India Herald 022019

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20 Pages

India Herald

VOL. 25 • NO. 8 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019 • P.O. BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487 • PERIODICAL PERMIT USPS 017699 • 25 cents

42 Indian soldiers killed in terrorist attack in Kashmir

Acharya Suryanarayana Nanda of the Arya Samaj of Greater Houston addresses a prayer meeting with the fallen soldiers as a backdrop.

By MANU SHAH measure at the highest toll of Indians around the globe security forces in any attack in mourned the killing of 40 the State CRPF (Central Reserve Police Following the news, Hindus Force) jawans in a deadly terror of Greater Houston reached attack in the Pulwama district out to all Hindu organizations of Jammu and Kashmir. and temples in Houston, The A sports utility vehicle Woodlands, Pearland, Stafford laden with a huge quantity of and other cities to hold prayer explosives targeted the convoy meetings for the souls of of 78 buses carrying about those who had lost their lives, 2,500 soldiers from Jammu to their devastated families and Srinagar. the speedy recovery of the A mixture of shock, outrage wounded. and sorrow prevailed in equal More on Page 3

Indian couple found dead in murder-suicide

By SESHADRI KUMAR An Indian American couple, Sreenivas Nakirekanti, 51, and his wife Shanti, 46, residing in the Telfair subdivision of Sugar Land, were found dead of gunshot wounds on Feb. 18.

Sugar Land police are investigating the case as a murder-suicide.

The couple is survived by their son, 21, and daughter, 16.

The son is studying at U.T. Austin. The daughter goes to Clements High School.

Sreenivas, a director with NRG (Reliant Energy), is currently president of the IndoAmerican Charity Foundation.

A disconnected 911 call led authorities to the 1200 block of Pendergrass in Telfair subdivision around 6 a.m.

Sugar Land city spokesman

Doug Adolph said: “We responded to a 911 hang up around 6 am. When we arrived, we found an adult woman dead in the driveway. A 16-year-old girl exited the house and said her dad would not exit a bedroom.

We entered and located her dad dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the bedroom.

We believe the dad called 911, provided the address and hung up.

“We are investigating this incident as a murder-suicide. We believe the cause was related to marital issues. The 16 year old was asleep when the murdersuicide occurred and didn’t know what happened.”

Shanti’s sister living out of state is believed to be the closest relative of the family.

On Feb. 14 a convoy of vehicles carrying security personnel on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a suicide bomber at Lethpora in the Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir, India. The attack resulted in the death of 42 Central Reserve Police Force personnel and the attacker. See the coffins draped in Indian national Flag above. The responsibility for the attack was claimed by the Pakistan-based Islamist militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his reaction, said, “The cruel attack in Pulwama shows that the “time for talks has passed,” reiterating that terrorism is a serious danger to the world’s “peace and stability.” “Now, it is required that the world unites against terrorism and those who support it. Hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging terrorism,” Modi said. Indian community members overseas condoled the deaths. In the Houston area, prayer meetings were held in various temples during the weekend. Indian American community organizations including India Culture Center, Indo American Political Action Committee, Indo American Chamber of Commerce, Indo American Charity Foundation have organized a memorial service at India House in Houston on Wednesday, 6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

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PAGE 2 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019

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INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019 • PAGE 3

NEWS

Community mourns terror victims, holds prayer meetings

A section of devotees attending the prayer meeting held at Sri Meenakshi Temple in Pearland.

Dr. Venugopal Menon, center, making brief remarks at the prayer meeting, is flanked by Kamala Raghavan, left, MTS treasurer, and Padmini Nathan, chairman.

As spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Mahant Swami Maharaj, on Thursday, prayed for peace for the departed souls and a full recovery of those who were injured. All BAPS mandirs globally as well as the 100 BAPS mandirs across North America held special prayer services. Above, BAPS Temple in Stafford has been bathed in tri-color lighting symbolizing Indian National Flag. A section of the BAPS devotees participate in the prayer meeting. perspective.” The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh’s seven shakhas in Houston also observed two minutes of silence followed by a brief explanation of the deadly attack, said HSS’s Executive Director Houston Chapter Arun Sharma.

A special program with arati and simple dinner was organized by the Sanatan Shiv Shakti Mandir led by their priests Prakash Adhvaryu and Hardik Raval. Rajan

Bhatia, administrator of the temple said $10,000 have been collected by the members of the temple to send to the families of the jawans who were killed.

Arya Samaj of Houston held the Shradhanjali program on Sunday, February 17th. Acharya Suryanarayana Nanda recited shlokas in Sanskrit and explained their meaning after which everyone observed a two minute silence. Join-

ing others throughout the world, members of The Hindu Temple of The Woodlands held a moment of silence honoring the fallen ones, their families and loved ones. The moment of silence was held on Sunday, February 17, at the temple following the Siva Abhishekam according to Beth Kulkarni, one of the temple founders.

HARDIK VYAS Youngest Astrologer in North America Vaastu & Gem Stone Consultant; Hindu Priest for all Pujas & Marriages Languages spoken: English, Hindi, Gujarati & Marathi “It was an honor to be part of the prayers at BAPS to mourn those that were murdered in the terror attack in Kashmir. Terror against any is terror against us all,” said Jeff Spivey, right, Chief of Irving Police Department from Irving, TX. From Page 1 Public Relations volunteer Ashwin While many temples held their Dave.

The Sri Meenakshi Temple Soprayer meetings on the weekend, ciety held an Athma Shanthi Pooja others have planned for prayers on Sunday February 17th at the during the week and the following main temple.

The Pooja was conweek. ducted by the priests of the temple In Stafford, Mayor Leonard at all the four main sanctums, folScarcella and other council memlowed by the recitation of Santhi bers joined Indian Americans at Manthram, and observation of sithe BAPS temple to pay homage. lence.

The Vedic prayers were led by MTS Chairperson Dr. Padmini Sadhu Shwet Munidas.

Nathan addressed the group and For the past two days, the temPast Chairman Venugopal Menon ple has been lit up with the colors off ered a short account of the inof the Indian national flag. BAPS cident.

An ex-captain and doctor India has donated one crore ruin the Indian army, he could “repees to the families of those who late to the tragedy from a personal died and are injured, stated BAPS

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PAGE 4 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019

COMMUNITY

Homage to Saint Thyagaraja

Even as classical Indian Carnatic music faces competition from popular Bollywood music and its patronage is stagnant or on the decline, Carnatic music continues to thrive in foreign lands like the U.S., thanks to organizations like the Classical Arts Society of Houston.

More than 300 singers, young as well as adults, paid homage to the doyen of Carnatic music, Saint Thyagaraja, on Feb. 9 and 10 at the Sri Meenakshi Temple Auditorium, marking the 42nd anniversary of the aradhana.

The music festival opened with the traditional re-enactment of Saint Thyagaraja’s routine of singing on the street seeking alms.

This was followed by about 50 children and adult singers who, led by their music teachers, rendered Thyagaraja’s selected hymns in chorus.

The music and the ambience virtually hypnotized the audience into a trance.

Anuradha Subramanian, secretary of Classical Arts Society of Houston, in her welcome remarks, explained the difficulties in hosting the music festival, with less than a handful of volunteers working on the project. If the music tradition has to be sustained, the community, she stated, needed to step up and participate more actively. She urged parents and music teachers to spread the word and offer their time and effort to keep the Thyagaraja music festival alive.

The fact that there are nearly 300 practitioners of Carnatic music in Houston is a good sign that this genre of music has a great chance to live and thrive.

Founded in 1993, the Classical Arts Society of Houston is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and maintaining the rich heritage of the classical performing arts of India. The founders of the Classical Arts Society are Indu Krishnamurty, Nalini Mukhopadhyay, and Prabha Bala.

The objectives of the Classical Arts Society are: To present music and dance recitals of high quality by leading contemporary performers To educate through talks, lecture demonstrations and symposia by experts in the fields of Indian classical performing arts To create an endowment for the promotion of Indian classical arts in the greater Houston area Upcoming events of the organization include the DK Pattammal Centenary Celebrations at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple on Saturday, April 6, where local talent will pay tribute to the renowned singer. A music concert by Vijay Siva and his group will be held on Sunday, April 7.

-_SESHADRI KUMAR

Participants in the opening session of Sri Thyagaraja Aradhana.

The traditional procession with Kannan Venkatraman in the role of Sri Thyagaraja .

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PAGE 6 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019

COMMUNITY

SEWA Family Services Workshop deals with women’s health issues An Interactive Session with Women Physicians on “Women’s Health Issues� was recently organized by Sewa International Houston Chapter.

Volunteer and organizer of the event, Meera Kapur welcomed the participants and introduced

Arun Kankani, the national Vice President of Sewa International USA. She also presented a slide show and talked about Sewa’s ďŹ ve Key Focus Projects; Disaster Relief and Rehab, Family Services, Local Development (ASPIRE), Vol-

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Dr. Deepali Patni, board certiďŹ ed physician in obstetrics and gynecology with interests in minimally invasive surgery at the Kelsey-Seybold Clinic appealed to the gathering to make their “health a priority.â€? In her presentation, she explained the dierent stages of the development of diseases like cancer at various stages of life, and how to overcome

them with a proper diet and regular exercise.

Dr. Reena Jogi, boardcertiďŹ ed in internal medicine with primary focus in dermatology, treats a wide range of skin diseases. She is also a national trainer in platelet-rich plasma treatments for hair loss and a private practitioner in the Memorial area at Village Dermatology. In her presentation, “Seven decades in seven minutesâ€?, she oered tips and techniques for all ages on how to protect the texture of the skin, save it from hyper pigmentation, and hair loss and its treatment.

The three presentations were followed by a lively and informative Q & A session.

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PAGE 10 â&#x20AC;˘ INDIA HERALD â&#x20AC;˘ WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019

NEWS U.S.-India PAC pushes for green card, H1-B visa changes USINPAC continues its push for H-1B visa and green card changes. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. According to a report in 2018, three-fourths of H-1B visa holders are Indian IT specialists. Many US employers want to retain these high-skilled workers but there is a limit, or cap, on employment-based green cards. Green card holders are non-US citizens who have been authorized to live and work permanently in the US. Right now, US law puts per-country caps on employment-based green cards, no matter how tiny an island or populous a country.

USINPAC has been working to increase, or lift, the cap.

The lift would beneďŹ t many Indian professionals who come to the US and contribute to building the American economy, Sanjay Puri, Chairman of USINPAC said. The lift would also help US employers retain the employees they need to stay competitive.

Why should Indians be penalized due to their country of origin?

Puri asked. Many lawmakers agree, and they are taking action to ďŹ x employment and family-based immigration systems that have been broken for decades. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We thank Senator Kamala Harris and Senator Mike Lee for hearing the concerns of our community and introducing bipartisan legislation that will treat people fairly and equally by raising the per-country caps from 7% to 15%. We also appreciate Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Congressman Ken Buck and 112 other Members of Congress for leading House efforts,â&#x20AC;? Puri said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is not the ďŹ rst time a bill like this has been introduced but we hope this time it will be passed by both chambers and signed into law.â&#x20AC;?

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Abhijith Venkat, a Clements High School senior, was recognized as the student of the month for February by the Exchange Club of Sugar Land.

Anuradha Nigam, Counselor, at Clements High school, in her recommendation letter said â&#x20AC;&#x153;Abhijith Venkat has shown tremendous motivation and determination to succeed in all aspects of his life. He is a wellrounded student athlete. His curiosity, enthusiasm and creativity has impressed me. He has his own ideas and is quite independent. He is detailed oriented and has put forth quality work. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He prepares himself well for all of his challenges. He had open-heart surgery in 8th grade. However, that did not deter him. He worked hard on his recovery and was selected on Clements high school basketball team and continued to excel in this sport for 4 years.

He also achieved immense academic success. He was on the ďŹ ve-person National Science Bowl team in 2016 and received third place. He was part of the UIL number sense team and placed ďŹ rst nationally. His resume is full of other such accolades. Along with athletic and academic achievements, he is also musically inclined. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Privately he has been playing Viola, Mridangam, a classical Indian percussion in-

Abhijith, left, with Sugar Land Exchange Club President Dennis Dowell. strument and also has learnt Bharatanatyam, a Classical Indian dance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has a wonderful volunteer spirit. His leadership is evident in his intense involvement in various clubs. His

sustained commitment to his community is evident by many hours he contributes to SEWA International and tutoring students in need. His work with refugee students is remarkable.â&#x20AC;?

Rohan Bhat gets Eagle Scout badge

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For his Eagle Project, Rohan worked with his former middle school band director Ms Tammy Disharoon to come up with a design that would accommodate their percussion equipment that did not have any storage space.

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Rohan had raised money in his scout account by participating in Flags Across America program for his troop and used this to fund his Eagle Project.

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Upon being awarded the Eagle Scout rank, Rohan has successfully earned 37 merit badges, Gold, Silver and Bronze Eagle Palms, Conservation award, completed NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training), Order of Arrow, 1-mile swim, Nova award (Design to

Crunch, Design to Shoot) and countless weekend camp-outs.

Rohan is 16 years old and in 11th grade at Tompkins High School, where he actively participates in band activities like marching, concert and jazz band. His plans are to continue in his college studies in health ďŹ eld.

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019 • PAGE 11

NEWS

Anyone who has picked up gun will be eliminated, says Kashmir Corps Commander

Lt. Gen. Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon asks mothers of Kashmiri youth who’ve joined terrorism to request their sons to surrender and get back to mainstream.

Security forces eliminated Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) leadership in Jammu and Kashmir in less than 100 hours of the February 14 Pulwama car bomb blast, Lt. Gen. Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, Commander of the Army’s Srinagarbased 15 Corps, claimed on Tuesday The 15 Corps, also called the Chinar Corps, mans the Line of Control (LoC).

“We have eliminated the JeM leadership in the Valley, which was being handled by JeM from Pakistan. The type of car bomb attack that took place in Pulwama on February 14 happened after a long time in Kashmir. We will keep all options open to deal with these kind of attacks,” he said.

He was speaking at a joint press conference with Inspector General of Police S.P. Pani and IG CRPF Zulfikar Hasan in Srinagar.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Corps said the Army had leads on the type of explosives used in the Pulwama attack but refused to share the details “as investigation is under way”.

Referring to the Pulwama encounter on February 18 that left five security personnel dead, Lt. Gen. Dhillon said Brigadier Hardeep Singh, who was on leave due to injury, cut short his leave voluntarily and came to the operation site and stayed there to lead his men from the front. Brigadier Singh was also wounded in the encounter.

Lt. Gen. Dhillon asked the mothers of Kashmiri youth to request their sons who’ve joined terrorism to surrender and get back to mainstream.

“Anyone who has picked up gun will be killed and eliminated, unless he surrenders. Our focus is clear on counter-terrorism operations. We are very clear that anyone who enters the Kashmir Valley will not go back alive,” he said.

Mr. Pani said there was a significant dip in recruitment in the last three months. “The families are playing a huge role in this. We would like to urge the families and the community in curtailing recruitment.”

Mr. Hasan said helpline-14411 had been helping Kashmiris across the country in wake of this attack. “A lot of Kashmiri students have approached this helpline for assistance all over the country.

All Kashmiri children studying outside have been taken care of by security forces,” he said.

Two non-local Jaish terrorists were killed in Pulwama on Monday and they were identified as Kamran alias Fahad and Rashid alias Gazi alias Lukaman, both from Pakistan. A local militant, Hilal Ahmad, was also killed.

The Army on Tuesday said they were involved in the February 14 attack on CRPF convoy at Lethpora.

U.S. envoy wants Pakistan to end terror support Pakistan should end the support to terror groups operating on its soil, said U.S. Ambassador to India Kenneth I. Juster. His comments came a few hours after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan claimed there was no proof linking the country with the Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF jawans on February 14.

“The United States condemns in the strongest terms this horrific attack by a Pakistan-based terrorist group...The United States calls on Pakistan to end immediately the support and safe havens provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil,” he said on Thursday, during an interaction with reporters in the run-up to Aero India 2019 in the city.

The “horrific” Pulwama incident “bolsters” the U.S.’s resolve to cooperate with India on counter-terrorism. “(We will) work with them (India) to get to the bottom of what has occurred last week,” said Mr. Juster.

He said the U.S. had previously condemned terrorist sanctuaries that existed in Pakistan and suspended military assistance. Asked if Pakistan could initiate the crackdown on terror groups with increased U.S. pressure, the Ambassador said: “I don’t want to get ahead of the situation that is developing.”

Growing defence ties The coming year will surpass the achievements of 2018 in terms of U.S.-India defence relationship, said the Ambassador. “2018 was a banner year in our partnership in India. The Indian armed forces conducted more exercises with the United States than any other country, and more U.S. service members came to train with their counterparts than any time in the past...2019 is on track to meet or exceed last year’s levels of bilateral cooperation,” he said.

The five-day Aero India 2019, scheduled to start on Wednesday, will see the largest delegation of military and industry officials from the U.S.

Defence minister

Pakistan has nothing to show that they have acted on earlier evidence handed to them on violence from across the border, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said here on Tuesday.

She referred to the dossiers and evidence provided by successive governments since the Mumbai attacks. “What action has Pakistan taken on them?” she said.

In India, following the due process of law, the Mumbai attackers were heard and then punished. “But in Pakistan, even the first court has not completed its job,” Ms. Sitharaman told a news conference ahead of Aero India 2019 scheduled to begin on Wednesday. She was responding to questions about Pakistan Prime Minister’s statement that his country would take action when it got evidence from India.

Ms. Sitharaman, however, declined to respond to questions on the Pulwama attack as “many details are yet to come.”

Every such incident should be prevented. “There is no doubt about it,” she said.

“The morale [of the armed forces] has not been affected at all,” she said to another question.

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PAGE 12 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019

NEWS

Pulwama attack: Imran Khan warns against war, promises action if India gives evidence

Breaking his silence on the Pulwama terror attack, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan warned India that Islamabad would retaliate if Delhi decided to take punitive military action against it.

In a televised address, Mr. Khan said, “If you think that you will launch any kind of attack on Pakistan, Pakistan will not just think about retaliation, Pakistan will retaliate.”

Speaking five days after the car-bomb strike carried out by the Pakistan-based Jaish-eMohammed terrorist outfit, he said, “There will be no other option [for Pakistan] but to retaliate.”

Using a mix of Urdu and English, he said, “We all know that it’s in a person’s hands to begin a war, but it’s not in his hands to end a war. Where this will go, God knows better.

That’s why I hope better sense will prevail.”

Claiming that India had presented “no evidence” of Pakistani involvement in the Pulwama attack, Mr. Khan wanted to know what advantage would accrue to Pakistan when the country itself was a “victim” of terrorism.

He felt that India was “again and again” making Pakistan the “whipping boy” instead of starting a dialogue with Islamabad. He said it was not in Pakistan’s interest to allow its soil to be used for terrorist activity outside nor should outsiders carry out terrorist strikes in Pakistan.

Mr. Khan said he understood that it was election year in India and any “lesson to Pakistan would give a boost [to the party in power].”

Pakistan was hearing voices in the media and from Indian politicians saying that Islamabad should be taught a lesson. “What international law allows a country to be judge, jury and executioner?” he wanted to know.

He promised that if India provided Islamabad with “actionable intelligence” about Pakistani involvement in the Pulwama attack, in which 40 paramilitary personnel were

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killed, “I guarantee action.”

India, he suggested, should embrace a “new thought process” and introspect why young people in Kashmir were no longer scared of death. Like in Afghanistan, a dialogue on Kashmir should also take place, Mr. Khan added.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi pleaded with U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres to intervene, saying India was threatening to “use force against Pakistan” and abandon a vital water treaty.

“It is imperative to take steps for de-escalation. The United Nations must step in to defuse tensions,” wrote Mr. Qureshi in a message shared with journalists.

Lame Excuse

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s offer to investigate the Pulwama terror attack is a “lame excuse”, the External Affairs Ministry said on Tuesday.

“The Prime Minister of Pakistan has offered to investigate the matter if India provides proof. This is a lame excuse ...

Prime Minister of Pakistan has neither chosen to condemn this heinous act nor condoled with the bereaved families,” a press release from the Ministry said.

Putting forward the Indian position, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley criticised Imran Khan saying the attack at Pulwama drew universal condemnation.“There is not even a pretext of an outright condemnation of the incident,” said Mr. Jaitley describing Pakistan’s demand for actionable intelligence as “shallow logic”.

The Ministry’s statement singled out Pakistan Minister Noorul-Haq Qadri’s appearance with Hafiz Saeed in an event last year, and said that Imran Khan’s “new Pakistan” was also responsible for promoting terrorism.

“It is regrettable that the Pakistani Prime Minister has insinuated that India’s response to the terrorism attack is de-

termined by the forthcoming General Election,” the Ministry said.

The international campaign of India to counter Pakistan continued on Tuesday with senior diplomats briefing Arab diplomats about India’s anguish. Pakistan summoned the Acting Indian High Commissioner and raised security concerns regarding its mission here after protests reached the gate of the High Commission.

The Congress raised Pakistan’s proximity to Saudi Arabia, and urged the Centre to raise the issue with Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

France intervenes

In a significant development, France will move a proposal at the United Nations in a “couple of days” to ban Masood Azhar, chief of the United Nationsproscribed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama terror strike that left 40 CRPF personnel dead, French sources said on Tuesday.

This will be the second time France will be party to such a proposal at the U.N. In 2017, the U.S., supported by the U.K. and France, moved a proposal at the U.N.’s Sanctions Committee 1267 to ban the chief of the Pakistan-based terror outfit. However, the proposal was blocked by China.

“At the U.N., France will lead a proposal to put Masood Azhar on the terrorist list...

It will happen in a couple of days,” a senior French source told PTI. The French decision was discussed between Philippe Etienne, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on February 19 morning, the French sources said.

While expressing his sincere condolences, the French leader, who called up Mr. Doval,

also emphasised that the two countries should coordinate their diplomatic efforts.

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019 • PAGE 13

NEWS India, US CEOs to set up working groups on financial services, healthcare, defence New Delhi– The India-US CEOs Forum on Thursday decided to set up working groups on financial services, healthcare and defence to suggest measures to accelerate trade and investment between the two countries.

Briefing reporters here following a meeting of the IndiaUS CEO Forum, as well as the India-US Commercial Dialogue, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Secretary Ramesh Abhishek said that the 3 working groups would be set up in addition to the existing four on energy and environment, ICT, emerging technologies and digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth, as well as on infrastructure and manufacturing.

While the Indian delegation was led by Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu, the American side was headed by US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster.

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross took part in the talks via telephone as his flight to Delhi was cancelled due to bad weather.

According to sources here issues that have emerged as irritants in the bilateral trade relationship such as data localisation, e-commerce and the US decision to end the Generalised

SC rejects plea challenging Centre’s circular against use of term ‘Dalit’

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a petition challenging Centre’s notification advising the media to not use the term “Dalit” to describe members of Scheduled Castes.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said it was not interested in entertaining a petition that challenged the 2018 advisory of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry asking private satellite television channels to use Scheduled Caste instead of Dalit.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for petitioner VA Ramesh Nathan, questioned the legality of the circular and said, “How can the Government of India issue such a circular questioning my identity”.

The bench remained unimpressed and said, “At this stage, we are not interested in entertaining this petition. Dismissed.”

The Ministry, in its August 7, 2018 circular, had advised that the media should refrain from using the word “Dalit” for members belonging to Scheduled Castes and had directed that ‘Scheduled Caste’ should alone be used for all official transaction, matters, dealings, certificates for denoting the persons belonging to the community.

System of Preferences (GSP) for Indian exports to America were not discussed during the Commercial Dialogue.

“The CEOs from both sides presented reports but these are not detailed and comprehensive as such. We would like to have CEOs from both the sides in each of these groups. They will work in more detail,” Abhishek said.

The co-chairs of the USIndia CEO Forum Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran and American Tower Corporation President James Taiclet.

According to an Indian Commerce Ministry release, both sides assessed the progress made during 2018 on the commercial track targets and appreciated the performance in

the areas of standards, business climate, investment and travel and tourism.

“Both sides resolved to further expand and strengthen trade and commerce ties,” it said.

“The CEO forum will come out with some joint recommendations on what the two governments can do to promote more economic and commercial relationship between the countries”, Abhishek said.

“They suggested that while physical meeting may not happen all the time, there could be a meeting through video conferencing once in a quarter,” he added.

The India-US bilateral trade is valued around $75 billion during the fiscal 2017-18.

Triple talaq ordinance to be revived The Union Cabinet on Tuesday gave its approval to bring back the triple talaq ordinance that makes the practice of talaq-e-biddat or instant triple talaq by Muslim men a criminal offence with a jail term, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told a press conference.

The government adopted the ordinance route after the Bill lapsed, failing its passage in the Rajya Sabha in the recently concluded session of Parliament.

For the third time in less than a year, the triple talaq ordinance will become law once President Ram Nath Kovind signs it.

The Cabinet also approved an ordinance to plug loopholes in the corporate governance framework and improve the ease of doing business.

In the Budget session, the government failed to amend Companies Act that sought to re-categorize 16 minor offences as purely ‘civil defaults’.

The move is seen as an attempt to bring down litigations for minor violations of the Companies Act and vastly improve the ease of doing business for corporates.

A third ordinance related to the functioning of the Indian Medical Council to ensure transparency, accountability and quality in the governance of medical education across the country.

PAGE 14 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019

Succeed In Your Business

Hari Venkatachalam Hindu Students Association, Board of Directors PRESS RELEASE

rid TX of–your staffi ng problems and spend more April 6, 2017Get – AUSTIN, The Hindu Students Association (HSA) would like to regretfully announce that itNumbers will be Good = Good Decisions cancelling its annual Gateway Retreat for the 2017 year. HSA prides itself in building a strong network of young Hindu Americans, and it looks forward to organizing other events in the future that will link students from its various branches.

HSA has been reorienting itself in recent months to doing more grassroots work. “We have been focusing more on accomplishing work on the local and branch level,” said Mrinalini Vijalapuram, National President of the Hindu Students Association. “We have been doing this through many different activities including interfaith events with other religious organizations, building community partnerships, and expanding into other campuses that don’t already have HSA branches.”

While the cancellation of Gateway may come as a disappointment for many prospective attendees, HSA hopes to get feedback from students on other projects and events that interest its branch members. Currently, several projects, including developing HSA’s podcast series and releasing monthly articles that highlight the accomplishments of members from the various campuses have been the focus of the organization’s efforts. HSA welcomes student and community members to get involved in these activities to help further the goals of the organization. “It is important that we meet the needs of the campuses and communities we serve,” reiterated Ms. Vijalapuram. “We want to make sure that we are putting our attention on projects that will truly benefit them.”

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Maha Arati 7:00 pm.

Four-Prahar pooja will continue till next day 6:00 am.

List your name for Pooja with the Priest.

Mrutyunjaya japa Yajna will continue for the whole day.

For Mahapooja, a donation of $201 is appreciated; Abhishek during daytimea donation of $21 is appreciated.

Milk for Abhishek& Prasad is welcomed .

ENJOY THANDAI PRASAD & FALAHAR IN THE TEMPLE Devotees who desire to sit in Pooja may give their names to our Priest the temple at 713-278-9099

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Maha Aarti –7:00 pm

First Prahar pooja – 8:30 p.m. To 10:00 pm Second Prahar pooja – 10:30 pm To 12:30 am Third Prahar pooja – 1:00 am To 3:00 am Fourth Prahar pooja - 3:30 am to 6:00 am

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019 • PAGE 15

PAGE 16 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019

NEWS

Caste discrimination impedes social harmony, says Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday invoked Sant Ravidas, a mystic poet of the Bhakti Movement, on his birth anniversary to urge people to end caste discrimination and identify those who promote it for “self interest”.

Modi said caste discrimination is an impediment in achieving social harmony.

“Guruji (Sant Ravidas) had said that there should be no discrimination on the basis of caste. Till caste discrimination is there, people cannot connect with each other, social harmony is not possible and equality cannot be ensured,” the prime minister said.

“Identify those who for their self-interest, create caste discrimination and promote it,” he asked people, without taking any names.

The prime minister was addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone of Ravidas Janmasthali area development project in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency.

Sant Ravidas belonged to the Bhakti Movement of the 15th and 16th century. Born in Varanasi, his hyms and poems often revolved around his low social position.

His devotional songs were also included in Sikh scriptures.

Praising Ravidas, Modi said, “He dreamt of a society where all are taken care of. We have tried to follow this tenet during the past 4.5 years with ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’” (together, development for all).

“My government focussed on panchdharma: education, income, medicine, irrigation and addressing public grievances,” he said, “irrespective of caste, creed and other factors.”

“Unfortunately, caste dis-

crimination could not be removed till now. The New India will witness this change with help of youth,” he said, referring to his vision of the country in the 21st Century.

At the Diesel Locomotives Works in Varanasi, Modi also flagged off the first electric locomotive converted from a diesel engine in the country. He also inspected it from inside.

The work on the project began on December 22, 2017, railway officials said.

Modi said honesty leads to happiness; “We tried to follow this (idea)” and acted against ‘benami’ properties and blackmoney. “’Chalta hai’ mentality had crept in, my government tried to change it,” he asserted.

On his second visit to his Lok Sabha constituency within a month, the prime minister also detailed the development and welfare works his government had undertaken.

He cited government schemes to provide free LPG gas cylinders and power connections, insurance of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually under the ambitious Ayushman Bharat and guarantee-free loans under Mudra Yojana.

Modi also mentioned the rebate being provided to individual taxpayers for income up to Rs 5 lakh in the Interim Budget, saying, “Those who looted public money are being brought to book and honest people are being honoured”.

Before Modi’s address, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had praised him and called him “kashi putra” (son of Varanasi).

He said the prime minister ensured development projects are undertaken across the country without discrimination.

“Panic button” launched

The government on Tuesday launched the panic button feature on mobile phones for safety of women and other emergency services across 16 States and Mumbai.

The initiative was launched jointly by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi nearly three years after the government first made the safety feature a mandatory requirement in phones through a gazette notification.

In order to access an emergency service, such as police, medical and other services, a user can dial 112 from any phone.A smartphone user can also press the power button thrice in quick succession and a user of a basic or feature phone can long press 5 or 9 on the key pad. One can also download the 112 mobile application.

Once a user presses the panic button, five calls will be made to emergency number 112 as well as call log details and the geo location of the victim will be sent by SMSes and emails to police officials at the state, district and local level. . It can be availed in Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, UP, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Jammu & Kashmir as well as Mumbai.

The safety feature had earlier been launched in Nagaland and Himachal Pradesh.

The panic button facility, also known as the Emergency Response Support System, is being supported under the Nirbhaya Fund set up for safety of women.

Time for talks over: Modi Asserting that the time for talks has passed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called on world leaders for united action against terrorism and its supporters. The comments came as part of the joint statement between India and Argentina during the ongoing three-day visit of Argentine President Mauricio Macri here.

Macri is the first international leader to visit India after the Pulwama attack that claimed lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in Kashmir last week.

“I and President Macri agree with the view that terrorism is a serious danger to world’s peace and stability. The cruel attack in Pulwama shows that the time for talks has passed,” Modi said in a Press statement in presence of Marci. “Now it is required that the world unites against terrorism and those who support it. Hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is a kin to encouraging terrorism,” Modi said, without naming Pakistan.

Being a part of G20 countries, it’s also important that we implement 11 point agenda of

Hamburg Leaders Statement.

India and Argentina will issue a special declaration on terrorism today,” he further stated.

President Macri, while condemning the attack, extended Argentina’s support to India in the fight against terrorism. “I would like to convey my condolences to the victims of the cruel attack (Pulwama) perpetrated just a few days ago. We condemn every kind of terrorist attack. I am truly pleased to be able to work together to fight this scourge on mankind,” Macri also said.

In a joint special declaration to fight terrorism, both leaders agreed that terrorism poses a grave threat to global peace and stability and noted the need for concerted action by the global community against terrorism.

They stressed, particularly emphasising the “scourge of cross-border terrorism”, that there could be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever. “They reiterated their commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and asserted that strong measures should be taken against terrorists, terror organisations, their

networks and all those who encourage, support, finance and provide safe haven to terrorists and terror groups,” the special declaration said.

The two leaders also underscored the need to ensure that terrorist organisations do not get access to any Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) or technologies or finances and committed to cooperate in the specialised multilateral fora.

The leaders stressed that terrorism is a “global scourge” that must be fought and terrorist safe havens rooted out in every part of the world.

The international community has united in its condemnation of terrorism following the Pulwama attack, with the USA telling Pakistan to stop providing a safe haven and support to terrorist organisations. India had earlier called its High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria, to Delhi for consultations after the attack. Pakistan has since rejected all allegations, going as far as calling Mahmood back to Islamabad “for consultations” on February 18.

Ex-spy boss sees a team behind Pulwama attack

The terrorist attack in Pulwama that killed 40 CRPF jawans was not the work of one man but a group, former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Vikram Sood said on Sunday.

“The entire episode of Pulwama was not a job done by one man. There would have been a whole team behind him,” the former spy boss told journalists after addressing a seminar on “External Intelligence for National Security” here.

“This kind of an incident does not take place without a security lapse somewhere…

they had knowledge about the movement of the (CRPF) vehicles. There must have been a group of people who did it,” Sood said.

Asked about India’s possible response, Sood said: “It is not a boxing match… punch for punch won’t do.” The time and the place would be chosen by the security forces, as the Prime Minister had said, he added.

To another query on India not getting China’s support to proscribe Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as “global terrorist” at the United Nations Security Council, Sood said:

“China is playing to Pakistan’s requests.

He said: “I think China and not Pakistan is the bigger threat. China in control of Pakistan is even worse.

So, we have to prepare for that.”

Stressing the need for a national policy on Kashmir, former Union home secretary K Padmanabhaiah in his address said: “There has to be a national policy on Kashmir… not a BJP policy, not a Congress policy and not a Leftist policy.

A national policy where everybody agrees.”

Nothing personal against Atif Aslam, but towards Pakistan government: Arko Composer Arko, whose song “Baarishein”, featuring Atif Aslam, has been pulled down by TSeries in the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack, says he has no personal hatred against any Pakistani singer, but he has a strong stand against the neighbouring country’s government for repeatedly failing to control terrorism.

“I have nothing personal against Atif or any Pakistani talent for that matter because they are artistes like us. I have a problem and I have everything against the Pakistan government and its approach toward handling terrorism that is taking the lives of our people and army personnel,” Arko told IANS in an interview.

The song “Baarishein”, featuring Atif and Nushrat Bharucha, released on February 13. The very next day a deadly terrorist attack

took place in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, orchestrated by the terrorist group Jaishe-Mohammed. It left at least 40 CRPF troopers dead.

While several Bollywood celebrities have shown solidarity towards the families of the martyrs, social media is filled with people demanding strong action against such terrorist attacks.

“Baarishein” was pulled down from the YouTube channel of TSeries on Monday.

Arko feels showing solidarity will not offer any solution to the situation, but he said: “Not taking a strong stand considering the gravity of the situation, would be worse.

“I do not want any violence that cost human lives of common people, but no retaliation on such an inhuman attack is worse than con-

tinuing collaboration, a dialogue.

There is no doubt that we all want peace, but not by staying silent when the bloodbath is happening.”

In the past, Arko has collaborated with many Pakistani singers like Ali Azmat and Shafqat Amanat Ali apart from Atif, and delivered songs like “Yeh jism hai toh kya”, “Allah waariyan”, “Tere sang yaara” and “O saathi”.

“I know any artiste or common individual is not responsible for what has happened, but the government is. That is why setting out a stand clearly is important.

The solution, of course, would be a much complicated political conversation. I am certainly not the right person to comment on that matter, but the act of terrorism can never be supported,” said the composer,” Arko said.

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019 • PAGE 17

NEWS

Does heritage preservation in Mysuru have to be a zero-sum game?

Devaraj Market -- an exterior view. Pic: Bhamy Shenoy

By BHAMY SHENOY In recent days, we have yet again come to face the dilemma between modernizing Mysuru and preserving its heritage sites. The imperative of avoiding accidents from crumbling buildings, improving traffic and providing more parking space while preserving the old charm of the city and promoting tourism have created what looks like a zero sum game. In other words, a situation where the former set of objectives can be achieved only at the cost of the latter.

In that belief, Mysore City Corporation (MCC) now wants to demolish Devaraj market and Lansdowne building, ignoring the advice of heritage experts. Devaraj market, about 130 years old is located close to south east of the palace and was constructed by Mysore rulers, Wadeyars. It houses over 800 shops.

Lansdowne building was constructed in honor of the visiting Viceroy and Governor-General Lord Lansdowne in 1892. But while the city government seems intent on demolition, tenants, royal family and heritage activists have been pressing for restoration of these sites.

Both sides quote expert reports to support their positions.

Yet, if we analyze the findings of these supposedly conflicting reports based on discussions with experts from both the sides, it appears possible to find a solution that can convert this current zero sum game into a win-win situation.

All experts with competence in preserving heritage buildings have fully supported restoration of these two heritage sites. On the other hand, a task force, mostly consisting of Mysuru-based engineers with expertise in civil engineering, has submitted a report which recommends total demolition of the buildings. The task force has found that while the foundation and walls are still sound and strong, the roofs require

major work. The task force was also critical of the shop owners who have carried out repair work without the advice of experts.

Short shrift for heritage To understand why the MCC has failed to preserve these heritage sites so far, we need to recapitulate recent history. In 2005 when a portion of Devaraj Market collapsed, the then Mayor stated that “Even if the market is restored under the guidance of architects, it will not last more than 20 years.

It is better to construct a new market instead of restoring it.”

She claimed that all the corporators had informally agreed on demolition of the market!

However things today would have been different if only MCC had listened to the recommendation made by Mysore Grahakara Parishat that same year on Nov 12th. MGP had suggested that the collapse was because of inadequate engineering maintenance. This is the view that was supported subsequently by all experts.

MGP had then recommended immediate restoration work.

In 2011, a design team consisting of three French experts again submitted a report to MCC to conserve and develop the area around Devaraj market. This project was sponsored by the Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation (IHCNF). After conducting a workshop in Mysuru, the design team recommended a set of suggestions to restore Devaraja Market.

In 2016 after the collapse of the northern gate on Dhanvantri Road, Arun Menon, Assistant Professor from IIT Madras and Convener, National Centre for Safety of Heritage Structures submitted a report strongly recommending the restoration of the structures rather than demolition. Despite these repeated suggestions, the civic body seems to be heavily leaning towards demolition.

Myopic approach?

It is more than likely that

our corporators may not have been properly briefed by the concerned authorities about the recommendations of these experts. If the necessity of preserving the famous heritage sites of Mysuru had been adequately conveyed to them, they would most probably have supported the restoration.

In the absence of evidence, one can easily dismiss arguments that some corporators are motivated to support demolition because of potential monetary benefits from the customary commission from civil work.

However, some issues, though well known, have not been probed in depth. For example, all of us know that thousands belonging to the poor (including some petty shopkeepers) depend for their livelihood on these two buildings. What is not known is the amount of revenue foregone by MCC. Several original shop owners have leased their properties at exorbitant rents while the MCC gets a pittance. Since MCC does not derive sufficient revenue from these properties, proper maintenance has been a challenge.

By collaborating with Mysore University’s Institute of Developmental Studies, the MGP had collected information about this sorry state of affairs and had given reports to MCC several times in the mid 90s. But while more visible engineering issues (crumbling buildings) and the for parking space are always highlighted by the corporators, invisible but equally important legal issues of ownerships or likely sufferings of daily wage earners are never discussed.

Mysuru should learn from historic cities like Florence in Italy where private vehicles are banned in the central parts visited by the tourists. In Europe many cities like Milan, Paris, Helsinki, Hamburg, Madrid, etc are either planning to ban or have already banned cars in certain areas because of heavy traffic. Shouldn’t we learn from

their experience and preserve our heritage?

A small country like Uzbekistan can also serve as a role model. When it was part of the Soviet Union, its famous madrassas, mosques, and mausoleums were deliberately ignored (see the photo). But photos of Registan in Samarkand, a city from where Mughal ruler Babur came, clearly show how Uzbeks have succeeded in restoring their 600-years-old heritage site, rather than demolishing it. Indeed, they have restored most of their heritage sites. Now tourists in large numbers from all different parts of the world are visiting Uzbekistan.

Finally, if Mysuru keeps on demolishing our heritage buildings and sites (all in the name of modernization), we will alter the basic character of the city. Why will any tourist be interested to visit Mysuru to see modern gleaming buildings? Agraharas or crowded back streets of Urs Road are

far more attractive to tourists than modern areas like Saraswathipuram or Vijaynagar.

Since corporators and District-in-charge minister G T Devegowda are unable to find a solution, the buck seems likely to end up at the desk of the Chief Minister. G T Devegowda should request the CM to appoint a high level committee consisting of eminent experts, both in Civil Engineering and heritage conservation ( INTACH, IHCNF, etc), to recommend a plan of action. Since several reports are already available, such a commission should be able to give recommendations within a month.

An approach based on technical factors rather than political considerations should guide us in shaping the future course of action. If we delay the decision as we have done since 2005, we will lose these two heritage gems and future generations will never forgive us.

—Citizen Matters

Flower and vegetable vendors inside Devaraj Market.

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PAGE 18 â&#x20AC;˘ INDIA HERALD â&#x20AC;˘ WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Art Museum Kannappan Art Museum will be open for public Tuesday 5.30 PM to 7.30 PM, Saturday 10AM to 2 PM, Sunday 12 noon to 4 PM. Address: 2341 N. Galveston Ave, Pearland, TX 77581.

Ashirwad Classes for Kids in Katy Enrollments are open for Indian Heritage classes for Kids and Teens from 4 to 16 yrs. Class curriculum includes Yoga, Meditation, Sloka, Ramayan, Mahabharat, Bhagwad Githa, Sports Day, VEDIC Fair Presentations, Dance, Drama, Hindi & more. Contact : 281-995-0930 or AshirwadABlessing@gmail.com.

Durga Bari Temple Durga Bari temple is open from 9 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Mon. thru Sat. Sandhya aarti at 6:30 p.m. Temple closes at 7 p.m. Sunday special from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Temple is located at 13944 Schiller Rd (oďŹ&#x20AC; Hwy 6 bet. Bellaire & Westpark). Call Ganesh Mandal at 713-797-9057 / 832-423-8541.

Arya Samaj Satsang Weekly Havan Satsang every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. DAV Sanskriti School Sundays 10 a.m. to 12 noon. - Havan, Hindi and Naitik Shiksha classes. DAV Montessori School for ages 2 to 7 years. Call Arti Khanna 281-759-3286. Free Yoga classes on Sat. Sanskrit & Upanishad classes Tue. 6-8 p.m. At 14375 Schiller Rd. (bet Westpark & Bellaire oďŹ&#x20AC; Hwy 6). 281-752-0100.

Brahma Kumaris The Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Meditation Center is open 7 days a week. The center oďŹ&#x20AC;ers free Raja Yoga Meditation classes: MonFri @ 6:00-6:45am and 7-8 pm, BUY

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Sat-Sun @ 7:00-8:30am, 10 am-2 pm. Visiting hours are Sat-Sun @ 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact us at (832) 379-8888, houston@bktexas. com, or bktexas.com to sign-up for classes. All Raja Yoga Meditation teachers at the Houston center are samarpit and have 15+ years of teaching experience.

Chinmaya Mission Sunday satsangs for adults, youth, and children. A unique Bala Vihar program for each grade, from PreK to Grade 12. Satsangs in two sessions between 8:35 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. and 11:20 a.m. - 1p.m. Bala Vihar students can take shloka, bhajan and orchestra classes or language classes for Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, and Gujarati. Chinmaya Mission is located at Chinmaya Prabha, 10353 Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX 77498. New members may visit the welcome desk between 8 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. or 10:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Please visit www. chinmayahouston.org or contact Bharati Sutaria 281.933.0233 for more information.

Jeeyar Educational Trust Translate knowledge into action classes every Sunday at 10:15 a.m to 12 p.m. at Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple, 10098 Synott Road, Sugar Land, Tx 77498. Call 785 550 3621 or 832-334-9163. Visit www. ashtalakshmi.org for registration.

Vedanta Society Vedanta Society of Greater Houston, VSGH (oďŹ&#x192;cial Branch Center of Ramakrishna Math, Belur), 14809 Lindita Dr. (77083), has lectures & talks on every Sunday 11 am - 12 pm, followed by Arati & Prasad; Bhagwad Gita Class on Tuesdays, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm; OLD

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and Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna on Thursdays, 11 am - 12 pm. Rev. Sw. Atmarupanandaji, the Resident Monk, gives all classes, lectures & talks. Ramnaam Sankirtan is on 1st Saturdays 6 pm - 7 pm.

Please visit www.houstonvedanta. org or call 281- 988-7211.

Jain Society Jain Society of Houston, JSH, is located at 3905 Arc Street Houston Texas 77063. Key tenets of Jainism are: Non-violence - Ahimsa, Philanthropy with multicity in views â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Anekantvad, No possessiveness - Aparigrah, Right Knowledge -- Samyak Gyan, Right Path â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Samyak Darshan, and Right Conduct â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Samyak Charitrya. JSH has Jain Pathshala Classed for students of all ages each Sunday starting at 10:15 AM. The center is open M-F from 7:30 AM to 12 Noon and 4 to 7 PM, and Sat, and Sun from 8 AM to 6 PM. Call Jain Center at 713 789 2338 or visit www.jainsocietyhouston.org for calendar of events and other detailed information.

Shiv Shakti Mandir Sanatan Shiv Shakti Mandir, 6640 Harwin. Open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. All major festivals, as well as birthdays, naam karan, engagement and other ceremonies. Call Pandit Virat Mehta 713-278-9099 or Hardik Raval 361-243-6539 for puja or other ceremonies.

Heartfulness Meditation Heartfulness Meditation is a practical technique of tuning inwards to experience our higher selves. Meditation with someone who has the capacity of yogic transmission can help you explore the Heartfulness practice more deeply.

There are no charges for this, and we invite you to experience the unique beneďŹ ts of this transmission. Workshops on Heartfulness relaxation and meditation are held weekly throughout Houston. Web: www.heartfulness.org; Email: houston.heartfulness@gmail.com.

Cell: 713-929-0040.

Hare Krishna Dham Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original Vedic temple, ISKCON of Houston. At 1320 W 34th St. (77018). Daily Darshan & Arati Times: 4.30 a.m, 7 a.m, 8.30 a.m, 12 noon, 4.30 p.m, 7 p.m, 9 p.m. Sunday Festival: 5.30 pm to 7.30 p.m. Weekly Gita classes for adults; call 281-433-1635 or harekrishnadham @gmail.com Houston Namadwaar A prayer house where the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Maha-mantra is continuously chanted. Weekends: 8-11 AM & 4-7 PM, Weekdays: 7-8 AM & 6-7 PM. Weekly â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gopa Kuteeramâ&#x20AC;? childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritage classes and Srimad Bhagavatam classes. Call 281-402-6585; visit www.godivinity.org (Global Organization for Divinity).

Saumyakasi Sivalaya Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya is located at Chinmaya Prabha, 10353 Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478.

Temple timings: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon and 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. For more information Contact 281-568-1690 or Jay Deshmukh at 832-541-0059 or visit www.saumyakasi.org Gauri Siddhivinayak Temple Darshan from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. All major festivals as well as birthdays, naam karan, engage-

ment and other ceremonies. Call Pandit Pradip Pandya 832-4669868 for puja and other ceremonies. At 5645 Hillcroft Ste 701, Houston, TX 77036.

Veerashaiva Samaja VSNA Houston is a group of families who believe in Veerashaiva dharma (Basava dharma).

Monthly Mahamane program for prayer and discussion on Vachana Sahitya followed by Prasada. Contact: vsnahous ton@gmail.com or Jagadeesh Halyal 832-744-4166.

Mar Thoma Church Trinity Mar Thoma Church every Sunday at 5810 Almeda Genoa Rd. Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.

Malayalam service at 9:30 a.m. on 1st & 3rd Sunday. Adult Bible class at 9:30 a.m. English service at 10:30 a.m. on 2nd & 4th Sunday. Call 713-991-1557 or 281261-4603.

Telugu Christian Fellowship Telugu Christian Fellowship meets every third Saturday of the month at Triumph Church, 10555 W. Airport Blvd., StaďŹ&#x20AC;ord TX 77477 at 6:30 p.m. Join us for a time of praise, worship and fellowship. Worship is in English.

For information call Chris Gantela 281-344-0707, or Rev. Vijay Gurrala 281-997-0757.

Sri Guruvayurappan Temple Hours: Mon to Fri 6 a.m. -8 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Weekends & Holidays: 6 a.m. to noon and 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bhajans Saturdays 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Special poojas (weekends and holidays) Choroon (Annaprasam) for kids, Thulabharam, Vahana Pooja, Nirapara. Temple is located at 11620 Ormandy St. (77035) Tel: 713-7298994 email: temple@ guruvayur.us Preksha Meditation JVB Preksha Meditation Center conducts weekly Meditation, Yoga and Swadhyay sessions inside its unique Pyramid hall under the auspicious guidance of Samani Kanchan Pragyaji and Samani Pranav Pragyaji who are stationed at Houston Center this year. It also runs special events and programs like I-Choose, Meditation Camps and Gyanshala program for children ages 4-14 yrs. JVB is located at 14102 Schiller Rd. Houston 77082. Every Tuesday, 9:30am11:30am, Samaniji has pravachan for all adults interested in learning about Jainism. Every Wednesday there is Swadhyay class from 7-8pm and meditation from 8-9pm.

Every Thursday from 9:30-11am there is special Yoga class for Ladies only. Every Saturday, there is Yoga Class from 9-10am and Meditation from 10-10.30am. Ist & 3rd Sundays, there is Gyanshala Classes for Kids ages 4-14yrs. from 10-12:15pm followed by Lunch.

Visit www.jvbhouston.org or send email at info@jvbhouston.org for more details.

Patanjali Yogpeeth Free Yoga Classes every Sat/Sun at Arya Samaj from 8 am to 9:30 a.m. Call Anil 281-579-9433. For other free classes, call Indra 281537-0018. For Yoga/Herbal products, call Shekhar 281-242-5000. www.pyptusa.org; www.DivyaProducts.com.

Hindu Temple of The Woodlands 7601 S. Forest Gate Dr,

The Woodlands, TX 77382 Temple Hours, Weekdays: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM 5:30 PM - 8.30 PM Aarti @ 7:30 PM Saturday and Sunday 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM Aarti at 12:00 PM 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Aarti @ 7:30 PM; Contact 832-585--0001 or temple@myhtw.net Sathya Sai centers Sunday program held at two locations (North Houston: 12127 Malcomson Road, Houston; South Houston: 246 Fluor Daniel Drive, Sugar Land) from 3:00 to 5:30 pm) - Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) classes for children; Study Circle for adults & Devotional singing for all. Service programs - food distribution, canned food drives, nursing home visits, tutoring at schools, etc. Contact Venkat Rao (North) - 602-503-2249 or Ranji Raghavan (South) 281-451-8238.

Visit www.sairegion10.org Sadhu Vaswani Center Sadhu Vaswani Center of Houston holds regular Satsang on 3rd Thursday of the month and daily Arti at 7.30 p.m. Call 281-4630379 or e.mail ramolaj@aol.com Gaudiya Math Shri Govindji Gaudiya Matha is a Hindu Vaishnava temple of Sanatan Dharam and worshipping place of Shri Shri Radha Krishna, Shri Gaur Nitai & Shri Ram Darbar.

Mandir is open daily from 5.30 AM until 8.30 PM. The services are held from 5.30PM to 7.30PM followed by prashad. Daily Aarti times : Mangala Aarti- 5:30 am.

Bhog Aarti - 12:30 pm. Evening Aarti - 7:00 pm. Enroll your child in Sri Govindaji Vedic School. We oďŹ&#x20AC;er Hindi classes for all ages. Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha is located in Northwest Houston at 16628 Kieth Harrow Blvd Houston TX 77084. For more information, call at 832-464-4686 or visit our website: http://sggm.org.

Swaminarayan Temple Hindu Satsang at Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple, under Shree NarNarayan Dev Gadi kalupur.

Opens daily from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Daily aarti at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Saturday sabha from 5 p.m to 7 p.m. followed by aarti at 7 p.m. and Maha-Prasad (free dinner). www.issotx.org. (281) 530-2565.

Sanatan Dharm Maha Sabha West Indian Religious Organization called Sanatan Dharm Maha Sabha Branch # 377 is located at 26100 Tina Lane, Katy, TX 77494.

Durga Mata Pooja is held every Friday from 7 pm to 9.30 pm.

Contact Ram Sharma @ 713-4129985.

Gandhi Library Mahatma Gandhi Library Book Club: Meets 2nd Sunday of each month; 12:30 PM at Arya Samaj Greater Houston, 13475 Schiller Rd. Join the discussion of the great manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s autobiography â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Story of My Experiments with Truth.

Call Manish Wani 713-829-6979.

Sant Nirankari Mission Sant Nirankari Mission holds its weekly spiritual congregation on every Sunday at India House 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by community meals. All are welcome. For further information, call Raj Bhala at (281) 980-2825.

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 • PAGE 19

ESSAY

A 4,000-year history of the turban Amit Amin and Naroop Jhooti, a creative duo known professionally as Amit and Naroop, are London-based photographers, directors and authors of “Turbans and Tales.” The following is an edited excerpt from their book. The opinions in this article belong to the authors.

Growing up in Southall, West London, where many of Britain’s Sikhs settled after moving to the UK, the turban was all around us: at home, in the gurdwara, on the street. It is Sikhs’ most identifiable feature.

But tracing the turban’s origins back through history, we found that it was, at one time, also worn by Muslims, Hindus, Jews and Christians.

The turban’s exact origin is unclear. A turban-like garment, found on a royal Mesopotamian sculpture dating to 2350 B.C., is believed to be the earliest known example, offering evidence that the garment predates the Abrahamic religions.

The use of turbans once stretched across India, the Middle East, Europe and Africa, protecting wearers from sun, rain or cold. In some regions, only believers had the privilege of wearing one, while other cultures ordered non-believers to assume turbans of different colors so they could be identified. (In eighthcentury Egypt and Syria, for example, Christians wore blue turbans, Jews yellow and Samaritans red, while Muslims generally sported white ones).

In India, only the royal entourage and high officials were permitted to wear turbans before the founding of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. The garment was a symbol of status, often decorated with peacock plumes and ornaments. Hinduism, with its strict caste system, forbade individuals of lower castes from donning turbans.

Islamic rule brought about changes. Stylized around their Persian and Arabic heritage, the Mughals’ turbans were conical and broad, unlike the smaller ones previously worn

by Indians. And when Aurangzeb, one of the Mughals’ most controversial emperors, came into power in 1658, the garment was used as a tool to segregate the population.

Aurangzeb attempted to prevent non-Muslims from wearing turbans, decreeing that only the Islamic ruling class had the authority to wear them.

But this, along with forced conversions and other fundamentalist policies, sat uncomfortably with the growing Sikh population. When their leader Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed by Aurangzeb in Delhi, his son Gobind founded a warrior group known as the Khalsa, before insisting that all Sikhs wear turbans to cover their uncut hair.

The turban had become an act of defiance against the emperor. It was the Sikhs’ sign of freedom, a symbol of equality and a way to end caste distinctions.

The arrival of the British in Punjab in 1845 triggered one of the most significant shifts in Sikh identity.

Despite defeating the Khalsa, the British were impressed with their military skills and began recruiting Sikhs to fight for the empire. Aware that caste issues could affect the cohesiveness of the British Indian Army -- which also included Hindu and Muslim soldiers -the British made it mandatory for all soldiers to wear a turban, creating a sense of equality.

But the varying styles, shapes and sizes didn’t sit well with the colonial rulers, who thought the garments looked scruffy. They decided to replace natural rolled layers with neat, symmetrical folds, leading to what is now commonly known as the “Kenyan” style turban.

The British also introduced insignia to help identify regiments, which were mostly organized by race or class. To identify Sikh soldiers, they used an insignia of a “chakkar,” a throwing weapon, that was pinned to the front of their turbans.

Another British-influenced change to Sikh identity was the tying of their beards. Traditionally, Sikhs would allow their uncut beards to flow loose. But, this posed problems when using British weaponry, as loose beards were prone to catching fire when operating a rifle.

The solution, imposed by the British, was to roll up and tie their beards over their chins, which became a defining look of the Sikh soldier. Although

its purpose was initially functional, Sikh men continue to roll their beards to this day, mainly for its aesthetic appearance.

During World War I, Sikh soldiers wore impressive large turbans, approximately eight meters in length. But World War II brought about a shift in army policy, meaning that Muslims and Hindus were no longer required to wear them.

Although this change only affected soldiers, it was the first stage of the turban being re-

moved from non-Sikh identity in India.

After the British granted India independence in return for its support in the war, the country’s religious groups set about rethinking their identities.

Muslims who moved to the newly formed Pakistan adopted the crescent moon and the color green as symbols, losing the turban and the orange of imperial India. With violence often breaking out between religious groups, Hindus also shed the garment through fear of being mistaken for Sikhs.

In a country that once saw turbans as the pinnacle of social status, only the Sikhs were left wearing them (although India’s Hindus and Muslims often wear them during special occasions, such as weddings.)

The violent aftermath of partition also led a number of Sikhs to leave India for the UK in the postwar years. Initially, they were greeted with respect and honor for their role in the wars. Gestures of gratitude, such as free cinema tickets, were common.

But their glory was slowly forgotten, and the turban began to be seen as an obstacle to integration. Having left their beloved home in the hope of a better life, Sikhs felt they had two options: assimilate by cutting their hair and removing their turbans, or wear darker ones that wouldn’t attract attention.

Many did the former, but some rebelled against the system. Take Sohan Singh Jolly, a retired police officer, who campaigned against a decision

to ban a British bus driver from wearing his turban at work.

After exhausting all methods of protest, Sohan threatened to set himself on fire if the rule wasn’t changed.

His campaign was ultimately successful. But not everyone agreed with Jolly’s tactics, fearing they could lead to alienation of Sikh communities and accusations of radicalization. A more diplomatic approach was needed if Sikhs were going to be treated as equals.

So they began fighting discrimination through the courts.

In the 1970s, when the British made it illegal to ride a motorbike without a helmet, many Sikhs refused, as it would mean removing their turbans while riding. A campaign led to the law being amended to exclude followers of the religion.

And in the 1980s, the family of 12-year-old Gurinder Singh Mandla successfully sued a Birmingham school for racial discrimination after it denied him a place for refusing to remove his turban. The case changed the way that Sikhism was treated in the UK thereafter, with the garment now protected by British law.

Today in the UK, Sikhs no longer feel they need to mute their turbans to conform. With flamboyant fabrics and accessories, young Sikhs use them as a way to reflect their personality, as well as a symbol of their faith.

“Turbans and Tales,” published by Unbound, is available now. Scroll through the gallery above to see images from the book.

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