NetIP invades TiECon 2010!

“All people are entrepreneurs…” -Muhammad Yunus, Founder of the Grameen Bank, Nobel Peace Prize Winner

L-R: Sonal Mukhi (Outdoors Club Chair, NetIP Miami),
Anit Agarwal (NetIP Bay Area),
Praveen Yalamanchi (President, NetIP Miami),
Jasmin Rohman (VP of Events, NetIP Dallas)

NetIP has had a long standing history with our Alliance Partner organization The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE). TiE is a global, not-for-profit, dedicated to fostering entrepreneurs across its international network. Since its founding in 1992, TiE has grown to become the world’s largest organization for entrepreneurs and professionals, with membership spread across 54 chapters in 13 countries.

This year many NetIP members from across the country came to be inspired at TiECon, TiE’s annual National Conference which boasts to be the world’s largest conference for Entrepreneurs. The conference offered attendees the chance to connect and engage with entrepreneurs, VCs, industry executives and thought leaders over two full days of insights, sharing of business ideas, and power networking.

On Thursday May 13th the 17th annual TiECon, held at the Santa Clara Convention Center in the heart of Silicon Valley, started with a VIP Reception with Chief Technology Officer of the United States and former NetSAP Boston President, Aneesh Chopra.

This was followed by the actual kickoff Friday morning. This year the theme was “It’s In Your DNA” which goes to the point that we all have it within us to become an entrepreneur and harness our great ideas and put them in action. The conference offers the perfect ecosystem for building and launching a great company. With over 3000 attendees, 50 sessions featuring 150+ speakers, industry leaders and experts across entrepreneurial and business topics, and five focus segments (Internet, Software, Wireless, Clean Tech and Bio Sciences), this was a great event to garner the skills, resources, and contacts entrepreneurs need to succeed!

TiECon 2010 Highlights:

TiE50 – The 50 most enterprising startups in the fields of –Software, Wireless, Internet, CleanTech, and Biosciences

Power Connect – Power Networking with a Segment Focus

Business Bootcamp – Starting a Company. Running a Company. Taking it to the Next Level.

The Outer Realm – Cutting-edge research that will shatter your perceptions of technological and business boundaries

Key Note Speakers Included:

G. Steven Burrill (the BioSciences Pioneer, CEO of Burrill &Co.), Aneesh Chopra (first Federal CTO of the USA), Hakan Eriksson (SVP, CTO, Head of Group Function Technology and Portfolio Management, Head of Ericsson, Silicon Valley), Jeff Hayzlett (CMO of Kodak), Reid Hoffman (Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, LinkedIn), Deep Nishar (Vice President, Products, LinkedIn), Dr. K. Anji Reddy (Chairman of Dr. Reddy’s Labs, leading Indian Pharma Firm), Sir Martin Sorrell (Head of 250+ companies at WPP, the world’s largest advertising firm), Bill Sheedy (President, Visa Inc.)

Dr. Reddy of  Dr. Reddy’s Labs, shared how his simple vision of giving the people of India affordable medicine led him to grow his company to become the largest Pharmaceutical company in India. He also gave two key takeaways on his success for aspiring entrepreneurs: That we have the advantage to make quick decisions and that we always need to stay flexible.

Jasmin Rohman, NetIP Dallas VP of Events, attended one session on “Where are our Women Entrepreneurs and CXO’s?” which gave insight on how women can increase their presence in the entrepreneurial playing field and reach those top CXO positions.  Some keys to decreasing the gender gap were to encourage daughters from an early age that they are capable of anything they dream of and also to just encourage each other with support and mentoring to get a typically “risk-adverse” gender past the tipping point and ready to take the entrepreneurial plunge.

Since the best networking occurs in a social setting, TiECon concluded with a “Rhythm and Passion” themed banquet featuring musical performances from RDB, (Rhythm Dhol Bass) and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Stars.

NetIP Miami President, Praveen Yalamanchi tweeted throughout the conference and you can find his key takeaways from the various speakers at twitter.com/pravvy

“TiECon 2010 was the first TiE conference I attended.  I was overwhelmed by the sheer passion, energy and optimism at the conference.  The speakers were the best in the industry.  Innovation was the key driver of all entrepreneurs. I am at the brink of launching my company, LinkedNets, a platform that connects organizations and groups with each other with fine grained privacy controls.  The purpose of my attending TiECon was to understand and experience in person what was happening in Silicon Valley in relation to the launch of LinkedNets.   TiECon far exceeded my expectations.  I returned making invaluable contacts and re energized.  It was worth every penny and every second spent in attending the conference. I urge every entrepreneur to attend this one conference every year.”
-Pratima Rao, CEO, LinkedNets, TWINE Chair, Dallas, TX

Chapter Spotlight: NetIP Dallas Dinner Circle

by Palvi Waghela, Cultural Awareness Pillar Chair, Network of Indian Professionals Dallas

What could be better then trying out a new restaurant while catching up with friends and making some new ones before the night is through?  A recent NetIP Dallas dinner circle event provided all of the above and then some!  This month NetIP Dallas decided to explore the exotic tastes of East Africa by sampling delicious Ethiopian cuisine at the Queen of Sheeba restaurant in Addison, Texas on February 23, 2010.   The event had a capacity turnout of NetIP members as well as non-members (many attending a NetIP event for the first time).

The evening began with a networking segment giving everyone a chance to meet and get to know each other before they took their places at the table.  About half an hour into the evening dinner was served and consisted of a range of items that reflected the heart of Ethopian cuisine.

One on the appetizers named  ”Sambusas” were basically samosas, and consisted of spiced lentils in a crispy pastry wrapper.  This was served with Sheba’s Salad made with tomato, onion, and jalapeno lightly spiced and dressed.  Next came a spicy crepe like bread called Injera.  For all you spicy food lovers this was a great pick! Our vegetarian members raved about these two starters.

During the course of appetizers and dinner, an icebreaker game was played as well.  The icebreaker consisted of telling two truths about yourself and one lie, the group then made their guesses as to which fact was the lie.   This was a fun way to get to know interesting facts about each attendee, for instance dinner guests learned who was a triplet and which guy cuts his own hair.  It was a great way for people to make connections and learn the most random things from the attendees unique backgrounds.

The arrival of dinner brought with it an aroma of spices that made your mouth water.  For the vegetarians there were a couple of dishes: Lentils, Cabbage, and Chickpeas gravy, which was served with their delicious bread Injera.  For our meat lovers there were two wonderful dishes: Spicy Beef and Shredded Chicken, which were also served with Injera. A surprise for most members in attendance was that food was eaten by hand using the Injera in a way similar to naan.

The room’s pitch went from loud and boisterous to complete silence.  This only meant one thing, the food was DELICIOUS and everyone was too busy stuffing his or her mouths to talk.  After eating this wonderful meal no one had room for dessert!  The night came to an end after two hours of networking, eating, laughing and just having a wonderful time with old friends and new.

This was a great value to members since they were able to sample the best and most interesting food Ethiopia has to offer for the mere price of $20 which included tax, tip and a non-alcoholic beverage!  Dinner Circle at Queen of Sheeba was a huge success according to our members and non-members.  Queen of Sheeba is strongly recommended if you have not been yet.  Happy Eating!

To attend the next NetIP Dallas dinner circle or for more information about upcoming events please visit www.NetIP-Dallas.org or www.Facebook.com/NetIPDallas.

www.NetIP.org

Edited by Latha Nehru, VP of External Affairs, NetIP NA

NetIP Dallas World Record Breaking Community Service Event

by Vishal Bagchi, Community Service Pillar Chair, Network of Indian Professionals Dallas

Who knew that by throwing a pie (or three) at others could help The Dallas Animal Advocates (DAA) raise money and break a World Record?!?   Well the NetIP Dallas Community Service Pillar and their members helped make this possible on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at their first community service event of the decade.  This was a once in a lifetime opportunity that had been offered to DAA to assist them in raising much needed funds to support their primary programs (fences for tethered dogs in the City of Dallas and heartworm funds for HW+ dogs at Dallas Animal Services).   A minimum of 300 volunteers were needed to handle the actual pie throwing for a Dalton-based Shaw Industries, the world’s largest carpet manufacture. For each 100 volunteers, Dallas Animal Advocates earned $2,500.

For more information about this GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Largest Pie Fight achievement or to view pie fight video, visit www.shawfloors.com/anso/piefight.

NetIP Dallas has another record setting Saturday of Service planned for April where they will participate in multiple community service events in one day.  For more information please visit www.NetIP-Dallas.org or www.Facebook.com/NetIPDallas.

Edited by Latha Nehru, VP of External Affairs, NetIP NA, www.NetIP.org

Celebrate Holi with the NetIP Family and Support an Important Cause

On behalf of NetIP’s North America Board and Chapter Officers, here’s wishing our readers and the NetIP Community a happy and colorful Holi. Cultural Awareness, along with Professional Development, Community Service and Political Awareness, is a core pillar of the Organization and our chapters are committed to providing a unique platform to promote South Asian Culture across US and Canada. It is in this spirit that many of our chapters are hosting fun and unique Holi events in the coming weeks that also have a strong community support undertone (many of the events are to support Grameen Foundation’s effort in Haiti) If, like me, you spent the day inside an office wishing that you part of the festivities, you’ll love what’s on offer. Check out just some of the exciting activities planned in various cities -

“HOLI COW” by NetIP LA-OC — A Beach Party Organized for the Haiti Relief Efforts

A fun Holi event to benefit Haiti

A spectacular afternoon at the Will Rogers State Beach, under the warm March sun, as NetIP LA-OC & AIF celebrate the “Ultimate Holi Beach Party of the Year” to benefit the AIF Haiti Relief Fund. You’ve all been wanting to help out with the Haiti relief efforts and this is your chance to do so in style and with tons of fun. Come as we celebrate our culture and heritage through vibrant colors, water, sand and games. Bring your family and friends to this joyous occasion and experience our hospitality through these festivities!!

Click here for NetIP LA-OC’s Holi Facebook event

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“HOLI HUNGAMA” by NetIP New York — An Evening of Fun, Fashion & Flair

Holi Hungama - An evening of fun, fashion and flair

A fashion show courtesy of BIBI Magazine, music by DJ Sammy J, performances by NYC Bhangra a lot more! Don’t miss this exciting evening by NetIP NY!

A percentage of the proceeds will go to support the Grameen Foundation.

Click here for NetIP NY’s Holi Facebook event

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The Sixth Annual Holi Hungama by NetSAP DC

NetSAP DC's Holi Hungama

Join NetSAP DC to celebrate Holi in the Park! Everyone is welcome to attend and this event is free to members and non-members.  Bring your own gulal (holi color) and picnic baskets and play holi with some new NetSAP DC friends! Gulal can be purchased at most South Asian stores in the metro area.

Given the recent devastation in Haiti, NetSAP DC will be collecting monetary donations for the Grameen Foundation’s Haiti Fund.  We will also be collecting nonperishables and toiletries for the Arlington Food Bank.

Click here for NetSAP DC’s Holi Facebook event

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“Holi Hai” by NetIP Dallas — Bid Goodbye to Winter and Embrace the Spring with Holi Festivities

Come join NetIP Dallas as we wave goodbye to WINTER and embrace the SPRING!! There’s no better way to kickoff this spring season with friends and family than smothering them with gulal (holi color). Just think of how much fun a snowball fight is.. and now imagine doing the same thing with colored powder! A limited amount of colors will be provided by NetIP Dallas, but it is recommended that you purchase your own at a local South Asian store (darker colors are more fun) =)

Chapter Spotlight: NetIP Dallas’ January Third Thursdays ~ Supporting The Grameen Foundation’s Haiti Fund

President Riya Bhattacharjee, Professional Development Pillar Chair Hosi Kamiya, and VP of Events Jasmin Rohmam signing up a New Member

On January 21st, the Network of Indian Professionals Dallas Chapter kicked off the decade by hosting a very successful Third Thursdays networking event at Bengal Coast Restaurant in Uptown, Dallas. The event was a huge success and drew over 75 attendees, many attending a NetIP event for the first time. NetIP Dallas was able to sign up 20 new members on the spot by featuring a one day onsite membership promotion. Special guest attendee Ajay Patel ,Co-Vice-President and National Liaison of NetIP Atlanta, was quoted on saying how impressed he was with the venue, event execution, and pricing strategy, which he was looking forward to sharing with the NetIP Atlanta Board.

Due to the recent events in Haiti, NetIP Dallas donated all proceeds from this Third Thursdays event to the Grameen Foundation’s Haiti Fund. In line with National’s commitment towards the Grameen Foundation, NetIP Dallas felt that it was critical to donate proceeds towards an effort that not only helps with immediate disaster relief, but will also provide long term relief for the people of Haiti. Grameen’s principle of providing micro-finance loans that will create jobs and help rebuild the city of Port-au-Prince is what attracted NetIP Dallas to this organization.

Unique fundraising efforts of the night included a raffle with 2 pairs of Dallas Mavericks tickets (the best team in the NBA after all), Pearl Earrings donated by Dallas Diamonds ($300 value), and an Aveda spa package. Profits from the raffle ended up raising over $500! Bengal Coast was kind to donate delicious appetizers, which included chicken sticks, vegetable pakoras, and Goan chicken lettuce boats. Dallas’ very own DJ Masai stirred up the night by generously providing his services, getting the crowd to celebrate the new year with a BANG! All attendees went home with a NetIP Dallas t-shirt sponsored by the 2010 Census, perfect for the next NetIP Dallas community service event! This was a great kick off event for the decade and just a hint at what is yet to come!

NetIP Dallas President, Riya Bhattacharjee, was very pleased with their kickoff event and the fact that they have already tripled membership numbers from this time last year. “New year.. new board.. new start .. all you large chapters, watch out for this new addition to your competition!”

Attendees NetIP Atlanta National Liaison & Co-VP Ajay Patel and VP of External Affairs for NetIP North America Latha Nehru

Some NetIP Dallas Upcoming Events Include:
2/13 Tax & Financial Planning Workshop at Bengal Coast
2/18 February Third Thursdays ~ Supporting CHETNA at Red Room
2/20 CHETNA Gala at Fun Asia
2/23 Dinner Circle at Queen of Sheeba
2/25 Investment 101 Workshop
3/06 Job Hunting 101
3/07 Holi at the DFW Hindu Temple
3/13 Carnaval-International Dance Experience at the Hyatt Regency DFW

NetIP Dallas was formed in 1994 and received the 2009 Boscar for Most Improved Chapter. NetIP Dallas began hosting Third Thursday’s in August 2008 after their then Community Service Chair Latha Nehru attended a NetSAP DC Third Thursdays earlier that year and was very impressed with the concept. Third Thursdays continue to be NetIP Dallas’ highest attended event month after month. For more information about NetIP Dallas and any of their upcomming events please visit www.NetIP-Dallas.org or www.Facebook.com/NetIPDallas.

Edited by Latha Nehru, VP of External Affairs, NetIP NA

New Immigration Rules Complicate Travel to India

by Vishal Chander, Attorney At Law

New immigration regulations may inconvenience frequent travelers to India. In December 2009, India enacted regulations prohibiting tourist visa holders from reentering the country for at least two months after any visit. The regulations have caught many international travelers off guard and drawn complaints from other nations, including the United States.

The travel regulations create several restrictions. Any person holding a multiple entry tourist visa (T visa) is prohibited from entering India within two months of any prior visit. A tourist visa holder must obtain special permission from an overseas Indian mission or post if he or she wishes to reenter India within two months of a previous visit. If a permit to reenter India is granted, the traveler must register with a Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of entering the country. The new regulations also provide that foreign nationals who frequently apply for tourist visas would be referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs for clearance.

The changes were prompted, in part, on news that David Headley ” the American man accused of scouting locations for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks ” entered India using multiple entry tourist visas. The new regulations are part of a broader strategy to better track foreign travelers in India.

On enactment of the regulations, the United States Embassy in Delhi reported multiple incidents where U.S. citizens were unable to reenter India after brief side trips to countries like Sri Lanka and Thailand. Both the United States and United Kingdom have raised formal complaints regarding the new regulations.

The Indian Bureau of Immigration issued comments clarifying how the regulations will be implemented for tourists who may need to make multiple entries to India during a single trip. The comments state that Indian immigration officials have the discretion to allow two or three entries to travelers on presentation of itinerary and supporting documentation evidencing legitimate tourism.

The comments also state that travelers may obtain a reentry permit for multiple entries on a single trip from Indian missions and posts abroad by submitting itinerary and supporting documentation. The comments conflict with statements from the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., which provide that permits are not needed when a trip follows the itinerary exactly.

Media reports suggest the new regulations are temporary and will be reevaluated after six months. Travelers should err on the side of caution. Individuals intending to make multiple entries to India on a single trip may wish to seek reentry permits before traveling. Individuals are also advised to seek the appropriate visa for work, business, medical treatment, or study when traveling to India, instead of engaging in unauthorized activities while on a tourist visa.

Vishal Chander has been attending Network of Indian Professionals’ events since 1998.  He is managing attorney of The Chander Law Firm, P.C.  Vishal sits on the State Bar of Texas standing committee on Laws Relating to Immigration & Nationality.  He is also Young Lawyers Division Chair of the Texas chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.  In 2008 and 2009 Vishal was recognized as a “Rising Star” in the area of Immigration Law by Texas Monthly magazine.

The Chander Law Firm’s principal area of practice is United States Immigration Law. The firm also provides representation to individuals and businesses in a variety of other matters including commercial litigation, collections, personal injury, consumer rights, and civil rights cases. You can learn more about The Chander Law Firm by visiting www.chanderlaw.com.

www.NetIP.org

NetIP Dallas Takes Home Two Boscars from the Annual Conference

Most Improved Chapter

NetIP Dallas has truly had a stellar year.  It has become a thriving chapter with an amazing 11 member board and over 130 members!
With events every week surrounding the four foundation pillars of NetIP, the Dallas chapter has been performing at a level far beyond its expectations. Some notable events included the chapter’s support of Baal Dan charity via its scotch tasting event.

This summer the chapter held a cruise with the other Texas NetIP chapters which turned out to be both a collaborative effort and a huge success. With a dedicated board at the helm, they have every hope that much progress will be seen through the end of the year and beyond.

Best President, Large Chapter: Latha Nehru, Dallas

As President of NetIP Dallas, Latha Nehru has been revered as a strong leader with drive and passion.  With a renewed focus on membership and sponsorship, Latha was able to turn a small chapter into a large, thriving chapter. The following is only a glimpse of the initiatives Latha set out for her team to accomplish: 10 Events in 10 Weeks Campaign, Second Saturdays of Service, Book Club, partnership with the local Chamber of Commerce to hold a workshop on minority certification for businesses, establishing a Sports Chair, leading to successful participation in the Dallas Kickball league, Chai Chat (a political discussion forum), and Third Thursdays networking event, from which proceeds are given to a selected charity.

We congratulate Latha and wish her continued success as the 2010 elected VP of External Affairs on the NetIP North America Board!

NetIP Announces Winners for April “Leader of the Month”

Milan Shroff, NetIP Twin Cities

Milan Shroff first became involved with NetIP in 2007 and immediately became an active member of the organization.  In 2008, he was elected President of the Twin Cities Chapter and continues to hold that position.

Milan’s ability to execute events with consistency has allowed NetIP Twin Cities to make great strides in the past year.  Milan continues to strive to bring the greatest benefit to NetIP Twin Cities members.  Under his leadership, the chapter has been able to introduce many new events and increase membership.  In addition, a corporate relationship was formed with the Minnesota Timberwolves and charity donations have tripled! 

In 2009, working with a smaller board brought new challenges.  Milan has been successful in encouraging participation from the board and has also been more than willing to help out when needed.  His restructuring of the board and responsibilities created a more efficient and streamlined process.  He even recruited two more members to join the board within the last few months. 

NetIP North America congratulates Milan and looks forward to hearing of many more success stories under his leadership!

 

Raj Bhandari, NetIP Dallas

Raj Bhandari has served as the Public Relations Chair for NetIP Dallas since January 2009.  He has put his community connections to great use and has been highly successful in his local outreach on behalf of NetIP Dallas.  He single handedly coordinated the Insight on Indian and Southeast Asian Art Lecture, an event that he arranged for members to attend at no cost.  The success of the event has led to  a community partnership between NetIP Dallas and the Crow Collection of Asian Art Museum.

Raj has also consistently invited and brought potential sponsors and new members to events, resulting in an increased interest in NetIP Dallas and awareness of the organization.

Amidst the challenges of a difficult economy, Raj developed and implemented a sponsorship package for the chapter’s monthly “Third Thursdays” event, securing a $500 sponsorship for their April event as well as another $500 sponsorship for their May event.

NetIP North America cogratulates Raj and wishes him continued success through his hard work and dedication to NetIP Dallas!

NetIP Pittsburgh & NetIP Dallas, Winners of April’s “Event of the Month”

The competition was so fierce for April’s Event of the Month award, that NetIP North America awarded the prestigious title to two events!  NetIP Pittsburgh’s Fundraiser for Mumbai Attack Victims and NetIP Dallas’s Scotch Tasting Fundraiser for Baal Dan.

On April 4th, 2009, NetIP Pittsburgh co-sponsored the “South Asians Against Terrorism” event, a fundraiser for the victims of the November Mumbai attack.  The event was held at the University of Pittsburgh – David Lawrence Hall.  NetIP Pittsburgh partnered with various Asian community groups  such as Silk Screen, Amnesty International, Ankur: Indian Graduate Students Association, NAAP: The National Association of Asian American Professionals, CAIR Pennsylvania, and the Allegheny County Bar Association.

About 215 supporters attended the fundraiser, which brought in nearly $2,500 in donations.  NetIP Pittsburgh presented a very diverse program with the proceeds going to the American India Foundation to benefit charities working in Mumbai.  The event had an exciting line-up of Indian, African, Brazliian, and Chinese, belly dancers, and much more!

 

On April 24th, 2009, NetIP Dallas held a Scotch tasting fundraiser for Baal Dan at Red India Bistro.  “Baal” means “Child”, “Dan” means “Donation”. Baal Dan works with schools, orphanages, NGO’s and projects to help impoverished children as directly and efficiently as possible, while investing in ways to provide these children with an education.

 

The Scotch tasting event, led by a connoisseur of scotch, was an informative and fun way to raise funds for this charitable organization.  Many of the 23 attendees not only donated to Baal Dan, but also became volunteers.  The event was successful in raising a substantial amount of donations.

 

NetIP Dallas will match online contributions to Baal Dan and will also donate $5 for every new membership through May 21st, 2009.  For more information, please visit www.NetIP-Dallas.org.

NetIP Dallas Gives Back to the Community

On March 14th, 2009, NetIP Dallas held its Volunteer Community Service Day at the Museum of Nature & Science in Dallas, TX.  The event was part of NetIP Dallas’s Second Saturday of Service program.

NetIP Dallas volunteers participated in the Museum’s monthly program, “Discovery Day”, assisting with activities, demonstrations, and exhibits and getting children actively engaged in the learning process. The primary goal of the day was to improve the scientific understanding of children and their families and allow them to discover how science, math, and technology are present in many seemingly unrelated aspects of their lives.

NetIP Dallas volunteers alone contributed 50 hours of service! They played an essential role, helping to inspire families to make science a part of their family discussions and pursuits.  Following the event, the chapter received a personal note of appreciation from the museum’s Director, who thanked NetIP Dallas volunteers for their dedication to the event.  To learn more about NetIP Dallas and their upcoming events, please visit www.netipdallas.org.

View Video
NetIP Dallas Community Service Day – March 14, 2009