During her official visit to India, Indian-origin US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the two leaders discussed India-US ties and their shared Sanatan Dharma values. PM Modi presented Gabbard with a sacred Rudraksha mala and a vase of Gangajal from the Maha Kumbh Mela, symbolizing the spiritual and cultural bonds between India and its diaspora. Rudraksha, revered in Hinduism, is associated with Lord Shiva, while Gangajal from the Maha Kumbh holds deep purifying and sacred significance in Sanatan Dharma. Their discussions focused on spiritual and cultural diplomacy, alongside strengthening strategic partnerships between India…
Author: Akancha Mishra
Akancha Mishra
Akancha has been a journalist for about twenty years, and she has a Bachelor of Arts in English Honors and a Master's Degree in Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. She and her husband and children Supriya and Alok currently call New York City home.
Rajini Sundararaj, an esteemed educator from Atlanta, has been honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, the nation’s most prestigious recognition in STEM education. This award acknowledges her dedication to shaping young minds and her profound impact on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Expressing her gratitude, Sundararaj credited her success to the unwavering support of her family, colleagues, school administrators, and the wider community. On January 13, 2025, the President announced 336 teachers and mentors across the country as recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) and the Presidential Awards…
A team from the University of Washington, led by Indian-American student Tejoram Vivekanandan, has won the $15,000 grand prize at the Hollomon Health Innovation Challenge for their non-invasive jaundice detection technology. Their startup, Luminovah, aims to enhance early diagnosis and treatment of newborn jaundice, a condition that remains the fourth-largest cause of neonatal mortality. “Our motivation is saving lives,” said Vivekanandan, who serves as the tech lead for Luminovah. He highlighted the shortcomings of existing jaundice detection methods, particularly in accurately diagnosing babies with darker skin tones. “It’s really hard to get a model working on all skin colors, but…
On March 15, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) was honored with the Friend of Higher Education Award at the National Education Association’s (NEA) Higher Education Conference. The recognition highlights her dedication to protecting and strengthening the education sector, which is currently facing significant challenges, including budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration. In her acceptance speech, Jayapal emphasized the critical role of education in democracy, stating, “It was an honor to join educators from across the country at the NEA Higher Education Conference and to receive their Friend of Higher Education Award. Education is the foundation of our democracy, and I…
University of Wisconsin–Madison biochemistry professor Vatsan Raman has been honored as a 2025-2026 Vilas Associate, an award presented by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. This prestigious recognition highlights outstanding research contributions in various fields. Raman’s lab specializes in systems and synthetic biology, focusing on the design and understanding of biological systems, including biomolecules, regulatory pathways, and entire organisms. His team is working on allosteric protein engineering, developing synthetic bacteriophages with novel host interactions, and creating high-throughput assays to analyze disease-relevant gene variants. Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Raman stated, “Receiving the Vilas Associate award is a true…
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has expanded its presence in India by launching new chapters in Mumbai and Gujarat, alongside its business wing, the GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). This development was celebrated at a prestigious event on March 15, 2025, at Mumbai’s Garware Club House, attended by prominent figures from the city. Prakash Shah, the International President of GOPIO, was honored at the event, receiving accolades from Raj Purohit, GOPIO Advisor and Vice President of Maharashtra BJP, for his unwavering commitment and global perspective in fostering Diaspora connections. Prakash Shah, a founding member…
The American Punjabi Society (APS) successfully organized the Multiple Myeloma & Colon Cancer Awareness Breakfast on March 9, 2025, at Pearl Banquet Hall, Hicksville. The event gathered medical experts, community leaders, and distinguished guests to discuss crucial health issues and promote awareness. Attendees enjoyed a traditional Indian breakfast, praised for its authentic flavors and exceptional service by Gary Sikka and his team at Pearl Banquet Hall. The event was led by APS President Gary S. Sikka, with support from APS leadership, including Mohinder S. Taneja, Ajayveer S. Sondhi, Ravinder S. Narang, and Navneet Sondhi (Chair, APS Women’s Cell). Renowned specialists…
US Vice-President JD Vance is expected to travel to India later this month, accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, according to a report by Politico. This visit will be Vance’s second international trip as Vice-President, following his recent diplomatic engagements in France and Germany. For Usha Vance, this trip holds personal significance as it marks her first visit to India in her official capacity as Second Lady. Born to Indian immigrants Krish and Lakshmi Chilukuri, who moved to the US in the late 1970s, Usha Vance has an accomplished legal career. She earned her law degree from Yale, where she…
Despite a slight drop in fintech funding to $4.1 billion, India emerged as the leading fintech investment destination in the Asia Pacific region in 2024. Among the region’s major economies, both China and India experienced declines, but India still attracted the highest capital inflows. India’s fintech investments dipped from $4.4 billion to $4.1 billion, whereas China saw a dramatic plunge from $2.6 billion to just $687 million between 2023 and 2024. Interestingly, the largest fintech deals in the Asia Pacific region occurred outside India and China. One of India’s most significant transactions was Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group’s $334 million investment…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius on Tuesday to a grand reception led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam at the airport. His visit was met with enthusiasm, with dignitaries and members of the Indian diaspora eagerly awaiting his arrival. Sharing his excitement, PM Modi posted on X, expressing gratitude to his Mauritian counterpart for the warm welcome. He highlighted that this visit provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new areas of collaboration. He also mentioned his scheduled meetings with President Dharam Gokhool and PM Ramgoolam, along with a special address to the Indian community in…