Author: Malavika Subramanyan

The iconic BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi witnessed its historic inauguration on 14 February. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, accompanied by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the UAE’s Minister of Tolerance, HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, marked the auspicious occasion. Constructed on land generously gifted by UAE’s President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Mandir symbolizes the enduring friendship between India and the UAE. It stands as the Middle East’s first traditional Hindu stone temple, reflecting cultural inclusivity and interfaith harmony. During the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi engaged in a Vedic ceremony…

Jiya Patil of California has been selected by the American Meditation Institute (AMI) as the recipient of the fifth Annual National Conscience Month Essay Contest. For her insightful reflection on relying on conscience in decision-making, Patil will receive a $2,000 scholarship towards higher education. National Conscience Month, celebrated in January yearly, aims to encourage individuals from all backgrounds to depend on their conscience in decision-making. Patil, a senior at Foothill High School in Pleasanton, shared her journey of overcoming emotional challenges and embracing her conscience’s guidance in her winning essay. In her essay, Patil highlighted the importance of conscientious decision-making,…

NYC Mayor Eric Adams has proposed Meera Joshi, currently serving as Deputy Mayor for Operations, to join the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board. Additionally, Dan Garodnick, chair of the NYC Planning Commission, has been selected to join the board alongside Joshi. Adams expressed confidence in their ability to contribute to the MTA’s future success, aiming to enhance New York City’s transportation system for all residents. Meera Joshi, known for her oversight of the city’s infrastructure and public realm as Deputy Mayor, has played a significant role in advancing street safety initiatives and enhancing public spaces across the five boroughs. Under…

MCR Hotels, positioned as the third-largest hotel owner-operator in the United States, has named Sameer Mehra, an Indian American executive, as its chief revenue officer. Bringing with him a wealth of experience spanning 25 years in the hospitality sector, Mehra’s appointment emphasizes his proficiency across revenue management, distribution strategies, e-commerce, strategic alliances, and sales leadership, as highlighted in an official statement by the company. Prior to joining MCR, Mehra served as the chief revenue officer at Hersha Hospitality Management, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency and team performance. His career trajectory includes leadership positions at Global…

US President Joe Biden has nominated an Indian-American judge, Sanket Jayshukh Bulsara, to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Bulsara, currently serving as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York since 2017, specializes in securities, contracts, bankruptcy, and regulatory matters. Born to immigrant parents from India and Kenya, Bulsara, aged 46, brings extensive legal experience to his new role. The White House emphasized Bulsara’s qualifications, describing him as “extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and the Constitution.” Prior to his current role, Bulsara served as…

The bipartisan Government Service Delivery Improvement Act, led by Representatives Ro Khanna, Byron Donalds, Barry Loudermilk, and William Timmons, received unanimous approval from the House Oversight Committee. Under the guidance of ranking member Gerry Connolly from the Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation Subcommittee, the bill aims to streamline public access to government services, fostering accountability and collaboration among federal agencies. Expressing his satisfaction with the bill’s passage, Congressman Ro Khanna emphasized the federal government’s duty to provide efficient and high-quality services to American citizens. He highlighted the bipartisan nature of the Government Service Delivery Improvement Act, asserting its potential…

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is preparing to acknowledge Ramola R. Motwani, the chairwoman of Merrimac Ventures, a real estate firm based in South Florida, for her notable contributions to the business sector. Motwani is set to receive this honor during the association’s yearly award ceremony, slated to occur from April 4-6 in Washington, D.C., alongside ten other prominent figures from various fields across North America. Terrence J. Giroux, the executive director of the Horatio Alger Association, praised Motwani as a philanthropist deeply committed to education, embodying the qualities esteemed by the association. He lauded her as a…

Sonia Fernandes, an Indian American, assumes the position of global chief human resources and diversity officer at Politico, a Washington-based digital newspaper focused on politics. Politico announced her appointment on Feb 1, emphasizing her role in centralizing talent functions worldwide for the first time in the publication’s 17-year history. Based in Politico’s Rosslyn, Virginia headquarters, Fernandes, educated in Mumbai, will commence her duties on Feb 8. Her responsibilities include harmonizing talent functions across Politico’s seven newsrooms, spanning two continents and seven time zones. As chief diversity officer, Fernandes reflects Politico’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace amid its…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the critical role of women-led development in India’s overall progress, stressing its integral position within the narrative of Viksit Bharat’s development. He acknowledges that women-led development isn’t confined to specific programs but is interwoven into the nation’s growth story, reaffirming a strong commitment to advancing this cause. Responding to a social media post by Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, the Prime Minister’s Office echoed the government’s dedication to promoting development through women’s leadership. The statement underlines, “Our government is firmly committed to advancing development under the guidance of women leaders.…

The Indian American community warmly received the recently appointed Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, during a meet-and-greet event held at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan USA. This organization, active since 1981, promotes Indian culture, including Hindi, Sanskrit, and classical dances. Consul General Pradhan, addressing the community, encouraged them to provide feedback on the consulate’s operations and the government of India. He emphasized that such input would aid in enhancing their performance during his tenure, expressing the importance of community support for effective consulate service. Having served as the High Commissioner of India in Tanzania, Pradhan commended the…