GOPIO News, March 25, 2009

PRESIDENT OBAMA NAMES VIVEK KUNDRA CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

Indian American Vivek Kundra is the new Federal Chief Information Officer. Appointed by President Obama, directs the policy and strategic planning of federal information technology investments and is responsible for oversight of federal technology spending. The Federal CIO establishes and oversees enterprise architecture to ensure system interoperability and information sharing and ensure information security and privacy across the federal government. The CIO will also work closely with the Chief Technology Officer to advance the President's technology agenda.

President Obama said, "Vivek Kundra brings a depth of experience in the technology arena and a commitment to lowering the cost of government operations to this position. I have directed him to work to ensure that we are using the spirit of American innovation and the power of technology to improve performance and lower the cost of government operations. As Chief Information Officer, he will play a key role in making sure our government is running in the most secure, open, and efficient way possible."

Vivek Kundra formerly served in Mayor Fenty's cabinet as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the District of Columbia, responsible for technology operations and strategy for 86 agencies. He has been recognized among the top 25 CTO's in the country and as the 2008 IT Executive of the Year for his pioneering work to drive transparency, engage citizens and lower the cost of government operations.

COLUMBIA PROFESSOR SOMASUNDARAN HONORED AT DENVER SYMPOSIUM

Columbia University professor Dr. P. Somasundaran was honored at the 2009 Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) Annual Meeting from February 22-25 held in Denver, Colorado through the Symposium "Innovations in Minerals Research, Operations and Education for Sustainable Development." Scientists from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Mexico, India, Spain, France, S. Africa, Turkey, New Zealand, USA etc. presented papers that covered the topics of: fundamental research, applied research, and plant practice in mineral resource recovery and processing during the 8 sessions. All papers focusED on sustainability. The response was so overwhelming that the organization had to adopt the strategy of parallel sessions, unusual for a symposium honoring a person. Professor Somasundaran was further honored with an award by SME during the luncheon on February 25. While presenting the award, SME's Mineral processing Division (MPD) Chair Prof. Jon J. Keller said, "Professor Somasundaran is recognized as an international statesman in our field and his technical accomplishments are unparalleled, particularly his contributions to the fundamental understanding of flotation and colloid chemistry."

The award plaque read, "On behalf of Dr. Ponisseril Somasundaran's colleagues and students, the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration presents this honor, in recognition of his life-long dedication and achievement in mineral process engineering and education of generations of the world's finest engineers."

Professor P. Somasundaran received his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley, a Bachelor of Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, and a Bachelor of Science from Kerala University. Professor Somasundaran was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering, the highest distinction an engineer could receive at that time. In 2006, Professor Somasundaran was awarded the AIME Mineral Industry Education Award. In 2007 he received the Distinguished Achievement Award for Outstanding Achievement and Commitment to Excellence from the Columbia Alumni Association and the Asian Columbia Alumni Association. Also in 2007, he received the Engineer of the Year Award from the MEANA.

Professor Somasundaran is the author/editor of 21 books and close to 600 scientific papers and patents. He is the honorary Editor-in-Chief of the international journal "Colloids and Surfaces," and editor of the "Encyclopedia of Surface and Colloid Science.". He is currently the co-chair of the 13th International Conference on Surface and Colloids Science, to be held in June 2009 and sponsored by the International Association of Colloid and Interface Scientists, and the National Colloid Division of the American Chemical Society.

GUYANESE PIO CRICKETER AWARDED HIGH HONOR BY GUYANA PRESIDENT JAGDEO

West Indies batting star 34-year old Shivnarine Chanderpaul was awarded the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH), Guyana's third highest award, by President Bharrat Jagdeo at a function at State House in Georgetown in Guyana.

In making the announcement, President Jagdeo described Chanderpaul as an outstanding citizen and a true role model for young persons all around the world. "Chanderpaul has been a beacon of persistence, dedication and hard work and an example to many of our young people and young cricketers, not just in Guyana and West Indies, but all over the world," Jagdeo said.

In accepting the special honor, Chanderpaul said his aim is to continue to do what he does best, make big scores and also be an ambassador for Guyana and the West Indies. ( I feel delighted," said Chanderpaul who is the ICC's International Cricketer of the Year and also Guyana's Sports personality of the Year 2008." Every award is special and this one is quite special. It is always great to be recognized by your own people," said Chanderpaul.

Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green has also renamed the section of New Garden Street in the capital of Georgetown as the Shiv Chanderpaul Drive. The West Indies is currently playing a five-game series against England on home soil. Chanderpaul scored a century (112) at the One Day International (ODI) against England at the Guyana National Stadium on Saturday 21st March, reaching his tenth ODI hundred. He became the third West Indian batsman to score over 8,000 runs in ODIs behind Brian Lara and Desmond Haynes. He has 21 centuries and currently averages 50.01 in Test cricket.

DR. WINSTON TOLAN HONORED IN JAMAICA

The National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica gave due recognition to Dr. Winston Tolan for his achievements as well as outstanding contributions to Indian culture in Jamaica. Dr Tolan was presented with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class). He was honored at a gala event held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.

Dr. Tolan received an award from the Indian government to study after completing his local tertiary schooling medicine in Jaipur, India. He returned in 1983 and has served diligently in the accident and emergency department at the Mandeville Regional Hospital. However, his contribution to the preservation and promotion of Indian culture is equally impressive. The roots of his love for the music were evident from childhood, as he would lead the other children in Hindu prayers; pieces of tin his only instruments. Performing with the Naya Zamana band, he spread the Indian culture to diverse audiences as well as serving as a resource person for cultural development at the national level. His citation also mentioned his service while epitomising his spirit of service, volunteerism, patriotism and humility.

NEW ZEALAND DOCTOR RECEIVES SERVICE MEDAL FROM THE QUEEN

Dr. Kanitlal Patel started as a one-man medical practice in East Tamaki, South Auchland in 1977 has grown into a 12-clinic business employing 42 doctors. Dr Patel has been awarded a Queen's Service Medal for services to community medicine and the Indian community. Satellite clinics were established so patients did not have to travel as far, hours were extended and accident and emergency facilities were added to some clinics.

East Tamaki Healthcare was the first mainstream non-ethnic Primary Health Organisation in South Auckland, and is now the largest healthcare provider for Maori and Pacific Island people in the country. Dr Patel was made a fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners in 1998. Under his guidance, seven GPs at his clinics have also become fellows of the college.

Wife Ranjna has also been awarded a QSM in the New Year Honours, for services to the Indian community. Mrs Patel is a JP and has worked as practice manager at East Tamaki Healthcare for over 30 years. She has a very deep involvement with Indian community groups, including women's groups, healthcare concerns and cultural and language assistance.

EIGHT INDIAN AMERICANS REACH AS WHITE HOUSE FELLOWS FINALISTS

Eight Indian Americans are among the 108 regional finalists to the prestigious White House Fellows for the year 2009-2010. White House Fellows Program is the most prestigious program for leadership and public service in the US.

The regional finalists would be interviewed for the final list of about 30 outstanding women and men, who would then be appointed as a White House Fellow for one year by the US President, Barack Obama.

The Indian Americans who have made it to the list include Komal Bazaz Smith from Arlington in Virginia; Sudip K Bose (Chicago); Sreekanth K Chaguturu (Boston); Amar A Desai (Westlake Village, California); Anish P Mahajan (Los Angeles); Manish K Sethi (Brookline, Massachusetts); Minesh Shah (Bronx, New York) and Raj M Shah (Philadelphia).

FAREED ZAKARIA IS INDIAS ABROAD PERSON OF THE YEAR 2008

The India Abroad newspaper selected as its person of the year for 2008. Fareed Zakaria has an established reputation as one of the most thoughtful, articulate, nuanced voices on American television a rare voice, what is more, that can take America out of its self-absorption and focus its attention on what is going on in the rest of the world.

The annual India Abroad Person of the Year awards gala was held on March 20 in New York City. Others honored at the banquet were, Sameer Mishra, who won the iconic Scripps National Spelling Bee; Akshay Rajagopal, the 11-year-old from Nebraska who at his very first attempt won the National Geographic Bee; and Shivani Sud, winner of the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search that recognizes the most outstanding young talents. They were named joint winners of the Young Achievers Award. Dr. Manjul Bhargava, one of the youngest tenured math professor at Princeton was honored with Face of the Future award.

The India Abroad Gopal Raju Award for Community Service was shared by Preeta Bansal, now General Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Management and Budget in the Obama administration; Hrishi Karthikeyan and Dave Kumar, co-founders of South Asians for Obama; Democratic party strategist and Communications Director for Campaign for America's Future Toby Choudhuri; founder of the Indian American Leadership Initiative Varun Nikore; newly-installed chair of the Indian American Republican Council Dino Teppara; SAFO's National Outreach Director and Director of the Office of Inter-Governmental Affairs in the Obama White House Nick Rathod.

India Abroad honored Zubin Mehta with its Lifetime Achievement Award -- presented to the maestro by previous winners Salman Rushdie, Professor Jagdish Bhagwati and Professor Padma Desai. Also honored was Jhumpa Lahiri -- born Nilanjana Sudeshna -- with the Publisher's Special Award for Excellence.

GLOBAL HEART HOUR LAUNCHED BY GUYANESE PIO IN CANADA

A new concept called the Global Heart Hour was launched by Guyanese born PIO cardiologist Dr. V.S. Rambihar, University of Toronto medical students, and others, on February 12, 2009, to start and sustain a global heart movement and network to make a better world. Speakers at the Event: Dr. Catharine Whiteside, Dean of Medicine, University of Toronto: Dr Peter Liu, Scientific Director, Canadian Institute of Health Research, Cardiac and Respiratory Health: Dr. Anne Dipchand, Head of Heart Transplant Program, Hospital for Sick Children Toronto: Dr. Shafiq Qaadri, Member of Ontario Parliament and a physician writer; and medical students and residents with global health experience. Just as we turned lights off for Earth Hour and climate change, now we can turn on hearts for Global Heart Hour, needed now more than ever with the global crises we now face.

This idea builds on 25 years of a Valentine's Day for Heart Health, and 4 years of a Global Heart project. A 21st century complexity based organizational method of networking will be used, both centralized and distributed like the Obama campaign, suited for our rapidly changing, interconnected instant communication world. You are invited to use creativity and ingenuity to design your own event or action around Valentine's Day, or use our ideas like a Global Heart themed fundraising party on Friday 13th, a heart health event on Wednesday 11th, or using money saved from buying less cards and flowers to help those in need.

Contact info: Dr. V.S. Rambihar, Cardiologist Toronto vrambihar@rogers.com.

NEW UK VISA RESTRICTIONS ON INDIAN PROFESSIONALS

Amidst rising unemployment, Britain is putting in place new immigration restrictions on professionals from India and other non-EU countries so that existing jobs are first offered to local workers.

From April, the basic requirements to enter Britain under the Tier 1 category of the points-based immigration system will be raised. Over 25,000 people, including many from India, entered Britain under Tier 1 last year.

The qualification and minimum levels for Indian and non-EU professionals will be raised to masters degree and 20,000 pounds from the current requirement of undergraduate degree and 17,000 pounds.

Home secretary Jacqui Smith is expected to announce the new measures soon as part of a 10-point plan which aims to cut overall levels of immigration by next year.

A NEW SEMINAL BOOK ON PRAVASIS' LIVES AND VALUE SYSTESM PUBLISHED

Back on June 15, 2008, the Indian Union Pravasi Minister, Dr Vayalar Ravi, launched a major pioneering and insightful research volume on migrants' experiences and their modes of thought and behavior while living in foreign lands.Entitled "Striped Zebra: The Immigrant Psyche," the book is a rare volume of scholarly research presenting an innovative hypothesis explaining migrants' lives abroad, yet making joyful reading for the non-professional, enlightened reader as well.

Its authors, Dr. Uday C. Naval and Dr. Soofia K Hussain, are Indian expatriates settled in the USA for 4 decades, both being university professors with 30 or 40 years of teaching experience.

The book's unique contribution to the migration theory lies in its paradigm of "Striped Zebra." This paradigm is in stark contrast to the two existing paradigms of the "Melting Pot" and the "Salad Bowl." The first suggests that after a period of time immigrants get "assimilated" in the mainstream society. The second paradigm claims that migrants never become homogenized with the host society, but maintain forever their independent identity.

In contradistinction to these, the "Striped Zebra" model proposes a middle way, i.e., that immigrants prefer to tenaciously hold on to a number of their native values, while also adopting some of the host society's values. The book terms these as "Seed Values" and "Feed Values," respectively.

The authors claim that the book epitomizes over 5 years of intense scholarly research and that, in addition, the "Striped Zebra" paradigm has been empirically validated by an extensive research component. This entailed a questionnaire of 60 items administered to 700+ newly immigrant students. Then run through advanced computer analyses, its over 500 tables were found to exhaustively support the Zebra model.

Yet, despite its theoretical "coloring," the book's breezy, refreshing prose makes it a favorite of educated curious readers. In fact, one could say that it reads almost like a "novel," for it graphically describes immigrants' initial struggles and travails - as well as their later successes and achievements - in a bracing style. Furthermore, its nearly three-score (60) real-life episodes, gathered from all continents of the globe, provide profound human interest. Finally, its lucid and imaginative illustrations impart added charm and explications.

The book can be obtained from the publishers, Rupa & Co., 7/16 Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi. Phones: 91-11 2327-8586/2161/0260. Email: info@rupapublications.com. Price: Rs. 595.

SOUTH AFRICAN INDIAN FILMMAKER TO PRODUCE OBAMA DOCUMENTARY

Award-winning South African Indian filmmaker Anant Singh said he would produce a documentary feature on the first black president of the United States of America. The film, titled Barack Obama: People's President, is written, produced and directed by Danny Schechter, who was involved in "Weapons of Mass Deception" and "Viva Madiba: A Hero For All Seasons", which told the tale of Nelson Mandela.

Singh said he was partnering Schechter to produce and direct the film. Singh also said that negotiations were currently underway with South African and US networks for the broadcast rights.

"This is the story of how Obama inspired and organized millions of new voters to support him, and how brilliantly the Internet was used as a communications and networking tool as part of the campaign.

NRI FIRM TAKES OVER GERMANY CLOTHING STORE

German business circles were startled when a small NRI-owned textile importing company took over the financially troubled German clothing chain store Wehmeyer that is a household name for the country's lower and middle-class consumers.

The man behind the takeover of Wehmeyer is Rajive Ranjan, Techno Lifestyle GmbH's managing director, who recently signed a deal for taking over 28 of its stores in the states of North Rhine Westphalia, Rhineland Palatinate and Lower Saxony.

Though accustomed to witnessing takeovers of major European and American corporate assets by big Indian conglomerates such as Reliance, Tata, Essar, Mahindra and others, Germany's business community is now also taking cognizance of takeover bids by smaller and less known Indian companies that are increasingly becoming players in the global mergers and acquisitions game.

REVISED BAHRAIN EDITION OF GULF WHO'S WHO DIRECTORY 2009-2010 LAUNCHED

The revised Bahrain edition of Gulf Who's Who Directory 2009-2010 was launched yesterday by Oil and Gas Affairs Minister and National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga) chairman Dr Abdulhussain Mirza. The minister presented the first copy to Bahrain Management Society president Dr Adel Hamad Abdul Rahman Hamad.

The ceremony held at the Noga headquarters was attended by Indian Ambassador Dr George Joseph, business leaders Jawad Al Hawaj, Khamis Al Muqla, Mohammed Yateem, Mohammed Al Khaja, Nevin Meghchiani and Kishore Mathur. Senior officers of Noga also attended.

Directory managing editor Sunny Kulathakal who also serves as the Middle East Regional Vice President of GOPIO and project manager Elizabeth Sunny presented the replica of a snake boat as a memento to the minister and the Indian Ambassador handed over a similar memento to Dr Hamad. Dr Mirza lauded the efforts of Mr Kulathakal and Sunliz Publications for the past 30 years in promoting Bahrain globally.

The 600-page directory is a comprehensive publication on Bahrain containing its rules and regulations to start business activities and with an assessment of the present economic situation in the kingdom. '

NEW VISA RULES ON INDIA-FRANCE PROFESSIONAL MOVEMENT

France has introduced new rules for work and residence permits to facilitate professional mobility between India and France and Indian students keen on working in France.

According to Jean-Yves Lavoir, Chef de La Mission for Professional Immigration, French Ministry of Immigration, who is here to create awareness about the rules, the 'Skills and Expertise' residence permit is a temporary permit, valid for up to three years at a time, on a renewable basis.

It is directly delivered by French consulates and enables the holder to engage in a salaried or business activity in France. It is designed for foreign nationals who have the potential to carry out a professional project, in areas spread across a vast canvas that encompasses scientific, industrial, commercial, cultural and humanitarian activities.

The 'Intra-company transfer' permit has been created to facilitate intra-group mobility within international company groups or establishments. This gives its holder permission to work and is valid up to three years at a time, on a renewable basis, for employees expatriated by their company to a French subsidiary or reassigned within the same group, Lavoir said.

INDIANS IN UK AND WALES AT GEATER RISK OF DRINK-RELATED DEATHS

Men born in India, but living in England and Wales, are twice as likely to die alcohol-related deaths as the rest of the population, according to a new study led by an Indian-origin scientist. Conducted by the University of Edinburgh and the Office for National Statistics, the research also found that an equal number of alcohol-related deaths in England and Wales were reported among people born in Scotland or Ireland.

The findings also showed that people born in parts of Asia or Africa were at greater risk of dying from liver cancer, but generally had lower rates of alcohol-related deaths. On reason for the higher rate of death from liver cancer could be because viral hepatitis is more common in ethnic minority communities.

For the study, the researchers used information on deaths for England and Wales from 1999 to 2003 and figures from the 2001 census to quantify the link between a person's country of birth and the likelihood of dying from an alcohol-related condition.

The difference in alcohol-related deaths rates could be explained by cultural differences in rates of alcohol consumption. For example, adults who are Scottish or Irish have been shown on average to drink more than the recommended limit of alcohol.

The study comes in line with recent reports that alcohol-related hospital admissions in the over 65s are rising.

"Deaths from alcohol-related conditions, liver disease and liver cancer are increasing in the UK, but little is known about the role of ethnicity or country of birth. Some ethnic groups appear to be setting an example for the population as a whole with very low rates of liver disease, almost certainly as a result of low alcohol consumption," said Dr. Neeraj Bhala, who led the study.

He added: "These findings show significant differences in death rates by country of birth for both alcohol-related deaths and liver cancer. We now need to focus on developing new policy, research and practical action to help address these differences."

The study has been published in the Journal of Public Health.

US H-1B VISA RESTRICTIONS TO END IN TWO YEARS

As part of a stimulus package passed last month for revival of the economy, President Barack Obama signed a new law, named "Employ American Workers Act", which makes it difficult for the companies having received government bailout funds to hire H-1B foreign workers.

However, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in a circular issued with its invitation of H-1B applications for the next fiscal, has now made it clear that the EAWA requirements are not permanent and would "sunset two years from the date of enactment."

EAWA, which prevents a company from displacing US workers when hiring H-1B specialty occupation workers if the company received stimulus funds, took effect on February 17, 2009 and it applies to any "hire" taking place before February 17, 2011.

The Act defines "hire" as an employer permitting a new employee to commence a period of employment; that is, the introduction of a new employee to the employer's US workforce.

USCIS has said that it would begin accepting H-1B visa applications from April 1 for the next fiscal and would subject the applications to various terms and conditions related to EAWA.

SIKH GURUDWARA IN LONDON GUTTRED IN A RACIST ATTACK

One of London's most important Sikh Temples, Gurdwara Sikh Sangat in Bow, was gutted in an alleged racist attack. The Gurdwara was built in East London in 1979 and it also housed priceless religious books. The suspected arson took place during a women-only prayer session on March 16, 2009. More than 50 fire fighters battled the fire for almost eight hours. Most of the Gurdwara's roof collapsed and about 75 percent of the building had been damaged. The Metropolitan Police has launched a criminal investigation into the incident.

Worshippers congregated at midday on Sunday, March 22 at the Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, on Roding Lane, to perform religious rites for the damage done to the Gurdwara.

CONTROVERSY OVER NAMING 'LITTLE INDIA' IN MALAYSIA

A controversy over re-naming "Little India" is brewing in the Malaysian city Klang where ethnic Indians have been living in large numbers and have historic and sentimental ties, dating back to the days when the British declared Penang as a trading post in the 18th century. It draws shoppers by the thousands and is an important income generator for Klang.

Little India in Klang is located 45 km from Kuala Lumpur. The Klang Municipal Council wants to change the name of Little India to Medan Kelana although elected representatives, businessmen and tourists have been opposing the name-change. Legislator Ng Suee Lim said he would bring this matter to the state executive council (cabinet) because it was "wrong to simply change the name of a place that could affect tourism".

Little India is home to many traditional Indian traders and has rows of Indian shops selling all sorts of Indian traditional wares like saris, Punjabi suits, stainless steel wares, accessories and handicrafts. Spicy Indian food is available at several restaurants and road-side stalls. Lot of hard work had gone into building Little India into a tourist icon, and the move to change its name would erase the identity of the area.

AUSTRALIA WANTS MORE STUDENTS FROM INDIA

Australia has launched a multi-million-dollar campaign to woo Indian students to seek admission for higher studies in Australian institutions of higher education, as they have been doing in recent years.

During the first eleven months of 2008, an estimated 95,000 Indian students were enrolled in Australian institutions of higher education. They form the second highest population of overseas students in Australia, after the Chinese. Education is the third largest export industry after coal and iron ore for Australia. The country is worried about a potential slowdown in enrolments and hence would target India, China, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia to ensure that it continues to get students from these countries. Renowned Australian academics would participate in seminars and special global events to lure overseas students and train education agents to counsel overseas students in a more competent manner.

CANADA WANTS MORE STUDENTS BUT FEWER WORKERS FROM INDIA

Canadian universities have higher fee structure for international students, so the foreign students are a huge source of income for the universities. Thus Canada wants more foreign students to seek admission in their universities. It is looking to India for potential students who could seek work permit and later permanent residence upon completion of their graduation.

Canada has been liberal in admitting permanent and temporary residents in 2008. However, during the current year, there could be 'significant reduction' in the number of temporary foreign workers because of the on-going economic crisis.

GERMAN COURT CONVICTS SIX FOR ATTACK ON INDIANS

In August, 2007, eight Indian migrants suffered bruises and cuts while attending a festival in the eastern town of Muegeln in Germany. Some German men, after a dance-floor brawl, resorted to violence and yelled racist insults against the Indians who fled from the scene. The Indians took shelter in a pizza parlour across the street from the festival venue. The police quickly intervened but some policemen were also injured as they drove back the mob.

The incident caused shock in the Indian community in Germany. GOPIO Berlin President, Barjinder Sodhi organized a community demonstration and demanded a legal action against those who assaulted the Indians. Indian diplomats also protested to German authorities.

Last month, a German court convicted one man, aged 22, a suspended, 20-month jail term after he pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, another man, 24, received a suspended term of 14 months for causing grievous bodily harm, another was found guilty and was ordered to do community service. Three more men received similar punishment in connection with the 2007 attack on Indian migrants.