WASHINGTON: In yet another appointment of Indian-Americans in the Obama administration, an eminent attorney from the community has been chosen for the US President's Advisory Committee on the Arts. Obama has appointed eminent Indian-American attorney, Amy K Singh, as President's Advisory Committee on the Arts for the prestigious John F Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, the White House has said. Based in Obama's home town Chicago, Singh practises in areas of entertainment, advertising and marketing, and provides counsel to clients on event production and promotion, television production, talent and other matters.
Before starting her own practice, she held several positions, including as general counsel/senior vice president of DDB Chicago Inc, and as an associate in the Chicago office of the firm now known as Sidley Austin LLP. Singh was a member of the junior board of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and is currently on the board of the Mikva Challenge. She works to support the arts and youth which develops civic leadership in Chicago's high school youth, the White House added.
Showing posts with label obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label obama. Show all posts
Monday, March 1, 2010
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Obama hails 'friendship between a President and a PM'
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday night arrived at the White House to attend the state dinner hosted by US President Barack Obama.
This is the first state dinner hosted by Obama since his inauguration in office in January. Obama, along with his wife Michelle, warmly welcomed the PM and his wife Gursharan Kaur. Obama surprised the PM and the other invitees by welcoming them in Hindi, saying, "Aapka swagat hai (You are welcome)"
"Many of you were here when I was honored to become the first President to help celebrate Diwali -- the Festival of Lights. Some of you were here for the first White House celebration of the birth of the founder of Sikhism -- Guru Nanak. Tonight, we gather again, for the first state dinner of my presidency -- with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Mrs Gursharan Kaur, as we celebrate the great and growing partnership between the United States and India ," Obama told the high-profile gathering.
"Mr Prime Minister, today we worked to fulfill our duty --bring our countries closer together than ever before. Tonight, under the stars, we celebrate the spirit that will sustain our partnership -- the bonds of friendship between our people. It's a bond that includes more than two million Indian Americans who enrich every corner of our great nation. And it's the bond of friendship between a President and a Prime Minister who are bound by the same unshakable spirit of possibility and brotherhood that transformed both our nations," he said.
Obama also quoted India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in his speech, saying, " Nehru's words speak to our hopes tonight: 'The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity, to the great triumphs and achievements that await us. The past is over and it is the future that beckons us now.'"
At the end of his speech, Obama lightheartedly enquired if Dr Singh had a glass for the toast, and quipped, "Just logistically, we want to make sure the prime minister has a glass here".
Dr Singh started the state dinner with a short speech, in which he thanked President Obama and also stressed on the importance of Indo-US ties.
"I feel privileged to be invited to this first state banquet, Mr President, under your distinguished presidency. You do us and the people of India great honor by this wonderful gesture on your part. We are overwhelmed by the warmth of your hospitality, the courtesy you have extended to us personally, and the grace and charm of the First Lady," he said.
Mentioning Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr Singh said, "We warmly applaud the recognition of the Nobel Committee of the healing touch that you have provided and the power of your idealism and vision. Your leadership of this nation coincides with profound changes in the world".
Batting for stronger Indo-US ties, the PM said, "We need to find new pathways of international cooperation that respond more effectively to the grave challenges caused by the growing interdependence of nations. As two leading democracies, India and the United States must play a leading role in building a shared destiny for all humankind. A strong and sustained engagement between our two countries is good for our people and, equally, it is highly important for the world as a whole."
Wishing President Obama and the American people a happy thanksgiving, Dr Singh said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I invite you to join me in a toast to the health and happiness of President Barack Obama and the First Lady, Mrs. Obama, the friendly people of the United States of America, and stronger and stronger friendship between India and the United States of America".
Besides several Senators and Congressmen, the high-profile guest list included CBS news anchor Katie Couric, actor Kal Pen, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and film-maker Steven Spielberg.
The menu at the dinner included potato and egg plant salad, red lentil soup with fresh cheese, roasted potato dumpling with tomato chutney, chick peas and okra or green curry prawns and coconut and basmati rice. The dessert platter comprised pumpkin pie tart, pear tatin, whipped cream and caramel sauce.
The hottest social event at the White House since Obama assumed office in January this year will also dish out a rich cultural fiesta featuring Oscar winning Indian musician A R Rehman and American singer Jennifer Hudson.
This is the first state dinner hosted by Obama since his inauguration in office in January. Obama, along with his wife Michelle, warmly welcomed the PM and his wife Gursharan Kaur. Obama surprised the PM and the other invitees by welcoming them in Hindi, saying, "Aapka swagat hai (You are welcome)"
"Many of you were here when I was honored to become the first President to help celebrate Diwali -- the Festival of Lights. Some of you were here for the first White House celebration of the birth of the founder of Sikhism -- Guru Nanak. Tonight, we gather again, for the first state dinner of my presidency -- with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Mrs Gursharan Kaur, as we celebrate the great and growing partnership between the United States and India ," Obama told the high-profile gathering.
"Mr Prime Minister, today we worked to fulfill our duty --bring our countries closer together than ever before. Tonight, under the stars, we celebrate the spirit that will sustain our partnership -- the bonds of friendship between our people. It's a bond that includes more than two million Indian Americans who enrich every corner of our great nation. And it's the bond of friendship between a President and a Prime Minister who are bound by the same unshakable spirit of possibility and brotherhood that transformed both our nations," he said.
Obama also quoted India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in his speech, saying, " Nehru's words speak to our hopes tonight: 'The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity, to the great triumphs and achievements that await us. The past is over and it is the future that beckons us now.'"
At the end of his speech, Obama lightheartedly enquired if Dr Singh had a glass for the toast, and quipped, "Just logistically, we want to make sure the prime minister has a glass here".
Dr Singh started the state dinner with a short speech, in which he thanked President Obama and also stressed on the importance of Indo-US ties.
"I feel privileged to be invited to this first state banquet, Mr President, under your distinguished presidency. You do us and the people of India great honor by this wonderful gesture on your part. We are overwhelmed by the warmth of your hospitality, the courtesy you have extended to us personally, and the grace and charm of the First Lady," he said.
Mentioning Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr Singh said, "We warmly applaud the recognition of the Nobel Committee of the healing touch that you have provided and the power of your idealism and vision. Your leadership of this nation coincides with profound changes in the world".
Batting for stronger Indo-US ties, the PM said, "We need to find new pathways of international cooperation that respond more effectively to the grave challenges caused by the growing interdependence of nations. As two leading democracies, India and the United States must play a leading role in building a shared destiny for all humankind. A strong and sustained engagement between our two countries is good for our people and, equally, it is highly important for the world as a whole."
Wishing President Obama and the American people a happy thanksgiving, Dr Singh said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I invite you to join me in a toast to the health and happiness of President Barack Obama and the First Lady, Mrs. Obama, the friendly people of the United States of America, and stronger and stronger friendship between India and the United States of America".
Besides several Senators and Congressmen, the high-profile guest list included CBS news anchor Katie Couric, actor Kal Pen, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and film-maker Steven Spielberg.
The menu at the dinner included potato and egg plant salad, red lentil soup with fresh cheese, roasted potato dumpling with tomato chutney, chick peas and okra or green curry prawns and coconut and basmati rice. The dessert platter comprised pumpkin pie tart, pear tatin, whipped cream and caramel sauce.
The hottest social event at the White House since Obama assumed office in January this year will also dish out a rich cultural fiesta featuring Oscar winning Indian musician A R Rehman and American singer Jennifer Hudson.
White House Meal Heavy on Veggies
The first state dinner held at the White House under President Obama veered away from the old-school American menu of meat and potatoes. That's because the Tuesday night dinner was held to honor India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a vegetarian. Actually the potato part didn't go away. For their first course, the 338 guests could choose a potato and eggplant salad. And for the third (main) course, one choice was roasted potato dumplings with tomato chutney, chick peas and okra.
The other main course selection was curry prawns with caramelized salsify, smoked collard greens and coconut aged basmati. Other appetizer choices included arugula from the White House garden with onion seed vinaigrette and red lentil soup with fresh cheese. American guests could be forgiven if they didn't know what they were eating. And all the guests probably appreciated the fact that the cheese served with the soup was fresh. The dessert menu had a slightly more American flavor: pumpkin pie tart and pear tatin with whipped cream and caramel sauce, petit fours and coffee, cashew brittle, pecan pralines, passion fruit with vanilla gelee and finally chocolate dipped fruit.
The Obamas chose a New York City chef to put together the menu, Marcus Samuelsson of Aquavit.
The other main course selection was curry prawns with caramelized salsify, smoked collard greens and coconut aged basmati. Other appetizer choices included arugula from the White House garden with onion seed vinaigrette and red lentil soup with fresh cheese. American guests could be forgiven if they didn't know what they were eating. And all the guests probably appreciated the fact that the cheese served with the soup was fresh. The dessert menu had a slightly more American flavor: pumpkin pie tart and pear tatin with whipped cream and caramel sauce, petit fours and coffee, cashew brittle, pecan pralines, passion fruit with vanilla gelee and finally chocolate dipped fruit.
The Obamas chose a New York City chef to put together the menu, Marcus Samuelsson of Aquavit.
Obamas welcome PM Manmohan Singh at White House
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was given a rousing welcome at the White House where he was received by President Barack Obama before they sat down for bilateral talks during which the two countries are expected to take their strategic ties to a new level. Obama and First Lady Michelle personally welcomed Singh, the first State guest of the Obama Administration, and his wife Gursharan Kaur at the White House.
The elaborate ceremonial welcome, which was planned at the White House lawns, had to be shifted to the sprawling mansion due to the rains. National Anthems of both India and the US were also played during the ceremony. Singh's visit is the first state visit hosted by the administration, the highest honor extended to a foreign dignitary, and the two would discuss a wide range of bilateral issues and the situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan during their one-on-one meeting.
Though the two leaders met in April on sidelines of the G-20 Summit in London and briefly at Pittsburgh's G-20 Summit, this would be for the first time they would discuss bilateral issues and possibilities of cooperation on key global issues like climate change. The two leaders are understood to have exchanged views on a range of issues, including terrorism, situation in the region, climate change, economic and business ties, agriculture and education. We can build up partnership based on principles and pragmatism, says the Prime Minister.
This is Singh's second State Visit to the US; he has also met with former President George W Bush in 2005.
The Prime Minister is also expected to have registered India's concerns over diversion of US aid by Pakistan and press for ensuring accountability to prevent misuse of funds and equipment.
After the meeting and discussions between the delegations of two countries, Singh and Obama will jointly address a press conference and issue a joint statement reflecting the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.
The two countries will sign a number of pacts, including an MoU on Counter-Terrorism to provide a legal framework for stepped up cooperation against the menace, and discuss the problem of climate change ahead of the Copenhagen Summit. The Prime Minister has indicated that he would seek a "more liberal" US technology transfer to India and an early implementation of the Indo-US nuclear deal.
The most anticipated part of the entire trip however has been the State Dinner, when Obama and Michell host the first black-tie dinner for the Prime Minister.
An invitation to the dinner is believed to be the hottest ticket in Washington this week. While no official list has been announced so far, media reports say that some 400 people have been invited to the dinner, which would have the President and the First Lady's personal touch, including on the menu and entertainment. Grammy and Oscar-award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson will entertain the black-tie crowd, sources said.
The elaborate ceremonial welcome, which was planned at the White House lawns, had to be shifted to the sprawling mansion due to the rains. National Anthems of both India and the US were also played during the ceremony. Singh's visit is the first state visit hosted by the administration, the highest honor extended to a foreign dignitary, and the two would discuss a wide range of bilateral issues and the situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan during their one-on-one meeting.
Though the two leaders met in April on sidelines of the G-20 Summit in London and briefly at Pittsburgh's G-20 Summit, this would be for the first time they would discuss bilateral issues and possibilities of cooperation on key global issues like climate change. The two leaders are understood to have exchanged views on a range of issues, including terrorism, situation in the region, climate change, economic and business ties, agriculture and education. We can build up partnership based on principles and pragmatism, says the Prime Minister.
This is Singh's second State Visit to the US; he has also met with former President George W Bush in 2005.
The Prime Minister is also expected to have registered India's concerns over diversion of US aid by Pakistan and press for ensuring accountability to prevent misuse of funds and equipment.
After the meeting and discussions between the delegations of two countries, Singh and Obama will jointly address a press conference and issue a joint statement reflecting the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.
The two countries will sign a number of pacts, including an MoU on Counter-Terrorism to provide a legal framework for stepped up cooperation against the menace, and discuss the problem of climate change ahead of the Copenhagen Summit. The Prime Minister has indicated that he would seek a "more liberal" US technology transfer to India and an early implementation of the Indo-US nuclear deal.
The most anticipated part of the entire trip however has been the State Dinner, when Obama and Michell host the first black-tie dinner for the Prime Minister.
An invitation to the dinner is believed to be the hottest ticket in Washington this week. While no official list has been announced so far, media reports say that some 400 people have been invited to the dinner, which would have the President and the First Lady's personal touch, including on the menu and entertainment. Grammy and Oscar-award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson will entertain the black-tie crowd, sources said.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Obama marks Diwali, reaches out to Asian Americans
US President Barack Obama on Wednesday lit a lamp to celebrate the Hindu holiday Diwali as he reached out to Asian Americans with a new initiative aimed at expanding opportunities.
Obama became the first US president to personally take part in a White House ceremony for the festival of lights, lighting a "diya" oil lamp inside the executive mansion and bowing respectfully before a Hindu priest.
"While this is a time of rejoicing, it's also a time for reflection, when we remember those who are less fortunate and renew our commitment to reach out to those in need," Obama said.
Obama used the occasion to sign an executive order setting up a commission, comprised of 20 members from a wide range of government agencies, to conduct a two-year study of how to assist Asian Americans.
The executive order saluted the success of many Asian Americans but pointed out that some communities -- Americans of Hmong, Cambodian and Malaysian descent -- suffer high rates of poverty.
One in five Asian Americans lacks health insurance, in part because more than one million of them are sole proprietors of businesses, the order said.
"It's tempting, given the strengths of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, for us to buy into the myth of the 'model minority' and to overlook the very real challenges that certain Asian American and Pacific Islander communities are facing," Obama said.
He also pointed to health disparities such as higher rates of diabetes and Hepatitis B, along with barriers to employment and workplace advancement.
Previous presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush had also launched initiatives for Asian Americans.
But some community activists were upset that Bush's initiative, run under the Commerce Department, was tightly focused on business development rather than a range of issues.
Obama "has restored its broad mission to ensure that all federal agencies are addressing the needs of underserved Asian American and Pacific Islander communities," said Representative Mike Honda, who heads the community's caucus in Congress.
Obama became the first US president to personally take part in a White House ceremony for the festival of lights, lighting a "diya" oil lamp inside the executive mansion and bowing respectfully before a Hindu priest.
"While this is a time of rejoicing, it's also a time for reflection, when we remember those who are less fortunate and renew our commitment to reach out to those in need," Obama said.
Obama used the occasion to sign an executive order setting up a commission, comprised of 20 members from a wide range of government agencies, to conduct a two-year study of how to assist Asian Americans.
The executive order saluted the success of many Asian Americans but pointed out that some communities -- Americans of Hmong, Cambodian and Malaysian descent -- suffer high rates of poverty.
One in five Asian Americans lacks health insurance, in part because more than one million of them are sole proprietors of businesses, the order said.
"It's tempting, given the strengths of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, for us to buy into the myth of the 'model minority' and to overlook the very real challenges that certain Asian American and Pacific Islander communities are facing," Obama said.
He also pointed to health disparities such as higher rates of diabetes and Hepatitis B, along with barriers to employment and workplace advancement.
Previous presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush had also launched initiatives for Asian Americans.
But some community activists were upset that Bush's initiative, run under the Commerce Department, was tightly focused on business development rather than a range of issues.
Obama "has restored its broad mission to ensure that all federal agencies are addressing the needs of underserved Asian American and Pacific Islander communities," said Representative Mike Honda, who heads the community's caucus in Congress.
Friday, October 9, 2009
President Barack Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize
President Barack Obama on Friday won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between people," the Norwegian Nobel Committee said. "Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future," the committee said. "His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population."
Obama's name had been mentioned in speculation before the award but many Nobel watchers believed it was too early to award the president. The committee said it attached special importance to Obama's vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons. "Obama has as president created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play."
Obama's name had been mentioned in speculation before the award but many Nobel watchers believed it was too early to award the president. The committee said it attached special importance to Obama's vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons. "Obama has as president created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play."
Monday, September 14, 2009
Obama Aide Meets With Dalai Lama in India
A high-level delegation representing U.S. President Barack Obama has met with the Dalai Lama ahead of the Tibetan spiritual leader's scheduled trip to the United States next month. The group met Monday at the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India. Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser and assistant to the president, led the U.S. delegation.
A spokesman with the U.S. National Security Council said Mr. Obama wanted to convey his respect for the Dalai Lama as a religious leader and representative of Tibetan culture. The spokesman said Jarrett heard the Dalai Lama's ideas about how Tibetan identity can be preserved, and his commitment to dialogue with China. He said the Tibetan spiritual leader repeated his position that he does not seek independence for Tibet. China considers the Dalai Lama a separatist and disapproves of him meeting with foreign governments. The Dalai Lama's office said in a statement that Jarrett reiterated President Obama's commitment to support the Tibetan people in protecting their distinct heritage and securing respect for their civil liberties.
The Dalai Lama has said he hopes to see Mr. Obama when he visits New York and Washington October 4-9. Jarrett and the senior U.S. diplomat accompanying her, State Department Undersecretary for Democracy and Global Affairs, Maria Otero, are the highest-level U.S. officials to visit the Tibetan center in India's Himalayan region since March 2008. The speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, traveled to Dharamsala last year just weeks after major protests in Tibet and a crackdown there by Chinese authorities. Jarrett and Otero met with the prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Samdhong Rinpoche, on Sunday, but no details of their talks were released.
A spokesman with the U.S. National Security Council said Mr. Obama wanted to convey his respect for the Dalai Lama as a religious leader and representative of Tibetan culture. The spokesman said Jarrett heard the Dalai Lama's ideas about how Tibetan identity can be preserved, and his commitment to dialogue with China. He said the Tibetan spiritual leader repeated his position that he does not seek independence for Tibet. China considers the Dalai Lama a separatist and disapproves of him meeting with foreign governments. The Dalai Lama's office said in a statement that Jarrett reiterated President Obama's commitment to support the Tibetan people in protecting their distinct heritage and securing respect for their civil liberties.
The Dalai Lama has said he hopes to see Mr. Obama when he visits New York and Washington October 4-9. Jarrett and the senior U.S. diplomat accompanying her, State Department Undersecretary for Democracy and Global Affairs, Maria Otero, are the highest-level U.S. officials to visit the Tibetan center in India's Himalayan region since March 2008. The speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, traveled to Dharamsala last year just weeks after major protests in Tibet and a crackdown there by Chinese authorities. Jarrett and Otero met with the prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Samdhong Rinpoche, on Sunday, but no details of their talks were released.
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