Author: Bhakti Sharma

President-elect Donald Trump is set to assume office next month on January 20, bringing in a wave of new appointments as part of his 2.0 administration. Several Indian-Americans, including prominent figures like Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard, and Vivek Ramaswamy, have been entrusted with significant roles, showcasing their influence in shaping key policies. Vivek Ramaswamy, the biotech entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, is expected to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Collaborating with Elon Musk, Ramaswamy will focus on dismantling bureaucracy and restructuring federal agencies to enhance efficiency. Known for his advocacy for limited government and free markets, he…

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple project in Ayodhya has been honored with the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’ by the British Safety Council, Chairman of the Construction Committee, Nripendra Misra, announced. This award recognizes the highest standards in safety management, with only projects scoring a five-star rating in safety audits being eligible. The construction of the temple, managed by Larsen and Toubro and Tata Consulting Engineers, has also earned a ‘Golden Trophy’ from the National Safety Council for its exemplary safety measures throughout the process. The project’s ongoing work, which includes the completion of the first and second floors, is expected…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Kuwait’s highest civilian honor, the ‘Mubarak Al-Kabeer Order,’ in a ceremony held at Bayan Palace by Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The prestigious award is traditionally granted to Heads of State, foreign dignitaries, and royal family members as a symbol of friendship. PM Modi joins the ranks of notable recipients such as former US Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush, and UK’s King Charles III. This accolade, presented for his efforts in fostering stronger India-Kuwait relations, marks another milestone among the 20+ international honors he has received. Kuwait’s state news agency, KUNA,…

In FY 2024, Indians emerged as the second-largest group to achieve US citizenship, with 49,700 individuals naturalizing, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This milestone underscores the Indian-American community’s growing prominence in the United States, which now boasts a population of five million. The USCIS report revealed that Indians accounted for 6.1% of all new US citizens, trailing only Mexico, which led to 13.1%. Other countries among the top five included the Philippines (5.0%), the Dominican Republic (4.9%), and Vietnam (4.1%), collectively contributing to 33% of the year’s naturalizations. Naturalization is a significant process that enables foreign-born…

At the Democratic National Convention this summer, Kamala Harris shared a touching tribute to her mother, who emigrated from Chennai, India, with dreams of becoming a scientist. Harris, a trailblazer poised to be the first female and South Asian president, lost the race to President-elect Donald Trump, who triumphed in all seven swing states. While many might assume Indian Americans would be disheartened by Harris’ defeat, their political influence is at an all-time high under Trump’s leadership. The incoming administration includes influential Indian Americans, such as Kash Patel, nominated to lead the FBI, and Jay Battacharya, appointed to the National…

When Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took office on January 20, 2021, over 20 Indian Americans had already been appointed to key roles within their transition team and administration. By the end of the year, this number surged to more than 130. This shift came after efforts by the Indian American advocacy group Impact, which compiled resumes for talented professionals to ensure more representation for the community in US politics. The initiative sought to bridge the barriers often faced by candidates of color in securing political roles. In contrast, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed just four Indian Americans to significant…

Priyanka Naik, an Indian American chef, has an inspiring story of resilience and reinvention. After over a decade working for major firms like X (formerly Twitter), Bloomberg, and Conde Nast, Naik faced a significant challenge when she was laid off from Twitter in 2022. Instead of being defeated, she transformed this setback into an opportunity to pursue her true passion: cooking. Her love for food, deeply rooted in her vegetarian upbringing, had always been part of her life. In 2017, she earned recognition by winning Cooks vs. Cons on the Food Network, a hint of what lay ahead. Even before…

At the 2024 Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, actress Priyanka Chopra received an honorary award celebrating her significant contributions to global cinema. Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker presented the accolade, describing it as a “true honour” to recognize Chopra’s achievements. Chopra, who shined in a dazzling gown, was accompanied by her husband, singer-actor Nick Jonas, who looked sharp in a black blazer. In her acceptance speech, she thanked the festival for the recognition and shared the moment on social media, saying, “Thank you for the wonderful honour, Red Sea Film Festival.” Reflecting on her journey, Chopra…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEEC) as a groundbreaking initiative to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth during his meeting with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In discussions held on Thursday, PM Modi extended warm regards to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs. PM Modi expressed satisfaction with the ongoing high-level exchanges, including the September 2024 visit of Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reflecting the enduring strength of bilateral ties. Both…

Two Indian American filmmakers are making headlines at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Geeta Gandbhir’s documentary “The Perfect Neighbor” will compete in the U.S. Documentary Competition, exploring a neighbourhood dispute in Florida that escalates into fatal violence, highlighting the impact of “stand your ground” laws. Gandbhir, an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker, has an extensive portfolio, including HBO’s “Black and Missing” and the short “How We Get Free.” Meanwhile, Rohan Kanawade’s Marathi film “Sabar Bonda” is the sole Indian entry in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition. This poignant story captures queer life among India’s rural and lower-caste communities. Kanawade, known…