Editorial: Honoring an UNKNOWN and $10 Charge for Independence Day Celebrations
As usual it’s time for Friends of India to bring Indian community under one roof to celebrate India’s Independence Day. For the first time, as per the event flyer, Friends of India has decided to have a Guest of Honor – by honoring a member of the community.
However, the oddest part of the person to be a Guest of Honor in unknown to the community. It appears that someone with a personal agenda in the newly formed Friends of India Executive Committee has decided to honor an unknown individual – Dr. Rajesh Shrotriya. Many of the members of the Indian community are appalled by this nefarious decision of the newly elected FOI Executive Committee.
It seems that the executive committee has lost its vision and basic conventions of honoring a person of importance. First of all, celebrating India’s Independence Day is a momentous event for the local community and honoring someone eminent should be a part of celebrations. Honor should go to someone who is a philanthropist, a distinguished social reformer, a hero and/or someone who volunteers & commits his or her time for the betterment of the society. No one in the local community is aware of who is and what Dr. Shrotriya has done for the betterment of Las Vegas community.
Many community members have called me to find out – Why Dr. Rajesh Shrotriya? Who is Dr. Shrotriya? Does Dr. Shrotriya deserves this honor?
Dr. Shrotriya is an accomplished CEO of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals who became the highest paid individual in Las Vegas. In 2011 his total compensation was over $25 million, while in 2012 he made over $10 million. Mr. Shrotriya moved to Las Vegas when Spectrum moved its headquarters to Henderson from Southern California.
At the same time, Dr. Shrotriya is unknown in Indian community and hasn’t done anything significant for our community or for that matter for a Las Vegas community at large. The club should honor individual/s or a group who has dedicated their own personal resources – time, money, sweat, etc. for the betterment of human lives and community. Friends of India should honor individuals not on their wealth but on their commitment to the society. Some of the factors to be considered for honoring individuals should be –
Dedication and commitment by individual or a group, to fund raising activities for educational projects and scholarship – EKAL group volunteers have raised money for the underprivileged in India, Global Charity Foundation’s ongoing effort for at risk students in Las Vegas, copious amount has been donated by few individuals to establish and awarded a college scholarship for the local students, etc.
Free professional services to the underprivileged – Medical clinic, legal advice, financial advice, etc. – some of our community physicians have volunteered at the Volunteer in Medicine and also at local health fairs organized by hospitals and social organizations. Some of our community lawyers have done pro bono work for the under privileged. Bone marrow camps have been organized by the volunteers to assist members of the community. Some individuals were instrumental in organizing blood donation drive. Many of our community members including younger generation have volunteered at many national and local community groups like UMC and other local hospitals, March of Dimes, Susan Komen Foundation, etc.
Providing assistance to our seniors – On a regular basis, few members of the community have been assisting our seniors with their personal needs. Medical appointments, providing home cooked meals, taking them out, running errands, buying their groceries, etc.
Dedication and volunteering at Mandir, Gurudwara, Majid and/or at Church – There are numerous individuals who are volunteering their time on a regular basis at our places of worship. For the past couple of years, many volunteers have been cleaning our places of worship on weekends and also cooking for the Sunday luncheons. During mid-nineties, many individuals have sacrificed their valuable time to build these institutions for future generations.
Helping the homeless – Group of community members have been visiting regularly to the homeless corridor and providing food and water to the needy especially during the blistering summer heat.
Helping Students – In the past our community members have helped newly arrived students at UNLV by donating them with the household goods, etc. UNLV and CSN Professors of Indian origin have assisted newly arrived students with admissions, scholarship and on campus work opportunities.
Local Indian restaurants have regularly donated generously – from food to fund raising – for numerous community causes.
Cooking at the Ronald McDonald house – Member of a community has cooked dinner for families of the sick child residing at the local Ronald McDonald House.
Thanksgiving Dinner – Some individuals have donated copious amount to feed the homeless during Thanksgiving.
And what about Mr. Mohan Keta who was honored recently by The Governors’ Commission on Services – Nevada Volunteers, by giving him a certificate to recognize his outstanding community volunteer service to the people of State of Nevada. Mr. Keta has devoted thousands of hours to the Helping Hands of Nevada.
With all due respect to Dr. Shrotriya, Dr. Shrotriya doesn’t past the test of honor and should NOT get a privilege to be a Guest of Honor at the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. Dr. Shrotriya is welcome to attend an event just like any other attendees but honoring him without any contribution to the Las Vegas community will be painful to the many venerable individuals who have dedicated their resources and have worked tirelessly for the betterment of the community.
Believe it or not, pursuing this matter on a community forum like www.vegasdesi.com has caused a considerable amount of conversations with members of the community. The community decisively believes that NOT honoring unknown Dr. Shrotirya is the right thing to do and is in the best interest of the community and the Friends of India. 
It’s deplorable that even after migrating to the United States, some of the executive members of the Friends of India have a colonial conviction of chasing the wealthy.
Now to another controversial decision by the Executive Committee – $10 charge for attending this event. Members are dismayed and have been complaining about this charge. Members have already paid their annual dues with a promise from Friends of India that all the events will be free to the members for one full year. It’s preposterous that the committee has decided to charge members again for an event which they have already paid for – in advance.
Readers, Any thoughts? Your comments, even anonymously, or emails are welcome.
Swadeep Nigam
email: editor@vegasdesi.com
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Rightly said. Never heard of him.
What is Dr.Shrotriya’s contribution to this society? Is he chosen because he is a doctor and makes millions for himself? The current executive committee of FOILV must respond to this article and list the accomplishments of Dr Shrotriya to explain why he is chosen for the honor.
What happened to the parade in Henderson? For the past two years, it was a wonderful event and great organization.
There is only ONE member of the Indian Community qualifies to be the Guest of Honor if we use all criteria given in the Editorial ….. And he is Dr. Dipak Desai. He has been a member of Las Vegas Community for 35+ years and have done every thing described in Editorial Commendable Activity lists. He has helped local Indian Organizations like Hindu Temple (One of three Founders), Friends of India, Fund raising for Disasters in India, LV Gujarati Samaj, etc. And he has helped so many Indian community members when they asked his help in many respect.
We should be proud of our two Indian CEOs of Major Las Vegas Companies ,,,,, Ramesh Srinivasan of Bally Technologies (hundreds of Indians work in Vegas and thousands in Chennai) and Rajesh Shrotriya of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals. Ramesh has lived in Vegas for many years and has not participated actively in local Indian Community. So What? He created thousands of jobs for Indians in Chennai. Rajesh just moved here and I am sure he wants to start participating in the Indian Community. Does any one know what he did for Indians and India before recently moving to Vegas?
This is typical Indian mentality of pulling legs and bad mouthing successful Indian people. Learn something from Jewish, Mormon and other Communities …. They support each other.
Rajesh made $25 Million ….. more power to him. Why don’t you all Indians who don’t like Rajesh’s Millions do some smart things so that you make Millions? May be his Millions will benefit Vegas Indian Community.
Now about $10 Charge for FOI Independence Day function …… This is another typical Indian Culture ….. “Mufat mein milna chahiye …. I don’t want to pay but food has to be excellent, entertainment has to be top notch, program location should be comfortable and safe …. should cover all ages” …. Come on people ….. You get what you pay for ….. FOI does not have bottom less money pit.
Getting personal to Members of Exec. Committee is NOT called for. They work many hours to give you the BEST programs they could manage ….. Be thankful to them.
And if you don’t like what they do, why don’t you run for Exec. Committee’s Elected Positions? Make things work the way you like it. Answer is from these Critics is, “I don’t have time … too busy making living”. Hello !!
I am very proud to be an Indian !! Jai Ho !!
What happened to Parade and all the hard work done by Jayesh’s team? It was really good when Himansu, and later Jayesh was president. Earlier this was free for members and while paying membership during Diwali last year, we were told that there will be 3 events each year, 15th Aug and Holi was included (free) with the membership fees. I am not sure we will be attending this event due to change of policies.
Who is asking for free food Mr. Pradip? FOILV is making around 50K every year during Diwali. They have approx 100K in bank.. our money.. Paying $25 for membership and 140 for family for Diwali and our kids performs for free to make their show meaningful.
regarding guest of honor… we are not counting what he did outside vegas.. we want to honor people who did for vegas local community.
There are lots of other people who contributed in past for local community…
PRADIP,
I reject your opinions about “typical Indian” because of its condescending tone and comments. Unlike some of snobs, most people is still considered very responsible and respectful when hard working families are “busy making living” in honest way. No one is asking FREE food; questions by Mr. Editor of this article asked a very simple question: isn’t membership from one Diwali event to another Diwali event and includes two events, Holi and Independence Day celebration.
We all need to welcome Rajesh Shrotriya (that’s typical Indians do, PRADIP) but honoring him in community gathering is different story as we all want to know what he has done to Indian community ( or any community) .
I am so glad you are not part of executive Committee, are not voicing their opinions. I will wait for official statement from FOILV exec committee before forming my opinion about this thing.
India stands for its history, culture and all different people including “typical Indians”. Next time when you proclaim to be a proud Indian with Jai Ho, watch out, you are associating with “typical Indians”.
PRADIP,
I reject your opinions about “typical Indian” because of its condescending tone and comments. Unlike some of snobs, most people still considered it very responsible and respectful when hard working families are “busy making living” in honest way. No one is asking FREE food; questions by Mr. Editor of this article asked a very simple question: isn’t membership from one Diwali event to another Diwali event and includes two events, Holi and Independence Day celebration.
We all need to welcome Rajesh Shrotriya (that’s typical Indians do, PRADIP) but honoring him in community gathering is different story as we all want to know what he has done to Indian community ( or any community) .
I am so glad you are not part of executive Committee, are not voicing their opinions. I will wait for official statement from FOILV exec committee before forming my opinion about this thing.
India stands for its history, culture and all different people including “typical Indians”. Next time when you proclaim to be a proud Indian with Jai Ho, watch out, you are associating with “typical Indians”.
As mentioned here that they provides thousands of jobs for Indians and take away thousands of jobs from here to India.
One of my friend’s son used to work for such companies, he complains of bad management, worst working conditions, macro management and under paid wages to impress management. Jobs are going to India to save money.. not to provide jobs for Indians.
Is Mr. Shrotriya even a member of the club. Someone has to inform Mr. Pradip that Dr. Desai is a FELON and sitting in a jail for killing a patient and is guilty of other crimes. It seems like Mr. Pradip has a vested interest in Drs. Desai and Shrotriya. Mr. Pradip, as you’re in a real estate did you sell some real estate to these Physicians. I agree as mentioned in the previous comment, that Friends of India must explain the basis they selected Mr. Shrotriya for this Independence Day HORROR. Were there other candidates who were considered for such an honor.
Now the dance teacher become the cultural secretory, it will be a conflict of interest. She should not be allowed either to conduct the paid classes and promote her business/students or become the judge and organize the show.
As per Pradip’s response, seems like he will be performing.
1. Dr. Dipak Desai was not a “Felon” for 30 years (1977-2007) in the Vegas Community. He was a very helpful and very generous member of the Indian Community. During last 5 year, he has been punished for wrong doing and it is not over yet.
2. Dr. Dipak Desai or Rajesh Shrotriya did not buy any Real Estate through me. EVER !!
3. Purbasha Benerjee: What conflict of interest? What a short sighted comment. She has been instrumental in teaching young generation Indian Kids (and some Americans) for many years. Every year she has 7 to 8 items on FOI Diwali Program. If she was not doing it, there is no other talented person in the Indian Community who will voluntarily do it. Teaching Dancing is her PASSION …. NOT HER “BUSINESS” !!
4. Instead of wasting your energy in criticizing, why don’t Y’all go to FOI or any other Indian Community Organizations AND ASK THEM HOW YOU CAN HELP MAKE THINGS BETTER AND EXCITING.
DO SOMETHING THAT MATTERS FOR OTHERS !!
5. I am encouraged by participation in dialogue going in matters of common interests.
JAI HIND !! JAI HO !!
When Pradip Bhatt proposed to have Dr. Desai honored, he lost infinitesimal credibility he had in our community and entered in the stupid zone. He loves to self praise, self promote, and brown nose rich people in hope of making money.
It is time he goes in hiding, looks at himself in the mirror, and only sings the bathroom.
When Pradip Bhatt proposed to have Dr. Desai honored, he lost infinitesimal credibility he had in our community and entered in the stupid zone. He loves to self praise, self promote, and brown nose rich people in hope of making money.
It is time he goes in hiding, looks at himself in the mirror, and only sings the bathroom.
The editorial makes a lot of sense. Why honor someone who has not been involved in the community at all. Perhaps there is a better forum (forbes, Fortune etc) to honor the rich people.
It appears that the function is being used to network with potential investors by honoring them. Is it that hard to see ?
Honoring the dance teacher would make a lot more sense. at least she taught the Indian culture to many children and has been a critical part of preparing for the Diwali function which has been the mainstay of the FOILV
And you have to be kidding to even suggest Dr Desai after he has been found guilty. After his case every doctor is eyed suspiciously about the practices they are running and many have been part of the news for the shady practices.
Bharat Mata Ki Jai
Lets honor Pradip Phatt
One thing Pradip Bhatt has done successfully in this thread is to steer this discussion towards his (lack of) judgment and senseless remarks. Why FOILV exec committee has not responded to questions brought up in this article? Are they endorsing Pradip Bhatt’s view or do they have their own opinions on it?
Please discourage Pradip by ignoring his comments ( same way we tolerate his singing ) and focus on getting answers from FOILV exec.
Thanks Vegas Desi to bring hot topics up for discussion.
Mr Yatin Daulat, simple question for you. Please respond
What is the criteria of selecting guest of honor? I am not against selecting anyone and you and your committee may have followed some guidelines, I just need to know the process you followed selecting this person.
You cannot ignore this discussion and you need to speak up being a president. I just can’t come there and clap for someone whom I don’t know. I spent 24 years in Vegas and never heard of him.
Did you select him because
1. Making $25M/year
2. Taking American jobs to India and making his company profitable?
3. Donating $$ amount to FOILV?
4. Or personal interest?
TIME TO MOVE ON!
As one of the founders of the Friends of India, and the one who in 1984 actually gave this name to the first organization of Indians and their friends in the state of Nevada, it is incumbent upon me to say a few words. The sole purpose is to calm down this controversy and bring back harmony in the community before the festive days of Eid, Krishna Janamashtami and independence celebration.
At the outset, I must say that had I not read this editorial of vegasdesi.com, I would not have thought of writing this note. The editorial is well-written and sets down broad guidelines for honoring a member(s) of Indian community once a year or two. It is a sign of a mature organization to honor its pioneers and various leaders – including some mavericks and entrepreneurs who have also contributed to the local Indian community at large.
I do laud the officers of the Friends of India for thinking of honoring a community member. However, for that, a nomination process needs to be spelled out, advertised, or a call for nominations be sent out right – say, after Holi festival. That should give the Executive Committee a month to deliberate and select a person for the honor.
Knowing the corporate CEOs have thick skins, I still feel kind of ‘sorry’ for Rajesh Shrotriya who is hardly settled down in Las Vegas and is already drawn into this controversy. It reminds me of a time in 1974, when every Indian knew every other. There were hardly 20 of them, and we met at the khana (eating and drinking binge) at each other’s homes every weekend. By the way, there was then not even a singly Indian physician, but two were UNLV professors. The community growing slowly through the mid 1980s, almost every new Indian had visited our home. This is nostalgic piece of community history.
Yes, I had qualms about $10 charge too, but more for not distinguishing between the members and non-members. However, it is OK as some of the money is being sent to a flood relief fund in India. Also, this16th floor site of this event in World Trade Center may be costing more than renting space in a public park.
My hope is that public outcry over this year’s selection of the guest of honor will make future selections open and least controversial. I believe in strengthening Indian organizations and trust its elected officers till their terms are over. We better learn to live with our good and bad choices. Enough said, let us now move on together.
Satish C. Bhatnagar (1974)
Professor of Mathematics (UNLV) and
Author of five non-fiction books in five genres (on Trafford and Amazon)
Aug 06, 2013
Thank you Mr Nigam for questioning the very thing that most of the indian community has been questioning. Who is this guest of honor? And why is there a fee where before there was none?
Your open editorial is greatly appreciated.
And the comments about Pradip Bhatt are very true.
Mr. Bhatt. No one cares about your singing, you should stick to the singing in the shower with the bathroom door closed.
-Blessed
Thank you Mr Nigam for questioning the very thing that most of the indian community has been questioning. Who is this guest of honor? And why is there a fee where before there was none?
Your open editorial is greatly appreciated.
And the comments about Pradip Bhatt are very true.
Mr. Bhatt. No one cares about your singing, you should stick to the singing in the shower with the bathroom door closed.
-Blessed
I went to the FOILV program yesterday and whatever happened there, encourage me post my views. Seems like its a event of President’s ego to start something new and dishonor all the hard work and efforts made my previous presidents.
First of all, when you have large crowd of desi people in Vegas, why did you booked a hall where you can accommodate only 450 people. Last year there was 600+ gathering and even Diwali program has 700+ gathering. Now you are claiming that you had SOLD OUT event and you are the best president among all others, you are wrong Mr. President.
OK, here is what I felt.
1. Location, parking and drive – excellent.
2. Inside the hall – much better last year at water street. This L-shape hall with flat on the ground stage was useless.
3. Sound system was very bad and so as the DJ. Why would you bring some one from LA when you have local talents. Tony and Naveen as very good performers but just because Mr. President doesn’t like them, he called someone from LA.
4. Its a open seating event but seems like its FOILV committee’s personal event. They occupied all front tables. We were not been able to see the performers from back because the stage was low and at ground level. Even the lightings and lights was not sufficient enough.
5. Not greeted or welcomed by any of the committee members. Last Year, Supriya and Jayesh Mehta did wonderful job to greet and meet visitors and make them feel confirmable. Supriya did excellent job by introducing parade.
6. Music competition – Well, two songs and a break for 1/2 hours, another two songs and break. People forgot what they listen before to compare. The last competitor, who’s starting was terrible, lost her pitch and sung from her nose, I would had rated her 4th or 5th. Pradip was much better. Pankaj was also good. You really can’t vote for Pankaj, Pradip and Raja Ingle. They are experienced, talented and don’t need voting to prove themselves. If you bring your group, just like last competitor did and keep texting the message, you got the max vote and you win. This is unfair.
7. Guest of honor: Boring and very long speech.
8. Couple of committee member’s speech – seems like talking to themselves and reading and missing the words.
9. Food: I am not talking about the quality as I don’t want to drag that restaurant owner here but the person who were serving the snacks and dessert were serving like they were serving to baggers. One samosa per person is understood but one small piece of pakora and if you take two, the girl who was serving started shouting that you are suppose to take only one pakora, when I asked why, she told that I was told by committee to serve only one.
Anyway guys.. I can rate this 1 out of 10 because of parking and location. Atleast I got the good view of city. I am veg and non-alcoholic, so don’t like serving meat and alcohol during India’s Independence day. Accidently one elderly person eat chicken (she thought paneer as she never thought they will serve meat) and start vomiting. All her 70-75 years achievement of being veg was gone….
Jai Hind.
I agree to some of the issues as written in previous comment. Officers – egoistic and incompetent by charging the same $10 for everyone – member or non members. Who can pass $10 dinner, but the same faces you won’t see at Diwali as it will be $50+. there was no way to convey to people that the show was sold out, so many people who didn’t buy tickets showed up and got in to a so called sold out show. The worst part was that attendees specially children were hungry an.d one couple left with big disappointment as the kids were hungry. Dinner was supposed to be at 8pm and the line started around that time, but the dinner didn’t start till 915. incompetent. no one cared about the stupid competition among some adults. what was the point. let adult sing but competition nonsense. pradip bhatt doesn;t realize that no one wants to listen to him as one comment below explains his singing caliber.
Just need to know whether the committee approved Mr. Rajesh S. for guest of honor or just the President. I was talking to many of committee members and seems like it was president’s decision to call him. Also,FOILV president was busy sitting next to him all the time and did not paid any attention to other guest.
There are many other prestigious persons present in that room who deserve this honor for example Ashok, Swadeep, Neeruji etc. for their valuable contributions to our community.
I would like president-elect to jump in and take it over from here. Jayesh and Supriya did excellent job for last two years.
This president has got ego problem and he is not a team player.
How come they did not recognized Swadeep Nigam who is a commissioner of Nevada Equal Rights commission. He is the highest appointed member from the Indian community with a constitutional authority.
Definitely agree about Pradip Bhatt’s singing- we have tolerated his terrible singing for years. A previous comment stated he should sing in the shower with the door closed. I wholeheartedly agree.
Predeep was OK. Better than the winner. The first female competitor was really good and deserve to be in top 3. I agree with comments regarding winner. She doesn’t deserve to be in top 3.
I hate this voting system. More you text, more chances of winning and I think that’s what happened. FOILV should had told this in advance to all the competitors.
Overall, good functional but the FOILV committee’s attitude was bad, specially the president.
I am also not attending next FOILV function.
I enjoy the forum and discussion as far it is not personal, the discussion is issue based . I applaud Swadip to help get the pulse of the community. Change can be viewed with our own eyes. The fact remains: the committee had courage to change the status quo.They worked hard , selflessly for the community. Mr Garg, Khurana, piplani ,yatin etc put hours and days for the community . Encourage all the committee members for the effort they made with honesty and hardwork.
I enjoy the forum and discussion as far it is not personal and the discussion is issue based . I applaud Swadip to help get the pulse of the community. Change can be viewed with our own eyes. The fact remains: the committee had courage to change the status quo.They worked hard , selflessly for the community. Mr Garg, Khurana, piplani ,yatin etc put hours and days for the community . Encourage all the committee members for the effort they made with honesty and hardwork.