FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK 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: 38 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday September 20, 2024 CPI(M) General Trump Escapes Second Assassination Attempt in less than two months Secretary Sitaram Yechury passes away due to pneumonia West Palm Beach. Florida (Sept. 15): Barely 7 week after President Donald Trump escaped and attempt on his life by a whisker in Butler Pennsylvannia, he has escaped another serious attempt on his life barely because a secret service agent discovered a gun poking through the hole in the chain link that fenced the Trump International Golf Club where he was spending the Sunday. President Trump, according to his campaign sources, is safe and in good spirits. He has resumed his normal schedule as such threats does not derail his routine. The would be assassin, Ryan Routh (58) was lurking in the perimeter of the Golf Club for 12 hours despite the fact that President Trump’s schedule New Delhi [India], September 12 (ANI): Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday due to pneumonia. Yechury was admitted to the AIIMS in Delhi on August 19, 2024. He had been first admitted to the emergency ward and then shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). “Sitaram Yechury CPI(M) General Secretary no more. He was admitted in AIIMS,” CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah told ANI. Sitaram Yechury was a prominent Indian politician who held a seat in the CPM politburo for 32 years and served as the party’s General Secretary from 2015. Additionally, he represented West Bengal in the Rajya Sabha, the Remember: upper house of the Indian parliament, from 2005 to 2017. Political leaders express grief over Sitaram Yechury’s death After CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury passed away due to a prolonged illness on Thursday, political leaders from different sections expressed their grief over the loss of the communist leader. Expressing sadness over the demise of the veteran leader, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar wrote on X, “Deeply grieved to learn about the passing away of my friend Sitaram Yechury. We studied together and maintained close ties for YECHURY SEE PAGE 6 “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the Truth shall set you free.” –Jesus Christ was not publicised. How Routh was so precisely informed of Trump’s Sunday schedule still remains a mystery. When the secret service agent noticed the gun portruding through the chain link fence aimed at President Trump, he fired several shots, before the would be assassin Ryan Routh took off in his getaway car. A bystander captured the licence plate and the image of the vehicle he was attempting the escape and passed it on to the Police who arrested him. He now faces two counts of felony charges TRUMP 16 SEE PAGE Delhi CM Kejriwal walks out of Tihar after SC grants bail in excise policy case New Delhi [India], September 13 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, was released from Tihar jail on Friday evening, hours after the Supreme Court granted him bail in a corruption case related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Kejriwal’s lawyers furnished surety bonds for his release before the special CBI judge, citing the Supreme Court ruling. Upon his release, the Delhi CM was welcomed by a large crowd of AAP leaders and supporters. His wife, Sunita Kejriwal, along with AAP leaders, accompanied him to his official residence. Kejriwal held a roadshow from the jail to his residence. “Today I want to say that I have come out of jail and my courage has increased 100 times...The walls of their jail cannot weaken the courage of Kejriwal...I will pray to God to continue showing me the right path, and I will continue fighting against all the powers who are trying to weaken the country and divide the country,” Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said while addressing his supporters outside the jail. Earlier, AAP supporters were seen celebrating outside the CM’s residence by bursting crackers. The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Kejriwal, saying prolonged incarceration amounts to unjust deprivation of liberty. The apex court also put certain conditions on Kejriwal’s release, including that he shall not make any public comments about the case and shall be present for all hearings before the trial court unless exempted. Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 in connection with the case. On May 10, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail till June 1 in the money laundering case registered by the ED in connection with the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy. However, the court ordered that he should not visit the Office of the Chief Minister or the Delhi Secretariat. In compliance with this directive, he surrendered on June 2. On June 26, he was arrested by the CBI while in ED custody in the excise case. On July 12, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail in the ED case, but Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court extended his CBI custody. (ANI) Atishi stakes claim to form Government in New Delhi see page 10
INDIA THIS WEEK Trump says will meet with Prime Minister Modi in US next week September 20, 2024 Washington, DC [US], September 18 (ANI): Former US President Donald Trump stated during a campaign event on Tuesday that that he will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the United States next week as per the Reuters news agency. The Republican presidential candidate made the announcement while campaigning in Michigan on Tuesday, “He happens to be coming to meet me next week,” Trump said terming PM Modi as a “fantastic” leader. “So when India, which is a very big abuser, Friday he happens to be coming to meet me next week. And Modi he is fantastic. I mean, fantastic man. These are a lot of these leaders are fantastic. You have to understand one thing. They’re dealing, there are 100 per cent,” Trump was cited as saying by the Reuters. “These people are the sharpest people. They’re not a little bit backward. They are at the top. You know the expression? They’re at the top of their game and they use it against us. But India’s very tough,” Trump said. PM Modi will visit the United States from September 21 to 23 and participate in the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit hosted by US President Joe Biden for leaders of the grouping- India, Australia and Japan on September 21 in Delaware. PM Modi will also address the ‘Summit of the Future’ themed ‘Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow’ at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Monday. The prime minister will also address a gathering of the Indian community on September 22 in New York as per a MEA release. He will also interact with CEOs of leading US-based companies to foster greater collaborations between the two countries in the cuttingedge areas of AI, quantum computing, semiconductors and biotechnology, the MEA statement said. Both PM Modi and Donald Trump last met in February 2020, when the then US President visited India. Trump was weleomed with a ‘Namaste Trump‘ event in Ahmedabad, which also marked the opening of the world’s largest cricket stadium. During PM Modi‘s visit to the US in 2019 he participated in a “Howdy, Modi!” rally in Texas. (ANI) BJP wants to jail opposition leaders and stay in power: Sunita Kejriwal New Delhi [India], September 13 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal‘s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, on Friday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shortly after the Supreme Court granted bail to the Aam Aadmi Party Convenor, stating that the BJP‘s plans have been runied and they want to jail the opposition leaders to stay in power. “BJP‘s plans have been washed away. They want to jail the opposition leaders and stay in power. Their only goal is this...” said Sunita Kejriwal. Sunita along with other AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia, Atishi, and Sanjay Singh, distributed sweets to celebrate Arvind Kejriwal‘s bail. Earlier in the day, Sunita congratulated the “AAP family” for staying strong. She also wished for the release of other AAP leaders who are in jail. “Congratulations to AAP family! Kudos for staying strong Wishing also the soonest release of our other leaders,” Sunita Kejriwal said in a post on X. AAP MP Raghav Chadha expressed gratitude to the apex court for granting Arvind Kejriwal bail, saying, “I thank the Supreme Court... He (Arvind Kejriwal) is not just a name, but a brand of honest politics. He had to go to jail for 6 months because of his increasing popularity... AAP will get more strength... I welcome the decision... Welcome Back, Arvind Kejriwal... We will make the further strategy after reading the final order of the Supreme Court to understand the conditions under which the bail has been given... There is a wave of joy in Delhi and the country... Arvind Kejriwal will lead the campaign for the AAP in the upcoming Haryana elections now,” he said.
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September 20, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Govt likely to get Census underway soon, One NationOne Election also likely in current tenure: Top sources New Delhi [India], September 16 (ANI): Unfazed by its reduced numbers in the 2024 Parliamentary elections, the Bhartiya Janata Party-led government will continue to work on the agenda that was promised in 2014, when Prime Minister Modi was first sworn in as PM, say top sources. During its first two terms, the PM Narendra Modi-led government had delivered on its key promises, including construction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya, abolition of article 370 in JK and the implementation of the citizenship amendment Act, among others. The promise of One NationOne Election, wherein state assembly polls is held along with parliamentary polls, is another big promise in the BJP’s election manifesto. Sources say the ruling NDA government is committed to hold simultaneous general and assembly elections. Sources also added that One Nation-One Election will become a reality in this term of the government itself and the BJP is hoping to muster support of other political parties as well. Several opposition parties and chief ministers of opposition rule states have opposed the idea of One Nation-One Election. Prime Minister Modi has been advocating reforms in the electoral process and holding of simultaneous general elections and assembly elections to save resources, reduce pressure on administrative machinery in conducting of elections around the year and save public money. The High-Level Committee on ‘One NationOne Election’ led by former President Ram Nath Kovind in its report stated that frequent elections create an atmosphere of uncertainty and impact policy decisions, adding that holding simultaneous elections would bring enhanced certainty in policy making. While highlighting the advantages of simultaneous elections, the committee stated that ‘One Nation One Election’ ensures ease and convenience to voters, avoids voters’ fatigue, and facilitates greater voter turnout. The Prime Minister, in his speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day, also advocated for having simultaneous assembly and parliamentary polls. “Continuous elections in the country are causing headraces in development. Welfare schemes in the country are now linked to the elections. Every three to six months we have elections, every work in the country is now linked to elections. A wide range of discussions have already happened. Every political party has already expressed their views. A committee has already submitted the report on this. The nation must come forward for One Nation-One Election. I request all political parties from the Red Fort to come forward for One NationOne Election,” he had said. Meanwhile, sources have also told ANI that administrative work to hold the long-delayed countrywide Census is underway; however, no decision has yet been taken on whether a caste index or column will be included in the Census exercise. Opposition parties like the Congress, RJD and SP have been vociferously demanding the conducting of the Caste Census. NDA alliance partner Lok Janashakthi Party chief Chirag Paswan is also in favour of a countrywide Caste Census. The last Census was conducted in 2011 and it is due since 2021. The Census is conducted every ten years, but Census 2021 was delayed due the COVID-19 pandemic and has been on hold since then. The Census provides key socio-economic and demographic data to policy makers and plays a crucial role in governance. (ANI) New Delhi [India], September 17 (ANI): India and the US held the 2+2 Intersessional on Monday and the discussions covered bilateral strategic and defence priorities as well as regional and global issues. The officials of the Ministry of External Affairs and Defence and the US State and Defence Departments attended the 2+2 Intersessional. In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “India and the US held the 2+2 Intersessional today with officials from India‘s Ministry of External Affairs and Defence, and the U.S. State and Defense Departments. Key discussions covered bilateral strategic and defense priorities, alongside regional and global issues.” Earlier on September 13, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a meeting with a delegation from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) here in the national capital. The delegation was headed by Deputy Chief Executive Officer Nisha Biswal. The delegation included US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti and Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch. According to the Ministry of Finance, discussions were centred on strengthening economic cooperation between India and the US, with a particular focus on investment opportunities in India. “Union Finance Minister Smt.@nsitharaman interacted with a delegation from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation @DFCgov with Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ms.@NishaBiswal; US DFC @DFCgov shared that India offers good opportunities and is one of their key geographies for #investment,” Ministry of Finance said in a post on X. During the interaction, representatives from DFC acknowledged India‘s significant potential as a key geography for investment. They highlighted the favourable opportunities in various sectors and expressed their commitment to further expanding their investment footprint in the country. Finance Minister Sitharaman also emphasised the broad-based and multi-sectoral cooperation between India and the US, noting that recent reforms and the country’s evolving investment climate have created a conducive environment for growth. She highlighted India‘s potential for increased economic cooperation, particularly in sectors crucial to sustainable development and innovation. (ANI) India, US hold 2+2 Intersessional, discuss strategic and defence priorities
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September 20, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury passes away due to pneumonia BUILDING COLLAPSE FROM PAGE 1 over five decades. Always valued our discussions and debates. Like so many others in the political and intellectual world, will really miss his presence.” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote on X that this will be a loss for national politics. “Sad to know that Sitaram Yechury has passed away. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for the national politics. I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” read her post on X. Aam Aadmi party Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Singh, also said that the passing of the CPI (M) leader is an irreparable loss for Indian politics. “A strong voice raised in favour of democracy and constitution, a leading leader Sitaram Yechury who mobilised everyone against communalism, has said goodbye to the world, but he will always remain alive in the voice of the poor, labourers and the oppressed, his departure is an irreparable loss for Indian politics. Red Salute to Comrade Sitaram Yechury ji with a bowed head,” Singh said on X. The CPI(M) party also posted on X and said, “It is with profound grief that we announce the passing away of CPIM General Secretary, our beloved Comrade Sitaram Yechury, at 3.03 pm today, 12th September, at the AIIMS, New Delhi. He was suffering from a respiratory tract infection which developed complications.” Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said that his years of service is worthy of the greatest respect. “The passing away of Sitaram Yechury is a profound loss for all of us. His years of service and devotion to our country is worthy of the greatest respect. Most of all, he was an inherently decent human being who brought a sense of balance and gentleness to the harsh world of politics. May his soul rest in peace and may From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK-September 13, 2024 Arrogance Author Unknown In the mirror’s gleam, it stands so tall, A shadow’s pride, it casts a pall. With every glance, it soars above, A heart unmoved by praise or love. It struts in halls of echoing praise, A king in an unending daze. Yet in its chest, a hollow sound, For arrogance knows no solid ground. It speaks of skies it’s never seen, And wears a crown that’s always green. But pride, though loud, is fickle, thin, And vanity’s a brittle skin. So when you meet that towering guise, Remember, pride’s a blind disguise. For true strength lies in humble heart, Where wisdom’s quiet, not a part. his loved ones find the strength and courage to face this tragedy,” Priyanka posted on X. Congress leader Pawan Khera also posted on X and said, “A thorough gentleman and a man of unwavering conviction. Travel well Sitaram Yechury. Indian politics shall miss you and the values you lived for.” Communist Party of India (Marxist)’s party flag flies at half-mast at the party office in Delhi following the demise of the party’s General Secretary Sitaram Yechury. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also condoled the demise of the CPI(M) leader. CM Naidu said, “Deeply saddened by veteran CPI-M leader, Sitaram Yechury Ji’s passing. He was a stalwart who rose from the ranks to become one of the most respected voices in Indian politics. He was known for his intellectual take on issues, and connection with the people at the grassroots level. His insightful debates with leaders across the political spectrum earned him recognition beyond his party. My heartfelt condolences to his family, comrades, and followers. May his soul rest in peace.” Congress leader Sachin Pilot said, “My heartfelt condolences on the demise of Shri Sitaram Yechury ji. A true statesman, his unwavering commitment to public service and social justice will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and followers. May his soul find eternal peace.” Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed grief over the death of the Communist leader. “Deeply saddened and shocked to hear about the passing of my dear friend Sitaram Yechury ji. We’ve lost a great statesman, a dedicated parliamentarian, and a remarkable human being. His demise is a tremendous loss for national politics. 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: 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 My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends & colleagues,” Azad said. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also posted on X and remembered his times with Yechury. “Deeply saddened by the demise of former Rajya Sabha member Sitaram Yechury Ji. Mine was a long association with him. We played cricket on the lawns of India Gate many decades ago when we were in our teens. Cerebral, he devoted his life to an ideology which he strongly believed in. My sincerest condolences to his family. RIP,” Puri said. “Deeply saddened to hear of Sitaram Yechury‘s passing. He was a consistent voice for secularism, social justice and democracy. We were both part of the All Party Delegation that had gone to Kashmir in 2016. My sincere condolences to his family, colleagues & comrades on their loss,” AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi on X. Sitaram Yechury was appointed general secretary of the CPI (M) in 2015. He succeeded party leader Prakash Karat. Yechury was born on August 12, 1952, in Chennai. He studied at Delhi University during his graduation times and completed post-graduation at Jawaharlal Nehru University. “Was uncompromising in his commitment...”: Sonia Gandhi mourns death of Sitaram Yechury C o n g r e s s Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi condoled the demise of CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, who passed away at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. “I am very saddened by the passing away of Sitaram Yechury ji. We had worked closely together during 2004-08 to begin with, and the friendship that had been established then continued Remember: till his very end,” she said. “He was uncompromising in his commitment to the values of our country’s Constitution, embodied so very forcefully in its Preamble. He was fierce in his determination to protect India’s diversity and was a powerful champion of secularism. He was, of course, a lifelong communist, but that faith was anchored in democratic values. Indeed, his twelveyear stint in Parliament was memorable and left his indelible mark,” Sonia Gandhi added. Further, the Congress leader said that the CPI(M) leader played a pivotal role in UPA-1 and more recently contributed enormously to the emergence of the INDIA group in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. “He will be sorely missed,” she said. C o n g r e s s President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote a letter to Sitaram Yechury‘s wife, Seema Chisti Yechury, and condoled the death of the CPIM leader. Kharge said, “On behalf of myself and the Indian National Congress, I express my heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Shri Sitaram Yechury, a veteran leader who dedicated his life to serving the people. His commitment and leadership will always be remembered and cherished.” He also highlighted that Yechury’s contributions to the nation and his steadfast dedication to the betterment of society have left an indelible mark. “His leadership and service will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come. May his soul rest in peace. During this time of mourning, may you and your family find the strength and resilience to bear this profound loss. Our thoughts are with you in this critical hour of personal bereavement,” Kharge said. “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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September 20, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK Friday “Relationship between India, Australia incredibly strong one”: Victoria’s Premier New Delhi [India], September 17 (ANI): Lauding the ties between India and Australia, Victoria‘s Premier Jacinta Allan has called the relationship between the two nations “incredibly strong one.” She stressed that India and Australia share a lot in common in terms of values. In an interview with ANI, Allan called education an incredibly important part of community and economy in Victoria and expressed pride to welcome the largest number of Indian international students to study in educational institutions in Victoria and Melbourne. Highlighting the ties between two nations, she said, “Relationship between India and Australia is an incredibly strong one and as the premiere of the State of Victoria inAustralia, we are proud to call the most number of Indianborn Australian residents home, they live in Victoria and what that provides us with this incredibly strong foundation to come and strengthen the economic and cultural ties between our two nations. We have a lot in common in terms of values but also our priority growth areas in terms of renewable energy and building more homes and building better transport connections to support ongoing growth in both of our communities.” Allan said that she wants to explore the opportunity for Victorian education institutions to partner with Indian institutions to deliver education in India. Speaking about the ties between two nations in education sector, Victoria‘s Premier said, “Education is an incredibly important part of our community and economy in Victoria in the state of Australia and we are proud to welcome the most number of international students and the most number of Indian international students to study in our great Victorian and Melbourne-based international education institutions and my message during my visit here is to continue to say very strongly that international students continue to be very welcome in our community, a very important part of our business and our relationships and our culture.” “But we want to also explore the opportunity for Victorian education institutions to partner here in India with Indian institutions to deliver education here,” she added. She also spokeabout choosing India as the first country for her first overseas visit after taking over as Victoria‘s Premier. Allan recalled her past visit to India, which she undertook 15 years ago. “This is my first overseas visit as Premier of Victoria but it is not my first time to India. I had the great pleasure of visiting here 15 years ago when we launched our first India Strategy as our priority for the Government and it remains a priority for me because we have so much in common, so much in common in terms of values, focus on hard work and families and building for the future that we have that foundation that we can grow in terms of the focus that we have into the future on those priority areas that support jobs and business development, health and education,” Allan said. She recalled Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese‘s visit to India in 2023. She said that Australia shares a “strong relationship” with the Indian government. Underscoring the “strong” ties between governments of two nations, Allan said, “There is a strong bond I know between the Australian and Indian Governments and I know the Australian Prime Minister was very pleased to visit India last year as part of the Quad meetings and had the opportunity to visit that amazing Modi Stadium that has been constructed and we have such strong relationships TRUTH FOR THIS TIME INC (A non-profit independent organization) Post Box 827, Beltsville, MD 20705 Inviting All Truth Seekers! Who are eager to discover the truth that leads to salvation in the Kingdom of God. Beware of False Prophets: Many popular preachers spread misleading messages, promising prosperity in exchange for large donations. But the Bible warns us: “You will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.” (Matthew 24:9) and "False Christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." (Matthew 24:24). Stand Fast to the Truth According to the Word of God? Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6) His Word is the truth. (John 17:17) His commandments are the truth. (Psalm 119:142) Understand why and when the changes were made to God's commandments by man and learn the two false doctrines by which the whole world would be deceived. In a time of moral decline, radical changes in social customs, unusual natural disasters, corruption in high places--all these point to the imminent return of Jesus Christ. Join Us for an Eye-Opening Message (Which you will not hear from every preacher) Date: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - Time: 6:00 p.m. Venue: Eglise Baptiste Du Calvaire, 10002 Riggs Road, Adelphi, MD 20783 Special Free Offer for Attendees: A Truth Manifesto (12 pages) based on Scripture, four enlightening books, and a delicious vegetarian dinner - a package valued at over $50! Space is limited. Secure your spot by paying a nominal registration fee of $7 Reserve your spot - Register Here or Scan to Register For more information, call Don at 281-658-9364. with India and with the Indian Government and again that underpins those opportunities for the future that are really important to both governments. Earlier in March 2023, Australian PM Anthony Albanese visited the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to watch the first day of the final Test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023. PM Modi welcomed his Australian counterpart at the venue. Both the leaders were greeted with loud cheers as they did a lap of honour at the stadium prior to the match. Asked on how she sees India–Australia cooperation in terms of economy, Allan said, “If you look at the growth areas of India‘s economy or Australia and our economy in Victoria, they are centered around very similar areas around continuing to drive investment in renewable energy, the building of more homes, the investment in transport connections and what underpins all of that is the delivery of good strong education, whether it’s from Indian education providers or Victorian education providers that partner with Indian education institutions, and that has been a key part of my visit here this week is how we can strengthen those relationships, invest in those relationships between our education providers to support those economic opportunities into the future.” She also said that her visit is particularly focused on connecting with women in India and speaking to them about the opportunities that strengthening education, partnerships and providing more economic opportunities for women strengthens the nation as a whole. S p e a k i n g about her visit to India, Victoria‘s Premier said, “There is so much that is special about India. What particularly has been a particular focus of my visit is connecting with women in the Indian community and talking with women about the opportunities that strengthening education, strengthening partnerships, providing more economic opportunities for women strengthens the nation as a whole. That is certainly the experience that we have in Victoria and Australia and I am really excited about the opportunity to meet over the course of my visit more women here in India because it also mirrors the conversations I have with women back home in Victoria.” “We all share the same thing. We want the best for our kids. We want a strong, safe community. We want to get great education outcomes and that’s been a part of the conversations I’ve been having with women here in India,” she added. Jacinta Allan is Victoria‘s 49th Premier, the longest serving female minister in Australia‘s history and longest serving Labour Minister. This is her first overseas visit as Premier of Victoria. (ANI)
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 9 DC South Asian Film Festival 2024 Awards For us all the participating filmmakers are winners. We understand the effort, dedication, and challenges of making a film and sharing with us meaningful stories. The DC South Asian Film Festival is happy to announce 2024 Jury awards. This year we had world premieres, USA premieres and DC premieres of the independent feature, short, and documentary films. All films were selected based on several criteria, story, technical aspects, acting, and overall storytelling and social message. US Congressman Shri Thanedar opened the film festival on September 13th, and we screened his short film Dear Pra on an important topic of mental health. This year we many independent filmmakers in attendance from around the world, to name few Directors Suman Ghosh, Nitin Adsul, Actors Rituparna Sengupta, Indrani Davaluri, and Zen Dot. The Master of Ceremony for the Opening Meet and Greet, Red Carpet, and Film was TV Host Nilima Mehra. The in-person screenings were at Cinema Arts Theater in Fairfax, VA and Writers Center in Bethesda, MD. More information about each is on dcsaff2024. eventive.org and https:// www.dcsaaci.org Champion Of Social Causes – US Congressman Shri Thanedar Best Feature Film – Puratawn Best Female Actor – Sharmila Tagore (Puratawn) Best Male Actor – Yugam Sood (Dear Jassi) Best Director – Shoaib Sultan (Gunjal) Best Debut Feature Film – Andhela Ravamidhi Best Short Film – A night, after all Best Short Film Social Message – Dear Pra Best Documentary Jury Mention – Ray of Hope Best Short Documentary – Broken Mirrors Best Music Documentary – Mic Drop Best Short Documentary Jury Mention – Aftershock of a trauma Best Debut Director Short Film – Chhaya Nene (Kurta Pants) DC South Asian Film Festival started in 2012, in 2017 created DC South Asian Arts Council Inc, a not for profit (501) © (3) organization that has grown into one of the leading ambassadors of global South Asian artists in the country and based out of the DC-MD-VA region. Through their efforts, each year, the organization’s Film, Literary and Music festivals draw South Asian audiences along those from a diverse set of backgrounds eager to share each other’s cultures. DCSAACI has been blessed with an advisory board that includes art-world stalwarts such as award-winning director, screenwriter, and member of parliament Shyam Benegal, acclaimed author, and poet Chitra Bannerjee Divakaruni to name just two. This year’s film festival has an enchanting array of 50 Films, 7 Countries, 11 Languages, 12 Premieres, 7 Documentaries, and 10 Women Directed Films. The In Person film festival was from Dec Sept 13- 15 and 22nd and virtual screenings continue from Sept 16-30, 2024. You can always reach us via email at info@dscsaff. com.
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