NRI ( Page 68 of 82 )

US legislators ask FBI to look into hate crimes against Sikhs April 21, 2012 04:42

A team of 100 law makers in the United States headed by New York Congress leader, Joseph Crowley, have penned down a letter to the Department of Justice to seek Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s intervention in the hate crimes against the Sikh community in the country. The law makers, in their letter, have opined that FBI can gather the data on the hatred against this community and the possible measures to avoid such racial attacks. Crowley has said that most of the countrymen were in a misconception that these people were associated with extremism only due to their distinct identity and appearance. It has to be mentioned that several incidents of attacks against Sikhs and their religious institutions came to light in many parts of America within a year. The areas even include the famous destination, New York. It may be recalled that even two Sikhs were even allegedly murdered. The current letter by the legislators requested the FBI to even update the information pertaining to hate crime rate. The letter even said that excluding Sikhs in hate crime data will weaken the security of Sikh-American community. The worst part is that even in computer games such as GTA 3, the player-1 (who will be deployed on a destructive mission) will have the option to stop the cab, hit the driver and steal it. The driver animations in this game will have Sikh appearance with turbans. (Phani)

New Visa application centre in Bangalore April 20, 2012 12:03

Good news to Bangloreans as the global outsourcing services major, VFS Global has opened a new Visa application Centre in Bangalore on Thursday. The new application centre would give visas to all the 25 European countries that come under Schengen region. Addressing the media on the opening of the new center, France Consul General (Bangalore) Dominique Causse said the France visa aspirants from Garden City need not go to Mumbai as they get the visa here itself. He has also said that the centre would cater visa needs to Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh residents. Therefore, people from Andhra Pradesh too can apply for visa at the new centre. The Switzerland Consul General (Bangalore) has said that VFS has tied up with them, which would result in speedy visa process for the applicants who approach this centre. He has also said that over 75,000 visas to Switzerland were granted to Indian nationals. Meanwhile VFS regional head Vishal Jairath has said that apart from France and Switzerland the centre would process visa applications to Austria, Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal and Italy. (Phani)

Indian American CEO Pnadit's Citigroup makes profit with India Sale April 20, 2012 07:46

Profits at Citigroup led by Indian American CEO Vikram Pandit rebounded to $2.9 billion in the first quarter of 2012 with revenue boosted by the sale of some stakes in India and China. That meant…

Indian beer at Buckingham Palace April 19, 2012 12:30

Indian beer Cobra is going to be supplied at Diamond Jubilee Picnic that was thrown by British Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace on June 4 this year. It has been reported that Cobra draught beer will be served to the guests, who will be more than 12,000 in number. The best of this picnic is that even the performers would be given a chance to sip this mouth watering beer at the exclusive reception after the concert is over. "Given Cobra's Indian heritage, we feel our presence at these celebrations also serves to represent the Commonwealth," said the founder and chairman of Cobra Beer, Karna Bilimoria. He also said: "We know that this will bring a great deal of pride not just to the UK's 2.5 million-strong Asian community, but also to the 1.2 billion people in India and the 30 million people of Indian origin worldwide.” It has to be mentioned that so far only Queen Victoria in 1897 was the only woman from this family who celebrated Diamond Jubilee and now Queen Elizabeth joined the list. With the news that Cobra beer would be served at Buckingham, people in India are reportedly showing more interest in sipping this beer. (Phani)

Norwegian Court to decide fate of 2NRI kids in a week April 18, 2012 10:26

The Norwegian Court that is trying the case of parental neglect of two NRI kids is likely to decide the fate of the duo next week. The parents, Anurup and Sagarika Bhattacharya, are exuding the confidence that the court will send their two children back to India. It may be recalled that three-year-old Abhigyan and one-year-old Sagarika were handed over to the foster care after the Norwegian authorities came to a conclusion that the two children didn’t receive proper parental care and that the children have emotional detachment with the primary caretaker-the mother. Foster care also argued that the mother of the two children had psychological problems and therefore it cannot believe she can become a good caretaker in future. The case has took several turns and even alarmed the Centre. In fact, the prime minister Manmohan Singh took up the matter seriously and spoke to the Norwegian counterpart. He asked Norway to send back to India. We have to wait for one more week and see as to what happens to these kids. Meanwhile, the delegation that the prime minister Manmohan Singh sent to Norway to look into the issue asked the court to handover the kids to their paternal uncle who stays in India. (Phani)

Telugu Kala Samithi organises Ugadi Suswaralu in Muscat April 18, 2012 07:51

"UGADI SUSWARALU" the musical and dance extravaganza held on 6th April 2012 at Le Grand Hall, Al Falaj Hotel by TELUGU KALA SAMITHI (TKS) - the Telugu Wing of Indian Social Club, Muscat was a…

UK dashes hopes of Indian employees April 16, 2012 10:24

The Government in UK has dashed the hopes of lakhs of Indian employees-working on a temporary basis in UK-stating that it could not enter into a social security totalization pact. This agreement exempts Indian employees in UK from paying social security taxes if they paid the same in India. In short, it’s a step to stop double payments. The UK has said that it could not enter into the agreement citing the fiscal pressure it has been facing post global recession. The social security amount can be withdrawn only after a period of ten years and the temporary employees in UK pay huge amounts to the country, which they could not withdraw as most of them leave the country before ten years. It has to be mentioned here that the Indian Government has took up the issue seriously to shield the temporary employees in UK, but to no avail. It may be recalled that India earlier entered into such deals with countries such as France, Germany , Netherlands and Belgium. As of now there are over five lakh temporary employees in UK and they are making double contributions—one towards the social security and other towards the employee provident fund. Financial experts are of the opinion that UK doesn’t want to lose thousands of pounds that it receives from foreign temporary employees.

Indian film released in US April 14, 2012 13:44

Databazaar Media Ventures has released a Bollywood feature film “9 Eleven” by a US-based film maker Manan Singh Kotohora. The film has won 2012 Rising Star Award at the Canada International Film Festival. This film revolves around the lives of ten persons who belong to different walks of live with every individual well-placed in their respective fields. Their darker side of live come out eventually when they were given sometime to introspect. They realize as to how their lives were inter-woven that take the peace their peace of mind for a toss. This film is also set on the backdrop of terrorism. The film unit exuded confidence that this film was going to receive good response in the USA. All in all, movies like 9 Eleven will always remain as good pictures and shining examples of real film making.

AID New Jersey is organizing a 5K Walkathon on May 5th April 14, 2012 06:47

AID New Jersey is organizing a 5K Walkathon on May 5th for supporting child education, health, and sustainable development projects in India. Please join in the walk and support the efforts of AID India for sustainable development of India. Even a small contribution goes a long way in bringing relief, joy and hope to millions of underprivileged people in India. Please share Eureka Superkidz 5K Walk with your friends. Eureka Superkidz 5K Walk event page is on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/events/374048419282396 For more details one can visit the website at: http://www.eurekachild.org/

Health fair by TANA on April 29 at James Madison April 13, 2012 15:25

The North American Telugu Association is collaboration with Rhythmic Arts Dance and Music Center is all set to organize a health fair named Move It to Lose. This health fair is scheduled to take place on April 29 at James Madison Primary School. The main aim of this fair is to bring awareness among children on the ill effects of obesity. The show is likely to highlight as to how important it is to keep the body healthy and toned. As the name suggests, the fair would focus on walking and other natural exercises for burning the extra fat. It may be noted that obesity is one of the major concerns of USA. In fact, reports suggest that over one-fifth of children in the country are either obese or over weight. This would undoubtedly create so many health problems and to address the same NATA took up this noble cause. According to the sources, The The Mayor of Edison Mrs.Anotnia Ricigliano and the NJ Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula and other dignitaries are likely to attend this event. TANA has said that this fair is going to be a great show that features several demonstrations including healthy food, dance, aerobics and other exercises. (Phani)

NRI body to honour Five Indian Americans April 09, 2012 04:47

Five Indian Americans will be honoured by the Connecticut chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) for their achievements and contributions at an awards banquet April 28. They are Vivek Maru…

TLCA Celebrates 2012 Nandana Naama Ugadi April 09, 2012 04:11

TLCA successfully celebrated 2012 Nandana Naama Samvatsara Ugadi program. The celebrations were witnessed by more than 1000 audience flooded from the Tri-State, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The audience witnessed local talent and performances by celebrities invited from India, including Movie stars, Tanikella Bharani, Gundu Hanumantha Rao, Dookudu, Vinayakudu fame actress and Nandi Award winner Sonia, Bunny heroine Gouri Munjal, singers Krishna Chaitanya and Shraavana Bhargavi. This star studded entertainment show which was a huge success. The cultural extravaganza started with a song singing praises of Lord Ganesha. It was followed by a well orchestrated Pancharatna, praises of Lord. Organized for the first time in the 40 years' history of the TLCA, TLCA's Got Talent, the brainchild of our President, Nagendra Gupta, received thunderous applause from the audience! Siddhu Elisetty stood runner up as Pooja Nattu was declared the winner. TLCA paid tribute to 80 years of Telugu cinema with a fulfilled medley performed by local members choreographed by Krishnasri Gandham and Kalpana Vanam. After the festive Vindu Bhojanam new Telugu Panchangam for the Nandana Nama Samvatsaram was read to keep up the tradition by priest. Mr. Veloor Nagendra Gupta, President, detailed his agenda for the yearin his Presidental address. Explaining the welfare programs taken up by TLCA, he said this year, TLCA will conduct two medical camps for the benefit of the community. Youth is our future and to promote use of Telugu among the Youth this year TLCA will organize a program called EFFECTIVE SPEAKING IN TELUGU FOR YOUTH. TLCA will continue the regular programs & events too. The next item was a scintillating fusion of music, drama and dance on the lives of the Telugu Sankeertanacharyulu (composures). The drama, Vaageyakarulu was a unique blend of drama with dance superbly choreographed by the well known classical dance teachers of New York and New Jersey, Guru Sadhana Paranji, Guru Satya Pradeep and Guru Indira Dixith. The drama enacted by noted New York TLCA artists enthralled the audience in every aspect. Another first in the history of TLCA is the audio release of the movie MIDHUNAM directed by Sri Tanikella Bharani by Smt Usha and Sri Poornachadra Reddy Aramalla. The first copy was presented to the Member of Parliament Sri Madhu Yashki. The momentous event of the show was honoring a renowned businessman, philanthropist, pride of Telugus in NY, Sri Babu Rao Mandava on being conferred the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor for 2011 for his service to our community. Sri Gundu Hanumantha Rao, noted cine artist comedian, entertained the audience with his humorous jokes. Thereafter Krishna Chaitanya and Shaavana Bhargavi, the cine playback singers, carried the audience in to the world of music and songs. Kids and adults joined steps with the young, dynamic singers and the hall reverberated with claps and applauses. Sonia and Gouri Munjal danced to the songs and stole the hearts of the viewers. At the end, President Nagendra Gupta thanked all those involved in organizing the event. He conveyed his thanks to Cultural Chair, Sri Dharmarao Tapi, Vice President Rao Voleti, Treasurer Satya Challapalli and all other Chairmen. Secreatary, Krishnasri Gandham proposed the vote of thanks to the donors, media and the audience for their august presence. Thanks to all the donors for supporting this succesful event and Special Thanks goes to Sri Malla Reddy and Sadhana garu for sponsoring the event with sumptuous dinner.