Play In Chicago Highlights Mystical Journey Of Jalaram Bapa 

Aplay highlighting mystical journey of Jalaram Bapa, a revered saint from Virpur, Gujarat state, was presented to a packed audience of 750 at Mahalaxmi Hall of Manav Seva Mandir located in Bensenville, Illinois. The program started with a prayer. After a brief welcome by Chairman Hasmukh Thakkar, Shaileshbhai Trivedi, who produced and presented the drama for Shree Jalaram Mandir, was introduced to the audience. Shaileshbhai, a National Award winning artist from New Jersey, has produced, directed and acted in more than 500 plays.

It took him six months of preparation to create this play, which was specially organized for Shree Jalaram Mandir of Chicago. The drama revolved around the theme of selfless help, which alleviated suffering, and misery of society due to divine power and miracles of Jalaram Bapa. This remarkable production had well placed comic ingredients too, which kept the crowd entertained.

The theme of the evening was highlighted by presentation of experiences of people who spoke of miraculous power of Jalaram Bapa in their personal life. 

Citi-Anchin Indian Initiative Holds Seminar On Green Businesses

On June17, the Citi-Anchin Indian Initiative presented the latest in its series of seminars and networking events focused on the Indian Business Community. The "Indian Businesses Go Green" event was hosted at the offices of New York City law firm Moses & Singer LLP, a board member of the Indian Initiative. The event drew more than 70 Indian business owners and senior executives, leaders in the green community, and professionals from a diverse range of industries, including architecture, technology, engineering, and healthcare. The program focused on the many challenges and benefits in constructing, renovating and retrofitting green buildings in the US, India and other countries. George Houston, Director of the Sukyo Mahikari Center, discussed the Center’s recent green construction and the unexpected pitfalls property owners should know before embarking on a green project. Richard Sobelsohn, a LEED AP real estate attorney at Moses & Singer, presented on the legal issues that property owners, their product suppliers and service providers often face, and the need to retain professionals trained in sustainability practices. Included in Mr. Sobelsohn’s talk were references to green buildings such as the ITC Green Center in Gurgaon, India which earned LEED Platinum status. Ali Hirji, Vice President of Business Development, Citibank Commercial Banking, who co-leads the Citi- Anchin Indian Initiative, remarked, “Citi is excited to be supporting these types of forums, which encourage networking among the Indian business community in the Tri- State area.” Kuldeepak (KD) Acharya, Partner at Anchin Block & Anchin LLP, who leads Anchin's effort in the Citi-Anchin Indian Initiative, said “The Initiative has really become very effective in addressing the needs of the Indian middle market business community in the Tri-State area.”

The Citi-Anchin Indian Initiative Board of Advisors are: ASB Communications, AXA Advisors, Hodgson Russ LLP, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and Moses & Singer LLP. The event was held in collaboration with: TiE Tri-State and The Society of Indo- American Engineers and Architects. 

Fia Demands Justice For Dr.Sinha On Behalf Of Community

Federation of Indian Associations has formed 7 member committee which consist of citizens of Old Bridge, community leaders and lawyers to closely follow the case and work on getting justice/compensation for Dr. Divyendu Sinha's family. FIA has strongly supported the need of local Indian Americans to have the case transferred to State &/or Federal authorities as it feels that justice cannot be served under the present administration/ authorities. It has asked the administration to disclose motive of culprits behind this horrific crime immediately to the public. The Old Bridge Township issued a statement few days after the incident that those five kids also attempted to attack a Caucasian before attacking Dr. Sinha hence this is a stray incident and not a hate crime. FIA has demanded proof of complaint (date & time of filing) including phone logs of 911.

The community has demanded that all five culprits be tried as adult. 

Indian American teaneck’s First Muslim Mayor

Mohammed Hameeduddin an Indian American from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh became the first Muslim mayor in Bergen County history as a divided Township Council elected him after a fierce, weeks-long debate over who should take the gavel.Hameeduddin, who won a council seat two years ago, earned five out of seven votes at the annual reorganization of township government, which took place outside the municipal building. Though he possesses no more power than any other council member, Hameeduddin will be seen as the township’s most visible representative as it continues to deal with a sluggish economy and lingering resentment from the public school community over the council’s decision to slice $6.1 million from the district’s budget in May. He is one of only a handful of Muslim mayors, including Prospect Park’s Mohamed Khairullah, serving in New Jersey. His brief remarks included a nod to the historic nature of the moment, recalling that President Obama was attacked in 2008 for being a “closet Muslim.” 

Anamika Veeramani wins National Bee Championship

Anamika Veeramani went on to become the third consecutive Indian -American to win the Bee Championship.The 14-year-old did not seem visibly nervous as she calmly proceeded with the challenge to spell the word “stromuhr” which is a medical term. Anamika Veeramani of North Royalton, Ohio, not only received the prestigious trophy but also a cash prize of $40,000.Anamika had come up with flying colors from the very beginning of the spelling competition. After her win, she mentioned that the experience was “too surreal.” Anamika said that all previous winners have acted as inspiration for her to make it big in the show. The winner has said to media sources that she would like to attend Harvard University and become a cardiovascular surgeon. Her closest competitor Shantanu Srivatsa, 13, an eighth-grader from West Fargo, N.D. couldn’t spell “ochidore.” She also became the third consecutive Indian- American bee champion. Sameer Mishra won in 2008 and Kavya Shivashankar in 2009. Anamika’s father, Alagaiya Veeramani, a civil engineer, said he had no clue why Indian-Americans seem to do so well at the competition. He guessed it has something to do with a hard-work ethic. “This has been her dream for a very, very long time. It’s been a family dream, too,” said Veeramani, explaining that his daughter studied as many as 16 hours on some days. “I think it has to do with an emphasis on education.”

[ By VRN ]