Author: Bhakti Narayanan

The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), located in Bhubaneswar, India, has achieved a remarkable feat. Twelve of their students have successfully qualified to compete in the Paris Olympics 2024, which kick off on July 26th. This is a tremendous source of pride and joy for the entire KIIT institution. KIIT has the distinction of being the first Indian university to send the largest contingent of athletes to the Olympics among all universities in the country. The qualified students represent a wide range of sporting disciplines. Amit Rohidas will be competing in men’s hockey, while Kishore Kumar Jena will showcase…

Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur of Indian descent, has expressed interest in stepping into the spotlight of American politics by considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat from Ohio. The opportunity arises if J.D. Vance, currently the Republican nominee for Vice-President, vacates the seat should former President Donald Trump win the upcoming presidential election. Ramaswamy revealed his potential candidacy in an interview with NBC News, stating he would seriously contemplate the role if approached to serve. Under U.S. electoral procedures, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine holds the authority to nominate a successor to complete Vance’s term, which began in January…

Shri Thanedar, an Indian-American Congressman from Michigan, has introduced a bill to allow foreign students to remain in the US after completing their studies. The bill, HR 9023, known as the Keep STEM Graduates in America Act, seeks to reform the H-1B visa process and increase the number of available visas each year, thereby making it easier for graduates to stay in the US. This legislation is expected to benefit numerous Indian students and millions of international students. HR 9023 aims to expand America’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) workforce by retaining graduates through an increased availability of H-1B…

Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy condemned the attack on former US President Donald Trump, who was injured during an assassination attempt at an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Ramaswamy, who had previously challenged Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, expressed his views in a detailed post on X. Ramaswamy wrote, “We believe Trump’s current safety is nothing less than an act of God. My heart tells me that God intervened not only for Trump but for our nation. Today, the future survival of the United States came down to a mere hair’s width from a bullet’s path.” Ramaswamy praised Trump, stating…

With almost thirty years of experience, Dr. Krishnan assumes this role with a distinguished background in patient care, education, and advocacy. Her longstanding association with NYSDA spans three decades, holding various leadership roles, culminating most recently as president-elect. Dr. Krishnan’s tenure aims to broaden dental care access, advocate preventive dentistry, and elevate professional growth among NYSDA members. She also seeks to bolster the association’s influence in public policy and advocacy initiatives. Dr. Krishnan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the 143rd President of the New York State Dental Association. “I’m committed to advancing our profession, enhancing dental care…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with 181 Officer Trainees of the IAS 2022 Batch, currently serving as Assistant Secretaries in various Ministries and Departments, at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi today. The interaction included discussions on the trainees’ training experiences, with the Prime Minister recalling their earlier meeting during the Aarambh programme in 2022. He underscored the Assistant Secretary programme’s purpose, emphasizing its role in providing hands-on learning opportunities across the administrative hierarchy. Addressing the trainees, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the vision for New India demands proactive governance focused on enhancing quality of life and manufacturing standards. He…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday morning, wrapping up his two-nation visit to Russia and Austria. In a post on X, PM Modi expressed gratitude to Austria’s Chancellor, government, and people for their warm welcome and hospitality. He described his visit as “historic” and “immensely productive.” “My visit to Austria has been historic and highly productive, infusing new energy into the friendship between our nations. I am pleased to have participated in various programs during my time in Vienna. Thanks to Chancellor @karlnehammer, the Austrian Government, and its people for their warm hospitality and kindness,” PM…

In a spectacle of faith and tradition, the Rath Yatra festivities commenced in Odisha’s Puri as throngs of devotees pulled massive chariots from the ancient Jagannath temple to the Gundicha temple, a distance of 1.5 miles. Led by Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalanada Saraswati, accompanied by the titular king performing the ceremonial chariot sweeping, the event unfolded amidst profound spiritual rituals. President Droupadi Murmu, Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan ceremoniously kicked off the yatra by pulling the ropes of Lord Jagannath’s chariot, Nandighosh. The ambiance resonated with the echo of Jai Jagannath chants and the…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Austria last evening, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the nation since Indira Gandhi’s trip in 1983, over four decades ago. Before arriving in Austria, PM Modi completed a significant visit to Russia. During his stay in Vienna, PM Modi is scheduled to meet Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and hold discussions with Chancellor Nehammer. Additionally, both leaders will address business leaders from India and Austria to explore ways to deepen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation on various geopolitical challenges. PM Modi is also set to interact with members of…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in Moscow on Tuesday, July 9, during his two-day visit to Russia. Amid chants of ‘Modi-Modi,’ Modi emphasized the strength of India-Russia relations. Modi remarked on the mutual trust and respect that underpin the relationship between India and Russia. He noted that every Indian views Russia as a trusted friend and commended President Vladimir Putin for his efforts to elevate India-Russia ties. Modi’s visit included a tour of Putin’s residence outside Moscow before official talks at the Kremlin. Modi highlighted his commitment to accelerating India’s progress in his third term, vowing to…