About: Kanwal

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Rohit Bhambi, President of Boston Bhangra, and Founder of South Asian Showdown

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Rohit Bhambi, is the President of Boston Bhangra, and the Founder of South Asian Showdown.

Rohit talks to us about the up coming event – the 15th South Asian Showdown. The concept of Showdown is to put the best Fusion, and Bollywood/Hindi-Film teams up against one another and let the judges have the unenviable task of selecting the best team of the night. Fusion is a combination of any dance style set to a majority of Indian music.  Bollywood/Hindi-Film style of dance is based on the Bollywood film style of dance featuring expression, theme and storyline.

There is a lot to catch – so save the dates –  Saturday,  the 6th of April 2024 the event is at 6:00 PM, at the Strand Theatre in Boston, MA.

For more details about the event and to catch a bit of the history of the event, tune – in for sure, today, 27th March, on the 1st half our show, Saat Samundar Paar, on MeraSangeet Gold – at 9:00AM,1:00 PM,5:00 PM and 9:00 PM – EST shows. You can also catch the same mid hour on MeraSangeet East at 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM – EST.

You can also visit https://www.southasianshowdown.com/2024/

In conversation with Sonam Wangchuk – Founding-Director of SECMOL and of HIAL

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Sonam Wangchuk was born in the trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh in J&K, India. He went on to pursue his undergraduate course in Mechanical Engineering. Thereafter, he founded the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh, (SECMOL) www.secmol.org, with the aim of supporting Ladakhi children and youth in educationally challenging and culturally confusing times. In 1994 he was instrumental in the launch of Operation New Hope, a triangular collaboration of the government, village communities, and the civil society to bring reforms in the government schools system.

Sonam is also the Founding Director of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL) https://hial.edu.in/, which seeks to engage youth in solving problems in their climate context while engaging in higher education.

Sonam has been teaching innovation at the SECMOL Alternative School and HIAL, where together with the students he designs and builds solar-heated buildings that are low cost, made of earth/mud but maintain +18 C even in – 18 C in Ladakhi winters. He invented the Ice Stupa artificial glacier which stores the unused stream waters in winter in the form of giant ice cones or stupas. He was granted several awards and titles.

We had a very insightful conversation with the Indian engineer, innovator, and education reformist, Sonam Wangchuk. He has today ended his climate fast, after 21 days. We have a message straight from Ladhak to you. Do join in today, 26th March, mid – hour on our Show,  Saat Samundar Paar, on MeraSangeet Gold – at 9:00AM,1:00 PM,5:00 PM and 9:00 PM – EST shows. You can also catch the same mid hour on MeraSangeet East at 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM – EST.

Mridul Lahori, an Engineer, with roots in Jammu and Kashmir, joins our show from New Jersey

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Mridul Lahori hails from Jammu and Kashmir, and after obtaining his Engineering degree in Computer Science from Kurukshetra University,  he worked for a decade for multiple software companies in the Delhi NCR region before relocating to the US in 2021. He now lives in New Jersey with his beautiful wife – Nupur Khurana. They are dedicated advocates of sustainable living and always try to do their part in promoting responsible development for a better future for everyone.

Mridul feels, his roots in the Himalayan region, especially Ladakh, run deep due to its historical connection with Jammu & Kashmir before it became a Union Territory. Right from my childhood, he has always been happiest when he was close to nature. As the years passed, he realized that his affinity for nature wasn’t just a passing phase; it was an integral part of who he was. It shaped his values, influenced his choices, and enriched his life in ways he couldn’t fully articulate.

Mridul says, “Unchecked development threatens Ladakh’s delicate ecosystem, including its mountains, glaciers, and rich biodiversity. We’ve already witnessed significant forest loss globally in the name of progress, with glaciers melting and global warming accelerating. It’s imperative to address these challenges. Sonam Wangchuk’s leadership in advocating for Ladakh’s development deserves commendation. As a nation, we must unite and urge the government to declare Ladakh under the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This designation would ensure Ladakh’s development aligns with its unique needs and safeguards its environment for future generations. Glad to be a part of this movement.”

To listen in this conversation with Mridul, do join in today, 25th March, – the 1st half – of our Show, Saat Samundar Paar, on MeraSangeet Gold – at 9:00AM,1:00 PM,5:00 PM and 9:00 PM – EST shows. You can also catch the same 1st half on MeraSangeet East at 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM – EST.

In conversation with the Democratic candidate and DLCC Spotlight candidate Marilyn Lands

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Marilyn Lands is a licensed professional counselor with a business and community development background running in a special election for a seat in the Alabama House this March. Marilyn sees a clear path for growth and prosperity for her state, with a focus on quality education, health care, and good jobs for hard-working families.

Marilyn’s family came to North Alabama for her father’s work on the Saturn V program. She is a wife, mother, and Licensed Professional Counselor who has served on and chaired over a dozen non-profit boards. She is running for State House to eliminate the grocery tax, expand Medicaid, and protect abortion rights and IVF access.

Today on the show, we talk about the Alabama special election, about the Alabama IVF ruling issued by the Alabama Supreme Court, and much more.

So, in case you missed this earlier, do join in today, 25th March, – the 1st half – of our Show, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST

Dilip Jain, Founder of DJED Foundation and Co-founder of Friends of Ladakh Friends of Nature

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Entrepreneurship, Education, and Environment are the 3E’s of Dilip’s work ethic, and DJED Foundation also works at the grassroots level on the same 3E’s.

Dilip is a CA and has a PGDM (MBA) from SPJIMR. He spent over 7 years in corporates and another 7 years running his own business. In 2020, he founded the DJED Foundation which works in 7 villages. His main aim is to move the world’s attention from Economy (part) to Ecology (whole). He says, “The existing Western belief system, which underpins the economy and all of its systems, has been destructive for species, societies, and spirituality. , We need a model that allows people to learn, be, and do everything in harmony with nature and life.”
Dilip was named a founding member of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh, at the age of 37. He took a pro-bono volunteering sabbatical for almost two years to be a part of Sonam Wangchuk’s core team that founded the alternative university and its ventures. He has been a volunteer with SECMOL Ladakh since 2004 and has been especially involved since the start of the renowned Ice Stupa project, which won the Rolex Award for Enterprise in 2016. He is involved in the ClimateFast initiative.

Do join in for this wonderful conversation with Dilip, today,  in case you missed this earlier,  today, 24th March,  the mid – hour – of our Show, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST

Shaheed Bhagat Singh – His relevance today- Conversation with Prof Jagmohan Singh(Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s nephew)

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Today, as we pay tributes to the great Sons of the Soil- The Great Martyrs’-Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar and Shaheed Shivaram Rajguru who sacrificed their today for our tomorrow-for India, it is also imperative to search our souls. Search our souls, indeed, to see if we are following the path they would want us to tread…to see if we live in an India which is free from the shackles of poverty, corruption…

Time it is for sure to introspect if we have not fallen prey to greed, to selfishness…time it is to look beyond ourselves…to help those around us as much as we can so that all are equal- in terms of opportunities, of education, of life in all its facets..

So, today, we bring to you a conversation from our archives-our guest on the show is Prof Jagmohan Singh, nephew of Shaheed Bhagat Singh -this is a conversation which holds much relevance today. Prof Jagmohan shares a number of anecdotes, talks about the ‘Real Bhagat Singh’ not as he is frozen in time but as the world ought to know him.

This conversation was recorded some years back – So incase you missed it earlier, Do listen – into the rebroadcast for sure, today, 23rd March, on our Hindi Radio Show, From our Archives,  on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST

Press Release by the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee

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ICYMI: DLCC Hosts “Red State” Zoom Press Conference to Highlight GOP Extremism Across the Country

Earlier today, DLCC President Heather Williams hosted a virtual press conference with Democratic legislators across “red states” who spoke about how fundamental freedoms are under attack in state legislatures controlled by Republicans. Montana Rep. Zooey Zephyr, Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones, Iowa Democratic Leader Rep. Jennifer Konfrst, Oklahoma Democratic Leader Rep. Cyndi Munson, Texas Democratic Leader Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, and DLCC spotlight candidate for the Alabama House Marilyn Lands spoke about how GOP extremism targeting LGBTQ+ people, IVF and reproductive freedoms, voting rights, gun violence, and immigration is interconnected and happening across states.

To watch the earlier recording of the Zoom press conference, click on https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RpIUt8YUbqB3xgvOCEEzbutkBQtT4AgQ/view?usp=sharing

From our Archives – conversation with Indian singer and actor, Abhijeet Sawant

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Abhijeet Sawant is an Indian singer, actor, anchor and the winner of first season of Indian Idol.He was the first runner up of Jo Jeeta Wohi Super Star and finished third in Asian Idol.

Abhijeet grew up in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra and developed an interest in music. After graduating from Chetana College of Commerce & Economics, Sawant became keen on joining and working in the music industry. Courtesy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhijeet_Sawant

On the show, we talk about Abhijeet’s journey, his many albums, his family, his better – half and much more. This conversation was recorded years back and you will love to hear him. Do tune in for sure, today, 15th of March, on our Hindi Radio Show, From our Archives, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST

 

Press Release by the Consulate General of India, New York

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The Consulate General of India, in New York organized a special event on the launch of ‘Chalo India – Global Diaspora Campaign’ on March 7, 2024.

‘Chalo India’ is a unique initiative which was launched by Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, on March 7, 2024 at a public event in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. It is aimed at encouraging the Indian diaspora around the world to visit India, and to inspire their friends and families to explore the vast and diverse tourism opportunities India offers. The launch event at the Consulate was attended by many members of the Indian-American community, professionals, travel bloggers and representatives of the travel and tourism industry. 

Speaking on the occasion, Consul General Mr. Binaya S. Pradhan acknowledged the United States as the largest source of international tourists to India. He emphasized the significant potential for further growth, given India’s rich cultural diversity and the state-of-the-art tourism infrastructure that has been developed in recent years. Referring to the Indian diaspora as India’s cultural ambassadors in the United States, Consul General encouraged them to travel more often to India, and invite at least five American friends of theirs to explore the plethora of tourism experiences in India. Soon, a dedicated website on ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora’ would be The Chalo India website will open to diaspora members for account creation in due course. Visit https://www.chaloindia.gov.in/ to register and get notified.

The Consulate General of India in New York holds regular thematic webinars promoting different facets of Indian tourism, such as wedding, destinations in India, beaches, river, cruises, adventure travel, spiritual tourism, health and well-being, tourism, etc. It also participates in several tourism related expose and shows bringing out the best that India offers to tourists in America.

Nandini Ray, Sr. Manager, Outreach & Prevention Program at Maitri, speaks to us

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Maitri is a free, confidential, nonprofit organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area that primarily helps families and individuals from South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives) facing domestic violence, emotional abuse, cultural alienation, or family conflict.

Maitri fills a critical gap in the domestic violence services available in the community by being sensitive to the culture of the South Asian community and by speaking the languages that South Asian survivors speak. Maitri services are free and confidential.

Nandini Ray, Sr. Manager, Outreach & Prevention Program. She leads all community engagement and educational activities at Maitri – hosts the podcast, Between friends, runs the social media pages, and represents Maitri at community events, in media and meetings. She is a State mandated trained Domestic Violence advocate.

On the show today, Nandini talks about Maitri – about all its services in great detail, about how one reach Maitri for help and much more – so in case you missed this earlier, tune – in for sure, today, 11th March, on our Show, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST

From our Archives – In conversation with Manoj Kumar Sahaab, one of India’s finest Actors and Film makers

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Harikishan Giri Goswami, better known by his stage name Manoj Kumar, is an Indian actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, lyricist and editor who worked in Hindi cinema. He is known for acting and making films with patriotic themes, and has been given the nickname Bharat Kumar. Among many awards to his credit, he is aso the recipient of a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards, in varied categories. Courtesy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manoj_Kumar

This conversation is from many years back and it takes us further down the years as Manoj Kumar Sahaab recollects memories of his birth place, of a period which left a deep impact on him – reflections of which can be seen in many of his patriotic films – the time of India’s partition – of living in a refugee camp and finally making his way into Cinema.

Manoj Kumar Sahaab takes you through his period in the a narrative so beautiful, you could actually start visualizing each and every moment of history. Tune – in for sure, today 1oth March, on our Hindi Radio Show, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST

 

In conversation with Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa

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Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa: Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Gilberto Hinojosa attended public schools and was the first in his family to graduate from college. He received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. Returning to Texas, he became the managing attorney for the Brownsville office of Texas Rural Legal Aid.

Governor Ann Richards appointed Gilberto to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, overseeing the Texas prison and parole system. He has served his fellow Texans as a county, district court, and court of appeals judge in both appointed and elected capacities. Gilberto is currently in private practice in Brownsville. Since 2012, Gilberto has served as the chair of the Texas Democratic Party.

Today, we discuss with  Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa about the start of early voting in the March 5th Primary and measures that Texas Democrats have taken to recruit and assist candidates, increase turnout, and support Texas voters. In case you missed it earlier, do listen- in to this conversation, on our Show, on 3rd and 4th March on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST

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