News for 'White House Office of Public Engagement'

How a temple priest reached White House

How a temple priest reached White House

Rediff.com17 Oct 2009

Shekar Narasimhan, a former trustee himself of the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Lanham, Maryland, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary later this year, told rediff.com that after discussions the Temple chairman, president and other trustees assured that they will do whatever to 'support this historic Diwali ceremony'.

Actor Kal Penn starts work at White House

Actor Kal Penn starts work at White House

Rediff.com7 Jul 2009

Indian-American actor Kal Penn has formally taken up his new assignment in the Barack Obama administration, where he will work as a bridge between the White House and the Asian communities.The 32-year-old actor took charge of his role as the associate director of the White House Office of Public Engagement on Monday."This is an incredibly historic time, I am deeply honoured to be here and I hope to serve my country to the best of my ability," Penn told reporters.

Biden celebrates Diwali at Whited House, Desis in attendance

Biden celebrates Diwali at Whited House, Desis in attendance

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

United States President Joe Biden on Monday hosted a Diwali celebration at the White House that was attended by more than 600 eminent Indian Americans, including Congressmen, officials, and corporate executives, from across the country.

Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain leaders meet at White House

Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain leaders meet at White House

Rediff.com24 Apr 2012

The White House has hosted an interactive meeting with Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain leaders to listen to their concerns and issues, indicating their increasing role in America's socio-political milieu.

Indian American named new White House LGBT liaison

Indian American named new White House LGBT liaison

Rediff.com11 Nov 2014

Indian American Aditi Hardikar has been appointed to a key White House position to liaison with LGBT as well as the Asian American and Pacific Islanders communities.

What exactly is Kal Penn doing at the White House?

What exactly is Kal Penn doing at the White House?

Rediff.com3 Aug 2009

We find out!

White House celebrates Guru Nanak's birth anniversary

White House celebrates Guru Nanak's birth anniversary

Rediff.com3 Dec 2013

For the fourth successive year, Guru Nanak's birth anniversary was celebrated at the White House. Scores of Sikhs from across the country attended the event and were welcomed by key Obama administration officials from the offices of public engagement and the Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships respectively.

More secret documents found at Biden's residences: White House

More secret documents found at Biden's residences: White House

Rediff.com15 Jan 2023

Five additional pages of classified material have been found at the Delaware residence of President Joe Biden, the White House has said, bringing the total number of secret documents uncovered to about two dozen.

How India-US Trade Deal Finally Shaped Up

How India-US Trade Deal Finally Shaped Up

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The turning point came with the appointment of Sergio Gor as the US ambassador to India.

Iran War: Trump Is Notoriously Prone To Mood Swings

Iran War: Trump Is Notoriously Prone To Mood Swings

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Chaffing under public ridicule in the US as well as internationally for having 'lost' the war, Trump is under immense pressure to do something, cautions Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Pakistan to host crucial US-Iran talks amid anxiety

Pakistan to host crucial US-Iran talks amid anxiety

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Pakistan is set to host face-to-face talks between the United States and Iran, aiming to solidify a fragile ceasefire and prevent further conflict in West Asia. The discussions will focus on a long-term peace arrangement, including sanctions relief, regional security, and Iran's nuclear program.

Indian-American Sabrina Singh named White House Deputy Press Secretary

Indian-American Sabrina Singh named White House Deputy Press Secretary

Rediff.com9 Jan 2021

Singh was Press Secretary to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on the Biden-Harris campaign.

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The question is whether the clocks allow enough time for two deeply mistrustful sides to get there, and whether the surface calm holds long enough for the paddling to produce something before the ceasefire ends on April 22, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

'White House has heard us'

'White House has heard us'

Rediff.com28 May 2021

'They are starting to move more quickly and we would just like to continue to see bold action being taken.'

Trump Won't Decide What Happens Next In The War

Trump Won't Decide What Happens Next In The War

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

'The next two to three weeks will not be decided in Washington.' 'They will be decided in Tehran, in whatever calculation Iran makes about the costs of continued resistance against the costs of appearing to have yielded.'

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The LPG squeeze on India's restaurant sector is the quotidian face of a deeper crisis.

The A-W Of Desi Guests At the White House Dinner

The A-W Of Desi Guests At the White House Dinner

Rediff.com24 Jun 2023

The dinner Jill Biden and her husband US President Joe Biden hosted for Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, June 22, at the White House brought together, Indians and Americans from so many firmaments.

Trump to sign executive orders before meeting Pak PM today

Trump to sign executive orders before meeting Pak PM today

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

United States President Donald Trump is set to engage in high-stakes bilateral meetings on Thursday, including a closed-door session with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the Oval Office, according to Trump's public schedule released by the White House.

White House backs Neera Tanden as Republicans oppose her nomination

White House backs Neera Tanden as Republicans oppose her nomination

Rediff.com24 Feb 2021

The White House and the Indian-American community are solidly backing the nomination of Neera Tanden as the director of Office of Management and Budget, describing her as the most appropriate candidate to hold the position.

Trump picks Indian American as senior AI policy advisor

Trump picks Indian American as senior AI policy advisor

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Krishnan, who has previously led product teams at Microsoft, Twitter, Yahoo!, Facebook and Snap, will work along with David O. Sacks who will be the White House AI & Crypto Czar.

White House official attacks 'amoral' Trump in anonymous NYT op-ed

White House official attacks 'amoral' Trump in anonymous NYT op-ed

Rediff.com6 Sep 2018

The US president has slammed the op-ed titled "I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration', calling it 'gutless'.

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

'The real story of 2025 is that India officially stopped being a 'market of the future' and started acting as the world's primary economic engine.'

'Engaging With The US Is Important'

'Engaging With The US Is Important'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

'But I don't think the government is in a great hurry to sign the BTA.'

'As a daughter of Indian immigrants, I'm proud to serve President Obama'

'As a daughter of Indian immigrants, I'm proud to serve President Obama'

Rediff.com17 Dec 2014

Aditi Hardikar says she is proud to honour her parents' sacrifices by giving back to her community and country.

Why Trump Turned on India, Embraced Pakistan

Why Trump Turned on India, Embraced Pakistan

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Trump's new rules for how countries should treat him have led to the current breakdown in India-US relations, explains Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

When a seat at the White House table becomes meaningless

When a seat at the White House table becomes meaningless

Rediff.com18 Feb 2017

'Having a voice at the table means the other side has to show up to listen. It became clear that wouldn't happen,' says actor Maulik Pancholy, one of the 10 members who resigned from the US president's advisory commission on Asian Americans.

Trump@6 Months: Resetting The Global Order

Trump@6 Months: Resetting The Global Order

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

In the short run, the Trump presidency has already ensured one thing: The assumptions of the past can no longer guide the strategies of the future, points out Manish Dabhade.

What You Must Know About Mrs Mamdani

What You Must Know About Mrs Mamdani

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

While Zohran Mamdani captured national attention with his meteoric rise to be elected New York City's first Muslim mayor, his wife Rama Duwaji was helping orchestrate his win -- one pixel, one brushstroke, one brand decision at a time.

'Close up shop and head back home': Trump's warning to Musk

'Close up shop and head back home': Trump's warning to Musk

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

Trump's latest statement comes after Elon Musk strongly criticised the US President's "big, beautiful bill" and stressed that it is time for a new political party that cares about the people.

Chloe Malle: Vogue's New Anna Wintour

Chloe Malle: Vogue's New Anna Wintour

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

From social editor to Vogue's new leader, Chloe Malle embraces her 'nepo baby' status, ready to shape the future of fashion media.

'India's Confidence In The US Is Shattered'

'India's Confidence In The US Is Shattered'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

'The current strain in the relationship is serious and likely to be long lasting.' 'Even if Trump suddenly changes his attitude toward India -- which he is entirely capable of doing -- it is unlikely that New Delhi will be able to pick up the pieces and respond as if nothing has happened.'

'Potential Threats To India's Security From Saudi-Pak Pact Are Serious, But Manageable'

'Potential Threats To India's Security From Saudi-Pak Pact Are Serious, But Manageable'

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

'Saudi-Pak defence pact is to anchor the defence and security of Saudi Arabia and not Pakistan, per se, with Islamabad being the junior partner.'

'Munir's US Visits: Something Else Is Afoot'

'Munir's US Visits: Something Else Is Afoot'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

'Trump has personally weighed in to overcome doubts and reservations about Pakistan among his top advisors.'

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Sections in the US State Department and Pentagon have always felt more comfortable dealing with all powerful Pakistani generals instead of elected civilians, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Indian-American Mala Adiga appointed Jill Biden's policy director

Indian-American Mala Adiga appointed Jill Biden's policy director

Rediff.com22 Nov 2020

Adiga was a senior adviser to Jill and senior policy adviser for Biden's 2020 campaign. She previously worked for the Biden Foundation as director for higher education and military families.

Biden's big move ahead of Trump's inauguration

Biden's big move ahead of Trump's inauguration

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

United States President Joe Biden on Monday issued pre-emptive pardons for General Mark Milley, Dr Anthony Fauci and members of Congress who served on the committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol as a shield against possible retaliatory action against them by his incoming successor, CNN reported.

Meet Obama's new desi advisors

Meet Obama's new desi advisors

Rediff.com7 May 2014

United States President Barack Obama last week announced his intent to name three Indian Americans among 14 new members to the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Mahatma Carter

Mahatma Carter

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

Carter was in politics, but not a politician, certainly not a transactional politician, points out Shreekant Sambrani.

'Judges Don't Descend From Mars Or The Moon'

'Judges Don't Descend From Mars Or The Moon'

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

'The quality of justice is directly linked to the quality of judges -- if that suffers, justice delivery suffers.'

America is a nation of immigrants: Biden aid amid H-1b debate

America is a nation of immigrants: Biden aid amid H-1b debate

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

Ahead of Trump's inauguration here on January 20, the debate on foreign guest workers visas for highly skilled professionals, the H-1B, has intensified which has literally created divisions in both the Democratic and the Republican parties.