Indo American News

Category: Politics

Local & national issues & events

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • IAPAC Hosts Non-Partisan Reception to Build Bridges with Elected Officials

    IAPAC Hosts Non-Partisan Reception to Build Bridges with Elected Officials

    HOUSTON: The Indian American Political Action Committee of Greater Houston (IAPAC) hosted the first non-partisan reception for over 25 elected officials and over 130 members of the Indian American community at India House on August 4.

    The event ‘Meet Your Elected Officials’ reflected IAPAC’s uniqueness of being the only non-partisan political voice for Indian Americans in the Greater Houston region. The event hosted officials currently serving in office from both the Republican and Democrat political parties. Additionally, multiple Indian Americans  representing both regional and religious groups as well as professional organizations  were present. Attendees had the opportunity to meet the officials who impact them the most: those serving in local offices.

    IAPAC Board Member and Event Chair Vivek Menon kicked off the event with a quote by Rabindranath Tagore about service, setting the tone for the evening and how we need to focus more on our commonalities than our differences.

    Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher

    Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher further cemented that idea with her speech about the work she’s been doing across party lines to better serve the community.  Speaking about diversity, she said, “This is a place where we welcome people, we welcome ideas and we come together to solve problems and instead of seeing those problems as obstacles, we see them as opportunities and that’s what tonight represents, and this engagement has to happen all the time not only at the ballot.”

    Senator John Cornyn’s Office was represented by Jay Guerrero, who highlighted the continuous relationship Sen. Cornyn’s office has had with the Indian community, creating the first Senate India Caucus, and traveling to India last year with a delegation focused on strengthening the alliance of the two nations. Guerrero emphasized the need for such events by IAPAC spotlighting the important relationships that have been built over many years.

    Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George and County Court at Law No. 3 Judge Juli Matthew were just two of the Indian American distinguished speakers at the event. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo sent a video message congratulating IAPAC and the importance of such organizations. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and Dist. 27 Representative Ron Reynolds also spoke about collaboration among the various levels of government and political parties.

    IAPAC President Roopa Gir

    While connecting the history of IAPAC from its early days known as “Association of Indian Americans” in 1984 to present-day, IAPAC President Dr. Roopa Gir said, “The progress we have made over these past two and half decades is nothing short of exemplary, with many aspirants from the community today in elected offices”. She made a call for more involvement from the community, especially from youth, as they are the future of the country.

    Roopa recognized the founders and made special mention of Sanjay Ram, Chairman of the METRO Board of Directors, who was also a board member and former president of IAPAC. Reflecting on Ramesh Anand, the immediate past present, Roopa said, “He has been an inspiration to me and all of us and has provided exemplary leadership in many ways, including his creativity bringing in new blood into IAPAC.

    In closing, IAPAC Vice President Gaurav Jhaveri thanked our sponsors and volunteers, and announced upcoming events for IAPAC including the WE@IAPAC women’s empowerment initiative in October, and a Thanksgiving lunch that brings together global ethnic and religious communities and their elected officials. Gaurav concluded by announcing that the IAPAC Gala will be held in Spring 2023.

  • Attorney George Willy Attends White House Reception

    Attorney George Willy Attends White House Reception

    Attorney Willy with President Joe Biden

    WASHINGTON DC: George Willy, a well-known Immigration Lawyer in Houston was invited to a Rose Garden event at the White House held on May 17, 2022. The President invited Mr. Willy to participate in the celebration of the Asian Heritage month. The invitees were veteran leaders of the Asian community. The event was also attended by high-ranking Administration personnel. Vice President Kamala Harris spoke and introduced the President and then of course the President made a stirring speech on the contribution of the Asian community.

    Attorney Will with Surgeon General Vivek Murthy

  • Commentary: Next Destination after Uvalde and NRA Convention

    Commentary: Next Destination after Uvalde and NRA Convention

    By Bhupinder Singh

    What a strange week in Texas. On May 25, 2022; an eighteen-year-old gunman, Salvador Ramos killed 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. Before heading to the school for the shooting spree, the killer had killed his grandmother. The shooter had even posted messages on the social platform Yubo that he was about “to shoot up an elementary school,” before embarking on his carnage.

    Interestingly he had purchased two AR-15 style semiautomatic weapons within a week of his 18th birthday, including the rifle he used in the shooting spree. The families of school children and the nation were in a state of shock at the tragic shooting, when more shocking news came that the police who arrived at the scene waited around an hour before entering the classroom, where the shooter had locked himself in. The average age of children in this massacre is 9 to 10. The innocence of children and barbarity with which they became victims resonates the deepest pains specially in Texas, as the survivors are transported back to Sandy Hook School incident when twenty-six first graders and educators were slain on December 14, 2012; right before Christmas.

    Day after on May 27, 2022; the annual three-day convention and gun show of NRA (National Rifle Association) started in Houston. Unfortunately, the timing of convention was like adding a pinch of salt to the wounds of the nation. The convention became an emblematic of stark political divide facing the nation on the issue of gun control, which was reflected in the protests against the NRA and counter-protesters during the convention.

    This is not first mass shooting in a school in the state of Texas, or in the nation of USA. Unfortunately, these events have become recurring as they raise their head frequently. The mass shootings have grown more frequent and more lethal in the last decade. Then after the tragic events the politicians make their vows that such incidents will not happen in future, and there will be measures put in place to prevent those from happening. However, whatever action is taken or because of lack of any concrete action such carnage continues to happen, and innocent lives are lost. Any attempts of guns regulation is termed by NRA as “restricting the fundamental human right of law-abiding Americans to defend themselves.”  Although, with the stark political divide along with a strong lobby arm of NRA, much of the reform efforts gets stymied, but still as nation we have to think what effective measures can be put in place, so that the carnages of such scale cannot take place in future. Here are few ideas worth pursuing without getting embroiled in the political divide on the issue of gun control.

    1. When a person turns eighteen that person has to take a driver’s test to get a license to drive a car, a similar requirement for purchase of gun should be made mandatory.
    2. There should be mandatory guns safety training requirements for owning the guns. If defensive driving can be an effective tool to prevent car accidents, then why such a measure cannot be effectively employed to prevent carnages from happening? The gun safety training should also include a module on the moral responsibility of being a gun holder. In this module the emphasis should be on the responsibility of being a good citizen and a responsible gun holder.
    3. The purchase of single or multiple automatic, semi-automatic weapons should be termed as ‘weapons of war’ and not a ‘defensive weapon’. It should be regulated so that carnages of tragic proportions do not unfold.
    4. The School District Police Department should train its police force on how to react to such scenarios independently before the state/city police party arrives at the crime scene.
    5. There should be armed guards at the school entrances and better security arrangements, cameras that can help security staff during such crisis.
    6. No potential killer should have free access to post his desire and intention to kill masses on the social media. The social media should not become the broadcasting media for potential killers.

    How many more children have to die before the nation realizes it is time to act? Failure to act now under the stubborn belief that any reform is an infringement on gun rights is not pragmatic. The notion that all reform efforts must be stopped at all costs, is akin to helping the next shooter pull the trigger. May the wiser sense prevail, and we see some positive outcome of this blood bath.

  • Fort Bend County Poised to Elect Suleman Lalani as State Representative

    Fort Bend County Poised to Elect Suleman Lalani as State Representative

    Dr. Suleman Lalani with wife Zakia

    RICHMOND: Democratic physician Suleman Lalani on Tuesday defeated runoff opponent Vanesia Johnson in a newly drawn state House district in Fort Bend County, leaving him poised to become the first Muslim state lawmaker in Texas history.

    The new district, freshly crafted during last year’s redistricting process, covers parts of Sugar Land, Mission Bend and unincorporated Fort Bend County. Nearly half the residents were added from another House district where Lalani was the Democratic nominee last cycle, giving him a built-in edge over his primary foes.
    Lalani, if elected, would be the first Muslim to serve in the Texas Legislature, according to Rice University political science professor Mark Jones. The seat, House District 76, leans heavily Democratic, making the nominee highly
    favored to win the general election in November. (Democrat Salman Bhojani, a Muslim and former city councilman in the North Texas suburban city of Euless, is also favored to win a Tarrant County state House seat in November).

    Lalani won the Democratic nomination with 63% of the vote with 37% of the votes going to Vanesia Johnson.
    In the race for Harris County Civil Court No 4 race, M.K. Monica Singh (D) won the nomination with 64% of the votes to 36% for Treasea Trevino.

    Manpreet (MK) Monica SIngh

    Meanwhile, Sonia Rash will be the Democratic candidate for Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace with 59% of the votes cast to 41% for Husein Hadi. A tight race is underway for Fort Bend County Treasurer with both Qaiser Q. Imam and Albert Tibbs at 50% each.

    Neeta Sane lost the race for Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner (Democratic) to Dexter McCoy. Sane received 39% of thevotes to 61% for McCoy.

    These races will be decided in the Midterm elections to be held on November 8, 2022

  • Attorney George Willy at DNC Retreat

    Attorney George Willy at DNC Retreat

    CHARLOTTE: George Willy, a prominent immigration lawyer, was invited to a retreat in South Carolina as member of the Leadership Council of the DNC (Democratic National Committee). At this retreat DNC shared with the members of the council the electoral efforts being made by the DNC both in the upcoming mid-term elections and the Presidential election in the horizon. He had the opportunity to meet and discuss policies with some of the elected officials as well as the DNC leadership.

    Mr. Willy served in Governor Ann Richards Administration in the early 90’s and then remained a fixture in the Clinton Whitehouse for many years. He was invited to the Whitehouse for consultations on immigration, South Asian affairs and related matters. After a few years away from politics he has resumed political engagement. He felt that recent attacks on our democracy cannot be allowed to go unchallenged.

  • Letter to the Editor: Ukraine Conflict and India.

    Letter to the Editor: Ukraine Conflict and India.

    Dear Editor:

    The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is the most significant geo-political event since the end of Second World War with the possibility of even a nuclear exchange threatening the very existence of the world. It has pitted old cold war rivals USA and USSR against each other even though Russia the present avatar of USSR is in a much weaker position.  I am not going to the historic details of the Ukrainian conflict. The attack on a smaller country by its stronger neighbor is definitely inexcusable.

    This conflict will affect practically all the countries in the world including India which finds itself in a difficult and delicate situation. Russia has been a strategic ally of India, its main defense partners for many years. India also depends on Russia as a counter weight to China in Central Asia. USA has also become a close ally especially in the Indo-Pacific area. USA is a sister democracy and the Indian public has a lot a sympathy for Ukrainians who are fighting to save their nation from aggression. Thousands of   Indians live in USA and trade with USA is more than ten times that with Russia.

    The only benefactor in this conflict is Communist China. If Putin loses Russia will become more dependent on China, becoming its junior partner, unless there is a regime change in Russia. If Russia wins it will further weaken USA the principal rival of China. The more the conflict lasts the better for China as USA will have less time and resources to spend in the Indo-Pacific area opposing China. The worst scenario for India is USA accommodating China’s hegemony in Asia as a reward for China not helping Russia.

    India did not create this problem, but cannot isolate it from it. Morality really does not count in International power game. A country has only permanent interests, no permanent enemy or friend. In 1971 Nixon had no problem joining Mao to support Pakistan, a military dictatorship against India a fellow democracy when millions of refugees were coming to India from East Pakistan to escape genocide. So far India has played its card well balancing its national interests without antagonizing either side, but how long can this last?
    Jay K Raman MD
    Houston
  • Houston Indians Celebrate Yogi Win

    Houston Indians Celebrate Yogi Win

    HOUSTON: Last Sunday March 13, Hillcroft Avenue was resonating to the sound of drums and chants of Hanuman Chalisa that one would usually associate with the streets of Varanasi or Prayagraj or Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh State in India. What was the reason ? The Indian American diaspora of Houston were celebrating the thumping victory of Yogi Adityanath , Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh , also known as UP. This was part of a victory of the BJP party in 4 state legislature elections seen by all of India as a victory for good governance, law& order, and inclusivity

    Yogi as he is popularly known just completed his first term as the democratically elected Chief Minister of UP and was reelected to a second 5-year term with a resounding two- thirds majority (275 out of 403 seats) in the UP State Assembly (legislature). He was elected on his track record of restoring law and order in a state that was known for its huge amounts of crime, his quelling of scores of mafia gangs that went around the state terrorizing people under previous UP state governments, infrastructure development of UP that had languished in the last 10% of Indian states in infrastructure since 1947, his adroit handling of the Covid epidemic, and his good governance of UP, a state with a population of 240 million people. If UP were a country it would rank sixth in terms of population and its electorate would rival that of the US in numbers. A few examples of his life altering people centric governance in his first 5-year term are as follows:

    1. 14.78 million new gas connections to families who were using wood burning stove that cause respiratory illnesses among the women of the house

    2. 4.3 million new houses to people who were living in huts and who had never known a solid roof over their heads
    3. Muslim women were afforded protection from the dreaded Triple Talaq which allowed a man to divorce his wife by simply saying the word talaq (divorce) thrice.

    What relation does all this have to the Space City Houston and its inhabitants? Houston is home to 300,000 Indian Americans who are all vested in improved relations between the city of their work (Karma Bhumi) and the largest state in the land of their birth (Janmabhoomi) namely UP. They want to increase the people to people contact between Houston and Texas on one hand, and UP on the other. The want to increase the presence of American companies from Texas and Houston in UP under the make in India program started by Prime Minister Modi and being aggressively implemented by CM Yogi. They want to increase the tourism from Houston and Texas to the holy and historic cities of Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Sarnath, Prayagraj and many others. They want to take their friends from Houston and show them what a great place UP is and promises to be under the leadership of Yogi.

    So, a band of motivated Indian Americans took it upon themselves to celebrate this great and deserved victory by Yogi on March 13 in Houston. The rousing tunes of the ancient and great prayer Hanuman Chalisa and shouts of Jai Shri Ram, & Bharat Mata Ki Jai (Victory to Mother India) rent the air. Drums that reminded one of war drums on the ancient battlefield of Kurukshetra (of Mahabharat epic fame) and festival drums on the modern streets of Varanasi & NOIDA made people sway to their lilting rhythms. Snacks and sweets were distributed to all passersby celebrating what Indian Americans hope will be the start of a great journey to cement the relationship between Varanasi the most ancient and longest continuously inhabited city of the world and the holiest city of Hinduism, and Space City Houston which is their adopted home.

    The hope is that there will be a long people-to-people, commercial and diplomatic bridge between Houston and UP that will outlast governments and result in a mutually beneficial relationship. It would also serve as an example to the world of how a non-corrupt, progressive, people centric, good governing, government, could lift 10s of millions out of poverty and provide a sustainable way of existence going forward. That is an idea that most people could support, natural allies, and partners in an everchanging world !

  • Roopa Gir to Lead Indo-American Political Action Committee

    Roopa Gir to Lead Indo-American Political Action Committee

    HOUSTON: The Indian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC) takes great pleasure in announcing Dr. Roopa Gir as the new President of IAPAC. Roopa, who is a board member and resident of Bellaire, stepped into her new role with IAPAC on March 1, 2022.

    Roopa takes over the position of President from Ramesh Anand, who vigorously steered the organization to become an engaging voice for Indian Americans through tough and challenging times due to COVID-19.

    Roopa brings a different background to IAPAC, which has been in existence for over 25 years. She worked in the Oil & Gas Industry for over 3 decades, finishing her career as Director, Technology Watch and Scientific Advisor at Schlumberger.

    In 2013, Roopa took the initiative to start an educational nonprofit called iEducate, and currently serves as Chairman of this social venture in Greater Houston. iEducate works with major school districts to engage college and high school youth as co-teachers & mentors in underserved elementary schools.

    Roopa is a distinguished alumnus of IIT Roorkee, one of the oldest and highly respected engineering institutions in India. She completed her PhD program at Institute Physique du Globe, University Louis Pasteur, France. Roopa has continued to sharpen her leadership and is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum (ALF), Class XLIII. She has been actively involved in leadership positions in several community organizations, including PANIIT USA, IIT Alumni of Greater Houston (IITAGH), IITRANA, and TiE Houston. While a board member at TiE, she led the TiE Energy SIG, a new initiative to strengthen entrepreneurship in the energy sector.

    Roopa currently serves on the boards of iEducate, Samskriti (Society of Indian Performing Arts in Houston), AICAPD (All India Citizens’ Alliance for Progress & Development) and is a TiE Charter Member. She chaired the 75th anniversary of the UN Day Celebration on Oct 24, 2020, which was broadcast globally.

    “We are very fortunate to have Roopa lead IAPAC for the coming 2 years,” said Jagat Kamdar, IAPAC Chairman of the Board.

  • India, Sewa Helping Ukraine Evacuation

    India, Sewa Helping Ukraine Evacuation

    HOUSTON: As airstrikes cause extensive damage and people flee Ukraine in large numbers, Sewa International volunteers in Europe have helped more than 3,200 individuals in the past six days to cross the border to reach safety. Sewa volunteers are working with another 3,680 people who have registered for evacuation through the Sewa helpline.

    Over 250 Sewa volunteers spread across many countries in Europe are coordinating relief efforts in eighteen Ukrainian cities. Working closely with Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) volunteers, Sewa units in Ukraine, Finland, Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Denmark are fielding calls from stranded students and others seeking help and directing them to a volunteer who lives close to them for further assistance.

    “The situation on the ground is as challenging as it can get. Sewa and HSS volunteers are taking calls from people in distress and working  24 x 7 to help them evacuate. More than 35 Sewa volunteers are working on the ground in Ukraine. We are seeing an increased call volume as the war intensifies,” a Sewa volunteer from Ukraine, deeply involved in coordinating the relief work, explained over a WhatsApp call.

    Sewa is helping people to reach Ukraine’s western border by bus, train, or other modes of transport. They are distributing food packets, establishing temporary shelters, or working with local hotel owners to provide fleeing students a place to stay until they leave for their home country.

  • Capacity Audience for Private Screening of the Movie ‘Kashmir Files’

    Capacity Audience for Private Screening of the Movie ‘Kashmir Files’

    A Tale of Brutal Killings, Ethnic Cleansing

    By Jawahar Malhotra

    HOUSTON: Watching The Kashmir Files left me speechless. The magnitude of the violence was something I was completely unaware of until watching this film. I’m still in shock, unable to process what I saw.

    Before seeing the Kashmir Files, I knew a little bit about the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits, but just ten minutes in, I was made acutely aware of how little I knew. Scene after scene, I felt horrified, heartbroken, and after a while, I felt ashamed. I felt ashamed that this was the first time I was hearing of these stories, the first time I was faced with the horrifying truth of what happened thirty years ago. How is it possible that this genocide is largely unheard of? It’s truly shameful that the story of the brutality against Kashmiri Pandits has been muffled for so long, and it is high time that it be told.

    But this is a story that needs to be told in the right way, which I feel The Kashmir Files accomplished. This film, founded on the true stories of over 700 Kashmiris from all over the world, brought to light facts with exceptional storytelling. Director Vivek Agnihotri crafted an informational yet emotionally invigorating film, which is guaranteed to strike a chord with every viewer. Portraying a young person struggling with vastly different information is a situation I am all too familiar with as a next generation Indian American. The Radhika Menon’s are my friends. Growing up here, the narrative about Kashmir is that the Kashmiri Pandits were pushed out, which made Krishna Pandit an ideal character for those of us who have never heard this story. As someone who did not know much before the film, I journeyed along with Krishna as he discovered the truth behind why Kashmiri Pandits left Kashmir. Following along Krishna’s journey through an information war to the truth was a relatable and highly effective way to not only tell but show the truth. Including his grandfather and his friends, showing how even those in positions of power could do nothing, gave the film incredible emotional depth, allowing the viewer to feel the anger, despair, and fear.

    Members of the Houston audience attending a private screening of the movie.

    The Kashmir Files is a must-watch film for my generation. My entire family and I had the opportunity to view the film a few days ago at a sold-out prescreening event in Houston, Texas, which is no small feat during COVID times. This film is important not only for Indians, but for everyone to witness the horrific reality that has taken far too long to come to light. Kashmiri Pandits deserve for the world to know their story, especially in a world that has been shown a false reality for far too long. Please take the time to view the Kashmir Files, which is releasing on January 26, 2022.

    By Apurva Ghosh, in collaboration with Amiya Ghosh

    Watching The Kashmir Files left me speechless. The magnitude of the violence was something I was completely unaware of until watching this film. I’m still in shock, unable to process what I saw.

    Before seeing the Kashmir Files, I knew a little bit about the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits, but just ten minutes in, I was made acutely aware of how little I knew. Scene after scene, I felt horrified, heartbroken, and after a while, I felt ashamed. I felt ashamed that this was the first time I was hearing of these stories, the first time I was faced with the horrifying truth of what happened thirty years ago. How is it possible that this genocide is largely unheard of? It’s truly shameful that the story of the brutality against Kashmiri Pandits has been muffled for so long, and it is high time that it be told.

    But this is a story that needs to be told in the right way, which I feel The Kashmir Files accomplished. This film, founded on the true stories of over 700 Kashmiris from all over the world, brought to light facts with exceptional storytelling. Director Vivek Agnihotri crafted an informational yet emotionally invigorating film, which is guaranteed to strike a chord with every viewer. Portraying a young person struggling with vastly different information is a situation I am all too familiar with as a next generation Indian American. The Radhika Menon’s are my friends. Growing up here, the narrative about Kashmir is that the Kashmiri Pandits were pushed out, which made Krishna Pandit an ideal character for those of us who have never heard this story. As someone who did not know much before the film, I journeyed along with Krishna as he discovered the truth behind why Kashmiri Pandits left Kashmir. Following along Krishna’s journey through an information war to the truth was a relatable and highly effective way to not only tell but show the truth. Including his grandfather and his friends, showing how even those in positions of power could do nothing, gave the film incredible emotional depth, allowing the viewer to feel the anger, despair, and fear.

    The Kashmir Files is a must-watch film for my generation. My entire family and I had the opportunity to view the film a few days ago at a sold-out prescreening event in Houston, Texas, which is no small feat during COVID times. This film is important not only for Indians, but for everyone to witness the horrific reality that has taken far too long to come to light. Kashmiri Pandits deserve for the world to know their story, especially in a world that has been shown a false reality for far too long. Please take the time to view the Kashmir Files, which is releasing on January 26, 2022.

  • Fort Bend County Awards $475,000 Grant to Eternal Gandhi Museum of Houston

    Fort Bend County Awards $475,000 Grant to Eternal Gandhi Museum of Houston

    HOUSTON: Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston, EGMH, is very happy and proud to inform you that it has received a generous grant of $475,000 under the non -profit program of the Fort Bend County under the American rescue plan.

    Judge KP George has offered unflinching support to the activities of EGMH from day one when he was invited to Shraddhanjali, Memorial Service, for Mahatma Gandhi in February 2019 at Unity of Houston. EGMH profusely thanks Judge for his support. This grant will go a long way in bringing to life the First ever museum in the Americas dedicated to preserve and promote Mahatma Gandhi’s greatest legacy of nonviolent conflict resolution.

    EGMH is truly grateful to the Fort Bend County Commissioners’ court for approving this grant.

    When EGMH opens in 2023 it will be an education institution to resolve conflicts nonviolently. It will invite Houston and surrounding area school children for field trip to the museum at no cost. A trained docent will lead the children in the museum based on content developed by grade by an education consultant. The EGMH will be an interactive museum divided into three parts, His Journey (Mahatma Gandhi’s Life), Our Journey (Impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of nonviolent conflict resolution in the world featuring, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela and others around the world and finally My Journey section were each visitor will be asked to make a commitment to make the community a better place to live in.

  • IAPAC Hosts ‘Gratitude for Global Cultures’ Lunch with Elected Leaders

    IAPAC Hosts ‘Gratitude for Global Cultures’ Lunch with Elected Leaders

    Houston: The Indian American Political Action Committee of Greater Houston (IAPAC) is fulfilling its promise once again of being the only non-partisan voice for Indian Americans in the political arena. On November 20, 2021, IAPAC hosted “Gratitude with Global Cultures,” a Thanksgiving Lunch, focused on being grateful for the diversity within our region.

    Keeping in line with the theme of “Gratitude with Global Cultures,” elected officials from both major political parties and guests representing a multitude of countries and cultures were invited, including India, Cameroon, Nigeria, Taiwan, Turkey, Philippines, Malaysia, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Greece, Bangladesh, Iran, Israel, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Latin America.

    A beautiful collection of what gratitude means was shared by representatives from faiths that are Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Jewish, Scientology, Sikh and Zoroastrian.

    Elected officials were each also given the opportunity to share their thoughts about gratitude before lunch. As lunch was served, Congressman Al Green arrived to share words on what coming together during Thanksgiving means to him. Congressman Green also thanked IAPAC for bringing together community leaders with love and gratitude at the forefront.

    Elected officials who attended included: Fort Bend County Judge,  K. P. George; State Representative, Ron Reynolds; State Representative, Jon Rosenthal; Houston City Council Member, Robert Gallegos; Houston City Council Member, Edward Pollard; Stafford Council Member, Ken Mathew; Sugar Land Council Member, Naushad Kermally; Sugar Land Council Member, Carol McCutcheon; Stafford Council Member, Xavier Herrera; Regional Director for Senator Cruz, Jason Fuller; 434 District Court Judge, Christian Becerra; Fort Bend District Attorney, Brian Middleton and Community Outreach Coordinator for Representative Lizzie Fletcher, R. J. Coronado.

    Ramesh Anand, President of IAPAC expressed his pleasure with the feedback from the event saying, “IAPAC believes that Indian American lives are affected by elected officials at every level as much as business opportunities are for both India and the US. IAPAC is committed to evolving new ways to create relationships at each level – be at the City, County, State and Federal level – with EVERY elected official whether Democrat, Republican or Independent.”

  • Fort Bend Aide Taral Patel Joins Biden Administration

    Fort Bend Aide Taral Patel Joins Biden Administration

    Chief of Staff Taral Patel (right) with his mentor Fort Bend County Judge KP George during a Christmas event before the Covid pandemic.

    Richmond: The Indian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC) of Greater Houston is a nonpartisan organization and one of its missions is to promote and encourage political involvement and increase political awareness in the Indian American community residing in the Greater Houston area.

    IAPAC would like to congratulate Taral Patel on his appointment to work with the Biden Administration on Domestic Policy Issues in Washington DC

    Taral grew up in Greater Houston studying at Cinco Ranch High School and subsequently graduating from UT Austin. 

    Patel was the youngest Chief of Staff to serve for the Fort Bend County’s Judge’s office and previously held positions on many campaigns including Mayor Bill White, Senator Rodney Ellis and Wendy Davis.

    With his various experiences and accomplishments, we have no doubt Taral Patel will continue to thrive and be a formidable force to watch in the political arena. 

    For more information, contact Ramesh Anand, President IAPAC at C: 832-731-6133 or email: president@iapacgh.org.

    When KP George was elected as Fort Bend County judge last year, it was a historic election by all accounts. Not only did he manage to flip the judgeship from red to blue after it was held by the same Republican incumbent for 15 years, George also ushered in some much needed diversity in one of the most multicultural, immigrant-rich communities in the nation.

    Helping George almost every step of the way in becoming Fort Bend’s top chief was Taral Patel, his 25-year-old, data-focused chief of staff.

    Patel, a Katy native became George’s chief of staff after working as a strategist during his campaign in the 2018 midterms. When George was sworn in this past January, Patel became the first Hindu and youngest chief for a countywide official in Fort Bend history.

    It’s the latest example of how the millennial generation, soon to surpass baby boomers as America’s largest, are making their mark in government.

    In Fort Bend County, that means being responsible for aiding 760,000 residents and roughly 3,000 county employees in a county with an annual budget of $370 million.

    Patel told The Signal George’s historic election wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the Asian-American community who helped elect him to both the judgeship and his previous elected office as a representative in the Fort Bend ISD school board between 2014 and 2018. — With contribution from The Texas Signal.

  • Commissioner Adrian Garcia Proposes Initiatives to Strengthen Grid

    Commissioner Adrian Garcia Proposes Initiatives to Strengthen Grid

    Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia (center) with Harris County Judge Lena Hidalgo and Commissioner Rodney Ellis. Photo credit: Houston Chronicle

    Harris County: Commissioners Court discussed an item brought forth by Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia to consider what county actions are available to respond to the widely acknowledged failures of the Public Utility Commission of Texas that led to dozens of lives being lost.

    According to the Houston Chronicle, the number of deaths from the freeze and widespread power outages that followed will surpass those attributed to Hurricane Harvey.

    After lengthy discussion and emotional testimony by victims, community advocates, and elected leaders, Commissioners Court voted to approve the following:

    Resolution calling for all members of all members of the Public Utility Commission including Chairwoman Walker to resign from office.

    Cooperation with the upcoming Federal Investigation by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on the causes of the widespread blackouts.

    Authorizing the County Attorney’s Office to act in opportunities to strengthen connections with grids outside ERCOT.

    Support for bills to be filed in the Texas Legislature that would prevent another Texas grid failure and/or exploring the benefits and consequences of dismantling of the state’s go-it-alone approach

    Commissioner Adrian Garcia issued the following statement:

    “Texas state leaders have made a practice of keeping Texans in the dark – and two weeks ago, those actions turned deadly. When half of Harris County was without power or heat for days at a time, Harris County families were forced to endure nightmarish conditions or huddle with neighbors to escape the deadly conditions. Similarly, during the freeze, our neighbors to both the north and east found themselves connected to a working grid, one that experienced far fewer problems. Asking questions and investigating whether we could do the same makes sense. After a career as a first responder, working to save lives is part of my DNA. This crisis has led us to conversations that are long overdue. I thank the hundreds of Harris County residents that reached out to my office, the dozens of industry leaders who called to offer help, and my fellow county officeholders for helping us devise innovative strategies to keep the lights on. Even when the state refuses to show leadership, local officials always take the lead on recovery. If there are ways we can be proactive to keep people safe, we will always have the courage to act on them.”

    The five members of Harris County Commissioners Court on Monday agreed that February’s blackouts affecting more than 1.4 million county residents during sub-freezing temperatures should not have happened.

    They agreed the deaths of more than 40 Houston-area residents linked to outages could have been prevented and took turns expressing anger over the suffering their constituents had to endure.

    The quintet could not, however, agree on who to blame for the disaster. The dispute was settled along familiar partisan lines, with the three Democrats passing a broad resolution rebuking state leaders for failing to ensure the state’s main power grid could operate in cold weather. It also expressed support for any federal investigations into what happened.

    “What happened last week may have been unprecedented, but it wasn’t unanticipated,” said Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. “The lack of action by the state will cost us billions in economic damage.”

    The resolution, proposed by Garcia, notes that a federal report on the 2011 Texas blackouts caused by a winter storm recommended the state winterize its energy infrastructure to prevent a repeat of that incident. Two key state regulators, the Texas Railroad Commission and Public Utility Commission, failed to do so, the resolution says. — Addditional reporting from Zach Despart, Houston Chronicle.

  • Moving Beyond Paris: India Steps Up its Climate Ambitions

    Moving Beyond Paris: India Steps Up its Climate Ambitions

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at the Paris Change Summit in 2015. Photo credit: India.com

    By Harsh V. Shringla

    We focus on the human and development impacts of climate change

    *Any views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.

    The country aims to be ‘a leader in thought and action on climate’, its foreign secretary says Harsh V. Shringla is India’s Foreign Secretary. 

    Five years after the Paris Agreement, India is among the few developing countries that are not only meeting their “green” targets but are aspiring to more ambitious climate goals.

    At the recent Climate Ambition Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated the Indian approach. He said that we must set our sights “even higher”, even as we do not lose sight of the past. He added that India would not only achieve its Paris Agreement targets, but would exceed them. 

    At the U.N. Climate Action Summit in 2019, Modi said that an ounce of practice is worth more than a ton of preaching. We are taking practical steps across all areas, including energy, industry, transport, agriculture and protection of green spaces, in our whole-of-society journey to become a leader in climate action and climate ambition. 

    India recognizes that climate change cannot be fought in silos. It requires an integrated, comprehensive and holistic approach. It requires innovation and adoption of new and sustainable technologies. Conscious of these imperatives, India has mainstreamed climate in its national developmental and industrial strategies. 

    Energy is at the center of all climate strategies. We believe India has become a clean energy powerhouse and is a leader in energy transition from carbon dioxide-producing sources to renewables and non-fossil-fuel sources. 

    We intend to keep harnessing India’s renewable energy potential. Our renewable energy capacity is the fourth largest in the world and the capacity expansion being undertaken is also one of the largest in the world. The bulk of this will come from the cleanest energy source, the sun. 

    We are seeing progress already. We initially committed to 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022. We have gone further and expect to cross 220 GW in the next two years. We have an even more ambitious target of 450 GW by 2030. 

    We are working to ensure that 40% of electric power in India is from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. This clean energy push goes hand-in-hand with a parallel effort to reduce the emissions intensity of our economy by 33-35% (from 2005 levels) by 2030.

    The Ujala scheme – a national drive to use LED lamps – is reducing CO2 emissions by 38.5 million tonnes every year. The Ujjwala scheme, under which over 80 million households have been provided access to clean cooking gas, is one of of the largest clean energy initiatives in the world. 

    Climate action and sustainability is being brought into government schemes across multiple sectors. Our Smart Cities Mission is working with 100 cities to help them become more sustainable and adaptable to the challenges of climate change. The National Clean Air Programme aims to reduce air pollution (PM2.5 and PM10) by 20-30% in the next four years.

    The Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India, has a strong sustainability focus. 

    More trees are being planted and degraded land is being reclaimed to create a carbon “sink” that can absorb 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2. 

    We are also working rapidly to create a green transport network, to offset a sector known for its polluting emissions particularly in our big cities.

    India is building next-generation infrastructure such as mass transit systems, green highways and waterways. A national electric mobility plan is creating an e-mobility ecosystem with the aim to have over 30% of all vehicles on India’s roads to be electric. 

    These initiatives are for our own good as India is among the countries most vulnerable to the impact of climate change. 

    We recognise there is still a long way to go but these efforts are already paying dividends. India’s emission intensity has reduced by 21% over the period 2005-2014. Over the next decade, we are expecting even greater reductions. 

    India intends to be a responsible global citizen in the climate space. We are not only going beyond our Paris Agreement commitments. We are adopting innovative instruments to further international cooperation in climate action.

    We have created international organisations like the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure that are working on creating global low-carbon pathways. More than 80 countries have joined the International Solar Alliance, making it one of the fastest-growing international bodies. 

    This combination of national action and responsible international citizenship makes India unique amongst developing countries and is placing it on the path to realise its ambitions to be a leader in thought and action on climate.

    Harsh Vardhan Shringla is Foreign Secretary of India. Views expressed are personal.

  • Sri Kulkarni Joins AmeriCorps Federal Agency

    Sri Kulkarni Joins AmeriCorps Federal Agency

    Washington DC: AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteering and service, announced the appointments of three leading experts to key positions – Sonali Nijhawan, director of AmeriCorps State and National; Dan Kohl, director of government relations; and Sri Preston Kulkarni, chief of external affairs.

    Joining the seven leaders announced last month, these appointees reflect the Biden administration’s commitment to diverse leadership. In their roles, these leaders will use service to support the administration’s agenda, focusing on four of the most urgent challenges of our time: COVID-19, economic recovery, racial equity, and climate change.

    The appointments come as the agency is poised for extraordinary progress, with calls for investment in national service programming at every level, amid growing recognition that service is an effective strategy to help address challenges ranging from climate change to COVID-19 recovery.

    Sonali Nijhawan has committed her career to developing leaders and growing national service. Most recently, she developed and served as the executive director of Stockton Service Corps, a six-year, $12 million initiative to address local needs through AmeriCorps. she earned a bachelor’s in education and psychology from Marquette University and a master’s in social work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

    Kohl’s’s long record of political and civic engagement will be an asset to AmeriCorps. Kohl is a founder for a leading progressive political advocacy organization, J Street, where he served as vice president of political affairs. He previously served as the SEED Foundation’s Wisconsin director for new school development and as a senior advisor for Baker Hostetler’s government practice group.

    Kulkarni brings a variety of experience in service and public affairs to AmeriCorps, including 14 years as a foreign service officer with the State Department where he specialized in public diplomacy and worked in public affairs and international information programs, completing tours in Taiwan, Russia, Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, and Washington, D.C. He also spent time as a Pearson fellow with the U.S. Senate, advising on foreign policy, defense, and veterans affairs matters.

    Kulkarni furthered this experience as a candidate for Congress in 2018 and 2020, running the first U.S. campaign in 27 languages and the largest relational organizing program for a U.S. Congressional race. He earned a bachelor’s in linguistics from the University of Texas and a master’s in public administration from Harvard Kennedy School. He speaks English, Spanish, Russian, Hindi, Hebrew, and Mandarin Chinese.

  • Rihanna, Greta Tweet for Farmers and Government Response

    Rihanna, Greta Tweet for Farmers and Government Response

    New Delhi: Protests have been taking place in India for months as a result of three new agriculture laws passed in 2020. On Feb. 2, two influential names took to Twitter to show their support for India’s farmers.

    Rihanna shared an article written by CNN, which outlined the recent internet cuts that took place in New Delhi, India, as a result of the protests gaining further traction. She captioned it, “Why aren’t we talking about this?” which sparked a huge debate on Twitter. Though a number of responses were littered with praise, the majority of India’s right-wing population were less than pleased. This included Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who supported the new farm laws last year and subsequently called Rihanna “a fool,” sharing her views on Twitter.

    Rihanna wasn’t the only one to share her support, however. The movement was also supported by environmental activist Greta Thunberg, who shared the same CNN article with the caption, “We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India.”

    No matter the view, drawing more attention to the issues taking place in other countries has never been more important. Since Rihanna and Greta have shared their support, news of the movement in India has only gained further momentum – and for the better. One user on Twitter added that, “For any movement or a cause, amplification of online influencers is among top priorities. For #FarmersProtest to get it from Rihanna is a global boost at a time when negativity was seeping in the movement – at least in the online narratives. This can have a snowball effect.”

    Indian Ministry of External Affairs Press Statement on recent comments by foreign individuals and entities on the farmers’ protests

    New Delhi: “The Parliament of India, after a full debate and discussion, passed reformist legislation relating to the agricultural sector. These reforms give expanded market access and provided greater flexibility to farmers. They also pave the way for economically and ecologically sustainable farming.

    A very small section of farmers in parts of India have some reservations about these reforms. Respecting the sentiments of the protestors, the Government of India has initiated a series of talks with their representatives. Union Ministers have been part of the negotiations, and eleven rounds of talks have already been held. The Government has even offered to keep the laws on hold, an offer iterated by no less than the Prime Minister of India.

    Yet, it is unfortunate to see vested interest groups trying to enforce their agenda on these protests, and derail them. This was egregiously witnessed on January 26, India’s Republic Day. A cherished national commemoration, the anniversary of the inauguration of the Constitution of India, was besmirched, and violence and vandalism took place in the Indian capital.

    Some of these vested interest groups have also tried to mobilise international support against India. Instigated by such fringe elements, Mahatma Gandhi statues have been desecrated in parts of the world. This is extremely disturbing for India and for civilised society everywhere.

    Indian police forces have handled these protests with utmost restraint. It may be noted that hundreds of men and women serving in the police have been physically attacked, and in some cases stabbed and seriously wounded.

    We would like to emphasise that these protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity, and the efforts of the Government and the concerned farmer groups to resolve the impasse.

    Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken. The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible. “

  • PM Modi ‘Honored’ after Brazil Thanks India for 2 MM Covid Vaccine

    PM Modi ‘Honored’ after Brazil Thanks India for 2 MM Covid Vaccine

    New Delhi: After receiving 2 million doses of coronavirus vaccine from India, Brazil President Jair M Bolsonaro thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for vaccine export saying he feels honoured to have a great partner to overcome a global obstacle by joining efforts.

    India, which began exporting the Astrazeneca and Oxford coronavirus vaccine doses last Wednesday, has also sent supplies to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles.

    “Namaskar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Brazil feels honoured to have a great partner to overcome a global obstacle by joining efforts. Thank you for assisting us with the vaccines exports from India to Brazil. Dhanyavaad,” Bolsonaro said.

    In his tweet, Bolsonaro shared an illustration that shows Lord Hanuman carrying a mountain with vaccines from India to Brazil. In Ramayana, there is a tale in which Hanuman carries the entire mountain to deliver Sanjeevani Booti, a magical life-saving herb, to save wounded Lakshman, Lord Ram’s brother.

    Replying to Bolsonaro’s tweet, PM Modi said both countries will continue to strengthen our cooperation on healthcare. “The honour is ours, President Jair M. Bolsonaro to be a trusted partner of Brazil in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic together. We will continue to strengthen our cooperation on healthcare, the Prime Minister tweeted.

    The honour is ours, President @jairbolsonaro to be a trusted partner of Brazil in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic together. We will continue to strengthen our cooperation on healthcare. https://t.co/0iHTO05PoM

    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2021

    External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar also took to Twitter to say, “Made in India vaccines arrive in Brazil.”

    Trust the Pharmacy of the World. Made in India vaccines arrive in Brazil. #VaccineMaitri pic.twitter.com/5bt602LFXZ

    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 22, 2021Also, calling the day historic, India’s Ambassador to Brazil said, “Today is a historic day in India-Brazil relations. Brazil is the first country to get such a consignment. PM Modi said we’ll make vaccine available to all countries & we’ll continue to work towards that & I wish you good luck in your efforts.”

    According to Brazil’s Health Ministry, the vaccine, developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, landed in Sao Paulo before being flown to Rio de Janeiro, where Brazil’s state-run Fiocruz Institute is based. Fiocruz has an agreement to produce and distribute the vaccine.

    According to Brazilian public health experts, the 2 million doses from India only scratch the surface of the shortfall and far more doses will be needed to cover priority groups in the nation of 210 million people.

    “Counting doses from Butantan (a Sao Paulo state research institute) and those from India, there isn’t enough vaccine and there is no certainty about when Brazil will have more, or how much,” said M’rio Scheffer, professor of preventive medicine at the University of Sao Paulo.

    Brazil has recorded 2,14,000 deaths related to COVID-19, the second-highest total in the world after the United States, and infections and deaths surging aga

    Several neighbouring countries praised India as the country starts giving millions of coronavirus vaccines to South Asian nations, a move that also counters China’s dominance in the region.

    In Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal, free shipments of Covid-19 vaccines of Oxford-AstraZeneca, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, the world’s biggest producer of vaccines, have started arriving.

    “The government of India has shown goodwill by providing the vaccine in grant. This is at the people’s level, it is the public who are suffering the most from COVID-19,” Nepal’s Minister for Health and Population Hridayesh Tripathi was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.

    India has started providing vaccines to its Himalayan neighbour Nepal despite strained ties that have worsened post-Nepal’s inclusion of Indian territories in its map.

    New Delhi on Thursday officially handed over 2 million doses of Covid-19 jabs to Bangladesh as a gift.

    “India had stood by Bangladesh during the (1971) Liberation War, and today, when the pandemic is rattling the world, India again came with gifts of vaccines,” Bangladesh foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was reported as saying by news agency PTI.

    A government source told Reuters that India is mulling over providing about 12 million to 20 million shots to its neighbours in the first wave of assistance in the next three to four weeks.

    India is also helping some of these countries by providing them training to administer vaccines and setting up facilities to help in the rollout, the source added.