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