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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Indian-origin scientist's team create genetic tool to predict heart disease! September 26, 2016 12:09
A new tool to calculate the generic risk score of people likely to develop coronary heart disease in advance has been created by an Indian-origin scientist and his team of researchers. The invention may pave way for early and personalized preventive interventions. Genetic factors have long been known to make a significant contribution to CHD risk. Recent advances in genetics have led to the identification of many Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) very small differences in our DNA that vary from person to person. According to the researchers, they created a score by looking at over 49,000 SNPs, known as a genomic risk score (GRS) and showed that the higher the GRS the higher the future risk of CHD. The study was conducted by the University of Leicester in the UK. It is the first to look at a much larger number of SNPs to give a fuller picture of an individual's genetic risk of developing CHD. Nilesh Samani from the University of Leicester, said that, "This is the first really large study showing the potential benefits of using a genetic risk score over and above current methods to identify people at increased risk of coronary heart disease," "We already know that CHD starts at an early age, several decades before symptoms develop, and preventative measures should ideally be applied much earlier, especially to those who are at increased risk," he said. "Current clinical risk scores are not good at evaluating risk until middle-age. On the other hand the GRS, which is based on your DNA, can be applied at any age," Samani said. "Earlier identification of people who would most benefit from lifestyle changes and medication to reduce their risk of a heart attack could save countless lives," he added. Also Read: One Indian-American, Two Indians among 17 UN Young Leaders! - 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-American bar owner helped catch New York bombing suspect! September 22, 2016 10:22
An Indian-American bar owner, Harinder Bains is being hailed as a hero for helping capture the 28-year old Afghan-American suspect wanted for the bombings in New York and New Jersey. Mr. Bains owns a bar in Linden found Ahmad Khan Rahami sleeping in the doorway of his bar. He said he was watching news on TV on his laptop from another business across the street. According to the Bains, at first, he thought he was some "drunk guy" resting in the vestibule but then recognized Rahami and called police. Bains said that, "I'm just a regular citizen doing what every citizen should do. Cops are the real heroes, law enforcement are the real heroes," The PTI reported, Indian-American attorney Ravi Batra said that, Bains "dared to honour his Oath of Citizenship to protect & defend the Constitution from enemies foreign and domestic - and it's turns out that the Chelsea Pressure Cooker Bomber suspect, a naturalized citizen, is caught by another immigrant, an Indian-American Hero-Sikh." The National Sikh Campaign said in a said in a statement, that this was brave and courageous act by Bains. "A Sikh helps police get to the terrorist involved in New York and New Jersey bombing over the weekend," it said. "He heroically helped save many innocent lives and yet gave credit to law enforcement officers. Harinder Bains certainly did what every responsible citizen in America ought to do. Brave and courageous act!" said the National Sikh Campaign. Also Read: Indian-Origin Peer Wins 'Lifetime Achievement Award' in UK! Nandini
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One Indian-American, Two Indians among 17 UN Young Leaders! September 22, 2016 10:08
The list of 17 Young Leaders appointed as the inaugural class of UN Young Leaders for Sustainable Development Goals includes two Indians and one Indian-American. The young leaders have been recognized for their leadership and contribution to the achievement of the 17 Global Goals. The goals are also known as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030. The UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, Ahmad Alhendawi, “We are proud to announce this group of young global citizens who are already transforming their communities.” “At the same time, the selection process was an important reminder of the great potential and talent of so many young people around the world, who are making immense contributions to peace, development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,” he added. The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement delivered by Mr. Alhendawi, that, “Today I am pleased to join in welcoming the inaugural class of UN Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals.” “These 17 young change-makers are a testament to the ingenuity of youth and I congratulate them for their exceptional leadership and demonstrated commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals,” he added. The complete list of the UN 17 young leaders includes, Trisha Shetty (India), Rita Kimani (Kenya),Anthony Ford-Shubrook (the United Kingdom), Rainier Mallol (the Dominican Republic), Vincent Loka (Indonesia), Edda Hamar (Iceland/Australia), Samar Samir Mezghanni (Tunisia/Iraq), Carolina Medina (Colombia), Lutfi Fadil Lokman (Malaysia), Jake Horowitz (the United States), Samuel Malinga (Uganda), Shougat Nazbin Khan (Bangladesh), Safaath Ahmed Zahir (the Republic of Maldives), Nikki Fraser (Canada), Ankit Kawatra (India), Tere Gonzalez Garcia (Mexico) and Karan Jerath (the United States). Also Read: Indian-origin businessman joins Business and Sustainable Development Commission! 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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Indian-American physician to receive National Humanities Medal in US! September 16, 2016 10:29
The White House announced that, the Indian-American physician-author Abraham Verghese has been selected for the prestigious 2015 National Humanities Medal. His work has emphasized empathy in medicine. Verghese will be honored along with 11 others and the recipients of 2015 National Medal of Arts, by the United States president Barack Obama at ceremony on September 21. 61-year-old Verghese is currently a professor of medicine at the Stanford School of Medicine. He authored several acclaimed books, including "Cutting for Stone" and "My Own Country". The White House said in a statement that, Verghese has been given the award for reminding "us" that the patient is the centre of the medical enterprise. "His range of proficiency embodies the diversity of the humanities, from his efforts to emphasise empathy in medicine, to his imaginative renderings of the human drama," the White House added. Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne, said that, "Abraham Verghese is not only an exemplary clinician, he is an exemplary humanist." Tessier-Lavigne said that, "Every day in the classroom, he teaches his students that professions such as medicine benefit from an understanding of the human condition. We are so proud that his breadth of scholarship has been recognized with this honur." Verghese an alumnus of Madras Medical College, India, said in a statement issued by the Stanford University that, "I am humbled and excited by this honour." "The names of previous recipients include writers I most admire. It is a wonderful affirmation of a path that in the early years I wasn't sure was the right path, even though it was one I felt compelled to follow," Verghese said. "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 added. Also Read: Indian-origin researcher wins Young Scholar award! Nandini
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Indian-origin researcher wins Young Scholar award! September 15, 2016 11:00
An Indian-American researcher Dinesh Bharadia at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has been honored with the prestigious Young Scholar award for his contribution to radio waves. The award was given by the US-based Marconi Society. The society said in a statement, that, "Bharadia has been chosen for the 2016 Paul Baran Young Scholar Award for his contribution to send and receive radio (wireless) signals, including mobile telephony and data on the same channel (wave)." Bharadia, 28, who hails from Ichalkarnji in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh and a doctorate from Stanford University. "Bharadia's research disproved a long-held assumption that it is not possible for a radio to receive and transmit on the same frequency band because of the interference that results," the statement added. The Marconi Society is named after Nobel laureate Guglielmo Marconi, who invented radio, and set up by his daughter Gioia Marconi Braga through an endowment in 1974. The organization wards annually outstanding individuals whose scope of work and influence emulate the principle of 'creativity in service to humanity' that inspired Marconi. The Marconi young scholar award includes $4,000 prize and expenses to attend its annual awards event. Bharadia is going to receive the award at a ceremony on November 2 in Mountain View, California. The Society also honors distinguished scientists with the $100,000 Marconi Award and Fellowship for emulating the principle of creativity in service to humanity. Bharadia said in the statement, that, "Marconi invented the radio but couldn't solve the problem of duplexing. It's fitting that this work is recognized by the Society." Bharadia invented a technology, which can be used in India to build relays which can listen to signals from a cellular tower, transmit them instantly and extend the range across the country. "This (technology) is needed as we have only a few towers; by deploying simple relay, we don't need to put in huge infrastructure for the cellular towers," noted Bharadia. "India has much denser users for cellular data connectivity and a few cellular towers. In other words, if I can talk and listen at the same time in context of wireless radio, then one can double the data we can service," Bharadia said. Also Read: Indian-origin man drives solar auto-rickshaw from India to UK! - Nandini
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Indian-origin scientist bags Lemelson-MIT in US! September 15, 2016 10:29
A scientist of Indian-origin earned the prestigious Lemelson-MIT Prize worth $500,000 in the United States for his groundbreaking innovations to create solutions to improve lives globally. The 46 years old Ramesh Raskar, who hails from Nasik, India is founder of the Camera Culture research group at the MIT Media Labs and an Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences. A media release said that, "Raskar is the winner of the 2016 $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize for his groundbreaking inventions, commitment to youth mentor-ship, and dedication to improving our world with practical yet innovative solutions." According to the announcement, seeking to catalyse change on a massive scale by launching platforms that empower inventors to create solutions to improve lives globally, Raskar combines the best of the academic and entrepreneurial worlds to achieve milestones in improving the lives and health of people in industrial and developing societies. Raskar is the co-inventor of radical imaging solutions, who has Raskar is the co-inventor of radical imaging solutions including Femto-photography. Stephanie Couch, the executive director of the Lemelson-MIT Program, said that, "Raskar is a multi-faceted leader as an inventor, educator, change maker and exemplar connector. In addition to creating his own remarkable inventions, he is working to connect communities and inventors all over the world to create positive change.” "Everyone has the power to solve problems and through peer-to-peer co-invention and purposeful collaboration, we can solve problems that will impact billions of lives," he said. The annual Lemelson-MIT Prize honors outstanding mid-career inventors improving the world through technological invention and demonstrating a commitment to mentor-ship in science, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Also Read: Indian-origin businessman joins Business and Sustainable Development Commission! - Nandini
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Indian-origin businessman joins Business and Sustainable Development Commission! September 14, 2016 10:49
A Singapore-based Indian-origin businessman joined the Business and Sustainable Development Commission, which aims to help accelerate sustainable growth in agri-business. Indian-origin Sunny Verghese is co-founder and CEO of Singapore's agri-business group Olam International Limited. He joins a host of leaders from the private sector, academia and civil society, who are committed to accelerating the world's transition to inclusive and sustainable growth. Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, Chair of the Business Commission, said that, "The world cannot achieve sustainable development without the full engagement of the food and agriculture sectors, which are critical to achieving not just one, but the majority of the Global Goals." "Sunny's leadership in agri-business will be essential to increasing the number of leaders who understand the incredible opportunity for both growth and sustainability in this sector." Verghese said that, "One of the meanings of the word Olam is 'enduring' or 'everlasting'. I believe the only way we can build an enduring business is to put sustainability at the heart of our business. This is reflected in 'Growing Responsibly', our core purpose, which guides us to pursue profitable growth in an ethical, socially responsible and environmentally sustainable way." "I am excited to join the Business Commission, as it seeks to inspire and catalyse companies to embed sustainability at the core of their businesses and aims to foster collaborations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030," he added. The SDGs was launched in 2015. It aims 17 ambitious targets to end hunger and poverty, reduce inequality and tackle climate change by 2030. Also Read: Indra Nooyi 2nd most powerful woman in Fortune list! Nandini
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Indian-origin man drives solar auto-rickshaw from India to UK! September 14, 2016 10:36
To create awareness about alternative mobility solutions using renewable energy for passenger vehicles in Asian and European countries, an Indian-origin engineer Naveen Rabelli drove 10,000km on a solar-powered auto-rickshaw from India to London. The auto had set off from Bengaluru in February. It is also known as 'tuk-tuk' in some parts of the world 35 years old Rabelli reached at Dover ferry crossing in the UK, days later than expected because he was robbed during a toilet break as he approached the ferry crossing from France. The diesel-powered auto-rickshaw cost him $1,500 to buy. He spent an additional $11,500 to get it ready for the zero-emission adventure titled 'Tejas'. The Times of India reported, Rabelli, who refused to let the robbery in France get him down, explained that, "The purpose of this journey is to create awareness of alternative mobility solutions for passenger vehicles in Asian and European countries using renewable energy - mix of solar and electricity." "My passport and wallet were stolen when I parked to go to the toilet at a fast food restaurant at Sarcelles, about 45 km west of Paris. I reported it to the police, where there were some language issues but after a few hours they found an officer who could speak English. They are very helpful and sorry when they heard that I was about to finish my trip," he added. India-born Rabelli was able to acquire an emergency travel document and complete his journey. He now holds an Australian passport. "The aim was to highlight an entirely Indian solution to the world and show the benefits of using a prototype that is reliable, feasible and affordable," said Rabelli. The specially-modified auto rickshaw is equipped with a bed, food cupboard and solar-powered cooker. It was shipped from India to Bandar Abbas in Iran from where he kick-started the overland mission to drive through Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and France before arriving in the UK. Also Read: NRI gives Sushma Swaraj Rs 1 crore cheque for a cleaner India! Nandini
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