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.