Author: Lavina Melwani

If the Pilgrim Fathers revisited America this year, they would certainly be amazed by the aromas, tastes and colors of the diverse Thanksgiving table. New York is, of course, one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. and its residents trace their roots to hundreds of countries and ethnicities. Each immigrant family brings its own culture and food habits and incorporates them into the Thanksgiving meal.

We’ve all seen thrillers with spine-tingling action, gangsters, undercover agents and secret raids to unearth narcotics, jewels or bombs. In ‘The Price of Free’, all these elements are there except the contraband goods are real, live children who are being abused as modern day slaves.

November 6 was a memorable day with rain and umbrellas, long lines at the polling booths and then a nail-biting wait for the results of the midterm elections. For Indian-Americans who largely tend to vote Democratic, there was a collective sigh of relief as their party took back the house even as the Republicans maintained – and strengthened – their hold on the Senate.

3783 people reached on Lassi with Lavina FB page – 216 engagements Shanta Bipat, Sonali Soni and 16 others like it on Lassi with Lavina FB page The Buzz –  Armistice Day 2018 1.3 Million Indian Troops in World War 1 [dropcap]S[/dropcap]ometimes I think we don’t know enough of our own history! Did you know that over 1.3 million Indians were involved in World War 1? Being part of the British Raj, they were dragged into the momentous war which was being fought thousands of miles away from India. What were their thoughts, their feelings on being asked to serve…

November 6, 2018 may be just another ordinary day for most people around the world but for Americans it’s make or break day – the day millions of US citizens go to the polls to vote. The Midterm Elections are all the buzz in America – in the course of less than a week will be decided the future blueprint of the country.

Will the Desi Vote be as potent as the ‘Desi Girl’ in the Midterm Elections? Listen to Roopa Mahadevan!

The historic townhouse where First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once lived has stood tall on Park Avenue and has seen many a famous guest walk through its gilded rooms. Now owned by Meera Gandhi, the CEO of Giving Back Foundation, the house recently saw some history repeated.

In this frightening political season as the elections draw near, here is a little respite, something to smile about.

“The first time I went to India, for me it was like a dream. To see the artistes was like meeting a superstar, and to experience such a vast ocean of Bharatanatyam! My experience with them has been amazing – sometimes I wish I had two brains so I won’t forget even a word they have said. I only pray I can have the strength and charisma they have, and realize their words in this life.”

Tulsi Gabbard’s Diwali Greeting [dropcap]A[/dropcap]loha and Namaste. I’d like to wish you and your family a very Happy Diwali. Diwali is such a special time of year where people all over the world are coming together to light their lamps in honor the return of Lord Ramachandra to His kingdom after many years in exile, and celebrate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Unfortunately, in our world today, we find ourselves surrounded by darkness and divisiveness, based on race, gender, politics, or religion. We see political leaders and influencers, people in the media,…

In Jersey City, cops are joining the Indian community in dancing the garba! Watch the video!

If you’re wondering what the Secret Garden is, and where it is,  it is Children’s Hope India’s annual gala and it was held on October 7 at Pier Sixty in Manhattan. The theme of this much anticipated fundraiser for the education of under-served children was based on the classic children’s novel ‘The Secret Garden’ by Frances Hodgson Burnett which shows how love and compassion can transform the lives of children.

2338 people reached on Lassi with Lavina FB page – 14 Likes – 116 post clicks Ankit Narula, Gulnaaz Lalji and Shagun Mehandru like it on Lassi with Lavina FB page Children’s Hope India: A Visit to a Secret Garden [dropcap]I[/dropcap]magine a lush Secret Garden where dreams are nurtured and where tiny seedlings are encouraged to bloom to their full potential. Children’s Hope India (CHI) invites you to just such a special space. Inspired by the classic children’s novel, ‘The Secret Garden’,  this year’s CHI Gala touches upon the theme of rejuvenation and  playfully evokes a floral fantasy at Pier Sixty…

From thought leaders and advocates in public spaces to the CEOs of corporations and start-ups to the hordes of unsung NYC cabbies, cooks and 711 workers – there are countless Indian stories waiting to be told.  Indian brain cells, entrepreneurship and sweat equity are entwined with the success of America, and we will meet these famous, infamous and ordinary people every week.

The Season of India Gala was co-chaired by Sangita Jindal and Sana H. Sabbagh. The guest list had everyone in stunning India-inspired wear and jewels, blending in as one large international family – from different cities and across continents.

The movie has pulsating Soca music and the gorgeous island settings. So, who knows, Trinidad with its beaches, its spicy colors and its famous carnival, may become a hot Bollywood location after this film!

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard shares her Hindu faith and thoughts on Janamashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna. “And by engaging our time, energy, and skills in the loving service of God and all His children, we can be connected with Him.”

This is an immigration tale, about the woes of the H4 visa spouses. Since 2015 a temporary work authorization has allowed them to work and have a normal life. Now there may be a reversal of fortune and the clock may be turned back.

Superstar. Bollywood Royalty. Miss World. Guess model. Fashion Icon. International Recording Star. Highest Paid Actress in the Indian Film Industry. Queen of Endorsements. UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. The Empress of High Heels.

Yes, Priyanka Chopra is all these but she’s also something you would never, ever have guessed in a hundred years.

She’s an FOB – Fresh Off the Boat!

2467 people reached on Lassi with Lavina FB page 174 views on LinkedIn The Passing of an Indian Patriot  – Atal Bihari Vajpayee Today India’s former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away at the age of 93. I share the wonderful tribute to him by Nirupama Rao, India’s former ambassador to the United States: ” R.I.P Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. As spokesperson of the M.E.A in the period 2001-2002 it was an honor to serve him as our Prime Minister – a man of unbounded eloquence, perspicacity, and a profound understanding of statecraft, history, and human behavior. The quintessential democrat, without an…