Telangana Polls: NRI Contests from Warangal West to Change City's Fate December 05, 2018 17:16
A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) who lived in the United States is trying his hand at Telangana Assembly elections 2018 from Warangal West constituency, with an aim to change city's fate. Vikranth Babu Samidha came back to India three years ago from the United States to engage himself in social work in his motherland and is currently contesting as an independent candidate. He worked with prestigious companies such as Apple and AT & T in the U.S. "People watch movies like Sarkar, and hoot and cheer for such movies, but they won't come out to vote. They spend time and money to travel to watch these movies, but they can't go to a polling booth in their own locality to cast a vote, which can bring about change," says Vikranth to TNM in Warangal. Vikranth will be competing against Member of Legislative Assembly Dasyam Vinay Bhasker of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, Telugu Desam Party's Revuri Prakash Reddy, and Dharmarao Marthineni from Bharatiya Janata Party. Motive to Join politics "It's not about winning or losing for me at the moment. It's more about spreading awareness among people on their right to vote. And I felt like it required me to enter politics actively and use that as a platform to do so and that's what I'm doing," he says. Image Source: The News Minute Born and brought up in Warangal, Vikranth completed his Masters in computer science at Texas A&M University and currently is the I-T head at Apollo Sugar Clinics, Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad. "I work as a consultant. This is so that I can work for three days a week and dedicate the rest of the week for the various organizations I volunteer for here in Warangal," he says. "I have been working with various organizations, mostly in the field of education where we ensure people go to school, donate books, bags and other necessities so they can receive a decent education. Through this, we also started teaching people about sanitation, etc. As elections approached, we were asking people why they don't come to vote and realized that there is little awareness about the need to vote and the need to elect the right leaders. I felt like people needed to know why and who they vote for and ensure that they hold them accountable for the lack of development. At this point, several people asked me why don't I enter politics myself, so I thought - why not," he adds. Vikranth works with organizations such as Helping Hands India, Youth for Swachh Warangal and Young Pioneers of India. 'No Promises' Vikranth says he doesn't want to make many promises and then fail to fulfill them. His motto too, he says, is 'Neraverchani maatalakanna, panulu chese chethulu minna," which translates to 'working hands are better than empty promises.' "We don't want to engage in pointing fingers at others or getting personal. Our agitation is against the work that hasn’t been done yet and we will work on finding solutions for current problems instead of complaining," he adds. Vikranth wants to concentrate on four major areas: Health, education, smart cities, employment for youth. And his focus too, he says, is on the growing urban population in these towns. He believes that a 'one size fits all' manifesto won't make sure that development trickles down to the bottom of the pyramid. "Things like health and education can be generic but beyond that, every MLA needs to have manifestos specific to their constituencies that target specific problems," he adds. Vikranth points out that more than 65 percent of our population comprises youth. "For any development and innovation going forward, youth will play a very important role and we are seeing that happen slowly. But the saddest part is that today our Parliament is one of the oldest in the world in terms of age of politicians. When we need youth for everything, why don’t we want them to rule the country?" he says. Vikranth wants to bring about more employment opportunities for the youth and turning Warangal into a smart city is one such big opportunity, according to him. Warangal was selected as a smart city in the second list put out by the government. But Vikranth claims that no work has been done on this front. "Look at things like rapid transportation systems, solid waste management, or even underground drainage. There is so much that can be done but nothing has been done. Nearly Rs 900 crore has been released for this purpose for Telangana and we have found that not even Rs 200 crore has been utilized. And the leaders too, don’t seem to know how to make Warangal a smart city," he adds. Vikranth wants to implement solid waste management and underground drainage in the city if he comes to power. He also wants to create recyclable bricks and lay roads with recycled material. "There is immense employment opportunity through solid waste management since everything is recyclable and a lot can be done with the waste generated in these towns," he says. "Involving the youth in making Warangal a smart city will ensure the development is holistic." Use of Digital Media For his campaigning, Vikranth is focusing on digital media, with digital ads online and through WhatsApp. Apart from that, there is also print campaigns and door-to-door campaigning. His budget, Vikranth says is Rs 10 lakh and the moment that money is exhausted, he says, he will stop campaigning. "I have taken the initiative and put a step forward to bring about some change. Whether I win or not, is something people will decide. But through the campaigns, if I manage to influence at least 10-20 percent of the people, I will be happy. At least some change would have begun," Vikranth says. -Sowmya Sangam
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Telangana Assembly Elections: NRIs in Drive to Ensure Their Party Wins December 05, 2018 12:12
The Telangana Assembly Elections is scheduled to take place on December 07, 2018, and Telangana people across the world are absolutely making an effort to ensure that their political party is successful. Related content: Telangana Polls: Reasons Why It Won't Be a Cakewalk Win for TRS During the T20 finals in Sydney between India and Australia on Tuesday, a placard painted in green read: "Vote for AIMIM. Vote For Kite. Best wishes from Kangaroo Developers and Builders. Branches in Hyderabad, India, and Sydney." Telangana diaspora's growing interest in the politics of the state is plainly evident from the message. NRI (Non-Resident Indian) supporters of all major parties, including the TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samithi) and the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), are doing their bit for imminent Telangana assembly elections. Related content: KCR Scared of PM Modi Because of His Corruption: Rahul Gandhi Placards supporting TRS, too, were spotted during some matches in Australia. The TRS recently launched its NRI campaign with a core people from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware attending its first meeting. Its coordinator, Mahesh Bigala, spoke about the State government's development activities. A few days back, the TRS campaign "war room" in Denmark was launched through Skype. Many BJP supporters from the United States of America also voiced their support for the party. "We will work for the development of Telangana the way PM Modi developed the BJP without corruption, nepotism and without discrimination," Krishna, a resident of New Jersey said. Related content: PM Modi Pours Scorn on TRS Government at His First Rally in Telangana A Telugu from Texas Express got in touch with urged Telanganites to vote for the BJP and to help it win by a big margin. The diaspora's most creative campaign, up to now, was done by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabian leg of the AIMIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen) party. They organized 'Asaduddin Owaisi Football Cup' in Jeddah. A supporter said: "The event was prepared with the intention of supporting our community and strengthening the party in the elections." -Sowmya Sangam
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Soon, Travel to UAE from Mumbai in High-Speed Underwater Rail December 04, 2018 16:19
In the near future, Indians may relish underwater 'floating rail' travel between United Arab Emirates' Fujairah town and Mumbai, one similar to London to Paris. According to a Dubai-based Khaleej Times report, UAE-based company National…
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Indian Woman Sets World Record in Arctic Expedition December 04, 2018 13:07
An Indian-origin woman has made the country proud by setting a record for or completing a winter expedition in the Arctic Circle, along with her two children. The 45-year-old Bharulata Patel Kamble accomplished this feat while undergoing treatment for cancer. The United Kingdom-based Bharulata's children - 13-year-old Priyam and 10-year-old Aarush - also set the record for being the first Indian-origin children to have hoisted the Indian tricolor in the Arctic Circle. ImageSource: Mumbai Mirror Bharulata began her expedition two months after she underwent a life-changing cancer surgery. The courageous woman drove with her kids without any backup crew or vehicle. The journey was not easygoing as the trio faced galore challenges on their way to the Arctic Circle. Driving more than 10,000 kilometers in temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celcius in a region that only receives few hours of daylight, Bharulata proved nothing is impossible. The trio traveled through, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland before heading to Nordkapp in Norway. They started for the Arctic Circle from the iconic Santa Claus village Rovaniemi in Finland. Bharulata proved to be a very skilled driver as she moved through difficult hilly roads with extreme weather conditions. On their way to the Arctic Circle, the snow and wind storm made their journey more difficult. This was not the first time Bharulata visited Nordkapp. Earlier, she successfully drove solo through the Arctic Circle in 2016. She then traveled through 32 countries and covered a distance of 35,383 kilometers. She was also the first Indian woman to have hoisted the Indian flag in the Arctic Circle in 2016. Love for India Bharulata's journey was also about spreading awareness about cancer to promoting the Indian government's Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign. This expedition was also likely the among the first such plastic-free expeditions. ImageSource: www.bharulata.com And all this for their love for India! Their aim was to hoist the Indian national flag at Nordkapp. Bharulata, along with her children reached Nordkapp, but faced the Arctic windstorm, with the winds as fast as the speed of 20 meters per second. After waiting with patience for two days for the weather to settle, the trio hoisted the Indian flag and sang the national anthem. -Sowmya Sangam
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Kamala Harris to Decide on 2020 U.S. Presidential Bid 'Over the Holiday' December 03, 2018 11:37
The first Indian-American to serve in the United States Senate, Democrat Kamala Harris said she will make a decision about a potential 2020 presidential bid during the upcoming holiday season. "It will ultimately be a family decision," Harris, who represents the state of California, told MSNBC during an event in San Francisco. "And over the holiday, I will make that decision with my family." Harris, 54, ranked fifth in a November poll of Democratic voters' preferred nominee to take on president Donald Trump's re-election bid, Politico news reported on Sunday. Related content: Tulsi Gabbard to Meet Indian-Americans on Potential Presidential Run On November 8, 2016, she was elected to Senate to succeed outgoing Senator Barbara Boxer. Harris has sent $25,000 to the Democratic parties in four early nominating states: Iowa, South Carolina, Nevada, and New Hampshire. In October, she visited South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Iowa to campaign for Democratic candidates ahead of the midterm elections. -Sowmya Sangam
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Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna Elected to Powerful Congressional Caucus December 03, 2018 11:24
It's been almost a month since four Indian-Americans was re-elected to the United States House of Representatives and now two Indian-Americans among them – Pramila Jayapal and Ro Khanna – have been elected to leadership positions of a powerful Congressional Caucus. The first Indian-American Congresswoman Jayapal has been elected as co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), along with Congressman Mark Pocan. California Representative Ro Khanna elected to replace Jayapal as first vice chair of the CPC for the 116th Congress beginning January 2019. The elections for the major caucus within the House Democratic Caucus - which will have in excess of 90 members - was held on Thursday. Both Jayapal and Khanna, who represents Washington and Silicon Valley respectively, were re-elected to the U.S. House for their second consecutive term during the mid-term elections held on November 6. Related content: Tulsi Gabbard to Meet Indian-Americans on Potential Presidential Run In the outgoing Congress, Jayapal was the First Vice Chair of the CPC. Congressional Progressive Caucus Established in 1991, the CPC aims to reflect "the diversity and strength" of the American people and pursues to "give voice to" the wants and aspirations of all Americans and to build a more fair and humane society. "I am committed to ensuring our caucus is as bold and strategic as possible, and that our members have the resources and the ability to stand up for the chance for every American to have real opportunity, to take on the largest corporations and special interests who have corrupted our democracy and to bring real power to workers, women, immigrants and all of those most vulnerable and marginalized," Jayapal said after her election. "The progressive movement is the strongest it has ever been and I, along with Rep. Pocan and the entire CPC Leadership, look forward to leveraging that power to deliver policies that benefit a diverse, inclusive and just America," she said. The American people sent a Blue Wave powered by progressives to Capitol Hill and we fully intend to respect the electorate's decision by presenting a bold, forward-looking agenda, said Pocan. "I am excited to welcome Rep. Jayapal as a Co-Chair of the Caucus and with progressives in Democratic leadership, we will continue to advance our ideas and shape policies that make a lasting and positive difference on the lives of the American people,” he said. The four central principles of the CPC are fighting for economic justice and security for all; promoting global peace and security, protecting and preserving civil rights and civil liberties; and advancing environmental protection and energy independence. -Sowmya Sangam
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Trump Administration Proposes Changes to H-1B Program December 01, 2018 10:40
A major change to the H-1B application process has been proposed by the Trump administration on Friday with an aim of awarding a visa to the most skilled and highest paid foreign workers. Under a…
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Govt. to Table Bill to Stop NRI Men from Deserting Their Wives in India November 30, 2018 10:43
To curb the incidents of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) husbands abandoning their wives after marriage, the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has announced that the administration will table a bill in the approaching winter session. Talking to the media in Hyderabad, Swaraj said that the government has already launched an institutional mechanism to track such incidents and added that 25 passports of such NRI husbands have already been revoked by the MEA. Related content: NCW Appeals MEA to Foil Ex Parte NRI Divorces Replying to a query about NRI husbands abandoning their wives, Swaraj who was in Hyderabad to campaign for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the imminent Telangana assembly elections said that through this bill the government aims to tackle such cases which have increased significantly over the years. The Supreme Court has recently sought a response from the Centre on a plea seeking obligatory arrest of NRIs who not only desert their wives but then likewise harass them for dowry. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K Joseph issued directives to the Centre and said that the deserted women should be accorded legal, financial help and their estranged NRI husbands must be arrested once the FIR is filed. A group of women who had allegedly been abandoned by their NRI husbands and endangered to dowry harassment moved to the apex court seeking reliefs plus the mandatory arrest of their estranged spouses and consular help in fighting cases in the foreign land, reported PTI. Earlier in September, the Delhi High Court also expressed concern over this matter and sought the response of various ministries on it. -Sowmya Sangam
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UK-Based Author Creates Cookbook with Indian Recipes November 26, 2018 12:01
An Indian-origin author launches a new cookbook in the United Kingdom and India, aiming at time-poor people who want to recreate a true taste of India in their kitchens. Mallika Basu's 'Masala: Indian Cooking for Modern Living', was launched in the UK a few months ago and in India this month. It takes a fresh look at family favorite recipes, untangling and updating them for busy home cooks. Basu, the granddaughter of former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu, believes there is no reason to shy away from shortcuts. "I openly recommend ready shortcuts like packs of roti, jars of pickle. When you're rushing around you need to pick your battles. There is no shame in that," the London-based communications professional-cum-food writer says. "I have divided the chapters by moments like quick fixes, slow feasts, big platters and, of course, brunch, in a nod to our nation's love of breakfast. You don't have to be an expert at all, in fact, I am quite honest about my failings in the kitchen. I am a home cook who is trying to get wholesome recipes, simply and as often as possible on the table," she says. Dishes from All over India Basu has been writing about Indian food for more than a decade and found herself simplifying recipes to fit with her busy life and present-day kitchen. "So many Indian cookbooks are based on nostalgia and what our grandmothers and mothers did, and yet our lives have changed so much. I wanted to create a cookbook that reflects the way we live, cook, eat and entertain today, and a very contemporary Indian design aesthetic," she explains. The dishes selected for her new book are favorites from her family home in Kolkata, and her mother's Delhi and Afghani heritage, as well as some newer ones she fell in love with on her recent tours to India. The dishes are from all over India, with simplicity being the key factor that binds them together. "The book is a very personal one that mirrors my own upbringing and learning. I was brought up in an unconventional home with flavors from around India and beyond making it into our kitchen. All of this unconventional thinking, deep love and detailed understanding has made its way into 'Masala'," she says. Packed with Practical Tips In reference to Britain's own love affair with Indian food, Basu welcomes the increasing admiration of the food of different parts of India but acknowledges a certainly limited view of the complication of the country's cuisine. Read: Kolkata-Born Scientist Rahul Mandal Wins UK's Popular Baking Show She says, "There is still a giant post-colonial hangover in the way Indian food is described and viewed...there is no such thing as curry in India, it simply means gravy/sauce, and that the curry house and 'Indian' takeaway food you get in the UK bears little resemblance to what we eat. In fact, it was developed specifically for the British palate and is British food rather than anything else." Basu's cookery book is packed with practical tips and tricks from busy mundane cooks, including recipe hacks that save time and effort, smart ways to merge vegetables into meals, creative ways to use grains and pulses, tips on fermentation and a sizeable troubleshooting section. After the promotion in the UK, Basu is presently preparing for a series of talks and book signings in India in January 2019. -Sowmya Sangam
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Sabarimala Row: Kerala Police Issue Warning to NRIs Inciting Riots November 21, 2018 11:01
Amid irrepressible protests in Kerala over Sabarimala temple, now warning has been issued to Non-Resident Indians who have allegedly been inciting riots and fermenting trouble over the Sabarimala issue. A notice issued by the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner says that NRIs found spreading instability about the Sabarimala issue through social media posts and voice notes will have their passports canceled, and be forced to return to India. The notice says, "It has come to our notice that posts and voice messages calling for riot with the intention of creating instability are being spread through social media in connection with Sabarimala pilgrimage. Those who spread these messages will be booked under non-bailable sections. The cyber cell of the police has collected details of those who are spreading such malicious messages from abroad. Legal action has been taken to cancel their passports and to make them return to the state." Related content: Sabarimala: SC Agrees to Hear Review Petitions on Jan 22 When TNM asked the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner P Prakash IPS (Indian Police Service) about the reasons for which the notice had been issued, he said, "The circular was given to address Sabarimala-related provocative voice notes videos and photos, and social media posts, it says those sending such things will have strict action taken against them." When pressed about the reason for including the warning to foreign nationals about their passports being canceled for indulging in such activities, he said, "It is on the basis of the DGP's circular. We have written like this because the highest number of such posts are coming from abroad, and [it needs to be known] that strict action will be taken against them. Their passports will be canceled and a case taken up against them." He reiterated, "This is a criminal case, it will be taken up in that matter. Hence the circular was given as an advance warning." The notice is being circulated on social media and causing some indignation with those who align themselves to Save Sabarimala protests alleging that this was a restraint strategy of the Kerala police. Even NRIs are threatened by saying that their PP will be cancelled. Utter Chaos. Govt must enquire and take action against city police Commissioner, Tiruvanathapuram. #SaveSabarimala https://t.co/ib3n2C4MEF cc @MEAIndia @SushmaSwaraj @HMOIndia pic.twitter.com/6VNTE4dqAC — Puushothman Vaikkath (@purushueme) November 20, 2018 Hope MEA will assure safety of NRIs. I cannot afford cancellation of my passport. Should I renounce Indian citizenship for living as an Ayyappa Devotee & stand with my temple Sushma ji @SushmaSwaraj ? https://t.co/uXcSWSbd37 — Anjali George (@Kuvalayamala) November 20, 2018 -Sowmya Sangam
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Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Protect Work Authorization of H-1B Spouses November 17, 2018 14:34
The H-4 Employment Protection Act, a legislation seeking to stop Trump administration from revoking the work authorization of spouses of H1-B visa holders, which include Indians, has been introduced in the United States Congress by…
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Dust From Middle East Affects Indian Summer Monsoon: Study November 16, 2018 12:48
A study has found that dust and soot transported from the deserts of the Middle East settle on the snow cover of the Himalaya mountain range, affecting the intensity of the summer monsoon in India.…
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