Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 6 CITY VIEWS January 2, 2026 N YU Tandon School of Engineering recently announced the launch of its Center for Ro- botics and Embodied Intelligence, establish- ing a major new East Coast hub for robotics research and education. Founders described it as another milestone of NYU’s historic $1 billion investment in engineering just three years ago, with the aim of expanding the University’s capacity for technological innovation by developing interdisciplinary teams, facilities, and programs that accelerate research across engineering, computing, data science, and health, a press release from NYU said. Over 70 NYU faculty, Ph.D. students and post-doctoral researchers are now working in 10,000 square feet of shared experimental spaces, including the Center’s new 6,800-square-foot flagship facility on the ground floor of 370 Jay Street in Downtown Brooklyn. An additional 2,200-square-foot Tandon facility houses large-scale multirobot experiments, with a 1,000-square- foot manipulation research lab also available at the newly-minted NYU Courant Institute School of Mathe- matics, Computing and Data Science. More than 70 NYU faculty, Ph.D. students and post-doctoral researchers are now working in 10,000 square feet of shared experimen- tal spaces., “The shared, open environments enable daily col- laboration among mechanical/electrical/civil engineers, computer scientists, and ethicists, supporting interdisci- plinary discovery, the press release said. The Center is meant to fill the gap between virtual domains and deployment in the physical world. The Center’s faculty has together raised more than $30 million in research funding to date. Their current projects include designing and building robots that can navigate city streets autonomously and algorithms that enable robots to move more naturally by learning from human motion. Growing research areas include AI-driven robot design, physical human-robot interac- tion, and applications spanning climate science to space exploration. The Center aims to create the first Master of Science in Robotics and Embodied Intelligence in the country and will create a doctoral track for students specializing in Embodied Intelligence. Robotics at NYU Dr. Ganesh Bhat and Srimathi Bhat Indian American members of the NJ-India Commission appointed by Gov. Mikie Sherrill to her Transition Team. NYU Tandon School Of Engineering Launches Center For Robotics And Embodied Intelligence By A StaffWriter PHOTO: Engineering.nyu.edu Bhat Family Gift Of $1.5M To Name Xavier University Auditorium N ewYork: Xavier Uni- versity President Ravi Bhooplapur announced a transformative $1.5 million philanthropic gift from Dr. Ganesh Bhat and Srimathi Bhat to Xavier Foundation Inc., marking a significant milestone in the development of the univer- sity’s new academic campus. In recognition of the Bhats’ ex- traordinary generosity and long- standing dedication to education and service, the university will name the campus auditorium in their honor. The auditorium is expected to serve as a central gathering space for the Xavier University community. Dr. Bhat, chancellor of Xavier University, has been instrumental in guiding the institution’s vision, strengthening academic excellence and expanding its global reach. Uni- versity leaders said the gift reflects the shared commitment of Dr. and Mrs. Bhat to empowering future generations of physicians and health care professionals. The newly named auditorium will host academic ceremonies, guest lectures, conferences and other mile- stone events for students, faculty and visitors. Officials said the space will play a key role in fostering collabora- tion, dialogue and innovation across the campus. University representatives ex- pressed gratitude to Dr. and Mrs. Bhat for their visionary support, noting that the gift will leave a lasting legacy and further advance Xavier University’s mission in higher educa- tion. E xpressing the hope that the rela- tionship between incoming New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill’s administration and the Indian American community would grow, the New Jersey-India Commission con- gratulated four of its members on their appointments to the Transition Team. Gov. Sherrill takes office Jan. 1, 2026 The 4 members, Dini Ajmani, Kiran Handa Gaudioso, Amit Jani, and Dr. Gurbir S. Johal, who helped on the Gubernatorial Transition Team were a “clear signal that the new administra- tion values deep engagement with the Indian American community-New Jersey’s fastest-growing demographic,” the Com- mission said in a press release. Praising their members’ records of leadership, the Commission said it would ensure that the unique priorities of the Indian American community are champi- oned from the outset of the new adminis- tration. “We are immensely proud of Dini, Kiran, Amit, and Dr. Johal for accepting these crucial roles,” saidWesley Mathews, NJ-India Commission Chairman. “Their selection by Governor-Elect Sherrill reflects not only their individual profes- sional expertise in business, healthcare, and community affairs but also the col- lective recognition of the Indian American community’s vital contributions to New Jersey’s economic and cultural landscape. This is a monumental step forward for South Asian representation in our state government.” “These appointments reflect the grow- ing role and responsibility of the Indian American community in shaping New Jer- sey’s future,” said Rajpal S. Bath, NJ-India Commission Executive Director. “Their participation in the transition process ensures that the administration benefits from diverse perspectives grounded in public service, economic leadership, and community engagement.” The Commission said it looked forward to collaborating with the new administra- tion of Gov. Sherril in coming years. By A StaffWriter By A StaffWriter Photo: Linkedin Photo: Courtesy New Jersey-India Commission New Jersey-India Commission Hopes Incoming Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s Relationship With Indian Americans Strengthens