Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

Dr. Gurdeep Chawla, originally from New Delhi, spent six years as an interpreter in the Indian Parliament before relocating to the United States with her husband, entrepreneur Suri Chawla. Initially planning for a brief stay, she found herself drawn to opportunities in the local court system, providing interpretation for individuals with diverse backgrounds. Recognized for her work, she ventured into roles aligned with her government and diplomatic background. Despite living in the San Francisco Bay area, Chawla took the required test for a position in Washington DC, successfully passing it. Climbing through various levels of interpretation, she reached the diplomatic…

Five Indian restaurants have secured spots on Yelp’s prestigious “Top 100 US Restaurants 2024” list, a compilation that reflects the culinary diversity and gastronomic excellence across America. Yelp.com and its accompanying apps serve as platforms for users to contribute crowd-sourced reviews and insights about various businesses, including restaurants, forming the basis for this highly anticipated and influential annual ranking in the dining industry. Among the featured Indian restaurants: 1. Little India in American Fork, Utah (Ranked 19): Renowned for its flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala and exquisite Butter Chicken, Little India also offers a unique dining experience with hand-painted murals, vibrant…

The Faculty Founder Initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has unveiled the selection of two Indian-origin professors, Ritu Raman and Deblina Sarkar, as finalists for the 2023-24 MIT-Royalty Pharma prize competition. This initiative aims to empower female faculty entrepreneurs in biotechnology, offering resources to propel their ideas toward commercialization. Ritu Raman, the Brit (1961) and Alex (1949) d’Arbeloff Career development professor in engineering design, is focused on designing adaptive living materials powered by assemblies of living cells. Her work spans applications from medicine to machines, currently concentrating on creating living neuromuscular tissues for medical advancements. Deblina Sarkar, the…

India commemorated its 75th Republic Day on January 26 under the themes of ‘Nari Shakti’ (Women Power) and ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). President Droupadi Murmu led the celebrations in Delhi, with French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest. The parade featured 13,000 special guests, showcasing cultural diversity and military prowess. Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the day by paying homage at the National War Memorial, followed by the unfurling of the national flag, the anthem, and a 21-gun salute. President Murmu, alongside Macron, commenced the parade in a traditional ‘buggy.’ A noteworthy addition was the inaugural participation of over…

Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company based in Massachusetts, has named Dr. Seemi Khan as its Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Khan expressed anticipation about joining Alkeus, especially with the promising progress of Gildeuretinol (ALK-001) in treating Stargardt disease. Leonide Saad, the CEO, welcomed Dr. Khan, highlighting her success in bringing rare disease treatments to patients. Dr. Khan, known for her executive accomplishments, aims to assemble a team to make a significant impact on individuals facing vision loss. Her commitment to medical innovation aligns with Alkeus’ mission. Previously, she served as Chief Medical Officer at Reata Pharmaceuticals, contributing to the approval…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly advised his Cabinet Ministers against visiting Ayodhya in February to avoid inconveniences caused by the protocols during VIP visits. This suggestion is particularly relevant given the surge of devotees witnessed at the newly inaugurated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya following the Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22. The Prime Minister emphasized that ministers should consider visiting the Ram Mandir from March onward. During the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, PM Modi sought feedback from ministers regarding public reactions following the inauguration of the highly-anticipated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The consecration of the new idol of Ram…

The recent monthly meeting of the Long Island Indo-American Lions Club featured a noteworthy initiative as they distributed blankets to aid the community in coping with the harsh winter conditions. This charitable effort was part of their ‘Spread the Warmth’ project, spearheaded by Sanju Sharma, the project chair, and co-chair Anchit Aery. Various organizations, including the Disabled American Veterans, All War Veterans homeless veterans, Nassau County Social Services Department, local homeless shelters, the Roosevelt Bible Church distribution center, and the Martin Luther King Center of Long Island, received the donated blankets. Expressing the critical need for warmth during freezing weather,…

The Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme, in conjunction with state initiatives, is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the development of India’s spiritual travel industry, according to an SBI Research report released on January 21. The economic impact is projected to be substantial, with the report suggesting that Uttar Pradesh (UP) government initiatives, coupled with the newly constructed Ram temple in Ayodhya, could contribute an additional tax revenue of $300 million per annum for the state by FY25 due to an upsurge in visitors. Spiritual tourism’s surge has notably transformed UP’s tourism landscape, resulting in…

On Monday, January 22, the Ayodhya Ram Mandir completed the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony for Bhagwan Ramlalla. Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the religious ceremony as the Chief Yajmaan. Following the ceremony, PM Modi addressed the gathering at the Ram Temple premises, stating that after centuries of sacrifice, Lord Ram has returned to Ayodhya. He extended congratulations to ‘Ram bhakts’ across the country on this significant occasion. During his speech, PM Modi highlighted various key points. He emphasized the arrival of Lord Ram in Ayodhya after centuries of anticipation, expressing his joy for the countrymen. PM Modi acknowledged the emotional…

As the much-anticipated ‘pran pratishtha’ or consecration ceremony of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya approaches, Indians abroad are fervently celebrating. In Times Square, the Indian community in New York brightened the surroundings with sizable depictions of Lord Ram. Events across the United States, including Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, coincide with the ceremony in India. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Hindus across the US erected over 40 billboards in 10 states, conveying messages about the ceremony at Ram Lalla’s birthplace. To mark the inauguration of the Ram temple, the Hindu-American community organized car rallies and various events…