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In conversation with Prof Shuvra Das, faculty member of Mechanical Engineering, University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit

Prof Shuvra Das was born in Kolkata, India, and finished his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. He came to the US as a graduate student in 1985 and finished his Ph.D. from Iowa State University. He was a post-doctoral researcher at University of Notre Dame for just under a year. Since 1994 he has been a faculty member of Mechanical Engineering at University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, USA. His wife, also an engineer, works for Ford Motor Company.

Prof Shuvra loves reading, writing, painting, photography, and theater. He has six published texts on different topics of engineering. His creative writings (mostly poetry) in English and Bengali have been published in many magazines such as The Antonym, Batayan, The Balcony, Doublespeak, Pine Cone Review, Rigorous, Sahitya Cafe, Banglalive, Irabotee, etc. He is also very active in grassroots organizing and is a founder member of SAMOSA, a South Asian grassroots organizing group in Michigan. In 2019 SAMOSA became a partner and the Michigan chapter of They See Blue. Since then Shuvra and other SAMOSA members have been involved in the nationwide efforts of They See Blue to get South Asians to support Democratic candidates nationwide.

We talk to Prof Shuvra Das about the upcoming elections, and much around it – So, if you missed this earlier, tune – in for sure, yet again, today, 29th  September, on MeraSangeet Gold at 6:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 6:00 PM EST and MeraSangeet USA/East at 7:00 PM and 12:00 PM EST.

From our Archives – Conversation with the popular Indian actress, model and singer, Suchitra Krishnamoorthi, on our Hindi Radio Show

Suchitra Krishnamoorthi is an Indian actress, model and singer known for her works in Hindi cinema, South cinema, and television.

Suchitra started her career with the TV series Chunauti while still in school in the year 1987–1988.She acted in a production of Peanuts: The Musical, a musical based on the famous comic strip Peanuts.She played the character Lucy. She appeared in television commercials endorsing many products.

On the show, we talk about her various roles – as a model, actor, singer, mother, painter — to name some – We also talk about her very popular movie, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, about her songs, and much more. Courtesy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suchitra_Krishnamoorthi

Catch the conversation, recorded many years back, today, 20th September, on our Hindi Radio Show, From our Archives, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 3:00 PM – EST

Erasing Borders Dance Festival, September 2024 – Save the dates

The ERASING BORDERS DANCE FESTIVAL returns for “THEN AND NOW” its 17th annual event with three totally different programs, treating audiences to a wide and exciting range of artists, storytellers, and musicians performing different styles of Indian dance: Kathak Bharatanatyam, Odissi, and more. Live performances September 21 & 22, 6 PM, at the Ailey Citigroup Theater.

In conversation with Dr. Rita Yadava on Reproductive Rights at stake in November 2024

Dr. Rita Yadava, M.D. specializes in Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology and has been practicing since 1986, though she is currently semi-retired. She serves on the Medical Advisory Board of Easter Seals DuPage, the Board of Directors of Giant Steps Autism School, and the Board of Directors of the National Indo-American Museum.

Dr. Yadava has a special interest in children with developmental and behavioral disabilities. She is a passionate advocate for gun safety, community health, and reproductive rights. She is also mom to Nina and Gaurav, and Nani to Nina’s two daughters.& Dadi to Gaurav’s three sons. 

We talked to Dr. Rita about the reproductive rights at stake in November 2024. We also catch a glimpse of her life now, her family, and about India and much more. 

So in cse you missed this earlier, do tune – in today, 07th September, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 3:00 PM – EST.

From our Archives: a conversation with the great Indian legend, Shammi Kapoor Sahaab

Shammi Kapoor Photos [HD]: Latest Images, Pictures, Stills ...Remembering Shammi Kapoor Sahaab…
As I go back to the time of the interview, I just have one wish to make like I did then , and that was to freeze the time, to hold on to the time , the era, the Shammi Kapoor Era….the magic continued I am sure in all those peoples lives which were touched by the wand of the legend called Shammi Kapoor… Yes, he happened to be my fav star of all times..I had grown watching his films…and it was a moment out of the blue for me to be able to speak with him.

The interview happened when he was at the fag end of his life..but little did we know then…he was still so full of life. He counted the days of a week that he would be in the hospital for Dialysis and asked me to call him on any of the remaining ones…Great people are great because they have greatness engraved in them…on the scheduled day, he got delayed by an hour as he was busy with another interview, but made it a point to come on the phone to tell me personally how “sorry” he was and that he would be back in an hour….Back he certainly was, apologetic again for the delay ….we have much to learn from you Shammi Kapoor Sahaab and you will always remain in our hearts…always be my fav star of all times…

Do tune in for the interview, recorded many years back – yet again today, 17th August, on our show, From our Archives, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 3:00 PM – EST — lets all take a peep into yesteryears, into Shammi Kapoor Sahaab’s films, his life…and as I said then, I say these very famous words again, “thehar ye dil ki bekhudi, itna tou dekh lene dewoh khud tashreef laaye hain, yaa unki yaad aayi hai”…

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee to Announce Target Races in Arizona and New Investment to Break the GOP Majorities

the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee unveiled 12 Spotlight candidates running in critical races across Arizona and an additional $223K investment to break the Republican majorities. These target races include 8 House candidates and 4 Senate candidates that will serve as a guidepost as the DLCC aims to gain 2 seats in each chamber to flip the Arizona legislature and help Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs deliver the progress Arizonans deserve.

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:

“The 8 House and 4 Senate candidates we’re unveiling in Arizona represent some of the strongest opportunities and critical races to flip both chambers in one of the toughest battleground states. Arizona will be competitive at all levels of the ballot and our Spotlight candidates are running tough races that could come down to a handful of votes. That’s why we’re building on our earlier investments and moving immediate additional support for state legislative candidates in Arizona to boost Democrats’ chances of flipping the state blue this fall.It’s no exaggeration to say that 2024 is the most important year in state legislative campaign history. State legislatures are on the frontlines of shaping the issues that matter most – from abortion to democracy, LGBTQ+ rights, gun safety, and more. The future landscape of rights for Arizonans hangs in the balance in 2024 – and the DLCC is committed to safeguarding Arizonans’ future as we position state legislatures at the forefront of shaping the national Democratic agenda across the country.”

Arizona Senator and ADLCC Board Chair Priya Sundareshan

“Arizona is the closest we’ve ever been to achieving this Democratic trifecta. So we’re gonna leave everything on the field this year. We must protect Arizonans from the MAGA extremism that has taken root. And the only way to do that is to flip the state legislature and protect the rights and freedoms that voters hold most dear.”

To watch the press conference with DLCC President Heather Williams and Spotlight candidates in Arizona marking the launch of our slate of target races and new investment, click here.

In conversation with Hessann Farooqi, Executive Director, Boston Climate Action Network

Hessann Farooqi is the Executive Director of the Boston Climate Action Network. He is the youngest person and the first person of color appointed to lead BCAN in its more than two-decade history. He studied economics at Boston University, worked in the United States Senate, and served on various federal, state, and local political campaigns.

Hessann also serves as an Environmental Justice Advisor to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council on developing their Greater Boston Climate Action Plan and supports MassRobotics on their Climate Robotics Working Group. He previously served as an advisor to The White House and Department of Energy’s Opportunity Project.

After studying economics at Boston University, organizing for climate action at the local and state levels, and working to elect climate champions to public office, Hessann is thrilled to help advocate for climate justice through BCAN.

So, the topic of discussion today is climate change, how each of us individuals can contribute to reversing the situation if we can at all, and much more around the topic. Tune -in for sure, today, 12th August, August, on MeraSangeet Gold at 6:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 6:00 PM EST  and MeraSangeet USA/East at 7:00 PM and 12:00 PM EST.

In conversation with Abhi Rahman, Deputy Communications Director, Democratic National Committee

Deputy Communications Director of the Democratic National Committee, Abhi Rahman, spoke to us at length. The topic – the Elections this November.

Now that Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have officially been certified as the Democratic Party’s nominees for President and Vice President, all eyes on the Democratic National Convention in Chicago – We talk about this. We also talk about  how important it is for Kamala Harris and the democrats to win this November elections.  This and much more on the topic today.

Meanwhile, Abhi’s message is loud and clear – Do go out and Vote on Election Day!

So in case you missed this earlier, do tune – in for sure today, 11th August, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST, and on MeraSangeet USA/East  at 3:00 PM EST.

From our Archives – In conversation with Indian-American economist, Gita Gopinath and her parents

Gita Gopinath is an Indian-American economist who has served as the first deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). She had previously served as chief economist of the IMF.

Prior to joining the IMF, Gopinath had a two-decade-long in the academic field including at the economics department of Harvard University where she was the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics and earlier an assistant professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She is also a co-director of the international finance and macroeconomics program at the National Bureau of Economic Research and has earlier worked as the honorary economic adviser to the Chief Minister of Kerala. Courtesy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gita_Gopinath

This conversation is from our archives, recorded way back in 2010 – with Gita Gopinath and her parents – this is an inspiring conversation and not to be missed – so, listen – in for sure, today, 10th August, on our Hindi Radio Show, From our Archives, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST 

Press Release by the DNC

Democratic Party Announces Kamala Harris and Tim Walz Officially Certified as Democratic Nominees for President and Vice President

Today, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and DNCC Chair Minyon Moore announced that Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have officially been certified as the Democratic Party’s nominees for President and Vice President.

Vice President Harris and Governor Tim Walz officially accepted the nominations today, following the close of delegate voting on Monday, August 5th and the official certification of the roll call by Convention Secretary Jason Rae. Convention Chair Minyon Moore then certified Governor Walz as her running mate. The announcement follows a transparent and democratic nominating process, during which delegates to the convention took seriously their responsibilities to cast their votes for our party’s nominee – with 99% of participating delegates supporting Kamala Harris in the virtual roll call. The virtual roll call ensured that the Harris-Walz ticket has met all ballot access deadlines and every American will have the opportunity to vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the general election.

“It is my great honor and privilege to congratulate the Democratic Party’s official nominees for President and Vice President, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz,” said DNC Chair Jaime Harrison. “A Harris-Walz ticket represents the future of the Democratic Party and our country. Their vision to lower costs for working families, ensure reproductive freedom for every American, and stand up for our democracy will guide us as a Party as we mobilize supporters to get out the vote this November. The momentum and unity of our party is unprecedented, with 99% of all delegates in our roll call casting their vote to turn Vice President Harris into President Harris this November.”

“Today our Party has officially certified Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz as our nominees for President and Vice President of the United States,” said Convention Chair Minyon Moore. “Throughout this process, thousands of delegates made their voices and the voices of their communities heard, and their diligence and dedication has ensured that every voter has the opportunity to vote for our Democratic nominees this November. Now the eyes of the world turn to Chicago, where our delegates will celebrate this historic ticket with a ceremonial roll call and tell the story of Vice President Harris, Governor Walz, and the Democratic Party as we prepare to defeat Donald Trump once again.”

From our Archives – In conversation with the wonderful actress and singer, Salma Agha

Salma Agha is a British-Pakistani singer and actress who worked in Indian and Pakistani films in the 1980s and the early 1990s.

Salma Agha was born in Karachi and she started singing songs in school festivals and other programs. She was raised in London, where she received several film offers from Indian directors. Her first film was the romance Nikaah (1982), in which she starred as the female lead and also sang several of the film’s songs herself. She was nominated for the Filmfare awards that year in both the Best Actress category and the Best Female Playback Singer category. It was for her singing that she won the Filmfare Best Female Playback Award. She is also known for her role in Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki (1984) opposite Mithun Chakraborty, and for her song “Come Closer” from the same film. Courtesy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salma_Agha

This conversation will take you back to another time….As we talk with the wonderful Actress, Salma Agha ji, you will relish each moment….in case you missed this earlier, tune – in for sure, on 29th July, on our Hindi Radio Show, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 3:00 PM – EST