\Samvad

Shravana Shukla 11 Vik. Samvat 2081, Yugabda 5126 : 16 August, 2024: SM 6010 (For Private Circulation only)


1. FESTIVALS:  RAKSHABANDHAN 2. CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ INSTILLED SENSE OF NATIONAL PRIDE AND UNITY LEADING TO HINDAVI SWARAJ: HOSABALE
3. ‘TIME TO UNITE AGAINST THE RISING ATROCITIES AGAINST HINDUS’: RSS SARKARYAVAH 4. RASHTRAPATI MURMU CONFERRED WITH TIMOR LESTE’S HIGHEST CIVILIAN AWARD
5. HSS VISHWA KARYAKARTA VIKAS VARG 1 6. HSS ZAMBIA YOUTH ACTIVITY
7. VEDIC WISDOM MEETS SILICON VALLEY 8. HSS CELEBRATES HINDU SANGHATAN DIN
9. SEWA SUPPORTS HOLLYOAK RETIREMENT CENTER 10. SEWA PARTICIPATED AT THE BRICS CIVIL FORUM IN MOSCOW
11. ALIEF ISD BOARD HONORS SEWA DURING HURRICANE BERYL SERVICE 12. THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE RECOGNIZES SEWA FOR OUTSTANDING EFFORTS
13. LEADS TEAM TACKLES FOOD INSECURITY IN CENTRAL JERSEY 14. PROTESTS AGAINST ANTI-HINDU VIOLENCE IN BANGLADESH
15. RSS & SEWA BHARATI RESCUE EFFORTS AT WAYANAD LANDSLIDE 16. VIDYA BHARTI WORKSHOP ON LADAKHI FOOD NUTRITION
17. ABVKA HONOURS NEWLY ELECTED MPs FROM ST COMMUNITY 18. KAMBAN RAMAYANA’S FIRST TRANSLATION IN ENGLISH
19. IN 10 YEARS BHARAT'S POWER GENERATION ROSE TO 4.46 GW 20. MALDIVIAN PRESIDENT HAILS BHARAT’S SUPPORT
21. JAPAN HONOURS 3 BHARATIYAS FOR PROMOTING CULTURAL TIES 22. WORLD RECORD OF LARGEST-EVER KASHMIRI FOLK DANCE EVENT
23. ANCIENT TAMIL SCRIPT, INSCRIPTIONS DISCOVERED AT 1,100-YEAR-OLD MANDIR 24. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN & FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Article: HOW INDIAN AMERICANS ARE SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE US


1. FESTIVALS: On the day of Rakshabandhan, sisters tie rakhi around the wrists of their brothers and brothers reaffirm their responsibility of caring for their sisters. The festival is observed on Shravana Purnima (August 19 this year). Bharatiyas in different countries like Fiji, Guyana, Suriname, Mauritius, Trinidad & Tobago and in other parts of the world also celebrate this festival. Rakshabandhan is also one of the six important festivals celebrated by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in its shakhas.

Hindu Swyamsevak Sangh overseas also celebrates the festival with community participation. In Nepal, Rakshabandhan is also celebrated as Janai Purnima or Rishitarpani i.e. sacred thread ceremony.  -GoTop


2. CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ INSTILLED SENSE OF NATIONAL PRIDE AND UNITY LEADING TO HINDAVI SWARAJ: HOSABALE: “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj never spoke of Maratha Samrajya but always promoted the idea of Hindavi Swaraj. Shivaji’s vision led to the Marathas raising the saffron flag from Attock to Cuttack, enhancing the glory of Bharatiya culture”, said RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale. He was speaking on July 31 in New Delhi as the keynote speaker during the launching ceremony of 8 insightful books on the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The books released were the transcription in English and Hindi of four books originally published in Marathi. Organisers of the event were Hindavi Swaraj Sthapana Mahotsav Ayojan Samiti, Delhi; Shri Shivaji Raigad Smarak Mandal, Pune; and Shri Bharti Prakashan, Nagpur.

Former Rashtrapati Ram Nath Kovind was the chief guest and he highlighted Shivaji Maharaj’s inspiring role in instilling a sense of national duty and responsibility. The event concluded with an acknowledgement of the authors’ contributions, which would inspire and educate future generations about the rich heritage of the Shivaji Maharaj.  -GoTop

 
3. ‘TIME TO UNITE AGAINST THE RISING ATROCITIES AGAINST HINDUS’: RSS SARKARYAVAH: On August 11, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)’s newly constructed regional karyalaya ‘Dharmashree Bhawan’ in Shankarpuram, Bengaluru was inaugurated in the presence of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, VHP International Working President Alok Kumar and RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale.

Addressing the gathering, Hosabale called upon Hindus worldwide to unite against the rising atrocities faced by Hindu minorities in various parts of the world. He emphasised the increasing human rights violations against Hindus, particularly in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, and urged the community to raise their voices against such injustices.  -GoTop


4. RASHTRAPATI MURMU CONFERRED WITH TIMOR LESTE’S HIGHEST CIVILIAN AWARD
President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste conferred the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country’s highest civilian award, upon Rashrapati Droupadi Murmu on August 10.

After receiving the award, she said that the honour is a reflection of the ties of friendship between Bharat and Timor-Leste. Rashtrapati Murmu was on a six-day visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste from August 4.  -GoTop

 
5. HSS VISHWA KARYAKARTA VIKAS VARG 1: The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) concluded its Vishwa Karyakarta Vikas Varga 1 - a dynamic and intensive training course - in Bengaluru. The varg, held from July 26 to August 11, saw participation from 200 dedicated shiksharthis hailing from 19 countries, including the USA, UK, Japan, New Zealand, and Europe. The varg was a combination of intellectual and physical training, showcasing the rich heritage and discipline of the Hindu way of life. Swayamsevaks and Sevikas demonstrated their physical prowess through yogasan, surya namaskars, samata, niyuddha, lezims, dand-vyayam and ghosh demonstration exemplifying the strength and unity of the group.

The valedictory ceremony was graced by the chief guest Ricky Kej, renowned music composer and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, National Coordinator of Swadeshi Jagran Manch Prof. Bhagawati Prakash, and Anupama Chitti from HSS-New Zealand. In his speech, Dattatreya Hosabale emphasized the significant global presence of Hindus, noting that over one billion Hindus reside in more than 150 countries. He highlighted the need for Hindu organizations to foster positive societal change, emphasizing that the Hindu way of life is widely respected and has contributed greatly to global culture, particularly through music. He also stressed that challenges like ecological concerns and societal issues can be effectively addressed through the principles of the Hindu way of life.
On the occasion, Ricky Kej spoke about his inspiration - his father, who was a doctor and associated with the Sangh during his college days in Myanmar. Participants, including data scientists, entrepreneurs, and teachers, also shared their enriching experiences during varg.
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6. HSS ZAMBIA YOUTH ACTIVITY: On July 21, HSS-Zambia organized a youth activity which involved a visit to Zamgold cooking oil manufacturing factory of Parrogate Group at Mumbwa Road, Lusaka. Total 24 youth and 12 swayamsevaks took part in it. Parrogate also provided diaries and pens to visitors to take notes during the visit. Along with presentation on activities of HSS Zambia a quiz on Hindu Dharma, culture was organised. Parrogate chairman Pradeep Ganediwal issued certificate of participation.
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7. VEDIC WISDOM MEETS SILICON VALLEY: HSS Central Pacific region hosted a transformative gathering on July 1 that brought together a distinguished group of Bay Area professionals, including venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, tech executives, doctors, and attorneys. The event, centered around the theme ‘Vedic Approach for Leaders: Building Conscious Business’, featured a keynote address by His Holiness Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj ji, a revered spiritual leader and trustee of the Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Trust.
Swami Ji's insightful discourse on the Vedic approach to leadership captivated an audience of 75 attendees, inspiring lively discussions and a profound exchange of ideas.
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8. HSS CELEBRATES HINDU SANGHATAN DIN: Hindu Sanghatan Din (Hindu Unity Day) is an annual event commemorated by the HSS to honor Chhatrapati Shivaji's coronation. In Milpitas, Bay Area, CA - over 60 Hindu linguistic & spiritual organizations; in Sacramento, CA - 29 local Hindu organizations (in the presence of Swami Govind Giri Dev Maharaj Ji, Trustee of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Ayodhya, Bharat); in Greater Boston, MA - 30 Hindu and Bharatiya organizations and in Long Island, NY - 15 organizations participated in the Hindu Sanghatan events.
These gatherings underscore the growing importance of Hindu unity and collective action in addressing community concerns and promoting Hindu values in the United States.
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9. SEWA SUPPORTS HOLLYOAK RETIREMENT CENTER: Brooks Spangler, Community Disaster Program Manager at the American Red Cross of Georgia, reached out to Sewa about the dire situation at the Hollyoak Retirement Center on July 11.

Within hours, Sewa volunteers delivered hot meals donated by Maharaja Bhog, a Houston-based restaurant and food vendor, to the affected seniors. Sewa's relief efforts began a day before the storm with gathering emergency supplies, and preparing families for the impending disaster. During the storm, they alerted residents to evacuate, avoid damaged buildings and power lines, and consume safe water and food. In the aftermath of the storm, Sewa volunteers worked tirelessly to reach out to families without power, delivering ice to help them cope with the heat and sharing information on roofing contractors and cooling shelters.  -GoTop


10. SEWA PARTICIPATED AT THE BRICS CIVIL FORUM IN MOSCOW: Shyam Parande, Global Coordinator of Sewa International, joined a panel of experts, including Dr. Sabyasachi Saha of the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), Atul Jain, General Secretary of Deendayal Research Institute (DRI), Prof. Vandana Saxena of Delhi University, and Prof. Sonu Saini of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) at the 9th BRICS Civil Forum in Moscow, Russia, on July 3-4.

The BRICS conference showcased grassroots leadership, social impact, and cooperation. Emphasizing the power of collective action in driving positive change, Parande said, “Let this unity inspire us to strive for a better tomorrow, where collaboration and cooperation pave the way for a brighter future for all.”  -GoTop


11. ALIEF ISD BOARD HONORS SEWA DURING HURRICANE BERYL SERVICE: The Alief Independent School District (ISD) Board recognized the dedication and support of Sewa International and their other community partners during Hurricane Beryl at the July Board meeting.
The partners were honored on July 17 for their swift response in supporting Alief ISD families during the hurricane. The Alief ISD Board extended a thank you to the Southwest Management District for their donation of $2,500 to purchase school uniforms for students. This contribution is making a significant difference in the lives of Alief ISD students.
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12. THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE RECOGNIZES SEWA FOR OUTSTANDING EFFORTS: The Houston Chronicle in its July 21 edition acknowledged Sewa International's contributions to hurricane Beryl relief, particularly in the Cambodian refugee community in Rosharon, Texas. On July 15, Sewa responded to a call for assistance from students living near the Medical Center, who had been without power for over a week due to Hurricane Beryl. Sewa arranged for approximately sixty meals to be distributed to the affected students. Sewa and Hindu Yuva (a student organization) volunteers hand-delivered each meal to the students.
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13. LEADS TEAM TACKLES FOOD INSECURITY IN CENTRAL JERSEY: The Central Jersey LEADs team recently addressed food insecurity by preparing and delivering meals to the New Brunswick United Methodist Church on July 27. The volunteers gathered for a group cooking session, fostering friendship and connection, with a menu featuring chickpea curry, rice with peas, and flatbread. New Brunswick City Government and the United Methodist Church at New Brunswick extended their gratitude for the LEADs’ contribution. Rajesh Sharma, chapter coordinator, said, “This initiative showcased the true spirit of service and community. The Central Jersey Sewa LEADs are honored to be part of this effort and anticipate continuing the support.”  -GoTop

14. PROTESTS AGAINST ANTI-HINDU VIOLENCE IN BANGLADESH: Members of minority communities in Bangladesh faced at least 205 incidents of attacks in 52 districts since the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina-led govt on Aug 5, according to two Hindu organisations Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad. Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have been trying to flee to neighbouring Bharat to escape the violence.
RSS condemns attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh: RSS has expressed serious concern over the incidents of violence against Hindus, Buddhists and other minority communities in Bangladesh during the movement for regime change in the last few days. Condemning the violence on Hindus and other minorities, RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale said, “We expect the interim Government of Bangladesh to take strict action to immediately stop such incidents.” He also requested the world community and all political parties in Bharat to stand in solidarity with the persecuted communities like Hindu, Buddhist, etc., in this critical time.
The situation in Bangladesh is volatile and minority Hindus are being targeted, mandirs set ablaze and the Centre should immediately intervene in this regard, said former RSS Sarkaryavaha Bhaiyaji Suresh Joshi, at a meet in Nagpur. On August 6, VHP president Alok Kumar said, “The situation is worrying. In such a situation it is the responsibility of the world community to take effective action for the safety of minorities and protection of human rights in Bangladesh.” VHP President on August 13 met ISKCON chief Ven. Mohanroop Das Prabhu to express his concern, empathy and solidarity of Hindu society over the attacks on ISKCON mandirs in Bangladesh.

Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi on August 8 has called for the protection of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh following a wave of violence that has erupted after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and flight from the country.
On August 12, a collective of intellectuals, academics, lawyers, and concerned citizens, under the banner of Prajna Pravah and the Group of Academicians and Intellectuals (GIA), has written to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), calling for urgent intervention in Bangladesh. On August 10, protests took place in Varanasi and Ayodhya saw large marches urging protection for the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. Hindu Jagran Manch staged a protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Kolkata in response to attacks on Hindu communities in Bangladesh.
Over 300 Bharatiya-Americans and Bangladeshi-origin Hindus gathered at Sugar Land City Hall in Houston, USA on August 12, to protest the horrific acts committed by Islamist extremists targeting Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri Thanedar have written to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging him to assist the Bangladeshi government in ending the violence against Hindus in the country.
Hundreds of Bangladeshi and Bharatiya Diaspora carried placards and assembled at London to mark their protest against the ongoing atrocities perpetrated by the radical groups against the minority Hindus in Bangladesh.
In Nepal during August 13’s House of Representatives session, UML MP Kiran Kumar Shah and Congress MP Arjun Nar Singha KC have urged their Government to alert Bangladesh through diplomatic channels for the safety of minorities there.
On August 11, in a statement HSS USA urged immediate action to address atrocities against minority Hindus in Bangladesh. HSS Australia unequivocally condemned acts of violence on Hindus in Bangladesh and call upon the government of Bangladesh to take immediate measures to protect the minorities. In a statement on August 15, it also said that Australia can advocate for human rights in Bangladesh and support international efforts to address and combat religious persecution.
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15. RSS & SEWA BHARATI RESCUE EFFORTS AT WAYANAD LANDSLIDE: The death toll from the catastrophic landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district has risen to more than 200, with hundreds more injured. In the devastating times RSS Swayamsevaks and Sewa Bharati volunteers have brought some solace with their selfless sewa to affected people.

RSS and Sewa volunteers joined the frontlines, aiding the NDRF teams in locating the deceased, organising food camps and shelter to those who were affected and assisting grieving families with the identification of their loved ones. Sewa Bharati’s mobile mortuary system ‘Chitagni‘ was made operational at Churalmala to dispose of dead bodies. Those who lost houses will be provided new houses with the help of society, under the, ‘thala chaykanoridam’ (a place to take refuge) project, said Sewa Bharati.
Christian Service Institution (CSI) All Immanuel Church’s priest in Meppadi, Wayanad, has publicly praised the tireless efforts of Sewa Bharati for its humanitarian work.
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16. VIDYA BHARATI WORKSHOP ON LADAKHI FOOD NUTRITION: Vidya Bharati, in association with the Bharatiya Shiksha Samiti Jammu Kashmir Pradesh, organised an event at Bharatiya Vidya Niketan, Ladakh on July 15 which aimed to highlight the nutritional value of traditional foods and addressing contemporary concerns about diet & health.The full-day workshop has seen participation of 10 women and around 160 students including staff from the school. The event was meticulously planned to address the growing problem of children consuming unhealthy processed foods which are often linked to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. By contrast, traditional foods, which are rich in essential nutrients, are healthier alternatives.

The participants were engaged in practical cooking sessions and they collectively prepared more than 12 types of local dishes, demonstrating the nutritional value, deliciousness, health benefits and rich & diverse culinary traditions of Ladakh.
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17. ABVKA HONOURS NEWLY ELECTED MPs FROM ST COMMUNITY: Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (ABVKA) hosted an event in Delhi on August 6 to honour 56 newly elected Members of Parliament for Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, who graced the event as the chief guest, highlighted the pioneering steps taken by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government in addressing issues concerning tribals by setting up a separate Central Ministry for tribal affairs for the first time in 1999. “After Atalji, Narendra Modiji is doing a lot of work to take the people of the tribal community forward. The most prominent example of this is the Rashtrapati of our country, Droupadi Murmu, a matter of pride for the tribal community,” said Jual Oram.
Kariya Munda - former Union Minister, Satyendra Singh - ABVKA President, National Scheduled Tribes Commission Chairman Antar Singh Arya, former Chairman of the Scheduled Tribes Commission, Harsh Chauhan have also expressed their views on the occasion.
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18. KAMBAN RAMAYANA’S FIRST TRANSLATION IN ENGLISH: The Ramayana by Kamban (Tamil literary tradition’s Greatest Poem) is being translated into English by a team of eminent scholars. The eight-volume work is expected to hit book shelves across the globe between 2028 to 2030, according to Penguin Random House. In a media release on July 29, Penguin said that the company has acquired the complete English translation of Kamban’s Ramayana. It was also briefed that the translation of Kamban’s Ramayana is being executed by Dr Shiv Subramaniam from Emory University, Prof David Shulman from Hebrew University, and by other English language translation scholars from different universities.  -GoTop

19. IN 10 YEARS BHARAT'S POWER GENERATION ROSE TO 4.46 GW: Bharat's total installed power generation capacity has grown around 80 per cent over the last 10 years to 4,46,190 MW (4.46 GW) in June 2024, Parliament was informed on July 29 by the Union Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik. In a reply to the Rajya Sabha, he said that the installed capacity of coal-based power has increased from 1,39,663 MW in March 2014 to 2,10,969 MW in June 2024 and the installed capacity of renewable sector has increased from 75,519 MW in March 2014 to 1,95,013 MW in June 2024. "Bharat's grid has emerged as one of the largest unified grids in the world. Connecting the whole country into one grid has transformed the country into one unified power market," he added. As a result of these measures, the availability of power in rural areas has increased from 12.5 hours in 2015 to 21.9 hours in 2024, Naik said, adding that the availability of power in urban areas is 23.4 hours.
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20. MALDIVIAN PRESIDENT HAILS BHARAT’S SUPPORT: President Mohamed Muizzu on August 10 acknowledged that Bharat has always been "one of the closest" allies and "invaluable" partners, facilitating and providing aid "whenever Maldives has needed it". He made these remarks while speaking at the ceremony held at the President's Office to hand over the completed water supply and sewerage facilities on 28 islands in the Maldives, funded by the Government of Bharat's Line of Credit Facility through EXIM Bank of Bharat.

The president highlighted that these initiatives would provide significant economic benefits, boost the local economies, and together contribute to the nation's prosperity. He further added that these projects are key milestones in the Maldives' bilateral relations with Bharat. Speaking at the ceremony, Muizzu extended deep gratitude to Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya government, and the "friendly people" of Bharat for their "generous and continued assistance" to the Maldives.  -GoTop


21. JAPAN HONOURS 3 BHARATIYAS FOR PROMOTING CULTURAL TIES: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Japan on August 8, has honored three Bharatiyas with the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendations for their efforts and contributions in promoting Japan-Bharat relations. The annual commendations are awarded by the Japanese Government to selected citizens who play crucial role in promoting the culture of Japan. The awardees for 2024 are Thiruvananthapuram based K Ashok Kumar (director, Institute of Japanese studies), Subramanian Haribabu (president, Shorei-kan Karate do-Asia) and Chilaka Sriramulu Rajagopal, vice president, Tamil Nadu Judo Association.
Haribabu and Rajagopal have been awarded the honor for promoting Japanese culture through martial arts. Ashok Kumar is known for his role in promoting Japanese language in Bharat.
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22. WORLD RECORD OF LARGEST-EVER KASHMIRI FOLK DANCE EVENT: Youth of Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district created a world record by registering their names to the Universal Records Forum (URF) for the largest-ever Kashmiri folk dance performed by 10,000 young women at the ‘Kashur Riwaaj’ cultural festival on August 10. This was the largest-ever Kashmiri Folk Dance performed by 10,000 young women at Kashur Riwaaj Cultural Fest on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day celebrations.

The mega event was organised by the Dagger Division of Chinar Corps in collaboration with Baramulla District Administration and Indrani Balan Foundation (IBF). The festival took place at Prof. Showkat Ali Indoor Stadium to showcase the vibrant traditions of Kashmir through traditional dances, music, calligraphy and cultural activities.  -GoTop


23. ANCIENT TAMIL SCRIPT, INSCRIPTIONS DISCOVERED AT 1,100-YEAR-OLD MANDIR: Members of the Virarajendran Archaeological and Historical Research Centre have uncovered significant historical artefacts at the 1,100-year-old Thalikiswarar Temple in Kovilpalayam near Koduvai, in Tirupur district. Their discovery includes a Vattezhuthu script (an ancient Tamil script) and eight Tamil inscriptions. The research, led by S. Ravikumar and K. Ponnusamy from the centre, was conducted following a tip from Alagumalai Panchayath Union President Thuyamani. “Thalikiswarar Temple is one of the ancient granite stone temples in the Kongu region,” stated Ravikumar. Vattezhuthu, a form of Tamil script prevalent from the 5th to the 12th century AD, was among the discoveries.

According to the inscriptions, the temple was constructed by the medieval Chera ruler Kokkandan Viranarayanan, who reigned over the Kongu region in the 9th century AD.
Additionally, researchers highlighted that the inscriptions shed light on the temple’s historical context and the village’s ancient heritage, which spans over 2,500 years.
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24. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors: Parvesh Hurdeen - South Africa, Surendra Shenoy - Singapore.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Anger begets more anger, and forgiveness and love lead to more forgiveness and love. - Bhagwan Mahavir
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JAI SHRI RAM
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HOW INDIAN AMERICANS ARE SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE US

A landmark report by Indiaspora and BCG highlights the significant contributions of Indian Americans in shaping the US economy, culture, and society.

Frank F Islam

On July 4, the United States (US) celebrated its founding as a nation 248 years ago in 1776. There were no future citizens from India in the US at that time.
There are Indian American citizens in the US today, and they play a major role in shaping America’s future. This is the key takeaway from a landmark report released last month by the US-based nonprofit group, Indiaspora, which details the contributions of Indian Americans to the US and their impact on the country.
The report titled “Small Community, Big Contributions, Boundless Horizons”, authored in partnership with the Boston Consulting Group, examines the contributions of Indian Americans in five key areas — economic, scientific, social, cultural, and civic. This first-of-its-kind study underscores the remarkable achievements of the Indian diaspora in several of these key sectors and paints a vivid picture of how a small ethnic group, comprising just 1.5% of the US population, punches way above its weight and enriches this nation’s economy and culture.
The report found that, despite its small population, the community contributes significantly to the US economy, paying more than 5% of taxes. Last year, 4.4% of senior public service positions were held by Indian Americans, up from 1.7% in 2013. Indian Americans constitute 10% of all physicians in the US and serve approximately 30% of all patients in the country. Approximately 22,000 Indian Americans teach at US higher education institutions, and 35 out of the top 50 colleges (70%) in the US have an Indian American in their leadership.
Indian Americans are also highly entrepreneurial, having founded 11% of nearly 650 unicorns (startups valued at over $1 billion). Their entrepreneurial spirit is particularly evident in the hospitality industry, where they own 60% of all hotels in the US, generating $700 billion in revenue and creating 4 million jobs annually.

The report contains several other interesting tidbits. For instance, half of the Indian American population lives in five large states: California, Texas, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois, all states with major metropolitan areas. It also provides insights into the community’s social structure, noting that a fifth of Indian Americans live in multi-generational homes, a practice reminiscent of the joint family system in India.
The secret behind the community’s financial success lies in its educational attainment and professional engagement. More than three-fourths of Indian Americans have at least a bachelor’s degree, and a similar percentage work in high-paying professions such as management, business, science, or the arts. This educational and professional excellence is reflected in the fact that 16 Indian American CEOs are leading Fortune 500 companies.
Summing up the Indian American story, the report concludes: “Indian Americans are shaping the tech world, saving lives in healthcare, nurturing young minds as educators, creating cultural wonders as artists, expanding knowledge as scholars, and unravelling the universe’s mysteries as scientists. They are a powerhouse of talent, resilience, and diversity that enriches America. Whether through numbers or personal tales, their stories reveal the significant impact they have had on the American narrative. The community’s perseverance and accomplishments illustrate their vital role in American society, driving progress and unity.”
However, while they excel in many fields, there are areas where the community needs to do better. Philanthropy, for instance, is one such area.
According to Indiaspora and BCG, Indian American households gave $1.5 billion in 2023. Although this is a substantial amount, it pales compared to the total giving of all American households, which amounts to about half a trillion dollars annually. In other words, per capita, Indian Americans contribute only a fifth of what the average US household gives. It is worth noting, however, that philanthropic contributions from Indian Americans have been on the rise in recent years.
Additionally, it’s necessary to acknowledge the challenges within the community, including the presence of a significant undocumented immigrant population. While poverty rates among Indian Americans are much lower than the national average, a Pew Research Center study revealed that the number of undocumented Indians has grown from 33,000 in 1996 to 725,000 in 2021, making it the third-largest undocumented immigrant population in the US.
As this column noted in December, there is a general lack of empathy within the larger Indian American population for undocumented Indians. Reiterating what was stated in that column, there is a moral imperative for the Indian American community to initiate a discussion regarding undocumented immigration, particularly from India.
In closing, it is important to recognise the role the US itself plays in providing a fertile environment for Indian Americans to maximise their potential through its diverse and inclusive landscape, which embraces talent from all backgrounds. A supportive infrastructure, combined with the American values of meritocracy and equal opportunity, helps Indian Americans unleash their full potential.
“If you take a grain of wheat, an agricultural commodity, and make it into a loaf of bread, the value add is only three times,” says legendary Indian American marketing scholar Jagdish “Jag” Sheth. “If you take a rough diamond and polish it, a good diamond cutter will get the brilliance out to about 15 to 20 times... but if you take a human being, mentor, nurture, educate, and give opportunities, the value add is infinite.”
This encapsulates what America has done for immigrants. Indian American immigrants have benefited from that investment. In return, they are shaping America’s future to unlock the potential of others. (Frank F Islam is an entrepreneur, civic leader, and thought leader based in Washington DC. The views expressed are personal) https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/how-indian-americans-are-shaping-the-future-of-the-us-101721143220403.html 
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