Community mourns the loss of Dr. Haren Gandhi

Listening to Dr. Subhash Kelkar's radio program yesterday, I heard the sad news on the passing away of Dr. Haren Gandhi a Ford Motor Company researcher and the only member of the auto industry to win the U.S. National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Dr Haren Gandhi died on Jan. 23 at the age of 68. Dr. Haren Gandhi is survived by his wife Yellow, daughter Sangeeta and son Anand.

From Ford Motor Company Press Release

Dr. Gandhi joined Ford in 1967 where he distinguished himself in leading-edge research, development and implementation of automotive exhaust catalysts at the company's Research and Innovation Center.

Among Dr. Gandhi's many scientific contributions is the development of the monolithic three-way catalyst, a discovery that has revolutionized the way the automotive industry approaches emissions control.

His work has resulted in more than 70 technical publications and 53 U.S. patents in automotive exhaust catalysis and related areas, with many more patents in other countries.

In 2003, President George W. Bush presented Dr Gandhi the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in a ceremony at the White House.

Neeru Sharma a disabilities blogger dead at 38

Neeru Sharma, a disabilities blogger for The Detroit News, died this morning in William Beaumont Hospital. Neeru was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, which causes fragile bones.

Ms. Sharma suffered a massive heart attack on Saturday (01/16) while having dinner with friends. As a result, she was put on a ventilator in order to breathe. Ms. Sharma did not recover and was disconnected from the ventilator this morning (01/18).

The world came to know of Neeru's untimely passing via her brother Naveen Sharma's facebook status update:

The world has lost a great person today, as my elder sister Neeru Sharma passed away this morning at the young age of 38 years old. Neeru was a very vibrant woman and she will be missed by all. The viewing is going to be from 3pm - 8pm on Tuesday January 19th 2010 followed by the funeral at 10am on Wed. January 20th 2010 at the same location. I am sure Neeru will love to see all her freinds there.

The viewing and funeral will be held at E. J. Mandziuk & Son Funeral Directors, Inc., 3801 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314 ph: 586-997-3838.

Detroit News reports:

Ms. Sharma, a resident of Sterling Heights, worked as a long-term forecast analyst for General Motors' market & industry analysis division. She obtained a bachelors of science degree from the General Motors Institute and a master's degree from Oakland University.

"She tried to get (information) about disability awareness out," said Naveen Sharma about his sister. "She was a very independent person. She went to Europe, Denmark ... she traveled like crazy. She had millions of friends." Ms. Sharma is survived by her brother, Naveen, and her parents, Gurdev and Vimal Sharma.

Odissi dancers in Michigan

Meet Shreelina Ghosh Mukherjee and Manasi Mishra both accomplished Odissi dancers from Michigan.

Shreelina Ghosh Mukherjee

Shreelina Ghosh Mukherjee is an Odissi exponent from Calcutta who has learned Odissi for the last twenty-five years from Smt Aloka Kanungo. She is currently pursuing PhD in Digital/Cultural Rhetoric at Michigan State University.

Shreelina received “Star of Tomorrow Award 2002” from West Bengal Dance Group Federation and other recognitions at a competitive level from West Bengal State Music Academy, West Bengal Music Circle among other State-level awards.

(Click here for more information on Shreelina Ghosh Mukherjee)

Manasi Mishra
Manasi Mishra is an accomplished Odissi dancer currently living in Okemos, Michigan. She has performed both Odissi folk and classical dances widely over India and USA since her childhood.

Manasi is known for her beautiful abhinayas or facial expressions, which is an integral part of an Odissi repertoire.

She has been a teacher of this art for several years since moving to United States from Orissa, the birthplace of this dance form.

Avinash Rachmale of Bloomfield Hills wins SBA Award

Avinash Rachmale, resident of Bloomfield Hills and a founder of Lakeshore Engineering Services was honored with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2009 Champion Award for Entrepreneurial Success. Mr. Rachmale went to Washington, D.C., to be recognized by President Obama with the national award.

Mr. Avinash Rachmale is originally from Maharashtra, India. He studied engineering at Wayne State University.

Mr. Rachmale founded Lakeshore Engineering Services in 1994. Lakeshore Engineering provides a full range of construction, environmental and technological services for public- and private-sector employers.

(via Oakland Press)

Michigan Indian - Ramesh Verma

Michigan Indian DJ Naveen Sharma informs me that Ramesh Verma of Novi, MI was elected as the Treasurer of the Michigan Democratic Party. Also this morning I heard Mumtaz Haque talking to Ramesh Verma on her radio show.

Regards and Best Wishes to you Mr. Ramesh Verma!!

For more info check out Michigan Democratic Party.

Michigan Indian - Richa Gangopadhyay

Meet Richa Gangopadhyay (Beauty + Brains) from Okemos, Michigan, a very talented Michigan Indian. Richa was Miss India Michigan in 2007 and then went on to become Miss India USA.

Richa was pursuing her degree in nutrition at Michigan State University. However she decided to take a break after her bollywood calling, and her Miss India USA win.

Richa recently finished a 3 month rigorous course at Anupam Kher's Actor Prepares Institute in Mumbai. Very soon you might see Richa in a Bollywood movie at a theater near you.

Richa has also devoted a considerable amount of time into volunteering. Richa has been volunteering since a young age and got nominated for the governor's service award for outstanding volunteering. Richa started her own youth tutoring group when she was 15 with her mom, and she recruited more than 20 of her friends to tutor at-risk students in the urban school districts every Saturday for 4 consecutive years, until she graduated from high school.

Best Wishes to Richa!!

Anuja Rajendra of BollyFit featured in Detroit Free Press

In a article titled "Inventive routines make the right workout for hard times" in yesterday's Detroit Free Press, Erin Chan writes about a talented Michigan Indian - Anuja Rajendra of Bollyfit.

A class called "Bollyfit" in Ann Arbor merges culture and fitness by incorporating Bollywood dance into workouts. Designed by Ann Arbor resident Anuja Rajendra, the class puts a fitness emphasis on the choreography and upbeat movements of the dances Bollywood movies made famous.

The dancers learn some steps each week, and by the end of an eight-week session, they will have pieced together a complete dance.

At the front of the room, Rajendra, a lithe mother of two, leads the women in a series of sweat-inducing hand gestures (mudras), half-sits (araimandis) and other moves that, once put together, form a routine during the 6-minute song.

"One of the hardest things I do," she says, "is achieving the right balance of dance, fitness and accessibility."

Raised in Okemos, Rajendra, 36, began her training in classical Indian dance 30 years ago. For years, she performed with her two older siblings as the Rajendra Sisters Dance Troupe.

The dancing stopped when one sister, Rachana Rajendra, was killed in a car accident at the age of 27. For the next decade, Rajendra shoved dance aside.

"Just the idea of dancing," she says. "There wasn't joy in it."

That changed a couple of years ago, after the birth of her second son. She had gained 60 pounds with her first pregnancy and 45 pounds with her second, and "I was literally waddling around and looking for a way to get healthy again," she says.

"I started dancing, and not only was the weight coming off, but the joy was coming back. A spark that had been gone started re-emerging."

When friends wanted to learn, that prompted Rajendra to begin teaching a class at the YMCA two years ago. It became so popular that she parlayed the concept into Bollyfit and teaches twice a week in Ann Arbor and once a week in Plymouth.

The classes possess a peaceful, free-flowing feel. The routine's moves are not fixed and the people who attend often vote on them.

The classes have a sisterly quality -- Rajendra describes a move by shouting, "The legs move, but the hips get the credit!" -- and have drawn mostly women. Rajendra says men are welcome and could get their own class, like the one she will offer for toddlers within the coming months.

The women in the class say the social appeal mixed with the unorthodox workout keeps them interested.

"You feel like you're with a group of friends," says Deasha Perry, 22, of Ypsilanti. "I don't even think about it being exercise until the end, when I'm all wet and my muscles ache."

Harish Rawal - Jackson Citizen Patriot's 2009 Citizen of the Year

Harish Rawal, 60, who is a Jackson, MI neurosurgeon and founder of the Great Lakes Brain and Spine Institute has been named Jackson Citizen Patriot's 2009 Citizen of the Year. Last year, the newspaper named him a Distinguished Citizen.

Harish Rawal and his wife, Sudha, donated $1 million in 2007 to Jackson Community College to help pay for its newly renovated allied health and nursing classrooms, now called the Rawal Center for Health Professions.

This year, he gave $25,000 to erect a bronze statue of a Viking at Jackson High School. He and his wife previously gave $50,000 to set up a high school scholarship fund in memory of his mother.

Also in remembrance of his mother, Vasantiben, he recently donated $150,000 to Allegiance Health for its Hospice Home, 2150 Kingsbrook Drive, which provides end-of-life care.

"If I have a message to society, I want youngsters to get inspiration from our lives, from our ascent. And to those who have, we want them to have inspiration to give." Rawal said.

(via MLIVE)

Invitation to Youth in our Community!

The Upcoming Presidential elections on November 4th is probably one of the most important elections in our lifetime because of variety of reasons:

(Current Economic Indicators)

	Inauguration Day(2001)	Now
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	6.1%
Budget	$281 B Surplus	$357 B Deficit
Debt	$5.7 Trillion	$9.7 Trillion

• Financial Crisis, which is really scary (any parallel in history? maybe borderline "The Great Depression?"
• Ofcourse the Economy is Tanking!!
• Property prices don't seem to have hit the bottom
• IRAQ war - End in sight anytime soon?
• After IRAQ/Afghanistan who are we going to POLICE! next

So I am extending an invitation to the Youth in our community to share your thoughts here at "Michigan Indian Community Blog" as to what you are looking for in our 44th President. What are the issues which are most important to you. Send me a note.

Whether it is Obama or Mccain

• who will steer our country out of recession (are we in recession? I think so)
• In future which leader will venture into war as a last (absolutely last) resort.
• which leader will restore our image overseas
• Which leader will work towards affordable education
• Which leader will work towards affordable Healthcare

MI Indians - Alka Jupudi, professional singer from Canton

Alka Jupudi of Canton, MI is a professional playback singer and Bharathanatyam dancer. Alka teaches Indian classical and folk dances as well as classical and light music in all languages to kids and adults. She performs all over the US and in India.

If interested in learning Indian classical/folk dances please get in touch with Alka at al_rima [at] yahoo [dot] com or you can call her at (734) 340-4715

Here's Alka (Great Voce!!)

MI Indians - Vinay Gupta of Ann Arbor

Looking to start your business? You might want to take some pointers from Indian American Vinay Gupta (46) of Ann Arbor, MI. Katherine Yung of Detroit Free Press writes that Vinay Gupta

is one of Michigan's most successful serial entrepreneurs, but few people outside the venture capital community know of him because Michigan has traditionally embraced auto barons and car guys, Gupta represents a different kind of future.

In 2000, at the height of the Internet bubble, Gupta and his partner, Hal Davis, sold their Ann Arbor online bill payment software company, BlueGill Technologies, to CheckFree Holdings Corp. for $250 million.

Today, Gupta is hoping for another big hit with Janeeva, which makes software that helps Fortune 500 companies manage their outsourcing relationships. It's named after Geneva, the Swiss city famous for its neutrality, because the software acts like an independent third-party tool.

Gupta grew up in New Delhi, India, and first came to the United States in the 1980s to earn a business degree.

"I love the environment in Ann Arbor," he said. "The university adds so much value."

But he admits, "These days in Michigan, it's become harder finding money and customers. As an entrepreneur, you go where the money is."

Though Gupta is neither an engineer nor a software developer, he's fascinated by how technology can be used to solve business problems.

To dramatically increase venture capital investment in Michigan, Gupta says the state needs its own version of Google or Dell, a company so wildly successful that it becomes a household name.

"You need one big success," he said.

Gupta also believes Michigan can help foster a more entrepreneurial culture by providing incentives for large companies to buy products and services from local start-ups. Another idea: hold forums for start-up businesses to meet with potential customers.

So what does it take for a person to make it as an entrepreneur? "Persistence," Gupta says.

Mandy Grewal for Pittsfield Township Supervisor

Please remember Mandy Grewal on August 5th, 2008. She is running for Pittsfield Township Supervisor. Grewal, born in Chandigarh ( India ), came to the U.S. for further studies. She has a PhD in Urban Planning from U-M and has been representing Pittsfield Township on the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners for the past few years, where she currently serves as Vice-Chair.

Every single vote will count on August 5th – so please take the time to get out, vote and help make history by placing the first South Asian in such a leadership position in Southeast Michigan.

Dr. Asha Patel of Bloomfield Hills - a doctor and a entrepreneur

Meet Dr. Asha Patel who spends her days on medical rounds at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, and at the end of her day, she trades her white coat for an apron, heads into her Bloomfield Hills kitchen and experiments with flavors that could consitute the next product in her Tasha Foods line of curry-based gourmet vegetarian Indian sauces. All are manufactured by Elena's Foods in Auburn Hills. They send 100 cases at a time to various distributors.

Dr. Asha Patel's goal at the moment is expanding the outlets for her sauces (coconut, cashew, ginger garlic and coriander tamarind), which are on shelves in 40 stores. Those include Hiller's Markets; Busch's; Holiday Market; Papa Joe; Market Fresh; Whole Foods; and 250 SuperTargets. Jars retail in the range of $5 apiece. They are free of preservatives and artificial colors and flavors, and are versatile enough to use with meat, fish, tofu or rice.

To save costs Dr. Patel could have sent manufaturing to India but according to her

I could also manufacture in India, but this is working better because I think I get the best quality. If it was in California or India, labor might be a little cheaper. I could probably make more of a profit, but I don't think the quality of my products would be the same

(via MLIVE)

Mandy Grewal - Candidate for Pittsfield Township Supervisor

Mandy Grewal an Indian American from Pittsfield Township (Washtenaw County, MI) is running for the post of Pittsfield Township Supervisor. We now see more and more Indian Americans making a mark in mainstream and local politics. This is Great!! And with Mandy Grewal's impressive work and educational background she definitely deserves our support. So spread the word!!

Mandy Grewal born in Chandigarh, India is a 14 year resident of Pittsfield Township (Wahshtenaw County, MI) and has the privilege of serving township residents as their elected County Commissioner. Mandy is also the Vice Chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners and is Chair of the County Planning Advisory Board.

Commissioner Grewal has worked and published extensively in the area of domestic violence. She has worked with the National Organization of Women (NOW) in Washington DC to formulate and lobby policies and to present legislation. She served as Commissioner on the Michigan Women’s Commission from October 2001 through July 2003. Commissioner Grewal worked as a Program Specialist with the Great Lakes Commission to promote the bi-national regions environmental and economic prosperity. She also worked at the Washtenaw Development Council to attract and retain businesses in the region.

Mandy's Impressive Educational Background:
Mandy has a PhD in Urban Planning from University of Michigan and a
Master’s in Trade and Planning from Eastern Michigan University. Mandy is also a graduate of the Senior Executives in Local Government program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a graduate of MSU’s Michigan Political Leadership Program. Mandy did her BA in Economics and MA in Public Adminstration from Punjab University.

DJ Naveen - A Michigan Indian DJ with over 11 years experience

Meet DJ Naveen, a Indian DJ from Metro Detroit area who has over 11 years of experience. DJ Naveen has been trained in an intense program that includes music, voice, and audience participation techniques.

In addition to playing the music YOU want to hear, DJ Naveen is fully trained as a party MC!! He can perform introductions, announce special party activities and initiate audience participation, dances to get the party going.

Besides rocking out the Detroit area and all of Michigan, Naveen also performs in Ohio, Indianapolis, Chicago, the entire Midwest, and has done events as far as central America.

Check out this video Naveen has put together which gives you an idea as to what Naveen can do for your upcoming wedding or event. Contact DJ Naveen at (248-797-9707)

Indian Americans excel in 81st National Spelling Bee Competition

Desis rule in the 81st National Spelling Bee Competition which just concluded in Washington D.C.
Samir Mishra of Lafeyette, Indiana wins the Scripps National Spelling Bee 2008 after spelling guerdon. He wins $35,000 in cash plus more than $5,000 in other prizes. He is 13 years old. Sameer Mishra spelled "guerdon" to win the title.

Coming in 2nd was Sidharth Chand, 12, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan a Detroit Country Day Middle School seventh-grader. This was his first year at the competition.

Congratulations to Samir Mishra and Sidharth Chand

Richa Gangopadhyay of Northville sets her eyes on Bollywood!

Richa Gangopadhyay, Indian Beauty and Miss India USA from Northville, MI is exploring opportunities in modeling and Bollywood.

This is what Richa had to say to NDTVMOVIES

Currently I am little busy with the many responsibilities that have come with the Miss India USA title. Besides this I am also actively exploring modeling and Bollywood.

I will be playing the lead female role in a Hindi movie being made by an independent Indian Director in the US.

I took this opportunity to explore what is involved in movie making and acting. The movie will give me a chance to play a very versatile role of a young woman journalist, settled in New York.

Apart from this, I have acted in school plays, but plan to take refresher classes as soon as I get more time. I was offered a sponsorship last year to attend Anupam Kher's 'Actor Prepares' school. Hope I can do that some day.

I absolutely love Bollyood films and am a huge fan of Hrithik, who is the perfect man in my mind. He is intense, thoroughly professional; master in his art yet a soft-spoken, non-snobbish person in real life.

Shah Rukh Khan has always been one of my all-time favourites from the first time I saw him in Baazigar.

Yes Richa I agree that Hrithik Roshan is a soft-spoken, non-snobbish person, a quality which is rare at that position. Good Luck Richa!

Raksha Dave - Indian Dance Instructor

Raksha Dave an Indian Dance Instructor from Rochester Hills, MI was interviewed yesterday by Nipa Shah of Michigan Indian Chamber of Commerce on WKBD 50 in the "Street Beat" segment.

Raksha Dave has been teaching Indian cultural Dance for over 20 years. Her students are both kids and adults. Raksha Dave teaches approximately 14 dance classes a week.

Raksha Dave in addition to being a Dance Instructor is also a poet, a writer and likes to write a lot of her own songs which she uses in the dances. Prior to being a Dance Instructor Raksha Dave was a journalist in India.

You can contact Raksha Dave at:

Congratulations to Nipa Shah of Novi, MI

Congratulations to Nipa Shah, President of Jenesys Group, Novi for being honored with "Top 10 Michigan Business Women". She was given the Global Business Award.

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Greater Detroit Chapter honored the Top 10 Michigan Business Women at the 14th Annual Awards Luncheon which took place on March 13 at the Detroit Yacht Club. (Reuters Link).

While accepting the award one of the thing Nipa said was

I strive to be a leader and a mentor. For all the women out there, whether you think about starting your business or want a career change, use me as a resource because I'm sure there is something that I can help you with.

Indian American Couple murdered in their Troy, MI home

This is a real tragedy!. Brij Mohan Chhabra, 65 and his wife Aasha, 55 were shot to death in their home located on Delaware Street in Troy, MI. Two suspects have been arrested and will be arraigned on Thursday, March 13th.

According to Troy Police

To our knowledge the couple did not know the suspects. But we think the suspects sought them out in their home. We don’t know the motive, but we know this was not a random crime.

Observer and Eccentric Newspapers report

Madan Kaura, a longtime fellow yoga teacher of Brij Chhabra at Troy’s Bharatiya Temple, said Chhabra was devoted to a yoga movement that aims to achieve self-realization.

"He was a very special person," said Kaura, of Farmington Hills. "He was a spiritual person."

He said Chhabra enjoyed going to the Detroit Center of Self-Realization Fellowship ranch near Gaylord where retreats, classes and meditation are held. "He used to go there often."

"He was totally clean in every way," he said of his friend’s conduct and life.

Neighbors, meanwhile, said that Aasha Chhabra had multiple sclerosis and so could not leave the house much. She had caregivers come in during the day to take care of her.

Our Deepest Condolences to the friends and family of Brij and Aasha Chhabra.