BENGALURU: Never give up -- these were the simple yet profound words that kept Virali Modi, 26, fighting on after a deadly bout of malaria had her comatose for weeks and left her paraplegic and wheelchair-bound at the age of 14. In coma for 23 days, she miraculously opened her eyes on the day the doctors decided to remove her life-support and has not stopped since then, fighting for her rights -- and those of other disabled people. Manhandled and groped by railway porters when … [Read more...]
The emerging India-U.S. Role Reversal in World Leadership
For the last half of the 20th century, the United States was the world's beacon for democracy and economic development and India was a laggard. These roles are reversing as the end of the second decade of the 21st century approaches. India is becoming a beacon and the US is becoming a flashlight. In large part, this is a consequence of leadership. India has a leader in Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is pursuing the future. The US has a leader in Donald Trump who is … [Read more...]
Indian Muslims should embrace triple talaq verdict
On August 22, the Supreme Court ruled that triple talaq -- the practice which allows a man to divorce his wife instantly by saying the word talaq thrice -- is unconstitutional. Predictably, the ruling was denounced by a number of Muslim leaders and organisations. Some interpreted it as an attack on their religion and way of life. Others saw a conspiracy angle in the importance given to an issue. This perspective is desperate and distorted. This perspective is not only wrong but also … [Read more...]
Making Indian democracy a world leader – through civic engagement
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House did not receive a large amount of press coverage in the United States. The most notable quote came during a press conference in the White House Rose Garden when President Trump proclaimed: "I am proud to announce to the media, to the American people, that Prime Minister Modi and I are world leaders in social media." Trump's comment missed the real significance of his … [Read more...]
Indian-Americans can help India Realize its full potential
In 2010, during his first visit to India, President Barack Obama proclaimed: "I believe that India and America are indispensable partners in meeting the challenges of their times." I agree wholeheartedly with the assessment and feel strongly that Indian Americans can play a key role in strengthening that partnership and helping India achieve its full potential. Because of their accomplishments in the United States and understanding of India, Indian Americans are uniquely positioned to step … [Read more...]
Indian-Americans sleeping giants in US presidential election: Frank Islam
PHILADELPHIA: Indian-Americans are "sleeping giants" and can make a "significant difference" in helping first ever woman US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton break the ultimate glass ceiling, according to her Indian-origin supporters. "Indian-Americans are the sleeping giants. Indian Americans in this campaign need to harness and galvanize the resources especially in the battle ground states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida and Virginia," said Indian-American Frank Islam, a major fund … [Read more...]
Radical extremists countering Gandhi with hate, violence
WASHINGTON: Radical extremists today are countering Mahatma Gandhi's teachings with "hate, violence and war", an eminent Indian-American entrepreneur said as he cautioned community members that such ideology could make democracy a distant memory. "Without Mahatma Gandhi,there would have been no Republic Day for India and without his influence on others, the United States and the world would be a far different place," said entrepreneur and philanthropist Frank Islam in his key-note address to … [Read more...]
Empower Indian Muslims with Education
WASHINGTON: Expressing sadness at the educational plight of Indian Muslims, an Indian-American entrepreneur and philanthropist has called for the community's active participation in India's inclusive economic growth. "India's Muslims must be active participant in shaping the future of India's inclusive economic growth. They must be partner in India's prosperity," said Frank Islam in a keynote address to the Aligarh Alumni Association Inc. New York (AAANY). "When they succeed, ALL of us … [Read more...]
Entrepreneurs are made, not born: Frank Islam, Indian-American entrepreneur
Alumni donations once again grabbed headlines as Harvard University received one of the largest donations in history -a $400-million contribution from hedge fund manager John Paulson. On the other hand, few Indian universities find such support from their alumni network. Last month, Frank Islam, an Indian-American entrepreneur, became an exception by pledging $2 million to his alma mater Aligarh Muslim University. He talks to Chidanand Rajghatta about the generous contribution. Tell us the … [Read more...]
Frank Islam of US gives back $2 mn to alma mater Aligarh Muslim University – The Economic Times
WASHINGTON: He was born in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, shifted to the US when he was just 15 and now lives in a 40,000-square-foot mansion that has a five-bedroom guest house and a backyard tea house along with reflecting pools on nine acres in Potomac, Maryland, a house that took six years to build.After realising the American dream, Frank Islam, an India-born entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist who is said to be worth $300 million, is now 'investing' in the education sector in both the land … [Read more...]