Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s aim to become a developed nation by 2047 during a public rally in Dhanbad’s Sindri, highlighting the country’s rapid economic growth. He cited the 8.4 percent growth rate in the financial quarter from October to December 2023 as evidence of India’s progress towards this goal. Acknowledging the importance of Jharkhand’s development, PM Modi stressed the need to make both India and Jharkhand prosperous. He expressed confidence that Jharkhand, with its rich heritage, would contribute significantly to India’s development aspirations. PM Modi’s speech was brief as he had to depart for Dhanbad, but he extended…

Ashok Veeraraghavan, an innovative Indian American computer engineer, has been honored with the 2024 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Engineering for his groundbreaking imaging technology aimed at revealing the unseen. Hailing from Chennai, Veeraraghavan, currently a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science at Rice University’s George R. Brown School of Engineering, received this prestigious accolade from The Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science, and Technology (TAMEST). His pioneering technology endeavors to capture images through challenging mediums like fog, smoke, and human tissue, where conventional visibility is limited. Utilizing novel multi-dimensional image sensors and machine learning algorithms,…

Mehdi Hasan, a British Indian American liberal commentator, is set to launch his own digital media company called Zeteo, aimed at promoting truth-seeking journalism and diverse perspectives. Hasan recently left MSNBC after his weekly show was controversially canceled in November. Zeteo, named after the Greek word meaning “to seek,” will debut on the Substack platform in April, offering a weekly streaming show hosted by Hasan, a weekly podcast, and written contributions from notable figures. Subscribers can access the platform for $6 per month. Hasan announced Zeteo’s launch on social media, highlighting the need for alternative voices amidst global conflicts and…

Sadhana Lolla and Ishan Kalburge have earned the prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship, providing them the opportunity to pursue graduate studies at the esteemed Cambridge University in the UK. Founded in 2000 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the scholarship initiative provides full-cost postgraduate scholarships to outstanding individuals from nations outside the UK. Its goal is to foster a worldwide community of future leaders committed to improving others’ welfare. Lolla, a computer science major with minors in mathematics and literature at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), plans to undertake an MPhil in technology policy at Cambridge. She envisions leading discussions…

Indian American Minita Sanghvi clinched the Democratic nomination for New York’s 44th State Senate district, boosted by key endorsements from the Saratoga County Democratic Committee and Schenectady County Democratic Committee. Saratoga County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Martha Devaney hailed Sanghvi as a dedicated advocate and problem solver, citing her diverse background as a parent, educator, and public servant as evidence of her ability to deliver bipartisan results. Devaney expressed confidence in Sanghvi’s leadership qualities, deeming her a fitting choice for the 44th State Senate district. Frank Salamone, Chair of the Schenectady County Democratic Committee, echoed these sentiments, praising Sanghvi’s fiscal stewardship…

From a successful entrepreneur to a vocal critic of woke capitalism, Vivek Ramaswamy has been making waves in both the business and political landscape. His sharp insights, coupled with his keen sense of social issues, have set him apart as a rising star within the Republican Party. Now, many are speculating about his potential role within the political sphere, with options ranging from a VP pick by Trump to a Senate or House run, a cabinet position, or even a bid for the Ohio Governor’s seat. Ramaswamy’s Entrepreneurial Journey to Politics Vivek Ramaswamy is no stranger to the spotlight, having…

The BIG We Foundation (BWF), a cultural intermediary, has granted funds to an Indian American artist based in Texas for a project deeply rooted in South Asian culture. Rakhee Jain received the grant for her project, ‘Beyond the Sari,’ as part of BWF’s SheStories program, which supports women storytellers from diverse backgrounds with a vision for societal change. Jain’s project aims to collect and share intergenerational stories of South Asian women who migrated to Texas between the 1960s and 1980s, capturing their lived experiences. Chosen among a group of five diverse creators spanning music, law, filmmaking, and activism, Jain is…

Indian American filmmaker Mukesh Modi recently hosted a press conference at the Metropolitan Restaurant in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York, to introduce his latest film, ‘Political War.’ The event attracted members of the Indian American community. ‘Political War’ delves into the intricate world of politics, portraying the lengths politicians go to in their quest for power amidst deception, fear-mongering, and the proliferation of fake news. The film stars Prashant Narayan, Seema Biswas, Rituparna Sengupta, and other talented actors. Despite facing hurdles, including a lack of clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification in India (CBFC), which precludes its…

Ameen Sayani, the revered radio icon who captivated millions with his legendary broadcasts, passed away at the age of 91 after suffering a cardiac arrest. He is survived by his son Rajil and grandchildren. Sayani experienced a heart attack on February 20 and was rushed to Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, where he breathed his last. Political and entertainment luminaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union I&B Minister Anurag Thakur, expressed condolences to Sayani’s family. Sayani’s iconic radio greeting, “Namaskar Behno aur Bhaiyon! Main aapka dost Ameen Sayani bol raha hoon…!” resonated with generations and defined an era. Beginning…

Suhas Subramanyam, a prominent figure in Virginia’s political landscape, aims to tackle Congress dysfunction and extremism by running for the US House of Representatives. Subramanyam, aged 37, made history as the first Indian-American, South-Asian, and Hindu elected to the Virginia General Assembly in 2019 and later to the Virginia State Senate in 2023. His candidacy for the 10th Congressional District of Virginia, marked by a significant Indian-American demographic, follows the announcement of incumbent Democrat Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton’s retirement. Born in Houston to Indian-American parents who immigrated from Bengaluru, Subramanyam’s commitment to public service began with his appointment as a White…