Indo-American News: April 26, 2024

(Left to right) HAF team of Karuna Kankani, Rashmi Sheshadri, Vachan Sheshadri, Tithee Patel, Rohan Sheshadri, Naina Mehra, Rohith Mehra, Niharika Mehra, Sanvi Pandit, Vikram Sheshadri, Sakhi Ganjoo, Bharat Pallod, Lavannya Pandit, Rahul Pandit, Vinay Sarda, Suhag Shukla, Rishi Bhutada, Sahaj Bhutada, Vibhav Aluru.

HAF Gala: $1 Million Commitment from Philanthropist Ramesh Bhutada

Houston: The Hindu American Foundation captivated a sold out crowd as they listened in pin drop silence to Sundar Iyer’s frightening story of being hounded by government agencies with false accusations of caste-based discrimination at its 14th Annual Houston Fundraising Gala on Saturday, April 13th. The event, held at the GSH Event Center, featured HAF’s Executive Director Suhag Shukla in conversation with Iyer, one of the defendants in the infamous Cisco caste discrimination case, about how the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) willfully ignored and suppressed exculpatory evidence to pursue its historymaking claim in the first major lawsuit alleging caste based discrimination. The case, which caught the attention of HAF due to the CRD’s bigoted and unconstitutional insistence that caste and caste discrimination were required by Hindu beliefs and practice, is now the subject of a federal lawsuit by HAF against the state of California.

The gala also featured local philanthropist, Ramesh Bhutada, who committed $1 million over the next four years to HAF, the third such commitment he has made in the past year to key Hindu institutions.

The night started off with gala emcees, Dr. Subodh Bhuchar and Vikram Sheshadri, a member of HAF’s Board of Directors, introducing local elected officials to the crowd as they lit the lamp to mark the auspicious start of the occasion, followed by an invocation by local HAF youth volunteer Sanvi Pandit. Sheshadri and another HAF Board Member, Rishi Bhutada, then updated the over 350 at-

tendees about HAF’s work in both advocating for the Hindu community as well as educating Americans, including educators and media, about Hindus and Hinduism. One of the themes of this presentation was HAF’s focus on empowering local Hindu communities to advocate for themselves locally, through training and resources, such as its Dharma Ambassador and Dharma Advocates programs.

Shukla and Iyer then took the stage for a 30 minute conver-

sation that covered Iyer’s sordid saga as well as how a case in “loony, lefty” California, as Shukla jokingly put it, could directly impact Hindu Texans. Iyer made clear that while California took it to the extreme of putting a target on the backs of the Indian and Hindu communities with the proposed SB403 bill that was vetoed by Governor Newsom, the fallacious idea that the Hindu community could be engaging in widespread caste-based discrimination and

violence could easily seep into corporate HR departments and local city ordinances via targeted pressure by anti-Hindu caste activists. Shukla and Iyer both brought up the need for the community to stay vigilant against such scenarios.

The gala also included Bollywood dance performances by Kalakriti Performing Arts, whose founder, Kusum Sharma, was awarded HAF’s Advancement of the Dharmic Arts and Humanities Award. The award

was accepted on Sharma’s behalf by her daughter Tanya Sharma, who is also part of the dance troupe. Ramesh Bhutada then took the stage as his $1 million commitment over four years was announced to the surprise of the attendees. He spoke about the need to fund Hindu community institutions such as the Texas Hindu Campsite, the Hindu University of America (HUA), and now HAF. All three have now received $1 million commitments from him. Shukla and Rishi Bhutada took the stage as well, to talk about HAF’s plans for launching its first-ofits-kind Legal Justice Center to help community members navigate and protect their rights and to explain why donating to HAF was an investment in “your future, your children’s future, and your grandchildren’s future,” as Rishi Bhutada put it.

The attendees responded well, donating almost $450,000 in total, including bidding on a silent auction that featured travel packages, baseball tickets donated by the Astros Foundation, and courses donated by HUA, among other prizes. The evening then ended with a sumptuous dinner provided by Nalin’s Bombay Brasserie.

The HAF looks forward to next year’s annual gala in Houston and continuing its work on education and advocacy in Texas. HAF leadership also expressed its deep gratitude to the Hindus of Greater Houston and DISHA for being local partners on the ground that supported the gala and the HAF Houston chapter team that organizes it year after year. To learn more about HAF, visit hinduamerican.org and follow on all social platforms @ hinduamerican.

HAF volunteer Sanvi Pandit delivers the opening invocation with Judge Chad Bridges, Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers, Judge Surendran Pattel, Justice Richard Hightower, Stafford Mayor Ken Mathew, and Fulshear Councilmember Abhijeet Utturkar on stage

Tech entrepreneur Sundar Iyer (left) on stage with HAF Executive Director Suhag Shukla at the annual HAF Houston Gala. Photos by Unique Photo Images/Bijay Dixit.

Ramesh Bhutada addresses the audience at the Annual HAF Houston Gala. He announced a $1 million donation to HAF.

IMAGH’s Eid Milan Celebrates Unity and Cultural Diversity

By yasmin udawala & JawaHar malHotra

Houston: For the past few years, Eid-ul-Fitr has been celebrated by the Indian Muslim Association of Greater Houston at the Marriott Hotel in Westchase. This year, IMAGH stirred it up a lot by venturing to the Omni Riverway Hotel in the Post Oak area and promised a sumptuous gala night on Saturday, April 20. And they delivered on their word!

The eagerly anticipated annual Eid Milan celebration was hosted by the leadership of President Tasnim Vadva, the Executive committee consisting of Dr. Hina Azam, Naeem Vehvaria, Yasmin Udawala and Mohammed Ali Khan and Club 65 President Rahat Kale, and hard work by so many IMAGH friends and family. Entitled “Bridges Cultures”, the program unfolded as a magnificent tapestry of unity and cultural celebration.

Guests mingled during the social hour and then entered the main ballroom set with a stage with a huge backlit LED backdrop from which emecees Dinaaz Vadwa and Danny Uddin unfurled the program for the evening. This was followed by a Quran recitation by Sana Rafi and Soha Langha, invoking a sense of reverence and tranquility.

The rendition of the US National Anthem by Lily Tran and the stirring performance of the Indian National Anthem brought out the patriotic spirit of the gathering.

A highlight of the evening was the IMAGH President’s Tasnim Vadva’s speech, wherein the event chairs were introduced amidst rounds of applause. Prominent guests for the event were the Consul General of India D.C. Manjunath and Texas Dist. 137 Representative Gene Wu who spoke in admiration for the

work the IMAGH has done in the past decade to foster warm and cordial relations with other communities.

A video tribute to the Ismaili community and its landmark project in the Ismaili Center currently under construction along Allen Parkway heightened this outreach effort, with the presentation of the IMAGH Award. The captivating performance by the Parul Shah Dance Company dazzled the audience with its artistry and grace. The Folkoholic Dance Theatre, representing Palestinian culture, enraptured the audience with their mesmerizing performances, and loud drumbeats, especially as they overflowed off the stage onto the ballroom floor and enticed the audience to join in the steps.

The Colonel Raj Bhalla Community Service Award was presented to internationally acclaimed choreographer and Indian classical dancer Rathna Kumar, the founder and Executive Director of the Anjali Center for Performing Arts.

A special moment of the evening was the presentation of the Latafath Hussain Award for Exemplary Community Service to Lufti Hassan, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the community and embodying the spirit of service and leadership. Hasan is a businessman and the Honorary Consul for Guyana.

As the event drew to a close, the event chairs, Yasmin Udawala and Abraham Merchant, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, announcing the commencement of Namaaz and inviting guests to partake in a sumptuous Indian buffet dinner catered by Nirvana Restaurant, as well as two pasta stations in the dining room.

Stepping into Leadership: Meet Hindus of Greater Houston’s New President

Houston: Hindus of Greater Houston (HGH) is proud to announce the appointment of Rachana Shah as its new president. As the torchbearer of HGH’s mission and vision, Rachana Shah brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and a commitment to driving positive change in the community.

Rachanaji comes to HGH with an extensive background as a career educator, initially as a teacher at MS Vadodara University in Gujarat, India, followed by fourteen years as principal of Vallabh Vidya Mandir school in Houston. Rachanaji holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Houston. Her journey in leadership includes four years as a Board of Director with HGH.

Rachanaji was born in Hyderabad, India, and raised in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Her upbringing is infused with India’s rich cultural heritage and Hindu traditions. Her commitment to education was influenced by her father, a postgraduate from Germany, and a be-

liever in the value of learning and intellectual growth. In addition to English, Rachnaji is fluent in Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu, and has a basic understanding of Telegu.

For over three decades, Rachnaji has engaged herself in community service through various roles at the VPSS mandir in Houston. With a career dedicated to serving others and a track record of impactful leadership, Rachanaji embodies the values and ethos that lie at the heart of Hindus of Greater Houston. Her life philosophy and leadership style may be characterized by a verse from the Bhagavad Gita: “You have the right to work, but never to the fruits of your work; let not the fruit of action be your motive, nor allow yourself to be attached to inaction.”

(Karmaṇyevādhikāraste mā phaleṣu kadācana. Mā karmaphalaheturbhūrmā te saṅgo’stvakarmaṇi.)

Rachanaji places great importance to nurturing in youth a sense of responsibility, gratitude, and re-

spect towards others. Call it spiritual love or human values, these are the building blocks of a strong community and a better tomorrow. She is passionate about involving the youth in cultural preservation. She aims to organize cultural events, including the grand celebration of Janmashtami, to instill a sense of purpose and continuity in the younger generation. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Janmashtami celebrations

under HGH.In recent years, HGH assumed responsibility for the Hindu Heritage Youth Camp, a successful program running continuously for 40 years. Coupled with this, is the upcoming Texas Hindu Campsite, a first of its kind in the United States. Rachanaji is committed to continuing HGH’s active involvement in developing the campsite and to host more youth retreats.

Rachanaji is eager to collaborate with other religious leaders through the Fort Bend Interfaith Council and other interfaith organizations, to build common bridges with Houston’s diverse religious community.

As we reflect on the journey that has brought us to this moment, we recognize the invaluable contributions of HGH’s outgoing President, Thara Narasimhan. Under her guidance, HGH has achieved significant milestones, advancing its mission to bring together the Hindu community, to strengthen the core tenets of the Hindu faith

that reinforce love towards all beings, reverence toward mother Earth, and peaceful coexistence among all, and to carry forth these traditions that have survived and thrived through the millennia.

HGH extends its deepest gratitude for Tharaji’s dedication and leadership, and we look forward to building upon her legacy. Hindus of Greater Houston promotes women empowerment and is proud to have elected several female presidents since the nonprofit organization’s inception.

Rachanaji’s family, including her husband Jitesh and her son Rajit, a freshman medical student at UH, support and share her spirit of volunteerism and service. Join us in welcoming Rachana Shah as the new President of Hindus of Greater Houston, as we continue our journey to make this world a better place for all.

https://www.hindusofhouston. org/

Rachana Shah: HGH President

The Folkholic Dance Theatre, representing Palestinian culture.

IMAGH board members with dignitaries, including Consul General DC Manjunath (center).

IMAGH members after the successful Eid Milan. Photos by Quaid Tinwala, SMB Films & Images.

PHOTO COLLAGE ON P4

COMMUNITY

Hasya Kavi Sammelan: Celebration of Poetry, Wit, Culture & Laughter

Houston: International Hindi Association’s Houston Chapter (IAIHA) annual Hasya Kavi-Sammelan is one of those occasions that offer the warmth, intimacy and a feeling of homeland India.

On Saturday 13th April evening, poetry enthusiasts and connoisseurs of Hindi literature gathered at the GSH for a mesmerizing journey through ghazals, geet, satire, verses, jokes and laughter. It was not just an assembly of wordsmiths but a celebration of the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture in the form of jokes and poetry.

The esteemed poets who graced the event with their lyrical prowess this year were Arun Gemini ( who was the sutradhar), Shambhu Shikhar and Mumtaz Naseem. Arun Gemini who is a seasoned veteran made the audience laugh incessantly at almost every sentence he spoke in his Haryanvi dialect and shuddh Hindi. The emerging voice of Mumtaz and Shambhu Shikhar promise a diverse array of perspectives and styles.

Swapan Dhairyawan, Trustee of IHA National, opened the evening thanking the sponsors and generating the over 270 attendees with the quizzed about the esteemed poets. A special “Hindi Swabhimaan Puraskar” award was conferred on Col Raj Bhalla (93), who was surprised but very gracefully accepted the honor. His long service to the community and relentless effort to stay connected with Rashtrabhasha Hindi. Houston

IHA Chapter’s President Sanjay

Sohoni talked about the goals and visions of the IHA and implored people to join the membership and asked Hindi speaking volunteers to come forward to the Chapter goal of providing Hindi bhashik teachers at the various centers across the city. Thereafter the pioneer for the Chapter Sangeeta Pasrija briefly introduced the poets. The event commenced with an

invocation to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and the arts in the very melodious and resonating voice of Mumtaz Naseem. Shambhu Shikhar, who entertained Houston crowd during Covid times on Zoom from India, was the first one to captivate the audience with jokes on his own persona and then about his home state Bihar. The attendees couldn’t stop laughing at

his jokes. Then Mumtaz Naseem took the stage captivating the audience with her soul-stirring ghazals that traversed the realms of love, longing, and spirituality. But her verses on the current Kashmir situation with the neighboring country drew the most applause. Her clear ans melodious recitation drew listeners into a world where every word carried the weight of

centuries of poetic tradition.

Following her performance, the atmosphere brimmed with anticipation as the next poet, Arun Gemini stepped into the spotlight. His verses, wit and jokes, infused with a contemporary flair, themes of social justice, gender equality, and the complexities of modern life illuminated left a lasting impression on all who witnessed his artistry of simple and funny style.

As the evening unfolded, each poet brought forth a unique perspective, weaving together the rich tapestry of Indian culture and heritage. From the rustic charm of village life to the cosmopolitan bustle of urban centers, their lines resonated with the collective experiences of a diverse nation.

Laughter echoed through the hall as humorous couplets elicited uproarious responses, while moments of introspection drew forth nods of silent agreement. In this exchange between performer and spectator, the true essence of the Kavi-Sammelan was laid bare—a celebration of unity in diversity, where words became the bridge connecting hearts and minds.

As the event drew to a close the poets, audience, committee members all mingled and exchanged compliments.

Indian Summer catered a delicious dinner adding more charm to an already a very enjoyable evening.While leaving every guest was given a bag of goodies courtesy Deep Foods. For more information visit www.hindi.org or call 281-6907495

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IHA board members with hasya kavis (center, above)

IAH board members with Col. Raj Bhalla, who received the “Hindi Swabhiman award.

Championing Change: Ekal Youth Leading Empowerment of India’s Villages

Pearland: On a beautiful, bright, and breezy April morning, Ekal Houston held its 2nd annual walkathon on April 20th, Saturday. This event drew the participation of esteemed guests Surendran Pattel, 240th District Court Judge, Fort Bend County, and Vijay Pallod, Hindus of Greater Houston board member, and Yogesh Patel, Ekal’s regional President. The event showcased the commitment of Ekal, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education for children in rural India and empowering women and men through skills training. Ekal 365, a core initiative of Ekal, offers the opportunity to educate about 30 children per each school in India’s rural and tribal villages. This program costs just $1 a day or $365 a year, for one school.

It seemed that the youth couldn’t have picked a better day for this event. The impact of this program, coupled with the enthusiasm of the youth volunteers, highlights the transformative potential of collective action.

Led by chapter president Rajeev Aluru, the Houston Chapter of Ekal embarked on a new approach for this year’s walkathon. Each volunteer was tasked with inviting 3 individuals, who in turn were encouraged to engage 3 more, creating a ripple effect of participation. This “3x3” approach was wildly

successful, and will see continued use in Ekal’s future events.

The real stars of the event were the Ekal youth volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure its success. Ekal youth’s success formula included multiple weeks of planning, coordination, pre-day activities (marking, mapping, registration, water booths) and event day execution in a meticulous way. The hard work and dedication shown by Ekal youth volunteers mimic Ekal’s efforts to support their fellow Indian students. Our Ekal youth volunteers hail from all over the U.S coming from as far as Indianapolis. Youth leader Abhay Kakumani believes that “The opportunity to lead such enthusiastic youths was very fulfilling and insightful for me.” Youth volunteer Vibhav Aluru, expressed that “Although we had a great turnout today, we need to continue driving participation through repeated asks.” Even so, many adult and youth volunteers wrapped up the event feeling “fulfilled and joyful” from seeing so many new faces.

As the walkathon draws to a close, Ekal Houston remains committed to its mission of changing lives and we welcome every Houstonian and beyond to join us on June 8th for our upcoming “EKAL ki Shaam” event at GSH event center in Missouri City, Houston.

Ekal Youth Volunteers, left to right: Sanshita Putluri, Anvita Duvvuri, Anjali Kakumani, Tanay Kulkarni, Neeraj Aluru, Zen Jaffer, Abhay Kakumani, Rohit Chirayil, and Vibhav Aluru

Ekal youth participants

Nearly 66,000 Indians Officially became American Citizens in 2022

mumBai: A total of 65,960 Indians officially became US citizens, making India the second-largest source country for new citizens in America after Mexico, according to the latest Congressional report.

An estimated 46 million foreignborn persons resided in the United States in 2022, approximately 14 per cent of the total US population of 333 million, according to American Community Survey data from the US Census Bureau.

Of these, 24.5 million, about 53 per cent, reported their status as naturalised citizens.

In its latest “US Naturalisation Policy” report of April 15, the independent Congressional Research Service in the fiscal year 2022, a total of 969,380 individuals became naturalised US citizens.

“Individuals born in Mexico represented the largest number of naturalisations, followed by persons from India, Philippines, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic,” it said.

Based on the latest available data, CRS said in 2022, as many as 128,878, Mexican nationals became American citizens. They were followed by Indians (65,960),

the Philippines (53,413), Cuba (46,913), the Dominican Republic (34,525), Vietnam (33,246) and China (27,038).

According to CRS as of 2023, a total of 2,831,330 foreignborn American nationals were from India, which is the second largest number after Mexico’s 10,638,429. Mexico and India are followed by China with 2,225,447 foreign-born American nationals.

However, as many as 42 per cent of the India-born foreign nationals living in the US are currently ineligible to become US citizens, the CRS report said.

As of 2023, as many as 290,000 India-born foreign nationals who were on Green Card or Legal Permanent Residency (LPR) were potentially eligible for naturalisation. CRS said in recent years, some observers have expressed concern

Indo American News

over USCIS processing backlogs for naturalisation applications.

Although there continues to be a backlog of naturalisation applications since FY2020 the agency has reduced the number of applications pending completion by more than half.

As of the end of FY2023, USCIS had approximately 408,000 pending naturalisation applications, down from 550,000 at the end of

FY2022; 840,000 at the end of FY2021; and 943,000 at the end of FY2020.

In FY2023, 823,702 LPRs submitted naturalisation applications. The number of individuals who have recently applied for citizenship remains well below the estimated population of 9 million LPRs who were eligible to naturalise in 2023. The percentage of foreign-born individuals who are naturalized varies by several factors, including country of origin.

Immigrants from Honduras, Guatemala, Venezuela, Mexico, El Salvador, and Brazil have the lowest percentages of naturalized foreign-born, while those from Vietnam, the Philippines, Russia, Jamaica, and Pakistan have the highest.

To be eligible for naturalisation, an applicant must fulfil certain eligibility requirements outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The requirements generally include being a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least five years.

CRS said in recent years, some observers have expressed concern over USCIS processing backlogs for naturalisation applications.(Representative/Express Photo)

FINE ARTS

IAA Premiers Kathak Ballet “Satrangi Re…” Shades of Love

Houston: Satrangi Re…Shades of Love premiered at the Wortham Center on Saturday April 20, 2024. IAA presented the Kathak ballet conceptualized and performed by Deepa Devasena and her troupe, the Kathak Dance Collective. The performance also featured Houston’s own dance leaders Dolly Goyal, of Steps for Dancing school, and Ekta Popat, of Storytellers School of Dance, in prominent guest appearances. The introduction to the eventing was by the highly respected Kathak exponent Kalpana Subbarao.

The talent and virtuosity of the dancers breathed life into the vibrant performance that depicted the unfolding of the life of Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh, through the prism of Sufi wisdom. The stunning choreography by Devasena blended traditional Kathak sequences, which showcased the dancers’ mastery over intricate footwork, with contemporary composition.

Brought alive through a lavish set illuminated by hundreds of candles, this cinematic odyssey was a musical extravaganza that left audiences mesmerized. An audience member said, “The visuals, stage design, lighting and costumes, choreography and above all grace, elegance and skill of the dancers was amazing … It was easy to see that Ms. Devasena [is a] skilled and graceful performer and [it is] a visual delight to watch her dance.”

As a Houston Cultural Treasure and the city’s longest running arts organization with a mission to preserve and promote the per-

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forming arts of the Indian subcontinent, IAA is committed to fostering greater community engagement. Sheetal Bedi, the CEO and Executive Director of IAA, said, “Satrangi Re… furthered this mission and provided a wonderful platform where Houston’s Kathak dance community could come together to share ideas and resources freely, supporting the spirit of creativity and collaboration.”

IAA Vision: Create a culturally vibrant community by expanding entertainment, education, and imagination through arts and culture of Indian heritage.

IAA Mission: To present a broad range of artistic entertainment and educational events through performing arts programming from the Indian subcontinent in order to preserve the cultural integrity and heritage of Indo-Americans for future generations in such a way that contributes to the diversity of Houston and enriches the lives of its citizens of color, both Indo-American and the broader community.

Goals:

Promote and preserve Indian performing arts.

Nurture creativity by providing a forum for talented and developing artists.

Spread the appreciation of Indian performing arts within the diverse Houston communities.

Inclusivity: The Indo-American Association commits to championing policies and practices of cultural equity that nurture a just, inclusive and equitable society creating harmony and understanding amongst multi-ethnic communities.

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Deepa Devasena and the Kathak Dance Collective on stage. Photo credit: Golden Ray Photography

The artists with IAA board members and other guests

By sHasHisHeKHar Gavai

Arunachal Pradesh is India’s easternmost state and borders 3 countries – Bhutan , China and Myanmar . 80% of the Himalayan state is forest and it has bounteous water resources with several rivers flowing through , including the mighty Brahmaputra . Arunachal is sparsely populated and its infrastructure , including tourism related facilities , are in a nascent stage – more so in the eastern part . And that is precisely what makes it so alluring as a travel destination . Indeed Eastern Arunachal has been on my bucket list for long . It has held out the promise of taking me as much off the beaten track in India as may be possible . It was time to redeem that promise and so I set off on my first real journey since the invasion of the Chinese Virus . In the absence of facilities that the average tourist takes for granted this journey can be challenging – unless you are young and adventurous or government agencies lend a helping hand . I owe my trip to the latter . With the prospect of a third Covid 19 wave looming over the horizon , I embark for Dibrugarh confidently armed with masks , sanitizer , 2 shots of Covishield flowing through my veins and a certificate to prove it . At the check-in counter , the airlines staff verify personal particulars on the vaccination certificate against my photo ID . I jokingly tell the man not to worry if the photographs on the two documents do not match , because I have shaved off my long white beard post vaccination . ( On the plane though I feel inadequately prepared as I see two ladies across the aisle wearing double masks , face shields , hair coverings and gloves which they keep smearing at regular intervals with sanitizer . The one in the aisle seat cringes whenever a passenger moves past . Woe betide any virus that dares to attack these formidable ladies). My younger sibling Satish is also with me . He quite fancies his skills with the camera ( my eternal scepticism notwithstanding ) and has appointed himself the official photographer for the trip . He , however , misses the opportunity of capturing on camera the two female Corona Warriors .

The highway from Dibrugarh , which later merges with NH 15 , offers a pleasant drive through the tea estates of Assam for considerable part . About half way to the Arunachal border , if you veer off southwards , you would soon be in Digboi where oil was first discovered on the Sub Continent in the late 19th century . The wells here still continue to produce small quantities of oil . A little further down at Ledo you would be at the beginning of the legendary Stilwell Road constructed by the Allies during the Second World War as a critical supply route for

INDIA OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Eastern Arunachal – Land of the First Sun

Chiang Kai Shek’s Nationalist Chinese forces fighting the occupying Japanese army . The road ran for about 1700 kilometres through Burma and China with only a very small section on the Indian side . But that’s not my destination so we continue eastwards along NH 15 . At the Arunachal border the Inner Line Permits (ILP) , which are required for entering the state , are checked . While accepting that Arunachal Pradesh is a sensitive area given the Chinese territorial claim on it , I find it mildly irritating that as an Indian citizen I should require a “visa” to travel through a state that is an integral part of my country . Some other states bordering China have done away with the ILP which in my opinion serves little purpose other than inconveniencing the traveller . It has to be applied for online and interestingly the website refuses to accept the Aadhar card , which I had assumed was sine qua non for anything that required you to prove that you were indeed who you claimed to be . Passports , or PAN cards or Voter IDs are welcome though .

The night is to be spent at the Ninashi Homestay just outside the small town of Wakro . Ninashi , the charming and hospitable owner , runs the place with

her daughter and an aunt . She is of the Mishimi tribe , one of the several tribes of Arunachal . She speaks fluent Hindi as do most Arunachalis . I ask her about her tribe and its customs . Mishimis are the principal tribe of eastern Arunachal and are mainly animists in belief . They eat rice and all forms of meat . The food is lightly spiced and seasoned with local herbs as I discover . Ninashi has made us a traditional dinner which includes river fish , local rice and vegetables of banana flower and bamboo shoots , all served on a large leaf with a bowl of ginger flavoured soup on the side . The dinner is preceded by Apong – a pleasant , home brewed , sweetish rice wine which is akin to milk in looks and Sake in flavour . Earlier , Satish’s recital on the harmonica has drawn much applause from Ninashi and her family . I assume it is genuine because much as I hate admitting it, he does play the instrument rather well.

We are at Parasurama Kund the following morning . This is a pilgrimage spot on the Lohit river . Legend has it that Parasurama , an avatara of Lord Vishnu , killed his mother on his father’s command and travelled here to cleanse his sins in the river . Incidentally , Parasurama is also credited with

gained with the spectacular scenery – the fast flowing Lohit with its jade green waters guarded by thickly wooded mountains and small waterfalls and streams , will be our constant companions right through to the border with China as we travel through valleys at about 1300 metres with the high Himalayan ranges in the far distance . We have finally crossed the town of Hayuliang . This is where you need to fill up your fuel tank because there is no petrol station for the next 120 kms until the end of the road .

exterminating the Kshatriya warrior caste …..not once , not twice but all of 21 times . Contemporary law would prescribe the gallows for one committing the act of matricide compounded by genocide . But then Parasurama was the incarnation of a god and gods work in mysterious ways I guess . There is also a temple here dedicated to Parasurama … I give it a miss . Leaving Parasurama Kund behind , the Toyota Innova labours ita way upwards through the Himalayan foothills . I have now lost the mobile network which will continue to elude me until my return to the plains . BSNL is the service provider here but from my own experience and that of local residents , its services are patchy and even non existent – true to the reputation that it enjoys in other parts of the country . From the village of Tidding we also lose the road . From here onwards for a considerable part of the 150 kilometres to the final destination , the “road” will be just stones , earth and potholes and the going will be painfully slow . My bones rattle , as does the vehicle . The Assamese driver Dipen is spooked and is reluctant to keep going . I egg him on with the assurance that the road will improve …..it doesn’t . But what is lost by way of the network and the road is

After a long and tiring ride of almost 10 hours we are at the township of Walong . We are staying at the Anu Nimai Homestay run by a local Mishimi family . The original Walong village is some distance away and the township has grown around a Brigade headquarters and a military landing strip on the banks of the Lohit . Walong falls in the Anjaw district which is amongst the least populated of India’s 718 districts . With an area of over 6000 sq kilometres , Anjaw has a population of just about 20,000 . (To put this in perspective , Maharashtra’s easternmost district of Gondia which is smaller in size , has a population of 1.3 million). Walong , and the area around it , is hallowed ground . The battle for the defence of Walong , where the Brigade headquarters was located , was fought mainly at Namti Plains a few kilometres away . It is a tragic yet inspiring chapter in Indian military history . On October 21 1962 Chinese troops attacked and overran the Indian Military outpost at Kibithoo , about 40 kilometres from Walong . On November 12 they launched a full scale attack at Namti Plains on the ill equipped and heavily outnumbered Indian troops . Yet the Indians fought and held out for 3 days , inflicting heavy casualties on the invading Chinese and suffering almost 700 of its own . The Chinese captured Walong but withdrew a few days later after paying a heavy price . By some estimates they may have suffered almost 4000 casualties –dead or wounded . The tragic story of Walong was repeated in all sectors of the ‘62 India-China War . It is the story of dismal failure of top political and military leadership on the one hand and of the extraordinary bravery of Indian soldiers and their young officers fighting against impossible odds on the other . Time magazine then wrote : “ At Walong , Indian troops lacked everything . The only thing they did not lack was guts”.

Shashishekhar Gavai is an Indian diplomat, whose foreign service posts included serving as the High Commissioner to Canada and Consul General in Houston (2005 to 2008). Retired in Mumbai, Gavai enjoys traveling and writing about unique locales.

Parasurama Kund

Walong – township , airstrip and army camps

‘Do Aur Do Pyaar’: A Charming Narrative

Story: A couple is having secret affairs to overcome the boredom in their marriage. A trip out of town rekindles their chemistry, and the tables turn. Torn between their lovers and spouses, will they resolve their issues or separate as they have quietly planned?

Review: Based on the film The Lovers, the romantic comedy introduces us to two couples: Kavya (Vidya Balan) and Vikram (Sendhil Ramamurthy) and Aniruddh (Pratik Gandhi) and Nora (Ileana D’Cruz). But the scene segues into Kavya and Aniruddh trapped in mundane domesticity as a married couple. The film explores their journey as they navigate separation plans and a trip to Ooty for Kavya’s grandfather’s funeral. This unexpected turn rekindles their own marital spark, forcing them to confront a difficult choice.

While the premise of rediscovering love or choosing between spouses and lovers isn’t groundbreaking, director Shirsha Guha Thakurta injects a refreshing perspective. The film avoids moralising or melodrama, opting for a lighthearted approach even when dealing with adultery.

Debutante director Thakurta and the writing team, Suprotim Sen-

gupta and Eisha A Chopra, weave a light narrative peppered with humour, even during tense moments. Aniruddh’s nervous slip-up, calling his father-in-law “Appam” mixing Appa and Uncle is one of the many examples.

While the first half breezes by, the film stumbles slightly in the second half. Kavya and Aniruddh’s attempts to juggle their rekindled romance and their existing relationships become repetitive. The narrative also loses momentum in the second act, with the initial flashes of brilliance fading.

The film boasts of skillful treatment, the credit for which goes to cinematographer Kartik Vijay, ISC. A slick soundtrack by performers and non-film artistes like Lost Stories, The Local Train (Tu Hai Kahan sung by Lucky Ali), When Chai Met Toast, AbhishekAnanya, and Subhajit Mukherjee adds loftiness to the narrative. The film’s true strength lies in its lead cast. Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi share undeniable chemistry, captivating viewers with their passionate reunion, the portrayal of a failing marriage, or the brewing tension. Ileana D’Cruz, as a “whiny,” at times ditzy but easily pleased girlfriend, stands out. Sendhil Ramamurthy as the hotshot and artistic photographer is convincing.

Do Aur Do Pyaar falters with its uneven pacing, especially in the latter half. Despite this, the stellar performances, humour-infused script, and beautiful visuals make it a watchable romantic comedy.-Times of India

Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2

It’s been 14 years since the original ‘Love Sex Aur Dhokha’, a pathbreaking film which held up multiple mirrors to societal ills of the time.

But as soon as this part two begins, we are plunged into a much darker, much more savage universe, so hard-edged that that earlier era seems relatively innocent, almost prehistoric. This new film is expressly created to provoke and challenge.

By dHaval roy