Happy 59th Republic Day

Wishing Indians in United States and around the GLOBE a Happy 59th Republic Day.

Enjoy this song, one my all time favorites. This is "Mere Desh Ki Dharti" from UPKAR. It takes me right back to India whenever I listen to it.

India honors Indians in US with Padma Awards on the eve of 59th Republic Day

Indian American astronaut Sunita Williams was awarded Padma Bhushan for Astronautics.

The newly appointed Citigroup CEO Vikram Pandit, based in New York was awarded Padma Bhushan for Trade and Industry.

Prof Kaushik Basu, Prof Padma Desai and Dr Srinivasa S.R. Varadhan (all three from the US) were awarded Padma Bhushan for literature and education

The Padma Shri winners are filmmaker Manoj 'Night' Shyamalan (US), Dr Nirupam Bajpai (US) for literature and education, and Sant Singh Virmani (US) for science and engineering.

(Source: manglorean.com)

FDA Recalls Skin and Hair Products Imported from India

United Press International is reporting:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the recall of Swad Brand skin and hair products imported from India for religious purposes.

The FDA said the recalled 3.5-ounce packages include Abil, Gulal, Kanku, Kum Kum and Swad Brand Lagan Samagri Kits and Pooja Samagri Kits.

The recall by Raja Foods LLC of Skokie, Ill., was ordered because the products contain high levels of lead, posing a health risk.

The recalled products were distributed through Indian grocery stores in Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.

The FDA said although the products were not intended to be sold for food use, the labeling might be confusing and imply they could be used as food.

The Abil, Gulal, Kanku and Kum Kum products are distributed in plastic bags with a front label stating "Swad Best Taste in Town Sindoor." The Lagan Samagri and Pooja Samagri products are distributed in plastic bins with similar labels.

External use of the product does not pose a health hazard, the FDA said.

Consumers are urged to return the products for a refund or contact the company at 800-800-7923 x 2860.