Indian Eagle

01/11/2024

Flying Etihad between USA and India this holiday season? Abu Dhabi is offering free stopover and free 48-hour transit visa.

Check eligibility for Etihad Airways' free Abu Dhabi stopover including 2-day luxury accommodation in Abu Dhabi. Cheap Etihad economy passengers are also eligible for it.

01/11/2024

If Diwali Festival is a celebration of Dharma over Adharma, Girish – a humble auto-rickshaw driver in Karnataka, deserves a special mention. Generally, Indian auto-rickshaw drivers are notorious for reckless driving, overcharging, unjust refusals, and argumentative attitude. However, Girish set an example of honesty and uprightness defying the prejudices against his community this Dhanteras, the day people buy something of gold and/or silver for good fortune.

A woman passenger, the founder of a nonprofit organization that empowers women to be independent, hired Girish’s autorickshaw in Bengaluru. During the bumpy ride, the gold chain around her neck broke and slipped down in the vehicle without her knowledge. She got off the auto at some distance from her home in Bengaluru and noticed later that the chain was missing. She tried hard to recall where she may have lost it.

To her utter surprise, Girish came to her doorstep to return the ornament the next day, which was Dhanteras. He went door to door in search of her home. Since buying or finding a (lost) piece of gold jewelry is auspicious for Indians, she could not thank him enough. Her joy knew no bound, as he appeared like Kubera to her. She not only welcomed him but also recorded a short video of him, which has gone viral this Diwali. Netizens from all over the country have been lauding his selfless act since then.

Indeed, honesty is more precious than gold.

30/10/2024

It seems troubles are holding back Air India from ascending to the height of its previous glory. On one hand, the airline got DGCA’s approval for launching flights to Dallas and Los Angeles. On the other hand, maintenance delay for wide-body aircraft is affecting the existing routes in Air India’s US-India network. Reportedly, some wide-body planes with technical issues have been grounded due to maintenance delays, thereby forcing cancellation of 60 flights between India and the US between November 15 and December 31, 2024.

Anticipating delayed return of the aircraft from MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facilities, Air India is prioritizing transparent communication about flight cancellation and alternative options to the affected travelers over the last-minute intimation. With genuine regrets for the inconvenience, the airline is offering free rescheduling and refund options to those whose holiday travel plans stand affected.

Air India has cancelled 14 between Chicago and Delhi, 28 flights between Washington IAD and Delhi, 12 flights between San Francisco and Delhi, 4 flights between Mumbai and New York, and two flights between Newark and Delhi. The Tata Group is looking to mitigate the supply chain constraints that are causing maintenance delay for planes with technical issues.

28/10/2024

Grab discounts for your holiday travel on Air India, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa....Offer is valid till NOV 28.

Indian Eagle,a leading travel booking partner of Indians in USA, is up with Diwali Contest. Share your Diwali celebration photos & win $150 discount on airfares.

28/10/2024

Diwali at Times Square, one of the most engrossing cultural celebrations for South Asians in the east coast, sparked the lighting of diyas across the US before it is actually celebrated in India. The festival of lights becomes brighter with the presidential ceremony of lighting a brass lamp in the Blue Room at White House. 2024 is no exception to the tradition that President George W. Bush had initiated in 2003.

President Joe Biden and the First Lady Jill Biden, along with Vice President Kamala Harris and prominent Indian-origin leaders including Ajay Jain Bhutoria, are all set for the ceremony this evening. The POTUS is hosting a reception for a large gathering of Indian Americans in particular, as this is his last Diwali celebration as a president. The White House Diwali ceremony holds immense significance for the fast-growing South Asian diaspora too.

President Biden will share Sunita Williams’ Diwali greetings with the nation through her video message from the International Space Station. Like previous years, the guests are in for wholesome entertainment over a melange of Indian and American cultures, from sweets to performances, in the Blue Room. Nootana, an award-winning Indian classical music and dance ensemble in the national capital, will enthral the guests and enliven the ambience.

The POTUS’ message, “Diwali is a reminder that each of us has the power to dispel darkness and bring light to the world,” will resonate with the nation. “South Asian Americans have woven Diwali traditions into the fabric of our nation - symbolizing the message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of ignorance, hate, and division. It has helped our nation emerge stronger from the past few difficult years,” he said last year.

27/10/2024

Finally, the wait is over for nonstop flight service to Los Angeles and Dallas. It's time for a celebration!

After a long wait, Air India is taking off for Dallas and Los Angeles, the new destinations in the US-India nonstop travel corridor. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved nonstop Air India flights to Los Angeles in California, and Dallas in Texas from New Delhi starting...

25/10/2024

After a large-scale renovation spanning 6 years, Jaipur International Airport’s Terminal 1 is all set for a grand reopening on October 26. Retrofitted with modern amenities and adorned with motifs of Rajasthani culture, Terminal 1 is solely designated for international operations effective from October 27. A flight by Etihad Airways, the only foreign airline serving Jaipur and connecting it with USA via Abu Dhabi, will mark the commencement of operations at Terminal 1.

The revamped interior of the terminal houses a massive wooden installation resembling the intricately designed portico of palaces that Rajasthan is famed for. The installation features delicate glass work, jali designs, and jharokas (pigeonhole windows) which are dominant attributes of traditional architecture in the erstwhile princely regions of Rajasthan. Popular motifs of Rajasthan’s culture, sculpture, and beauty, such as camels, elephants, puppets, and turbans adorn the inner walls at T1.

The color of pink sandstone that most monuments are made of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner redefines the ambience of Terminal 1. The outside of the terminal features canopy-like architectural chhatris, which may have been inspired by Saheliyon Ka Bagh, a must-see attraction in Udaipur. Usually, chhatris are made of white marble stones gleaming not only in the sun but also in moonlight.

The renovation of Terminal 1 enhances both beauty and capacity of Jaipur International Airport. T1 has now 24 immigration counters; 10 in the departure area and 14 in the arrival area. A medical room, 24-hour ambulance service, and lounges are among the passenger-friendly amenities in the terminal. The airport can now accommodate 15 lakh international passengers annually.

23/10/2024

Once eminent singer Anuradha Paudwal heard Maa Kali say, "I am going to USA". An interesting story!

Indian Eagle Travel shares a very interesting story behind the foundation of Laguna Beach Kali Mandir in Orange County, California.

23/10/2024

As White House Fellows of distinction, they will be walked through the process of governing the world's biggest economy.

Two Indian American research scientists with a PhD degree made it to White House for a prestigious fellowship program (early this month) before the United States named Indian-origin Sirish Subash as the nation’s top young scientist recently. Instituted on the premise – A genuinely free society c...

22/10/2024

With every passing year, Ayodhya’s Deepotsav is becoming greater and grander. The birthplace of Shri Ram is all set to break the previous records and make a new world record by lighting an astounding 25 lakh diyas this Deepavali. In 2023, as many as 51 ghats of Ayodhya were adorned and illuminated with 21 lakh diyas to the surprise of the entire world.

Deepotsav, which supports the rural economy by generating employment for the community of potters, will be celebrated from October 28 to 31 this year. Around 500 locations across the holy town have been shortlisted for artistic installations telling stories of Shri Ram, Devi Sita, and Hanuman. A spectacular aarti, in the evening, is the principal attraction of the 3-day Deepotsav 2024.

Another attraction of the celebration is a grand procession of the Ram Rath and other six tableaus depicting significant events from Shri Ram’s life in exile and return to Ayodhya. The tableaus are being designed after the themes of the festivals around the world, including, including Oruro (Bolivia), Basel (Switzerland), Salvador (Brazil), Barranquilla (Colombia), Düsseldorf (Germany), and the Grenadines.

Ayodhya is planning a green firecracker display in the sky, other than the never-seen illumination of 25 lakh diyas all over the ground, to celebrate the homecoming of Shri Ram, Devi Sita, and Lakshman. Nearly 7000 volunteers of different age groups are receiving training to oversee the elaborate preparations and execute the enormous event in a hassle-free way.

22/10/2024

Know where to celebrate Diwali in the East Coast this year.

Check Diwali 2023 events in New York and New Jersey where you can celebrate Diwali with fellow Indians if you have not booked flights to India this Diwali.

18/10/2024

Not everyone can afford premium transit hotel accommodation at airports. Not everyone can afford to miss connecting flights in the wee hours or past midnight. Taking a leaf out of New Delhi, Mumbai, Doha, Dubai, and Singapore airports, Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport has launched cost-effective resting pods for transit travelers. You can now rent a resting pod to get a relaxing nap during a long layover or spend the connection time productively at RGI HYD Airport.

Cheaper than a piece of masala dosa (overpriced at airports), the resting pods provide budget-friendly, private accommodation with cozy and hygienic environment at the hourly rate of Rs 500. The longer the hours, the lower the rates. A 3-hour booking costs approximately Rs 1400. Located near the city-side check-in facility, the pods are also accessible to visitors without flight tickets. There are pods exclusively for women, pods designed for the differently-abled, and twin-occupancy pods.

Originating in Japan, the pods provide small, bed-sized capsule space with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, bedding, charging ports, adjustable lighting, etc. Privacy, comfort, convenience, and affordability – all are capsuled in one pod. This new facility has separate lockers for secure storage of your bags and shoes. There are private pods with closed doors too. Also, there is a dedicated lounge area where you can sit idle, watch TV, work on your laptop, and interact with other travelers.

You can board your early morning flight without weary eyes and catch mesmerizing views of sunrise rather than doze off on your seat. With such an affordable alternative to expensive lounges, Hyderabad International Airport is delivering on its commitment to making wait times bearable and enjoyable.

RGIA - Hyderabad

16/10/2024

14-year-old Sirish Subash is named America's Top Young Scientist of the Year for his AI-based device for food safety & public health.

In October 2024, the US will crown the nation’s best young scientist among the 10 finalists, including six Indian Americans, of the Discovery 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Among thousands of promising innovators and inventors with a problem-solving attitude, only the best 10 budding scientists hav...

16/10/2024

Indians believe in feeding the hungry and sharing food, an essential value; no matter where they are.

7-Eleven storeowner IndianAmerican Jay Singh in Toledo, Ohio fed a hungry thief instead of calling 911 to get him arrested. Read his inspiring story of kindness.

16/10/2024

The recent launch of iPhone 16 got people queued up in a bee line for hours outside Apple stores in India, which is hardly seen during a book launch these days. Scrolling the phone not only while eating a meal but even during a tea break is in vogue across the socio-economic pockets of the country. However, there is Bhimabai’s Book Hotel where guests are barred from fiddling with the phone even when they wait for their food orders. Rather, they are provided with books to read for free.

The roadside restaurant named “Ajjichya Pustakancha Hotel” (grandmother’s book hotel) offers a blissful ambience imbued with the joy of reading over a cup of tea, a plateful of snacks, or a meal. Located on the Mumbai-Agra highway near Nashik in Maharashtra, the dhaba-style eatery doubles up as a free library with a whopping collection of 5000 books in different languages, including Hindi, Marathi, and English. Bhimabai, an octogenarian, advocates the culture of reading at her eatery.

The book hotel that 84-year-old Aaji (she is called in Marathi) has been running since 2015 was once a makeshift tea stall. She had opened the tea stall to support her son who incurred losses due to the unfortunate closure of his small publishing business in 2010. He took to farming thereafter, while Aaji and her daughter continued operating the stall in the face of disdainful remarks from their close relatives and neighbors.

Married off to an alcoholic man when she was a 6th grader, Bhimabai could not pursue schooling. But she did not forego her love of reading while carrying the baggage of her unhappy marriage and providing for her children. Left penniless because of her husband’s addiction to gambling, she encouraged her children to be independent so they could earn for their education from a young age. Her son provided for his school education with the meagre income from a newspaper distribution job.

Aaji believes that books are not only food for knowledge but also a relief balm to the anxious mind of those who wait for their dear ones’ treatments and cure at hospitals. That’s why she supplies free books to nearby hospitals from her highway food joint. Also, she lets people borrow her books on holidays and special occasions, such as Republic Day, Independence Day, Women’s Day, World Book Day, etc. in an effort to get them into a habit of reading.

Today, Bhimabai’s Pustakanch Hotel thrives as a haven for book launches, readers’ community events, quiz contests, literacy awareness campaigns, and schools’ field trips.

15/10/2024

American Telugu Association-ATA submitted a petition to Air India on behalf of 1.3-million Telugu Indians across USA.

It takes a village to raise a child. Similarly, it takes a community to get direct flight service to their native city. After the state government of Telangana sent a delegation to Delta Airlines with the proposal for direct Atlanta to Hyderabad flights, the American Telugu Association (ATA) held me...

14/10/2024

Since the demise of Ratan Tata, a true gem of India, interesting anecdotes about his humility, values, and ethical leadership have been surfacing on social media as tributes to the legend. Captain Zoya Agarwal, a commercial pilot and celebrity aviator, shared one of the heart-touching memoirs about how a chance encounter with Mr Tata aboard a flight changed her perception of leadership and left an indelible impact on her.

Once Zoya Agarwal, who made headlines for captaining the all-women cabin crew of Air India’s first flight from San Francisco to Bengaluru over the North Pole in 2021, flew Mr Tata from New York to New Delhi. After landing, she requested the (late) Chairman of Tata Sons for a picture together. He nodded his head politely. When she was about to get up from her seat, he stopped her and said, “Captain, please don’t get up. This is your throne - you’ve earned it.”

He stood behind her and got a picture clicked with her. The picture that Zoya will be cherishing forever was a defining moment of his humbleness and down-to-earth nature. He not only gave her a new perspective about true leadership but also encouraged her to pursue MBA and aim for something greater than herself, not just for personal success but for the betterment of society, as she recalled in her Instagram story. She is still in awe of her encounter with Hon’ble Ratan Tata on the flight that, she says, changed her life.

Captain Zoya was the youngest Indian woman pilot to have flown a Boeing 777 aircraft in 2013. She co-piloted some of Air India’s repatriation flights to bring back thousands of Indians stranded overseas, as part of Indian government’s Vande Bharat Mission, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a daunting task for the crew to operate international flights, especially when there was neither testing nor vaccine in the initial months of the pandemic.

The feathers in her cap include her larger-than-life portrait installed in the aviation museum at San Francisco International Airport, California. In 2022, she became the first Indian woman pilot to have earned this rare honor from one of the prestigious airport museums in the United States.

13/10/2024

The days of flying with compromise on the comfort of seating and the quality of inflight amenities aboard Air India flights between New Delhi and Washington DC will be over in a month. As per reports, Air India will replace the outdated B787-8 aircraft with Boeing 777-200LRs on this route, starting 15 November 2024. Similar planes leased from Delta Airlines are currently in use for nonstop service between New York and Mumbai, San Francisco and Bengaluru, and San Francisco and Mumbai.

Inundated with complaints about discomforting seats, nonworking amenities, outdated upholstery, and poor entertainment systems on D.C. to Delhi flights, Air India is replacing the aircraft to elevate your travel experience. Boeing Dreamliners 787-8 have been used to serve this busy route all these years due to its long-range capacity for the topographical features of the Hindukush Mountain range.

B787-8 Dreamliner is known for its fuel efficiency, but the aircraft is running close to its capacity of flying 6600 nautical miles between Delhi and Washington Dulles Airport. On top of that, the need of extra fuel for rerouting or unplanned diversion further challenges the aircraft’s load restrictions. However, 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners are advanced versions with a longer flying range.

Air India will induct B777-200LRs with a maximum range of 8,555 nautical miles into service between Washington DC and New Delhi, from 15 November to 1 January 2025, the peak travel season. B777-200LRs have cozy seats and modern amenities in all three travel cabins. Air India’s B777-200LRs don’t have Premium Economy unlike the ones leased from Delta Airlines.

Starting from 3 January 2025, Air India’s D.C. to Delhi nonstop service will be operated with a Boeing 777-300ER, which is more advanced than B777-200LRs.

09/10/2024

RIP: In the thick of Navratri celebrations, Mother India lost a visionary, golden-hearted son. He is none other than Ratan Tata, a legendary leader and monumental figure in global business, international economy, and philanthropy. With his last breath this morning at the age of 86, his epic journey to strengthening and supporting the nation came to an end. But his rich legacy of contributions to different spheres of the country and beyond will never cease to be cherished.

Celebrated more as a philanthropist than a business tycoon or billionaire, Ratan Naval Tata left a never-to-be-filled leadership void for the country. Driven by his vision, intuition, and business acumen, the Tata Group expanded and evolved into a global brand of brands. He not only supported hundreds of purpose-driven startups but also donated 60-65% of his wealth for various welfare programs.

Not many people know that the center for mid-career executive education program at Harvard Business School is named Tata Hall after him. In 2010, he donated $50 million to HBS for construction of the center. The seven-floor center has 180 bedrooms, in addition to academic and multipurpose halls, across 155,000 square feet. The Tata Innovation Center that he established at Cornell University works as a business incubator for students and faculty.

He also instituted a $28-million scholarship fund at his alma mater, Cornell University, to provide financial aid to students from India. The fund supports 20 scholars among Indian students every year, regardless of their socio-economic status. In 2016, he directed the Tata Trusts to donate $70 million to the University of California, San Diego for a state-of-the-art research facility that is named after him. Tata Hall at UC San Diego houses the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society.

Unfortunately, the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awardee, Ratan Tata, passed away before the complete transformation of Air India that he welcomed back home despite the airline’s huge losses and debts.

08/10/2024

Following a recent spate of ‘Kannada vs Hindi’ controversies in Bengaluru City, Kempegowda International Airport has been called on to introduce Kannada as the first language of inflight announcements. If the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) gives approval, announcements in Hindi and English will follow Kannada on all flights taking off and landing at Bengaluru Airport, starting 1 November. Reportedly, some airlines including British Airways and Singapore Airlines have started implementing the state language.

An international airport is a gateway to not only a particular geography but also a specific demography and its cultural fabric. International arrivals begin to experience the culture of a region right from the airport, specifically in India. That’s why Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai airports are brimming with festive vibes aligned to the way Navratri is celebrated in their respective regions.

Bengaluru Airport has set up a spectacular Golu with Dasara dolls (as the below picture shows) in both terminals. Navratri-themed decorations have created a delightful ambience at Ahmedabad Airport. Live Garba dance programs have been organized to entertain travelers amidst all the hustle and bustle at Mumbai Airport. Evidently, Karnataka’s state-language-first initiative for airlines flying into and out of Bengaluru is a welcome move.

However, it has elicited a mixed response from netizens. A majority is supporting the move on the grounds that the beauty of regional languages should not fade out in the glare of multiculturism and diversity. Some others think that airports should not become railway stations. A group of netizens called it a breakthrough, whereas the other group opined that airports should stick to the two-language policy (Hindi and English).

Do you think airlines flying to and from India should make inflight announcements in Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam?

Mahesh Joshi, President of Kannada Sahitya Parishat, founded by the royal Wadiyar family of Mysore, has launched the initiative to promote Kannada language and culture. He has already held talks with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the CEO of Bengaluru Airport authority regarding the initiative.

07/10/2024

Like Uma, her homecoming saved her mother's love, life, legacy... She would have been a CEO if she continued her job as VP.

Far from the glitters of ‘Sabyasachi fashion’ at the Met Gala 2024, the age-old ethnic beauty of India is being preserved and nurtured in one of the humble, sustainable, organic forms – Hand Block Printing – at Tharangini Studio. The oldest hand block print studio in Bengaluru City, Tharangi...

04/10/2024

Durga Puja shows the cultural and creative best of Kolkata every year. It gives the city sleepless nights, turns the cityscape into an open art gallery, makes street food a staple for 10 days, keeps Metro Train on the run even past midnight, generates livelihood for millions, and sees the arrival of many flights from abroad. The diversity of Durga idols, pandals and themes, from conventional to contemporary, across the City of Joy is simply exclusive.

With its first-ever celebration at the most happening Times Square in New York City, Durga Puja created history thousands of miles away from India. Times Square, a popular venue for Garba, Diwali, Yoga and Independence Day celebrations in the east coast, throbbed like a fairground with Matri Vandana, music, singing, and of course, a jubilant crowd. This is another milestone of pride for India after having earned UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage tag for Durga Puja, Garba, Vedic Chanting, Ramlila, Kumbh Mela, and Kutiyattam.