Indo American News

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  • 14th Indian Film Festival of Houston: A Rousing Success

    14th Indian Film Festival of Houston: A Rousing Success

    HOUSTON: For the past fourteen years, Sutapa Ghosh, Founder and Executive Director of the Indian Film Festival of Houston (IFFH), has watched the annual event mature. What began as an idea to introduce Houstonians to true Indian cinema has grown both in size and in scope, attracting movie-goers not only from our local diverse communities but from other parts of the country and world.

    IFFH Board Members

    Ghosh wanted to make this year very special because India is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its independence. At the same time, it’s the celebration for Satyajit Ray, considered to be among the “100 Greatest Film Directors Ever,” who was born a century ago this year.  He was the inspiration for many brilliant filmmakers around the globe.  Ray won multiple awards, including ones from Berlin, Tokyo, Cannes, Venice, Russia, and Yugoslavia. He also received the French Legion of Honor from the President of France, as well as an Academy Honorary Award here in the United States.

    Master of Ceremonies for the Festival held at the Asia Society Texas Center was Jose Grinan from FOX26 Morning News and Board Member of IFFH.  He introduced Indian Consul Sandeep Choudhury who launched this year’s Indian Film Festival of Houston.

    Indian Consul Sandeep Choudhury (center) with IFFH Founder Sutapa Ghosh and board members.

    The first film shown was Ray’s Charulata (The Lonely Wife), based on a tale by India’s first Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore.  It is the story of a talented woman married to a newspaper publisher so involved in his business that he neglects his wife.  She falls in love with his cousin who is helping to develop her literary talents.

    A reception was held between the screenings.  Attendees included Consuls General and Deputy Consuls General from countries including India, Korea, Mexico, and Angola.  They were treated to Indian delicacies from the Verandah Restaurant while enjoying the sounds of Moodafaruka, a band that combined Indian instruments (the sitar and tabla) with western ones, creating fusion music.

    Returning to the theater, Grinan introduced Houston Councilwoman Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz who gave Founder and Executive Director Ghosh a Proclamation on behalf of Mayor Sylvester Turner declaring October 15, 2022 as Indian Film Festival of Houston Day.

    The second film was Shatranj Ke Khilari (The Chess Players), based on a true incident in 1856. Chess, a game invented in India, became an obsession among many, including noblemen who are depicted in the film that takes place in 1856.  They ignore the historic event taking place—the British take-over of the Indian princely state of Awadh whose capital is Lucknow.

    Next year the Festival will celebrate its fifteenth anniversary.  Special plans are being made for the event which will move to February 23-25, 2023.  It will include film screenings, Q&As, international filmmakers, entertainment, a sit-down dinner, and an awards ceremony.

    The Festival is grateful to all of its Board Members, Sponsors, Patrons, Supporters, and Volunteers.

  • Gandhi Jayanti Celebrations Marked on Oct. 2

    Gandhi Jayanti Celebrations Marked on Oct. 2

    By Dr. Nidhi Trehan

    It is a rare event in the diaspora when members of the social justice community congregate and celebrate visionaries such as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, (known as “Mahatma” or “Great Soul”) and Martin Luther King Jr. on the same platform, but Austin-based community group, Friends of India, Texas (FIT) did just that on October 2nd of this year!

    Sharing with the audience the importance of “Gandhian Civil Disobedience in Today’s World”, guest speakers Tushar Gandhi (great grandson of Mahatma Gandhiji, based in Mumbai) and Pastor Jennifer Cumberbatch of Full Measure Ministry of Austin, Texas shared their knowledge over zoom. Tushar ji highlighted the critical importance of standing up for social justice in India today. He discussed the continuing caste-based antipathy faced by Indians from Dalit backgrounds, the alarming rise of hostility and violence towards Indian Muslims, and examples of resiliance and resistance such as the anti-CAA protests (Citizenship Amendment Act, a controversial law which fast tracks citizenship for refugees to India, but excludes Muslim refugees from the same, for example, Rohingya from Myanmar or Ahmediyas from Pakistan) led by women in Shaheen Bagh as well as the farmers’ protests against the three farm bills (which the current Government ultimately had to revoke).

    Pastor Jen Cumberbatch

    Just as his illustrious descendant Gandhiji had fought against British imperialism, Tushar Gandhi himself invoked the principles of nonviolent social action to fight for India’s “Second Freedom Movement”, a struggle to preserve Gandhiji’s legacy, including India’s secular values, and respect for all, regardless of caste, creed, religion, region, linguistic affiliation, etc.

    Pastor Jen spoke equally eloquently on how nonviolent civil disobedience was essential for the success of the American civil rights movement.  Indeed, Howard Thurman, an African American theologian met with Mahatma Gandhi in India in the mid-1930s, and brought his philosophy of civil disobedience to the Howard University community in Washington DC, where he was the first dean of Rankin Chapel in 1932. In 1935, Thurman led a group of African-Americans to India, where in Bardoli, Gujarat, they had the opportunity to meet with Gandhiji and had intense discussions about the meaning of satyagraha (truth-force or ‘holding firmly to truth’). Thurman and others had a profound impact on the development of Martin Luther King Jr.’s thoughts when he was a seminary student at Howard University in 1949, a year after Gandhiji’s assassination.

    Tushar Gandhi

    This was how the message of Gandhian nonviolent social action came into being in the United States and was applied successfully by civil rights leaders such as Dr. King and others.  Jawaharlal Nehru, an anti-colonial Indian nationalist and secular humanist who was India’s first prime minister in 1947, had invited Dr. King and his wife Coretta Scott King on a trip to India in February and March 1959.  MLK Jr. was so moved by his trip, he referred to it as a “pilgrimage” and also said of nonviolent direct action, “Christ showed us the way, and Gandhi in India showed it could work.” Incidentally, in 1969, India was the first country to issue a postage stamp in honor of Dr. King, even before the US! Both speakers closed with a discussion of cross-community solidarity and how important it was to learn about the legacy of both Gandhi and King to continue the struggle for social justice globally today.

    Some more background: https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2020/01/20/martin-luther-king-india-gandhi/

     

  • ‘Diwali in My New Home’: A Picture Book about Celebrating the Festival in a New Country

    ‘Diwali in My New Home’: A Picture Book about Celebrating the Festival in a New Country

    HOUSTON: This Diwali comes with a picture book, Diwali In My New Home, a story about a little girl Priya, who loves being with family and friends to watch fireworks and celebrate Diwali. But this

    year Priya and her parents are living in the United States, and no one seems to know about the holiday. Priya misses the traditions in India. But as she strings lights outside and creates rangoli art, Priya introduces the festival of lights to her neighbors. And even though the celebration is different this year, it’s still Diwali.

    Joyful and heart-warming, Diwali In My New Home is sure to be a favorite for all ages. It is full of vibrant colors and skillful illustrations that will have you captivated by every page. It is the perfect choice for beginner readers and especially for immigrant children who are missing home. This story will give hope that culture and traditions live on no matter where you are and that the people around you are what make every day so special. A picture book for children to be embrace their culture and to celebrate who they are.

    Shachi Kaushik is a bilingual Hindi-English children’s media enthusiast who is passionate about sharing stories of cultural diversity and authenticity. Shachi Kaushik migrated to North America about a decade ago, but her journey of self-discovery and writing stories has just started.

    Join Shachi for a special Diwali Story Time  at the Brazo Bookstore on Saturday, October 15, 2022 – 10:30am

  • IAPAC Reception for Mealer, GOP Candidate for Harris County Judge

    IAPAC Reception for Mealer, GOP Candidate for Harris County Judge

    Former County Judge Ed Emmett with candidate Alexandra Mealer

    HOUSTON: On September 30, 2022, the Indian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC) of Greater Houston hosted Alexandra Mealer, candidate for Harris County Judge at the India House.

    Randhir Sahni, co-chair of the event, opened the evening with remarks about the history of IAPAC and introduced the key speaker, former Judge Ed Emmett. Emmett a very well- respected former Harris County Judge is also a good friend of the Indian American community.

    Emmett described Mealer’s qualification for the candidacy for the top job in Harris County, focusing in on her formal education at Harvard and her military experience thus her ability to handle crisis. He went on to add that he was glad Mealer was not running against him for the same position. Emmett brought his experience to bear and stressed that the County Judge position should focus on local services and issues within the Judge’s jurisdiction.

    Event co-chair Randhir Sahni
    Event co-chair Deepak Agarwal

    Mealer spoke candidly about the restructuring that has taken place within the County and pointed out that taxpayers are footing the bill more and receiving less in return in the past 4 years. She pointed her priorities, promised to prioritize public safety by fixing the anemic funding of the criminal justice system and to “protect the most vulnerable.” She spoke passionately about the high crime rate in Harris County, stating, “violent repeat offenders, in possession of firearms, are being let out on minimal value bond. She further added that current law in place prevent criminals from getting back on the street, are not being enforced. When in office, she intends to bring about needed change.

    Following her speech, Mealer. answered questions from the audience. When asked about how she would work through the challenges that Commissioners Court is facing today, Mealer showed her knowledge of the history of Court workings and how previous Commissioners Courts rarely cast along party-line. She

    used the example of members of the Court like Ed Emmett and El Franco Lee who upheld the tradition of making decisions that were reasonable and in the interest of the public and said she would work to mirror that tradition.

    She recognized Sartaj Bal, an Indian American candidate for Harris County Criminal Court Law #9, who is running on the premises of reinstating tougher punishments for repeat offenders.

    State Senator Paul Bettencourt spoke next showing his support for Mealer. Bettencourt engaged the audience with his energy and brought the focus back to safety in Harris County.

    Deepak Agarwal, co-chair of the event, thanked Judge Ed Emmett, Senator Paul Bettencourt, Alexandra Mealer and the IAPAC volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this a successful event.

  • Defaced Election Yard Signs Point to Bigotry, Hate in Fort Bend

    Defaced Election Yard Signs Point to Bigotry, Hate in Fort Bend

    RICHMOND, Fort Bend County: Many candidates running for political office in the elections in November have placed their yard signs on a block-long stretch of Richmond Parkway and Wildwood, across from the CVS, for people to look at as they drive by.

    The signs have been up for awhile and include several minorities like Surendran Pattel, Juli Mathew, Grady Prestage and Stephen Longoria.

    In the last few days, almost all the minority candidate signs have been defaced with a thick black cross and in the case of Juli Mathew obliterating her face. This is not the first time that this has occurred in Ft Bend County. In the last election cycle in 2020, similar instances were reported, but this time it is more rampant.

    Ft Bend District Attorney Brian Middleton has promised to investigate saying this was a criminal act and will prosecute any individuals who are responsible.

  • BAPS Donates $75K to Susan G. Komen Foundation via Walk-Run 2022

    BAPS Donates $75K to Susan G. Komen Foundation via Walk-Run 2022

    Beneficiary recognition event, Stafford, Texas, 23 September 2022. Photo Credit: BAPS Charities

    STAFFORD, TX: Over 2,100 participants came together at the picturesque Sugar Land Town Square earlier this year, on April 24, to join In the Joy of Others: Walk-Run 2022 that was organized by BAPS Charities. These enthusiastic participants were part of an even larger movement of walkers and runners at similar walkathons organized in over 74 cities throughout the USA.

    These events helped raise funds for national beneficiary Susan G. Komen’s vital mission to save lives and invest in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. In addition, the walkathon in the Greater Houston area also supported local beneficiaries, Behind the Badge Charities and Stafford MSD Education Foundation.

    In the Joy of Others: Walk-Run 2022, Sugar Land, Texas, 24 April 2022. Photo Credit: BAPS Charities

    This past Friday, September 23, BAPS Charities hosted an engagement at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Stafford to recognize the impactful and important work of Susan G. Komen and other local beneficiaries. BAPS Charites presented a check for $75,000 to the Susan G. Komen foundation. The event was attended by over one hundred and fifty volunteers, contributors, beneficiary representatives, and friends of BAPS Charities.

    Dr. Purvi Desai shared on behalf of volunteers, “As a physician, I know all too well the devastation advanced breast cancer brings to not only the patient but to her entire network of friends and family.” She lauded the efforts of Susan G. Komen to spearhead advances in cancer treatments and educate the community on early detection through annual exams and screening.

    Sarah Rosales, VP of Corporate Partnerships for Susan G. Komen, shared personal narratives of breast cancer patients facing challenging circumstances with resolve and determination. She noted that long-standing partnership is making an impact and thanked volunteers for showing love and commitment through the incredible donation.

    Mayor Cecil Willis Jr., from the City of Stafford, who was also in attendance noted, “We are glad to have BAPS Charities in our community. It is always great to see all the activities they carryout throughout the year.” The event concluded with dinner and continuing conversations amongst attendees on the shared ethos of the “Spirit of Service” that inspires all to give back to their communities.

  • IAPAC Holds Reception for Judges Lina Hidalgo and KP George

    IAPAC Holds Reception for Judges Lina Hidalgo and KP George

    By Jawahar Malhotra & Pranav Rao

    IAPAC members with Gene Wu (far left) and Judges Lina Hidalgo and KP George

    HOUSTON: In its continuing efforts to educate the South Asian community about the political process in the Greater Houston area, the Indo American PAC held another reception on Thursday, September 22 evening for Harris County Commissioners Court Judge Lina Hidalgo and for KP George, her equivalent in Ft Bend County. Both are Democrats running for re-election in November. The reception was held at India House after refreshments and drew about 60 people. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner regrettably was not able to attend due to a prior commitment.

    Hidalgo spoke about her background as an immigrant who was born in Columbia, raised during the drug wars and left with her family leaving to seek safety in the US. She talked with admiration about KP George saying “immigrants come to the US for opportunity. People who oppose immigration miss this point”.

    Hidalgo talked about her goals for the county. She wants to invest in early childhood education and has made responding to climate change a key priority. She supports a strong public transit system, wants to invest in broadband infrastructure and reduce homelessness by 20 percent. She even wants to make the ballot available in Indian languages.

    Referring to her Republican opponent who accuses her of defunding the police, Hidalgo responded that her goal is to “invest in policies that are just and work”. She said her opponent denied that Trump lost the 2020 election and wants to purge voter rolls while Republican County officials did not want to certify the elections.

    Hidalgo stressed the need to keep stable individuals in office and keep government accountable. In that regard, she refuses to take contributions from people who do business with the County. On the subject of guns, she wants common sense gun reform at the state level and start a gun violence interruption program on the county level; youth programs to prevent gun crimes, a gun buyback program; systems put in place to confiscate guns from perpetrators of domestic violence and to stop NRG stadium from holding gun shows.

    KP George began by emphasizing that Fort Bend was the third fastest growing county in Texas, 13th in the US and most ethnically diverse in the US. He spoke about his biggest achievement in establishing and expanding the Ft Bend Office of Emergency Management the need for which was illustrated by the experience of, and lack of, emergency directions during Hurricane Harvey. It is a state-of-the-art building opened on June 3, and has made Fort Bend a regional leader in emergency management.

    George emphasized that he was the first person of any color to become FB county judge and before him, people didn’t know what a county judge was. He said he has invested in youth internship program in FB and wants to empower young people to get politically involved. He also announced that last Tuesday, $18 million was approved to make law enforcement pay more competitive.

    He spoke about Ft Bend’s vaccination efforts, rent assistance, relief funds for small businesses during COVID and that the biggest problem during pandemic was Greg Abbot.

    George said that his strong immigrant background gives him the resiliency to preserve through criticism. He added that it was important to speak out about injustice and racism when asked what Indo-American’s should do to get more involved in politics.

  • Capacity Turnout for ASIE’s Annual 2022 Scholarship Fundraiser

    Capacity Turnout for ASIE’s Annual 2022 Scholarship Fundraiser

    ASIE Board with Houston Public Works Director (L to R: Raj Tanwani, Daya Dayananda, Raghu Veturi, Atri Sen, Tej Kour, Vishakha Kaushik, Apoorv Kumar, Aravind Nimma, Varenya Mehta, Karthik Balasubramaniam, Alok Shah

    HOUSTON: The American Society of Indian Engineers and Architects hosted its Scholarship Fundraiser event in-person on Thursday, September 22 at the Hyatt Regency West Houston. With support from the event sponsor, corporate sponsors and attendees the ASIE’s is continuing its tradition of the Annual Scholarship program, started in 1998. This year’s fundraiser helped raise funds for scholarships to be awarded during the ASIE’s Annual Holiday event, set for November.

    The evening started with a networking hour that allowed attendees to meet and network prior to the main event. ASIE’s 2022 President Raghu Veturi kicked-off the event with a welcome speech to a bustling room of over 250 attendees from the engineering and architectural community of Houston. Over 40 firms, including several major ones with a local, regional, national, and international presence, were in attendance for the evening.

    Houston Public Works Director Carol Haddock presenting at ASIE Scholarship Fundraiser Event

    The President’s speech was followed by dinner. While guests continued to enjoy their meals, ASIE Vice President Vishakha Kaushik welcomed and introduced the guest speaker of the night, Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E., Director of Houston Public Works . Haddock shared an overview of Houston Public Works and her vision for “ CREATING A RESILIENT HOUSTON”.

    ASIE’s Secretary Aravind Nimma closed the event recognizing the volunteers from the ASIE Board of Directors and Executive Committee who put in lots of behind the scenes effort to make this event happen and the corporate sponsors who have provided sponsorships for a great cause to help local engineering and architectural students of Indian origin.

    ASIE President Raghu Vetori

    Every year ASIE awards scholarships to several students pursuing degrees in Engineering or Architecture.  In 2021, ASIE awarded $20,500 towards the ASIE Scholarship Program to 18 well-deserving students. ASIE is very proud of all the Scholarship Winners and wishes them the best in their future endeavors. ASIE appreciates the scholarship donors for their encouragement, generosity and continuous support.

    The American Society of Indian Engineers and Architects (ASIE) is a networking platform for engineers and architects of Indian origin. For the past 28 years, the non-profit organization has been helping the members to network with peers and experts, promoting volunteering opportunities and organizing professional events for improving technical and leadership skills and to gain professional development hours.

     

  • IAA Hosts Original Lucknow Gharana Concert with Dr. Pooja Goswami Pavan

    IAA Hosts Original Lucknow Gharana Concert with Dr. Pooja Goswami Pavan

    By Chandra K. Mittal, Ph.D.

    HOUSTON: Indo-American Association, Houston (IAA) did it again. This time it was with Dr. Pooja Goswami Pavan of Minneapolis, MN, who is a professor, scholar and performer in vocal Hindustani Classical Music.

    On Saturday, September 10, 2022, IAA yet again mesmerized the audience with presentation of SABRANG by Dr. Pooja Goswami Pavan and her stellar team of musicians that included Pankaj Mishra (Sarangi), Gourisankar Karmarkar (Tabla), Kedar Naphade (Harmonium) and student volunteer Krisha on Tanpoora.

    It was all in keeping with IAA’s tradition of promoting quality performing arts of Indian Subcontinent established over its 29 years history. SABRANG Concert was a unique combination of different style of Gayaki of Hindustani vocal music from the 1800s in India.

    The enthusiasm and excitement for the guest musician was palpable and had been building up in Houston before the concert with the release of artist’s video interview by this author (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFWoF71bRNM), and on other social media. The evening started with welcome of the guests and patrons by Board member Radhika Day, and student volunteer Triparna Das introducing the guest artists.

    No sooner than Dr. Pooja took the stage and began singing her first Bandish Ki Thumri of the evening “Mohan Rasiya Aaye Bagiya Mein”, which reflected the centuries-long Hindu-Muslim amity in India, the audience were in complete awe with the quality of her voice, control of notes and the range, which continued throughout the concert.

    As the concert progressed, Dr. Pooja, like a music scholar that she is, intermittently described the historic evolution of different styles (Gayaki), i.e. Thumri, Dadra, Ghazal and Sufiana of Lucknow Gharana developed in the Royal courts of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the last of the Mughal Kings in the North Indian State of Awadh (Oudh) in 1800s before he was punitively extradited to Bengal by the British. This gave the concert color of a Lecture-Demonstration to keep the audience engaged.

    Having been the disciple of Ghazal queen Shanti Hiranand, herself the senior disciple of legendary Mallika-e-Ghazal Begum Akhtar, Dr. Pooja’s singing recreated the ambience of the times that was more than apparent in her rendition of the Ghazal “Wo Jo Hum Mein Tum Mein Qarar Tha, Thumhe Yaad Ho Ki Na Yaad Ho” sung by Begum Akhtar.

    Whether it was Thumri, Dadra, Ghazal or Sufiana Kalam like “Maula Maula Lakh Pukaare” singer’s consistency was impressive and noticeable to the audience, who enjoyed the musical atmosphere of the evening as the performance lived up to the title – SUBRANG.

    By the end of the concert, Houston audience were left wanting more from Dr. Pooja’s music only to be disappointed because all good things must come to an end because of time limitation. The concert concluded with audience expressing their genuine gratitude and appreciation for Dr. Pooja and entire team of accompanying musicians.

    For information on upcoming exciting new IAA programs visit www.IAAHouston.org.

    Dr. Chandra Mittal is Co-Founder of Indo-American Association, Houston (IAA) and Director of Community Relations. E-Mail:  DRCKMITTAL@YAHOO.COM

     

  • Sewa International Conducts Second Successful Annual Charity Golf Event

    Sewa International Conducts Second Successful Annual Charity Golf Event

    Pearland Mayor Kevin Cole with winners of the Sewa International charity golf tournament.

    PEARLAND: Sewa international’s charity golf event to commemorate 9/11 had a successful second year at the Clear Creek Golf Course in Pearland. Texas State Representative, Ed Thompson, District 29, teed off the inaugural shot with the Sewa Golf ball after a moment of silence in memory of the brave victims of 9/11. Mayor Of Pearland, Kevin Cole, came out to support the event and give away the awards.

    The tournament was held in a four-person scramble format, and fifty-six players from across the Houston, Richmond, and Austin areas participated and competed fiercely for the awards. Among those vying for top places were members of an all-women team and a team comprising of LA Lakers guard DJ Augustin and Assistant Coach of Houston Rockets, Rick Higgins.

    Arun Kankani, President of Sewa International, welcomed all golfers and guests. Talking about Sewa International and its service projects, he said “Sewa’s yellow shirts perhaps became fwell-known during Hurricane Harvey response efforts. Sewa became the platform for all kindhearted people in the entire Indian community who wanted to serve our communities and neighborhoods in that hour of need. I encourage all of you to know more about Sewa and see if it can become part of your life. Please come forward and help us by contributing your time, talent, or treasure to serve our communities together. Sewa is the manifestation of the universal message of Universal Oneness, serving all without any discrimination. As our tagline goes ‘Together We Serve Better’.”

    This event was planned, organized, and managed by Sewa volunteers, several of them school children, who turned out on a glorious late summer day to support this cause.  Funds raised from the event will be used for service activities.  The event was the culmination of months of planning, preparation, and hard work by the Sewa organizing team led by Anup Bhasin and Jaivijay Ramu, who have ambitions of turning this into a larger event next year.

    Anup Bhasin of Sewa International’s Houston Chapter thanked the sponsors — Namma Partner, Southeast Cardiovascular Associates, EAG, the Law Office of Leena Bhasin, Dr. Batchu (Internal Medicine Associates of Houston), Bachcha Tiwari (New York Life), Deep Foods, Awake Solar and Monks Restaurant for their generosity and support. “We thank all the sponsors, players, and volunteers who made this event a grand success,” he said.

  • A Happy Beginning for Chinmaya Mission of Houston’s Bala Vihar

    A Happy Beginning for Chinmaya Mission of Houston’s Bala Vihar

    By Shalini Konde

    CMH Bala Vihar teachers 2022

    HOUSTON: Arriving at Houston’s Chinmaya Prabha facility on the pleasant morning of September 11th, 2022, brought with it the joy and warmth of meeting friends and families after a long time. While BalaVihar had continued uninterrupted over the past three years via online classes, one could feel the buzz of renewed energy and excitement of children as they gathered in Sarasvati Nilayam. About 600 children and 400 families attended on the first day.

    One cannot deny the importance of Satsang, a coming together of spiritual seekers that gather in a sanctified environment.  Spiritual seekers are uplifted with divine aspirations and purifying vibrations. There are two sessions conducted for families at the Chinmaya Prabha facility every Sunday. The morning session starts promptly at 8:35 am and the second at 11:15 am. Satsang commences with Bhajans in Smrti Hall, and Sarasvati Nilayam followed by Vedic Arati, Gurudev Arati and Chinmaya Pledge. On the first the day, BalaVihar children were taken by their Grade teachers for darshan at auspicious Saumyakasi Sivalaya temple before commencing their lessons.

    Pujya Acharya gave a beautiful and inspiring introductory Pravachan on Adi Shankaracharya’s Bhaja Govindam. It began with a little story with a message on ‘standard of life’ vs ‘standard of living’. Unless our standard of life matches the standard of living, we will face discord.

    A couple Srikant and Swati, blessed with good jobs and healthy children, often complained about tiredness, lack of sleep, arguments about chores and stress at work. They decided to leave their children with friends and take a short vacation. They booked themselves into an Oceanview room in a luxurious beach resort. The phones were put away and they made a pact to steer clear of arguments. The mini vacation started off well and both avoided arguments and tried to relax. Srikant chose to go for an early morning walk on the beach and enjoy the invigorating fresh sea air. As he walked, he spied a huge log being tossed up and down by the waves.  As he continued to watch, a big wave dashed the log onto the shore. The log now lay still. Srikant began to think – this is how my life has been – I have been tossed up and down with every situation in my life. As he continued to reflect, he perceived three boys walking towards the water lugging their surfboards. Each tried to catch and ride the waves as they appeared, falling often and trying again. The oldest boy appeared to be the most experienced surfer, displayed the ability to maneuver the waves with more skill.

    Pujya Acharya, Sri Gaurang Nanavaty, said that circumstances in life will never stop like the waves. This is the reason why, with Pujya Gurudev’ s blessings, we meet every Sunday and pray together for strength to navigate the ups and downs in life and be happy. Just as a bee is not satisfied with the beauty and fragrance of flowers but gathers honey, the very essence of flowers, we would reap the benefit of raising the standard of life by understanding the essence of Bhaja Govindam.

    For more information about Chinmaya Mission Houston, Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya and its activities please visit www.chinmayahouston.org, www.saumyakasi.org or call temple 281 568 1690 or Jay Deshmukh 832 541 0059 or Bharati Sutaria 281-933-0233 — Photo by Jayesh Mistry

  • Mama Turns 94 with Many Admirers Around Her

    Mama Turns 94 with Many Admirers Around Her

    By Jawahar Malhotra

    Shakuntla Malhotra – affectionately known as mama – celebrated her 94th birthday on September 11, with her many admirers. She cut her cake with son Jawahar, grandson Stefan and great-grand daughter Camille at the Palm Royal Villa in Katy.

    KATY: When she turned 78 in 2006, it was a total surprise to her when she entered Gourmet India restaurant where 70 people shouted “Happy Birthday, Mama”! Stunned and overcome with emotion, she was also delighted to have the affection of so many around her.

    And it has been a birthday event that her sons Jayant and Jawahar have made sure to celebrate every year since, much to the delight of so many of her admirers who look forward to it. Even when she recovered from a brief illness in 2019, the birthday party (no longer a surprise) brought in 90 people who sought her blessings.

    During the COVID pandemic year of 2020, like many other events, her birthday party went virtual on Zoom to a smaller gathering of family and friends. After skipping it last year, the party was on again this year on September 11, and though Mama didn’t realize why she had been brought to the venue, she sat through as decorations and table centerpieces were set up and then she slowly realized what was going on!!

    Mama’s 94th birthday party was held at the luxurious and spacious Palm Royal Villa on FM 1463 in Katy on Sunday, September 11. She was speechless as over 130 people showered her with attention and affection, seeking her blessings and a hug. A person who loves being around people, she has become “mama” to them all. After they serenaded her with the birthday song, mama told them in Hindi that “I am here because of you, … we seek and need each other”. She even sang a couplet of Punjabi tapas (folk songs) to everyone’s amusement. She was presented with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Congressman Al Green whose representative Sam Merchant delivered it in person.

    When Shakuntla Malhotra left her home in New Delhi in 2004, she came to live in America with her two sons. Her husband Jagdish Chander Malhotra of 57 years, a career foreign service diplomat had just passed unexpectedly and she left her life in India behind to start anew in Chicago and Houston. She finally settled into the warmer weather in the Bayou City.

    In the 18 years she has been here, she has endeared herself to others by attending many community functions – even now in her wheelchair; sharing her life story of surviving the Indian Partition and writing 360 Punjabi vegetarian recipes in the pages of Indo American News. She has become so instantly recognizable from her picture in the newspaper that many people ask to be photographed with her.

    In these 18 years, mama has become so endeared to the Indian, Nepali and Pakistani communities here that she is immediately surrounded by them wherever she goes. And with a smile and folded hands, she too declares her affection for them.

  • Ramesh Cherivirala: Forbes Top Financial Security Professional

    Ramesh Cherivirala: Forbes Top Financial Security Professional

    SUGAR LAND: Ramesh Cherivirala from the Houston office of New York Life has been listed on the 2022 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 20 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 Mychael Nguyen, managing partner of the Houston General Office. “New York Life has known for quite sometime what a valuable asset Ramesh has been to our family and to many families and businesses in our community.”

    Ramesh is a Financial Advisor, offers 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 Ph. D degree from Osmania University, Hyderabad, India and LUTC®, and FSCP® designations from American College. He is a resident of Texas for over 3 decades and currently lives in Sugar Land for the past 20 years, married to Anuradha and has two children Sushain and Spoorthi.

     

  • Archana Bharadwaj Wins Young Citizen Award from Exchange Club of Sugar Land

    Archana Bharadwaj Wins Young Citizen Award from Exchange Club of Sugar Land

    L to R: Sathyam Bharadwaj (Dad), Varshini Subramanian (Mom), Liz Tanaka (FCMS Lead Counselor), Juli Fournier, Secretary, Exchange Club of Sugarland

    SUGAR LAND: First Colony Middle School student, Archana Bharadwaj, has been honored as the Young Citizen of the Month by the Exchange Club of Sugarland. The award recognizes her commitment to community service, leadership and academic achievement. A high achiever both academically and in the Indian Cultural space, Archana is also an elegant Bharatnatyam dancer. Few of her recent accomplishments include participating in upcoming KARNA production at University of Houston, in Namadwaar’s PURANAVA Indian Culture Fest and in SEWA USA dancing stars and in ANTARAM in 2017, an international production by Mrs. Suhasini Maniratnam through the Anjali Center for Performing Arts in Sugarland.

    Archana submitted her nomination for Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her volunteering with EKAM Foundation USA Houston Chapter. She recently won 2nd place in RIICAS Houston’s KIDS FOCUS Math & Essay Writing contests. Few of her other proud moments include 3rd place winner in T-Shirt design contest hosted by JKYog Worldwide Ramayana Utsav, being a state qualifier in TMSCA Science and Contest Math, 1st place winner in 2018 Earth Day VT Seva Science Fair, and getting an Honorable Mention at the DISTCO (Digital Storytelling Contest) at University of Houston for her Journey of a Plastic Bag Video presentation. She is also a member of the National Junior Honor Society and has played for FCMS girls Basketball. Archana also successfully pursued a summer internship at STEM-E.
  • Alliance for Disaster Relief Raises $1 Million for Pakistan Flood Victims

    Alliance for Disaster Relief Raises $1 Million for Pakistan Flood Victims

    HOUSTON: Resource generation efforts spearheaded by the Alliance for Disaster Relief, a collaboration of more than 35 plus community organizations in Houston, Texas, USA; to help flood -battered Pakistan; has raised more than $1million in just three hours during a fundraising event. 

     ‏Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner; Congresspersons Sheila Jackson Lee & AL Green; Consul General of Pakistan in Houston Abrar Hashmi; Chief Patron AFDR Syed Javaid Anwar; along with senior elected officials from Fort Bend & Harris County, and several community leaders were in attendance & all donated generously.  

     ‏Addressing the fundraising event, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson said that after a visit to the flood-affected areas of Pakistan, the Biden administration was briefed about the ground situation in Pakistan, as a result of which the Biden administration is expected to authorize an additional 20 million dollars on top of the earlier $30 million for the flood victims in Pakistan. 

     ‏On this occasion, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Congressman AL Green said that we are standing with the Pakistanis in this difficult time, which demand the international community to come forward to help Pakistan in this disaster. 

    During their address to a generous community of Houston at the fundraising dinner, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, senior government officials, and other community leaders also paid tribute to Syed Javaid Anwar, Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, and other leaders for their efforts and all organizing Committee of Alliance for Disaster Relief collaborative with its motto of Blessings in Unity. 

     Prominent Oil Businessman Syed Javaid Anwar, who is recipient of Hilal-e- Imtiaz Pakistan, donated $200,000 and also addressed the event and appealed to the prosperous Pakistani Americans to help the needy fellow citizens in mother land. 

     On this occasion Alliance coordinator Muhammad Saeed Sheikh welcomed the guests and paid tribute to alliance members for their efforts to help in organizing a fund-raising event successfully. 

    iLyas Choudry, one of the Directors of the ‏well-known charity organization Helping Hand for Relief and Development gave presentation on the Alliance Relief operations managed by HHRD in Pakistan. 

     Fund raising activity was managed by prominent community leaders Sajjad Burki, Dr Yaqoob Sheikh, Former International Test Cricketer Jalal Uddin, Atif Khan, and others.

    Bina Sheikh, Mahmood & Naheed Ahmed, Dr. Hina, Faraz Hamza, and many Volunteers of PSA-UH & Community were very instrumental in organizing the event.

  • Pakistanti Organizations, Sewa International Set Up Flood Relief Appeals

    Pakistanti Organizations, Sewa International Set Up Flood Relief Appeals

    Heavy rainfall in Southern Pakistan and melting glaciers in the country’s northern mountains have caused massive floods and flash floods that continue to devastate districts across the region. The floods have killed at least 1,191 people, 399 of whom were children, since the flooding began in mid-June at the beginning of the monsoon season. In addition to this, a reported 3,554 individuals have been injured. The National Disaster Management Authority stated that as of August 29, 2022, more than 33 million people have been impacted and more than 1 million houses have been destroyed.

    The floods have spawned a critical humanitarian crisis as damage and displacement increase across the country. So far, 66 districts have been officially declared “calamity hit.” An estimated 50,000 people have been evacuated since rescue efforts began. Pakistan’s meteorological office has predicted that more flash floods are expected throughout September.

    Several local Pakistani heritage groups in Houston are taking it upon themselves to raise funds for the relief efforts. “When Harvey happened I was out in the streets with my boys 17 or 18 hours a day providing rations… but this is something different,” said Salman Razzaqi, founder of the Pakistan Heritage Foundation. “People have been in the water so long that they’re getting diseases. It’s just horrible, words cannot describe what’s going on. It’s the world’s greatest disaster ever,” Razzaqi said quietly.

    Aid relief poster from the Council of Progressive Pakistani Americans in Houston.

    Razzaqi says that so far the Pakistani Heritage Foundation has gathered over $100,000 to send to Pakistan, largely raised from within Houston’s own Pakistani community. The Pakistan Association of Greater Houston, for example, has placed donation bins in front of various mosques around the region.

    Sewa International has released $10,000 towards flood relief in Pakistan and started a fundraiser to assist the affected people with a goal to provide groceries and other supplies to 5,000 families for at least a month. “Pakistan is witnessing a severe weather catastrophe. Sewa’s partner organizations on the ground in Pakistan distributed grocery and essential kits to 200 families today (August 30). These kits contain rice, wheat flour, cooking oil, pulses, tea and vegetables, and other hygiene supplies in flood-affected areas. We request people to donate generously for this cause,” Sewa’s Vice President for Disaster Relief, Swadesh Katoch, said. “Sewa International helped Pakistan during the last floods in Sindh province, and we are committed to helping as many Pakistani citizens as possible,” Katoch said.

    Bags of potatoes and other items being prepared in a Sewa facility in Pakistan.

    One of the world’s oldest preserved human settlements has been significantly damaged by torrential rain in Pakistan as the country battles the worst floods in its history. Moenjodaro (also styled Mohenjo-daro), a World Heritage site in the Indus River Valley 508 kilometers (316 miles) from Karachi, was built in the Bronze Age, some 5,000 years ago. “Unfortunately we witnessed the mass destruction at the site,” reads a letter from the Cultural, Tourism, & Antiquities Department of Singh state sent to UNESCO and signed by curator Ihsan Ali Abbasi.

  • New App from CMH: Vedanta Daily — Simplified Insights into Eternal Truth

    New App from CMH: Vedanta Daily — Simplified Insights into Eternal Truth

    Men of great wisdom, like Pujya Gurudeva Chinmayananda, descend to our plane out of their kindness and a keen desire to share the highest truths. Vedanta, literally means the ultimate end or culmination of Knowledge (Vedas). Many great Rishis, Masters and Acharyas have endeavored to take us closer to this Absolute Truth. Swami Chinmayananda was foremost among them in elevating any seeker to gain easy access to this wisdom. He spent
    decades tirelessly simplifying this abstract Truth to guide our minds, that is distracted in numerous ways.

    Though a lot of his works are available through books, audio and video, our current rushed lifestyle always adds a
    barrier from tapping into this wisdom. Today technology comes to our rescue, thanks to the relentless efforts of Chinmaya Mission Houston and the Chinmaya Jivan Darshan team under the able guidance and vision of Pujya Acharya Darshana Aunty. Backed by their experience and runaway success of the apps Gita 365 and Upanishad Daily, they have raised the bar again, providing easy access to this treasure trove of Vedanta.

    On the anniversary of Pujya Gurudeva on August 3, 2022, a new app, Vedanta Daily, was made available via Google Playstore and Apple Appstore. This app endeavors to bring a simplified daily dose of five great contributions of Swami Chinmayananda – Logic of Spirituality, Sadhana Panchakam, Atma Bodha, Meditate with the Master,
    and Journey of the Master.

    Through a clever use of animation, videos and simple language, the app guides the seeker to seek permanent happiness through Logic of Spirituality. Adi Shankara’s Sadhana Panchakam may be terse five slokas, but Swami Chinmayananda’s commentary explains the values in detail. The journey continues with Atma Bodha which reveals the nature of our true Self. The goals defined and clarified by the aforementioned three is made easily achievable
    by the step-by-step guidance in “Meditate with the Master.” This journey, which appears impossible, is made inspirational by Pujya Gurudeva’s own life, and it offers exemplary hope in refreshing and renewing our spiritual inner journey through “Journey of the Master.”

    Darshana Aunty’s experience and heartfelt desire to bring Gurudeva’s wisdom in a simple, clear form ensures that Vedanta Daily is easily comprehensible to any honest seeker. Not content with their past laurels, the Chinmaya Jivan Darshan team is inspired to bring Darshana Aunty’s vision and Gurudeva’s wisdom to every seeker’s phone at no cost. The effort of mining Swamiji’s works and distilling them to a couple-of-minutes dose of Vedanta is
    monumental. Seekers are given enough knowledge to keep their spiritual fire growing; and, guiding them to learn more from Pujya Gurudeva’s works through the Vedanta Daily App is a transformative and effective endeavor.

    For more information about Chinmaya Mission Houston, Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya and its activities please visit www.
    chinmayahouston.org, www.saumyakasi.org or call the temple no. 281 568 1690 or Jay Deshmukh 832 541 0059 or Bharati Sutaria281-933-0233. — By Satchitanand

  • HSS Celebrates 18th Hindu Unity Day with Dharmic Organizations of Houston

    HSS Celebrates 18th Hindu Unity Day with Dharmic Organizations of Houston

    Participants gathered from various organizations to celebrate Hindu Unity Day

     

     

    By Viren Vyas

    HOUSTON: The Houston chapter of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) held its 18th annual Hindu Unity Day on Saturday, August 27th, at the ISKCON of Houston. Representatives from more than 50 Hindu organizations attended this conference.

    HSS has been collaborating Hindu Unity Day celebration since 2005 with other Dharmic organizations. Hindu Unity Day provides an opportunity to share, learn and act from each other’s experiences and learnings. Over the years, Hindu Unity Day has covered topics related to “Community Outreach”, “Synergizing Sewa Activities” and “Creating Second Generation Hindu Youth Leadership.”

    This year’s event focused on raising Hindu Dharma awareness among mainstream American society and to continue leveraging the strength, opportunities and resources collectively to conduct outreach programs with elected officials, opinion makers, first responders, educational institutions, ethnic & interfaith groups, media and others to
    conduct dharma awareness activities.

    Amit Misra (Vice President, HSS Houston Chapter) welcomed the audience and spoke about the challenges faced by Hindu community in America, initiatives taken by Hindu leaders in raising the awareness and countering the false narrative, further setting the context for this year’s Unit Day.

    Viren Vyas (Public Relations, HSS Houston Chapter) presented HSS’s outreach programs such as Seminars on Hindu Dharma, Darshana (A Glimpse Into Hindu Civilization) Exhibition, Teacher’s appreciation programs, First Responder Outreach via Sewa Diwali, Raksha Bandhan activities. He further emphasized that these undertakings by HSS have helped in creating awareness in the mainstream community by sharing the testimonials received from elected officials and School Teachers acknowledging how these programs helped them to gain awareness about Hindu Dharma.

    After an introduction session, organization leaders continued in the group sessions discussing the activities undertaken by them to raise awareness, and shared their learnings. They showed interest in taking up outreach programs such as exhibiting Darshana posters, conducting Teacher’s appreciation program, networking and outreach via Raksha Bandhan and other Hindu festivals to mainstream community members. Attendees were presented with a summary of group discussions, community announcements.

    President of HSS Southwest zone, Sridhar Talanki thanked all attendees for their enthusiastic participation in his keynote speech. He urged all organizations to add a collective approach as “United we stand, divided we fall” emphasizing again on challenges ahead that require collective support and action by all the Dharmic organizations.

    Subhash Gupta (President, HSS Houston Chapter) gave a vote of thanks and praised efforts by all Houston Dharmic organizations on coming together as a vibrant and dynamic community and supporting the cause and kindness towards humanity and above all the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – viewing the world as one family.

    The event venue was filled with very excited members from all participating organizations. The facilities and hospitality offered by the volunteers and members of the ISKCON of Houston were remarkable. The Hindu Unity Day conference was executed with full enthusiasm and sincere efforts by the volunteers

  • Seattle Thunderbolts Win Minor League Cricket Championship

    Seattle Thunderbolts Win Minor League Cricket Championship

    MORRISVILLE, NC: The Seattle Thunderbolts continued a streak of remarkable form into the final of the 2022 Toyota Minor League Cricket Championship presented by Sunoco, defeating the Atlanta Fire by 10 runs to win the
    2022 championship title on Sunday, Aug. 28. The Thunderbolts claimed a $150,000 purse for winning America’s most extensive cricket championship, with their star bowler Phani Simhadri awarded the 2022 Most Valuable Player award for the season.

    The match, held in scenic Church Street Park in Morrisville, NC, reached an exciting conclusion under the lights with thousands of fans in attendance. The Seattle team won the toss and elected to bat, with opener Andries Gous hitting a quick-fire 48 from 44 balls and Shubham Ranjane scoring a half-century, reaching 51 off 45 deliveries. An unbeaten flurry of 27 from only 14 balls by Shadley Van Schalkwyk helped Seattle to post a total of 157 runs.
    Atlanta’s bowling was led by Steven Taylor, taking three wickets in his four overs.

    Atlanta’s run chase faltered as conditions cooled into the evening. Fire captain Aaron Jones anchored the innings with 64 from 51 balls but could only watch on as wickets fell around him, no other Atlanta batter passing 30 runs. Shubham Ranjane was the pick of the Seattle bowlers, claiming four wickets to go along with his half-century to resoundingly earn Player of the Match honors. The Fire’s last gasp efforts to win were extinguished when Phani Simhadri took two wickets in the nineteenth over. The league MVP claimed three wickets on the day, giving Simhadri a remarkable total of 46 wickets throughout the tournament at a strike rate of 8.8 and an economy rate of 5.94.

    The last over began with the Fire needing an unlikely 18 runs to win with only two wickets remaining and Seattle sealed the title as Atlanta fell 10 runs short of their target. The Thunderbolts’ incredible run of form has seen the Seattle team win eight straight completed games, culminating with Captain Harmeet Singh lifting the MiLC trophy as the 2022 Toyota Minor League Cricket champions.

  • Amir Dodhiya on Forbes 2022 List of Top Financial Security Professionals

    Amir Dodhiya on Forbes 2022 List of Top Financial Security Professionals

    HOUSTON: Amiralli (Amir) Dodhiya from the Houston General Office of New York Life has been listed on the 2022 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 14 years, Mr. Dodhiya received this recognition for helping his clients in a world in which wealth preservation and protection matter more than ever.

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

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

    Dodhiya is a member of Court of the Table and Million Dollar Round Table, the Premier Association of Financial Professionals, which is recognized globally as the standard of excellence for life insurance sales performance in the
    insurance and financial services industry; he has a degree from Goa University. Amir has won several
    awards in the industry as well as earning LAPC designation and being a member of NAIFA. He and
    his family are residents of Sugar Land, Texas.