Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Indian-American leaders, diplomats, veterans, entrepreneurs and community organizations gathered in Washington, D.C., to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, using the milestone celebration to reinforce the community’s growing influence and commitment to public service. Organized by the Indian-American Committee, the event brought together more than 40 organizations representing diverse backgrounds, professions and regions under a shared vision of unity and civic engagement. Among the prominent attendees were Rahul Patel, chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA); internationally recognized academic Prof. Rajendra Srivastava; Indian American Veterans Association founder Chris Aryan; and U.S. Air Force Auxiliary pilot Arun Ayyagari. The evening also…

Indian American physician-scientist Dr. Ravi Thadhani has been selected as Cedars-Sinai’s first executive vice president, chief physician executive and dean of the Medical Faculty, marking a significant milestone for one of the nation’s leading healthcare institutions. The newly established position reflects Cedars-Sinai’s focus on strengthening leadership across patient care, research and medical education. Dr. Thadhani is set to begin his expanded responsibilities on September 1. In this role, he will oversee the organization’s clinical services, academic operations and research programs while continuing to guide initiatives focused on patient safety, healthcare quality, medical affairs and clinical standards. His leadership will also…

The National Alliance of Indian Organizations (NAIO), in partnership with the Consulate General of India in New York, officially launched the curtain raiser for Azadi Ka Mahotsav, setting the stage for a landmark celebration that will commemorate India’s 80th Independence Day alongside the United States’ 250th anniversary. The event, held at the Indian Consulate in New York, brought together community leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, media representatives, and members of numerous Indian-American organizations to highlight the importance of greater collaboration within the diaspora. The evening began with a welcome by Master of Ceremonies Madhu Pareek, followed by a traditional Ganesh Vandana that…

Air India has announced the launch of nonstop flights between Delhi and Toronto using its newly introduced Boeing 787-9 aircraft, marking a major upgrade for one of its key international routes. The service will begin on August 1, 2026, and will eliminate the current fuel stop in Vienna, subject to airspace availability, significantly improving travel convenience for passengers. The airline expects the change to reduce the total journey time from Delhi to Toronto by nearly three hours. The current flight duration, including the fuel stop, is around 20 hours, while the upgraded nonstop service will take approximately 17 hours. The…

Support for activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike over alleged irregularities in India’s National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) expanded beyond the country’s borders, with demonstrations taking place in several major international cities. Protesters gathered in New York, San Jose, London, and Dublin to express solidarity and call for greater transparency in India’s examination process. The overseas events were coordinated by the advocacy organization Hindus for Human Rights. According to the group, supporters assembled near Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in New York City’s Union Square while another gathering was held in San Jose on July 20. Additional demonstrations took place outside the…

Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar has received major endorsements from senior Democratic leaders in the US House of Representatives, providing a significant boost to his re-election campaign. The support from influential members of the party reflects growing confidence in Thanedar’s political standing and his ability to retain his congressional seat. For an incumbent lawmaker, endorsements from prominent party figures can play an important role in strengthening campaign momentum. Such backing often helps candidates expand their fundraising networks, increase visibility among voters, and demonstrate strong support within their political organization. Thanedar’s growing support also highlights the increasing influence of the Indian-American community…

While many IIT graduates pursue high-paying corporate careers or opportunities overseas, Skyroot Aerospace CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana chose a different path after completing his education. Instead of joining the private sector for a bigger paycheck, Chandana decided to work with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), a decision that eventually became the foundation of his entrepreneurial journey. Speaking about his career choices, Chandana revealed that his initial salary at ISRO was around $480 per month, significantly lower than what many of his peers expected after graduating from one of India’s top engineering institutes. However, he said financial rewards were not…

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) continued its remarkable growth trajectory, strengthening the country’s position as a global leader in digital payment innovation. The platform onboarded 554.9 million users by June 2026, reflecting the rapid adoption of cashless payment solutions among individuals, businesses, and financial institutions. According to data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI processed 24.16 billion transactions during the financial year 2026, with the total transaction value reaching $3.56 trillion. The latest figures highlight consistent expansion over the past five years, demonstrating the growing dependence on real-time digital payments across India. UPI transaction volumes have increased…

NASA astronaut and physician Anil Menon has offered a glimpse into his early days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), highlighting a medical research project that could reshape healthcare both in space and on Earth. The experiment focuses on producing sterile intravenous (IV) saline solution directly aboard the space station, an innovation designed to support future deep-space missions while also improving emergency medical care in remote environments. In a social media update shared on July 17, Menon described working inside the station’s Life Sciences Glovebox alongside fellow NASA astronaut Jessica Meir. Meir is leading the IVGEN Mini experiment, which is…

Outgoing United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative to India, Takayuki Hagiwara, met with Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George in New Delhi as he concluded his diplomatic assignment in the country. During the farewell meeting, George expressed appreciation for Hagiwara’s efforts in advancing FAO’s initiatives in India and recognized his contributions to strengthening cooperation between the organization and the country. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the secretary thanked Hagiwara for his dedicated service and wished him success, good health, and continued achievements in his future responsibilities. Hagiwara has been associated with the FAO since…