Atlanta, GA, March 28, 2024: Squirt. Splash. Smear. Holi Hai! It’s that time of the year when colors spring back into nature and is perfectly acceptable to douse your friends and family in colors as well. Transcending geographical and cultural boundaries, the 17th annual Holi celebrations, hosted by Atlanta chapter of Sewa International, (SI) brought together a crowd of over 18,000 to Cumming Fairgrounds on March 23, 2024. The vibrant & energetic revelry with overwhelming response from diverse communities marked the flagship event as one of the largest Holi celebrations in the United States.
Sewa International is a non-profit organization dedicated to disaster recovery, community and volunteer development.
“We are thrilled to have hosted such a successful and joyous Holi celebration,” Dr. Madhav Durbha, President of SI, Atlanta said. “Holi is a time for spreading happiness and building community spirit, and we are delighted to see so many people come together to celebrate this colorful festival with us.”
Popularly known as the festival of colors, Holi celebrates the advent of spring with cultural and religious significance. Typically observed in March in India, Nepal, and across the diaspora, it also has a religious purpose, symbolically signified by the legend of Holika. The night before Holi, bonfires are lit in a ceremony known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) which re-enacts the demise of a Hindu demoness, Holika. People gather near fires, sing and dance. The next day, Holi, also known as Dhuli in Sanskrit, or Dhulheti, Dhulandi or Dhulendi, is celebrated. In Northern parts of India, children and youth spray colored powder solutions (gulal) at each other, while adults smear dry colored powder (abir) on each other’s faces. Visitors to homes are first teased with colors, then served with Holi delicacies such as gujia, shakkarpaare, matri, and dahi-bada, desserts and drinks.
SI Atlanta’s Holi celebration featured a variety of cultural performances, including traditional and Bollywood dances and live music. Attendees also enjoyed a wide array of traditional Indian vegetarian street food.
Congressman Dr. Rich McCormick, Consul General of India at Atlanta Hon. Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, Georgia State Representative Todd Jones, and Forsyth County Commissioner Alfred John graced the occasion with their presence. Sen. Jon Osoff sent specially recorded greetings for the event attendees. Atlanta’s own business leaders Mr. Subhash Patel of Natson Hotels Group and Mr. Samir Bhatia, CEO of Smartcare Urgent Care conveyed their Holi wishes to the community.
The event drew the interest of various corporations with employees of Starbucks serving free coffee to volunteers in the morning and Tesla Motors displaying some cool cars. While some adults chose to test drive, kids mostly chose to spray it with color and etch their names.
“As the Media and Marketing Lead for Sewa International Atlanta I am thrilled to announce that our celebration was a tremendous success, with 18,000 participants joining us for a day filled with joy, color, and community spirit. Through strategic marketing efforts and engaging media coverage, we were able to reach a wide audience and create excitement for the event, resulting in a vibrant and memorable experience for all who attended. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a success, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community through future events and initiatives. Many thanks to all the media partners,” Prakash Srivastava, Media and Marketing Lead, SI Atlanta said.
Atlanta’s changing landscape with a burgeoning diaspora towards north of 400 in the early 2000s opened doors for more of the restaurants and activities related to the diaspora expand to these areas. While there were other Holi celebrations around the city, there were none in the proximity of Alpharetta which was starting to become the nucleus of the community. SI stepped in to host its first Holi in 2006 in Alpharetta’s Wills Park and the rest, as they say, is history.
But today, there are several celebrations in the vicinity. What sets Sewa Holi apart? Several of the volunteers who were part of the 2006 event continue to serve as part of Sewa to this day. Such continuity has helped SI capture a lot of lessons over the years and drive continuous improvement into their organizing efforts. Years of experience were visible in the efficient car park manned by volunteers which proved to be quite seamless, despite the massive attendance. The volunteers’ dedication and commitment towards delivering a superior attendee experience has helped SI scale it over the years to what has now turned into a mega event. Over the years Holi started attracting non-Indians as well turning it into a universal celebration regardless of race, religion, or ethnic backgrounds.
Besides being a fun experience, a key motivation behind the event, organizers said in a press release (PR), was to build awareness of the community impact activities Sewa is undertaking in Atlanta, across USA, and internationally as well. The PR also recognized all its contributors. “A core team of 250 volunteers collaborated tirelessly for nearly three months leading to the event meticulously planning every detail. The success of Sewa International Atlanta’s Holi celebration would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, volunteers, and attendees. The Cumming Police Department provided security and DJ Shaan rocked the campground with heart pumping music to which the performers and attendees danced while showering each other in colors. The staff of Cumming Fairgrounds ensured smooth execution of the event. Natson Hotels Group and Paramount Software Solutions served as signature sponsors. Sanatan Mandir and Shakti Mandir sponsored the food for thousands of attendees. We had Amruth Ayurveda, AssureGuru, CGIngredients, Cherians, Chugh, E-Ring, Inc., Garuda Vega, Georgia Banking Company, Gupta Real Estate, Indiaco, PNC Bank, Premium Realty Group LLC, Pyramid Consulting, Royal Basmati Rice, Twinkle Pediatrics LLC as our sponsors.
Sewa adapted several sustainability principles in minimizing waste associated with the event. Greencell Atlanta partnered with Sewa on this front. City of Cumming provided recycling bags and containers. Sewa International Atlanta extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this event a memorable and impactful experience.”
Holi symbolizes righteousness, featuring stories of Krishna, Radha, and Lord Shiva, representing unity, fertility rituals, and a triumph of good over evil. One of the legends has it, that Lord Krishna, known for his naughty nature, griped to his mother about his dark skin tone in contrast to Radha’s beautiful complexion. In response, his mother suggested that he color Radha’s face to match his own.
Violet, Indigo, blue.. as the rainbow of colors, ringing of raucous laughter, spontaneous dance moves to upbeat music swirled through the air and I watched my daughter jump for joy as friends and strangers including African Americans, Caucasians joyfully smeared my 10-year-old with colors, my mind raced to the Sanskrit phrase in Hindu scripture – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which translates to “The world is one family.” On March 23, at Cumming Fairgrounds it truly felt that way. Aah! What a joyous world that was!
]]>Cover photo courtesy: Anjali Chakra’s Instagram
The dissolution of a relationship is a deeply personal and emotionally tumultuous experience. When Anjali Chakra and Sufi Malik, a couple celebrated for their cross-cultural, same-sex love story, announced the end of their engagement due to infidelity, one would expect empathy and understanding from the public. Unfortunately, what ensued was far from it. Instead of allowing the couple the space and privacy to navigate their grief and healing, the focus quickly shifted to their wedding gift registry, revealing a troubling aspect of our digital age.
In a world where social media amplifies every aspect of our lives, it’s no surprise that even the most intimate moments become public fodder. Anjali and Sufi’s decision to share their relationship struggles on Instagram opened the floodgates for speculation, gossip, and even ridicule. Suddenly, the fate of their gift registry became a topic of public debate, overshadowing the complexities of their broken engagement.
It’s disheartening to witness how quickly empathy can be overshadowed by curiosity and judgment. Instead of extending compassion to two individuals going through a painful experience, the focus shifted to the monetary implications of their failed relationship. Comments ranging from jest to outright condemnation flooded social media platforms, demonstrating a lack of empathy and understanding for the couple’s situation.
What many fail to realize is that wedding gift registries are a common practice in many cultures, particularly in the West. They serve as a practical way for couples to communicate their preferences to guests and streamline the gift-giving process. Whether it’s for traditional household items or experiences like a honeymoon or down payment, registries are intended to ease the burden on guests and ensure that gifts are both wanted and useful to the couple.
In the case of Anjali and Sufi, their registry was likely set up with the best of intentions, aimed at facilitating the celebration of their union with their loved ones. However, in the wake of their breakup, the registry has become a point of contention, with some questioning the couple’s motives and others speculating about the fate of the funds collected.
It’s essential to remember that behind every headline and social media post are real people with real feelings. Anjali and Sufi are navigating the painful aftermath of a failed engagement, and their journey deserves to be treated with respect and sensitivity. Instead of fixating on the trivialities of their gift registry, let’s extend our support and understanding to them during this difficult time. After all, in a world fraught with division and animosity, compassion is a gift we can all afford to give.
]]>Andrea L. Boone, a distinguished member of the Atlanta City Council, commended Dr. Dawood’s unwavering commitment to public health and economic empowerment, citing her remarkable journey from earning a medical degree to establishing Vendorship. Boone emphasized Dr. Dawood’s leadership in uplifting women and minority-owned businesses and fostering a spirit of community collaboration across Atlanta.
The ceremony, attended by several guests including thought leader Viren Mayani and Darryl Ricardo Matthews Sr., Director of Business Development at Vendorship, featured heartfelt remarks and presentations. Councilmember Andrea L Boone presented the official proclamation, with additional speakers including Monidipa Das, Madhu Pareek, Veni Nanjundiah, and Richard Johnson, underscoring the impact of Dr. Dawood’s contributions.
Dr. Dawood’s journey, spanning over two decades in both public and private sectors, was lauded for its dedication and service. With a background in medicine and a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UNC Chapel Hill, Dr. Dawood’s experience in public service roles provided invaluable insights into government procurement processes, culminating in the establishment of Vendorship.
Expressing gratitude for the honor, Dr. Dawood emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion in business practices, noting the role of companies like Vendorship as exemplars of equitable access and opportunities. Previous recognitions, including House Resolution 591 reaffirming diversity in patriotism and a proclamation from Fulton County, further underscored Dr. Dawood’s commitment to community service and innovation.
Vendorship Inc., founded out of the need for a liaison between innovative solution providers and government offices, aims to foster social and structural innovation for the betterment of communities. By bridging the gap between innovators and government entities, Vendorship facilitates better functioning and community development.
The recognition of Dr. Nazeera Dawood by the Atlanta City Council serves not only as a tribute to her individual achievements but also as a testament to the importance of diversity, inclusion, and community collaboration in advancing the Greater Atlanta area.
For more information about Vendorship Inc., please visit their website at vendorship.net or contact them via email at info@vendorship.net. They can also be reached on social media platforms including Facebook and LinkedIn, or by phone at (404) 982-4070.
]]>According to reports, the two got married in a quiet ceremony but have not made any official announcement yet.
The two actors reportedly got married on Wednesday morning at the Sri Ranganayakaswamy Temple in Warnapathy’s Srirangapur in Telangana.
Many regional news portals have carried reports confirming the news.
The actors began dating after working on the 2021 film ‘Maha Samudram’. However, the two always kept their relationship away from the public eye.
It was earlier this year, when the ‘Wazir’ actress took to social media to confirm their relationship.
Aditi made her film debut in 2006 with the Malayalam film ‘Prajapathi’, after which she starred in movies such as ‘Yeh Saali Zindagi’, ‘Rockstar’, ‘Wazir’ and ‘Padmaavat’. She will next be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’.
Aditi was first reported to be married to Satyadeep Mishra. However, she never confirmed her marital status. It was in 2013 she revealed that the two have gone their separate ways.
Siddharth made his acting debut with filmmaker S. Shankar’s coming-of-age Tamil film ‘Boys’ in 2003. He was then seen in films such as ‘Aayutha Ezhuthu’, ‘Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana’, ‘Rang De Basanti’, ‘Bommarillu’ and ‘Chashme Baddoor’ to name a few.
The actor was married to his childhood sweetheart named Meghna in 2003. However, by 2006, the couple were living separately. In 2007, they got divorced.
]]>“Owners and managers of the Singapore-flagged container ship ‘DALI’ (IMO 9697428) report that the vessel collided with one of the pillars of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Baltimore whilst under pilotage with two pilots onboard, at approximately 01.30 local time on 26th March,” the Synergy Marine Group said in a statement.
“All crew members, including the two pilots, have been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries. There has also been no pollution,” it said, listing the crew as “All Indian, 22 in total”.
The ship was bound from Baltimore to Colombo.
Whilst the exact cause of the incident is yet to be determined, the ‘DALI’ has now mobilised its Qualified Individual Incident response service, it said, adding that the US Coast Guard and local officials have been notified, and the owners and managers are fully cooperating with Federal and State government agencies under an approved plan.
US officials said that the ship crew had reported power issues before the collision and Maryland Governor Wes Moore said they had saved lives by their timely warning, media reports said
Some vehicles and people fell into the water following the collision and a search is on for at least six missing people, as per media reports.
]]>Atlanta, GA, March 26, 2024: India’s 75th Republic Day parade on January 26, 2024, featured a women-centric theme for the first time, with all-women contingents, diverse achievements, and a message about women’s empowerment and their role in shaping the country’s future. The parade was titled “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and “Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka” (India – Mother of Democracy).
In alignment with the theme, the India American Cultural Association (IACA) launched the Women’s Forum during its Republic Day celebrations in Atlanta on Jan 28.
Of women, for women, and by women, in commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD), the newly formed IACA Women’s Forum, in association with the Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta (TAMA), presented a conference featuring captivating keynote speeches by Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Executive Chairperson of Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics Limited, and Sucheta Rawal, an award-winning South Asian food and travel writer. The conference also included thought-provoking panel discussions, recognitions, and inspiring performances from trailblazing women who broke barriers and defied stereotypes to rise to leadership roles in their fields. The conference was held at Jade Banquet Hall in Duluth on March 10, 2024.
Inspirational local Olympians Mary D’Souza and Lata Chinnan (IACA life member) were also recognized at the event, elevating the experience for the attendees.
“IACA launched the Women’s Forum in 2024 to promote Leadership, Empowerment, and Sisterhood among Indian American Women in Atlanta. International Women’s Day, presented by IACA’s Women’s Forum, received an overwhelming response from the community and made IACA a Changemaker for the Indian community in Atlanta,” Chand Akkineni, Chairman of IACA who initiated the formation of the Women’s Forum, said.
“My appeal to all the women out there is that regardless of your political views, it is most important that we do not remain content with just equal pay or equal opportunities but make a concerted effort to involve yourself as today’s policymakers. When we talk about change and revolution, it does not come without civic engagement,” Rina Gupta, event co-chair, remarked.
The conference, anchored by Suneetha Potnuru, Priyanka Gaddam, and Neha Negandhi, opened with the traditional lamp lighting by Mrs. Renugadevi Subramaiam, wife of Hon. CGI, Atlanta, GA, joined by IACA and TAMA board members and a melodious rendition of Ganesh Vandana by Anusha Goda.
“IACA and TAMA collaboration proved to be a resounding success during this year’s IWD celebration. Having a distinctive role in both organizations, I had the opportunity to bring these two old organizations together for this significant event. Despite some challenges, we delivered an exceptionally successful event that continues to garner overwhelmingly positive feedback. IACA led the way in pioneering this style of conference to foster leadership, support our community, and cultivate sisterhood. Additionally, we take pride in initiating the Women’s Forum this year, which aims to drive continued community outreach initiatives throughout the year in the greater Atlanta area,” Suma Potini, event co-chair, noted.
Traditionally, women are a minority in leadership, and the needle hasn’t moved much on these numbers over the last several years. Globally, today, less than a third (32%) of leadership positions are held by women. In APAC, female representation in leadership is varied but consistently less than 50% – Singapore is one of the leading countries in leadership representation (42%), followed by Australia (33%) and India (18%).
Even as the quest for a gender-equal world continues, it was wonderful to witness a host of women leading the way in the fields of entrepreneurship, education, medicine, law, wellness, and those who chose to foster sisterhood through their organizations to support and empower women.
“International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality, and the remarkable progress that has been achieved; it is a day to honor the achievements and contribution of women across while also recognizing the systemic barriers and discrimination,” Keynote speaker Dr. Mazumdar Shaw, remarked. As she observed, the struggle dates back to the early 1900s when IWD came into being, at a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.
Lack of education, access to capital, and a level playing field, Dr. Mazumdar noted, were some of the challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship. She also emphasized the need for access to education, healthcare, and security to empower women in leadership roles.
Citing examples from her own journey, Dr. Mazumdar emphasized the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity – from a chance meeting with an Irish businessman to starting a biotechnology company in India with limited resources and overcoming challenges. Dr. Mazumdar also lauded Indian PM Modi’s efforts towards women’s empowerment through his various policies including the landmark legislation that reserves one-third of the seats in its powerful lower house and in state legislatures for women to ensure more equal representation.
“It was an honor to share my journey as an Indian immigrant to establishing myself as a travel journalist in the keynote address for the first International Women’s Day event cohosted by IACA! I had the opportunity to meet several ladies after the talk & they all seemed interested in traveling more, even solo. I can’t wait to see more South Asian women following their dreams!” Rawal expressed. Rawal talked about her experiences in pursuing her passions despite cultural norms and societal expectations. She shared her journey from a corporate job to becoming a successful travel writer, author, and entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of following one’s passion and not conforming to traditional career paths. She also emphasized the need to break cultural barriers and pursue one’s true interests, even if it means taking a non-traditional path. Happiness, she observed comes from “pursuing what you are passionate about.”
Moderated by Neeti Diwan, an author, and entrepreneur, with panelists Nita Sardana, Chief Impact Officer of the Innova Foundation, Kanchana Raman, President Avion Networks, and Arti Kumar, Owner SMS Trading, the Empowering Entrepreneurs discussions stressed upon the need to stop overthinking, overplanning, overanalyzing, and start doing. In entrepreneurship, the panel concluded, the unknown can be the greatest asset when you are starting out. When everything around you falls apart, there is only one way to go from there – UP.
“It was a privilege to discuss the importance of work-life balance as a female leader alongside esteemed panelists Kanchana Raman and Arti Kumar. The Innova Foundation recognizes that community engagement is vital in our ongoing efforts to promote inclusion and equality for women, and I am grateful to the IACA, TAMA, and our moderator Neeti Dewan for fostering such an open and supportive environment,” Nita Sardana remarked.
Dr. Ritu Ahuja, Director of Principal Coaching, Fulton Schools and Viji Namburar, Principal, Woodward North Academy, a private school in Johns creek transported the audience into the world of Education with moderator Jyothsna Hegde (this author), offering insights into various challenges they faced, and the paths they tread to reach to the top. As someone who coaches Principals of Fulton schools, Dr. Ahuja expounded the responsibilities of her role where she guides heads of schools to serve, educate and administer schools better in a “safe space”, without worries of being reported. Honored with Principal of the Year award in 2017, Dr. Ahuja spoke of the various policy changes she made throughout the school system that garnered her the recognition. She also underlined the eminent role of public schools within the communities – be it facing homeowners about the housing prices that come into play dependent on school ratings or the everyday struggles of students from underprivileged zip codes that have to worry about balancing life and school. Namburar stressed upon the role of a principal who bears the responsibility of people’s most treasured items – their children and money. The panel arrived at the conclusion that achieving leadership roles, particularly in the field of education, comes with a lot of responsibility because ultimately educators play a key role in shaping young minds and the future of a nation. An appeal was also made for more of the diaspora to get involved in the field of education.
“As a health expert participating in this International Women’s Day seminar, I’m honored to contribute towards fostering a future where women’s well-being is paramount, paving the way for healthier generations ahead,” Dr. Lalitha Medepalli, GAPI President and panel moderator for Health panel said. Dr. Medepalli, specializing in Noninvasive Cardiology and Cardio-oncology, discussed heart health. Dr. Keshma Saujani offered OB/GYN tips. Dr. Nandini Sunkireddy, specializing in Family Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Obesity Medicine, addressed lifestyle hacks. Dr. Sumana Moole, a Gastroenterologist, focused on digestive wellness. This health expert panel aimed to provide advice on women’s health and wellness. The discussion encompassed vital topics including heart disease in women, lifestyle modifications to prevent it, advancements and newer medications available for weight management, and the significance of gut health. The panel also addressed the importance of recognizing Colorectal Cancer, pregnancy-related concerns, and menopause, shedding light on its definition, symptoms, and non-hormonal treatment options, alongside exploring its link to increased cardiovascular risks.
The Navigating the Legal Landscape panel was moderated by Sheetal Desai, attorney and partner who specializes in commercial transactions, real estate, corporate law and commercial litigation. Desai walked the audience through the complexities of the legal system to protect their rights and empower themselves. While Anandhi Rajan expounded on the Business & Personal Litigation, Bhavya Chaudhury, elaborated on Family Based Immigration, with Sonjui Kumar who explained nuances of Business Law and Deepa Subramanian brushed over few details of Employment Law. The session delved into the myriad ways in which women intersect with the realm of law, shedding light on potential infractions and wrongdoings within Employment Laws, Family Law, Criminal Law, Civil Law, and Business Law.
Appropriately named ” Mind Matters’, the Mental Health panel featured two well-known Psychiatrists, Dr. Sreedevi Vayalapalli ,Dr. Kalpana Prasad and prominent Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Ayesha Suneja ,as the panelists and moderated by Nivedita Garabadu, Clinical Navigator at an Independent. Living Facility. The panelists talked about topics relevant to women. Beginning with the definition of “Mental Health”, panelists discussed the type of healthcare professionals would suit their particular need. Topics such as severe depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disease and how to seek help for such disorders, were analyzed. Dr. Suneja explained the factors that prevent women from seeking help from mental health providers and the role of shame .Menopause and the mental health effects of it, was also discussed as was another important topic, postpartum blues, by Dr. Vayalapalli. Dr. Prasad commented on the advances in mental health and what psychiatry has to offer in times to come. At the end of the discussion, Dr. Suneja wrapped it up with takeaways and coping skills that can make women feel better.
A themed dance by Divya Anand, who chose Olympian Mary D’Souza as her inspiration at the venue, led into the final discussion. The Sisterhood panel successfully highlighted women who have triumphed in building supportive communities, serving as sources of inspiration and solidarity. Through their diverse approaches, these women demonstrated the power of connection and collaboration, paving the way for others to follow. By sharing their stories, the panel underlined the fact that no one is alone on their journey through life, and that together, meaningful change can be created. The panel concluded that it is essential for all to continue to sow the seeds of love and nurture what we’ve planted, ensuring that everyone feels valued and plays an important role in promoting belonging and inclusivity, rather than exclusivity. We are all in this together!
This was one of the most organized, effective, informative, and successful women’s day celebrations,” Dr. Paddy Sharma, event co-chair said.
“As one of the representatives of IACA Women’s Forum, my vision for this event was not just about imparting information but rather to have meaningful conversations that will provide needed intellectual stimulation and foster heart connections amongst the entire collective of women gathered there. And it feels like that happened. Seeds of sisterhood, of multiple sisterhoods, were sown that day. Additionally, we made a small but meaningful contribution to Mother Earth by substituting plastic with compostable plates and other eco-friendly alternatives. Moreover, we opted to gift live plants to our guests, further promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness,” Gita Vemparala, Program Director of IWD summed it all up.
The IACA organizing team included Suma Potini, Rina Gupta, Dr. Paddy Sharma, Gita Vemparala, Vaisheshi Jalajam, Jyothsna Hegde, Suneetha Potnuru, Priyanka Gaddam, Juhi Rana, Anusmita Bardhan Sur, Lakshmi Mandavill, Anu Ganesh and Praveena Kommindi.
Rina Gupta thanked all volunteers & sponsors including Innova Foundation, 27th Investments, Tangent Solutions, Maharashtra Mandal of Atlanta, Mumtaz Fashions, AI, TiE Atlanta, Medroi, DJ Akhil, Dream Realty Group, GAPI, Sharma Yakshi &Associates, OONet, TextByChoice, Suwanee Smile &Shine, Divergence, Go-Green initiative, Atlanta Water Hydrations and Raffle sponsors JP Photostory, The tradition Oitijhyo, Shantanu Hair &Makeup, Jewels by Dee Madan, Elegant Creations, Social Panda, and Sparkles by Simi.
A world
free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination, but that which is diverse,
equitable, and inclusive, a universe that values differences and celebrates
similarities is far from reality. But there is much to watch, learn and
draw inspiration from these trailblazing women whose resilience rose them to
the pinnacle of their success, despite these challenges. It only took one Rosa
Parks to sit down for the entire nation to stand up, one Rani Laxmibai to
declare “I will not give up my Jhansi,” to irreversibly tip the scales
that would result in India’s independence in 1947 – As Maya Angelou famously
said “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly,
without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
In 1908, 15,000
people marched through New York City, advocating for shorter work hours, better
pay, and voting rights. After this rally, in 1909, the 1st National Women’s Day
was observed across the United States on February 28th. Just two year later,
IWD was honored in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland on March 19th,
1911, before moving to its current day of March 8th in 1913. Many decades later
in 1975, IWD was celebrated for the first time by the United Nations.
The world is in need of these changemakers and hopefully we will uncover them all, and in the process unravel our own strengths to be one. When each of us women celebrate achievements of other women, raise awareness about discrimination, consciously attempt to drive parity, and amplify voices that have not been heard, the essence of International Women’s Day turns meaningful. Let’s hope that celebration does not take another century!
]]>Cover photo courtesy: Ankit Patel’s LinkedIn page.
Atlanta, GA, March 26, 2024: An Indian American pharmacist from Georgia is at the center of a groundbreaking move set to revolutionize access to medical cannabis in the United States.
Dr. Ankit Patel of Warner Robbins made history in October 2023 as the first pharmacist legally authorized to sell medical cannabis from a pharmacy counter. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the integration of medical cannabis into mainstream healthcare, reports CNN.
Patel’s Robins Pharmacy, along with Omega Pharmacy and the Allen Pharmacy Group, located in the same region, have been granted the inaugural state license to dispense low-THC medical cannabis. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant known for inducing a “high.” However, in medical applications, THC is utilized to alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, insomnia, and other medical conditions. The range of products available includes THC oil, tinctures, topicals, capsules, and lozenges.
Situated in Warner Robins, approximately a 90-minute drive from Atlanta, Robins Pharmacy’s groundbreaking initiative brings medicinal cannabis accessibility to an unexpected region in the country, says CNN. While medical cannabis has been legally available in certain parts of the US for decades, Georgia stands out as the only state permitting pharmacies to sell medical cannabis. The recent legislative change has been met with enthusiasm from independent pharmacies statewide, signaling a significant shift in attitudes towards medicinal cannabis.
The Georgia General Assembly greenlit the distribution of low-dose THC oil back in 2019. However, it has taken years for the state to establish the necessary regulatory framework to facilitate sales. Last month, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp endorsed the Georgia Board of Pharmacy rules, effectively paving the way for pharmacies to commence THC sales.
“I’ve been following the laws in Georgia about passing it, and I’ve been excited about this possibility for about four years now,” Patel told CNN in an October 2023 interview. “When they finally said independent pharmacies will be able to carry it, I filled out the license form immediately. I knew I had to get this.”
The introduction of medical cannabis sales through pharmacies is anticipated to prompt further participation from additional pharmacies, according to the GA Access to Medical Cannabis Commission.
As Ankit Patel took his place at the forefront of this transformative movement, he cemented his legacy as a pioneer in the pharmaceutical landscape.
]]>Cover photos courtesy: Emory Alumni website.
Atlanta, GA, March 25, 2024: The annual Emory Entrepreneurship Awards, a celebration of entrepreneurial excellence among Emory alumni, is set to recognize two remarkable Indian American entrepreneurs, Anu Chiluveru and Shashwat Murarka, among nine distinguished recipients. Established by dedicated alumni volunteers committed to showcasing the achievements of Emory graduates in the business realm, these awards spotlight individuals who have made significant strides in their respective ventures, driving innovation, growth, and influence across various industries.
Coming from a background in education with a strong passion for Atlanta’s culture, Anu Chiluveru has a unique perspective on business strategy and operations as an entrepreneur. Along with building systems that are optimized for creative individuals, Anu focuses on pioneering innovative operational strategies that not only enhance efficiency but also position her company for sustainable growth and success. She believes in a people-centric approach, fostering a collaborative and diverse work culture actively allowing for an equitable and inclusive environment that empowers her team to excel. This commitment to nurturing the creative workforce not only improves productivity but also establishes Chil Media as an agency known for its innovative solutions. As the company expands, Anu’s aspirations include providing workshops, seminars, and coaching services to emerging business owners and entrepreneurs in the future.
Shashwat Murarka, CEO of doorstep.ai, charts a remarkable journey characterized by diligence and adaptability. Prior to founding doorstep, he successfully launched an independent e-commerce venture during the pandemic. From the venture’s inception, Shashwat single-handedly orchestrated the development of the website, growth strategies, and payment systems. Achieving rapid growth and securing six figures over subsequent collections, the venture garnered worldwide profits. Guided by family encouragement to pursue education, Shashwat temporarily exited the e-commerce venture to attend Emory. After graduation, he re-entered the entrepreneurial scene with doorstep.ai, beginning as a student founder within the Emory incubator. Notably, Shashwat’s commitment to intimately understanding business problems led him to work as a delivery driver, gaining firsthand experience and insights into the challenges faced by the industry. Under his leadership, doorstep.ai has garnered recognition in the prestigious Antler Founders Residency in New York City, securing a significant half-million-dollar investment from the venture capital arm. Shashwat’s story reflects resilience, strategic vision, and a commitment to entrepreneurial excellence.
The nine ambitious Emory alumni who are blazing trails in health care, artificial intelligence, business, nonprofits, and more will be awarded at a reception in April 2024.
]]>Photos by Venkat Kuttua Photography
Atlanta, GA, March 25, 2024: In a heartwarming display of solidarity, the community came together to support a noble cause at ‘The Sound of Silence’ fundraiser organized by the GK School of Music. Held to raise funds for children trapped in war-affected regions, the event resonated with attendees as they embraced the transformative power of music to make a difference.
The event, hosted by the GK School of Music, aimed to shed light on the plight of children facing unimaginable hardships in war-torn areas. Through captivating performances and poignant storytelling, attendees were reminded of the urgent need to support these vulnerable children.
Founded by Geethu Venugopal, the GK School of Music is renowned for its commitment to fostering music appreciation and enriching lives through authentic musical experiences. With a philosophy rooted in the belief that music transcends boundaries, the school endeavors to make a positive impact in the world through its various initiatives.
“The Sound of Silence” served as a platform to harness the unifying power of music for a noble cause. Through soul-stirring performances and heartfelt testimonials, attendees were encouraged to contribute to the fundraiser organized in collaboration with UNICEF USA.
The response from the community was overwhelming, with generous donations pouring in through the event’s GoFundMe page and ticket sales. Together, the community rallied behind the cause, raising an impressive $8,600 to support children affected by conflict.
Geethu Venugopal expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the fundraiser. “Music has the ability to bridge gaps and evoke empathy. Through ‘The Sound of Silence,’ we aimed to amplify the voices of those silenced by conflict and provide hope for a better future,” she remarked.
As the curtains drew to a close on ‘The Sound of Silence,’ the echoes of compassion and unity resonated far beyond the confines of the venue. With each note struck and each contribution made, the community reaffirmed its commitment to making the world a better place for every child, one melody at a time.
]]>The two reportedly tied the nuptial knot in Udaipur on Saturday.
As per media reports, the ceremonies began on Wednesday. Their families and close friends attended the ceremony.
Actor Pavail Gulati, who has worked with Taapsee in ‘Thappad’ and ‘Dobaara’ joined the wedding celebrations along with auteur Anurag Kashyap, who is also Taapsee’s good friend.
Screenwriting couple Kanika Dhillon and Himanshu Sharma were also at the event.
However, her representatives didn’t give any official confirmation when IANS reached out to them.
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