News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Musical Icons Kavita Krishnamurthy & Dr. L. Subramaniam Perform In Support Of Moksh Dham I ndian Americans in Chicago wit- nessed a landmark cultural event on Friday, September 19, 2025, when two of India’s celebrated musical icons — Padma Shri recipient Kavita Krishnamurthy and Padma Vibhushan re- cipient Dr. L. Subramaniam— headlined a fundraising concert at The Matrix Club, Naperville, in support of Moksh Dham, the nation’s first dedicated Hindu crema- tion and last-rites center. More than 1,200 attendees, includ- ing community leaders, spiritual advo- cates, and music enthusiasts, filled the prestigious venue. The evening blended melody and meaning, raising critical awareness and support for a project that fulfills one of the Indian-American com- munity’s most heartfelt spiritual needs — a dignified and culturally authentic space for Antim Sanskar (final rites) in the United States. Kavita Krishnamurthy — Bollywood and devotional playback legend, with more than 50,000 songs in 45 languages, performed timeless melodies and bha- jans, reminding the audience why she remains one of India’s most cherished playback singers. Dr. L. Subramaniam— India’s violin maestro, often called “the Paganini of In- dian Classical Music,” performed a seam- less fusion of Carnatic, Western classical, and world music traditions. A physician- turned-musician, Dr. Subramaniam is internationally recognized for his cross- genre collaborations and virtuosity. The event began with a solemn Deep Pragtya (lamp-lighting ceremony), symbolizing illumination and spiritual awakening. During the program, Moksh Dham rec- ognized its Super Trustees — visionaries whose contributions of $25,000 or more are helping turn the project into reality. Honorees included: Mafat Patel, Ashok Pandya, Mahesh Pandya, Rajesh Patel, Bharat Barai, Nitin Patel, and Dr. Rashmi Patel. Their leadership inspired further giv- ing, as donation appeals led by Dr. Rashmi Patel and Dr. Bharat Barai encouraged attendees to join in building this sacred legacy. Moksh Dham is a non-profit 501(c) (13) initiative led by Dr. Rashmi Patel. The vision is to create a serene, accessible, and culturally authentic facility where Hindu families — along with Jain, Sikh, and Bud- dhist communities — can perform Antim Agni-Sanskar (cremation rituals) with dignity. The project, expected to be completed in 2027, addresses urgent community needs. The Chicago metro area’s 250,000 South Asians, 35% of whom are seniors, face limited and costly cremation options. Cremation requests have risen nearly 30% in recent years, yet facilities remain scarce. Families often encounter emotion- al and financial distress without culturally aligned services. “This is not just a building — it’s a legacy,” said Dr. Patel. “Just as Lord Ram invited all to build the Setu, Moksh Dham is a collective effort. Every soul deserves a dignified farewell rooted in tradition.” India’s Consul General in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, addressing the gather- ing, emphasized the project’s significance. “Cremation is not only a religious rite but a sacred passage to liberation. Moksh Dham fills a deep cultural and emotional void for our community here in America,” Consul General Ghosh said. Dr. Barai, a community leader and Moksh Dham trustee, emphasized the urgency of the project. “For our 250,000-strong South Asian community in Chicago, this center is not a luxury but a necessity. Nearly one-third of our population are seniors, and when the time comes, families deserve to perform Antim Sanskar without financial burden, delays, or cultural compromise. Moksh Dham ensures dignity in farewell and peace for the soul.” By Bhailal M. Patel PHOTOS: J K -JATINTRIVEDI Anandita Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, Dr. L. Subramaniam,Kavita Krishnamurthy Dr.Bharat Barai ,Dr Panna Barai, Prachi Jaitly, Dr.Rashami Patel, founder and President of Moksh Dham. A section of the audience of more than 1,200 people at the concert for Moksh Dham, Sept. 19, 2025. Physician Sentenced To 14 Years For Illegal Distribution Of Opioids And Health Care Fraud Conspiracies TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 A Pennsylvania doctor was sentenced today to 168 months in prison for orchestrating conspiracies to commit health care fraud, wire fraud, and un- lawful distribution of controlled substances and money-laundering related offenses. He was also ordered to pay over $2 million in restitution and over $2 million in forfeiture. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Neil K. Anand, M.D., 48, of Bensalem, Pennsyl- vania, conspired to submit false and fraudulent claims to health plans provided by Medicare, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Independence Blue Cross (IBC), and Anthem, for “Goody Bags” of medi- cally unnecessary prescription medications, which were dispensed to patients by in-house pharmacies owned by Anand. In total, Medicare, OPM, IBC, and Anthem paid over $2.4 million in reimbursements. To entice patients to take the unwanted Goody Bags, Anand also conspired to distribute oxycodone outside the usual course of medi- cal practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. In furtherance of the conspiracy, unlicensed medical interns wrote prescriptions for controlled substances using blank prescriptions that were pre-signed by Anand. As part of the scheme, Anand prescribed 20,850 oxycodone tablets for nine different patients. After learning that he was under investigation, Anand concealed the proceeds of the fraud by transferring approximately $1.2 million into an account in the name of a relative and for the benefit of a minor relative. In April 2025 Anand was convicted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, three counts of health care fraud, one count of money laundering, four counts of unlawful monetary transactions, and conspira- cy to distribute controlled substances. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and Office of Personnel Manage- ment Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Paul J. Koob, Patrick J. Campbell, and Arun Bodapati of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s ef- forts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of 9 strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 de- fendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care- fraud-unit. By Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Department of Justice News India Times (September 27, 2025 - October 3, 2025) October 3, 2025 18 Community