Tristate Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info
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November 26-December 2, 2011
Indo-American engineers and architects flex muscle at annual day By Ashok Ojha/SATimes New York: The Society of Indo American Engineers and Architects (SIAEA), formed 30 years ago to fight against discrimination and today a premier organization, displayed its unity and strength at its 31st anniversary gala where over 800 members and their families enjoyed a fun-filled evening. Public officials of New York State praised the professionalism and creativity of engineers and architects of Indian origin at the dinner event held at Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan Nov 19. Complimenting SIAEA for its contribution in development projects, New York Senator Ruth HassellThompson said that the cultural backdrop of Indian American professionals was an asset that offers a unique perspective to the work carried out by them. She referred to the legislation ensuring equal share for minority and women entrepreneurs and called upon the Society members to take advantage of available oppor-
SIAEA President Nayan Parikh (fourth from left) with New York Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Ambassador Prabhu Dayal, Gala Chairman Kenny Desai, and President-elect Mihir Patel. (Photos by Gunjesh Desai). tunities in the field of investment and dia and the US closer. Michael Horodniceanu, president, construction. New York State Comptroller MTA Capital Construction, pointed Thomas DiNapoli praised Indian out that 40% engineers engaged in American professionals for making MTA projects could trace their roots remarkable contributions in improv- to India. ing the financial health of the state. SIAEA President Nayan Parikh Consul General of India, Ambassa- gave credit for SIAEA’s success and dor Prabhu Dayal highlighted influence to its members’ enterprisSIAEA’s contribution in bringing In- ing spirit. “We are moving forward to
Bansi Shah, President, KG Industries, being honored by Consul General Prabhu Dayal. expand our activities in the US. Very soon we will launch SIAEA’s new chapters in Philadelphia, Washington DC and Boston”, he added. The Society honored eight professionals at the event: Anil Parikh, Deputy Program Executive, MTACC; Hiten Patel, President, Collebera; Atul Shah, President, ANS Consultants; Bhavna Raval, Di-
rector-Engineering Audit Office, NYC DCAS/DFMO; Ashok Patel, President, Judlau Companies; Bansi Shah, President, KG Industries; Dave Goswami, CEO, Integrated Project Services; Viren Brahmbhatt, Principal, De.Sign; and Husam Ahmad, President, HAKS. Alpesh Patel, President, Voltamp Electrical Contractors, was honored as ‘Young Achiever under 40’. Bansi Shah remarked about getting honored by SIAEA, "My wife Kalpana Patel has made great contribution in my achievements. Her unconditional love and inspiration is my strength. I am also thankful to my committee members for their devotion and hard work." The Society also selected 10 students for awarding them $2,000 scholarships each. Gala Chair Kenny Desai and the Society’s President-Elect Mihir Patel also spoke on the occasion. The event concluded with performances by Bhangra Group of Columbia University and a lavish spread of Indian cuisine.
Plot to assassinate Trinidad PM uncovered Port-of-Spain: Trinidad & Tobago's prime minister said Thursday that police have uncovered an apparent plot to assassinate her and members of her government in the southern Caribbean country. At a press conference in Trinidad's capital, Kamla Persad-Bissessar gave no specifics of the alleged plot, but indicated that it was a response by criminal groups to her government's ongoing state of emergency to tackle crime and dismantle gangs. "The criminals are hurting in their pockets and so I am not surprised such elements would seek to make good on their threats of reprisals," PersadBissessar told reporters in Port-of-Spain.
Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs also declined to provide any details regarding the alleged plot. But he said about a dozen people have been detained. Their identities were not released. "It would be imprudent to provide further details as we are engaged in looking at the threats," Gibbs said. Earlier this month, Persad-Bissessar's government lifted a nearly three-month curfew that had helped stem a surging homicide rate but disgruntled many in a Caribbean country known for its party culture and carnival celebrations. At the time, Persad-Bissessar said the state of emergency, which allows police to search proper-
Chandan Preeni Kaur, 23 year old New Yorker was declared Miss India USA 2011 at a beauty pageant held in New Jersey Nov 20. To her right is Natasha Arora, the outgoing Miss India USA. First runner up Aasieya and 2nd runner up Sonam are also seen. (Photo: Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia/IANS)
ties without warrants, would remain in place and warned that limited curfews would be applied in some areas as needed. The emergency orders, which have helped dramatically reduce homicides, come up for review in December and the country is divided on whether it has been a success. On Thursday, the prime minister said the alleged assassination plot would not deter her government and the security forces from dismantling criminal gangs.Persad-Bissessar has been invited as the Chief Guest of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2012 in Jaipur, India.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Trinidad's prime minister
Prominent leaders of Plainview Gurdwara called on Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano to thank him for his continuous support to the community, and offered 500 free meals to needy people on Thanksgiving Day. Hon. Mangano promised to attend a community event at the Sikh temple in near future. Seen in the picture are: Amarjit Singh, head granthi at Plainview Gurdwara, Trustee IP Dhall, Chairman of Trust Board Surinder Singh Chawla, CE Nassau County Ed Mangano, Trustee Manjit Bawa, Trustee Inderpal Singh, Nassau County Business & Economic Development Director Kamlesh C Mehta and Herb Flores from the Office of Minority Affairs. (Photo by Michael Tamborrino)