American National inspired with Sikhism December 31, 2016 06:45
American national James S Ericsson III, was so inspired by the teaching of Sikh gurus that he chose to embrace Sikhism and got converted into Sikh. In an interview with the Times of India, Ericsson III shared his views upon what is to be a Sikh means. James Ericsson said that he did not get convert to Sikh but it is a ‘natural evolution’. What I learnt from Jesus is practiced in Sikhism, there is nothing in Christianity that I have missed. When he was asked, “what is the Sikh way of life for him”. Ericsson replied, from not cutting hair to living a simple life and serving others, regardless of their religion or who they are. I have been learning the teachings of Sikh guru from at the of 21 when I became a Sikh. Now I am 67years old and my children and grandchildren are also Sikhs. In a question about the post 9/11 incident, when Sikhs were the target of hate crime. Ericsson said “I was in New York to see a Sikh doctor when the incident took place, and I was struck there till 15 September and when I went back to my home”. I realized that this is my mission, to bring people together and in 2006 I became the first Sikh to wear a turban and work in Transportation Security Administration, which is an agency of the US department of homeland security which has authority over the security of the traveling public which gave me a chance to teach others about Sikhism. “I also worked with a Sikh organization in Washington, trained FBI there, state police of Oregon and other TSA officers, so that they would respect Sikhs and understand why they wear a Kirpan before they ask Sikhs to remove their turbans. I am a happy Sikh Ericsson said, if I was not a happy person then i would not be present here. I cannot speak fluent Punjabi but that does not make me less of a Sikh. A Sikh is one who understands the teachings of his guru. Ericsson also added that he tries to be compassionate, always ready to serve and unafraid. This ‘bana’ a Sikh robe of Guru Gobind Singh teaches us not to be afraid as he always stands with us. This Turban is not mine, but the Guru’s he said.
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Sikh community head shot dead in Afghanistan! December 30, 2016 06:52
The Sikh community's head in Afghanistan’s restive Kunduz city was fatally shot by an unidentified man, triggering fear among the minority group members in the country. The Tolo News reported, Lala Del Souz, a naturopath, was shot dead in the Haji Gulistan Kochi Haman area of the city at around 9 AM. When the incident took place, he was reportedly on his way to his shop. He died from his injuries while being taken to hospital. The relatives of the victim said that, he had been shot five years ago but survived the attack. The incident was confirmed by the Kunduz security chief Masoum Stanikzai and police have arrested three suspects. He said that, “Investigations will however continue.” Del Souz apparently moved his family to India after the collapse of Kunduz city last year. He stayed on in Kunduz and lived with his uncle. Nearly 99 per cent of Sikh and in Afghanistan have left the country over the past three decades. The report said that, Sikh and Hindu population numbered 220,000 in the 1980’s. It is now estimated that only 1,350 Hindus and Sikhs remain in the war-torn country. Indian student murdered in New Zealand! Nandini
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Indian student murdered in New Zealand! December 30, 2016 04:39
An Indian student in New Zealand was died after being stabbed by a girl. Hardeep Singh from Sirsa in Punjab was pursuing a hotel management course in New Zealand. According to the New Zealand media, 26-year-old Singh suffered serious injuries during an assault on Christmas at Cashmere house in Christchurch. He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The police said that, a 22-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, adding the charge was likely to be replaced with a murder charge. The inquiry has been upgraded to a homicide investigation, police said. The victim's family reached out to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Twitter to help them get his body back to India. Swaraj directed the Indian High Commission in New Zealand to help the family. The External Affairs Minister tweeted, "Deol family - Rania (Sirsa), I have seen news report and given instructions to our High Commissioner in New Zealand." Sushma Swaraj seeks report in NRI Child custody in Norway Nandini
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Sikh-American doctor files religious discrimination lawsuit! December 28, 2016 07:02
A Sikh-American doctor has filed a lawsuit against a medical organization in the United States, alleging he was denied a neurology job for his religious appearance. Jaswinder Pal Singh,who migrated to the US from India in 2008, is a licensed and board certified physician practising in the area of neurology. The Sikh Coalition, a Sikh advocacy group, filed the lawsuit on behalf of Singh in the US District Court for the Middle district of Tennessee. According to the lawsuit, Singh, an observant Sikh physician who keeps a religiously mandated turban and beard, was denied a neurology job after the employer and recruiter inquired into his religious appearance. However, the recruiter praised Singh's credentials in phone interviews, Singh was allegedly abruptly denied further interviews after he submitted photographs of himself, along with additional information on Sikhs and Sikhism. The job then remained vacant, it said. Singh said in a statement released by the coalition, that, "It was very clear to me that I was denied employment because of my ethnic background and religious appearance." "No Sikh in any job or profession should ever be denied employment because of their religion. By speaking out and taking action, I know that we will continue to hold employers directly accountable," said Singh. "Defendants failed and refused to hire (Singh) for the available neurologist position at Premier Medical Group because of his race (South Asian/Punjabi), colour, religion (Sikh) and/or national origin (Indian)," the lawsuit alleges. Punjab launched Punjabi learning website for NRIs! Nandini
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Punjab launched Punjabi learning website for NRIs! December 27, 2016 06:51
Now, learning Punjabi has became easy for the NRIs, as Punjab School Education Board launched a Punjabi learning website to teach and promote the language across the world. The website has been developed in collaboration with Punjab University, said the state's Education Minister Daljit Singh Cheema after inaugurating the website. The Minister said that, people must take full advantage of new technologies in the modern era of globalization, to promote their mother tongue worldwide. With this website, anyone can learn Punjabi sitting in any part of India or abroad. The initiative will also be very useful for NRI Punjabis to now teach their children their mother tongue without travelling anywhere, he emphasized. The move was taken by the Education department under a number of projects launched to promote Punjabi language and dedicated to 50 years celebrations of Punjabi Suba, the minister added. The website also consists the advanced technology, like audio-video assistance for the better learning. The website will also provide the online examination facility soon, so that appearing candidates can evaluate their performance. Indian-origin surgeon receives prestigious UK professorship award! Nandini
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Sushma Swaraj seeks report in NRI Child custody in Norway December 24, 2016 09:22
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj sought a report from India's envoy to Norway on the allegations made by an NRI couple that the Norwegian authorities have taken custody of their five-year-old child alleging abuse. Swaraj tweeted, "I have asked Indian Ambassador in Norway to send me a report." The Indian couple sought the help of BJP leader Vijay Jolly in getting back the custody of their child. Following the incident, he had written to Sushma Swaraj and the Indian Ambassador in Norway. Jolly had raised concern on "forcible custody" of the NRI boy Aryan by Child Welfare Department of Norway on "baseless and fabricated complaint" in Oslo in his letter to Indian Ambassador Debraj Pradhan. Sharma is a member of 'Overseas Friends of BJP'.MEA officials said that, "Our Embassy officials in Oslo have spoken to the boy's father Anil Kumar Sharma and extended full support. However, Sharma informed the mission that he has hired a lawyer to represent him in the case." Norwegian Embassy spokesperson said that, "The Embassy became aware of this case yesterday evening. We have asked relevant authorities in Norway to provide us with further information, and are awaiting their response." Norway takes custody of child, NRI parents protest Nandini
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Post-demonetisation: Best time to invest in property for NRIs December 13, 2016 05:02
Here is the perfect opportunity to invest in property for NRIs living in the UAE post-demonetisation. A property show in Dubai is all set to attract top real-estate developers from across India. The three-day property show, hosting top developers across India brings thousands of various properties ranging from villas, apartments, plots, row houses, commercial to retail properties to suit their budget. R Srividya, General Manager Corporate Sales and Brand Engagement, Indian Property Show at Sumansa Exhibitions, said that, "For NRIs residing in the UAE, the Indian Property Show is more than just a real-estate exhibition." "It is a perfect opportunity to touch base with the latest happenings and updates on the real-estate front back home-particularly now that we are witnessing several important measures that have impacted the realty industry directly and indirectly,” he said. "For NRIs, these changes herald good omen since many builders are already adopting 100 per cent transparency policy and cheque payments, which obviously boosts the trust level between the two parties,” Srividya added. "The implementation of Real Estate Regulation Act (RERA) rules, have also been instrumental in bringing professionalism, standardization and transparency in real-estate sector. This, along with the recent wave of demonetisation has helped the Indian realty industry emerge more transparent and buyer-friendly," he said. Dharmesh Shah, Vice President-Head Residential Sales and Marketing, Adani Realty, said that, "The direct and most significant benefit of demonetisation is increased liquidity across the banks. Such availability of funds will lead to lowering the rate of interest across different loans which will in turn reduce EMI giving a boost to real-estate demand. We expect home loan rates to be down to approx. 7-8 per cent." "By bringing greater compliance, RERA will help making real-estate class more efficient, transparent and healthy than any other asset class, so best time to buy real estate is now," Shah added. "This bodes well for end-users, who will be aware of their rights and have the assurance of not being cheated. They will be able to buy properties of their choice at affordable prices, in projects which will undoubtedly be delivered on time," he said. Also Read: Demonetisation a huge cause of concern for NRIs, PIOs Nandini
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Indian-origin man charged with murder in US! December 06, 2016 09:47
An Indian-origin man has been charged with murder for stabbing his wife to death on a street after an argument. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison. The 50-year-old Prem Rampersaud, who lives in Guyana, is temporarily residing with a friend in Queens. According to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown, he has been charged with murder in the multiple stabbing death of his 46-year-old wife Rajwantie Baldeo on the streets in Queens, just after midnight. Brown said in a statement that, "This was an especially violent crime in which the defendant is accused of viciously taking the life of the woman he purportedly loved by repeatedly stabbing her following a heated verbal argument. If convicted, her brutal and senseless death merits serious punishment." Also Read: Demonetisation a huge cause of concern for NRIs, PIOs Nandini
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Several Indian Americans in race for place in Trump administration! December 01, 2016 04:36
The highest ranking Indian-origin politician in the Republican party says, many Indian-Americans are being considered for positions in the Trump government as they all qualify on merit and ethnicity is not an issue. Harmeet Dhillon, a member of the Republican National Committee, said that, "I know of several Indian Americans in consideration for positions. I am not at liberty to mention their names, but there are many people under consideration for positions in a Trump administration." The history is already created as President-elect Donald Trump nominated Indian-origin Nikki Haley, Republican governor of South Carolina, as the United States ambassador to the UN. "The new administration is going to place people according to merit. I do not think they have any particular goal of placing Indian Americans versus other ethnic groups. I think they would be looking to put the best people in the position. I am sure in that process many qualified Indian Americans would become part of the administration," Dhillon said. The 47-year-old Dhillon, an experienced lawyer of repute, said she would also be willing to consider a senior position in the administration. "If I am asked to serve in a senior capacity, I will certainly consider it. Of course, the focus right now is on Cabinet level appointment at this time," she said. San Francisco-based Dhillon, added that, "The RNC Chairman Reince Priebus (who has been picked as White House Chief of Staff) is certainly somebody who I know personally and respect. He is going to be the president's right hand man. His choices are solid. Many of the people who I have seen coming in and out with the president-elect are really outstanding people." "I think, his main challenge is out of many, many great qualified Americans going to help, which one does he pick," Dhillon said. Also Read: Trump chooses Nikki Haley as US Ambassador to UN! Nandini
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US President-elect Donald Trump meets top Indian-American real estate executive November 30, 2016 05:20
The United States President-elect Donald Trump has met a top Indian-American real estate executive, Sandeep Mathrani at the Trump Towers in New York amid reports of him joining the new administration. The presidential transition team did not issue a readout of the meeting Trump had with Mathrani, the chief executive officer of General Growth Properties, except for announcing the scheduled meeting. Local media reports speculated that Mathrani could join Trump administration. According to Chicago Business, Mathrani from Chicago, the hometown of outgoing President Barack Obama, earned $39.2 million last year, more than any other CEO of American real estate investment trust. The 54 year old real estate executive joined General Growth in 2011. The General Growth is the second-biggest mall owner in the country with a market capitalization of nearly $23 billion. Also Read: Trump picks Seema Verma to head Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Nandini
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Indian philanthropist gives Rs 10 lakh to compatriot living on terrace in UAE! November 26, 2016 04:26
After media reported about the Indian jobless man, who has been living on the terrace of a commercial building in UAE for more than eight months without proper food, an Indian businessman from Oman has given Rs 10 lakh to help the compatriot. Indian businessman from Kerala Dr K T Mohammed Rabeeh Rabeeullah, chairman and managing director of a healthcare conglomerate, came from Muscat and handed over 5,000 dirham (Rs 93,272) to Rajan for immediate relief and also promised to transfer Rs 10 lakh to his bank account in India. "It is a big relief for me because my pocket is empty. I have not received any money for the past eight months and my travel back home seemed impossible," he said. Sajeev Rajan, an electrician in his early forties, belongs to Kollam in Kerala state of India, where his wife, two children and ageing parents live. According to the media reports, the man was left with no other option but to live on the terrace of a building in Ajman city after his employer had refused to return his passport after settling his dues. His company officials visited the Indian consulate and agreed to return his passport at the earliest. "The employer from Punjab, India, promises to return my passport in front of officials who mediate for my release, but once he leaves their office, he refuses to hand it over to me," Rajan said. Also Read: Jobless Indian lives on building's terrace for 8 months in UAE! Nandini
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Indian-American boy wins $100,000 in top US quiz show! November 24, 2016 05:14
An Indian-American student has won $100,000 in a top US quiz show 'Jeopardy! Teen tournament'. The Indian-origin teenager Sharath Narayan, a sophomore from Madison, Alabama, won the most coveted quiz show of the country after defeating Alex Fischthal and Michael Borecki, who came second and third, respectively in the competition. The "Jeopardy!" was hosted by long-time host Alex Trebek. The competition attracts 23 million viewers each week and is in its 33rd season. Sharath said after winning the award, that, "I'd still like to go on a trip to Europe with my family (maybe Italy or Germany), but the majority of it will probably go towards taxes and college tuition." "I'm definitely more confident since I won the tournament, and it has showed me that I can surprise myself and accomplish things that I never would have thought of," he said. Also Read: Trump chooses Nikki Haley as US Ambassador to UN! Nandini
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