Category: Community

By Niki Khambe

HOUSTON: Once again it was that time of the year when Ekal Vidyalaya organized their annual fundraiser. Over 1150 people – it was a full house – gathered at the Stafford Center of Performing Arts, on Cash Road on Friday May 3.  Prior to the show in the auditorium, everyone was treated to a buffet style vegetarian dinner in partitioned thalis, catered by Bhojan restaurant, in the large banquet hall.

This year the organizers had invited the mellifluous Sanjeevani Bhelande, who has many Bollywood hits to her credit. The first ever winner of the Sa Re Ga Ma TV talent show, Sanjeevani mesmerized the audience with her soulful voice and sang Hindi classics and songs in 4 different languages. The overwhelmed crowd couldn’t stop cheering ‘once more’ and applauding the seven time Sa Re Ga Ma winner Chirag Panchal. The talented team also included Mohit Shastry on keyboard and flute, Amit Mehta on tabla and dholak and Rupesh Rane on percussion.

Key note speakers of the evening were Chairman of Ekal Global Ramesh Shah and his wife Kokilaben Shah. They related their experience of visiting 100 schools over the past 4 months and how the families in rural villages strive to earn their living and are also enthusiastic to learn in school.

Ramesh Shah added that “there are children attending government schools and yet again in the evening they come to Ekal schools because it is the only place where they get true value based education. They were overjoyed to see someone taking efforts to travel from thousands of miles and taking interest in their lives.” The usually media shy person Kokilaben requested the audience to visit at least one school in their lifetime and experience the simple yet tough life of villagers. The life is filled with hardships due to corruption and exploitation.

The Houston chapter president Nikhil Mehta gave a warm welcome to all old and young entrepreneurs and professionals, retired donors and graduates with open heart and stretched arms. His visit to Uttranchal made him realize that the children can not do it without help from someone like us, who are very fortunate & grateful. He quoted the Ekal Vidyalaya founder, Shyamji Gupt “Ekal ko apni sarthakta sidhh karni hai (Ekal has to prove its significance).” He also explained how we can play role of Shri Ram in someone’s life and nurture every tiny seed to become a Hanuman.

The emcee for the evening Nikita Khambe also made an impactful appeal. “The Shakti of the family, the woman must be educated and empowered for enriching their lives. We should not be mute bystanders to corruption and exploitation,” she stated, adding “Ekal Vidyalaya nurtures individuals into responsible citizens who can fight against all obstacles.”

The hard work and effort put in by all the volunteers: Dharmendra Shah, Hitesh Shah, Sudarshan Belose, Sujan Patel, Margi Shah, Pooja Shah, Pratik Kapadia, Uday Gandhy, Shruti Gandhy and Siddhi Dave helped to pull the event together seamlessly and efficiently.

The triumphant event collected donations for over 900 schools and would brighten day to day life of nearly 80,000 families. Gopal Savjani and Pankaj Maheshwari were awarded Donors of the Decade for their contribution of over 300 schools. Concerts in Dallas and Austin raised money for over 200 schools.

Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA is a tax exempt, registered non-profit service organization dedicated to education and village development in rural India.  Ekal’s philosophy is to take a holistic approach to social and economic development. The Ekal movement is the largest, grassroots level, non-government education movement in India, operating in over 48,000 villages and educating over 1.4 million children in rural India.

HOUSTON: At the luncheon held by the American Society of Indian Engineers on May 3 at the Houston Engineering and Scientific Society Club (HESS Club), the invited speaker for the event was Daniel W. Krueger, Director of the Public Works Department at the City of Houston.

Over 125 professionals, including many non-Indians, from the local engineering, consulting, architectural and manufacturing firms, attended the event. The event was sponsored by 28 companies including Platinum Sponsors: Arcadis US, CH2M Hill, Geotest Engineering, HDR and KIT Professionals; Gold Sponsors: ADS Pipe, Aguirre & Fields, AIA Engineers, Cobb Fendley and Associates, Doshi Engineering and Surveying, HR Green and Wadhwa Associates, Architects and Silver Sponsors: AECOM, ARKK Engineers, Carollo Engineers, CP&Y, Crouch Environmental Services, Epic Transportation Group, GC Engineering, Gupta and Associates, Huitt Zollars, Kalluri Group, Kenall, Klotz Associates, Kuo Associates, Othon, Parsons and RK&K Engineers.

ASIE President Vishal Merchant recognized the elected officials and distinguished guests includeding City of Pearland Councilman Woody Owens who is also and Chairman of the Greater 288 Partnership; Andrea Ranft of TSC Engineering who is President of the Asian American Engineers and Architects and Chairman Engineering Week Committee of Houston; James Jones of Jones and Carter and President of Texas American Water Works Association; Billy Cooke with Klotz Associates, President of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers and Paul Voiles with Brown and Gay Engineers and President of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Jimmy Shindewolf, General Manager of North Harris County Regional Water Authority; Ravi Kaleyatodi, Senior Assistant Director, City of Houston and Jun Chang, Deputy Director, Utilities, City of Houston also attended.

Merchant noted that the ASIE had over 120 active members, about 60 life members, and 16 corporate members and said his goal is to double the numbers in 2013 during his presidency. He added that the proceeds from the event would go towards the ASIE Scholarship program, which this year will offer five $2,000 scholarships.

As Director of PWD, Krueger is responsible for overseeing the Department’s services to Houstonians through the planning, operation, maintenance, construction management and technical engineering of the City’s public infrastructure. The Department’s responsibilities include operation and maintenance of the City’s streets and drainage, production and distribution of water, collection and treatment of wastewater, and permitting and regulation of public and private construction. The Department is staffed with a trained work force of approximately 3,900 and operates with an annual budget of approximately $1.2 billion.

Krueger gave more details about the function of his department. He discussed the latest initiatives adopted by the City for improving the public infrastructure including drainage, utilities, roadways and sidewalks, and also about the Rebuild Houston program. He briefly mentioned the City’s CIP program and cited a study by the American Society of Civil Engineers, which graded the City’s infrastructure and encouraged participation of local engineers and construction managers to make future improvements for the City.

HOUSTON: Sewa International launched its Family Services initiative on April 20, at Keshav Smuriti in Houston.

 It is a program to assist individuals or families walk through their most difficult times with the help of the community leaders, organizations and volunteers.

More than 60 representatives from various organizations like the Arya Samaj of Greater Houston and Hindus of Greater Houston participated in the modest inaugural ceremony and offered their support.

Along with the Houston supporters, Girish Mehta from Boston who is running a similar program, Ouricc.org, joined online, shared his experiences and encouraged the Family Services team of volunteers.

“It was an inspiring evening and a beautiful exchange of experiences, stories and enthusiasm which concluded with High tea and delicious snacks. The Family Services Team would like to thank the community for supporting the launch of the most awaited initiative,” said Sarojini Gupta, speaking on behalf of the team.

To see photos of the event visit:

http://cts.vresp.comc/?SewaInternationalUSAb2a71d30bb/TEST/ec96499c51/authkey=CPCG3825nOLbCA

 The Family Services team includes Sarojini Gupta, Dhara Arya, and  Dinesh Shah of Sewa International, Houston Chapter. The Family Services Hot Line is 832-900-9354.

For more information visit:

www.familyserviceshouston.org.

HOUSTON: “Mom” is the word!  AIM for Seva is holding an exciting get together to honor Houston Mothers and to celebrate motherhood. “Houston has a very vibrant Indian culture”, says Suma Mudan of AIM for Seva, “and the credit goes to the tenacity of mothers taking the time and trouble to inculcate Indian tradition and values to their children”.  Many of the Houston Moms are professionals and perform the delicate tasks of balancing household chores, demands of profession,  educating children, taking care of the elder relatives and yet, manage to have lots of fun.

“AIM for Seva has a close relationship with motherhood and education”, says Suma Mudan.  “Our entire movement was started by a disheartened tribal mother, Papammal, who could not send her children to school because of poverty, distance, safety and security.  She challenged Swami Dayananda Saraswathi to bring “Homes to Schools”. Thus was born the unique concept of “Chatralayas” or student homes, where we provide food, shelter, education, clothing, healthcare and teach ethics in a safe, secure and nurturing environment”.

The Event will be held at Anjali Performance Center, Sugar Land on May 11.  The festivities start at 6 PM, with a social hour for guests to meet and greet, and will conclude with dinner.

The primary focus of the event is to felicitate several senior mothers for contributions to families and  communities. The mothers who will be honored include Shakuntala Malhotra, Anasuya Devi, Seetha Devi, Lalita Mangipudi, Pankajam Rangaswamy, and Thulasi Radhakrishnan.

We are also inaugurating the Women’s’ Co-op during the event and we will have pickles and powders for sale.  There are fun events planned, entertainment by Andhra Mirchi Radio Team, bingo games with great prizes, and other as well.Please join us and make this a memorable event for Houston Moms.

For further information visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/135714760183/

http://aimforsevahouston.blogspot.in/2013/05/mothers-day-on-may-11-2013.html

HOUSTON: Houston Chapter of North South Foundation (NSF) conducted its 21st annual children’s educational contests on Saturday, April 27 at Lone Star College (University Park campus).   The event was successfully organized with participation of more than 150 children.  This year saw an increase of more than 60% in its registrations compared to last year.

The event was supported by India Cultural Center (ICC) and Radio Hangama, a Telugu radio station.  NSF Houston chapter had partnered with Lone Star College for the venue.  The College provided all required facilities for the success of the event and to the satisfaction of all.

NSF Houston Chapter conducted Math Bee, Science Bee, Vocabulary Bee, Spelling Bee, Essay Bee, and Public Speaking contests for children ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 12.

 Each contest is organized in 2 – 3 three levels based on the range of grades of children.  First three ranks have been declared in each contest depending on number of participants.  Contest results have already been published on the website Northsouth.org.  Certificates, medals, and trophies were warmly given away by Mahesh Wadhwa, Vice President of ICC.

Houston Chapter is coordinated by Sai Rachakonda and is assisted by a dedicated team consisting of a Technical Coordinator, Vijai Venkata, and other members, Neetha Chada, Sridhar Dadi, Kamakshi Rudravajhala and past Chapter Coordinator Sumana Nutalapati.  This year the team was assisted by more than 40 dedicated volunteers who took the roles of proctors, judges, and as coordinators for various other functions leading to a successful event.

North South Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1989.  The objective of the organization is to encourage excellence in education and provide scholarships to poor children in India for their education. The organization conducts regional and national contests for children whose parents have Indian origin.

For further information visit www.northsouth.org

HOUSTON: The regional Dharma Bee contest was held at the Arya Samaj of Greator Houston on Saturday April 27.

Almost seventy contestants  from Kindergarten to grade eight participated in the second level regional quiz competition on Swami Vivekananda and Lord Krishna. All of these contestant were qualified winner from the level one exam, which was held in March across nine centers in the Houston area.

The next round of the competition will be a grand finale to be held in Chicago. Eight participants, first prize winners of the second level competition from different age group will advance to the next level of National contest in Chicago on June 15 and 16.

In addition to the exam format, Dharma Bee also encouraged students to conduct one optional sewa project prior to the regional exam. Prior to the grand finale, finalists will complete an “Exploring Project,” which involves visiting a place where Swami ji visited or a nearby Vedanta Center/Ramakrishna Center.

There was a very positive feedback from all the parents who witnessed the contest and encouraged the kids as they were answering the questions of the life of Swami Vivekananda and Lord Krishna.

Dr Sen Pathak, Pankaj Maheshwari, Sharad Amin and Madhusudan Chaudhari were guests of honor who awarded trophies to the the winners.

Dr. Sen Pathak said,  “ During my 42-years of stay in Houston, the Dharma Bee Competition was one of the best organized and attended events on – The Leelas of Shree Krishna and the life-time messages of a Great Son of India, Swami Vivekananda Ji, in my opinion. I wish to congratulate all participants for their preparations and judges who had tough act to examine and decide the winners.  These youngsters are the future care-takers of “second to none” Hindu culture and heritage of Bharat.”

“ Dhrama Bee is a very good learning experience not only for my son Siddharth but for me as well and my entire family. I personally got to know more about Swami Vivekanand while reading the stories to Siddharth. HSS should conduct such contest every year”, said Shipra Jhunjhunwala, mother of Siddharth, participant from group 1.

The winners:

Houston North: Group 1

1st – Raja Pandya

2nd – Siddharth Agarwal

3rd – Chinmayee Madhava

Group 2:

1st – Raghav Rao

2nd – Rohan Patel

3rd – Sindhu Sannabhadti

Group 3:

1st – Govind Chada

2nd – Saritha Cheemerla

3rd – Maheshwar Ajaykumar

Group 4:

1st – Girisa Sai Yaddanapudi

2nd – Aryan Shenoy

3rd – Anuj Kankani

Houston South:Group 1:

1st – Madhura Sriram

2nd – Sravani Polluri

3rd – Rajni Nitturi

Group 2:

1st – Nikitha Kota

2nd – Vidya Iyengar

3rd – Karyaveer Misra

Group 3:

1st – Anish Immadi

2nd – Aditya Bhosley

3rd – Anish Kumaran

Group 4:

1st – Maharajni Perla

2nd – Harinandan Sainath

3rd – Devangsu Gowswami

By Jawahar Malhotra

HOUSTON: There was a lively auction conducted by Dr. Subodh Bhuchar for several items during the Pratham Gala last weekend on Saturday, April 27. The auction was able to raise almost $20,000.

The items included an elegant men’s James Bond series watch by Omega donated by Aku and Meena Patel of Karat 22 Jewelers; an immense wooden statue of Ganesh donated by Surender Talwar of Zarposh India; a handcrafted diamond and gold pendant set donated by Aziz Malik of Maharaja Jewelers and an 18 karat white gold necklace and earrings donated by Shailendra and Prabha Sacheti of Prava Diamonds.

 

HOUSTON: U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Consul General of India in Houston Harish Parvathaneni met last week to discuss the economy, energy, trade and immigration, as well as express admiration for the active role Indian Americans are taking in Texas’ communities. They issued the following statements after their meeting:

“I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Consul General Harish and discuss the issues that are so important to both our countries. Today’s global environment provides many opportunities for our nations to partner, and it is encouraging to see all that Indian Americans in Texas are doing to foster strong community,” said Sen. Cornyn, co-chairman and an original co-founder of the Senate India Caucus.

“Senator Cornyn has been a great votary of strong economic engagement between US and India. With enhanced prospects for cooperation in the field of energy in view of the US shale gas revolution, we will witness in the next few years LNG exports from US to India. This will have a huge significance for Indian households and the industry. We look forward to Senator Cornyn’s support to realize the promising prospects in this regard for Indian and US companies,” said Consul General Harish.

HOUSTON: On Friday April 5, 2013 IACCGH hosted a dinner reception sponsored by the Southside Group in honor of the Indian delegates to the MD Anderson Annual GAP Summit and local MD Anderson faculty at the HESS Club. The guests included Dr. Kian Ang MD PhD, Vice President, Global Academic Programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center, South Africa’s first lady Madam Tobeka Madiba Zuma, IDA Houston President Dr. Kulvinder S. Bajwa and Delhi State Cancer Institute Director Dr. Rakesh Kumar Grover.

 IACCGH President Pankaj Dhume welcomed Madam Zuma and other over 70 guests by reminding them of an important alliance between the MD Anderson Cancer Center and Tata Cancer Institute that was facilitated by the IACCGH ten years ago.  Past President of the Chamber, Deepa Thakur walked the audience down memory lane thanking founding Presidents Dr. Durga Agrawal and Ashoke Nath for their efforts that led to the signing of the MOU.

In March 2003 the IACCGH facilitated a visit by a seven member MD Anderson delegation to Mumbai and Delhi. This delegation included MD Anderson Cancer Center President Dr. John Mendelsohn. In the 62 years of MD Anderson’s history this was the first ever visit by its President to India. This delegation met Indian President Kalam and the then Health Minister Shatrughan Sinha.

The team visited AIIMS Delhi and participated in a symposium on “Common Cancers in India: Evidence Based Management” at Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH).

On Oct 6 2003, Dr. John Mendelsohn and Dr. K.A. Dinshaw, Director of Tata Memorial Center, Mumbai signed a historic Sister Institution Agreement in Mumbai, India.

Witnessing this historic event were 2003 IACCGH President Deepa Thakur, founding President Durga Agrawal, Past Presidents Ashoke Nath and Ashok Shah, Board Advisor Vijay Goradia, founding member & Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia, then Director-at-large (Pune based) Pankaj Dhume and chamber member Ajit Thakur.

In the ten years since the signing of the MOU there have been numerous exchanges between MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Tata Memorial Center.  Since then, MD Anderson Cancer Center has expanded its relationships with several other centers of excellence in India including the Delhi State Cancer Institute.

By Jawahar Malhotra

HOUSTON: The audience was on its feet. They were smiling and grinning. They were, in fact, bent over laughing, some so hard that tears were streaming down their cheeks. They embraced each other, wagged their fingers at one another, made eye contact, shook hands, did high-fives and made awkward gestures that erupted in laughter. And it was all because of that tall, loud, bespectacled man with a wireless headphone microphone who was going around the floor, between the seats egging them on.

The man was demonstrating the therapeutic power of laughter over the ill effects caused by pain and discomfort. “Too many people give out fake, polite laughter,” explained Chaplain Stephen Findley who works at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at the Texas Medical Center, as he mimicked one, “but good, gut busting laughter involves yogic breathing down to the diaphragm and expelling it.” Findley is certified as a Laughter Yoga teacher, the Founder and Director  of Shaka Seminars and a much sought after speaker.

Findley listed out some basic rules for Laughter Yoga to be effective: that it be unconditional, hearty, extended for up to 15 minutes, allowing the brain to secrete endorphins and be enthusiastic. He gave the example of how kids laugh “at nothing. Every part of their body laughs – their elbow, belly, even the back of their head” and jumped down from the stage to mingle with the audience and demonstrate, using one or two as a sidekick. He had them in stitches in no time, just using gestures and making provoking grunts, bellows and stares.

Even the organizers of the event, the Indo American Cancer Awareness Network, were cracking up in the side aisles, and the other three members of the “Living the Anti Cancer Life – The Mind-Body Connection” panel onstage were giggling too. The seminar was part of an ongoing effort by IACAN to educate the public on the dreaded disease and how to handle its effects, both physical and emotional, and pay for care.

The seminar was co-sponsored by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Indo-American Charity Foundation, and Vallabh Priti Sewa Samaj and held at the VPSS auditorium on Bellfort at the Southwest Freeway this past Sunday afternoon, April 28.  IACAN Board member Lakshmi Naik gave a brief introduction on the program and the panelists who covered four areas of alternative and complimentary therapies that work well with conventional treatments. The IACF President Murthy Divakaruni and Board Directors Ramesh Cherivirala and this reporter presented a check of support to IACAN’s President Kanchan Kabad onstage.

The panel discussion started with Dr. Gabriel Lopez, an Assistant Professor in the Department of General Oncology, Section of Integrative Medicine at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, who focuses on conducting integrative oncology consultations. “There is an abundance of  information available about alternative and complementary medicine as well as many books discussing anticancer and finding a new approach to life,” Lopez said, “But be careful because much of it is not evidence based and may even be harmful to follow.”

He explained how alternative medicine encompassed a wide range of health care practices, products, and therapies not typically used in Western medicine like acupuncture, Ayurveda, Chiropractic, and Homeopathy. Complementary Alternative Medicine merges this with conventional medicine to complement the treatment through diverse medical and health care system, practices, and products not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine, such as probiotics, Tai Chi, mind body medicine-yoga and others. For example, he explained how music therapy helped children having a biopsy to ease their pain.

Coming after Findley was a discussion on the ancient Chinese science of acupuncture and acupressure by Sonya Patel, who owns and operates Mirvana Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. Petite and young, Patel has spent several years in China honing her skills and explained how acupuncture and acupressure works on the 12 primary meridians of energy or chi passing through the human body. Although not a cure for ailments, acupuncture can relieve some of the symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, dryness of the mouth, fatigue, depression and constipation. Patel demonstrated the way acupuncture is performed by inserting needles into a volunteer on stage.

The event ended with a demonstration of Tai Chi by members of the USA Tai Chi Academy who comprised of people of all ages. Tai Chi is practiced both for its defense training as well as its health benefits and its slow movements make it suitable for old, young and the weak alike. The Academy President, Jason Leung, was on hand to explain how he discovered that some of the movements he had to undergo in therapy when rehabilitating from his own recovery from cancer surgery and treatment were similar to those that he knew from Tai Chi. Both he and his wife are members and instructors of the Academy and a dozen members of the group performed to two songs, one with a sword, onstage.

HOUSTON: First anniversaries are always special. Supporters of Asia Society Texas Center, marking one year since the grand opening of the organization’s spectacular home in the Museum District, celebrated Tiger Ball 2013 on Friday, April 26 in grand style and amid lavish surroundings.

More than 500 of Houston’s social and civic worthies, many in gorgeous national dress, crowded into the Yoshio-Taniguchi-designed Center for scrumptious food by Jackson and Company and good conversation. Tables were arrayed over both floors in intimate groupings while musicians—representing the diversity of Asia, from Indian sitarists to Vietnamese folk singers—entertained guests. Golden limestone and rich cherrywood walls formed the backdrop to elegant décor by AJ’s Urban Petals.

The evening started in style with cocktails and sushi in a lighted pavilion in front of the Center. After brief remarks, guests moved into the building for the seated dinner. Following dessert DJ Sun cranked up the sounds for post-dinner dancing in the expansive Fayez Sarofim Grand Hall.

 The annual gala raised $650,000 to support programs, exhibitions, educational activities, and operations of the Texas Center, all designed to further Asia Society’s mission of bringing Asians and Americans together for a shared future.

Welcoming guests were gala chairs Gina and Dr. Devinder Bhatia and the Texas Center’s Acting Executive Director, John Bradshaw, Jr. Honorary chairs were Muffet Blake and Sheela and Ashok Rao.

Seen in the crowd: Margaret Williams and Jim Daniel, Sima and Massoud Ladjevardian, Annette and George Strake, Tony and Isaac Arnold, Jr., Marian and Dr. Robert Stasney, Sushana and Jack Castle, Anu and Dr. Nat Bala, Monjula and Ravi Chidambaram, Dr. George Yang, Lily and Hamid Kooros, Y. Ping Sun and David Leebron.

Since its April 2012 opening the new Asia Society Texas Center has hosted internationally recognized performers, statesman, writers, and scholars. As it enters its second year, it continues to present wide-ranging public programs across the fields of business and policy, arts and culture, and education. A nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization, it promotes mutual understanding and strengthens partnerships among the peoples, leaders and institutions of Asia and the United States.

Soorya Krishnamoorthy’s Sangamam premiers in Houston May 5

By Farida Hasanali

HOUSTON: SOS incoming President Dr. Swapan Dubey proudly announced the completion and graduation of SOS’ 4th Life and Leadership Series.  The Graduation event hosted at Fratelli’s by the SOS Executive Board on April 13 was attended by close to 100 members, friends, and well-wishers.  The event held a different kind of charge this year.  Past, present and future students mingled with the crowd, each talking to members and supporters about the benefits of the SOS program.

Dr. Archana Laxmisan, President of SOS, thanked the audience and graciously stepped down to hand over the baton to Dr. Swapan Dubey for the upcoming year.  “SOS taught me how to rethink my priorities,” said Dr. Laxmisan.  “Today I am equally focused on my personal and professional goals and I am achieving the things I have always wanted to achieve.  I had to sit myself down, figure out what I wanted and devise a means of getting it.  SOS taught me how.”

Dr. Swapan Dubey accepted the Presidency and briefly spoke about his vision for the SOS program.  “We need to ensure that SOS is a life long learning experience, “said Dr. Dubey.  “We don’t want people to graduate from one year of sessions, and then never been seen again.  That’s not our goal.”

Dr. Dubey called upon current students to express what the SOS experience meant to them.  “When you look at the sky with an untrained eye, all you see is a mass of stars, if you look up at the same sky with the guidance of an astronomer all of a sudden you see galaxies and formations and you recognize the names of several stars.  That’s what SOS did for me…I look at my life every day, SOS helped me see the patterns within it with a focused lens.” said Russell Richard, Director of Leadership and Engagement, Center for Houston’s Future and current SOS student.

The program closed with a thank you from Vivek Mehta, Chairman of SOS.  Vivek recounted both SOS’ and its COI’s 2012-2013 accomplishments and promised exciting events in the second half of 2013 such as an informational event at Dr. Dubey’s emergency clinic and another sophisticated networking encounter at the River Oaks Country Club.

The evening held another surprise for its attendees. Randhir Sahni, President, Llewelyn-Davies Sahni presented his thoughts on life and success.  “Life is not all about accomplishing your financial goals, you have to focus on personal growth and community service, you have to think in terms of “what can I give back to the community.”  Over dinner, Sahni asked each table to contemplate over a question.  “If Life is not about how much money you make and whether you are a successful entrepreneur or corporate executive, then how would you define a life “well-lived” in the context of living in Houston today?”

Each table reported back ideas ranging from supporting the growth of the Houston economy, being good civic inhabitants of Houston, to contributing towards the city’s growth.  On a personal level, several tables agreed giving back was critical to self-fulfillment.  Others expressed the desire to find an optimal work-life balance where they could spend as much time with family as they did at work.

For those not familiar with the parent SOS Organization, SOS (Share Our Secrets), was founded in 2010 as a joint venture between Club24 and NetIP.  The current SOS program consists of four components; the SOS Life and Leadership Series, SOS member speaker series, SOS Connect, and the Circle of Influence.

If you are interested in learning more about any of the SOS components please email us at LearnHow@ shareoursecrets.org. Please mention specifically how you would like to support SOS and its goals to help the next generation succeed at an accelerated pace.