Page 35 - The Indian EYE 070326

Newsmakers of the Week JULY 03, 2026 | The Indian Eye 35

FreeCharge between 2015 and 2018, he lenger David Orkin secured a decisive
spent time learning, investing and ex- victory, buoyed by support from the
ploring new ideas. Using USD 1 million New York City chapter of the Demo-
of personal capital, he launched CRED cratic Socialists of America (DSA).
with the aim of rewarding people for With more than 94 percent of
paying their credit card bills on time. ballots counted, Orkin captured 58.8
According to Kunal Shah, be- percent of the vote, while Rajkumar
tween 2019 and 2025, CRED grew received 40.9 percent. The 38th As-
from zero to 17 million members sembly District encompasses several
by aligning incentives with custom- neighborhoods in South and Central
er behaviour. During the period, the Queens, including Glendale, Ozone
company launched several products, Park, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood,
including during the COVID-19 lock- Woodhaven, and portions of South
downs, and raised more than USD 900 million from global investors. Ozone Park and South Richmond Hill.
He said the company also conducted four employee stock ownership plan An attorney by profession, Orkin entered the race without a formal en-
(ESOP) buybacks, secured a full stack of regulatory licences and scaled its annu- dorsement from NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. However, his backing from the
al revenue to around USD 325 million, or approximately Rs 3,200 crore, across DSA appeared to strengthen his campaign among progressive voters. His victory
payments, lending, insurance, commerce, wealth and credit card businesses. marks a notable shift in the district’s political landscape.
Shah added that CRED recorded its first profitable quarter in 2026. He also Rajkumar has represented the district since 2021, when she emerged as part
disclosed that the company raised another USD 900 million from Meta in prima- of a new generation of Queens Democrats who successfully challenged estab-
ry and secondary capital and is now announcing its fifth ESOP buyback. lished incumbents. Among the candidates elected during that wave was Mam-
dani, whose growing influence within local progressive politics is widely seen as a
PRIYANKA CHOPRA JONAS factor in reshaping voter preferences in the district.
The primary result signals changing political dynamics in Queens, where
‘Obsession’ shows how Hollywood progressive organizations continue to play an increasingly influential role in

barriers are falling Democratic contests. HASINI RANGASWAMY

annes (France): Actor Priyan- Edison Student Combines Classical
ka Chopra Jonas believes the
Centertainment industry has Arts and Community Service
become more accessible than ever
before, saying that creative ideas now dison, NJ: For many young
matter more than traditional gate- artists, a debut performance
keepers in determining success, ac- Emarks the culmination of years
cording to Variety. of training. For Hasini Rangaswamy,
Speaking at the Cannes Lions
conference, Chopra Jonas pointed to it is also an opportunity to celebrate
cultural heritage and support a mean-
the success of the low-budget horror ingful cause.
hit “Obsession” as evidence of how On June 27, Hasini, a rising junior
barriers to entry for talent and film- at John P. Stevens High School, will pres-
makers have fallen. ent her Bharatanatyam Rangaprave-
“I feel like if you have an idea,
shoot it, put it on YouTube, and it can sha, the traditional solo debut perfor-
mance in Indian classical dance, at the
become ‘Obsession,’ the movie that just came out,” Chopra said. “What a won- Union County Performing Arts Center
derful time to be an entertainer, to be in the entertainment business, because in New Jersey. Alongside the performance, she will host a Chitrakala Pradarsha-
ideas are your currency.” na, a solo exhibition showcasing her collection of traditional Thanjavur paintings.
The global star reflected on the challenges she faced while entering the film
A first-generation artist in her family, Hasini began learning Bharatanatyam
industry, noting that she came from a family with no connections to cinema. at the age of six and has spent years honing her skills through disciplined training
“My parents were doctors, so none of us had any idea how to navigate film,”
she said, as quoted by the outlet. and participation in numerous dance productions. She has also successfully com-
pleted the Junior Diploma Dance Examination conducted by the Kalagangotri
Recalling the early days of her career, the iconic star said the industry was
once far more exclusive and difficult to enter. Foundation in affiliation with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
Beyond dance, Hasini has developed expertise in the intricate art of Thanja-
“It used to be such a niche industry when I first started. If you wanted to get
into filmmaking, you had to figure out what department you wanted to be in,” vur painting, a centuries-old South Indian tradition known for its detailed relief
work and gold embellishments. She learned the technique during a summer visit
she said, according to Variety. to India and has since created works that reflect Indian heritage, devotion, and
Chopra Jonas said her decision to launch a production company was driven
by a desire to support emerging storytellers. classical artistry. What sets Hasini’s artistic journey apart is her commitment to
community service. She plans to sell paintings from her exhibition and donate all
JENIFER RAJKUMAR proceeds to initiatives supporting children’s mental health.
Outside the arts, Hasini volunteers at RWJBarnabas Health, assisting pa-
Candidate loses Queens Democratic tients and healthcare staff, and contributes her time to local preschools and com-
munity gardens. An honor roll student and active member of her school’s HOSA
Primary to David Orkin club, she aspires to pursue a career in healthcare.
Through her dedication to the arts and service, Hasini hopes to inspire oth-
ers while making a positive impact in her community.
ueens, NY: New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar suffered
a significant setback in her bid for a fourth term after losing the Dem- To read more about Indian diaspora and Global Indians, log on to and follow
Qocratic primary for the 38th Assembly District on Tuesday night. Chal- our website www.TheIndianEYE.com

www.TheIndianEYE.com