Author: Nupur Rohila

The Hindu Temple Society of North America in Flushing, Queens, New York, continues to serve as a major center for Hindu worship, Indian culture, and community activities nearly five decades after it was established by Indian immigrants. Officially known as Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam, the temple is recognized as the second-oldest traditional Hindu temple founded by Indian immigrants in the United States. It opened on July 4, 1977, following years of fundraising and planning efforts by Indian families who had settled in the New York metropolitan region. The temple was established during a period of increased Indian immigration to…

Soundar Kumara, the Allen E. and Allen M. Pearce Professor of Industrial Engineering at Penn State, has been inducted into the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) College of Fellows, recognizing his decades of contributions to manufacturing technology, education, and research. Kumara is among eight manufacturing specialists selected for the SME College of Fellows 2026 class. Established in 1986, the program honors professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and created a lasting impact on the manufacturing industry through innovation, education, and technological advancements. The recognition is awarded to experts with at least 20 years of experience who have made significant contributions…

The World Bank Group has approved financial assistance of $890 million to support India’s national rooftop solar programme, marking a major step toward expanding clean energy access across the country. The funding will help accelerate the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, an initiative focused on increasing rooftop solar installations in households and promoting affordable electricity solutions. The programme aims to encourage millions of families to adopt rooftop solar systems, helping residential consumers reduce electricity costs while contributing to lower carbon emissions. By promoting decentralized renewable energy generation, the initiative is expected to strengthen India’s energy security…

AAPICON 2026 turned Tampa into a vibrant destination for healthcare professionals, researchers, and community leaders as the five-day convention blended scientific discussions with cultural and spiritual experiences. Hosted at the JW Marriott and Tampa Marriott Water Street, the annual event highlighted the achievements of Indian American physicians while promoting education, collaboration, and community engagement. Outgoing AAPI President Dr. Amit Chakrabarty described the convention as the organization’s flagship scientific gathering, setting the stage for a series of leadership transitions. Dr. Vijay Maurya assumed the role of Chairman of the AAPI Board of Trustees, emphasizing responsible financial management and sustainable growth. On…

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani marked the 250th anniversary of American independence by delivering a speech that celebrated the nation’s immigrant heritage while encouraging citizens to strengthen their commitment to democracy, equality, and inclusion. Speaking from City Hall before the Fourth of July celebrations, he described the United States as a nation that continues to evolve through the contributions of people from diverse backgrounds. Mamdani said the historic milestone provides an opportunity for Americans to recognize the country’s accomplishments while honestly reflecting on the challenges that remain. He encouraged people across the nation to renew their dedication to the…

The Foundation of Indian Americans (FIA) New England commemorated the 250th anniversary of American independence with a large community celebration in Northborough, Massachusetts, bringing together hundreds of Indian Americans, veterans, elected representatives, and local families. The event celebrated the shared values of patriotism, civic responsibility, and cultural diversity while highlighting the contributions of the Indian American community to American society. Organizers described the occasion as a meaningful blend of national pride, community service, and cultural unity. A key highlight of the celebration was the launch of the 250 Fruit-Bearing Trees Initiative, an environmental campaign designed to leave a lasting legacy.…

The ISKCON Chicago Temple marked a significant spiritual milestone as devotees gathered to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the installation of Sri Sri Kishore Kishori (Radha Krishna deities). The event, held on June 17, 2026, at the temple located on West Lunt Avenue in Chicago, brought together longtime followers, newer devotees, and members of the wider community for an evening filled with devotion, remembrance, and shared spiritual history. The celebration, held from evening hours, reflected on more than five decades of faith, service, and transformation within the temple community. Devotees shared memories of how the sacred deities were originally installed…

Indian American Impact has welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to preserve birthright citizenship, calling the ruling a significant victory for Indian and South Asian immigrant families across the country. The organization said the judgment reinforces constitutional protections and safeguards the rights of children born in the United States. In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the citizenship guarantee provided under the 14th Amendment cannot be revoked through an executive order. The judgment rejected former President Donald Trump’s effort to end automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents who are not American citizens. Responding to…

The Parsippany Democratic Committee has entered a new phase of leadership with Indian-origin leaders taking prominent positions. Mahendra Patel has been elected as the new Chair of the committee, while Sangeeta Desai has been chosen as Secretary, marking a significant moment for Indian American participation in local political leadership. Patel won the chairperson election held on June 27, securing 40 votes against opponent Tom Wyka’s 29 in an electronic voting process. In a separate outcome, Desai was elected unopposed as Secretary, receiving unanimous support with all 64 votes cast in her favor, while five members abstained. Their election reflects both…

The 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting, hosted under India’s chairship, concluded with the adoption of a Joint Communiqué outlining a shared vision for deeper collaboration on energy security, sustainability, innovation, infrastructure resilience, and capacity development among member nations. One of the most significant achievements of India’s leadership was the launch of the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage under the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform (ERCP). The new initiative is intended to serve as a collaborative platform where member countries can exchange knowledge, share regulatory and policy experiences, strengthen technical expertise, and develop pilot projects…