India This Week 1 India This Week A Weekly Newspaper Featuring News and Trends from the Indian Sub-Continent Published From the US Capital Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 36 No. 46 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday November 13, 2026 Nithya Raman Makes History as First Indian-American Mayor of Los Angeles By Geeta Goindi November 6, 2026 – Kerala-born Nithya Raman has made history as the first Indian-American elected mayor of Los Angeles, defeating incumbent Karen Bass in a stunning upset in the November 3 midterm elections. The 45-yearold Democrat, an urban planner and City Council member, will also become the first Asian-American to lead the nation’s second-largest city, marking a milestone for political representation. Her triumph ends more than two decades without a sitting Los Angeles mayor losing a re-election bid. The last such defeat came in 2005, when Antonio Villaraigosa unseated James Hahn. Raman prevailed despite Bass receiving endorsements from prominent Democratic leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, former Vice President Kamala Harris and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “Los Angeles, I am deeply honored to be your next mayor,” Raman wrote on social media following her victory. “I just spoke with Mayor Bass and expressed my deepest gratitude for her leadership and decades of service. Los Angeles would not be the city it is today without her.” Looking ahead, she acknowledged the challenges facing the city while expressing optimism about its future. “I love this city. I believe in its people. The work ahead will be hard, and change will take time. And together, we are going to build a future as extraordinary as the city we call home.” She concluded: “Thank you, LA. Let’s get to work.” From Kerala to Los Angeles Born in Thrissur, Kerala, to a Tamil-speaking family, Raman spent her early childhood in India before immigrating to the United States at age six. Her father, Venkataraman, was an engineer at KELTRON, Kerala’s state-owned electronics enterprise, while her mother, Sudha Kechery, worked for Indian Overseas Bank. Her maternal grandparents played an important role in her upbringing. Nithya Raman, the first Indian-American elected mayor of Los Angeles. The family initially settled in Louisiana before moving to Burlington, Massachusetts, where Raman grew up. She became a naturalized American citizen at 22. A Harvard University graduate, Raman earned a master’s degree in urban planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her academic interests eventually took her back to India, where she worked with disadvantaged communities confronting poverty, inadequate infrastructure and displacement. In New Delhi, she became involved in efforts to protect low-income residents facing eviction amid redevelopment projects ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. She subsequently moved to Chennai, where she founded Transparent Chennai, a civic initiative that used data and community participation to identify gaps in essential services. The organization worked with residents of underserved neighborhoods to advocate for improved sanitation, public toilets and waste management. These experiences helped shape Raman’s approach to urban governance, particularly her Nitya Raman See Page 11 President Trump Celebrates Diwali in Oval Office, Receives Hanuman Chalisa President Donald Trump with guests at a Diwali celebration in the Oval Office at the White House on November 6, 2026. Photo via Vishal Gondal / X By Geeta Goindi WASHINGTON, November 7, 2026 – President Donald Trump hosted a Diwali celebration in the Oval Office on Friday afternoon, lighting a traditional diya in the presence of prominent Indian-American business executives, entrepreneurs, cultural personalities and senior administration officials. The event, held behind closed doors, brought together distinguished members of the Indian diaspora to mark the Festival of Lights, which symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Remember: Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra was among the dignitaries attending the ceremony, reflecting the longstanding cultural ties between the two countries. Senior administration officials at the event included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, FBI Director Kash Patel, National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya and Arjun Mody, Deputy Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. A Sacred Gift and a Message of Friendship A particularly meaningful moment came when health-tech entrepreneur Vishal Gondal pre- “There exists a limit to the force even the most powerful may apply without destroying themselves. Judging this limit is the true artistry of government. Misuse of power is the fatal sin. The law cannot be a tool of vengeance, never a hostage, nor a fortification against the martyrs it has created. You cannot threaten any individual and escape the consequences.” Frank Herbert Proverbs sented Trump with a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa, a revered Hindu devotional hymn composed by the 16th-century poet-saint Tulsidas in praise of Lord Hanuman. The sacred text, recited by millions of devotees, is associated with courage, devotion and strength. Sharing photographs and reflections from the Oval Office on social media platform X, Gondal described the occasion as “A moment of shared light.” “Honored to celebrate Diwali with President @realDonaldTrump and proud to gift him with a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa, Tulsidas’s hymn to Lord Hanuman that millions of us recite for courage, devotion and strength,” he wrote. The entrepreneur also expressed his hopes for stronger relations between India and the United States. “As the diyas were lit, my prayer was for friendship between India and America, and for the triumph of light over darkness,” he said. Gondal invoked the traditional Indian blessing Jug Jug Jiyo, meaning “may you live for ages,” extending its message of goodwill beyond the festivities. “It is the wish behind everything I do, and today I made it for everyone around the world: peace, prosperity, good health and longevity,” he wrote. For Gondal, the experience was deeply personal. “Never imagined celebrating Diwali in the Oval Office with President @realDonaldTrump,” he shared in another post. Thanking the President for welcoming the guests, he described the occasion as “A memory I’ll always treasure.” In a separate reflection, Gondal recalled the unexpected journey that brought him to the White House. “Take the path less travelled. Push the boundaries. You never know where it might lead,” he wrote. “This DiWhite House Diwali See page 2
India This Week Friday, November 13, 2026 Jyot Singh Makes History as First Sikh American Elected to Georgia Legislature By Geeta Goindi November 4, 2026 – Indian-American Democrat Jyot Singh has made political history by winning a seat in the Georgia House of Representatives, becoming the first Sikh American and first person of Indian origin elected to the state legislature. Singh defeated Republican Yassin Moghazy in the November 3 midterm elections to represent House District 97, which encompasses diverse communities in Gwinnett County, including parts of Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners and Berkeley Lake. Celebrating his victory, Singh posted a video on social media with the message: “We won!!! Thank you Georgia! I’m honored to be your representative-elect in HD-97.” His election marks a significant milestone for Indian-American political representation and a remarkable personal journey for the son of working-class immigrants who began earning a living at age 15 to help support his family. Raised in Norcross by Sikh parents who immigrated from India, Singh grew up in basement apartments and townhouses, watching them work long hours to make ends meet. His childhood experiences, including periods without adequate healthcare, shaped his understanding of the struggles faced by families living on modest incomes. A product of Gwinnett County public schools, he graduated from the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology before earning a full scholarship to Yale University, where he received a degree in Global Affairs in 2021. Despite attend- Jyot Singh, the first Sikh American and first person of Indian origin elected to the Georgia General Assembly, won the House District 97 race in the November 3, 2026, midterm elections. ing one of America’s most prestigious universities and building a career in political advocacy, Singh has remained deeply connected to his roots. “My story isn’t about a career; it’s about a commitment to the community that made me,” he writes in his campaign biography. His rise from humble beginnings to elected office reflects the opportunities he believes should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic circumstances or background. For Singh, public service is inseparable from his Sikh faith, particularly the principles of seva, meaning selfless service, and sarbat da bhala, the well-being of all. These values, he says, have guided his commitment to equality, justice and uplifting others. “As Sikhs, our people have fought against tyranny, oppression, and injustice for centuries in order to uplift all communities and for the wellbeing of all,” he said. “I’ll bring that fight to the Georgia State Legislature and fight for House District 97 and Immigration Lawyer Law Office of Ryan Morgan Knight Email or call for free consultation ryan@immigrationknight.com 1 (888) 735-0560 Ryan Knight Licensed to practice immigration law Nationwide; Licensed to practice art law in Maryland everyday Georgians.” That connection to his heritage was evident throughout his political journey. His bid for office began and concluded at the Guru Nanak Mission Society gurdwara in Norcross, underscoring the importance of faith and belonging in his life. “It means the world to have the chance to be the first Sikh American elected to the Georgia state legislature,” Singh said in the closing days of the race. “Communities like ours often get left out of the conversation.” While mindful of the significance of his achievement, he has consistently emphasized that representation must translate into meaningful improvements in people’s lives. A longtime organizer and political strategist, Singh has worked on gubernatorial and legislative campaigns, including serving as a press secretary. He also founded Blue Husky Group, a political and strategic consulting firm. His involvement in education advocacy included helping secure $1.4 billion for Gwinnett County Public Schools through the renewal of E-SPLOST, a special local sales tax dedicated to educational improvements. Singh emerged as a formidable contender in May when he won the Democratic primary with 59.1 percent of the vote against Jacques Laurent, carrying every precinct in the district. Rejecting cor- porate contributions, he built a grassroots operation supported by small-dollar donors and volunteers. His campaign raised more than $240,000 during the primary, while supporters knocked on over 8,500 doors. His candidacy also attracted endorsements from Indian American Impact, the Asian American Advocacy Fund and prominent Democratic lawmakers, including US Representatives Ro Khanna of California, Hank Johnson of Georgia and Jonathan Jackson of Illinois. “As a Sikh kid from Gwinnett, I’m deeply moved and honored by the coalition of powerful support we’ve earned to support our campaign,” Singh said. “It means the world to have the backing of all of these incredible leaders and organizations who’ve done so much good work to uplift Georgia and the country.” Among his legislative priorities are expanding affordable housing and healthcare, supporting immigrant-owned small businesses, improving language accessibility and strengthening public education. Drawing upon his own childhood experiences, he has pledged to protect Medicaid and food assistance programs for vulnerable households. “I know what it’s like to grow up without healthcare, and I’ll fight to protect and expand the Medicaid coverage and food assistance in Georgia for the families that need it most,” he said. His political outlook has also been shaped by his experiences as a turbaned Sikh American. Amid growing polarization and divisive rhetoric, Singh has spoken against prejudice and discrimination, emphasizing diversity as a source of strength rather than division. Fluent in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Spanish, he represents a new generation of political leaders whose backgrounds reflect the increasingly multicultural character of American society. Yet, beyond the endorsements, electoral victories and prestigious education, Singh’s story remains grounded in the place he calls home. In a response to Ballotpedia’s candidate questionnaire, he described helping his parents buy a house in Gwinnett and enabling his father to retire as among his proudest accomplishments. For someone who grew up watching his family struggle financially, those milestones carry a significance that extends well beyond professional success. His election is not only a personal triumph but also a breakthrough for Sikh and Indian Americans seeking a stronger voice in government. From basement apartments in Norcross to Yale University and now the Georgia State Capitol, Jyot Singh’s journey is a testament to perseverance, opportunity and the enduring belief that success carries with it a responsibility to uplift others. President Trump Celebrates Diwali in Oval Office White House Diwali From Page 1 wali, it led me to the White House.” He also shared a photograph of a commemorative Trump coin he received during the visit, describing it as a keepsake of the occasion. Prominent Business and Cultural Figures The celebration drew leading figures from the technology, business and cultural sectors. Among them were IBM Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna, Micron Technology President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, Knack Systems founder and CEO Rajiv Sharma, and Viswajith Mallampati, president of Keshavam DC. Other guests included Michelin-starred celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, former Canadian parliamentarian Ruby Dhalla, and longtime White House Events Usher Arvind Chadha. Dhalla is pres- ident and CEO of the Dhalla Group of Companies, while Gondal is the founder and CEO of GOQii Technologies, a digital health and wellness company. A White House Tradition Spanning More Than Two Decades Diwali celebrations at the White House date back to 2003, when President George W. Bush’s administration established the tradition of officially recognizing the festival. The early ceremonies were held primarily at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, with Indian-American community leaders and diplomats participating. In 2009, President Barack Obama became the first sitting US president to personally light a diya at a White House Diwali ceremony, held in the East Room. In 2016, he made history again by lighting the first-ever diya in the Oval Office, expressing hope that future presidents would continue the tradition. During his first term, Trump hosted White House Diwali celebrations in 2017, 2018 and 2019, and issued a presidential greeting in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Following his return to office, he marked the festival in the Oval Office in October 2025, with Ambassador Kwatra and Indian-American leaders in attendance. This year’s observance continued a tradition that has become an important symbol of cultural recognition at the highest levels of the US government. For the Indian-American community, the occasion carries significance beyond the lighting of ceremonial lamps. It reflects the increasing visibility of a diaspora whose contributions span business, technology, medicine, public service and the arts, while celebrating traditions that remain an enduring part of its heritage.
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I feel confident in my future, and 4-year-old boy falls into open manhole in Delhi’s Nangli Vihar; NDRF, fire services, BSF join search New Delhi [India], November 11 (ANI): A massive multi-agency search and rescue operation was launched after a four-year-old boy fell into an open manhole near Dass Garden Colony in Outer Delhi’s Nangli Vihar area, officials said. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services (DFS), Delhi Police, Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and the Border Security Force (BSF) have been deployed at the spot and are carrying out intensive search operations to locate and retrieve the child. According to fire officials, the incident occurred while the child was playing and accidentally slipped into an uncovered manhole. “We received a call at 9:45. The Delhi Fire Service team was deployed here... A 4-year-old boy was playing here with his mother when he fell into the sewer through an open manhole... The rescue operation is underway, but we have not found him yet,” a fire official told ANI.Father of the child, Khursheed Alam, said his son had come to the park to play and went near the sewer to relieve himself. While speaking to ANI, Alam said, “My son’s name is Imraan. He had come to the park to play and went near the sewer to relieve himself. The sewer was open, and he fell inside. The rescue operation is underway.”Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rajat Malhotra said the administration swung into action immediately after receiving the call.”The NDRF team and the entire administration are working to rescue the child. The rescue operation has been underway since we received the call, and the administration is making every effort. The NDRF is with us, and we will share any further information we receive with you,” Malhotra told ANI. Specialised rescue teams are currently navigating the sewer line and utilising suction pumps and scanning equipment to trace the boy. The rescue operation is underway. Further details are awaited. (ANI) Kollam Native Akshay Stranded in Iran; Indian Government Steps In to Ensure Safe Return Kollam (Kerala), November 11(ANI): Akshay Harish, a young seafarer from Prakkulam in Kollam, has been stranded in Iran after losing his passport and other travel documents amid disruptions caused by regional conflict and administrative complications involving his shipping vessel. Akshay joined a shipping company on December 5, 2025, through a recruitment agency based in Palakkad. Initially expecting a 35-day assignment, he boarded a vessel in Japan and eventually reached an Iranian port. However, plans to sail to Dubai were disrupted by the outbreak of war in the region. The vessel subsequently travelled from Iran to Pakistan to transport rice. During its second voyage to Pakistan, port authorities reportedly confiscated the passports and Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDCs) of the captain, chief engineer and cabin crew over issues concerning the captain’s certificates. Al- though the vessel’s penalties were reportedly paid and it returned to Iran, the passports and CDCs went missing from the captain’s custody. Akshay said the crew remained aboard the vessel at the port for nearly a month without receiving their salaries. While the Iranian captain and chief engineer departed, and six Myanmar nationals were eventually repatriated through their embassy, Akshay was left behind in Chabahar without valid travel documents or clearance to return home. In desperate calls to his mother, Akshay pleaded for help, expressing fear of being stranded indefinitely. His family subsequently approached political representatives and government authorities for urgent intervention. Minister and MLA Bindu Krishna took up the matter, writing to Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan, Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Kerala’s Special Representative in Delhi and the Indian Embassy in Iran. MP Kodikunnil Suresh and Union Minister Suresh Gopi were also approached. Following efforts by Suresh Gopi, Bindu Krishna and G. Devarajan, the matter was taken up with the Iranian Ambassador. Indian Embassy officials are expected to meet Akshay personally and arrange temporary travel documents to facilitate his return. Expressing relief over the assurances received, Akshay’s family thanked the media, public representatives and everyone involved in securing diplomatic intervention. arAlthough rangements for his safe return are reportedly underway, confirmation of his actual return to India is still awaited. (ANI)
India This Week Friday, November 13, 2026 Indian-Americans Make Historic Gains in 2026 Midterms By Geeta Goindi WASHINGTON, November 10, 2026 – Indian-American candidates scored significant victories in the 2026 midterm elections, winning six seats in the US House of Representatives, capturing key state and local offices, and expanding their representation in legislatures across the country. Two congressional newcomers, Pia Dandiya of Florida and Dr. Amish Shah of Arizona, became the first people of Indian origin elected to the US House from their respective states. Four incumbents – Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia, Ami Bera and Ro Khanna of California, and Pramila Jayapal of Washington – secured new terms. Beyond Capitol Hill, Kerala-born Nithya Raman won the Los Angeles mayoral race, Aruna Miller secured another term as Maryland’s lieutenant governor, and two Indian-American lawmakers reached the highest leadership positions in their respective state legislative chambers: Ranjeev Puri in Michigan and Priya Sundareshan in Arizona. Pia Dandiya Makes History in Florida Pia Dandiya, a 39-year-old educator, former White House Fellow and technology executive, defeated Republican Casey Askar in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, securing approximately 52 percent of the vote. Born and raised in Palm Beach County to parents who immigrated from India, Dandiya began her career teaching students in economically disadvantaged communities. At 28, she became the founding principal of a high school in Harlem, New York, where every graduate earned admission to college, according to her campaign biography. Amish Shah Wins Historic Congressional Victory in Arizona In Arizona, Dr. Amish Shah, an emergency medicine physician and former state legislator, defeated Republican Jay Feely in the closely watched 1st Congressional District, becoming the first person of Indian origin elected to Congress from the state. Shah became the first Indian-American elected to the Arizona legislature in 2018. The son of immigrants from Gujarat, he has emphasized healthcare affordability, bipartisan cooperation and economic opportunity throughout his political career. Four Congressional Incumbents Win Re-election In Virginia, Suhas Subramanyam won a second term in the 10th Congressional District, defeating Republican Dave Beckwith by a commanding margin. The 40-year-old Democrat, a former White House advisor to President Barack Obama, made history in 2024 as the first Indian-American elected to Congress from Virginia and the East Coast. In California, Dr. Ami Bera, a physician and veteran lawmaker, secured an eighth term in the 3rd Congressional District, defeating Republican Robb Tucker. First elected in 2012, Bera is the longest-serving Indian-American currently serving in Congress and an influential voice on healthcare, foreign affairs and India-US relations. Fellow California Democrat Ro Khanna won a sixth term representing the 17th Congressional District, which includes much of Silicon Valley. Khanna defeated Republican Ritesh Tandon, another candidate of Indian origin. He serves as cochair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans. In Washington state, Pramila Jayapal secured a sixth term representing the 7th Congressional District, which includes much of Seattle. Born in India, Jayapal became the first Indian-American woman elected to the US House in 2016. A leading progressive voice, she has championed immigration reform, healthcare access and workers’ rights. Aruna Miller Re-elected Maryland Lieutenant Governor In Maryland, Aruna Miller secured another four-year term as lieutenant governor along- Indian-American leaders won congressional, state and local elections in the 2026 midterms, marking significant gains in political representation across the United States. side Democratic Gover- Ranjeev Puri Elected stitute of Technology with ate seat. In North Carolinor Wes Moore. Born in Michigan’s First In- a degree in chemical engiHyderabad, India, Miller dian-American House neering. She subsequently na, Democratic State Senimmigrated to the United Speaker earned a law degree and ator Jay Chaudhuri won In States at age seven. Her Michigan, a master’s in natural re- another term in District election in 2022 made her Ranjeev Puri, a Sikh Amer- source economics from the 15, defeating Republican David Bankert. Chaudthe first Indian-American ican Democrat, became University of Arizona. woman elected lieutenant the first Indian-American First elected to the state huri became the first Indigovernor in the country, elected Speaker of the state Senate in 2022, she rose an-American elected to the as well as the first immi- House of Representatives. to Senate Minority Lead- North Carolina General grant and first woman of Puri won re-election from er before being chosen to Assembly in 2016. Born in color elected to statewide District 24 before being lead the chamber when the Chattanooga, Tennessee, office in Maryland. A civil chosen by his Democrat- new legislative session be- to Indian immigrant parents, he has served as Senengineer and former state ic colleagues on Novem- gins in January 2027. ate Minority Whip since legislator, Miller placed ber 5 to lead the chamber her hand on the Bhagavad for the 2027–2028 leg- Indian-Americans Win 2019. In Vermont, Gita, a sacred Hindu scrip- islative term. The son of State Senate Races Across Democratic State Senature, while taking the oath immigrants from Punjab, the Country of office in January 2023. Puri became the first Sikh In Maryland, tor Kesha Ram Hinsdale American elected to the Democrat Amar Mukunda, secured re-election from Nithya Raman Makes Michigan House in 2020. a military veteran and en- the Chittenden Southeast He subsequently rose to trepreneur, won election to District. Born in CaliforHistory in Los Angeles In California, House Democratic lead- the state Senate from Dis- nia to an Indian immigrant Nithya Raman, a 45-year- er, paving the way for his trict 39, representing parts father and a Jewish Ameriold urban planner and City historic elevation to the of Montgomery County, can mother, Ram Hinsdale Germantown. entered politics at an early Council member, defeated speakership following the including incumbent Karen Bass in Democrats’ return to the The son of immigrants and age, winning a seat in the the Los Angeles mayoral majority. a Montgomery County na- Vermont House of Repretive, Mukunda graduated sentatives in 2008 at 22. race, becoming the first Indian-American and first Priya Sundareshan Cho- from Amherst College and She later became the first Asian-American elected sen as Arizona’s First earned a graduate degree woman of color elected to to lead America’s sec- Indian-American Senate from Stanford Universi- the Vermont State Senate President ty. A combat engineer in and was chosen as Senate ond-largest city. Born in Kerala, In Arizona, Pri- the US Army Reserve, he Majority Leader by her Raman immigrated to the ya Sundareshan, a Dem- previously ran a gun-vio- colleagues in 2024. In New York, United States at age six. A ocratic state senator rep- lence prevention program Democrat Lisa Kaul degraduate of Harvard Uni- resenting District 18, was in Maryland. In Illinois, Na- feated two-term Repubversity and the Massachu- selected on November 6 setts Institute of Technol- to become president of the beela Syed, a rising Demo- lican incumbent Rob ogy, she later worked with Arizona Senate, marking a cratic leader, defeated Re- Rolison in the 39th State underserved communities historic milestone for Indi- publican incumbent Darby Senate District. Born in in New Delhi and Chennai an-American political rep- Hills in the 26th State Sen- India, Kaul grew up in difto improve housing, sani- resentation. Her elevation ate District, flipping a Re- ferent parts of the country tation and access to essen- follows the Democrats’ publican-held seat. Syed because of her father’s sertial services. Her campaign victory in both chambers first made history in 2022 vice in the Indian Army. A focused on housing af- of the Arizona Legislature, when she was elected to Delhi University graduate fordability, homelessness giving the party control the Illinois General As- and Rhodes Scholar, she and the rising cost of liv- of the state House, Senate sembly at age 23, becom- earned a doctorate in Soing. Following her victory, and governor’s office for ing its youngest female cial and Cultural AnthroRaman declared, “Los An- the first time in 60 years. member at the time. After pology from the Universigeles, I am deeply honored Born and raised in Tucson, winning re-election to the Indian Americans to be your next mayor.” Sundareshan graduated state House in 2024, she See Page 6 from the Massachusetts In- successfully sought a Sen-
India This Week 5
India This Week Friday, November 13, 2026 Indian-Americans Make Historic Gains in 2026 Midterms Indian Americans From Page 4 ty of Oxford. Fellow New York Democrat Jeremy Cooney secured another term representing the Rochester area’s 56th State Senate District. Born in Kolkata and adopted as an infant by a single mother in Rochester, Cooney became the first Asian-American elected to state office from upstate New York in 2020. He serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. In Minnesota, Democratic pediatrician Dr. Krish Subrahmanian won election to the state Senate from District 49, encompassing Eden Prairie and southern Minne- tonka. Born in St. Paul to Indian immigrant parents, Subrahmanian graduated from Harvard University, studied at the University of Cambridge as a Gates Cambridge Scholar, and earned his medical degree from Stanford University. In Connecticut, Democratic State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox secured another term representing District 22. Jyot Singh Makes History in Georgia In Georgia, Democrat Jyot Singh became the first Sikh American and first person of Indian origin elected to the state legislature, defeating Republican Yassin Moghazy in House District 97. Raised in Norcross by working-class The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- November 13, 2026 There Is No ‘One-Way Evil’ By Rajan George Fighting for survival is what all creation does, For the world, according to an insane theory, Belongs to the best and the strongest, Those who can fight and defeat the weak. In the world of nature, this may partly be true, Whether of plants in the fields or Of beasts in the wild, it may ring true. If left uncared for, the weak may not survive! But observe, and you’ll find that even the weak, When cared for, can weather storms better than The strong who are left to fend for themselves, With no one to care! There is a constant struggle in the wild, For both beasts and trees, simply to survive; Otherwise, they perish. But when cared for, Even the weak can spring back to life. Human life should be considered far more precious Than mere trees or beasts in the field. To engage in mundane pursuits of vengeance Does not befit the ideals of dignity and honour. Striving to quench one’s thirst for blood Belongs to beings of the netherworld, Where evil, vice and wickedness reign supreme, With no helping hand and no hope of change! Those who descend into such pernicious pursuits May find their place in the darkest realm, Where their vices fester and breed, Multiplying manyfold the evil they have sown! The life of man is no mere accident, even though Some rationalists may claim otherwise. Those who surrender to their emotions And lose sight of life’s true purpose Will descend into an abyss of darkness, Mastered by the very emotions they willingly serve throughout their lives, until they are ensnared in the very nets they cast for others! Remember! There is no such thing as one-way evil. If you sow the seeds of wickedness, you will reap A full measure, multiplied manyfold, in this life, Or in the life to come, which you may not believe in! immigrant parents, Singh began working at age 15 to help support his family. A graduate of Gwinnett County public schools, he attended Yale University on a full scholarship, earning a degree in Global Affairs. Reflecting on his election, Singh said, “It means the world to have the chance to be the first Sikh American elected to the Georgia state legislature. Communities like ours often get left out of the conversation.” Pooja Sethi Wins Historic Texas Legislative Victory In Texas, Democrat Pooja Sethi defeated Republican Jennifer Mushtaler in House District 47, becoming the first Indian-American woman and first Asian-American Democratic woman elected to the Texas Legislature. Reflecting on her victory, Sethi wrote on social media, “But making history is an honor. Making a difference is the responsibility.” She pledged to advocate for stronger public schools, affordable healthcare and improved infrastructure. Her victory came amid racist and anti-Indian rhetoric targeting both her candidacy and the broader Indian-American community, drawing national attention during the campaign. Saba Haider Wins Illinois House Seat In Illinois, India-born Democrat Saba Haider won election to the state House of Representatives from District 84. Originally from Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh, Haider earned a master’s degree in Wildlife Science from Aligarh Muslim University, where she was a gold medalist. Her campaign focused on issues affecting families in suburban communities including Naperville, Aurora and Oswego. Praneet Menon Wins Vermont Legislative Seat In Vermont, India-born Praneet Menon won election to the state House of Representatives from the two-member Orleans-Lamoille District, in an unusual contest that saw him appear on both Republican and Democratic ballots. Menon advanced through both parties’ August primaries, securing the Democratic nomination through writein votes. He moved to the United States at age 16 and earned an engineering de- INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Dr. Babu Stephen Chief Editor: Rajan George Contributing Editors: Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweek@gmail.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online gree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. A resident of Coventry, he has served on municipal and school boards. Other Indian-American Legislative Victories In California, Democratic Assemblymembers Ash Kalra and Darshana Patel secured new terms representing Districts 25 and 76, respectively. In Pennsylvania, Democratic State Representative Dr. Arvind Ven- kat, an emergency physician, won re-election from District 30. Nearly seven decades after Dalip Singh Saund became the first person of Indian origin elected to the US Congress in 1957, the community’s political representation continues to expand. From Capitol Hill to state legislatures and city halls, the 2026 midterms brought a new generation of Indian-American leaders into public office. Sangrur (Punjab) [India], November 11 (ANI): Three people were killed and around 24-25 others injured after a bus lost control and crashed into a ditch near an overbridge in Punjab’s Sangrur district, police said on Wednesday. Sub-Inspector Mehar Singh said the bus was operating on its regular route from Sangrur to Chandigarh via Dhuri and was running slightly behind schedule on Wednesday.” The bus operates on its regular route from Sangrur to Chandigarh via Dhuri. The bus was running slightly late today. When the bus reached near an overbridge, it went out of control and fell into a ditch,” he said. Three passengers died on the spot, including two women and one man.”Three passengers died on the spot, including two women and one man. Around 24–25 others sustained injuries. All the injured passengers were shifted to different hospitals for treatment,” he added.Ear- lier, in a separate incident in Telangana, three people were killed, and fourteen others sustained injuries in a major road accident involving an auto-rickshaw on the Outer Ring Road at Rangareddy’s Himayat Sagar area in the early hours of Sunday. According to police officials, seventeen people were travelling in the auto-rickshaw at the time of the incident. Following the incident, the passengers were shifted to a hospital for treatment. Authorities stated that an investigation into the cause of the accident is currently underway.”Today at 12:45 am, an accident occurred on the Outer Ring Road at Himayat Sagar, involving an auto-rickshaw and a truck. A total of 17 people were travelling in the auto-rickshaw. Three people died, and the remaining sustained injuries. They were shifted to the hospital for treatment. We are currently investigating the cause of the accident and will provide more details after the enquiry,” said a police official. (ANI) Punjab: Three killed, 2425 injured as bus crashes into ditch in Sangrur Remember: “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.…
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