Indo American News

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News that adds spice to life

  • Houston Tamil Studies Chair (HTSC) Honors Dr. T. Vijayalakshmi, Thiruvalluvar Chair of Tamil Studies and Visiting Professor

    Houston Tamil Studies Chair (HTSC) Honors Dr. T. Vijayalakshmi, Thiruvalluvar Chair of Tamil Studies and Visiting Professor

    Dr. Vijayalakashmi (left), Tupil Narasiman, Sam Kannappan, Consul General DC Manjunath

    HOUSTON: Houston Tamil Studies Chair (HTSC) at the University of Houston honored Dr. T. Vijayalakshmi,  Thiruvalluvar Chair of Tamil Studies and Visiting Professor from August 2023 to August 2025, on August 21st at Indian Summer, Sugar Land. Dr. Vijalakshmi taught Tamil language and culture for the past two years.

    Tupil Narasiman, VP Finance, was the emcee. Sockalingam Sam Kannappan, President, welcomed the gathering. UH Dean Dan O’Connor, Honorable DC Manujunath, Consul General of India at Houston, spoke of Vijayalakshmi’s service at UH. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Dr. AK Subramanian, and Dr. Naa Ganesan spoke about the interaction they had during the past two years. Anitha Kumaran, President of BKM and Mala Gopal, President, Kural Kudal, spoke of participation by Dr. Vijayalakshmi with their organizations. Perumal Annamalai proposed a vote of thanks.

    HTSC is a 501©(3) Texas Tax exempt non-profit corporation, phone +1 908-516-3069, https://houstontamilchair.org

  • DAVSS Begins New Academic Year with – Traditional Vedic Ceremony

    DAVSS Begins New Academic Year with – Traditional Vedic Ceremony

    HOUSTON: DAVSS welcomed the new academic year with the Vedarambha Sanskar, a traditional ceremony that marks the beginning of formal studies for new students and reaffirms returning students’ commitment to learning. The 2025 event brought together parents, teachers, volunteers, and well-wishers from both DAVSS and DAVMES, making it a true community celebration.

    The ceremony began with students receiving the Angavastra, Tilak, and Yajnopaveeta (Janeu). They then offered Samidhaas (woodsticks) and ahutis (oblations) into the sacred fire while chanting the Gayatri Mantra, echoing the age-old traditions of ancient Gurukuls. The ceremony was led by Acharya Surya Nanda and Acharya Bramdeo.

    Addressing the gathering, Acharya Bramdeo, Acharya of Arya Samaj Greater Houston, spoke about the value of discipline and consistent study. Using the metaphor of the “Tree of Wisdom,” he explained that knowledge nourishes like rain, humility forms the crown, fruits bring health and prosperity, shade offers peace, and truth with dharma bestows lasting happiness.

    He emphasized that weekly sessions on Sanatan Dharma, Hindi, and culture would help students develop clarity of thought, pride in their roots, and balance in life. Parents were encouraged to engage with their children’s learning, nurturing strong values of truth, dharma, and heritage.

    The last 30 minutes were marked by a vibrant celebration of India’s Independence Day.

    DAVSS curriculum includes Dharma Shiksha, Hindi, Vedic mantras, Dance, Music, Yoga, Vedic Maths, Arts, Crafts, Heritage & Culture, blending tradition with holistic education.

    Admissions for current semester open till August 31, 2025: davss.org/admissions

    Contact: Acharya Bramdeo (832) 219-5079

    Email: davss@aryasamajhouston.org

  • BANA Academic Fest 2025 Ignites Young Minds with Learning, Leadership, and Community Spirit

    BANA Academic Fest 2025 Ignites Young Minds with Learning, Leadership, and Community Spirit

    MISSOURI CITY: The Bihar Association of North America (BANA) hosted its 27th Annual Academic Fest at the First United Methodist Church in Missouri City, transforming the venue into a dynamic arena of intellectual exploration, cultural pride, and community bonding. With over 115 students from Grades 1 through 12 participating, the day-long event highlighted a vibrant blend of STEM and humanities contests, drawing praise from educators, civic leaders, and families alike.

    A Showcase of Talent and Rigor

    Students competed in a wide array of contests including Math, Science, SAT, Spelling Bee, Vocabulary, Speech, and Arts. The Math and Science challenges were specially crafted by the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association (TMSCA), offering students a valuable warm-up for upcoming TMSCA and UIL competitions. Huntington Learning Center facilitated the SAT contest in a digital format, while SpellPundit.com managed the Spelling Bee, bringing national-level rigor to the event.

    Speech contest tackled timely topics such as NATO’s relevance, bioengineering ethics, and U.S. tariffs, encouraging critical thinking and public speaking. The Arts contest added a creative dimension, allowing students to express themselves through visual storytelling.

    Participation Highlights

    • Primary (Grades 1–2): 20 students
    • Elementary (Grades 3–5): 35 students
    • Middle School (Grades 6–8): 35 students
    • High School (Grades 9–12): 25 students

    BANA leaders noted that the strong turnout reflected the community’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic development.

    Awards and Accolades

    The Awards Ceremony, held in the main hall, honored 77 winners with trophies and certificates. Contest volunteers had the privilege of distributing awards, reinforcing the spirit of mentorship and shared achievement.

    Special guests included:

    • Aryan Singh, Abhishek Prasad Scholarship Winner and a freshman at Johns Hopkins, appreciated students for their academic curiosity and dedication.
    • Rick Paul, EVP of Zuhne, who commended the students’ dedication.
    • Judge Juli Mathew and Seema Jain, who judged the Middle School Speech Contest.
    • Sanjay Singhal, Sugar Land City Council Member, who praised the event’s impact.
    • Prashant Kumar Sona, Consul at Consulate General of India, who addressed the audience during the ceremony.

    Judge Juli Mathew shared her admiration, saying, “The kids did amazing. Their parents and they should be so proud.”

    Gaurav Jhaveri, ICC Director, also praised the event, noting, “BANA does an excellent job — they are very professional. My kids used to participate many years back and we were overly impressed.”

    Behind the Scenes: Teamwork in Action

    The event was expertly coordinated by BANA President Bidhu Prakash, Vice-President Dr. Prince Kumar, Secretary Tushar Kumar, Treasurer Ritika Bharti, Executive members Pranav Tiwari, Rekha Tiwary, and Dr. Himanshu Verma whose leadership ensured smooth execution across all fronts. A robust volunteer network supported every aspect of the fest: from registration and coordination to contest proctoring and hospitality.

    The Control Room, the nerve center of the event, was led by Dr. Santosh Verma, with critical support from Atul Kumar, Ravi Ranjan, Mithilesh Tiwary, and Dr. Mithilesh Kumar — all adult volunteers who ensured grading, score verification, and results were managed with precision and dedication. Student volunteers Simran Singh, Miraj Parikh, and Pranay Anand worked tirelessly from 9:00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., while others, including Suryansh Priyam, Ishaan Kumar, Angelea Bhagirath, Bhavika Ranjan, Medha Singh, Arya Ranjan, and more, were praised for their energy and reliability.

    Biharika: Cultural Keepsake

    The release of Biharika, BANA’s biennial publication, added a cultural flourish to the event. Available in both print and digital formats, the magazine featured community stories, heritage highlights, and association updates. Active members and sponsors received complimentary copies.

    Gratitude and Looking Ahead

    Event leaders Prince and Bidhu closed the day with heartfelt thanks: “However big or small the task, BANA’s more than forty volunteers, took it head-on. Their dedication is truly an inspiration. Nothing would have been possible without the support of the families — we are deeply grateful.”

    Sponsors such as ExxonMobil, Shell, GSI Environmental Inc., Huntington Learning Center, Raghunath Prasad, and SpellPundit made the event possible, while media partners Radio Hungama and Citizen Voice helped amplify its reach.

    With the bar set high, the community is already looking forward to BANA Academic Fest 2026, promising another day of learning, leadership, and cultural pride.

    For more information and the list of awards, visit www.banahouston.org.

     

  • “Ghar Away from Ghar” : Hindu Heritage Youth Camp (HHYC)

    “Ghar Away from Ghar” : Hindu Heritage Youth Camp (HHYC)

    Education class outdoors. Photo by Krupa Rathi.

    By Yasha Kaushal

    Every summer, as school winds down and the days grow longer, hundreds of kids across Texas start counting down to one special week: Hindu Heritage Youth Camp, or HHYC. For some, it’s a brand new adventure. For others, it’s a return to a place that feels like ghar or home. Now in its 41st year, HHYC is more than just a summer camp. It’s a community built on laughter, friendship, and the values of their Hindu heritage.

    Campers spend the week swimming, playing dodgeball, celebrating Holi, dancing Garba, and just enjoying being kids. But alongside all the fun, there’s something deeper happening. Through daily yoga, Shakha, and education sessions, campers get to explore what it means to live with purpose and pride in their heritage.

    Playing an Indian game.

    A huge part of what makes HHYC so special is the counselors. Many of us grew up at this camp, and now we come back as young adults, excited to give the same experience to the next generation. First-year counselor Hriday Bhutada shared, “As a first-year counselor, it’s been really exciting to see the ways I can make an impact and give back to a community that meant so much to me growing up. I loved going to camp as a kid, and now I love it just as much as a counselor.”

    That’s something I relate to completely. I spent six years as a camper, and this was my third year as a counselor. When I was younger, I was on the quieter side, but camp helped me open up. Every year, I’d play a Bollywood song on the piano during the talent show, and I always felt supported and encouraged. I became a counselor because I wanted to help other kids feel that same sense of confidence and belonging.

    Boys dressed up for garba night

    This summer felt especially meaningful because it was our second year at our very own Texas Hindu Campsite. Having a space that truly belongs to us has brought an even stronger sense of pride and community. This year (2025), we welcomed 168 campers in Junior Camp and 174 in Senior Camp, for a grand total of 342 campers. We were supported by over 80 counselors and around 50 amazing volunteers, many of whom helped prep food under the guidance of our beloved camp chef and everyone’s favorite aunty Sushma Pallod, all working together to make the week smooth, safe, and full of joy.

    Girls ready for Garba night

    Behind the scenes, the camp directors led the charge with months of planning and preparation. Every Sunday leading up to camp, counselors met at Gujarati Samaj of Houston (GSH) to plan lessons, brainstorm activities, and make sure every detail was ready. The directors helped guide every step of that process, creating a week that blended tradition with fun in all the right ways.

    This year’s directors: Srushti Gaikaiwari (daughter of Sanskruti and Shishir Gaikaiwari), Smit Shah (son of Tejal and Akshay Shah), and Keshav Shah (son of Nisha and Rajiv Shah), led with clear communication, consistent effort, and strong collaboration. Reflecting on her experience, Srushti shared, “Taking part in helping lead this camp for the past 6 years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Working with our dedicated HHYC team including steering committee, volunteers, and most of all our counselors and coordinators, has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s amazing to see how much we have grown over the past couple of years and I know the next generation of leaders in our Hindu community will take it far.”

    Throughout the week, campers rotated through various education sessions designed by counselors. Each lesson focused on connecting Hindu principles to real life, in ways campers could truly relate to. For high schoolers, I helped lead an education session on Hindu identity, where we explored how being Hindu in the U.S. can look different for everyone. We talked about the balance between culture and religion, how identity is shaped by both tradition and experience, and how values like karma and ahimsa show up in daily life.

    This year, we also had a special education segment on the Kashmiri Pandit community. Anjalie Raina and her son Rohit joined us to share their powerful personal experiences of living in Kashmir, offering a firsthand look at the struggles faced by their community. Their story was both moving and eye-opening, highlighting the importance of preserving history through lived experience. Campers were deeply engaged, asking thoughtful questions and reflecting on how resilience and faith can endure even in the face of displacement.

    Outside of education time, every day was filled with team games, connecting with other campers and counselors, and of course, all the camp classics like Skit Night, Garba, and Holi.

    And none of this would be possible without the incredible support of the Hindus of Greater Houston, our dedicated volunteers, and the Aunties and Uncles who do everything from cooking delicious meals to serving as camp doctors. Their generosity and behind-the-scenes work are what make HHYC feel like home.

    In other exciting news, we’re thrilled to announce that next year HHYC is expanding to three full weeks of camp: triple the fun, memories, and magic! We’ll be hosting two weeks of Junior Camp and one week of Senior Camp.

    In the end, HHYC is more than a camp. It’s where many of us found lifelong friends, sometimes even life partners, learned more about ourselves, and deepened our connection to our culture. It’s where kids who may have felt unsure or shy come alive in an environment that celebrates who they are. Whether it’s your first year or your tenth, there’s something about HHYC that stays with you long after the week ends. That’s the magic of this place and why so many of us keep coming back.

    Visit hinducamp.net for further details.

    Yasha is a third-year counselor and rising junior at Texas A&M.

  • Rice-UH Researchers Develop Strong Biomaterial that Could Replace Plastic

    Rice-UH Researchers Develop Strong Biomaterial that Could Replace Plastic

    HOUSTON: Scientists at Rice University and the University of Houston have developed an innovative, scalable approach to engineer bacterial cellulose into high-strength, multifunctional materials. The study, published in Nature Communications, introduces a dynamic biosynthesis technique that aligns bacterial cellulose fibers in real-time, resulting in robust biopolymer sheets with exceptional mechanical properties.

    Plastic pollution persists because traditional synthetic polymers degrade into microplastics, releasing harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and carcinogens. Seeking sustainable alternatives, the research team led by Muhammad Maksud Rahman, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of Houston and adjunct assistant professor of materials science and nanoengineering at Rice, leveraged bacterial cellulose — one of Earth’s most abundant and pure biopolymers — as a biodegradable alternative.

    researcher
    M.A.S.R. Saadi is a first author on a study published in Nature Communications and a materials science and nanoengineering doctoral student at Rice University. (Photo by Jorge Vidal/Rice University)

    “Our approach involved developing a rotational bioreactor that directs the movement of cellulose-producing bacteria, aligning their motion during growth,” said M.A.S.R. Saadi, the study’s first author and a doctoral student in material science and nanoengineering at Rice. “This alignment significantly enhances the mechanical properties of microbial cellulose, creating a material as strong as some metals and glasses yet flexible, foldable, transparent and environment friendly.”

    Bacterial cellulose fibers usually form randomly, which limits their mechanical strength and functionality. By harnessing controlled fluid dynamics within their novel bioreactor, the researchers achieved in situ alignment of cellulose nanofibrils, creating sheets with tensile strength reaching up to 436 megapascals.

    Moreover, incorporating boron nitride nanosheets during synthesis resulted in a hybrid material with even greater strength — around 553 megapascals — and improved thermal properties, demonstrating a heat dissipation rate three times faster than control samples.

    “This dynamic biosynthesis approach enables the creation of stronger materials with greater functionality,” Saadi said. “The method allows for the easy integration of various nanoscale additives directly into the bacterial cellulose, making it possible to customize material properties for specific applications.”

    researcher and sample
    M.A.S.R. Saadi holds a sample of the new bionanocomposite material. (Photos by Jorge Vidal/Rice University)

    Shyam Bhakta, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of BioSciences at Rice, played an important role in advancing the biological aspects of the study. Other Rice collaborators included Pulickel Ajayan, the Benjamin M. and Mary Greenwood Anderson Professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering; Matthew Bennett, professor of biosciences; and Matteo Pasquali, the A.J. Hartsook Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

    “The synthesis process is essentially like training a disciplined bacterial cohort,” Saadi explained. “Instead of having the bacteria move randomly, we instruct them to move in a specific direction, thus precisely aligning their cellulose production. This disciplined motion and the versatility of the biosynthesis technique allows us to simultaneously engineer both alignment and multifunctionality.”

    researchers
    M.A.S.R. Saadi, a doctoral student at Rice University, and Muhammad Maksud Rahman, a professor at the University of Houston and Saadi’s adviser, have led a team of researchers who have developed an innovative, scalable approach to engineering bacterial cellulose into high-strength, multifunctional materials. (Photo by Jorge Vidal/Rice University)

    The scalable, single-step process holds significant promise for numerous industrial applications, including structural materials, thermal management solutions, packaging, textiles, green electronics and energy storage systems.

    “This work is a great example of interdisciplinary research at the intersection of materials science, biology and nanoengineering,” Rahman added. “We envision these strong, multifunctional and eco-friendly bacterial cellulose sheets becoming ubiquitous, replacing plastics in various industries and helping mitigate environmental damage.”

    The research was supported by the National Science Foundation (2234567), the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (23-JV−11111129-042) and the Welch Foundation (C-1668). The content herein is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the funding organizations and institutions.

  • $1 MM Gift to UT-Austin Advances Study of Jainism, South Asian Religions

    $1 MM Gift to UT-Austin Advances Study of Jainism, South Asian Religions

    L-R: JVB Houston Leaders Swatantra Jain and Dr. Sulekh Jain and Consul-General of India Honorable DC Manjunath welcome Philanthropist Dr. Jasvant Modi and UT-Austin Professor Donald Davis at the celebratory program

    HOUSTON: The Academic Liaison Committee (ALC) of Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) has established a new partnership with the University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin) to establish The Tirthankar Sumatinath Distinguished Professorship in Jain Studies.

    This newest of 24 endowed professorships established by the ALC will reside in the UT-Austin’s Department of Asian Studies in the College of Liberal Arts at UT-Austin’s sprawling campus in the capital city of Texas, where the Jain Society of Greater Austin was founded in 1995 by 70 families – today, Austin has a thriving membership of over 250 families, and the UT-Austin is a flagship university of Texas, offering a broad curriculum that draws students from across the state and around the world. Presently, UT-Austin has nearly 55,000 students, mostly from Texas and hailing from Judeo-Christian backgrounds with a significant diversity of Asian students and faculty.

    Dr. Jasvant Modi, Philanthropist and President of Vardhaman Charitable Foundation addresses the celebratory gathering in the presence of JVB Samanijis.

    The ALC held a celebratory event on Saturday, July 19 at Jain Vishwa Bharati (JVB) Center in Houston, attended by six UT-Austin faculty members and nearly 100 members of the Jain community, comprised of donors, diplomats, civic officials, Jain nuns and interfaith dignitaries from Houston, Dallas and Austin as well as other parts of the United States. The elegant inauguration event began with a soulful recitation of the Navkar Mahamantra (the core prayer of Jainism) by four Samanijis (nuns) of JVB Houston and JVB Miami centers. JVB Chairman Dr. Swatantra Jain recognized all major donors whose generous gifts totaling $1 million enabled this permanent professorship at UT-Austin which completes the milestone sacred lineage of twenty-four Tirthankaras (or divine spiritual reformers and teachers of Jainism who have guided humanity towards the path to purification and salvation).

    Attendees from the Texas Jain community and UT-Austin and other faculty members and guests at JVB Houston’s celebratory event organized for the Tirthankar Sumatinath Distinguished Professorship held on July 19, 2025.

    Realizing a vision that has been several years in the making, ALC Founder and Past Chairman, Dr. Sulekh C. Jain, (who also co-founded JVB Houston with Swatantra Jain) thanked Professor Donald R. Davis for visiting the Jain Society of Houston (an organization with over 1000 Jain families) nearly ten years ago as part of the early relationship building and for his interest in teaching Jainism, a religion which inspired Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and many other changemakers to follow the path of non-violence.

    Dr. Jain stated there is a growing interest at campuses around the world in teaching Jainism and its timeless values such as Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantavada (tolerance for multiple perspectives) and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness and sustainable living) either on a stand-alone basis or in comparative religions classes and degree programs. He recalled that the first endowed professorship in Jain Studies was established at Florida International University in Miami in 2010, and presently, fifty-five (55) universities in thirteen (13) countries around the world offer undergraduate and graduate courses in Jain studies. In 2025 alone, the ALC has established fully funded endowed programs in Jain Studies at Claremont School of Theology, Arihanta Institute (a three-year old online Jain university), University of Arizona at Tucson, and also funded two new PhD research programs and a post-doctoral fellowship at University of Oxford (UK), while negotiations are progressing at a leading institution in Washington DC and two large universities in Japan.

    The ALC’s partnership with the Pune (India)-based International School for Jain Studies (ISJS) has trained about 1,200 students and scholars from over 40 universities and 26 countries in Jain studies by hosting visits to India or in online programs. This partnership feeds the pipeline of graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and competent faculty equipped with advanced knowledge in Jainism so that they could address pivotal issues pertinent to humanity and the global Jain community which has five million followers in India and about 300,000 in over 35 nations worldwide. The ALC’s larger vision is to preserve and propagate core Jain teachings while making the world a better place for humanity and the planet.

    The new faculty position at UT-Austin will report to Professor Donald R. Davis, Chair of the Religious Studies Department. The department will offer in perpetuity year-round courses and research opportunities incorporating Jain philosophy and principles to train students and scholars in areas of personal and organizational transformation such as non-violence, tolerance, ethics, languages, yoga and wellness, environmentalism, peace studies and sustainable development.

    In their remarks, UT-Austin College of Arts Dean David Sosa, Professor Akbar Hyder (from UT-Austin’s South-Asia Institute) and Professor Davis emphasized the philanthropic gifts will greatly aid the Distinguished Professorship to utilize multiple learning modes such as academic studies, field visits and seminars in critical inquiry and analysis of Jain principles, thereby meeting the UT-Austin’s mission to spawn leaders who can integrate learnings into real-world scenarios and positively impact their respective organizations and communities. The faculty members collectively thanked all donors for their gifts which will enable knowledge dissemination beyond college students, via the university’s extended outreach to a dozen high schools, junior colleges and the interfaith community.

    DC Manjunath, Honorable Consul General of India in Houston, congratulated the gathering on this academic initiative at UT-Austin, praising the contributions of ancient Jain sages he was influenced by when growing up in his home states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. He also cited the recent global celebration of Navkar Mahamantra Divas on April 9, 2025 (for recitation of Jain prayers to foster world peace) with an inspiring call to action by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to follow the teachings of Jainism for sustainable living.

    Ms. Tiffany D. Thomas, Houston City Councilwoman for District F, lauded the UT-Austin and Jain community for working together in promoting non-violence, compassion and truth, and presented Swatantra Jain with a certificate of recognition to JVB Houston for upholding these values.

    As the lead benefactor for the ALC and major donor for the UT-Austin Distinguished Professorship in Jain Studies, philanthropist Dr. Jasvant Modi (President of Vardhaman Charitable Foundation) emphasized that the Jain community has evolved from undertaking temple-building projects as early settlers in the diaspora, to building new knowledge centers for sustaining and propagating Jain teachings to transform humanity. He stated “This ALC collaboration with UT-Austin fulfills our call for action to invest in peace, nurture compassionate global citizens, and shape resilient communities for generations to come.”

    Dr. Manish Mehta, Vice-Chair of the ALC, stated that by studying the ancient Jain philosophy which dates to nearly 5,000 years, modern day students can gain a profound science-based awareness of ethical living and apply it to navigate the balance between development and environmental stewardship while learning to appreciate the interconnectedness of life, as Jainism engenders respect for all living beings.

    Mr. Gaurav Jhaveri, President of JVB Houston concluded the celebration with a vote of thanks to all attendees.

    Highlights of the JVB Houston’s celebration and excerpts of other presentations may be viewed in this four-minute video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYbZGVbgel0

  • BANA Academic Fest is on August 9, 2025. Kick-start Your Child’s School Academic Contest!

    BANA Academic Fest is on August 9, 2025. Kick-start Your Child’s School Academic Contest!

    MISSOURI CITY: BANA has announced the 2025 Academic Fest to be held on August 9, 2024 at First United Methodist Church, 3900 Lexington Blvd, Missouri City, TX 77459. This will be an in-person event.

    As in the past years the contests will include Math, Science, Arts, Spelling Bee, Vocabulary, Speech, Debate, SAT etc. The math and science tests will be written by TMSCA specially for BANA. These tests will also serve as nice preparation for the TMSCA and UIL Contests during the upcoming school year.

    As you are aware TMSCA and UIL work in close partnership. Spelling Bee will be organized by SpellPundit.com. The BANA Executive Committee has been trying hard to bring the best possible contest for the children to learn, participate and excel in this year’s contest. The flyer gives some additional details.

    The registration charge is very nominal and is for all activities for the event day. We have a capacity of only 150, so please register your children ASAP!

  • 11th IDY 2025 : Yoga Here, Yoga There, Yoga Everywhere!

    11th IDY 2025 : Yoga Here, Yoga There, Yoga Everywhere!

    11-year old kids demonstrating yoga at India House. Juniors and seniors of all ages throughout the greater Houston area joined the global community for IDY 2025.

     

  • From Yoga to Enlightenment – The Miracle at Universal Door Meditation

    From Yoga to Enlightenment – The Miracle at Universal Door Meditation

    Awakened Yoga – When Yoga Becomes the Path Back to the Self

    HOUSTON: The International Day of Yoga at Universal Door Meditation Center was not just a day to train the body or improve focus — it was the revelation of Yoga under the light of Enlightenment.

    When Awakened Zen Master Thích Dieu Thien illuminated Yoga with the wisdom of awakening, it transcended form and posture, becoming Awakened Yoga: a direct gateway to return to the True Self, to the Clear Mind.

    In that sacred and serene space, through each conscious breath, each step grounded in presence, we began to see clearly:

    • When the mind was clinging, controlling, or performing — that was the Attached Mind, the very root of suffering and delusion.
    • When the mind rested in stillness and openness — that was the Clear Mind.

    And in that seeing, the shift happened. Yoga became the Way.

    After the Awakened Yoga session, the Awakened One gave a powerful Dharma talk. In the face of widespread instability, anxiety, and crisis — from climate to society to personal disconnection — human beings search for peace through external methods: yoga, meditation retreats, travel, social media… But all of these provide only temporary relief. Once the method is gone, suffering returns. People are pulled back into fear, competition, and restlessness — with no true escape.

    Through all-knowing insight, the Awakened One opened the door to the ultimate truth: The Path of Awakening and Liberation, unveiling wisdom, awakening the innate Buddha-nature within each person, and shattering the veil of illusion.

    All boundaries of religion, culture, and race faded into nothingness. The room became a pure ocean of silence, beyond space and time, where only a Radiant Source remained — and all returned to it.

    Gratitude to the Hindus of Greater Houston, and to Lillian Manek, co-founder, Union is Creation, for wholeheartedly guiding the yoga session, not only beautiful in form, but also rich in depth — filled with awakening and boundless compassion.

     

  • 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)

  • Yoga in Spanish Draws Hundreds as Colombian Teacher Builds Cultural Bridges

    Yoga in Spanish Draws Hundreds as Colombian Teacher Builds Cultural Bridges

    Olga Prieto yoga session: Colombian yoga teacher Olga Prieto led 125 participants through an inclusive community practice at Active Coffee Shop

    By Juhi Varma

    KATY, TX — Among the 30 International Day of Yoga events held across Houston this year, one stood out for its unique focus: a Spanish-language gathering at Active Coffee Shop in Katy, where Colombian yoga teacher Olga Prieto led 125 participants through an inclusive community practice.

    “My English is fine for conversation,” she says, “but to teach yoga, I feel I can explain better in Spanish.”

    Olga earned her teaching certification from SVYASA in 2022.

    This wasn’t the first time yoga has been taught in Spanish—many instructors already offer classes in the language. But the event stood out for its scale, underscoring yoga’s growing popularity among Houston’s Hispanic community.

    Active Coffee Shop team: Earlier this year, Olga and her husband, Danilo Quinones teamed up with their friend Christian Reyes to open Active Coffee Shop in Katy. From left are Danilo Quinones, Olga Prieto and Christian Reyes.

    Olga, who balances careers as a petroleum engineer and yoga teacher, traces her love for yoga back more than 40 years, to a national park in Bogotá, Colombia. As a small child, she joined her parents for a weekly event known as “yoga at the park,” led by an India-trained yogi named Dario and a retired actress, Alicia de Rojas.

    “She had a shock of thick white hair,” Olga remembers of de Rojas, a respected and well-known Colombian actress. “She was very expressive and enthusiastic, and said yoga was the secret to her long life and good health.” The free sessions were a popular gathering, but it wasn’t just the celebrity that drew people in—it was the community spirit and the healing power of yoga.

    Olga continued practicing yoga throughout her life—even as she built a demanding career at Baker Hughes, moving to Texas 18 years ago. Initially, she turned to Bikram yoga to maintain her practice. But she dreamed of returning to more traditional forms.

    Though her SVYASA training was in English, Olga always knew she wanted to teach in Spanish.

    “Spanish comes more natural for me,” she said. “And so many people here want to do yoga, specially senior ladies, but struggle to follow instructions in English.”

    What is SVYASA?

    Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (SVYASA), a registered nonprofit which promotes education and community service through yoga.

    “(Olga’s) was one of the best events I’ve been to,” said Vishwarup N., of SVYASA Houston. “It was the first time we heard of yoga happening in Spanish on IDY with so many people. I think we were the only few Indians there.”

    SVYASA’s Houston chapter is under the leadership of husband-and-wife team Vishwarup N. and Smitha Mallaiah.

    “The beauty of it was the integration,” said Smitha about the session. “The starting and ending prayers and names of all the asanas were in Sanskrit. We sometimes see a whitewash of yoga, it is always being translated. So it was nice to really see that it’s retained its personality, and it reached the people. The way Olga led the session was very beautiful and respectful.”

    For the past five years, Hindus of Greater Houston have sponsored members of the African American and Hispanic communities to train as yoga teachers.

    In Houston, SVYASA collaborates with the Hindu Temple of The Woodlands, among other organizations, to offer yoga classes. Olga, who lives in The Woodlands, completed her yoga instructor training at the temple.

    There are multiple training programs and offered a variety of yoga classes led by certified instructors, said Smitha. There are also several yoga therapists based in The Woodlands.

    “Olga ji began attending these sessions and was especially drawn to the way traditional yoga practices were combined with scientific knowledge,” she said.

    Over the past 15 years, since they became directors, nearly 300 yoga teachers have been certified, Smitha said.

    Among these certified instructors is Yasmin Udawala, who was one of their first students in 2016. Now a yoga teacher herself, Yasmin recalls the early days with SVYASA, when classes didn’t have a permanent location and were held at Keshav Smriti, the community center of Star Pipe Products.

    Based in Clear Lake, Yasmin works with children through a summer camp program and offers private instruction, while also serving as secretary of the Indian Muslima Association of Greater Houston.

    “Not everyone needs to be able to do every asana,” she said. “When you figure out what each person needs, it’s more healing.”

    If you are interested in becoming yoga teacher with SVYASA, click here.

    Active Coffee Shop

    Earlier this year, Olga and her husband, Danilo Quinones teamed up with their friend Christian Reyes to open Active Coffee Shop in Katy. What began as a neighborhood café soon became a gathering place for wellness: Olga started offering free Saturday morning yoga classes in Spanish.

    By the time International Day of Yoga arrived on June 21, more than 125 members of the Hispanic community unrolled their mats at Active Coffee Shop, eager to participate. For many, it was their first time attending a yoga class.

    For Olga, the experience was affirming.

    “The response has been very positive,” she said. “The community is very interested, but they just needed someone to teach them in Spanish.”

    Each Saturday morning at 9 a.m., Olga makes the long drive from The Woodlands to Katy to lead class. Her husband helps her rehearse, gives feedback, and even joins in. “He’s my biggest supporter,” she says.

    “I like to ride bicycles, run, swim, and I don’t feel any pain,” said Danilo. “But when I do yoga, I felt pain in muscles that I never knew I had before.”

    Olga said her father continued practicing daily well into old age, crediting yoga with easing his illness and keeping his mind clear. That memory fuels her mission to make yoga accessible—free of charge—to anyone who wants it.

    Today, her classes regularly draw 20 to 30 people, and she continues to study Hinduism and yoga philosophy to deepen her understanding of the tradition she loves.

    For Houston’s Hispanic community, Prieto’s classes are more than exercise. They are an invitation—to feel welcome, to find balance, and to connect with something larger.

    “I learned from classes that I took in the park in Columbia, and also the classes at SYVASA, that one of the principles is that you have to give back to your community,” she said. “And that’s what we wanted to do with these free yoga classes.”

  • International Day of Yoga 2025: Mats, Mindfulness, and Community

    International Day of Yoga 2025: Mats, Mindfulness, and Community

    Houston embraces yoga in parks, temples, and Town Squares

    By Juhi Varma

    HOUSTON: Houstonians gathered for the 11th International Day of Yoga, their mats forming patchwork quilts across parks and grounds, as the city embraced a day of wellness, community, and cultural connection.

    More than 30 outdoor and indoor events took place across Houston this year to celebrate IDY 2025.

    “I am so happy to witness participation in Houston Metro area,” said Sharad Amin, overall coordinator for IDY 2025 in the Houston Metro. “We are ready to organize a grand International Day of Yoga at one place on June 21, 2026 where more than 1000 yogis and yoginis can participate.”

    SVYASA Houston, a nonprofit dedicated to yoga education, provided certified instructors to organizations in need of teaching support.

    “We have been preparing for IDY 2025 since last December,” said Vishwarupa N, Executive Director of SVYASA. “SVYASA organized many events in community centers and provided teachers for 15 plus events.”

    Hindus of Greater Houston supported media outreach efforts, with all events compiled into a single flyer coordinated by Bharat Patel, which helped attendees choose which event to attend.

    India House

    On Friday evening, India House partnered with the Consulate General of India in Houston and community organizations to host a spirited celebration.

    “Yoga has truly become a movement and way of life of many Houstonians,” said CGI DC Manjunath. “This is manifest in the large number of events held this year to celebrate the 11th IDY in the Greater Houston region,”

    The India House yoga session was led by Dr. David Frawley, a.k.a Pandit Vamadeva Shastri, a Padma Bhushan awardee. His message was clear– that “Yoga is not merely physical; it harmonizes inner and outer life”

    “Yoga is India’s timeless gift to the world, a profound practice that nurtures not only the body but also the mind and the spirit,” said Pankaj Malani, president of India House. “Let us remember that yoga is more than just exercise, it’s a path towards holistic health, harmony and inner peace.”

    Despite the heat, more than 400 people attended.

    “This gathering reflects our shared commitment to health and harmony,” Col. Vipin Kumar said. “I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making India House the vibrant hub of Houston’s IDY celebrations.”

    Sugar Land

    Nonprofit Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh hosted several yoga sessions, including one at Sugar Land Town Square on the morning of Saturday, June 21.

    Organized by the youth wings of HSS and Hindu Yuva, the event reflected this year’s global theme, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’. 

    More than 250 participants gathered, including CGI D.C. Manjunath, Council Member Sanjay Singhal, and over a hundred youth volunteers. The session was led by Priyanshu Sheth and Vibhor Nigam. All attendees pledged to embrace yoga not just for a day, but as an integral part of daily life to contribute to a healthier self, a united community and a more peaceful world.

    The office of Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers hosted a free, all-ages yoga event at the Precinct 3 Annex. Newly elected Sugar Land Mayor Carol McCutcheon was among those in attendance.

    “My office organizes this event each year because I’ve seen firsthand how yoga brings our diverse community together in a meaningful way,” Meyers said. “When we practice yoga as neighbors, we’re not just improving our physical health – we’re strengthening the bonds that make Fort Bend County such a special place to live.”

    The Universal Door Meditation Center in Sugar Land held its first outdoor event, led by Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien, drawing a diverse group of participants.

    Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple held their yoga session in the presence of the 90-foot Abhaya Hanuman statue. “It was greatly empowering as Hanuman is the embodiment of strength, vitality and great focus with mastery over the senses,” said Dr. Aparna Tamirisa.

    Several indoor events were also held across the city, with yoga studios offering different styles of practice. In Sugar Land, the Sewa Seniors group hosted a special chair yoga session led by yoga teacher and therapist Varsha Pangarkar.

    “For many seniors it is very difficult to do mat yoga, so we decided to have a chair yoga session to introduce new people to yoga,” said Sewa member and community leader Vijay Kane.

    “It was a very peaceful session, they chair yoga for the first time,” said Pangarkar. “We did a little bit of toning. We had a fun quiz about Father’s Day to break the ice.”

    Eternal Gandhi Museum

    The Eternal Gandhi Museum held its first International Day of Yoga celebration Sunday evening, quickly relocating the yoga session indoors when rain disrupted the planned outdoor setting.

    “To our surprise and joy, no one complained, Attendees simply found their space — on stairs, in corners, by exhibits — transforming the museum into a peaceful sanctuary for practice,” said Saumil Malek.

    The event was organized by Union is Creation and sponsored by HGH, Brahma Kumaris, and CGI – Houston, said Manish Wani.

    Baytown

    Baytown celebrated IDY in Baytown square. Mayor Charles Johnson presented a proclamation at city council proclaiming June 21, 2025, as the International Day of Yoga. This recognizes the universal appeal and numerous benefits of this practice.

    “A successful IDY united our town in harmony,” said Bankim Shukla from Baytown.

    NASA

    NASA celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga at Space Center Houston, in an event hosted by the CGI India and supported by Rasa Yoga School of Ayurveda Yoga. A diverse crowd gathered for an asana practice under the shuttle and shuttle carrier aircraft. Organizer Kristen Wollard said the event embodied this year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” highlighting the connection between personal well-being and planetary health.

    Katy-Fulshear

    HSS hosted an IDY event on June 14 at Irene Stern Center, drawing 200 participants for general and chair yoga, said Pradeep Sharma, HSS coordinator. The event opened with a flag hoisting by Boy Scouts Pack 1836 and was attended by Mayor Don McCoy, city officials, and the Fulshear Police K-9 unit. Sixteen community groups supported the celebration including AOL, Gayatri Temple, HDYC, and KHC.

    Olga Prieto led a Spanish-language IDY event at Active Coffee Shop in Katy, where more than 125 members of the Hispanic community took part.

    “That was one of the best events I’ve been to,” said Vishwarupa N. “First time we heard of yoga happening in Spanish. I think we were the only few Indians there.”

    Pearland

    Vishva Hindu Parishad of America hosted a Sunday evening yoga session at Southdown Park, organized by Achalesh Amar. The event drew a strong turnout, as participants gathered with mats and water bottles to celebrate yoga in a festive atmosphere.

    Hindu Temple of The Woodlands

    The Hindu Temple of The Woodlands hosted a special workshop as part of the celebrations.

    During a pranayama workshop, neonatologist, author, and TEDx speaker Dr. Nitin Ron demonstrated how breathwork can reduce stress and promote mental clarity. He shared insights from his book Pranayam: Breathing Techniques for Health, Healing and Tranquility.

    “Our temple vision says, ‘one community, one temple, and one shared vision’,” Dr. Neeta Hiray said. “Just like  yoga pioneer  BKS Iyengar, once said ‘yoga is a light , which once lit, will never dim, the better the practice, the brighter the flame.’”

  • BAPS Charities Hosts Healthcare Conference in Houston

    BAPS Charities Hosts Healthcare Conference in Houston

    Panelists engage healthcare professionals in a breakout session under the theme “Enrich, Explore, Empower.”

    HOUSTON: BAPS Charities hosted its first-ever Healthcare Professionals Conference (HPC25), drawing more than 1,150 delegates from over 30 medical and allied disciplines to Houston, Texas. This groundbreaking event offered a rare convergence of clinical excellence and spiritual insight, centered on the theme “Enrich, Explore, Empower.”

    With nine focused breakout tracks, over 60 speakers and facilitators, and up to 14 CE/CME-accredited sessions, HPC25 set a new standard for inclusive, interdisciplinary healthcare education—while also inspiring reflection on the deeper meaning of care.

    “This wasn’t just a conference,” said Mahima Dave, PharmD, of Chicago. “It was a reawakening of what it means to heal with compassion, purpose, and humility.”

    A Conference with a Conscience

    At a time when burnout, detachment, and system fatigue challenge the global healthcare profession, HPC25 rekindled the original spirit that draws individuals to a life of healing.

    “Most other conferences focus on what to do technically,” reflected Dr. Yagnesh Dave, an internist from Atlanta. “This one helped me reflect on how to become a better physician to treat my patients.”

    “This experience was more than just another conference,” said Niki Patel, PharmD, MBA, CDCES, from Robbinsville, NJ. “It was about finding your heartbeat and empowering your life with the skills to serve society.”

    Elevating Science with Soul

    Accredited sessions explored cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence in medicine, clinical burnout, health equity, and the future of patient-centered care. But the emotional tone of the conference also touched many deeply.

    “A truly inspiring gathering where clinical excellence met spiritual depth,” said Sara Rogers, a pharmacist and researcher from Houston. “The reminder that healing is both a science and a service was powerful.”

    “This conference gave me science—and also how to use it,” added Dr. Sachin Shah, PharmD, FACC, FAHA, of San Jose. “It reignited the spirit of service in every attendee I spoke with.”

    Keynote Spotlight: Compassionate Leadership

    The keynote address by Jason Glover, CEO of Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center, emphasized the human element of care through his “Four L’s” philosophy: Love, Learn, Little Things Matter, and Larger Than Each of Us. His message resonated with delegates striving to maintain compassion amid growing technological complexity.

    “How to actually maintain spirituality, even in the rough experiences—I really thought that was excellent,” said Larry Wedekind, CEO of IntegraNet Health, Houston.

    “What I appreciate about Indian culture,” noted Prof. Juergen Scheele, CMO of Innoplexus from Germany, “is how intelligently they combine spirituality with the sciences.”

    Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges

    From practicing clinicians to aspiring healthcare professionals, the conference created space for collaboration, mentorship, and introspection. Specialized tracks catered to physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, public health experts, and students—encouraging new connections across regional and professional boundaries.

    “True networking in healthcare means collaboration without boundaries,” said Mayank Amin, PharmD, RPh, MBA, from Philadelphia, PA. “This conference helped break down invisible walls between professions.”

    “The experience expanded my understanding of patient-centered care and reminded me of the humanity behind healthcare,” said Sneh Patel, a pre-med student.

    “Surrounded by passionate professionals, we left feeling empowered, enriched, and deeply connected to a shared purpose of selfless service,” said Dr. Monica Patel, a dentist from Robbinsville, NJ.

    Global Service, Local Impact

    BAPS Charities also spotlighted international outreach initiatives in India, inspiring delegates to apply their skills in rural and underserved settings. These programs reaffirm the organization’s ethos: selfless service (seva) through professional excellence.

    “In a profession where burnout and detachment are common,” said Rasesh Patel, a pharmacy consultant from Tampa, “this event offered something rare: healing, purpose, and reconnection.”

    “Every moment was meaningful,” reflected Ami Patel, PharmD. “And ending with darshan made it unforgettable.”

    As delegates return to their hospitals, clinics, and communities, many carry a renewed commitment to deliver care with not just excellence but empathy. HPC25 proved that when compassion guides technology and values shape leadership, healthcare becomes more than a profession—it becomes a service rooted in humanity.

    For more details visit: https://www.bapscharities.org/hpc25/

    Highlights video: https://youtu.be/hvXlpKWp_fI

  • Dhruvi Kadakia Selected for Lone Star Leadership Academy

    Dhruvi Kadakia Selected for Lone Star Leadership Academy

    HOUSTON: Dhruvi Kadakia, a student at Sartartia Middle School in Fort Bend ISD, has been selected to travel to Houston/Galveston to participate in a summer 2025 Lone Star Leadership Academy camp. Dhruvi’s selection was based on her outstanding academic success, demonstrated leadership ability, involvement in school and community activities, and a nomination from her teacher, Patty Kulow.

    Dhruvi will join a delegation of outstanding students from across the state to develop leadership skills while learning about the great state of Texas and its leaders. She will visit significant sites in the Houston/Galveston area including the Astronaut Training Facility at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, Lone Star Flight Museum, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Moody Gardens, and the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum. She will also tour Galveston Bay on board SEAGULL II with a marine biologist, learn about the Port of Houston from members of the U.S. Coast Guard, and work with a team to complete a space mission at the George Observatory, home to one of the largest public telescopes in the United States. Additionally, Dhruvi will learn about future career and internship opportunities through career speaker presentations at sites visited.

    Texas educators facilitate Lone Star Leadership Academy camps including leadership groups where Dhruvi and the other participants will examine qualities of effective leaders, practice leadership skills, and discuss what they learn at sites visited. In addition, Dhruvi will have fun meeting other outstanding students and making new friends while adding to her resume of academic achievements, developing leadership skills, and bringing home a wealth of information to supplement what she is learning in school.

    Education in Action, a non-profit organization, hosts Lone Star Leadership Academy camps to empower young people to be informed and active leaders in their communities. Outstanding Texas students are invited to participate in Lone Star Leadership Academy camps in Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin/San Antonio, and Houston/Galveston. Participants must be in the 3rd-8th grade, maintain an 85 or higher average, demonstrate leadership ability, be involved in community or school activities, and receive an educator recommendation. Educators are invited to nominate their outstanding 3rd-8th grade students for Lone Star Leadership Academy camps online at www.educationinaction.org/nominate. For more information call 817-562-4957 or visit www.educationinaction.org or www.facebook.com/educationinaction.

  • My Ten Days of Silence: An Experience in Vipasana Meditation

    My Ten Days of Silence: An Experience in Vipasana Meditation

    By Bhagyashree Vasant Deo

    RICHMOND, TX: My journey into the world of pranayama was so powerful that it inspired me to go deeper. This is the story of that ten-day journey into the art of meditation and the practice of silence at the Vipasāna meditation center in the quiet, remote town of Kaufman near Dallas. The campus is spacious and pleasant, filled with beautiful, eye-catching roses, both white and orange-red, that beautify the large pots scattered around.

    This art of meditation was first brought to India by Gautam Buddha 2,500 years ago, but its practice faded over time. It was revived when Satyanarayan Goenkaji learned it in Burma from Sayaji U Ba Khin and brought it back to India in 1969, eventually spreading it worldwide.

    Upon arriving, I joined a diverse group—American, Chinese, Tibetan, and Indian—all there to learn. I was assigned to a simple, clean dorm room for my ten-day stay, which included a bed, a small rack for clothes, and a few closets. The core of the experience was immediately made clear: every student must observe “Noble Silence” for the first nine days. We could not speak to or communicate with any fellow members. All necessary instructions were posted on the walls, and for the first nine days, one can only speak with the teachers. It is very, very difficult to be completely silent, and I learned that many people, especially from an Indian background, have a hard time with this and may not even attempt the course.

    Our days were structured around meditation in a separate, large hall, with curtains drawn to ensure focus. The day’s activities were announced by the ringing of a “Gong,” a thin, round metal bell that called us to wake up, eat, and meditate. Each evening, we would watch a video lecture from Goenkaji. He explained that the mind is wild and that our job is to tame and soften it. When the mind complains, “Oh! I cannot meditate at all,” we must be the ones to console it and guide it back to a happy state.

    Goenkaji’s teachings were filled with powerful examples to help us understand life’s deepest truths. He taught us about impermanence, explaining that our lives are like waves in an ocean—constantly forming and disappearing. He compared our actions, or Karma, to drawing lines: a line drawn on water vanishes instantly, a line on sand lasts for a day, but a line carved in rock with a chisel remains for many years. Our mental impressions, or Sanskar, are the same.

    He told beautiful stories to illustrate his points. One was about a blind boy who had a fever. His friend begged for him that day and was given kheer (a rice pudding). When he told his blind friend the kheer was “white,” the friend didn’t understand. The other boy tried to explain by showing him a white bird, but when the blind boy touched its crooked body, he declared, “Your kheer is very crooked! I don’t want it!”. From this, a muhavare (idiom) is born, showing how words can have different meanings when experienced differently.

    Another story was about a poor man who won the lottery and bought a large mansion. He saw his friends’ well-furnished homes and felt a “thirst” for more. He bought a washing machine, a refrigerator, a TV, and a car. This thirst of shopping, Goenkaji explained, is never-ending.

    Life at the center was simple and disciplined. The food was wholesome, with breakfast served after 6 am, featuring cereals, oatmeal, fruit, and tea. For lunch, we had hot soup, boiled vegetables, basmati rice, and fresh salad. In moments of rest, I would sit on the cement benches placed around the campus and watch the sunrise and sunset. The beauty was divine, filled with the sweet chirping of birds.

    On the last day, the “Holy Friendship Day,” the rule of silence was lifted, and an atmosphere of joy and fun filled the center. When I returned, my husband, Vasant was away for work in South Carolina, but he had left a beautiful letter and a vase of white and yellow roses for me on the dining table. I was so content and happy.

    After facing the small hardships of the course, I learned a profound lesson, one that Goenkaji repeated on our final day as he wished “Bhavatu Sabba Mangal” (May all beings be happy) upon us. The lesson was simple but transformative: “Look at life from a positive point of view”.

    Dhamma Siri Vipassana Meditation Center is located in Kaufman County, Texas, 972-962-8858

  • How a Group of IITians Set about Rebuilding Takshashila.

    How a Group of IITians Set about Rebuilding Takshashila.

    Rishihood University, located in Sonipat, Haryana, spans a 25-acre campus.

    Founders of Rishihood University visited Houston to discuss their innovative vision and story.

    By Juhi Varma

    HOUSTON: What does a developed India really look like? Not a copy of America or South Korea, but a homegrown model rooted in India’s own identity?

    That’s the question that drove the founders of Rishihood University. Their aim? To cultivate future leaders through a learning model that is “multidisciplinary, multidimensional, and multimodal.”

    Rishihood University, in Sonipat, Haryana, opened its doors in 2021 and currently houses over 900 students. Approaching a major milestone—the graduation of its first class—Rishihood’s founders stopped in Houston during their U.S. tour to share their story—and to seek support for their growing mission.

    “It’s India’s moment in time—the largest nation and fastest growing economy in the world,” said Dr. Shobhit Mathur, the university’s 41-year-old vice chancellor. “But all this is underpinned by good education.”

    A group of Rishihood University students with a few of the faculty.

    Programs, tuition, admissions, and faculty at Rishihood University

    The undergraduate programs offered at Rishihood are BBA, B.Design, B.Sc Psychology and B.Tech.  The student body comprises approximately 60% male and 40% female students. “We have about 900 students on campus as of now, which will go up to 1600 students in about three months’ time,” Mathur said.

    Admissions are merit-based. Academic performance is one aspect of Rishihood’s admissions criteria—the university also values a student’s intent and vision, Mathur said. What are the students’ goals after earning their degree? Are they motivated by a commitment to nation-building, or is their primary aim to secure a high-paying job?

    “There’s a Rishihood Foundation course which has courses like ‘Self and Society’, ‘Principle of Design’, ‘Systems Thinking’, ‘Tech and Policy’, ‘Global Grand Challenges’ laying a strong foundation for future leaders,” said Sahil Aggarwal, Rishihood’s co-founder and CEO. “We strongly believe that without understanding your swabhav and your swadharm, your education is not rooted.”

    Students pay around ₹4.5 lakhs per year in fees. Scholarships are available for students who qualify but cannot afford the tuition.

    Around 70 educators make up Rishihood University’s full-time teaching faculty, supplemented by visiting professors who come and go throughout the year.

    Rishi Bhutada, son of Ramesh Bhutada, joined the university’s board of founders and significantly expanded the family’s philanthropic support. (From left) Sahil Aggarwal, Shobhit Mathur, Ramesh Bhutada, Rishi Bhutada and Shradha Bhutada

    “We are heavily industry integrated,” Mathur said. “About 40% of our faculty come from the industry, and the curriculum is building partnerships with the industry. One year out of the four years, students go and work in the industry–that’s 25% of your time.”

    The average age of the Rishihood team is only 33 years, Mathur said. Rishihood University is actively seeking young professionals who can grow with the institution and remain connected to it, he said. “When we said we needed support, we didn’t just mean donations,” Mathur explained. “We meant committed individuals.”

    History of Rishihood

    The idea for Rishihood took root when Shobhit Mathur(an alumnus of IIT Bombay) met Sahil Aggarwal (a student at IIT Delhi). What began as casual conversations eventually grew into a concrete vision—and ultimately, a reality.
    Mathur, like many IIT alumni, moved to the U.S. soon after graduation and joined Amazon in Seattle in 2006. Still, the dream of building a visionary university remained firmly in his mind.

    An early supporter was Houston-based businessman and philanthropist Ramesh Bhutada, who contributed ₹1 crore for Rishihood University.

    “When Shobhit first told me about it (back in 2013), and I remember thinking ‘this young man wants to set up a university.’” Bhutada said. “I mean setting up a university, and that too in Bharat, and that too on a concept of providing a Dharmic foundation to your studies. But I believed in him as an individual. So I said, ‘well, for whatever you want to do, whatever little I can do, I will try to help you’.”

    Rishi Bhutada, son of Ramesh Bhutada, joined the university’s board of founders in April and significantly expanded the family’s philanthropic support.

    In addition to financial support, many individuals contribute by mentoring, Mathur said. Since Rishihood has no alumni base, many young professionals in the U.S. have stepped in to guide students as mentors.

    Rishihood’s soon-to-be graduates are charting impressive paths: one is a sarpanch in Palghar, another joined India’s highly selective Ministry of Finance, and a third is building an electric SUV. Mathur credits their success to Rishihood’s unique, purpose-driven approach, which prepares students to contribute meaningfully to the nation.

    Can we rebuild Takshashila?

    Swami Vivekananda spoke of “Rishihood” as the highest potential a human can reach, and called for the rise of 100 such people who could transform the nation. Rishihood University is a response to that call, Mathur said. “We’ve taken inspiration from Swami Vivekananda’s words and decided to build an institution that produces such leaders year on year, so they can go ahead and build India,” Mathur said.

    Addressing a roomful of Houston-based Indians, Mathur said, “Many of us have gone through the Indian education system, and have felt we did not get a good deal. There are a lot of challenges in Indian education.”

    As young twenty-somethings, many Indians arrive in the U.S. and are struck by the strength of its institutions, Mathur said. Yet few stop to ask why similar institutions aren’t there in India. “We are so successful here, but what’s the challenge in India?” he said. “Why can’t we build such institutions in India? So that is the thought process that inspired our 10-year journey.”
    Ancient India was once home to renowned centers of learning, such as Takshashila, which attracted scholars from around the world.

    “We asked ourselves—can we rebuild Takshashila?” said Mathur and Aggarwal. During their latest visit to the US, Rishihood University hosted a two-day public policy conference in Washington, D.C., convening thought leaders and building momentum to scale policy research and training programs in India and the U.S. They have ongoing collaborations with U.S. scholars and think tanks, laying the foundation for transnational public policy initiatives.
    Visiting nine cities, the university’s team connected with existing board members, potential donors, visiting faculty, alumni, and policy makers.

    The university’s leadership team engaged with professors from MIT, Northeastern University, Georgia Tech, Duke University etc. to discuss joint academic initiatives

    To learn more about Rishihood University please visit: rishihood.edu.in

  • Panjab University, Chandigarh and UH Plan a Dual-Degree Program

    Panjab University, Chandigarh and UH Plan a Dual-Degree Program

    Panjab University team with University of Houston team at the UH campus

    HOUSTON: Alumni Leaders from North America from the Chemical Engineering Department gathered in Houston, 16 -19th May, 2025, to help transform Panjab University and its Chemical Engineering Department towards a higher ranking, premium institution in India, with a slogan of “March to The Top”. The conference was a result of the vision and hard work of Dr. Arun Verma (and his team) who has been working tirelessly for past seven years to assist in this transformation; in addition to initiating discussion between Panjab University and University of Houston to collaborate in Joint research & Degree programs between their respective Chemical Engineering departments.

    Dr. Arun Verma, introducing Doctor Renu Khator for the dinner keynote on May 16th

    The conference kicked off on the morning of Friday, May 16th, with an introductory meeting at the University of Houston Campus, where UH Chemical Engineering Chairman Dr. Triantafillos J Mountziaris and about 12 faculty members met the PU team visiting from India. Both teams presented their undergraduate and graduate programs, areas of research, and also highlighted potential areas of cooperation.

    The teams agreed to encourage direct faculty-to-faculty interaction and joint research between them. This meeting was followed by a Campus tour for the visiting team including all the UH undergraduate and graduate labs. Following this, a separate tour was given to the PU team by the Houston Alumni Leaders of the UH Campus shop, which assists with branding, marketing, and selling branded merchandise in the physical shop and its online shops to students, Alumni, and the general public. PU Registrar agreed to implement a similar setup back in Chandigarh as soon as possible, with a target date of no later than December 2025.

    The Alumni Leader’s Conference component of the proceedings kicked off on the evening of 16th May at the Hyatt, Houston West. An evening reception for more than 50 Alumni Leaders, plus representatives from both universities, welcomed the evening’s special guest, Dr Renu Khator, the Chancellor of the University of Houston System and president of its flagship University of Houston campus, over the last seventeen years. Post dinner, Dr Khator shared her journey echelons of the US Research Universities. She talked about four essential components of transforming UH from a struggling school system to upper her strategy for this transformation:

    • A bold vision,
    • Buy-in from the community,
    • Relentless change and
    • Longevity for the new culture to take roots

    These were highlighted by Dr. Khator as key ingredients to change the culture of any big organization. She talked about several instances from her tenure at UH where these essential ingredients helped her focus on the intended goal, raise funds for the University and start new programs at the University that helped it break into the top tiers of US Higher education. She has been also invited by the honorable PM of India Narendra Modi to study how her experiences can help Indian Universities.

    In the Q&A session members of the PU community sought out her ideas on challenging the bureaucratic mindset, breaking through administrative barriers and implementing new ideas to help improve standards of education and student experiences. The evening concluded with a Vote of Thanks from the hosts and presentation of a memento from India to Dr. Khator.

  • Alumni Host Panjab University’s First North American Leadership Conference

    Alumni Host Panjab University’s First North American Leadership Conference

    Gifts to Keynote Speaker Dr. Renu Khator (center) from Panjab University LR: Dr. Anupama Sharma, Chairperson Chemical Engineering, Panjab University Dr. Arun Verma; Dr. Renu Khator; Dr. YP Verma, Registrar of Panjab University.

    HOUSTON: Newly formed North American Alumni association held its first Leadership conference at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Houston from May 16 – 18th, 2025 with the explicit aim of helping the Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Panjab University Chandigarh to regain the premier status it enjoyed in the 1960’s,
    through Innovation, Creation, Collaboration and Association.

    Specific objectives of the conference were to:

    • Explore collaboration opportunities with the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Houston in the area of research and joint degree programs
    • Networking and reconnecting with the Alumni based in North America
    • Meeting prominent Houston Academicians
    • Reviewing extraordinary examples of transformation through leadership from prominent leaders of the Houston community
    • Celebrating the successes of key members of the Department of Chemical Engineering Alumni from Panjab University, and
    • Setting an example for other Departments of Panjab University to emulate
    Dr. Arun Verma (far right) with other distinguished alumni and guests of Panjab University.

    The opening keynote address of the conference was given through an inspiring talk by Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor of the University of Houston system, attended by over 50 leadership delegates. She outlined how she transformed University of Houston to become a top notch University in USA and how Panjab University and its Dept. of Chemical engineering could gain insight and learn from her experience to transform itself to regain their pre-eminent status
    in India .

    In addition, talks were given by several prominent people from Houston e.g., Dr. Durga Agrawal, & Dr. M.S. Kalsi ; both very successful businessmen and Alumni of University of Houston. Dr. T. J. Mountziaris, Professor and Department Chair of Chemical Engineering, several faculty members and Senior Officials from the Alumni Relations; Corporate Relations & Sponsorship from University of Houston also inspired the audience.

    The Conference was also attended by Dr. Y. P. Verma Registrar of Panjab University, representing the Vice Chancellor of Panjab University, Dr. Anupama Sharma, Department Chair of Chemical Engineering along with Dr. Gaurav Verma, a Senior Professor from the same Department.

    This conference is a result of the tireless efforts of Dr. Arun Verma (who graduated from Panjab University in 1966) over the past seven years, first to donate a significant sum of money to the Dept. of Chemical Engineering to kick start the reform program by defining a vision, followed by a comprehensive analysis of the Department’s current state, defining the strategy and cultural shift necessary to bring about the needed change not only to the Department but also to Panjab University itself. Dr. Verma displays boundless energy and is very passionate to see that the Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Panjab University achieve the premier status it enjoyed while he was a student. Dr. Verma has been helped in this effort by several of his batch mates in the U.S., Canada and those in India especially Dr. Paramjit Singh and Sutinder Mahajan.

    This level of commitment, leadership and dedication by Dr. Verma and his colleagues from the 1966 batch: Mr. Alok Jain, Mr. Ravi Goel, Mr. Surinder Marria, Mr. Vinod Marwaha and Dr. Kamlesh  Jain is inspiring Alumni from other batches to start taking interest in helping the department and Panjab University in this journey.

    Several Alumni based in Houston and elsewhere in North America have now joined this effort; notable amongst them being Gagan Singh, Ravinder Singh, Rakesh Rajput, Amit Goel, Dalip Soni , Puneet Sanan , Sunil Sibal and several others. It has been a good start for what would inevitably be a long and arduous journey requiring a sustained effort on the part of the leadership of not only Department of Chemical Engineering but also Panjab University. We wish them well in this effort.

  • DAV Schools Celebrate 25th Anniversary, Annual Day & Class of 2025 Graduation

    DAV Schools Celebrate 25th Anniversary, Annual Day & Class of 2025 Graduation

    HOUSTON: DAV Montessori & Elementary School (DAVMES) marked a major milestone on Sunday with a grand celebration of its Annual Day, 25th anniversary, and the graduation of its 5th Grade Class of 2025. The event commenced with a Yajna (Havan) ceremony led by Acharya Surya Nanda Ji, with graduating students and their parents as Yajmaans.

    This was followed by prayers, a motivating bhajan by elementary students under Acharya Bramdeo Mokoonlall’s guidance, a welcome song by preschoolers, and an Annual Report presented by School Director Ms. Arti Khanna.
    Founders Mr. Dev Mahajan and Mr. Shekhar Agrawal were honored for their vision of a school combining academic rigor with Indian cultural values. Special recognition was given to veteran educators Ms. Chetna, Ms. Madhu, Ms. Shilpa, and Ms. Aruna for their longstanding service.

    Students were lauded for their impressive achievements, clinching First Place at the PSIA State Academic Meet for the fourth consecutive year and excelling in science, writing, handwriting, and art. The day also saw the announcement of a new Parent- Teacher Association (PTA) to strengthen school–parent collaboration.

    The graduation walk was a highlight, and students celebrated for both academic and extracurricular excellence. DAVMES expressed heartfelt thanks to its community for 25 years of support and looks forward to future growth and a potential middle school expansion.

    Registration Open for 2025-26 School Year. Contact details: Phone: 281-759-3286, www. davhouston.org, director@davhouston.org

  • Greater Houston Gears Up for 11th International Day of Yoga

    Greater Houston Gears Up for 11th International Day of Yoga

    Coordinators for International Day Yoga events throughout the greater Houston region gathered recently at the Indian Consul General’s residence.

    HOUSTON: Over 30 events are planned across Greater Houston; new partners and guest speakers announced.

    This summer, Greater Houston is once again preparing to roll out its yoga mats for the 11th annual International Day of Yoga (IDY), observed on June 21, 2025. Recognized globally since 2014, when it was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and adopted by the United Nations, IDY is celebrated each year on the summer solstice—the longest day of the year.

    This year, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Houston, can look forward to more than 30 events across the region, including over 11 outdoor gatherings and 20 indoor sessions. Held in community centers, temples, parks, and cultural institutions, these events reflect the growing reach of yoga in everyday life. Buddhist and Nepalese organizations are joining in, highlighting yoga’s unifying power across traditions and communities.

    An anticipated highlight is the first-ever three-day Ayurveda Yoga Camp, hosted at the Texas Hindu Campsite by Yoga Kulam from May 30 – Jun 1. This immersive experience will combine ancient healing traditions with yoga practice in a serene outdoor setting.

    Also making headlines this year is the participation of Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri), a Padma Bhushan awardee and globally respected Vedic scholar. Dr. Frawley will attend and speak at multiple events across the city.

    The City of Houston is officially participating in IDY, with a celebration planned at Hermann Square on Saturday, June 14. This marks an important step in the city’s embrace of wellness and holistic health as a public priority. Meena Kankani, a Katy yoga therapist, is leading a series of Chair Yoga events to make the practice more accessible to seniors and people with limited mobility.

    Numerous other groups are stepping up as first-time hosts, including the Eternal Gandhi Museum, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Leslie Briones and Spanish yoga in Katy. SVYASA Houston, a nonprofit dedicated to yoga education, research, and service, is offering certified instructors to organizations in need of teaching support.

    On the medical and mindfulness front, Dr. Nitin Ron, a renowned neonatologist and TEDx speaker, will lead a special workshop at the Hindu Temple of The Woodlands. Titled Mindfulness & Medicine, the June 21 session will explore how pranayam (breathwork) can support healing, stress relief, and mental clarity. Dr. Ron, whose work bridges traditional yogic practices and modern healthcare, has spoken at the NIH, NASA, and other global platforms. His latest book, Pranayam: Breathing Techniques for Health, Healing and Tranquility, has received acclaim for making ancient wisdom accessible to today’s world.

    From school gyms to temple courtyards, and from quiet morning meditations to large community events, International Day of Yoga 2025 in Houston promises to be a celebration of wellness, unity, and spiritual reflection. Whether you’re a lifelong practitioner or just starting your yoga journey, there’s a space for you in this citywide movement.

    Want to know what’s happening near you? Bharat Patel with Hindus of Greater Houston has compiled all the events in one place—check out hindusofhouston.org/yoga. He can be reached at 713-459-4326 or bapatel3@ gmail.com.