Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

The 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024, in collaboration with Gujarat Tourism, unfolded at GIFT City on Sunday. The event illuminated with glamorous red carpet moments, heartfelt speeches, and triumphant victories, creating a magnificent celebration of Hindi cinema. A noteworthy highlight of the night was Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s directorial venture, “12th Fail,” securing the prestigious Best Film award. The victory was joyously celebrated by lead actors Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankr, and the entire 12th Fail team. The film, depicting the true story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, has undeniably become one of the most talked-about films of the past year.…

Nikki Haley, the sole remaining challenger to Donald Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, accused Trump of attempting to secure the nomination through bullying tactics. Despite losing in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary, Haley expressed her determination to stay in the race, challenging the premature declaration of Trump as the nominee by party leaders. Emphasizing that the nominating process was still in its early stages, Haley criticized the Republican National Committee (RNC) for hastily throwing support behind Trump after just two states had voted. She argued that such decisions should not be made until all 48 states have…

Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna, partnering with Australian Matthew Ebden, clinched a spot in the Australian Open 2024 men’s doubles final, a remarkable achievement marking his consecutive presence in a Grand Slam final. At 43, he broke his own record as the oldest man to reach this stage. Bopanna’s potential ascent to the world No. 1 men’s doubles player position at 43 would surpass tennis legends Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza. This achievement also eclipsed Rajeev Ram’s record, making him the oldest men’s doubles player to reach world No. 1 in the ATP Rankings. His partner, Ebden, rose…

During farewell events over the weekend, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the outgoing Indian Ambassador to the United States, urged the Indian American community to ensure the ongoing connection of the second generation with India. Stressing the benefits of this closeness in the upcoming years, he emphasized that those familiar with India would be uniquely positioned for job and business opportunities as international companies increasingly move operations to India. Speaking at a farewell reception in McLean, Virginia, organized by the National Council of Asian Indian Associations, Ambassador Sandhu highlighted the contributions of Indian Americans across various fields, particularly in healthcare and business.…

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…