 Jolly honours NRI Bharulata Kamble
By Deepak Arora
NEW DELHI, Nov 18: British citizen born in Navsari, Gujarat, Bharulata Kamble, was honored by Senior BJP Leader Vijay Jolly here. Her name is now registered in World Guinness Record. A practicing London lawyer is married to Robotic Surgeon Dr. Subodh Kamble with two sons.
NRI Kamble is the First Women to undertake and complete Solo World Car Driving Expedition covering more than 32,000 kilometers, thru 32 countries in 56 days. British Minister Baroness Sandip Verma flagged her from Luton, London and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed and met her yesterday in New Delhi.
She is the First Women Car Driver to cover 2,792 kilometers in the Arctic circle in 39 hours. She travelled in her BMW-X3 car thru UK, France, Luxemburg, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Italy, Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, China, Myanmar & India.
 Boston Museum Of Fine Arts Celebrates Diwali
By Deepak Arora
BOSTON, Nov 2: The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Boston, celebrated the Indian festival of lights, Diwali, on Wednesday).
On this occasion, the museum hosted various cultural programs based on India and also on Odisha in partnership with Odisha Society of the Americas (OSA), according to Som Mohanty, President of Odisha Society of New England.
Mohanty said that it was for the first time that the MFA had invited Odiya community to perform.
Several artists from New England area presented our rich cultural heritage in the form of Odissi classic and Sambalpuri Folk dance followed by display of prints and visual treats from Odisha Culture/Tourism Department and Odia Art Museum.
Lots of people attended this special event and cheered and encouraged the artists.
 The event was completely free to all visitors and commenced from 5 PM to 10 PM at 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston.
The Odiya dance event began at 7 PM with Odissi Classical Dance "Abhinaya" by Jayashree Kar Mohapatra, Arya Mohanty, Priyanka Nanda, Sneha Mahapatra and Shruti Nanda.
It was followed by another Odissi Classical Dance "Megha Pallavi" by Anindita Nanda
The next item was Sambalpuri Folk Dance "Rangabati" by Sangya Padhi, Aneesha Mahapatra, Sushree Kar, Reema Mohanty and Rupali Das.
Odissi Classical Dance "Basanta Pallavi" was also performed by Suchilagna Panigrahi.
This was followed by a photo exhibition and visual presentation on Odisha arts and culture from Culture Department, Odisha and Odia Art Museum, Odisha.
Obama celebrates Diwali, lights first-ever diya in Oval Office
 WASHIINGTON, Oct 30: US President Barack Obama has celebrated Diwali by lighting the first-ever diya in the Oval Office of the White House and hoped that his successors would continue the tradition.
Obama, who was the first president to celebrate Diwali personally at the White House in 2009, talked about this momentous occasion in a Facebook post soon after he kindled the diya in his Oval Office with some Indian-Americans working in his administration.
“I was proud to be the first President to host a Diwali celebration at the White House in 2009, and Michelle and I will never forget how the people of India welcomed us with open arms and hearts and danced with us in Mumbai on Diwali,” Mr. Obama said.
“This year, I was honoured to kindle the first-ever diya in the Oval Office —— a lamp that symbolises how darkness will always be overcome by light. It is a tradition that I hope future Presidents will continue,” Obama said on the White House Facebook page, which became viral on the social media.
By late night it was liked by more than 1.5 lakh people and shared more than 33,000 times.
“On behalf of the entire Obama family, I wish you and your loved ones peace and happiness on this Diwali,” he said.
“To all who are celebrating the festival of lights across America and around the world, happy Diwali. As Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists light the diya, share in prayers, decorate their homes, and open their doors to host and feast with loved ones, we recognise that this holiday rejoices in the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance,” said the US President.
“It also speaks to a broader truth about our shared American experience. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when we see beyond the differences that too often divide us. It’s a reflection of the hopes and dreams that bind us together,” he said.
Obama said that it is a time to renew collective obligation to deepen those bonds, to stand in each other’s shoes and see the world through each other’s eyes, and to embrace each other as brothers and sisters —— and as fellow Americans.
Hillary calls for light to prevail over darkness
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who has a large fan following in the Indian-American community greeted Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains across the world on the occasion of Diwali.
“On Sunday, nearly a billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists around the world —— including more than two million Americans —— will celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. For members of these faiths, lighting the lamp (the diya) is a reminder that light prevails over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil,” said Hillary Clinton said.
She said "Here in the United States, it is a tribute to the Indian American community that Diwali is celebrated with such beauty and joy. Regardless of our personal faith, Diwali reminds us that diversity is one of our greatest strengths as a nation, that light prevails over darkness, and that dharma — righteousness or goodness — must guide us toward a better tomorrow."
Hillary Clinton said "If I have the honour of serving as president, I will be committed to building an administration that reflects such diversity, including continuing White House celebrations of Diwali."
"To those of you celebrating this joyous occasion, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak," she said in a statement.
No Diwali wishes from Trump
There was no such statement from her Republican rival Donald Trump, whose daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, had celebrated Diwali at a Hindu temple in Virginia last week.
In a joint statement, the Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus and Co-chair Sharon Day said as Republicans, they continue to support religious freedom across the country so that all Americans can continue to share these great traditions with the communities.
"Diwali marks a special time as our friends and neighbours of Hindu, Jain, and Sikh faiths celebrate this year's Festival of Lights," said Chairman Priebus. "During this celebration, we are not only reminded of the traditions that many immigrants bring that make our country more strong and more diverse but also of the many blessings we have in our daily lives," he added.
"From the music to the feasts, to the remembrance of Bandi Chhor Divas, a Sikh festival celebrating emancipation from religious persecution, Diwali also serves as a time for families to contemplate the past year, and what they look forward to in the future," the joint statement said.
Trump’s daughter Ivanka to celebrate Diwali at temple with Indian-Americans
WASHINGTON DC, Oct 22: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s daughter will celebrate Diwali at a Hindu temple in the crucial swing state of Virginia with the members of the Indian-American community, who have traditionally supported the Democratic party in the US polls.
Ivanka Trump will celebrate Diwali with Indian-Americans during her visit to the Rajdhani Temple at Chantilly on Wednesday, campaign officials and community leaders said.
This is the first time a family member of one of the two top presidential candidates is visiting a Hindu temple.
Last week, Trump attended a charity event organised by Republican Hindu Council to raise funds for Kashmiri Pandits and Hindu victims of terrorism in Bangladesh. This was also the first time a presidential candidate attended an Indian- American event. It was attended by more than 5,000 people.
The visit of Ivanka, 34, a successful businesswoman and a key figure of the Trump campaign, to the Rajdhani Temple would “go a long way in breaking the stereotype,” that the campaign “represents only angry white voters,” said Rajesh Gooty, an Indian-American community leader in Virginia.
“This is a big positive for the community,” he said.
Inaugurated in 2000, the Rajdhani Temple is the oldest temple in Loudon County of Virginia, which has experienced the fastest growth of Indian-Americans in the past decade.
In addition to recognising the significant role the Indian-American community plays in the US and embracing its cultural and religious diversity, the Trump Campaign’s move to send Ivanka to a Hindu temple is seen as an effort to woo this ethnic community in the November 8 presidential election.
The results of the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections have shown that whoever wins Loudon County wins Virginia. The county in the past 16 years has seen significant growth of the Indian-American community, mainly on account of the emergence of an IT corridor near the Dulles Airport.
There were 1,200 Indian-Americans in 2000, which increased to 12,000 in 2010. The number is estimated to have jumped to 30,000 in 2016. The neighboring Fairfax County too has an estimated 20,000 strong Indian-American community members.
Indian-Americans have traditionally supported Democratic Party. But the Trump Campaign, which had withdrawn from the state several weeks ago, feel its latest move would help them penetrate the traditional vote bank of the Democratic party.
Bob Dylan wins Nobel prize for Literature
 STOCKHOLM, Oct 13: Bob Dylan, regarded as the voice of a generation for his influential songs from the 1960s onwards, has won the Nobel Prize for Literature in a surprise decision that gave a singer-songwriter one of the world’s most prestigious cultural awards.
His songs such as “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Masters of War,” “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall,” “The Times They Are a-Changin,” “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and “Like a Rolling Stone” captured a spirit of rebellion, dissent and independence.
“Dylan has the status of an icon. His influence on contemporary music is profound,” the Swedish Academy said on Thursday, when it awarded the 8 million Swedish crown ($930,000) prize.
More than 50 years on, Dylan is still writing songs and is often on tour.
“He is probably the greatest living poet,” Swedish Academy member Per Wastberg said.
Sara Danius, Permanent Secretary of the Nobel Academy, told a news conference there was “great unity” in the panel’s decision to give Dylan the prize.
Literature was the last of this year’s Nobel prizes to be awarded. The prize is named after dynamite inventor Alfred Nobel and has been awarded since 1901 for achievements in science, literature and peace in accordance with his will.
 Indian Consulate observes International Day of Non-violence
By Deepak Arora
NEW YORK, Oct 3: An event to commemorate the International Day of Non-violence and Gandhi Jayanti was held here at the Consulate General of India on Saturday. The program started with singing of "Vaishnava Janato" by members of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
In her welcome remarks, Consul General Mrs. Riva Ganguly Das spoke about the relevance of Gandhian principles of non-violence in modern world and how they influenced Dr. King in steering the civil rights movement in the USA.
Thereafter, Cliff Frazier, Executive Director of NYMLK addressed the gathering. Following this, short films on Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. were screened.
Subsequently, Woodie King Jr. shared his thoughts on "Arts as a force for understanding and harmony".
 This was followed by book reading on "Thinking through Gandhi" by Dr. Krishna Chokshi.
The Key Note Speaker of the event, David Dinkins explained how Gandhian principles influenced his political and public life.
Reminiscing numerous quotes by Gandhiji and Dr. King, he emphasized their relevance in today's world. He congratulated the Consulate in putting together a wide ranging program on the occasion.
Following this, Tao Porchon-Lynch, one of the oldest Yoga Masters in the world, who has interacted both with Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. as a youngster, shared her experiences.
Ms. Letitia James, the Public Advocate of New York City, who spoke next, reminded the audience the importance of non-violence in the contemporary US society especially against the backdrop of gun violence and wondered how Gandhi and King would have responded to them had they been alive today.
 Subsequently, Mathew Washington, Deputy Borough President of Manhattan, Ms. Jadayah Spencer and Jason Higgins introduced the outreach program of NYMLK through its youth leadership and non-violence initiatives in U.S.A and abroad.
Winners of the essay competition conducted for school children as part of the event on the topic: "Mahatma Gandhi & Martin Luther King Jr. - Champions of non-violence" were given away awards.
First prize winner was Rokiatou Kaba, an eighth grade student from Harriet Tubman Charter School, Bronx.
In the end, members of BVB chanted the hymn "Raghupati Raghav Rajaram".
Deepak Dave, Executive Director of BVB extended the vote of thanks.
An exhibition of portraits/photographs of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. King by Mr. Mukesh Kashiwala was also organized on the occasion.
A large number of people including members of Indian community attended the event.
Consul General Riva Ganguly Das pays tributes to Mahatma Gandhi
By Deepak Arora
 NEW YORK, Oct 2: The Consulate General of India in association with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan celebrated Mahatma Gandhi's 147th birth anniversary here on Sunday at Union Square Park.
Consul General Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das led the programme by offering floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
Addressing the gathering, Consul General highlighted the relevance of Gandhiji's teachings in the present world.
The students of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavanand sang Gandhiji’s favourite bhajans (hymns).
Later in the day, Consulate organized at its premises viewing of the webcast of inauguration of the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra (PBK) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
PBK was dedicated to the Indian Diaspora by the Prime Minister on October 2 in New Delhi.
It is a premier convention centre for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Indian Diaspora from different parts of the world and is equipped to host wide range of activities such as cultural programs, meetings, seminars, and classes.
Speaking at the event, the Consul General urged the Indian community to avail various facilities offered by the PBK.
She also mentioned about the 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention scheduled to be held at Bengaluru from January 7 to 9 next year and various events planned as part of the Convention.
A large number of NRIs/PIOs attended the webcast.
India, Metropolitan Museum sign MoU
By Deepak Arora
NEW YORK, Sept 27: The Consulate General of India organized a function here on Tuesday for exchange of a Memorandum of Agreement on the Indian Conservation Fellowship Program between India's Ministry of Culture and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
While welcoming the initiative on behalf of Government of India, Consul General Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das hoped that this will enrich both sides from learning from each other and that it will help Indian conservationists to adopt scientific western methods of conservation and management.
Ms. Carrie Rebora Barratt, Deputy Director for Collections and Administration, the MET, spoke about the rich cultural heritage of India and the need for conserving them and the mutual learning that will come to both sides because of the interaction of the people in the program here and abroad.
Representing the Mellon Foundation, the chief sponsors for the Indian Conservation Fellowship Program, was Ms. Mariet Westermann, Executive Vice President for Programs and Research, who has expressed her happiness to be a part of the program and hoped that it will help conserve the rich cultural arts and artifacts of India.
It may be mentioned that a pilot project was conducted in 2013 to 2016 and as it was found to be successful. Hence it was renewed for five years until 2021.
Under this agreement The MET will work with Ministry of Culture to impart a broad range of knowledge on modern operations of museums like conservation and planning of exhibitions.
Do you know what ‘pen pineapple apple pen’ is? It could be next Gangnam Style
 “I have a pen. I have an apple. Apple-pen!
I have a pen. I have pineapple. Pineapple-pen!
Apple pen. Pineapple pen. Pen pineapple apple pen.”
If this what you’re humming to yourself, chances are you hate yourself for loving it. With a catchy tune, a comical dance, ridiculous outfits and nonsensical lyrics, the ‘Pineapple Pen’ song by a Japanese artist is internet’s new obsession.
The video, created by Japanese comedian Piko Taro and DJ Kosaka, has already garnered over 15 million views on YouTube in less than a week. The Apple logo (we mean, Steve Job’s electronics giant Apple) at the end of the song may explain the game, ‘Pineapple Pen’, is available on the iPhone and IPad.
Pop sensation Justin Bieber tweeted about the song earlier this week, calling it his “favourite video” on the internet.
Who knows, it might just be the next Gangnam Style, which was the most watched YouTube video after it was posted by artist Psy in 2013.
The story of watermelons
By Manohar Parrikar
PANAJI, Sept 14: I am from the village of Parra in Goa, hence we are called Parrikars. My village is famous for its watermelons. When I was a child, the farmers would organise a watermelon-eating contest at the end of the harvest season in May. All the kids would be invited to eat as many watermelons as they wanted. Years later, I went to IIT Mumbai to study engineering.
I went back to my village after 6.5 years. I went to the market looking for watermelons. They were all gone. The ones that were there were so small. I went to see the farmer who hosted the watermelon-eating contest. His son had taken over. He would host the contest but there was a difference.
When the older farmer gave us watermelons to eat he would ask us to spit out the seeds into a bowl. We were told not to bite into the seeds. He was collecting the seeds for his next crop. We were unpaid child labourers, actually. He kept his best watermelons for the contest and he got the best seeds which would yield even bigger watermelons the next year.
His son, when he took over, realised that the larger watermelons would fetch more money in the market so he sold the larger ones and kept the smaller ones for the contest. The next year, the watermelons were smaller, the year later even small.
In watermelons the generation is one year. In seven years, Parra's best watermelons were finished.
In humans, generations change after 25 years. It will take us 200 years to figure what we were doing wrong while educating our children." |
