HUM Magazine May, 2013 by Hum Magazine

MAY 2013

INDIA COFFEE HOUSE

Contentment in a Cup

GLEN GONDO The Sushi King

TIGER BALL

Draws a Stylish Crowd

an ODE to MOM

Houston 9889 Westheimer Road, 713.787.9494

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK “When a child is locked in the bathroom with water running and he says he’s doing nothing but the dog is barking, call 911. ” ~Erma Bombeck As a fan of the late great American humorist Erma Bombeck, I doubt I’ve ever encountered another writer who could encapsulate the trials and tribulations of motherhood so effectively through hilarious word pictures. She made fun of the scary stuff and drolly tagged motherhood as “the second oldest profession in the world”! The reality of motherhood, I’ve since learnt, is a lifelong engagement of huge love and huge terror. When my child was little, I’d wake up spasmodically to check if she was breathing and would feel weak with relief to feel that tiny nose draw air. When she’s away at college I sleep fitfully with my cell-phone beside my pillow. I’ve also realized that long after those memorable firsts - the first chortle, that first tooth, the first wobbly step – the future will continue to hold a multitude more of firsts, regardless of whether a child is 5 or 50. Motherhood to mothers is an endless commitment, one not easily relinquished. So, to all you wonderful mothers out there, a very Happy Mother’s Day on May 12, and all year round. May is also the Asian Pacific American Heritage month when the cultural heritages of the diverse communities that have put down roots in this city are showcased. HUM interviewed Japanese American businessman and philanthropist Glen Gondo, and Indian American entrepreneur and benefactor David Raj. This month, Cinco da Mayo will be celebrated with gusto. Writer Loren Allardyce has the story for us. Dear Boston, we send you positivity and healing. We pray for your continued resilience and speedy recovery. Warmly,

Kalyani Giri

Publisher

team HUM Publisher/Editor Kalyani Giri

CONTENTS

Art Director Saqib Rana Correspondents Dr. Arjune Rama Ken Chitwood Lisa Brooks Nalini Sadagopan Priya M. James Tajana Mesic Helen Buntting Langton

Houston Area Asian Survey

06 CENTRAL FINDINGS STEPHEN L. KLINEBERG, PH.D What I Love About

08 HOUSTON RANDHIR SAHNI, AIA

Contributors

indotcomInc

a concept-to-completion, every stage in between - and beyond - enterprise 7457 Harwin Dr #250, Houston, TX 77036 Tel: 281-888-4552 email:info@hummagazine.com www.hummagazine.com HUM Magazine assumes no responsibility for the content of articles or advertisements, in that the views expressed therein may not necessarily reﬂect the views of the publisher or any magazine employee or contributor. This publication and all of its contents are copyrighted.

Immigration Reform

Bhuvana Chitra Divakaruni Dr. Jenifer Bratter Farida Hasanali Loren Allardyce P. G. Parameswaran, Md Randall Goins Randhir Sahni, AIA Srikanth Stephen L. Klineberg Dr. Uzma Quraishi Dr. Venugopal K. Menon

09 FOR UNLAWFUL RESIDENTS RANDALL GOINS

CONTENTMENT IN A COFFEE CUP KALYANI GIRI

MAY 2013

From the Land of the Rising Sun

THE SUSHI KING GLEN GONDO

TIGER BALL DRAWS A STYLISH CROWD

KALYANI GIRI

CHILD BRIDE BHUVANA

INDIA COFFEE HOUSE

Contentment in a Cup

GLEN GONDO The Sushi King

TIGER BALL

Draws a Stylish Crowd

an ODE to MOM

HUM wishes all mothers a very special and memorable Mother’s Day.

Company expansion seeks part time / full time

•Business Developement Executives •Graphic & Web Designers •Freelance Writers Previous experience a bonus. Serious candidates need only apply

Please send resume to jobs@hummagazine.com

MAY 2013 18 20 24

PRATHAM GALA

Raises $1.3 Million For Education in India CHITRA DIVAKARUNI

BIBI CELEBRATES

Fashion with 20th Bridal Show

SHARE OUR SECRETS A Roadmap to Building the Life You Want. FARIDA HASANALI

Designing Man

26 JONATHAN BLAKE KALYANI GIRI 29

NEW CONNECTICUT GUN LAW: Containment or Care for the Mentally Ill? ARJUNE RAMA, MD

CINCO DE MAYO

CELEBRATING ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

Cause for Celebration LOREN ALLARDYCE

MUM IN A MILLION 34 A HELEN BUNTTING LANGTON

SUBJECTS: 36 DIFFICULT Teaching Professors how to Teach Race

DR. JENIFER BRATTER AND DR. UZMA QURAISHI

Fashion

YOUR SHADES 38 GRAB PRIYA M. JAMES ART FORMS OF KERALA 40 DR. VENUGOPAL K. MENON

BLUE GOLD:

Why We Love It and Why We Will Miss It When It Is Gone TAJANA MESIC

Complementary Medicine

44 ACUPUNCTURE

P.G. PARAMESWARAN, M.D

Celebrating the 19th Century Composers from Tamil Nadu

46 VAGEYYAKAARA VAIBHAVAM NALINI SADAGOPAN

IS 3-D PRINTING DISRUPTIVE

47 TECHNOLOGY? SRIKANTH

48 JURY REMI FOR BENOY BADAL DENNIS AT WORLDFEST

Diversity and Transformation among the Asians in Houston:

Central Findings from the “Houston Area Asian Survey” (1995, 2002, 2011) BY STEPHEN L. KLINEBERG, PH.D The Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University released this year a major report on the findings from three systematic surveys spanning 16 years, conducted in 1995, 2002, and 2011 to measure the attitudes and experiences of Houston’s varied Asian communities, with one-fourth of the interviews being conducted in Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin, or Korean. The full report can be downloaded from the institute’s website, at: kinder.rice.edu For 32 years, the basic “Kinder Institute Houston Area Survey” has tracked the region’s remarkable economic and demographic transformations and recorded the way area residents are responding to them. This Anglo-dominated biracial city, which was riding the most important resource of the Industrial Age to continual prosperity during most of the twentieth century, emerged from the oil-boom collapse of the mid-1980s to find itself in the midst of a restructured, knowledge-based, fully global economy, and of a truly remarkable transformation in its ethnic and cultural composition. Houston’s demographic revolution. Through the first eight decades of the past century, Houston’s rapid population growth was basically due to the in-migration of Anglos. By 1980 Harris County was 63 percent Anglo, 20 percent African-American, 16 percent Latino, and 2 percent Asian. After the oil boom collapse, the Anglo population stabilized and then declined. Houston’s rapid growth during the past three decades has been due almost exclusively to the influx of Asians, African Americans, and Latinos. In the 2010 census, 33 percent of the 4.1 million people in Harris County were non-Hispanic whites, 41 percent were Hispanic, 18 percent African-American, and 8 percent Asian or other. In 2010, Fort Bend County, probably the most diverse in the nation, was 19 percent Asian, 24 percent Latino, 21 percent black, and 36 percent Anglo. The Houston region as a whole is

now the single most ethnically diverse large metropolitan area in the country, at the forefront of the new diversity that is radically reconstructing the social and political landscape across all of America. The United States is in rapid transition from having been an amalgam almost exclusively of European nationalities into becoming a microcosm of the world. Nowhere is this transformation more clearly seen than in the Houston region. The new stream of immigration began in 1965, after reform of the notoriously restrictive laws that sought to limit immigration primarily to northwestern Europeans. The current wave differs from all previous immigrant streams in American history, not only in its predominantly non-European origins, but also in its striking socioeconomic disparities. One group of immigrants (mainly from India, China, and Africa) is coming to Houston and America with higher levels of educational credentials and professional skills than ever before in the history of immigration to this country. Another, larger group (mostly from Mexico and Central America) is arriving with striking educational deﬁcits. Fully 57 percent of all the Latino immigrants in Harris County have not completed high school; only 8 percent have college degrees. In sharp contrast, 59 percent of the foreign-born Asian immigrants have college or postgraduate degrees; these are far higher levels of educational achievement than among the U.S.-born Anglo adults in Harris County, only 37 percent of whom have college degrees. The 2010 Census counted 280,341 residents of Harris County who identiﬁed as “Asian” on the census form, representing 7.5 percent of the county’s 4.1 million inhabitants. The Vietnamese (at 29 percent) are the largest Asian community in the county, then the Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis (18 percent), and the Asians from Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong (16 percent). Next come the Filipinos (8 percent) and Kore-

ans (4 percent); the rest have arrived in relatively small numbers from the many other countries and cultures of Asia. The distributions by country of origin in the surveys closely correspond with the census data, strengthening confidence in the representativeness of the Asian samples. Contrasts among the Asian communities. The three surveys make it clear that the various Asian nationalities differ importantly in their education and economic backgrounds and in the circumstances of their coming to America: 56 percent of the Filipinos cited economic or employment opportunities as their primary reasons for immigrating to America, the Indians and Chinese named both economic and educational reasons in roughly equal proportions, and 56 percent of the Vietnamese said they came to this country primarily because of war and politics or in search of freedom. Unlike virtually all other Asian immigrants, who are professionals or entrepreneurs, the Vietnamese made their way to this country primarily as refugees after the fall of Saigon in 1975. The early arrivals were generally highly educated professionals, members of the economic and political elite in war-torn Vietnam. The recent arrivals have far lower levels of education, income, and English fluency. These more impoverished refugees are facing difficult challenges, and they may be less likely to receive the help they need, in a language they can understand, from a wider community that continues to believe that all the Asians fit the “model minority” stereotype and are doing fine. Despite levels of education that are much higher on average than those of most Anglos, the Asians generally report lower household incomes. Part of this discrepancy is due to being younger and having arrived as immigrants with educational credentials that may be difficult to transfer into a new society. Part of it may also reflect the impact of continuing discrimination (the so-called “glass ceil-

ing”) that may make it more difficult for Asians to reach the top positions in the American economy. Houston’s Asian communities also differ importantly in their religious affiliations. The Filipinos, overwhelmingly Catholic, are the most likely to be church attenders and to say that religion is very important in their lives. The Indians and Pakistanis are generally either Hindus or Moslems, the Vietnamese either Catholics or Buddhists. The immigrants from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong are the least religious of the Asian communities. Houston is becoming a microcosm of the world’s religions as well as the world’s ethnicities. In the 1995 survey, the Filipinos, Vietnamese, and Chinese were more likely to express a preference for Republicans over Democrats, whereas the Indians and Pakistanis were more likely to be Democrats. In the years since then, support for the Republican Party has waned. Anti-communism is less important, while concerns about restrictive immigration policies, economic inequalities, and continued discrimination have increased. Asians share with Latinos and African Americans strong support for government initiatives designed to strengthen the safety net and moderate the economic inequalities. On all such issues, Anglos differ sharply from the other three ethnic communities, and this may help to explain Anglos’ far stronger identiﬁcation with the Republican Party. The ability of Republicans to broaden their appeal to Asians and Latinos and of Democrats to boost turnout among these rapidly growing communities will determine the political positioning of Harris County and the state of Texas in the years ahead. The rise of the second generation. The 1995 survey found that fully 28 percent of all Harris County’s Asian adults had lived in the United States for less than ten years, and just 10 percent had been born in this country. The number of

American-born Asians grew to 15 percent in 2002 and to 31 percent in 2011. Only 12 percent of the Asians reached in the 2011 survey had immigrated in the past ten years. Compared to ﬁrst-generation Asian immigrants, the U.S.-born Asians are even more likely to be college-educated, and they are earning higher incomes, despite being considerably younger than the Asian immigrants. The second-generation are also more likely to have close personal friends who are Anglo, Latino or black, and to have been in a romantic relationship with someone who was nonAsian. Across America, Asian Americans in general are more likely than the other major racial or ethnic groups to live in mixed neighborhoods and to marry across ethnic lines. This rising group of secondgeneration Asian Americans will play increasingly important roles in all aspects of American life as the twenty-ﬁrst century unfolds. Their parents came to America with educational and income backgrounds that were far superior to those of U.S.-born Anglos, and they have succeeded in passing those advantages on to their American-born children. The Asians in general are readily assimilating, joining the ranks of upper-middleclass Americans and moving rapidly into leadership positions. They are also people of color, sensitive to the realities of continuing discrimination, broadening their friendship and even family networks across all ethnic communities, and more committed than Anglos to strengthening collective efforts to expand opportunities and reduce the growing inequalities. For all these and other reasons, Houston’s Asian Americans will be major contributors to the many efforts now under way to build a successful, inclusive, equitable, and united multi-ethnic future both for the Houston region and throughout America.

A graduate of Haverford College, with an M.A. from the University of Paris and a Ph.D. from Harvard, Stephen Klineberg is a Professor of Sociology at Rice University. In 1982, he and his students initiated the annual “Kinder Institute Houston Area Survey,” now well into its fourth decade of tracking the remarkable changes in the demographic patterns, economic outlooks, experiences, and beliefs of Harris County residents. The recipient of twelve major teaching awards, including the Lifetime Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Piper Professor Award, Klineberg was recently featured in a documentary ﬁlm on the ﬁrst 30 years of the Houston surveys and is completing a series of reports on this research, while also serving as co-director of Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research.

www.hummagazine.com

May 2013

Voice

What I Love About

Houston BY RANDHIR SAHNI, AIA

On September 4, 1969 I rolled into Houston from Indianapolis, Indiana, to start my second graduate degree at the Rice School of Architecture in Urban Design, an area of knowledge then still in its infancy. Houston has not had, and still does not have, land use zoning or controls, thus it was, and continues, to be THE CITY in the country where one can learn how urban development, architecture, and built form occurs in a “free market place”. Proponents of land use zoning tried, but were beaten in a citywide election in the mid-1990s. Having worked in the Midwest before coming to Texas, where most if not all the decisions related to planning, architecture, and development were and continue to be made by lawyers and politicians (by use of outdated zoning laws on the books since their adoption in the early 20th century), it may be pointed out that land use controls are considered essential by most policy makers throughout the US, in the name of health, safety, and welfare of the residents. Not so by Houstonians! Houston is a unique phenomenon that continues to grow and attract millions of new residents, and today as I have done over the last 40 plus years, I continue to learn about this great experimental city called Houston. It grows by attracting people from all over the world and has distinguished itself as the most diverse city in the US. Sociologists believe that this paradigm will occur in most American cities, given time. So, as the old saying goes, the only constant is change, and that is what I love about the ever-changing form of Houston. It has grown horizontally and more recently, vertically, with very few “contrived controls”. Thus, it is the market place that dictates its own form and composition. I must hasten to add that it has had its temporary economic ups and downs, but had it not been for the freedom this city offers its physical components to grow or shrink, allowing the entrepreneurs to experiment, we would not have an Uptown/Galleria area, MidTown regeneration, the creation and

growth of The Port of Houston, NASA, and the Texas Medical Center - the world’s largest collection of teaching hospitals attracting nationwide and international patients and offering state-of-the-art care and cutting edge research in healthcare. Over the past 40 years corporations have continued to move their headquarters to Houston as they ﬁnd the cost of doing business for the company as well as the cost of living for the employees very attractive, and that Texas does not have state income tax. Come 2014, Exxon will move about 10,000 employees to one location in north Houston, 80% of workers will relocate to the area from other cities. Why? Because Houston allows, facilitates and encourages redevelopment, generally without the interference of politicians or control freaks such as Land Use Lawyers. This city has been wonderful to me, my professional work, and to my family. My professional observation is that this city has no glass ceiling. If one is good at what one does, Houston offers every opportunity possible. I have been very lucky and have worked in leadership roles on numerous projects such as the design and construction of Ben Taub Hospital and LBJ Hospital, master plans and image plans for George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Hobby Airport, redevelopment of 70 blocks in downtown San Antonio; major plazas and streetscapes in MidTown and down town Houston; the design and installation of the Light Spikes at Bush Intercontinental Airport that welcome millions of visitors to Houston every year; and the design of the Uptown annual Christmas lighting that has become a tradition for the past 26 years. I landed in Houston to learn, investigate, and practice architecture, urban planning and urban design. To my delight, I am still doing just that.

Randhir Sahni is a working president of Llewelyn-Davies Sahni, an architecture and planning ﬁrm, which serves public as well as private clients. He has been with the company for over 35 years. Sahni has been involved in projects valued at over $4 billion, including performing arts centers, medical facilities, commercial mixed-use developments, universities, research centers, and new towns and city centers in the United States, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa. He holds a Masters of Architecture in Urban Design Degree from Rice University, Master of Architecture Kansas State University, Bachelor of Architecture University of Baroda.

Immigration Reform For Unlawful Residents BY RANDALL GOINS For people presently in the U.S. unlawfully, whether through entry without inspection or falling out of status, the most important aspect of reform is the new status proposed by the bill, known as “Registered Provisional Immigrant Status” (“RPI”). While the proposed bill is in its preliminary stages and much of the following information is subject to change, we will address the specific proposals which relate to those in the U.S. without status as they are presently drafted: Who can apply? In order to be eligible to apply for RPI status, an individual must have been in the United States prior to December 31, 2011 and maintained continuous physical presence since that date. You must pay a $500 penalty fee to apply for RPI status, as well as assessed taxes, in addition to all applicable fees required for the cost of processing the application. Young adults currently in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”), also referred to as “DREAMers,” will not be required to pay the $500 penalty fee. Individuals with removal orders would in fact be permitted to apply to RPI status, as will aliens currently in removal proceedings. Additionally, individuals outside of the U.S. who were previously here before December 31, 2011 and were removed for noncriminal reasons can apply to re-enter the U.S. in RPI status if they are the spouse of, or parent of a child who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or if they are a childhood arrival who is eligible for DACA. Spouses and children of people in RPI status can be petitioned for as derivatives of the principal

applicant, but must be in the United States at the time. An alien in unlawful presence is ineligible to file if they have been convicted of a felony, convicted of three or more misdemeanors, or convicted of an offense under foreign law. Additionally, you would be ineligible if you have unlawfully voted in the U.S., or are found inadmissible for criminal, national security, public health or other morality grounds. The application period is projected to last one year, with the possibility of extension for an additional one year. What can someone on Registered Provisional Immigrant Status do? Immigrants in RPI status can work for any employer and travel outside of the United States. RPI status shall last for a six-year term that is renewable if the immigrant does not commit any acts that would render the alien deportable. An additional $500 penalty fee is accessed at the time of renewal. Additionally, the government may collect processing fees from individuals who register for RPI status in an amount that is sufficient to recover all of the costs of the registration program. An individual who has been granted RPI status is ineligible for any Federal means-tested public benefit. A noncitizen granted registered provisional immigrant status shall be considered lawfully present in the U.S. for all purposes, while such noncitizen remains in such status, except that the noncitizen is not entitled to the premium assistance tax credit, and shall be subject to the rules applicable to

individuals not lawfully present that are set forth in section 1402(e) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Then what happens? After ten years, aliens in RPI status may adjust to Lawful Permanent Resident Status through the same Merit Based System everyone else in the reform bill must use to earn a green card if the following things have occurred: •The alien maintained continuous physical presence. •They paid all taxes owed during the period that they are in RPI status. •They worked in the U.S. regularly; •They have demonstrated knowledge of Civics and English •All people currently waiting for family and employment green cards as of the date of enactment have had their priority date become current. •They pay a $1,000 penalty fee. DREAMers and individuals in the separate proposed Agricultural Program can get their green cards in five years. DREAMers additionally will be eligible for citizenship immediately after they get their green cards. Currently, most green cards in the U.S. are issued based on family ties to U.S. citizens - only about 16% of immigrants are granted green cards based on their skills or their possible contributions to the economy. The RPI status, as well as reform as whole, will likely change that.

Randall Goins is an attorney with the law firm Willy, Nanayakkara, Rivera & Goins. www.grwpc.com www.hummagazine.com

May 2013

Green

Photos: Krishna Giri

Contentment in a Coffee Cup BY KALYANI GIRI I step into India Coffee House on Hillcroft near ’59 and the intoxicating fragrance of freshly brewed rich South Indian coffee assails my senses and inundates me with memories of my student years in Madras when coffee dates with college mates was a staple on any given weekend. I drag myself to the present and take in the trendy new hotspot that’s feverishly garnering a cult-like following of diehard fans. There’s an animated group that appear to be in their early thirties occupying a cluster of tables near the rear of the café and a kid at a table near the door taking advantage of the free WiFi and sipping coffee out of a stainless steel tumbler. It’s a well-designed comfortable locale that begs one to linger over a steaming cup or two. Subtle track lighting accentuates the charming decals that cover the walls, each panel conveying factual information about the history of coffee through words and pictures. To the immediate left of the elongated space is the coffee bar with specialized equipment and glass display cases offering sandwiches and Indian snacks. I check out the menu on the monitor above the bar; the prices are reasonable. A smiling David Raj, the debonair owner of India Coffee

House (ICH), comes forward to greet me. Clearly a man of many talents, he’s the Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch, he’s also a skilled barista, a gifted guitarist, and a compassionate humanitarian associated with several charitable organizations. With the distinctive hospitality that India is noted for, David offers me a delicious cup of coffee, all the while talking about the coffee house in delightfully accented English that hearkens back to his South Indian roots. ICH is the ﬁrst of a franchise, now available to buyers nationwide, that he registered in 2007 but opened in February this year. “I really wanted to bring the South Indian coffee experience to Houston,” says David. He adds that the secret is in the right combination of milk, coffee, and chicory to make the perfect cup. The coffee beans are imported from Yercaud in Tamil Nadu, the Chikmagalur district in Karnataka – home to the storied Mysore coffee, and the Monsooned Malabar beans from Kerala. David also educates me about the Kopi Luwak, or wild civet coffee, that he procures from Bali. “Kopi Luwak is the most exotic coffee in the world, and should be sipped and savored like expensive champagne,” David says. Never mind that the process involves the civets eating

and excreting the coffee beans! But he assures me that it’s an acquired taste. David’s menu also includes organic teas. “We’re very stringent about consistency and quality,” he adds. “We want guests to come back again and again and make this a happening place.” David encourages musicians and stand-up comics and other entertainers to perform at ICH. MindBrew, a quiz event, is hosted monthly at the premises and has proven to be very popular. Roy and Reji Joseph, David’s close friends who have helped him with design, décor, and public relations through their respective companies OnePoint, Inc. and R2Point join us during the interview. Roy gives me the grand tour of the 1,700 square foot space. Tucked niftily within the ICH confines is a conference/meeting/private room that can seat eighteen. It’s outfitted stylishly with a table and high-back chairs, a 60-inch flat screen television, recessed lights with dimming capacity, fluorescent light fixtures, and piped-in music. Several local organizations such as the Indo American Political Action Committee and the Indian Institute of Technology alumni have booked the room for their meetings. Reji adds that they’re working on a variety of weekend South Indian breakfast packages for clients hiring the conference room, which could be further personalized according to the customer’s wishes. Of recent years, David’s health hasn’t been good. He’s recently been diagnosed with Stage IV cancer and advised that

the prognosis isn’t positive, but he is undaunted; his upbeat personality and resilience in adversity are qualities that seem to inspire those around him. To David, the café is more than just a mere business endeavor; he started ICH as his legacy to charities. A proliﬁc former president of the Indo American Charity Foundation, he has worked out the logistics and has a management team in place to decide which organizations to support. Customers will also have the option to use a keycard so that 10% of every purchase will be donated to their charities of choice. David half-jokingly adds that his bucket list is lengthy. He’s also laying the groundwork for an education initiative, Help America, which will identify student tutors from the University of Houston and Houston Community College to teach math and science in low-income area after-school programs. Largely a volunteer-driven endeavor, Help America will eventually expand to aid senior citizens. “Many Indians send money to India, but for me charity begins where I live,” says David emphatically. “Charity is charity regardless of where it is offered. If we don’t do enough in our own backyard, then there’s no hope for the future,” he adds.

India Coffee House 5711 Hillcroft St, Ste C2-A, Houston, Texas 77036 (832) 659 0580

www.hummagazine.com

May 2013

Role Model

From the Land of the Rising Sun

The Sushi King

Glen Gondo BY KALYANI GIRI

Glen and Kathleen Gondo

Glen Yoshiaki Gondo is self-effacing, and by his own candid admission, quite shy. I had to twist his arm to agree to be interviewed. Bearing that in mind, I give him space and just simply… chat. Innocuously. As he warms to me, he opens up and I discover to my delight that there lurks a mischievous sense of humor beneath that rapier sharp mind. His laughter is a gentle rumble that’s quite infectious, particularly when he tells me about the love of his life, Kathleen, who he met in fifth grade and has been happily married to for 39 years. “Everyone knew that we would marry one day,” says Glen, who’s still clearly besotted. He confides that he’s proud of their handsome son, Robert, who graduated with an MBA from the University of Michigan early May this year, and will be joining Amazon.com at the company’s Seattle office. It’s clear that family is tantamount to sacrosanct to Glen. So is his cultural heritage that was carried from Japan by his grandfather in 1898, and nurtured in the USA. In commemoration of May being the Asia Pacific American Heritage Month, it struck me as fitting to talk with Glen who has distinguished himself as one of Asia’s most prominent sons in this city. Fortuitously the timing couldn’t have been better, as I learnt from the Consulate-General of Japan’s office that the Government of Japan had named the recipients of the 2013 Spring Imperial Decorations on April 29. Glen is one of only 40 foreign honorees worldwide and will be conferred with the prestigious The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in recognition of his prolific contribution to introducing and propagating Japanese culture in the US, and for fostering better understanding between the two countries. He will receive his award at a special ceremony hosted by the Japan Consul General, the date for which is as yet undetermined. A

well-respected businessman, social and community activist, and philanthropist, Glen is arguably best known as the sushi king. He is the CEO of Gondo Company Inc.; Tokyo Gardens Catering, LLC; Sushic, LLC; Gondo Consulting; Pacific Ventures; and Houston 8. Glen is a third generation Japanese American born in Los Angeles in 1948 to Hisako and Eugene Gondo. His parents, eager to share the cuisine of their native Japan, and with the recommendation of the Japan Food Corporation, moved to Dallas in 1962 and opened the first Japanese restaurant in Dallas that became very popular. Glen attended the North Texas State University in Denton and majored in Economics. Thereafter the family relocated to Houston and started the very first purveyor of authentic Japanese cuisine, Tokyo Gardens. In 1971, Tokyo Gardens added another “first” to a string of other successful firsts – a sushi bar. Freshly made, the colorful and flavorful sushi fast gained fame. The same year, Houstonians also got an introduction to Japanese saké and beer that were included on the menu. Glen began managing the business in 1984. After a good long run, the Gondos closed Tokyo Gardens in 1998 and concentrated on the sushi business, which by then had morphed under Glen’s ministrations. Today, sushi is ubiquitous in all major cities of Texas and in more than 187 locations of HEB. With Houston’s repute as an international city of sophisticated palates, sushi tends to appear on the menu at many events that inundate the local calendar, most recently at the Asia Society Texas Center’s Tiger Ball. I ask Glen what’s his favorite food. “Haven’t you guessed?” he asks with a smile. “I like Japanese food because it’s very healthy, has a variety of flavors, and is delicious!” He admits that he’s not crazy about cooking but can “manage” people to cook for

him. A true role model, Glen has received many awards and accolades such as the Asian Chamber of Commerce’s AsianAmerican Entrepreneur Award, and the Minority Business News Houston’s 1999 Remarkable Minority Business Award for his brilliant and innovative business sense. He’s also been lauded with the Asian American Leadership Award from the Asia Society, and the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation for raising political awareness. Glen sits on numerous boards including the Japan-American Society of Houston where he served three full terms as president, and founded the Japan Festival – a two-day Japanese cultural event held annually at Hermann Park – twenty years ago. The festival, that showcases the arts, cuisine, and popular culture like anime, as well as traditional culture such as ikebana, the tea ceremony, and martial arts, attracts about 30,000 people and $10,000 of the proceeds is channeled toward the maintenance of the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park. He’s also on the board of the Chao Center of Asian Studies, the Asia Society of Texas, and the Greater Houston Partnership, to name a few of many. As he’s been a longtime citizen of this city, I ask him about the evolution of Houston since the 60’s and how it’s impacted the Asian minorities. “It’s become progressively better. Back in the 60’s there was no mention of Asians in the newspapers, we had no political agenda, and no access to leadership other than for Chinese elders who had lived here for a long time,” says Glen. “Today our visibility has grown and our children are more mainstream, so we need more Asians to actively seek public office and bring us representation.” What advice would he give to young people entering the work environment today? Glen laughs. “I’m more of a salesman and I try to be nice to everyone,” he says half-jokingly. “But I think humility is important, and basing the ability of a person on merit.” How about young entrepreneurs? What would he advise them about business? “I’d say never burn bridges. Develop friendships and reach out to help to be helped in turn. Networking is very important. Treat people fairly, equally,” Glen says with the wisdom of experience. I enquire about Glen’s hobbies. With a seemingly exhaustive repertoire, does the tireless tycoon have any leisure time? “I play golf and chess. I love people and I love business. There is great satisfaction in creating good jobs for people and in seeing them send their children to school. Education is power and knowledge is crucial in the global economy,” Glen tells me. How hands-on is he in his business? “I work mostly via cell-phone. I’ve got young people running day-to-day operations with much more energy than I have. If they need me they can call me,” Glen says with a calm smile. www.hummagazine.com

May 2013

Celebration

Jeff Lee, Teri Lee, and John Bradshaw, Jr.

Renu and Suresh Khator

Miwa Sakashita and John Stroehlein

Tiger Ball Draws a Stylish Crowd BY KALYANI GIRI When the Asia Society Texas Center puts on a show, you expect nothing short of drop-dead gorgeous. So it was with the Tiger Ball on the balmy Friday evening of April 26, 2013, when more than 500 of this cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diverse and stylish elite gath-

Gina and Devinder Bhatia

ered at the splendid Yoshio Taniguchi-designed premises on Southmore in the museum district to celebrate the much-anticipated annual gala, and to raise a congratulatory glass in homage to the 1st anniversary of the striking building that for the very ďŹ rst

Edward Chen, Director General Steve Shia, and Mrs. Gloria Shia

Lily and Charles Foster

Dr. Chinhui Juhn and Edward Rudge Allen III

Center, all with the intent of fostering cultural, social, and business engagement between the Asian and mainstream communities. Honorary chairs were Muffet Blake and Sheela and Ashok Rao. From the moment guests

Photos: Jenny Antill

time, ďŹ ttingly served as the venue for the Tiger Ball. The event, chaired commendably by Gina and Dr. Devinder Bhatia, raised a whopping $650,000 to subsidize educational endeavors, cultural programs, exhibitions, and operations of the Texas

Dossett McCullough and Nancy Allen

Divya Brown, Claire Thielke, and Janae Tsai

Duyen Huynh and Marc Nguyen

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May 2013

Photos: Jenny Antill

Sima and Masoud Ladjevardian, and Lily and Hamid Kooros

stepped out of their vehicles they were spirited away like arriving royalty down the red carpet to be warmly received by John Bradshaw, Jr, the Texas Center’s affable Acting Executive Director, and the Bhatias. That set the tone for a seamless and efficiently executed evening of pampering that began with cocktails and delectable sushi to the bewitching strains of

Margaret Williams and Jim Daniel

a live Hindustani classical music ensemble under a cavernous lighted marquee constructed in front of the Center. After brief remarks, guests, dazzling in their national costumes and elegant gowns, made their way into the Center where tables covered in muted-gold fabric inundated both ﬂoors in intimate clusters that invited conversation. Musicians

Isla and Tommy Reckling

Anu and Dr. Nat Bala

representing the diverse countries of Asia regaled gatherees as they enjoyed a sumptuous plated dinner catered by Jackson and Company. After dessert and coffee, guests danced ‘til the wee hours to tunes spun by DJ Sun in the Fayez Saroﬁm Grand Hall. All in all, a delightful evening!

Dr. Durga D. Agrawal and Sushila Agrawal

Rhyme&Reason Child Bride (1923) My grandmother, wise even at ten, hid under her bed, when her first suitor came home. Her face sombre and serene, her features defined as finely as a head on an old coin. I learn through old sepia shots, clouded by the silt of seasons, like the silver patina of age on Benares silks, that in her day, girls of ten didn’t have broken teeth and grazed elbows.

Now in her kitchen, she quietly stirs ancestral aromas of coconut lullabies, her voice tracing the familiar mosaic of family fables, chipped by repetition. And yet, in the languorous swirls of sari, she carries the secret of a world where apsaras still walk with the liquid tread of supernal grace.

By Bhuvana

Beneﬁt

Pratham Gala

Raises $1.3 Million For Education in India BY CHITRA DIVAKARUNI

Pratham Houston Chapter President Swatantra Jain and Bimla Jain

Incoming President Dr. Marie Goradia and Vijay Goradia

Under the leadership of Pratham Houston Chapter President Swatantra Jain and Gala Chairs Hemant and Indrani Goradia, the Pratham 2013 gala held on Saturday, April 27, 2013, at the Hilton Americas Ballroom was a sold-out event and a resounding success that raised $1.3 million. Around 800 determined and generous Houstonians braved the pouring rain, flooding streets, and a challenging parking situation to attend and support Pratham’s mission is “every child in India in school, and learning well”. The funds will benefit needy students in rural and urban areas across India, help rescue children from child labor, and provide vocational training to youth. Jain told attendees that he had a personal commitment to Pratham because of his own background of humble beginnings; his parents made great sacrifices to equip him with education. When he arrived in the US in 1978, he could dream of a better future because he had something powerful – an education. Preceding the gala, Jain donated $50,000 to Pratham with the promise to contribute $100,000 more to match other donors’ pledges; he honored that commitment and the funds raised were the highest ever in a single night in the Houston Chapter’s history.

Jain introduced Dr. Marie Goradia, the incoming President of the Houston Chapter and a longtime and steadfast supporter of Pratham’s vision. Mistress of Ceremonies for the event was Rekha Muddaraj, KHOU 11 News Anchor. Dr. Rukmini Banerji, Director, ASER Center; and CEO and Co-Founder of Pratham, Dr. Madhav Chavan; who was recently awarded the prestigious 2012 WISE prize for promulgating education, both spoke of Pratham’s meteoric trajectory since inception in 1994. The organization has reached 2.6 million children in 17 states and 32 cities, recruited 45,000 volunteers, and trained 62,000 teachers. Pratham has been named the 5th of the healthiest and strongest charities in this city. Entertainment included melodies by Bollywood Strings and a dance drama by Naach Houston. Auctioneer Dr. Subodh Bhuchar exhorted and inspired people into bidding for items donated by Houstonians, and raised over $20.000 in scant minutes. Honorary gala Co-Chairs were Amit and Arpita Bhandari, Dr. Jayendra Patel and Dr. Meena Patel, Ash and Leena Shah, and Dhiren and Anila Shethia. Madras Pavilion catered dinner for the event.

From left, Amit and Arpita Bhandari, Leena and Ash Shah, Swatantra and Bimla Jain, Indrani and Hemant Goradia, and Rekha Muddaraj

From left, Bimla and Swatantra Jain present a token of appreciation to James Young, Senior Vice Prrsident of Wells Fargo, and Michelle Young Photos: Bijay Dixit Swatantra Jain with Guest of Honor Houston Mayor Annise Parker Chitra Divakaruni teaches Creative Writing at the Univ. of Houston. She is the author of 16 books; her latest novel is the international bestseller Oleander Girl. A multiple award-winning writer, she invites HUM readers to join her at http://www.facebook.com/chitradivakaruni. www.chitradivakaruni.com www.hummagazine.com

May 2013

Bibi Celebrates

Fashion with 20th Bridal Show Bibi Magazine celebrated its 20th Bridal Show at the Hyatt Regency Downtown on April 28, 2013, with a cake and champagne to commemorate the occasion. There were 28 vendor booths in the blue-lit ballroom that featured an assortment of cakes, chocolate fountains, photographers, caterers, clothing and jewelry stalls, and henna artists. The highlight of the day was the fashion show that presented the bridal collections of the soon-to-open Baraat Studio by the founders of Houston’s Roop Sari Palace. Models walked the ramp in glittering saris, flowing anarkali outfits and rhinestone and zari-encrusted lehengas. For men, fitted sherwanis. “When we held our first bridal show 10 years ago, we barely had about 30-40 brides and about 100 people in total. Today, we have close to 200 brides who have pre-registered and about 400 attendees. We’ve come along way!” says Ayesha Hakki, founder and publisher of Bibi Magazine, a national bridal publication established in 2000. The founders of Bibi Magazine, Ayesha Hakki and Zooni, lauded bridal show director Zeb Mamsa and board advisor Munir Ibrahim with awards for ten years of dedicated service. “The Bibi Bridal Shows are a bi-annual event held at hotels and venues around Houston that display the latest in South Asian weddings,” said Zeb Mamsa. “These weddings are large, multi-day events that require a team of vendors. We hope that the Bibi Bridal Show makes it easier for couples to plan their special days.” Bibi Bridal Shows are held in April and October of each year and are geared towards the luxury market. www.bibimagazine.com

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May 2013

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May 2013

Mentor

Share Our Secrets (SOS) A Roadmap to Building the Life You Want. BY FARIDA HASANALI Imagine this. You are trekking in the Himalayas and come upon a cave glowing with an ethereal light. Bravely you step inside and see two things… the fountain of youth and a book that answers all of your questions. You can only pick one! Which one would you pick? You may say you’d pick the fountain of youth, as you’d have enough time to figure out all of life’s answers by yourself. Or you might want the book of answers, a reference guide that tells you what to do in most situations. In my case, I would most likely walk away from both. For one, who wants to live forever? And wouldn’t life be boring if we knew all the answers? There would be no excitement in living, seeing new things, or figuring out why we are here on this earth. Fortunately for all of us, neither the book nor the fountain of youth exists (at least not that we know of) so that leaves us to figure out the complexities of our life, our world, and our societies and we’ve been doing just that since the dawn of mankind. Before books, people learned from their parents and elders. Then we had schools, teachers, books, and now the Internet. Why is it then that we don’t know everything there is to know, or the right things to do and say at the right time? Why was it that even in the cases where we did know, we still chose not to practice the appropriate behaviors? A simple example is that of staying fit. We know that we should eat healthy, exercise, drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol, fatty and processed foods. This information is available everywhere and yet 69% of adults in America are overweight or obese. What’s worse is that 42% of our children ages 2-19 are obese too. It’s because learn-

ing typically does not happen in a vacuum. We learn not just by reading but by observing modeled behavior, by experiencing the impacts of our behaviors and through the support of others in our lives by way of our families or communities. We learn differently through a composite of many different mediums. The Share Our Secrets (SOS) Program founded four years ago is one such composite program. It creates a learning environment unlike any other and consists of four different learning streams: The Life and Leadership Series, Luncheon Speaker Series, SOS Connect, and The Circle of Influence. The Life and Leadership Series held over 8-10 months starts in August each year. A select group of 10-12 individuals is hand selected by the SOS Executive Board to attend 10 sessions. We look for candidates who are eager to learn, open to the idea of change, and ready to embrace a different way of thinking and view of life. The curriculum covers guidance on personal and professional issues that we deal with everyday such as learning to negotiate, finding a job at any point in your life, and defining love, success, happiness and leverage. This program exposes members to a broad variety of subjects covering current news, historical, religious, and philosophical perspectives, and application to daily life. Members are encouraged to bring current life challenges to the session for discussion to get varied perspectives on how an issue can be addressed. “The class atmosphere is so charged,” said Dr. Swapan Dubey. “I find myself anxiously waiting for the next class so my routine mindset can be challenged and I can learn something new.”

Biki Mohindra (center) with the Graduating Class 2013 - Siddharth Dhar, Zal Sethna, Shaﬁq Shivji, Swapan Dubey, MD, Gina Patel, Amol Kulkarni, Mitul Patel, Manasi Gokhale, Vignesh Veer, Farida Hasanali, Russell Richard

The SOS Member Speaker Series provides an avenue for accomplished members/seniors in our society to share their secrets of success with SOS Life and Leadership Series students and SOS members who want to learn from other’s experiences. Speakers from varied backgrounds and areas of accomplishment are invited to speak at lunch and everyone is encouraged to ask questions with an effort to learn from the speaker’s experience. Successful entrepreneurs like Mark Ostrofsky, entrepreneur and author of “Click it Rich”; Shawn Wharton, CIO, BP Nagpur; Amit Bhandari, CEO of BioUrja Trading; Felix Fraga, Houston City Council member; Somesh Singh, VP Engineering and GM India Development Center at NetIQ; Dr. Johnella Bradford, Dean – Houston Community College Southeast; are a few examples of the caliber of speakers that the SOS program delivers. What’s even more exciting is that they are open to being mentors for SOS students depending on the applicability of the speakers experience to the individual’s needs. SOS’ Circle of Inﬂuence (COI) is a group of high potential members, most of them graduates of the Life and Leadership Series who support each other to further their goals in life. COI hosts events throughout the year that are intended to support the businesses or jobs of its members. COI Chairman Vivek

Mehta, Sr. Vice President at Bank of Texas, is always striving to deliver quality events that support effective results-oriented networking for the COI and its guests. The upcoming event to be held at the River Oaks Country Club in September 2013, is one such unique opportunity where COI members invite their best clients or potential clients to showcase their prowess in the community. This will be the third such event for SOS and its Circle of Inﬂuence. The success of SOS’ existing programs; the Life and Leadership Series, Speaker Series and COI and the increased demand for more participation has led to the creation of SOS Connect. This program is designed for history, philosophy, and religion lovers and lifelong learners who are always trying to understand the past, present, and future and how it impacts who we are today, how we interact with others, and why we are who we are. “Learning about the social origins of mankind is instrumental in understanding why people react in certain ways and how we can deal with them effectively; it’s hard to believe we’ve been doing this for a year and the enthusiasm has not waned one bit. In fact more people want to join,” said Biki Mohindra, co-founder of SOS. LearnHow@shareoursecrets.org

Farida Hasanali is a free lance writer for several Indo American community publications. She has been writing for publications and newspapers for the past 10 years. Hasanali, leverages her writing skills to increase awareness of social issues and causes, and everyday challenges our community members feel as part of two distinct cultures. In her day job, Hasanali works as a Knowledge & Program Manager for BP’s Remediation Management Division. Community Service is a passion for Hasanali, through her association with NetIP Houston and SOS, Hasanali is able to impact positive change in other’s lives. www.hummagazine.com

May 2013

Designing Man Jonathan Blake 26 Photos: Select Studios

Franco Valobra and Carolyn Farb

BY KALYANI GIRI Young fashion designer Jonathan Tinkle revealed his Jonathan Blake Fall/Winter 2013 collection of haute couture to a diverse and discerning audience at the Omni Houston Hotel on April 24, 2013. On two runways, willowy Page Parke models showed off his latest line of 47 pieces crafted in this city; the collection included skirts, blouses, statement jackets, gowns, day and evening dresses fashioned from silk, velvet, suede, wool, ostrich and alligator. Dramatic reds, somber and elegant blacks, glittery silver, and white, hallmarked the palette of choice for Tinkle’s classic compendium of wearable art. The designer, 22, skillfully accessorized his creations with jewelry from Valobra and hats and fascinators by Gabriella Dror. “My Fall/Winter Collection is creative and expressive yet functional and sophisticated,” said Tinkle. “My inspiration for this collection was strong and powerful self-made women whom I admire and respect. I designed pieces in this collection to appeal to women who are active at home, in business and in the communities they support.” www.jonathanblake.net

Amanda Tinkle (Mother of Jonathan Tinkle), Sandra Winters and Theresa Roemer

Jo Furr and Debbie Festari

David Peck, Fariba Taghi, and Brandon Gregoire Photos: Kim Coffman www.hummagazine.com

May 2013

Photos: Select Studios

New Connecticut Gun Law:

Containment or Care for the Mentally Ill? BY ARJUNE RAMA, MD Like my fellow Connecticut residents still shaken by the Newtown shootings, I was excited and relieved when Connecticut Senate Bill 1160 (“An Act Concerning Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety”) passed on April 3rd, 2013. The law establishes a ‘Dangerous Weapons Offenders’ registry and requires a ‘Universal Background Check’ for all gun purchases. Those wishing to purchase ‘long guns’ will need an ‘Eligibility Certificate’ which requires fingerprints, a firearms safety training course and a national criminal background check. No firearm may be loaded with greater than ten bullets except in a person’s home or at a shooting range. However, as a mental health care provider, I am infuriated by one section in particular: “Sec. 10. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2013) Whenever a person is voluntarily admitted to a hospital… for care and treatment of a psychiatric disability… the hospital shall forthwith notify the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services of such admission and provide identifying information including, but not limited to, name, address, sex, date of birth and the date of admission. The commissioner shall maintain such identifying information on all such admissions…” In other words, starting this fall, if someone comes to our emergency department asking to be admitted to the hospital for mental health care, our service is obligated to report his or her name, address, sex, date of birth, and the date of admission to the state government. I have to make my patients aware that they are welcome to treatment, but will also become a part of a growing database, even if their illness is completely unrelated to guns or violence. While this may not seem particu-

larly problematic, consider the delicate scenarios in which people are voluntarily admitted to a psychiatric unit. These are octogenarians for whom the death of a spouse has driven them to the brink of suicide. These are college students with new-onset schizophrenia trying to understand why their roommates have placed tracking devices in their brains. These are people freshly laid-off figuring out how to handle their frustration. These people are entrusting us with their most private pain. Prior to reading the legislation I thought that perhaps we were entering a period wherein mental health care would receive higher priority. I thought that we as a society finally realized that mental illness is a cage in which our patients find themselves. Instead I am realizing that the Connecticut law serves to strengthen the bars of that cage, expand the cage itself, and put tracking tags on everyone in it. While this legislation has some groundbreaking provisions that will undoubtedly save lives, I hope that our lawmakers realize the potential outcomes for some of our most desperate citizens. Those looking for solace to prevent possibly killing themselves may think twice to present to the emergency room to avoid being documented on a government list. For the same reason, those with bubbling anger may similarly choose to take matters into their own hands rather than to responsibly seek help. In sum, the mental health provisions in this law do not improve care for the mentally ill. Rather, these provisions improve the containment and tracking of the mentally ill. By attempting to contain and track rather than treat and prevent, we may inadvertently lose more lives as a result.

Arjune Rama is a resident physician in psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine. He can be reached on Twitter @arjunerama.

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May 2013

Festivity

CINCO DE MAYO

CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION BY Loren Allardyce Let’s face it, the Mexican culture is essentially our culture, isn’t it? Living on a border state such as Texas, the air we breathe is inﬁltrated with mole sauce, guavas, tamales, and tequila, while the sounds of maracas and Mariachi bands ring in the distance. There are 8,000 restaurants in our great city of Houston, and approximately 1000 of them are Mexican or Mexican-themed. We all love to slip a little Spanglish in here and there, and we love to celebrate those sensational Mexican athletes such as Lorena Ochoa, Oscar de la Hoya, and Jorge Cantu. Another aspect of Mexican culture that we Americans have seemed to embrace is the holiday Cinco de Mayo, or “Fifth of May.” For many, Cinco de Mayo is a great excuse to drink salt-rimmed margaritas and Dos Equis, gorge on tortilla chips and salsa, and pull our biggest, most colorful sombreros out of the attic. We sing “Ay, ay, ay, ay, Canta y no llores” with our arms wrapped around one another, as if we too were raised on a ranch in a small town in Mexico where Papi plays the Guitarrón and Tio Jose bellows with his best counterfeit Vicente Fernández. Besides those overﬂowing pitchers of Sangria and oh-so-cheesy enchiladas, what is Cinco de Mayo really all about? Like many great holidays, it all starts with a war. In the mid to late 19th century, Mexico had a series of wars including the French Occupation of Mexico, The Mexican-American War of 184648, The Mexican Civil War of 1858, as well as the 1860 Reform Wars, all of which caused Mexico’s Treasury Department to nearly dry up

completely. Mexican President, Benito Juárez (March 21, 1806 – July 18, 1872), asked for a two year postponement in payment on their debts. Britain and Spain were reluctant at first, but seemed to reach a peaceful agreement, but Monsieur Napoleon III and the French Army’s response were not quite so gentle. The 8,000-member French army stormed Veracruz, Mexico City, and Puebla. The significantly smaller army of Mexico, numbering about half to the French Army, somehow overcame France and beat the “premier army in the world.” This significant win created a great sense of pride and accomplishment for the country of Mexico. Licking their wounds, Napoleon and his men departed, but came back with a vengeance – a 30,000 troop vengeance to be exact. They defeated the army, captured the capital, Mexico City, and the new authority was designated as Emperor Maximilian. The French occupancy and the leadership of Maximilian only lasted for approximately three years. During that time, the United States Civil War was coming to an end and was lending its hand to Mexico. Napoleon was experiencing a pertinacious guerrilla resistance in Mexico and with its potential ally, the United States, the Mexicans reclaimed Mexico City, Maximilian was executed and Benito Juárez reclaimed his presidency and reorganized the government. Whew. We could all use a margarita after that one. Americans do, legitimately, have a right and a reason to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Dur-

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Hillcroft: 5959 Hillcroft, Houston, ing the back and forth battles betweenTX France and Mexico, 77036 - 713-334-5555 Napoleon III was supplying the Confederate Rebels during the United States Civil War. Although President Abraham Lincoln had chosen to appear neutral on the French invasion and rule in Mexico, it was simply because he wanted to avoid an attack from the French on the United States during our battle of North vs. South. One of Napoleon’s initial plans in attacking Mexico and thus taking over the country and instilling a new emperor was to later help the Confederates win the Civil War in the States. Had the small 4,500-man army in Puebla not defeated the much larger, stronger and more established French army, the Confederate Rebels would have likely won the Civil War and The United States of America, our beloved Land of the Free and Home of the Brave, might be a very different country than we know it today. The ﬁrst celebration of Cinco de Mayo began in 1863 by Mexicans and Latinos residing in California who were opposed to the French leadership in Mexico. National celebration truly came into fruition at the beginning of the Chicano movement in the 1960’s, which embodied Mexican-American empowerment. Many Mexicans view the holiday as an “American” holiday, but there are small festivals throughout Mexico. The people of Puebla observe Cinco de Mayo more than any other state in Mexico, but it is mostly celebrated right here in the United States. Holiday festivities vary from city to city and are as traditional as celebrating the Virgen de Guadalupe and studying the history of the war to celebrating with food, dance, costume, and, well, you know – margaritas! So, this year, as you are washing down an Iguana Tamale or a bowl of Pozole (with a huge, red, ﬁery jalapeño on the side, of course) with Negra Modelo, Corona, Tecate – or with whatever your favorite cerveza happens to be, remember – the course of events in Mexico did give Americans a just cause to celebrate Cinco de Mayo – and our taste buds are thanking you, Dear Mexico!

Originally hailing from Indiana, Loren Allardyce has a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Ball State University and a Master of the Arts in Voice Performance from the University of Michigan. Since moving to Houston in 2003, she has worked for the Original Carrabba’s and currently works in the home office as the Assistant to the Director of Operations. Loren is married and has two children, Aila (4), and James (2). lorenallardyce@gmail.com

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Miss Chinatown USA-Second Princess: Anna Zhang (right) with APAHA President Charlene C. Chuang

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Impersonator John Newinn performing his Elvis Act Designer Noureen Dhanani (center) is ﬂanked by fashion models and hair/makeup artist Rosie Arizpe (seconf from right) and her assistant Maribel Pena at left

Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month May is the Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. In observance of the culturally significant dedication, the Asian Pacific American Heritage Association (APAHA) hosted a kick-off celebration on April 27, 2013, at the Houston Galleria Mall, where over 1,000 spectators stopped by intermittently to witness the Asian Pacific cultural program replete with music and dance. Chairing the event was Sneha Merchant with Betty Gee serving as Co-Chair. Mistresses of Ceremonies for the afternoon were Lights Camera Action/TV Asia anchor Ruchi Mukerjee, and ABC Channel 13 anchor Miya Shay. Simon Malls sponsored the festive gathering.

Gatherees enjoyed a rousing display of performances by Miss Chinatown USA - Second Princess, Anna Zhang; Lee’s Golden Dragon Dance; Tropical Rhythms; Indian classical dance by Anjali Center for Performing Arts; and Infused Performing Arts; and Vietnamese Martial Arts, to name a few. The hallmark feature of the day was a fashion show that lauded the talents of Houston’s Asian designers, Hanh Tran, Tanaz Choudhury, Noureen Dhanani, Sameera Faridi, Simran Rihal and Uzo Umbrellas, all of who created exclusive pieces for the APAHA kick-off. The grand ﬁnale performance was by John Newinn, who is recognized as one of the

best Elvis impersonators in Houston. APAHA was formed in 1992 to promote Asian/Paciﬁc American accomplishments and heritages through awareness, education, and celebration. APAHA continues the celebratory spirit of heritage month with a festival and annual gala in May. This year, the APAHA’s festival, chaired by Charlene C. Chuang, will be on May 18, 2013 at the Houston Community College parking lot at 5601 West Loop South. The 21st Annual APAHA Gala, chaired by longtime board member Mariam Issa, will be held at the Omni Houston Hotel on May 31, 2013. www.apaha.org

Designer Sameera Faridi (second from right) with fashion models

Designer Simran Rihal (center) with fashion models

Event Chair Sneha Merchant (center) with dancers of Infused Performing Arts dancers, Mistress of Ceremonies Ruchi Mukerjee (second from right), and volunteer Rosemin Premji (fourth from left)

A dancer from Tropical Rhythms Troupe

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A Mum in a Million BY HELEN BUNTTING LANGTON My mother was a woman before her time. She was born in 1915 and as she often joked: “I left school at break time’’. At that time, girls were seen as little other than future wives and mothers - careers were for men and boys. She left school at age 12 and became a nanny. At 15, she met my dad, and at 16 she became a bride. My mum spent the first 9 years of her marriage grief-stricken because she was unable to have babies. A simple operation on the floor of a mud hut back in 1941 sorted her problem out and in 1942 her dearest dream came true when she gave birth to my eldest brother, the first of 7 children. My mum fell in love with her children and we became her greatest treasures. Her love was absolute, unconditional and complete. I am the mum I am today simply because I had the best mum in the world - Margaret or Maggie as she was called. When I was a little girl growing up, my mother would sometimes say that she missed her mother. She was in her late forties and grey headed and I couldn’t for the life of me imagine her as someone’s child. My grandparents had all passed away by the time I was born and because there were no photos of them, I couldn’t relate to the idea of my parents having parents. Now, 18 years after my mother has passed away, I fully understand my mother’s words. I miss my mum and there are so many moments when only a mother will do. Her voice, her laughter, her quirkiness. It’s all just a whisper away in all the memories I have of her. Even though mum didn’t finish school she valued education for women and insisted that her four daughters have the same educational opportunities as her three sons. She ended up with two teachers and two nurses. My mother never learnt to drive a car but she was an accomplished horse rider. One night, while my dad was away fighting in the trenches of World War II she rode many miles in the dark to fetch the doctor for her very sick child. On another occasion intruders threatened all the women and kids living together because of the war. Mum didn’t really know how to handle a gun but she picked up the rifle and fired it… into the ceiling! I don’t know who was more shocked, the intruders or my mum but they retreated very quickly from the crazy woman with the gun. Mum was also a healer. Doctors were few and far between in the wilds of Underberg in the 40’s. Using natural herbs she cured many very ill kids and adults with her herbal remedies. There were two things that children in my time could expect from their parents: Strict discipline and being fed to within an inch of their life. My parents included scolding, lectures and physical discipline as part of their child rearing

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June 19 – September 15, 2013 practices. Nobody in my family was an abused child but we had a healthy respect for the possibility of the ‘rod’ if we became too disobedient and recalcitrant. My parents always gave us the ‘talk’ about why we were being punished and afterwards they would wrap us in affection and warm hugs. As for food, this was a way that mums in the old days showed love and affection. They would cook huge amounts and expect them to be eaten, every single morsel. There was always food in our home even though my parents weren’t wealthy. Visitors were always given something to eat whether they were expected or not. When mum and dad came to boarding school once a term we were enthralled by the amount of food she would bring along. My cousins remember her roast chicken with great fondness because everyone was invited to pitch in. Mum remained old-fashioned about some things but as the years went by she learnt some lessons from her kids. She was horriﬁed on the occasion when she saw my husband ironing his own pants. She took me aside and had a stern word with me. At the time when he was ironing his pants I was cooking a meal in between breastfeeding my new baby. I gently told my mum he was not handicapped. She eventually became a convert to the idea of men helping in the house and I’d hear her scold my dad in later years for being a lazy man and not being like his son-in-law!! My mum left us a legacy of courtesy, respect, dignity, and pride in ourselves. She also had the most infectious sense of humour. Sometimes even now, when a madcap idea enters my head or I’m absolutely caught up in a funny situation, I hear echoes of my mum’s delightful laughter in my own. When people die they leave behind a ripple effect of memories in the way they lived, the lessons they taught, the love they shared. My mum didn’t just leave a ripple effect. She left behind an ocean of memories, love and longing. Whether you’re “mum” or “mom” to your brood, here’s wishing you a very Happy Mother’s Day.

Helen Buntting Langton is a writer and a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother residing in New Zealand. In a former life in her native South Africa, she worked as a teacher for 18 years.

Tawara Yūsaku (Japanese, 1932–2004) Untitled, Ichi [99], from Sora series May 10, 2001 ink on paper image: 5-5/8 x 4-1/8 in framed: 20-3/8 x 15-3/8 x 1-1/2 in. Indianapolis Museum of Art, Martha Delzell Memorial Fund © Tawara Yūsaku

For information visit AsiaSociety.org/Texas

1370 Southmore Blvd. Houston, TX 77004 713.496.9901

Color

Difficult Subjects: Teaching Professors how to Teach Race BY DR. JENIFER BRATTER AND DR. UZMA QURAISHI Does race exist? Sometimes the discussion or even celebration of race only distances members from a multiracial community, which we are all a part of… People are often too afraid, especially in the U.S. to discuss issues relating to race openly and the classroom is the ideal environment in which to discuss it. Bringing up race in an undergraduate classroom can be a scary prospect. In the terrain of a supposedly post-racial America, professors are liable to counter student claims that the very topic is “irrelevant,” and “divisive,” while simultaneously address other student concerns reflecting the need for a space in which to have the conversation. What’s a college instructor to do? Having the Talk: Teaching Race in the Undergraduate Classroom, was an all-day symposium dedicated to training scholars at all levels in tackling this issue in their courses. Organized by Race Scholars at Rice, which is now transitioning to the new name, Program for the Study of Ethnicity, Race, and Culture, the symposium included workshops facilitated by scholars affiliated with Rice University, the University of Houston, and University of Texas at Austin. The above quotes come from a questionnaire fielded to college students at Rice University regarding their feelings on the teaching of race in the undergraduate classroom, as a lead-up to the conference. With the support of the Kinder Institute of Urban Research, Race Scholars at Rice co-directors Dr. Jenifer Bratter and Dr. Rebecca Goetz, and the enthusiastic organizational efforts of graduate students at Rice, the symposium reflected a difficult but crucial theme relevant in today’s college classrooms. This event, which took place on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the Rice University campus, attracted over 100 educators

and activists from all over southeast Texas. Ultimately, the goal was two pronged: to provide a safe space for scholars to talk about their experiences; and second, to provide tools for participants to bring back to their own classrooms. “Steer into the Curve and Tell a Story” The most frustrating thing about teaching race for many faculty, as I’ve been told, is either having the wrong conversation or not having a conversation at all. As the above quotes convey, students often find the topic offputting, only relevant in certain spaces, or contributing to a discourse of division. Meanwhile, others—especially African American, Asian American, Latino, and other students of color—find race essential to hash out. For the instructor the question is clear: how can the learning begin? How can we cover the essentials of how race developed, what race means today, or how it influences our life chances when students come in with so much baggage? The day began with the keynote speakers, Drs. Sam Richards and Laurie Mulvey, who spoke about their experiences teaching the largest race and ethnic relationships course (in excess of 700 students) in the country and with their organization “World in Conversation” which connects over 3,000 college students from around the world in dialogue on issues of difference. Drs. Richards and Mulvey specialize in nurturing an open dialogue inside and outside the country and are not strangers to tackling hard subjects in the classroom. Dr. Richards spoke about the need to “steer into the curve” with students, encouraging professors to tackle hard questions or identifying those subjects that students feel

they cannot talk about. Dr. Mulvey also spoke about the need to know one’s own personal story and reﬂected on her journey with race. Getting personal may seem like an unconventional way to academically approach a topic, but this made sense when participants reﬂected on their own fears on teaching, which ranged from “looking stupid” and “reifying racial categories” to “dealing with intra-racial racism.” Tools for Teaching Following lunch, a series of four breakout sessions ran concurrently on a range of race topics and issues that faculty confront in the classroom, from how to legitimize race in the social sciences (Dr. Jenifer Bratter) or the humanities, (Dr. Alexander Byrd) to managing difficult conversation (Dr. Laurie Mulvey) and teaching race with technology (Dr. Sam Richards). Dr. Janis Hutchinson (UH-Anthropology) addressed the substance of courses through a session on Essential Readings and Dr. Nestor Rodriguez (UT-Sociology) explored the public policy implications through discussing the realities of undocumented youth as a part of the college population. Finally, Dr. Krista Comer discussed class and gender as lines of analysis that intersect with race, while Dr. Uzma Quraishi presented a session on Asian Americans and the model minority myth as it diverts attention away from structural inequalities faced by racialized groups. While the facilitators focused on offering tips, much of

the sessions focused on conversations and suggestions from participants as well. Wide-Ranging Support Bratter and Goetz’s efforts were supported by several Rice University co-sponsors including the Departments of Sociology, History, and Religious Studies, and the Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality, housed under the Schools of Social Sciences and Humanities, as well as the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Office of Multicultural Community Communications, and the Black Students’ Association. This effort also gained support from University of Houston’s African American Studies Association. The Program for the Study of Ethnicity, Race, and Culture (PSERC)—formerly Race Scholars at Rice—is an interdisciplinary organization dedicated to supporting scholarship that explores the important roles played by ethnicity, race, and culture in modern societies. We aim fulﬁll this mission through activities and events focusing on supporting and promoting research, fostering the development of pedagogy, engaging in university and community wide conversations. PSERC is dedicated to examining race in all its facets, we focus broadly on topics related to race and population change; race, identity, and culture; and race relationships and inequality. Find more information on upcoming events at http://kinder.rice.edu/rsr/.

At Rice University, Dr. Jenifer Bratter is Associate Professor of Sociology. Dr. Uzma Quraishi is a recent graduate of the Department of History. Dr. Jenifer Bratter

Dr. Uzma Quraishi

Style Style

BY PRIYA M. JAMES

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ummer is one of the best seasons to have fun with fashion and play with trendy colors and shapes. Be creative and choose pieces that reflect the warm summer days… that being said, make sure to grab your shades! One of the hottest trends this summer is statement sunglasses. If you look around, you will notice that almost everyone is on board with the trend. It’s time to not just think about what jewelry or shoes complement your outfit, but to consider your look from head to toe. Sunglasses do not only provide your eyes with needed protection from the sun’s rays, but also add panache to your style. From retro to modern, oversized to aviators, animal prints to florals, mirrored to colored lenses, options galore! Pick up a pair that speaks to your personality or choose several pairs that reflect your mood for any given day. So have fun, enjoy the warm weather, and put on some shades!

Grab Your Shades 38

Priya James is a fashion stylist and owner of Priya James Fashion Consulting. She has a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing from The Art Institute of Houston. Priya has styled and assisted in the production of fashion shows and photo shoots and has provided fashion consulting services to small businesses and start-ups in the fashion and retail industry. www.fashionmepretty.com www.facebook.com/PriyaMJamesFashionConsulting

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May 2013

Art

Art Forms of Kerala BY DR. VENUGOPAL K. MENON Continued from previous edition (April 2013)

Mohiniaattam The typical classical art form of Kerala, Mohiniaattam blends the poise of Bharatanatyam and the dynamism of Kathakali, delivered with the most charming feminine elegance of movements and expressions that are unique to the style. The costumes are exclusive in simplicity and stunning with glamor, the white and gold ensemble imparting a distinctive presence of auspicious femininity. The hairdo with the rolled up bun, wrapped around with jasmine garlands, is reminiscent of ancient royalty. The music of Mohiniattam is of the ‘sopaanam’ style, similar to that of Kathakali. The instruments include Maddalam (drum), Kuzhithalam (a variety of cymbal), Edakka (an hour-glass drum used in temples of Kerala), veena, violin or ﬂute. The array of styles follows that of Bharathanatyam, with more graceful and gliding movements of the body, that incorporates circular and revolving rhythms. The basic sentiment of Mohiniattam is ‘sringara’ or love, divine and elemental, of union or separation, articulated through facial expressions and body movements. Kaikottikkali Kaikottikkali, literally meaning ‘clapping the hands and playing’, is also called Thiruvathirakali as it is played during the seasons of Thiruvathira and Onam. It is a group dance with participants clapping their hands in unison and playing to the tunes of songs, mostly from mythological stories, related to romantic or devotional themes. This essentially used to be an entertainment by and for women of all ages where men are not present even as spectators. This is a very popular folk dance performed during festival times, but with modern interest in the traditional art forms, it has found its way into the main stream, and into the college and school art festivals. This is an exceedingly graceful dance form with feminine allure, ‘lasya’, being the predominant theme. The costume is very simple, two cotton pieces of white or off white, with colored or gold borders. The hair is bundled into a tight mass or bun-shape bordered with jasmine ﬂowers. The participants wear simple traditional ornaments and there is practically no make-up except the sandalwood paste and red dot on their foreheads. The group usually is in even numbers of 6 to 8, to as

many as can be accommodated on the stage or in the open yard. Played in circles, moving rhythmically clockwise or counterclockwise, hands clapping and bodies bent and curved following the choreographic pattern. Many of the movements involve two women clapping hands together and changing partners as they move on in circles. There is usually a nilavilakku, the traditional oil lamp or ‘pookkalam’, ﬂowers arranged in colorful pattern in the center of the circle. Kummattikali This is a variety of Mask dances popular in Palghat and Trichur districts with many variations and connotations of legendary stories. In Palghat district it is more religious, associated with Devi temples around harvest times, while in Trichur, people perform it as a secular item during Onam. The dancers wear different kinds of masks, often representing mythological characters and perform to the tune of music and string instrument or drums. The varieties of Kummatti may have relevance to certain local historical episodes and thus may widely vary in styles and patterns. Dance Dramas and Tribal entertainment There are several kinds of regional art forms practiced by certain sections and only by some tribes or castes, limited to areas of the state and almost becoming extinct in modern times. Aviar Naatakam, Kaakkarissi Naatakam, Kothaamooriyaattam, and Mudiyettam are just a few among the folk art forms. Aviar Naatakam is a ritualistic art form of rural drama, performed by Viswakarmas, the ﬁve kinds of artisans - the carpenter, blacksmith, goldsmith, brass-smith and mason, enacting stories from Mahabharata. It is played in temples at night on a platform in front of oil lamps, with minimal make up, with the singing of devotional songs and dancing around the lamps. Kaakkarissi Naatakam, a popular entertainment among the backward communities, Kaakkaalas of mostly Southern Kerala, with the theme of making the community aware of poverty among poor people. The presentation starts with Narada telling Siva and Parvathi about the suffering of people. The performers use rustic costumes and play to the accompaniment of instruments. There seems to be a

recent revival of the art form after years of lost popularity. Koothaamooriyattam is another kind of village drama, played in northern Kerala, with the theme of fertility and agriculture but relating them to mythological contexts. The player group goes from house to house and performs after getting permission from the house owner. Mudiyettu Performed by the community of Marans in Bhadrakali temples, the fierce form of the Goddess, it is a dance drama based on the Devi killing the demon Daarika. The story of the duel is enacted in ritualistically prepared kalams, with colorful drawing of Bhagavathy’s figure on the ground. There are special pujas performed on the day of the performance. The show is announced by special drumming, hymns are sung in praise of the Goddess, oil lamps are placed at the stage and women with ‘thalappoli’ walk in procession welcoming her. Songs are like in Kathakali accompanied by elathalam (cymbals), shankhu (conch) and two kinds of chenda (drums). Narada informs Lord Siva about Daarika’s misdeeds, when the demon enters the stage and ferociously shrieking, runs around the grounds. Kaali, the Goddess later enters the scene, after receiving blessings from the priest and fiercely challenges the demon. Kaali chases Daarika around the lamp and around the temple finally catching up with him, entering into an intense encounter and finally killing the demon. Bhagavathipattu The song of Bhagavathi, performed by the Brahmin castes of Kerala, is a prayer for young girls to be married without delays and obstruction. In the past Namboodiri girls were excommunicated if they eloped with, or had an affair with a non-Brahmin. The performance is under a canopied roof of cloths and leaves. The ground is decorated in the shape of the temple and the priest chants with the Brahmins singing to the accompaniment of instruments. One woman from the ex-communicated group called ‘Pushpakas’ will be seated under the canopy and will get into a frenzied trance as the singing and praying continues. Pampinthullal or Sarpam Thullal Literally translated as a serpent dance, this is an elaborate ritual to appease the serpent gods. Traditionally serpents were protected in a highly wooded area in the vast family compound, which was called ‘Sarpa Kavu’ or ‘Pampin Kavu’. Every evening a lamp was lit at the kavu and poojas were performed periodically to keep the serpents respected and pleased. It was believed that ecologically the serpents will absorb all the ‘poisons’ from the nature and thus protect humans from harm and hence they are worshipped. During the ritual of ‘Sarpam thullal’, a Kalam is prepared with a thatched roof, floral decoration and the floor is elaborately decorated in snake forms with multi-colored powders. A community of ‘Pulluvas’ has the privilege to decorate and perform at the ceremony. Snakes are worshipped during the ceremony and the ritual is done for blessings of the family. Young girls, ‘kanyakas’ of the family, will be seated near the Kalam and they go into a trance as the tempo of singing and rituals increase; often the girls swing their heads in

a circular motion with their long hair brushing and wiping out the decorated Kalams. Two distinct items that merit mention among Kerala Art forms that originate of non-Hindu traditions are the ‘Maargam Kali’ and ‘Oppana’. Maargam Kali This is an ancient art form performed by the Syrian Catholics of the Knanaya sect of Christian community. ‘Margam’ meaning ‘path’ in this case indicates the path that leads to godliness, towards salvation. There may be some connection of its Jewish or Syrian origin, with the arrival of St. Thomas when his influence might have introduced it to Kerala. The dancers performing the Kali, used to be men in the past, but lately more women have become the participants. The costumes are plain cloth (mundu) worn in a particular style and a blouse (chatta), with a lamp representing Christ. The singing is slow first in praise of St. Thomas with the dancers moving gracefully, but then the movements gather speed and intensity as if in martial arts, but without use of any instruments. Maargam Kali has gained prominence in the state and has become an item of competition at the school and state levels. Oppana This is a popular style of dance of the Muslims, the Maappila community, throughout the state of Kerala, and mostly performed by women during wedding celebrations. The bride dressed up in bright, glittering costumes, with her feet colored with henna, sits on a pedestal and the dancers sing and perform around her. There is singing and clapping as the dancers entertain and tease the bride, to the accompaniment of harmonium, tabla and elathalam. It is the usual custom to sing only Muslim songs, ‘maappila pattu’. Rarely men perform Oppana around the bridegroom. The word ‘Oppana’ may have derived from Arabic origin, but it is a very popular style seen in movies and as a competitive item in youth festivals. There are numerous art forms in Kerala, almost all originating from religious themes and rituals and developing into combination of styles with music, dance, instruments, drama, and entertainment. As many of the styles have become extinct, quite a few have gained popularity and are being performed to a wide range of audience. Today, many such forms have survived as ritual arts performed in connection with events of sentimental significance, with exposure to limited audience. But with the advent of technology and availability of the various forms of entertainment to mass media, there is certainly a welcoming revival of some of the ancient styles. The explosion of competitive events organized by the media discovering the abundance of young talents present an extremely welcoming breath of fresh air and an immensely positive promise of the future. Courtesy Credit to sources: • Kerala.com, All that’s Kerala, • The Art Forms of Kerala • Kerala Art Forms • Mallika Sarabai (ed), Performing Arts of Kerala

Dr. Venugopal K. Menon graduated in Medicine from Trivandrum Medical College in 1962. He came to the US in 1969, and completed Residency in Pediatrics and a Fellowship in Allergy and Immunology. He was an associate at the McGovern Allergy and Asthma clinic for 35 years, serving as its President for 8 years before retiring. He has been involved with many organizations such as India Culture Center, Indian Doctors’ Club, Indo-American Charity Foundation, AKMG, Kerala Association and is a founding member of the Sri Meenakshi Temple in Pearland.

www.hummagazine.com

May 2013

Green The goal of Sustainability 2.0 column is to share valuable resources, discuss relevant trends and bring you the latest and greatest on how become part of a creative solution. We will discuss energy, out of the box water conservation, socially responsible investing, eco-tourism, healthy eating, and collaborative consumption.

Blue Gold:

Why We Love It and Why We Will Miss It When It Is Gone

BY TAJANA MESIC “Water is the driving force in nature,“ wrote Leonardo da Vinci. Water is the fascinating and irreplaceable blue gold of humanity. Without water, we cannot create energy and can’t grow food. There is no life on Earth without it. Our world is an ocean world awash with salty water. With over 70 percent of the globe covered in water, fresh drinking water is at a premium. If all of Earth’s water could be placed inside a water cooler, the available fresh water would amount to one tablespoon. Saline Ocean Water = 97% Fresh Water in Ice Caps = 2% Inaccessible Underground Water = 1% Saline or Brackish Water = 0.01% Water Available for Consumption = 0.01% With statistics, we predicted that the world’s population would double by 2050.

Humanity’s needs are bound to increase, requiring ever more food and water to sustain the human race. The biggest factor driving water consumption won’t be the home or workplace, or even industrial processes. Seventy percent of the world’s usable water is consumed in agriculture growing and raising our food. Even today, more than two thirds of all the world’s fresh water is used to grow our food. The ﬁrst question I sought an answer for was how much water does an average person use per day. The answer stunned me, and made me think twice about my own water use. In America, we spend about 100 gallons of water per day for drinking, cooking and sanitation. Contrast that to 15 gallons per day on average for the rest of the world. What happens when the aquifers run dry or we experience another drought period, like we did in 2011?

For an action-oriented sustainability consultant and conservationist, using scientiﬁc predictions comes more naturally than guessing. According to scientists, a third of the world’s population will face water shortages within 15-20 years. To regain water and the ability to produce food and energy, we must explore and employ efficient and creative solutions. One of the problems was that up to the 1970s, water was essentially low cost to many big users and municipal water suppliers. Low price for water discouraged efficiency measures. Things are rapidly changing today, as we experience periods of droughts and our fresh water supply dwindles. Current sources of drinking water include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells with only small amount of our fresh water coming from rivers, lakes and streams. Primary

fresh water supply comes from ground water aquifers, also known as aquifer water tables. And they are not getting as readily reﬁlled as they used to. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Houston received 37.82 inches of rain in 2012, and a very little 24.57 inches of rain in 2011. Enter water wars. In recent news, I wasn’t surprised to see the states of Tennessee and Georgia locked in a face-off over waterway access. With such scarce resources on the line and so many thirsty mouths, each state is defending its position in

this modern water war. Referencing historical maps dating back to 1818, Georgia wants access to small portion of the Tennessee River and its water to pump one billion gallons of water per day. Tennessee won’t yield. Gloves are off in such a high-stakes game. With no end in sight to the explosive growth of Georgia, this water war might end up at the U.S. Supreme Court. Our part of the United States is not immune to water squabbles either. Although Houston is known for plentiful rainfall, we just need to remember 2011 drought and loss of several million trees in Houston to pause and reﬂect. Drought can happen anytime. What can you do? The single best thing you can do is water your lawn less frequently for a longer time. Just a bit over half of the water used in cities is spent on watering lawns and keeping them green. Most of

that water evaporates before it hits our ﬂowerbeds or our lawns. To keep lawns and ﬂowers properly hydrated, the best is to give them the right amount of water by watering deep but less frequently. Watering once per week for a longer period of time is better than watering every day for a short time. Explore using high efficiency nozzles, drip irrigation, and smart-water technology to maximize water cost savings and minimize runoff and water waste. A great example of a solution that doesn’t waste water, but works in harmony with nature and preserves water comes from a local case study. Wastewater treatment, storm water and grounds management are the some of the most costly aspects of development and long-term community management. Community developers typically include rain catchment lakes to catch the rain and urban runoff of spent shower water. One of the surprisingly cost-effective and most innovative of those alternatives is the holistic wastewater management approach. One such example can be seen in Fulshear, some 30 miles west of Houston. A wetlands area was created in form of a 50-acre engineered water quality basin, which also serves as the wildlife habitat to numerous migratory birds that use it as wintering grounds and many regular visitors such as egrets and black coots. The basin works together with a mechanical treatment plant and strings of large detention basins by connecting into a restored creek. Water is additionally used for irrigation of native grasses in the community. Although most of the world’s water is locked into agricultural production and large commercial projects, we must encourage our corporate society to seek opportunities to change the watering process to the type of agricultural plant grown, irrigation education and more efficient processes. Personally, we must challenge ourselves to look for opportunities to work with nature and work with processes that sustain life while preserving our blue gold.

As President of GGG Sustainability Solutions, Tajana Mesic is a conservationist, speaker and a writer. GGG is a sustainability consulting ﬁrm, providing clients with professional guidance on integrating sustainability strategy into operations. GGG is a certiﬁed B Corporation. You can connect with Tajana at www.greengrovegroup.com or follow GGG on twitter at www.twitter.com/GGroveGroup www.hummagazine.com

May 2013

COMPLEMENTARY

Medicine

ACUPUNCTURE BY P.G. PARAMESWARAN, M.D Acupuncture, a widely popular ancient Chinese healing practice, is now one of the most commonly used complementary therapies in the United States. It is a natural way of healing that uses the body’s own chemicals without resorting to medications, and has no side effects or complications when performed by a well-trained acupuncturist. The therapeutic effect of acupuncture depends on the body’s ability to respond to the treatment. The documented history of acupuncture goes back to 2600 BC China and the times of the legendary “Yellow Emperor” Huang Di. Since then, practitioners of Chinese medicine have used acupuncture along with herbal medicine for centuries as the sole healing therapy, until the introduction of Western medicine. In the United States, Sir William Osler, father of modern medicine, mentions the use of acupuncture as early as 1892 for “lumbago and sciatica” in his textbook The Principles and Practice of Medicine. However, acupuncture did not gain recognition in this country until after President Nixon’s visit to China in 1971 when James Reston, a New York Times reporter, accompanied the President. While in China, Reston needed emergency appendectomy for acute appendicitis. The report of his ﬁrsthand experience with acupuncture for management of postoperative pain was published in the New York Times. This sparked an intense interest among the leaders of the American Medical Association who sent a team of physicians to China to investigate. The team was very impressed upon seeing the results of acupuncture, which was often used as sole anesthesia for surgery. The Chinese practitioners of acupuncture believed harmony and health occur when Heaven, Man and Earth are in

balance. Illness results when this balance is upset, giving rise to the theory of Yin and Yang. In the alternating rhythm of Yin and Yang, life takes place - day giving way to night and night to day; in other words, the time of light and activity (Yang) is followed by darkness and rest (Yin). Good health entails the balance and harmony of all that is Yin and all that is Yang in the body. When this balance exists, there is a healthy circulation of the life force “qi” (pronounced chi which is similar to prana in Ayurveda). There is a natural flow of qi in the body of every living thing. Qi travels constantly up and down through the body along channels called “meridians” (nadis in Ayurveda). The texts on acupuncture describe fourteen main meridians. Imagine the body to be a city with major highways and smaller lanes that allow for the smooth flow of traffic. If a car breaks down on the highway, it leads to a traffic jam blocking the rest of the traffic. Similarly, think of pathways or meridians on the surface of the body and smaller channels that connect to the internal organs. These meridians allow the free flow of qi throughout the body. When inflammation attacks the body, the flow of energy is blocked. Acupuncture relieves the blockage and restores the free flow of energy. When the flow of qi is insufficient or interrupted, yin and yang become unbalanced resulting in illness. Acupuncture replenishes the energy when it is low and balances it when in excess. In order to restore balance, acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of very fine solid needles (unlike hollow needles used for injections) into the skin and muscle at specific acupuncture points (similar to marma points described in Ayurveda) to stimulate the

body wall. The most commonly used needles are made of stainless steel though the Chinese often used gold and silver needles. The needles are presterilized and inserted at acupuncture points locally at the site of the problem, regionally adjacent to the local area and/ or distally in the extremities. There are about 670 acupuncture points located on the meridians. Of these, 365 with specific energetic functions are more commonly used. Some points move the energy towards the interior of the body to the internal organs while others bring energy to the surface. Some of these points lie along peripheral nerves in the body. The choice of acupuncture points varies from patient to patient and from treatment to treatment. The points are selected on the basis of diagnosis and their specific therapeutic effects. The diagnosis is made after taking a complete history and examination. The traditional Chinese physician makes the diagnosis based on the appearance of the tongue and checking the pulse which is a much more intricate process than the norm in Western medicine. The needles may be left at points for varying periods of time depending on the condition being treated but usually for about 15 to 30 minutes. The needles may be stimulated with electrical stimulus or with the heat produced by burning specific herbs called Moxibustion. How does acupuncture work? The Chinese explanation is that the life energy qi flowing through the body can be influenced and balanced by stimulating specific acupuncture points. Research done in the West shows that acupuncture stimulation has the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in the body. Inserting needles at the acupuncture points stimulates various

sensory receptors in the tissues, which transmit impulses to the hypothalamicpituitary system at the base of the brain. This results in the release of neurotransmitters (biochemical substances that stimulate or inhibit nerve impulses) and neurohormones (naturally occurring chemical substance that can impact the function of an organ), thus explaining acupuncture’s influence on pain as well as hot flushes and infertility. They also regulate Serotonin in the brain, thus helping in the treatment of depression. There is evidence to suggest stimulation of acupuncture points might enable electromagnetic signals to be relayed and start the flow of pain killing biochemicals such as endorphins or release immune system cells to specific sites in the body. Several of the physiological effects of acupuncture include improving circulation, decreasing inflammation, relief of muscle spasm and pain, and increase in T-cell count, which stimulates the immune system. Some French, Japanese and Korean acupuncturists have described certain microsystems involving the ear, scalp and hand where acupuncture points corresponding to specific parts of the body are described. For example, problems in the muscular-skeletal system or/of the internal organs, can be influenced by inserting needles at selected points in one of these microsystems. Both acute as well as chronic conditions respond to acupuncture. Several treatments may be necessary depending upon the condition treated and duration of the illness. Treatments can be weekly or more often. The beneficial effects depend solely on individual response, and this varies with each person. Acupuncture performed a few times a year can also be a preventive measure for seasonal allergies and overall promotion of energy and vitality. The National institute of Health (NIH) has found acupuncture to

be useful by itself or in combination with conventional medicine. A large number of patients consider acupuncture as a last line of therapy when Western treatment has failed to yield results. Acupuncture

is certainly worth trying before subjecting oneself to more invasive treatment that could be associated with risks and complications.

Acupuncture is effective for a multitude of conditions. Here is a partial list of common conditions treated with acupuncture.

Insomnia Stress Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

EAR, NOSE, THROAT Sinusitis Ringing in the ears Dizziness Meniere’s syndrome CIRCULATORY DISORDERS High blood pressure Poor circulation GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS Irritable bowel syndrome Constipation Diarrhea Colitis Bloating GYNECOLOGICAL / GENITOURINARY DISORDERS Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Painful periods Morning sickness Symptoms of menopause Impotence Infertility in men and women IMMUNE DISORDERS Chronic fatigue, HIV, AIDs Allergies Lupus Multiple sclerosis EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS Anxiety Depression

RESPIRATORY DISORDERS Asthma Bronchitis Colds MUSCULOSKELETAL AND NEUROLOGICAL Headache, Migraine Arthritis Back pain Sciatica Neuralgia Carpal tunnel Tendonitis, Bursitis Sprain Bell’s palsy Trigeminal neuralgia Stroke Fibromyalgia Muscle spasms Shingles ADDICTION Smoking cessation Drugs Alcohol OTHER CONDITIONS Chemotherapy and radiation side effects Dermatological conditions Weight management There is recent evidence that indicate acupuncture given with embryo transfer improves rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilization.

P. G. Parameswaran, MD., MS., Mch., is a general and thoracic surgeon trained in India and the United States. He has been in practice for over 35 years. A ﬁrm believer in total wellness, he took further training in acupuncture, hypnotherapy, yoga therapy and energy medicine. He has used these complementary techniques in his practice and has helped many patients achieve optimal health and well-being. Dr. Parameswaran has been conducting bone marrow donor registration drives throughout the Houston area for several years and is responsible for increasing the number of potential bone marrow donors in the South Asian community. For more information, please visit his website www.acupuncturehypnosis.com Dr. Parameswaran can be contacted at 832 755 6687 or by email at hidoctorp@yahoo.com www.hummagazine.com

May 2013

Vageyyakaara Vaibhavam Celebrating the 19th Century Composers from Tamil Nadu BY NALINI SADAGOPAN This year marked the 36th Tyagaraja Utsavam, a culturally enriching annual event in Houston that draws lovers of South Indian classical music. Hosted under the auspices of the Classical Arts Society of Houston whose mission is not just to feature the aesthetics but also the intellectual components behind the arts. The program on April 6-7, 2013, was held at the Sri Meenakshi Temple Society premises in Pearland. Eminent scholar Dr. B.M. Sundaram from Chennai was the Artistic Director this year; his theme of choice was Vaggeyakara Vaibhavam, meaning, Celebration of the Composers. The event feted the 19th century poets Thanjavur Ramaswamy Pillai and Sri Ponniah of the Thanjavur Quartet who were contemporaries of the illustrious saint and composer, Tyagaraja. Tyagaraja’s Utsava Sampradaya Krithis, presented by an instrumental orchestra comprising of local musicians, made for an auspicious beginning to the festival. Dr. Sundaram’s educationally descriptive keynote address transported the audience to the 18th and 19th centuries as he elaborated on the lives and times of those brilliant composers, while several musicians further embellished the afternoon with thematic concerts that included songs scribed by those composers of yesteryear. Highly respected local gurus leading their students were Rajarajeshwari Bhat, Sridevi Joysula, Chitra Dharmarajan, and Anuradha Subramanian. The festival director held riveted the audience with his well-articulated and interesting historical information on the composers and their compositions that have survived through generations and still have the power to move the listener emotionally. Unique programs on the agenda included Abhangs and Lavanis by the Shruti Sangeet Sadhana of Houston led by Shruti Sample and Jyoti Kulkarni to highlight the presence of the Marathi language in Thanjavur during the era of Tyagaraja. Replete with personal anecdotes by Arun Mukopadhyay, Vatsakumar, Anuradha Subramanian and B.M. Sundaram, a short audio-visual presentation Remembering the Stalwarts, paid homage to Pandit

Ravi Shankar, M.S. Gopalakrishnan, Pinakapani, and Thanjavur Kittapa Pillai. A panel discussion, What Am I Working on Now?, moderated by Sri Partha Krishnamurthy featured visiting artistes sharing information about intriguing projects they are involved with while building careers as performers. Invited to the festival this year as a special guest artiste was the internationally renowned Bharathanatyam dancer Malavika Sarukkai who captivated the audience during her lecture demonstration of the songs by the Thanjavur Quartet. The first evening of the festival featured a mesmerizing concert by vocalist Sikkil Gurucharan accompanied by Sanjeev Venkataramanan on the violin and Patri Satish Kumar on the mridangam. Other performers of note included Detroit-based artiste Kasthuri Shivakumar accompanied by gifted local musicians, violinist Deepa Ramachandran and mridangist Murali Gopalan. A highlight of the weekend recitals was one by young Carnatic vocalist V. Shankaranarayanan, who was nothing short of impressive with an incredible vocal range and a thoughtful selection of compositions and ragas such as Purvikalyani and Bageshri. The final concert was by the US-based veena exponent Nirmala Rajasekhar who was accompanied by violinist Nagai Murali and Ganapathyraman Balasubramanian on the mridangam. The festival was inaugurated by Consul General of India in Houston, P. Harish, and supported by the Meenakshi Temple Society and the City of Pearland. The Mayor of the City of Pearland, Tom Reid, felicitated invited guest artistes. The Classical Arts Society of Houston was founded by Indu Krishnamurthy, Nalini Mukhopadyay, and Prabha Bala in 1993. The organization seeks to maintain the rich cultural heritage and the classical performing arts of India through quality music and dance recitals, and lecture demonstrations and symposia by the erudite in their fields. http://classicalartssocietyhouston.org

Nalini Sadagopan, a Houston area resident for ﬁve years, loves writing and public speaking in her spare time. Her passion for arts, culture and heritage motivates her to volunteer time in the local community to promote these, especially among the youth. She is a chemist by training and works as a Technical Specialist for Agilent Technologies. She is married to Rishi and are parents to Shilpa and Vishnu.

Tech

Is 3-D Printing Disruptive Technology? BY SRIKANTH In the past decade, 3-D printing has been advertised as a game-changing disruptive technology that can reshape business models across the board. The claim is that if one needs, for example, a pair of shoes or a wrist-watch, the design schematics for the object of interest can be sent from a remote location via the internet and the object can be “printed” out in a different geographic location using 3-D printing devices. Research and development on ideas and concepts that led to 3-D printing started in the mid-1980s under the banner of fast 3-D prototyping; the idea was just an extension of 2-D printing on paper from a remote location using a networked computer. The concept was to use Computer-Aided Design technology to create production-quality prototypes, which meant that manufacturing complicated machinery no longer needed factories that churned out production quality products that could be distributed to commercial sales outlets, and sold to end-users and customers. In theory, rapid prototyping technology has the potential to cut out reseller channels and commercial outlets by directly transmitting the design of a product to the customer’s 3-D printer, and presumably complete the financial transaction for the product online, as is the norm nowadays. The current hype on

3-D printing seems to suggest that retail stores and such may soon be phased out if the technology matures in a few decades, though that might be stretching things a bit. Consider the ubiquitous 2-D printers that exist in every home and office nowadays. Anyone who has owned a regular 2-D printer is probably aware of the costs involved in printer maintenance and printer ink cartridges. It is not uncommon to have printers stop functioning if they are not used for a few months, and printer cartridges are not cheap. Also, printer quality varies widely from one printer to the next. Since 3-D printing has to manufacture actual production parts for machinery in order to be commercially viable, the printer must be able to render parts in wood, metal and leather, if one expects the printer to churn out shoes, chairs and watches, for example. Unlike 2-D printers, which just spray ink on a sheet of paper, the laws of physics suggest that these 3-D printers would have to be able to mould, cut, and shape different kinds of materials in order to create production quality products with different materials. This raises questions of power consumption and manufacturing waste, which are usually matters of concern in any manufacturing plant today. Would users be willing to have large electricity bills to operate lasers or

other technology in the 3-D printers used to shape products? What about the waste byproducts, including wasted energy in the form of heat, generated as part of the process? It does seem a whole lot easier to drop by the nearest retailer and pick up a toy or a chair, rather than print out the object in one’s 3-D printer in the basement. Given that the technology is yet to solve important questions of energy and waste, among others, it is not entirely clear that all the hype surrounding printing technology will eventually translate to a 3-D printer in every home. But then, on the other hand, predicting the market for tech products is not an easy thing to do. One is reminded of the famously inaccurate predictions by the founder/director of IBM, Thomas Watson, who in 1943 said, “I think there is a world market for maybe five computers” and “computers of the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons.” In a world where a cell phone has the computing power orders of magnitude greater than the multi-ton ENIAC machines that were the basis of Mr. Watson’s predictions, it seems prudent to be skeptical of 3-D printers without being dismissive. Like most things, there are likely to be niche uses for the technology that will become norm, without necessarily making commercial shopping outlets obsolete.

www.hummagazine.com

May 2013

Voice

Benoy Badal Dennis Bags Jury Remi Award at WorldFest The Hindi language movie Benoy Badal Dennis (BBD), that made its world premiere at the 46th WorldFest Houston Independent Film Festival on April 18, 2013, was the recipient of the 2013 Jury Special Remi Award. Entrepreneur and businessman Ash Shah, the Executive Producer of BBD, was present at the WorldFest awards night at the Marriott Westchase Hotel on April 20 to accept the award. Also in attendance at the event was Shauvik Kundagrami, a Houston-based actor, who took a starring role in the ďŹ lm. A suspense drama set in present day Kolkata, BBD tells the story of three men whose lives intersect for the common cause of bringing down a corrupt politician. Headlining the cast of the movie is thespian Naseeruddin Shah.

Photos: Krishna Giri

Producer Ash Shah receiving the Jury Special Remi Award from a WorldFest presenter

Ash Shah and Shauvik Kundagrami raise glasses in celebration of success

Photo by Rahil Kumar

Photo by Ruchi Sharma

Congratulations, Winners! We have a tie! When we called for entries for HUM Magazine’s Photography Competition, we asked you to dazzle us with your skills. We mulled over your photos and asked ourselves what ignited that spark within us. Choosing the best of many entries was a challenge for our team, and even after narrowing down our options, we ended with a tie. We take great joy in sharing the works of our two 1st prizewinners, the talented Rahil Kumar, 11, whose regal Mufasa astonished us, and Ruchi Sharma, whose daughter’s delightful expression made us smile. Congratulations, Rahil and Ruchi. Your prizes are on the way! Thank you to all our entrants.

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Samskriti

Indian Performing Arts a cultural conduit between the East and the West Artistic Director: Dr. Rathna Kumar

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FEATURING THE ORISSA DANCE ACADEMY, INDIA, IN

With 12 brilliant dancers led by the 2010 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award winner for Excellence in Odissi

ARUNA MOHANTY

MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013, 8.00 PM

This program is made possible by a grant from the Miller Theatre Advisory Board

for further information, visit www.samskritihouston.org

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