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.

Click Here for NRI News

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.

Click Here for NRI News

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.

Click Here for NRI News

Dear Editor,

Your April article, The Great Bollywood Bias, powerfully exposes Bollywood’s selective criticism. Bollywood unfairly labels films celebrating national pride as propaganda, while others escape scrutiny, leading to a perception of bias and inconsistency in criticism. Audiences are clearly choosing differently, proving the shift is organic. Consistency in criticism is essential. Cinema must reflect all voices, not just approved narratives.

Sincerely,
Rajesh Patel,
Atlanta, Georgia

Dear Editor,

This article, Success, Stress, and Silent Disease, serves as a crucial reminder for our community. As a physician, I see these “silent diseases” daily—especially heart disease and diabetes among seemingly healthy patients. We must prioritize preventive care and break mental health stigma. Awareness must translate into action immediately.

Sincerely,
Dr. Revathi Rao,
Houston, Texas

Dear Editor,

While thought-provoking, your article, The Great Bollywood Bias, oversimplifies a complex debate. Not all criticism of patriotic films is biased; some concerns relate to storytelling quality and nuance, such as the depth of character development and the representation of diverse viewpoints within the narrative. Replacing one narrative bias with another isn’t progress. True credibility comes from balanced, thoughtful cinema that welcomes multiple perspectives.

Regards,
Anjali Mehta,
Fremont, California

Dear Editor,

Your article, Success, Stress, and Silent Disease highlights a critical yet often ignored reality in our community. As a cardiologist, I see younger patients facing preventable heart disease daily. The focus on early screening, lifestyle changes, and mental health awareness is timely. This message can truly save lives if acted upon.

Sincerely,
Dr. Rakesh Iyer,
Chicago, Illinois

Dear Editor,

Your article, The Great Bollywood Bias, courageously highlights a truth many hesitate to say aloud. Bollywood’s double standards have long shaped narratives unfairly. It is encouraging to see audiences reclaiming their voice and supporting stories rooted in identity and pride. Honest, balanced criticism—not selective outrage—will strengthen cinema.

 Sincerely,

Vikram Desai, Chicago, Illinois

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.

Click Here for NRI News

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.
##ARTICLE_BANNER_1##
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:
##ARTICLE_BANNER_2##
“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.
##ARTICLE_BANNER_3##
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.
##ARTICLE_BANNER_4##
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.

Click Here for Bollywood News

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.

Click Here for Bollywood News

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.

Click Here for Bollywood News

The Supreme Refuge: Durgā’s Transformation into the Hindu Great Goddess

by Hillary P. Rodrigues

The Supreme Refuge: Durgā’s Transformation Into the Hindu Great Goddess by Hillary P. Rodrigues (SUNY Press, 2025) presents the first comprehensive academic study of how Durgā evolved from a relatively minor deity into the supreme Mahādevī of Hindu tradition. Drawing on textual, inscriptional, and iconographic evidence, the book traces her development across historical phases—from early references in pre-epic literature to her iconic form as Mahishasuramardini and her theological elevation in Purāṇic texts.

A central focus is the Devi Mahatmya, which Rodrigues analyzes in depth to show how it establishes Durgā as the ultimate, all-encompassing divine शक्ति (Shakti). The study also explores “Proto-Durgā” forms and early goddess traditions, revealing how imagery and worship practices shaped her expanding identity.

Rodrigues, a Professor Emeritus at the University of Lethbridge, integrates multiple disciplines—art history, textual studies, and religious practice—to present a nuanced narrative. The book ultimately demonstrates how Durgā became a universal protector and spiritual refuge, revered by both rulers and common people, and a central figure in Hindu theology.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman Hardcover – Picture Book

by Vijay Goel

Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman (2026), authored by Vijay Goel and released by C. P. Radhakrishnan, is a richly illustrated coffee table book that presents a visual and personal portrait of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Launched on February 21, 2026, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, it serves as a “moral archive” rather than a conventional biography.

The book features rare photographs, archival records, and anecdotes tracing Vajpayee’s journey from a young parliamentarian in the 1950s to India’s 10th Prime Minister. It highlights defining moments such as the Pokhran nuclear tests and major infrastructure initiatives like the Delhi Metro. Above all, it emphasizes his eloquence, bipartisan respect, and ability to disagree without discord. Published by the Heritage India Foundation, the work portrays Vajpayee as a poet-statesman whose legacy continues to shape modern India.

Gods, Guns & Missionaries: The Making of the Modern

By Manu S. Pillai

Manu S. Pillai’s Gods, Guns and Missionaries (2025) examines how modern Hindu identity evolved through encounters with European colonialism and Christian missions. He argues Hinduism transformed from a fluid, plural tradition into a more cohesive and political identity. Missionary expansion, backed by colonial power, provoked both resistance and adaptation among Hindu thinkers. Over centuries, this interaction reshaped religious self-understanding, especially during the British Raj. Through diverse historical figures, Pillai presents a nuanced narrative showing how conflict, dialogue, and adaptation collectively shaped the foundations of contemporary Hindu identity and nationalism.  

The Indian Knowledge System: Creative Dialogue on Intellectual Traditions in the 21st Century

Edited by Manindra Nath Thakur and Shailja Tandon

Manu S. Pillai’s Gods, Guns and Missionaries (2025) examines how modern Hindu identity evolved through encounters with European colonialism and Christian missions. He argues Hinduism transformed from a fluid, plural tradition into a more cohesive and political identity. Missionary expansion, backed by colonial power, provoked both resistance and adaptation among Hindu thinkers. Over centuries, this interaction reshaped religious self-understanding, especially during the British Raj. Through diverse historical figures, Pillai presents a nuanced narrative showing how conflict, dialogue, and adaptation collectively shaped the foundations of contemporary Hindu identity and nationalism.