India This Week ~ January 13, 2023

INDIA THIS WEEK




INDIA THIS WEEK

INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY JANUARY 13, 2023 1 A W e e k l y N e w s p a p e r Fe a t u r i n g N e w s & Tr e n d s f r o m t h e I n d i a n S u b - C o n t i n e n t P u b l i s h e d f r o m t h e U S C a p i t a l Website: www.indiathisweek.online Vol. 31 No: 2 • WASHINGTON D.C • Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 • e-mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday • January 13, 2023 Maryland Senator Susan Lee appointed as Secretary of State of Maryland Annapolis, MD (Jan 10): Today, GovernorElect Wes Moore announced the appointment of Senator Susan Lee as Maryland’s next Secretary of State. As the first Asian American to be Maryland’s Secretary of State Sen. Lee heads into the Administration with a wealth of experience at her disposal. Sena. Lee has been in Public service for over two decades. “Senator Susan Lee has been a force in Maryland for decades and I’m honored to have her join my Administration as Maryland’s next Secretary of State,” said GovernorElect Wes Moore. “I know with Sen. Lee alongside me, we will swiftly create an economically thriving Maryland that leaves no one behind.” “I’m so excited to work alongside Governor Wes Moore as Maryland’s next Secretary of State to bring real change to our communities,” said Senator Susan Lee. “On day one, we’ll be ready to hit the ground running to create an economically thriving state that leaves no one behind– one that puts our working families first and sends a clear message to businesses that we are ready to get work.” Sinking Joshimath: Admin sounds alert, asks residents to move to relief centres Ms. Lee is Maryland’s first Asian American Secretary of State The Asian-Pacific American community is proud and its great honor for this brilliant initiative by Governor Wes Moore, and she will fulfill the desires of our community at large... Marylander’s to create a thriving State that leaves no one behind. Anand Poojary, an entrepreneur and restaurant owner in Maryland said that “Senator Susan Lee is a great supporter of minority and women-owned small businesses. She is very popular and dear to the Asian-Pacific American community in Maryland. It’s a great choice for Marylanders.” Dr. Rajan Natarajan, former Deputy Secretary, and a successful entrepreneur said “It’s a dynamic and perfect choice as she is liked by all Marylanders and will achieve great things for small, minority, and women-owned businesses.” Three of us Senator Susan Lee, Judge Chung Pak, and I are great friends for the last 23 years and... Founders of The Coalition of Asian Pacific American Democrats of Maryland (CAPAD) she was also President (Honorary) for Maryland India Business Roundtable, Inc (MIBRT) and U.S. India SMR Council, Inc. She is a wonderful and brilliant person and compassionate and helped a lot of Asian American community. Joshimath: A view of the debris after a crack appeared on a wall of the house due to landslides, in Joshimath on Saturday. (ANI Photo) D e h r a d u n (Uttarakhand) [India], January 9 (ANI): Joshimath has been declared a ‘sinking zone’ in the wake of continuing land subsidence, with several homes and roads developing cracks over the last few days, driving residents outdoors and triggering fear. Taking stock of the prevailing situation in the popular pilgrimage site, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has given instructions for monitoring all ongoing development works in the area while ensuring immediate relief and rescue of residents affected by the Joshimath landslide and subsidence. He has also directed all possible help to the affected locals and speeding up of all development work in the area. Meanwhile, Chamoli District Magistrate (DM) Himanshu Khurana went door to door in the affected area to assess the extent of damage, while urging residents in houses that have developed cracks to move to relief centres. According to the Chamoli District Disaster Management Authority, 603 buildings in Joshimath town have developed cracks. Atotalof68families have been ‘temporarily’ displaced. “Under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, Hotel Mount View JOSHIMATH SINKING SEE PAGE 6

INDIA THIS WEEK

2

January 13, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK See Red This New Year, 2023! H Mart Celebrates Lunar New Year with Special Red Envelopes Lyndhurst, NJ (January 9, 2023) – As a special appreciation to valued customers, H Mart is offering an array of special sales for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. Starting from Friday, January 13, 2023, H Mart is handing out the special 2023 Lunar New Year Red Envelopes to customers who purchase over $88 at the selected H Mart branch stores (Until Supplies Last) “H Mart is thrilled for the return of Lunar New Year Red Envelopes because we have the opportunity to showcase diverse and traditional Asian culture. A traditional red envelope is a treat to the relatives, sending them good wishes and luck.” said H Mart Marketing Team and added that “The 2023 Red Envelopes we’ve curated includes beautiful patterns and designs. It will make an addition to the occasion.” As the largest Asian American market, customers can experience the tradition Lunar New Year foods and discover H Mart's massive range of Asian goodies as it is a great way to explore Asian Culture. To find more information about the event, please check out for in-store ad, follow H Mart on Facebook, Instagram, KaKaoTalk or WeChat. H Mart Customer Service line: 877-427-7386. This event excludes in NJ: Edison/Leonia, PA: Upper Darby/Chery Hill, NY: Yonkers, GA: Suwanee, TX: Carrollton, IL: Niles/ Naperville/Schaumburg/ Glenview, VA: Centreville, CA: Buena Park. About H Mart H Mart, a leading AsianAmerican supermarket chain with more than 90 stores in the U.S. H Mart started with the first store in Woodside, NY back in 1982. H Mart is America’s premier Asian food destination and provides groceries and everyday essential needs as well as upscale products. H Mart offers a full line of Asian foods as well as a broad range of Western groceries to complement its full scale offering to that of a traditional supermarket. H Mart is also known for its innovative new food halls which are an extension of over 30 years of providing eateries in its stores. H Mart is recognized as one of the fastest growing retailers in the National Retail Federation’s HOT 100 RETAILERS (#13 H Mart). Moreover, Supermarket News has listed H Mart as one of the Top 50 Small Chains and Independents in the United States & Canada.

2

INDIA THIS WEEK

FRIDAY JANUARY 13, 2023 3

INDIA THIS WEEK

4

January 13, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK India has the largest, most talented Bawana: Man diaspora in the world, says Jaishankar and woman found dead in hotel room, probe on Indore (Madhya Pradesh) [India], January 8 (ANI): External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Sunday heaped praise on the Indian community living abroad, saying that it is the largest and most talented diaspora in the world. In the inaugural address at the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here, Jaishankar said what is perhaps unique about the Indian community is the intensity of the bonding which is promoted by conventions like the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, which is underway in the city of Indore. “...India has the largest diaspora in the world and many would say, the most talented. But what is perhaps unique about us is the intensity of the bonding between the community abroad and the motherland,” the minister said while addressing the youthful delegates from India and abroad. “And that is a two-way street which is promoted particularly by activities like the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas,” he added. Minister Jaishankar made these remarks in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan, Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, and Australian Parlimentrain Zaneta Mascarenhas. The three-day 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is being held under the theme of this PBD Convention: “Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal”. Delivering the inaugural address, Jaishankar stressed that this relationship with the Indian diaspora was very much in evidence amidst the challenges of the Covid pandemic. “On its part, the Government of India undertook the Vande Bharat Mission and the Vaccine Maitri initiative, which were focused significantly on our diaspora-centered partners,” he said. The external Affairs Minister also recognized to the tremendous response that the Indian government received from the PIONRI community during the most difficult moments of our own Covid experience. “So as we meet today, I can truly say that our bonds have become even stronger as a result of all the trials and tribulations that we went through during the Covid period,” he added. Now in Ashburn, VA ❖ Accounting and Bookkeeping Service ❖ Audit, Review, Compilation and Attestation Service ❖ Tax Service ❖ IRS Service ❖ Web Hosting ❖ Business Consultancy ❖ Dedicated Service with Smiling Faces ❖ Experienced and Reliable Staff Year Round ❖ Rely on 24 Years of Experience Balagan Arumugaswamy, CPA, LL.M Tel: (301) 931-1040, (301) 931-1042 (301) 595-4331; (703) 723-4488; (703) 723-4458 Fax: (703) 723-1140; (301) 595-4332 E Mail: balagancpa@msn.com Website: www.balaganfinancials.com Jaishankar explained that the identity of a diaspora is very much derived from how closely it is connected to its roots. “Here too, our efforts have been to encourage easier exposure to Indian culture and traditions abroad. Many of our Embassies, in fact I think most of them today now offer yoga, dance and music classes,” he said. New Delhi [India], January 11 (ANI): The Delhi Police on Wednesday said they found two bodies in a hotel room in the police station limits of the national capital’s Bawana. Police said during an inquiry on the basis of information received from the hotel owner, they found a man and a woman dead inside their room. Both were aged around 21 years, the sleuths said. D e p u t y Commisioner of Police (DCP) Devesh Kumar Mahla said prima facie, it appears that the man first killed the woman before killing himself, adding that further investigation is underway. Police said while scanning the CCTV footage, they observed that no one entered or exited the hotel room since the two deceased persons checked in around 10 am. “The woman’s body had an external injury mark on the neck while there were traces of frothing on the man’s mouth along with a foul smell. There was also some vomit by the man’s body and also a black fluid which also appears to be vomit,” DCP Mahla said, adding that they also recovered a blood-stained knife and sulfa powder from the scene. “The Crime Team, OND and FSL, Rohini have inspected the scene. Prime facie, it looks like the man killed the woman and before consuming Sulphas tablets to kill himself. The CCTV footage shows that no one entered or exited the hotel room since the deceased guests checked in,” he added. Further details are awaited. (ANI) Tax Season is around the corner, are you ready ? Balagan Business & Tax Services Main Office: 12100 Franklin Street Beltsville, MD 20705 Branch Offices: 44335 Premier Plaza Suite#100, Ashburn, VA 20147

4

INDIA THIS WEEK

FRIDAY JANUARY 13, 2023 Wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year! It’s been a wonderful honor to serve you. We aspire to continue to bring value to our products and services. We appreciate your essential contribution to making this year’s event a huge success. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude and best wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year.We will do our best to continue to give you the kind of service you deserve. New Year SALE Now in progress ���������������� ���������� ������������������������������������� 1157 University Blvd. E., Takoma Park, MD 20912 (Hampshire Langley Shopping Center) 301-431-7430 / 301-434-3029 50% OFF * on entire Indian Ethnic Wear and on all Silk Sarees * on bridal wear sarees,silk sarees,designer embroidered sarees, Banglore silk sarees, Mysore sarees, Banaras sarees, on Kanchipuram sarees, art silk sarees and on Artificial jewelery Japanese and Thailand sarees 20. $ 00 Onwards ������������� �������������������� * Rings from $200 * Ear Rings and Pendants from $150 Necklace and Ear Rings from $1000 50% OFF on Diamond jewelery Buy 24k Gold Coins and Bars Check out our New Collections of Stone Jewelery, Antique Sets, Necklace Ear Ring Sets and Varieties of Ear Rings, Rings, Chains, Fancy Malas Etc., we repair broken jewelery,we clean polish and buff old jewelery to make new...... visit us, satisfaction guaranteed This New Year convert your old jewelery to new designs 5

INDIA THIS WEEK

6

January 13, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Sinking Joshimath: Admin sounds alert, asks residents to move to relief centres JOSHIMATH SINKING FROM PAGE 1 and Malari Inn have been banned for operation and accommodation till further orders,” the Authority said in a statement. Under the Joshimath city area, 229 rooms have been temporarily identified as habitable, with capacity estimated at 1271. The administration has also ordered an urgent evacuation of locals from areas prone to excessive landslides and deemed unsafe, after assessing the risk to life and property, under sections 33 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act. “The work of identifying places affected by landslides is in progress and the vulnerable families are being temporarily shifted to safer places,” an official said. The ongoing construction under the NTPC’s Tapovan Vishnugad Hydroelectric Project has been stopped with immediate effect, till further orders. Ho Hare Helang bypass construction work by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has also been suspended with immediate effect, till further orders. “With immediate effect, a ban has been imposed on construction works being carried out under Joshimath Municipality, till further orders,” the Authority stated. The district administration on Sunday distributed necessary assistance funds for essential household items to the affected families. Funds have also been distributed to 46 affected families for essential household items at the rate of Rs 5,000 per family. While the cause of the apparent subsidence in the holy town is unclear, an Emeritus scientist at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), DM From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- January 6, 2023 Proverbs by King Solomon Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. Banerjee, blamed the construction of roads and tunnels for a nearby hydroelectric project for the prevailing situation. “Joshimath is a part of the lesser Himalayas, the rocks are from the Precambrian era and the territory is of seismic zone 4. Apart from this, people should not have made houses on this land, especially not big ones with 3-4 storeys,” Banerjee told ANI on Sunday. Joshimath land subsidence: Basic facilities at relief camps being inspected, says DM Himanshu Khurana With land subsidence continuing at Joshimath town of Uttarakhand, the district administration on Monday said basic facilities at relief camps set up for the affected people were being constantly inspected. “Basic facilities in the relief camps arranged for the affected people in Joshimath are being constantly inspected by the administration and all possible help is being extended to the affected people,” District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana said. Khurana said immediate inspection will be conducted by the administration if a need arises. According to the Chamoli District Disaster Management Authority, 603 buildings in Joshimath town have developed cracks so far. A total of 68 families have been ‘temporarily’displaced, officials said. “Under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, Hotel Mount View and Malari Inn have been banned for operation and accommodation, until further orders,” the Chamoli District Disaster Management Authority said in a statement. In the Joshimath city area, 229 rooms have been temporarily identified as habitable, with the INDIA THIS WEEK Address: P.O. Box 352, Bryans Road, MD 20616 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: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George 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: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online capacity estimated at 1271. The administration has also ordered an immediate evacuation of residents from areas prone to excessive landslides and deemed unsafe, after considering the risk to life and property, under sections 33 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act. “The work of identifying the places affected by landslides is in progress and the vulnerable families are being temporarily shifted to safer places,” the official said. The ongoing construction work under the NTPC’s Tapovan Vishnugad Hydroelectric Project has been stopped with immediate effect, till further orders. Ho Hare Helang bypass construction work by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has also been banned with immediate effect, till further orders. “A ban has also been imposed on construction works being undertaken by the Joshimath Municipality, till further orders,” it stated. The district administration on Sunday distributed necessary assistance funds for essential household items to the affected families. While the cause of the apparent subsidence in the holy town is unclear, an Emeritus scientist at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), DM Banerjee, blamed the prevailing situation on the construction of roads and tunnels for a nearby hydroelectric project. “Joshimath is a part of the lesser Himalayas, the rocks are from the Precambrian era and the territory is of seismic zone 4. Apart from this, people should not have made houses on this land, especially not big ones with 3-4 storeys,” Banerjee told ANI on Sunday. Amid fears around sinking Joshimath, fresh cracks appear on some houses in Karnaprayag Amid civilian fears in the wake of land subsidence in the Joshimath area, fresh cracks were seen on some houses in Bahuguna Nagar of Karnaprayag Municipality in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Earlier, on Monday, Sitarganj MLA Saurabh Bahuguna said that other villages near Joshimath were facing a similar situation. “Efforts are underway for rehabilitation of affected people in Joshimath. We assure the safety of the people of Joshimath. I have received calls about villages near Joshimath grappling with a similar situation. The chief minister will be briefed on the same,” the Sitarganj MLA said. Meanwhile, authorities will start demolishing hotels and houses in Joshimath, which developed cracks in the wake of the landslide and subsidence. Hotels Malari Inn and Mount View, which have developed more cracks, will be demolished on Tuesday, officials said, adding that all residents have been safely evacuated from the ‘unsafe zones’. The demolition of buildings will begin under the supervision of a team of experts from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee. A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is on standby to assist the district administration in the demolition work, as and when required. “Experts are on the ground and the administration will take action on their directions and advice,” said the NDRF. Remember: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” JESUS CHRIST

6

INDIA THIS WEEK

FRIDAY JANUARY 13, 2023 7

INDIA THIS WEEK

8

January 13, 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Pentagon reiterates importance of India-US defence relationship Washington [US], January 11 (ANI): Pentagon on Tuesday asserted that the defence ties between India and the US are “very important.” Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig Gen Pat Ryder in a press briefing said, “I would say, you know, I don’t have any specific announcements to make in terms of the relationship but — but as you know, it’s a very important relationship between the United States and India when it comes to security cooperation, defence cooperation. So we look forward to continuing to engage with the Indian leadership.” India has been designated as a major defence partner of the United States. It puts India on par with the closest allies and partners of the US. India’s Major Defence Partner status has been made a part of the India Amendment in the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), 2017 of the US. The designation of this status is unique to India, a non-NATO ally of the US. It institutionalizes the progress made by the US to facilitate defence trade and technology sharing with India to a level at par with its closest allies and partners. It will facilitate the US to transfer advanced defence technology to India. Fatehgarh Sahib (Punjab) [India], January 11 (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a fresh attack on the Centre, saying the general ambience in the country had deteriorated with castes and languages being pitted against one another. Rahul made the remark while addressing a gathering of supporters in Fatehgarh Sahib during the ongoing Punjab leg of the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’. “They are trying to pit one caste against another and one language against another. They have ruined the general ambience in the country,” the former Congress president leader said. He further mentioned that the yatra aims to fight hatred, unemployment, inflation and violence and spread the message of love, unity and brotherhood. “We felt the nation needed to be shown a different path — of love, unity and brotherhood. That was what prompted us to launch the yatra. We will be among you and interact with you over the next 10 days,” Rahul told the gathering. Earlier on Wednesday, the Congress leader visited Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib and offered his prayers. The yatra will cover several parts of Punjab over eight days before reaching Jammu and Kashmir, its final stop, on January 19. Braving the biting cold and severe fog, party supporters and locals gathered in large numbers, extending their support to Rahul Gandhi. The Congress leader on Tuesday visited Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar as the yatra entered Punjab. The former Congress president resumed the yatra in Haryana’s Ambala on Tuesday. On Monday, the yatra was dedicated to women and women’s empowerment, as women Bharat Yatris matched steps with the Congress leader. During the Haryana leg of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the Wayanad MP took a jibe at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling them Kauravas of the 21st century, who wear Khakhi half-pants, run shakhas, and work against the national culture. “Kauravas of the 21st century wear Khakhi half-pants and run ‘shakhas’. Beside them, stand the country’s 2-3 richest people,” Gandhi said while addressing a It will also strengthen the institutional effectiveness of the US-India Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTII) and the durability of the India Rapid Reaction Cell at the Pentagon. The defence relationship has emerged as a major pillar of the IndiaUS strategic partnership with intensification in defence trade, joint exercises, personnel exchanges, and cooperation in maritime security and counter-piracy. India conducts more bilateral exercises with the US than with any other country. Ryder also commented on China and Russia jointly developing new chemical weapons. “Certainly when it comes to chem-bio capabilities worldwide, it’s something that the Department of Defence monitors very closely. When it comes to Russia and China, it’s something that we’ll continue to monitor closely,” he said. On the query of North Korea also joining these chemical weapons with Russia and China, he said, “It’s something that we’re going to keep a close eye on, we’re going to continue to consult closely with our allies in the region in terms of counterproliferation when it comes to things like chemical biological weapons.” Speaking on Pakistan’s accusations that Afghanistan is harbouring terrorists, he said, “Well, without getting into internal Pakistani politics, we’ve known for a long time that there are terrorist organizations that exist within Afghanistan and throughout the region, and that — that’s certainly a surprise to no one.” Underlining US’s stand on Afghanistan that it should not become a safe harbour for terrorists once again, he said, “From a United States standpoint, as we’ve said before, we do maintain an overthe-horizon capability when it comes to counterterrorism, and so that is something that we will continue to maintain and sustain in defence of our own homeland.” (ANI) gathering in Kurukshetra. “RSS members never chant Har Har Mahadev because Lord Shiva was a Tapasavi and these people are attacking India’s ‘Tapasya’. They have removed Goddess Sita from ‘Jai Siya Ram’. These people are working against India’s culture,” Rahul had said. The yatra, which started from Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu on September 7, will end at Srinagar on January 30, with Rahul hoisting the Tricolour there. (ANI) Castes, languages being pitted against one another: Rahul takes first jibe at BJP

8

INDIA THIS WEEK

FRIDAY JANUARY 13, 2023 9 Kharge attacks BJP, says Indian-origin Manpreet Congress saved Constitution Monica Singh sworn in as for 70 years US’ 1st female Sikh judge Banka (Bihar) [India], January 6 (ANI): Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra and said that Congress saved the Constitution for the last 70 years. “PM Modi always asks what Congress did in the last 70 years. I want to tell him that Congress saved Constitution and that’s why a person like him could become PM and a poor person’s son like me could become AICC President,” the Congress Chief said after flagging off the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ in Banka district of Bihar. Speaking about the contribution of the BJP in the freedom struggle of India, Kharge said that BJP has made no contribution to the freedom struggle of the country and none of its workers ever went to jail. “BJP didn’t give freedom to the country, none of their workers went to jail. Congress granted independence to India and contributed to its development,” Kharge said. He also attacked the BJP saying that the ruling party is working to divide society in the name of religion and crush the poor. Bharat Jodo Yatra, led by former Congress President and MP Rahul Gandhi, entered Haryana on Thursday after completing its Uttar Pradesh leg. The yatra which re-entered Haryana on Thursday will pass through four districts of the state between January 5 and 10. The yatra entered Haryana through Sanauli Khurd village in Panipat district from Uttar Pradesh on January 5 evening where the participants halted for the night. The yatra will resume on Friday morning from Sanoli-Panipat road and later in the afternoon, a public meeting will be held in Panipat, which will be addressed by Rahul Gandhi. (ANI) Texas [US], January 9 (ANI): On what was a historic day for Houston, Texas, Harris County Judge Manpreet Monica Singh, of Indian origin, became the first female Sikh judge in the US, reported ABC 13. “Mama we made it! It is a ‘true honor’ to rep the people of Harris County as a Sikh civil court judge. Thank you to everyone for making this a historic moment, one that someday won’t be an uncommon event – because there will be a judiciary that includes countless Sikh people and other minorities. I’m ready to put my 2 decades of experience to good use,” wrote Manpreet Monica Singh in a Facebook post. She was born and raised in Houston and now lives in Bellaire with her husband and two children. An attorney for 20 years, Monica has been involved in many civil rights organisations at the local, state and national levels. “It means a lot to me because I represent Htown the most, so for it to be us, I’m happy for it,” she said. Judge Ravi Sandill, the state’s first South Asian judge, presided over the ceremony in a packed courtroom last Friday, reported ABC 13. “It’s a really big moment for the Sikh community,” Sandill said adding, “When they see someone of colour, someone a little different, they know that possibility is available to them. Manpreet is not only an ambassador for Sikhs but also for all women of colour.” Sikhism is the fifth-largest religion in the world. There are an estimated 500,000 Sikhs in the US, with 20,000 Sikhs just in the Houston area, reported ABC 13. However, there wasn’t a female Sikh judge in the country before Manpreet. “I thought it was important for kids, as they go through their education, that they could see that there’s a possibility for professions that we never had access to before,” Singh said. (ANI)

INDIA THIS WEEK



Flipbook Gallery

Magazines Gallery

Catalogs Gallery

Reports Gallery

Flyers Gallery

Portfolios Gallery

Art Gallery

Home


Fleepit Digital © 2021