Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Illinois Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi received the 2023 Roosevelt Leadership Award during an event near Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. This honor, presented by the Franklin Center for Global Policy Exchange and the Ripon Society, draws inspiration from President Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy and is bestowed upon leaders who embody qualities reminiscent of the 26th president. Krishnamoorthi expressed gratitude for the award and highlighted the importance of bipartisan collaboration in addressing the nation’s challenges. He emphasized that shared American values unite the country, and progress is achievable through working together. In addition to Krishnamoorthi, three congressional colleagues, namely U.S. Reps Joyce Beatty,…

The national initiative known as ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh,’ which celebrates India’s land and valor as a unified tribute to the nation’s journey towards freedom and progress, is gearing up for its second phase. In this upcoming phase, Amrit Kalash Yatras are being organized all over India. This nationwide outreach program aims to reach every household in the country. Soil and rice grains are being collected from over six lakh rural villages and urban wards across India. By the end of October, it is anticipated that more than 8500 pots filled with soil from various parts of India will arrive…

Michigan State bills 4446 and 4449, introduced by Indian American Representative Ranjeev Puri, designating Diwali and Vaisakhi as State Holidays, have been officially passed by the state house on September 13. Representative Puri expressed excitement on social media about the passage of the bills, highlighting that they acknowledge Michigan’s cultural diversity. The House of Representatives emphasized the importance of recognizing diverse cultures and religions in Michigan through these holidays. House Bill 4446 establishes Diwali as a state holiday, a significant Hindu celebration symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, celebrated globally over five days. House Bill…

Sandhya Reddy achieved a historic milestone as the first Indian Australian to secure a mayoral position in Sydney’s Strathfield Council. The election, held earlier this month, marked this significant moment in Australian politics. The official announcement came from the Strathfield Council on its Facebook page, stating that Councillor Karen Pensabene was elected Mayor during their ordinary Council Meeting on September 5. In this election, Councillor Sandy (Sandhya) Reddy was elected as the Deputy Mayor. Sandhya Reddy’s journey into the Strathfield Council began in December 2021 when she was initially elected. In the recent election, she ran as an independent candidate.…

On September 13, 2023, India’s President, Ms. Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the Ayushman Bhav Campaign virtually from Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar. In her address, the President emphasized the campaign’s overarching goal, stating that “no person should be left behind, and no village should be left behind,” aligning with the aspiration of achieving Universal Health Coverage. She stressed the importance of individual and family health in realizing a healthier India and highlighted the collaborative multi-ministerial approach taken to attain this objective. Ms. Droupadi Murmu commended the Ayushman Apke Dwar 3.0 initiative, which encompasses the distribution of Ayushman cards to beneficiaries, organizing Ayushman…

Bilquis Mir, a prominent figure in the world of water sports and a kayaking sensation from Kashmir, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian woman athlete appointed as a jury member for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, commencing on September 23, 2023. With her role as Director of Water Sports in Jammu and Kashmir, Bilquis Mir will have the crucial responsibility of evaluating the performances of numerous athletes from across Asia, competing in various sports categories. Her appointment as a jury member for Canoeing at the Asian Games is a momentous achievement, marking a proud…

Amit P. Mehta, an esteemed Indian-American judge originally from Patna, India, currently presides over a critical antitrust lawsuit brought forth by the U.S. Justice Department against Google. Appointed to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in 2014, Judge Mehta’s legal expertise and unique background have positioned him as a prominent figure in this significant legal matter. This legal dispute initiated when the U.S. government accused Google of engaging in illicit practices aimed at establishing and maintaining a dominant position in the realm of online search and search advertising. The ongoing trial aims to determine whether Google’s actions…

On September 12, 2023, Ms. Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, formally inaugurated the First Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights in New Delhi. In her address, the President acknowledged the farming community as the world’s primary conservers and true guardians of crop diversity. She emphasized the remarkable power and responsibility bestowed upon farmers and urged recognition of their tireless efforts to protect and revive various plant species. This significant symposium is hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Rome, facilitated through the International Treaty Secretariat on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (International Treaty). The Union Ministry…

Puneet Ahluwalia, a first-generation Indian American entrepreneur, is vying for election as the Fairfax County supervisor in Virginia. This position holds significant responsibilities, including shaping county government policies and enacting resolutions and ordinances that impact the community. Ahluwalia’s motivation for seeking this role stems from a deep concern for the pressing issues facing his community. He acknowledges the growing divisiveness and lack of civility in today’s politics, which he believes hinder effective problem-solving. In a statement, he emphasized his commitment to introducing accountability, sound governance practices, and a diverse range of ideas to the supervisory board. He made a solemn…

India is set to take a pioneering role in the realm of biofuels through the Global Biofuels Alliance, as announced by Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri, the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs. This initiative is poised to elevate India’s global standing, particularly as it assumes the G20 presidency. At its core, the Global Biofuels Alliance is an India-led effort aimed at facilitating the widespread adoption of biofuels, thus reducing the world’s reliance on conventional petrol and diesel. The catalyst for this development emerged during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Mr.…