, Hon. Consul General of India, Mr. Binaya S Pradhan, Hon. Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph, Chairman of TV Asia Mr. H.R.Shah, Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media, Dr Sudhir Parikh along with other dignitaries from the Diaspora. Hon. CG Mr. Binaya S. Pradhan administered the oath of office to the newly elected executive committee of FIA, which includes President Dr. Avinash Gupta, Executive Vice President Mr. Saurin Parikh, Vice President Ms. Smita Miki Patel, 2nd Vice President Deepak Goel, General Secretary Ms. Priti Patel, Joint Secretary Mr. Mahesh Dubal, Treasurer Mr. Sanjeev Singh, Joint Treasurer Mr. Haresh Shah and Immediate Past President, Kenny Desai. The Hon. Consul General expressed delight and honor to be part of the event, deeming it the largest Indian cultural gathering he's attended outside India. He commended FIA's team for their dedication, eagerly anticipating FIA's upcoming Indian Independence Day celebrations. He emphasized the Consul General's commitment to bridging the gap between India and the USA and serving the Indian Diaspora 24/7. Advertorial Performers Dance with Joy, Displaying Graceful Movements and Traditional Costumes at Dance Pe Chance. Young talents adorned in vibrant traditional attire mesmerize with their graceful movements and disciplined steps at Dance Pe Chance. Sonali Korde sworn in as assistant to USAID Administrator...Page 3 Year 2, Volume 18 Washington DC, Saturday 17 February, 2024 www.newindiaabroad.com A platform for the voice of next generation Indian Diaspora Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen named AAPI ‘Change Maker’ ...Page 7 5 Indian-Americans chosen as Presidential Leadership Scholars ...Page 5

New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 Dance Pe Chance Comes Alive with Colorful and Spirited Performances Celebrating Heritage. Advertorial Hon. CG Mr. Binaya S. Pradhan Administers Oath of office bearers to the newly elected executive committee of FIA- President Dr. Avinash Gupta, Executive Vice President Mr. Saurin Parikh, Vice President Ms. Smita Miki Patel, 2nd Vice President Deepak Goel, General Secretary Ms. Priti Patel, Joint Secretary Mr. Mahesh Dubal, Treasurer Mr. Sanjeev Singh, Joint Treasurer Mr. Haresh Shah and Immediate Past President, Kenny Desai. A Kaleidoscope of Talent as Performances Grace the Stage, Creating a Spectacular Visual Feast.

*New India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affi liated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. Sonali Korde sworn in as assistant to USAID Administrator...Page 3 Year 2, Volume 18 Washington DC, Saturday 17 February, 2024 www.newindiaabroad.com A platform for the voice of next generation Indian Diaspora Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen named AAPI ‘Change Maker’ ...Page 7 5 Indian-Americans chosen as Presidential Leadership Scholars ...Page 5 Indians second most naturalized US citizens in 2023 MEHAK LUTHRA More than 59,000 Indians were naturalized as bona fi de US citizens in 2023, solidifying the country's position as the second-largest source country for new citizens in America, following Mexico. According to the annual progress report recently released by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) nearly 870,000 foreign nationals acquired US citizenship during the fi scal year 2023, ending on September 30, 2023. Among them, over 110,000 Mexicans accounted for 12.7 percent of the total number of new citizens, while 59,100 Indians constituted 6.7 percent of the total population. To qualify for naturalization, an applicant must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The requirements typically include being a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for a minimum of five years. However, there are special naturalization provisions that exempt certain applicants, such as certain spouses of US citizens and individuals with military service, from one or more of the general requirements for naturalization, as stated in the USCIS report. The majority of individuals who acquired US citizenship last year were eligible for naturalization based on being lawful permanent residents (LPRs) for at least 5 years. Following this, applicants eligible for being LPRs for at least 3 years and married to a US citizen for 3 years constituted a significant portion. Additionally, eligible applicants based on their military service during a designated period of hostilities also accounted for a notable portion of new citizens. Indian Consulate in San Francisco to locally print OCI Cards RUCHIKA SHARMA I n a move aimed at bolstering service effi ciency and convenience, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco has announced a signifi cant upgrade in its operations. The mission has announced that OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards will now being printed locally in San Francisco, slashing waiting times by a substantial two weeks. This development underscores the Consulate's commitment to streamlining processes and prioritizing the needs of its community members. By bringing the printing process closer to home, the Consulate aims to ensure quicker access to essential documentation for individuals of Indian origin residing abroad. The San Francisco consulate serves the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and the Territory of Guam. The other consulates in the United States are in New York, Houston, Atlanta, and a recently opened one in Seattle. They are all headed by the Indian Embassy in Washington. An OCI card is given to registered persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) i.e., foreign nationals holding passports of a foreign country who are not citizens of India. An OCI card holder is granted a multiple entry, multipurpose, life-long visa for visiting India for any length of stay, and is entitled to general 'parity with NonResident Indians (NRI) in respect of all facilities available to them by the government in economic, financial and educational fields. The move is expected to slash waiting times by a substantial two weeks.

2 New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 Indian Star LLC Published Weekly Copyright © 2024 Indian Star LLC Editor in Chief Dr. Sridhar Krishnaswami sridhar54k@newindiaabroad.com Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Bhambri rajeevb@newindiaabroad.com Registered Address Indian Star LLC, 6215 Rockhurst Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA Email Info@newindiaabroad.com Ph. 908-472-0006 Website www.NewIndiaAbroad.Com Disclaimers: 1. New India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affiliated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. 2. Indian Star LLC assumes no liability for claims / assumptions made in advertisements and advertorials. Views expressed by the writers are their own. A publication of Media Partner Bollywood Insider Monica Aggarwal P M Narendra Modi participated in the World Governments Summit in Dubai as the Guest of Honor on February 14 at the invitation of Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and the Ruler of Dubai. He delivered the special keynote address at the Summit, themed: "Shaping the Future Governments." In his address, PM Modi underlined India’s transformative reforms based on the mantra of "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance." He called for a human- centric approach to governance, detailing Indian experience on leveraging digital technology to further welfare, inclusivity, and sustainability. In this context, the Prime Minister focused on prioritizing ease of living, justice, mobility, innovation and doing business in the government's approach to public service. He also highlighted India’s steadfast commitment to climate change action, urging people to adopt Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) to create a sustainable world. The Prime Minister further elaborated on India's leadership role as the chair of G20 last year on different issues and challenges of mutual interest. He shed light on the country's efforts to bring development concerns facing the Global South to the center-stage of global discourse. "Calling for reform of multilateral institutions, he pushed for a greater voice for the Global South in its decision making. India, he stressed, will continue to contribute to global progress based on its role as a "Vishwa Bandhu," the Prime Minister’s office said in a statement. Taking to X, PM Modi shared admiration for Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid. "His vision for Dubai’s growth is clearly visible to the entire world. Our discussions covered a wide range of subjects ranging from commerce to connectivity, and ways to boost people to people linkages," he posted. Both leaders also held discussions on a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, technology, space, education and people-to-people ties. The Prime Minister previously attended the World Governments Summit in 2018 as the guest of honor. This year's summit saw the participation of 20 world leaders, including 10 Presidents and 10 Prime Ministers. Furthermore, delegates from over 120 countries participated at the global gathering. PM Modi calls for human-centric approach to governance PM Modi participates in World Governments Summit 2024 in Dubai / Image : @PIB_India (x) PM Modi inaugurates UAE’s first Hindu temple STAFF REPORTER P rime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14 inaugurated the historic Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi and took part in its consecration ceremony. BAPS’ leader Mahant Swami Maharaj, Ishwarcharandas Swami, International Convenor of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) greeted the Prime Minister at the temple. The PM offered water in the virtual Ganga and Yamuna rivers at the temple before proceeding to inaugurate the temple. In his address, PM Modi lauded the temple as “a symbol of communal harmony and global unity for the entire world” and expressed his gratitude to the UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his government on behalf of Indians and its diaspora around the world. UAE's Minister of Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BAPS leaders at the inauguration event. The PM said UAE which is known for its iconic and majestic buildings like the Burj Khalifa, and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque has added another cultural landmark to its list. PM Narendra Modi at the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi. / PIB BAPS’ leader Mahant Swami Maharaj, Ishwarcharandas Swami, International Convenor of BAPS greeted the Prime Minister at the temple. / PIB The Prime Minister offers water in the virtual Ganga and Yamuna rivers at the temple before proceeding to inaugurate the temple. / PIB

YASMIN TINWALA NYC Mayor Eric Adams has recommended Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi to serve on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board. Dan Garodnick, chair of the NYC Planning Commission, was also chosen to serve on the board alongside Joshi. “Deputy Mayor Joshi and Director Garodnick are the perfect people to help secure the MTA’s future and deliver a world-class, safe, reliable, and accessible transportation system to all New Yorkers,” Adams said in a statement. “New York City’s transit system is our backbone, and once confirmed to the MTA Board, Deputy Mayor Joshi and Director Garodnick will help ensure our backbone is stronger than ever. We want to thank Governor Hochul and our partners at the MTA for their collaboration on moving our city forward,” he added. Who is Meera Joshi? Meera Joshi is the deputy mayor for operations, overseeing New York City’s infrastructure, public realm, and climate portfolio. She oversees the Adams administration’s transportation and infrastructure portfolio, spearheading street safety work. Her efforts contributed to making 2023 NYC’s second-safest year for pedestrians since 2014. She also led efforts to create vibrant public spaces in all five boroughs and prepared the city for congestion pricing. Commenting on the nomination, Joshi said, “Supporting the MTA’s fiscal and operational wellbeing through this moment of transition would be a great honor and privilege. From delivering needed upgrades to effectively operationalizing congestion pricing, I am committed to faithfully serving the people of New York as a member of the MTA’s Board of Directors.” “Our public transit is the backbone around which our economy functions & our identity as NYers is built. Honored to be nominated to the @MTA Board alongside tireless @DanGarodnick & can’t wait to get to work! @NYCMayor,” she wrote on X. Prior to joining the Adams administration, Joshi was President Joe Biden’s nominee for administrator of the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the agency responsible for regulation of interstate trucking. She was also the chair and CEO of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission. Aside from her roles in transportation oversight, Joshi served as the inspector general of the New York City Department of Correction, in-charge of investigations of corruption and criminality at all levels of NYC’s jail operations between 2002 and 2008. New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 3 Sonali Korde sworn in as assistant to USAID Administrator MADHU BALAJI I ndian American Sonali Korde has been promoted to Assistant to the Administrator at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)'s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA). Previously, she served as the Deputy Assistant to the Administrator (DAA) of the bureau, that is engaged in addressing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. During the swearingin ceremony, USAID Administrator Samantha Power appreciated Korde's journey, highlighting her commitment to humanitarian causes. "Sonali is really a gift to us all,” she said. Thanking Korde's family for their support, she added, “Even in the tense environment on the ground, Sonali forged strong relationships with Israelis, with Egyptians, with Palestinians, and with aid workers, to facilitate critical life-saving humanitarian work. She quickly became known for her ability to get through to people.” As a fellow in Congresswoman Nita Lowey’s office in 2013, Korde gained an initial expertise in legislative affairs and budgeting. She went on to work at the Federal Reserve in New York and the National Security Council staff as director of global health and development. "Working alongside some of the most impactful and agile American leaders, especially under Ron Klain, the leader of the U.S. Ebola response, Sonali became a key National Security Council player, organizing policy and budget efforts across multiple departments and agencies," Power noted. Korde has been serving USAID in various roles since 2004, with a background in legislative affairs, national security policy, infectious diseases and emergency humanitarian response, and global health. Before joining the BHA, she served as deputy chief of staff for policy in the office of the Administrator at USAID and as acting deputy assistant administrator at USAID's Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs. She completed her master's in international relations and affairs from Yale University and her bachelor's in science, business, or managerial economics from the New York University. Sonali Korde promoted to assistant to USAID administrator / Image: X @USAIDBHALead Meera Joshi nominated to MTA Board by the city mayor / X/@ MeeraCJoshi Meera Joshi was recommended to the MTA Board alongside Dan Garodnick by Mayor Eric Adams street safety work. 2023 NYC’s second-safest year for efforts to create vibrant public spaces in all five boroughs and prepared the city for congestion pricing. Meera Joshi nominated to MTA NYC Mayor picks Meera Joshi to serve on MTA board

4 New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 'Indian Engineers Without Borders’ to address global challenges RISHIKA BHARDWAJ I ndian Professional Without Borders, a Silicon Valley-based non-profi t for professionals of Indian origin recently launched a new initiative called ‘Indian Engineers Without Borders.’ Aimed to unite engineering minds worldwide under the ethos of “Connect, Innovate, and Impact” will work towards harnessing the collective genius of Indian engineers and tech enthusiasts to address global challenges, improve quality of life, and drive sustainable innovations. The launch event was graced by K Srikar Reddy, Consul General of India in San Francisco, and Shailendra Joshi, former Chief Secretary and Advisor to the Government of Telangana, India. Speaking at the event, Reddy emphasized the transformative role of AI, aligning the initiative with the Indian Prime Minister’s vision to propel India into a developed nation by 2047. He underscored the criticality of AI, citing its projected 8 percent annual growth in India and its transformative impact on the global economy. Joshi added on the prospects of AI and highlighted its potential to address pressing global challenges in climate and more. Speaking on behalf of "Indian Engineers Without Borders," cofounder Shachindra Nath hailed engineering as a powerful tool to address global challenges and drive sustainable innovation. “Our goal is to leverage engineering as a powerful tool to address global challenges, improve the quality of life, and drive forward with innovation that has a lasting impact,” a statement from the founders said. Amit Sarkar, one of the architects of the initiative, further outlined their goals, which included the creation of an AI learning ecosystem and the launch of 50,000 AI-focused startup accelerators. The event also saw the inauguration of the "101 Days of AI Learning Festival" which coincides with the mission of "Indian Engineers Without Borders," offering AI and machine learning. This initiative aligns with the advocacy for leveraging AI in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education, as stated at the GPAI Summit 2023. The virtual assistant at the launch of ‘Indian Engineers Without Borders’ / Image: Supplied The organisation aims to push innovation in the fi elds of healthcare, climate and others.

New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 5 5 Indian-Americans chosen as Presidential Leadership Scholars SUPRIYA SINGH T he Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) program announced fi ve Indian-Americans as part of their ninth annual class which commenced in January 2024. Henish Bhansali, Nina Kshetry, Amol S. Naik, Neeti Sanyal, and Shashank Sinha are among the 60 scholars selected for the program that gives the scholars a chance to learn leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Dr Henish Bhansali is the chief medical officer of Medical Home Network. He has played a key role in transforming healthcare for low-income, disenfranchised patients who face barriers to care. He joined MHN last year from Duly Health and Care (formerly DuPage Medical Group), where he was senior vice president and medical director of medicare advantage. During the six-month program, he will boost his initiative focused on more deeply understanding the needs of care teams and business leaders at FQHCs and designing a care delivery model that aligns incentives and operations with patient outcomes. Nina Kshetry is the founder and president of Ensaras, a company specializing in advanced analytics and artificial intelligence solutions for optimizing wastewater plant operations. She has over 15 years of wastewater treatment and engineering experience. Kshetry served as the first water director at Moen, which is the largest residential plumbing fixture manufacturer in North America. She received her S.B. and S.M. degrees in environmental engineering, both from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is a licensed professional engineer. Currently serving as chief executive officer and founder of Resurgens Strategies, Amol S. Naik has twenty years of experience in government affairs and public policy experience. Throughout his career, he has built government relations functions for rapidly growing companies, advised global firms on public affairs issues, and provided counsel to senior elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels. He has held senior policy and legal roles at Google, including leading Google’s state and local government affairs in the Southeast. He began his career at Google in the Washington, DC office as the company’s first political lawyer. Naik also served as the City of Atlanta’s chief resilience officer and as a senior advisor to the Mayor. With more than 15 years of experience in product design, development, and commercialization, Neeti Sanyal is an executive creative director at Artefact, investigating the business factors and market conditions that make innovation possible. Before Artefact, Sanyal worked at PATH, a global health organization where she developed go-to-market strategies for several medical technologies for communities in China, Brazil, India, and South Africa. Shashank S. Sinha, serves as director of the cardiac intensive care unit and director of the cardiovascular critical care research program at INOVA Fairfax Hospital. He is also a triple board-certified cardiologist in the advanced heart failure, mechanical circulatory support, and cardiac transplantation program. Dr Sinha received his undergraduate degree, cum laude in Applied Mathematics, from Harvard College and his medical degree with honors from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He was also selected to the Alpha Omega Alpha and Gold Humanism Honor Societies and received the Pritzker Leadership Award. (Top Left)Henish Bhansali (Bottom Left) Amol S.Naik (Center) Shashank Sinha, (Top Right) Neeti Sanyal (Bottom Right) Nina Kshetry /

6 New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 NC State University names Farhan Gandhi Distinguished professor SUPRIYA SINGH F arhan Gandhi has been appointed as the Hassan A. Hassan distinguished professor at the North Carolina State University’s department of mechanical and aerospace engineering. Known for his research based contributions to the field of eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft technologies, Gandhi was selected for the position after a prolonged search by the department, according to a statement by the university. “Gandhi will play an important role in carrying out that legacy in the department and at NC State University as a whole,” the statement noted. After obtaining his BTech in aeronautical engineering from IIT-Bombay in 1989, Gandhi got his doctoral degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland’s Alfred Gessow Rotorcraft Center in 1995. He served 17 years as part of the aerospace faculty at Penn State before he moved to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2012 as the Redfern endowed chair professor in aerospace engineering. During an academic career of over 29 years, Gandhi has published around 360 technical papers in journals, and has advised 29 PhD students to graduation. Currently, he is leading a vibrant research group consisting of two research scientists and eight doctoral students. He group has conducted cutting edge research in the areas of multi-rotor/rotor-wing interactional aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, flight controls and eVTOL aircraft flying qualities, among other areas. Meanwhile, Hassan A. Hassan, late titan of the department and legend in the field of aerospace engineering, helped establish the professorship shortly before his passing in 2019 alongside his son Basil Hassan and department head Srinath Ekkad. He joined the university in 1962. He was recognized with numerous research awards, including the Alcoa Foundation Distinguished Engineering Research Award in 1987, the NASA Public Service Medal in 1992, the R. J. Reynolds Co. Award for excellence in teaching, research, and extension in 1993, and the Alexander Holladay Medal For Excellence in 2004 – the highest honor bestowed on a faculty member by the NC State trustees. Farhan Gandhi named Hassan A. Hassan Distinguished professor by NC State University / Image: NC State University Gandhi obtained his BTech in aeronautical engineering from IITBombay in 1989.

New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 7 MADHU BALAJI An essay by Indian American NASA scientist Rahul Ramachandran has been published on NASA’s EarthData. It addresses the challenge of scaling in Earth science due to increasing data volumes. The work, titled "From Petabytes to Insights: Tackling Earth Science's Scaling Problem," describes Earth science's scaling problem as a multifaceted challenge. It suggests the inclusion of artificial intelligence into informatics as a potential solution. "Tackling it requires a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the technical aspects of data management but also the broader implications on scientific processes and ethical considerations," the essay states. Ramachandran underlined the need to recognize that the evolution of data and the research life cycle is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. He reiterates that artificial intelligence (AI) foundation models (FM) are reshaping the landscape of data management and scientific research. "Our prototype effort in collaboration with IBM Research, the Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 (HLS) Geospatial FM, Prithvi, exemplifies how FMs can address the complexities and limitations associated with traditional AI models in scientific research," Ramachandran wrote. Currently a research scientist at NASA, where he has worked for over 10 years, Ramachandran previously served asthe principal research scientist at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The Indian American has also served as a team lead of Earth Science Informatics at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He has received several honors, including the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal in August 2018 and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in September 2009. He has designed software tools for visualizing and mining satellite imagery, an XML-based solution to address the data format heterogeneity problem, and an ontology-driven meta-search engine with data, information, and service aggregation capability. Indian American’s essay published on NASA’s EarthData Distinguished Service Award to Shekar Narasimhan BHAVANA P T he Mortgage Bankers Association presented its 2024 Commercial Real Estate Finance (CREF) Distinguished Service Award to Indian American entrepreneur Shekar Narasimhanat its Commer cial/Mul ti family Finance Convention and Expo in San Diego on February 12. The award, the highest distinction awarded to an individual by fellow MBA CREF members, recognised Narasimhan's significant contributions to the commercial real estate finance sector and his continuous dedication to furthering the industry's ambitions. “Shekar has been a leading voice and passionate leader for MBA and the commercial real estate industry throughout his career, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of being recognized with this prestigious award,” said Mark Jones, MBA's 2024 chairman and president of Union Home Mortgage. Currently the managing partner of Beekman Advisors Inc., Narasimhan offers strategic consultancy services to corporations and investors in the real estate finance sector. Prior to joining Beekman, he was a managing director at Prudential Mortgage Capital Company. He formerly served as chairman and CEO of the WMF Group, which was acquired by Prudential in 2000. The Indian American also co-founded the Remergent Communities Fund, an Opportunity Zone Fund focused on small towns and localities in the Southeast United States, and serves as chairman of Papillon Capital. Narasimhan is a former chairman and commissioner of the Virginia Housing Development Authority. In addition, he served on the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development and as a commissioner on President Obama's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The IIT-Delhi graduate has previously received numerous awards and recognition in the real estate industry including the MBA’s highest honor in 1999 and the Fannie Mae Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. In 2010, he was the recipient of the Dean H.J. Zoffer Distinguished Service Medal from the University of Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania. Shekar Narasimhan receives MBA CREF distinguished service award. Image - Beekman Advisors, Inc Narasimhan received the highest distinction awarded to an individual by MBA

8 New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 American Astronomical Society names Priyamvada Natarajan as fellow Jiya Patil bags Conscience Month scholarship MEHAK LUTHRA Y ale University theoretical a s t r o p h y s i c i s t Priyamvada Natarajan has been elected a fellow of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) for her work in dark matter and black hole physics, mapping the unseen universe. The AAS recently announced the election of 21 new fellows, recognizing their efforts in advancing humanity's scientific understanding of the universe. Natarajan, the Joseph S. and Sophia S. Fruton professor and chair of astronomy and professor of physics in the Yale Faculty of Arts and Sciences, was selected for “seminal contributions to our understanding of the nature of dark matter and black hole physics, and for the development of a brand-new framework that enables mapping the detailed distribution of dark matter on small scales within galaxy clusters using gravitational lensing,” AAS said in a statement. Natarajan has received numerous honors, including being elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Physical Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Additionally, she is a recipient of Guggenheim and Radcliffe fellowship. At Yale, where she has served as a faculty member since 2000, Natarajan holds the position of director of the Franke Program in Science and the Humanities. This program facilitates communication, mutual understanding, collaborative research, and teaching among diverse scientific and humanistic disciplines. “I am delighted and honored to be recognized by my peers, which is super special,” Natarajan said. “I am so grateful and thrilled for the reactions I’ve had to my research work, and accolades such as this are a wonderful icing on the cake.” Established in 1899, AAS is a prominent international organization comprising professional astronomers, astronomy educators, and amateur astronomers. Its membership of 8,000 individuals encompasses not only astronomers but also physicists, geologists, engineers, and others whose interests span the diverse spectrum of subjects within the field of astronomical sciences. Natarajan has received numerous honors / Image - Yale University Jiya Patil will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship towards higher education. / Image - American Meditation Institute In her award-winning submission, Patil shared her journey of overcoming persistent emotional challenges. STAFF REPORTER T he American Meditation Institute (AMI) has named Jiya Patil of California as the winner of the fi fth Annual National Conscience Month Essay Contest. In recognition of her creativity, Patil will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship towards higher education for eloquently articulating her experiences of utilizing her conscience as her guiding principle in decision-making. National Conscience Month, observed annually in January, aims to promote the reliance on individual conscience among citizens of all demographics, governments, school systems, faith leaders, non-profits, community organizations, and corporations throughout the US. In her award-winning submission, Patil, a senior at Foothill High School in Pleasanton, California, shared her journey of overcoming persistent emotional challenges. She explained how she ultimately relied on her conscience to guide her thoughts, words, and actions. "My mind races to more examples of how we exploit opportunities to help ourselves, ignoring how it may affect others: cheating on tests to keep up with the class, deforesting trees to expand agriculture, overfishing to maintain eating habits, etc . . . I hope to let my Conscience guide me away from engaging with this tragedy. By choosing not to feed into it, I might ensure my status as a loser to some––but I'm no longer willing to win the race if I have to cheat to get to the front,” she said in a statement. Patil is also the founder of the Gold Bear Foundation, a non-profit that aims to support economically disadvantaged individuals. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded with over 170 members and has established 12 regional, national, and international chapters. They have supported more than 5000 individuals through donations of essential items and meals. “Today's problems were born in the human mind, and their solutions can only be found in the mind. When we let the mind's Conscience connect us to the Source of our creativity, we will quickly discover answers that will transform our world,” Leonard Perlmutter, Conscience Month originator said in a statement.

New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 9 Dr Harmesh KUMAR US SENATE 2024 www.drkumar4senate.com email:drkumar4senate@gmail.com “Paid for by the Drkumar4Senate Committee” FEC#C00833277

10 New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 MEHAK LUTHRA Bobbie Singh-Allen, Punjabi American mayor of Elk Grove, has been named in the Sacramento Bee’s list of 2023 Asian American Pacifi c Islander (AAPI) Change Makers, along with three other Sacramento State alumni. According to the Bee, Change Makers are individuals who "push the boundaries, foster community, and lead with dedication. They care for their community and strive to transform the world around them." In total, 20 individuals were acknowledged for their contributions. Singh-Allen was elected as Mayor of Elk Grove in November 2020. Prior to this, she was appointed to the Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Trustees and then elected to serve two consecutive four-year terms. During her tenure, she also served as board president for two years. She played a significant role in steering the fifthlargest school district towards strong financial reserves, fostering stronger relationships between management and labor, and implementing robust Career and Technical Education programs, among other aspects. She has accumulated over two decades of experience advocating for the private sector. Throughout her career, Singh-Allen has held leadership roles in statewide associations, championing industries such as the hotel and lodging sector, gas stations and convenience stores, and housing and community development companies. Furthermore, she has served as a government relations-public affairs consultant, providing expertise to various clients on matters like land use development, affordable housing, real estate, and other pertinent issues. In addition to her current roles, she serves as an elected State Commissioner for Visit California, along with representing the City of Elk Grove on various boards and commissions such as the Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC), Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA), and Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT), among others. In 2015, Singh-Allen was honored as "Woman of the Year" for Assembly District 9 by Jim Cooper, former Assemblymember and current Sheriff. She obtained her J.D. from Lincoln Law School of Sacramento and earned her B.A. in Government from California State University. Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen named AAPI ‘Change Maker’ Bobbie Singh-Allen is the mayor of Elk Grove. / Image - X @SinghAllen YASMIN TINWALA Congressman Shri Thanedar of Michigan introduced the "Loans in our Neighborhoods (LIONS) Act," with the aim of amending the Small Business Act. The proposed amendment seeks to increase the maximum gross loan amount for section 7(a) loans from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 to offer enhanced financial assistance to small businesses. This initiative is geared towards fortifying the support system for small businesses, acknowledging their vital role in local economies and communities, a release from the Congressman's office stated. According to Thanedar, the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Loan Program serves as a cornerstone resource for aiding small businesses. The loans serve a multitude of purposes, enabling small enterprises to procure or improve properties, manage daily business expenses, settle existing debts, acquire equipment or furnishings, and address a combination of these needs. "By introducing the LIONS Act, we are taking a significant step to bolster the resources available to the small business community in Michigan and across the country," said Congressman Thanedar. "This act is about ensuring that the financial needs of small businesses are adequately met, allowing them to continue driving our economy and creating jobs." “Thrilled to announce the introduction of the Loans in our Neighborhoods (LIONS) Act! This bill doubles the maximum loan amount available for small businesses, fueling local economies and creating jobs. I will always go to bat for Michigan small business!” Rep. Thanedar posted on X. Rep. Thanedar introduces bill to promote small businesses This bill doubles the maximum loan amount available for small businesses. / Image - Congressman Shri Thanedar The proposed amendment seeks to increase the maximum gross loan amount from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000. Change Makers are individuals who "push the boundaries, foster community, and lead with dedication.”

New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 11

12 New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 Republican Niraj Antani THE BRASS HATS ARE WATCHING IN PAKISTAN Was it worth it? That will be the question many people in Pakistan will be asking of the recently concluded elections where millions of rupees that the country could ill aff ord were spent and scores killed in violence. And a result that was really diffi cult to stomach. Sitting in jail on what he and his party see are on trumped up charges, Imran Khan’s supporters under the banner of Independents won 101 seats with Nawaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari coming in second and third respectively. As Khan’s luck would have it, his Independents will not be able to form the government as they continue to be a loose assortment of individuals who would have to either merge collectively or individually offer support. That is not about to happen before the deadline of February 29. And after noisily demanding the Prime Ministership, Bhutto has apparently agreed to throw his support behind the Pakistan Muslim League( Nawaz Sharif faction). Even now it is not clear if the elder Sharif will crown himself or let his younger sibling Shehbaz Sharif to again be at the helm of affairs. There are legal hurdles along the way. Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf, is claiming that many more Independents would have come out on top if not for manipulation. And it also remains to be seen if the Independents decide to come together as a Party and if that would and could be recognized by the Election Commission. One bottom line assessment has been that the people of Pakistan have spoken by way of sending a message to the Generals that their “civilian hope” was pushed into a distant second and third. But before any celebrations can start, Pakistanis are also painfully aware of the political track record over the last 76 years. Aside from being in direct control for three or so decades, the brass hats have had their way for the remaining years. For all his rants now against the military Imran Khan knows that he himself was a beneficiary in 2018. And the Sharifs also are aware of the fact that they need the blessing of the Generals to keep their seat warm as Prime Minister. And for this to happen a civilian leader has to do two things: write cheques for military acquisitions and unlimited spending for cross border terrorist activities. Of course all these happen under a phony cover of Pakistan being a “victim” of terrorism, something politicians and military will not be able to able to say with a straight face. “The more things change, the more remain the same” is an aphorism attributed to French novelist Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr in 1849. But things have come to such a tragic pass in Pakistan that neither the military nor the civilians can afford to believe that it is fine if things continued to remain the same. The country is economically in a mess and tottering with known lenders reluctant to dip into their pockets. In all the apprehension, the last thing politically wounded Generals need at this time is an unwitting invitation to come out of the barracks. EDITORIAL As the son of legal immigrants, we must stop the flow of illegal immigration and secure our border. It’s time to build the wall. Running for office isn't just about titles; it's about being a voice for your community. DIASPORA TALKS Activist Deepti Sharma NAPCA I n this month’s column, NAPCA shares what is new in social benefi ts in 2024. Here's what you need to know: Q. How much income do I need to earn to get 1 Social Security work credit in 2024? Do I have to work all year to earn credits? Credits are based on your income for the year. Each year the amount of earnings needed to earn one credit goes up slightly as average wages increase. In 2024, you earn 1 Social Security and Medicare credit for every $1,730 in covered earnings. You must earn $6,920 to get the maximum of 4 credits for the year. You might work all year to earn 4 credits, or you might earn enough for all 4 in much less time. You must earn a certain number of credits to qualify for Social Security benefits. No one needs more than 40 credits for any Social Security benefits. Q. I have retired and am receiving Social Security Retirement. Can I still apply for Medicaid and SSI? I heard there is an income and asset limit. I own a house and a car. I also have life insurance. You can get SSI or Medicaid if you are qualified based on income and assets threshold by each state. One house and one car are exempt, but some life insurance is counted as an asset. The monthly maximum federal amounts for SSI in 2024 are $943 for an individual or $1,415 for a couple. Some states may provide SSP (State Supplementary Payment) on top of the federal standard. For example, if you live in California and have no income, the monthly maximum payment would be $1,182 for an individual, or $2,022 for a couple. If your income has been increased, it would reduce your SSI amount. Note that the SSA has a special rule to calculate income. The most accurate way to find out whether you are eligible or not is to submit the application and receive the eligibility result through the Social Security Administration. Please contact us if you have any questions. Q. How much can I earn and still get benefits in 2024? You can get Social Security retirement or survivor benefits and work at the same time. However, there is a limit to how much you can earn and still receive full benefits. If you are under full retirement age for the entire year, SSA deducts $1 from your benefit payments for every $2 you earn above the annual limit ($22,320 for 2024). In the year you reach full retirement age. Up to the month before you reach your full retirement age, SSA deducts $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn above a different limit ($59,520 for 2024). Beginning with the month you reach full retirement age, your earnings no longer reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn. SSA will recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for the months SSA reduced or withheld benefits due to your excess earnings. Q. I read in the news that COVID-19 cases are on the rise recently. Is the latest vaccine still effective in protecting us? COVID-19 activity is currently high. JN.1 is now the most widely circulating variant in the US and globally and may be intensifying the spread of COVID-19 this winter. COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths have increased in recent weeks. Hospitalizations reached 32,861 in the week ending January 13 2024. In that same period, deaths went up by 10.3%, with COVID-19 deaths accounting for 4.3% of total deaths in the US. Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to increase protection against JN.1. As of January 13, 2024, only 21.5% of adults reported having received the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Only 40.9% of adults aged 65 years and older reported having received this vaccine, which is concerning given that they are at higher risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19. Please make sure you have the most recent vaccine which has been available since late September 2023. If your last vaccine was in mid-September or earlier, get vaccinated. It's not too late. What's new in social benefits in 2024

New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 13 Haley’s SC roots “make no difference” to majority of Republican voters: Poll YASMIN TINWALA Ahead of the Republican primary in South Carolina, an overwhelming majority of 75 percent prospective voters said that Nikki Haley being from the state makes “no diff erence” to them while casting their vote. A new CBS News/YouGov poll conducted in the state between February 5-10, 2024 found that only 20 percent of the voters said they were “more likely to vote” for Haley because she hails from their state, while 5 percent said the opposite. Nikki Haley served as the 116th governor of the state from 2011 to 2017. The work she did during her term has been appreciated by most voters, but it has not translated into support for her candidacy for President of the country, finds the poll as she trails her opponent Donald Trump by 35 points. The poll revealed that 89 percent of the voters said national issues outweigh South Carolina’s issues in deciding their vote in the GOP presidential primary. Additionally, nine in ten voters supporting Donald Trump are “firmly decided” to vote for him in the South Carolina presidential primary scheduled in the state on February 24. Nearly half of South Carolinian Republican voters identify as “MAGA” Make America Great Again (MAGA) is a nationalistic political movement in the U.S. popularized during Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016. More than 75 percent of voters in Haley’s home state do not think she is part of that movement, while nearly 20 percent of voters think she is a part of it. When asked who they would cast a vote for if the 2024 GOP nomination for president were held today, 30 percent said they would favour their former Gov. Haley in comparison to 65 percent of choosing Trump. Additionally, Trump fared better in terms of approval ratings for his time as President compared to Haley’s approval ratings for her time as South Carolina’s governor. 82 percent approved of Trump as President while 60 percent approved of Haley as governor. For the GOP ticket 30 percent voters back their former Gov. Haley in comparison to 65 percent choosing Trump Make America Great Again (MAGA) is a nationalistic political movement in the U.S. popularized during Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016. More than 75 percent of voters in Haley’s home state do not think she is part of that movement, while nearly 20 percent of voters think she is a part of it. vote for if the 2024 GOP nomination for president were held today, 30 percent said they would favour their former Gov. Haley in comparison to 65 percent of choosing Trump. Additionally, Trump Nikki Haley is trailing Donald Trump by a large margin in her home state fared better in terms of approval ratings of South Carolina / Instagram/LibraryofCongress SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Days after a Justice Department report concerning President Joe Biden’s alleged mishandling of confi dential documents also highlighted his deteriorating memory and age, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has called on US Vice President Harris to invoke the 25th Amendment against the President. In Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report, several instances of Biden’s compromised memory were listed, describing him as a “sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” Hur argued that such an image would make it difficult for a jury to convict Biden of a serious felony. Morrisey in his letter to VP Harris also highlighted recent instances of Biden’s poor memory when he forgets Hamas’s name and answers a question about Gaza and Egypt by referring to the “President of Mexico.” “The TwentyFifth Amendment was designed for times like these,” Morrisey maintained, adding that demands placed on a president are intense, requiring continual cognitive clarity. "...Considering recent revelations in Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report, Americans should not be forced to swallow their concerns and stand by any longer. I am writing to urge you to invoke your powers under Section 4 of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment and declare that President Biden is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.” “I recognize that invoking the Twenty-Fifth Amendment is an extreme measure. But if you can look beyond your personal relationship with the President and evaluate the situation objectively, I’m confident you’ll conclude that now is the time for extreme measures,” the Republican’s letter to Harris further read. West Virginia AG Patrick Morrisey urges VP to invoke 25th Amendment Apart from Morrisey, other elected officials have also called for the 25th Amendment to be invoked after the release of the Hur report / Fecebook

14 New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024

New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 15 Anantha Chandrakasan is MIT’s first chief innovation and strategy officer SUPRIYA SINGH T he Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has named Anantha Chandrakasan as its fi rst chief innovation and strategy offi cer. Chandrakasan, who is currently the dean of MIT’s School of Engineering and the Vannevar Bush professor of electrical engineering and computer science, will continue to hold the position with the new role, as per an MIT statement. In his new role, Chandrakasan will work closely with MIT president Sally Kornbluth, key stakeholders across MIT, as well as external partners, to launch initiatives and new collaborations in support of strategic priorities. “He will help develop and implement plans to advance research, education, and innovation in areas that President Kornbluth has identified as her top priorities such as climate change and sustainability, artificial intelligence, and the life sciences,” MIT’s statement read. “I was immediately impressed by Anantha’s can-do attitude and his clear interest in working with us to develop and advance our priorities for the Institute,” Kornbluth said. Describing Chandrakasan as a person filled with energy, creativity, and enthusiasm, she added, “Combined with his strategic insight, deep knowledge across many subject areas, and terrific record in raising funds for important ideas, Anantha is uniquely suited to serve MIT in this new role, and I’m delighted he has agreed to take it on.” Commenting on his appointment, Chandrakasan expressed, “I am thrilled and honored to help advance President Kornbluth’s vision for MIT in this new role.” “Working closely with faculty, staff, and students across the Institute, I am excited to help shape and launch initiatives that will accelerate research and innovation on some of the world’s most urgent needs. I hope to enable our researchers with the support, resources, and infrastructure they need to maximize the impact of their work,” he added. In addition to examining ways to advance research, entrepreneurship, and collaborations, Chandrakasan will work with provost Cynthia Barnhart and chancellor Melissa Nobles to advance new educational initiatives. This will include developing new programs and tracks to optimize students’ preparation for a variety of career paths, the statement highlighted. “In many ways, this role is a natural extension of the significant work Anantha has already been doing to help shape strategic priorities on an Institute level. All of MIT stands to benefit from his extensive experience launching and building new programs and initiatives,” Barnhart said. In his existing role as dean, Chandrakasan has implemented a variety of interdisciplinary programs, creating new models for how academia and industry can work together to accelerate the pace of research. He played an instrumental role in the 2018 founding of the Schwarzman College of Computing, the most significant structural change to MIT in nearly 70 years. Chandrakasan has also served in leadership roles on MIT Fast Forward, an institute-wide plan for addressing climate change; as the inaugural chair of the Abdul Latif Jameel Clinic for Machine Learning in Health and as the co-chair of the academic workstream for MIT’s Task Force 2021. Before becoming dean, he led an Institute-wide working group to guide the development of policies and procedures related to MIT’s 2016 launch of The Engine. Chandrakasan has also served for six years as head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), MIT’s largest academic department. As department head, he led the development of initiatives that continue to have an impact across MIT. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in electrical engineering and computer sciences from the University of California, Berkeley. He joined the MIT faculty in 1994. Anantha Chandrakasan named MIT’s inaugural chief innovation and strategy officer / Image: MIT

16 New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 AJAY BHUTORIA I n the realm of leadership, President Joe Biden has emerged as a truly exceptional fi gure, earning recognition as one of the greatest presidents in recent history. Far surpassing the criteria of merely being a good leader or a preferable choice to his predecessor, Donald Trump, Biden stands as a beacon of democracy and freedom. The Biden-Harris Administration's achievements extend beyond impressive statistics, including recordbreaking stock market highs, historic job creation with 14 million new jobs, and strong leadership on the world stage. What sets Biden apart is his unwavering commitment to restoring stability and decency to the presidency, effectively revitalizing the soul of America. As the 2024 elections loom, it is imperative to acknowledge the significance of the Biden-Harris administration's achievements, from addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crises to taking resolute steps on climate change and racial injustice. Their commitment to fulfilling promises to the American people is evident in landmark legislation, such as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most comprehensive gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years. Facing unprecedented challenges on both domestic and global fronts, President Biden's leadership has been characterized by decisive action and a profound understanding of the weight of his responsibilities on the world stage.Internationally, President Biden has demonstrated leadership by rallying support for Ukraine against Putin's aggression, strengthening alliances, and executing successful counterterrorism missions against Al Qaida, ISIS and Israel war against Hamas. In the face of the global rise of autocracy, Biden has stood firm, defending the values that make America a symbol of freedom. The administration's accomplishments extend to everyday challenges faced by American families, with the historic Inflation Reduction Act significantly lowering costs, combating the climate crisis, reducing the deficit, and ensuring fair contributions from the largest corporations. The act not only negotiates drug prices but also caps the cost of insulin for seniors at $35. Addressing the needs of diverse communities, the administration delivered on student loan forgiveness, benefiting three million borrowers. Bold steps towards marijuana policy reform, coupled with historic criminal justice reform, underscore their dedication to building a fair and just society. As the nation approaches 2024, it is evident that more than just another election year, it marks a pivotal moment demanding strong and principled leadership. President Biden, embodying the spirit of a great American leader, defends fundamental values at home and abroad. For Asian American and Indian American voters, their voice holds immense importance, potentially being the margin of victory in battleground states. President Biden's engagement with the Indian government and the Indo-Pacific region underscores the global recognition of India's significance. The strategic partnership between the United States and India is deemed one of the most consequential of the 21st century, supporting India's emergence as a leading global power and a vital partner in fostering a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. In promoting economic opportunity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders including Indian American small businesses, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders launched regional economic summits in January 2023. These summits directly connected community members with federal leaders, expanding accessibility to federal resources, including contracting and procurement opportunities. Over the past three years, the BidenHarris Administration has achieved remarkable milestones for Asian Americans and Indian Americans. Confirming over 160 highly qualified federal judges, with a focus on appointing more AA and NHPI federal judges, especially women, sets a new standard. The Inflation Reduction Act has played a crucial role in lowering healthcare costs for AA and NHPI communities, benefiting approximately 197,000 uninsured individuals and facilitating health insurance coverage for an additional 120,000 in 2023. Commitment to language access and native language revitalization is evident as agencies translated essential resources into multiple languages, addressing immigration concerns through the renewal of H1B visa stamping and actively working to reduce the green card backlog. A potential second term for Donald Trump would cast a dark shadow over the progress and values that define America. Banning Muslims, rounding up Latinos, banning abortion, and emboldening white supremacists – that is Donald Trump’s America. A Trump administration would devastate middleclass families, endanger Black and Brown communities, and upend the very institutions that form the bedrock of American democracy. Trump's dangerous vision for a second term is evident in his plans to use children as political pawns and end birthright citizenship, aiming to divide the American people and deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents. His proposed national abortion ban, fueled by Supreme Court justices instrumental in overturning Roe v. Wade, poses a severe threat to reproductive rights. Trump's championing of the systematic practice of family separation, using children as political pawns and doing nothing to actually secure the border, reveals a callous approach that undermines the values of compassion and humanity. Moreover, Trump's willingness to undermine American democracy is alarming. His promises to use the Justice Department to go after political adversaries, starting with President Biden and his family, signals a blatant disregard for the rule of law. Plans to implement sweeping immigration crackdowns, potentially separating families in mass detention camps, reflect a fundamental departure from the principles of inclusivity and compassion that define the United States. Let us take pride in the leader we have in Joe Biden. His certainty and conviction have brought victory in times of uncertainty. As we approach 2024, let us unite behind this historically great president Joe Biden and Vice President Harris, ensuring the continuity of progress, stability, and decency. None of us can choose history, but history has chosen us. It is time to reaffirm our commitment to a brighter future under the leadership of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. As America faced challenges, Joe Biden emerged as a steadfast hero. It's our turn to champion Biden-Harris in 2024, to get involved in grassroots support, and collectively ensure a triumph against the looming threat of Trump. The quiet heroism of Joe Biden beckons us to be active participants in shaping the future we believe in. In 2024, it's time for the Biden-Harris administration again. The author is a successful entrepreneur and an eminent Indian American community leader based out of Silicon Valley the Biden-Harris Administration has achieved remarkable milestones for Asian Americans and Indian Americans / X/@JoeBiden In 2024, it's time for the Biden-Harris administration again against the looming threat of Trump A legacy of greatness – Joe Biden's transformative presidency continues

New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 17 SOON COMING STAY TUNED Sikhs Today Sikhs Today info@sikhs.today Monthly Magazine

18 New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 STAFF REPORTER T he US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) announced the appointment of Arvind Krishna, the chairman and chief executive offi cer of IBM to its board of directors. A tech industry veteran, Krishna has led the building and expansion of new markets for IBM in artificial intelligence, cloud, quantum computing, and blockchain. He founded the firm’s security software business and helped create the world’s first commercial wireless system. Under his leadership IBM’s Information Management business grew by 50 percent causing the firm to deliver innovative products and solutions that have delivered proven business results. Krishna also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the New York Federal Reserve Bank and Northrop Grumman. In 2016, Wired Magazine selected him as “one of 25 geniuses who are creating the future of business” for his foundational work on blockchain. According to Mukesh Aghi, USISPF president and CEO, Krishna’s tech expertise will be invaluable to the organization at a time when the U.S. and India are working to secure a deeper collaboration in the field of critical and emerging technologies. “For years, Arvind has successfully built strong commercial links between the U.S. and India. During the pandemic, Arvind’s indefatigable efforts helped USISPF supply essential materials in oxygen cylinders and concentrators to help aid the several million COVID-19 victims in India. I am grateful for Arvind’s efforts during the pandemic months and filled with immense gratitude to now count Arvind’s name to this august list of board members,” Aghi stated. Reacting to his appointment, Krishna said, “I am honored to join the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum’s Board of Directors. The US and India share a unique bond, rooted in shared democratic values and strong economic and cultural ties. As a member of the USISPF, I look forward to finding ways for our two nations to use the power of technology to drive economic growth, create opportunities for all, and address the unique challenges of our time.” USISPF chairman John Chambers congratulated Krishna and described him as a “true visionary and a leader who is always focused on what’s good for society at-large.” Meanwhile, Shantanu Narayen, chair and CEO of Adobe and vice chairman of USISPF maintained that Krishna’s technical expertise will be significant at a time when India strives to be an incubator for the transformative power of technology. USISPF adds IBM chief Arvind Krishna to its board USISPF chairman John Chambers congratulated Krishna and described him as a “true visionary and a leader who is always focused on what’s good for society atlarge.” Arvind Krishna / LinkedIn MADHU BALAJI T he US Chamber of Commerce’s USIndia Business Council (USIBC) has launched an AI Task Force (AI-TF), in line with US and India’s leadership on artifi cial intelligence (AI). According to an official statement, the task force will advance artificial intelligence concepts and principles, drive multi stakeholder processes, and promote the development and commercialization of its technologies. Commenting on the development, USIBC president Ambassador Atul Keshap, said, “As we embark on this transformative journey with the establishment of the AI-TF under USIBC’s leadership, our strategic focus is clear.” “Through this initiative, we seek to harness the immense potential of AI, propelling competitiveness in both US and Indian economies and our citizen-led societies,” he said, adding that they look forward to shaping a future where AI is a catalyst for progress. The USIBC AI board’s advisory committee leaders include Kamal Ahluwalia, president at Ikigai Labs; Todd Skinner, president of international at TransUnion; and Ed Knight, USIBC board chairman and executive vice chairman of Nasdaq. The establishment of the AI-TF is a major step toward fostering a deeper partnership on the most innovative and transformative technologies, Knight remarked. “The task force will encourage a principled approach to AI adoption, ensuring that these transformative technologies can be harnessed in a manner that is safe and secure. The USIBC looks forward to continued discussions with the US and India as we help bolster our countries’ AI leadership," he added. USIBC President Ambassador Atul Keshap / (Image: X/@USAmbKeshap) USIBC launches Artificial Intelligence Task Force

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New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 21 Cognizant inaugurates new facility in Odisha YASMIN TINWALA Odisha’s CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the fi rst facility of American multinational IT fi rm Cognizant in the city of Bhubaneswar on February 11. The facility, located at the Odisha Technology Center, is spread across 51,000 sq. ft. to foster innovation and collaboration. It can accommodate up to 800 associates in the initial phase. According to a statement by the firm, subsequently in the second phase, an additional 29,000 sq. ft. will be integrated, to meet the evolving needs of clients and associates. It offers modern and collaborative spaces for associates to work on a broad range of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), digital engineering, and robotic automation, among others. “Glad to inaugurate the new facility of @Cognizant, one of the largest global professional services companies, in #Bhubaneswar. Cognizant's entry into our state marks a major leap towards #NewOdisha, adding another golden chapter to #Odisha's remarkable journey in the IT sector,” Patnaik posted on X. “Our newest facility in Bhubaneswar was inaugurated in the presence of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri @ Naveen_Odisha and our CEO @imravikumars,” Cognizant wrote on X sharing images from the event. Cognizant’s CEO Ravi Kumar S in a social media post expressed his view of the company’s expansion. “As a part of our stated expansion into smaller cities and taking work to where the talent is, we start with the beautiful city of Bhubaneswar which boasts of a great academic ecosystem and a large community of tech services companies,” he posted on social media. Teaneck, New Jersey-based Cognizant already has a presence in several Indian cities, including Pune, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi, Mangalore, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Gurgaon, Coimbatore, and Chennai. Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik (in white) and Cognizant’s CEO Ravi Kumar S (extreme right) inaugurated the Bhubaneswar facility of the tech giant / Image: (LinkedIn/Cognizant) Apple consolidates in India – it’s just 25 years too late ANAND PARTHASARATHY T wo weeks ago, global research analyst Counterpoint released a report on the Indian smartphone market. It revealed that shipments of Apple’s iPhone crossed the 10-million mark last year, helping it capture the top spot in revenue for the fi rst time ever in a calendar year. Samsung sold more phones, but Apple made more money in India because, on average, an iPhone costs three times as much as most other premium phones. In other ways too, 2023 has been a year when Apple grew and consolidated in India in multiple directions: The company now makes iPhones in India through three contract manufacturers – all Taiwanese: Foxconn, Pegatron and Wistron. The India plants of the last named company have now been acquired by the Tata Group. Apple has been present in India for 25 years, first selling its Macintosh range of PCs and laptops as well as the iconic iPod music player. When it launched the iPhone in 2007 it put hardly any sales effort into the India market, and even after it started making the phones here a decade later, it still did a pretty scrappy job of marketing through partners rather than opening its own stores. Incredibly, the first company-owned Apple store was opened in India by CEO Tim Cook only in April 2023 in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex, followed a few days later by a second outlet in Delhi’s Saket. The story of Apple in India was, for decades, a sorry tale of arrogance and prejudice. As a teenager, in Oregon (US), Apple’s founder, Steve Jobs, a college drop-out, was so hard pressed for cash, he is said to have lunched for free in the local Hare Krishna temple. In the mid-1970s. He backpacked to India looking for spiritual salvation, shaving his head and changing, albeit briefly, to Indian clothes when he returned. What he saw of India in the pre-liberalization days, obviously did not encourage him to think of this country as a significant market, and clearly he never updated his perceptions or modified his prejudices in later decades. The price of an iPhone in India was significantly higher than its international dollar price, and this could not always be explained away by the prevalent import duties. Each new version reached India, often months after its global release. For some years after Job’s death in 2011, it looked like a case of 'his master's voice' with successor Tim Cook. Then he displayed some attitudinal changes with respect to India. Finally, after a visit to India in May 2016 and his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Cook decided to "make in India", though starting with the older models. Last year, push came to shove – and the latest iPhone 15 rolled out of an India-based factory and reached Indian buyers along with the rest of the world. That is not the end of the story. An Apple analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo has been quoted by Reuters as suggesting that Apple may also look to India for developing future iPhones, not just making them. He said the three India plants could begin the development process as early as the second half of 2024, for iPhone 17, a device which won’t be launched till late 2025. Nice to know that Apple recognizes India’s potential for design and innovation – something that the world’s biggest tech enterprises have been leveraging for at least 20 years, through captive R&D centres. Under its founder, India fell off Apple’s map. Under Tim Cook, it seems to be central to the company’s future plans, with one in four iPhones of the future likely to roll off an India plant. As they say, better late than never. Welcome to the club. Apple CEO Tim Cook and Senior Vice President Deirdre O’Brien at the opening of the company's first store in India in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex. / Apple

22 New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024

New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 23 TRISHANTHYA V Months before the general elections in India, the Supreme Court has declared the electoral bond system, a seven-year-old method of funding political parties, as unconstitutional. The system, which allowed individuals and companies to donate money to political parties anonymously and without any limits, has been scrapped amid concerns that it hindered transparency and the public's right to know about political funding. Introduced in 2017 by PM Modiled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the electoral bond system faced opposition from rival parties and civil society groups who argued that it facilitated undisclosed financial contributions to political parties. The apex court’s ruling, delivered by a five-judge bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, termed the system unconstitutional and directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to cease issuing these bonds. The SBI was also asked to disclose identity details of bond purchasers and information about bonds redeemed by each political party. In his ruling, Chandrachud emphasized that political contributions through this system granted undue influence over policy-making. "Political contributions give a seat at the table to the contributor... this access also translates into influence over policy-making,” he said. Under the electoral bond system, individuals and companies could purchase bonds ranging from ₹ 1,000 ($12) to ₹ 10,00,000 ($12000) from the state-run SBI and donate them to a political party of their choice. The bonds, exempted from tax, did not disclose the name of the donor. Since their introduction in 2018, electoral bonds have become a significant method of political funding, with concerns raised about the potential for government access to donor information through the state-owned SBI. While the court scrapped the electoral bond system, it reinstated corporate donation limits, highlighting the need to treat companies and individuals differently in the context of political contributions. The court also argued that corporate donations could lead to quid pro quo arrangements, emphasizing the higher ability of companies to influence the electoral process compared to individuals. Nobel Laureate applauds India’s digital economy RISHIKA BHARDWAJ American economist A Michael Spence, a Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences 2001, commended India for achieving excellence in the fi elds of digital economy and fi nance architecture globally. Addressing an event at Bennett University in Greater Noida recently, Spence acknowledged India’s status as a major economy with the highest growth potential. He discussed the openness, competitiveness, and inclusivity of India’s digital landscape, delivering services across vast territories and emphasized the transformation in the global economy, describing it as a “regime change.” “The major economy with the highest potential growth rate right now is India. India has successfully developed by far the best digital economy and finance architecture in the world. It is open, competitive, and delivers services of an inclusive kind to a vast array of territory,” Spence noted. Further on India’s capabilities, he said, “We now have incredibly powerful scientific and technological tools that, if used correctly, can be used to essentially deliver wellbeing and opportunity to a wide range of people.” In his speech, Spence traced the evolution of the global economy post-World War II, and highlighted the breakdown of the 70-year-old global system, attributing it to pandemics, geopolitical tensions, and climate shocks. Stressing the need for diversified supply chains, the economist further highlighted that the East was gaining prominence and global governance was becoming more intricate. However, amidst the challenges, Spence expressed optimism about countering them and enhancing human welfare through scientific and technological progress. He cited examples such as competitive pricing of solar energy and a drastic reduction in the cost of DNA sequencing. During his India visit, Spence, who is also a professor of Economics at NYU’s Stern Business School, visited several institutions. He held a talk at IIM Bangalore and met several dignitaries, including Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics & Technology. “Met Prof. A Michael Spence, Economist and Nobel Laureate at Ministry of Electronics and IT today. Discussed with him PM’S vision of making India a Trillion Dollar Digital Economy by 2026/27 and becoming a Global Talent Hub,” Chandrasekhar wrote on X. The Nobel laureate commented on India’s commendable economic growth / Image: Jasper Ridge Partners Supreme Court has declared the electoral bond system as unconstitutional / https://www.sci.gov.in/ India's Supreme Court abolishes electoral bond system India's Supreme Court declared electoral bonds unconstitutional ahead of the upcoming general election

24 New India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 India Marching Forward Organized by OFBJP-USA: Disseminated by Overseas Friends of BJP-USA, a registered foreign agent, on behalf of the Bharatiya JanataParty. More information is on file with the Dept. of Justice, Washington, DC President: Dr. Adapa Prasad | Org Secretary: Dr. Vasudev Patel Overseas Friends of BJP - USA under the visionary leadership of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas Sabka Vishwas Sabka Prayas To build an Atmanirbhar Bharat Ek Bharat Bharat Vikasit Bharat Shreshtha Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a Motto committed to the ideals of

*India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affi liated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. ...Page V ...Page VI Year 2, Volume 18 Washington DC, Saturday 17 February, 2024 ‘I wanted to bring diversity’: Monica Saigal on inspiration behind ‘A Kiss in Kashmir’ The Pan India Fever YASMIN TINWALA T he South Asian Youth Initiative (SAYI) at Yale University hosted the 21st iteration of their annual conference from February 9 to 11. The event, which saw the participation of more than 500 students from over 30 schools from around the country, featured speakers, panels, and a gala, among other events. Day 1 of the event featured a keynote speech by Hamid Rashid, the chief of the United Nations Global Economic Monitoring Branch. On Day 2, Avantika Vandanapu, a first-year Columbia University student and the actress who played Karen in the recent ‘Mean Girls’ movie, participated in a fireside chat. The Indian American actress emphasized the importance of being “joyous” as a South Asian individual in her speech, SAYI co-director Daliya Habib told Yale Daily News. Vandanapu’s speech was followed by panels, hosted by different speakers from various disciplines, but a shared South Asian identity. The five panels were called Broadening Belonging; Past, Present and Posterity; Founders who Spark Change; Collective Action; and Transborder Tapestry. “The most meaningful part of the conference was the conversations and connections that happened because of it,” Head panel curator Nikita Paudel told the publication. “And our hard work paid off!” she added. The organizers hosted a gala on the evening of Day 2 at the Omni Hotel, followed by an afterparty. The final day of the conference featured a culinary workshop where chefs from the diaspora and local restaurants prepared South Asian dishes. The 2024 conference was the second time SAYI hosted the event since the Covid-19 pandemic. Organizers said they received support from other organizations at Yale, including the South Asian Studies Council and the South Asian Society in planning the conference. “We already are very well known across the South Asian collegiate spaces, but our goal is to make this a much more established event, more accessible to South Asian students across the country and students coming into Yale,” said Keya Kalra Gupta, SAYI’s co-director. Yale University hosts largest South Asian collegiate conference Ohio Sikhs pay tribute to former Springfield mayor Warren Copeland STAFF REPORTER T he Sikh community from Dayton and Springfi eld, Ohio recently gathered at Springfi eld City Hall and the local high school to honour the life and legacy of former Springfi eld Mayor Warren Copeland. Copeland was mayor from 1990 to 1994, then from 1998 until his retirement in November 2003. He passed away on January 22, 2024, at the age of 80. At the memorial service, members of the Sikh community and Copeland's family and friends paid tribute to their beloved mayor. Avtar Singh, a Springfield resident of over 25 years, along with his wife Sarabjit Kaur and their children, attended the memorial visitation and service. Kaur shared, “Mayor Copeland was our longtime friend since he became mayor in 1998, and he would always visit the Sikh booth we organize every year at the Springfield Culture Festival, where he happily engaged with other Sikh community members and volunteered to have a turban tied by our volunteers.” Sandeep Singh Gumtala, a community activist from Dayton, said, “I will miss tying the turban on him every year at the Culture Fest and seeing him annually at the Memorial Day Parade. Mayor Copeland’s genuine interest in fostering inclusivity and understanding was evident in his active participation in such events, where he engaged with Sikh community members, appreciating and celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that make up the vibrant community in Springfield.” Copeland was a professor of religion at Wittenburg University, teaching social ethics, aside from serving on the Springfield City Commissions for 35 years. In a letter to the City Commission, Copeland had written, “Retiring early will allow me to focus on my health and family. I will be forever indebted to this community and to the citizens of Springfield, who entrusted me to serve as Mayor for many years. As this chapter of my life closes, I know the next chapter will see me involved in the community I love so dearly.” The 2024 conference was the second time SAYI hosted the event since the Covid-19 pandemic. / YaleDailyNews/KeyaKalra Mayor Warren Copeland surrounded by Sikh community leaders / Sameep Singh Gumtala Washington Freedom names Ricky Ponting as chief coach ...Page VIII

II India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 ARSHA VIDYA PITHAM 651, Route 115, SAYLORSBURG, PA 570-992-2339 The Gift For a Day Program Arsha Vidya Gurukulam was founded in 1986 by Pujya Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati. The Gurukulam is situated on 99 acres of partially wooded land in the Pocono Mountains, graced by a Lord Dakṣ iņ ā mū rti temple. The facility houses a 400-seat state of the art auditorium and dining complex, library, reading room, bookstore, modern accommodations suited to contemplative study, The traditional study of Vedanta & Yoga, Sanskrit, Jyotisha, and Ayurveda camps are organized at the Gurukulam . The ashram is run on the donations of the ations of the members. The Members value the teachings at AVG and support the gurukulam by d teachings at AVG and support the gurukulam by donating $500 for a day’s expense of expense of running running the gurukulam the gurukulam under Gift For a Day under Gift For a Day Program Program. When $2000 is donated for four Gift-For-A-Day programs programs per family of per family of 2 adults & children and they become Patron Members for that year. The features of Patron Membership are as given below: 1. The new patron members (who opt for 4 GFDs per year) can avail one week camp for free in place of free books for the first year. 2.All the existing patron members can avail themselves of any one of the long weekend camps if they do not get a chance to attend the patron camps. 3. There is no need to pay donation for using homa building once a year for all the patron members depending on the availability of the priest’s slot for that day. 4.The donation is tax exempt.

India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 III Aries : This week, be prepared for unexpected 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 any missteps. There could be restructuring changes at work that could affect you. Don't let it get you down. The best thing you can do is adapt, let go, 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 works in your favor, so keep your spirits up. Taurus : You've always been convinced that you're a good leader, Taurus, but this week you might discover that the members of your team are far from considering you 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. Gemini : You're in a bit of a slump these days due to boredom caused by the routine at work, Gemini. You feel less and less satisfied with the way your work is going. You will need to seriously consider a change, as you cannot allow this 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 learning about it will boost your morale. If you make it your goal to find a new opportunity, you will definitely succeed and find a place where you feel fulfilled. Cancer : A week of luck 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 improvements or renewal of equipment. You need to do this because something is not working properly and could cause you losses. In love, if you are worried about a certain change in your partner's attitude and suspect that there may be someone else in their life, it is not someone related to its work as you think. Take a look at your social circle. Before you make a decision, find out what's 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 subjects that concern you, Leo. Have confidence in 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 which you will receive advice and offers that will benefit you. In the emotional domain, avoid anchoring yourself in past situations that make you suffer or make you uncomfortable. Virgo : This will be a decisive 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 there are hard feelings. 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 move away from negativity. These days you should try to get rid of the bad mood that comes over you at times, due to family problems, and which you often take out on your partner. Libra : Although you're feeling 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 view and complaints about everything are absolutely unnecessary. It is better to fight to improve your situation. Use your intuition. If you have a business, a good expansion opportunity may present itself this week. However, someone close to 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. Scorpio : You might receive some thanks from your superiors this week, Scorpio. There will be people around you who will praise you effusively, but don't trust everyone. Some people who do not belong to your category, neither ethically nor professionally, feel envy of you and your achievements, 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. Sagittarius : You are aware of your talent and your creative ability, Sagittarius, but you perceive that people do not fully understand your initiatives. Perhaps 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 the way you see them and the way you approach solutions. In addition, you have reason to rejoice, because your finances are balancing and it is likely that you will receive some money that you had not counted on. Capricorn : LifeIt is very important, Capricorn, that this week you keep calm, do not be in a hurry to solve a problem. You need to think through each of your steps so as not to make a mistake. In the field of work, now is not the time to make decisions. There may be changes or new developments in your work. Try to adapt to it and you will find the solution next week. You may be offered a new option, but the response may be delayed for a few days. Focus on controlling your money because there is a risk of loss. Don't spend unnecessarily, and even less don't invest anywhere. You may receive an invitation from a friend to go to a meeting or a weekend outing. Aquarius : You You are now entering a period favorable to changes in the field of work, Aquarius, but you also have the possibility of a promotion on the horizon. Wait a bit to decide and put your ideas 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 romantic 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. 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. Now you will have the opportunity to show your talent. Don't get too far ahead of yourself. If, as a result, you are considering quitting your job and taking a chance on a business you have in mind, this is not advisable. It is true that you are on a good path in this area, but you are now viewing this possibility with too much optimism. Weekly Horoscope Sundeep Kochar Astrologer https://www.sundeepkochar.com

IV India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024

India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 V STAFF REPORTER I nternationally acclaimed and award-winning author Monica Saigal recently participated in a signing event of her new book 'A Kiss in Kashmir' in Alexandria, Virginia. In a conversation with New India Abroad, she shared the reason behind her decision to write a love story based in Kashmir. "It started because I was watching these movies about falling in love that had no diversity. It was all about young people in the same old city everywhere. So, I wanted to bring some diversity of age, of character, and where these people are," Saigal said. She also explained how Kashmir inspired her to base her new book on the beautiful hill station in India. "To me, there’s no place in the world that’s more associated with love than Kashmir so that’s why I set it in Kashmir.” Recalling her experience in the valley, Saigal added, “My connection with Kashmir has always been nostalgia because as a child I went there several times. I have beautiful memories of the place. Now, I am hoping to go back again soon.” Talking about the key message of the book, she highlighted that people of all ages are capable of finding love for themselves at any point in time, suggesting they should not be restricted by societal pressures. “The main message of the book is love and the fact that we grew up with a lot of myths in our childhood like, ‘you can only have one soulmate’ or ‘you only get married one time’. This is changing and there are people of all age groups, 50s, 60s, and 70s who want to have that experience again,” the author stated. “I think it should be an option that’s open to everyone. It shouldn’t be restricted by society. The choice of being with someone should be yours, and not dictated by some old norms,” she added. She also acknowledged how things are changing in India and becoming more progressive towards giving second chances. "Things have changed in India also. There are movies like Rocky and Rani ki Prem Kahani that challenge the narratives. It's wonderful to give people the opportunity to think differently and think outside the box,” she opined. Saigal also shared a message for people who have rarely visited India, saying, "Go with an open heart. Go with an open mind. India is one of those places that will surprise. At every corner, you will learn something new. I can guarantee you, you will come back enriched from that experience." 'A Kiss in Kashmir' is a touching love story between a middle-aged Indian American painter Sharmila and George, a European professor living in Kashmir who teaches the history of Indian art. Its main message is to remind people that you can find love even after loss. An accomplished educator, literary coach, and author of over 10 books, Saigal was born in New Delhi, and raised in the Middle East. She currently lives outside Washington, D.C and recently launched a podcast, titled “Powered by Hope,” focused on life during a pandemic. ‘I wanted to bring diversity’: Monica Saigal on inspiration behind ‘A Kiss in Kashmir’ YASMIN TINWALA Disney-owned platform National Geographic is set to release a competitive six-episode dance series that will follow the high-stakes world of competitive collegiate Bollywood fusion dance. Going by the working title ‘Legends,’ the new series will showcase two rival Bollywood fusion dance teams as they experience a range of emotions while juggling practice to be crowned winners. Every major university in the US has a Bollywood fusion dance team that mixes hip-hop, contemporary, and pop with traditional Indian dance styles like bhangra, raas, kathak, and Bharatnatyam. The top 10 teams in the country convene each April to compete in the Legends National Championship. According to a report by Deadline, ‘Legends’ is produced by Academy Award, and three-time Emmy Awardnominated director Smriti Mundhra’s Meralta Films, Amplify Pictures, and 30West. “This series is my ode to young adulthood, a universal coming-ofage story told uniquely through the South Asian lens,” said Mundhra. “It is the story of first-generation college students tasting freedom and chasing a glory that could transform their lives forever. I’m so honored to have the opportunity to introduce this vibrant world to Nat Geo’s global audiences and hope it inspires others the way it has lit a fire for me.” “National Geographic has a long and storied history of exploring different cultures and sub-cultures all around the world,” said Tom McDonald, EVP, Global Factual and Unscripted Content, National Geographic. “In Legends, we’re taking a very contemporary lens to a very competitive world. But more than that, we’re exploring what it means to be a young firstor second-generation South Asian American in the 21st century. This is a timely series infused with high stakes and, of course, jaw-dropping dance,” he added. Legends National Championship Legends Dance Championship was founded in 2016 to foster a community of South Asian performing artists. The championship was developed to help over 150 South Asian collegiate dance teams showcase their talent, spread their culture, and compete for prize money. Each performance integrates styles of dance such as hip-hop, bhangra, contemporary, and classical, while telling a story and spreading a message. A “fair, hospitable, and truly enjoyable” championship is organized on a weekend in April. National Geographic announces Bollywood dance series National Geographic announces Bollywood dance series / whatsondisneyplus.com Monica Saigal at the book signing event/ Supplied

VI India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 Under Special Arrangement of Bollywood Insider. https://www.bollywoodinsider.us/ BOLLYWOOD INSIDER TEAM 2023 was a year that blurred the borders between South Indian fi lms and Bollywood. 2024 promises to take it a step further. There is such an infl ux of actors from down south into Bollywood and that of Bollywood in south fi lms that you can no longer ignore the trend. If we analyze the why’s – the answer is simple – neither Bollywood nor the South Indian film industry (Tollywood) is ready to give up on the sizeable number of audiences beyond their state-lines. Let’s begin with Sriram Raghavan’s latest Merry Christmas who would have thought there would be a time Katrina Kaif will be working with Vijay Sethupathi? And to think, this isn’t even Vijay's first outing in Bollywood. We saw him and lauded him in Jawan where he was rubbing shoulders with Shah Rukh Khan. Vijay himself states that it is an out of body experience for him working with actors like Shah Rukh and Katrina because of the tangible divide that has always been there. Vijay has not been the flagbearer though, there has been this sort of cross pollination of actors from south to Bollywood and vice versa before too. Remember films like Chalbaaz which starred Sunny Deol and Rajinikanth both romancing Sridevi who worked in both south and Bollywood. Rajinikanth in fact started as early as the 1980s with films like Wafadaar, Geraftaar, Bhagwan Dada, Hum, Aatank Hi Aatank and so on. His inspiration was obviously, Kamal Haasan who had done movies like Ek Duje Ke Liye, Sadma, Saagar etc. In fact, Nagarjuna who was seen in Brahmastra: Part One - Shiva with his Nandi power has had many Bollywood releases too. Khuda Gawah, LOC Kargil, Mr Bechara, Zakhm and his most popular Shiva which was dubbed and released in Hindi. But back then it was a one-off deal when an actor would just come and try his luck in Bollywood. It was obvious that their roots were firmly planted in the south of India. Doing a Bollywood film was their way of trying something different, for the sake of change. Like many of our Bollywood actors were seen catching a bus to Los Angeles prior the pandemic. But the money that S. S. Rajamouli made with his Bahubali franchise and the love that Prabhas received as an actor opened the revolving doors for both the industries. While S. S. Rajamouli and Prabhas are still touted as the first ones to open the floodgates of this influx, Prabhas’ Adipurush didn’t do it. Actors like Allu Arjun, Yash, Dulquer Salman who are making their presence felt in Bollywood. Pushpa The Rising broke the language barrier for Allu Arjun giving us an iconic character and a sequel to look forward to. On the other hand, Yash started his career in 2008 as a Kannada actor but went onto make KGF chapter1 in 2018 and KGF Chapter 2 in 2022. The franchise turned the tables completely. Unlike the aforementioned, Dulquer Salman has been taking a quieter route across with films like Karwaan, The Zoya Factor, Chup: Revenge of The Artist and 2023’s popular series Guns And Gulaabs. Superstar Mammootty’s son has always chosen the road less traveled but had hoped to change that with King Of Kotha, unfortunately the film only made mediocre business. It Is not only the men who are traversing the boundaries of cinema, actress Samatha Ruth Prabhu has been touted as one of the most popular pan India actresses of our time. She beat the likes of Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif to gain the top spot. This despite of her not making her Bollywood debut so far. Jawan might have worked for Vijay Sethupathi but the film marked actress Nayanthara’s Bollywood debut. Soon after Rashmika Mandana starred opposite B-town hottie Ranbir Kapoor. The whole crossover business idea is clearly just another way of making a bigger buck. It sure did work for Ponniyin Selvan, the two part historic grandeur that starred south actors Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Trisha Krishnan alongside our very own Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and was directed by the king himself – Mani Ratnam. This wasn’t the first time Ratnam merged the boundaries between states and made an entertainer for the whole of India. His film Roja (1992) was dubbed and released in Hindi. Followed by Bombay which made Arvind Swamy almost a certified Bollywood actor, the actor went onto to make Sapnay with Kajol which sealed his fate and sent him back to the south. But Ratnam persisted with films like Dil Se which gave SRK one of his most iconic movies, years later there was Yuva, Raavan and so on, his film Naayakan was remade into Dayavan – the film which gave us Madhuri Dixit. So, if there has been a true Pan India superstar it has had to be Mani Ratnam from the 90s till today. As of now, priorities state that we need more movies making 1000Cr (US$ 120 million) at the box office, is going pan India the only way there? Perhaps! But let’s hope the economics aside, the initiative gives us movies we will all be proud of and not a cringefest! The Pan India Fever

India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 VII

Published Weekly Copyright © 2024 Indian Star LLC Editor in Chief Dr. Sridhar Krishnaswami sridhar54k@newindiaabroad.com Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Bhambri rajeevb@newindiaabroad.com Registered Address Indian Star LLC, 6215 Rockhurst Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA Disclaimers: 1. India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affiliated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. 2. Indian Star LLC assumes no liability for claims / assumptions made in advertisements and advertorials. Views expressed by the writers are their own. Indian Star LLC A publication of India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 BHAVANA P Ahead of the second season of Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States, team Washington Freedom has named popular cricketer Ricky Ponting as the new head coach. Indian American entrepreneur Sanjay Govil who owns the team said Ponting’s appointment would continue the positive evolution of Major League Cricket and complement the fledgling league’s ‘mission’. “Reflecting on the success of MLC’s inaugural season and the aspiration to elevate cricket in the USA, we are poised to build upon the foundations laid last year,” Govil said. “I’m extremely excited to be joining the Washington Freedom in 2024,” Ponting said on X. “Cricket is really on the rise in the US and I’m looking forward to being involved in Major League Cricket.” “I’ve been impressed by everyone involved at Washington Freedom and, while it’s a bit surreal to be replacing my mate Greg Shipperd, there’s probably no one better to set up a successful franchise. I’m ready to build on his work as we look towards the coming season,” he added. Greg Shipperd recently resigned from his position as Freedom’s coach to focus on Cricket NSW's Blues and the Sydney Sixers in the Australian domestic championships. Former Australian cricket player, Ponting is now one of the most sought-after off-field assets on the world T20 circuit. He is widely recognized as one of the best players in history. He has held positions in short-form cricket with Mumbai Indians and the Australian Men's squad, in addition to his present duty as coach of Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The MLC's inaugural season in 2023 changed the landscape of American cricket by bringing world-class domestic T20 action to the US, with the bulk of matches played in front of sold-out audiences in Texas and North Carolina. Washington Freedom, headquartered in the US capital, was one of six teams to compete in the MLC's historic debut season. All six teams will reappear in the second season of MLC, which premieres on July 4. Ricky Ponting appointed as head coach for Washington Freedom / Image - Washington freedom Washington Freedom names Ricky Ponting as chief coach RISHIKA BHARDWAJ T he Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is set to resume its active participation in global wrestling competitions as the United World Wrestling (UWW) offi cially lifted its suspension. The decision was made during a UWW bureau meeting held recently. WFI was provisionally suspended in August 2023 due to delayed elections. However, the UWW has imposed conditions, directing the WFI to ensure no discriminatory action is taken against protesting wrestlers and to conduct Athletes’ Commission elections by July 1, 2024. The suspension stemmed from allegations against the then WFI chief, Brij Bhusan Sharan Singh, by prominent Indian wrestlers, including Olympians Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik in January 2023. An ad-hoc committee took over WFI’s operations, but the failure to conduct timely elections led to the UWW’s intervention. In an official statement by UWW last year, the organization expressed concern over the situation in India, condemning the treatment and detention of protesting wrestlers. The global governing body also urged a thorough investigation into the allegations and pledged ongoing support for a fair resolution. Indian wrestlers can now participate in UWW events under the national flag following the lifting of the suspension. The UWW lifted the ban on India’s Wrestling Federation / @wfi_wrestling STAFF REPORTER Rohit Sharma has been named India's captain for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will be held in the Caribbean Islands and the United States. Sharma guided the team in the ICC Men's ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, where India reached the finals but did not win. “We may have lost the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, but we won hearts there by winning 10 matches in a row. I am confident that India will lift the 2024 T20 World Cup under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy at Barbados,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah said. Shah made the announcement at the Niranjan Shah Stadium event in Rajkot and expressed optimism about India's prospects in the upcoming tournament. Since the conclusion of the most recent T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022, Sharma has only participated in three T20 Internationals. During the final T20 inning of the Afghanistan series, he scored back-to-back ducks before also scoring the format's fifth century. Hardik Pandya, who led the Indian T20I team prominently when Sharma was not available, is presently recovering from an ankle injury that kept him out of the 2023 Cricket World Cup. World Cup in Australia in 2022, Sharma has only Rohit Sharma retains captaincy for 2024 T20 World Cup UWW lifts WFI suspension India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024

Advertorial Mr. Ankur Vaidya, FIA Chairman, extended a warm welcome to esteemed guests and thanked the entire team of FIA for their efforts in bringing the event together. . He especially thanked the parents of the performers who have spent their valuable time, money and resources so that their children can showcase their talent on the platform provided by FIA. He said that Dance Pe Chance is being held for the past 40 years and FIA has continued to increase investment of major resources that sum in making this youth platform a growing success year after year. FIA President Dr. Avinash Gupta highlighted the competition's role in engaging youth and uniting through performing arts, fostering connections to India's cultural legacy and diverse music. He emphasized the event's significance in celebrating Indian Republic Day. Event Chair Mr. Saurin Parikh described the event as a platform for individuals of all ages to express their passion for dance while honoring Indian traditions. He praised performing arts for its unifying capacity and ability to inspire people from varied backgrounds. A distinguished panel of judges, including Uma Kapoor, a renowned choreographer and arts educator, Pooja Bindal, a distinguished choreographer and dance teacher, Pranaya Akula, an esteemed artistic director and founder of Pranavam School of Dance, and Mitali Das, a multifaceted marketer, choreographer, and fitness instructor, provided invaluable feedback and critiques, elevating the caliber of performances and inspiring participants to push the boundaries of artistic expression. India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 DPC Chair Saurin Parikh and Dignitaries: The Faces Behind Dance Pe Chance's Resounding Success. Distinguished Panel of Judges at Dance Pe Chance: Uma Kapoor, Pooja Bindal, Pranaya Akula, and Mitali Das DPC 2024 Choreographers Join President Dr. Avinash Gupta, Hon.CG Mr. Binaya S. Pradhan, Hon. DCG Dr. Varun Jeph, and Event Chair, Mr. Saurin Parikh on Stage.

Among the highlights of the event were the announcement of winners in various categories: India Abroad Saturday, February 17, 2024 Group of Victorious Performers Cheers with Glee on Stage at Dance Pe Chance. Rudra Dance Academy's Young Stars Shine Brightas they Celebrate Winning $2000 Prize in the Minor Category. Aum Dance Creations Secures Second Prize in Junior Category, Receiving a $1000 Cheque Prize. Mudra Melody Secures Third Place in the Senior Category, Garnering a $500 Cash Prize. Minor Category - Winners · First Place: Rudra Dance Academy · Second Place: Aum Dance Creations · Third Place: Shehnaaz Dance Academy · Best Choreography: Rudra Dance Academy Junior Category - Winners · First Place: Rudra Dance Academy · Second Place: Aum Dance Creations · Third Place: Dance4Ever · Best Choreography: Rudra Dance Academy Senior Category - Winners · First Place: Shivaay Dance Academy · Second Place: Rudra Dance Academy · Third Place: Mudra Melody · Best Choreography: Mudra Melody Adult Category - Winners · First Place: Rudra Dance Academy · Second Place: Nitya Rhythm Dance Academy · Third Place: Mudra Melody · Best Choreography: Nitya Rhythm Dance Academy Advertorial