WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The Indian Embassy in Washington, DC is actively working with their consul generals and Indian American community organizations to assist the 200,000 Indian nationals that are students at U.S. universities left in limbo because of coronavirus-related shutdowns. Embassy officials tell Diya TV that with schools like Harvard University closing down dormitories, nonprofit organizations like Sewa International have offered assistance to help students get through this period of uncertainty.
A complete list of resources provided by the embassy for students and others impacted by coronavirus closures, including details on the closure of walk-in visa applications for the next two weeks at Indian consulates around the U.S.
President Trump declared a national emergency over the coronavirus outbreak following a week of tumult featuring cancellations and suspensions of everyday life, not to mention a growing caseload of Americans afflicted with COVID-19.
WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The U.S. wants India to reduce its dependence on Russian weapons. That’s why it’s preparing a military aid package worth as much as $500 million. If the deal happens, it would make India one of the largest recipients of foreign aid behind Israel and Egypt. This U.S. effort is part of a much larger initiative to court India, despite its reluctance to criticize Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the head of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said she has tested positive for COVID-19. The Seattle Democrat says she’s experiencing flu-like symptoms and will be isolating and working remotely. Jayapal is vaccinated and double boosted. She also encouraged everyone who is eligible to get a second booster.
COPPELL, Texas (Diya TV) — In a student-captured viral video shared online on May 11, Indian American student Shaan Pritmani was physically attacked in an act of bullying at Coppell Middle School North in Coppell, Texas.
Pritmani is seen to be sitting on a bench when another student, a white teenager, forcefully asked him to move. When Pritmani did not comply, after indicating he was there first, the other student put Pritmani in a chokehold and dragged him out of the seat.
The Coppell Independent School District (ISD) is known to be diverse and bullying incidents like the one detailed above are not commonplace. However, there was a faculty member arrested on accounts of sexual assault and indecency with a child in early 2021.
Once the video spread, Brad Hunt, Superintendent of Coppell Independent School District, shared a statement condemning the situation, saying “bullying, both verbal and physical, as well as physical acts of aggression are never acceptable and do not align with who we are at CISD and our core values.” The statement also notes that the district is undergoing an investigation into the issue to provide closure.
Pritmani was suspended for 3 days, while the assaultor got 1 day of suspense.
The issue has gained traction on social media, with many people of Indian and South Asian descent stunned by the graphic video:
A teenager Shaan Pritmani was attacked and choked by another student for sitting in an empty seat. The other teen, a wrestler, chokes him. Shaan was penalized by the school. Honestly, this is enraging. And the school is still “investigating.” https://t.co/ObQbjAvrFx
Pritmani’s mother, Sonika Kukreja, has started a petition to spread more awareness, not only towards this specific altercation, but bullying as a whole across the nation. The petition states: “Shaan’s parents reached out to school authorities, shared the evidence and requested a reassessment. The school informed the parents that they have seen the video and that there will be no change in the course of action.”
The petition has over 200K signings at the time of this publication and that number continues to grow.
DALLAS (Diya TV) — A disturbing video out of Texas is going viral. It shows a white middle school student severely bullying an Indian American classmate, putting the young man in a chokehold and twisting his neck. It’s unclear if any serious injuries were sustained. Coppell Middle School’s superintendent says they are investigating and have bullying measures in place. Many parents, especially in the Indian diaspora are demanding accountability and consequences for the attacker.
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