Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Dr. Mihir Meghani, a prominent Indian-American physician, emphasizes that Hinduism is not just a religion but a way of life. He has committed $4 million to support Hindu advocacy and awareness causes in the U.S. As the founder of the Hindu America Foundation (HAF) two decades ago, Dr. Meghani pledged an additional $1.5 million at the Silicon Valley gala, making his total contributions $4 million over 20 years. In an interview, Dr. Meghani clarified that his donations come from a sense of duty, as he and his wife are not high earners. The commitment to pro-India and Hindu organizations is…

On November 21, Speaker Robert Rivas appointed Ash Kalra, California’s Indian American Assemblymember, as the chair of the Assembly Committee on Judiciary. This committee oversees family law, product and tort liability, Civil Code, and Evidence Code, excluding criminal procedure. Expressing gratitude for the appointment, Kalra emphasized the critical role of the Judiciary Committee in safeguarding civil rights and ensuring a just legal system. With seven years of prior experience on the committee, he acknowledged the leadership of past chairs Stone and Maienschein. Speaker Rivas welcomed Kalra’s appointment, highlighting the fundamental role of the justice system in ensuring public safety and…

Purdue University students recently engaged in the Moonshot Pitch Challenge, a platform for ideation where they delivered concise two-minute pitches proposing solutions to intricate issues both in space and on Earth. Notably, two students of Indian descent, Suryansh Panwar and Ayush Karkare, secured first place in their respective categories, earning $1,500 each in cash prizes. Suryansh Panwar, an applied statistics student in the College of Science, clinched the top spot in the Moonshot category and Best Pitch. His project, Empyrean Energy, focuses on utilizing solar power from space to generate continuous, zero-emission energy on Earth. The innovative approach not only…

A new accelerator program, the Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion (RISE), has been launched by AIM, NITI Aayog, focusing on enhancing collaboration between Indian and Australian startups and small to mid-sized companies (SMEs) in the circular economy sector. Developed in partnership with the Australian national science agency, CSIRO, and India’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), the RISE Accelerator aims to assist circular economy entrepreneurs from both nations. Tamara Ogilvie, Director of CSIRO, highlighted the program’s emphasis on startups and SMEs with established technologies seeking expansion across Australia and India. The RISE Accelerator aims to facilitate early steps in new regions, expedite…

Ranbir Kapoor discusses his role in “Animal,” emphasizing its uniqueness despite sharing traits with Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s past protagonists. Scheduled for release on December 1, the film features Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Bobby Deol. When questioned about accepting the role and if he watched Vanga’s previous films criticized for misogyny, Kapoor expressed being drawn to the script’s intensity and uniqueness. Although he acknowledges watching “Arjun Reddy” and “Kabir Singh,” his decision to take on “Animal” was based on the script, character, and the opportunity to collaborate with Vanga. Kapoor anticipates “Animal” offering a distinct experience and admits to portraying…

The United States Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, emphasized the strategic partnership between the two nations, considering India a crucial player in global discussions for resolving critical issues and fostering lasting peace. Addressing a session organized by the Observer Research Foundation, Garcetti highlighted the recent India-US 2+2 Ministerial dialogue, where a significant portion of discussions centered on promoting a resilient, rules-based international order in the Indo Pacific through mechanisms like the Quad. Garcetti pointed out that joint statements reflected the commitment of both countries to address global issues, such as the humanitarian consequences of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle…

Indian American physician, Dr. Arun Arora, has initiated a scholarship program, offering $1,000 to recipients of the Dr. Arun Arora Scholarship for Future Doctors. This endeavor aims to support aspiring healthcare professionals in their academic and professional pursuits. Dr. Arora emphasizes his commitment to empowering the next generation of doctors and contributing positively to the healthcare sector. The scholarship not only provides financial aid but also offers mentorship opportunities through Dr. Arora’s extensive connections in the medical community. Eligible applicants include current undergraduate medicine students and high school students planning to pursue a medical degree. Evaluation criteria encompass academic performance,…

The U.S. House of Representatives acknowledged Kamalakar “Kam” Shenai, an esteemed alumnus of the Saunders College of Business at the Rochester Institute of Technology, during the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebrations earlier this year. Shenai, who immigrated from India in 1976, reflected on his journey, emphasizing his determination and ambition upon arriving in the U.S. Armed with $208, an engineering degree, and a commitment to hard work, he pursued a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, before earning his business degree at Saunders College. Launching his career in Buffalo, New York, Shenai…

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, recently seen in “Tejas,” embarks on a new project today, co-starring with Madhavan, her partner from the blockbusters “Tanu Weds Manu” and “Tanu Weds Manu Returns” after an 8-year hiatus. Kangana, in a tweet, reveals the upcoming film as a psychological thriller with an extraordinary script. The shoot commences in Chennai following a pooja ceremony. Adding to the excitement, Thalaivar Rajinikanth surprises the team with a visit, blessing the project. Praising Rajinikanth as the God of Indian Cinema, Kangana expresses her delight. The untitled movie will be jointly produced by Trident Films and Ahimsa Entertainment, under…

In an abrupt shift in leadership, the OpenAI board of directors made an official announcement revealing that Mira Murati, currently holding the position of chief technology officer (CTO), would be stepping in as the interim CEO, temporarily taking over the responsibilities of the dismissed CEO and board member, Sam Altman. Simultaneously, as part of this change in leadership, Greg Brockman was requested to resign from his role as the chairman of the board. The rationale behind Altman’s departure was elucidated in OpenAI’s official blog post, citing a thorough review conducted by the board. This examination identified a notable lack of…