Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

In the recent announcement of the 2024 Padma Awards on the eve of Republic Day, a total of 132 recipients were recognized, including veterans of Indian cinema such as Vyjayantimala, singer Usha Uthup, Chiranjeevi, Mithun Chakraborty, and composer Pyarelal Sharma. Vyjayantimala and Chiranjeevi were honored with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award, in recognition of their exceptional and distinguished service. Vyjayantimala, aged 90, known for her stellar performances in classic films like “Devdas,” “Gunga Jumna,” and “Sangam,” received the Padma Shri in 1968. Chiranjeevi, a prominent star in South Indian cinema with over 150 films in multiple languages,…

In the aftermath of the New Hampshire primary, projections indicate that Former US President Donald Trump is on track to secure the Republican party’s nomination for the November presidential elections, despite a surprisingly strong performance by Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor of Indian American descent. Trump’s lead with 52.5% of counted votes prompted major media outlets to call the race in his favor, leaving Haley as the sole remaining Republican challenger against him. The New Hampshire primary victory, following the Iowa Caucus, solidifies Trump’s position as a formidable contender for the Republican nomination. Notably, Trump becomes the first…

Mexico celebrated the inauguration of its inaugural Lord Ram temple in Queretaro, with the consecration ceremony held on January 21. The temple features idols imported from India, and the consecration was led by an American priest in collaboration with Mexican hosts. The Indian diaspora in attendance added to the joyous occasion by singing hymns. The Indian embassy in Mexico shared highlights of the ceremony, emphasizing the divine energy felt during the event. The embassy’s post on social media highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “First Lord Ram temple in Mexico! As the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony approached in Ayodhya, the…

Adorned with gold and flowers, the 51-inch Ram Lalla idol was unveiled before the ‘pran pratistha’ ceremony at the Ayodhya temple, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The consecration took place in the sanctum sanctorum, with PM Modi offering prayers alongside saints, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also present. The idol, crafted by Mysuru-based artist Arun Yogiraj, had been veiled before today’s ceremony. Representing a five-year-old Ram, the ground-floor idol is part of the new temple. The first floor, yet to be built, will feature idols of Raja Ram, Sita, Laxman, and Hanuman. Earlier, a viral photograph of the idol…

In the Grand Hall of Worcester Union Station, Massachusetts, FIA – New England and the Indo-American Community came together to celebrate the consecration of the Ayodhya Ram temple and India’s 75th Republic Day. The event drew over 500 attendees, including the Mayor of Worcester, Joseph M. Petty, and Massachusetts State Senator Michael Moore, despite freezing temperatures. Mayor Petty acknowledged the occasion’s significance, offering congratulations and issuing a formal proclamation. He stressed the importance of embracing Lord Ram’s principles, emphasizing duty over mere rights. The Mayor highlighted shared values between India and the USA, expressing the natural alliance between the two…

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during his visit to Ayodhya, assessed preparations for the upcoming Ram Temple consecration ceremony on January 22. He termed the event as “historic” and highlighted its significance in reaffirming India’s faith and pride. Adityanath appealed to the public to plan their visits with patience, ensuring a well-organized and secure event. He announced that the entire Cabinet would offer prayers at the temple on February 1, emphasizing the widespread enthusiasm for the consecration ceremony. Addressing devotees’ eagerness to witness the historic occasion after five centuries, Adityanath assured full support for any darshan plan prepared by the Teerth…

Sanjay Virmani, a seasoned FBI official, has been appointed by Director Christopher Wray as the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division at the Washington field office. Formerly the deputy assistant director in the Counterterrorism Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, DC, Virmani brings extensive experience to his new role. Beginning his career as a special agent in 2003, Virmani worked on terrorist and cyber cases at the FBI’s San Francisco field office. His dedication led to his promotion to supervisory special agent in the Counterterrorism Division in 2007. In 2010, he assumed the role of supervisory special…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is meticulously adhering to a prescribed set of rules and rituals in preparation for his participation in the consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram temple scheduled for January 22. According to sources, PM Modi is rigorously following the “Yam rules,” an 11-day regimen that involves penance, purification of the mind and body through meditation, and adhering to a special “satvik” diet that excludes items like onion and garlic. In line with these practices, the Prime Minister has chosen to sleep on the floor with only a blanket and has limited his intake to coconut water. The…

U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) has revealed a substantial $12,000,000 allocation from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to benefit the Northwest Seaport Alliance. The aim is to facilitate the creation of collaborative electric truck charging hubs, specifically tailored to enhance port operations in Seattle and Tacoma. These funds, championed by Jayapal through her affirmative vote for the Infrastructure Law, hold the potential to alleviate air pollution burdens in nearby communities by reducing emissions. Expressing the significance of Washington’s ports, particularly those in Seattle and Tacoma, to the local economy and supply chains, Congresswoman Jayapal emphasized the importance of…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a telephonic discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reviewing the progress of bilateral cooperation. The leaders explored avenues for further collaboration in trade, energy, defense, and other sectors. Emphasizing the positive developments in bilateral relations, they committed to crafting a roadmap for future initiatives to reinforce the India-Russia Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership. PM Modi extended best wishes for Russia’s Presidency of BRICS in 2024, assuring India’s full support. The leaders affirmed their commitment to staying connected to foster mutually beneficial ties. The conversation also delved into international matters, including the situation around Ukraine.…