Indian-American Kamala Harris to take on Donald Trump's Immigration Policies! November 11, 2016 16:47
Kamala Harris, who became the first Indian-American to elect to the US Senate, has said she would open a battlefront against the anti-immigration policies of the President-elect Donald Trump, citing "we must reject racism and xenophobia in our politics". The 52 years old Ms Harris said, "I recognize that Tuesday's election has made millions of people in this country feel powerless and afraid of what is to come." She launched a signature campaign against Trump's policies on immigrants. A two-term Attorney General of California described Trump's immigration policies like wall along the US-Mexico border and mass deportations as "absolutely unrealistic". She said that, "Our diverse movement and the responsibility the people have granted me in this office comes into play. We have the power to give a voice to the voiceless in Washington as we advance an agenda rooted in justice and equality, she said.” "It is no secret that there exists two divergent directions for our country to take on immigration reform and the treatment of our immigrant communities, both documented and undocumented.” "One side believes it is okay to demagogue immigrants, has proposed unrealistic plans to build a wall, and is promising to break up families by deporting millions of people. The other side believes in respect, justice, dignity and equality as part of an approach to bring millions of people out of the shadows," she said. "We must reject racism and xenophobia in our politics as we work to protect our immigrants through real reforms. Right now is a time to bring people together. To unite our country around the common values and ideals that actually make us great. Demagoguing or outright attacking communities of colour is not a real plan, it is a recipe for disaster.” "What we must do is rededicate ourselves to the fight for who we are and build a coalition that is ready to join that fight because we are stronger when we are inclusive," Ms Harris said. "I intend to fight for a state that has the largest number of immigrants, both documented and undocumented. We must bring them justice and dignity and fairness through comprehensive immigration reform. I intend to fight for 'Black Lives Matter' and to ensure truth, transparency and trust in our criminal justice system and to fight for a woman's access to healthcare and reproductive rights," she added. Also Read: Indian-American Kamala Harris creates wins US Senate seat! Nandini
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Indian-American Kamala Harris creates wins US Senate seat! November 09, 2016 18:05
History has created after Indian-American California’s Attorney General Kamala Harris won the U.S. Senate seat from the state. She became the first Indian-American to achieve the feat. She would replace Barbara Boxer. The 51 years old Ms. Harris defeated her rival Democrat Loretta Sanchez. She was born in Oakland, California. Ms. Harris said, "My parents met at Berkeley." " My mom, Shyamala Gopalan was a scientist, she came to the U.S. from Chennai to study science, and my father was a professor of economics." "We grew up always being told that you have a responsibility to serve." "I was blessed to have a really great childhood. In my family and extended family, children were nurtured and loved," said Harris. "When I started my career as a prosecutor, I specialized in child abuse and I met so many children who were the victims of circumstances beyond their control." Also Read: Indian-origin lawyer appointed Shadow Attorney General in UK! Nandini
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Australian of the Year award goes to Indian-origin cabbie! November 08, 2016 09:57
Indian-origin driver Tejinder Pal Singh will be honoured as the "Australian of the Year" for influencing the lives of people of all colours in a positive way and for his service to the Sikh community. He is the founder of "Food Van", an organization which provides food for the needy. He is treated as the messiah for the homeless people. Gurbax Singh Khalsa, who lives in Melbourne, said that, "I am waiting for the day Tejinder is felicitated. It is an honour for all of us.” The Times of India reported, Gaurav Kumar from Perth said that, " As usual, a large number of Punjabis in Australia run taxis and have to face racist comments some times. When TP Singh came here from India in 2006, he was racially abused by a passenger in his taxi. But, Singh responded in a way that led to a gradual change in the behaviour of the people towards all turban-wearing persons." According to the official website of the Australian of the Year, "Funding the feast each month from his own pocket, Tejinder attributes his generosity to his deep Sikh faith. His work has inspired three other groups to take up the cause to ute free food to the homeless on Sundays. And the hungry and thirsty come flocking when they see Tejinder's van, emblazoned with the sign 'Free Indian food for hungry and needy people'". Also Read: Indian-origin millionaire wins local council election in Australia! Nandini
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Indian-origin millionaire wins local council election in Australia! November 04, 2016 11:02
The Indian-American millionaire Intaj Khan has been reelected in the local council elections of the Wyndham suburb of the Victoria state of Australia. Following his victory from the Harrison Ward of the suburb, Khan will serve for another four years as a councillor of the suburb. Khan, from the Labour Party was elected from more than 95 candidates including dozen from the Indian background. This year, more than 2,100 candidates had filed their nominations for over 600 councillor vacancies in 78 councils across the state. Khan, 44 said that, "I feel privileged as I can serve my community as well as my council for another term. However, it is also a bit disappointing to see that no other Indian-origin candidates were elected across the state in this year's election." "I would consult with the community on representing at the state or federal level but right now I don't have any immediate plans," Khan said. Also Read: Indian-origin bus driver burnt alive in Australia! Nandini
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US elections: Why Indian-Americans support Hillary over Trump? October 18, 2016 10:58
The Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is largely endorse by the Indian-Americans community because of the unique relationship she has built with the community and India. One of her major backers, Frank Islam, an India-born entrepreneur and philanthropist, said that, "Historically, Indian-Americans, like other Asian Americans and a lot of other immigrant groups, have been big supporters of the Democratic Party." "It has been more inclusive and more welcoming toward all immigrants," he said, adding "I doubt any other American politician has been able to build the kind of relationship with the Indian American community and India as Clinton." "Additionally she has been a champion of the middle class for decades," Islam said. "As President, she wants to provide better health care and better jobs for all Americans." "Hillary has been a staunch ally of India and she recognized that Indian-Americans have enabled the US to be a stronger and healthier nation," he added. According to the most recent polls cited by the Washington Post, roughly 70 per cent Indian-Americans plan to vote for Hillary Clinton compared with 7 per cent for her Republican rival Donald Trump. "I am a big fan of Hindu and a big fan of India," Trump told a rally organized by the Republican Hindu Coalition in Edison, New Jersey. "Indian-Americans, as a community, have shunned Donald Trump, and rightfully so," asserted Islam. But he conceded that "Trump has touched the nerve of angry and uneducated white working class voters." "His message on job losses is resonating with these people," he said, adding "Clinton is making every effort to reach out to this demography." "With her strong economic message, I am confident she will succeed converting a significant section of this group to her side." Islam was also confident that Clinton will offer "true friendship" to India and "take the US-India relations to the next level". Noting that "since 1992, the US-India relations have gotten better and better under every president, whether a Democrat or Republican," he said. "I have no doubt that the ties will continue to be nurtured under a Clinton administration." "There will be focus on trade and economic partnership, on cooperation in the area of defence and counter-terrorism, and on climate change and other global issues," Islam said. Also Read: Indian-origin scientist honors young scientist award in US! Nandini
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Indian-origin lawyer appointed Shadow Attorney General in UK! October 08, 2016 10:52
The UK's Opposition Labour party appointed a 47-year-old Indian-origin human rights lawyer, Shami Chakrabarti, as the Shadow Attorney General. She will hold the government's chief legal advisor to account for their actions. She recently became a Labour member of the House of Lords and also chaired the party's anti-Semitism inquiry. She was confirmed in the new role in a reshuffle of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's top team. The Attorney General is the UK government's chief legal advisor and is drawn from the legislature; their shadow holds them to account and develops alternative policies. The Baroness said that, "It is an enormous privilege to take up the post of Shadow Attorney General in Jeremy Corbyn's new team. I hope to follow in a great tradition of law officers on both sides of the aisle who have defended rights, freedoms and the Rule of Law." Corbyn, re-elected as Labour party leader after overcoming an attempted coup by some members of his party, also promoted long-time ally Dianne Abbot to the post of shadow home secretary. "I am delighted to confirm the appointments of extremely talented women to our shadow cabinet. These appointments mean, for the first time ever, two out of the three traditional 'great offices of state' will be shadowed by women," Corbyn said. "We are disappointed, but sadly unsurprised, that once again Shami Chakrabarti and Jeremy Corbyn have spectacularly undermined her so-called 'independent' report. We hoped her report would be a potent weapon in the fight against anti-semitism. It now looks increasingly like the whitewash was a job application. She has sold out the Jewish community," the board's vice-president, Marie van der Zyl, said. Also Read: Indian-origin teen wins Google Science Fair prize! Nandini
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Indian-origin teen wins Google Science Fair prize! October 03, 2016 15:39
An Indian-origin South African teenager bagged the grand prize worth $50,000 scholarship, at the annual Google Science Fair for her work using orange peel to develop a cheaper “super-absorbent material” that helps soil retain water. 16-year-old Kiara Nirghin, a Grade 11 student at private school St Martin’s, submitted her project titled ‘No More Thirsty Crops’ which was aimed at tackling the severe drought plaguing South Africa. Her solution to the problem of drought uses orange and avocado fruit peel that is normally discarded. Ms. Nirghin said in her submission, said that, “I have always had a great love for chemistry since I was young. I vividly remember at the age of seven experimenting with vinegar and baking soda solutions in plastic cups.” “M.S. Swaminathan has always been an inspiration of mine as he truly believed in the necessary movement of not only India but the whole world towards sustainable agricultural development,” she said. “I hope to one day become a scientist specializing in agricultural science and also become a molecular gastronomist,” she added. Ms. Nirghin explained how she had found an alternative in the fruit peel to super-absorbent polymers (SAPs), which absorb and carry about 300 times their weight in liquid relative to their own mass. “These SAPs are not biodegradable, are costly and full of acrylic acid, sodium hydroxide and other chemicals. During more research on the topic, I found that natural occurring polymers exist in most citrus fruits,” Ms. Nirghin said. The Google Science Fair is a programme for budding scientists between the ages of 13 to 18, who are invited to solve the world’s biggest challenges using science and technology. Also Read: Indian-American professor named 'Future Leader of Audiology' Nandini
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Indian-Americans in Trump's advisory committee! September 27, 2016 10:29
The Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump’s Asian Pacific American Advisory Committee consists Indian-Americans. He appointed Indian-Americans with little over a month to go before the general elections. The committee includes more than 30 members. The Trump Campaign announced, the committee consists Indian-Americans K V Kumar from California, Puneet Ahluwalia from Virginia, Shalabh Kkumar from Illinois. Shalabh Kumar, founder of the Republican Hindu Coalition said that, "We are on the cusp of history. It is a movement that I am witnessing this presidential election. I am confident that Trump would be the next president of the United States." "Under Trump administration, India-US relationship would reach a new height," he said. Puneet Ahluwalia is a member of Virginia's Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advisory Council, while K V Kumar has earlier worked with the World Bank. "It is my great honor and a privilege to be part of Trump AAPI Advisory Committee. This is a pivotal election which impacts the future of our nation and its people," Ahluwalia said. Governors Eddie Calvo and Ralph Torres of Guam and Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) respectively, will serve as the Council's Co-Chairs, it said. The committee members will support and strengthen ties to each community and provide recommendations on to ensure AAPI voices are heard and included in the Campaign. The Campaign said that, "Furthermore, the committee's formation represents Trump and Governor Pence's commitment to AAPI communities." "Trump understands the critical role Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders play in the growing and providing for an energetic economic base which has been lacking over the past eight years of Obama/Clinton policies," the campaign said. "Trump's Asian American and Pacific Islander Advisory Committee is a great addition to the vibrancy of his campaign," Ron Falconi, Mayor of Brunswick, Ohio said. "His ability to connect with everyday Americans is a testament of his character, and what he wants to do to bring America forward from the past 8 years," he said. Also Read: Trump praises Hindu community’s ‘fantastic’ contributions to US! Nandini
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Trump praises Hindu community’s ‘fantastic’ contributions to US! September 26, 2016 13:00
The Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has lauded Hindu community’s contributions, what he described “fantastic” to world civilization and American culture. The New York billionaire also confirmed that, he would be addressing an Indian-American event in New Jersey next month. Mr. Trump said in a statement, that, “The Hindu community has made fantastic contributions to world civilization and to American culture and we look forward to celebrating our shared values of free enterprise, hard work, family values, and a strong American foreign policy.” He issued a short 24-second video message inviting Indian-Americans to attend the “incredible” event on October 15. Mr. Trump said in his video message, that, “Hello everyone, it is my pleasure to invite you to a Republican Hindu Coalition rally at the PNC Arts Center in New Jersey. I am very much looking forward to speaking to thousands of Indian-Americans and others about making America great again. I look forward to seeing everybody there. It would be an incredible evening.” The Trump Campaign said that, the all-day event brings together top actors, singers and dancers from Bollywood, Hindu spiritual and civic leaders for a celebration of Hindu culture and heritage. “The proceeds of the event will benefit global victims of Islamic terror,” the campaign said. “I am looking forward to joining my good friend Shalli Kumar, founder and chairman of the Republican Hindu Coalition for this terrific event,” Mr. Trump said in an accompanying statement issued by his campaign. On the other hand, Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, has held and attended a series of fund raisers organized by Indian Americans across the country including at their homes. But those are all closed door events away from public glare. Ms. Clinton (68), often called as Senator from Punjab and has a large following among the Indian-Americans is yet to make any public appearance before the community. Also Read: Obama awarded Indian-origin physician with National Humanities Medal! - Nandini
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Obama awarded Indian-origin physician with National Humanities Medal! September 24, 2016 10:15
The United States President Barack Obama awarded an Indian-American physician and author with the America's highest humanities award, the National Humanities Medal, for his contribution in the field of medicine. Indian-origin Abraham Varghese, professor of medicine at the Stanford School of Medicine has authored several acclaimed books including 'My Own Country' and 'Cutting for Stone'. He was one among the several other recipients of the medal at a ceremony took place at the White House. The citation of the medal read, that, "The 2015 National Humanities Medal to Abraham Varghese for reminding us that the patient is the center of the medical enterprise." "His range of proficiency embodies the diversity of the humanities, from his efforts to emphasize empathy in medicine, to his imaginative renderings of the human drama," a military aide to the President read from the citation. President Obama said on the occasion, that, "All of today's honorees work in an age where the stories we tell and the technologies that we use to tell them are more diverse than ever before, and as diverse as the country that we love." The National Humanities Medal was started in 1997. It "honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation's understanding of the human experience, broadened citizens' engagement with history, languages, literature, philosophy, and other humanities subjects.” Mr. Verghese said that, "I felt strongly then and now that what I was writing about, and my interest in the human experience of being ill or caring for the ill, was as much a part of medicine as knowledge of the function of the pancreas, for example." He is also a vice chair of Stanford's Department of Medicine. Also Read: Indian-American physician to receive National Humanities Medal in US! Nandini
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Indian-Americans to US: Designate Pak as terror sponsor state September 22, 2016 11:07
Following the Uri terror attack that killed 18 soldiers, the Indian-American community has asked the United States government to designate Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism and impose sanctions on it. Jagdish Sewhani, the president of American India Public Affairs Committee, said that, "Enough is enough. It is time that Pakistan be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism." "Leaders of Pakistan need to understand the price they might have to pay for their continuing support to terrorist activities in India," Sewhani said. Samir Kalra, senior director and Human Rights Fellow at the Hindu American Foundation, said that, "The ability of groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammad to operate freely and with impunity in Pakistan are a direct indication of state sponsored terrorism by the country's intelligence services and military apparatus." "Since 1989, a militant insurgency supported by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency has left thousands of Hindus dead, and has driven out more than 350,000 people from the Kashmiri Pandit community from the Kashmir Valley," it alleged. Indian National Overseas Congress, USA said in a statement, that, "It is time for the US to take a serious look at the foreign military assistance to Pakistan and how those resources are being diverted to cross-border terrorism and other nefarious activities." "We join the civilized people everywhere in condemning this dastardly attack across the border from Pakistan and offer our condolences and prayers to families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives," said George Abraham, chairman, INOC, USA. "We also call upon Pakistan to stop exporting terrorism and return the region to relative peace and tranquility," Abraham said. Also Read: Indian-American bar owner helped catch New York bombing suspect! Nandini
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Indian-Origin Peer Wins 'Lifetime Achievement Award' in UK! September 19, 2016 10:07
A leading publishing group in the United Kingdom has honored an Indian-origin British obstetrician and member of the UK Parliament for his work in the medical profession and being incredible role model for social justice, equality and those less fortunate. The 78-year-old Lord Narendra Babubhai Patel has been awarded with the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' during the Asian Achievers Awards for his work in the medical profession and public life in Britain over the years. Excluding Mr. Patel, the other winners included Ms Manjit Gill, CEO of Binti, a social enterprise that works for women's causes in India and Africa, Mr Selva Pankaj, CEO of Regent Group, a London-based education skills and training development group and Paralympian Mr Ryan Raghoo, a long jumper who suffers from cerebral palsy. British Prime Minister Theresa May said in her message issued for the awards night, that, "This is a celebration of the enormous contribution British Asian make to our country. We see their success in sports, in enterprise and running of multi-million-pound businesses, media, public services and our Armed Forces." Mr Patel, member of the House of Lords who also serves as Chancellor of the University of Dundee, said that, "This is a real honour. It feels like the bigger the award, the less deserving we may be." The Asian Business Publications Limited (ABPL) organized the Asian Achievers Awards every year to honour British Asian achievements across different fields. This year, the occasion coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. Mr C B Patel, publisher and editor of of ABPL Group, said that, "It is a very special day for Prime Minister Modi, whose birthday has already begun in India. We send him our best wishes." "As in years gone by, the winners this year are exemplary individuals who not only have excelled in their chosen professions, but also are incredible role models who work for social justice, equality and those less fortunate," he added. The event was attended by more than 650 people including entrepreneurs, business tycoons, MPs and the uniformed services, It raised 180,000 pounds (USD 2.34 lakh) through a live auction for its charity partner, Indian Ocean Disaster Relief, set up after the 2004 Tsunami to provide immediate relief and long-term projects in case of natural disasters. Also Read: Indian-American physician to receive National Humanities Medal in US! Nandini
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