NIA English 20 April 2024

*New India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affi liated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. Treat your taste buds to delicious Indian flavors! www.rajbhog.com ‘Tracking progess of US consulate in Bengaluru’ Indian Foreign Minister...Page 02 Year 2, Volume 27 Washington DC, Saturday 20 April, 2024 www.newindiaabroad.com A platform for the voice of next generation Indian Diaspora India on ‘right trajectory’ under PM Modi says Indiaspora founder MR Rangaswami ...Page 12 Rep.Thanedar says Hindus in US under attack, seeks action from authorities...Page 03 AVANI ACHARYA T he Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party released its election manifesto on Apr.14 with a focus on strengthening its connection with the global Indian diaspora. Aiming to use the diaspora’s influence and support for India’s growth and development, the party in its manifesto said, “We will fortify our connection with the Bharatiya diaspora, actively involving them in Bharat’s progress and providing unwavering support during their times of need, thereby enriching our mutual cultural and economic ties.” Termed “Modi ki Guarantee” the 76- page document also included promises to expand the network of Indian missions and diplomats overseas to better serve the diaspora and pursue India’s global interests. To promote India’s culture globally, the party if elected will establish Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centres across the globe to offer training in yoga, Ayurveda, Indian languages, classical music. It will also facilitate Yoga and Ayurveda Institutes in all the major countries for providing certified courses. Additionally classical language research will be encourgaed in major educational institutions across the world. The BJP will also aim to celebrate the Legacy of Lord Ram globally by launching a global outreach program for documenting and promoting it in various countries as well as hosting Ramayan Utsavs (festivals) across the globe to commemorate the consecration of the Ram Mandir. “Our Sankalp Patra (manifesto) is more than just a collection of promises. This Sankalp Patra outlines the collective aspirations and goals of our nation, by our nation and for our nation. As you have seen in the last ten years, it is Modi’s Guarantee that every promise made is fulfilled,” the Prime Minister said. “In 2014, we received your support to bring in a monumental transformation. In 2019, we received an even bigger mandate and ensured continued development and took big decisions. In the next five years, with your blessings, it is Modi’s Guarantee that we will work 24 by 7 for 2047. Your aspiration is our mission. Your dreams are our responsibility,” he asserted. Prime Ministrer Narendra Modi and Top BJP leaders release Election Manifesto on Apr. 14 / X/BJP4India Indiaspora founder MR 12 BJP promises to fortify connection with diaspora in manifesto In 2019, we received an even bigger development and took big decisions. In the next five years, with your blessings, it is Modi’s Guarantee that we will work 24 by 7 for 2047. Your aspiration is our mission. Your dreams are our Apart from a strong focus on India’s soft power, the other major guarantees given by the party include: • Making India the third-largest economic power • Making India a global manufacturing hub for defense, automobiles, electronics and more • Strengthen India’s position as the ‘Pharmacy of the World’ • Ensuring high-quality school education and expanding skills training for youth • Improving air quality and promoting sustainable lifestyle • Strengthening railway, airways and road networks across the country • Increasing digital infrastructure • Positioning India as a leading space power

2 New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 Indian Star LLC Published Weekly Copyright © 2024 Indian Star LLC Editor in Chief Dr. Sridhar Krishnaswami [email protected] Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Bhambri [email protected] Registered Address Indian Star LLC, 6215 Rockhurst Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA Email [email protected] Ph. 908-472-0006 Website www.NewIndiaAbroad.Com Disclaimers: 1. New India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affiliated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. 2. Indian Star LLC assumes no liability for claims / assumptions made in advertisements and advertorials. Views expressed by the writers are their own. A publication of Media Partner Bollywood Insider STAFF REPORTER T he transformative role of the Indian Diaspora in shaping India's future will be the focus of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin’s (GOPIO) 2024 convention in New Jersey. The event set to take place from Apr. 26-28 at the Royal Albert Palace, New Jersey is themed ‘Opportunities for Diaspora Indians in India’s Big Manifest Future.’The two-day event will commence with a welcome reception/dinner inauguration. An awards banquet will be held on Apr. 27 to recognize the contributions of community members while the last day will be reserved for a GOPIO general body meeting. Over the course of two days, nine sessions on the theme of the convention will be organized. They are: 1. Diaspora Youth and Young Achievers and the role they can play in India’s Future and how GOPIO can facilitate their participation 2. Diaspora Women and their Growing Contributions in Various Sectors; Technologies and AI and other Innovations 3. Diaspora Indians Leading Research and Innovations 4. GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Worldwide Networking of the Diaspora Businesses 5. Medical and Health Issues and how Diaspora Indians can Participate in India’s Frontline Role in Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines and Medical Tourism and in Propagating YOGA and its Benefits 6. Emergence of India as a Global Power House for Digital Infrastructure, Supply Chain Logistics, and AI: How US Business can Participate 7. GOPIO Academic Council Roundtable 8. Diaspora Writers and Literature 9. Diaspora Indians Aging Gracefully The convention will also feature performances by internationally acclaimed comedian Dan Nainan, Grammy winner for best Children’s Album in 2022 Falu Shah and Sarangi instrumentalist Kamal Sabri. GOPIO 2024 convention to highlight Diaspora's role in India’s future Convention poster / GOPIO MEHAK LUTHRA E xternal Aff airs Minister of India S. Jaishankar announced that he is diligently observing the establishment of a United States consulate in Bengaluru and reminding the appropriate authorities on a regular basis of its development. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru on Apr 15, Jaishankar said, "Certainly, when I come to Bengaluru, it's an achievement I should talk about. We are tracking the establishment of that consulate." Additionally, he emphasized that on the American side, there is a specific process involved, which includes resource allocation and obtaining approval, before the establishment of the consulate can proceed. "I think they are moving along that way. I am there to constantly remind them that this consulate should be done quickly." Jaishankar mentioned that he would be interested in visiting the consulate on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that he had made this request to the US during his visit in June last year. "I tell them that whenever you do the consulate, I would like to come here on behalf of Prime Minister Modi because this was a request that Prime Minister Modi got done when he went on a state visit to America in June last year," the EAM said. Local residents of the city are of the opinion that “it was about time” to establish a consulate in Bengaluru. “The city has a presence of many US companies outsourcing their work. Due to this, many professionals based in Bengaluru travel back and forth. There are even direct flights between Bengaluru and the US. In my opinion, the consulate should have been established many years ago,” local resident Anu Krishna said to New India Abroad. “It was about time to set up a consulate in Bengaluru,” said startup founder Ritesh Mathur. “Why should residents of the city travel to other metropolitans such as Delhi or Mumbai to get their visas? Many tourists in the US are also from Bengaluru and Karnataka.” The United States operates four consulates in India currently at Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolata. They are overseen by the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. Jaishankar at a press conference in Bengaluru. / Image - Screengrab The New Jersey event will include nine themed sessions, an awards banquet, performances by internationally acclaimed artists and a GOPIO general body meeting ‘Tracking progress of US consulate in Bengaluru’, Jaishankar

New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 3 Muslim Americans oppose House resolution against Hinduphobia STAFF REPORTER AMuslim American group has opposed the anti-Hinduphobia resolution introduced in the House of Representatives by Indian American Rep Shri Thanedar. The resolution “condemns Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry and hate, and intolerance.” At a press conference held at the National Press Club of India in Washington DC on April 15 Thanedar said that the sudden increase in attacks against Hindus in the US was just the “beginning of a coordinated anti-Hindu attack”. “Today I am seeing in the United States a substantial increase of attacks on Hinduism. A lot of misinformation is being circulated whether it is online or otherwise,” Thanedar told reporters at a news conference organized by nonprofit HinduACtion. A day later on April 16, Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) warned that the resolution can and will be weaponized against critics to shut down criticism of Hindu nationalism or Hindutva. “No one should ignore the fact that this resolution has been backed by American Hindu far-right groups, some of which have ties to violent antiminority militant groups in India. The weaponization of Hinduphobia causes tangible harm not just to American minorities – including Muslims, Dalits, and Indian Christians – but also to elected officials, activists, journalists, and academics who are smeared as hateful bigots for daring to criticize Hindu supremacy,” IAMC president Mohammad Jawad said in a statement. IAMC said while the celebration of Hindu heritage and contributions to society are welcome, Indian American activists have long warned that accusations of ‘Hinduphobia’ have been used to harass, intimidate, smear, and otherwise cause harm to anyone who criticizes Hindutva’s fascist ideals, the discriminatory policies of India’s farright government, and dangerous expansion and activities of US-based Hindu far-right groups. According to IAMC, prominent Hindu American activists including Hindus for Human Rights have also rejected the idea of Hinduphobia as a form of structural discrimination in the United States. “We reject the notion of systemic ‘Hinduphobia’ in the United States or India with any equivalence to Islamophobia or anti-Semitism,” the group wrote. “We recognize that the term ‘Hinduphobia’ has been popularized among Hindu nationalist groups in the United States – not by persecuted Hindu populations in Pakistan or Bangladesh… we emphasize that mere criticism of caste, Hindu nationalism, or Hinduism itself – especially when it comes from marginalized communities – should not be construed as anti-Hindu sentiment,” it said. Rep.Thanedar says Hindus in US under attack, seeks action from authorities YASMIN TINWALA I ndian American Congressman Shri Thanedar brought attention to the growing attacks against Hindus in the United States while speaking at a press conference organized by HinduAction. “Today I am seeing in the U.S. a substantial increase of attacks on Hindus. A lot of misinformation is circulated online or otherwise and having practiced Hinduism, having grown up in a Hindu household, I know what Hinduism is,” Thanedar said. “It is a very peaceful religion…It is not a religion that attacks others, it is not a religion that is aggressive against others. It is a very inclusive religion, it is a very inclusive community. However, this community continues to be misunderstood, misrepresented, and sometimes deliberately so,” he asserted. Recalling his childhood in India, Thanedar shared that his mother exposed him to the values of the Sanatan dharma while growing up in poverty and those values helped him grow out of it as well. The Congressman highlighted the rise in hate crimes against the Hindu community in the U.S. in recent times and expressed disappointment at the investigations in these instances leading no results. To address the issue, he recently introduced legislation that condemns Hinduphobia and misrepresentation of the Hindu community in the country. The legislation notes that despite significant contributions to the country across fields, the community continues to experience bullying with their places of worship being targeted. Responding to a media query on the instances of hate against the community, the Congressman stated, “We have pictures and videos of graffiti destroying places of worship. We have an Indian embassy being attempted to burn in California. What more proof do you need?” “There are plenty of instances and those who still close their eyes..we will be happy to give dozens of instances that have happened recently and in the past,” Thanedar maintained. He along with four other Indian American lawmakers – Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, and Ami Bera – submitted a letter to the Department of Justice seeking an investigation into the rising attacks on Hindu temples and places of worship. “It appears to be a well-coordinated effort to attack these places of worship which has created a lot of fear in the community,” Thanedar said at the conference. “It leaves the community feeling like they have nobody who cares about them…and that means the community continues to live in fear…with essentially no help from law enforcement.” Thanedar noted that his resolution and the joint letter was to pressure the administration to ensure that the Hindu community has the right to live peacefully without hate and attacks. “This is just the beginning against a very coordinated attempt against this community and the community must stand together. The time has come and I will stand with you,” he said assuring the Hindu Americans at the event. Chairperson of HinduAction, Renu Gupta who was present at the event thanked Thanedar for his efforts against Hinduphobia in the U.S. “Today is a historic day for our community, this event represents an important step in reassuring the safety and well-being of future Hindu generations in America. I really feel my grandkids and greater grandkids will be safe now,” she said. “On behalf of the entire HinduAction team, I want to thank Congressman Shri Thanedar and Shashi (Thanedar) for their leadership and initiative of bringing such a groundbreaking resolution.” Congressman Shri Thanedar at the HinduAction press conference / Congressman Shri Thanedar blamed law enforcement for its inefficacy in nabbing the suspects destroying Hindu places of worship

4 New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 MEHAK LUTHRA Chief Minister of the Indian state of Telangana, A Revanth Reddy announced his government’s plans to implement a system aimed at safeguarding the assets of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who migrate to countries such as the USA and the Gulf. Addressing a gathering organized by the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee or (TPCC) NRI Cell in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister Revanth Reddy revealed that government intends to offer assistance to the elderly parents of NRIs by charging a nominal fee. He also revealed that the state government is considering the establishment of the 'Telangana Gulf and Other Overseas Board' within the premises of Mahatma Jyothiba Phule Praja Bhavan. The board will cater to the welfare needs of overseas migrant laborers. Reddy highlighted that V Sheshadri, the chief minister’s secretary, brings six years of experience in managing foreign affairs during the tenures of both Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi. Under Sheshadri's guidance, a policy document has been prepared by studying the policies implemented for NRIs by states like Kerala and countries like the Philippines. The CM mentioned that the Philippines has been successfully implementing a robust policy that involves registering e m p l o y m e n t , employees, and all other pertinent details, along with engaging in state-to-state dealings with Gulf countries. Inspired by this, he announced plans to implement a similar policy by Sep. 17. This policy aims to maintain comprehensive records of migrant workers, provide them with assistance and training, issue licenses to agents, offer life insurance, and safeguard their assets. Additionally, he disclosed that a senior IAS officer would be appointed to lead the overseas board, ensuring effective management of issues at all levels. Telangana CM at the event organized by the TPCC NRI Cell. / X @revanth_anumula Telangana CM to establish system to safeguard NRI assets The Telangana govt is also considering the establishment of a separate board to cater to the welfare needs of overseas migrant laborers. Telangana CM at the event organized by the TPCC NRI

city-wide school reopening. She also served as chief of staff for the chief technology officer where she oversaw the school system's technology strategy, data governance, and multiyear digital transformation initiative. In future, she aims to address critical public needs and advance social development, particularly for underserved populations. Malavika Kannan A passionate writer, Malavika was awarded the fellowship to pursue an MFA in fiction. She is the author of ‘All the Yellow Suns’, a young adult novel about a queer Indian American girl growing up, fighting violence, and finding love in Florida. Apart from fiction, Malavika uses her skills to write on identity, culture, and politics for The Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and The San Francisco Chronicle, amassing an audience of nearly 50,000 online. Her degree will prepare her to pursue a career as a novelist and professor of literature. Shubhayu Bhattacharyay Los Angeles resident, Subhayu was born in Kolkata, and spent his childhood in Vietnam before moving to the United States. He will use the grant to pursue an MD at Harvard University. Stories of traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors motivated Shubhayu to take up a medical career with a focus on computational neuroscience to improve life after surgery for them. For his PhD thesis, Shubhayu developed AI methods to improve prognostic counseling and suggest individually optimized treatment plans for ICU TBI patients. He is currently researching sources of bias in medical AI at Harvard. New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 5 Six Indian Americans are 2024 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellows STAFF REPORTER T he board of directors of The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans, a merit-based graduate school program for immigrants and children of immigrants, announced their 2024 cohort of fellows including six Indian Americans. Aayush Karan, Akshay Swaminathan, Keerthana Hogirala, Malavika Kannan, Shubhayu Bhattacharyay and Ananya Agustin Malhotra will receive US$90,000 in funding for the graduate program of their choice as part of the fellowship. Aayush Karan Son of cancer researchers from India, was awarded the fellowship to pursue a PhD in quantum science and engineering at Harvard University. He did his undergraduate at the same university graduating summa cum laude in 2023. Aayush was elected a marshal of the Junior 24 for Harvard’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa and awarded the Sophia Freund Prize for academic standing. Currently pursuing classical and quantum computational learning, he aspires to be actively involved advancing the potential of AI systems. Ananya Agustin Malhotra Daughter of Filipino and Indian immigrants, Ananya will use the grant to support a JD at Yale. Her interests lie at the intersection of global history, international law, and peace and security issues. A Princeton University graduate, Ananya has spent her time advocating for victims of sexual assault as well as for nuclear disarmament and risk reduction through her research. She was chosen as a Rhodes scholar and has worked in Washington, DC at the Nuclear Threat Initiative and at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Akshay Swaminathan Born in New Jersey to immigrants from Tamil Nadu, Akshay will use the fellowship to fund his MD/PhD in biomedical data science at Stanford University. He leverages data to build tools for patients, clinicians, and policymakers. At mental health firm Cerebral, he and his team deployed a suicide detection system that has served over 500,000 patients. Additionally as a polyglot, Akshay has founded Start Speaking—a platform to help language learners build spoken fluency. He aspires to become a physician, who combines data with medicine to strengthen health systems. Keerthana Hogirala Born in Tirupati, Hogirala immigrated to the States at the age of six. She graduated in neuroscience from the University of Illinois,UrbanaChampaign and will study MBA/MPP at the University of Chicago as part of the fellowship. Keerthana Was instrumental in managing DC schools’ COVID-19 pandemic response, overall operations, and eventual Each fellow will receive US$90,000 in funding for the graduate program of their choice as part of the fellowship Aayush Karan, Ananya Agustin Malhotra, Akshay Swaminathan, Keerthana Hogirala, Malavika Kannan, Shubhayu Bhattacharyay / Image-Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship

6 New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 Hudson Institute names Nikki Haley Walter P. Stern Chair STAFF REPORTER T he Hudson Institute, a Washington-based Conservative think tank, announced the appointment of Nikki Haley as the next Walter P. Stern chair. The former governor of South Carolina and US ambassador to the United Nations, dropped out of the presidential race last month after failing to secure enough votes against Republican front runner Donald Trump on Super Tuesday. “When our policymakers fail to call out our enemies or acknowledge the importance of our alliances, the world is less safe. That is why Hudson’s work is so critical,” Haley said in a statement about the new role. “They believe the American people should have the facts and policymakers should have the solutions to support a secure, free, and prosperous future. I look forward to partnering with them to defend the principles that make America the greatest country in the world,” the Indian American added. “Nikki is a proven, effective leader on both foreign and domestic policy,” Hudson president and CEO John P. Walters said. “In an era of worldwide political upheaval, she has remained a steadfast defender of freedom and an effective advocate for American security and prosperity. We are honored to have her join the Hudson team.” The chair established in 2020 honor’s the achievements of the institute's former chairman, Walter “Wally” Stern, who was instrumental in making Hudson one of Washington’s most respected research organizations. “It is fitting that Nikki has taken on this title,” Sarah May Stern, chair of Hudson’s Board of Trustees, said. “She is a courageous and insightful policymaker and these qualities are vital in making Hudson the powerhouse policy organization it is today, and I am extremely proud that she has joined the Institute.” Ambassador Nikki R. Haley at Hudson Institute on February 26, 2020. / (Jessica Latos)/Hudson Institute Haley received Hudson’s Global Leadership Award in 2018.

New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 7 STAFF REPORTER I ndian American Krystal Kaul has raised US$326,000 in the fi rst quarter of this year for her Congressional election campaign. Kaul, who is of Kashmiri and Punjabi heritage, is running for the US House of Representatives seat from the 10th Congressional District of Virginia. She is a Virginia small business owner, professor, and former senior government official in the Department of Defense. Her campaign raised over US$326,000 in Q1 and ended the quarter with over US$607,000 cash-on-hand, according to a statement issued on April 17. “I hear it every day: Virginia voters are ready to send a National Security Democrat to Congress. Voters are tired of the career politicians who make empty promises and know that they’ll never have to follow through,” Kaul said. “That’s not my story - from the CIA to United States Central Command and the Pentagon, I’ve always answered my country’s call to service and I’ve always honored my oath. Now more than ever, we need serious leaders in Congress, not more of the same,” she said. Kaul is the only Indian American woman in the race to represent a district that is 44 minority. If elected, she would be only the second Indian American woman in the House of Representatives after Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. Krystle graduated with a B.A. from American University and M.A. degrees from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and Brown University, where she was working on her Ph.D. in Political Science. She speaks nine languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Spanish, Italian, Punjabi, Dari and Kashmiri. She holds a Top Secret/SCI clearance with a polygraph. Krystle Kaul raises over $326K in first quarter of congressional campaign MEHAK LUTHRA I ndian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi was awarded the 2023 Public Offi cials Award by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), a Virginia-based nonprofi t that provides water quality professionals worldwide access to the most current water quality education, training, and business prospects. The award recognizes the lawmaker for his “documented, significant contribution in the areas of clean water legislation, public policy, government service, or another area of public prominence that resulted in improvements to the water environment.” Krishnamoorthi was commended for his efforts and advocacy in promoting water safety, notably for his support of initiatives such as the Great Lakes Restoration Act, the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Action Act, and various local water projects funded through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “I want to thank the Water Environment Federation for the honor of the 2023 Public Officials Award and for their continued efforts to improve water quality across the country and the world,” Rep.Krishnamoorthi said. “Clean water is essential to a strong and functioning society, and since 1928, WEF has prioritized training its professionals in the field to make healthy and safe water a reality for everyone. I look forward to continuing to work with WEF and my colleagues in Congress to make critical investments in the water infrastructure on which we all depend,” he added. The Public Officials Award is bestowed upon an elected or appointed public official who has demonstrated a notable and documented contribution in fields such as clean water legislation, public policy, government service, or other areas of public prominence, ultimately leading to enhancements in the water environment. Rep. Krishnamoorthi bags Public Officials Award Indian American Krystal Kaul is running for the US House of Representatives seat from the 10th Congressional District of Virginia. / X @kaulforcongress Voters are tired of the career politicians who make empty promises and know that they’ll never have to follow through,” Kaul said Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi / Official Photo

8 New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 STAFF REPORTER Adistinguished group of seven individuals of Indian descent have been recognized in TIME magazine's list of the 100 most infl uential people of 2024. The list, released on Apr.17 , features a diverse array of leaders from various sectors, including entertainment, business, technology, science, and activism. Among the honorees are Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, lauded by British director Tom Harper for her "formidable talent," and Indian Olympic wrestling champion Sakshi Malik. Entertainment powerhouses British citizen Alia Bhatt, an acclaimed actress in the Indian film industry, recently made her international debut in Netflix's "Heart of Stone" underscoring her global appeal and multifaceted talent. Renowned British filmmaker Tom Harper, who the publication selected to write about Bhatt, lauded her as a "formidable talent" whose cinematic prowess transcends borders.H arper wrote, "Alia's superpower is her ability to mix movie-star magnetism with authenticity and sensitivity." British actor Dev Patel, whose parents are Indian, also finds himself on the list. Patel, who rose to fame in "Slumdog Millionaire," recently made his directorial debut with "Monkey Man." Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya praised Patel in his TIME profile, calling him "limitless" and "fearless." Leaders making a difference The list also recognizes prominent figures in the world of business and finance. Ajay Banga, the current President of the World Bank, is commended for his transformative leadership in tackling global poverty and climate change. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen lauded Banga's "skill and drive" in transforming the World Bank. Jigar Shah, Director of the US Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office, is recognized for his role in spearheading global economic development initiatives. Richard Branson noted that Shah leads "one of the largest economic-development programs the world has ever seen." Culinary and academic excellence Asma Khan, a British restaurateur of Indian origin, is celebrated for her innovative cuisine at her renowned London establishment, Darjeeling Express. Padma Lakshmi, writing for TIME, praised Khan's food for being "surprising" and not tasting like "restaurant food." Priyamvada Natarajan, a professor of astronomy and physics at Yale University, is acknowledged for her groundbreaking research in dark matter and dark energy. Astrophysicist Shep Doeleman highlighted Natarajan's "creative research" and said her work inspires him "as a fellow astronomer." Tech titan at the forefront Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, was named to the list for the third time, more than any other person on the list this year. Nadella's leadership in shaping the future of technology and artificial intelligence has propelled Microsoft to unprecedented market value, Mellody Hobson co-CEO and president of Ariel Investments said in his TIME profile. BHAVANA P T he U.S. Offi ce of Personnel Management (OPM), announced that its Indian American director Kiran Ahuja will be stepping down from the role, marking the end of her tenure as the longest-serving director in over ten years. Ahuja, who made history as the first South Asian and Asian American woman to lead the office, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation's 2.2 million federal workers under the Biden-Harris Administration. “Serving in the Biden-Harris Administration, and in support of the 2.2 million federal workers who dedicate themselves to the American people, has been the honor of my life,” said Ahuja. Her departure comes after nearly three years of impactful leadership, marked by significant achievements in strengthening the federal workforce and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, a statement by the office said. “From my time as a civil rights lawyer in the Department of Justice, to my years as OPM’s Chief of Staff, I’ve seen the power that public service has to change lives, rebuild communities, and make our nation stronger. We have accomplished so much these last three years at OPM, but I am most proud of the friendships and bonds we built together in public service,” Ahuja further added. Over the course of nearly three years, Ahuja played a central role as the primary human resource authority within the Biden-Harris Administration. During this time, she spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing the merit-based civil service, including implementing a $15 minimum wage for federal employees and reinstating the Presidential Rank Awards. The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (ODEIA) was also established under her leadership fostering a more inclusive workplace. She also worked to expand opportunities for early career talent through the Pathways Programs. OPM Deputy Director Rob Shriver hailed Ahuja’s leadership stating, “Under Kiran’s leadership, OPM has bounced back stronger than ever and partnered with agencies across government to better serve the American people. Kiran represents the very best of the Biden-Harris Administration, and I am honored to call her a dear colleague and friend.” India-born Ahuja grew up in Georgia and started her career as an attorney at the Department of Justice. She went on to serve in President Barack Obama’s administration as the Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. She also served as the founding executive director of Chicago-based non-profit National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) and the CEO of Philanthropy Northwest, a regional network of philanthropic institutions, before joining OPM as the Chief of Staff in 2015. During this time, she spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing the merit-based civil service, including implementing a $15 minimum wage for federal employees and reinstating the Presidential Rank Awards. Accessibility (ODEIA) was also established under her leadership fostering a more inclusive workplace. She also worked to expand opportunities for early career talent through the Pathways Programs. leadership stating, “Under Kiran’s leadership, OPM has bounced back stronger than ever and partnered with agencies across government to better serve the American people. Kiran represents the very best of the Biden-Harris Administration, and I am honored to call her a dear colleague and friend.” her career as an attorney at the Department of Kiran Ahuja to step down as OPM Director / Justice. She went on to serve in President Barack X @KiranAhujaAAPI OPM director Kiran Ahuja steps down Ahuja was nominated by the Senate for the post in 2021 after Vice President Kamala Harris voted in her favour in a tie-breaking vote. Indian origin people excelling in various fields / 7 Indian-origin individuals on TIME's 100 Most Influential People List

New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 9 Start your journey with through our video primers! Hindu Dharma At the Hindu American Foundation, we are committed to ensuring Hinduism is portrayed accurately and fairly. Our bite-size explainer videos, crafted by our knowledge experts, are the perfect primers for people of all ages to get started with exploring the history and significance of Hindu Dharma and it’s various concepts and symbols. Ready to begin? Simply scan the QR code or visit myhaf.org/ia-ytexp. Hindu American Foundation myhaf.org/ia-ytexp hinduamerican.org Vivek Sarkar named dean of Georgia Tech's college of computing SUPRIYA SINGH Vivek Sarkar has been named as dean and John P. Imlay Jr. chair of the college of computing by Georgia Institute of Technology. “Sarkar brings experience and expertise to the role, having made significant contributions to computing in academia and industry throughout his distinguished career”, the institute in its release expressed. Sarkar who will take up his new role from June 1 has also served as chair of the school of computer science and held the Stephen Fleming chair for telecommunications at the university. "We are thrilled to announce Vivek Sarkar as the new dean of the College of Computing," commented Steven W. McLaughlin, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. Praising him as an outstanding leader he added, “ Sarkar will bring that leadership to the entire College. He provides the strongest support for our faculty, staff, and students. I am confident he will bring the college to even greater heights and usher in the next era of computing at Tech.” Sarkar's work has advanced academic understanding of highperformance computing systems and influenced the development of technologies that shape modern society. His research has led to breakthroughs in parallel computing, making complex computations more efficient and easier to program. In addition to his academic achievements, Sarkar has a passion for mentoring the next generation of computer scientists and engineers. He is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the field of computing, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to succeed, the release informed. “It will be an honor and a privilege to serve as the next dean of the College of Computing," Sarkar expressed. “We have a great community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni, and I look forward to all of us pulling together with the rest of the campus and our external partners to further advance our mission of addressing critical challenges related to computing and its impact on society,” he stated. Before joining Georgia Tech, Sarkar served as the E.D. Butcher Chair in Engineering at Rice University, where he was also chair of the department of computer science. Prior to that, he was at IBM Research as a senior manager and a member of the IBM Academy of Technology. Sarkar earned his Ph.D. in computer science from Stanford University and has been recognised with numerous awards and honors for his groundbreaking research. He is a fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Sarkar has served as a member of the US department of energy’s advanced scientific computing advisory committee since 2009, on the computing research association’s board of directors from 2015 to 2022, and as a member of the ACM Council since 2022. His research has led to breakthroughs in parallel computing, making complex computations more efficient and easier to program / LinkedinVivek Sarkar His research has led to Sarkar's work has advanced academic understanding of high-performance computing systems and infl uenced the development of technologies that shape modern society

10 New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 MEHAK LUTHRA Documented Dreamers or immigrant youth who have grown up in the US as dependents of visa holders but are now facing the prospect of aging out of the immigration system are the focus of Improve The Dream, an organization founded by Illinois pharmacist Dip Patel. Since 2017, through Improve The Dream, Patel has advocated to permanently end aging out for the over 250,000 children of long-term visa holders in the United States. He discussed the importance of safeguarding Dreamers and the steps his organization is taking to achieve this goal in an interview with New India Abroad. Excerpts: When did you face the reality of being a Documented Dreamer? My life experience growing up with the current broken immigration system led me to start raising awareness for the issue and creating the movement to Improve The Dream. This eventually led to the creation of one of the largest grassroots immigration advocacy organizations and one of the most popular bipartisan immigration bills in Congress: America’s Children Act. I was born in India and when I was 4 years old, my parents moved to Canada with my family. A few years later, they moved to the United States when they had the opportunity to start a small business. The reality of my immigration status hit me during high school when I faced hurdles in obtaining a driver’s license due to my visa status and later when I was applying for colleges. Even though I attended elementary, middle, and high school in America, I would be considered an international student in college, limiting the options I had as I would be excluded from many scholarships and financial aid. This was because the visa my parents came to the United States on allowed them to operate a business and employ American citizens, but it did not lead to permanent residence (green card) or citizenship. If I turned 21 before they obtained a green card, I would no longer be able to keep my visa and would have to start my own process, which may also never lead to a green card due to backlogs. What motivated you to start Improve The Dream? What is your primary goal with it? About seven years ago, I decided to turn the frustration of feeling ignored by the government into advocacy for change. Despite national attention being given to the broken immigration system and even a comprehensive immigration bill being considered in 2013, there had not been any attention being given specifically to this issue. There also weren’t any national organizations advocating for children of long-term visa holders either. My initial goal was not to start an organization, as I was only hoping to raise awareness and convince the people that can help fix the problem affecting us. The awareness that was created by the advocacy led to the start of Improve The Dream. I believe that all children should be protected, irrespective of the status they grew up in. Due to the initial lack of help from existing advocacy organizations, I had realized that to gain awareness, I had to start reaching out and convincing people who may be able to make a difference directly. That is when I started requesting meetings with as many members of Congress and staff as I could. I hoped that aging out could permanently end and everyone who grew up in the United States had a clear opportunity to become an American citizen, pursue their passions, and fully contribute to our country. The policy that would make this happen was the early framework of America’s Children Act. Slowly, over a few years, the issue gained more support. It took years of advocating and pitching these ideas to finally have them introduced as a bill in 2021. How can children who grow up in the United States lawfully be forced to leave? Most people seem to assume that if somebody has been lawfully residing in America for long enough, they can eventually apply for citizenship. It’s far from true. Our current immigration laws allow children to be legally brought, raised and educated in America—only to be forced out once they turn 21. We’ve come to be known as “Documented Dreamers” to indicate that immigrant children can grow up without a clear pathway to citizenship, even while having a documented status. There are two main reasons this can happen. The first is the decades-long green card backlogs that affect many visa holders, mainly from India. Because current law sets percentage quotas on the number of green cards issued to individuals born in each country in a given year, Indian families on work visas are waiting in endless employmentbased immigrant backlogs. The other way people end up in this predicament is if their family arrived on a visa that allows for long-term residence but has no clear path to apply for green cards. Some small business owners on E-2 visas can be here for decades with no path. Just like the people who age out in the green card backlog, the children of E-2 visa holders cannot rely on their family’s legal status once they turn 21. One group ages out because the green card lines are too long, while the other group ages out because there wasn’t a line in the first place. How has your organization benefited Documented Dreamers? Improve The Dream has significantly benefited Documented Dreamers by advocating for legislative and administrative solutions to our unique challenges, which has finally resulted in it receiving the national attention it deserves. Through our relentless advocacy efforts, we have raised awareness of the issues faced by children of long-term visa holders, mobilized support from policymakers, and played a pivotal role in ensuring that provisions of America's Children Act are included in must-pass reforms. Additionally, we have become a community and platform for affected individuals to share their stories, connect with one another, and access resources and support. We are continuously growing our resources to help our affected community navigate the immigration system. While we have not obtained a permanent solution, we have received small actions that would protect many individuals. In addition to advocacy to Congress, we have pushed for administrative policy changes. While administrative policy changes may not result in permanent changes, some actions, ranging from policy manual changes to new regulations, may help reduce unnecessary aging out. Due to our efforts, in 2023, the administration made a policy change that helped several thousand children of long-term visa holders who narrowly age out of the system, to be protected. Many were able to file motions to reopen their previous petitions and obtain green cards. While this was a smaller solution for fewer people, some of the other administrative actions we have been advocating for, such as compelling circumstances EAD, are expected to happen soon. What is the ultimate achievement for Improve the Dream? Do you think it is possible to achieve? The ultimate achievement for Improve The Dream is to secure permanent protections for children of long-term visa holders and that can be done through the passage of America’s Children Act. In 2021, after a several year long effort, my initial framework and vision to end aging out was introduced by Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-NC) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) in the House and Senators Alex Padilla (DCA) and Rand Paul (R-KY) in the Senate. The America’s Children Act would create a process for individuals to apply for a green card if they were brought to the United States as the children of visa holders, maintained legal status for 10 years, and graduated from college. It would also establish age-out protections that lock in a child’s age on the date they file for a green card petition—rather than the date the green card becomes available, which could be decades after the original application. The bill would make other reforms, such as providing work authorization for the children (once they reach age 16) of long-term visa holders whose green card applications are pending. The bill has broad bipartisan support but has not yet been voted on in Congress. However, we were successful in having a part of America’s Children Act included and passed in the House National Defense Authorization Act in 2022. Unfortunately, the effort fell short in the Senate and was not able to become law. Will not stop pushing for Dreamers’ rights says Improve The Dream founder Dip Patel Dip Patel

New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 11 Opinion poll forecasts congress struggles as BJP maintains dominance YASMIN TINWALA T he "Modi Ka Parivar" event, which was held in New York's Times Square on April 14, drew supporters of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking another term in offi ce in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. After an opposition leader made fun of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly having "no family" during a public event in Patna in March, numerous Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders came out in support of the prime minister, sparking the "Modi ka Parivar" (Modi's family) movement. The ruling party's social media accounts were updated to read "Modi ka Parivar" in response to the attack. The Times Square event saw participation from the Indian diaspora residing in New Jersey, all five boroughs, and Connecticut. It was organized by Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) led by President Dr Adapa Prasad. He emphasized the importance of standing behind PM Modi’s vision for a “prosperous and inclusive India.” Prominent members of the community, including leaders and volunteers, attended the event to declare their allegiance to Modi, highlighting the enormous support that the Prime Minister has in the United States. Volunteer Krishna Reddy expressed his satisfaction at the turnout, stating, “It's heartening to witness so many people coming together to support our beloved Prime Minister. This gathering truly demonstrates the strength and unity of the Modi Parivar." The Times Square event was preceded by marches in Michigan, Los Angeles, and Illinois. The Michigan event took place on Apr. 13 at Riverfront, in downtown Detroit where supporters showed up with “Modi Ka Parivar” placards. PM Modi’s supporters raised slogans “We are ‘Modi Ka Parivar”, “Abki Bar 400 Par”, and “Teesri Bar Modi Sarkar,” among others. In Los Angeles, 100 Indian diaspora supporters gathered at Hollywood Blvd and revealed a “Modiji Star of India” similar to ones dedicated to famous personalities at the tourist spot. In Illinois, around 100 Modi supporters gathered at the Vivekananda Palace in Chicago dressed in saffron-colored clothes for the Modi ka Parivar march. Campaigning has ceased in the 21 states and Union Territories that will head to polls in phase one of the Lok Sabha Elections on Apr.19 Modi ka Parivar rally at New York Times Square / Overseas Friends of BJP Modi Ka Parivar Rally at Times Square, New York / Overseas Friends of BJP SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Mikes, loudspeakers and noisy campaigning through the streets have fallen silent and people are getting ready for phase one of the 2024 polls in 21 states and Union Territories which starts Apr.19. The seven phase poll ends on Jun.1 with counting on Jun.4 to determine the winners and losers of the 543 member 18th Lok Sabha. Under threat of penalties, the Model Election Code (MCC) has kicked in states that heads to the polls in part or wholly, as in the case of Tamil Nadu. As many as 102 constituencies are in the fray for Phase One, with national and regional parties sparing no effort to push their message across in the hope of winning that vote, which could make a difference. With exit polls having to wait until the curtains have finally come down on June 1, the common citizen has to contend with a raft of opinion polls supposedly surveying the “mood” of the nation. And as is the case in many opinion polls, there are wide divergencies with some predicting a massive win for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while others predicting a more tempered result showing the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) falling short of the much talked about 400-plus. In all the high pitch rhetoric by the ruling dispensation and the opposition, experts believe that both groups have an opportunity to increase their respective vote share implying that this will play out well in the coming Assembly elections. This is especially so for the BJP as the party is trying its best to improve its standing in the South, especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In the coming Lok Sabha elections, the focus is on seeing if the BJP will open its account in Kerala and if it will get one or two seats in Tamil Nadu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has staked a lot in Tamil Nadu visiting the state at least seven times and fielding high profile candidates, including the former Governor of Puducherry, Dr. Tamilisai Sounderajan for South Madras and the BJP head for Tamil Nadu Annamalai in Coimbatore. A sizeable increase in voter share in the state will be good news for the BJP even without seats, is one thinking. Nationally and in the states, Modi and the BJP have been hammering away at corruption and dynasty of the Congress and its partners; while the opposition I.N.D.I.A (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) have been portraying a continuation of the present scheme of things as a danger to the country’s secular credentials and a further drift towards more authoritarianism. Eardrums get respite as people get ready to vote A DMK rally in Tamil Nadu / X/@arivalayam Hundreds join ‘Modi Ka Parivar’ march at New York’s Times Square

12 New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 Activist Akil Vora Taking first steps for 18th Lok Sabha T he lengthy process in the search for 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha has begun in all earnestness with the electorate in 21 States and Union Territories getting to the polling booth early on Friday, Apr.19, for Phase One. Spread over seven phases that ends on June 1, the fi rst round is the largest exercise involving 102 constituencies, the biggest catch of them all being the 39 seats in Tamil Nadu where by any reckoning the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is seen as having the clear and clean advantage. In fact the DMK may even come away as the third largest party in the new Lok Sabha, after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. Running an election in the largest and yet diverse democracy is not an easy exercise and there ought to be a word of appreciation for the Election Commission and its tireless staffers who pull off this mammoth six week exercise as if it was something routine. And the fact that the Supreme Court of India came away against ballot papers and professing faith in the electronic voting machines deserves special mention. The horror days of ballot stuffing and booth capturing has been firmly put away to the dustbins of history, and mercifully so. Every national election has a story to it. In the present context close to 970 million people will be exercising their franchise and the sure excitement is of the 2 percent of this group being first time voters in the age group of 18 and 19. In ways more than one this nation’s future belongs to the young and would have to be politically socialized with all the correct professional ethics of moving a country forward. More women are said to be in the fray; as is a growing number of educated joining the aspirational list. Unfortunately there is also a percentage of thugs, crooks and hardened criminals placing their bets on entering the hallowed chambers of Parliament much to the chagrin of the decent crowd that has the development of India as the core philosophy. June 4 is the day of counting with winners and losers coming away with a story to spin of their own. But at the end of every election, there is always a positive conviction that those voted to power will govern wisely; and those in the ruling class and opposition making sure that in the race for seats, the bottom line agenda is not missed which is in truly making India a first class power in the comity of nations, not by looking at rankings but in seeing what else and what more could be done to bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots. That brings to memory what the legendary President of the United States, John F Kennedy, once said: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country”. EDITORIAL The collection of accurate data that more meaningfully represents our communities is a foundation to build collective progress on. I authored the SMOKEOUT Act because I knew it was the right policy for public safety and the health of our children. DIASPORA TALKS Politician Jenifer Rajkumar YASMIN TINWALA Madhavan Rangaswami, founderchairman of Indiaspora, an infl uential non-profi t that serves as a network of Indian-origin leaders across diverse backgrounds and professions, said Indiais on the on ‘right trajectory’ under current Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership . Speaking to New India Abroad (NIA), Rangaswami highlighted that after Modi came to power almost a decade ago, in May 2014, U.S.- India trade has more than doubled in the past decade, India’s GDP has grown, and the country can boast of world-class infrastructure in the likes of Bengaluru’s T2 terminal. “When the PM came on board, you can see where the economy was to where the economy is now. You'll see a leap in GDP growth, leap in income…And the same thing can be said of the relationship between India and US. The trade has more than doubled in the same timeframe. So you see, all the metrics are trending in the right direction for India and for the US-India relationship as well. So I think it's been on the right trajectory,” Rangaswami explained. On improved U.S.-India connectivity, Rangaswami said that the PM, in a 2015 address to the diaspora in Silicon Valley announced a direct flight, three days a week, between San Francisco and New Delhi, fulfilling the longstanding demand of the Indian IT workers in Silicon Valley. San Francisco became the fourth destination where the national carrier offered direct, non-stop flights. “When the PM came here to San Jose, that's when he announced the first flight to Delhi and it was I think three days a week. Now it's 17 flights a week just from here,” the Indian American said, noting the significant improvement in air traffic, which he said not only boosts tourism, but also builds the diaspora's connect with India. According to Rangaswami, one of the main reasons for India's growth over the last decade has been the country's emphasis on infrastructure. “I think the right focus has been on infrastructure which will then result in jobs, which will then result in factories, which will result in more communities being built and will result in India really moving up,” he said. As the country heads into major elections with the Prime Minister seeking a third term, Rangaswami opined that he must focus on identifying the top 10 diaspora-rich countries and work on strengthening relationships with them just like U.S.-India. The diaspora remittance across the world to India stood at US$110 billion in 2022, and US$125 billion in 2023. Rangaswami says that the U.S. contributes 23 percent of this amount. “People are buying apartments, people are buying into stocks and shares. People are investing in companies in India. So this is a different kind of remittance—not the traditional feed my family remittance, but invest in India remittance,” he says. Acknowledging the mentorship programs in place for startups in India who want to setup and expand their customer base in the U.S, Rangaswami said, “We have mentoring programs to help these young entrepreneurs who’ve come from India to sell their products, to companies in the U.S…this is a two-way connection that is helping both money from the U.S. going into startups in India, and startups in India creating products for the U.S.” He claims that the Indian system needs "a lot more reforms to be done" in order to boost and accelerate the growth of startups even more. But is positive that it “will happen in due course” and that the movement is in the right direction. India on ‘right trajectory’ under PM Modi says Indiaspora founder MR Rangaswami (LinkedIn/MR Rangaswami)

New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 13 TRISHANTHYA V As nations worldwide navigate the intricacies of immigration, significant changes are underway, directly affecting diaspora communities. From New Zealand to Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, governments are implementing measures to manage migration levels, prioritize local labor forces, and address skill shortages. United Kingdom The United Kingdom is implementing significant changes to its immigration policies with the aim of achieving the largest-ever reduction in migration. The UK Home Office has announced several measures, including a 48% increase in the skilled worker visa salary threshold, the abolishment of the Shortage Occupation List, and the elimination of the 20% salary discount, all intended to protect British workers from being undercut. Additionally, there will be an expansion of supplementary employment permission and a raise in general salary thresholds for skilled workers. Recent visa rule changes also restrict overseas care workers, including Indians, from bringing dependent family members to the UK, aiming to address what the Home Office describes as a "disproportionate" situation. Canada In Canada, a cap has been implemented on study permits for international students in 2024 to manage the rapid increase in their numbers, particularly affecting Indian students, who form a significant portion of Canada's international student body. Certain student groups are exempt from the cap, including those in primary and secondary schools or pursuing advanced degrees. Provinces and territories are allocated permits based on population share, with adjustments made to limit growth or support declines. Approximately 552,000 study permit applications were allocated under the cap, aiming for around 292,000 approved permits, reflecting a 28% reduction from 2023 for affected groups. Australia In Australia, heightened scrutiny on international student applicants has led to stricter visa criteria, resulting in a decrease in visa applications for the first time in over two years. Australia's international student population has reached a record high of over 700,000. However, recent government actions signal a downward trend in the coming year. Visa application declines and skyrocketing refusal rates, attributed to a new "Genuine Student" test and higher English proficiency standards, are causing prospective students to seek education elsewhere. While the government views these changes as positive, aiming to fix a broken system and reduce migration levels, university chancellors express concern over the potential damage to the sector, estimating a collective revenue downturn of approximately US$198 million in 2024. New Zealand In New Zealand, the government recently announced immediate changes to the Accredited Employer Worker Visa (AEWV) scheme in response to concerns about "unsustainable" net migration. The revisions primarily affect individuals seeking low-skilled employment, requiring stricter Englishlanguage proficiency and reducing visa duration from five years to three. Last year, New Zealand witnessed a near-record influx of migrants, with approximately 173,000 people relocating to the country. Representative image / Image - Unsplash Governments worldwide implement measures to manage migration and address skill shortages Global immigration policies undergo major overhaul

14 New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024

New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 15 IAS officer K. Mohandas releases book at NY's Kerala Center STAFF REPORTER F ormer Indian government offi cial, K Mohandas released his book ‘The Right to Good Governance: A Guide for the Young Indians’ at the newly inaugurated Dr. Thomas Abraham Library at the Kerala Center in New York. The event was organized by the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) New York Chapter and the Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center. A talk and interactive session on the book's theme was also held by Mohandas, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who served as the Secretary to the Government of India. Mohandas also worked as District Collector, Kottayam and as Secretary to Kerala Government for several departments including industries, education, finance and local government. In the Central Government, he was Secretary, overseas Indian affairs, and retired as shipping Secretary. Recently he was chairman of the Kerala State Pay Commission. Kerala Center president Alex Estappan and GOPIONew York Chapter president Beena Kothari welcomed Mohandas while GOPIO chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham introduced him to the gathering. Speaking about his book, Mohandas said, “It is just a coincidence that it happens to be published at India’s general election time and indeed many aspects of our governance make India a soft state.” “It is very sad that our Judiciary is often tempted to trespass into the executive territory; there has been tremendous economic growth, but inequality also worsens with wealth being increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few,” said Mohandas. “We cannot compare India with any other country; there are very many things that make India unique,” added Mohandas emphasizing that it the book’s target audience is the Indian youth, who are the country's best asset. The program was attended by GOPIO International president Lal Motwani. Kerala Center secretary Raju Thoams gave the vote of thanks. Former GOI Secretary and Author K. Mohandas releasing the book “Right to Good Governance: A Guide to Young Indians” at the Dr. Thomas Abraham Library at the Indian American Kerala Center in Elmont, New York on April 14th. From l. to r. Kerala Center President Alex Estappan, Secretary Raju Thoams, GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, former GOI Secretary K. Mohandas, GOPIO President Lal Motwani, Kavita Motwani, GOPIONew York President Beena Kothari / Mohandas, who served as the Secretary of the Overseas Indian Aff airs department, said he was very familiar with the diaspora

16 New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 (Top - L-R) Vipul Ved Prakash (Image - Linkedin), Varun Mohan (Image - LinkedIn), Tuhin Srivastava (Image - X, tuhinone), (Bottom - L- R) Aravind Srinivas (Image - X, AravSrinivas), Arvind Jain (Image - Glen/website), Shiv Rao (Image - Abridge/website) / Indian American-led AI fi rms shine in Forbes' AI 50 list, signifying their pivotal role in technological innovation. BHAVANA P Six innovative fi rms led by Indian Americans have secured positions on Forbes’ AI 50 list, showcasing their pioneering contributions to the rapidly evolving landscape of artifi cial intelligence. The annual AI 50 roster, now in its sixth year, recognizes the most promising privately-held AI companies poised to shape the future of technology. The Indian American-led companies featured on the list are: Abridge, helmed by CEO Shiv Rao; Baseten, led by CEO Tuhin Srivastava; Codieum helmed by Varun Mohan; Glean steered by CEO Arvind Jain; Perplexity, spearheaded by CEO Aravind Srinivas; and Together AI, with Vipul Ved Prakash at the helm. Abridge, founded by Dr. Shiv Rao, revolutionizes healthcare documentation through voice recognition and summarization technologies, alleviating burdensome tasks for clinicians and enhancing patient care. San Francisco-based Baseten, led by CEO Tuhin Srivastava, streamlines AI integration into business workflows, empowering companies to leverage machine learning effectively for operational efficiency. Codieum, under the guidance of Varun Mohan, pioneers AI-driven code generation in Mountain View, California, accelerating coding processes and facilitating faster software development for individuals and enterprises alike. Glean, led by CEO Arvind Jain, offers an AI-based search engine revolutionizing organizational efficiency, with its intuitive interface providing quick access to vital information for employees across diverse sectors. Perplexity, founded by Aravind Srinivas in San Francisco, introduces a conversational search engine bridging the gap between users and comprehensive information, combining the accessibility of Wikipedia with the intelligence of AI models. San Francisco-based Together AI, headed by Vipul Ved Prakash, empowers developers with cloud-based tools and extensive datasets, driving innovation in open-source generative AI models and fostering collaborative advancements in the field. According to Forbes, the collective success of these Indian American-led firms underscores their pivotal role in driving innovation and technological advancement within the AI domain. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, their contributions are poised to shape the trajectory of technological innovation on a global scale. Six Indian Americanled firms make Forbes AI 50 list ANAND PARTHASARATHY T he US-headquartered infotech major Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has beaten its own schedule to deploy the fi rst products of its high volume range of servers, which were manufactured in India. Less than 9 months after the company leveraged India’s Product Linked Incentive (PLI) programme subsidies to shift the manufacture of some of its fast moving servers to the Manesar (Haryana state) plant near Delhi run by Indian contract manufacturer VVDN, the rollout has been announced. VVDN has five manufacturing plants spread across Manesar and Coimbatore in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu; 11 engineering centres across India and its US headquarters in Fremont, California, serving clients in North America, Europe, India, Vietnam, Korea and Japan. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the government and the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY). Their vision in introducing the Production Linked Incentive programme has been instrumental in encouraging OEMs like us to establish a manufacturing footprint in India,” said Som Satsangi senior vice president and managing director, at HPE India. The India manufacturing is made possible because Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) through Surface Mounted Technology — one of the most technically complex and critical aspects of server manufacturing —can now be done in India. The HPE release states: “The PCBA capability in India creates significant local value enhancement for the servers beyond just assembly and testing. This further strengthens the company’s ability to serve its government and public sector customers by being a trusted and preferred supplier.” Puneet Agarwal, CEO, VVDN Technologies: “Our collaboration with HPE is a significant contribution towards India’s goal of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse. Together, we are establishing advanced manufacturing capabilities in India that reflect our commitment to local expertise and an Atmanirbhar Bharat (‘self-reliant India’).” HPE plans to manufacture US$ 1 billion worth of servers in India over the next five years. However while it does not name the models of these high volume servers, they are likely HPE’s rack mounted ProLiant DL 380 / 385 range. The VVDN plant is also manufacturing High Performance Computing (HPC) “Rudra” servers designed by India’s government-run Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) for deployment under the National Supercomputing Mission. Hewlett Packard launches high-volume Made-in-India servers HPE India Managing Director Som Satsangi with made-inIndia servers. / Photo:HPE handout

New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 17 SOON COMING STAY TUNED Sikhs Today Sikhs Today [email protected] Monthly Magazine

18 New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 RISHIKA BHARDWAJ I ndian deck cadet aboard the ship detained by Iran near the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week, landed in India , the Ministry of External Aff airs announced on Apr.18. Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur , Kerala was among the Indian crew aboard the Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel, MSC Aries. She was received at the Cochin International Airport by the Regional Passport Officer, Cochin. Joseph’s return home was the made possible by the efforts of the Indian Mission in Tehran in collaboration with the Iranian Government, the Ministry said. “With the concerted efforts of Indian Mission in Tehran and the Iranian Government, Indian deck cadet Ms. Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur, Kerala, who was among the Indian crew members of container vessel MSC Aries, has landed safely at the Cochin International Airport today afternoon,” MEA said in a statement on Apr.18. The Indian Mission in Tehran remained actively engaged in the matter, maintaining communication with the remaining 16 Indian crew members still aboard the MSC Aries, the Indian Ministry informed. Assuring the public of their wellbeing, officials stated that the crew members were in good health and were in contact with their families in India. Furthermore, the Indian Mission continued its dialogue with the Iranian authorities to ensure the welfare of the remaining crew members. External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, had previously engaged in discussions with his Iranian counterpart, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian, underscoring the importance of resolving the situation. 17 out of 25 crew members aboard the MSC Aries, a commercial vessel with ties to Israel, were detained by Iranian special forces amidst tensions between Iran and Israel. Indian woman cadet returns home Ann Tessa Joseph, hailing from Thrissur, Kerala, was among the first of the 17 crew members to return home / X -@MEAIndia Ann Tessa Joseph was a part of the Indian crew on the MSC Aries vessel

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New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 21 SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT California-based, cloud security company, Zscaler published its 2024 AI Security Report. It found that the US and India are generating the world’s most traffi c in enterprise Artifi cial Intelligence – 40.9 percent and 16 percent respectively. The UK ranks third with 5.5 percent with Australia (4.1percent ) and Japan (3.6 percent) rounding off the globe’s top five AI users. India rules in Asia-Pacific, accounting for half of all transactions in AI and machine language (ML). In fact, the report discovered that APAC generates a “staggering increase of nearly 1.3 billion ( 135 percent) more enterprise transactions compared to Europe-Middle East-Africa.” "India leading the charge in APAC when it comes to AI usage is a clear indication of the country’s unwavering commitment to leveraging technology to drive innovation and positive change. As we strive towards the transformative ‘Viksit Bharat vision by 2047’, AI emerges as a powerful force, infusing intelligence into every facet of our society,” said Sudip Banerjee, CTO, Asia Pacific and Japan at Zscaler. He added, “However, there is an escalation in AI-powered threats which underscores the importance of ensuring our data is being well protected against these emerging attacks. It has become more imperative now than ever before to adopt a zero-trust approach when integrating new technologies into our processes.” When it comes to application areas, manufacturing generates the most AI traffic, totalling 21percent of all AI transactions in the Zscaler security cloud, followed by finance and insurance (20 percent) and Services (17 percent). Healthcare accounts for 5.5 percent, retail and wholesale trade for 4.9 percent, government for 3.3 percent. energy/oil & gas and education both contribute 1.7 percent each. The most popular AI/ML applications for enterprises by transaction volume are ChatGPT, Drift, OpenAI, Writer, and LivePerson. ChatGPT alone accounts for 52 percent of all enterprise AI transactions. More usage, more blockage The Zscaler study highlights a paradox, “Even as enterprise AI adoption continues to surge, organizations are increasingly blocking AI and ML transactions because of data and security concerns. Today, enterprises block 18.5 percent of all AI transactions, a 577 percent increase from April to January, for a total of more than 2.6 billion blocked transactions.” Some of the most popular AI tools are also the most blocked. “ChatGPT holds the distinction of being both the mostused and most-blocked AI application. This indicates that despite—or even because of—the popularity of these tools, enterprises are working actively to secure their use against data loss and privacy concerns.” Representative Image / iStock US, India lead in generating most enterprise AI transactions ANAND PARTHASARATHY One month ago, a San Francisco Bay Area and New York City-based applied Artifi cial Intelligence company , Cognition Labs, announced Devin, "The world’s fi rst fully autonomous AI software engineer". The developers called it “a tireless, skilled teammate, equally ready to build alongside you or independently complete tasks for you to review.” Just 10 days later, an Indian talent fuelled AI-enabled security products startup, stition.ai, with its talent mostly based in Kerala, announced it was readying a competitor – Devika -- one moreover, that would be open sourced. A report by Dr. Nivash Jeevanandam in The Heuristic, a weekly newsletter on AI from India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology states that like Devin, Devika utilizes machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) to comprehend human commands. Its primary objective is to analyze such instructions and decompose them into practical and achievable tasks. Subsequently, it independently conducts research and generates code autonomously to accomplish the established goals. It adds, “This AI tool, built in India, is a collaborative companion for developers, potentially providing a more easily attainable option than the US-based Devin. Devika's open-source nature enables more transparency and community participation in its development process.” It may be early days yet: stition.ai co-founder Mufeed V.H., posts on ‘X’. “As of now, Devika is far from the capabilities of Devin... but we'll eventually get there. So, I am calling the open-source community to join forces!” Details for prospective collaborators can be found here. The developers stress that an official release would occur once thorough testing and bug resolution had been finalized. The MeitY report concludes, the development of Devika contributes an additional dimension to the worldwide competition for AI advancement, namely in software development. The potential effects of these AI tools on the computer employment market are still to be determined. Still, it is indisputable that the future of coding is on the verge of a substantial transformation.” You, Devin? Me, Devika! Indian startup challenges Mufeed V.H., co-founder Stition. ai the startup which created Devika / X - @mufeedvh The AI avatar of Devika / Stition.ai

22 New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 ENGLISH, ɫ=ʌ*ʍ, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, Ljુજરાતી NOW AVAILABLE IN weekly epaper

New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 23 STAFF REPORTER F ormer Governor of the Reserve Bank of India Raghuram Rajan believes that the youth of India today think that they are second to none, which he described to an audience in Washington DC, as a Virat Kohli mentality. “Why aren't Indians innovating more? I think there are some. We don’t hear of them. A lot of Indian innovators now are going to Singapore or to Silicon Valley to set up because they find access to the final markets much easier there,” Rajan said at a conference on “Making India an Advanced Economy by 2047: What Will it Take” at the George Washington University in Washington DC on April 16. “We need to ask what is it that forces them to go outside of India to set up rather than stay inside India? But even what is really heartwarming is talking to some of these entrepreneurs and seeing their desire to change the world and increasingly many of them are not happy staying in India,” Rajan said. “They want to actually expand more globally. I think young India has a Virat Kohli mentality. I'm second to none in the world. When we will have Nvidia for our own. It'll take some time. But I think ambition is there amongst young,” Rajan said in response to a question. India, he said, needs to focus on building human capabilities. “If it focuses on capabilities and doesn't try to micromanage too much where we are going, we will figure out where we are going and we will get there fast,” he said. Democracy, he asserted, is a hugely important part of this. “Because it allows us to see when we are going off track. It allows people to see that the government, to monitor the government and to throw it out when it's going off track,” he said. “The path India needs to take now is an untried path. And on this path, democracy is going to be very important. Democracy is not a luxury. It's actually an essential for the path that lies ahead, which is why I keep emphasizing we need our democracy,” Rajan said. Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan / chicagobooth.edu Young India has Virat Kohli mentality says former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan What is really heart-warming is talking to some of these entrepreneurs and seeing their desire to change the world, he said. Since July 2021, Blue Origin has conducted six crewed fl ights, with CEO Jeff Bezos participating in the inaugural fl ight Gopi Thotakura to be first Indian on Jeff Bezos' space flight MEHAK LUTHRA P ilot Gopi Thotakura is poised to become the fi rst Indian to journey to the edge of space aboard Blue Origin's next fl ight. The Indian-American will join a sixperson crew on Blue Origin's NS-25 mission. The dates for Jeff Bezos' space venture's NS-25 mission have not yet been announced. "Gopi is a pilot and aviator who learned how to fly before he could drive," according to Blue Origin. In addition to being a commercial pilot, Thotakura is also a medical jet pilot. He recently successfully climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, a volcano in Tanzania. “Gopi pilots bush, aerobatic, and seaplanes, as well as gliders and hot air balloons, and has served as an international medical jet pilot,” Blue Origin said. “A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Gopi is also the co-founder of Preserve Life, a global centre for holistic wellness and applied health located near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport," it added. Thotakura, born in Vijayawada, a city in Andhra Pradesh, attended Sarala Birla Academy, a private school in Bengaluru, according to his LinkedIn profile. At 30 years old, Thotakura currently operates Preserve Life Corp, a global center for holistic wellness and applied health located near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Since July 2021, Blue Origin has conducted six crewed flights, with CEO Jeff Bezos participating in the inaugural flight. Blue Origin's reusable New Shepard rocket will transport the six-person crew beyond the Karman line, an internationally recognized boundary of space located 62 miles (100 km) above the Earth's surface, in a standard 11-minute flight. In addition to being a commercial pilot, Thotakura is also a medical jet pilot / LinkedIn - Gopi Thotakura

24 New India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 India Marching Forward Organized by OFBJP-USA: Disseminated by Overseas Friends of BJP-USA, a registered foreign agent, on behalf of the Bharatiya JanataParty. More information is on file with the Dept. of Justice, Washington, DC President: Dr. Adapa Prasad | Org Secretary: Dr. Vasudev Patel Overseas Friends of BJP - USA under the visionary leadership of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas Sabka Vishwas Sabka Prayas To build an Atmanirbhar Bharat Ek Bharat Bharat Vikasit Bharat Shreshtha Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a Motto committed to the ideals of

*India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affi liated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. ...Page V Year 2, Volume 27 Washington DC, Saturday 20 April, 2024 Watch maker launches watch with Hindi numerals in US Exclusive Interview: Arjun Rampal discusses his support for CRY America 31 Things you don't not know about ...Page II Alia Bhatt ...Page VII Chicago Sindhis welcome New Year STAFF REPORTER T he Sindhi Association of Metropolitan Chicago (SAMC) recently hosted Cheti Chand, Sindhi New Year celebrations at Ashyana Banquets in Downers Grove. Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India in Chicago, served as the chief guest of the event that was graced by dignitaries such as Mayor of Oakbrook Larry Herman, Mayor of Schaumburg Tom Dailly, three-time Mayor of Oakbrook Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, Aurora Alderwoman Shweta Baid, and FIA chairman Sunil Shah. The special guests were greeted with Sindhi topi (headgear), scarf, and dhol (drums) upon their arrival. Consul General Ghosh extended his wishes to the global Sindhi Community on the occasion. Attendees offered prayers and paid homage to Jhulelal, the Sindhi deity, by carrying traditional Behrana and Prasad led by Dr. Gita Rupani , Manju Dadlani and Puja Jiandani. This was followed by a Jalsa experience. Attendees offered prayers and paid homage to Jhulelal, the Sindhi deity, by carrying traditional Behrana and Prasad led by Dr. Gita Rupani , Manju Dadlani and Puja Jiandani. This was followed by a Jalsa experience. Henna Ballaney and Ria Matta entertained the audience by hosting the entire cultural program. 9-year-old Namish Nagdev, conveyed the importance of Cheti Chand, emphasizing acceptance, unity, and the story of Jhulelal God. Song and dance Performances were performed by SAMC community kids and ladies. Additionally, singer Paulami Majumdar and DJ Saif Ali played Bollywood beats. Lastly, attendees enjoyed a culinary spread featuring an array of Sindhi delicacies. The SAMC committee led by president Vinita Gulabani and secretary Dr. Subhash Balaney organized the event. Gulabani spoke on the importance of the Sindhi community in India and their contributions both in the country and worldwide. Sindhi Ladies taking part in traditional festivities / Courtesy Photo *India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affi liated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. MEHAK LUTHRA Sikh communities abroad are actively celebrating Vaisakhi, a harvest festival originating from Punjab, a region in northern India. These celebrations often include parades and special processions known as nagar kirtans, where hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book, are sung as participants walk through the streets. Gravesend, located in southeast England, boasts one of the largest Sikh communities in the region and is home to one of the world's largest Gurdwaras outside of India. It's anticipated that over the weekend, more than 10,000 individuals will partake in the town's Vaisakhi festivities. On Apr. 12, the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara hosted approximately 3,000 individuals for the initial day of prayer and song. The festivities included langar, a communal meal, which stands as one of the pivotal aspects of the weekend celebrations. For 25 years, Stockton, California’s Sikh community has observed Vaisakhi every April. On Apr. 14, many Sikh devotees and onlookers will fill the streets of Stockton near the historic Gurdwara Sahib Stockton, also recognized as the Sikh Temple, for the 25th Annual Sikh Parade & Festival. The Gurdwara Sahib Stockton holds the distinction of being the first Sikh temple established in the United States. The upcoming Vaisakhi celebrations in Vancouver are set to commence on Apr. 13. This year marks the 45th edition of the Vancouver Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan event, which is anticipated to attract hundreds of thousands of attendees to South Vancouver. This celebration precedes another significant Vaisakhi event scheduled for the following week. The Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade, scheduled for Apr. 20, is expected to dominate sections of the city, drawing even larger crowds compared to previous events. “This is the largest Sikh gathering and Vaisakhi parade outside of India, so anywhere outside of India in the world,” said organizer Pary Dulai of the Surrey celebration. Dulai said that last year's parade in Surrey attracted over 600,000 attendees. The Fowler Museum at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is organizing a complimentary community event to celebrate the Sikh festival Vaisakhi on Apr. 13. The event will feature art, storytelling, and music, with activities such as art-making stations for children, a curator-led tour of the exhibition "I Will Meet You Yet Again: Contemporary Sikh Art," Sikh stories for children presented by Brave Lion Books, and a special Vaisakhi performance. Sikh community abroad celebrates Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan in Ealing, London / X@DrAyshaRaza The Fowler Museum at UCLA is organizing a complimentary community event to celebrate the Sikh festival Vaisakhi on Apr. 13

II India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 STAFF REPORTER VIANI, a watch company founded by second generation Indian American, Sunny Bathela has introduced watches featuring Hindi numerals in the United States. The watches powered by solar energy blend culture with design and were designed by Bathela and his team of Swiss watchmakers. According to a statement from the firm, the watches also pay tribute to the Hindi Numeral System, which is known for the earliest implementation of the number zero and has played a pivotal role in shaping human civilization. “The VIANI collection is a culmination of ideas that are important to me. I believe that sustainability can be innovative and fashionable. The Hindi numerals are a nod not only to my South Asian heritage but also to the beauty and cultural significance of the Hindi Numeral system,” said CEO Bhathela. A Raleigh native, Bathela earned degrees in biochemistry and genetics from NC State University in 2014. He went on to pursue a doctorate degree of optometry and is currently treating the underserved community of the South Bronx. STAFF REPORTER F acing organizational, generational, leadership, religious, and community challenges, Jain leaders from across the country met in Chicago this month to discuss the future of this minority community in the US, organizers said Apr.17. Led by Dipak Jain, the former Dean of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, the three day meeting in Chicago, from Apr.5-7, was attended by over 125 Jain leaders. Attendees included presidents and co-chairs from Jain Association of North America (JAINA) , Young Jains of America (YJA), Young Jain Professionals (YJP), Jain International Trade Organization (JITO), and other Jain centers across North America. The objective of the event organized by JAINA’s Long Range Planning Committee was to craft the future of Jainism. In his keynote address, Dipak Jain, the first Jain dean at a North American academic institution of higher learning, shared how the core Jain principles of ahimsa (non-violence), anekantvad (multiplicity of viewpoints), and aparigraha (simplicity/non-possessiveness) enabled him to have a successful career and overcome numerous life challenges. “Excellence has no bounds, you can reach any height but there is always more to do. No challenge ahead of you is greater than the force behind you,” he said. “It was an amazing gathering to get leaders, young as well as seasoned, to gather and share as well as debate how to move forward in developing a vision, mission, and strategy for a community of 200,000 Jains in North America,” said Dr. Manoj Jain, chair of JAINA’s Long Range Planning Committee. During the eight round tables, the participants shared best practices and actively learned from one another on topics such as increasing Jain Center engagement and increasing awareness of Jainism in the broader North American population. American Jain leaders meet in Chicago; discuss future of Jainism in US Long Range Planning Committee: (Upper Row) - Praful Giriya, Sonia Ghelani, Chintan Shah, Soha Shah, Bindesh Shah, Jayesh Shah, Manish Mehta - (Lower Row) - Mayur Shah, Vipul Shah, Yogendra Jain, Prem Jain, Dipak Jain, Sushil Jain, Manoj Jain, Yogesh Bapna, Bipin Shah / JAINA CEO of VIANI Watch Company Sunny Bhathela pictured at his design studio. / Image – NC State VIANI Watch Company’s premier solar collection is priced from US$340. Image-VIANI Watch maker launches watch with Hindi numerals in US

India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 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, April 20, 2024

India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 V SUNITA SOHRABJI SAN FRANCISCO, California — Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal will be the featured guest this month at fi ve galas for CRY America, a non-profi t organization which supports several initiatives to empower India’s low income children. “Even though we've progressed so much in the world and technology has gone so far, there are still children who are homeless or just absolutely so underprivileged that their basic needs are not being met,” Rampal told New India Abroad via Zoom April 14 from his home in Mumbai. “So I think all of us must get together and do our little bit to help children born into a world that we all are responsible for creating.”CRY America is the fundraising arm of the Mumbai-based organization Child Relief and You. Over its 40-year history, CRY has impacted the lives of 3 million children in 19 states, as it works to end child labor and child marriages, provides immunization and nutrition programs, and helps kids complete their education. “CRY has a lot of people on the ground who work tirelessly every single day and zero in on victims of child labor, child prostitution. They help to rehabilitate them,” said Rampal. “We as adults have a responsibility towards children. They deserve to grow up in a protected environment. Children have to feel like children. Children have to imagine like children. Children have to feel freedom of a child. They have to feel the security and the love of a child. They have to be given the best of energies. And I think that's where we come in,” said Rampal. A new respect for education has developed in India, based in part on the work of CRY and similar organizations, said the actor, who stars in the newly-released extreme sports thriller Crakk, and is currently shooting the Netflix series Rana Naidu. Rampal added that he wants to raise $1 million from the five US galas. This is CRY America’s 20th anniversary. Shefali Sunderlal, CEO of CRY America, told New India Abroad that funds raised in the US have supported 111 projects in India, primarily in rural and tribal areas, and in the slums. “Education must be a mandate for all of India’s children,” she said, noting that India’s villages are slowly becoming child labor free as attitudes towards education shift. Many village girls are now going to college. “If you take the case of a girl child who is married off as a teen, and has a baby at 16, you have two people who are malnourished and anemic, and starting off life on a bad foot. We have to end that cycle,” said Sunderlal. Kiran Mantripragada, who has raised over $500,000 for CRY America over the past 15 years, told NIA about Lalithamma, who was raised in an Indian village. “She had to fight for her elementary education, and she had passed it with flying colors, but that was still not enough. Her parents wanted her to work, to earn her livelihood.” Lalithamma took up a tailoring job, but continued her education. “She was fighting against all odds stacked up against her, but she got herself educated, kept a job to make a livelihood for her family, and then still refused to marry,” said Mantripragada. The young woman ended up marrying a man of her own choosing. Lalithamma and her husband now live in the US: they have founded the non-profit organization People’s Organization For Rural Development. CRY America volunteer Percy Presswalla told NIA that educating a young woman changes the trajectory of her entire family through her elevated earning capacity, and the ability to mold her siblings. He noted that when CRY works in a village, “neighboring villages see the change, and say ‘if they can do it, we can do it.’ They use our model, so the impact multiplies exponentially.” CRY America’s galas are scheduled for: April 21, Marriott Sugarland, Houston, Texas April 26, The Heights Golf Club, San Diego, California April 27, West Bellevue, Seattle, Washington April 28, Villa Ragusa, Campbell, California Exclusive Interview: Arjun Rampal discusses his support for CRY America Arjum Rampal will headline the CRY America Galas from Apr.19-28 / CRY America The Bollywood actor, who will keynote fi ve CRY America galas this month, discussed his vision for India’s low-income children.

VI India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 BHAVANA P Slumdog Millionaire actor Saurabh Shukla will be seen entertaining audiences in the United States with his role in Ashvin Gidwani’s ‘Barff ’ (Ice), a captivating Hindi thriller production. A collaboration between "AGP World" and "Be United," the play is set to run from Apr.18 to May 5 across various American cities. Set against the backdrop of the Kashmir Valley during winter, "Ashvin Gidwani’s Barff (ICE)" unfolds over the course of a single night, immersing audiences in a 110-minute multi-character narrative that explores the complex interplay between truth, reality, and belief. The storyline revolves around three individuals — desperate parents of an ailing child and an unsuspecting doctor find themselves grappling with the very nature of truth, prompting viewers to ponder whether truth is a shared experience or a subjective perception, and if it shapes belief or vice versa. Joining Saurabh Shukla in this multi-faceted production are National award-winning actor Sunil Palwal and Bollywood actor Aanchal Chauhan, who deliver prodigious performances in key roles. Expressing his anticipation for the play, Shukla stated, "Barff (ICE) promises to captivate audiences with its intense narrative and profound exploration of truth and belief. My masterful storytelling and compelling portrayal of the protagonist will leave audiences engrossed in the quest for understanding the ‘Truth’ that lies on the other side." Gidwani, the producer and founder of AGP World, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement over presenting "Barff (ICE)" to American audiences, emphasizing its capacity to challenge conventional notions and deliver thought-provoking entertainment "We are honoured to present 'Barff (ICE),' a thrilling theatrical experience that challenges conventional notions of truth and belief. Saurabh Shukla's talent and expertise as a writer, director, and actor make this production a must-see for theatre enthusiasts seeking thought-provoking entertainment." Ashvin Gidwani’s Barff (ICE) featuring Bollywood actor Saurabh Shukla, is set to be performed live in USA / Ashvin Gidwani Production Pvt Ltd MEHAK LUTHRA Apizza chain in the Bay Area of California has announced plans to launch two Indian fl avors – Chicken Tikka and Paneer Tikka. The restaurant Square Pie Guys plans to introduce the limited variants of its Indian-style pizza on April 25. This is the result of a collaboration between cookbook author and recipe developer Hetal Vasavada and Square Pie Guys’s director of marketing and innovation, Priya Kane “Is this authentic Bay Area cuisine? I think so. I think tikka masala is Bay Area, I think Indian pizza is Bay Area, and I think in Square Pie Guys’s pursuit to represent the Bay on Detroit-style pizza — this does exactly that,” Kane was quoted as saying by Eater San Francisco. Vasavada and Kane have christened them as Paneer Tikka-ish and Chicken Tikka-ish Pizza, which let them feel less beholden to ideas of traditional Indian food, the media outlet wrote. As Indian American kids, both Vasavada and Kane grew up in families wherein such fusion was normal. Vasavada grew up in North Jersey — “It’s the town where they filmed Sopranos,” she says, laughing — where her mother would exchange homegrown tomatoes and eggplants with Italian nonnas. “Italian-Indian has been what I grew up in,” Vasavada told San Francisco Eater. In Jersey, her mother would make deep-dish pizzas with “masala-fied” pasta sauce and vegetables on top. Kane, meanwhile, says she grew up experiencing something similar, it said. “Through our conversations, we’ve been discovering [fusion] is more a cuisine that is being developed in real-time,” Kane says, “and it’s one that represents first-gen Indian Americans. I did grow up eating masala pasta — my mom would add turmeric and bloom spices, and then toss in [pasta] shells. I think in that vein, it’s like, yes, Indian flavors make sense on pizza,” Kane told Eater San Francisco. US Pizza chain in San Francisco introduces Chicken Tikka Pizza and Paneer Tikka Pizza Square Pie Guys plans to introduce the limited variants of its Indian-style pizza on April 25 / Square Pie Guys/website

India Abroad Saturday, April 20, 2024 VII Under Special Arrangement of Bollywood Insider. https://www.bollywoodinsider.us/ 31 Things you don't not know about Alia Bhatt BOLLYWOOD INSIDER TEAM 1. Alia Bhatt wanted to be an actress from a very young age. Her fi rst audition was for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black, though she didn’t bag the role but it was Gangubai Kathiawadi with Bhansali that gave her, her fi rst National Award. 2. Despite being a huge name in Bollywood, Alia Bhatt is not an Indian actor – she holds a British Passport since her mother Soni Razdaan is a KashmiriGerman. Her great grandfather who was German was imprisoned for 2 years because he tried to get a newspaper out against Adolf Hitler: 3. Here’s a fun fact, Alia was born an aunt to actor Shiv Darshan. Mahesh Bhatt’s elder sister Sheila married filmmaker Darshan Sabharwal and her son – Dharmesh Darshan fathered actor Shiv Darshan who is six years older than his aunt Alia. 4. Alia’s popularity is unmatched but did you know that an actor refused to do a film with her early in her career. The actor was none other than Emraan Hashmi, who is Alia’s cousin. The actor rightfully thought it would be too awkward doing a romantic film with his cousin! 5.The detractors have often tried to pull the actress down, talking about her father’s marriages and affairs, speculating about her relationship with her step – siblings Pooja and Rahul Bhatt. But the actress has the best way to shut them up, saying her family embraces its so-called dysfunctionality and overcomes it with love and dignity. 6. Having a large extended family ensures you are never lonely but for Alia in her whole family there is just one person who is an anchor and a confidante – her sister Shaheen. 7. Her quirks have always made her affable, but the girl is extremely paranoid of the dark. Hates it when people approach her from behind and try to tap her shoulders. for attention. It freaks her out. 8. Alia cannot tolerate her nails or ears dirty, personal hygiene comes above all else. She is obsessed about cleaning her feet. Pedicures and manicures are her favourite things to do in her free time. 9. A simple vegetarian meal might be her comfort food, but there is one thing that gets her goat every time-i.e. if her cook repeats the same lentils. She hates to have the same dal twice a week. 10. Despite having Gujarati, Kashmiri and German roots, Alia is a Mumbaikar at heart-she loves her poha (flat rice) and if that doesn’t talk about her Maharashtrian affinity what does? 11. Alia just cannot decide, to save her soul (which is ironically a Libra trait which her hubby should have) however, she always finds herself second guessing herself and even her shopping cart, if she ever enters a store. 12. Alia believes she has a super power, she is extremely intuitive as a person and can pick vibes very easy. 13. Alia Bhatt is a staunch believer in numerology given she is a number 3 but the number 8 has a special place for Alia as it stands to be Ranbir and her number. 14. Alia is a water baby she loves being surrounded by water. 15. Alia was proposed to by Ranbir in Maasai Mara, Kenya. The proposal was secretly planned by Kapoor. 16. What makes Alia and Ranbir’s special is how well Alia gets along with his exes. Be it Deepika or Katrina-both are good friends of the actress. 17. Even when Deepika and Alia are a house on fire whenever the two get together. In fact, they have more things in common than Ranbir Kapoor-the two love writing in little books. 18. Everyone has seen how flawless and ethereal Alia looks all the time, however no one knows how hard she is trying to not eat her lipstick. 19. The actress herself claims she has the weirdest way of talking… and has to consciously make an attempt to keep her face straight. 20. Trolls do not come always as faceless individuals but with a shrug, Alia insists that its best to let people think you are stupid than waste time trying to prove them wrong. 21. Alia likes her solitude, in the morning. Where there is just her and the rising sun-giving her the inspiration and the calming factor, both needed to deal with what the day has in store for her. 22. If it is not the rising sun, it is the sit-com Friends that help get her day into the right groove. On a bad day, Alia sees re-runs of the popular sitcom and feels whole again. 23. Besides these there is always the gym to vent out too. Alia is a gym rat but she hates doing burpees which many actors swear by, for being the best exercise for flexibility and cardio. 24. Alia is one actress who doesn’t believe in faking interest or making an effort towards something that bores her. She would love to read, but she cannot keep her eyes open long enough to finish a whole chapter. She is not really a party animal, but if she ever agrees to go to a party, she always tries to push her Spotify playlist forward – why dance on a song you don’t enjoy? 25. Everyone has seen how beautifully she sang, ‘Samjhavan…’ while people credited autotune for it, Alia maintained her silence. For someone who is a trained singer in A R Rahman’s school of music, would obviously let her singing speak for itself. 26. And while her work speaks for itself, Alia does a little thing extra to ensure that she goes that extra mile. She manifests it. Alia’s manifestations did not cease after her marriage to Ranbir Kapoor who she crushed on for the longest time. She had been secretly manifesting the National Award too, and lo behold the actress achieved that too. 27. She might be the best actress in B-town today but she cannot lie to save her soul. It always shows on her face and her conscience pricks, too. 28. Alia goes around telling everyone that she is not at all comfortable winking, it comes under things she won’t do. But here a little secret – she just cannot do it. 29. But there are many things that the actress can do like play the piano, charcoal paint and more… 30. If you love her moves, you might as well know that she has been training under Shiamak Davar from the tender age of 4. 31. A mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, an actress and more – Alia has her hands full with the many roles she plays in her life but ask her how to get her mind around it all-and she might say she does it by staying in her own head. Instagram.com/aliaabhatt/

Published Weekly Copyright © 2024 Indian Star LLC Editor in Chief Dr. Sridhar Krishnaswami [email protected] Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Bhambri [email protected] Registered Address Indian Star LLC, 6215 Rockhurst Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA Disclaimers: 1. India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affiliated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. 2. Indian Star LLC assumes no liability for claims / assumptions made in advertisements and advertorials. Views expressed by the writers are their own. Indian Star LLC A publication of Saturday, April 20, 2024 India Abroad STAFF REPORTER T he Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) surpassed their own record for the highest-ever Indian Premier League total. Their 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy M Chinnaswamy Stadium bagged them a notable 25-run win on Apr.15 Travis head’s batting onslaught with a remarkable century, scoring 102 runs off just 41 balls, propelled SRH to a higher total than their previous record of 277 set last month. As a result, the mammoth total not only broke IPl records but also marks the highest ever total in franchise cricket. In spite of RCB's strong second-innings performance started by Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis and Dinesh Karthik's tenacious 81- run innings, the Sunrisers' bowling attack led by Pat Cummins prevented RCB from reaching their target. Despite that, their total of 262/7 while chasing 287 stands as the highest total ever in the second innings. The match produced the highest aggregate for a T20 game with a staggering total of 549 runs, and both teams displaying exceptional batting prowess. The match also equaled the record for the most boundaries with a total of 81 boundaries scored, including 43 fours and 38 sixes. Sunrisers Hyderabad break own record for highest IPL score Washington Freedom signs Steve Smith for MLC 2024 BHAVANA P Australian cricketer Steve Smith will be seen playing for the Washington Freedom team in the upcoming season of the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States. The Washington franchise secured Smith's services for the T20 league, marking his debut in American cricket. Excited to see you in Freedom colors, mate! See you soon, Smudge! Upon joining the team, Smith said, "I am super excited about joining the Washington Freedom for season 2 of the MLC. I can't wait to meet all of my new teammates and play in front of some incredible crowds in America. I'm also really looking forward to working with Ricky Ponting again and his amazing staff. Can't wait for the season." Smith's association with the Washington Freedom franchise dates back to his appointment as its global brand ambassador last year. The strategic partnership between Smith's domestic team, New South Wales, and the Freedom further facilitated his transition to the league. As Smith prepares to represent Washington Freedom, his participation underscores the league's growing stature and the increasing interest in cricket within the United States. The addition of Smith to the league's roster is expected to enhance the quality of competition and attract a wider audience. Despite his upcoming stint in the MLC, Smith's eligibility for the Australian squad in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 remains uncertain. With limited recent T20 appearances and his current role as an IPL analyst, Smith faces challenges in securing a spot on the national team. Established with the aim of promoting cricket in the United States, the MLC has gained attention for attracting international talent. The Second season is expected to commence on the Fourth of July, exact dates are yet to be announced. Steve Smith joins Washington Freedom / (Image - X, WSHFreedom) Travis head scored 102 off 41 balls / X@SunRisers The match witnessed a staggering total of 549 runs, with both teams displaying exceptional batting prowess As MLC gears up for its second season, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Smith’s debut on American soil.