Author: Bhakti Narayanan

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha celebrated 50 years of spiritual and community service in North America, marking the anniversary of its first mandir in Flushing, New York, inaugurated in 1974 by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Thousands attended the event, held over two weekends, which highlighted BAPS’s journey from a small group of devotees to a major Hindu organization with over 115 mandirs across North America. The celebrations included an interactive exhibition showcasing BAPS’s history and contributions. Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-3) honored BAPS with a U.S. Capitol flag, recognizing its 50 years of service. BAPS’s roots in North America can be traced…

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India has successfully transformed into a key player in smartphone manufacturing, now recognized worldwide as a “mobile exporter.” Speaking at the 8th edition of the India Mobile Congress 2024 in New Delhi, Modi highlighted the remarkable growth from just two mobile manufacturing units in 2014 to over 200 today. India, once an importer of mobile phones, now produces six times more phones domestically. Reflecting on his decade-old vision for a digital-first India, Modi pointed out that achieving lower phone costs was only possible through local manufacturing. The government’s “Make in India” initiative,…

Renowned composer AR Rahman has created a 30-minute performance video to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, expected to significantly enhance her presidential campaign as the November 5 elections approach. At 57, Rahman is the first major international artist from South Asia to back Harris, who has Indian and African heritage. Shekar Narasimhan, the chairman of the AAPI Victory Fund, stated, “With this performance, A R Rahman has joined a group of leaders and artists advocating for progress and representation in America.” He emphasized that this initiative goes beyond music, serving as a rallying cry for communities to become engaged and…

The Indian subsidiary of South Korean automaker Hyundai is set to launch a $3.34 billion initial public offering (IPO), the largest in the country’s history, aiming to deepen its presence in the Indian market. Hyundai is set to list one of its subsidiaries outside of South Korea for the first time. The IPO will be available for public subscription from October 15 to October 17, with anchor investors able to submit bids on October 14. Tarun Garg, COO of Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), stated that after 26 years in India, the company believes it is the right time to…

Vivek Ramaswamy, during his campaign, emphasized the need for empathy while also advocating for the protection of children from harmful interventions and the preservation of women’s sports. He noted that displaying understanding can significantly enhance the dialogue surrounding these contentious topics. One unexpected moment during the campaign came from an interaction with a young journalist embedded with his team. The reporter, referred to as Kori, was known for her dedication and frequently challenged Ramaswamy’s views on gender identity, particularly his classification of transgenderism as a mental health condition. During a heated event in Iowa, amid vocal concerns from parents about…

Launched in January 2016, the Indian government’s ‘Startup India’ initiative remains instrumental in fostering innovation and attracting investments in the nation’s expanding startup landscape. Over time, India has established itself as the third-largest startup ecosystem worldwide, with an impressive annual growth rate of 15% in 2018. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) also reported an 11% rise in the number of incubators and accelerators, reinforcing India’s status as a global hub for startups. According to a report by Global Data, Indian startups garnered approximately $7.5 billion in venture capital funding between January and August 2024, reflecting…

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Vietnamese President To Lam to explore ways to deepen bilateral relations. The two leaders emphasized strengthening cooperation in key areas such as connectivity, trade, and culture, reflecting the strong India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In a post on X, Modi expressed his enthusiasm about the meeting, noting their mutual commitment to boosting ties between the two nations. Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with President To Lam is part of a broader agenda during his visit to the U.S., where he also held discussions…

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored the increasing importance of the private sector in India’s economy during the inauguration of a new Sainik School at Shri Bhawani Niketan Public School. He pointed out that Sainik schools are now being established through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, marking a departure from the traditional governance by central and state governments. Singh emphasized that these institutions will be instrumental in cultivating values such as discipline, patriotism, and courage among students, thus providing a new direction for society. He acknowledged the evolving economic landscape, where the private sector is taking the lead in manufacturing and…

The Indian diaspora in Delaware was abuzz with excitement as they welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with chants of “Modi, Modi” echoing near Philadelphia International Airport and the Hotel Dupont. Community members gathered from across the nation, eager to meet their leader. This visit marks a significant occasion for many in the diaspora, who expressed their admiration for PM Modi. Supporters highlighted their role as cultural ambassadors for India, with Dr. Avinash Gupta, president of the Federation of Indian Associations, underscoring the positive influence of Modi’s visit on US-India relations. During PM Modi’s address to the Indian community at Nassau…

India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri, commended the country’s remarkable economic growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting its rise from the 10th largest economy in 2014 to the 5th largest by 2019, surpassing the UK. Speaking at a reception hosted by Consul General of India in Houston, Mr. D C Manjunath, at India House, he highlighted Houston’s pivotal role in global energy, particularly in green hydrogen and aerospace. Minister Puri also emphasized the importance of strengthening the US-India partnership in clean energy, praising India’s efforts in refining and biofuel blending, which aim to increase the…