Inspirational Triangle Indians

Dr. Mansukh WaniDr. Mansukh C. Wani is a co-discoverer of the anti-cancer agents Taxol® and Camptothecin that have saved millions of lives.  In 2002, 33% of the total anti-cancer drug market (nearly 3 billion dollars revenue) was due to from these 2 agents or its analogs.  Dr. Wani is recipient of many awards, including Bruce F. Cain Memorial award from American Association for Cancer Research, Charles F. Kettering Prize from General Motors Cancer Research Foundation (considered as Nobel Prize of cancer research).  In 2003, American Chemical Society designated the discovery of Camptothecin and Taxol® at the Research Triangle Institute a National Historic Chemical Landmark.  Dr. Wani is a very humble individual and a great scientist.  ApnaTriangle is honored to sit with him and discuss his exhilarating journey.

Dr. Sudha DhingraDr. Sudha Om Dhingra is dedicated to the advancement and promotion of Hindi language.  She is the president of Vibhom Enterprises. She has authored 12 books, recorded one CD and an audio cassette.  She has also contributed poems and stories to 18 books. She has hosted numerous kavi sammelans, kavi ghoshti's and cultural programs.  She has established Vibhutee, an organization to help disadvantaged and distraught women, children and senior citizens in USA.  She is editor of the Hindi Chetna, a magazine published by the Hindi Pracharini Sabha, Canada.  She is the USA representative of Pravasi Today, published from Delhi, India, and a columnist for Vishva magazine(USA) , daily news paper Punjab Kesari, Hind Samachar, and Jagvani published from Jalandhar, Punjab, India.  She is on the board of trustees of Hindi Vikas Mandal and National coordinator & Board of Director of International Hindi Association. She is also the cutural attache of Radio Sabrang, Denmark. She is also a member of the Pratham NC core committee. Her poems, stories, interviews, and articles are published in numerous online and International print magazines.   She has received numerous awards from local and international organizations for her service to community and hindi literature. She came to US in 1982 and she is living in Triangle area since 1991.  Here are some excerpts from my discussion with Dr. Sudha Om Dhingra

Gangadhar and Saroj SharmaGangadhar Sharma and Saroj Sharma came to Raleigh in 1972.  They founded Hindu Society of North Carolina in 1976.   That put a foundation for a vibrant Indian community in Triangle area.  The HSNC now has 1,100 members, 15 acres of land and 2 full time priests.  It was my pleasure to meet them and discuss with them about HSNC and their involvement with Indian community.