Indian Eagle

08/03/2025

Jharoka, a pigeon-hole window, was an outlet to the outer world for the women of royal households. However, few Indian queens, from Maharani Gayatri Devi to Maharani Radhika Raje, did not let jharokas restrict their access to the outer world. They stepped out of veils to redefine their queenhood beyond beauty, elegance, and aristocracy.

Born into the illustrious royal family of Wankaner, a city in the Rajkot district of Gujarat, Radhika Raje had a progressive, modern upbringing. Her father, Dr. MK Ranjitsinhji Jhala, was the first from the Wankaner royal family to renounce his title to serve as an IAS officer during the Bhopal gas tragedy—a moment that instilled in Radhika the belief, ‘you can’t expect things to fall into place without lifting a finger.’

Growing up in Delhi, she embraced a modest lifestyle, riding public buses and engaging with commoners on a genuine level. Determined to chart her own course, she pursued a degree in history and carved a niche as a fashion journalist at the Indian Express, thus becoming the first woman in her family to join the workforce at the age of 21.

In 2002, Radhika married the Prince of Baroda (now Vadodara) and moved into the opulent Lakshmi Vilas Palace—the world’s largest private residence, four times the size of Buckingham Palace. As the Maharani of this magnificent estate, Radhika Raje never allowed lavish surroundings to define her; instead, she remained committed to creating an individual identity outside the royal residence and challenging traditional expectations, with the steadfast support of her husband and in-laws.

Radhika champions women’s right to self-sufficiency and independence. Inspired by pioneering figures such as Maharani Chimnabai II, her initiatives empower women with vocational training in tailoring and beautician skills. Among her projects, “Nari Ki Savari” equips women with taxi-driving skills for a decent living. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she ran social media campaigns to revive the livelihood of over 700 families. She owns Baroda’s first café entirely run by transgender individuals for social inclusion.

As a patron of art and craft, the Maharani of Baroda organizes craft fairs like “Urja” to celebrate the country’s indigenous handcraft traditions. She raises funds for charity through the palace heritage garba, an annual event organized on the palace grounds. It not only hits the headlines every year but brings the youth together to contribute to charitable causes. She has also revived the historic Baroda Shalu—a cherished textile tradition from Varanasi—thus intertwining art, culture, and progressive leadership into her enduring legacy.

06/03/2025

Did you know the world’s youngest female pilot to command a commercial jet was an Indian? At just 26, Nivedita Bhasin took the controls of a Boeing 737 and made history. In a world where cockpits belonged to men, she didn’t ask for a seat, she claimed it. Because when you dream of flying, you don’t wait for permission. You soar.

As a child, she watched planes carve paths through the sky, dreaming of the day she would fly one. Whenever she looked up, she saw her future. But back then, women pilots were almost unheard of. She had no role models. No footsteps to follow. Still, she asked herself, "Why not take a chance?" At 16, she took her first step. She joined the Delhi Gliding Club and learned to land an engineless plane.

Each flight fueled her passion and pushed her further. Later, while training at a flying school in Patna, she faced constant reminders that aviation was a man’s world. But she kept proving she belonged in the sky. By 20, she was flying for Indian Airlines (now Air India). Her dream was no longer just a dream, it was real. In 1985, she co-piloted the world’s first all-women crew flight.

And in 1990, at just 26, she became the youngest woman to command a commercial jet. Having flown for more than 22,000 hours, Nivedita led several all-women flights and became India’s first female check-pilot. To mark International Women’s Day, she commanded an Airbus A300 on the Delhi–Kathmandu route. In 2011, she flew into war-torn Libya to rescue stranded Indians. In 2012, she piloted the Dreamliner 787 from the US to India.

After serving Air India for over 37 years, she retired in 2021 as Executive Director & Chief of Flight Safety. Today, she serves as an International Director at a global organization for women pilots, shaping the future of aviation. From a time when India had only a few women pilots to currently having the highest percentage of the world’s female pilot population, Nivedita Bhasin’s story extends beyond breaking barriers.

She is an ideal and an inspiration for her children too. Her son Captain Rohan Bhasin is a commander at Air India, and her daughter Niharika Bhasin works for IndiGo Airlines.

05/03/2025

“You can take an Indian out of India, but you can never take India out of an Indian.” It’s heartwarming to see culture and tradition still define Indians in America, even thousands of miles away from India. Recently, a south Indian family in Lathrop near San Francisco, won hearts and earned admiration for a unique, age-old Hindu tradition, among housewarming rituals.

They stepped into their new home in the US along with a sacred cow named Bahula. Draped in a piece of ornate cloth and adorned with vermillion, Bahula was not just a part of Grah Pravesh; she was at the heart of it. It’s a ritual to purify the new space and evoke divine blessings for prosperity and happiness. And what could be more auspicious than a cow being the first to set foot inside a new residence; after all, she is the holiest animal in Hinduism.

The family worshiped Bahula, fed her, touched her feet, and clicked photos with her. “How sweet!” “How adorable!” Hundreds of such comments poured in from Indians and Americans alike when a video clip of the sacred ritual with Bahula surfaced online. This intrigued Americans, who are otherwise familiar with some Indian traditions, like greeting with a Namaste, making Kolam or rangoli designs, eating food with hands, and touching the feet of the elderly for blessings.

A Hindu priest ceremonially led Bahula into the new home through the main entrance. The family rolled back a carpet to welcome her and offered her a bowl of food. It is believed that a cow does not eat in a place with negative energy. So, Bahula’s calm acceptance of the offering was a sign of positive energy and purity at the new residence. Bahula was brought from Sri Surabhi Go Ksetra, a goshala (cow sanctuary) in Pleasanton, the Bay Area.

Such cultural traditions, though centuries old, help Indians stay connected to their roots, no matter where they live.

04/03/2025

65-year-old Molly runs a grocery store single-handedly and saves her humble income for international trips. Wow!

“A ship is safe in harbor. But that is not what ships are built for.” Similarly, some people are born to break from household confines, cross the seven seas, and travel across geographies. This is true about Molly Joy, a humble grocery shopkeeper from Kerala. The 65-year-old granny, who had neve...

04/03/2025

Welcome aboard for the ultimate armrest showdown!

Here is a spoof of the headline-making incident: two passengers clashed over an armrest on a Delhi-bound Air India flight in DEC 2024. Everyone has the right to fly in comfort, but not everyone can travel comfortably in Economy. Is there any way out of such awkward inflight tussles?

03/03/2025

In 2012, she returned the trophy, as she thought her family won't be able to take care of it after her demise.

Bhanu Athaiya, the first Indian to be awarded an Oscar way back in 1983, took her last breath in October 2020 in Mumbai. Though she was the first to have brought the coveted Academy Award home, she remained unsung in the shadow of Slumdog Millionaire that swept away eight Oscars, including for three...

03/03/2025

The 1960s was the glorious decade when India got flight connectivity to the United States, the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, the intelligence agency RAW, the first woman Prime Minister, and the first Miss World – Reita Faria. In 1966, Reita Faria from a middle-class Indian family created history as not only the first Indian but also the first Asian to win the crown. The world looked at her in awe as she sat on the winner’s throne in London’s Lyceum Ballroom.

Born in 1943 to a father who worked in a mineral water factory and a mother who had a beauty salon, her life was simple but not easy. She was teased and called names like ‘mommy long legs’ in school for her height, 5 ft 8 inches, which is against the societal perception of an Indian girl. She proved her mettle in sports rather than giving in to body-shaming. Playing hockey, netball, and badminton was part of her curriculum. She even made headlines for scoring hat-tricks in hockey.

She was a beauty with brains and dreams; dreams beyond glamor. While pursuing MBBS, she won the Miss Bombay and the Eve’s Weekly Miss India titles. For the Miss World contest in London, she prepared her own wardrobe with just ₹300. She impressed everyone, winning the ‘Best in Swimsuit’ and ‘Best in Eveningwear’ titles. She looked stunning in a saree, something different from usual gowns. And then, at the grand finale, she beat 51 contestants to become Miss World 1966.

Unlike beauty pageant winners these days, Reita Faria did not chase fame. Though inundated with offers from the showbiz industry, she chose her pre-defined goal of serving people over the prospects of being a model and actress. In 1967, she resumed her medical studies at King’s College Hospital in London and became a doctor. She married Dr. David Powell and moved to Dublin, Ireland where she is still living with her family.

01/03/2025

Short film 'Anuja' starring Sajda in the lead is vying for an Oscar. It is backed by Priyanka Chopra, Mindy Kaling, Guneet Monga.

No matter President Trump latches the door of America to keep the less affluent, the marginalized, and the underprivileged outside; some journeys from the streets or slums in India are destined for success in the United States, braving barriers and borders. Among them is the journey of Anuja from th...

28/02/2025

A cozy place to unwind feels like divine after a long-haul intercontinental flight! That is what Ganapathi Jayaraman, an Indian-origin content creator from the USA, found at Mumbai Airport after a grueling 17-hour nonstop flight with Air India from San Francisco to Mumbai in January. Desperate to retire his jaded body on a recliner while waiting for his connecting flight to the final destination, he entered the Adani Lounge, which he found luxurious and spacious to his surprise.

He wrote sharing his experience on Facebook, “It’s so spacious, I half expected to find a mini golf course tucked around the corner. There’s ample room to stretch out, spread out, and maybe even take a nap in a chair so comfy that you’d forget you’re not in a five-star hotel. No uncomfortable airport seating here—this place was built for luxury.”

“I felt like a VIP the moment I stepped in,” he added. Aware of his weariness, a friendly attendant welcomed him with a warm smile. The staff had a good understanding of what travelers walking in from a long-haul flight need before embarking on the next leg of their journey. “The check-in process was smooth as butter, and the staff were as warm and kind as your grandma offering you tea—extra sweet,” Ganapathy went on to say candidly.

He felt spoilt for choice on seeing the buffet that, he said, could rival any hotel spread. It was a delightful array of fresh fruits, sandwiches, south Indian staples like idlis, vada, upma, and north Indian delights like pooris and parathas. It was complemented by masala chai, hot coffee, sodas, fresh juices, refreshing mango lassi, a gin and tonic from the in-house bar. It made him feel like being transported to a foodie paradise. He humorously confessed, “I may or may not have had two servings of dessert. It’s vacation calories, right?”

Ganapathy Jayaraman summed up his experience, “The Adani Lounge was the perfect pit stop on my journey. It’s the kind of place where you feel just a little bit fancy, even if you’re only passing through. So, if you’re ever in Mumbai and need to kill time before your next flight, this lounge will make you feel like royalty.” His only complaint is about Wi-Fi. He said, “You might need the patience of a saint while using Wi-Fi at the lounge.”

27/02/2025

It was a festive evening in October, a month of Hindu heritage in several US states. The Oval Office at the White House was glowing with warm golden hues and brimming with soulful notes of Sitar. Dressed in an Indian ethnic attire, a 24-year-old young sitarist mesmerized the audience with his solo performance, making former President Biden’s first Diwali celebration a cherished event.

The Sitarist, who hit the headlines the world over in 2022, is Rishab Rikhiram Sharma from New York. For many, the sitar is an instrument. For Rishab, “it’s a voice that speaks when words fall short.” Born into the legendary Rikhiram family of luthiers in Delhi, his journey of music began early. At 10, his fingers danced on the strings of sitar. Under the guidance of his father and the great Pandit Ravi Shankar, he learned not just to play sitar, but to feel one with music.

Sitar has taken him across the world. By the age of 17, he was in New York, shaping his own path that blended the deep roots of Indian classical music with modern soundscapes. From performing for the President of India at just 14 to sharing the stage with renowned maestros, Rishab continues to make history and heal the world through music. He holds the distinction of being the first artist to perform at the historic Patan Darbar Square, a UNESCO World heritage site in Nepal.

But Rishab’s love of music is not limited to performances. It extends to a greater purpose within the strings of his Sitar. He founded “Sitar for Mental Health” to help people with depression and anxiety issues. He believes music can heal. He has been open about his own battles with mental health, using Sitar as both an escape and an offering. In a world that never stops making noise, Rishab offers something rare- soulfulness, natural healing, spiritual transformation…

Interestingly, he adorns his hands with mehendi for every performance. It is not a style statement but a way to evoke divine energy for his hands in close touch with the sitar strings. “Why should mehndi be only for women? “It’s an art form, a way to express,” Rishab once opened up in an interview. Such mehendi designs as Trishul, Shivalinga, and the Third Eye on both hands make him feel the cosmic presence of Lord Shiva and help him transcend all mundane bounds during performance.

26/02/2025

Now Lufthansa has bigger India network. You can seamlessly travel beyond Delhi, Mumbai, HYD, BLR from USA.

Air India is a rising star with promises for never-before-like flying experience for Indians abroad. Among the major international airlines looking to partner with Air India, Lufthansa won the toss for expansive code-sharing. The codeshare partnership with Air India gives Lufthansa access to 12 Indi...

26/02/2025

This new immigration program comes with a hefty price tag for wealthy individuals.

On one hand, Elon Musk-led DOGE team is working towards reducing federal deficit, and on the other hand, President Trump is coming up with ways to fuel the US economy. One such move is Trump’s Gold Card – the quickest route to US citizenship through a Green Card for the affluent. The Trump 2.0 a...

25/02/2025

Yaganti Temple, a hilly abode of Lord Shiva in Andhra Pradesh, has captured the world’s attention, as the blockbuster Pushpa 2: The Rule features the temple in a spectacular scene where Rashmika Mandanna’s character Srivalli visits the temple to offer prayers for her husband Pushpa Raj. Nestled in the rugged Nallamala Hills, it is far more than a breathtaking film location. An architectural epitome of the Vijayanagar Empire, the temple rests untouched like a meditating Shiva in the wilderness, blending seamlessly with the surrounding rocky landscape.

Built by King Harihara Bukka Raya of the Sangama Dynasty in the 15th century following Vaishnavite traditions, Yaganti Temple has an interesting legend. Sage Agastya initially intended to consecrate an idol of Lord Venkateswara at this site. However, when the idol’s toe broke, he perceived it as a divine omen and undertook intense penance for Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva appeared before him. Enchanted by the rugged landscape, Sage Agastya pleaded the deity to reside there. In response to his plea, Shiva and Parvati fused into a single rock, manifesting as Uma Maheswara, which is eternally enshrined in the temple.

The temple's massive Nandi idol is widely believed to grow in size with time. The Archaeological Survey of India states that the rock that the Nandi statue was carved out of has an expanding feature, but worshippers regard this as a divine miracle. It is prophesied that Nandi will come to life and roar when the Kali Yuga ends. The temple’s Pushkarini, a sacred pond, mysteriously receives fresh water year-round through the mouth of a Nandi sculpture at the hill’s base. Devotees believe a holy dip here is highly auspicious before worshipping Lord Shiva.

The temple also features significant caves: Agastya Cave, where Sage Agastya meditated. Legend has it that Sage Agastya, unsettled by crows during his meditations, cursed them and barred them from that place. Thus, not a single crow can be seen within or over the grounds of Yaganti Temple. Venkateswara Cave, housing the damaged idol of Lord Venkateswara, is believed to predate the Tirumala Balaji Temple. In short, Yaganti Temple is a divine enigma.

25/02/2025

46 tons of granite from India were hand-carved to create Shiva Lingam and other deities including a 20ft tall Hanuman statue.

Not many Indians in America know that the United States is home to the Mount Kailash of the West. Mount Soma in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina is known as the Mount Kailash of America, as it is a hilly abode of Lord Shiva amidst lush greenery. Named after the Sri Somesvara Temple […]

24/02/2025

Good News for the fastest-growing Telugu community in America!

Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram are the only destinations in South India for most airlines, particularly the Middle East carriers operating one-stop flights between USA and India. After a long time, a tier-2 city from South India would join a major international airline....

21/02/2025

Hassles of international transit during a layover are not unknown to travelers. Long security lines. Extra screening. Baggage recheck-in. What if you could walk straight to your connecting flight without such hassles at London Heathrow Airport? Sounds like a dream, right? Well, American Airlines’ passengers flying from Dallas, Texas to London Heathrow with further connection to non-UK destinations are in for a relaxed transit experience.

In a progressive move, American Airlines teamed up with the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to launch the One Stop Security (OSS) pilot program. With this, passengers traveling from DFW International Airport (DFW) to London Heathrow with a connection to an international (non-UK) destination, can skip security screening and baggage recheck during transit. This means quicker transit and faster connection.

This is a welcome relief for senior citizens and family travelers with kids among American Airlines’ passengers connecting through London Heathrow. Otherwise, re-screening and baggage recheck make a layover exhausting for them. The one-stop security agreement between two countries and between airlines and airports not only cut down on unnecessary security duplication but also make international travel more efficient.

And there is more! At the India-US Aviation Summit in June 2024, the US TSA offered a similar OSS agreement to India. If implemented, passengers traveling between India and USA could skip post-arrival security screening before catching a domestic flight. With around 20 lakh Indians having traveled to the US in 2024, including senior citizens on B1/B2 visas, this could mean a smoother journey and a major upgrade for inter-continental travel.

If the pilot program launched by American Airlines succeeds, it could expand to other major routes in the airline’s network.

21/02/2025

For the first time in history, an Indian American has been confirmed as Director of the FBI. Kashyap Pramod Vinod Patel, born to Gujarati immigrant parents, is now appointed to one of the most powerful law enforcement positions in the United States. His appointment followed protests and sparked intense political debate, but for millions of Indians, it is a moment of pride.

Kash Patel, the 9th Director of FBI, is known for his deep-rooted connection to his Indian heritage. He is also seen wearing a rudraksh mala and mauli on his wrist as symbols of his cultural identity. Recently, during his Senate hearing, he touched his parents’ feet on national television and greeted them, ‘Jai Shri Krishna’. For many Indians abroad, these small yet significant gestures are reflective of age-old traditions and values. He had supported the “Ram Mandir” construction in Ayodhya.

His appointment, however, is confirmed amid controversies. Democratic Senator Dick Durbin strongly opposed Patel, calling him “dangerous, inexperienced, and dishonest”, warning that his political connections could threaten the FBI’s independence. On the other hand, Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, called him the “right choice” to reform the FBI.

After taking charge, Kash Patel took to Twitter (now X) and tweeted: “To those who seek to harm Americans—consider this your warning. We will hunt you down in every corner of this planet. Mission First. America Always. Let’s get to work.” As a Trump loyalist, he shares President Trump’s vision, “Make America Great Again”. Patel has also vowed that under his leadership, he would rebuild the FBI into one that is “transparent, accountable, and committed to justice.”

While he is making headlines, he is not the only Indian American rewriting history in the US. Previously, Maju Varghese of Kerala-origin became the first Indian American Director of the White House Military Office, overseeing critical national security operations. And recently, Kevan Parekh has taken over as Apple Inc.’s Chief Financial Officer. Another Indian-American Akash Bobba became one of the youngest recruits in Elon Musk’s DOGE under the Trump administration 2025.