News India Times

Indian Consulate And Mount Sinai Hospital Host Conference On Healthcare, AI, And Cancer T he intersection of AI, healthcare, and cancer, was the focus of discussions October 1, 2025, at a con- ference held in the Consulate of India in NewYork, bringing some of the best and the brightest from India and the United States together to mull over how to meet the challenges confronting both countries. India’s Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan joined the more than hundred invitees from US and India, there to shine a light on how the two countries could strength- en collaboration in healthcare. The leading speaker and organizer was Dr. Ashutosh Tewari, chairman, Milton and Carroll Petrie Department of Urology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and a world-renowned urolo- gist and prostate cancer specialist. “It’s a great gathering of minds focusing on cancer, longevity, health care, India, US, and AI and technology,” said Dr. Tewari, “We are here to interact with each other, understand what the issues are, and possibly come up with the synergies which will advance the field and take it to the next level,” he emphasizedin an interview with ITV Gold. The attendees, included medical professionals, policy makers and medical entrepreneurs, several of whom ad- dressed the gathering. “It’s been an exceptionally productive event. I know I have met some really great people here and forged a lot of really great relationships. And overall, it was a smash- ing success,” said Dr. Deepak Bhatt, director of the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital and the Dr. Valentin Fuster Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Speakers and experts delved into how there can be further collaboration between AI and healthcare, and between experts in the United States and experts in India. Dr. Avinash Gupta of Monmouth Medical Center, called it an amazing event organized by Mount Sinai Hospital and the Indian Consulate on healthcare, AI, and cancer. “We are learning new things and how to collabo- rate between India and US in this field. AI can help the Indian population in a big way. India and US can work together for global health care. We have great potential,” Dr. Gupta said. Vivek Natarajan, research scientist at Google Deep- Mind, where he leads research at the intersection of AI and science and medicine, called it an honor to be at the meeting, “I truly think that India and USA together with all the brilliant minds in both countries can really ad- vance cancer research and the delivery of care for people who need it,” he told ITV Gold, saying he was “super inspired” by the exchange of ideas.”(I have) tons of ideas that have emerged from listening to these talks, and also hoping that this is part of a lot of interesting collabora- tions as well,” Natarajan said. “I believe this is the first time that an event of such a scale in the sense an entire half-day event spanning six hours,” has been held, said Smitha Rajagopal, emcee of the event. “It is a tremendous meeting of minds, … its talking about a confluence of experts coming together from different sectors but still talking under one broad umbrella of AI, cancer and health care, and the partner- ship between India and the US.” Both US and India face challenges in health care that could supplement each other, the experts noted. They spoke of how US with great quality of care faces the challenge of high costs, and India has the advantage of low cost delivery, but healthcare is not reaching all who need it equitably. The two countries could help each other meet those challenges and be an example for other countries. The discussions highlighted how in India, 70 to 80 percent of healthcare costs are paid for by people out of pocket. And if one is at the bottom of the income levels, it becomes challenging to get a decent quality of affordable health care. By a StaffWriter www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know PHOTOS:Kripa Prasad Renowned urologist from Mount Sinai Hospital Dr. Ashutosh Tewari speaking at the conference on AI, cancer and healthcare held at the Indian Consulate in New York, October 1, 2025. Looking on is Vivek Natarajan, research scientist at Google DeepMind. India’s Consul General in New York Binaya Srikanta Pradhan at the conference on AI, cancer and healthcare, held at the Indian Consulate Oct. 1, 2025. IACFNJ Hosts Two Days Of Joyous Navratri Garba Celebration T he Indo-American Cultural Foun- dation of Central Jersey (IACFNJ) hosted Navratri Garba celebra- tions on September 20 and 27, 2025, at Monroe Township HighSchool in Middlesex County. The festival attracted local communi- ties of Monroe, South and North Bruns- wick, Franklin Park, Somerset, Princeton, Hightstown, Princeton Junction, East Brunswick, Robbinsville, and East and WestWindsor, a press release from orga- nizers said. Participants of all ages filled the dance floor with traditional Garba, Dandiya- Raas, and Sanedo, showcasing energetic dance styles, colorful costumes, and joyful community spirit. Navratri, one of the most important Hindu festivals, marks nine nights of devotion to Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Devotees believe God- dess Durga destroys negative tendencies, Goddess Lakshmi inspires divine quali- ties, and Goddess Saraswati bestows true knowledge. The festival culminates on the tenth day, Vijaya Dashami, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Each evening’s festivities began with traditional Garba, Aarti, and prayers to Goddess Amba Maa, followed by prasad for all attendees. The second round of Garba and Raas, culminating in a lively Sanedo by Mahesh Mehta and their live band. The center stage, featuring Amba Maa’s statue in a traditional temple setting, rec- reated the festive atmosphere reminiscent of celebrations in India. Local business owners, community leaders, and public officials, came to the event to show their support. The celebra- tion was made possible by the support of local businesses and grand sponsor Royal Basmati Rice – LT Foods and Daawat Bas- mati Rice, who also sponsored two prizes for the Best Dress and Best Dance. On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Kaushik Vyas and Shruti Shah from LT Foods presented the prizes to the winners. The IACFNJ Executive Committee, Trustees, volunteers, and community members, were credited for their efforts in making the festival a success, the organi- zation said. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS: IACFNJ Scenes from the IACFNJ Navratri Garba held September 20 and 27, 2025, in Monroe Township, NJ. News India Times (October 4, 2025 - October 10, 2025) October 10, 2025 12 Community