Amit Kshatriya’s journey from watching rocket launches as a child in Houston to becoming a key leader at NASA reflects a remarkable career in space exploration. Now serving as Associate Administrator, he holds one of the highest civilian roles at the agency, overseeing operations and long term mission goals while advising the NASA Administrator and coordinating major programmes.

Born in Wisconsin to Indian immigrant parents and raised in Texas, Kshatriya developed an early fascination with space. He earned a mathematics degree from the California Institute of Technology and a master’s from the University of Texas, shaping his analytical approach to engineering and operations.

He began his career in oil, gas, and healthcare before moving to the space sector in 2003. At a NASA contractor, he worked in software engineering, robotics, and spacecraft operations, contributing significantly to the robotic assembly of the International Space Station.

Kshatriya later became a flight director, leading international teams and managing mission operations. He also handled engineering, logistics, and hardware management roles.

In recent years, he has contributed to NASA’s Artemis programme, supporting lunar missions and long term strategies for human space exploration beyond Earth.

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A large scale cultural gathering in Southern California marked Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti with vibrant celebrations, bringing together hundreds of attendees. Hosted by Shivaji Maharaj America Parivar, the event transformed Kennedy High School into a lively venue filled with music, performances, and community spirit, honouring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his legacy of leadership and vision.

The programme blended traditional Indian culture with modern presentation techniques, including advanced stage design and digital enhancements. Organisers aimed to create an experience that was both educational and inspiring, encouraging reflection on values such as courage, strategy, and self respect.

The evening began with an energetic dhol tasha performance, followed by a ceremonial lamp lighting attended by community leaders, elected officials, and organisers, highlighting wider recognition of Indian cultural events.

Prominent local officials and Indian consulate representatives were present, emphasising unity and cultural preservation. A key highlight was a theatrical presentation based on the Ramayana and stories of Lord Krishna, combining traditional storytelling with AI driven visuals.

The event also featured devotional processions, music, and activities like essay writing and fort building competitions, while also paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th birth anniversary.

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Dr Manu K. Vora, an Indian American nonprofit leader, has been honoured with a prestigious leadership award in the United States, recognising his long standing contribution to social impact and organisational excellence. The recognition was presented by the Foundation for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which celebrates outstanding leadership in promoting high performance standards across organisations. This achievement marks a milestone, as Dr Vora becomes the first Indo American charity leader to receive this honour in the nonprofit category.

As the founder and president of the Blind Foundation for India in the United States since 1989, Dr Vora has played a vital role in building a mission driven organisation focused on preventing blindness and supporting visually impaired individuals. Under his leadership, the foundation has adopted structured management practices, ensuring effective governance, strategic planning, and strong engagement with donors and volunteers.

Over the years, the organisation has impacted millions across India through free cataract surgeries, large scale eye checkups, educational support, and mobile healthcare units. It has also raised over $8 million, strengthening healthcare access and improving lives, while setting a benchmark for excellence in nonprofit leadership and social impact.

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The Governor of Delaware has officially recognised Sadhguru for his global contributions as a spiritual leader, humanitarian, author, and environmental advocate. The proclamation, signed by Governor Matthew Meyer on April 15, highlights Sadhguru’s influence in inspiring millions worldwide through teachings rooted in yogic sciences adapted for modern life.

The document acknowledges his efforts to make ancient spiritual practices accessible across cultures and generations. It also emphasises the work carried out through the Isha Foundation, a nonprofit organisation running yoga programmes, wellness initiatives, and community outreach activities globally.

Authorities noted his contributions to environmental sustainability, rural development, and public health. His large scale initiatives, including tree plantation drives and soil conservation campaigns, have gained international recognition for ecological impact and awareness.

The proclamation also highlights his engagement in Delaware, particularly around mindfulness, health, and environmental responsibility, including interactions with local communities and the Indian American diaspora.

Following the announcement, Sadhguru expressed gratitude, calling the meeting meaningful. Born Jaggi Vasudev, he noted that true impact lies in positively influencing lives, adding that human potential flourishes when individuals experience inner balance and joy.

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After a long time, Aruna and I decided to visit the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center in Miami. This was not a routine visit—we made a special point to go there on my 80th birthday to seek blessings and spiritual strength from the Brahma Kumari sisters. On such a milestone day we felt a more profound need to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the Divine. There could be no better place than a space filled with peace, purity, and elevated spiritual vibrations.

What made the moment even more meaningful was when Sister Wady Ben gently reminded me of something I had almost forgotten—that on my last birthday, I had begun a one-week introductory course with the Brahma Kumaris. That reminder felt powerful. It was as if my spiritual journey had quietly come full circle. A year ago, I had taken a small but sincere step toward spiritual understanding. Now, on my 80th birthday, I was being reminded to keep going down that path with more awareness and dedication.
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The Brahma Kumari sisters greeted us with warmth, love, and real love. Receiving a special blessing and a thoughtful gift on this occasion deeply touched me. In that sacred atmosphere, I did not feel the weight of eighty years; instead, I felt light, peaceful, and deeply grateful. It felt as though the Divine was gently reminding me that life, when lived with spiritual awareness, only becomes richer and more meaningful with time.

During our visit, we had the privilege of listening to a Murli shared by Sister Wady Ben. The words were simple, yet profoundly transformative:
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“May you become free from care and worry and make anything difficult become easy by remaining aware of the Father’s hand and His company.”

The message is simple and easy to understand with a beautiful analogy. When a child holds the hand of an elder, there is an immediate sense of safety. The child does not worry about where the path leads or what obstacles may come. That trust removes fear. In the same way, in this alokik ( Divine, Beyond the physical world ) life, we must constantly remain aware that our hand is in the hand of the Divine—BapDada (Brahma Kumaris use the term BapDada to refer to the combined form of the incorporeal God (Shiv) and the founder of the movement, Brahma Baba (Lekhraj Kripalani).  When we truly comprehend that our life is in His hands, everything transforms. We stop carrying unnecessary burdens. We stop worrying about outcomes. We become light.
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This message resonated deeply with me, especially when I reflected on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, where Bhagavan Krishna guides Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Arjuna, overwhelmed by confusion and emotional conflict, feels unable to act. Krishna does not remove the battlefield; instead, He transforms Arjuna’s understanding.

Krishna’s timeless teaching, the Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18 Sloka 66,

सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज |
अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुच: || 18.66 ||

sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śharaṇaṁ vraja
ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣhayiṣhyāmi mā śhuchaḥ

Abandon all varieties of dharmas and simply surrender unto Me alone. I shall liberate you from all sinful reactions; do not fear. 

This teaching echoes the same truth we heard in the Murli. Surrender is not weakness; it is the highest strength. It is the realization that we are never alone. When we give our burdens to the Divine, we are not fleeing life; we are letting it guide us.

Both teachings remind us of a profound truth: life becomes heavy when we try to control everything, and it becomes light when we trust the Divine. When we hold the “Father’s hand,” or follow Krishna’s guidance, even the most difficult situations begin to feel manageable.
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As Aruna and I left the meditation center that day, we carried more than just blessings—we carried a renewed awareness. The challenges of life had not disappeared, but they no longer felt overwhelming. There was a quiet confidence, a deep sense of being protected and guided.

On my 80th birthday, this became my greatest gift—not just the blessings and the thoughtful present, but the realization that my spiritual journey, which I had consciously begun a year ago, continues with grace. When we remain aware of the divine presence—whether we call Him BapDada or Krishna—we discover that we never walk alone, and what once seemed difficult becomes beautifully easy.

Actor Yash has sparked excitement after sharing insights into his role in the upcoming film Ramayana during an international event. Speaking to media in Los Angeles, he discussed his approach to portraying Ravana, with his comments quickly gaining attention online.

Yash revealed that his focus is to present Ravana as a relatable and human character. He acknowledged the challenge of adapting a mythological figure for a global audience while balancing authenticity with wider appeal. By exploring Ravana’s emotional depth and layered personality, he aims to make the character more understandable beyond Indian audiences.

He also emphasised that the filmmakers are committed to preserving the cultural and spiritual essence of the story. Director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra are ensuring that the narrative remains rooted in tradition while appealing to modern viewers. Yash described the role as both challenging and creatively fulfilling.

The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Yash noted that despite the build up to their rivalry, Ram and Ravana will not share screen space in the first part.

Expected to release during Diwali, Ramayana is shaping up as a grand project with global appeal and strong anticipation.

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Ayushmann Khurrana is set to return to the big screen with his upcoming comedy film Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, directed by Mudassar Aziz. The film also stars Sara Ali Khan, Rakul Preet Singh, and Wamiqa Gabbi, and has generated strong buzz after the makers officially announced its theatrical release date. The movie is scheduled to hit cinemas on May 15, 2026, raising excitement among fans awaiting this entertainer.

The announcement included a quirky poster that quickly grabbed attention online. It shows Ayushmann caught in a jungle net alongside a tiger, hinting at a chaotic and humorous storyline. The makers teased the plot with a playful caption, suggesting that the central character, Prajapati Pandey, lands in unexpected trouble, blending comedy with relationship drama.

The film offers a fresh twist on the romantic comedy format by expanding the classic love triangle. Wamiqa Gabbi plays the wife, while Sara Ali Khan appears as the other woman, creating a layered narrative. Rakul Preet Singh also plays a key role, adding depth.

Produced by T Series and B R Studios and distributed by Zee Studios, the film marks Mudassar Aziz’s return after the earlier installment earned about $10 million globally.

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Filmmaker Boney Kapoor recently shared an emotional moment as his daughter Anshula Kapoor prepares to begin a new phase in her life with her upcoming wedding. Taking to social media, he posted a candid picture of Anshula, capturing a simple yet heartfelt moment that reflects his affection and pride as a father. The image shows her sitting at a café, enjoying a relaxed moment while clicking a picture of her dessert. Along with the post, Boney expressed his feelings in a light yet emotional tone, describing his daughter as becoming even sweeter as she approaches her wedding day.

Anshula Kapoor is set to marry her longtime partner, Rohan Thakkar. The couple has kept their relationship largely private, occasionally sharing glimpses of their journey together. Their wedding preparations have already begun, with traditional ceremonies marking the celebrations. Earlier, the family came together for the Gor Dhana ritual, a customary pre wedding function that holds cultural significance.

Adding to the excitement, Anshula recently celebrated her bachelorette trip in Seoul, South Korea, alongside her close friends and cousins. She shared moments from the trip on social media, reflecting joy and family bonds ahead as the wedding approaches with heartfelt memories and meaningful celebrations.

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Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar, has delivered a strong opening at the box office, showing a sharp jump after its preview release. The film earned around $1.5 million on its first full day, marking a rise of nearly 250 percent from its preview earnings of about $0.4 million. This growth has pushed its total domestic gross to approximately $2.3 million, while worldwide collections have reached close to $2.9 million so far.

Despite this promising start, the opening performance presents a mixed comparison with Akshay Kumar’s recent films. While it stands as one of his strongest openings in recent years, it still does not surpass some of his earlier high-performing releases, placing it in the mid-range of his recent box office track record.

In the horror comedy space, the film faces tough competition from recent titles that set higher benchmarks with stronger openings. It is also competing with Dhurandhar 2, which continues to perform steadily in theatres.

Directed by Priyadarshan, the film reunites him with Akshay Kumar and features Wamiqa Gabbi, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav, and Jisshu Sengupta, blending horror and comedy with steady growth ahead.

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If you’ve just received the notification that your H-1B registration was not selected, the disappointment is real—and justified.

Months of preparation. Employer coordination. Legal filings. Hope.

Then, there was silence from the system, except for two words: “not selected.”

For many, this moment signifies the end of their pursuit of the American dream.

But here’s the reality most people don’t immediately see:
The H-1B lottery is not the only path—and often not even the smartest long-term strategy.

Every year, thousands of highly skilled professionals face this exact situation. The difference between those who stall and those who succeed comes down to one thing: what they do next, such as exploring alternative visa options, networking effectively, or enhancing their skills to increase their employability.

This is not the end of your journey.
This is the moment where strategy replaces chance.

First, reset your perspective.

The H-1B lottery is fundamentally a random selection system, not a merit-based evaluation.

That means:

• It does not reflect your talent.
• It does not measure your value.
• It does not define your future.

Many professionals who were not selected go on to build stronger, more stable, and often faster immigration pathways than those who relied solely on H-1B.

Instead of asking, “Why wasn’t I selected?”
The better question is
“What is my strongest strategic path forward now?”

Strategic Pathways You Should Actively Explore

1. Re-Enroll in a New Academic Program (F-1 Pathway Reset)

If you are currently on F-1 OPT or STEM OPT and your work authorization is nearing expiration, enrolling in a new academic program can provide a legal and structured continuation of your stay.

This option is often misunderstood—and underestimated.

Key advantage:
Because you have already completed one degree in the U.S., you may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) much sooner than first-time students.

In some programs, CPT can begin almost immediately if:

• It is embedded in the curriculum.
• It is academically justified.
• It aligns with your field of study.

However, this is where caution becomes critical.

Important risk factor:
U.S. immigration authorities closely monitor so-called “Day 1 CPT” programs. If your enrollment appears to be a workaround primarily to continue working—not studying—it could later be interpreted as a status violation, affecting

• Future visa approvals
• Change of status applications
• Green card processing

Bottom line:
This path works—but only when it is academically legitimate and strategically planned, ensuring that applicants align their qualifications with the specific needs of cap-exempt employers.

2. Target Cap-Exempt Employers (The Overlooked Opportunity)

Most applicants focus exclusively on private-sector companies that fall under the H-1B cap.

That’s a mistake.

There is an entire category of employers that are not subject to the lottery at all.

These include:

• Universities and institutions of higher education
• Nonprofits affiliated with universities
• Nonprofit research organizations
• Government research institutions

With these employers, H-1B petitions can be filed any time of the year, without waiting for the lottery cycle.

Strategic advantage:

• No lottery uncertainty
• Faster processing timeline
• Greater predictability

Strategic limitation:
If you later move to a private-sector, cap-subject employer, you will likely need to enter the lottery at that stage.

Still, many professionals use this route to:

• Build U.S. experience
• Strengthen their resume
• Create long-term immigration flexibility

3. Explore Alternative Visa Categories (Beyond H-1B Thinking)

The U.S. immigration system is complex—but within that complexity lies opportunity.

Several visa categories may align better with your background than H-1B.

L-1 Visa (Intracompany Transfer)

If you have worked outside the U.S. for at least one year with a qualifying multinational company, you may be eligible for transfer:

• L-1A: Managers and executives
• L-1B: Specialized knowledge employees

This option is one of the most powerful alternatives because

• It bypasses the lottery.
• It can lead to a green card more directly (especially L-1A)

O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)
This visa is designed for individuals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in fields such as

• Technology
• Business
• Science
• Arts

While often perceived as “out of reach,” many professionals underestimate their eligibility.

If you have:

• Publications
• Awards
• Media recognition
• Leadership roles

—you may already be closer to qualifying than you think.

J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor)
In certain situations, the J-1 category can provide the following:

• Short-term legal status
• Structured professional experience
• Time to recalibrate long-term strategy

However, some J-1 programs include a home residency requirement, which must be evaluated carefully, as this requirement can significantly impact a candidate’s ability to return to their home country and may influence their long-term career plans.

The Reality: There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Solution

What works for one candidate may not work for another.

Your best option depends on:

• Your field of expertise
• Your employer’s flexibility
• Your academic background
• Your long-term immigration goals

That’s why reactive decisions can be risky.

This moment requires informed, proactive planning—not quick fixes.

This Moment Is a Pivot Point, Not a Dead End.

Not being selected in the H-1B lottery is undeniably frustrating.

But it is not a verdict on your future.

In fact, many professionals later realize that missing the lottery forced them to do the following:

• Discover better opportunities
• Build stronger credentials
• Take more strategic control of their careers

The H-1B lottery is a game of chance.

Your future should not be.

Use this moment to shift from waiting… to planning.

About the Author:

Anjali V. Deshmukh is an immigration lawyer in Washington, D.C. who has been working in the field for more than 15 years. She focuses on employment and religious worker visas. She graduated from Georgetown University Law Center and has spent her career helping South Asian non-profits and cultural institutions understand the complicated rules and regulations that govern immigration in the United States. Anjali speaks at national legal forums a lot, and she cares deeply about giving the Indian-American community the legal clarity it needs to protect its rich spiritual and cultural traditions. You can reach her by email at anjali@deshvidesh.com.