Traveling to India has been an overwhelming experience for many from the time immemorial. In the previous centuries, it was the natural bounty and abundant wealth of India that attracted colonial traders from Europe. Sometimes, the ancient heritage and scriptures of India fascinated knowledge enthusiasts from across the world. Sometimes, foreign visitors were wowed by the cultural diversity and incredible stories of India.

Even modern-day globetrotters take fancy to the enigmatic being and the mystic soul of India. Whoever visits India carries the abstract footprint of India in their memory or concrete souvenirs in their bags while going back home. This is what happened to an American couple from Los Angeles during their first visit to India in 2004.

Charles Kramer and his wife Brenna Moore travelled to the Indian state of Kerala from Los Angeles in 2004. They fell in love with the scenic hill stations, quaint monuments, picturesque backwaters, exuberant culture, lush green landscape and progressive society of Kerala. The impact of Kerala tourism on them was so intense that they named their firstborn ‘Kerala’ after this particular state of India in 2009.

Charles Kramer and Brenna Moore are great travel enthusiasts, and so are their children including their 8-year-old daughter Kerala. In June 2016, the American couple from Los Angeles set out for globetrotting, along with Kerala and her young brother, Julian. Though India was not on their travel bucket list, they happened to visit India again as their daughter was eager to see and explore Kerala that she was christened after.

They did so also on being advised by their guide, Michel, who has an Indian connection in Kerala too. Michel has adopted a boy from a village in Kerala. She got the American couple accommodation in the house of her adopted son’s sister in Cherppunkal, a small Keralite town blessed with the bliss of nature and the simplest way of living.

Kerala was enrolled in a local school where she learned Malayalam, the language of her namesake state, for a month or so. She was received with a hearty welcome on the first day of school and offered a chance to address the morning prayer assembly. Her brother, Julian, also got admission to a playschool there. Since she was curious to explore the nuances and experience the tidbits of Kerala’s culture in the native language, her excitement knew no bounds.

The globetrotting American couple from California spent quite a long time in Cherppunkal, giving their daughter adequate space and time to learn the interesting facts of Kerala’s cuisine and culture. Kerala learned how to pronounce and write her name in Malayalam. It doubled her joy in God’s Own Country, where bull racing and boat racing are the most popular mediums of sporty entertainment.

Charles Kramer and Brenna Moore, along with their children, left India in January 2017 to tour other places on their travel wishlist. Kerala made some friends in her namesake state, and felt happy about the fact that she would be able to make her native friends as well as acquaintances pronounce her name ‘Kerala’ accurately.

Kerala is a must visit during the Onam Festival and monsoon. The first Indian state to beat the COVID-19 pandemic, Kerala recently received a UN award for prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. This is what ensures safe travel to Kerala. We at Travel Beats, an overseas Indian community portal by Indian Eagle Travel, are happy to share the first-hand experience of safe travel on VBM and air bubble flights to India in recent times. (Watch the video of Kerala’s experience in her namesake state below)

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While the triumph of Indian American kids in the National Spelling Bee contests is the subject of Breaking the Bee documentary film by an American, an Indian American teenager is all set to record video interviews of the United States’ World War II heroes.

Rishi Sharma, a 22-year-old Indian in Los Angeles, is on a mission to preserve the precious stories and experiences of the American war veterans, who served in the Second World War, through a series of video interviews. He launched a nonprofit campaign, Heroes of the Second World War, to accomplish the mission. (Watch his video below)

Among the first-generation young Indians in California, Rishi Sharma grew up listening to the stories of bravery and sacrifice in the World War II, which instilled an overwhelming feeling of admiration in him for the war heroes of America. Fascinated by the pictures of the World War II, he cherished and nurtured a wish to learn the first-hand experiences of the American war heroes.

Of the 16 million American soldiers who served in the Second World War, about 620,000 are in their 90s. About 400 war veterans breathe their last every day, according to a report by the National World War II Museum.

When Rishi Sharma realized that neither there was a proper mechanism to preserve the fading memories and dying experiences of the grey-haired war veterans nor did the Library of US Congress have a sufficient collection of their stories, he took up this colossal task as his tribute to the American heroes who are nearing the sunset of their lives.

He has estimated a period of 10 years to cover the video interviews of the US’ surviving WWII veterans. Unlike other 19-year-olds, he has buried himself in this noble project, keeping aside the typical priorities of his age like dating and finding a job. He raised about $3,300 through crowd-funding after his person savings fell short of the campaign.

Los Angeles-based Rishi Sharma has already conducted video interviews of 250 Second World War heroes in Oregon and across the California Coast. The next destination is Arizona. He also traveled to Hawaii to catch up with a few war veterans on December 7, the 75^th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack in 2016.

“These men are the biggest heroes of America. They are my closest friends too, in the sense that they unhesitatingly bare their mind to me in a censor-free environment. They have many untold stories to share and innermost thoughts to express. If this project didn’t happen to me, many unknown and lesser-known things about the World War II would have remained untapped. My project, Heroes of the Second World War, has no commercial aspects,” says Rishi Sharma from Los Angeles.

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A new experience is awaiting commuters in subways across the United States. The picture of traveling through subways from one end to the other end is to undergo a change in the coming days. Security technology from biometric systems at major US airports to body scanners at subways is sweeping throughout the country. Airport-style body scanners were tested at the Los Angeles Subway last week.

The Los Angeles Subway is the first US metro to have tested advanced body scanning technology, aiming to improve security by detecting hidden ammunitions. Body scanners are common at airports, to screen travelers. This may be integrated to the existing security systems throughout the Los Angeles subway stations and other city subways based on the results of a two-day pilot program.

Commuters are required to walk between two tall silver columns which emit short-length radio waves to scan their bodies. The data of body scanning is immediately sent to a computer which works to detect hidden guns or explosive vests or other arms based on data-driven patterns if there is any, according to Los Angeles Times.

The testing of body scanners at the Los Angeles Subway is part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s comprehensive plan to secure all subway stations against threats to public safety across USA.

Subways or metro stations in USA have had no body scanners or metal detectors till date. Traditional technology is not efficient enough to process thousands of commuters pacing fast to catch trains during peak hours of the day.

However, the portable body scanners tested at the Los Angeles Subway can scan 600 people in an hour. These scanners, which notably cost approximately $60,000 each, may fall short of the capability required to process commuters during rush hours at major or the busiest metro stations in USA’s subway transport system. On an average, daily 362,135 commuters used the Los Angeles Subway on weekdays as of July 2016, according to the Wikipedia page of Los Angeles Metro Rail.

Interestingly, the body scanners tested by Los Angeles County Metro Transportation Authority do not require commuters to take off shoes, unpack laptops, and remove jackets or pullovers unlike at international airports. Another interesting fact is that commuters need not wait in queues or panic about missing trains as each scanner is specifically designed to let them pass through it without feeling a backlog.

The tested body scanners have an in-built facial recognition feature, which can raise privacy concerns in commuters if turned on. This feature was not turned on during the testing of body scanners at the Los Angeles Subway, according to the Metro officials. Notably, it was optional for commuters to pass through the scanners during the pilot trial.

Airport-style body scanners have also been tested in Denver and Washington DC subways.

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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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Air India is on a roll with upcoming nonstop flights between USA and India! Once the most-awaited Washington DC-New Delhi nonstop flight takes to the sky on July 7, 2017, Air India will roll out its nonstop service on two other routes between the US and India. These new routes are Los Angeles to New Delhi, and Dallas to New Delhi.

Hollywood, a dream destination for many Indians, would just be a 16-hour flight away from New Delhi once Air India’s nonstop DEL to LAX flight is launched in September this year. With nonstop flights from Los Angeles to New Delhi, Air India will be catering to more and more Indians in California. The success of Air India’s SFO to DEL nonstop flight has resulted in the planning of this new service.

The launch of Air India’s nonstop Los Angeles to Delhi flights in September will be followed by the nonstop service from Dallas to New Delhi. When Air India will start operating Dallas to Delhi nonstop flights is not yet revealed. However, the airline is sanguine about its planning to provide Indians in USA with more nonstop flights to India.

Demand for air travel between the West Coast of USA and India is always high. Air India’s nonstop service for cheap flights from Los Angeles to New Delhi will help meet the demand in peak times of the year. Indian Eagle, a trusted travel booking partner of Indians in America, will be issuing cheap Air India flight tickets to New Delhi from Los Angeles and Dallas.

Air India currently operates nonstop flights from New York, Newark, San Francisco and Chicago to New Delhi. The discounted Air India fare deals for cheap US to India flights are available at Indian Eagle throughout the year.

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Indian American Reshma Shamasunder is appointed Deputy Director of the National Immigration Law Center especially when the current socio-political climate of USA is full of uncertainty for the 11 million illegal immigrants, including 300,000 undocumented Indian Americans. The National Immigration Law Center in Los Angeles has been a leading advocate for the wellbeing of low-income immigrants in USA for years.

Reshma Shamasunder is a noted immigration rights advocate and activist. As deputy director of the National Immigration Law Center in Los Angeles, she is at the helm of the organization’s legal communication policies and strategies. She is also responsible for achieving the organization’s defined leadership goals. She is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

“I’m honored to be offered a leadership role for the sake of immigrants and their right to justice at a time when a xenophobic agenda is being promulgated targeting the immigrant communities despite their contribution to the economy of America. I’m looking to play my new role and shoulder my responsibilities with the utmost sincerity, which is a crucial need of the hour,” said Indian American Reshma Shamasunder.

Prior to becoming deputy director of the National Immigration Law Center, she worked as executive director of the California Immigrant Policy Center for twelve years. She spearheaded the state-level welfare campaigns for the low-income immigrants in California. She made the best possible efforts to help all Californians gain access to driver’s licenses, irrespective of their immigration status and national origin.

During her tenure at the California Immigrant Policy Center, she brought to the public notice that the 10.2 million immigrants in California, equal to one-quarter of the state’s total population, contributed approximately $650 billion to the state’s GDP in 2014. Her report also highlighted that nearly 2.6 million undocumented immigrants in California produced $130 billion of the state’s GDP in the same year.

Reshma Shamasunder made a statement in her 2014 report at the California Immigrant Policy Center that 38% of the agricultural industry and 14% of the construction industry in California comprise undocumented immigrant workers. She demanded a federal relief to California’s undocumented immigrants from threats of deportation in recognition of their contribution to the state’s economic stability and civic vitality.

It was she who introduced a proposal to provide about 58% of California’s undocumented immigrants with access to health care facilities in the state legislature in 2015. She was also a key member on the board of Health Access California and that of the South Asian Network in Los Angeles.

Reshma Shamasunder was recently honored with Families USA’s Health Equity Advocate Award. She was felicitated with the Courageous Luminaries Award at the National Immigration Law Center in 2015.

“I’m glad to have Reshma on the leadership board of NILC. Her several years of experience in service to the immigrants in California make a great asset for us to transform the lives of immigrants in USA by facilitating their access to the opportunities and facilities which have been available to generations of America,” said Marielena Hincapie, the executive director of the National Immigration Law Center.

Indian American women are taking center stage in the socio-political setting and the civic affairs of USA. Recently, Indian American Seema Verma was appointed head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to help health care policies for more than 130 million people in America.   

Travel Beats is a leading community portal by Indian Eagle, a trusted travel partner of Indians in USA. Travel Beats publishes the latest air travel, visa, immigration and Indian community news. Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest updates.

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Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is on a $14-billion renovation drive to redefine luxury and comfort for millions of passengers. In 2016, LAX registered a record 80.9 million air traffic. As of now, it is the second busiest airport in the United States. The airport set a new milestone in its history of evolution and expansion by unveiling the impressions of a 750K square foot concourse in the Tom Bradley International Terminal during a groundbreaking ceremony this week.

The Midfield Satellite Concourse, which is supposed to be operational in late 2019, is a $1.6 billion project. As a complement to the Tom Bradley International Airport, the concourse will accommodate the increase in the number of footfalls at the airport. It will have a dozen new gates for aircraft, modern baggage facilities, retail shopping space and dining outlets. With the new concourse in place, the overuse of the airport’s outdoor gates for deplaning will be reduced to the convenience of air travelers who board buses to the Tom Bradley International Airport from the outdoor area.

Two of the 12 new gates in the Midfield Satellite Concourse at LAX will accommodate the largest commercial aircraft like Airbus 380 and Boeing 747-8 and facilitate their deboarding in the first phase of the project. Seven more gates may be added in the second phase of the project, if needed, to reduce the traffic congestion further at the time of deplaning. A 1,000 ft underground passenger tunnel with moving walkways will connect the concourse to the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

Furthermore, the Midfield Satellite Concourse at Los Angeles Int. Airport will have new taxiways and a ramp tower to efficiently guide the movement of aircraft on the ground. The infrastructural renovation agenda also includes an elevated people mover to the concourse and a transportation hub to link the light rail service to the airport.

The Midfield Satellite Concourse at LAX will be equipped with a roof featuring rolling wave design for ample natural lighting. The concourse will also house art exhibition and performance areas alongside a 5,575 square meter airline club space. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti called it a ‘transformative project’ for Los Angeles International Airport, a major West Coast gateway to USA.

Indian Eagle is a trusted travel partner of Indians in USA. We have a proven record of booking cheap flights tickets from Los Angeles to India and offering the lowest airfare deals for flights to India from other major US cities.

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If you are not traveling to India this holiday season, you must know where to spend New Year’s Eve 2016 in USA. Needless to say, America is known for wild celebrations on the eve of New Year. After all, December 31 is the most awaited time to look back into what has gone past and make new resolutions for the New Year. Though most of the US cities are party capitals offering live music, street dance, dazzling fireworks and a lot more, we at Travel Beats handpick some of the best places to celebrate the eve of New Year 2017 and watch fireworks in USA for you.

San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the best places in USA for firework celebration on the eve of New Year 2017. Spectacular fireworks between the Ferry Building and the San Francisco Bay Bridge fill the night sky with lots of gleams and glitters. The New Year’s Eve in San Francisco culminates in partying which keeps the city sleepless till wee hours.

Miami

Miami offers myriad places to spend New Year’s Eve 2016 and watch firework display. Apart from rooftop restaurants and galleries, Nikki Beach and Miami City Beach are the best spots to see the night sky light up on the eve of New Year 2017 in Miami. You can also join a cruise party to celebrate the New Year’s Eve in Miami. Needless to say, Miami is known for its vibrant nightlife.

New York

No need to wonder where to spend New Year’s Eve and watch firework display in America if you are in New York. The iconic Times Square in New York City is one of the best places for firework celebration on the eve of New Year 2017 in the US. The Times Square throbs as a partying zone with thousands of revelers ringing in the New Year. Several rooftop bars, lounges and restaurants, including Monarch Rooftop Lounge, in and around the Times Square offer mind-blowing views of fireworks at the Hudson River and on top of the Empire State Building.

Los Angeles

Credit: Shutterstock

Los Angeles, the City of Hollywood, is undeniably where to spend New Year’s Eve in USA by clubbing, dancing, singing, lounging and dining in downtown. Grand Park is one of the few places to be for free events on the eve of New Year in Los Angeles. The Cleopatra’s Ball at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood is one of the most popular events to attend in the evening of December 31, 2016. The New Year’s Ball at the Edison in downtown Los Angeles is full of amazing performances.

Orlando

Orlando is also on the list of best places in USA for firework celebration on New Year’s Eve 2016. Being one of the entertainment capitals in America, Orlando knows how to ring in the New Year. The Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney in Orlando is one of the few most popular places for revelry on the eve of New Year 2017. Walt Disney World is the venue for one of the biggest New Year eve celebration parties in USA. The Church Street Entertainment District in Downtown Orlando is another thriving venue for outdoor entertainment and celebration.

Chicago

Chicago has been voted as one of the best places in USA for firework display on New Year’s Eve for years. The shores of Lake Michigan glitter with dazzling fireworks and throbs with cries of joy on New Year’s Eve in Chicago. The venues of music and dance at Chicago House rock with electrifying numbers played by international DJs, live Jazz shows and live blues plays from early evening till midnight of December 31. You can catch glimpses of fireworks at Navy Pier while enjoying cruise dining with your dear ones on Lake Michigan.

Atlanta

Atlanta has been ringing the bell of New Year with the Peach Drop on the New Year eve since 1989. What started as a trend of New Year eve celebration in Atlanta has become a tradition. Thousands throng at Underground Atlanta to catch views of the 800-pound peach fall from a 138-foot tower of lights. You can spend the New Year’s Eve 2016 by laughing out loud at Atlanta Comedy Theater in Norcross. Celebrity comedians will bring the house down to fill you with enthusiasm for a new year.

New Orleans

A blend of food, music, fun and firework makes New Orleans one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in USA. Revelers rock the December 31 evening from Bourbon Street to Jackson Square with live music and street dance. No wonder where to spend New Year’s Eve 2016 in USA if not in New Orleans where sparkling fireworks light up the sky over the Mississippi River for the New Year celebration.

Portland 

Among the best places for firework celebration on the eve of New Year 2017 in USA, Portland is dotted with a great number of nightlife venues for fun and entertainment. The city hosts some epic balls on New Year’s Eve.  The Portland Champagne Ball is one of the most popular celebration parties in the evening of December 31 in Portland. Portland offers whatever you are looking for a high time on New Year’s eve in the Pearl District.

Travel Beats is a portal for Indian Americans by IndianEagle, a leading travel partner of Indians in USA. Travel Beats publishes the latest news and stories from USA and India with regard to Indian Diaspora, air travel, young Indians, philanthropy and tourism.

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A first-generation Indian American in Los Angeles, Anisha Adusumilli is an actor, filmmaker and storyteller. An artist from a young age, Anisha is a known face in American film and television. Being a creative expressionist in singing and dancing, she chose a lesser-trodden path to carve a niche for herself. On completion of her business and theatre studies at the University of California, she took up acting and tasted success in it. Anisha’s journey from acting in Fox’s New Girl, CBS’ How I Met Your Mother, NCIS: Los Angeles, and NBC’s Heartbeat has hit a new track with her directorial debut, First Date, a short film.

IndianEagle catches up with Los Angeles-based actor and filmmaker Anisha Adusumilli to share with you her views of the first-generation Indians in America, her work experience with Americans, her memories of trips to India, women-related issues, socio-cultural differences, etc. in the following interview at Travel Beats, a thriving Indian American community portal.

IE: First Date is your first directorial venture. As the title suggests, the short film is about dating. Please throw some light on the story and what inspired you to work on it.

Anisha: It’s really a story about two people who begin dating knowing that they are already locked into get married. So there’s a certain freedom built in to the situation in that they can each truly be themselves from the get go instead of having to put their best foot forward and hope that someone will stick around as often happens in the modern dating world. It was inspired by my mother after she had put me on some Indian matrimony sites without my knowledge. And I kind of ran with the idea of a female character that had a closeted side of her personality that could only be exposed to the person who is meant to be her husband.

IE: Your directorial debut screened at Broad Humor Film Festival and Portland Film Festival this year. What was the public response?

Anisha: I think it’s misleading from the beginning. People don’t really know what to expect when it first starts, it seems like a nice evening between two mild-mannered individuals and then there’s an unexpected twist that happens pretty early on. So I think people are kind of shocked and then they start laughing and then it just becomes an enjoyable ride. Most people have been super kind and complimentary. And some can relate to the experience. I love it when I hear that. And then some just think it’s a little weird … like my mom!

IE: There are many dating apps and websites these days. Do any of them really help eligible bachelors with their quest for right life mates in the virtual world? (What do you think?)

Anisha: Definitely. It’s another way to guys/girls to meet people they might not ordinarily connect with. I think the key is to move beyond the virtual space and meet the real 3-D person. That’s the trap I’d say for a lot of the matches parents want to arrange for their kids…Potential partners seem so great on paper but getting along in person is a whole different story.  All parties have to keep their expectations realistic until some quality in-person time happens.

IE: Would you like to brief us on how the first-generation Indian Americans date in USA?

Anisha: It’s a mixed bag I would say. There’s the typical American culture way of dating – meeting through shared environments, mutual friends, or online dating. And then I think there’s the Indian side that some may be open to like conferences or parent introductions or other Indian networking events that people go to with a bit of the “I am keeping my eyes open for my future wife/husband mentality” that is drilled into us (mainly by our relatives).  At the end of the day most first generation Indians I know are actually very open-minded and understand our cultural expectations and looming deadlines that hang over our heads, but also know that finding a partner will happen when it’s meant to and how it’s meant to.

IE: Have you ever been to India? Would you like to share with us what you found the best or liked the most there? I mean what sticks to your mind even after return to USA. Something memorable about India…

Anisha: Yes I grew up going to India throughout my life – either for family weddings or various vacations. One of my favorite trips was when my family and I toured through Kerala. I loved seeing Munnar and the gorgeous landscapes there. Seeing the tea tree workers on the roadsides was really special. They were so sweet and friendly. That place is truly heaven on earth. It’s fun to get connected to my history; it awakens a huge curiosity and connected feeling within me.

IE: What cultural differences do you find between India and the Indians in USA?

Anisha: There’s a different sense of community I feel when I’m in India. Neighbors are like family or your neighbors literally are your family. They look out for each other more.  I actively try to create community here in Los Angeles with Indians in the business. It’s not automatic but it doesn’t exist automatically.

IE: What challenges or difficulties did you face while wearing the hat of a filmmaker for the first time? 

Anisha: Organizing all of the logistic details for my shoot seemed overwhelming before the actual day. Locations, hiring people, being camera-ready, etc. is a lot to manage but it’s doable. And I’ve learned that if you have great, competent people around it will all work out.  The challenges and hiccups are all a necessary part of the filmmaking process – makes for good laughs after it’s all said and done!

IE: You have acted in short films, theater plays and a few American TV series. What is more challenging and exciting to you: acting or filmmaking? I mean what gives you more goosebumps. 

Anisha: I love all of it. Every part I get is thrilling for me and helps me grow. I truly love filmmaking though.  It empowers me even more than when I am only acting. It’s my words, my vision, my blood, sweat and tears that has transformed into a finished product. It’s super rewarding and humbling because it takes a village. I would never be able to do it alone.  That collaboration gives me the goosebumps.

IE: Do you think that you are privileged being a first-generation Indian American?

Anisha: Absolutely. I honestly don’t know that I would have been able to devote myself 100% to a creative profession if I was raised in India. I probably would have followed in my parents footsteps and become a Doctor or maybe a teacher just because the profession doesn’t seem as accessible there. I’m so lucky for the opportunity and accessibility I have being a first-generation Indian American. It’s a really exciting time for us here and there’s a whole movement of stories being told all about it right now. And the best part is that we don’t have to wait for anyone to give us the opportunity – we can create everything ourselves and reach so many people through all of the different online media platforms nowadays.  I’m so happy to be a part of that.

IE: Have you ever experienced ‘culture shock’ while working with American actors and filmmakers? Or, your socio-cultural differences with them (if there is any) are natural to you since you were born and brought up in America? 

Anisha: No, I feel I am able to easily adapt to any cast and crew.  Cultural differences have never been a barrier; it usually just comes down to people’s overall attitudes. It is essential that people are positive and patient on sets. So much goes wrong, that you have to remain a team during the process. It gets hard when someone has a sour attitude – that’s the only shock I tend to experience on set. It’s supposed to be fun!

IE: Would you ever be interested to work in Bollywood, either as an actor or filmmaker or scriptwriter?

Anisha: Yes I would love to do all of those things! The more creative experiences I can have, the better!  I’ve also got to perform a big Bollywood musical number at least once in my life!

IE: Which Indian actors would you like to work with, if you ever make a film in India or a core India-related subject?

Anisha: I honestly don’t have a specific actor in mind. I would love to work with any talented actor who is super passionate about acting and loves the collaborative storytelling process. That’s it. Magic will happen if that spirit is present within an actor.

IE: There are many women-related issues in India and other developing countries. Do you play with the idea of making a film on gender violence, women empowerment or girls’ education for mass awareness?

Anisha: Yes. I have already been involved with a couple projects dealing with women-related issues. I acted in a PSA for SAHARA – a South Asian helpline and referral agency for abused women in Southern California and also narrated a documentary called ‘Mission Save Her – The Sandya’s Story – Project Save Her’ which brings awareness to human trafficking in India.  I personally would love to begin creating some sort of scholarship opportunities or program for young girls in India who are interested in exploring creative professions more in depth and provide some real-world training and mentorship opportunities for them.

IE: Who is / are your favorite among the Indian actors and filmmakers in Hollywood like Priyanka Chopra, Deep Mehta, Manoj Shymalan, Mira Nair, Kal Penn, Mindy Kaling, Irrfan Khan, Frieda Pinto, Aasif Mandvi, and Dev Patel?

Anisha: I appreciate all of them. They have paved the way and knocked down lots of doors for us following in their footsteps and creating our own paths. I have a special love for Mira Nair as her movies were the first Indian ones I saw when I was a little girl.  I also love all of the Indian females who are breaking through in Hollywood. I’m so happy for them and proud of them. They’ve been great role models and have represented us well, but there’s always room for more. I hope to be right beside them one day soon.

Travel Beats is a digital publication by IndianEagle, a leading travel partner of Indians in USA. IndianEagle connects with Indian Americans through NRI news, editorial features and interviews on Travel Beats. As part of its CSR activity, IndianEagle publishes stories of philanthropists, social activists and young Indians to promote their contributions towards community development, social progress and Humanity.

The post Interview: Indian American TV Actor-Filmmaker Anisha Adusumilli Tells Stories Globally with Passion appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

More and more Indian Americans are coming forward to make women literate, independent and self-reliant in India. Indian American filmmaker Nyna Pais Caputi makes films on crimes against women in India for spreading awareness of women’s rights, while Los Angeles-based Pooja Nagpal trains rural Indian girls in self-defense.

19-year-old Pooja Nagpal from Los Angeles is a second-degree black belt Taekwondo performer. Recently she bagged the 2016 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes for teaching girls martial arts so that they can defend themselves in Subathu, a far-off mountain village of Himachal Pradesh. Pooja has armed over 1000 socio-economically challenged women with self-defense techniques in the past four years.

Pooja started taking lessons on Taekwondo, Korean martial arts, at the tender age of 12 with the spirit of a fighter. She took up the challenge of training other girls in dynamics of martial arts for self-defense on completion of three years. She was motivated to take it as a mission on reading about crimes against women such as domestic violence and sexual harassment in developing countries including India. (Watch Pooja Nagpal in a video below)

Pooja is currently graduating in electrical engineering and computer science at the University of California, Berkeley. One of the certified girl scouts in USA, she appeared as a speaker at TEDx in Manhattan Beach last year. She won the title of a National Young Woman of Distinction in 2015. She supports gender equality and believes in the virtue of social work.

This Indian American girl took flight to India this summer 2016 and trained 600 rural women as well as girls in self-defense across rural backwaters of Himachal Pradesh. She also visited a few orphanages in Delhi and Chandigarh for the same purpose. Pooja is not alone on her mission to prepare disadvantaged girls and women for a fight against crimes. She is assisted and accompanied by her sister Meera.

On having achieved the Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of USA, Pooja Nagpal founded a non-profit organization, For a Change Defend, to promote martial arts as a weapon of self-defense for underprivileged school girls. She also developed training curriculum to give them lessons on empowerment, willpower, confidence and leadership. She has also associated with the Los Angeles Police Department and domestic violence shelters to promote martial arts in local communities.

Pooja Nagpal has also planned to get a safety mobile app for women so that they can connect with the local police in times of sexual harassment. The Indian American sister duo – Pooja and Meera – also teaches English language to girls in remote villages of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. When Pooja is in USA, her online videos keep the self-defense program going in India.

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