A significant group of Indian-Americans has introduced the Viksit Amritsar Initiative, aimed at fostering social and economic progress in Amritsar, Punjab. With a pledged sum of $100 million, the initiative focuses on funding startups within the city, home to the revered Golden Temple of Sikhism, marking a pioneering effort for Indian cities by the diaspora, notes news agency PTI. The brainchild behind this initiative is Taranjit Singh Sandhu, former Indian envoy to the US and current BJP candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Amritsar. Spearheaded by Sanjiv Lakhanpal, the initiative involves collaboration among notable Indian-Americans, the Federation of…
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.
A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders suggests that women are more prone to experiencing symptoms of depression during the perimenopause phase compared to their premenopause or postmenopause years. Conducted as a meta-review, researchers examined the risk of developing clinical depression and depressive symptoms across different menopausal stages. The analysis, comprising seven peer-reviewed longitudinal prospective studies with over 11,965 participants, focused on females aged 18 and above who were pre-, peri-, or postmenopausal. These studies evaluated the variance in depression symptoms using standardized inventories. The findings indicated a higher risk of depression during perimenopause, underscoring the importance…
Amidst strained relations with India, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada is positioning himself as a champion for Khalistanis, which has further soured ties between the two countries. During a Khalsa Day event on Sunday, where pro-Khalistan sentiments were vocalized, Trudeau pledged to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the nearly 800 thousand Canadians of Sikh heritage, stating that his government would stand against discrimination and hatred directed at the Sikh community. This declaration comes at a time when Khalistanis in Canada have targeted the Indian High Commission and posed threats to Indian diplomats, exacerbating diplomatic tensions. Last year, the…
Millions of Indian citizens participated in the second phase of the national elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi aiming to rally support through his assertive Hindu nationalist approach. Despite scorching temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius, voters queued outside polling stations as voting commenced at 7 a.m. local time. According to election officials, approximately 60.96% of the 160 million eligible voters cast their ballots in the second round. The results of this phase are critical for Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as it includes 88 constituencies across 13 states, encompassing BJP strongholds like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Projections…
Phoenix Children’s Hospital, a premier acute pediatric facility in Arizona, has appointed Ashish S. Patel, MD, an Indian American, as physician-in-chief of its expanding health system. Dr. Patel now heads four of the hospital’s eight clinical centers, including Emergency and Diagnostic Medicine, the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, the Aerodigestive Clinic, and Medical Subspecialties, according to an official statement. In his new capacity, Dr. Patel also supervises hospitalist medicine, mental and behavioral health services, and Phoenix Children’s Pediatrics practices. Additionally, he joins the health system’s Executive Physician Leadership team and the Phoenix Children’s Medical Group Governance Council. Jared Muenzer,…
In a notable departure from convention, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has opted to throw its support behind Adam Hollier, challenging first-term Indian American Representative Shri Thanedar in Michigan’s 13th congressional district. Hollier’s candidacy has gained significant traction, particularly with endorsements from CBC chair Rep. Steven Horsford and former chair Rep. Joyce Beatty. Their backing underscores Hollier’s commitment to community service and addressing constituent needs, adding weight to his campaign, especially in a district where a significant portion of the population is black. Despite Thanedar’s incumbency, Hollier’s momentum has been bolstered by additional endorsements from Michigan’s secretary of state, the…
The Department of Commerce, under the leadership of Additional Secretary Mr. Anant Swarup, is actively engaged in identifying crucial infrastructure requirements and strategic sectors crucial for achieving India’s ambitious goal of reaching US$ 1 trillion in merchandise exports by 2030. Working closely with the Asian Development Bank for an extensive analysis, Mr. Swarup stresses the necessity of evaluating the country’s capacity to handle an anticipated US$ 2.5 trillion in export-import (EXIM) trade, with imports projected at US$ 1.5 trillion. During a recent conference hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) focusing on resilient export logistics, Mr. Swarup reiterated India’s…
It’s widely known that many Bollywood stars opt to rent clothes rather than buying them to stay trendy. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana recently addressed this trend and expressed appreciation for Diljit Dosanjh’s sense of style. He also shared a story about his brother, Aparshakti Khurana, leveraging his own fashion sense. Ayushmann addressed the prevalent renting culture in Bollywood, stating, “The entire Bollywood is on rent. Do you think we buy all our clothes?” He detailed how stylists procure clothes for them. He emphasized the impracticality of owning numerous outfits. Praising Diljit for his style and global influence, he remarked, “I like…
Jain Acharya Lokesh, the founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati and World Peace Centre, received the American Presidential Award at Capitol Hill in Washington, marking a historic moment as the first Indian monk to be bestowed with this honor. The accolade comprised the Presidential Award, Golden Shield, Certificate of Honor, and a citation bearing President Biden’s signature. US Congressman Brad Sherman presented the certificate and citation, as announced by Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati. President Biden lauded Acharya Lokesh’s humanitarian endeavors, recognizing his significant contributions to the public good and service to both the nation and humanity. In his signed citation, Biden emphasized…
At noon on Wednesday, a beam of sunlight directly illuminated the idol of Ram Lalla at the newly constructed temple, marking the “Surya Tilak” of the deity on the first Ram Navami since its consecration. Devotees began lining up before dawn, with special arrangements made by the local administration and temple authorities to manage the crowds. As the “Surya Tilak” occurred, chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ echoed outside, while priests conducted an “aarti” inside. The elaborate apparatus involving mirrors and lenses directed sun rays into the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, illuminating the deity’s forehead. The consecration of the Ram…