Indo American News

Category: US South Asian

  • India’s 79th Independence Day Celebrations throughout Houston

    India’s 79th Independence Day Celebrations throughout Houston

    HOUSTON: Consulate General of India (CGI) hosted the Har Ghar Tiranga exhbition, celebrating the tiranga’s
    legacy and India’s national pride. Consul General DC Manjunath shared insights on the history and significance
    of the history and significance of the Tiranga.

    Attendees from the Indian Diaspora explored portraits showcasing the evolution of the national flag and stories of courage tied to its journey, celebrating the spirit of patriotism. Guests included “The Bengal Files” movie team with Director Vivek Agnihotri and actress Pallavi Joshi.

    CGI will be hosting Independence Day with a flag hoisting on Friday, August 15 at 8:00 am at the Consulate
    at 4300 Scotland Street, Houston, Texas 77056. Guests who have RSVPed are requested to arrive at 7:30
    am.

    India House will be hosting its flag hoisting at 10 am at 8888 West Bellfort Avenue, Houston, Texas 77031. India Culture Center and its partnering organizations will host “Vijayee Bharat” I-Fest on Sunday, August 17 at the Stafford Center, 10505 Cash Road in Stafford, Texas.

  • Tagore Talk 2025 at India House: Glimpses of India’s History and Governance by Sanjeev Sanyal

    Tagore Talk 2025 at India House: Glimpses of India’s History and Governance by Sanjeev Sanyal

    Sanjeev Sanyal with interviewer Sunanda Vashisht

    By Partha Sarathi Chatterjee Advisor, TSH

    HOUSTON: It was not a Bollywood star or a famous religious preacher, but on April 19th evening it seemed that a rock star had come to town from the overflowing crowds that came to India House to attend the 2025 Tagore Talks.

    The featured speaker at the event was Mr. Sanjeev Sanyal, Secretary of the Government of India and a member of PM Modi’s Economic Advisory Council. The Talk was the 10th in an annual series that is organized by the Tagore Society of Houston (TSH), an iconic Houston institution established in 1974 with the primary mission of propagating the universal philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore. Tagore’s vision for a modern India is beautifully expressed in the words of the poem “Where the mind is without fear…into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.” It is in this light that the Tagore Society invited Mr. Sanyal, who in his own right is a renowned thinker, economist, in fact a veritable polymath, to headline this year’s Talk, to illuminate for the community the inner strivings of the Government of India in order to reach the goal of a Vikshit (Developed) Bharat by 2047.

    TSH boardmembers with dignitaries

    This Talk was attended by a standing room only crowd. Many of them have been ardent followers of his eloquent podcasts and interviews on the internet. The event was kicked off by a soulful rendering of Tagore’s famous song “Anandaloke” by two of the youngest members of Tagore Society.

    Dhruba Ghose, TSH President, welcomed everyone and gave the highlights of TSH mission and its achievements. Honorable DC Manjunath, Consul General of India  in Houston, spoke about why the Talk and TSH’s mission is relevant in modern times and Tagore’s connection to Houston. Dhruba Ghosh then introduced Ms. Sunanda Vashisht, a celebrated Houston journalist, who then introducedMr. Sanyal to the crowd and moderated the rest of the Talk.

    Sanjeev Sanyal’s Talk was focused “India’s Process Reforms: Attrition Warfare vs DOGE Blitz”. He explained the meticulous process that is being followed to reduce bureaucracy, cut down on processing time, eliminate waste and ridiculous norms, many carried over from British times. Every success he highlighted needed deep investigative analysis and incessant desire to find waste and improve processes. Tagore’s words are so apropos for the passionate zeal by which these reforms are being approached, as detailed by Mr. Sanyal.

    “… Where the world has not been broken up into fragments

    By narrow domestic walls

    Where words come out from the depth of truth

    Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection

    Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way

    Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit …”

    The important aspect of the Talk was not the details but its demonstration of the brilliant technical minds that are driving India’s development. Sanjeev Sanyal attended other smaller gatherings before the event, including at the Consul General’s house, with community leaders, TSH volunteers and sponsors, and also after the event. At every such gathering, the discussions were animated and covered many aspects of India’s governance and place in
    the world. One could sense his admirable brilliance across subjects.

    From AI to modelling in ship design to economics to governance, he floored the audience with his clarity of thoughts and depth of knowledge. He talked about his work in building a stitched ship in line with India’s maritime glory. He discussed how the world order needed disruption for meaningful change and how India is primed for success given the world situation now. A stable educated population, governed by an efficient government, can do wonders. He even talked about AI governance, the perils of declining population faced by various countries, terrorism and instability, and how it is critical for India to continue the path it is currently on.

    Seeing Mr. Sanyal in person, hearing him talk and converse in smaller groups, it is obvious that India is in good hands; it completely moved the needle in the terms of the community’s general perception of how India is governed.

    Tagore Society of Houston could bring this fantastic event and the brilliant speaker Sanjeev Sanyal, thanks to the incredible team of Executive Board, Advisors and volunteers, supported by sponsors and partner organizations. TSH will continue to bring such eminent speakers and cater to the vibrant community here in Houston.

  • Senate Candidate Colin Allred Meets Local Asian Businesses

    Senate Candidate Colin Allred Meets Local Asian Businesses

    On Thursday afternoon, September 5, US Senate candidate, Democrat Colin Allred met with local Asian small business leaders at Aling’s Chinese Bistro. From left, attorney and Texas House District 26 Democratic candidate Daniel Lee (wife Vanessa beside him); Colin Allred; Texas House representative Suleman Lalani; fast food franchisee Ricki Oberoi and Alings owner Irfan Motiwala.

    By Jawahar Malhotra

    SUGAR LAND: During an election stop in the Houston area last Thursday, September 5, US Senate candidate, Democrat Colin Allred met with student leaders from the University of Houston and host a roundtable discussion with Asian small business leaders in Sugar Land.

    Allred is currently serving his third term representing the 32nd Congressional District of Texas which covers a suburban area of northeastern Dallas County and a sliver of Collin and Denton counties. The district was created after the 2000 United States census, when Texas went from 30 seats to 32 seats.

    Allred is hoping to unseat two-term Republican Senator Ted Cruz in the November election. In Sugar Land, on Thursday afternoon, he met with a few Asian small business owners to listen to their concerns about the challenges facing them. During the hour-long informal meeting held at Aling’s Chinese Bistro, Allred heard from fast food franchisee

    Ricki Oberoi; Texas House representative Suleman Lalani; Alings owner Irfan Motiwala; and attorney and Texas House District 26 Democratic candidate Daniel Lee, as well as three members of the local media.

  • IAPAC Co-Hosts “Into the Light” Conference to Address Human Trafficking in Greater Houston

    IAPAC Co-Hosts “Into the Light” Conference to Address Human Trafficking in Greater Houston

    Panelists with IAPAC board members.

    HOUSTON: On August 20th, the Indian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), in collaboration with Harris County and the Raindrop Foundation, hosted a pivotal conference at the Raindrop Turkish House. The event, titled “Into the Light: Confronting Human Trafficking in Greater Houston,” aimed to raise awareness about the pressing issue of human trafficking in the region. The event was supported by  the United Nations Association – Houston (UNA-Houston) and the Houston Community College.

    The conference opened with Ananya Gupta, IAPAC Board Member and Event Chair, expressing gratitude to the collaborating organizations and their leaders. She welcomed Jagat Kamdar, one of IAPAC’s co-founders, who read proclamations from Congressman Al Green. Seher Alpaslan, Executive Director of the Raindrop Women’s Association, then introduced the work of the Raindrop Foundation and extended thanks to everyone involved in organizing the event.

    IAPAC President Roopa Gir introduced the event’s moderator, Sami Khaleeq, the City of Houston’s Commissioner of Planning and Development. Khaleeq highlighted the persistent and damaging nature of human trafficking in Houston. He introduced Dr. Hamilton and Ms. Griffin, both survivors of human trafficking, who shared their powerful stories of resilience and recovery. Dr. Hamilton emphasized the importance of incremental progress and courage in facing challenges, noting that every survivor forges their own path. Ms. Griffin echoed this sentiment, discussing the vulnerability of children whose parents are incarcerated and the crucial role of the system in protecting them. She stressed the urgent need for community vigilance, particularly in the face of increasing social media influence and drug-related manipulation by traffickers.

    The conference continued with a second panel featuring State Representative Ann Johnson, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, and FBI Special Agent Torrence White. Representative Johnson shared insights from her legislative and judicial experiences, detailing the challenges of advancing anti-trafficking legislation through complex bureaucratic processes. Commissioner Briones highlighted successful county collaborations with the Houston Police Department and local school districts, which have led to a notable reduction in trafficking cases by addressing vulnerable community points. Agent White discussed the methods traffickers use to exploit vulnerable populations and the FBI’s efforts to prevent trafficking and support victims.

    The event concluded with a Q&A session where panel members fielded questions about the specifics of human trafficking in Houston. The overarching takeaway from the discussion was the need for collective action. Each panelist emphasized that tackling human trafficking requires a comprehensive, united effort from the community. By fostering strong connections with neighbors and local organizations, and by maintaining the integrity of the social fabric, communities can make significant strides in combating human trafficking.

    The “Into the Light” conference underscored the critical role of community engagement in addressing human trafficking. Through collaboration and collective vigilance, Greater Houston can work towards a future free from the scourge of trafficking.

    IAPAC (Indian American Political Action Committee) is non-profit, a non-partisan organization dedicated to increasing Indian American civic engagement and facilitating dialogue between the community and elected officials. For more information about IAPAC and future events, please visit [www.iapachouston.org].

  • AANHPI Heritage Month & The Inflation Reduction Act

    AANHPI Heritage Month & The Inflation Reduction Act

    By Julia Lothrop

    During Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, our communities celebrate the rich cultures, heritage, and accomplishments of AANHPI people. May is also a time to recognize remaining barriers to health and health care access for these communities and renew commitments to addressing racial disparities. Our ability to get and afford health care should never depend on the color of our skin, what neighborhood we live in, or what language we speak.

    As Acting Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Region 6, which includes the state of Texas, I am proud to be a part of the Administration’s work to implement policies that improve access, advance equity, and promote economic opportunities for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders. The new lower cost prescription drug law, the Inflation Reduction Act, is making historic strides towards improving health for all communities – including the 2.1 million Medicare beneficiaries who identify as Asian. The new law is vital for people who access health care services at the HOPE Clinic – a Federally Qualified Health Center started by the Asian American Health Coalition to serve Houston’s isolated Asian communities and other under-served populations.

    Asian American people with Medicare report more difficulty obtaining their prescription drugs than their white counterparts, underscoring the need for better access and affordability for needed medicines. The president’s new lower cost drug law is bringing relief to AA and NHPI Medicare enrollees who may be struggling to afford high drug costs. The Inflation Reduction Act expanded its Extra Help program for Part D beginning in January, which means over 11 thousand AANHPI Medicare enrollees with low incomes may be eligible for $0 premiums, $0 deductibles, and generic drug copays that are no more than $4.50. But we need your help spreading the word to your loved ones and neighbors, as 3 million people are eligible for these benefits but are not enrolled. Go to Medicare.gov/extrahelp for more information and to see if you’re eligible. And to spread the word, go to LowerDrugCosts.gov to find a toolkit that contains informational postcards.

    Asian Americans are 40 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic whites, so access to insulin and other diabetes medicine is essential for achieving blood sugar control and maintaining good health. One of the first benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act to go into effect – and one of the most important provisions – caps the cost of each covered insulin product under Medicare at $35 per month. In Texas, over 114,000 people with Medicare could save $441 per year, thanks to this benefit. The new law also makes certain recommended adult vaccines, like Shingles and RSV, available at no cost for people with Part D coverage—helping eliminate cost-related barriers to vaccination for people with Medicare.  In Texas, approximately 3.5 million Medicare Part D enrollees can receive free recommended preventative vaccines. Finally, under this administration, we have begun the historic process of negotiating directly with participating drug companies for lower prescription drug prices for some of the most expensive drugs – for the first time ever.

    This administration is delivering on its promise to lower prescription drug costs, make health insurance more affordable, and make the economy work for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander families. But we know our work is not done – this administration will continue to make health equity a cornerstone of our policies and work tirelessly so that all communities can access the care they need.

    Julia Lothrop is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Acting Regional Director for Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and 68 Federally Qualified Tribes. She has worked with the regional office for over 20 years.

     

  • IAPAC’s inaugural “Conversations Over Coffee” event on understanding the US Judicial system in Katy

    IAPAC’s inaugural “Conversations Over Coffee” event on understanding the US Judicial system in Katy

    IAPAC organizing team with panelists: from left- Dr. Roopa Gir, FB District Attorney Brian Middleton, F B County Judge K P George, Sindu Menon, Judge Cristian J Becerra, Indrani De Sirkar, Dr. Purusottam Sahoo, Dr. Parvin Shaikh, Deepti Nigudkar, and IAPAC Intern Lakshay Yadav.

    KATY: On March 17, 2024, the Indo-American Political Action Committee (IAPAC) hosted a dynamic session of Conversations Over Coffee (COC) at Turmeric Indian Restaurant in Katy, TX. The event, chaired by Deepti Nigudkar and Parvin Shaikh, brought together prominent legal professionals from Fort Bend County, including District Attorney Brian Middleton, Judge Christian Becerra from the 434th District Court. Moderated by IAPAC board member Purusottam Sahoo, the gathering provided an engaging platform for dialogue and insight. As IAPAC President, Dr Roopa Gir noted in her introduction, COCs aim to foster civic engagement, strengthen community relations, and promote informed voting decisions.

    The event provided a unique platform for the Indian American community to directly interact with key figures in the local justice system. Attendees gained valuable insights into the inner workings of the courts and the challenges faced by legal professionals.

    DA Middleton emphasized his office’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable, stating, “Our highest priority always and forever will be the protection of our most vulnerable, which are women and children.” He also discussed the importance of making “evidence-based decisions using best practices” to ensure fair prosecution while holding offenders accountable.

    Judge Becerra provided insights into the daily operations and challenges faced in the 434th District Court. Under his leadership, the court has implemented reforms to reduce case backlogs and utilize technology for more efficient proceedings. “What we’ve done in my courtroom is we’ve updated the AV system, right, that allows us to check in on our phone,” he explained. Judge Becerra stressed the significance of bringing positive reform to the justice system in Fort Bend County.

    The Q&A session allowed for a lively exchange of ideas and concerns. During the Q&A session, the officials addressed a range of topics, including:

    – Educating voters: Judge Becerra emphasized the need for elected officials to engage with the community and be accountable. DA Middleton discussed his office’s efforts to provide community feedback and the importance of in-person outreach.

    – Differences between the federal and state legal systems: DA Middleton explained the jurisdictional differences and how his office collaborates with federal agencies on cases.

    – Bail reform and protecting the rights of the accused: The officials discussed the challenges of the cash bail system and the importance of upholding the presumption of innocence while ensuring public safety.

    – The role of partisanship in the judicial system: Both Judge Becerra and DA Middleton stressed that their duties are to interpret the law and seek justice impartially, regardless of political affiliations.

    County Judge KP George commended IAPAC for organizing educational sessions like COCs across town. “It is very important and I’m glad that IAPAC is engaging in these kinds of educational sessions to encourage civic engagement in this community so that we can be better informed citizens,” he remarked. County Judge George also highlighted various internship opportunities available for high school and college students through his office and other county departments.

    For more information on upcoming IAPAC events and initiatives, visit https://iapachouston.org/  or follow them on social media. To learn about internship opportunities with the county, contact IAPAC by email iapachouston@gmail.com.

    IAPAC has plans to host similar CoC@IAPAC events throughout the greater houston area. For more information, please reach out to IAPACHOUSTON@GMAIL.COM or call (832) 756-7146

  • Foundation of India Studies (FIS) Participates in MLK Grande Parade

    Foundation of India Studies (FIS) Participates in MLK Grande Parade

    From Left to Right: Raina Desai, Krishna Vavilala, Sudhakar Tallavajhula (Event Chair), Parul Fernandes (President of ICC), Rhea Desai, Netra Tallavajhula, Sonali Gupta, Sophia Matthew, Dr. Sudha Tallavajhula.          (photo by: Amanda Vavilala).

     

    HOUSTON: The Foundation for India Studies (FIS) demonstrated solidarity with Houston’s black community by actively participating in the 30th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Grande Parade. Originally scheduled for MLK Day on January 15th, the parade was rescheduled due to freezing weather and eventually took place on February 17th, 2024, amidst challenging weather conditions.

    Despite the unfavorable weather conditions, ten bravehearts from FIS boldly marched in the parade, determined not to break the organization’s twelfth consecutive year of participation. The month of February is also recognised as a “Black History” month by all civic and Governmental authorities in America. The MLK Grande Parade, one of the largest multicultural events in the U.S., honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

    This year’s theme, “We Still Believe,” resonated with various participating groups, reflecting the enduring belief in Dr. King’s dream of equality and justice. FIS was joined by enthusiastic high school students from the greater Houston area, adding youthful energy to the event.

    Event Chairman Sudhakar Tallavajhula, supported by FIS board members, led the group, showcasing their commitment to honoring Dr. King’s legacy. High school participants actively contributed to event planning, organized peers, and carried the FIS banner, symbolizing the common vision shared by Dr. King and India’s freedom movement leader, Mahatma Gandhi.

    The unexpected adverse weather conditions on that day did not dampen the spirit of participants and onlookers who passionately cheered and waved as the FIS group, representing both the United States and India, paraded through the route.

    The FIS banner served as a poignant reminder of the shared philosophies embraced by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. King. Spectators chanted phrases such as “Peace!” and “Non-violence,” paying tribute to the remarkable legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. King. The parade became a powerful platform to revive the influence of these leaders, whose nonviolent approaches catalyzed positive societal transformations.

    Mahatma Gandhi, known for his nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule, inspired movements globally, with Dr. King being an early adopter of Gandhi’s philosophy. Dr. King’s contributions to the American Civil Rights Movement were instrumental in ending legalized racial discrimination in the United States.

    FIS remained dedicated to commemorating the legacies of Gandhi and Dr. King, celebrating their commitment to peaceful resistance and non-violent struggles. The organization extends sincere gratitude to high school volunteers, parents, and all participants for their crucial roles in organizing and executing this meaningful event.

    For more information about FIS and its commitment to honoring the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., please visit our website: www.foundationforindiastudies.org. and/ or contact Krishna Vavilala, Founder, Chairman, Foundation for India Studies Inc.(FIS): 713-795-5169. 

  • Capitol Hill Joins Indian American Community to Celebrate Diwali, the ‘Festival of Lights’

    Capitol Hill Joins Indian American Community to Celebrate Diwali, the ‘Festival of Lights’

    Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) addresses the audience at the Capitol Diwali gathering.

    WASHINGTON DC: BAPS Public Affairs and multiple partner organizations, including the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA), the American Jewish Committee (AJC), the U.S. Indian Community Foundation, the U.S. India Security Council Inc, and the Indian American Relations Council convened on Capitol Hill to celebrate Diwali. Over 300 members of the Indian American community from across the United States gathered at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, joining members of Congress in the celebration.

    Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) (right), Dan Meuser (PA-9) (center right), Representative Shri Thanedar (MI-13) (center left) and Asian American Hotel Owners Association President Bharat Patel (left) light the diya.

    Senators and U.S. Representatives that attended the celebration included Sen. Cynthia Lummis (Wyoming), Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-02), Rep. Scott Perry (PA-10), Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-32), Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-08), Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21), Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rep. Dan Meuser (PA-09), Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-16), Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Rep. Steny Hoyer (MD-5), Rep. Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani. Also in attendance were Roberts Peckar, Member of the Board of Governors of the American Jewish Committee, and Shri Jag Mohan, Minister of Community & Personnel at the Embassy of India.

    Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a vibrant celebration widely observed in India by Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities around the world. This festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is celebrated by lighting diyas, or traditional lamps to illuminate homes, prepare delicious meals, and pray for wisdom and prosperity. Diwali not only fosters a sense of togetherness and gratitude but also showcases the rich cultural diversity and traditions that make it a cherished holiday for millions of people around the world.

    Elected representatives present at the celebration passionately emphasized the vital role of diversity in their constituencies. They underscored the profound impact of sharing cultural traditions and celebrations, like Diwali, in promoting a deeper understanding, fortifying community strength, and building connections among diverse populations.

    Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna joined in the diya lighting and shared his remarks on Diwali, “The principles of Diwali – the triumph of good over evil, the triumph of righteousness, the importance of doing your duty – are good reminders to people of all faiths.”

    “Celebration of this festival on Capitol Hill is not only a testament to the diversity and unity within our communities but it is also an opportunity to showcase the strength that comes from cultural preservation and understanding of the various communities,” shared Shri Jag Mohan in his address to the assembly.

    Suhag Shukla, Executive Director of the Hindu American Foundation shared, “Diwali is a time to reflect on the good that is within each of us and to let its light shine through, allowing us to transcend our differences big and small, to alleviate the suffering of others, and to act with wisdom so that we can overcome the darkness of greed, hate, and violence.”

    “May the festival of lights inspire us to lift our communities with hope instead of despair and stand up for what’s right. That’s what Diwali is all about,” remarked Rep. Jim Costa on the spirit of the celebration.

    The event was a unifying opportunity to celebrate Diwali in the nation’s capital, where attendees had the chance to reflect on the universal messages of Diwali, while also increasing awareness about the Indian American community and interfaith harmony. Additionally, attendees had valuable interactions with representatives on Capitol Hill, enhancing the event’s impact and significance.

    About BAPS

    BAPS is a volunteer-driven spiritual organization committed to fostering individual growth through Hindu values of faith, service, and harmony. It enriches society with the devoted efforts of tens of thousands of volunteers from diverse professional and social backgrounds, contributing millions of volunteer hours annually. Under the spiritual leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS nurtures Indian traditions in over 100 North American and 3,500 communities worldwide. Through these communities, it champions holistic personal growth, promotes social progress, and encourages diversity by embracing all.

  • IAPAC “Conversations Over Coffee” Series Sheds Light on Future of Pearland

    IAPAC “Conversations Over Coffee” Series Sheds Light on Future of Pearland

    From left to right: Chandrakanth Vemula, Kevin Cole, Rushi Patel, Jim Johnson

    PEARLAND: IAPAC’s “Conversations Over Coffee” Series Sheds Light on the Future of Pearland Pearland, TX Ð October 29, 2023 Ð The Indian American Political Action Committee of Greater Houston (IAPAC) recently hosted a thought-provoking event as part of its “Conversations Over Coffee” series (CoC@IAPAC), delving into the future of Pearland, Texas.

    This event, co-chaired by Roopa Gir and Shiv Kandavelu, was graciously sponsored by “The Monk’s” in Pearland. The gathering brought together an array of esteemed panelists featuring Pearland Mayor Kevin Cole, Pearland Council Member Rushi Patel, Pearland Chamber of Commerce President Jim Johnson, and community organizer and Greater Business of Pearland President Chandrakanth Vemula.

    Group Picture of panelists, audience and volunteers.

    Roopa Gir, President of IAPAC, initiated the event by introducing CoC@IAPAC’s mission, which revolves around addressing educational topics and issues that are of paramount concern to the community. Following this introduction, Shiv Kandavelu introduced the distinguished panelists and engaged in a preliminary Q&A session.

    Mayor Cole, in his insightful address, shed light on his vision for Pearland. He highlighted the invaluable practices inherited from Pearland’s Mayor Emeritus Tom Reid, emphasizing the streamlining of land management, reducing the time needed for city approval processes, and addressing water bill concerns. Mayor Cole also unveiled the community block grants program, designed to entice enterprises to relocate to Pearland.

    Community members engaged in a Q&A with the panelists

    Council Member Rushi Patel elucidated the inner workings of the city hall and underlined the significance of community members’ active participation in city council meetings. He emphasized the benefits of volunteering for various board positions, providing a unique perspective into the constraints the city must navigate.

    Pearland Chamber of Commerce President Jim Johnson shared valuable insights about starting a business in Pearland. He emphasized the extensive educational resources offered by the chamber to support aspiring entrepreneurs, including networking and mentoring programs. Johnson also highlighted the recent launch of the Innovation Center, an initiative supported by the Pearland Economic Development Corporation.

    Community leader Chandrakanth Vemula passionately discussed the city’s population growth and its rich diversity. He addressed the evolving Pearland communities and the critical issues to be addressed by elected officials. Vemula also conveyed community feedback on the challenges in reaching out to relevant authorities.

    The event culminated in an open and engaging Q&A session with the audience, sparking thought-provoking questions that garnered insightful responses from the panelists. This event was an overwhelming success, driven by active community participation and a genuine commitment to fostering constructive conversations.

    IAPAC has plans to host similar CoC@IAPAC events throughout the year. For more information, please reach out to IAPACHOUSTON@GMAIL.COM or call (832) 756-7146

  • Disha USA Celebrates 2nd Annual Diwali Gala with Over 500 Attendees

    Disha USA Celebrates 2nd Annual Diwali Gala with Over 500 Attendees

    HOUSTON: Disha USA (www.dishausa.org) organized its 2nd annual Diwali gala on Friday, Oct 27, which had over 500 attendees including community members of ~20 Hindu organizations across Greater Houston area. The event was also attended by over 100 dignitaries including Consul Adesh Sudhir (Indian Consulate Houston), elected officials with family members from both Democratic and Republican parties, and many interfaith community members.
    Mary Millben (www.marymillben.com), the award winning international singer who has performed for many USA Presidents as well international dignitaries, captivated the audience with her amazing rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, National Anthem of Bharat, and first time live performance of Hindi song “Om Jai Jagdish Hare”. The audience was spell-bounded and gave Mary a standing ovation.

    Joseph Emmett, a native Houstonian, and founder of Vedanta Institute Houston (www.vedantahouston.org), delivered a profound keynote address that brought together the principles of Hindu scriptures (Vedas, Shrimad Bhagvad Gita) and their applicability for all of us. He reinforced the need for righteous action and the fact that civic engagement is very much a part of our Dharma.

    Ashish Agrawal, co-founder and Chair of DISHA USA, then proceeded to share the highlights of last 12 months of engagement by DISHA USA. He also made the case for urgent need for Hindu Leaders to step up and drive civic engagement across the Hindu community. He wrapped up with a call for action for all Hindus to Vote (in every single election), Engage (in various civic activities), and Contribute (financially to civic causes).
    The evening was wrapped up by the beautiful Ramleela (history of Diwali and Lord Rama) performance by over 30 members of Kalakriti Performing Arts in association with Kusum Sharma’s Shri Natraj School of Dance.
    Our very own local young professionals, Ms. Supriya Aggarwal and Mr. Atman Shukla did an amazing job as the Emcees of the event by sharing their personal stories growing up here in the Greater Houston area, and ensured the event ran smoothly. Disha USA thanks the 20+ High School and Middle School volunteers who were critical in making the event successful.

    Disha USA was honored to receive certificates of recognitions from the Texas State House of Representatives (Rep Gene Wu, Rep Suleman Lalani) as well as one from the US House Representative Al Green for the work to foster deeper ties between the community and civic officials.

    The mission of DISHA USA is to “Empower Hindu (dharmic) civic engagement” and the event provided an opportunity for the community to interact with elected officials and candidates from across the Greater Houston area. Disha USA is open for everyone and receptive to ideas for increasing Hindu civic engagement. Visit www.dishausa.org for more information. Pictures and videos of the event will be available on our Facebook Page (bit.ly/DishaFacebook).

     

  • Family, Community Hold Vigil for Doctor Stabbed to Death in Conroe

    Family, Community Hold Vigil for Doctor Stabbed to Death in Conroe

    By Shannon Ryan

    CONROE (KTRK) — A man has been charged with murder in connection to the death of a beloved Conroe pediatrician and mother. On Saturday, at 12:30 p.m., law enforcement officials believe 24-year-old Miles Joseph Fridrich fatally stabbed 52-year-old Dr. Talat Jehan Khan multiple times in the common area of her apartment complex.

    ABC13 spoke with Khan’s family, who said she moved to the Alys apartments on Mansion View Drive in July with her 14-year-old daughter. Khan was working at Texas Children’s Pediatrics Conroe. “Everything in her life revolved around those two things – her kids, her son and daughter, and her kids she looked after as a pediatrician,” Khan’s brother, Wajahat Nyaz, said. During his interview with ABC13, Nyaz referred to his sister as a “kind soul.”

    Khan’s neighbors told ABC13 that multiple people witnessed the attack, including several children. Among them was Matthew Amador. Amador recalled to Eyewitness News that he grabbed his Katana sword when he realized what was happening and ran after Fridrich, the suspect. “I said, ‘Hey, what are you doing?’ And just kind of spooked him,” he said. “(It) didn’t look like he was there, or was a person, blank face, real dark, you know, evil look in his eyes. He had gone and left three times before I even got there, and when I got there, he was checking her pulse to make sure she was alive and then stabbed her three more times,” Amador said.

    Amador works as a firefighter but is currently home battling cancer. He said he had never seen Fridrich before the attack. According to a delivery driver who spoke to ABC13, the suspect reportedly lives under an overpass about three miles from the apartment complex. He said Fridrich often became upset when his store declined to give him food. “He acted like something was going on with him, like maybe he was doing stuff he shouldn’t have been doing,” he said. As of now, officials have not named a motive.

    The Council on American Islamic, who said they are investigating the crime, released a statement regarding the Khan’s death. “Assalamu Alaikum. Regarding the doctor stabbed in Conroe yesterday: We at CAIR Texas pass along
    our sincerest condolences to the children and family Dr. Talat Khan leaves behind. Inna Lilah Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’oon. Allah grant her Jannah Firdaous, Amn. While the police have not released a motive for the killing, we want to assure everyone that we are in conversation with law enforcement agencies. We are unsure at this moment if this was a hate crime; however, given the tragic circumstances, we are paying very close attention to the investigation. We will continue to monitor the situation while we launch our own investigation and continue established dialogue with law enforcement. For the time being, we encourage the community to be vigilant and to keep the family in your Du’aa during this difficult time. May Allah make it easy for them. Amn.”

    Mohammad Ayubi, Associate Director of the Al Ansaar Masjid, explained to ABC13 that Khan had been attending the mosque for a few months and was a “nice person.” Khan’s niece, Mahnoor Mangrio, said her aunt was “strong in her faith.” Ayubi said he had received several calls about the attack. “The community’s anxious. They want to know what happened. The police are investigating. We have to trust them, and we don’t know if it was a hate crime or if it was some crazy person doing something,” Ayubi said. “We hope there’s some clarity and things come back to normal. We have 300 to 400 families. They’re grieving.”

    Ayubi said the masjid increased security after the attack, including additional patrols from the Conroe Police Department. Ayubi, while wearing a T-shirt with an American flag, explained, “We have to stand up as Americans. We are all Americans. This is our place of worship. I find myself an American Muslim and proud.”

    Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) released the following statement on the murder of Dr. Talat Jehan Khan, a Pakistani and Muslim American pediatrician, in Conroe, Texas: “I am heartbroken by the brutal murder of Dr. Talat Jehan Khan, a beloved pediatrician who had recently moved to the greater Houston area. It is critical that our law enforcement officials conduct a thorough investigation into her killing. While we do not yet know the motive for this attack, we do know that Islamophobia and acts of violence against Muslim Americans are on the rise across our country. No person in the United States should experience—or have to worry about experiencing— hatred because of how they pray, what they believe, or who they are. My thoughts are with Dr. Khan’s family, the staff and patients at Texas Children’s Pediatrics, and the Pakistani and Muslim American communities in our district and across the country at this difficult time.”

  • FIS Celebrates Historic Chandrayaan-3 Moon Landing with Indian Consulate

    FIS Celebrates Historic Chandrayaan-3 Moon Landing with Indian Consulate

    HOUSTON: On September 16, 2023, The Foundation for India Studies (FIS) in association with Consulate General of India in Houston proudly commemorated the remarkable achievement of India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission. This momentous event comes after India’s successful landing near the south pole of the moon in August 2023, marking India as the first country to achieve this incredible feat.

    The Chandrayaan-3 mission, driven by a thirst for knowledge about our celestial neighbor, reached a new pinnacle of human exploration with its successful landing on the Moon’s South Polar Region, an area previously unexplored due to its unique challenges. This historic endeavor promises to unveil critical insights into the Moon’s enigmatic past and the origins of our Solar System.

    India’s historic feat in reaching the lunar south pole not only adds a significant chapter to the country’s legacy but also underscores its technological prowess on the global stage. It showcases India’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of space exploration.

    In honor of this extraordinary achievement, FIS organized an exclusive event that celebrated India’s historic moon landing on the uncharted south side of the moon. This event highlighted the immense contributions of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to the field of space exploration.

    Mr. Krunal Joshi, Counselor, Space at the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. and ISRO Representative in the United States, addressed the audience through a live video link from Washington DC. He took the audience on a journey through ISRO’s decades-long space odyssey, from its humble beginnings to its current successes. Mr. Joshi paid tribute to Dr. Vikram Sarabhai’s visionary leadership and shared a presentation titled “From BHARAT TO THE MOON.”

    Dr. Kamlesh Lulla, NASA Senior Scientist, delivered a captivating presentation titled “NASA (USA) and ISRO (INDIA) Partnership for Global Good.”

    Dr. Lulla represented NASA and congratulated ISRO on this historic landing. He shed light on the historical agreements between ISRO and NASA and showed historic photo of Dr. Sarabhai and NASA’s Acting Administrator, Dr. Thomas O. Payne, signing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in the early days of ISRO.

    Dr Lulla described NASA’s Artemis Lunar Exploration program and discussed NASA’s Artemis Accords which are agreements to join NASA in peaceful exploration of the lunar south pole. In June 2023, the Indian Ambassador signed the accord on the margins of the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to the White House.

    Mr. D.C. Manjunath, Consul General of India in Houston, presided over the event and highlighted the profound significance of India’s historic moon landing. He reminded the audience that the Government of India has designated the day of the moon landing, August 23, as National Space Day. Mr. Manjunath also mentioned that September 15th was celebrated in India as Engineer’s Day, paying tribute to the great Indian Engineer, Bharat Ratna Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, whose contributions to the field of engineering were immeasurable.

    Consul General Mr. Manjunath also disclosed that in addition to the Mangalyaan, Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan missions, India has ambitious plans to explore the depths of the ocean floor under its upcoming “Samudrayaan” mission, set to launch later this year.

    The Foundation for India Studies applauds India’s remarkable achievement in lunar exploration and looks forward to the scientific discoveries and technological advancements that will undoubtedly arise from Chandrayaan-3’s historic mission.

    For more information about the Foundation for India Studies and its mission, please visit : www.foundationforindiastudies.org.

    Hiren Sarma, Director of FIS emceed the event and also moderated a lively Q&A session, Sudhakar Tallavajhula, Director of FIS gave the Vote of Thanks and Krishna Vavilala, Founder and Chairman of FIS welcomed the audience in the beginning.

    About the Foundation for India Studies: The Foundation for India Studies is a non-profit 501(c3) organization dedicated to foster a deeper understanding of India through various initiatives and programs

  • Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston (EMGH) – Now Open to Visitors

    Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston (EMGH) – Now Open to Visitors

    HOUSTON: The Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston (EGMH) is proud to announce the opening of this world class museum to the public on Tuesday, August 15, which is coincidentally the 77th anniversary of India’s Independence Day. It is but a small tribute to the architect of India’s independence, Mahatma Gandhi, who freed India from the British Colonial Rule. He spearheaded the freedom struggle against the British by courageously deploying Truth and Nonviolence – A Force More Powerful. Please visit the museum to learn about Truth and Nonviolence and Gandhi’s universal influence on global peace leaders.

    EGMH is the only free-standing museum in all of America dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi by preserving and promoting his most significant legacy, nonviolent conflict resolution. The museum’s address is 12379 Riceville School Road (@ Beltway 8 South), Houston, TX 77031.

    The exhibit space takes the visitor through three distinct galleries:

    Gallery One – His Journey:  Learn about the transformation of Mahatma Gandhi from a child of fear to a man of freedom.

    Gallery Two – Our Journey: Learn how global peace leaders have followed into Mahatma Gandhi’s footsteps to bring about profound social change around the world. Learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Lech Walesa, Nelson Mandela, Betty Williams, Mairead Corrigan, and others who used nonviolent conflict resolution in their work for social justice.

    Gallery Three – My Journey:  After learning about  Mahatma Gandhi and global peace leaders, this gallery provides the visitor with a place to reflect and contemplate. It invites the visitor to make a personal commitment to be a catalyst for positive changes in their own lives and community – i.e.- “What is something you can do, large or small, that can make an impact on your own life and environment?” How can you “Be the change you wish to see in the world?”

    EGMH started on this journey in 2016 when one of its Trustees and Co-Founder, Atul Kothari, returned from India with offer from Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum in Delhi of Aditya Birla Group to host a travelling exhibit in Houston. The EGMH Board consisting of Sesh Bala, Dr. Barkat Charania, Sanjay Jain, G V Krishnan, Devinder Mahajan, Ajit Paralkar, Namita Sutaria and Dr. Manish K Wani immediately agreed to host and establish a new civic asset – the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston.

    It has been a long and exciting journey. With the Almighty’s grace, our dreams have turned into reality.

    One of the earliest supporters of the museum was the Houston Endowment Foundation. To date, they have donated $750,000 for the construction of EGMH. Another major endorsement came from Congressman Al Green when he sponsored a grant of $3 million under Community Project Funding of Department of Housing and Urban Development. Under the leadership of Fort Bend County Judge K P George, the Fort Bend County Commissioners approved a grant of $475,000. Dr Anne Chao, Chair of the Advisory Board, has donated $500,000 through her various foundations. EGMH is truly fortunate and grateful to all our donors, large and small, supporters, and volunteers of EGMH.

    EGMH was fortunate to put together an All-star team for the establishment of this historic project.

    The journey began with the selection of RDLR Architects and Lorie Westrick, the Principal of the firm. The Charkha, the spinning wheel (referenced in the teachings of Gandhi) inspired her masterful museum design. We engaged the services of Brian Crockett, a museum consultant with Smithsonian background. He has superbly guided the trajectory of the museum from day 1. EGMH was fortunate to select Solid Light, Inc., Cynthia Torp, CEO, from Louisville, Kentucky as the exhibit designer. They have masterfully planned, designed, fabricated, and installed all the museum galleries.

    To gain inspiration for the museum, the Board, Architect, and Solid Light went on a whirlwind tour to India in February 2020 visiting 6 different Gandhi museums in 4 different cities in 5 days.

    Honor Moorman has also been involved since inception as our education consultant. She has ensured that the docent-led museum tours are TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) compliant, so that children can visit the museum as a school-sponsored field trip. Our vision is that every child in the Houston Metropolitan area visits the museum at least once before graduating from high school.

    The Consul General of India Aseem Mahajan facilitated the donation of the Mahatma Gandhi Statue from the Government of India. Sanjay Khanna of Superior Granite and Marble By Vivaldi, was instrumental in producing the granite figures that are prominently embedded in the facade of the museum. The museum builder is TDK Construction owned by Dhansukh (Dan) Khatri and his daughter Tina, who managed the entire construction from inception.

    As they say, seeing is believing! All visitors who were given a hard tour of the museum have said without exception — one can fully appreciate and grasp the scope of the museum only after visiting the museum in person. So please do make plans to visit with your friends and family.

    We are extremely excited for the opening of Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston and have no doubt this world class facility will develop into another crown jewel for our great, diverse city of Houston.

    The museum has a state-of-the art auditorium which is available for birthdays, anniversaries, conferences, performances, and other celebrations. The auditorium can accommodate up to 108 people.

    The museum has many volunteering opportunities, and anyone can register to volunteer on our website at www.egmh.org .

    To date, we have raised $8 million of the total construction budget of $10 million. To support this project, please help spread the word and follow us on our social media platforms – Facebook and Instagram – @egmhouston. To learn more and donate, please visit www.egmh.org, call 832-850-EGMH, or email info@egmh.org.

    We look forward to seeing you at the museum! You can purchase your tickets online at www.egmh.org

  • ICC Celebrating Independence Day & 50 Years of Excellence

    ICC Celebrating Independence Day & 50 Years of Excellence

    HOUSTON: On Aug 19th, at Houston Marriot Sugar Land, we are thrilled to commemorate the remarkable milestone of 50 years ICC gala, since the establishment of the India Culture Center at 6 pm. For half a century, our organization has been dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich heritage, traditions, and diversity of Indian culture.

    We, the India Culture Center, proudly declare our jubilant celebration of India’s Independence Day on August 20th from 1 pm to 7 pm, marking the 77th anniversary of India’s liberation. This momentous occasion reminds us of the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and the unyielding spirit of our great nation. In addition to, let’s step back in time as we transport you to the glorious era of the 1970s, when the ICC was born in 1973, with mesmerizing performances that will evoke feelings of nostalgia and pride. And also, experience the magic of classical dances, melodious music, Through countless cultural events, performances, workshops, and educational programs, the
    India Culture Center has fostered unity, understanding, and appreciation for the vibrant tapestry of Indian traditions among our community members. On this momentous occasion, we invite everyone to join us in our series of cultural events, exhibitions, and performances showcasing the essence of India’s glorious history, arts, music, dance, cuisine, and much more.

    Together, let us embrace the diversity and richness of our Indian heritage, as we continue to build bridges of friendship and understanding. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event where old meets new, and traditions are celebrated with fervor and joy.

  • Indo-American Organizations Host Farewell Events for CG Aseem Mahajan

    Indo-American Organizations Host Farewell Events for CG Aseem Mahajan

    Attendees at the India House farewell dinner for Consul General Aseem Mahajan gathered for a group photo. Photo credit: Bijay Dixit

    HOUSTON: Consul Generals serve for three-year terms and go back to work at the Ministry of External Affairs or to an Indian embassy in another part of the world. Houston is fortunate to have had numerous CGs who have made a favorable impression on the local Indo-American community and the mainstream community at large. Foremost among these is the current CG Aseem Mahajan, who is returning to the MEA in New Delhi for another office assignment.

    Mahajan’s gentle demeanor but action-oriented work ethic will be sorely missed. The new Consul Gemeral in the Houston consulate will be C. Manjunath, who is serving as a joint secretary in the Ministry since July 2021. Manjunath has previously worked as Counselor at the High Commission of India in Colombo and First Secretary
    to India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. He has an engineering degree from the College
    of Engineering in Guindry, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. After graduation, he worked as a production engineer at TVS Motors.

    Several Indo-American organizations, including India House and the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce held farewell receptions to express their appreciation for CG Mahajan. In turn, Mahajan spoke glowingly of the growth
    in India-US trade and cultural exchanges, including the 75th Independence Day Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. Mahajan also effectively guided consular functions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Group photo at the farewell reception hosted by the IACCGH.
  • MIT Graduate Pervez Agwan is Running in Texas’ Most Diverse District

    MIT Graduate Pervez Agwan is Running in Texas’ Most Diverse District

    HOUSTON: MIT graduate and renewable energy developer Pervez Agwan is running for United States Congress in Texas’ newly drawn District 07, now the most diverse district in Texas. If elected, he would be the first Indian and first Asian-American ever elected to Congress from Texas. He would also be the youngest person to join the congressional delegation from Texas. Pervez is the only Congressional candidate in Houston rejecting lobbyist money.

    Pervez grew up in the new district. It is his home, and the fight is deeply personal to him. The newly drawn District 07 stretches from Sugar Land through Mission Bend, Alief, Sharpstown, Gulfton, and into parts of Montrose; 70% of voters are new to the district. Nearly 75% of the district consists of Black, brown, and AAPI communities.  It is now the most diverse district in the state of Texas and is ripe for real change; this district now has more Asian-Americans than any other district in Texas. Pervez hopes to be the person to bring that change. As the son of loving Gujarati parents from Mumbai, India, Pervez understands that immigrants in this country need a seat at the table and can no longer be on the menu, ignored by their lawmakers. Because of the incredibly diverse makeup of the new district, he has a very strong chance of winning this race. Folks in District 07 are hungry for bold, uncompromising leadership and representation in Washington D.C. who share their experiences.

    Mahatma Gandhi, one of Pervez’s inspirations, once said, “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” Pervez strives to live this every day by practicing what he preaches. To begin, his platform focuses heavily on environmental reform. As a renewable energy developer and climate activist, Pervez has been in the fight and possesses a deep knowledge of the real steps necessary to create a cleaner, more sustainable district. He also talks about the need for universal healthcare in this country. Pervez has profound personal experience with the cost that our healthcare system exacts in this country. After the loss of his father due to the abhorrent price of medical care in the United States, Pervez saw firsthand why a single-payer universal healthcare system would not only change but save millions of lives in this country.  Ultimately, the people in his district deserve to breathe clean air and receive treatment when they get sick without fear of going bankrupt.

    Pervez is running a grassroots campaign built on the support of the people living within the district. He believes that there is no room in our politics for the special interest and big lobbyist money that has compromised our nation’s representatives and controlled their policy decisions. Because of this, he is not taking any money from lobbyists or special interest groups. By rejecting big money, Pervez is free to spend all of his time fighting for the citizens of District 07 and focusing on the issues that matter to them.

  • Eternal Gandhi Museum of Houston to Open in Summer 2023

    Eternal Gandhi Museum of Houston to Open in Summer 2023

    HOUSTON: Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston (EGMH), the first-ever museum in the Americas dedicated to preserving and promoting Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of nonviolent conflict resolution, is opening in the summer of 2023.

    EGMH engaged Solid Light, Inc. from Louisville, Kentucky, to create a world-class museum in September 2019 after interviewing more than a dozen candidates. Solid Light is founded on the premise that people share a passion for great stories.

    For over 20 years, Solid Light’s in-house design, fabrication, film, and digital experts have transformed audiences’ understanding and passion for museums, branded environments, educational institutions, and public spaces by telling those stories in engaging ways.

    The Museum will deliver key messages through thought-provoking, immersive experiences designed to educate, entertain, and inspire lasting change. Solid Light has created the exhibit space such that the visitor experience will encourage exploration and engagement with Gandhi’s journey.

    There are three thematic areas:

    • His Journey: Gandhi’s Life Lessons – his story is an inspiration for Our Future.
    • Our Journey: Gandhi’s Teachings Continue to Change Our World – its impact on global peace leaders.
    • My Journey: Inspire visitors to explore and reflect on Gandhian principles to find resonance in their own lives.

    The total budget for EGMH is $10 million, of which we have raised $7.3 million. To learn more, visit www.egmh.org, call 832-850-EGMH, or email info@egmh.org.

  • ICC’s 50th Celebration of the 74th Republic Day Resounds in New Venue

    ICC’s 50th Celebration of the 74th Republic Day Resounds in New Venue

    By Jawahar Malhotra

    HOUSTON: This year, if you drove, by force of habit on auto-pilot, to the India Culture Center’s Republic Day celebration figuring it was at the Stafford Civic Centre on Cash Road, you would have been wrong and very much confused. The organizers probably did not leave any posted signs there to re-direct you.

    Where? To the two-year old Gujrati Samaj Houston – or GSH – Event Center on West Bellfort and the Beltway 8. For a dozen years the ICC has held both the Republic Day and Indian Independence Day events at Stafford, so the change of venue came as a surprise to many.

    But the huge GSH with plenty of free parking, a cavernous auditorium, long stage, built in sound system and enclosed foyers for 25 vendor booths was a big enough draw for the organizers to make the leap. An estimated 1,500 people attended the event held on Sunday, January 29 from 1 to 7 pm and many came hungry, judging from the food booths by Mirch Masala and Kumar restaurant which were swamped.

    So, to start off with the first big festival of the year, the ICC unveiled its 50th celebration of the Indian Republic Day, billed as “Jai Jawan, Jai Kissan”, featuring a line-up of nine local dance troupes competing for three prizes, other performances, speeches and a pulsating set of songs by the headliner singer Harjeet Mehndi, who flew in especially from San Francisco.

    This year’s festival was chaired by Dr. Falguni Gandhi, assisted by co-chair Sanjay Singh and ICC President Malla Mekala. As in the past few festivals, the cultural portion of the event was organized by Jasmeeta Singh, whose trademark eye to detail was evident in the arrangements. She was assisted by ICC Directors Dr Hina Azam and Sangeeta Dargan. Stage decorations were by Décor One; the sound system by Darshak Thackar of Krishna Sounds.

    Among the invited guests were Indian Consul General Aseem Mahajan; Ft Bend County Judge K.P. George and Ft Bend Commissioner Andy Meyers all of whom spoke briefly and expressed their best wishes for the occasion and admiration of the ICC’s selfless work in bringing these Indian National events to Houston.

    Troupes from nine dance schools competed in the competitor, which was judged by Bangar Reddy, Puja Agarwal and Rutvi Chauhan. First prize was won by Nritya Kalpana, choreographed by Kalpana Bora, and they were presented with a large trophy by CG Mahajan, along with a $1,000 check.  Second prize was won by Studio Mudra School of Dance with a check for $700 and the third prize was won by SPARC Superstar with a check of $500. All the performances were chaired and Emceed by Jasmeeta Singh.

    The main attraction and the program finale was a concert showcased by Harjeet Mehndi (brother of Indian pop singer Dalher Mehndi) who flew in from California with his team and performed an outstanding show full of beautiful songs with his booming voice with great power and control.

    Harjeet started with patriotic songs and continued with many popular songs in Hindi, Punjabi and Gujarati, including ghazals and qawwalis. The mesmerizing songs brought people to the front of the stage to dance alongnon-stop, including Garba and Bhangra, for over two hours.

    With Harjeet was a Dholak player, a Dholki player and local keyboardist Shrikant Pabrekar whose wife, Shilpa also joined in the singing, as well well-known local singer Uma Mantravadi, who knows Harjeet personally and had persuaded him to come to perform at the event.

    For ICC’s upcoming events please go to icchoustontx.org and to register for booths and sponsorship for the August Independence Day celebration; or to participate in India Culture Center’s 50th Anniversary Gala to be held on June 24..

  • NRI Neuroscientist Develops First Medicine for Difficult-to-treat Epilepsy

    NRI Neuroscientist Develops First Medicine for Difficult-to-treat Epilepsy

    Dr. Samba Reddy is a Regents Professor at Texas A&M University School of Medicine.

    COLLEGE STATION, Texas: After completing his pharmacy degree at Kakatiya University in Warangal and PhD at Panjab University in Chandigarh, India, D. Samba Reddy, PhD, RPh, now a Regents Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics at Texas A&M University School of Medicine, was embarking on a career teaching and researching at one of India’s leading universities. “I was happily settled,” Reddy recalled.
    That is, until a letter from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) arrived in his mailbox in 1998 and changed his career trajectory forever. Michael Rogawski, MD, PhD, one of the top scientists at the NIH, had invited Reddy to his lab as a visiting scientist.
    Reddy had never heard of the NIH, so he reached out to his PhD mentor S.K. Kulkarni, PhD, for advice. His mentor told him that the best research happens at the NIH, and that he should take advantage of the opportunity. So, Reddy decided to come to the NIH and stay for a year or two. That was nearly 24 years ago.

    Dr. Reddy has developed a new medicine for a type of epilepsy that was previously unavailable.

    Today, Reddy is a Regents professor of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Engineering Medicine, Biomedical Engineering and Veterinary Integrative Biosciences at Texas A&M University. He is the founding director of Texas A&M Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics. His research focuses on pharmaceutical therapies for epilepsy. He has spent much of his career studying ganaxolone, a synthetic neurosteroid with potential to treat specific kinds of epilepsy. Reddy’s body of research on ganaxolone showed the compound was successful, allowing ganaxolone to be tested in patients during clinical trials. In March 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ganaxolone to treat CDKL5-deficient epilepsy, a rare type of refractory epilepsy caused by mutations in the CDLK5 gene. Ganaxolone is the first drug to be approved to treat this condition, earning it a first-in-class designation.
    “When I packed my two bags to come to the United States from India, little did I know that I would be part of the process of developing a drug that can be helpful to patients worldwide,” Reddy said. “It was just the beginning.”
    Forging the foundation of neurosteroids
    Reddy has spent his career studying neurosteroids, which are compounds that are synthesized in the brain and influence brain functions and mood. The brain continuously makes neurosteroids, as they quickly degrade after being used. Although they look chemically similar to steroid hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, neurosteroids serve significantly different physiological functions.
    “They promote more well-being,” Reddy said. “We feel good when they are in the brain—like no anxiety—and when we feel good, there’s no depression. Neurosteroids control the way your brain reacts and dampen neuronal network dysfunction.”
    While obtaining his PhD, Reddy studied how neurosteroids differ in expression between men and women. He published 14 papers on the subject, which is nearly unheard of for a graduate student. His plethora of work on a topic that few researchers study drew scientists at the NIH to recruit Reddy.
    Once Reddy got to the NIH, he continued studying neurosteroids, but his work shifted in a slightly new direction. “The goal was to study the role of neurosteroids in brain diseases and what kind of diseases are affected by neurosteroids—either from lack of neurosteroids or neurosteroid fluctuations,” Reddy said.
    Reddy homed in on women’s brain health. He started studying the role of neurosteroids in catamenial epilepsy, in which women experience seizures at increased rates during specific phases of their menstrual cycle. Traditional antiepileptic medications are not overly effective at controlling this condition, and so the disease is hard to treat. But Reddy saw a potential solution: neurosteroids.
    “We reasoned: ‘Why don’t we just give small amounts of neurosteroids exogenously, just giving them an injection or a tablet?’” Reddy recalled. And it worked. Reddy had correctly hypothesized that these women’s seizures were caused by a neurosteroid deficiency and that giving them neurosteroids could treat the problem. Reddy and his lab added to the growing awareness of this treatment strategy, which is called neurosteroid replacement therapy.
    “When undergoing neurosteroid deficiency, the brain is in a hungry state,” Reddy said. “You don’t need that much of a neurosteroid to activate the brain function.” And the neurosteroid Reddy replaced to activate the brain function in women with catamenial epilepsy? Ganaxolone.
    Persevering through research roadblocks in developing brain medicines
    Still, it would take more than two more decades of research and several more experiments until ganaxolone was approved for major clinical use. Reddy left the NIH in 2002 to accept a faculty position at North Carolina State University. There, he continued his work on ganaxolone, as he needed to provide more evidence of the drug’s efficacy before it could be clinically implemented.
    Reddy was not deterred by others’ skepticism. “Skepticism is a good thing,” he said. “Doubting some science is good that way because then you get robust evidence, and you do more research.”
    Reddy continued with his research, receiving millions of dollars in funding from the NIH and other sources. He remained one of only a few individuals looking at the effects of neurosteroids and their role in the brain and seizures. Big companies had been looking at the potential of neurosteroids to treat neurological conditions, but they had given up and abandoned the research. But Reddy kept going. “Time will answer everything,” he said. “So, I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll do research whether anything comes out or not.’”
    Still, there was a problem. Reddy—and the few others working on neurosteroids—did not know much about the biology of how neurosteroids worked in the brain. Even if ganaxolone, which is a slightly modified synthetic version of a neurosteroid that naturally occurs in the human body called allopregnanolone, and other neurosteroids were showing promise in early experiments with patients, researchers could not give the drugs without understanding how they worked. So, in 2008, Reddy accepted a faculty position at the Texas A&M School of Medicine to gain access to resources that would allow him to push his research to the next level.
    Once at Texas A&M, Reddy used additional techniques and models to determine the mechanisms behind neurosteroids, including ganaxolone. Determining ganaxolone’s mechanism took several years, but Reddy and his lab demonstrated that it binds to two types of receptors in the brain: synaptic receptors, which exist on the membrane of neurons, and extrasynaptic GABA-A receptors, which bind and release molecules outside a neuron. Reddy found that when ganaxolone binds an extrasynaptic GABA-A receptor, the effect is more powerful and lasts longer.
    Reddy’s research was crucial to showing ganaxolone’s effectiveness: work from his lab identified the target molecule in the brain and validated ganaxolone’s effectiveness. Then clinical trials showed the drug was indeed both safe and successful in patients with epilepsy.
    Finally, in March 2022, ganaxolone (as brand name Ztalmy) was approved by the FDA for clinical use in CDKL5-deficient epilepsy. “It is a lifetime achievement,” Reddy said. “This is opening gates to things that we could not even imagine when we started this research.”
    Achievements and looking to the future
    The crowning achievement for pharmacology researchers is designing a safe, effective drug approved by the FDA, a task that is only rarely accomplished. In just 24 years of research, Reddy contributed to not one but two FDA-approved medications. Ganaxolone joins brexanolone (an injectable version of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone), which in 2019, became the first FDA-approved neurosteroid and the only FDA-approved treatment for postpartum depression, a serious mental health condition in women after childbirth.
    “The greatest goal in research is to provide transformational outcomes—seeing the product you helped make on shelves in the pharmacy and benefiting people,” Reddy said.
    Reddy is not done yet either. After his success with ganaxolone, Reddy is determined to do more for those with other types of seizures. He is currently working on several projects that may help more people affected by epilepsy, including post-traumatic epilepsy that occurs after traumatic brain injury, which affects many soldiers who have been in combat.
    “It totally changes the person’s perspective, receiving a diagnosis of epilepsy,” Reddy said. “If their epilepsy cannot be treated, they can’t drive, they can’t enlist in the army, they can’t fly airplanes, they can’t operate any machinery. It takes away their freedom.”
    Reddy is determined to do what he can to help people with epilepsy get their autonomy back. For one, he has developed even more effective synthetic neurosteroids. These molecules are considered “superganaxolones” because they work better than ganaxolone.
    Once Reddy figured out ganaxolone’s mechanism and structure, he had the necessary information to start designing and synthesizing his own neurosteroids that overcame the limitations of the synthetic ganaxolone and other similar naturally occurring neurosteroids. He has currently filed patents for more than 20 synthetic neurosteroids that he has designed.
    “By designing synthetic neurosteroids, we overcame issues that limited the first-generation products,” he said. “Compounds can stay longer in the body, there are no hormonal side effects, and then we can give the compound via once daily or twice daily administration.”
    And that’s not the only thing Reddy is working on. He is also trying to expand the clinical uses of ganaxolone and related neurosteroids to include more types of epilepsy. Plus, with the support of a $51 million Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) grant to a collaboration of institutions and companies, a phase 3 clinical study is examining whether ganaxolone can treat status epilepticus, which is a seizure that exceeds five minutes and involves a loss of consciousness, which can often lead to serious brain injury or death. Status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition that occurs more commonly in people exposed to pesticides or soldiers encountering chemical weapons. Currently, there is little that military medics can do for soldiers who develop status epilepticus. Reddy said he hopes that, if research continues to confirm its success, ganaxolone will become a life-saving staple in medical kits around the world.
    “This product will become an antidote in every soldier’s backpack. And then it will be available in every ambulance,” Reddy said. “And as soon as you go to a patient, if an accident or something has happened and is he seizing, you give him a low-stress shot. That was the idea—to help both soldiers and help civilians with this neurosteroid treatment.”
    These real-life applications that help patients are what drew Reddy to pharmacology in the first place, and they motivate Reddy to continue pushing the boundaries of neurosteroids and treatments for epilepsy—even if it means he has to stay in the United States, thousands of miles away from his family in India.
    “My work is making a difference to patients. That sustains me,” he said. “So that’s the reason why I hang around and want to stay here and do as much as I can.”
    Reddy’s research was funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and partly supported by the U.S. Department of Defense.

  • Eternal Gandhi Museum Honors Fort Bend County Judge and Commissioners

    Eternal Gandhi Museum Honors Fort Bend County Judge and Commissioners

    EGMH Trustee Atul Kothari (left) explains features of the EGMH constructoin to Fort Bend County Judge KP George.

    HOUSTON: Opening in the Fall 2023 Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston, EGMH, will be the first ever full fledged museum in North America, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. The museum’s goal is to preserve and proliferate the greatest and most incredible legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, “Nonviolent Conflict Resolution.” Please visit www.egmh.org to learn more about this exciting new initiative.

    EGMH took another big step in its journey with a dinner reception honoring Fort Bend County Judge KP George and the Commissioners Court for sponsoring a $475,000 grant under the American Rescue Plan. The auspicious event occurred on Sunday, January 15th, at Indian Summer Modern Cuisine Restaurant at 16260 Kensington Dr, Sugar Land, Texas.

    The evening began with a warm reception. The attendees had the opportunity to view the 3D model of the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston, showcasing the structure and flow of the actual museum.

    The program began with a recitation of the Universal Prayer, We pray to the God of Sat (Truth) to give us the boon of Ahimsa (Nonviolence) in mind, word and deed, by Emcee Mr. GV Krishnan, Interim Museum Director of EGMH. After welcoming all in attendance, GV highlighted that EGMH would specifically focus on the principles of Peace, Truth, and Nonviolence while based on the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. He also highlighted that this day was also the actual birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, America’s pre-eminent advocate for nonviolence and one of the greatest nonviolent leaders in world history. In honor of MLK, the audience got treated to a short segment of a video presentation from the amazing documentary “A Force More Powerful”. This is a PBS documentary on one of the 20th century’s most important and least-known stories: how the power of nonviolence overcame oppression and authoritarian rule. The segment viewed was about the civil rights movement lead by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    Dr. Manish K. Wani then gave an overall update on EGMH. He explained that the museum’s message is transformative: Through the practice of nonviolent conflict resolution, visitors (especially youth) can be catalysts for change in their own lives and communities. He defined the museum’s Vision: A world where conflicts are resolved by nonviolent means; and the Mission: To cultivate universal values of truth, nonviolence, love, peace, and service through education and community dialogue and to encourage visitors to embrace these values in their own lives. The museum project headlined the front page of the River Oaks magazine. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas determined that EGMH meets the “Standards for Charitable Accountability.” He explained the construction of the museum is near complete and the installments of all the exhibit has started and would take up to six months.

    He explained that the project budget is $13 million, which includes a $3 million endowment fund. To date, EGMH has raised $7.275 million through various grants, fundraisers and personal donations. Dr. Wani encouraged the audience to participate in this worthy and critical effort. The museum will offer volunteer opportunities and will depend on the entire community’s participation. In conclusion, “No one knows where the next Gandhi will come from because the power for positive change lives in each of us. We don’t have to adopt his lifestyle to follow in his footsteps. His legacy calls us to do our own part through actions large and small to make a more just, peaceful and harmonious world.

    Mr. G.V. Krishnan, who recently retired, has been appointed as the Interim Museum Director. He is very excited and enthusiastic about his new role and feels there would be no better way to give back to the community that has given him so much. He encouraged the audience to visit the EGMH website and get involved in any possible way.

    Consul General of India, Mr. Aseem Mahajan then addressed the audience. The Consul General pointed out that the construction of the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston coincides with “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,” the period during which India is celebrating its 75 years of Independence. He said Mahatma Gandhi, throughout his life, remained committed to his beliefs in nonviolence, even under oppressive conditions. In the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy, teachings, and thoughts are of great relevance in the world today, Mahajan added. “Because this is truly one of its kind initiatives where they will connect locally with many schools, institutions and also showcase the life and message of Mahatma Gandhi,” Mahajan said. From this effort, deep ties would form nationally and globally, strengthening bonds between the City of Houston, the United States, and India.

    The Guest of Honor for the evening, Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George was then introduced. He addressed the audience with passion and humility. He was very thankful to be re-elected for a 2nd term and very excited for the growth and opportunities that lay ahead for Fort Bend County. He pointed out that Fort Bend County in 2022 was noted to be the most ethnically diverse county in the United States. He was very appreciative of the efforts and strides made by EGMH and looking forward to the opening of the museum.

    The next speaker was newly elected Commissioner Dexter L. McCoy, a proud product of Fort Bend County, serving Precinct 4 residents on Commissioners Court. Mr. McCoy explained that he learned about Gandhi for the first time in the 1st grade from his grandmother who was an educator. He has been a fan ever since. Commissioner McCoy began his public service career as an appointee in the Obama Administration, where he focused on college access issues and implementing the administration’s agenda to address harassment in our nation’s schools. He has been following the growth of EGMH since he first attended the groundbreaking ceremony in July 2021 and is delighted about the opportunity the museum will provide to students to learn about non-violent conflict resolution. He made a personal donation of $1000 at the event to go towards EGMH.

    Atul Kothari, the founding Trustee of EGMH and the leading spirit behind the project, then addressed the audience and started by thanking the Almighty for everlasting guidance. He extended a vote of thanks to all the advisory board members, volunteers, organizations, foundations, and public officials for their support. He recognized Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George, Consul General Aseem Mahajan, and Commissioner Dexter McCoy for their generosity and support.

    The program concluded with a sumptuous dinner.

    To learn more about the project, please visit www.egmh.org or call 713-785-3900