Indo American News

Category: Business

Local & global Indians in commerce

  • Commentary: Is India a ‘Tariff King’? Not Really

    Commentary: Is India a ‘Tariff King’? Not Really

    By Mohan Kumar

    Former Indian Ambassador and Director General of Jadeja Motwani Institute for American Studies

    There is a widespread but fallacious perception that India’s tariffs are inordinately high. There are subjective factors when it comes to a country like livability, public courtesy, or even how foreigners are welcomed. But tariffs are quantifiable and there should really be no place for subjectivity. So, let us consider the facts in the case.

    Before we do that, however, it might be useful for the average reader to know as to what function tariffs perform in a low-income developing country like India, as opposed to say, a high-income developed country like the United States of America. Traditionally, low-income developing countries use tariffs for two reasons: one, to protect their domestic industry and two, to gain revenue from it. Protection of domestic industry is an accepted argument by economists all over the world, especially if the industry is an infant one and the country needs to develop an industrial base. Then, there is the revenue gaining function, which is illustrative of a country’s duties on alcohol or luxury motorcycles, for instance.

    India’s tariffs, which were high in the 1980s, were brought down significantly since the 1991 reforms were initiated and during the negotiations related to the Uruguay Round, which led to the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Since then, the secular trend in India has been one of gradual reduction of the applicable tariffs year after year.

    From a technical point of view, there are two kinds of tariffs that countries have. One is applied tariffs, which as the name indicates is the actual tariff (normally ad valorem) imposed at the border when a foreign good enters a country.

    The other one is bound tariffs, which is the maximum tariff that a country can impose on a foreign good from a legal obligation arising from its most-favored-nation (MFN) commitments to the WTO.

    It goes without saying that the tariff war initiated by the U.S. is in violation of its commitments under the WTO agreements. But then, the WTO itself has been moribund for a while. It is also worth noting that tariffs cannot be the same for all countries. It is a truism that low-income developing countries will have higher tariffs (for reasons mentioned above) compared to G7 countries.

    So, where does India figure in all of this? When India is judged on tariffs, there are two parameters which are used. One is simple average tariffs, and the other is trade-weighted tariffs. If you use the former metric, India’s tariff does seem high (15.98 percent). But this is in many ways academic because for most of the goods that come into the Indian market, it is the trade-weighted applied tariff that matters. And the trade-weighted tariff that India maintains is a very respectable 4.6 percent. This level of tariff gives the lie to claims that India is somehow a tariff king. Simple averages distort the picture since they treat all products alike regardless of the trade volumes. So, why is there such a big difference between India’s simple average tariff and its trade-weighted tariff?

    India does maintain relatively high tariffs in agriculture and automobiles. In both these cases, the main purpose of the tariffs is to protect domestic industry. Agriculture in India is sui generis and like no other major country in the world. Around 50 percent of India’s mammoth population directly or indirectly depends on agriculture. Besides, agriculture in India is not mechanized and land holdings are so small that farming is about survival and not about commerce. Asking India to open its farm sector to imports is akin to asking it to commit suicide, which no elected government in India would agree to. This demand is especially egregious since Western farmers are beneficiaries of direct and indirect subsidies.

    Given all of this, India does maintain relatively high tariffs for agriculture products, average rates of around 33 percent on meat, dairy, fruits, and cereals. But this is not surprising if you consider the fact that the European Union’s average rate is 37.5 percent on dairy products going up to 205 percent, and up to 261 percent on fruits and vegetables. Compare this with Japan whose rate is 61.3 percent on dairy products, going up to 298 percent, and up to 258 percent on cereals, and 160 percent on meat and vegetables. Or South Korea, whose average is 54 percent on agricultural goods with 800 percent on vegetables, and 300 percent on fruits. Who is the tariff king in agriculture, you might ask? As for automobiles, this sector creates mass employment and is crucial for that reason.

    Even India’s simple average tariff levels at 15.98 percent is in line with global norms for developing economies. Bangladesh (14.1 percent), Argentina (13.4 percent), and Türkiye (16.2 percent), which are all countries with comparable or higher GDP per capita, maintain similar or higher tariffs.

    On the U.S. saying their exports of non-agricultural products face tariff barriers in India, it is worth noting that U.S. exporters often face equal or lower tariffs in India compared to many Asian peers. In electronics and technology for instance, India has 0 percent tariff on most IT hardware, semiconductors, computers, and associated parts, with average tariffs of 10.9 percent on electronics and 8.3 percent on computing machinery.

    In comparison, Vietnam has a tariff of 8.5 percent on electronic equipment, going up to 35 percent. China has a tariff rate of 5.4 percent going up to 20 percent on electronics, and up to 25 percent on computing machinery. And Indonesia has a tariff rate of 6.3 percent on electronic equipment, going up to 20 percent, and up to 30 percent on computing machinery.

    It is true that India maintains justifiable tariff protection for its agricultural, dairy, and auto markets for valid reasons. But its trade-weighted applied tariff in other sectors does not justify it being called a “tariff king” at all.

    Dr. Mohan Kumar is a former Indian ambassador and is director general of the newly established Jadeja Motwani Institute for American Studies at the OP Jindal Global University.

    The views expressed in this article are the writer’s own. — Newsweek

  • VFS Global Expands Consular Application Centres in USA; Unveils 8 New Centres

    VFS Global Expands Consular Application Centres in USA; Unveils 8 New Centres

    Inauguration of a visa centre in Edison, New Jersey, by Hon. Consul General of India, New York, Mr. Binaya S Pradhan, along with Amit Kumar Sharma, Head-Americas & Caribbean, VFS Global.

    • 8 new locations include Boston, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Edison, Orlando, Raleigh, and San Jose

    • These 16 Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the US will facilitate
    the Indian diaspora and other applicants across the United States of America with India Visa, Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), passport application, renunciation of Indian citizenship, Police clearance certificate, Global Entry Programme (GEP), and
    Miscellaneous/Attestation services.
    • VFS Global is the exclusive service provider for visa, OCI, passport, renunciation of Indian citizenship, PCC, GEP, & Miscellaneous/attestation verification services for the Government of India in the United States of America
    The Indian Mission in the United States of America and VFS Global, the global leader in trusted
    technology services today jointly announced the launch of eight new Indian Consular
    Application Centres (ICACs) in Boston, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Edison, Orlando, Raleigh,
    and San Jose taking the total number of ICACs in the USA to 16, further enhancing
    accessibility and convenience to the 5.3 million Indian diaspora and those using the services.
    Furthermore, a new ICAC is scheduled to open in Los Angeles in August, increasing the
    network to 17 centers nationwide.
    These ICACs will serve as crucial hubs for a comprehensive range of essential services,
    including India Visa, Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), passport application, renunciation
    of Indian citizenship, Police clearance certificate, Global Entry Programme (GEP), and
    Miscellaneous/Attestation services. VFS Global remains the exclusive service provider for
    these critical functions on behalf of the Government of India in the United States.
    The expanded network introduces several key improvements designed to streamline the
    application process:
    • ICACs will now be open on Saturdays, offering greater flexibility for applicants.
    • Return courier services are now incorporated into the standard service fees.
    • Services such as photographs, photocopies, and form filling will be available at no additional cost within the ICACs.
    • A broader range of consular services will also be readily available.
    Mr. Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Ambassador of India to the United States of America, said, “We are very happy to announce the opening of 8 new Indian Consular Application Centres. With the opening of these new Indian Consular Application Centres, our presence to provide extensive consular services and related delivery capabilities would increase and expand significantly. Besides, it will also make the delivery of these consular services faster and more accessible to a vibrant Indian diaspora. We firmly believe that people to people ties are the heart of India US partnership.”
    The centres will be equipped with world-class facilities aimed at providing an easily accessible and customer-centric application experience and will make the application process more convenient for travellers. These centres are expected to benefit the Indian community in the consular jurisdiction of the Indian Consulate in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington D.C.
    Amit Kumar Sharma, Head – North America & Caribbean, VFS Global, said, “We are honoured by the continued trust the Government of India has placed in VFS Global to support its diplomatic mission in the United States. These ICACs will play a crucial role in effectively catering to the growing demand for visa and consular services to India led by business partnerships, tourism and trade.”
    VFS Global is the first outsourced visa services partner of the Ministry of External Affairs (India) and has been serving the Government of India since 2008. In the United States of America, VFS Global has provided passport, visa and consular services on behalf of the Embassy and Consulates of India located across the country since 2020. At present, VFS Global manages Passport, Visa and Consular Services Application Centres for the Government of India in 7 countries: Australia, Iraq, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom.
    About VFS Global
    As the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure mobility for governments and citizens, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.
    With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 69 client governments. Operating over 3,900 Application Centres in 165 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 499 million applications since 2001. Headquartered in Zurich and Dubai and majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc, along with minority stakeholders including Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation.
  • Janapriya Upscale’s Fullshear Central Celebrates Official Groundbreaking

    Janapriya Upscale’s Fullshear Central Celebrates Official Groundbreaking

    FULSHEAR: On Friday, July 25, 2025, Fulshear Central, a 22-acre mixed-use development, officially broke ground with a celebratory event attended by more than 100 guests. Located off FM 1093 in Fulshear, the upscale, state-of-the-art project offers over 130,000 square feet of development potential, with the first phase set for completion in early 2026. The event was emceed by Michael Garfield, “The High Tech Texan,” who welcomed guests and guided the program. The Fulshear Central team opened the afternoon with remarks about the project’s vision and the value it brings to the growing region. Janapriya Upscale CEO Kranti Kiran Reddy spoke about the group’s legacy and future plans, while Satya Guduru, CEO of the U.S. region, and Arvind Cheruku, Chief Information Officer, provided a detailed overview of the development’s layout, goals, and long-term potential.

    Kranti Kiran Reddy, Satya Guduru, Don McCoy, Arvind Cheruku celebrate the official groundbreaking of the Fullshear Central mixed-use development.

    Several city and county officials also took the stage, highlighting the significance of the moment. Fulshear Mayor Don McCoy welcomed guests and spoke on the city’s rapid growth and commitment to thoughtful, elevated development. City Manager Zach Goodlander expressed the city’s pride in the milestone and reflected on the close collaboration between the city and developers that helped bring the vision to life.

    Following the remarks, guests gathered for a ceremonial shovel lineup to commemorate the official groundbreaking. The celebration continued with refreshments provided by Texana Café and Safari Texas. Guests were able to explore the Fulshear Central grounds while commemorating the highly anticipated groundbreaking of Fulshear’s first mixed-use development.

     

  • Ramesh Cherivirala Listed in Forbes’ Top Financial Security Professionals

    Ramesh Cherivirala Listed in Forbes’ Top Financial Security Professionals

    HOUSTON: Ramesh Cherivirala from the Houston of New York Life has been listed on the 2025 Forbes Top Financial Security Professionals Best-in-State list. The individuals named to this list of distinguished professionals were chosen based on many criteria considered by an independent research firm. A New York Life agent for 24 years, Dr. Cherivirala received this recognition for helping his clients in a world in which wealth preservation and protection matter more than ever.

    “We are honored that Ramesh appears on this prestigious list,” said Rob Hodgkiss, managing partner of the Houston General Office. “New York Life has known for quite some time what a valuable asset Ramesh has been to our family and to many families and businesses in our community.”

    Ramesh is a Financial Advisor, offering advisory services through Eagle Strategies, LLC, a registered investment advisor. He is a member of Nautilus Group, The Nautilus Group® is a service of New York Life Insurance Company
    providing dedicated support to approximately 230 qualifying member agents, the company’s top producers who work primarily in the advanced and high net worth markets. He received a PhD degree from Osmania University,
    Hyderabad, India and LUTC®, and FSCP® designations from American College. He has been a resident of Texas for over 3 decades and currently lives in Sugar Land for the past 24 years, married to Anuradha and has two children
    Sushain and Spoorthi.

  • Lutfi Hasan Joins Release of “Stumped …” in London

    Lutfi Hasan Joins Release of “Stumped …” in London

    Lutfi Hasan (right) joins authors and other dignitaries in releasing “Stumped …” at the House of Lords in London.

    By Debashish Sengupta

    LONDON: In a momentous event that echoed the legacy of Indian cricket, my co-authored memoir of legendary wicketkeeper-batsman Syed Kirmani, titled “Stumped: Life Behind and Beyond Twenty Two Yards” (Penguin Random House), was launched at the prestigious House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, London.

    The occasion coincided with the 42nd anniversary of India’s first-ever Cricket World Cup victory on June 25, 1983 — a landmark moment in Indian sporting history in which Kirmani played a crucial role.

    Lord Bhiku Parekh presided over the launch. Former England captain Mike Brearley, Lord Brennan, HE Syed Lufti Hasan Honarary Counsel General of Guyana and South USA, Ambassador of Guyana, Jonathan Sandling, campus principal of eminent orthopedic Dr. Ashok Pathak, Lords, my co-author Portsmouth London colleagues, my dear wife, families and friends were in attendance

  • Southwestern National Bank Celebrates 20 Years of Empowering Students at Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony

    Southwestern National Bank Celebrates 20 Years of Empowering Students at Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony

    Valdemar Tamez, Clear Horizons Early College High School, receiving the scholarship award with his mother from SWNB’s Jody Lee.

    HOUSTON: Southwestern National Bank proudly held its Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony to honor two outstanding high school seniors for their academic excellence, community involvement, and inspiring future aspirations. This year’s celebration was particularly significant as it marked the 20th anniversary of the bank’s long-standing scholarship program.

    Each recipient of the $1,000 scholarship was carefully selected based on academic achievement, extracurricular and community involvement, and demonstrated financial need — a reflection of Southwestern National Bank’s commitment to supporting well-rounded and deserving students.

    Applications were accepted from across Houston, Austin, and the Dallas area, highlighting the bank’s dedication to reaching students in multiple communities and investing in the leaders of tomorrow.

    The 2025 SWNB Scholars:

    1. Valdemar Tamez – Clear Horizons Early College High School
    2. Sion Joo – Glenda Dawson High School

    The awards ceremony took place at Southwestern National Bank Headquarters, with Chairwoman Jody Lee in attendance, alongside the families and friends of the scholarship recipients.

    As the bank celebrates two decades of educational support, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower young individuals through opportunities that foster growth, leadership, and academic success.

    Southwestern National Bank looks forward to continuing this cherished tradition for years to come. (Member FDIC)

  • American Completion Tools Exhibiting at Offshore Technology Conference

    American Completion Tools Exhibiting at Offshore Technology Conference

    HOUSTON: American Completion Tools (ACT) was founded 15 years ago by Mr Prabhat Kumar, Chairman. Over the years, ACT has consolidated itself as a major manufacturer of oilfield equipment with 8 API licenses. Mr. TJ Sinha is VP of sales. TJ graduated in mechanical engineering and MBA from Thunderbird, global school of international management (Arizona state University). TJ worked with WOM, American Block manufacturing and built them up worldwide. During this period, American Block received The Jess Jones award for export excellence. In his previous stint with American Completion Tools, they received the Pesident’s E export award from the US Department of Commerce.

    American Completion Tools (part of the Parveen group of India) is one of the oldest manufacturer of all field equipment. American Completion Tools now manufactures in Texas, Düsseldorf, and India. Worldwide stock and sales is handled in Houston, with stocking points in Dubai, Nisku, Jakarta Some of the major clients include Weatherford, Baker Hughes, and Schlumberger. American Completion Tools will be displaying their full product line, which includes flow line, completion, equipment, and custom fabrication. at the 2025 OTC oil show on May 6-9. Visit Booth 3732.

    Mr. Prabhat Kumar, Director of American Completion Tools has been a pioneer in the oil patch, including marketing strategy, new product development with the team of professionals, who have joined the group, enhancing the the company with increased market share. Speaking to a major Libyan-American conference, TJ expressed optimism for entering non-traditional markets securing order with a major oil company for 39 wellhead.

    American Completion Tools has the added advantage of having our own captive forging plant in India so does not depend on outside facilities and has full control over quality and delivery. The recent delivery of wellheads was
    manufactured in Burleson,Texas, except the forging, thus pushing the Made in USA vision.

    In today’s complex market, ACT is establishing a brand image worldwide with the 250 different products it manufactures. Some of the major clients using our products include Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, Oxy, Sonatrach, Drillmec (Italy), Pemex,Expro ,Weatherford etc.

    The key employees of ACT are well conversant in the domestic and international markets with many years of oil patch experience. This translates into better customer relationship and multiculltural awareness for smooth transactions.

  • Southwestern National Bank Scholarship 2025 $1,000 Scholarship Awards

    Southwestern National Bank Scholarship 2025 $1,000 Scholarship Awards

    About The Southwestern National Bank Scholarship Program

    The Southwestern National Bank Scholarship Program is funded by Southwestern National Bank (Member FDIC) to recognize and assist outstanding high school graduates and reduce the financial burden for college. Southwestern National Bank Scholars are selected based on their financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement. Each year a total of $5,000.00 will be awarded to five selected scholars. Each scholar will be awarded $1,000.00.

    Eligibility

    1. Demonstrates financial need for college tuition, book & supplies, and expenses
    2. U.S. high school graduating seniors
    3. Has a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (un-weighted)
    4. Will enroll in an accredited U.S. college full-time for the entire academic year 2025/2026

    Documents Required (To be considered, all the following documents must be submitted)

    1. A completed Southwestern National Bank Scholarship Application Form
    2. An official high school transcript
    3. Copies of the most recent document(s) demonstrating the financial need (Family’s 1040 Federal Income Tax Return Form, qualification for School Free/Reduced Lunch Program, etc.)
    4. Two letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, and/or other advisors
    5. A two-page typed essay stating why you should be awarded a scholarship. Please include:
    • Financial need for this scholarship for educational purposes
    • Personal and academic achievements. Give specific examples.
    • Academic plans and career goals. Give specific examples.
    • Past and current involvement, as well as future towards making a difference in your community

    Application Process & Award Announcement

    1. Please send your application package to Southwestern National Bank, Attention Scholarship Program-Ling Chuang, 6901 Corporate Drive, Houston, Texas 77036.
    1. Applications and all supporting documents must be received by May 15, 2025, for application to be considered.
    1. An interview may be part of the application process for all semi-finalists.
    2. Scholarships for the 2025 Scholarship program will be announced by mail in June 2025.

    Please Contact Us

    For scholarship application and information, please contact the Scholarship Coordinator by

    e-mail at ling.chuang@swnbk.com   (Member FDIC)

     

     

  • IACCGH Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence at Silver Jubilee Gala

    IACCGH Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence at Silver Jubilee Gala

    HOUSTON: The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) celebrated a significant milestone on Saturday, honoring 25 years of fostering business growth, enhancing trade with India, and creating local jobs at its Silver Jubilee Gala held at the Hilton Americas.

    Over 700 business leaders, elected officials, and distinguished guests gathered to commemorate the Chamber’s impactful legacy within the Indo-American business community.

    The evening, they commenced with a VIP Reception in the Grand Ballroom, where elected officials and key community figures engaged in exclusive networking. Congressman AL Green and Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis helped the Chamber recognize Gala’s significant supporters, Mr. Nick Dhanani and Wallis Bank, alongside other Chamber contributors. IACC India Secretary General Kamal Vora, visiting from India, was recognized as a long-term friend and partner in India,

    Guests then moved to the General Reception for additional networking before the formal program began at 7:00 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom. The program featured keynote addresses from John Whitmire, Mayor of Houston, and D.C. Manjunath, Consul General of India, Houston.

    Jagdip Ahluwalia, Executive Director of IACCGH, opened the event with heartfelt remarks, followed by a welcome address from Rajiv Bhavsar, President of IACCGH who highlighted the Chamber’s initiatives supporting small businesses and trade relationships. This anniversary marks resilience and adaptability, emphasizing the importance of unity in achieving meaningful progress, he said.

    A special panel moderated by Chamber Past President and former METRO HOUSTON Chairman Sanjay Ramabhadran, titled “25 in 25- A Legacy in Progress,” highlighted the Chamber’s key accomplishments. Panelists included IACCGH Advisors Dr. Durga Agrawal, Founding President; Paul Hamilton, former President of Shell USA; and Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor of the University of Houston System, and special invitees and long term Chamber supporters Adrian Garcia, Commissioner Harris County , Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Jeff Moseley, former President GHP, Ed Emmett, former Harris County Judge, Asif Dakri, CEO Wallis Bank. Carlicia Wright, Chief Equity Officer Port Houston, and Malisha Patel IACCGH President-Elect

    A memorable moment of the evening was the Silver Jubilee Cake Cutting Ceremony, which featured former Houston mayor Sylvester Turner, former LyondellBasell CEO IACCGH Advisor Bob Patel, and other dignitaries celebrating the Chamber’s quarter-century of success.

    The evening, continued with dinner and live entertainment, allowing guests to celebrate and reflect on the Chamber’s substantial impact over the years. The vibrant atmosphere underscored IACCGH’s vital role in driving economic growth and fostering collaboration within the Indo-American business community

    In his closing remarks, Jagdip Ahluwalia expressed deep gratitude to sponsors, community partners, and members for their steadfast support, which has been crucial to the Chamber’s success. He also looked ahead to a promising future as IACCGH embarks on its next 25 years of excellence.

  • Masala Radio 98.7 FM: A Weekend Full of Celebration, Unity, and Cultural Pride

    Masala Radio 98.7 FM: A Weekend Full of Celebration, Unity, and Cultural Pride

    HOUSTON: Masala Radio 98.7 FM is the voice that brings our 350,000+ community together and promote our culture.  Our goal is to keep every household informed and connected through the radio and events like these that spanned the Independence Day weekend.  Through our marketing these grand openings, cultural events, and religious ceremonies enjoyed packed houses.

    Friday: Sagar Bhatia Concert
    This was a sold-out event with no chairs left empty at the Golden Tree Banquet Hall.  Everyone enjoyed dancing and rejoicing to the amazing live band and the intoxicating voice of Sagar Bhatia.

    Saturday:  ICC’s India Fest and Grand Opening of Ward Café & Patio  

    The largest weekend event was the ICC India Independence Day Celebration at the Stafford Civic Center, marking the 78th anniversary of India’s independence. The event paid tribute to India’s rich history and culture with captivating cultural performances and reflections on the nation’s journey to freedom. The Masala Radio booth was a popular spot, drawing crowds with freshly made tri-color cupcakes and exciting giveaways sponsored by Tara Energy. It was a day filled with pride, unity, and remembrance.

    Later that day, the energy shifted to West Hollow Drive for the grand opening of Ward Cafe Hookah Lounge. This new venue quickly became the talk of the town, offering a cool happening spot for friends together and unwind. The night featured a riveting live band performance led by Humza.  Guests enjoyed $9.99 hookahs and a 50% off food menu.  The lounge was packed with an a varied audience enjoying first latest Bollywood fast tracks, slow numbers, and a special remix of retro songs, something for everyone.  Congrats to the new owners Kamaal, Zahir & Amir.

    Sunday:  IFA Restaurant Grand Opening

    On Sunday, IFA Restaurant & Party Hall on Highway 6 at West Bellfort celebrated its grand opening with a grand scale buy-one-get-one-free buffet featuring 28 different dishes from all over India. The crowd, steadily pouring in from 11 a.m. to 3 pm, was delighted by the endless servings of hot fresh food. Sunil Thakkar loved Ashraf’s Mango Lassi and the South Indian chef’s Idli Sambar.   The Dal Makhani were particularly popular, earning rave reviews from all who attended. The event was graced by elected officials, including Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, Judge Tricia Krenek, and Sugar Land Council Member Naushad Kermally who joined in the ribbon cutting ceremony.  Ed Krenek who is running for Judge in county court #400 said “I love Indian food and IFA cuisine is outstanding.”  Nikita Khambe said “Congratulations to the owners for a spectacular grand opening!”

     

    A Historic 90ft Hanuman Statue Unveiling at Ashta Lakshmi Temple

    The weekend concluded with a momentous event at the Ashta Lakshmi Temple, where the 90-foot Hanuman statue was unveiled. This magnificent statue, crafted from five metals, is a true marvel and a testament to the community’s dedication. The unveiling, presided over by Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, drew large numbers of Houstonians over the 4 day celebration. The event was graced by elected officials from Houston and community members from various organizations, adding to the historic moment’s significance. The emcee for the evening was Dr Ranga Kandala and the highlight of the event was a sound & light show on the story of Hanuman that left the audience in awe. The 90’ tall Hanuman statue – tallest in Texas – is an incredible addition to Houston’s spiritual landscape and will soon become a pilgrimage site for people from all over the USA.

  • Pankaj Malani is Appointed India House President

    Pankaj Malani is Appointed India House President

    India House has passed the leadership torch to the next generation. Pankaj Malani (right) is the new President of the India House Executive Committee. In his day job, Pankaj is the President of Unique Industrial Product Co. His father Jugal (left) preceded Pankaj in both of these executive posts.
  • Dr. Vivek Kavadi Appointed CEO of American Society of Radiation Oncology

    Dr. Vivek Kavadi Appointed CEO of American Society of Radiation Oncology

    WASHINGTON DC: The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) announced today that following a nationwide search, Vivek S. Kavadi, MD, MBA, FASTRO will become CEO of the Society effective November 1, 2024. Dr. Kavadi will succeed Laura Thevenot, who previously announced her intent to retire after leading the organization since 2002.

    Dr. Kavadi, a radiation oncologist and ASTRO member since 1994, ascends to the role from his current position as Chief Radiation Oncology Officer for The US Oncology Network, where he oversees strategy, operations and clinical service delivery for a network of 200 physicians. From 2003 to 2020, Dr. Kavadi served as Regional Medical Director for Texas Oncology, where he managed a 60-physician practice in the Houston region. Since 1995, Dr. Kavadi also has maintained a clinical practice as a radiation oncologist for Texas Oncology, where he specializes in breast and prostate cancers.

    Dr. Kavadi’s history with ASTRO includes his current role on the Board of Directors as vice chair of the Health Policy Council and his previous tenures on the Health Policy and Payer Relations Committees. In 2019, he was recognized by ASTRO as a Fellow for his service to the Society and his contributions to the field of radiation oncology.

    “We are so pleased to have Vivek lead ASTRO at this key time for the specialty,” said Jeff M. Michalski, MD, MBA, FASTRO, chair of the ASTRO Board of Directors. “The appointment of a physician from our specialty with first-hand experience of the challenges that practicing physicians face each day marks an important milestone for ASTRO. Vivek’s deep understanding of the field, as well as his operational and business acumen, makes him an ideal fit for our Society. His expertise will be valuable as we navigate the legislative landscape with the recent introduction of the Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) Value-Based Payment Program Act as well as a myriad of issues important to our 10,000 members, including physician education, guideline development, scientific advances and industry partnerships.”

    “I am deeply honored to step into the CEO role at ASTRO to help advance our wonderful specialty,” said Dr. Kavadi. “I do not take the challenge of leaving my current role in community cancer care to lead a national organization lightly. I recognize that I will step into the role succeeding Laura Thevenot, who has led the organization with skill and distinction for the past 22 years. I know I will be at the helm of a healthy, thriving organization, and I am committed to fostering further collaboration, scientific advancement and excellence within our specialty. I am also pleased to be able to work alongside the dedicated ASTRO staff with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with during my time as a committee volunteer and Board member. I look forward to their continued engagement to ensure we best serve our members.”

    Dr. Kavadi obtained his MBA from The Wharton School, his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Rice University. He completed his radiation oncology training at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he was chief resident and served on the faculty.

    For more information: www.astro.org

  • VFS Global Launches Seattle and Bellevue Centers for India Visa, OCI, Passport Services

    VFS Global Launches Seattle and Bellevue Centers for India Visa, OCI, Passport Services

    SEATTLE: As part of its expanding service network for the Government of India, VFS Global has launched the Seattle center to manage visa, Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), passport application, renunciation of Indian citizenship and Global Entry Program (GEP). Additionally, VFS will operate the Bellevue center, to extend assistance for members of the Indian community.

    The VFS office location in Seattle is at Suite 240, 3131 Elliot Avenue, Seattle 98131. The VFS Drop Off location in Bellevue is at Suite 100, 1400 112th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98004. The Seattle Center will be equipped with world-class facilities aimed at providing an easily accessible and a superior application experience for customers and will make the application process more convenient for travellers.

    These services are expected to benefit the nearly half million-strong Indian diaspora community in the consular jurisdiction of the Indian Consulate in Seattle, which covers the nine Pacific North and Western States of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming.

    Customers can visit https://indiainseattle.gov. in/ for the latest information on the services offered. Prakash Gupta, Consul General of India in Seattle, said, “The opening of the Indian Consulate in Seattle is a reflection of Government of India’s strong commitment to deepen our relations with Pacific North Western states of USA and through the opening of these new visa application centers (VAC) in Seattle and Bellevue, we hope to ensure for all consular applicants a more convenient experience to adequately prepare their travel to India.”

    These spacious facilities equipped with modern amenities and services will have well-trained customer service representatives to assist visa applicants at every step. To enhance customer experience further, India visa and consular applicants get dedicated call center support from 8:30AM to 5:30PM, Monday to Friday, along with email and Web Chatbot support for quick query resolution.

    Amit Kumar Sharma, Head – Americas, VFS Global, said, “VFS Global shares a long-standing relationship with the Government of India since 2008 and we are excited to expand our partnership further. The new center in Seattle
    and Bellevue, United States of America will play a crucial role in effectively catering to the growing demand for visa and consular services to India.”

    VFS Global is the first outsourced visa services partner of the Ministry of External Affairs (India) and has been serving the Government of India since 2008. In the United States of America, VFS Global provides passport, visa and consular services on behalf of the Embassy and Consulates of India located across the country since 2020. At present, VFS Global manages 52 Passport, Visa and Consular Services Application Centres for the Government
    of India in 13 countries: Australia, Belgium, France, Iraq, The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom.

  • PNG Jewellers’ Outlet Robbed in Broad Daylight in Sunnyvale, CA

    PNG Jewellers’ Outlet Robbed in Broad Daylight in Sunnyvale, CA

    SUNNYVALE, CA: Pune-headquartered PNG jewellers’ shop was robbed by 20 masked men in United States in broad daylight. Five people have been arrested in the case, the police said.

    CCTV footage of the incident that lasts for over two minutes has gone viral on social media showing armed men with ‘hammers’ breaking into the jewellery shop.

    “Shocking video of a smash and grab robbery involving hammers and tools at Sunnyvale’s PNG Jewelers USA.Police say they’ve made five arrests and are looking for more suspects”, an X account that posted the video of the incident wrote.

    Silicon Valley authorities held a meeting on Friday with leaders and members of the Indian-American community in response to a series of robberies targeting Indian jewelry businesses, promising decisive measures against the perpetrators.

    Incidents of three high-profile robberies have been reported in Sunnyvale, California. Police Chief Phan Ngo provided essential safety tips to business owners to prevent future incidents and reassured the community of stringent actions against criminals. He also announced increased police patrols to bolster security in the area.

    A hoard of about 20 burglars, who kept their faces hidden under masks and hoodies, used hammers to break into the PNG Jewelers USA store, in Sunnyvale, California in broad daylight on June 12.

    Police arrived at the scene about an hour later, with officers able to catch five suspects after police spotted two getaway vehicles still in the area, according to the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety.

    Scenes straight out of a movie played out at a jewellery shop in California. The crime committed in broad daylight in the Golden State by group of 20 robbers is going viral.

    A CCTV footage that surfaced from the Pune-based PNG Jewellers outlet shows the masked robbers dressed in black were seen ransacking and smashing the glass open to grab the valuables.

    The entire incident lasted a little more than two minutes. Reports say the robbery was timed at 1:27 pm local time on June 12.

    According to the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS), the suspects fled the store in multiple vehicles immediately after the heist. The police quickly responded, locating two suspect vehicles attempting to flee the area. While tracking one of the vehicles, the suspects discarded some of the stolen jewellery from the moving car.

    Reports say five were apprehended by the police and charged with various offenses, including armed robbery, burglary and vandalism.

    While some of the stolen jewellery has been recovered, the total value of the heist remains unknown at this time.
    CCTV footage shows a large group of masked individuals storming the store in the Sunnyvale area before fleeing in multiple vehicles, wielding sledgehammers and shattering display cases. The heist was executed within minutes.
    Shocking video of a smash and grab robbery involving hammers and tools at Sunnyvale’s PNG Jewelers USA. Police say they’ve made five arrests and are looking for more suspects.

    The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that the robbery occurred at approximately 1:27 pm on June 12 (local time).

    “The suspects fled the store in multiple vehicles before officers arrived on the scene. Officers located two suspect vehicles attempting to flee the area. Officers attempted vehicle enforcement stops, but both vehicles evaded, leading to pursuits,” the police statement said.

    While tracking one of the vehicles, the suspects discarded stolen jewellery from the moving vehicle. Later, the suspects abandoned the vehicle on a highway, and five of them attempted to flee on foot.

    However, all five were apprehended by the police and charged with various offences, including armed robbery, felony vehicle evasion, resisting arrest, burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime, vandalism, possession of burglary tools, and outstanding warrants.

    Five people were arrested for the robbery. Some of the stolen jewellery has been recovered. The total value of the stolen jewellery remains unknown at this time.

    “This incident remains under investigation. Investigators are trying to determine if this incident is related to the robbery of a jewellery store in Sunnyvale that occurred in May involving multiple suspects,” the official added.

    Following the incident, authorities in California held a meeting on Friday with members of the Indian-American community and promised stern action on the matter.

  • Your 50th Birthday Necklace. Now Your Daughter’s Graduation Bracelet. At $0.00

    Your 50th Birthday Necklace. Now Your Daughter’s Graduation Bracelet. At $0.00

  • Group 1 Inaugurates Sterling McCall Dealership in Southwest Houston

    Group 1 Inaugurates Sterling McCall Dealership in Southwest Houston

    HOUSTON: On Tuesday, May 7, the Houston community welcomed into the newly constructed Sterling McCall Hyundai, a Group 1 Automotive dealership, on 10301 Southwest Fwy. This facility showcases Sterling McCall’s commitment to investing in its dealerships as well as the Houston community, where parent company Group 1 is headquartered.

    The celebratory event included a ribbon cutting ceremony, facilities reveal, door prizes and a $10,000 check presentation to Storm Baseball organization in Missouri City. Group 1 Automotive CEO Daryl Kenningham, Senior VP Pete DeLongchamps, OEM partners and local elected officials were also be in attendance.

    Media were invited out on Tuesday, May 7 to view the new Hyundai facility and interview dealership and company leadership.

    The new location features a state-of-the-art automotive showroom and service facility. At approximately 39,414 square feet, the facility boasts cutting-edge design and amenities, including a fully air-conditioned service area, an enclosed new vehicle delivery area and multiple EV charging stations for customer convenience.

    This grand opening event of the dealership’s new location was a unique opportunity to celebrate Group 1’s commitment to the local community and learn more  about the exceptional services the dealership offers.

  • Southwestern National Bank Celebrates Grand Opening of Los Angeles Regional Branch

    Southwestern National Bank Celebrates Grand Opening of Los Angeles Regional Branch

    LOS ANGELES: Southwestern National Bank proudly inaugurated its new Los Angeles Regional Branch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by luminaries including Chairwoman Jody Lee, Founder C.K. Lee, Vice-chair Hasu Patel, CEO Joanne Kim, and President Mohammed Younus, who traveled from Houston, Texas. The grand opening also saw honorable guests including Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, Amino Chi, the Korean Ambassador to Los Angeles, and city councilman and former mayor of San Gabriel Tony Ting, among others. The event drew a vibrant crowd of over two hundred community and business leaders from the Chinese, Korean, Indian, and Pakistani communities, celebrating this significant milestone.

    Chair of Southwestern National Bank Jody Lee remarked on the bank’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and expert financial solutions over its 27-year history, gaining the trust of its customers. With a focus on serving diverse communities, the bank operates with a multicultural team to offer superior services to Chinese, Korean, Indian, Pakistani, and Vietnamese communities. The establishment of the Los Angeles branch marks another significant chapter in the bank’s expansion across Southern California.

    CEO Joanne Kim, with over 30 years of banking experience in Los Angeles and former presidencies at other banks, was planning to retire before being persuaded by Chairman Lee to lead the California expansion. She highlighted the vibrant business opportunities in both Texas and California, asserting that the bank’s deep understanding of both markets would significantly aid businesses expanding across state lines.

    President Mohammed Younus noted that with branches already in Anaheim and San Mateo in Northern California, the opening of the Los Angeles branch solidifies the bank’s footprint in California, eagerly anticipating the next milestones for American Southern Bank.

    Established in November 1997 and headquartered in Houston’s Chinatown, Southwestern National Bank has become the go-to financial institution for small to medium-sized enterprises, consumers, company employees, families, and individuals over the past 27 years.

    With ten branches across Houston, Dallas, Austin, and California, the bank is dedicated to expanding and offering a comprehensive array of professional financial services to meet diverse customer needs. Specializing in Commercial & Industrial loans, CRE, working capital lines, and SBA loans, Southwestern National Bank supports businesses at every stage of development, from acquisition to expansion. Our dedication to personalized banking solutions ensures that every customer receives the financial backing they need to succeed. Discover the difference with Southwestern National Bank, where your business success is our top priority. Join our community of satisfied clients and let us help you achieve your business goals.

    The Southwestern National Bank Los Angeles Regional branch is located at 3530 Wilshire Blvd Suite 1515, Los Angeles, CA 90010, phone: 213-401-1139. The Anaheim branch is located at 2951 West Ball Road, Unit 100, Anaheim, CA 92804, phone: 714-822-6101.

  • Team Members at Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston Receive Certification from Maharani Weddings

    Team Members at Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston Receive Certification from Maharani Weddings

    Grand Hall with Desi decorations

    MONTGOMERY, Texas – Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston is proud to announce that two of its catering sales managers, Alex Trego, and Caitlin Bracewell, have recently received certification from Maharani, an esteemed authority in South Asian weddings. The certification further enhances the resort’s ability to handle the unique requirements of South Asian weddings.

    To obtain their certification, Trego and Bracewell took a three-hour course covering education on cultural events and traditions specific to different regions within India, emphasizing the differences and nuances crucial for successful event planning.

    “Our Maharani wedding certification, combined with the wide array of venues, amenities, and activities, allow us to create an unforgettable wedding weekend experience for the bride, groom, family members, and all of their guests,” said Desiree Tapping, director of catering for Margaritaville Lake Resort. “Our all-suite accommodations, situated in either the tower or charming lakeside cottages, offer the wedding party and guests a comfortable and relaxing place to stay.”

    Wedding party on the Lazy River bridge

    Located about an hour north of Houston, Margaritaville Lake Resort is a lush, tropical oasis on a secluded lakefront, the perfect setting for the time-honored traditions of South Asian weddings. With over 72,000 square feet of event space, the resort can host every wedding festivity– including a welcome dinner, the Mehendi, and Sangeet, as well as separate Vidhi ceremonies for the bride and groom all onsite. In addition, the resort features a private, .75-mile road leading up to the resort entrance, which means there is no need to seek a permit from the city to bring in a horse or elephant for a Baraat. As a lakeside resort, Margaritaville Lake Resort also offers couples the option of having a Baraat come in on a boat.

    Margaritaville Lake Resort has launched its “Pick Your Paradise” offer to celebrate its recent achievement and showcase its enhanced capabilities. Now, for a limited time, couples who decide to book their wedding by Dec. 31, 2024, can pick from various complimentary event enhancements designed to transport them to marital bliss.

    To learn more about the “Pick Your Paradise” special offer, visit https://www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-lake-resort-lake-conroe/weddings/wedding-offers/wedding-special-offers.

    To learn more about South Asian weddings at Margaritaville Lake Resort, visit the website.

    About Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston

    The Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston, an all-suite resort, features 335 guest suites, including 32 lakefront cottages, on 186 lakefront acres on Lake Conroe. It is the first Margaritaville Resort in Texas. Bars and restaurants feature signature Margaritaville dining concepts – the LandShark Bar & Grill with boat slips on Lake Conroe, the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar, the Lone Palm Pool Bar, the License to Chill Bar & Café, Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions, Boathouse Bar and Lounge, and a Margaritaville Retail Shop.

    Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston offers an array of recreational activities: an 18-hole golf course, a 3.5-acre waterpark with a lazy river and outdoor pools, pickleball, tennis, swimming, boating, and fishing. Margaritaville’s popular full-service St. Somewhere Spa and a spacious Fins Up Fitness Center provide exceptional wellness options. With 72,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor  meeting space, the resort can host special events and meetings of every size. Located just an hour from Houston and about three hours from the major hubs of Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, the resort is within easy reach of over 19 million Texans. The project is a joint venture of Songy Highroads (SHR) and The Wampold Companies. The Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe |Houston, is part of BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company’s Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio. In 2023, the resort received a prestigious MICE Award in the Texas Best Incentive Hotel category. The World MICE Awards celebrate and recognize excellence in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry globally, highlighting the best destinations, hotels, and service providers.

    In 2023, Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts was ranked #1 in Guest Satisfaction among Upper Upscale Hotel Brands in the J.D. Power 2023 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study.

    About Pyramid Global Hospitality

    Pyramid Global Hospitality was formed by the 2021 merger of two hotel and resort management companies, creating the most owner-focused, experiential company in the industry and its best workplace. The organization’s global portfolio spans more than 240 properties in the U.S., Caribbean, and Europe. It maintains offices in Boston; The Woodlands, Texas; Cincinnati; and London. For more information, visit www.benchmarkpyramid.com.

  • Coushatta Casino Resort Breaks Ground for New 204-room Luxury Hotel

    Coushatta Casino Resort Breaks Ground for New 204-room Luxury Hotel

    The new luxury hotel will be built directly across the casino. The Grand Hotel is at the left and Seven Clans hotel at the right.

    By Pramod Kulkarni

    Kinder, LA – Many of us in the South Asian community enjoy the thrill of gambling. One of the premier casino resorts in the U.S. is just three hours from Houston: Coushatta Casino Resort.
    Indo-American News was invited to attend a remarkable groundbreaking ceremony held on Wednesday, March 20 for a new luxury hotel that will be connected directly to the casino just as are the currently operating Grand Hotel and Seven Clans Hotel.

    Chairman Jonathan Cernek and members of the Coushatta Tribal Council, and Coushatta Casino Resort General Manager Todd Stewart were joined by principals from TBE Architects, Yates Construction and the Wenaha Group to participate in a groundbreaking ceremony.

    The groundbreaking ceremony featured several Coushatta tribal dances to the delight of the gathering. Funding is also allocated to refurbish the casino.

    During the festivities, Coushatta Tribal dancers and drummers performed a short program, followed by cake-cutting. The casino chefs had created a large cake in the shape of the new hotel.

    This groundbreaking will officially marked the beginning of construction on the resort’s newest series of upgrades and expansions, which begins with building a new eight-story 204-room luxury hotel with 100 suites. It will be connected to the casino, literally steps away from the casino floor. This expansion will increase capacity at Coushatta Casino Resort to over 1,000 rooms and will create additional employment opportunities for the region.

    Chairman Jonathan Cernek stated, “As construction commences, we are excited about all the new venues and upgrades that we will be able to offer our guests, starting with this new hotel. Our goal is to offer our players an elevated gaming experience, and that includes top-quality lodgings and high-end dining options. The Coushatta Tribe is leading the way in building an unsurpassed resort destination, both in the local market and in the entire region,” he concluded.

    Casino visitors need not wait for the construction of the new hotel. The two available hotels — The Grand and Seven Clans — provide plenty of rooms for overnight guests. Coushatta Casino Resort is located in Kinder, Louisiana on US Highway 165 (I-10 exit 44), featuring nearly 2,000 slots and more than 55 table games including live poker, plus live Bingo, sportsbook and off-track betting.

    Phone 800-584-7263 for more information or visit the website at www.ccrla.com.

  • Imroz Niwas: A Journey of Cultural Revival and Sustainable Elegance

    Imroz Niwas: A Journey of Cultural Revival and Sustainable Elegance

    In the bustling streets of New Delhi, amidst the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture, Tannya Singh’s journey began. Born into a family that straddled two worlds, she found herself drawn to the rich tapestry of her Indian heritage, even as she embraced the opportunities of her American upbringing. From a young age, Tannya was captivated by the exquisite craftsmanship of India’s bygone golden era, where every handmade creation told a story of tradition, elegance, and artistry.
    Her passion for preserving this legacy was ignited during her frequent visits to India, where she immersed herself in the bustling artisanal markets, engaging with craftsmen and learning about their time-honored techniques. Yet, amid the beauty and splendor, she discovered a sobering truth: many artisans were struggling to find apprentices to carry forward their craft, and the age-old traditions were at risk of fading away.
    It was during an unexpected and transformative year-long stay in Delhi, brought about by Covid travel restrictions, that Tannya’s vision took shape. Witnessing the plight of artisans stranded in the city, unable to return to their homes or sell their wares, she and her mother, Sharmila, saw an opportunity to make a difference. They decided to commission designs from these artisans, providing them with employment and a means to support their families during challenging times.
    What began as a small gesture of solidarity soon blossomed into something far greater. The designs flourished, and the team of artisans grew, fueled by a shared passion for preserving India’s rich artistic heritage. Thus, Imroz Niwas was born—a testament to the spirit of resilience, creativity, and community that defines India’s artisanal tradition.
    The name “Imroz Niwas” speaks to the ethos of the brand: “Imroz,” meaning “Today” in Sanskrit, encapsulates the essence of living in the present moment, while “Niwas,” meaning “Home,” signifies a sanctuary where tradition and modernity converge. Imroz Niwas is not just a brand; it is an invitation to experience the timeless beauty of Indian craftsmanship through a contemporary lens.
    In February of 2024, Imroz Niwas took its vision global with the launch of its international website, offering discerning customers around the world a curated selection of handcrafted treasures imbued with cultural richness and authenticity. At the heart of Imroz Niwas lies an ardent commitment to sustainability, ensuring that every piece and packaging is ethically sourced and environmentally conscious.
    At Imroz Niwas, we also specialize in corporate gifting, offering fully customized solutions tailored to fit the unique needs of your company and recipients. Whether it’s for a special occasion, a particular style preference, or a specific budget, we work closely with you every step of the way to ensure that your gifts are a perfect reflection of your brand. With our extensive range of handcrafted products, we can create one-of-a-kind pieces that stand out from the crowd while upholding our commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. Choose Imroz Niwas for your corporate gifting needs and experience the pride of giving meaningful, memorable gifts that make a positive impact.
    From the moment an artisan’s hands shape the raw materials to the final packaging, every step of the process is infused with care and mindfulness. Imroz Niwas is more than a destination for exquisite products; it is a movement—a celebration of culture, heritage, and the enduring beauty of handmade craftsmanship.
    In choosing Imroz Niwas, customers become part of a journey—a journey that honors the past, embraces the present, and paves the way for a sustainable future. Each purchase is a statement of support for India’s artisans, a testament to the enduring legacy of craftsmanship, and a step towards a more conscious and connected world. Welcome to Imroz Niwas—where tradition meets modernity, and every piece tells a story of timeless elegance and cultural pride.