INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2024 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 33 No: 7 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday FEBRUARY 16, 2024 UAE: PM Modi inaugurates BAPS Mandir, first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi Dubai [UAE], February 14 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the majestic Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Upon his arrival at the temple premises, PM Modi was welcomed by BAPS’ Ishwarcharandas Swami. He offered prayers at the temple and performed aarti. The temple was inaugurated on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchmi. As the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, the BAPS Mandir has become a focal point of cultural and spiritual significance, drawing devotees from various corners. Earlier today, the consecration ceremony of the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi was held ahead of its inauguration by PM Modi. The priests conducted rituals before the inauguration. PM Modi arrived in UAE on Tuesday on a two-day visit and talked about the BAPS temple at the ‘Ahlan Modi’ diaspora event held yesterday. He thanked UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for giving approval for the BAPS Hindu Mandir, saying that it reflects his love and respect for India and couldn’t have been possible without his love and support. Notably, the Mandir, the first traditional Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates, sits on Staff Reporter form a Division. There are thirteen world divisions belonging to the General Conference at the Silver Spring headquarters. Elder Ted N. C. Wilson was elected as the President of the global Seventh-day Adventist Church in 2010. Elder Wilson has served the Adventist Church in different capacities over the years beginning as a Pastor in 1974 in New York. His father Elder Neal C. Wilson, who was the President of the General Conference also began his service as a pastor of a local church. During his presidency, Elder Wilson has strengthened the church by promoting evangelism, increasing membership, and promoting racial equality by appointing representatives from various nationalities such 27 acres of land that was generously gifted by the UAE leadership. Standing tall at 108 feet, the BAPS Hindu Mandir is not only a symbol of spiritual devotion but also a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship. The foundation stone, a cornerstone of cultural unity, was laid by Prime Minister Modi in 2017, reflecting the collaborative effort to bring this vision to life. The incorporation of advanced technology, including 300 sensors, elevates the temple to the status of a scientific marvel. The estimated cost of this magnificent construction, a testament to the devotion and commitment of the community, is Dh400 million. The BAPS Hindu Mandir has emerged as a testament to architectural brilliance and cultural significance in the heart of the region, marking the first stone Hindu temple in the area, proudly standing as the largest in West Asia. Situated in the Abu Mureikhah area, this majestic structure embodies the spirit of cultural peace and collaboration and is a testament to the enduring friendship between India and the UAE. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to UAE also marks the third by the PM to the Gulf country in the past eight months. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to the UAE from February 13-14, after which he will proceed to Doha. (ANI) Global Church of Seventh-day Adventist: The Path to Inclusive Leadership Silver Spring, MD: The Seventh-Day Adventist Church is a global organization and has the reputation of being inclusive in its approach to leadership. The leaders of the Church and its members have worked hand-inhand in its Administration and growth. The World Headquarters of the churchis located in Silver Spring, MD. The Church has representative form of Government and the members have crucial role in the running of the Church. The members of each Church vote to elect their leaders at local, regional, and global level. Adventists in a specific geography are organized into conferences. Several Conferences form a Union. Many unions Remember: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you. ” – Jesus Christ Inclusive in the Leadership of Seventh-day Adventist Church. (L- R) Kyoshin Ahn, North America Division Executive Secretary, Erton C. Kohler, General Conference of World Church Executive Secretary, and Ted N.C. Wilson, President for General Conference of World Church, and Paul H. Douglas, Treasurer, and Alexander Bryant, Secretary, North America Division of SDA. as Korea, South America, and African countries to the leadership positions. He has continuously expressed his passion for ethnic and racial integration through his leadership actions. South-Asian Seventh-day Adventists began migrating to the United States in the 1950s. During 1980s, some of the members requested the Potomac Conference to establish an ethnic Church for Adventists migrated from India. After discussions and prayers, permission was granted to establish a company, and the first service was held on January 9th, 1988 with 24 members. When the membership crossed a hundred mark, Southern Asian Seventhday Adventist Church (SASDAC) was recognized and became a full member of the global conference in February, 1989. The Church, in 1990, rented the Silver Spring Presbyterian Church to accomodate its growing membership. In 2000, the Church bought 21+acres of land costing $1.5M. After the groundbreaking ceremony in 2003, the members moved into the new building on the first Sabbath of 2006 at 2001 East Randolph Road in Silver Spring. Currently, the SASDAC has 1000+ members and continue to grow. It is one of the fastest growing and highest Tithepaying church in the North America Division. Through its various missionaries and programs, the SASDAC community has achieved remarkable success and has become an incredible asset to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America. H o w e v e r , allegations are swirling about the leaders of the Church and the Conference signing a non-disclosure agreement with a private company to sell 11.2 acres of its prime property for a price below the market rate, without taking the members of the church into confidence and depriving their right to voice their opinions. The agreement, if true and is finalized, goes against the policies and guidelines of the Church. If the members are not apprised or such a sale, opposition might be foaming in the ranks. S A S D A C community at the SouthernAsian Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to practice their faith at the church and have deep attachment to the church. It has enriched their religious and social life for years. The congregation is hopeful of saving their land.
FEBRUARY 16, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK Friday Over 40 Years Of Experience 5 FAMILY HAIRCUT $ MEN • WOMEN • CHILDREN ROOT TOUCH-UP FOR MEN 20 $ & up SERVICES • BEARD TRIM $500 $ • SHAMPOO 1000 • BLOW DRY $1000 $ 00 • PERM FROM 20 $ 00 • COLOR FROM 20 • HIGHLIGHTS FROM $3500 • SPA PEDICURE FROM $1700 Beauty & Barber Shop 7311 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003 info@csbarbernschool.com Sonia Gandhi to file nomination for Rajya Sabha elections from Rajasthan: Sources New Delhi [India], February 13 (ANI): Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi will file her nomination papers for Rajya Sabha elections from Rajasthan on Wednesday, sources said. They said Sonia Gandhi is expected to reach Jaipur tomorrow morning to file her nomination. Sonia Gandhi, who was Congress president for almost 22 years between 1998 and 2022, is a five-time Lok Sabha MP. Sources said Rahul Gandhi and party general secretary KC Venugopal will accompany Sonia Gandhi when she files her nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections. Party sources said Rajasthan was on “top” in terms of choices for Sonia Gandhi even as some other state units made offers for her to file the nomination. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was last elected to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan, is retiring in April this year. Sources said a reason for Sonia Gandhi choosing Rajasthan and not opting for states such as Telangana is that the party leadership is not seen as being centred in a region. With party chief Mallikarjun Kharge hailing from Karnataka and Rahul Gandhi representing Wayanad in Kerala in Lok Sabha, the party was apparently keen on a state in the north for Sonia Gandhi. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had also been a member of Rajya Sabha. Sonia Gandhi has been repeatedly elected to Lok Sabha from Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh. The move to file nominations for Rajya Sabha comes ahead of Lok Sabha polls expected to be held in April-May this year. The Congress is yet to announce candidates for the biennial elections for 56 seats from 15 states. The last date for filing nominations is February 15. The Election Commission last month declared the schedule for the biennial poll for 56 Rajya Sabha seats and voting will take place on February 27. (ANI)
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FEBRUARY 16, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK “India-UAE partnership one of most comprehensive partnerships India has with any of countries”: Foreign Secretary Kwatra Abu Dhabi [UAE], February 14 (ANI): The partnership with the UAE is one of the most comprehensive partnerships India has with any country, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Wednesday in a special briefing on the PM’s official two-day visit to the UAE. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held detailed delegation level and one-to-one talks, the Foreign Secretary saidHe further said that 10 MoU agreements were signed during PM Modi‘s official visit to the United Arab Emirates. The objective of the PM’s visit, said the Foreign Secretary, is to strengthen ties between both nations. “The leaders held detailed delegation level and one-to-one talks which covered the entire gamut of bilateral engagement between India and the UAE as well as the significant developments, regionally and globally,” Kwatra said. The two leaders welcomed the deepening of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across sectors, including trade and investment, digital infrastructure, fintech, energy, infrastructure, culture and people to people ties. Discussions also covered regional and global issues. The Foreign Secretary, in his briefing said that “if we look at the trajectory, spread and intensity of the cooperation in the last 10 years... if you look at the specifics, the evidence and what the two countries’ leaders have done in the partnership, you will find this is perhaps one of the most comprehensive partnerships India has with any of the countries.” Kwatra said that the two leaders “also witnessed a transaction made using the Jeevan card and the Prime Minister congratulated the President with regard to the launch of UAE‘s domestic Jeevan card, which is another significant step in financial sector cooperation between India and the UAE...There were 10 MoU agreements that were signed.” K w a t r a emphasised that the launch From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- January 19, 2024 The Past By Ralph Waldo Emerson The debt is paid, The verdict said, The Furies laid, The plague is stayed, All fortunes made; Turn the key and bolt the door, Sweet is death forevermore. Nor haughty hope, nor swart chagrin, Nor murdering hate, can enter in. All is now secure and fast; Not the gods can shake the Past; Flies-to the adamantine door Bolted down forevermore. None can re-enter there,— No thief so politic, No Satan with a royal trick Steal in by window, chink, or hole, To bind or unbind, add what lacked, Insert a leaf, or forge a name, New-face or finish what is packed, Alter or mend eternal Fact. of the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus signifies an entry into a very important area of education. “You can take any segment of economic endeavour, and you will find there is an ongoing cooperation btween India and the UAE in that field... it has a very wide base. The launch of IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi does signifies an entry into a very important area of education and also what education does to people to people connectivity. What it also does to the entire sector of cooperation which has a tangent link to the innovation sector,” the Foreign Secretary said. Addressing the gathering at the ‘Ahlan Modi’ diaspora event in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, PM Modi highlighted the significant achievements in the education sector, stating that “more than 1.5 lakh Indian students are studying in UAE schools... The master’s course was started at the IIT Delhi campus here last month and a new CBSE office will be opened soon in Dubai. These institutions will be helpful in providing the best education to the Indian community here.” The PM interacted with the first batch of students from the IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi Campus and appreciated the project for bringing the students of two countries together. PM Modi said that this not only begins a new chapter in bilateral 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 collaboration between India and the UAE, but also brings the youth from the two countries together. The opening of a campus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, in the UAE was envisioned by the leadership of India and the UAE in February 2022. “The project is a joint collaboration between the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and aims to provide quality higher education opportunities to students globally,” the MEA statement read. It would also foster partnerships between the two countries in the fields of next generation technology, research and innovation. Foreign Secretary Kwatra said, “In the evening, the Prime Minister addressed the Indian community at the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event hosted at the ZayedSports Stadium. More than 40,000 people attended this event, and in his address, the Prime Minister thanked the UAE President for his commitment to bilateral ties, for his support to the Indian community, and for the granting of land for building the BAPS Temple, whose inauguration we will be witnessing later this afternoon.” (ANI) Abu Dhabi [UAE], February 12 (ANI): In a momentous prelude to the grand inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, Sadhu Brahmaviharidas, who leads international relations for the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, expressed gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his unprecedented generosity and open-mindedness in facilitating the construction of this historic temple. Ahead of the temple’s inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sadhu Brahmaviharidas acknowledged the pivotal role played by the generosity and friendship of UAE leaders. He also expressed deep appreciation for the rulers and leaders of the UAE and the friendship between India’s Prime Minister and the UAE rulers. “Well, symbolism is clear and I don’t hide it. For a ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to have space in his heart, to allow the first traditional stone temple in this part of the region, in the history of humanity, I think all of us need to join our hands and applaud the rulers and the leaders of this nation,” he said addressing a presser in Abu Dhabi. This friendship, rooted in trust, transparency, and truth, has been instrumental in bringing this architectural marvel to life, he added. “So, the BAPS Hindu Mandir has been built because of the generosity of the rulers. And I also say because of the friendship that our honourable Prime Minister has been able to generate with the rulers, the leaders, through the trade, through the great events that have happened. BAPS leader commends UAE Prez for historic approval of first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi 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
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FEBRUARY 16, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK “What India-UAE achieved in community and culture is model for the world”: PM Modi Abu Dhabi [UAE], February 13 (ANI): Highlighting the relationship between India and the UAE in terms of talent and innovation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that what the two countries have achieved in terms of community and culture is a model for the world. He said that India and UAE share age-old ties and wish to strengthen them further. Addressing the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event on Tuesday, PM Modi said, “Our relationship is that of talent, innovation and culture. In the past, we have re-energised our relations, in every direction. The two countries have walked together and have gone ahead together. Today, the UAE is India’s third largest trade partner. Today, the UAE is the seventh largest investor. Both countries are cooperating a lot in Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business.” “Even today, the MoUs that were signed between us are taking forward this commitment. We are integrating our financial system. In the field of technology and innovation, the India-UAE partnership is strengthening continuously. In the area of community and culture, what India-UAE have achieved is a model for the world,” he added. Prime Minister Modi also said a sentence in Arabic to showcase the similarity in the languages of two countries. PM Modi’s sentence translated to, “India and UAE writing a chapter on better fortune with time’s pen on the world’s book.” “There is so much closeness in terms of our languages... The relationship of both countries goes back to thousands of years. It is our wish that it further strengthens with time,” he further said. He further said that today, India is being recognised for its mega infrastructure projects and as a vibrant tourism destination. “India is being recognised as a big sports power. You will be proud to hear this. You know the digital revolution in India. Digital India is appreciated across the world. To ensure that people in UAE also get its benefit, we are making all efforts. We shared RuPay card pack with the UAE...UPI is about to begin in UAE soon. With this, seamless payments will be possible between the UAE and Indian accounts,” PM Modi said. Prime Minister Modi also said that today, India stands with its people whenever a crisis situation occurs, because of which the world is looking at India as a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’. “Today, the world is looking at India as a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’. Today, India’s voice is heard on every major platform of the world. Wherever there is a crisis, India is among the first countries to reach there. Today’s strong India stands with its people at every step,” he added. The Prime Minister, who arrived in Abu Dhabi earlier in the day during his two-day visit to UAE, referred to his bilateral meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to take forward the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. “I remember my first visit (to the UAE) in 2015 when it had been only some time since I came to the Centre. It was the first visit of an Indian PM to the UAE, after three decades. The world of diplomacy was new to me. At that time, I was welcomed at the airport by the then Crown Prince and today’s President along with his five brothers. That warmth, the shine in their eyes – I can never forget that... That welcome was not for me alone but for the 140 crore Indians,” the Prime Minister said. He also expressed his gratitude for UAE’s highest civilian award – ‘The Order of Zayed’ which was conferred on him in 2019 – and said the honour was not just for him but for crores of Indians and the Indian diaspora residing in the Gulf country. “I am fortunate that the UAE has awarded me with its highest civilian award – The Order of Zayed. This honour is not just mine but that of the crores of Indians, of all of you,” he added. After addressing the diaspora, PM Modi also greeted the people gathered in the stadium while sitting in a specially designed vehicle. Prime Minister Modi is in the UAE from February 13-14, after which he will proceed to Doha. He will inaugurate BAPS Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi tomorrow. (ANI)
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2024 9 Sale Ends 2/28/2024 TN: DMK hits out at Governor over refusal to read Govt speech in Assembly, says “he is becoming a joker” Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], February 12 (ANI): The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) came down heavily on Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi after he refused to read the state government’s customary address in the Assembly on Monday. DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan alleged that Governor Ravi is unaware of the customs followed in the state that he is serving. He said that the policy of the state government is given to the governor to read in the customary speech and questioned the governor’s refusal to read them out. “He doesn’t know where Tamil Nadu is. He must first find out where Tamil Nadu is because for the past 25 years the Tamil anthem was the first thing that was sung in the Assembly before the Governor’s address. And then finally the national anthem will be sung. That has been the practice for more than 2025 years since the Tamil anthem was introduced. Who is he to agree with what is in the Governor’s address?,” Elangovan said while speaking to ANI on Monday. Drawing parallels with the presidential address in Parliament, Elangovan said that the party running the government decides on what the address is. “The policy of the state government is given to the governor to read it out in the assembly. Whether he reads it or not, let him become part of the assembly proceedings. It is the party that is running the government which has made certain promises to the people who have elected them. It is for them to decide on what the address is,” the DMK leader said. “Even in parliament, the presidential address is prepared by the government cabinet, not by the president. He is already being mocked by many people. He’s becoming a joker,” he added. State BJP vice president Narayanan Thirupathy said the Governor was well within his rights to skip portions of the address that had wrong information. “The Governor has said repeatedly that the national anthem should be played both at the start and end of the assembly session. What is the problem in doing that? If there are wrong statistics ( in the address) the Governor has the right to omit or deny them” Narayanan Thirupathy said. AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami however refused to wade into the controversy saying it was a matter between the Governor and the DMK. “The Governor requested that the National Anthem be recited at the beginning of the session of Tamil Nadu Assembly. After his suggestion was ignored, he refused to make the customary address. This is an issue between the Governor and the state government” Palaniswami said. Earlier in the day, the first session of the year 2024 of the Tamil Nadu Assembly saw unprecedented scenes when Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi refused to read the customary address prepared by the government on “factual and moral grounds.” The governor refused to accept the customary address prepared by the government and said few remarks, which were later expunged from the Assembly records. Governor Ravi then walked out of the assembly before the session concluded and without waiting for the customary singing of the National Anthem. Tamil Nadu assembly speaker M Appavu responded to the governor’s remarks, which were also later removed from Assembly records. After this, the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution to only take the approved English and Tamil speech of the Governor on the Assembly record. Similar scenes were witnessed last year on January 9, 2023, when Governor RN Ravi walked out in a rush following the adoption of a resolution moved by Chief Minister MK Stalin that sought to expunge, from house records, whatever the Governor spoke outside the customary governmentprepared address. Soon after the Governor completed his speech, a resolution to exclude a certain portion of the speech was adopted by the Assembly, which then prompted the Governor to leave the assembly in a hurry. (ANI)
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