Author: Akancha Mishra

Bengali culture will take center stage in New York’s Times Square when the Mahalaya and Durga Puja Festival returns for its second annual edition on October 10 and 11. The two-day gathering will bring together families, artists and cultural organizations for a program combining religious ceremonies with traditional music, dance and community celebrations. The festival is designed to showcase Bengali heritage in one of New York City’s most recognizable public spaces. Organizers have planned a range of activities, including Mahalaya Chandipath, Durga Puja rituals, Gita recitation by children and teenagers, Dhunuchi dance and musical performances. Artists from the United States,…

The race for Florida’s newly redrawn 22nd Congressional District has emerged as a closely contested contest between Democratic candidate Pia Dandiya and Republican candidate Casey Askar. Recent polling and a change in the Cook Political Report’s race rating have drawn increased attention to the open-seat election ahead of the November 3 general election. A House Majority PAC poll conducted by Impact Research from August 24 through August 31 found Dandiya leading Askar 46% to 44% among likely voters in an initial head-to-head matchup. After respondents were provided information about both candidates, Dandiya’s support increased to 49%, compared with 44% for…

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held discussions with a bipartisan US Congressional delegation on India-US relations, recently enacted sanctions legislation targeting Russia and Iran, energy security and other international issues. The delegation was led by Representative Brian Mast, chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee. Representative Shri Thanedar and other US lawmakers were also part of the delegation. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions covered the recently enacted Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act and the future trajectory of India-US bilateral relations. The two sides also exchanged views on international issues of mutual concern, energy security, counter-terrorism and…

Actor and digital creator Bhuvan Bam has reflected on his journey from YouTube content creation to establishing himself as an actor and entertainer. His experiences on the digital platform, including the criticism and doubts he faced early in his career, played an important role in shaping his outlook and approach to entertainment. Bam recalled that when he began creating content for YouTube, some people around him questioned whether the platform could provide a sustainable career. At a time when online video creation was still an emerging field, he chose to continue following his interests despite the skepticism. For Bam, content…

Live music has the power to transform the atmosphere of a wedding, creating an experience that feels more personal, emotional, and engaging. Unlike recorded tracks or playlists, live performances bring real musicians, real-time reactions, and a sense of spontaneity to the celebration. The presence of musicians performing in front of guests can make each part of the wedding feel more connected. From the ceremony and bridal entry to the reception and dance floor, live music can adapt naturally to the mood and flow of the event. One of the most noticeable benefits of live wedding music is its emotional impact.…

More than 2,000 devotees from across Southern California gathered on September 5 for a large-scale spiritual celebration hosted by Chinmaya Mission Los Angeles (CMLA). The Shri Hanuman Chalisa Samashti Havan brought together community members for six hours of prayer, chanting, fellowship and devotion, with 108 sacred fire pits used during the ceremony. The event formed part of Chinmaya Mission’s worldwide observance of its 75th anniversary, known as Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the gathering highlighted ideals of devotion and selfless service while creating a shared space for members of the Indian American community and participating organizations to celebrate…

India and the United States discussed expanding bilateral cooperation across energy, civil nuclear power and strategic technologies during a series of high-level meetings in New York. The talks brought together senior officials from both countries as they reviewed ongoing areas of partnership and explored ways to strengthen collaboration. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker in New York. Their discussions covered several areas of the India-US relationship, including energy security, civil nuclear cooperation and strategic technology initiatives. The officials also addressed the recently enacted Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, or SRIA,…

Indian-American gastroenterologist and healthcare leader Dr. Mukul Arya, MD, has been named the recipient of the inaugural Global Healthcare Leader of the Year Award by Worldwide Community First Responder (WCFR), a nonprofit organization focused on lifesaving education and community health initiatives. The award was presented during WCFR’s 15th Anniversary and Fundraising Gala on September 19, 2026, at Hotel Nyack–JDV by Hyatt in Nyack, New York. The Caribbean-themed event brought together healthcare professionals, elected officials, philanthropists, business leaders and community advocates to mark the organization’s 15 years of service. Arya was recognized for his work in healthcare, leadership, professional achievements and…

At least a quarter of Americans suffer from high levels of cholesterol or fatty acids in their bloodstream, a condition called dyslipidemia. Uncontrolled cholesterol levels increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD: a group of diseases that result from the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels, preventing blood from traveling smoothly to vital organs. This condition can lead to heart attack and stroke. As a cardiologist with expertise in sports and exercise science, I routinely take care of patients who are interested in making healthy lifestyle choices to control their cholesterol levels, reduce their risk of cardiovascular…

Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders collectively represent one of the U.S.’ fastest growing racial demographic cohorts. This rapidly expanding population has concurrently become the nation’s fastest-growing voter bloc. In recognition of the AAPI community’s rapid growth and impact, AAPI Data has partnered with Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) to create state-specific data factsheets on the AAPI electorate, serving as vital resources tailored to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Key data points include: Number of AAPI eligible voters statewide Aggregate AAPI population statistics and growth trajectories Prominent ethnic subgroup populations (e.g. Chinese, Indian, Filipino)…