Hurricane Harvey in the Gulf Coast of USA has thrown normal tempo of life out of gear. Air travel to and from South Texas and Louisiana is temporarily disrupted following the shutdown of operations at seven airports and the cancellation of 9000 flights. Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Hobby Airport (HOU) will remain closed for commercial flights until noon (CST) on August 31, 2017 as per the latest update. Major international airlines have announced waiver for travelers looking to cancel or reschedule travel to, from, or through the cities affected by Hurricane Harvey.

We at Indian Eagle compiled details of the following airlines’ travel waiver which is subject to the airlines’ terms and conditions pertaining travel dates, origin cities, arrival cities and seat availability.

United Airlines’ Travel Alerts for Hurricane Harvey

United Airlines has called off its operations at Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH), and cancelled flights to and from Houston until noon (CST) on Thursday, August 31. The suspension of United Airlines’ operations at Houston may continue beyond August 31 if required. United flights to and from other cities in and around Texas may be delayed or affected due to Hurricane Harvey.

United Airlines announced to offer a travel waiver from August 25 to September 5, 2017 for the flights to, from and through the cities affected by Hurricane Harvey, including Austin (TX), Alexandria (LA), Baton Rouge (LA), Brownsville (TX), College Station (TX), Corpus Christi (TX), Harlingen (TX), Houston (TX), Lake Charles (LA), Lafayette (LA), Laredo (TX), McAllen (TX), New Orleans (LA), San Antonio (TX) and Shreveport (LA).

United Airlines will waive its change fee and fare difference (if there is any) for one-time change of date or time in the itineraries of the flights booked on or before August 25, 2017 for travel between August 25 and September 20, 2017 if the travel cabins (fare class), the origin cities and the arrival cities are the same as originally ticketed.

United Airlines will waive only its change fee, not fare difference (if there is any) for rescheduling travel (on request) for departure after September 20, 2017 and modifying origin or arrival city in the booked itineraries with travel dates until September 5. Rescheduled tickets must be used within one year from the date of issuing the original tickets.

Delta Airlines’ Travel Alerts for Hurricane Harvey 

In response to the impact of Hurricane Harvey on air travel, Delta Airlines has come up with a waiver for those looking to cancel their travel. Those having Delta flight tickets for travel dated between August 25 and September 7, 2017 are entitled to a refund in the event of flight cancellation or flight delay by 90 minutes or more. You can claim a refund if a segment (s) of your ticket remains unused by September 7, 2017.

Delta Airlines, too, will entertain requests for one-time change of date or time in the booked tickets for departure by or on September 20, 2017, without any fee. As per Delta Airlines’ latest update available at Indian Eagle, you are eligible for refund or change fee waiver only if you travel on Delta flights to, from, or through the cities affected by Hurricane Harvey, not beyond September 20, 2017. The cities are Austin (TX, AUS), Alexandria (LA, AEX), Baton Rouge (LA, BTR), Houston (TX, HOU, IAH), San Antonio (TX, SAT), Shreveport (LA, SHV), New Orleans (LA, MSY), and Lafayette (LA, LFT).

Delta Airlines’ change of date fee will be waived for rescheduling travel beyond September 2017, but fare difference between the original ticket and the rescheduled ticket may apply. You must complete the travel before the ticket expires (within one year from the date when the origin ticket was issued). You may have to pay fare difference for modifying your itinerary (origin or destination city change) even for traveling on or before September 9, 2017.

If your Delta Airlines flight ticket cannot be rescheduled within the above-mentioned guidelines, you can cancel it and book a new ticket against the unused value of the canceled ticket. Delta Airlines’ change fee and fare difference will apply in this case.    

American Airlines’ Travel Alerts for Hurricane Harvey

Those traveling to, from, or through Alexandria, Austin, Baton Rouge, Beaumont, Brownsville, College Station, Corpus Christi, Houston (HOU and IAH), Laredo, Lake Charles, Lafayette, McAllen, New Orleans, Shreveport and San Antonio may avail American Airlines’ change fee waiver for rescheduling their travel in the event of Hurricane Harvey.

American Airlines’ change fee waiver is available for rescheduling travel booked on or before August 28, 2017 for traveling on or before September 7, 2017 given the disruption of commercial air connectivity in South Texas due to Hurricane Harvey. American Airlines flight tickets may be rescheduled for traveling not beyond September 20, 2017 and without changing the origin or destination city.

If you booked American Airlines tickets on or before August 23, 2017 for traveling by August 31, 2017, you may request to reschedule the ticket for traveling by September 13, 2017 without paying the airline’s change of date fee. If you wish to change the travel class or the departure city or the arrival city, fare difference may apply.

Lufthansa’s Travel Alerts for Hurricane Harvey

Daily Lufthansa flights to and from Houston, Texas have been cancelled until August 31, 2017 due to the severe weather inclemency caused by Hurricane Harvey. Lufthansa has offered to rebook the cancelled flights without any fee.

Virgin Atlantic’s Travel Alerts for Hurricane Harvey

Those who booked Virgin Atlantic Airways flights to, from, or through Houston (HOU and IAH), San Antonio (SAT), and Austin (AUS) for traveling between August 25 and September 7, 2017 may cancel their tickets and rebook flights for traveling on or before September 20, 2017 without paying the airline’s cancellation penalty. You can call Virgin Atlantic Airways’ flight disruption service line: 0344 209 8711 in the UK or 1 800 862 8621 in the US.

Rebooking of flights is subject to availability of seats in the same travel class for traveling on or before September 20, 2017.

British Airways’ Travel Alerts for Hurricane Harvey

British Airways flights to and from Houston (TX), Austin (TX), and New Orleans (LA) have been called off until August 30, 2017. Given the aftereffects of Hurricane Harvey in South Texas, British Airways has announced to rebook travel (on request) for its customers up to September 20, 2017.

Indian Eagle Travel

We are at work 24×7 to assist our customers in rescheduling or cancelling their travel to, from, or through the cities affected by Hurricane Harvey in and around South Texas. We do appreciate your patience since we are experiencing high call volumes (1-800-615-3969). We are in contact with the airlines which operate flights to and from Texas and Louisiana. However, be advised to check your flight status (delayed or cancelled) on the operating airline’s website.

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Indian Independence Day Celebrations in USA are the biggest events for Indians in America. The calendar of August 2017 is full of events around the 71^st Indian Independence Day in USA. Needless to say; the Indian community in US cities will be having a gala time throughout the month of August. We at Indian Eagle handpicked some of the best 71^st Indian Independence Day celebrations in USA cities for you.

List of 71st Indian Independence Day Celebrations in USA

Festival of India in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta will soak in Indian culture and heritage at the Festival of India on August 5. First held in 1997 to commemorate the 50^th Independence Day of India, the festival became one of the biggest Indian Independence day events in Atlanta. Among the most-awaited Atlanta Indian events in August 2017, the 21^st edition of the festival will celebrate India’s 71^st Independence Day with mouthwatering dishes from various Indian cuisines and cultural programs on Indian performing arts. The event will also feature petting zoo for kids, shopping booths and seminars on different topics. Being hosted by India American Cultural Association, the event will be held at Infinite Energy Center in Duluth.

India Day Parade in New York

The Indian Independence Day celebrations in New York City are second to none. Desis in New York will commemorate India’s independence with the grand India Day Parade on August 20. One of the biggest Indian events in New York in August 2017, it was initiated in 1981 and became an annual tradition for New York Indians. The India Day Parade NYC is a great chance to witness the Indian Independence Day celebrations in New York. Organized by Federations of Indian Associations, the NYC India Day Parade 2017 will start at Madison Avenue’s 40^th Street and end at the 23^rd Street.

India Day in Boston

Boston Indians are not less enthusiastic about Indian Independence Day celebration than Indians in other US cities. The India Day by India Association of Greater Boston on August 20 is among the best Boston Indian events in August 2017 as the event marks the celebration of 71^st Indian Independence Day. One of the top Indian Independence Day events in USA, the India Day in Boston has the theme ‘Unity in Diversity’. In keeping with the theme, the programs on the schedule of the India Day 2017 in Boston will showcase the cultural diversity of India.  The Hatch Memorial Shell is the venue for the India Day in Boston.

2017 India Day in Naperville, Chicago

Indian Independence Day celebrations in Chicago include the 2017 India Day in Naperville on August 13. Hosted by Indian Community Outreach, it seems one of the largest events for Indians in Naperville in August 2017 to celebrate India’s 71^st Independence Day. To be held at Naperville’s Knock Park, the event will start with a spectacular parade followed by a live concert by Bollywood rockstar Mika Singh. Other entertainment programs include local talent show and fashion show. The Indian Independence Day events in Naperville will conclude with a breathtaking display of fireworks.

India Independence Day in Los Angeles

Are you looking for the top Indian Independence Day events in Los Angeles? Then you should definitely show up at the India Independence Day in California’s Chatsworth on August 26. Among the August 2017 events for Los Angeles Indian community, it will offer Bay Area Indians an amazing chance to take part in Indian Independence Day celebrations in California. The Desis can have tryst with Indian culture, heritage and food as the event venue will have several booths dedicated to Indian food and cultural performance. There will also be many fun programs for kids besides a health fair. The event is sponsored by Emirates Airlines and the India Association of Los Angeles at Chatsworth High School in California.

FOG India Day Parade in Fremont, CAL

Among the Indian Independence Day celebrations in Fremont, the 2017 FOG India Day Parade in Fremont on August 13 celebrates whatever is Indian to the core. Among the biggest Indian parades in USA, it features majestic processions of Grand Marshals riding more than 100 open-top cars, 50 colorful floats, cultural presentations, etc. Expected to see the participation of over 150,000 people, it will surely be on the list of events for Indians in San Francisco in August 2017. Paseo Padre Parkway in Fremont is the venue for the grand parade.

Jai Ho! Independence Bollywood Party in Seattle

Among the upcoming Indian Independence Day celebrations in Seattle, Jai Ho! Bollywood Party will make Indians in Seattle celebrate the 71^st anniversary of Indian independence by shaking their legs to some of the best Bollywood songs. The best of Seattle Indian events in August 2017, it will be a great opportunity to socialize with the fellow Desis. The party will also feature eminent DJ Ki and other special guests for entertaining the audience. Make sure to wear either orange, white and green clothes or traditional Indian attires as there is a dress code. Being hosted by DJ Prashant, the dance party will be held on August 12 at the Crocodile Club in Seattle.

India Independence Day Parade in Chicago

India Day Parade NYC might be famous as the world’s biggest Indian day parade, but Chicago’s annual India Independence Day Parade is undoubtedly one of the not-to-be-missed Indian Independence Day celebrations in Illinois. With a lineup of exciting activities for Chicago Indians, the parade is among the top Indian events in Chicago in August 2017. The Indian Independence Day Parade in Chicago will start at 11 AM on August 19 from Devon Avenue.

Parade of India in Austin, Texas

The Parade of India in Austin on August 12 is what Austin Indians are eagerly waiting for to get soaked in patriotism during the Indian Independence Day celebrations in Austin. Of the upcoming Austin Indian events in August 2017, it will be a spectacular celebration of not only Indian independence but also Indian culture. The schedule of the 2017 Parade of India in Austin is chock-a-block with a number of cultural performances alongside many fun activities such as face painting for kids. Delicious Indian food at the Parade of India in Austin will surely be a treat to the taste buds. The Texas State Capitol is the venue for the parade in Austin.

Magnificent India- Independence Day Celebrations in Stafford

Indians in Stafford are gearing up to take part in the 71^st Independence Day celebrations in Houston at the Magnificent India festival on August 20. One of the best August 2017 events for Houston Indians, it will be an ethnic extravaganza full of cultural programs. While Indian kids can participate in quiz and elocution contests, the grown-ups can catch up with their fellow Indians over appetizing Indian dishes and drinks. The Riyaaz Qawaali music concert is another highlight of the event. Being organized by the non-profit India Culture Center, it will be held at Stafford Centre.

Independence Day Mela in St. Louis, Missouri  

The list of Indian Independence Day celebrations in St. Louis includes Independence Day Mela by the India Association of St. Louis on August 13 in Missouri. The event will start with the hoisting of Indian Flag. One of the most awaited Indian community events in St. Louis in August 2017; the Independence Day Mela in St. Louis takes Missouri Indians on a ride of nostalgia through whatever is Indian essentially and what they miss in USA. Mahatma Gandhi Center in St. Louis is the venue for the event.

India Festival 2017 in Portland, Oregon

Indians in Portland are about to experience the culture, food, traditions and heritage of India like never before during the 71^st Indian Independence Day celebrations in USA. One of the amazing Portland Indian community events in August 2017, the India Festival 2017 will commemorate India’s 71^st Independence Day with dance, food and music. The cultural gala includes also children’s craft workshop, rangoli making and sari tying in its schedule of entertaining programs for Portland Indians. Hosted by India Cultural Association Portland, the India Festival 2017 in Portland will be held on August 13 at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Indian Eagle is a leading travel partner of Indians in USA for booking their flights to India from US cities. The lowest airfare along with the best service is guaranteed. Indian Eagle’s Indian American community portal, Travel Beats publishes the latest tourist, travel, visa and immigration news.

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Raj Patel, an eminent Indian American activist and writer, has made it to the list of James Beard Foundation Leadership Award winners. The six recipients, including him, who have played the agents of change in bringing reforms in the world’s food system, will be awarded at a dinner gala in New York City on October 2017.

The James Beard Foundation selected award-winning author and journalist Raj Patel for having advocated the need of equality in the global food system to fight hunger and improve nutrition for the underprivileged. He has traced major causes of the global food crisis and reported his findings with evidence to the US House Financial Services Committee. He had been an advisor to Olivier De Schutter, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food.

Often referred to as ‘the rock star of social justice writing,’ Raj Patel is an acclaimed documentarian. He is credited for penning many journalistic documents with an investigative approach about the iniquities in the global food system and consequential injustices to the needy. He has authored two books: “Stuffed and Starved: The Hidden Battle for the World Food System,” and “The Value of Nothing.” Both are New Times Times bestsellers.

One of the leaders of the 1999 Seattle Protests, Raj Patel has staged demonstrations and organized public campaigns in support of food sovereignty. He is a fellow at the Institute for Food and Development Policy, which is also called Food First. He has penned several critical pieces on the policies and research methods of the World Bank, the World Trade Organization and the United Nations where he had worked during the academic training period.

Raj Patel has some other feathers of versatility in his cap too. In 2012, he featured as an intellectual commentator in the documentary film Payback by the National Film Board of Canada. Based on Margaret Atwood’s “Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth,” the documentary explores the concepts of debt in nations across the world. He also appeared in A Place at the Table, a 2012 documentary film on hunger in the United States and food insecurity for 50 million Americans.

He has several degrees under his belt. He did BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economy at Oxford University, masters at the London School of Economics, and PhD in Developmental Sociology at Cornwell University. Currently, Raj Patel is a Research Professor in the Lyndon B Johnson School of Public Affairs, the University of Texas in Austin, and a Senior Research Associate at Rhodes University, South Africa.

Among of the James Beard Foundation Leadership Award winners, Raj Patel has his hands full. He is currently working on a documentary project on the global food economy and writing a book on the world ecology for the University of California Press.

The James Beard Foundation Leadership Awards recognize outstanding educational, change-making and mass-awakening initiatives in food access and distribution, food economy, sustainability and public health.

Travel Beats is a digital news portal for Indian Diaspora by IndianEagle, a leading travel organization for Indians in USA. Subscribe to Travel Beats’ free newsletter for latest news, exclusive stories and upcoming events in America.

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More and more Indian Americans in philanthropy are connecting with their roots and giving back to their native communities in a number of ways. Whether it is Washington-based Frank Islam or Ruchita Zaparde from New Jersey or Robin Chaurasiya from Chicago, they are making positive changes in the lives of less or underprivileged people in India through philanthropic activities at different levels.

17^th-year-old Devika Chhipa Kumar from Austin, Texas, is the newest in the league of Indian American philanthropists. A 12^th grader at Westwood High School in Austin, Devika along with her parents is currently touring the rural interiors of Rajasthan for an important cause. She is on a mission to educate the socio-economically less privileged women and girls of different age groups about the importance of menstrual hygiene for better health.

17-year-old Devika Chhipa Kumar from Austin, Texas (in left)

Devika Chhipa Kumar has installed cost-effective sanitary pad manufacturing machines in five villages under the Dityakheri panchayat in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan where her father, an IIT-Kharagpur graduate, belongs to. The initiative, a part of her Girl Scout project, will not only sensitize the rural women about the matters related to menstrual hygiene but also provide them with a means of sustenance in her ancestral village.

Inspired by South Indian engineer Arunachalam Muruganantham’s revolutionary invention of a low-cost sanitary pad-making machine, Devika plunged into philanthropy for spreading awareness on menstrual hygiene and started raising funds from friends as well as relatives. Currently five women are under training to operate the machine. Once their training is over, more women will join the project.

A regular sanitary pad usually costs INR 5 whereas the same pad is manufactured for only INR 2 by the machine. The machine consisting of five units manufactures six sanitary napkins in 15 minutes. The women of the socio-economically weaker section can make, use and sell those cost-effective pads. – Devika Chhipa Kumar

Around 23% of teenage girls in the 12-18 age group quit school in rural India when they attain puberty due to ignorance about menstruation, inadequate menstrual protection and other reasons. A study “Sanitary Protection: Every Woman’s Health Right” reveals that only 12% of 355 million menstruating women in India can afford hygienic sanitary napkins while 70% can’t. Around 56% are told that menstruation is a health disease, a social taboo…

17-year-old Indian American Devika Chhipa Kumar from Austin believes that the success of the project in her father’s native village in Rajasthan will drive the menstrual hygiene awareness campaign in other parts of India.

Also Read Inspirational Stories of Indian Americans

USA-based leading travel organization IndianEagle promotes philanthropic initiatives on Travel Beats, a digital portal for Indian Diaspora. Travel Beats also publishes stories connecting USA and India.

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