Kapur opened the evening by expressing gratitude to Governor Newsom for his decisive veto of the proposed SB 403 bill, which aimed to ban caste discrimination, and for his interest in visiting a Hindu temple in Florida in the coming months. The room, filled with many Indian-origin attendees, entrepreneurs, and young people, erupted in applause, recognizing Governor Newsom’s steadfast support for entrepreneurial initiatives and his principled stance on critical issues. Kapur also stated that he feels the Governor has a good chance of being the 47th President of the USA.

Governor Newsom shared his inspiring journey from entrepreneur to Governor, recounting his early days in the 80s when he sold wine from his living room as a teenager. His story deeply resonated with the audience. He highlighted his impactful tenure on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, where his work on homelessness and urban development drew significant attention. As Mayor of San Francisco in 2004, he made national headlines by authorizing same-sex marriage licenses and implementing universal healthcare for city residents. Newsom also spoke about the sister city initiative with the state of Karnataka in India during his mayoral tenure, which allowed him to visit the country with a large delegation of business and community leaders from San Francisco. He expressed his eagerness to visit India again as Governor.

Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of AI, technology, entrepreneurship, and the contributions of immigrants. He stated, “42% of all startups in California are founded by immigrants, and they are the lifeblood of our state. Amid the vitriol, xenophobia, and nativism that permeates much of our politics, particularly from figures like Donald Trump, we in California have endured and emerged stronger. We overcame the divisive rhetoric of Prop 187 in the 1990s, and today, we celebrate our diversity rather than merely tolerate it. As a result, we lead in manufacturing, boast the highest number of scientists, researchers, and Nobel laureates, and continue to drive innovation globally.”

Addressing the unique strengths of Massachusetts, Governor Newsom highlighted how renowned institutions of higher learning serve as conveyor belts for talent, fostering competition not just on price but on talent. He noted that what sets California and Massachusetts apart is their human capital—the best and the brightest. This spirit of inclusiveness and growth ensures that everyone benefits. In a state where 27% of the population is foreign-born, this mindset is crucial. California, a majority-minority state with a population equivalent to 21 other states combined, must see itself in the context of the world.

Governor Newsom also mentioned his recent travels to Michigan, a stop in Pittsburgh, and his packed schedule, including attending this event and visiting New Hampshire. The evening concluded with attendees eagerly speculating whether he would run for President or if Vice President Harris might run, given President Biden’s debate performance and the pressure reported within the Democratic Party, as seen in the news and through print media.

Prominent business leaders such as Vikram Rajadhyaksha, Dr. Venu Kondle, Yash and Jigna Shah, Manoj, and Vaishali Shinde, Mathias and Natalia Troger, Shirish and Allison Nimgaonkar, tech entrepreneurs Thomas Arul, Manny Arora, Priya Samant, Yogi Gupta, Rishi Yadav, and community leaders including Raj Dichpally, Ranjani, Sandip Asija, Rahul, Bernice Singh and Dr. Anil Saigal, and Restaurateur Vinod Kapur, who offered the catering services for the evening, attended the event. Rishi Kumar, the former candidate for the U.S. House representing California’s 16th Congressional District, was also present.

This memorable evening not only celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit and democratic values but also reinforced the significant contributions of the Indian-American community to the fabric of our nation. Governor Newsom’s visionary leadership and commitment to inclusiveness and innovation continue to inspire and drive progress.

The post Celebrating Entrepreneurial Spirit And Democratic Values At The Campaign For Democracy Reception appeared first on NRI News.

MUMBAI: Smt. Droupadi Murmu – Hon’ble President of India graced the spirituality congregation ‘Global Spirituality Mahotsav’ taking place at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the headquarters of Heartfulness today. The four-day spirituality summit brought by the Ministry of Culture and Heartfulness is unique in that it has brought together the spirituality gurus of all faiths and communities at one platform to raise the collective human consciousness together. The summit is themed “Inner Peace to World Peace”. The conference aims to bring interfaith dialogues and help people of every age and every walk of life connect with spirituality in daily life. The anthem song for Global Spirituality Mahotsav titled  ‘Inner Peace to World Peace’ was launched during the summit.

Accompanied by Ms. Uma Nanduri – Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Hon’ble President took a tour of exhibition stalls at the summit and appreciated the legacy of Heartfulness mission. Smt. Droupadi Murmu – Hon’ble President of India said: “Global Spirituality Mahotsav will take humanity towards spirituality. Spiritual icons like Mahavir, Ravidas, and Gurunanak have given India a unique identity as the spiritual hub of the world. Bharat is the land of ideals of Ahimsa and Compassion, the knowledge of which our ancient sages gave us and to strengthen which our great spiritual gurus are guiding us. Today the great spiritual leaders and lakhs of people have joined together to bring harmony irrespective of different belief systems. I congratulate Daaji for taking the Heartfulness movement to 160 countries across the world. This is a very sacred cause. I am very pleased that The Ministry of Culture and Heartfulness has brought this Global Spiritual Mahotsav themed Inner peace to world peace.”

Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness & President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “We are very honored to have the Hon’ble President of India with us today. We are in times when mankind must unite steadfastly. In a way, there is an urgency to it to prevent any more wars, chaos, and strife from taking place. If each of us understands that we all are one, it is the same Divine Light within each of us, we can overcome the differences. But this kind of understanding comes through meditation and higher consciousness. The summit is therefore to enlighten all that we must together move forward for the common goal of self-realization.”

A panel discussion on ‘Inner Peace to World Peace’ witnessed meaningful thoughts coming from noted panelists viz., Ranjana Chopra, Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser, Ministry of Culture; Gaur Gopal Das (ISCKON); Swami Atmapriyananda (Ram Krishna Mission); Sister Usha Behn (BrahmaKumaris); HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji (Shri Vaishnavism); and Sh. Kamlesh D Patel (Daaji) Global Guide of Heartfulness.

A second-panel discussion on ‘Spirituality in Daily Lives’ by Jt. Secy. Smt. Amita Prasad Sarabhai, Ministry of Culture (Performing Arts); Swami Gita Govind Giriji Maharaj (Gita Parivar); Sadhvi Shilapi Ji Maharaj (Veerayatan); Pujya Bhaishree Ramesh Bhai Oza (Raj Chandra Mission); Yogi Nath J (Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan) + Experiential demonstration by Warkari groups; Dr. Jayanti Ravi (Auroville Foundation);  Master G Shri Rajesh Kamra and Rt. Hon Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary General.

Upasana Kamineni Konidela – Vice Chairman-CSR Apollo Hospitals Group and Managing Director-URLife said: “I represent the aspirational youth and the women entrepreneurs who’ll form a significant path of new India. My family and I work in an environment where people battle life 24/7. We can treat them through cutting-edge technology. But my grandparent, Dr. Pratap C Reddy always believes trust, faith, and love are more vital to humanity. Today I’ve brought my 8-month-old daughter to take Daaji’s blessings. I wish the world had more oases like Kanha so it would slowly grow to create oceans of heartfulness.”

There were additional interesting talks by Swami Gauranga Das (ISCKON); Swami Mukundananda (Jagatguru Kripaluji Yog); Devi Chitralekha Ji (World Sankirtan Tour Trust); Swami Amritaswaroopa Nanda Puri (The Mata Amritanandamayi Math); and Upasana Kamineni Konidela – Vice Chairman-CSR Apollo Hospitals Group and Managing Director-URLife as well.

There were also many experience zones brought by various Sanstha wherein people could gain wisdom and spiritual benefit. Cultural programs associated with spirituality, an exhibition showcasing India’s spiritual history, narratives of peace, and an immersive experience for spirituality through books and music were also organized.

Notable organizations have come together for the Global Spirituality Mahotsav, some of the prominent ones are Ramakrishna Mission, Parmarth Niketan, The Art of Living Foundation, The Mata Amritanandamayi Math, Archbishop of Hyderabad, Rev Cardinal Anthony Poola, Chinna Jiyar Swami, The Brahma Kumaris, Patanjali Yogpeeth, Maharishi Foundation (Transcendental Meditation), Isha Foundation, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, Archdiocese of Hyderabad, Rashtra Sant Tukdoji Maharaj Akhil Bhartiya Shri Gurudev Seva Mandal, Sant Dnyaneshwar Devasthan, Alandi, All India Imam Organization, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur and the Shri Ram Chandra Mission/ Heartfulness.

Day 2 of the summit hosted various panel discussions, cultural programs associated with spirituality, an exhibition showcasing India’s spiritual history, narratives of peace, and an immersive experience for spirituality through books and music. Wellness experience and immersive zones were also set up as part of the summit.

‘Sur ki sadhana’ – a musical rendition of melodies filled with themes of spirituality was performed by renowned performers and musical maestros like Leslie Lewis, Sadhana Sargam, Sourendro Mullick, Soumyojit Das, Shweta Mohan, Mangli, Dr. Yashoda Thakore, Iman Chakraborty, Sanjay Joshi.

The post “India Is The Mother Of Spirituality And Democracy,” Says President Murmu At Global Spirituality Mahotsav In Kanha Shanti Vanam appeared first on NRI News.

Prof. Sunil Khilnani further added, “There’s a tendency to exaggerate the distance between ‘us’ the good democrats and others. Major democracies have covertly been doing undemocratic things. Autocratic oppression and democratic liberties co-exist closely together.”

Speaking in the session, “The Idea of India: Understanding the Many Incarnations” Prof. Sunil Khilnani took the audience on a journey through time, navigating the complex interplay of cultures, ideologies, and socio-political dynamics that shaped democracy in the subcontinent.

Bringing to fore diverse ideas that have shaped the Indian democracy, Prof Khilnani remarked, “The state doesn’t define our Indian-ness. Unlike the West, we uniquely defined that the people have the right to define their Indian-ness. This is something we should not under-estimate and that we should preserve. Politics is still defining us. The Idea of India is that it allows space for different definitions. Democracy gives us a space to integrate minds.” 

He further added, “Democracy isn’t ridiculously hard to establish it is more difficult to keep. For most of human history, power has been with the monopoly. As citizens we need to be more vigilant to what democratic governments are doing and whether their practices are actually serving the people.”

Commenting about the importance of electoral process, Prof. Khilnani observed, “We seem to have over emphasized the importance of electoral process. The winning of power gives sanction to use of power in different ways. It is the other institutions, which are critical to keep democracy alive.”

On being asked, how he would have rewritten his book ‘Idea of India’ today, Prof. Khilnani remarked,  “I underestimated the sheer dynamism of the Indian economy and the way it has burst into life. Also, it takes two to make democracy work. I would have to delve into knowing where the opposition is now.”

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’ brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation’s trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

The post Ideas of India Summit 3.0 appeared first on NRI News.

ACCRA, GHANA: In this busy election year, Africans show unwavering commitment to democracy and democratic norms; Majorities prefer democracy and favor elections, media freedom, and presidential terms limits.

The majority of Africans continue to choose democracy over any other form of government, according to Afrobarometer’s latest survey. More than six in 10 of those polled prefer an accountable government, even if it is ineffective.

The leadership of Afrobarometer shared some of these research findings (https://apo-opa.info/3KPgRnt) on Wednesday at a press conference that touched on elections, climate change, governance, and economic conditions. Participants included journalists, civil society organizations, researchers, and other stakeholders.

CEO Joseph Asunka highlighted some of Afrobarometer’s significant milestones for 2022, including the completion of a 10-year strategy, which will guide Afrobarometer surveys and related activities in the next five survey rounds. Also, in 2022, for the first time in its history, Afrobarometer completed 33 country surveys – more than 40,000 individual interviews with citizens across the continent, covering urban and rural areas.

On governance, Asunka said the overall picture was encouraging, with widespread popular support for democratic practices. “Across the continent, the good news is Africans are still solidly committed to democracy; that remains the majority view. They prefer democracy to any other form of government,” Asunka said, adding that a clear majority of Africans remain in favor of elections, parliamentary oversight of the president, media freedom, and limits on presidential tenure.

In 20 countries surveyed in 2021/2022, 67% of Africans expressed a preference for democracy “over any other kind of government” and rejected non-democratic alternatives such as one-man rule (81%).

Participants heard that most Africans describe their economic conditions as bad and give governments poor performance ratings on critical economic issues such as job creation and management of the economy. Unemployment remains the top policy priority cited by Africans (35%), followed closely by management of the economy (34%).

Climate change, only about half (51%) of citizens say they have heard of climate change, and three-fourths (74%) of those who are aware of climate change want their governments to take climate action no matter the economic costs.

In the upcoming Round 10, Afrobarometer will include new modules on sexual and reproductive rights, migration, youth, and access to justice. Other plans include launching capacity-strengthening initiatives for journalists and civil society groups in data analysis and survey research methods.

Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi, Afrobarometer co-founder and board chair, said these results come at a critical juncture as the continent’s most populous nation, Nigeria, prepares for the polls. It also coincides with a busy electoral year for the continent. A dozen countries are expected to elect new leaders this year. Afrobarometer, too, finds itself at a pivotal moment in its 24-year history.

“The year 2022 was a remarkable one. Firstly, we surveyed an impressive 33 countries that year, a record-breaking achievement in a single calendar year and the first of its kind in our history. Even more important, the demand for our data and analysis from policy and development stakeholders on the continent and abroad surged dramatically,” Gyimah-Boadi said.

“As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to continually share data-driven insights and evidence-based policy options. And we are confident that our efforts will generate tangible outcomes for citizens,” said Gyimah-Boadi.

Director of Surveys Boniface Dulani, Director of Analysis Carolyn Logan, head of data management Jamy Felton, and capacity building manager Dominique Dryding provided expert insights during the in-depth conversation, moderated by Afrobarometer director of communications Nafissatou Diouf.

Quotes from panelists

Director of surveys Boniface Dulani: “For the first time in the history of Afrobarometer, we completed 33 regular-round surveys in one calendar year. That is an average of nearly three surveys a month. This brought our overall total of R9 surveys to 37. The 33 surveys completed in 2022 involved more than 40,000 individual interviews with ordinary citizens across the continent.”

Director of Analysis Carolyn Logan: “Afrobarometer’s aim is to reach many diverse audiences with our findings, from ordinary Africans to senior policymakers, journalists, policy advocates, academics, business leaders, and others, so that African voices are heard in policy debates through many different channels.”

The post Afrobarometer unveils insights on elections, climate change, and governance appeared first on NRI News.

Puranik was speaking at the concluding session of Seva Tarang, a two-day Maharashtra-level conference of voluntary organizations, organized by Sevavardhini, at the Mahatma Phule Sanskrutik Bhawan in Wanowrie. Kishor Desai, Sevavardhini Executive President, and Somdutt Patwardhan, Sevavardhini secretary were also present for the concluding session. The conference was supported by Persistent Foundation, Praj Foundation, and Mukul Madhav Foundation.

“We all are aware of the four pillars of democracy – Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, and Media. Voluntary Organisations are the fifth pillar and their role is important to safeguard it. Voluntary Organisations have a crucial role to play in democracy,” Puranik said.

Puranik also said that the work done by Voluntary Organisations helps in changing society at large.

“Networking of voluntary organizations is crucial and Voluntary Organisations will need value-based skillful volunteers and they will have to work in tandem to make a positive change,” he added.

Puranik further said that the two-day conference has helped Sevavardhini formulate a road map for the work to be done in the next 25 years.

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Higher Education Minister Chandrakant Patil visited the two-day Maharashtra-level conference of voluntary organizations. He also visited the exhibition of products made by these voluntary organizations.

Patil said earlier the work which was done by Rishi Munis is now being done by Voluntary Organisations. “Voluntary Organisations along with social responsibility have to present their work properly and for that training is essential,” Patil said.

The post Voluntary Organisations are the fifth pillar of democracy: Vijay Puranik appeared first on NRI News.