Raj Shah

Dear Readers, On behalf of the entire Desh-Videsh Media Group team and the entire Indian community, I would like to wish Dr. Kiran Patel a happy birthday and a long and healthy life on his 75th birthday.  I would also like to congratulate Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel for inaugurating the College of Osteopathic Medicine in Orlando. The inauguration of …

Dear Readers, Welcome, dearest readers, to another vibrant issue of Desh-Videsh wedding magazine! As you turn the pages, you’ll be swept away by a kaleidoscope of colors, traditions, and stories—all reflecting the beautiful tapestry of the modern Indian wedding. This time around, we wanted to celebrate the evolution of this sacred union. Indian weddings have always been a joyous blend …

Dear Readers, As we celebrate American Heart Month in February, it’s a great time to reflect on our cardiovascular health. While modern medicine has made significant strides in treating heart disease, there is a growing interest in complementary and alternative approaches to maintaining a healthy heart. In this issue, we explore two fascinating articles that delve into the wisdom of …

By Raj Shah Gujarat, the land of roaring lions, ancient temples, a thriving industrial and business sectors, and vibrant bazaars overflowing with spices and silks, has carved a unique niche in India’s narrative. Its spirit, aptly captured in the biennial extravaganza called Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, pulsates with an electric mix of dynamism, opportunity, and cultural exuberance.  As the 10th …

Dear Readers, A historic moment awaits on January 22, 2024, as Ayodhya prepares for the grand opening of the Ram Mandir, a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Ram. This long-awaited event, not just for devotees but for India as a whole, signifies the culmination of a journey steeped in history, faith, and cultural significance. In the article The Grand Inauguration …

By Raj Shah Talking about a film on Swami Vivekananda on his birthday would be not only most appropriate but also symbolic and impactful. Swami ji’s birthday, which falls on January 12, is celebrated as National Youth Day in India, reflecting his enduring influence on the youth and his teachings on strength, vigor, and spirituality.  In 1893, Vivekananda, an Indian …

Dear Readers, First and foremost, let me wish all our Hindu readers a happy Diwali! May this festival of lights guide you and your loved ones on a journey of peace, prosperity, and happiness. I hope the Diwali light leads you and your loved ones on a path filled with harmony, wealth, and joy. Joyous Diwali! I would also like …

By Raj Shah Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is a celebration of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. It is a time to reflect on the victory of dharma, or righteousness, over adharma, or unrighteousness. The story of Diwali is the story of Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana. Ravana had kidnapped Rama’s …

Dear Readers, First and foremost, on behalf of the entire team at Desh Videsh Media Group, I would like to congratulate BAPS Swaminarayan followers on the opening of the Akshardham Mandir in Robbinsville, NJ. On October 8, 2023, BAPS opened the doors to its new temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey. This magnificent temple is the second-largest Hindu temple in the …

By Raj Shah Narendra Modi has been winning hearts with his diplomatic skills since he took office as the Prime Minister of India. His unique gift-giving has become an integral part of international relations between India and other countries. He presents world leaders with carefully chosen gifts that are either symbolic or represent Indian culture in some way. It is …

Dear Readers, Once again, we are very happy and proud to bring you another special edition on South Asian weddings. In this editorial, I want to talk more about the sacred role of Hindu scriptures in the Hindu wedding ceremony. Weddings are a universal institution, present in nearly every culture and religion across the globe. However, each community imparts its …

Dear Readers, Speaking about Indian Americans succeeding in the US is a really energizing and proud experience. Additionally, the fact that this Indian-American is seeking the nation’s highest position marks a particularly watershed time. I am, in fact, referring to Vivek Ramaswamy. Due to the fact that he is running on the Republican ticket, it gives me double joy. We …

Raj Shah, Managing editor of Desh-Videsh Media Group, sat down with Vivek Ramaswamy for a one-on-one interview focusing on issues like Foreign Policy, Immigration, the US-India relationship, and Religious discrimination. Raj Shah: How will President Vivek Ramaswamy’s Foreign policy be different from President Joe Biden’s foreign policy? Vivek Ramaswamy: The backbone of my foreign policy platform as President will be …

By Raj Shah An ambitious Indian-American entrepreneur and investor with big plans for the future, Vivek Ramaswamy has announced his intention to run for president of the United States in 2024, becoming the second Indian-American to do so in 2024. With his impressive background in business, his success as a venture capitalist, and his passionate commitment to social justice, Ramaswamy …

Dear Readers, When we see our cherished Prime Minister Modi ji receive a historic welcome in the United States, it is a moment that fills us with pride as Indians as a whole and as Indian-Americans in particular. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has finished his sixth trip to the United States, which was also his first State visit. Before him, …

We celebrated Father’s Day last month. The time is right to be grateful for all the knowledge and advice my father has imparted to me over the years. Growing up, my father taught me many important life lessons that have shaped the person I am today. He has always been a pillar of wisdom and guidance. From how to handle …

Like Britain, the United States of America may also have an Indian-origin president after the 2024 presidential election. The fresh faces of Indian descent for the US presidential election are Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy. This news has created a buzz across the globe as it reflects the popularity of Indians worldwide. According to the report, in a community that …

Born on January 20, 1972, Nikki Haley is an American politician and diplomat who served as the 116th and first female governor of South Carolina from 2011 to 2017, as well as the 29th American ambassador to the UN for two years, from January 2017 to December 2018. Nikki Haley, a former United Nations Ambassador, former South Carolina governor, and …

Dear Readers, The Rise of India, Indians and Indian-Americans India is an ancient country, full of history and legends, with a thriving and diverse culture. In recent years, India and its people, and specifically Indian-Americans, have become increasingly influential in the world, not only in terms of economic and political power but also in terms of cultural influence. Indian-Americans have …

The movie RRR has been making waves in the film industry with its gripping story of rebellion and freedom. But what many people may not know is that the movie was inspired by a real-life revolt that occurred in Andhra Pradesh. The Rampa Revolt of 1922–1924 was an important event in the state’s history and is now finally getting the …

Dear Reader, Just get engaged? Overwhelmed by the thought of planning your wedding? Don’t worry, the Desh-Videsh Media Group staff is ready to assist you with their first 2023 Desh-Videsh wedding resource special edition. I frequently came across wedding planning information that was heavily laden with negative language while doing research and preparing for this special edition. The difficulty, expense, …

Nikki Haley is an Indian-American politician, diplomat, and businesswoman who served as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 2017 to 2018. She was also the first woman to serve as the governor of South Carolina from 2011 to 2017. Nimrata Randhawa (her birth name) was born on January 20, 1972, in Bamberg, South Carolina, to Indian Sikh …

Today, we celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and call for gender equality and the elimination of discrimination against women. Let us acknowledge the tremendous contributions that women have made to society and recognize the ongoing challenges that women face in achieving equality in all aspects of life. Let us commit to supporting and empowering women …

Negative news about India is more exciting and sells more copies Indian-American journalists and American media outlets’ coverage of reporting on India not only sees the glass half empty but also sees fingerprints all over the glass This has resulted in a negative feedback loop from India-centric controversies which has created a perverse incentive for Indian-origin journalists and writers to …

The world’s largest issue is terrorism. The world must speak in one voice and act in unison against terrorism, without any political considerations, he said. “We must enlist religious leaders, thinkers, and opinion leaders in a societal effort against extremism that is specifically directed at young people,” he continued The Mahabharata prohibits anarchy Only criminals, anarchists, arsonists, and terrorists violate …

Dear Readers, This editorial is being written from India, the country I love the most not because it is my birthplace but because of the good energy I feel everywhere I go, from my friends and family to strangers on the street to rickshaw drivers. Aruna and I have visited India every year (not including Covid years). Gujarat, and especially …

Users can ask questions or narrate stories using the ChatGPT tool, which Open AI introduced in November 2022. The tool will then react with pertinent, natural-sounding questions and subjects. The user experience is intended to mimic a real conversation and encourage natural interaction with the tool. It soon attracted notice for its thorough responses and understandable justifications in a variety …

Dear Reader Let me first and foremost wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. Let me use a verse from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, one of the most well-known slokas in Hinduism: Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah Om, May All be Happy, Sarve Santu Niraamayaah | May All be Free from Illness. Sarve Bhadraanni Pashyantu | May All See …

Users can ask questions or narrate stories using the ChatGPT tool, which Open AI introduced in November 2022. The tool will then react with pertinent, natural-sounding questions and subjects. The user experience is intended to mimic a real conversation and encourage natural interaction with the tool. It soon attracted notice for its thorough responses and understandable justifications in a variety …

He is at the zenith of power, yet so down to earth. He is synonymous with hope and humanity. The common Indian sees the new sunrise through him. He is none other than Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India. The recent Assembly Elections in his home state Gujarat once again conveyed the popular support and love for Narendra …

Dear Reader Let me first and foremost wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. Let me use a verse from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, one of the most well-known slokas in Hinduism: Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah Om, May All be Happy, Sarve Santu Niraamayaah | May All be Free from Illness. Sarve Bhadraanni Pashyantu | May All See …

Dear Reader It’s that time of year when the days become shorter and the seasons change again. We are reaching the end of the year 2022, so let me take this opportunity to thank the Almighty for a healthy and stress free year in comparison to the years 2020 and 2021.  Let me also thank all of our paid subscribers. …

The traditional Indian-American wedding is known for its grandeur, elaborate rituals, and large guest lists. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the way these weddings are being celebrated. More and more couples are opting for destination weddings, where they exchange vows in exotic locations far from home. This trend is gaining popularity among Indian-Americans, as …

Dear Readers, In the diverse cultural landscape of the United States, Indian weddings, and specifically Hindu weddings, stand as a vibrant bridge between ancient rituals and contemporary lifestyles. These weddings, rich in symbolic rites and rituals, are not just a celebration of a couple’s love but a profound expression of cultural and spiritual heritage. A Tapestry of Timeless Rituals and …

Dear Reader First of all, let me thank advertisers, readers and well wishers of Desh -Videsh in the Atlanta area. Because of your support we have been able to launch the Desh-Videsh Atlanta Edition. I also would like to thank all 17,000-plus people who have filled out free subscription forms. And last, but definitely not least, I would like to …

Dear Reader Every major religion in the world has a tenet around being generous, thankful, kind and hopeful. And these feelings become more prominent at festival time. I love festivals, both my Hindu festivals and non-Hindu festivals. Festivals bring hope, appreciation and kindness. In the last issue we talked about celebrating the Hindu festivals Navratri and Diwali. This month is …

Dear Reader First, let me wish a Happy Diwali to all of our Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist readers and supporters. I would also like to wish all of our Gujarati readers a Happy Hindu New Year! May Lord Rama and Devi Laxmi ji bless you and your family with happiness and prosperity! Just like all of you, we are …

About 10 years back, Aruna and I started this tradition at Diwali time that we will do Diwali pooja at our home and invite parents with young children. It had multiple reasons — first and foremost, our kids and grandkids live in California. Obviously, we miss them. Inviting parents with young children who remind us of our own kids fills …

Dear Reader First, let me wish Happy Diwali to all our Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddist Readers and supporters. I would also like to wish all our Gujarati readers Happy Hindu new year! May Lord Rama and Devi Laxmi ji bless you and your family with happiness and prosperity! In this issue, we are covering various articles starting with What …

Dear Reader What a difference a year makes! I can confidently say that we are on the other side of the pandemic. (I hope!) I can also — with even more confidence — declare that weddings are back! In fact, the wedding industry is gearing up for its busiest year in 2023 — an estimated 2.6 million weddings are projected …

Once the largest economy in the world, India emerged from the rule of the “Evil Empire” in 1947 as one of the poorest countries. India, the land of the Vedas, the land of diverse cultural heritage uplifting the principle of “unity in diversities,” and the largest democratic country in the world, is celebrating 75 years of freedom this year. This …

Dear Reader Into my will, I take thy heart Thy mind shall dwell in my mind In my words thou shall rejoice With all thy heart, May God join thee to me. What a beautiful vow newlyweds are making to each other when they are just about to start a new journey together. This verse in the form of a …

Review By: Raj Shah, Managing Editor – Desh-Videsh Media Group In 1972, Dr Henry Kissinger, the National Security Adviser to then US President Richard Nixon, called Bangladesh a ‘basket with a hole’. But more shocking was that President Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger were silent when Pakistani Army and their local collaborators killed three million people, raped thousands of Bengali …

How Article 370 and Article 35A came to be… When India gained independence from the evil British Empire, the state of Jammu & Kashmir preferred to stay independent under Maharaja Hari Singh. Later in 1947, the Azad Kashmir Force, supported by the Pakistani army, attacked the Jammu & Kashmir state. Singh asked for help from the Indian Government. The Indian …

Dear Reader Let me take this opportunity to wish all our Muslim readers a Happy Ramadan. May this divine month bring you and your family together, multiply your happiness, and fill your life with peace and grace. Let me also congratulate our readers from Pakistan on getting a new prime minister after weeks of political turmoil. Imran Khan, a famous …

We are tremendously excited to feature very interesting articles this month covering a wide variety of topics from the Ukraine crisis to a review of the recently released movie The Kashmir Files to a remembrance of the Jallianwalla Baugh massacre. First, let me talk about The Kashmir Files movie and the Jallianwalla Baugh massacre. Both incidents have one thing in …

Editor’s Note April 13, 1919, will be the date Indians of my generation will never forget. If the younger generation does not know or does not remember, I would like to remind them through this article. It was the day when the Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred and more than 500 innocent men, women, and small children died because of the …

Dear Reader, Just get engaged? Overwhelmed by the thought of planning your wedding? Don’t worry, the Desh-Videsh Media Group staff is ready to assist you with their first 2023 Desh-Videsh wedding resource special edition. I frequently came across wedding planning information that was heavily laden with negative language while doing research and preparing for this special edition. The difficulty, expense, …

Dear readers, This month we come to you with articles which cover a wide variety of subjects. I am sure you must have guessed that my most favorite article among this month’s articles is Celebrating the Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Growing up in India, my father who was my teacher at home as well as in school, always talked …

Editor’s Note Born into the aristocratic Bengali Kayastha family in Calcutta, Swami Vivekananda ji was born as Narendranath Datta on January 12, 1863. He was a key figure in the introduction of the Hindu philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. He is credited with raising interfaith awareness of Hinduism’s status as a major world religion (doing so …

Dear Readers On behalf of the entire team of the Desh-Videsh Media Group, let me wish all our readers, supporters, advertisers, and well-wishers a ‘Happy and Healthy Diwali!’ May this festival of lights bring you and your family bright days ahead. To my Gujarati readers, I wish you and your family a healthy and happy New Year. Given what all …

Dear Readers, The March issue of Desh-Videsh was a wedding issue, so some important events from this month were not covered. Allow us to cover those historic events in this issue. And as you know the month of March is an eventful one that includes the first day of spring, a celebration of women’s history, Holi, the anniversary of the …

“Hinduism has the strongest presence of the divine feminine among major world religions, from ancient times to the present” says Edwin Bryant, an American Indologist and professor of Religions of India at Rutgers University. The goddess is viewed as central in Shakti and Shiva Hindu traditions. Matriarchal theology is quite prevalent in Sanskritic traditions and village Hinduism relating to the …

A 61 year old man, 91 years ago, walked 241 miles in 25 days, which included three rest days, at a pace of nearly 11 miles per day. That man is not other than our own Mahatma Gandhi ji and that walk was called the Salt March, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, Dandi March and the Dandi Satyagraha. Last …

Hindu scripture consists of volumes of books written over thousands of years. Among these written works are the Bhagavad Gita, four Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda, and Upanishads, all of which are the most read and quoted when discussing Hindu scriptures. In this month’s Word to Live By column, I would like to highlight a Hindu Scripture that is full …

Dear Readers, I am pretty confident that I am not alone when I say that I’ll be glad to bid goodbye to 2020. The most depressing and worrisome year gave us both a global pandemic with the highest unemployment rate and a financial crisis. It’s probably fair to say that this has been one of the worst years in recent …

By Raj Shah, Managing Editor, Desh-Videsh In less than two weeks, Desh Videsh Media Group and Florida Fine arts came together to create a music series to alleviate some of anxiety and stress caused by the COVID-19 shutdown. Sa Ni Dha Pa Live – Sur Sangam in Your Living room, a web-based music series, is a true community project, and …

Book Review by Raj Shah, Managing Editor, Desh-Videsh In 2015, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to ASEAN world leaders and said, “Our democratic values and an alert judicial system ensure the safety of your investments. Most of the ASEAN economies have done their bit for Asia’s resurgence. Now, it is India’s turn. And we know that our time has …

By Raj Shah, Managing Editor, Desh-Videsh The COVID-19 pandemic has created a time of unprecedented uncertainty and anxiety for many. The lockdown has caused many of us to feel isolated and at a loss for ways to spend the time. To alleviate some of these pressures, Desh-Videsh Media Group and Florida Fine Arts have come together and launched a community …

Dear Readers, I hope all of you are as excited as I am with the wide variety of articles featured in each issue of Desh-Videsh and the May issue is even more interesting.  First, let me wish all our Muslim friends and readers a Happy Ramadan. Over the years, I have been reading and hearing from my college roommate Iqbal …

Raj Shah Managing Editor, Desh-Videsh My Short answer is “Absolutely not.” Now let me backup my statement. Some of you may or may not know Savarkar. He was the founder president of Hindu Mahasabha He and was also one of the nine men accused of killing Gandhi ji. But on a technicality, he was set free. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s …

In 2017, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation (EVF) a unique goal of establishing 100,000 schools by the year 2022  – the 75th year of India’s independence. Volunteers and management of Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation accepted this challenge very gracefully and predicted that they will reach this goal way ahead of time. To date, EVF has established 99,209 …

In earlier wedding special issues of Desh-Videsh, I have discussed the importance of wedding rituals in Hindu weddings. A wedding for a Hindu family is not just a party and celebration, but it also fulfills one of the nine sanskars of life. In other words, Marriage, for every Hindu, is not merely pleasure, or romantic love, but an act of …

 Dear Readers, It is my pleasure to present our third Wedding Resources special edition of the year. Before I tell you more about this issue, let me first thank several readers and especially brides to be for making suggestions to include more wedding related articles, trends and tips. As they say, “Your wish is our command.” So, this issue includes …

Compiled by RajShah Inspiring Commencement Speeches What better time to discuss commencement speeches than in the Desh-Videsh Education special edition. Enjoy these quotable quotes from a few timeless commencement speeches by notable Indians to help you define your own success. Raghuram Rajan 23rd Reserve Bank of India Governor “You are rarely happy simply because you are successful, but you are …

Dear Readers, The month of January brings many new and exciting things. To start, it is the beginning of a new year, new hopes, new resolutions, and new goals. But the most exciting for me is when the Indian government recognizes individuals who have contributed for years to promote India, Indian culture, and Indian heritage. As an Indian living outside …

Today is the 71st death anniversary of our beloved leader Mahatma Gandhi ji. He was killed on January 30, 1948 by  a Hindu-fanatic. A simple question comes to everybody’s mind, why did Godse kill Gandhi? A question that intrigues, confuses and makes the whole world upset. How can someone so viciously kill a harmless and unselfish man like Gandhi, who …

Dear Readers, Shubham karoti kalyaanam Aarogyam dhanasampadah Shatrubuddhivinaashaaya Deepajyotir namostute I prostrate to the light which brings brilliance, auspiciousness, health and wealth for the destruction of evil thoughts This message is from the Hindu Scriptures and is very timely for upcoming Hindu Festivals, Navratri and Diwali. It is that time of the year – the time to celebrate, enjoy family, …

For an oil lamp to burn, the wick has to be partially immersed in the oil. If the wick is completely drowned in oil, it cannot bring light. Life is like the wick of the lamp, you have to be in the world and yet remain untouched by it. If you are drowned in the materialism of the world, you …

Divali Nagar, City of Lights is an annual exposition of Hindu culture, and it is associated with the celebration of Diwali in Trinidad and Tobago. The idea of Divali Nagar was born in 1986 out of a concept enunciated by Hans Hanoomansingh, then President of the National Council of Indian Culture and was organized by a team of dedicated individuals

Love Poems by Rabindranath Tagore Compiled by Raj Shah You are about to get married. No doubt, you have many things on your mind, and expressing endearing words about your soulmate may be hard. Whether for your invitation, wedding programs, or special vows, you might need some inspiration! Often, a great quote about true love, few lines of dialogue, love …

Dear Readers, Shubham karoti kalyaanam Aarogyam dhanasampadah Shatrubuddhivinaashaaya Deepajyotir namostute I prostrate to the light which brings brilliance, auspiciousness, health and wealth for the destruction of evil thoughts This message is from the Hindu Scriptures and is very timely for upcoming Hindu Festivals, Navratri and Diwali. It is that time of the year – the time to celebrate, enjoy family, …

Ahimsa is not a policy for the seizure of power. It is a way of transforming relationships so as to bring about a peaceful transfer of power, effected freely and without compulsion by all concerned, because all have come to recognize it as right. — Thomas Merton If thou shouldst say, “It is enough, I have reached perfection,” all is …

Dear Readers, The August issue is a Fashion Issue, and if there is one thing I do not know about, it’s fashion. So if I do not know what to write in this column, and my thoughts go all over the place then forgive me. First, let me welcome our newest writer, Siddhi Desai, a multi-talented energetic young lady who …

My India, My Love By Raj Shah “Where Ganges, woods, Himalayan caves, and men dream God –I am hallowed; my body touched that sod.” These were the last words uttered by Paramahansa Yogananda during a banquet at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles with the Indian Ambassador to America on March 7, 1952. Immediately after that, he went into Maha …

Dear Readers, Scientist and former Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam once said, “Learning gives creativity, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge, and knowledge makes you great.” It is truly our pleasure to showcase such great Indian American kids who have, once again showed the entire world their creativity and knowledge by winning in variety of fields. These remarkable kids …

Dear Readers, It was 25 years ago that Desh-Videsh magazine first hit newsstands, and 12 years ago in May was when our first wedding special issue came out. So it is with great pleasure that we present our latest wedding special edition. Everything you need from the moment you say “yes” to “I do” or take your four mangal pheras …

Dear Readers, In 1958, in his book A Nation of Immigrants, President John F. Kennedy wrote “America is a nation of people who value both tradition and the exploration of new frontiers, people who deserve the freedom to build better lives for themselves in their adopted homeland.” He also said, “In 1797 a member of Congress argued that, while a …

Dear Readers, Health and fitness expert Richard Simmons once said in an interview, “You can’t buy it, you can’t rent it. You have to earn it. My formula has always been love yourself, move your body, watch your portions.” It says it all. A healthy life is not a commodity that anybody can buy. You have to work at it. …

Dear Readers, Bahaar, Basant, Vasant, Spring. The loveliest of all seasons is here. One of the greatest poets in classical Sanskrit literature Kalidasa calls it the king of seasons. I am not sure about you, but every spring brings me feelings of freshness. There is something about the spring that makes the world feel like it’s starting anew, there is …

Dear Readers, Can you believe Desh Videsh Media Group has been involved in the community for 25 years! What an exciting journey it has been. As I said before, this is just the beginning. At the 2017 Desh-Videsh Media Group Community Award Gala Banquet, I took a moment to thank all of our supporters. Once again, on behalf of Aruna, …

Dear Readers, Goodbye 2017 and Welcome 2018! 2017 was a very exciting year for Desh Videsh Media Group, and we know that 2018 will be just as exciting! On behalf of the entire Desh Videsh Media Group team, I want to wish a Happy New Year and extend a heartfelt thanks to our readers, advertisers and supporters. May God Almighty …

Sunrise, Fla., December 6, 2017: Desh-Videsh Media Group announces the release of children’s book We love Diwali, which takes readers on a journey of how Hindu, Jain, and Sikh families living in America come together to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. This is the first in an educational series of books for children on Hindu religion and culture. The …

Dear Readers, Do you know one of the best things for us living in the US? We enjoy the best of both the worlds, either good food, festivals or holidays. For many, the festive season began in September with the start of Navratri, followed by Diwali, and the just-passed Thanksgiving. Still up – Christmas and finishing out the year with …

Dear Readers, Well, fall is approaching and busy celebrations continue. Diwali has just passed, but Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner. For many, this is a time of travel and a chance to plan longer get togethers. Road trips can seem daunting and stressful – the traffic, bored kids, and more are reasons why people often prefer air travel. …

Dear Readers, First of all let me wish Happy Diwali to all of you and to all our Gujarati brothers sisters, Happy New year too! It’s that time of the year of Festivals, Family, and Food. Don’t forget the sweets – no festival is complete without these treats! For the last few years, Aruna and I have been inviting all …

In 1988, the Oldsmobile car company launched an ad campaign “Not your father’s Oldsmobile.” This successful campaign told car buyers that a completely new car was on the market that all generations could love it. The campaign was effective several other companies copied the same concept for their ads. Why am I am telling you this when I am supposed …

Dear Readers, For many of us, the summer was filled with wonderful events, engagements and weddings included. Attending these festive occasions reminds us of the joy in finding a partner and starting life’s journey together. Congratulations to all the newlyweds and newly engaged couples out there! This month as with all weddings issues, we bring you real wedding stories filled …

Dear Readers, Like many of you this summer, Aruna and I have had a wonderful time catching up with friends and vacationing with family. We’re feeling refreshed and ready for the fall – one of our favorite season’s, namely because of upcoming Indian festivals! For many, the IIFA Awards are nearly as exciting as celebrating our cultural and religious holidays! …

Dear Readers, Congrats to this year’s graduates! For those moving on to college or starting new jobs, we hope the journey is filled with adventure and success. In this issue, we present our annual round-up of this year’s Valedictorians and Salutatorians. Learn more about what inspires these young graduates. Also in this month’s issue are articles to ensure parents are …

Dear Readers, Every wedding issue, we bring readers real wedding stories that are meant to inspire, and more than anything, show couples that all the planning does end in celebration and joyous moments all around! This month, the real wedding stories show us just the spectrum of themes be it traditional, modern, or a combination of both. From exciting entrances …

Dear Readers, Every year, our May issue is about Immigration, which is especially timely given that immigration has been a very controversial topic. During the last two years, many politicians including President Trump, have made statements about immigrants, especially illegal immigrants, building wall against US- Mexico border, and sanctuary cities. Reform of immigrations laws and policy has been at the …

Dear Readers, Friends, if there’s one thing we should pay attention to, it’s our health. I know, we are all aware of the need to eat healthy and exercise, but putting it into practice is quite another thing! Schedules are packed, and spare time is scarce, but we must do what we can! In this issue, staff writer Faren Rajkumar …

Dear Readers, As all our readers know, I love the wedding issues – the trends, the couple’s stories, the memorable images. This month, I’m even more so touched having just come back from a family wedding in India. Aruna and I had a wonderful time celebrating with family in a festive spirit that can only be experienced in India. Though …

Dear Readers, February is always a fun month for us (I realize I say this every month!). Like last year, we are proud to highlight the NRIs across the Indian diaspora, particularly those from our own communities in the United States. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards and Padma awards (Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri), announced every January, recognize …

Dear Readers, The New Year is coming soon, and what better way to end the year than through inspiring and touching wedding stories! Our final wedding edition for this year includes many interesting wedding stories from couple’s in our region. As in all our wedding resource issues, we highlight a few real weddings in this month’s issue. Reading through the …

Dear Readers, We hope everyone in our community enjoyed the many fun and engaging festivals in October with their loved ones and friends. With all the dancing, company of friends, and good foods, what is not to enjoy! Now your attention likely turns to the holidays coming up, and if you’re like us, you might be planning some travel during …

Dear Readers, Happy Festival Season! This is our favorite time of year, and how can it not be?! The dancing, delicious foods, and great company of family and friends! Even more so, it’s a time for reflection on the year past, and the one ahead. Many of you no doubt have fond memories of how you celebrated this time in …