Indo American News

Tag: HMM

  • HMM’s Durga Zali Gauri Raises Funds

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    DZH performers take a bow after receiving a standing ovation from the audience.

     By Rajesh Thatte

    HOUSTON: On Saturday, November 8, more than 600 attendees at Cullen Performance Hall Houston experienced spellbinding performance of Marathi Classic, “Durga Zali Gauri” presented by over 60 children and adults of Houston’s Maharashtrian Community. “Durga Zali Gauri “ (DZG for short) is  a story of transformation of ‘Durga’, stubborn and pampered princess  in to ‘Gauri’ hard working helper of community.  The performance was attended by renowned Marathi actors, producers, directors Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar.

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    Chief guests Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar congratulate lead actress Isha Dighe.

    DZG was originally produced about 25 years ago by Sulabha and Arvind Deshpande, noted Marathi Artists. It has been playing continuously in theater since then.  Presentation of DZG in Houston was envisioned about a year ago by then HMM President Sharmila Moharir to support the Vastu initiative. Directors Madhura Swadi, Rupa Aranke, Tanuja Sahasrabuddhe and Uma Rajguru accepted the task and created a masterpiece presentation that Maharashtrian community in Houston area will remember forever.  DZG team included group of young children as young as 4 years and they presented their scenes with such fluidity and confidence that audience rose on their feet to applaud.  All elements of the show worked flawlessly. Seamless set changes were accurate on the cue. Taking advantage of theater’s sound and presentation systems, team created a presentation that provided fitting colorful backdrop for every scene. The light effects were adding charm to the show. Original musical score presented the story through melodious songs. The hour and half long presentation was gripping from start to end.  Adapting the musical for presentation to second and third generation of Maharashtrian community presented some challenges. This is where the creative talent of directors and producers stepped in.  English narration was added before the start of every scene so that young children and “Non-Marathi” speaking audience can easily comprehend the context of each scene.

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    Lead performers played the role of a king, princess (center) and queen.

    Gandhar Kothi did an exceptional job of English narration and kept the show going fluently.  The centerpiece character roles of ‘Durga’ and ‘Gauri’ were played by Isha Dighe. Isha performed the dual personality role with amazing grace and skill. Looking at the performance of children, it will not be out of context to say that there is no shortage of talent in community and picking one from another will be a tough choice. Thanks are in order for every HMM family that devoted their time and efforts for more than six months for preparation of the show.  Chief Guest of Honor, Supriya mentioned that the performance by HMM was so good that she felt as if she is watching the show in India. In his comments Sachin said “TEAM stand for Together Everyone Achieves More. HMM members and Maharashtrian community have come together to accomplish the construction of Vastu. Their efforts received a great boost by performance of this entertaining, thoughtful and positive dance drama.” Considering the fact that most of the artists in the show are second generation Maharashtrians born and raised in U.S., this is a big honor for the artists.  DZG musical was followed by candid interview of Sachin and Supriya by Sameer Karandikar and Achala Bapat. HMM presented plaque to Sachin and Supriya thanking them for their presence and providing encouragement to the team.

    DZG was presented as a fundraiser for HMM’s Vastu project to build temple and community center for use of growing Maharashtrian community in Greater Houston area. Donations for the project are welcome. HMM has put in aggressive timeline to bring the project to fruition with proposed land acquisition and construction to begin in 2015.  HMM is 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.

    For further information about Vastu project and HMM, visit HMM’s website WWW.HMMHOUSTON.ORG.

  • Sewa International and Houston Maharashtra Mandal Join Hands to Raise Funds for Jammu & Kashmir Floods

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    HMM president Megha Ozarker handing over the check to Sewa Project coordinator Kavita Tewary.

    HOUSTON: As we go about enjoying our life every day, there are children and families suffering in Jammu and Kashmir, struggling in cold weather, looking for food and shelter. To most of us in Houston,  lives of those children mean nothing but a news item. But, it meant more to some wonderful men and women at Maharastra Mandal.

    Sewa International a leading Hindu faith based nonprofit with humanitarian focus and worldwide reach.When the recent J and K floods happened Houston Maharashtra Mandal’s (a leading nonprofit) board members particularly Mridula Lele and its President Megha Ozarker and Ravi Ozarker,undertook the noble endeavor of raising funds for this disaster.

    Mrudula Lele from HMM collecting funds for J &K
    Mrudula Lele from HMM collecting funds for J &K

    Mrudula Lele said that  as citizens of India they felt a responsibility towards helping Indians in need. With this attitude in mind, Houston Maharashtra Mandal decided to organize a fundraiser for the J &K floods. HMM WAS researching for organizations which were helping for this cause and came across Sewa International. Sewa is a reputed organization in the Houston area and they also have their sister branch Sewa Bharati, in India, which is working for this cause on ground level.HMM contacted Sewa and they explained the intensity of the flood situation and how they were helping the people affected. Apart from sounding genuine, the empathy with which they work for people in need was the factor which made HMM decide to give the collected fundS to Sewa.The effort put in by the HMM president Megha Ozarker was commendable.Houston Maharashtra Mandal 2014 Committee members had a phone conference with Kavita Tewary, Project Coordinator|Sewa International.  She gave an excellent talk about the situation in Kashmir and also supported HMM’s intention to help.  She had in-depth knowledge of what was happening in Kashmir.

    After the meeting, HMM sent an email blast to all its members to raise awareness for this calamity,an appeal was posted on HMM website ,and a donation box was set up at the Diwali event in Katy. Appeals were made several times during the event to raise funds.Overall, the response was great.According to Ravi Ozarker any donation big or small is very important and builds community strength. Strength and confidence that we are there to help out our community and other communities when any need arises. It showed how much people cared for our communities in India and were willing to help.  We witnessed love for country, love for our people, love for our communities and above all love for humanity.

    If you want to help or if your organization wants to do similar efforts for flood hit Jammu and Kashmir or states hit by Cyclone Hudhud, email at Houston@sewausa.org or call -Kavita Tewary@ 713-303-4253

  • Houston Maharashtra Mandal Celebrated Diwali

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    By Ravi Ozarker

    HOUSTON: HMM celebrated Diwali on October 18 in Katy.   Highlights of the Diwali event included Mangaldeep Sugam Sangeet Concert by Padmaja Phenany Joglekar.  Padmaja received Padma Shri Award in 2001 for her god gifted voice and singing talent. She had a special privilege of composing and singing poems written by Honorable Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. She has also tuned and sung poems written by former Prime Minister Hon’ Shri V P Singh.  Her voice and personality is exceptional. She molded her God gifted golden voice with dedication and hard work and quickly grew up to become an extremely versatile singer.

    The HMM Diwali event started with a beautiful Diwali welcome message by Viju Bhadkamkar and introduction of all artists (i.e. Padmaja Phenany Joglekar , Guitar – Aditya Joglekar, Tabla – Nitish Kulkarni, Harmonium – Mandar Parkhi).  All songs were undoubtedly well sung by Padmaja Phenany Joglekar. Rising stars Aditya Joglekar (Padmaja’s son who is doing his masters in Atlanta) and Nitish Kulkarni (HMM’s home grown talent, released a Hollywood album) also gave a splendid performance. The 250 plus attendees were very happy to hear the sweet tabla and guitar. Mandar was just phenomenal on harmonium ready to play almost any tune. Mandar also sang one song very well.

    People enjoyed nice Marathi and Hindi songs and then enjoyed delicious food from Maharaja Bhog restaurant.

    HMM President Megha Ozarker requested all HMM members to donate for the HMM 2014 Kashmir Floods Fundraiser.  In September 2014, the Jammu and Kashmir region was hit by heavy floods caused by torrential rainfall.  By September 24, 2014, nearly 284 people in India died due to the floods. HMM had started fundraising for the Flood/Disaster led by Houston’s, Mrudula Lele and supported by Houston’s Sewa International.

    During the Diwali event, HMM Vastu Division President, Samir Karandikar thanked all the Vastu Donors.  HMM is planning to build a Vastu (a facility including a temple and community center) in the Houston area. The facility will be a symbol for HMM children to stay connected and identify with our Indian cultural heritage.  HMM has organized a fundraising event called “Durga Zali Gauri” on November 8, at Cullen Performance Hall to raise funds and awareness of this initiative.

    Durga Zaali Gauri is the story of a tempestuous adolescent Princess Gauri who runs away from the palace since she cannot get sleep on any bed in the palace.  The musical has 60 participants between the age group of 6 and 25 from the Houston area who have been practicing for almost one year. This show will be staged in Cullen Performance Theatre in Houston on November 8. HMM’s Durga Zali Gauri is directed by Sharmila Moharir and choreographed by Madhura Swadi, Rupa Aranke, Tanuja Sahasrabudhe and Uma Rajguru.

    Famous movie stars/directors, Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar will be attending this event.  Sachin has acted in several Hindi and Marathi movies such as Sholay, Jewel Thief, Bramhachari.  He has also directed several films such as Aamhi Saatpute.  Sachin Pilgaonkar celebrated his 50 years as part of Indian Cinema.

    For further details, contact Shirish Kulkarni (281)213-3799 or email thekulkarnis@hotmail.com.

  • HMM Presents “Durga Zali Gauri” a Musical Journey of a Princess

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    By Rajesh Thatte

    HOUSTON: Their feet are ready to step, hands ready for katthak mudras, faces full of expressions ready for the stage light. This is a dedicated group of Houston’s youngest Maharashtrian community members, as young as 5 years and up to high school. More than 60 children are practicing hard for the past several months to present to you once in a life time mesmerizing presentation of “Durga Zali Gauri”, a theatrical presentation which depicts  transformation of a young princess from being angry and ill-mannered to happy and humble.  Durga Zali Gauri is to the Marathi theatre what The Nutcracker is to the English theater. Houston Maharashtra Mandal (HMM) will present this performance on November 8 2014 at Cullen Performance Hall, University of Houston.

    The original musical was produced about 25 years ago by Sulabha and Arvind Deshpande, noted Marathi Artists. It has been widely adapted by various performing groups in India. It is a story of Princess Durga and her journey. Durga, the pampered princess cannot sleep and no one knows why. Her parents, the King and Queen are willing to do whatever it takes to please their lovely daughter but her insomnia is causing common citizens of the kingdom to suffer.  The common folks are often forced to build something to find a cure for Durga’s sleeplessness. Days pass by but nothing works and the subjects of the kingdom suffer. Finally in a feat of anger the princess leaves the palace and an eventual accident causes a memory loss. She travels through kingdom as a common person, develops empathy and compassion towards her citizens and helps them. Please come and watch the musical to learn how Durga turns into Gauri  a loving, caring person. Although the dance drama is in Marathi, it will be accompanied by narration in English which should make it easy to understand for everyone.

    Houston’s Maharashtrian community is presenting this musical as a fundraiser for building of the temple and community center.  We are delighted to have renowned Hindi and Marathi Movie actors, directors and producers, Sachin and Supriya Pilgaokar, as Guests of Honor for this performance. Sachin started as a child actor in Marathi film, Ha Majha Marg Ekla (1962). He went on to act in about 65 films as a child artist. As an adult actor he gave hits such as Geet Gata Chal (1975), Balika Badhu (1976), Ankhiyon Ke Jarokhon se (1978) and Nadiya ke paar(1982). He has acted, produced and directed successful comedy shows on Indian television, including Tu Tu Main Main (2000) and Kadvi Khatti Meethi.  Sachin has also acted in several hit Marathi films including the recent movies Ekulti Ek (2013) and Sanggto Aika (2014). Supriya is a well-known Hindi and Marathi television and movie personality. Sachin and Supriya appeared together on the dance show Nach Baliye and walked away as the winners of season 1.

    Children and volunteers are working hard devoting their time to bring this grand production to the best of their abilities.  Artists, mainly children, are excited that their talent will be presented in front of the noted artists Sachin and Supriya.

    Greater Houston area is seeing unprecedented economical growth and that is attracting huge diaspora of Indian community to Greater Houston area. The Maharashtrian community has grown from a few families to several hundreds. Many of the families are now in third generation and working hard to keep their Maharashtrian heritage as part of their American lives. This is easily seen by sold out HMM events.  The large number of members need a common place to get together, interact and celebrate various festivals. The members also need a venue we can call our own for celebrating our events such as milestone birthdays, religious events, and anniversaries. Sensing this growth and need, HMM proposes to build a temple and a community center that will serve the community over the future years.

    Passes for the “Durga Zali Gauri” play can be obtained by donating to HMM. Donation levels are set at  $100, $1,000, $5,000, $ 10,000 and $ 15,000+. Each donor is provided four passes for the main event. Every donation is tax deductible if you itemize. HMM is 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.

    For obtaining passes for the show or donating visit WWW.HMMHOUSTON.ORG or contact Shirish Kulkarni at theKulkarnis@hotmail.com.

  • HMM Hosts Ras Barase

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    By Ravi Ozarker

    HOUSTON: Houston Maharashtra Mandal (HMM) hosted “Ras Barase…” concert on 20th July at 4:00 PM at Durga Bari Auditorium in Houston.  “Ras Barase…” is a theme based two hours scripted show, written by a famous writer/music composer – Pravin Joshi from Pune. The show has a variety of famous and catchy Hindi-Marathi songs which flows through the stream of “Navarasa”.  This event is organized by HMM Member Shreyas and Manasi Bedekar along with other notable HMM Members and Artists.

    Shreyas Bedekar is a resident of Houston who was selected as a finalist for the SA-RE-GA-MA-PA contest at 2013 BMM Convention. In 1999, Shreyas also performed in Zee TV – SA RE GA MA in India.

    Ras Barase event was definitely a house full and a super hit show! People danced, whistled and stayed focused for 2.5 hrs.  Attendees commented that they did not even realize when the event ended.  At one point, it just felt that India’s great freedom fighters were in the room when the artists effectively sang a famous patriotic song.  Some people shouted slogans of Inquilab Zindabad when the song ended.

    Thanks to all enthusiastic audience for attending this event. The anchoring, stage effects, songs all just came together very well.  HMM thanked all the following artists including, Shreyas Bedekar (Program Organization, Singer, Chorus, and Harmonium), Omkar Deshpande (Singer and Chorus), Amit Bhagwat (Singer and Tabla), Jayendra Prabhukhot (Tabla and Dholak), Ambrish Prabhukhot (Piano, Sound effects and Harmonium), Mohan Ketkar (Side Rhythms), Amol Ganpate (Guitar and Chorus), Akshay Deshpande (Nivedan), Manasi Joshi (Program Organization, Nivedan).

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    HMM specially thanked Omkar Deshpande who took the time to perform for HMM from New Jersey. Omkar Deshpande, one of the singers in “Ras Barase…” concert, is a well rounded vocalist. He was a finalist of Indian Idol season 1 and was a favorite among the judges.

    The past Mayor of Dombivali, Mumbai Shree. Patwari, HMM Member Sindhutai Hardikar, and HMM President Megha Ozarker congratulated the artists for their efforts and hard work.  All artists were presented with a beautiful hand-made “Man Patra” prepared by Vaibhavi Kotnis.  HMM front desk operations team, Aditya Raje, Koushik Gumaste, Kumud Deshpande and Gajanan Borikar along with Megha Ozarker and Yogesh Dalvi were able to check in the 300 attendees very quickly.  Isha Amte and Savita Kale along with several volunteers including Anil and Smita Gokahle, Ankoor Sonawane were able to serve delicious food items from Vishala Restaurant.  Devina Kirloskar single handedly took care of the stage lighting while Suyash Gadkari, Chaitrali Alegaonkar, and Ravi Ozarker took care of the audio visuals.  Rajesh Thatte and Rohan Patil took extremely nice photographs of this event.

    Some of these photographs can be seen on HMM website http://www.hmmhouston.org/