*New India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affiliated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. 3059 Indians held while attempting to enter US ...Page 2 Road Rage Incident Turns Deadly; Sikh Victim’s Family Asks for Hate Crime Charges ...Page 12 Year 2, Volume 1 Washington DC, Monday 30 October, 2023 www.newindiaabroad.com A platform for the voice of next generation Indian Diaspora Keegan Pereira keeps the migrants' flag flying high ...Page 16 EB 2&3 visa backlog continues to grow in the US ...Page 06 Diaspora group urges relaxation in issue of employment authorisation cards MEHAK LUTHRA I n support of the numerous IndianAmericans facing extended wait times due to the long-standing green card backlog, an Indian diaspora organization has called upon the Biden Administration to consider easing the regulations governing the issuance of employment authorization cards. Approximately 1.1 million Indian-origin non-immigrant visa holders are currently awaiting their priority date to become current so they can apply for an I-485 for a green card, as reported by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS). The annual limit of seven per cent per country significantly restricts the approval rate, resulting in nearly 135 years of delays for some applicants. FIIDS estimates that more than 400,000 individuals may not attain permanent residency within their lifetime due to these constraints. FIIDS suggests that issuing Employment Authorization Cards during the early stages of green card processing could alleviate the uncertainties and distress faced by a large number of Indian Americans, their spouses, and grown-up children in this situation. “Recognizing the imperative of retaining the competitive advantage of the United States, it is crucial to acknowledge the immense contributions these individuals and their families make to the nation’s economy, innovation, and diversity. Furthermore, on humanitarian grounds, it is pertinent to avoid a situation where these individuals find themselves in a status akin to indentured labourers,” FIIDS said in a statement. FIIDS has presented recommendations to the Biden administration, focusing on three key areas. First, for Em pl o ym e n t -B a s e d Applicants, they propose granting Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) to I-140 approved applicants for a generous duration of 5 years, eliminating the need to wait for I-485 processing. Additionally, in line with the announcement made on September 27th, they suggest implementing a 5-year automatic EAD renewal for H4EAD spouses, enabling them to gain independence from the uncertainties surrounding their visa status and contribute to the workforce. Finally, for Documented Dreamers, FIIDS advocates allowing H4-EAD holders to extend their visa coverage from 21 years to 25 years, affording them a stable status while they pursue their immigration paths. These recommendations aim to address and alleviate challenges within the immigrant community. FIIDS has presented recommendations to the Biden administration, focusing on three key areas.
2 New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 Indian Star LLC Published Weekly Copyright © 2023 Indian Star LLC Editor in Chief Dr. Sridhar Krishnaswami [email protected] Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Bhambri [email protected] Editor (Hindi) Dr. Rameshwar Dayal [email protected] Registered Address Indian Star LLC, 6215 Rockhurst Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA Email [email protected] Ph. 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 Advisory Board Albert Jasani Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Dr Suresh Kumar President TIE-NJ Media Partner Bollywood Insider STAFF REPORTER T he Court of First Instance of Qatar, on Thursday, handed down the death penalty to eight former Indian Navy personnel. All eight men had been employed by a company in Doha and were accused of espionage. Notably, all of them had been in custody since August 2022 and their case went to trial in March this year. Those sentenced are Capt Navtej Singh Gill, Capt Birendra Kumar Verma, Capt Saurabh Vasisht, Cdr Amit Nagpal, Cdr Purnendu Tiwari, Cdr Sugunakar Pakala, Cdr Sanjeev Gupta, and Sailor Ragesh. After the sentencing, the Indian Government expressed being "deeply shocked" and asserted that they are exploring all legal options. The Ministry of External Affairs stated, "We attach high importance to this case and have been following it closely. We will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance." India also mentioned that it would take up the matter with Qatari authorities. It is pertinent to note that there are over seven lakh Indian citizens in Qatar who play a significant role in the Middle Eastern country's economy. Both India and Qatar share a steady relationship. However, Doha court's verdict could have a deep impact on their bilateral ties. "This verdict could very adversely affect relations between the two countries. The Indian government has been following the case closely, but it would need to be taken up at the highest level to ensure their lives are saved," said former Indian Ambassador to Qatar, Deepa Gopalan." It is pertinent to note that there are over seven lakh Indian citizens in Qatar. 3059 Indians held while attempting to enter US from Canada in September MEHAK LUTHRA I n September of this year, a total of 8,076 individuals of Indian origin were apprehended by United States law enforcement agencies as they attempted to enter the country illegally through various routes. Notably, 3,059 of these individuals were detained at the U.S.-Canada border, according to data provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The Indian arrests at the U.S.-Canada border mark the highest monthly total between October 2022 and September 2023. According to The Times of India, a source said, “Many illegal immigrants, primarily from Gujarat, have either settled in Canada or are awaiting an opportunity to enter the US. In August, 2,327 illegal immigrants were caught trying to cross over to the US. This number rose to 3,059 in September.” Among those arrested were four unaccompanied children, four other children accompanied by family members, and 530 children with their parents and siblings. Additionally, a total of 2,521 single adults were apprehended. It's worth noting that Indians attempting to enter the U.S. unlawfully typically do so via the U.S.-Mexico border. According to official data, between February 2019 and March of this year, U.S. law enforcement agencies arrested a total of 190,000 individuals of Indian origin. 0Efforts by Indians to engage in illegal migration to the U.S. persist, even though there have been numerous tragic incidents in which several families lost their lives during these hazardous journeys. Image : X @Pexels Among those arrested were four unaccompanied children, four other children accompanied by family members. Representative Image 8 former Indian Navy personnel sentenced to death in Doha espionage case
New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 3 MEHAK LUTHRA Air India, India's national carrier, has introduced its newly acquired Boeing 777 aircraft on routes to all three of its U.S. destinations, namely New York JFK, Newark Liberty, and San Francisco. The airline's fleet now includes six new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which are being utilized to enhance its existing services to the United States. The Boeing 777-300ER is a long-range wide-body aircraft with the capability of non-stop flights from India to the U.S. This aircraft provides passengers with a comfortable and roomy cabin, equipped with various amenities such as in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi, and a premium economy class for an enhanced travel experience. The B777-200LR aircraft, operating on routes to San Francisco and New York-JFK, offers a seating configuration that includes 28 Business Class, 48 Premium Economy, and 212 Economy Class seats. On the other hand, the B777-300ER serving the Newark-Liberty to London route features 8 First Class seats, 40 Business Class seats, and 280 Economy Class seats. Campbell Wilson, MD & CEO of Air India said in a press note, “We are delighted to now offer an elevated experience on all routes from Mumbai to the United States and to upgrade one of our London services. This is part of the ongoing product transformation underway at Air India, with 7 new B777s inducted over the last year to be followed by 4 more, along with 6 new Airbus A350s, over the coming months. All of these aircraft feature much-improved interiors and pave the way for the full interior upgrade of our entire widebody fleet commencing in the middle of 2024.” Furthermore, Air India has announced that one of its two daily flights between Mumbai and London Heathrow (AI130/AI131) will now be serviced by the state-of-the-art Boeing 777 aircraft, enhancing the travel experience for passengers on this route. SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT I t was only to be expected that the political opposition in India would be taking serious exception to the government’s abstention on the Palestinian vote at the United Nations General Assembly, on a Resolution that overwhelmingly passed. The Resolution that was submitted by Jordan on behalf of the Arab League cleared with 120 voting in favour, 14 opposed to it and 45 abstaining. Naturally, Israel and the United States voted against the Resolution along with a small clutch of nations in the Pacific and elsewhere but Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Ukraine and the United Kingdom joined India in staying away and for differing reasons. New Delhi has been saying from the time of the vote that the attack on Israel on October 7 should have been mentioned and terrorism condemned as this would have conveyed a clear message. And in line with its past voting record in the United States, India refused to go along with any one-sided resolution. Among nations of the West, France went along with the Resolution stressing that while it regretted the missing condemnation of the Hamas terror attack on Israel, nothing justified the suffering of civilians. India maintained that while it is “deeply concerned” at the worsening security situation and the “astounding loss” of civilian lives the “world should not buy into any justification” for acts of terror. Attempts by nations like Canada to include language to name Hamas’ attack on Israel failed leaving New Delhi to abstain from the vote. “Violence as a means to achieve political objectives, damages indiscriminately, and does not pave the way for any durable solutions”, India’s representative maintained making the point that the Resolution should send a message on violence and terrorism on the one hand even while addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza on the other. The symbolic General Assembly Resolution came after the Security Council failed to pass a Gaza statement four times having been vetoed by Russia and the United States, not including Resolutions that failed to muster the minimum of nine votes for consideration. Unlike the Council, the General Assembly has no powers to enforce. Ever since the October 7 attack on Israel, the political opposition in India has been hammering away at the Government for moving away from established positions on Palestine from time immemorial and has been expressing “shock” at the government’s stance against the backdrop of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The government, on the other hand, has been saying that there has been no dilution in India’s stand on Palestine but that New Delhi will stand firm on the issue of terrorism. India, it is being pointed out, has been one of the first in the international community to send humanitarian and other relief assistance to Gaza. Air India deploys B777 aircraft for US destinations Indian Government stands firm on UNGA abstention The Resolution submitted by Jordan on behalf of the Arab League was overwhelming passed at the UNGA
MEHAK LUTHRA U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal issued a statement regarding her "present" vote on the Israel Resolution Vote. “On October 7, 2023, Hamas’s horrific terrorist attack killed 1,400 Israelis, wounded over 5,000 others and took hostage 200 people, including children. I sponsored H.Res 771 as a way to immediately condemn this attack,” she said in a press release. Since the resolution's introduction, Rep Jayapal has consistently condemned the attack, reiterating Israel's right to selfdefence and advocating for the immediate release of all hostages. However, in the 14 days following the resolution's introduction, the Israeli bombings in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of over 5,800 Palestinians, with almost half of them being children, she said. An additional 16,000 individuals have sustained injuries, and 613,000 people have been internally displaced. Notably, Israel has declined to facilitate the unrestricted flow of fuel and other humanitarian assistance, while continuing large-scale bombings in Gaza. “I cannot in good conscience vote for a resolution that ignores these critical factors and the humanitarian impact on Palestinian civilians and their families as this war has unfolded and escalated. I am voting present to be clear that while I still condemn Hamas’s attacks and the pain and suffering of the Jewish people everywhere, I also condemn the violations of international humanitarian law by Israel and the pain and suffering of Palestinian people everywhere that are not recognized anywhere in this resolution,” she said in the statement. 4 New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 [email protected] SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Several multi-faith communities stood in solidarity with Israel at a Congressional briefing under the aegis of HinduACTion and Namaste Shalom Multi-faith Alliance that sought to address rising antisemitism, Hinduphobia and antiHindu bigotry in the United States and Canada. Members of Congress and staffers attended and spoke at the briefing. "I was among the earliest members of Congress to denounce Hamas, a clear-cut terrorist entity, and believe in its elimination” remarked Representative Shri Thanedar, Democrat from Miochigan stressing the importance of a nondiscriminatory system. Commending the solidarity shown by the Indian Hindu and Jewish communities Republican law maker from New York, George Santos said, "Walking into a room filled with such diverse groups, all understanding the essence of unity and the importance of standing shoulderto-shoulder, especially during these trying times when fighting terror, is heartwarming". Sundar Iyer who was implicated in the Cisco caste lawsuit and later exonerated briefed Congressional staffers on the issue of increasing Hinduphobia in the United States; and the Afghan Hazara community, expressing unconditional support for Israel in its fight against terrorism, compared the extremism of Hamas and Islamic Jihad with the Taliban and its Mujahideen predecessors. The Deputy Ambassador of Israel to the United States, Eliav Benjamin expressed gratitude to Congressman Thanedar for his unwavering support for Israel. According to a press release, a significant highlight of the briefing was a collective declaration emphasising the importance of support from all members of Congress regardless of political affiliations. Rep. Jayapal releases statement on Israel Resolution Vote Since the resolution's introduction, Rep Jayapal has consistently condemned the attack. Communities cutting across faith stand by Israel
New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 5 UN Secretary-General names Indian experts in new AI advisory body MEHAK LUTHRA Distinguished technology experts from India have been appointed to a newly formed global advisory body, which was unveiled by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. This advisory body was established to assist in guiding the international community's initiatives in regulating artificial intelligence. The newly introduced High-Level Multistakeholder Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, as disclosed by the UN Secretary-General on October 26, is comprised of experts from various sectors, including government, the private sector, academia, civil society, and the research community. This advisory body is primarily dedicated to forming a global scientific consensus on the risks and challenges associated with artificial intelligence, facilitating the use of AI to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, and reinforcing international collaboration in AI governance, as outlined in an official statement. The advisory body includes notable members such as Amandeep Singh Gill, the SecretaryGeneral's Envoy on Technology; Sharad Sharma, co-founder of the iSPIRT Foundation, a non-profit technology think tank that has pioneered initiatives like India Stack and Health Stack; and Nazneen Rajani, the Lead Researcher at Hugging Face, India. Before his role as the SecretaryGeneral's Envoy on Technology, Gill served as the CEO of the International Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence Research Collaborative (I-DAIR) project. This project was located at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland, and focused on research in the fields of digital health and artificial intelligence. Sharma, who is a member of the advisory body, also co-founded Teltier Technologies, a wireless infrastructure startup that has since become a part of CISCO. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavours, Sharma is also an active angel investor with investments in more than two dozen ventures. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in the success of India's first IPfocused fund, the India Innovation Fund. Rajani holds the position of Research Lead at Hugging Face. Her specialization lies in AI Safety and Alignment, with a focus on leveraging Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback (RLHF). She is widely recognized as an expert and thought leader in the areas of Large Language Models (LLMs) robustness and evaluation. This advisory body is primarily dedicated to forming a global scientific consensus on the risks and challenges associated with AI. Image : United Nations India UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres EB 2&3 visa backlog continues to grow in the US STAFF REPORTER According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there are a lot of applications from India for EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based adjustment of status for the fiscal year 2024 and beyond (October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024). EB-3 demands a minimum of a bachelor's degree, while EB-2 requires extraordinary skill or an advanced degree in particular subjects. These two types of immigration visas are dependent on employment. There are currently fewer unused family-based immigrant visa numbers available to boost the number of employment-based immigrant visas in fiscal year 2024 after USCIS notified that normal activities have resumed for COVID-19. Once there are no more unused family-based numbers, the annual number of available employmentbased immigrant visas is expected to return to 1,40,000. Non-citizens from all countries should anticipate longer waits for immigrant visas unless there are changes to the statute or an unexpected decrease in the number of non-citizens seeking employmentbased immigrant visas. Recognizing the difficulties experienced by individuals impacted by extended wait times, USCIS pledges to collaborate with Congress to identify solutions. Although USCIS is still working to amend laws and regulations to provide employer-sponsored noncitizens with greater security, stability, and protection, it notes that Congress alone has the authority to lift the cap on the number of immigrant visas issued. The wait span for Indians wanting permanent resident status (green card) in the US is expanding, particularly in the employment-based 2 and 3 categories.
6 New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 MANVI PANT About four years ago, Iqleen Virdi embarked on a unique journey of discovery. Frustrated by the side effects of alcoholic beverages that often left her with a pounding headache and a sense of exhaustion, she embarked on a quest to find a more enjoyable and headache-free drink. Her path led her to Mexico, where she stumbled upon a field of agave plants, a sight that would become a turning point in her life. While in Mexico, Iqleen was drawn to the captivating world of tequila production. She found herself in the heart of a blue agave plant field, predominantly found in Mexico. She was struck by the authenticity and meticulousness of the process behind crafting the world's finest tequila. The experience left an indelible mark on her as she immersed herself in the intricate details of agave harvesting, distillation, and ageing. The authentic and time-honoured process of tequilamaking fascinated Iqleen, sparking her passion for the industry. She saw tequila not just as a beverage but as a work of art, a labour-intensive craft that combined tradition and innovation. It was this experience in Mexico, witnessing the dedication of those involved in tequila production, that inspired her to become a part of the tequila world. In 2022, she made history by becoming the first woman of colour to own and lead an ultra-premium artisanal sipping tequila brand, Ambhar Tequila, as its Chairwoman. The brand Ambhar, is known for its promise of luxurious, smooth, and delightful tequila offerings. Currently available in 17 states across the US, the brand also has plans to expand further into Europe, India, and Dubai. The logo of Ambhar, a dragonfly, serves as a symbol of joy and happiness, encapsulating the essence of their tequila. Iqleen's journey showcases her commitment to authenticity, a passion for learning, and a dedication to breaking barriers in an industry traditionally dominated by men. "The industry I am a part of demands hard work. While I've encountered instances of unconscious bias, I've never felt the need to struggle to make my voice heard or to convey my point in a room full of men. Thanks to my confidence and extensive career, many appreciate what I bring to the table," Iqleen candidly explained. She credits her husband and family for their unwavering support in making her journey comfortable. For those unfamiliar with Iqleen, a practising Sikh, she hails from a family of entrepreneurs. She established KIV Investments, a conglomerate venturing into diverse sectors, including real estate. Her entrepreneurial journey perfectly embodies the philosophy that "women can achieve anything they set their minds to." They have to be bold, authentic, and passionate learners. "Being a Sikh means being a lifelong learner – that has been my core philosophy. My parents have taught me to be inquisitive, acquire new skills, and enrich my knowledge as much as possible. I think that has been instrumental in my growth as an entrepreneur. Along with that, I sincerely believe in giving back to the community. So, what has truly shaped my character today isn't just one defining moment but a culmination of experiences and learnings from growing up in a Sikh family." Iqleen has successfully built on the foundation of her lifelong commitment to learning and giving back to the community. Her non-profit, 'Love to Help,' is a testament to that. While she leads the organization, it was conceived by her children, who also play a pivotal role in its operation. Offering more insight into the platform, Iqleen said, "It is run by the youth, for the youth to nurture the youth. During the pandemic, when countless children were confined to their homes, their mental health became a serious concern. My daughters, particularly empathetic, recognized the need to address this concern and provided these children with an outlet to express themselves. Amidst the chaos of the pandemic, we also extended our support to frontline workers by supplying them with meals and collaborated with organizations like 'Lunch Break' to organize various drives." Iqleen's career trajectory has been nothing short of a steadily rising success story, and she shows no sign of slowing down. The mother of three is now gearing up for a shift in her career as she ventures into politics. She has been deeply involved in local politics for some time, having served on the ethics board for over seven years. In the coming weeks, she will be running for the town council in Marlboro, New Jersey, with the election scheduled for November 7th and early voting commencing October 28th. Iqleen is campaigning alongside Mayor Jon Hornik and Councilman Michael Scalea, both of whom have significant experience serving the community. The collective vision of this team is to represent and amplify the voice of their town, preserving its strength and uniqueness. Discussing her political aspirations, Iqleen said, "A few years ago, I got the opportunity to be a part of the educational committees at my children’s schools. When I moved to Marlboro, I became a member of Marlboro's ethics board, a position I've held for the last seven years. So, things started moving in a political direction naturally. It wasn't something I had planned, but I always knew inherently that I wanted to diversify at some point. So, this year, when I got the opportunity to run for town council, I embraced it with open arms." While Iqleen is currently focused on understanding and navigating local politics, she remains open to the future and is prepared to pursue any opportunity that aligns with her goals. Meet Iqleen Virdi – Breaking Barriers in Business and Politics with Boldness and Passion Iqleen Virdi breaks barriers in business and politics
New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 7 BHAVANA P T he American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin (ASEI), which focuses on cuttingedge engineering innovations, presented its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, at its 35th National Convention in Southfield, Michigan. According to a LinkedIn post, six additional remarkable people were recognized during the ASEI National Convention and celebratory awards gala dinner and entertainment event for their services to society, the engineering profession, and the general population. • ASEI Entrepreneur of the Year: Dheeraj Pandey, Founder & CEO, DevRev; • ASEI Scientist of the Year: Dr Nina Tandon, CEO, EpiBone; • ASEI Engineer of the Year- AI: Rama Akkiraju, Vice President, NVIDIA; • ASEI Engineer of the YearTransportation & Sustainability: Dr Praveen Vayalamkuzhi, CEO MobilityVision; • ASEI Service Excellence Award: Surbhi Kaul, Vice President, Juniper Networks; and Hari B. Bindal • ASEI Founder’s Award: Muthu Sivananthan, Energy & Materials Industry Solutions Leader, Dassault Systèmes. As part of the ASEI CorporateConnect program, the Corporate Excellence Recognition Program (CERP) was also reintroduced, and employees nominated by sponsoring companies Detroit Engineering Products and GHD were honoured. The original CERP founders, Dr Ravi Rout, Jag Kottha, and Mahesh Reddy, as well as their vice president Anjali Kottha, were honoured by the GMS Registrar. Thomas Kurian, the CEO of Google Cloud, moved to the US to further his studies and profession after being born in India. He graduated from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Stanford University with a Master of Science in Engineering Management. Kurian's standing in the tech industry is based on his capacity to spearhead digital transformation using state-ofthe-art technological solutions. Under his direction, Google Cloud kept growing its offerings, alliances, and clientele, making substantial progress in the very competitive cloud computing market. The American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin (ASEI)/has additionally honored six other outstanding individuals for their contributions. World Monuments Fund honours Tata Sons with 2023 Hadrian Award RISHIKA BHARDWAJ I ndian multinational conglomerate Tata Sons emerged triumphant at the 2023 Hadrian Gala. Amongst the three honorees were The Krehbiel Family, Maryvonne Pinault, and the Tata Sons. The gala was hosted in solidarity towards safeguarding the world's historical landmarks. Hosted by the World Monuments Fund (WMF) to honour commitment towards preserving global heritage, the three awardees were commended for their efforts towards WMF’s goal. The gala having been sponsored by three honorees - Kering, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and Tata Sons took place in New York’s Rainbow Room. Several philanthropists and individuals gathered at the Gala with the attendees celebrating the commitment towards historical sites worldwide. Taranjit Singh Sandhu wrote on X, “Delighted to attend the World Monuments Fund #HadrianGala in New York, recognizing contributions to the preservation of cultural heritage across the globe. Congratulate Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran for receiving this year’s honour, and thank Chair Lorna Goodman & World Monuments Funds’ leadership for hosting.” Image: Twitter/@SandhuTaranjitS Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian wins ASEI Lifetime Award Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud Image : Wikimedia commons
8 New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 J&K diaspora in the UK celebrates Vijay Diwas MADHU BALAJI I ndian diaspora body Foundation for India and India Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) has appealed for changes in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme for foreign students, claiming that there is a huge gap between graduating students and available H1-B visas, due to which Indian students are missing out an opportunity to contribute to the US industry. "Our analysis concludes that OPT changes are essential not only for retaining highly skilled STEM graduates within the United States but also for ensuring our nation’s continued leadership in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity," FIIDS said in its statement. The Indian diaspora body proposed an extension of the STEM OPT period from 24 months to 48 months for eligible students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields. About the OPT application period, it proposed to extend the period for applying from 60 days to 180 days. The FIIDS further suggested enhancing H-1B visa lottery chances for STEM graduates (by six times compared to chances of nonSTEM degree holders). The body stated that the initiative has a significant economic impact. "We urge the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to swiftly implement these changes. By doing so, we not only retain the talent that fuels our innovation but also sustain the economic benefits that these students bring to our nation," FIIDS said. Noting the evolving landscape of global technology and the increasing challenges posed by artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, retaining highly skilled STEM talent within borders is also a matter of national security. Meanwhile, the organization observed that the National Security Agency (NSA) has highlighted a talent deficit in emerging technologies as a national security threat. It stated that by extending the OPT period, "we can retain the talent that is vital for maintaining technological edge and natural security." BHAVANA P T he BJP, the UK House of Commons, and other groups observed "Vijay Diwas," or "Accession Day," to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir's admission to India on October 26, 1947. To commemorate the event, the UK-based Jammu and Kashmir diaspora arranged a special program that was hosted by Bob Blackman, the British MP for Harrow East. Kumar Ajatshatru Singh, the grandson of the late Maharaja Hari Singh, and his spouse Ritu Singh were among the evening's notable visitors. MP Jonathan opened the proceedings. Bob Blackman advised Pakistan to put an end to statesponsored terrorism to bring about long-lasting peace and advancement in the area. Blackman Bob @BobBlackman posted: "I was honoured to host the #JammuAndKashmir day at Parliament for the 75th anniversary of signing the Instrument of Accession by Maharaja Hari Singh." Additionally, to commemorate this, the BJP organized "tiranga rallies." Leading a "tiranga rally" in this area, Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina stated that the people living in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are also proud Indian citizens and will one day celebrate their independence from Pakistan. To commemorate "Accession Day," the BJYM youth branch of the BJP organized a run, and the women's section held a separate gathering. The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) proposed changes to retain US-trained STEM graduates. British MP for Harrow East, Bob Blackman hosted an event to commemorate the 76th anniversary of Jammu and Kashmir. FIIDS has appealed for changes in the OPT programme for foreign students BJPJKST Morcha Kashmir Distribute Sweets during the Celebrations of Accession Day Image : X, ChRoshanHussain Indian diaspora body seeks changes in OPT program for foreign students
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10 New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 MEHAK LUTHRA T he Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in the UK conferred the 2023 Faraday Medal upon Stanford University Professor Emeritus and Celesta Capital Advisor Arogyaswami Paulraj. Presented during a ceremony in London Dr Paulraj became the 100th recipient of this prestigious award. The citation recognized his contributions "For the invention, advancement, and commercialization of MIMO Wireless." The Faraday Medal stands as one of the world's most distinguished honours for engineers and scientists who have made significant contributions to the advancement of technologies with global impact. Paulraj said, “I am extremely honoured to be awarded the IET Faraday Medal. I believe digital access is truly an equalizer in terms of opportunity creation, and with 5G, India has the potential to enter and succeed in deep technology industries. Since almost all the value addition in these industries comes from innovation and IP ownership, the industry has many barriers to entry. Going forward, India must thoroughly understand all the industry dynamics to frame a successful path.” MIMO (Multiple In, Multiple Out) wireless technology plays a crucial role in powering 4G, 5G mobile, and WiFi networks, and its impact is extensive. This technology has revolutionized highspeed wireless access, connecting not only the 6.5 billion smartphone users but also an additional 12 billion personal and machine-type devices to the internet. Currently working in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Standford University, Paulraj completed his Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi, India. He has received several awards, including the National Inventors Hall of Fame (USPTO), the Marconi Prize and Fellowship in 2014, and the IEEE Alexander Graham Bell Medal in 2011. He is a fellow of eight scientific and engineering national academies, including those in the United States, China, India, and Sweden. Additionally, he is a fellow of the IEEE and AAAS. In 1999, Paulraj founded Iospan Wireless Inc., a company that played a pivotal role in developing and establishing MIMO-OFDMA wireless as the core technology for 4G networks. Iospan was subsequently acquired by Intel Corporation in 2003. In 2004, he co-founded Beceem Communications Inc., which became a market leader in 4G-WiMAX semiconductor technology and was acquired by Broadcom Corp. in 2010. Arogyaswami Paulraj honoured with IET Faraday medal Stay Ahead With Us! Email [email protected] Website www.NewIndiaAbroad.Com Currently working in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Standford University, Paulraj completed his Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi, India. MADHU BALAJI Virginia-based publishing house Indignor House has introduced Indian-origin author Reenita Malhotra Hora as its newest author. Hora is also a screenwriter, novelist and audio producer, and is known for her female-driven comedy, 'Operation Mom'. The book has bagged her Eric Hoffer Book Award grand prize, a Chanticleer International Book Award grand prize, and a Santa Barbara Screenplay Award. As a journalist, Hora has contributed to several media houses including, Bloomberg, Reuters, South China Morning Post, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, CNN, Asian Investor, Times of India, Rolling Stone, Economic Times, National Geographic Kids, Cartoon Network Asia, and Disney. She has also been an on-air news reporter and producer at Bloomberg, RTHK Radio 3, Monocle Radio, and the BBC. Her novel, “Operation Mom,” is a coming-of-age young adult novel about a seventeen-year-old Ila Isham with serious problems, the publishing house said in its statement. Hora was born and brought up in Bombay (Mumbai), India. "I grew up in a classic 'bhel puri' culture, one in which the end product tastes only as good as the sum of its parts mashed together with a bug or two for good measure. Passionate about storytelling the narrative of my culture, my fiction reflects the South Asian experience," the author says. In her career, she has served as head of marketing at SRI International, Silicon Valley's pioneer science and deep tech research institute, vice principal of content at Hibooks/Otto Radio producer/ presenter for Bloomberg and awardwinning host for RTHK Radio 3 in Hong Kong. Hora founded and then sold Ayoma, a health and wellness brand, and has written seven books: five non-fiction and two fiction. Reenita Malhotra Hora signed on by Indignor House publishers
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12 New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 Vivek Ramaswamy Pramila Jayapal Hate does not seem to go away T he story of an elderly Sikh gentleman, Jasmer Singh, succumbing to injuries after a “fender-bender” road accident in the state of New York is one more instance of violence getting out of hand. It had nothing to do with the accident per se which has been described as “minor”; but one of the affected parties venting anger and rage perhaps because the other person was “different”. Still the initial temptation has been to dismiss the whole thing as “road rage” when the family is insisting that the local, state and federal authorities take appropriate action against something called Hate Crime. Statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation show an overall drop in violent crimes in America; but there has been a seven percent rise in hate crimes, a majority of which were targeted against African Americans with the 2022 data also showing a sharp rise against Hispanics. But that is not the full story: people with different sexual orientation have been targeted with the entire LGBTQ community seemingly marked for violent attention; and so are jews, muslims and the likes of Jasmer Singh. “The data is a reminder that hate never goes away, it only hides. Any hate crime is a stain on the soul of America”, said President Joseph Biden. If Sikhs in America were one of the first to be targeted in the aftermath of 9/11, South Asians recall with horror the days of their encounter with the racist “Dotbusters”, a hate group in Jersey City of New Jersey, that went about terrorising Indian Americans for about twenty years starting 1975. The Dot referring to the “bindi” worn by many women in South Asia. And Dotbusters gave way to branding the Sikhs as “towel heads”, a humiliating reference to wearing turbans. America is equally stunned for the murder of a six year old Palestinian- American boy in the aftermath of the Hamas terror attack on Israel. Al-Fayoume’s killing was a hate crime because he happened to be a Palestinian. “ For those out there who want to support Israel, this is not how you do it” said David Goldenberg, Midwest regional director for the Anti-Defamation League. The disquieting aspect of the FBI study is that the data for 2022 is incomplete as reporting was based on only three quarters of police agencies nationwide. It is tragic that the deaths of a sixty eight year old man and a six year old lad will be seen as statistics for 2023 as societies helplessly and hopelessly look for ways to end a scrouge that is eating away humanity. What needs to be borne in mind is that hate crimes are not necessarily the exclusive preserve of the western world. It happens elsewhere too: in 1984 hundreds of innocent men. women and children of the Sikh community were lynched or brutally killed by mobs because Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her security personnel who happened to be Sikhs. The more disgusting part of these hate crimes comes from official sanction in the so-called western civilised world by way of emphasising that much of the nonsense and violence has to be ignored or passed off as free speech and free expression. EDITORIAL We are a nation where every Jew, every American deserves to be safe, free to worship, and free to be who you are without fear. On October 7, 2023, Hamas’s horrific terrorist attack killed 1,400 Israelis, wounded over 5,000 others and took hostage 200 people, including children. I sponsored H.Res 771 as a way to immediately condemn this attack DIASPORA TALKS SUNITA SOHRABJI A memorial service will be held Oct. 27 for an elderly Sikh American man, who has died of injuries he sustained during a possible hate crime. An Antim Darshan and Bhog for Jasmer Singh, 68, will be held at the Moloney Family Funeral Home in Ronkonkoma, New York. Singh was a resident of the Queens borough in New York. According to police reports, on Oct. 19, Singh was driving on New York’s Van Wyck Expressway when his car hit the fender of suspect Gilbert Augustin. Both men got out of their cars to inspect the damage, which police characterized as minor. As Singh proceeded to call police, Augustin allegedly grabbed the phone from his hand, stating: “No police.” The two men then got into an altercation. As Singh walked back to his car, Augustin allegedly punched him several times, knocking him down. He then sped off. Singh was transported to a local hospital. He succumbed to brain injuries from the attack the following day. Singh’s wife was in the car when her husband was attacked; she remained unharmed. The incident has been characterized as “road rage.” Augustin, 30, was arrested Oct. 21 and charged with felony manslaughter. According to his booking record, he is being held in jail without bail and will make his next court appearance Oct. 26. The suspect has not yet entered a plea. As of press time Oct. 24 evening, Subeg Singh Multani, Singh’s son, had not returned several calls for comment by New India Abroad. In an interview with CBS New York, Multani said he wants hate crime charges to be added to the case against Augustin. He noted that his father wears a turban and beard, and that his appearance provoked his attacker. "There was no reason for someone to go in that intensity. My father was targeted and it is a possible hate crime,” said Multani. Hate crime charges typically add an average of 2-7 years to a sentence. Prosecutors are often reluctant to charge hate crimes, as they are difficult to prove: the crime must begin with bias motivation. To be convicted of a hate crime in this incident, prosecutors would have to prove that Augustin sought out and targeted Singh with the intent to cause bodily injury. But New York Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters at a news briefing that the case was “100%” not a hate crime. He noted that Augustin “never indicated that the assault stemmed from the nationality or race.” Multani disagreed, saying his mother had heard the suspect use the word “turban.” New York Mayor Eric Adams issued a statement about Singh’s death. “Jasmer Singh loved his city and deserved so much more than his tragic death,” he tweeted Oct. 22. “On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want our Sikh community to know you have more than our condolences. You have our sacred vow that we reject the hatred that took this innocent life and we will protect you.” The organization Stop AAPI Hate has collected more than 11,500 reports of bias-motivated incidents since March, 2020. “We mourn the death of Jasmer Singh, a Sikh elder who recently died after being assaulted in an apparent hate-motivated attack in Queens, NYC, said the organization in a tweet. “As we witnessed after 9/11, intensifying anti-Muslim & anti-Arab rhetoric is harming South Asians, Sikhs, Arabs and Muslims across the US.” Singh’s death follows an attack earlier this month of a Sikh teenager, who was assaulted while boarding a bus. Suspect Christopher Philippeaux punched 19-year-old Mani Sandhu multiple times and attempted to remove his turban, saying: “We don’t wear that here.” Road Rage Incident Turns Deadly; Sikh Victim’s Family Asks for Hate Crime Charges
New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 13 India-Middle East-Europe Economic corridor possible reason for Hamas’ attack on Israel: Biden SUPRIYA SINGH US President Joe Biden said on October 26 that Hamas launched the terrorist attack on Israel to sabotage the IndiaMiddle East-Europe Economic corridor announced during the G-20 Summit in Delhi last September. However, Biden at the same said that he did not have any proof of it. His analysis was on his instinct, he clarified at a joint press conference with visiting Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese at the White House. “I’m convinced of the reasons Hamas attacked when they did, and I have no proof of this, just my instinct tells me, is because of the progress we were making towards regional integration for Israel, and regional integration overall. We cannot leave that work behind,” Biden said Less than a week ago, he had also mentioned the corridor as the reason for the Palestinian attack on Israel. Biden further said that in the past few weeks, he had spoken to leaders in the region, including King Abdullah of Jordan, President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. The conversations were about making sure there was real hope in the region for a better future about the need to work towards greater integration for Israel while insisting that the aspirations of the Palestinian people will be part, will be part of that future as well. Speculated to be an alternative to China’s Belt Initiative which was announced jointly by the US, India, Saudi Arabia, the USE, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit, the corridor visualises an Eastern route connecting India to the Gulf region and a northern one linking the Gulf region to Europe. Singhvi reflects on India's remarkable democratic journey MADHU BALAJI I ndian member of the parliament (MP) and senior advocate in the Supreme Court of India Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi embarked on a lecture series in the US, hosted by O.P. Jindal Global University, under the leadership of the founding vice-chancellor, professor Dr C. Raj Kumar. The lectures touched upon three major themes, “India at 75: The Future of Law and Justice in the World’s Largest Democracy”; “The India Supreme Court at 75: Protecting Rights, Expanding Freedoms, and Empowering Citizens” and “Same-Sex Marriage in India: In the pursuit of Equality and Justice by the Supreme Court of India”. The first lecture took place at The Fletcher School - Tufts University in Massachusetts, where Dr Singhvi covered the historical evolution of India and its institutions from the pre-independence era to the current period. He reflected on India’s remarkable journey as a democratic nation and the significant contribution of the Indian legal system in providing a fillip to constitutional ideals. Dr Singhvi identified the roadblocks in the Indian legal system preventing them from reaching their fullest potential and efficiency. While speaking about the prospects for the future, he mentioned India’s burgeoning demographic dividend and the transformations in the economic and social institutions as they will help in the progression of law and justice throughout the nation. In a lecture at Harvard Law School, he emphasized the critical need to safeguard the independence and institutional integrity of the Indian Supreme Court. While delivering a lecture at Harvard Kennedy School, he covered topics on constitutional law, including same-sex marriage and the potential for judicial interpretation to replace legislative action in recognising such unions. Additionally, Dr Singhvi emphasized how Article 14 of the Constitution forbids discrimination and the exclusion of same-sex couples from registering their marriages. He asserted that discrimination based on gender is violative under Article 15 of the Constitution. He also pointed out that the latest Supreme Court decision recognised the importance of giving equal rights and opportunities to every individual regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. He said that denying same-sex couples the right to marry is a violation of their fundamental right to dignity. He asserted that the right to civil union, adoption and the right to marry for transgender persons are rights that must be recognised. "This right of recognition, form unions and inclusion of diverse family structures is a significant step towards creating an inclusive society," he said. Born in 1959, Dr Singhvi hails from Jodhpur, India. He completed his PhD under constitutional lawyer Sir William Wade of Cambridge University. The topic of his doctoral dissertation at Cambridge University was Emergency Powers.
14 New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 A tribute to Bishan Singh Bedi, the spin maestro Bishan Bedi's family pays glowing tributes to the cricket legend PRABHJOT PAUL SINGH Can there be a better tribute to a departed soul than what his immediate near and dear ones – the family – have to say: “Isn’t it in Dad’s character to bowl us over with the ultimate spin ball, one that even we never saw coming? While we are in shock and overcome with grief, we find solace in knowing that he lived a rich, fearless, and full life that inspired many. We are moved by every message of love we have received, publicly and personally, Thank you to everyone for celebrating his grit, humour and giant heart. It is heartwarming to see how many generations Dad inspired through his life. Every day of his life was spent in devotion to his family and faith and in service to his Waheguru. He epitomised living a life that was Nirbhou Nirvair and we are comforted in knowing that he is with his beloved now. Dad, we are blessed to have you as our fearless leader. We will strive to live by your motto- to observe and absorb. Keep guiding us from the great beyond. In love and faith Anju Bedi, Angad, Mehar, Guriq, Neha, Gautam, Suhavi.” One is left with no words to say anything more to a man who was recognised in his lifetime as the “king of spin”. Bishan may have left us after 77 eventful years of his worldly life but the memories we have of him are forever. A man who created his own identity with accurate spin bowling combined with variation and flight that dreaded even the mightiest of the batters of his time. He was a fighter, a great challenger and above all a wonderful human being and a true sportsman. His innings of 67 Test matches got him 266 wickets, the maximum by any Indian bowler till his time. He also had the distinction of capturing more than 1250 wickets in county cricket while playing for Northamptonshire. This is the maximum by any Indian player in English county cricket He led India in 22 Test matches and won six of them. The firstever win for India in One Day Internationals also came under his captaincy when India beat East Africa. And Bishan was the main tormentor of East African bating. He was a fighter. Though not a great batter. he played some superb innings, including as a night watchman, and once hit a Kiwi spinner – Peter Petherick - for a flurry of sixes for a well-made half-century. At times he loved swinging his bat around for some useful runs to the teams’ total. He was a superb human being. While in Pakistan he could not wait to donate blood to a young boy fighting for life in a Karachi hospital. Bishan went unnoticed and saved the life of the child with his great humanitarian gesture. After retiring from active cricket, Bishan wanted to give back to the game that had made him a superstar. He not only coached India but also his home State of Punjab. It was he who trained the young Punjab team to the victory podium in the prestigious Ranji Trophy in 1992- 93, a performance that is yet to be repeated. He was also instrumental in making Delhi Ranji champions for four years in a row. Bishan was bold, honest and a true sportsman to the core of his heart. As an active member of the Arjuna Awardees Association, he took up several projects for the well-being of sportspersons for their post-retirement life. He was a fitness freak and all his trainees, including national and state players, knew that Bishan was a hard taskmaster and would never compromise on fitness. Because of his principles and trust in doing things professionally and ethically, he would never hesitate to call a spade a spade. It is why he was known as a rebel and preferred to part ways with people and organisations rather than compromise on his principles. That made Bishan stand apart from the rest of his class. Those who valued his principles and professionalism would vow by him. One such admirer had been his former Test colleague and Pakistan allrounder Intikhab Alam. “Inti”, as he is known in cricket circles, also remained associated with the Punjab Ranji Trophy. It may be a mere coincidence that months before, Bishan said goodbye to all of us, he had a meeting with Intikhab Alam at historic Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib. Though in a wheelchair, Bishan was all excited for his reunion with his long-time friend Inti. He was a great friend. I used to interact with him regularly. Lately, we have been in touch over the phone. I still remember when I persuaded him to resume his column in The Tribune. He had stopped writing after his bold and fearless writing ruffled many feathers, especially high-ups, both in the Cricket Control Board and the government. He never relented as he was the lone fighter for the players and the game
PRABHJOT PAUL SINGH At 18, Suman Kaur Sanghera has been already a medal prospect for the USA in the Air Pistol shooting. Though she finished sixth in her favourite event in the ongoing Pan Am Games in Santiago, she had the distinction of finishing at the top in the qualification round of the event with a score of 578. Other shooters, who finished much behind her in the qualification round, however, exhibited great composure in the final to finish ahead of her. In the final, she went out of reckoning at the first elimination with a score of 153.6 to take the sixth position. Suman is one of several players of Indian origin representing the US in the Santiago 2023 Pan Am Games. She competes in 10 m and 25 m Air Pistol events. Among other players are Omni Kumar (tennis), Ajai Dhadwal, Mohan Gandhi, Parmeet Paul Singh and Mehtab Grewal (Hockey). The coach of the US hockey team is Harendra Singh. Suman probably draws her inspiration from young Indian shooters who did remarkably well in the just concluded Asian games. Air Pistol has given India and shooters of Indian origin a big name. It was this event that gave India its first-ever individual Olympic Gold medal through Abhinav Bindra in the 2008 Beijing Games. For Suman, it has been a year of mixed fortunes as she qualified for the Santiago Games by finishing sixth in the mixed team event in the World Cup held at Las Palmas in Lima early this year. Her team ended with 573. In the individual event, she finished with a score of 572 and in the subsequent final shootout with an individual score of 146, she was placed seventh. Suman was the winner of the gold medal in Air Pistol in Lima in 2022 with a score of 571. In the elimination round of the final, she scored 250.5 and won the final shoot with a score of 16. Her performance in the Baku World Cup 2023, both in the mixed team and individual Air Pistol 10 m events, was far from her own satisfaction. Shooting is a game of concentration and once you can keep your nerve, you hit the bull's eye more often than in some other competitions. She was a picture of confidence in the qualification round in Santiago. But a lapse in the final relegated her to sixth position. In 2022, in the Junior Women's competition, Suman finished a credible fourth with a score of 860 in the first round of qualification followed by 566 in the second round. She has been training hard and hopes to make it to the Olympics sooner than later. New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 15 Santiago 2023: Suman Sanghera, a promising US shooter, wins the qualification round in the 10 m Air Pistol but misses a medal. Suman was the winner of the gold medal in Air Pistol in Lima in 2022 with a score of 571. Suman Sanghera / Civilian Marksmanship Program PRABHJOT PAUL SINGH T he Chinese Historical Society of America Museum in San Francisco's Chinatown saw a gathering of over 100 sponsoring and supporting organizations to commemorate the passing of the Freedom from Hate Crimes Act (AB 449), in California. The Santiago 2023: It was Indians Day in the Pan Am Games It may sound strange, but it is true. Sportspersons of Indian origin are participating in the ongoing Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile. Indian Diaspora is the world over. And it has been making headlines in every sphere of life, be it politics, business, technology, medicine or even sports. In the Pan Am Games, several sports officials of Indian origin are participating in the Santiago 2023 Pan Am Games. Yesterday, many of them were in the playing arena. A maximum number of them were on the hockey playfield. When the opening match of the hockey event started, two players of Indian origin were in the original line-up of the game between Canada and Brazil. Both Keegan Pereira and Balraj Panesar are experienced players who have been representing Canada in various international events for many years. Also with them is Harbir Sidhu, on the reserve list. Harbir Sidhu wears a patka and if he gets a chance to play, he would be the only one with a patka or mini turban. Canada started well with a 2-0 win over Brazil. It is pertinent to mention here that the winner of the Pan Am Games Hockey tournaments, both for men and women, will get a direct entry to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Also, in the hunt for a berth to Paris is the US hockey team that incidentally is being trained by a former Chief Coach of the Indian hockey team, Harendra Singh. Harendra has been with the US team for a while. In his team are four players of Indian origin, including Ajay Dhadwal, who has led the US in several tournaments. With him are Mohan Gandhi and Permeet Singh. All three had played in the previous edition of the Games at Lima in Peru. The fourth player of Indian origin in the US team is Mandeep Grewal. Harendra, Ajay, Permeet, Gandhi and Grewal were all on view as the USA moved to the top of the table with three points from its first game. Though Canada also won its opening game, it is placed at number two because of goal difference. The most surprising was the presence of a player of Indian origin in the Trinidad and Tobago team. He is Tarell Singh. While hockey matches were on, another player of Indian origin, Omni Kumar was playing quarterfinals in men’s doubles tennis tournament. Omni and his Chinese-American partner lost to the Jamaican pair of Rowland Randolph Phillips and Blaise Bicknell 4-6, 3-6. Earlier, in the men’s singles, Omni Kumar had lost to Justin Boulais of Canada in an exciting three-set thriller. Omni lost 6-4, 5-7, 4-6. Another tennis player of Indian origin, Rajeev Ram, who won his third consecutive men’s doubles title in the US Open early this year, however, is not competing here. Rajeev Ram, it may be recalled, had won a silver medal in mixed doubles in the 2016 Rio Olympic games in partnership with one of the Williams sisters. In the semi-finals, Rajeev and Venus defeated the Indian pair of Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna. It was a mere coincidence that this year in the US Open, both Rajeev and Rohan Bopanna were face-to-face with each other in the title match. Another player of Indian origin who participated in Santiago 2023 is boxer Gurinder Takhar. She lost in the round of 16 to Jajaira Gonzalez of the USA. She is perhaps the first woman boxer of Indian origin to represent Canada. Santiago Games 2023-It was Indians at the Pan Am Games Image: LinkedIn
16 New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 PRABHJOT PAUL SINGH Keegan Pereira, who is one of two players of Indian origin, representing Canada in the ongoing Santiago 2023 Pan Am Games, has achieved a rare distinction. He has 202 caps to his credit, two more than the team captain, Gordon Johnston. Canada sits at the top of the table with two wins from as many matches while the archrivals and neighbours, the US, is placed second with a win and a loss. It was Gordon Johnston who scored a penalty corner goal to celebrate his 200th cap in the match against the US on Friday. Both teams are represented well by the migrant Indian community. Canada has two while the US has four players of Indian origin in its ranks. Ajai Dhadwal is leading the US team while other players of Indian origin in the US team are Mohan Gandhi, Parmeet Paul Singh, and Mehtab Grewal. The chief coach of the US team is Harendra Singh, who was earlier chief coach of the Indian men’s hockey team. “I got my 200th cap in the last Commonwealth Games,” says Keegan who immigrated to Canada from Mumbai in India when he was only nine. “Canada has been my home now for the past 20 years. It is an honour to represent the country of my present abode,” he says hoping that “Canada will make it to the 2024 Olympic games by winning the hockey gold medal at Santiago. “We are well within a chance. Our last pool game is against young and fit Trinidad and Tobago,” he said in a brief interaction with New Canadian Media. He agrees that the representation of the players of Indian origin in the Canadian team has come down as most of the senior players, including Sukhpal Panesar, have taken a break. Sukhpal and his brother, Balraj, have been regular in the Canadian hockey team for the past several years. This time only Balraj is playing for Canada in Santiago. Balbir Panesar, the father of Sukhpal and Balraj, who is also in Santiago to watch his younger son play in the 2023 edition of the Pan Am Games, is hopeful of Canada making the grade. “Sukhpal has taken a break as he is concentrating on his work,” reveals Balbir Singh. Accompanying him to Santiago is his wife. Sukhpal and Balraj play for the United Club in Surrey. They are among several players of Indian origin who have donned Canadian colours in various international hockey tournaments, including the Summer Olympic Games and the World Cup for men. “You will see more players of our community – migrants from India – in the ensuing FIH Junior World Cup for men to be played in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in December,” says Keegan Pereira. “In Santiago, we also have Harbir Sidhu as a standby. In case we need a replacement, he will join the squad,” adds Keegan Pereira. According to the International Hockey Federation, the teams winning the continental championships including the Pan Am Games will get direct entry to the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris next year. Keegan Pereira keeps the hopes of the migrants flying high Keegan Pereira keeps the migrants' flag flying high BHAVANA P After winning silver in the men's and women's 10m air rifle categories, respectively, at the Asian Shooting Championships 2023 in Changwon, the Republic of Korea, on Friday, Arjun Babuta and Tilottama Sen guaranteed India two more Olympic tickets for Paris 2024. Ten Olympic quotas in shooting have now been acquired by India, including the full allocation of two slots per gender for the 10m air rifle events. Paris 2024 quotas had already been acquired by men's air rifle competitor Rudrankksh Patil and women's air rifle competitor Mehuli Ghosh. Olympic qualifying takes place in 2023 at the Asian Shooting Championships, which will go to Paris in 2024. There are 24 Olympic quotas available, with a position guaranteed for their national teams for the top two finishers (one from each country) in each of the 12 Olympic shooting events. In the qualification round, Arjun Babuta, 24, shot the highest score of 633.4, while Divyansh Singh Panwar came in third with 632.3. Babuta shot 251.2 in the final, trailing only Sheng Lihao of the People's Republic of China—a silver medallist from Tokyo 2020—who shot 252.1. With 209.6, India's Divyansh Singh Panwar placed fourth, and Japan's Naoya Okada secured the bronze medal with 230.6. Hriday Hazarika placed 21st in qualifying with a score of 626.7. With a total score of 1892.4, Arjun Babuta, Divyansh Singh Panwar, and Hriday Hazarika defeated China to take the top spot in the men's team 10m air rifle category and win the gold medal. In the women’s 10m air rifle event, the 15-year-old Tilottama Sen shot 630.5 to finish sixth in qualifying before managing 252.3 in the final to settle for silver. In the mixed team skeet event, Anant Jeet Singh Naruka, a silver medallist in the Asian Games 2023, and Darshna Rathore, an Indian athlete, won a gold medal after defeating Kuwait 40-37 in the gold medal match. India advanced to the gold medal final by defeating Korea and Qatar in a shootoff, whereas Kuwait won the qualification round with a score of 140. Shooters Arjun Babuta and Tilottama Sen qualify for Olympics India has now secured 10 quota spots in shooting for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Arjun Babuta
New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 17 SUNITA SOHRABJI How do you tell the story of three generations coming together in under 15 minutes? Sydney, Australia-born filmmaker Ajai Vishwanath manages to do just that, evocatively capturing the pathos of an immigrant family struggling to establish themselves in a new land. The Tamil film ‘Starch’ was the 2023 winner of the Best International Short Film at the Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival last month. Vishwanath also received two nominations for his screenplay. Vinita Sud Belani, who plays a pivotal role in ‘Starch,’ is well-known in the theatre scene. Belani is the founder of Enacte, a San Francisco Bay Area-based theatre troupe which stages South Asianfocused plays around the US. Vishwanath and Belani discussed their collaboration in an interview with New India Abroad. Here are the excerpts. NIA: Ajai, what was the genesis for your film? Ajai: Actually, I was trying to digitize old VHS tapes. When I was looking at this footage, it reminded me of stories that they had told me about the times when they first moved to Australia in the early 90s. Two stories about my mum in particular stood out to me. So when they moved to Australia, they lived in a sort of lower-income housing situation and didn't have a car in those early years. And there's a story that my dad tells about my mom stealing a shopping cart from her grocery store to take all the groceries home and sprinting away from angry shopkeepers who try to chase her down, which, if you met my mom now, is not the sort of person she is. The second story that I remembered was about nights when there wasn't quite enough food to go around, Mum making sure that Dad and I and whoever else was around were fed, and her drinking the starch water that was left over from the cooking rice because it was thicker and would fill her belly to get her through the night. It was a really interesting set of scenes around which to potentially write a film and tell a story about people moving to a new place and having to make some sacrifices morally and ethically to find ways to get by. Vinita: There is an extreme beauty to this film. I'm just blown away by how somebody so young could handle the sensitivity of the great moral dilemma: Do you put your family first? Or do you put your morals first? Everybody cries at the end of this film. It's just so sensitively portrayed. NIA: One of the most beautiful things about this film is the intimacy that all of the characters have with one another, amid so much adversity. How did you create that? Ajai: I think a huge amount of the credit belongs to the cast for the relationships they were able to form with each other, as people and as characters. For me, it was about creating an environment in which they could feel free and in which they could feel close to one another. NIA: What do you hope viewers will take away from your film? Vinita: I'm hoping that viewers will see that all stories are universal because everybody's been an immigrant at some point. The story is universal. I would also love for people to think about creating a little bit of compassion in their interaction with people because we don't know what's driving people to make decisions. If we stop to think about why people are doing it and think about the why with compassion, I think we'll start to live in a better world. Ajai: A film like this, I hope, demonstrates that the little moments in day-to-day life can be of life-changing significance, and a moment of compassion or a moment of understanding can change the trajectory of a family's entire life in a new place. With the makers of the award winning film Starch Image: Starch Filmmakers Ajai Vishwanath and Vinita Sud Belani discuss their award-winning film, ‘Starch,' with New India Abroad The Tamil film ‘Starch’ was the 2023 winner of the Best International Short Film at the Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival last month. Images : IMDB
18 New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023
New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 19 SUPRIYA SINGH I ndian-origin professor Sir Tejinder Singh Virdee of the Imperial College of London has been awarded honorary fellowship from the Institute of Physics for his outstanding contributions to physics. The award is the Institute’s highest honour, for contributions to increasing equity in physics and pioneering Large Hadron Collider (LHC) experiments. “I am humbled to be made an honorary fellow of the IOP. It has been a privilege to work on the discovery of the Higgs boson with so many brilliant scientists, engineers and technicians from all over the world,” said Professor Virdee, Department of Physics. “Having started my journey into science in Kenya when young, it gives me great pleasure to encourage the young to follow a similar path, especially in areas where opportunities and resources are very limited,” he added. Professor Virdee has been recognised with the IOP’s highest award for his “outstanding achievements in particle physics, particularly as a founder of the CMS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider, and his support for physics in Africa.” He is best known for his leadership of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. His role has covered conceptual design, intensive research and development, prototyping, construction, installation, commissioning, data-taking and physics exploitation, according to a release by the college. The CMS experiment played a crucial role in the discovery of the Higgs boson in July 2012, in the analysis of which Professor Virdee was deeply involved. The LHC is now undergoing major upgrades, and again he has come up with novel techniques for the future of the CMS experiment and beyond. He has” helped expand the CMS collaboration by bringing on-board new collaborators, soliciting funds and negotiating inkind contributions, requiring frequent interaction with Institute leaders, heads of universities, heads of funding agencies and government ministers in many countries He was knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2014. MADHU BALAJI I ndian American Dr Vinit Mahajan led researchers from Standford Medicine to develop an eye-ageing clock using artificial intelligence and has found a way to measure ocular ageing, opening avenues for treatment of numerous eye diseases. The scientists observed at nearly 6,000 proteins in the fluid and found that they can use 26 of them to predict ageing. The developed clock, according to Standford Medicine, indicates which proteins accelerate ageing in each disease and reveal new potential targets for therapies. Dr Mahajan and his colleagues intend to apply the clock method to other bodily fluids to develop more effective drugs for a variety of diseases. “This is one of the best connections ever made that suggests disease triggers accelerated ageing," Dr Mahajan said. The researchers developed a technique — TEMPO, or tracing expression of multiple protein origins. By tracing proteins to a type of cell where the RNA that creates the proteins resides, TEMPO allows scientists to understand the cellular origin of disease-driving proteins. “The first step in developing any kind of successful therapy is understanding the molecules. At the molecular level, patients present different manifestations even with the same disease. With a molecular fingerprint like we’ve developed, we could pick drugs that work for each patient," Dr Mahajan said. The researchers found that some cells had shown accelerated ageing before symptoms appeared. Treating the molecular pathway early, Mahajan said, could prevent disease damage before it becomes irreparable. “It is as if we’re holding these living cells in our hands and examining them with a magnifying glass,” Dr Mahajan said. “We are dialling in and getting to know our patients intimately at a molecular level, which will enable precision health and more informed clinical trials.” Stanford researchers affiliated with the Byers Eye Institute created a biobank of eye fluid collected in the operating room. Researchers from the Aarhus University in Denmark, the University of Minnesota, Retina Consultants of Minnesota, the University of Calgary, the University of Iowa and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System contributed to the work. Dr Mahajan is a professor vitreoretinal surgeon and scientist in the Department of Ophthalmology at Stanford University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in molecular and cell biology at the University of California, Berkeley; and entered the Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of California, Irvine. He also did a residency program at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles. He completed postdoctoral laboratory research as an EyeSTAR Fellow. He also specialized in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery at the University of Iowa’s Retina Fellowship Program and joined as faculty in 2008. He joined Stanford University in 2017. Vinit Mahajan leads Stanford researchers in building eye-aging ‘clock’ Institute of Physics awards Professor Virdee with highest honour The Award is the Institute's highest honour for contribution to increasing equity in Physics and pioneering Large Hadron Collider(LHC) experiments Image: Stanford Medicine Professor Virdee / Imperial College of London Dr Vinit Mahajan
20 New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 MADHU BALAJI Global technology company in the payment industry Mastercard has announced the expansion of its consulting business with the launch of new practices with artificial intelligence (AI) and economics. According to the news release, the company advances the use of AI and addresses shifting macroeconomic forces and consumer preferences. The company is also enhancing its business transformation service, Digital Labs, for clients to create end-to-end solutions from concept development and rapid prototyping to launch and scalability. Observing the need to expertise and approach market solutions with the democratization of generative AI and a complex economic climate, Mastercard's president of data & services, Raj Seshadri, said, “As a complement to our advisory practices, Digital Labs serves as an incubator for businesses to explore new ideas and co-create innovative solutions with a streamlined effect on implementation.” The financial services company noted that experts identify and safely integrate AI tools for better customer experiences, operational efficiency and sustainable revenue generation. The existing AIpowered tools offered through Dynamic Yield, Test & Learn, Global Treasury Intelligence, Cyber Quant, and Brighterion address a range of urgent business needs, including personalization offers, removing bias, forecasting, optimizing finance practices, cybersecurity and fraud monitoring. Addressing economic uncertainties with data-driven insights, Mastercard’s Economic consulting practice consists of in-house experts who translate vast economic data into actionable insights. The company stated that tools that measure in-store and online purchases, SpendingPulse, are utilized to study changing consumer behaviour. SUPRIYA SINGH I nfosys has signed a five-year collaboration with automotive marquee smart Europe GmbH to refine its direct-to-customer (D2C) business model in Europe and provide enhanced customer experience, data-driven personalization and engagement for the existing model smart #1, the newly announced smart #3, and other upcoming all-electric models from the iconic brand. Through this strategic collaboration, the company will help Smart Europe GmbH redefine the online EV buying experience and apply state-of-theart Machine Learning (ML) models to accurately forecast sales and aftersales demand. “Leveraging a blend of our expertise in the domain and strong regional presence, we will help Smart Europe GmbH fast-track the adoption of cutting-edge digital solutions. The success of this engagement will be a real game changer for both smart Europe GmbH and Infosys in the electric mobility era,” Jasmeet Singh, EVP and global head of manufacturing, Infosys said. Dirk Adelmann, chief executive officer of Smart Europe GmbH, said, “We are pleased to have Infosys as our partner on this journey. Infosys’ strong leadership commitment backed by its ability to drive end-to-end application development and maintenance with efficiency and effectiveness, will help us boost our operational performance and user experience.” Infosys was chosen to assist the premium EV maker in this transformation for its deep expertise in enabling consolidation across automotive sales and e-commerce processes and systems. To enable smart Europe GmbH to derive exceptional value from software, data, and cloud investments, Infosys will leverage its trusted process, and functional and technical expertise, complemented by a design thinking-led consulting approach. As per the release, the company will also help Smart Europe GmbH to efficiently sell electric vehicles across 15 European countries with a D2C sales approach and secure engagement across lead generation, prospect conversion, sales and aftersales channels, supplemented by end-to-end ownership and accountability. Infosys collaborates with Smart Europe GmbH for sustainable electric mobility Through this strategic collaboration, the company will help Smart Europe GmbH redefine the online EV buying experience The company advances the use of AI and addresses shifting macroeconomic forces and consumer preferences Mastercard expands consulting services with AI and economics
classified [email protected] Book Your New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 21 STAFF REPORTER I ndian-origin professors Amia Srinivasan and Ridhi Kashyap are among the winners of the 2023 Philip Leverhulme prizes. Chosen from over 400 nominations, the Leverhulme Trust offers five prizes in each subject area: Biological Sciences, History, Law, Mathematics and Statistics, Philosophy and Theology, and Sociology and Social Policy. “In its twenty-second year, this scheme continues to attract applications from exceptionally high calibre researchers. The Leverhulme Trust is thrilled to award prizes to academics undertaking work on an impressive range of topics, from plant evolution to the history of capitalism, family law to theoretical statistics, and the philosophy of science to human trafficking,” said Professor Anna Vignoles, director of the Trust. “We are very proud to support these researchers through the next stage of their careers. Selecting the winners gets tougher each year, and we are incredibly grateful to the reviewers and panel members who help us in our decision-making,” she added. This scheme commemorates the contribution to the work of the Trust made by Philip, Third Viscount Leverhulme and grandson of William Lever, the founder of the Trust. The prizes recognise and celebrate the achievements of outstanding researchers whose work has already attracted international recognition and whose future careers are exceptionally promising, said a release by the trust. Each prize is worth £100,000 and may be used to advance the prize winner’s research. Professor Ridhi Kashyap who is in the Department of Sociology of the University of Oxford has been awarded for her work on demographic behaviours. “My research spans different areas of demography, including questions linked to mortality and population health, gender inequality, marriage and family, and migration and ethnicity. I have worked on the demographic manifestations and implications of son preference as one of the most striking ways gender inequality interacts with demographic behaviours. In the areas of family demography, I have been studying the relationship between educational expansion, gender norms, and marriage and partnership patterns in different contexts,” she said. Professor Amia Srinivasan who is in the Faculty of Philosophy, also of the University of Oxford has been awarded for her work on epistemology, social and political philosophy, feminism, metaphilosophy, and history of philosophy. “I have completed my BPhil and DPhil in Philosophy at Oxford, and before that, I did a BA at Yale. I work on topics in political philosophy, epistemology, the history and theory of feminism, and metaphilosophy,” Srinivasan said. MEHAK LUTHRA J asmin Patel, who holds the position of Associate Vice President for Research and Chief of Staff to the Vice President for Research and Partnerships at St. Louis University, has been honoured as one of the St. Louis Business Journal's 40 Under 40 for 2023. Patel, who has been part of SLU since 2016, was chosen from a pool of over 350 nominees. “It’s an honour to be nominated and selected – it was quite a surprise,” Patel said. “It is also a responsibility to continue to work hard to make an impact and to support and mentor others.” Patel obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Science from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She went on to earn her MBA from the University of Chicago. During her time at the University of Chicago, Patel held various roles, including Clinical Research Associate, Executive Director at Arete: A Research Accelerator, and Chief of Staff for the Research Computing Center. After her tenure at the University of Chicago, Jasmin Patel joined Saint Louis University as the Assistant Vice President of Research Strategy and Innovation. “I came to SLU because of the amazing research already happening here and the growth potential,” Patel said. “In my current role, I oversee the research operations, strategy, and growth components of the Office of the Vice President for Research. As Chief of Staff, I also oversee the implementation of our five-year plan for research growth.” Indian origin researchers win 2023 Philip Leverhulme prize Jasmine Patel named in SLU Business Journal’s 40 under 40 (L-Amia Srinivasan and R-Ridhi Kashyap) Image : The Leverhulme Trust Image : Saint Louis University
22 For sponsorship or other quires, please contact: Manisha Singh, [email protected] +91 932 422 8823 www.punjabichamber.com Media Partner Styling Partner Scan & Buy Ticket Co-branding Partner New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023
New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 23 MEHAK LUTHRA According to a recent report from the OECD, Indians, who are among the foremost groups migrating to OECD countries, also take the lead in acquiring foreign citizenship. Among these individuals, American citizenship remains the most prevalent choice. Nevertheless, Canada has experienced the most significant increase in granting citizenship to foreign nationals. The report titled "International Migration Outlook: 2023" reveals that Indians form the largest national group obtaining citizenship in wealthy nations. Canada, in particular, saw a remarkable 174 per cent increase between 2021 and 2022, making it one of the most highly sought-after destinations for immigrants seeking to acquire citizenship. Over the past year, there has been a significant surge in the number of foreign nationals acquiring citizenship in OECD countries, reaching a total of 28 lakh, signifying a 25 per cent increase from 2021. Although the report doesn't offer a detailed breakdown of the country-of-origin data for 2022, it emphasizes India as the primary source country for obtaining citizenship in OECD countries since 2019. According to the report, China boasts the highest number of international students among OECD member countries, while India leads in terms of the influx of new migrants. In 2021, India maintained its position as the leading country of origin for new migrants (excluding students) to OECD member nations, with an outflow of 400,000 individuals. This accounted for 7.5 per cent of the total migration flows, though it represented only a modest 3 per cent increase compared to 2019. The figures in 2020 were lower at 220,000, likely due to border closures related to the pandemic. The report emphasizes India as the primary source country for obtaining citizenship in OECD countries since 2019. Indians top chart in obtaining citizenship in wealthy nations
24 New India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023
*India Abroad is a Registered trademark and not affiliated with the newspaper named India Abroad marketed in the US from 1972 to 2021. ...Page II ...Page III Year 2, Volume 1 Washington DC, Monday 30 October, 2023 India to host Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Diwali to be celebrated at Times Square in NY British Airways launches campaign to celebrate Diwali ...Page VIII SUNITA SOHRABJI P roposed Rule by Biden Administration Dramatically Tightens H-1B Eligibility The proposed policies are similar to those enacted by the Trump administration, which critics characterised as draconian. The US Department of Homeland Security has introduced a new rule that seeks to modernize the H-1B visa system, at the same time dramatically tightening eligibility requirements. The proposed rule has a 60-day public comment period. After it was entered into the Federal Register on Oct. 23, the rule has received 427 comments. Many of the comments supported the rule, noting that employers have egregiously misused the H-1B system. Others opposed the proposed changes, saying they would potentially impose a hardship with greater requirements for proof of eligibility. All comments must be submitted by Dec. 22. The proposed rule would then move to the Office of Management and Budget, where its fiscal implications would be reviewed. Skilled workers from India gobble up roughly 72% of the 65,000 H-1B visas allocated each year. Widely-cited immigration attorney Cyrus Mehta explained the proposed changes to the H-1B system in an interview with New India Abroad. Here are excerpts. NIA: Mr. Mehta, could you start us off with a broad overview of the proposed changes? Cyrus Mehta: When one reads the rule preliminarily, it looks good. It does try to promote efficiency, and it tries to keep up with the times. There are some very good aspects to the rule that should be commended. On the other hand, it redefines the speciality occupation, and I think that's the main problem. That may result in requests for evidence, which will create burdens on employers, and it could also result in denials. NIA: Does this largely eliminate applicants with just a bachelor's degree? CM: If you have a bachelor's degree in a specialized field and the position requires it, you can still qualify for an H-1 visa. Just to give you an example, let's say you are being hired as a software engineer and you have a bachelor's degree in computer science, you should be able to qualify for the H-1 visa. The problem here is that the rule says that there must be a direct relationship between the duties of the position and the degree. So if you don't have the right degree or the position doesn't require a specific degree, then there will be a problem. NIA: Do you expect to see a significant drop-off of applicants from India? CM: No, I don't think so. Because people will still try. It used to be like this in the past: until about 2018 or 2019, we had all these restrictions. So we are used to dealing with that, and we were still able to get approvals. NIA: Why did the Biden administration announce this proposed rule at this juncture? Is it attempting to curtail the overall scope of the H -1B program? CM: It's hard to say because this portion of the rule is copied from the Trump rule that never went through. Labour has always been against H-1Bs, but that doesn't mean that policymakers makers on the right or politicians on the right love the H-1B program. They don't like it because they feel that there are too many foreigners coming in and taking American jobs, the way former President Donald Trump thought. Both parties just feel that there have to be some restrictions. It shouldn't be made easy. NIA: And Joe Biden has established himself as a very pro-labor President. CM: Yes. Biden would be sympathetic towards the sentiments of unions. But I'm hopeful that the Biden administration will listen. I think they have proposed a rule in the right spirit: they want to make it efficient and modern because of the good features. So hopefully they will listen and they will broaden the definition of specialty occupation, which right now has been narrowed. Widely-cited immigration attorney Cyrus Mehta explained the proposed changes to the H-1B system in an interview with New India Abroad. Here are excerpts. Immigration Attorney in a conversation with New India Abroad Tightening H1B eligibility
II India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 MEHAK LUTHRA T he Diwali at Times Square, sponsored by Gopi Dairy and presented by KIA, is set to make its return on October 28, 2023. This annual Diwali festival in Times Square has been a cherished tradition since 2013, consistently uniting the diverse and vibrant elements of Indian culture in the heart of New York City, Times Square. In the upcoming edition, Diwali at Times Square will celebrate the rich tapestry of India and America's diversity with a wide array of performances that represent various communities. These performances will encompass South Asian, IndoCaribbean, Dominican Folk Dance, and Afro-Latino groups. This showcase serves as a testament to the cultural mosaic that defines New York City. Diwali at Times Square will also commemorate the NYC Diwali School Holiday, with the participation of New York City schoolchildren preparing for a special dance performance in Times Square on October 28. This achievement is attributed to the dedicated efforts of NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Indian-origin State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar. Neeta Bhasin, the founder of Diwali at Times Square, places a strong emphasis on the significance of imparting cultural and traditional knowledge to children from a young age. She is of the view that the annual Diwali festival in Times Square plays a crucial role in connecting children with rich cultural heritage and traditions, thereby contributing to the promotion of peace and harmony in the world. Title Sponsor of Diwali at Times Square, the CEO of Gopi Dairy, Rostom Baghdassarian, said, “Gopi Dairy is proud to sponsor 'Gopi Dairy Diwali at Times Square 2023', a festival rooted in peace, new beginnings, and the human values of gratitude and humility. At Gopi, we're honoured to have been part of your daily lives for over a decade, delivering pure dairy products from our family to yours. This is a historic moment for us all to celebrate the universal festival of light and joy!” This annual Diwali festival in Times Square has been a cherished tradition since 2013. Diwali to be celebrated at Times Square in NY Diwali at Times Square MADHU BALAJI Over ten thousand IndoCanadians took part in the Dussehra celebrations that took place in numerous temples across the region, with Brampton's Hindu Sabha temple being a focal point of the grandeur. The Indian diaspora relished the vibrant re-enactment of Ram Leela and the symbolic burning of Ravan's effigy, according to the press statement. Speaking at the event, Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities of the Government of Canada, said, “As Hindus in Canada and across the world break their fast as Navratri ends, I wish everyone celebrating a very Happy Dussehra! This joyous celebration marks the victory of good over evil and the triumph of righteousness, symbolized by the victory of lord Rama over the demon Ravana.” Greeting everyone on Dussehra, Brampton's Mayor Patrick Brown, said, "The turnout is incredible. May the triumph of good over evil inspire us all.” Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament, Brampton North, emphasized that Dussehra is a major Hindu festival celebrating the victory of good over evil. Sahota noted that the Hindu Sabha Mandir entertained the thousands of people in attendance and the rendition of a dramatic performance of the story of lord Rama. Swami Advaitananda Giri, chairman of the International Meditation Foundation, took the opportunity to explain that the ten heads of Ravan are symbolic and they are interpreted as emotions such as ego, lust, anger, greed, attachment, selfishness, jealousy, arrogance, ignorance and injustice.He also advocated for the inclusion of universal human values in India’s National Education Policy 2020, suggested that Canada and other parts of the world should also make Universal Human Values as part of their education curriculum. Attendees at the event included Maninder Sidhu, Member of Parliament; Kamal Khera, Minister Government of Canada; Deepak Anand, Member of Provincial Parliament of Ontario; Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament; Sidharth Nath Singh, Consul General of India, Toronto; and Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister Government of Ontario. Diaspora celebrates Dussehra in Brampton Greeting everyone on Dussehra, Brampton's Mayor Patrick Brown, said, "The turnout is incredible. May the triumph of good over evil inspire us all.” Attendees at the event Image : Swami Advaitananda Giri
India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 III SUPRIYA SINGH British Airways will be celebrating Diwali with its newest brand advertisement this week. The seasonal positioning celebrates those flying home this festival season, and a thank you to those missing out on their family celebrations. The film features an allcolleague cast, focusing on the airline team members who are working over the festival to help customers enjoy the festivities with their loved ones once again. “Each year, millions of people around the world gather to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, and we know that making that journey home to be with loved ones is so important. Our people are at the very heart of this campaign, as we wanted to thank them for helping families and friends reconnect during the festival,” Hamish McVey, British Airways’ director of marketing said. Featuring Indian-based Cabin Crew, Akash and Shilpa, service advisor at the airline’s contact centre in Gurugram, AmandaRose, and Delhi airport customer service agent, Ruchika – the ad shows them in action as they listen to voicemail messages from their real family and friends, said a release by the airline. Akash, an international cabin crew at British Airways who was born and raised in New Delhi, maintained, “London is without doubt my second home. It’s a place that never fails to impress me, the vibe, the feel, the love. When I’m flying, I do miss my home-cooked vegetarian food, and of course, my wife and parents, but the UK is my home away from home after 12 years as a British Airways cabin crew.” Ruchika is a customer service agent at Indira Gandhi International who has been serving the airline’s customers since 2005. “Apart from home this Diwali, I’d love to be celebrating in Japan. Like us, the Japanese have some of the most unique festivals and celebrations, cultures and customs which we’re both hugely proud of,” she said. From October 20 to November 11, the 30-second and 15-second adverts will run across cinema, out of home and on social media during key TV spots including the Cricket World Cup. The airline is running special fares for customers to give them yet another reason to travel to meet loved ones. It operates 56 flights a week to India, with three flights a day to Mumbai, two services to Delhi and daily flights to Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. Fifth edition of Vishwarang will delve into diverse topics British Airways launches campaign to celebrate Diwali STAFF REPORTER T he prestigious Vishwarang International Festival of Literature, Art, and Culture launched its 5th edition with a grand announcement in the heart of London. Santosh Choubey, a distinguished literary figure, educator, and director of Vishwarang, unveiled the theme for this edition during the Indo-European Hindi Festival in London, United Kingdom. This landmark event is expected to feature the participation of more than 100 organizations worldwide. It will also bring together a distinguished gathering of over 500 Hindi intellectuals, educationists, litterateurs, artists, and diaspora litterateurs, reaching an online audience of over 20 million individuals. Santosh Choubey, in his dedicated efforts to promote Hindi globally, has founded an International Centre of Excellence at Rabindranath Tagore University. This centre encompasses several vital components, including the Overseas Indian Literature and Culture Research Centre, Language Teaching Centre, Translation Centre, and Sanskrit Oriental Language Teaching and Indian Knowledge Tradition Centre. An international committee will oversee these initiatives focused on advancing the Hindi language. Furthermore, more than 100 books authored by international writers and diaspora will be translated and published in Hindi, facilitating cultural exchanges of ideas and thoughts. The fifth edition of Vishwarang will encompass a variety of sessions delving into diverse topics. These discussions will include exploring employment opportunities related to Hindi, innovative teaching methods for the language, the essence of Hindi literature, professional education in Hindi, and the translation of historical narratives into foreign languages. Furthermore, there will be discussions on incorporating technology in the promotion and preservation of the Hindi language. “In the fifth edition of Vishwarang, we are particularly excited to welcome our overseas patrons of the Hindi language, offering them a closer look at the festival and the opportunity to be an integral part of this celebration," emphasized Choubey, director of Vishwarang. “Language is the vessel of culture and history, and it serves as a bridge connecting hearts across borders. With Hindi language patrons scattered worldwide, our mission is to reach out and foster a shared love for the language, culture, and art that transcend geographical boundaries.” The airline operates 56 flights a week to India, with three flights a day to Mumbai, two services to Delhi and daily flights to Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad.
IV India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023
India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 V SARASWATI SINGH Durga Puja festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Sydney. This year, the auspicious festival of Durga Puja was celebrated with great pomp from 20th October to 24th October. People of Indian community participated enthusiastically in this festival which lasted for five days. This time in Sydney, Durga Puja was organized in many community centres. And different tableaux of Maa Durga were seen everywhere, as in India, the tableau of every pandal is different from the other, this time there was a similar scene in Sydney too. Although Durga Puja is special for all Indians, but all Bengalis around the world celebrate this festival in a very special way. Sharodiya Durgotsav was organized by the Bengali Community Dorpon Cultural and Religious Association at The Ponds Community Hub in Sydney. On this occasion, a large crowd of people came to see Maa Durga. Bengali women in traditional Lal pad saree were seen engrossed in the worship of Mother Goddess. The aroma of Havan and Lohwaan had made the atmosphere even more devotional. With the sound of thumping, it seemed as if the devotees had invoked Goddess Durga. The puja was done with full rituals at all places and ended with havan bhog along with the consecration of Mata's life. Also, people of all ages paid floral tributes to Goddess Durga. Amidst the chanting of mantras, it did not seem as if you were so far away from your motherland. One of the organizers of Sharodiya Durgoutsav from the Bengali Community Dorpon Cultural and Religious Association Asim Chaudhary said,“This is the third we are doing it in Sydney, we are from the Bengali community. I love to see many people come here together and we are celebrating it together. I ask everyone come to gather and enjoy the festive season. I can see the enthusiasm from the people that it's being done here.back in the country lot of festivity and lot of people come we can’t compare but we can see good amount of people in here in Sydney. We have been anticipating over the 1000 people will be joining us. We are doing all the rituals that we used to do like Pushpanjali and sindurkhela we are following it as usual.” It is a ten-day long festival in which the last five days referred to as Durgotsav, it is celebrated as Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Mahanavami and Vijayadashami.The sixth day of the festival, Shashthi, fell on Friday, 20 October. The festival started with the welcome of Goddess Durga in temples and community halls. Navratri puja rituals are extensive and complex. For nine days, shlokas and aartis along with Vedic mantras are sung and several Sanskrit texts from the Devi Mahatmya text are also included in the puja.In Sydney too, people recited Durga Saptsati and worshiped girls on Ashtami and Navami days. Dorpon Cultural and Religious Association member Komal Roy said, “all the didi (sister) bhaudi (sister-in-law) and kids are actively participating in the puja which is our main motive to connect the new generation with the cultural roots. All the kids and family have been preparing themselves for puja for the last two weeks and all the decorations like rangoli were done by them. That is how everyone is contributing something to make it better. And we are passing to our kids all the knowledge of our culture so when they grow up, they will also follow.” Ashtami day, also known as Durga Ashtami, Kumari Puja, or Sandhi Puja, was celebrated on Sunday, October 22. The purpose of the puja performed on this day is to prepare the goddess for her confrontation with Mahishasura. On the evening of Maha Ashtami, the fluttering tune of Dhak along with the traditional Dhunuchi dance has special significance. Mahanavami, often known as Durga Navami Homa, is the day when good triumphs over evil. It was celebrated on Monday, 23 October. It is said that on this day the war between Goddess Durga and demon Mahishasura ended, in which Mother Durga was victorious. Vijayadashami or also known as Sindoor Utsav, was celebrated on Tuesday, 24 October. The last day of Durga Puja, which falls on Dussehra, is marked by various customs. On this day, women in Sydney also applied vermillion on Durga idols and also applied vermillion on each other, which is highly revered in Hindu religion. It is believed to bring good luck in marriage. Diaspora celebrate Navratri in Sydney by worshipping all forms of Goddess Durga Image : Saraswati Singh Statue of Maa Durga at The Ponds Community Hub Group of women in Durga festival Ashtami day, also known as Durga Ashtami, Kumari Puja, or Sandhi Puja, was celebrated on Sunday, October 22.
VI ARSHA VIDYA PITHAM 651, Route 115, SAYLORSBURG, PA 570-992-2339 The Gift For a Day Program Arsha Vidya Gurukulam was founded in 1986 by Pujya Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati. The Gurukulam is situated on 99 acres of partially wooded land in the Pocono Mountains, graced by a Lord Dakṣ iņ ā mū rti temple. The facility houses a 400-seat state of the art auditorium and dining complex, library, reading room, bookstore, modern accommodations suited to contemplative study, The traditional study of Vedanta & Yoga, Sanskrit, Jyotisha, and Ayurveda camps are organized at the Gurukulam . The ashram is run on the donations of the members. The Members value the teachings at AVG and support the gurukulam by donating $500 for a day’s expense of running the gurukulam under Gift For a Day Program. When $2000 is donated for four Gift-For-A-Day programs per family of 2 adults & children and they become Patron Members for that year. The features of Patron Membership are as given below: 1. The new patron members (who opt for 4 GFDs per year) can avail one week camp for free in place of free books for the first year. 2.All the existing patron members can avail themselves of any one of the long weekend camps if they do not get a chance to attend the patron camps. 3. There is no need to pay donation for using homa building once a year for all the patron members depending on the availability of the priest’s slot for that day. 4.The donation is tax exempt. India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023
VII Aries : YouYou are heading towards a period in which you will have many work and, therefore, economic opportunities, Aries. Think about your goals and keep your eyes open to recognize them and take advantage of them. A certain astral conjunction helps you increase your ability to adapt to changes and new situations. Your intuition will be very sharp, so if you have to decide something, trust your inner voice more than anyone else's advice. You will have the judgment and ability to face any problem and come out of it with flying colors. Taurus : These days you will be overly sensitive, Taurus, and you must do your best to see reality and not get carried away by your perceptions. You may think the whole world is against you, or you may get angry over unimportant matters. Do not blame anyone for what they say or do, everyone is free to express themselves. Before you start, think twice. You can be very harsh with your words, and the fact is that when you exceed your extreme sensitivity, you might regret it. Your finances are going through a very favorable period, which will boost your morale and allow you to benefit from a more comfortable situation. Gemini : You're It's time to start looking for new work opportunities, Gemini. You have worked hard to advance in your current company but your struggle does not seem to have paid off, perhaps in part because your relationships with some people in power have not been very harmonious. This week you will also begin to feel the need to feel freer, to be more independent. If you share a relationship with other partners, this feeling will make you a little uncomfortable, because you will want to make your own decisions without having to consult them. Cancer : Finally, your head is no longer in a fog due to professional problems, Cancer. The difficult period you went through recently, due to disagreements with one of your superiors, is over. If you have chosen to ignore the problem and continue to work hard to prove your professional worth, now is the time to reap the rewards of your efforts, because they will not have been in vain. You were able to prove your level and your tenacity. This week you will get the recognition you deserve. This will bring you many benefits and you will finally feel relieved. This is very important because you spend most of your day at work. This change will also be beneficial for your love life, because you will transmit relaxation and happiness and your partner will be delighted. If you are a lonely heart right now, don't be melancholic, celebrate your professional success and go out with friends. Leo : Your It's time for you to analyze what's happening at work, Leo. You've had friction with a boss or co-worker and you don't seem to feel comfortable. But this week, the atmosphere will be more relaxed and you will be able to think about the reasons for these disagreements. Perhaps you unconsciously provoke them yourself. If you invest money, focus on the return on that investment. You have achieved good results, but you need to develop a business plan to plan the next steps. Be careful with money, which tends to slip through your fingers. And also beware of scams and scams, small scale, of course, but they are very annoying. Virgo : Excessive activity at work will have a negative effect on your mood, Virgo. Avoid this as it could lead to relationship problems with your colleagues. You should be happy because an increase in activity means things are going well, better than they have been so far. You may be nervous because you will have to do things you are not used to doing and you may feel unsafe. Stay calm, you are perfectly capable of achieving anything you want. You have no shortage of capabilities and resources. The most important thing to succeed is to control your nervousness. This will allow you to generate additional income later, but you will probably spend a few days in a difficult situation. Libra : You will have an intense week of work which will allow you to demonstrate your skills and your ability to work perfectly even under pressure, Libra. This will be very positive for you, so don't get overwhelmed. In business, on the other hand, caution is required. You may have already encountered problems completing a project and, although you do not see yourself capable of solving it, you do not want to listen to those who give you a way out. Be a little more humble and change your attitude. On the other hand, in love, you have a clear vision and you realize that your other half loses his temper over unimportant trifles. Scorpio : You have an excellent week in the field of work thanks to a very positive astral influence, Scorpio. Now you can achieve anything you want. Towards the end of the week, you are likely to get the opportunity you have dreamed of and you w i l l gain great professional prestige. On the other hand, financial matters are at risk. Now is not the right time to start a project. Additionally, maybe someone you know will ask you to lend them money. If you want it, do it, but more than likely you won't get it back. On the sentimental level, free-hearted Scorpios could be surprised. Maybe a long-time friend will eventually confess to you that they've been in love with you your whole life. Sagittarius : You might be disappointed these days, Sagittarius. It is possible that, for various reasons, a project that you wanted to carry out in the field of work is put on hold. Don't be discouraged, the opportunity will present itself later. This week, try to take things calmly, because in the financial area too you need to act with caution. The atmosphere is turbulent and it is not the right time to make important decisions. Even less if they involve high expenses. Therefore, if you have been thinking about buying a car or even an apartment, wait a little longer until these issues are better aspected by the stars. On the sentimental level, you may have to face certain problems with your partner. You are more attractive than ever and you have many suitors. You may be tempted to fool around with some of your admirers, perhaps in your work environment. Capricorn : You are entering a good phase of your professional life, Capricorn. Now you feel more comfortable because your work is valued. Despite this, it is advisable to exercise a little more restraint when you have to say something in this environment, as you tend to be too abrupt. The same problem can arise if you have your own business. If something doesn't go the way you planned, you will put yourself in a situation that will eventually cause you problems. Take advantage of the fact that this week the stars are good for reflection and think about how you can improve this aspect of your character. Aquarius : You will have a very positive week in the work area, Aquarius, and you could be in for a nice surprise. Every time there has been an internal promotion in your company, you have wanted to take steps to achieve it but you have never acted because you thought it was useless and that you would not be taken into account. But now you know for a fact that your superiors have noticed you and that you have a lot of support. This will boost your morale significantly. However, you should refine certain aspects of your character, such as always wanting to be right and not listening to the opinions of more experienced people. Pisces : These are very important days for you because they could influence your professional projection, Pisces. The most positive thing might come to you from a powerful person in your company, perhaps someone recently hired, who notices your abilities. You stand out from others by your performance. In your free time, think about everything that is happening. A good astral alignment will allow you to have precise thoughts about all aspects of your life. Weekly Horoscope Sundeep Kochar Astrologer https://www.sundeepkochar.com India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023
Published Weekly Copyright © 2022 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 Editor (Hindi) Dr. Rameshwar Dayal [email protected] India Abroad Monday, 30 October, 2023 BHAVANA P T he FIH on Friday moved the Women's FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers from Changzhou, China, to Ranchi, India. This development came after the Chinese Women's Hockey Team won the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2022, thereby securing direct qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand will host the women's FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers from January 13 to 19, 2024. To qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, seven national teams from around the world will visit Ranchi for the Women's FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in addition to India. It should be noted that the top three finishing countries will secure their spots at the Olympics. Speaking about Ranchi hosting the Women's FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, Chief Minister of Jharkhand Hemant Soren said, "It is an honour to welcome the global hockey fraternity to Ranchi, Jharkhand. We are set to host some of the best Asian hockey teams in the coming days, as the Jharkhand Women's Asian Champions Trophy is set to take place from October 27th to November 5th." "And now, hosting this event will solidify Jharkhand's position as a growing sports hub in the country. We have a long history of supporting sports and are thrilled to host such a prestigious event," he added. Hockey India Secretary General, Bhola Nath Singh said, “FIH supporting India’s proposal to host the qualifiers in Ranchi highlights the growing influence of Indian hockey on the international stage." "This is a huge event for our players, and we are thrilled that it will take place on our home turf as the support from Indian fans will undoubtedly fuel our players’ determination to excel and secure their spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics,” said Hockey India President Padma Dr Dilip Tirkey. The Indian Women's Hockey Team defeated Japan 2-1 to win the bronze medal in the recently concluded 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou 2022. The victory has given them more confidence in their bid to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Additionally, the Indian squad will compete at the Jharkhand Women's Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 in Ranchi from October 27 to November 5, 2023, ahead of the Women's FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers. Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain Savita RISHIKA BHARDWAJ I n a significant development, cricket in the T20 format was officially added in the additional sports category for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 (LA28). The decision, made during the 141st Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Mumbai, marked a pivotal moment for long standing cricket fans. The sport will be making a return to the Olympic Games after a significant hiatus, while flag football and squash are set to make their Olympic debut in LA. IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized that the selection of these sports aligned with the American sports culture, intending to engage new athlete and fan communities both in the United States and worldwide. Celebrating the announcement, Indian cricket legend, Sachin Tendulakar, said, “After a wait of more than a century, our beloved sport is back on the Olympic stage at @ LA28. This marks the dawn of a new era for cricket as it will be a golden opportunity to foster inclusivity and showcase new talent from emerging cricketing nations. A start of something truly special!” LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to create a compelling Olympic Games program, aiming to captivate audiences globally. The selection process, considering various evaluation criteria, including gender equality and the utilization of existing facilities, led to the inclusion of these sports, reflecting a comprehensive and inclusive approach. Furthermore, the IOC Session supported the recommendation to include modern pentathlon and weightlifting, acknowledging the modifications and efforts by the respective governing bodies to meet the requirements set forth by the IOC. The final athlete quotas for the Olympic Games LA28 will be determined following the Paris 2024 Games, ensuring a balanced and engaging Olympic experience for participants and audiences alike. Cricket among five new sports to feature in Los Angeles 2028 Olympics India to host Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers