Indian American Avani Modi Sarkar and her brother Viral Modi launched Modi Toys in 2018, aiming to integrate South Asian culture into children's play. Their company produces toys depicting Hindu deities that sing prayers, and they've expanded globally. Modi Toys now also offers accompanying children's books to enhance cultural education.
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Two prominent British Indian figures, Rami Ranger and Anil Bhanot, have been stripped of their CBE and OBE honors respectively. Both denounce the move as an attack on free speech, citing complaints related to their public statements.
Arvind Venkat, the first Indian American representative in Pennsylvania, focuses on making healthcare more affordable and accessible. Balancing his roles as a physician and lawmaker, Venkat emphasizes reducing healthcare costs and improving public health. He actively connects with and represents the Indian American community while addressing political engagement and combating racism.
Significant changes to the H-1B visa program have been implemented to enhance fairness, transparency, and efficiency. Notable revisions include stricter specialty occupation requirements, smoother transitions for F-1 visa holders, expanded cap exemptions for research organizations, and strengthened compliance measures, benefiting Indian tech workers and U.S. employers.
Indian American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has launched an enquiry into Fannie Mae’s mass firing of 700 employees, mostly Indian Americans, over alleged misuse of a corporate grant programme. The workers deny wrongdoing. Subramanyam, backed by Congressmen Krishnamoorthi and Thanedar, has demanded answers from Fannie Mae’s leadership, citing concerns about due process, discrimination, and lack of investigation.
In a significant event for Indian Americans, six leaders were sworn into the US House of Representatives, marking the largest representation of this community in history. US Congressman Ami Bera, who has served since 2013, noted the growth from being the sole Indian American member to now having six representatives, expressing excitement for further increases in the future.
66 QuestBridge scholars are set to join Yale University’s Class of 2029. The QuestBridge Scholarship helps low-income, high-achieving students by allowing them to rank colleges and match with participating institutions like Yale, MIT, and Princeton. With 7,288 finalists this year, recipients receive full four-year scholarships. The application process includes financial and academic eligibility checks and ranking submissions.
Seattle police have fired officer Daniel Auderer after his insensitive comments and laughter following the death of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula. Kandula was struck and killed by a police vehicle driven by officer Kevin Dave. Auderer's remarks, which mocked the tragedy, tarnished the department’s reputation, prompting his dismissal. In honour of Kandula, her university posthumously awarded her a master's degree.
Gunalan Morgan, a Singaporean Tamil-language actor and radio DJ, was charged with multiple sex-related offences, including sexual communication with a minor. He faces additional charges for obstructing justice and voyeurism. Mediacorp has suspended and served a termination notice to Gunalan following his arrest. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 21.
The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) raised concerns over ICE raids and deportations of Indian and Sikh youths in the US. Asylum seekers from the community face challenges and uncertainties. SALDEF urges vigilance, advises on rights, and works with advocacy groups to ensure fair processes. Hate crimes against Sikh Americans are also a growing issue.