18th August 2025
Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar Announces Formation Of ‘Hindu Caucus’ In US Congress

Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar Announces Formation Of ‘Hindu Caucus’ In US Congress

by | Jun 15, 2023 | Indian-American

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Thanedar, an Indian-American Congressman, has announced plans to form a ‘Hindu Caucus’ in the United States Congress.

This initiative aims to bring together like-minded members of Congress who share a common goal of protecting the Hindu community in the country from hate and bigotry.

The announcement was made by Thanedar, who represents the 13th District of Michigan, at the inaugural Hindu American Summit at the Capitol Visitor Center on Wednesday (14 June).

“It is important that every person has a right to choose a religion, pray (to) a God that he or she chooses without persecution, without discrimination, without hate or for those who may choose not to pray to a God. These are freedoms that are fundamental. These are fundamental human rights,” Thanedar was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Thanedar said that the purpose of the Hindu caucus is “not only to ensure that there is no hate against Hinduism, to ensure that there is no bigotry and no discrimination towards (the) Hindu religion and those who practise Hindu religion”.
Congressional caucuses are groups of members of the US Congress that meet to pursue common legislative objectives.
Caucuses are formed as Congressional Member Organisations through the US House of Representatives and governed under the chamber’s rules.

When asked about how far the caucus has progressed, Thanedar said it is at the early stages and they are inviting all members of the Congress to join.

Originally from Belgaum in Karnataka, Shri Thanedar immigrated to the United States in 1979. He obtained his PhD in polymer chemistry from the University of Akron (1982).

Thanedar then worked as a post-doctoral scholar at the University of Michigan. Shri also worked as a Polymer Synthesis Chemist and Project Leader at the Petrolite Corporation in Saint Louis.
He then ventured to entrepreneurship building several companies.
Thanedar entered politics when he ran in the 2018 Michigan gubernatorial election as a Democrat

Plano Implements Interim Ban on New Short-Term Rentals

Plano Implements Interim Ban on New Short-Term Rentals

by | May 9, 2023 | Community

Reading Time: < 1 minute

New short-term rentals are banned for a year in Plano starting next week.
The Plano city council passed a temporary ban on new short-term rentals at a joint meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Members of the Texas Neighborhood Coalition urged the council to pass a temporary ban after a shooting outside a short-term rental in Plano. The group advocates for a permanent short-term rental ban in residential neighborhoods.

Council members also voted 6-2 to table a short-term rentals registration ordinance until June 26. The additional time will allow for the study and assessment of the potential impact of pending state legislation related to short-term rentals. A registration ordinance would allow the city a way to approve, deny or revoke registration for short-term rentals.

Mayor John Muns and Council Members Anthony Ricciardelli, Maria Tu, Julie Holmer, Rick Smith, Rick Grady and Shelby Williams voted in favor of the interim ban.

Forgive us, Aishwarya !!

Forgive us, Aishwarya !!

by | May 8, 2023 | Community, Editors Choice

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Aishwarya, like many other Indian Americans, came to the United States, which is known as the land of opportunity and dreamers, with a fervent desire to achieve academic excellence, carve out a prosperous career path, attain financial independence, and shine brightly as a star. She was determined to make a significant impact in this country by showcasing her brilliance and hard work. Aishwarya was eager to pursue her dreams in a land that promised to nurture and support her aspirations, and she was willing to put in the necessary effort and dedication to achieve them. She aimed to stand out and leave her mark in the United States through her determination, perseverance, and tenacity.

But all of Aishwarya’s dreams were shattered and left behind when a gunman opened fire at an outlet mall in Allen near Dallas Texas. A total of eight people were killed before the police shot the gunman down.Aishwarya originally from Hyderabad came to the US for her Masters .Aishwarya did her masters in construction management in the US and was on a work-based visa. Her family hails from Saroornagar in Hyderabad.

Aishwarya is remembered by her school friends as a person who was always there to help others, whether it was to clear backlogs or donate money to NGOs. Her school friends affectionately called her “Rowdy,” a nickname she earned due to her fearless and audacious nature.

We are sorry, Aishwarya, it seems that there is no one here to hear and take action in response to the devastating tragedies and acts of violence that are occurring far too frequently in this nation. Every day, the people of the United States are left stunned and horrified by these senseless acts.

It is disheartening to see that there are not enough measures or any action being taken to prevent such tragedies from occurring and that many individuals and communities continue to suffer the consequences of these senseless acts of violence. The ongoing cycle of tragedy and devastation that plagues this country is a cause for great concern.

No one really understands – 

why there is a need for deadly assault weapons in the name of self-defense?

Why the United States politicians are not acting or coming onto the streets when elementary kids are getting targeted by these psychopaths?

It is disheartening to acknowledge that the cycle of violence and tragedy seems to be never-ending. While people may express their outrage and sign petitions in the aftermath of a tragic incident, it is often the case that the momentum for change fades over time, and individuals return to their daily lives until the next tragedy strikes.

So forgive us, we hope that you can find peace and rest in the light that shines on the other side of this world.

Forgive us, Aishwarya !!

 

 

 

Indian Companies Show Strong Investment Presence in US with $40 Billion Investment: CII Survey Reveals

Indian Companies Show Strong Investment Presence in US with $40 Billion Investment: CII Survey Reveals

by | May 7, 2023 | Editors Choice, Indian-American

Reading Time: 2 minutes

A recent survey titled “Indian Roots, American Soil” by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) reveals that the impact of Indian companies in the United States is increasing significantly, with over 163 Indian companies investing more than $40 billion and creating nearly 4,25,000 job opportunities in the country. The report was launched in Washington DC on May 3 by India’s Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and the US Ambassador-designate to India, Eric Garcetti.

Indian companies also financed US-based Research and Development (R&D) projects to the tune of nearly $1 billion and spent about $185 million as corporate social responsibility.

According to Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s Ambassador to the United States, Indian companies operating in the US not only bring strength, resilience, and competitiveness to the US economy, but they also create job opportunities, support local communities, and build capacity and technical know-how. Sandhu emphasized that Indian companies in the US have transformed neighborhoods and create virtuous cycles of prosperity by investing and contributing to the local economy.
CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee stated that Indian companies have exhibited their resilience and commitment to the US market through increased investments, job creation, sector diversification, and expanding geographic presence. Banerjee added that the future plans of Indian companies to invest and hire more employees indicate a positive growth trajectory for the US-India economic relationship.

The top ten states benefiting from jobs created by Indian companies are Texas (20,906 jobs), New York (19,162 jobs), New Jersey (17,713 jobs), Washington (14,525 jobs), Florida (14,418 jobs), California (14,334 jobs), Georgia (13,945 jobs), Ohio (12,188 jobs), Montana (9,603 jobs), Illinois (8,454 jobs).

The top ten states with the most reported FDI from Indian companies were Texas ($9.8 billion), Georgia ($7.5 billion), New Jersey ($4.2 billion), New York ($2.1 billion), Massachusetts ($1.4 billion), Kentucky ($908 million), California ($776 million), Maryland ($720 million), Florida ($711 million) and Indiana ($582 million).
According to the report, 85% of the companies plan to make more investments in the United States in the next few years and 83% of the companies plan to hire more employees in the US in the next five years.

A reception was held at India House, which was attended by Arun Venkataraman, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce, and Jasjit Singh, the Executive Director of Select USA, along with 250 participants from the business community and representatives from 25 US states.

Experience the Magic of Music: Swarlahari Music Academy’s Annual Singing Recital in Richardson

Experience the Magic of Music: Swarlahari Music Academy’s Annual Singing Recital in Richardson

by | May 1, 2023 | Community

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Get ready for a musical extravaganza as the talented students of Swarlahri music academy prepare for their highly anticipated annual singing recital! This is an event that music lovers definitely won’t want to miss.

On May 21st, the Richardson Women’s club hall will come alive with the sweet sounds of classical and Indian music. The students have been putting in countless hours of practice to perfect their vocal skills and stage presence, so you can expect a truly awe-inspiring performance.

The best part? This is a free event! However, interested attendees must register beforehand to secure their spot at the recital. With the amazing talent on display, it’s no wonder why seats are going fast.

So mark your calendars for Sunday, May 21st at 3.00PM to 5 PM CST and head to the Richardson Women’s club, located at 2005 N Cliffe, Richardson Tx, 75082, for a truly unforgettable musical experience.
For more information or to register, contact Mukul and Anshu Saran at 214-228-8374.

 

Don’t miss your chance to witness the musical magic of the Swarlahari music academy students!