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-Top News Asia News Diaspora

‘Over 54K complaints from Indian diaspora between 2018-2022’

As per the reply, total 54,401 complaints have been received on these portals between the years 2018 and 2022 out of which 54,081 complaints have been resolved…reports Asian Lite News

The government has received a total of 54,401 complaints from the Indian diaspora, Non-Resident Indians and Overseas Citizens of India during the last five years, out of which 54,081 complaints have been resolved.

On a question, whether the government is aware of the fact that the Indian diaspora is facing problems in the countries of their residence because of Indian identity, V. Muraleedharan, MoS, External Affairs, said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that the government accords the highest priority to the safety, security and well-being of Indians abroad.

“Our missions and posts abroad remain vigilant and closely monitor and actively follow up grievances of any nature received from the diaspora in foreign countries. Grievances are also responded through various channels like calls, walk-ins, e-mails, social media, 24×7 helplines and ‘Open Houses’. To enable the diaspora to register their grievances, the government has provided online portals such as MADAD and e-Migrate,” the Minister said.

As per the reply, total 54,401 complaints have been received on these portals between the years 2018 and 2022 out of which 54,081 complaints have been resolved.

“Missions and Posts abroad take up these grievances with the host governments for action on priority basis. If the issue pertains to the state governments in India, then it is taken up with them for resolution. Financial and legal assistance to distressed Indians, if necessary, is provided through the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF). These issues are also raised during meetings with the concerned countries, at appropriate level ,” said the reply.

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Diaspora India News UK News

‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ : IIW celebrates 74th Indian Republic Day

Brent was astounded with patriotic parents enthralled to see little kids pumping the atmosphere with the feel of ‘Bharat’- Dances, speeches, play…reports Asian Lite News

As India prepares for the 18th G20, Heads of State and Government Summit on 9th-10th September 2023 in New Delhi, ‘Inspiring Indian Women’, have embarked upon this journey to celebrate ‘India’ whenever there is a reason. ‘Republic Day’ is one of the most important one and it is also a platform for talented kids and ladies to express their talents.

Programme started on the 26th with impromptu dances on Bollywood patriotic number just outside India House at Aldwych just after the Flag hoisting by His Excellency Mr Vikram Doraiswami  , High Commissioner of India in UK.

With a zeal to create a Little India within London, enthusiastic members of IIW have been organizing an event on Republic Day, since the last 6 years, focused on instilling those values of patriotism in future generation. Each year it has been growing bigger. IIW provide space to women entrepreneurs to sell their products and connect with new customers. This is an initiative to instil love for the Motherland amongst Indian diaspora in the UK.  

Its an opportunity for British Indian Kids to express their love for India to recreate the magic of Republic Day celebrations in Indian Schools.

Once again Brent was astounded with patriotic parents enthralled to see little kids pumping the atmosphere with the feel of ‘Bharat’- Dances, speeches, play. A number of kids glorified the event with fancy dress dressed as our inspiring Freedom Fighters and role models like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, & Jhansi ki Rani, Savitri Bai Phule spreading the message to educate girl child at Kingsbury High School (Lower) on 28th January, Saturday, 12.30 to 5.00 pm

There had Royal Air Force displaying their banner motivating British Indian Kids to join the Armed Forces.

Among the Chief Guests were Deputy Mayor Harrow Council Ramji Chauhan, Honourable M.P Padmashree Bob Blackman, Lord Rami Ranger, Ms Krishna Pujara CEO Enfield Saheli, Mr Alok Agarwal General Secretary India Welfare Society, Mr Sanjay Kumar Second Secretary Co ordination Wing , High Commission of India UK , Shri Amarjeet S Bhamra  Lead Secretariat of APPG on Indian Traditional Sciences, Mr Kuldeep Shekhawat Owner MA TV.

This 74th Republic Day Republic day2023 we also decided to showcase Handloom sarees from different states of India at the prestigious public place where the multicultural commuters from all over the world pass by , station which is named after the famous battle of Waterloo and where the Super Star of Hindi Cinema Amitabh Bachchan danced to the famous song Jhoom  Barabar Jhoom, the Waterloo Station in London.

We wanted to draw the attention of people towards India, to uplift the mood of ladies in London stuck in the monotony of life and to dedicate the one hour to the Artisans, Weavers in India. All of us were very excited and felt like the Queen with all eyes on us… Memories were   created, new friends made. Amidst fun and laughter, we decided to promote sari even more.  The 9 yards is indeed a symbol of elegance and pride. 

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-Top News Diaspora India News

Indian diaspora holds protest over documentary on Modi

UK’s national broadcaster BBC aired a two-part series attacking PM Narendra Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister during the Gujarat riots of 2002…reports Asian Lite News

The Indian diaspora on Saturday held a protest against the BBC documentary series “India: The Modi Question” at Fremont in the San Francisco Bay area of California.

About 50 members, under the banner of “Indian Diaspora”, chanted slogans and marched through the streets of Fremont in San Francisco area of United States stating that they “reject BBC’s sinister and biased documentary.” While marching in Fremont, people were shouting slogans like “Biased BBC” and “racist BBC.”

While protesting at Fremont, people carried banners which said, “BBC IS A BOGUS Broadcasting Corporation” and “Indian Diaspora rejects BBC’s Sinister and Biased Documentary against Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” “BBC Documentary spreading fake propaganda,” “BBC is a fake news peddler.”

UK’s national broadcaster BBC aired a two-part series attacking PM Narendra Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister during the Gujarat riots of 2002. Prominent Indian-origin UK citizens condemned the series. Prominent UK Citizen Lord Rami Ranger said the “BBC caused a great deal of hurt to over a billion Indians.”

On January 19, India denounced the controversial BBC documentary series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and described it as a “propaganda piece” that is designed to push a discredited narrative.
Addressing a weekly media briefing External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi said this documentary show, based on some internal UK report, shows the colonial mindset. The documentary sparked outrage and was removed from select platforms.

“We think this is a propaganda piece designed to push a particular discredited narrative. The bias and the lack of objectivity and frankly continuing colonial mindset are blatantly visible,” Bagchi said in response to the question on the PM documentary series.

The MEA spokesperson said the documentary is a reflection of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and individuals that are peddling this narrative again. He even raised questions on “the purpose of the exercise and the agenda behind it.” “The documentary is a reflection of the agency and individuals that are peddling this narrative again. It makes us wonder about the purpose of the exercise and the agenda behind it; frankly, we do wish to dignify these efforts,” he added. 

ALSO READ-Indian diaspora holds celebration to mark R-Day

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-Top News Diaspora USA

H-1B registrations for 2024 to open from March 1

The USCIS will randomly select registrations and send selection notifications via users’ myUSCIS online accounts if they receive enough registrations by March 17…reports Asian Lite News

The initial registration period for the 2024 H-1B visas for skilled professionals will open from March 1 to March 17, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced.

Prospective petitioners and representatives will be able to complete and submit their registrations using the online H-1B registration system during this period.

The USCIS will assign a confirmation number to each registration submitted for the FY 2024 H-1B cap, which can be used to track registrations. The number, however, cannot be used to track one’s case status in Case Status Online, the USCIS said in a release.

All prospective H-1B cap-subject petitioners are required to use a myUSCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process.

They also need to pay a $10 fee for each registration submitted on behalf of each beneficiary.

Registrants, i.e., U.S. employers and agents will use a registrant account and they will be able to create new accounts from February 21.

“Representatives may add clients to their accounts at any time, but both representatives and registrants must wait until March 1 to enter beneficiary information and submit the registration with the $10 fee,” the USCIS statement read.

It further said that prospective petitioners or their representatives will be able to submit registrations for multiple beneficiaries in a single online session. Through the account, they will be able to prepare, edit, and store draft registrations prior to final payment and submission of each registration.

The USCIS will randomly select registrations and send selection notifications via users’ myUSCIS online accounts if they receive enough registrations by March 17.

In case it does not receive enough registrations, the USCIS said: “All registrations that were properly submitted in the initial registration period will be selected. We intend to notify account holders by March 31”.

The U.S. Department of Treasury has approved a temporary increase in the daily credit card transaction limit from $24,999.99 to $39,999.99 per day for the FY 2024 H-1B cap season. This temporary increase is in response to the volume of previous H-1B registrations that exceeded the daily credit card limit, the USCIS said, adding that additional information will be provided before the start of the initial H-1B registration period.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in fields such as IT, finance, engineering, etc.

In fiscal 2021, Indians bagged the highest number of H1B visas – over 74 per cent of the allotments.

Out of 4.07 lakh H-1B visas approved by the USCIS, 3.01 lakh were allotted to Indians whereas, 50,000 Chinese received the visas.

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Diaspora India News UK News

Indian diaspora holds celebration to mark R-Day

Parmar spoke about the importance of Republic Day for the Indian diaspora and said that such celebrations keep Indian culture alive in the UK…reports Asian Lite News

Indians in the UK celebrated the Republic Day in Slough on Tuesday evening with flag hosting, speeches and cultural performances with the Mayor of Slough, UK MP Lord Rami Ranger and MP Virendra Sharma attending the celebrations.

Harish Kumar—Second secretary from Indian High Commission, London; Dilbagh Singh Parmar, the councillor of Slough; the Mayoress of Slough and many British Indians attended the event at the Slough Hindu temple. The event ended with an evening aarti and dinner.

Parmar spoke about the importance of Republic Day for the Indian diaspora and said that such celebrations keep Indian culture alive in the UK.

Going back into the history of the sub-continent, Lord Ranger said that after the Partition in 1947, two nations were created–one based on religion (Pakistan) and the other one irrespective of religion (India). Applauding India for its progress, Lord Ranger said that India is now exporting top engineers, doctors, nurses, architects, lawyers, to the world and has even given the UK a Prime Minister.

Appreciating India’s rich culture and heritage, Lord Ranger said that people of Indian origin are running a large number of blue-chip companies across the world.

Indian-origin MP from the House of Commons, Virendra Sharma exhorted the British diaspora to come forward and join British politics, emphasising that the young generation can choose any party they like. He said that the Indian diaspora must be active in UK politics and promised to mentor and guide members of the diaspora interested in joining British politics.

The event was organised by charity organisation, IDUK Group (Indian Diaspora in the UK) which aims to bring the Indians together and strengthen their links with the rich Indian culture and heritage.

The event was attended by a number of children in their traditional ethnic wear.

ALSO READ-Indian diaspora plans London protest over BBC documentary

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Arts & Culture Asia News Diaspora

EVENT: Sangam’s Diwali Celebrations at Sutton

Sankari Mridha’s Bharatanatyam performance on 21st November at Sutton, Benhilton, Community Centre brought to life Poet-Saint, Tulsidas’s, ardent devotion to Lord Rama, conveyed through exquisite abhinaya (Expression), fluid movements and poses and excellent storytelling. The audience were taken through an immersive experience of the life and qualities of Rama

The Indian Forum, Sangam, hosted a cultural event on 21st November at Sutton, Benhilton, Community Centre brought to celebrate its 25th Silver Jubilee anniversary in 2022. This event was graced by the Mayor of Sutton, Trish Fivey, as the chief guest. The gathering of art enthusiasts was treated to a Bharatanatyam tribute to Lord Rama by Sankari Mridha, an excellent and renowned artist accompanied by a live orchestra. This was the highlight of the evening.

Sankari is a Bharatanatyam dancer and teacher who trained originally under Guru Jayalaksmi Eswar in Delhi, and has since then given several performances in India, Bangladesh and the UK. She further trained under Nina Rajarani MBE in the UK and assisted in teaching students at Shristi School of dance, KCWA and Southend Malayali Dance schools.

Sankari Mridha performs at Sutton

Sankari performed to the well-known bhajan- ‘Sri Ramachandra Kripalu Bhajamana’ in Ragam Yaman Kalyan and Thalam Misrachapu narrating the personalities, stature and glories of Rama with grace and emotive power.

The verses of the hymn, depicted expertly by Mridha, describe Rama, who is the remover of worldly sorrows, he who is blessed with fresh lotus like eyes and feet, and his beauty is that of innumerable Cupids. An ideal son and man, Rama is valorous in his victories against demon dynasties and evil alike. Transporting the audience to a spiritual realm through the creation of Rasa (aesthetic experience), Sankari paints a picture of how Lord Rama was able to string Shiva’s Celestial bow, whilst so many other Kings, Gods and even Demons had failed, thus winning the hand in marriage to his consort Sita. Mridha brought to the stage the might, yet humbleness of Lord Rama through her expressions and devotion. The enactment of true friendship and love that Hanuman (The Great Monkey God) has towards Rama warms the heart of the audience.

Sankari Mridha performs at Sutton

The poem ends with reverence and humility – Tulsidas, or Sankari in this case, asks Rama to reside in the lotus of her heart, destroying all evil and desires. This emotion-packed, lighthearted performance leaves the audience wanting more.

Sankari’s mastery in the Bharatanatyam form of classical dance, intricate movements and emotional narrative impressed even Mayor Trish Frivey, who wants to continue to watch her dances in the future.

Sankari Mridha with Sutton Mayor Trish Fivey
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Africa News Diaspora

IOM :Egypt hosts 9 mn int’l migrants from 130 countries

International migrants have contributed positively to local labour market and the growth of the Egyptian economy, the IOM noted…reports Asian Lite News

More than 9 million international migrants from about 130 countries currently live in Egypt, according to the latest figures released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

In a statement, the IOM said the number of international migrants residing in Egypt is 9,012,582, which constitutes 8.7 per cent of the country’s population, reports Xinhua news agency.

There has been a noticeable increase in the number of international migrants since 2019, because the prolonged instability in Egypt’s neighbouring countries prompted Sudanese, South Sudanese, Syrians, Ethiopians, Iraqis and Yemenis to seek refuge in the North African country, according to the statement.

Among the international migrants are 4 million Sudanese, 1.5 million Syrians, 1 million Yemenis and 1 million Libyans. Migrants from the four countries account for about 80 per cent of the migrants residing in Egypt.

International migrants have contributed positively to local labour market and the growth of the Egyptian economy, the IOM noted.

Egypt has been generous in enrolling migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in its national education and health systems on an equal basis with Egyptians, despite challenges in the two sectors and the heavy economic costs, the UN agency added.

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Diaspora India News

NRI Festival kicks off with clamour among sponsors

India has the largest diaspora population in the world and under the current BJP regime, they occupy a very important place in the positioning of the country’s image globally…reports Asian Lite News

The first of its kind NRI Festival had a gala launch in Delhi with many foreign delegations being associated with the six-month long event.

NRI committees from the US, the UK and the Middle East are enthusiastic about the festival being dedicated to the diaspora community and expressed confidence that there would be a large influx of people, particularly from these three regions, which together holds more than 70 per cent of the total Indian diaspora population.

Special committee members have been appointed to coordinate with the Indian diaspora population world over for the various events being organised till December 2022.

The festival is being organised by Rejoice Health Foundation in association with Power Sportz TV, and is being held to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence, commemorating it in the form of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.

The function saw the display of logos of various ministries associated with the festival, along with the logo of the NRI Festival, which was launched recently by Minister of State for Tourism, Shripad Naik.

India has the largest diaspora population in the world and under the current BJP regime, they occupy a very important place in the positioning of the country’s image globally.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed a mega diaspora event in Munich, Germany, on his visit for the G7 Summit, where he hailed the power of Indian democracy. He has often referred to the Indian diaspora population as the country’s ‘Cultural Ambassadors’.

The Munich meeting was the largest meeting of the Indian community post the pandemic and was held at the Audi Dome venue.

But the clamour here seems to be more around sponsorship for the events. A large number of sports events are being organised by Power Sportz and the finalised ones are women’s kabaddi, cricket and marathon. These events are ensuring NRI participation along with marquee international players alongside large NRI in-stadia spectatorship.

Special stands are being erected in the pavilion areas for the NRI community coming to watch these events. With the apparel partners, fantasy partners, and most team and on-ground sponsors having already been sold out, the competition seems intense for the title cponsor.

Two large conglomerates, both in the retail segment, operating in the Indian subcontinent and the Middle Eastern region seem to be in the fray for the title sponsorship of all the events, though no confirmation has been announced by the organisers as yet.

Other large infrastructure groups down south, particularly from the Telangana region, also seem to be showing interest.

On an average from 2014 to 2020, around six million NRIs have visited India every year. But in 2020, the global Covid-19 pandemic disrupted travel across the globe and the numbers fell significantly with only around 3.6 million NRIs arriving in India.

The months from July to December have always seen the maximum inflow of NRIs in India. The festival is being held in the same period and with the pandemic in a controllable level now, the NRI Festival is expecting a large diaspora influx for the various events that are being organised.

The venues have been finalised for the events in the first three months, focusing primarily on Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana in the North and Goa towards the South.

A press conference is likely to be held shortly to brief about the various events, but confirmed sources indicate that a women’s kabaddi league would be the first event which would see most ‘A’ category women kabaddi players participate in it. Most probably, it is going to held in the National Capital Region.

New venues are likely to be added on, as the festival and the events under it run till December 2022. All the sports events are going to be streamed live on Power Sportz, and there would be simultaneous content sharing across various broadcast platforms, both in India and globally.

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Diaspora Lite Blogs

Immigration an excellent life-changer for people

In many cases, they make significant donations to charities, which greatly help uplift the poor and marginal areas back in their home countries…reports Asian Lite News

Many talented brains from developing nations like India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan have been immigrating to economically progressive and highly developed nations for many years.

They migrate in search of a good quality of life, world-class education for their children, and social security perks, including disability and maternity benefits, unemployment allowance, employment insurance, and other attractive benefits.

This is primarily why many choose to become permanent residents of developed nations such as Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. But the youth and skilled professionals who have moved to these nations have also brought in foreign remittances and a good deal of foreign exchange that helps boost the economy and development of a country that is still wanting and in its development stage.

Contributing back home


Many immigrants with well-paying jobs in these overseas nations help their relatives, parents, and near and dear ones by sending them money for assistance. Even students who study in developed nations return home with great knowledge and expertise. They even impart their expertise and aid in medicine, engineering, technology, and other professions.

Immigrants in other nations make it up to their home nations by keeping the foreign remittances flowing. Many of these remittances help ease the constraints of credit in rural areas. It helps accelerate human capital with improved health and educational facilities besides a good lifestyle. Many immigrants who return to their nations build hotels, hospitals, schools, and places of public worship or institution.

In many cases, they make significant donations to charities, which greatly help uplift the poor and marginal areas back in their home countries. Because of their contribution, many needy and underprivileged people find a vehicle and means to make their dreams come true. Immigration has been an excellent life-changer for many people who cannot find adequate help, but through the financial assistance from these immigrants, they find a way to live the life they deserve.

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Diaspora India News Karnataka

Diaspora Meet and Greet with the Education Minister of Karnataka

Dr. Ashwath Narayan highlighted how Karnataka, in particular Bengaluru, is leading on different fronts, attracting the country’s best talent and domestic & foreign direct investments, reports Ragasudha Vinjamuri

A community Meet and Greet was organised by KannadigaruUK recently with Dr. C. N. Ashwath Narayan- ex-Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, and current Minister for Higher Education & IT-BT, and Nikhil Kamath-Co-founder of Zerodha and True Beacon. The event took place at The Bhavan in West Kensington and was attended by prominent members of the Indian Diaspora.

Minister Dr. Ashwath Narayan delivering his note

At the outset, Vanishree Hegde has extended a welcome to all and has invited Ganapati Bhat to further outline the work of the organisation, especially initiatives such as teaching the Kannada language. Kishen Shastry then briefly spoke about establishing the Kannada Student Society at Cambridge University, which is a milestone for the diaspora segment. Dr. Nandakumara has spoken about the importance of Vidya and knowledge.

Addressing the members of the diaspora, Dr. Ashwath Narayan highlighted how Karnataka, in particular Bengaluru, is leading on different fronts, attracting the country’s best talent and domestic & foreign direct investments. He has highlighted how the state is working in tandem with the central government’s goals and ambitions in improving governance to become the best leader in the world.

Nikhil Kamath spoke of the qualities of the Kannada people that enabled the rise of the city and the state and opined that the reverse migration and expertise of Kannadigas may further enhance and enrich the state.

Both the minister and Nikhil Kamath were felicitated by Kannada Balaga U.K. and KanandigaruUK. The event was supported by Scrumconnect Consulting.