India Association of Long Island (IALI) hosted Indiafest (2009) to celebrate 62nd Independence Day

The India Association of Long Island (IALI) hosted its 19th Indiafest (2009) at the Huntington Hilton, Melville, NY last week. The fest, attended by over 8000 Indians and non-Indians, celebrated the 62nd anniversary of India’s Independence.

A protracted series of cultural programs highlighting Indian classical, folk and Bollywood songs and dances were staged by local participants/artists from the age of six to sixty. Over thirty items were presented in the cultural segment alone which began at 1 p.m. and went on until 5:00 in the evening.

The President of IALI, Dr Anila Midha felt that too many things were scheduled in a short span of time. “I am a perfectionist so I am not fully satisfied. There was too much going on in one day; maybe, in future, we can do it in two days. Many people suggested that. Some Americans said, ‘I have to wait another year for this? You should have it twice a year’,” Dr. Midha said.

Few performances really stood out even amidst this motley of presentations. Especially a Bharatnatyam recital by Poonam Valliappan, dance items by Boogie Woogie winner Nikhil of Bollywood Performing Arts, songs by Sa Re Ga Ma Pa participant Vikas Bhalla and the national anthems of India and The US besides a wonderful rendition of ‘Kehna Hi Kya’ presented by the pretty Riti Sunshine Bhalla.

The cultural programs were followed by a Color Guard Ceremony by the United States Marine Corps, First District, NY which ushered in the Chief Guest for the evening, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi along with other important guests and dignitaries like Dorothy Goosby Councilwoman for the Town of Hempstead, Suffolk County (Smithtown) Legislator John Cooper; Legislator Wayne Wink from Nassau County; Harry S Anand, Mayor of the Village of Laurel Hollow and Joseph Galante from the Office of NYS Comptroller. Many past Presidents of IALI and several Indian leaders who are running for the elections at various City Councils also graced the occasion.

The guests handed over trophies and certificates to five achievers from Long Island on the basis of excellence in their respective fields and community service. The honorees included Dr Rajiv Datta, awarded for his contributions in the field of Oncology; Peter Bheddah, a businessman for his immense charitable contributions in India and in the US; Prasad Kambampathy, a successful Software Engineer working with IBM, for his achievements and active participation in community activities in the US; Geetika Rudra and Sanchita Singal for academic achievements and community services.

However, the highlight of the evening was definitely the fashion show and the scintillating fusion dance extravaganza performed by girls of Middle Eastern origin from b4djs dance group, displaying popular international dance forms like Brazilian Samba and Arabic dances besides boogying to Hindi Chartbusters in bright and colorful costumes. When asked about the purpose of showcasing foreign culture in an Indian cultural fest, Dr Midha justified, “Why not… it’s a global world, there were even American children performing Bollywood dances and singing Hindi songs...”

The fashion show was conceived and choreographed by Dr Midha herself. “The purpose of organizing a fashion show as a part of this fest was to use it as a highlight-entertainment to attract crowds,” she informed. Models clad in gorgeous and dazzling Indian costumes from ghaghra choli, churidar to saris walked the ramp displaying creations of Rose Boutique, Khoobsoorat, Uttam Designs and others.”

After the fashion show, a Raffle was organized and ticket-holders got to try their luck at winning two round trip tickets to India sponsored by Jet Airways and four air tickets for travel within India sponsored by Kingfisher Airlines besides a host of other prizes like a Dinner for two, suitcases, blenders, gift vouchers from Hot Breads etc. The fest concluded with the Raffle.

Forty different stalls displaying and selling expensive pieces of Indian Arts and Crafts, jewelry, clothes, and Indian food were also set up to attract crowds at the fest.

The chief sponsors for the event besides Jet Airways and Kingfisher were State Bank Of India, Habib American Bank and Citibank.

Dr Midha, who has been associated with IALI for the last 15 years, was elected President for the second consecutive term. The success of IndiaFest can be greatly attributed to her hard work and perseverance. “To bring the Indiafest indoors last year, I had to face a lot of opposition. For 17 years it was held outdoors in parks. I would consider it as my achievement that the Indiafest has become popular again. IALI is the first and largest association of Indians in Long Island. At present, approximately 1500 families are members of our organization. My missions and visions for IALI are to increase the membership further, bring younger generation to join the Association and to expose Long Island Americans to Indian culture and traditions,” said Dr. Midha.

Indian (US based) Youth prefer Dating sites to Matrimonial one

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NetIP - NY hosts annual charity cruise aboard Temptress

The New York chapter of the Network of Indian Professionals (NetIP-NY) hosted its 3rd Annual Black and White Charity Cruise aboard the Temptress, which set sail from the West River’s Pier 81 (near Circle Line cruise) last week. Through a date auction alone, NetIP-NY’s flagship event this year raised $6,600, which would be donated to six charitable organizations.

NetIP-NY President Rita Bagai said, “This year’s charity cruise epitomized the mission of NetIP-NY, by providing a unique networking opportunity for our constituency and also providing a platform for our members to fundraise for South Asian charities. This event strengthened our community partnerships and means to support South Asian organizations throughout the world.”

The prime attraction of the evening was undoubtedly the Date-Auction where a total of six selected Net-IP members, three women and three men, took part while the rest bid for them. The highest bidder won a date with the participant they vied for. The proceeds would be distributed amongst Child Rights and You (CRY), American Humane Society, Manvi, the Jaydev Desai Foundation, the Jagadguru Kripalu Yog Trust and NetIP-NY Foundation.

Talking about the concept of the date auction, Bagai elaborated, “The concept of date auction came across from members wanting to have a platform to make a difference within their communities. Through the other pillars of Net-IP like professional development, political awareness etc…our members felt they benefited themselves but they didn’t know how to reach back and make a difference especially within their own culture in India. That’s why we created this concept. It really serves as a platform for our members to be able to make a difference overseas and to their own people….as well as learn about the needs of people throughout the world who are not as much privileged as them.”

Earlier, arrangements for an open bar and Italian buffet dinner were made for those on board right after Temptress left the pier at 6:45 p.m. With the conclusion of the wining and dining session, Miss India America Melanie Kannokada, the emcee for the evening, took center stage and provided a sneak-peek of what was to follow. Soon, she made way for comedian Rajeev Varma who performed select scenes from his play D'Arranged Marriage amongst others.

DJ Sahil of Status spun some lovely mix of Indian and Western music and eventually got everyone on their feet, jiving to the groovy music. The Net-IP members even got a chance to audition for State Farm’s BollyStar 2009 organized by Saavn and NetIP-NY. The winner would feature in an upcoming Bollywood movie. Bobby Rehani, VP of Social Events, who was instrumental in planning this event for the second year in a row said, “We are glad that so many well respected South Asians agreed to participate and support this event. In fact, it is the most successful chapter event and most successful cruise ever. We have got a lot of great reviews. The fact that we raised over $5000 for 6 different charities was the most important aspect of the cruise. We are happy that people were able to have a good time and give back to charity.”

When asked whether the cruise was a success, VP of Marketing & Public Relations Kanika Marwaha said, “The cruise was an overwhelming success because in addition to raising money for several great causes, it provided a forum for professional networking. NetIP-NY focuses its events around Professional Development, Cultural Awareness, Political Awareness, and Community Service, so it’s really encouraging to see so many South Asians interested in supporting events that clearly represent NetIP-NY’s mission”

The main sponsors for the event were Saavn, Landmark Technologies, and Aha Designs. NetIP-NY VP of Community Service Ashish Vatsal said, “This year’s charity cruise was built on its strong history of fundraising. NetIP-NY would like to thank our 300 attendees, who raised over $6000. I’m looking forward to similar support at our 2nd Annual NetIP-NY Community Service Day on July 25th.”

Hollywood Stars Rev-Up Bollywood Flick: Stuntman Askay fights with Model Karina, Kissed Denise, Discusses Ayurveda with Stallone!

Akshay Kumar was in Manhattan last June 27 to promote his latest action comedy, Kambakkht Ishq what is slated for release for July 3rd. Though this Eros International presentation has Kumar and Kareena Kapoor in the lead but the hype is definitely building around the first time appearances of Hollywood superstars like Sylvester Stallone, Brandon Routh (of Superman Returns fame) and Denise Richards, together in a Bollywood flick, amongst others.

Kumar who was actually on a vacation with his family in Puerto Rico flew down to New York City for the event. “You know how bossy the Eros people are…they made me come here from my vacation to promote this film”, he laughed. The movie directed by newcomer Sabbir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala is about an exciting ‘chemistry’ between a dashing stuntman in Hollywood played by Kumar and a firebrand supermodel, enacted by Kapoor.

Talking about the movie and his character, Kumar said, “I want you to go and see this film with your family and friends but when you go to see it don’t think about logic. You know it’s a Bollywood movie (chuckles). As far as my character in this movie is concerned, I do not identify with it. I decided to take it up because the script was good and the presence of the likes of Sylvester Stallone was an added bonus. It’s been a great honor working with them. I think the director Sabbir Khan has done a pretty good job for a first timer and he’s a very intelligent man. To be able to put together such a big cast together by a debutante director is a no mean feat.”

When asked to say something about his interaction with Stallone on the sets, Kumar humors, “What do you think we might have discussed…it was about how many bones he has broken and how many I have broken (laughs). When I told him about how Ayurvedic treatment helped me, he showed quite a bit of interest. We also shared our experiences in Thailand. He said that he had been there for the shooting of two of his films.”

The film is already in news for the several kissing and overtly passionate scenes between Kumar and Kapoor as well as the one between Kumar and Richards, who also openly praised how this sexy action hero is also a good kisser. But Kumar wanted to divert people’s attention towards how he enjoyed the fighting sequences with Kapoor. “My most favorite scene in the movie is where I fight with the heroine. We didn’t even have our lines and just had to fight. Kareena not only has the ability to break men’s hearts but also their bones”, adds Kumar.

Eros is releasing the film across 2000 plus screens worldwide, making it one of the widest releases in recent times. This would include more than 1400 screens in India and over 600 overseas (with about 100 screens in US alone) and will be a combination of prints and digital format. The makers claim that Kambakkht Ishq is a fun film which creates a perfect premise for a thrilling battle of the sexes with music by Anu Malik.

Citi holds meet on Govt. sops for Indian-owned BOs

To help the Indian owned business organizations (BOs) reap the benefits of various incentives offered by the Federal and the State Governments in the United States, the Citi in association with Anchin Economic Development LLC, an advisory firm, organized a panel discussion at the Citigroup Center in Manhattan, New York last week.

The panel discussed in details about a group of government incentives like the Empire Zone Program and the Relocation and Employment Assistance Program (REAP). The panelists were of the opinion that under the right circumstances and with correct planning, the tax benefits under the Empire Zone can be substantial and, in fact, can completely eliminate a company’s New York State tax liability.

One of the panelists, Paul Gevertzman, CPA JD Partner of Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP noted, “Businesses operating inside one of the Empire Zones are eligible for significant tax benefits and cash refunds that are applied against new capital investments or are triggered by the creation of new jobs. Benefits include tax reduction credits, real property tax credits, wage tax credits, investment tax credits and utility rate reductions. The real property tax credit can be particularly significant as it may be refunded in cash for up to 100% of the real property taxes paid to the local taxing jurisdiction. Additionally, new companies formed within a five-year period may be eligible to receive a 50% cash refund of certain other generated tax credits.”
However, new program legislation enacted in 2005 allows the Empire Zone to be “placed or foot-printed on any manufacturing company location in the state creating 50 or more jobs over 5 years”, informed Gevertzman. “These businesses, designated as “regionally significant projects,” are eligible for Empire Zone designation regardless of their location.”


Alexandra Simon, a Senior Business Analyst from the New York City Department of Small Business Services was also present at the panel. She said, “REAP applies to companies that relocate from outside New York City or south of 96th Street in Manhattan to a location north of 96th Street or to one of the outer boroughs. The program has a broad definition of “relocation” and includes either the move of prior business operations or the establishment of expanded business operations at an eligible location.”


Continuing on the same lines, David Meade, Project Manager of Anchin Economic Development LLC added, “In addition to its geographic constraints, the program only applies to companies that have been in existence for at least 24 months and the property must either be eligible for the Industrial and Commercial Incentive Program (ICIP), leased by New York City’s IDA, or owned by the city or specified authority. Meade said this is why REAP benefits are often received in conjunction with ICIP benefits. Unlike ICIP, the benchmark is higher for REAP, as eligible companies must improve their property by more than 25% of the assessed value for industrial property or 50% for commercial property.”


The panelists pointed out that now is the time to capitalize on this program even in this economy, where people are cutting back on staff and delaying investments because the program will sunset June 30, 2010. Gevertzman opined, “There is a soft landing so if you get in by 6/10 you are eligible for the full 10 years of benefits. So when the economy does turn around you will be positioned to get the benefits – but if you wait till the economy turns around the program will be closed.”

Close to 75 people attended the event, of whom, mostly were US-based Indian business clients of Citi and Anchin Dignitaries like Nancy Ploeger, representing The Manhattan Chamber of commerce were also present. Earlier, Ali T Hirji, Vice President for Business development at Citibank had begun the proceedings for the evening and had soon handed over the charge to Kuldeepak Acharya, CPA, and an audit partner of Anchin, Block and Anchin LLP, who presided over the entire session.


When asked about how the Citi and Anchin came up with the idea of organizing such an event, Hirji remarked, "I was tasked with orchestrating the internal resources within the bank to make this a real opportunity for our Indian business clients." Working with his Manager, Glen Celentano, Area Director for South Manhattan Business Banking, Hirji began reaching out to lawyers and CPAs with Indian practices. "Citi and the CPA firm of Anchin Anchin & Block are now producing a series of educational events on a variety of topics that we felt would be of interest and great value to the Indian business and professional community in the Tri-State area", he added.

Acharya made an interesting comment by saying, “Indian-owned companies may be eligible for millions of dollars in benefits simply as a result of their growth. Yet companies walk away from millions of dollars in benefits every time they embark on a business growth project because of a failure to engage a professional economic development planner.”

The reason behind this failure was immediately addressed by some of the Indian entrepreneurs present at the gathering who shared their grievances with the panel. Kalpana Patel, President of Unique Comp Inc. was the most vociferous of the lot. She said, “Local Law 129 was passed 3 yrs ago by city council which has become a law. Asians businesses were considered minority owned and were a part of target group that NY City agencies will give contracts to. This law eliminated Asians saying that you have done well so you do not need to be in the group - now we are faced with serious problems - we cannot compete with large firms and we are not minority firms in need. Many engineering, architect firms, IT firms got together to oppose the law and also hired an attorney but without our representation in city council our voices were not heard.”

“We have done well because we worked diligently, controlled our expenses, hired right people and worked hard. Why are we punished for all the right work ethics? Mayor Bloomberg or his associates do not give a damn about this and we Asians are very forgiving in not demanding fair share! I myself own an award winning Information Technology firm servicing Federal and New York State agencies but got no opportunities with NY City Mayoral agencies due to local law 129,” Patel protested.

After the conclusion of the two-hour-long program, Hirji said, "Initial responses have all been positive, and we therefore remain encouraged that this type of knowledge sharing is critical for the continuing success of Indian BO's in the Tri-State Area.”

“Citi-Anchin India Business Initiative is planning to conduct educational seminars and events in future for the middle market Indian business community such as today’s, with the help of its Board of Advisors and collaborating partners, such as the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, TiE Tri-State, Hodgson Russ LLP, Moses & Singer LLP and Kelly Drye & Warren LLP”, concluded Acharya.

Prayers for peace light up Hanukkah celebrations in NY

THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE INDIAN EXPRESS (US and Canada Circulation) - 9 January 2009

THE Hanukkah celebrations held at the Indian Consulate in Manhattan last week were marred by the recent terror attacks on Mumbai and the brutal killing of Israelis.

Hundreds of Jews across the world mourned the death of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, directors of the Chabad-Lubavitch center in Mumbai who died in the terrorist attack on November 26.

Organized by the Indian Jewish Congregation of USA (IJCU) for the second consecutive year at the New India House, the Hanukkah celebrations witnessed nearly 150 members of the Indian and American Judaic community participating whose presence marked their solidarity against
heinous terrorist activities.

Despite the air of discomfort, the indomitable spirit of the fun-loving Jews could be felt when the
crowd joined Romiel Daniel, president of IJCU in singing the popular Jewish numbers during the event. Lael Daniel, Trustee and Public Relations Executive and son of Romiel said, “I don’t think that the Mumbai attacks hampered the spirits of Hanukkah. If anything, it has made it stronger. The peaceful and loving Jewish community, across the globe, is united and I’m sure that after these attacks, the rest of the world would show the terrorists that they are united as well.”

A number of dignitaries were present at the occasion, including Prabhu Dayal, the Consul General of India in New York, New Jersey Assemblywoman Linda R. Greenstein, New Jersey Assemblyman Gary S. Schaer and writer Shashi Tharoor.

Dayal said: “We all know that the US government gives a lot of aid to Pakistan — both military and economic. My feeling is that Pakistan can never bring about a solution to the problem of terrorism but will always be a part of the problem. The earlier we realize this, the better will it be for us. We would do everything possible to ensure that incidents like the one in Mumbai do not occur in future; and that the Jews live in peace and harmony like members of other communities in India.”

Dayal also added: “When the Chabad House in Mumbai was attacked, it broke our hearts because several members of the Jewish community were killed. The people who launched these attacks were not only enemies of India but also your enemies. We all know that these terrorists came from Pakistan. Therefore, I think, it is time that all the civilized nations and communities exert pressure on the government of Pakistan to ensure that these terrorist camps are wiped out.”

After a solemn beginning, the organizers tried to light up the spirits by kindling the Hanukkiah or the candles, where several members of the Jewish community took part along with the guests. Dancers of the Shirdance Company, an international dance institute in New York, entertained the audience with three colorful performances; including modern ensembles with a unique
Israeli twist, combining original Jewish-Israeli folk dances with different modern styles and techniques.

There were also renditions of Bharatanatyam by the members of the New York-based Jiva Performing Arts group.