Analysis: Illinois at a political crossroads: The high-stakes primaries that could reshape Democratic power
By: Vandana Jhingan Illinois politics is entering a rare moment of transition. For decades, the state’s federal delegation has been defined by long-serving figures whose influence extended far beyond Springfield and Chicago. With the retirement of Dick Durbin and the decision of Jan Schakowsky
FIA–New England honors women leaders and launches tree-planting initiative on International Women’s Day
By: Vandana Jhingan The Foundation of Indian-Americans – New England (FIA–NE) hosted a vibrant International Women’s Day celebration atop Boston’s iconic Prudential Center, honoring the achievements of women leaders across healthcare, entrepreneurship, wellness, arts, and community service. The event, hosted and moderated by
Chicago Board of Elections highlights language support for voters ahead of March 17 primary
The Chicago Board of Elections held a press conference Thursday morning to highlight expanded language assistance available to voters ahead of the March 17 primary election, emphasizing resources for residents with limited English proficiency. The event took place at the new Chicago Voter
Chicago Indo-US Lions Club hosts successful Business Networking Event in Illinois
By: Vandana Jhingan The Chicago Indo US Lions Club in partnership with Pearl Banquets successfully hosted a major Business Networking Event on February 28, 2026, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, community volunteers, sponsors, and civic representatives for an evening focused on collaboration and professional growth. Organized to strengthen
Iowa’s curriculum reform marks global milestone for Sikh community
In a landmark achievement for the global Sikh community, Iowa has officially become the 21st state in the United States to include Sikhism in its K–12 social studies curriculum — a move widely celebrated as a major step toward recognition, representation, and inclusion.
First bust of Mahatma Gandhi unveiled in Montana, celebrating India–U.S. cultural ties
By: Vandana Jhingan In a historic cultural moment for the state, the first bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at the prestigious Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana in Missoula. The unveiling ceremony was jointly led by Greg Gianforte, Governor of the state of Montana, and the Consul General
‘India Corner’ inaugurated at Illinois Institute of Technology to promote academic and cultural ties
Strengthening academic and cultural ties between India and the United States, the Consulate inaugurated an “India Corner” at the Illinois Institute of Technology as part of its initiative to establish similar spaces across Midwest universities. The Consulate donated a diverse collection of books
Bushra Amiwala criticizes dark money and calls for abolishing ICE during 9th District debate
By: Dr Avi Verma Congressional candidate Bushra Amiwala used a televised debate on FOX 32 Chicago to sharply criticize the influence of “dark money” in politics and call for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), drawing clear contrasts with her
Analysis: America first, India alert: Reading the signals in Trump’s national address
By: Dr. Avi VermaWhen Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union–style address, the messaging wasunmistakably domestic: affordability, border enforcement, anti-fraud crackdowns, anddeclarations of economic strength. The speech was calibrated for American votersnavigating inflation anxieties, housing pressures, and political polarization.But for India, such
Outrage grows after controversial ‘invasion’ comment on Hanuman statue in Texas
A wave of outrage has swept through the global Hindu community following controversial remarks targeting the 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman at the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land. The towering Hanuman murti, unveiled in 2024, stands among the tallest Hindu statues in
Consul General meets BAPS Akshardham delegation in New Jersey to advance India–U.S. cultural engagement
India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, held an in-depth interaction with a delegation from BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, led by Sadhu Nilkanthsevadas Swami, highlighting the growing role of spiritual and cultural institutions in strengthening India–United States ties. The discussions
India–Israel AI–Cybersecurity connect in Palo Alto highlights growing startup collaboration
Reflecting the deepening ties between India and Israel’s startup ecosystems, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco and the Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest, in partnership with VentureDock, hosted the “India–Israel AI–Cybersecurity Connect” in Palo Alto. The event brought
Global Hindu community condemns mockery of sacred beliefs at Plano council meeting
Outrage is spreading across the global Hindu community after conservative commentator Alex Stein delivered a mocking speech at a recent city council meeting in Plano, appearing in traditional Indian attire and ridiculing sacred Hindu beliefs. Stein, wearing a yellow kurta and a red
CMAA ushers in Lunar New Year 2026 in Chicago celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse
The Chinese Mutual Aid Association’s annual festival brings together hundreds of community members, elected officials, and diplomats for cultural performances, family activities, and recognition of civic champions. The Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) will host its annual Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday,
Know India Programme opens applications, offering overseas Indian youth immersive three-week journey
By: Dr Avi VermaThe 88th edition of the Know India Programme (KIP) will run from March 8 to March 27, 2026, with applications now officially open. Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, the initiative invites young members of the Indian
India issues uniform rules for ‘Vande Mataram’ at official events nationwide
By: Dr Avi VermaThe Union government has issued detailed guidelines on the singing and performance of Vande Mataram, India’s national song, as the nation marks 150 years of the iconic composition. The new protocol, released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), provides
Indian consulate in Houston to host cultural evening celebrating 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’
By: Vandana Jhingan The Consulate General of India in Houston, in partnership with the Center for Indian Classical Music of Houston, VPSS Haveli, and leading Indo-American cultural organizations, will host a special commemorative evening to mark ‘150 years of Vande Mataram,’ one of India’s
CMAA brings hope and support to families during Lunar New Year 2026
As communities across the United States prepare to celebrate Lunar New Year 2026, the Year of the Golden Horse brings renewed energy, optimism, and forward momentum. The Golden Horse symbolizes strength, resilience, progress, and determination—qualities that resonate deeply in today’s rapidly changing world.
Student returning from Canada visits temple, underscores importance of cultural roots
By: Dr. Avi Verma While many students studying abroad are perceived to drift away from their cultural and religious traditions, some continue to remain deeply connected to their heritage. After returning from Canada, student Anshuman Davar visited the Siddh Peeth Mahabali Sankatmochan Shri
MGC 2026 delivers strong business expo but faces criticism over NRI engagement
By: Arun Mundra The Maheshwari Global Convention (MGC) has long held a respected position within the community, particularly after the widely regarded success of MGC 2019 in Jodhpur with all organization elements leadership. That edition set a high benchmark, featuring more than 500 business