India Herald 041118

India Herald

Web: www.india-herald.com • Editor@india-herald.com • Tel: 281-980-6746

20 Pages

VOL. 24 • NO. 15 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 • P.O. BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487 • PERIODICAL PERMIT USPS 017699 • 25 cents

Tabla maestro extols elevation of Indian music abroad

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain delivers the keynote address at the 25th anniversary gala of the Indo American Association of Houston on April 1. PHOTO by AMITAVA SARKAR.

By SESHADRI KUMAR “The keynote for me is Sa,” quipped Indian musician Zakir Hussain.

The reputed tabla player was the featured keynote speaker at the Indo-American Association’s 25th anniversary gala. He was pleased to note that for a change he was not performing on stage but had been invited to be a keynote speaker.

Gone are the days, Hussain stated, when India’s outstanding musicians were treated like third class professionals. Fifty years ago, musicians hawked the music of god and goddesses in palaces and villas for the rich and famous and would be waiting in the kitchen to be asked to perform before the invited guests.

See IAA, Page 2

HAF renews commitment to advocacy at annual gala

Above, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi speaks to the packed crowd at HAF’s Houston Gala. Right, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi presents HAF’s Pride of the Community award to Sewa International Houston Chapter President Gitesh Desai, right.

By MANU SHAH History textbooks in the US depict obscure practices about Hindus and Hinduism but not its core philosophy. This was one of the cudgels the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), a leading institution for Hindu advocacy, took up 10 years ago and the fight is finally paying off.

An insight into more of their work was provided to a packed hall of community members at the HAF Annual Fundraising Gala on April 7th at India House.

See Page 2

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PAGE 2 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018

NEWS

HAF team with Raja Krishnamoorthi - Arvind Chandrakantan (left), Dr. Rahul Pandit, Shradha Bhutada, Dr. Lavannya Pandit, Dr. Mihir Meghani, Rishi Bhutada, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Priya Prasad, Aesha Mehta, Kavita Pallod, Krishna Parmar, Bharat Pallod, Vinay Sarda.

HAF

From page 1

The Keynote speaker was Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi from the 8th District in Illinois and one of 4 Hindu American members of Congress.

A melodious invocation by Dr. Mitra Misra set the tone for the evening. Emcee Bharat Pallod briskly got the event rolling by inviting HAF’s Houston Chapter Coordinator Rishi Bhutada to offer a primer on the work HAF does.

The goal, Rishi Bhutada explained, is to enhance the understanding of Hinduism and help

IAA

From Page 1 “We have come a long way since then,” the tabla maestro said and acknowledged the efforts of legendary musicians like Ravishankar, Bismillah Khan and Alla Rakha, who did not hawk their art, but elevated it to the international stage. This, he declared, is the reason “I can stand before you and speak.”

In the 1960s and 70s, if singers were paid Rs.2000, the tabla player would get Rs.150, and accompanying artists were not given much recognition either. That has changed and today there is a big demand for solo performances of tabla players in India and abroad.

Hussain urged the community to encourage young and upcoming artists so they can perform to audiences all over the world.

Zakir Hussain first performed for IAA in 1996 and gave “Rhythm Experience.” Since then, he has performed more than 25 times for IAA in Houston.

India’s Consul-General in Houston, Dr. Anupam Ray, in his remarks, said “Support for the arts is an integral part of good citizenship. It is almost a duty.

shape policies that affect Hindus every day. This is done by educating the public, speaking out on issues that affect Hindus and building bridges with individuals and organizations whose vision aligns with HAF. Citing an example, he explained that textbooks in California and Texas are filled with matter and pictures depicting Hinduism and Indians as “weird, exotic, dirty and poor and causing our children to feel ashamed of their identity.” After sustained years of work, HAF was successful in submitting over 100 changes to educational material in Texas and getting a major publisher’s books rejected by

the State Board as the publisher refused to make the changes.

It was also proof of what civic engagement can accomplish.

Thousands of Indian American children and parents across the State sent letters and took time off to travel to multiple hearings of State Education Boards where their message was simple: they wanted to be represented accurately and with dignity.

Rishi Bhutada sourced some of HAF’s success to a professional approach, an office in Washington D.C and 12 full time staff members who’ve “given up lucrative careers to work for HAF because they believe in the importance of advocacy.”

I understand the importance of what IAA does. It is not only a source of pride, but music binds people. The Government of India takes its responsibility of encouraging (art and music) seriously.”

Hari Dayal, Executive Director and one of the founders of IAA, noted that in 1993, eight individuals with a desire to present the cultural arts of India on par with the mainstream American arts, donated $250 each and the Indo American Association began its ambitious journey of promoting the cultural arts of India in the American context.

IAA’s accomplishments include promoting “World music” with an Indian accent at mainstream art venues, the first organization to do so in Houston; the first Indian organization in the U.S. to offer an annual season with subscription options; the first to receive regular grants from the City of Houston; and the first Indian cultural arts organization in Houston to be recognized by the mainstream arts organization as an equal.

IAA has presented a balanced blend of art disciplines of Indian music, dance, drama, folk music, literature and films.

IAA has also showcased cross-

cultural collaborations between artists from India, the U.S. and other countries. Gypsy Caravan, Continental harmony, Ancient Sounds-Iraq meets India, Silk Road and CrossCurrents which showcased Jazz as the bridge between Indian and western music and drummers from around the world, are some notable examples.

In the same vein, the 25th anniversary celebration at Stafford Center on April 1 featured saxophonist George Brooks.

“IAA’s success, Dayal added, is a team effort of 45 members of the board of directors over the past 25 years. They are dedicated volunteers who found arts as a noble and charitable cause.”

IAA’s success has established that the cultural arts of India can be presented in the same grandiose style as the mainstream arts and the Indian diaspora can be persuaded to promote the arts of India as a noble and charitable cause, though it is a “tougher battle.”

He also stated that he is not “likely to witness IAA’s golden jubilee 25 years from now; but the next generation of leaders will take IAA to even greater heights, calling for an even bigger celebration.”

Aesha Mehta, Associate Director of Programs, pulled up a survey which showed 1 in 3 Indian American students were bullied because of their religious beliefs, a consequence of what’s depicted in textbooks.

She reiterated the importance of raising awareness of Hinduism in mainstream America. HAF is currently working closely with the FBI and the Department of Justice on tracking hate crimes against Hindus and in a recent effort is meeting with elected officials to address the issue of the administration’s proposal of revoking H1B visas for green card holders.

HAF presented an award to the Houston Chapter of Sewa International because the organization “stood out in their efforts to rescue and rebuild Houston in the wake of Harvey’s devastation and exemplified Hinduism in action.” Sewa President Gitesh Desai accepted the award and shared his pride at the huge number of volunteers who “exhibited character and courage.”

Democratic candidate in the runoff for the 22nd Congressional District, Srinivas Preston Kulkarni notched a record of sorts in the recent primaries when polls showed that 12 times the number predicted turned out to vote for him. He urged people to vote because if you “don’t vote, you don’t count” and he was determined that the Indian American community’s voice counted.

The opportunity to intern with HAF and explore the concept of Hinduism and politics was, according to Smriti Ahuja “an incredible experience.”

Not only did the summer internship expose her to issues affecting Hindu Americans but provided her a direct insight on how Hindu Americans are being represented on the Hill and “how advocacy actually works.”

Smriti Ahuja is a member of the Arya Samaj of Houston.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s address was laced with lighthearted anecdotes and quips but behind the humor was a serious undertone of the necessity of upholding Dharma values “now more than ever.” He expressed his pride at being “a Hindu American” and his aspiration in representing all Hindu and Indian Americans and their values and principles in Congress. The Congressman who draws inspiration from the Gita and had taken his oath on the Gita, commended HAF on their outstanding work and stated that he was proud to stand with them in their efforts.

He also emphasized the importance of voting and civic engagement to be able to formulate public policy in the country so that “every Indian American child is proud of their name.”

HAF co-founder Dr. Mihir Meghani, who donates 25% of his income every year to HAF urged the gathering to invest in HAF and “donate until you feel the pinch.” The appeal seemed to have worked as HAF racked up a tally of $128,000 by the end of the evening.

A classical dance by the students of Nritya Dance School was also appreciated.

Rishi Bhutada wrapped up the event by thanking the gathering for their immense support and for believing in HAF’s ability to represent Hindu Americans across the country. This, he stated, was a testament to how important HAF’s work is.

He also highlighted the support and the long term partnership with the Hindus of Greater Houston, an umbrella organization that works to support the Hindu community in Houston.

For more information about HAF, please visit hafsite.org

Dancers from the Nritya School of Dance perform at the Hindu American Foundation Gala.

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INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2017 • PAGE 3

Indian Music Society of Houston Presents

The Indian Music Society of Houston A Spectrum of Ragas presents the world-tour

From Sunrise to Sunset

by the legendary duovocal duo The legedendary Pandit Rajan &&Pandit SajanMisra Misra Pandit Rajan Pandit Sajan

Saturday, May 5th Morning Ragas 9:30 a.m.

Ashtalakshmi Temple Shantilal Shah on Tabla

Evening Ragas 7:00 p.m.

Chinmaya Mission

Sumit Misra on Harmonium

For more information, call 713-922-2501 The world tour is supported by the Government of India & the Indian Council for Cultural Relations

PAGE 4 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018

For more details visit IACCGH.com

The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston is hosting a series focused on

SMALL BUSINESS AFFECTED by HURRICANE HARVEY The series will include speakers and panelists from SBA and LiftFund.

BBuuEVENTS: ssiinneessss IInnvveessttm meenntt C Coonnffeerreenncce UPCOMING SERIES E D U C A T E .

E M P O O VVAfAT E D U C A T E .

E M P O W On B u s i n e s s I n v e s tW mEEeRRn.. tIINNCNNo eTEEr e.. InINNcVVeEESSTT Clear Lake, Pearland, SPONSOR B u s i n e s s I nWvEeRs .t m CToEn.f IeNrVeEnScTe E D U C A T E .

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BUSINESS INVESTMENT CONFERENCE

League City, 77573 League City, TXTX 77573 11am - 4pm 11am - 4pm

EDUCATE I EMPOWER INNOVATE I INVEST

During this workshop, business owners will be able to apply for 0% interest relief loans up to $25,000

BRING YOUR LAPTOP TO APPLY ON SITE

LiftFund representatives will walk you through the application to apply for special loans of up to REGISTER NOW $ Presented 25000 at 0% interest; available to LeagueCityChamber.com/events/details/business-investmentconference-5572 By: qualified small business affected

by Hurricane Harvey. Remember Presented Presented Presented to bring your laptop to complete By: By: By: this application process.

11:00am: Registration & Networking

AGENDA

11:30am: Lunch

AGENDA AGENDA AGENDA

12:00pm: Opening remarks - Jagdip Ahluwalia (IACCGH, Master of Ceremonies) 12:10pm -12:40pm: SBDC, Looking To The Future 11:00am: Registration & Networking

The Indo-American Chamber Commerce Houston invites you to the Steven Lawrence, DrPH, of MBA,Greater Executive Director SBDC Texas Gulf Coast ¥of 11:00am: Registration & 11:00am: Registration &Networking Networking 11:30am: Lunch

19 ANNUAL GALA th

12:40-1:00pm: SBA, Start and Grow Your Small Business

11:30am: Lunch SATURDAY, AUGUST 11 11:30am: Lunch 12:00pm: Opening - Jagdip Ahluwalia Tim Jeffcoat, District Director (IACCGH, Master of Ceremonies) ¥remarks

th

, 2018

12:00pm: Opening remarks Ahluwalia (IACCGH, Master HILTON AMERICAS, 6:00 pmDistrict onwards 12:10pm -12:40pm: SBDC, Looking To The Future 1:00pm-1:45pm: SBA- Lending Panel (Moderator: Mark Winchester, SBAof Houston Deputy Director) 12:00pm: Opening remarks -Jagdip Jagdip Ahluwalia (IACCGH, Master ofCeremonies) Ceremonies) ¥ Nasr Khan MBA, - WallisExecutive State Bank,The Matt Future Curry SBDC - Texas Citizens Bank,Coast Wendy Ghormley - Texas First Bank 12:10pm SBDC, Lawrence, DrPH, Texas Gulf ¥ Steven-12:40pm: 12:10pm -12:40pm: SBDC,Looking LookingTo To Director The Future 2:00pm-2:45pm: Disaster Relief & Preparedness Panel (Moderator: TJ Aulds, i45Now)

12:40-1:00pm: SBA, Start and Grow Your Small Business Lawrence, DrPH, MBA, Executive Director SBDC Coast ¥and Steven Lawrence, DrPH, MBA, Executive Director SBDC-Texas TexasGulf Gulf Coast For Sponsorship information onGianni the- LiftFund, Gala contact or call 832-746-8372 ¥ Steven ¥ Richard Tim Jeffcoat jagdip@iaccgh.com - SBA, Paula Jemison American Red Cross) District Director ¥ Tim Jeffcoat, 12:40-1:00pm: SBA, Small Business 2:45pm-3:15pm: NASA technology Transfer program 12:40-1:00pm: SBA,Start Startand andGrow GrowYour Your Small Business

1:00pm-1:45pm: SBA Lending Panel- (Moderator: Mark SBA Houston Deputy District Director) Gonzalez NASA/Johnson Space Winchester, Center ¥ Steven IACCGH.COM I SWAPAN President I JAGDIP AHLUWALIA Executive Director Tim ¥¥ DHAIRYAWAN TimJeffcoat, Jeffcoat,District DistrictDirector Director ¥

Innovation Nasr Khan 3:15pm-3:30pm: - Wallis State Bank, MattInterstate Curry - Texas Citizens Bank, Wendy Ghormley - Texas First Bank

1:00pm-1:45pm: Panel (Moderator: Mark 1:00pm-1:45pm: SBALending Lending Panel (Moderator: Mark Winchester,SBA SBAHouston HoustonDeputy DeputyDistrict DistrictDirecto Direc Steve Paterson - League City Regional Chamber of Winchester, Commerce ¥ SBA

2:00pm-2:45pm: Disaster Relief & Preparedness Panel (Moderator: Jacqueline Taylor, TX Gulf Coast SBDC)

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 • PAGE 5

COMMUNITY

IACCGH Shell Distinguished lecture highlights ‘fresh set of eyes’ in problem solving

By MANU SHAH When Houston’s “centers of excellence” in medicine, energy and aerospace “looked into each other’s toolkit,” they hit upon breakthrough improvements to problems in artificial heart valves, unclogging oil pipelines and studying physiological changes in space travel.

This was the focus of the IACCGH Shell Distinguished lecture held at Double Tree by Hilton. Keynote Speakers from the Pumps and Pipes Society – Co-founder Dr. Alan Lumsden and Directors Rustom Mody and Michael Hess shared the dais on 28th March to explain how education, collaboration and communication between Houston’s top three industries offered “a fresh set of eyes” to identify solutions and swap technologies.

President Swapan Dhairyawan welcomed the gathering

and emphasized the importance that diversity and collaboration played in the Chamber’s mission.

This principle of partnership with diverse economic agencies enabled the Chamber to leverage its relationship with its Resource partners to ensure events that are relevant and useful to members.

Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia highlighted the Chamber’s efforts in co-hosting a series of events to help small businesses affected by Harvey’s devastation. This will be done with the support of Shell and Liftfund, a non-profit organization.

In his opening address, Dr. Lumsden, a cardiovascular surgeon and medical director at the Houston Methodist Hospital explained how P & P, now in its 11th year, gets people together from different backgrounds and countries to “approach a problem from a fundamentally differ-

L to R: Alan Lumsden, Surendra Adhana, Swapan Dhairyawan, Jagdip Ahluwalia

Left to Right: Swapan Dhairyawan, Micheal Hess, Alan Lumsden, Deputy Consul General Surendra Adhana, Rustom Mody, Stephen Igo, Jagdip Ahluwalia ent direction.” It is a conscious effort, he continued, to overcome a mindset that says “no, that’s not possible” and instead focuses on looking at nontraditional sources for innovative solutions. Imaging is an area in which the collaboration has seen broad success. The organization, he stated, was keen to work closely with the Chamber and expand the program in India.

Vice President of Technical Excellence/Enterprise Technology at Baker Hughes, Rustom Mody also stressed the point that engineers, doctors and space scientists have “more in common than one might think” and P & P helps industries go “beyond the familiar, connect dots that are unrelated” and come up with a solution. This, he explained, is

the reason Baker Hughes was the first company to hire NASA scientists because “diversity fuels innovation.”

Michael Hess, Associate Center Director Johnson Space Center offered a brief description of the International Space Station and described it as “a marvel of what we’ve been able to accomplish as a people.” NASA’s generic long term strategy, he stated, was to get “humans to Mars” but to do so, the agency was working to enhance commercial flights in the lower orbits. He reiterated the point that there is a great deal of “overlap and learning from each other.” Budget constraints make it even more imperative to partner with other industries to exchange ideas and best practices.

Stephen Igo, director of the Entrepreneurial Institute at the MDHVC, described P & P as an “evolutionary program” and stated that it was looking for more mentors and participation to expand the scope and scale of the program.

An informative Q & A session followed after which Deputy Consul General Surendra Adhana did the honors of presenting plaques of appreciation to the distinguished panelists.

The Chamber is cohosting a Business Investment Conference in League City on April 18th to provide assistance to small businesses affected by Hurricane Harvey.

For more information, visit www.iaccgh.com

Indian Music Society of Houston presents Hindustani Vocal Recital by

Pandit Shounak Abhisheki , Son & Disciple of Legendary Late Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki

Uday Kulkarni on Harmonium

Shounak Abhisheki

DATE: Sunday, April 15 TIME: 4 P.M. VENUE: Ashta Lakshmi Temple Hall 10098 Synott Road, Sugar Land

Harshad Kanetkar on Tabla

Buy tickets on line at

www.Tickets2events.com For Information, Call Govind Shetty @ 713-922-2501

PAGE 6 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018

NEWS

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On the conclusion of Vasant Navaratri, Houston Durgabari presents

Sunday, April 22nd, 2018 9:30 am – 1:00 pm Havan participants are requested to report by 9:00 am Entire Durga Saptshati will be chanted together. There are only a limited number of seats available for the auspicious Havan. Please book your seating today!

Special lunch Prasad will be served to all devotees.

For reservations and sponsorship please call Mala Das Biswas (281-207-6201) Havan sponsorship is $151.00 per family

Lamar University’s Vivek Natarajan nets national honors

Lamar University’s Associate Professor Vivek Natarajan has been awarded the 2018 Federation of Business Disciplines Distinguished Educator Award by the Association of Collegiate Marketing Educators.

Natarajan was selected from among the members of the Association of Collegiate Marketing Educators (ACME) and was recently recognized at the annual ACME meeting held in conjunction with the Federation of Business Disciplines 45th annual meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in teaching and serve as a leader and mentor to others in education.

“Professor Natarajan has long been involved with FBD and the Marketing Educators group,” said Henry Venta, dean of the College of Business. “Faculty involvement with professional organizations such as this one keep our faculty current in their fields and enhances the value that they provide to our students.

With his leadership roles, Dr. Natarajan also raises the visibility of Lamar University in the academic community.”

Natarajan, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Arlington, has taught courses in marketing and business in LU’s College of Business since 2006. In addition to his many roles within the college and university, he is serving as president of the LU Faculty Senate.

In addition to his teaching, advising, research and university service he has served as a member of the PRJ Editorial Review Board, a member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Business Disciplines, and on the board of the Association of Collegiate Marketing Educators Conference. He has also served on editorial boards of several academic journals. Natarajan will serve as the program chair for the FBD meeting next year in Houston.

To be selected as a candidate is an honor and, for the winner this award represents a

Vivek Natarajan prestigious achievement.

The Federation of Business Disciplines is an academic association with national and international constituencies that focuses on promoting and improving research and educational activities of schools and colleges of businesses.

A successful nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization, the FBD was founded in 1973 and has developed into one to the largest, most prestigious annual meetings for those disciplines common to business administration both nationally and internationally. More than 1,000 college professors from schools of businesses attend its annual meetings.

FBD includes 10 professional associations that focus on the promotion and improvement of research and educational activities of schools and colleges of businesses.

The Federation of Business Disciplines’ mission is to facilitate the multidisciplinary exchange of ideas that foster professional growth and enrichment for its members to improve instruction, research and academic/business development.

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by Rajeev Gadgil, Seshadri Kumar & Salim Sindhi India Herald (USPS Periodical 017-699) is published every Wednesday by India Herald, Inc. for a subscription rate of $25 per year. Periodical postage paid at Houston and Sugar Land, Texas. POST MASTER: Send address changes to India Herald, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Texas 77487 Publisher & Editor: Seshadri Kumar www.india-herald.com; email:editor@india-herald.com India Herald assumes no liability resulting from action taken based on information included herein. ©India Herald. All rights reserved.

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 • PAGE 7

NEWS

30 Years of Hindi and Holika at Bellaire High

The first High School Hindi program of the nation celebrated its 30th anniversary on Saturday, March 24 at the Bellaire High School auditorium.

The Chief Guest was Houston’s renowned Cancer research scientist at MD Anderson Cancer Center Dr. Sen Pathak who encouraged the students never to lose hope and surrender to setback. Dedicated hard work, he emphasized, is the key to success.

Bellaire High School Hindi department is celebrating Holika (Festival of clolors) for the past 30 years. This year’s celebration included an Indian team dance competition between college teams. Bellaire Hindi students and other clubs had 15 beautiful performances.

The program started with US and Indian national anthems, followed by Ganesh vandana dance by Hindi student Meghna.

Dances included a mix of Indian classical, American hip hop, Salsa and Bollywood. Students and guests were entertained with beautiful performances by Bellaire high school Hindi students, the school’s e-motion dance team, Spanish department students, classical dances by students of Upasana Kalakendra and several University student groups who competed. Akh Mastani and Houston di Shaan won first and second place awards.

The audience also enjoyed the singing talents of Houston’s Malika Ghei and appreciated the beautiful rangoli artwork created

by Janaki Pathak in front of the auditorium.

Bellaire’s Hindi program is the largest in the nation and has 7 levels of Hindi that includes 4 levels of International Baccalaureate (IB) Hindi taught by well-known Hindi teacher Arun Prakash, who started the program and has the credit of starting Hindi programs at Rice University and University of Houston too. Bellaire High School is the only school in the nation that has a Yoga club, Hindu Students’ Council, South Asian students’ Association and a Hindi National Honor Society.

Officers and members of all four clubs work very hard to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival

of lights and Holi, the Hindu festival of colors. They are the largest teenage students organized programs in the nation for the past 30 years. Students also celebrate other festivals and practice yoga

every week under the supervision of certified yoga instructor Rupi Prasad. Hindi students have Indian food and Henna tattoo days at school and club members participate in various volunteer activities such as the Ram Leela and Thanksgiving at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Arun Prakash, in his address, stated that he was very proud of his Hindi students and the members and officers of the 4 clubs that he sponsors. He also added that he would like community leaders to petition area school districts to start Hindi in elementary, junior and senior high schools since Hindi is a critical need language in America and there is a shortage of Hindi speaking bilinguals.”

“Hindi,” he highlighted, “is the third largest spoken language in the world and India is the fastest growing economy with many American companies investing.”

He stated that all this requires

support from the community and thanked Dr. Durga Agrawal, Subhash Gupta, Brij Agrawal, Suresh Agrawal, Dr. Urmil Shukla, Dr. Ajay Aggarwal, Raj Seghal, Meera Gidwani, Vivek Israni of Test Masters, Dr. Ajit Vyas, Dr. Tushar Sharma, Suresh Shenoy of Kirti Jewelers and many more members of the Indian community for their continued support over the years.

He also thanked Gaurav Sood from Boss and Hughes for printing the full color program brochure for free.

—By Ishani Shethia, Cassandra Martinez, and Satya Das

India House & SOS present Seniors Financial Literacy Sessions Would you like to have better control over your finances?

With life-long learning as the goal, India House Houston now offers an easy way for you and your spouse to improve your financial literacy.

The Basic Level course will cover general cash management, budgeting (understanding income and expenses), planning for emergencies, and a general overview of taxes, investing, and insurance. Attendees will leave having a clear understanding of their financial situation.

Basic, Intermediate and Advanced level classes will be offered to cover various aspects of investing and estate planning. Taking the Basic level course is a prerequisite to the upper level classes.

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PAGE 8 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017 • PAGE 21

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 • PAGE 9

COMMUNITY

IAPAC, SIMA host luncheon meeting with Houston Mayor

By SESHADRI KUMAR Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner told the Indian American community that the City Hall is open to them and urged community members to actively participate in the city government by applying for various commissions and boards.

The city should not be merely diverse, but inclusive as well, Mayor Turner said while extolling the virtues of the Indian Americans.

As Keynote speaker at a joint luncheon hosted by the Small Independent Motel Owners Association and the Indo American Political Action Committee of Houston at India House recently, he thanked the Indo American community for their generous support to the Mayor’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. “Your contribution to the Relief Fund,” he stated, “helped in meeting the needs of the people affected by Hurricane Harvey.” He made special mention of SIMA as motel owners provided free rooms and meals for people affected by floods during Hurricane Harvey.

Hurricane Harvey, he continued, brought the whole region together with people helping each other without any question of race, color, language or religion. He also applauded IAPAC for its work as well as for involving the Indian American community in the political process.

During his address, he announced that he intended to lead a delegation to India in November and was excited about what the future will bring and make the region proud.”

Responding to a question from Jagdip Ahluwalia, executive director of the Indo American Chamber of Commerce, on how to bring more Indian investments to Houston, Turner said, “I look up to you. You are my employer. We will work collectively. I can’t sell alone.

I need all of you. Let us have continuous dialogue and have in depth conversation. My job is to push the pace ( of cooperation).”

Emcee for the event, Sanjay Ramabhadran welcomed the gathering. Referring to the strong Indo-American population of about 180,000 in the greater Houston area, he cited many organizations as the pillars of the community such as the Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston, India Culture Center, Indo American Charity Foundation and IAPAC. Gitesh Desai, President of Sewa International and the former president of IAPAC, stated that since its inception in 1995, IAPAC has been the political voice of the Indo American community in the greater Houston area. He acknowledged Jagat Kamdar, one of the founders of IAPAC, who

IAPAC President Hasu Patel presents a memento to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. Jagat Kamdar, left, Gitesh Desai, Turner, Rupa Gir, Patel, Vish Bhaskaran, Asha Shah and Sanjay Ramabhadran. was present at the event and stated that IAPAC promotes and increases political awareness in our community and encourages Indo-Americans to become citizens and vote.

IAPAC also encouraged public debates with political candidates so that the IndoAmerican community’s concerns can be heard.

President of IAPAC & SIMA, Hasu Patel recognized the sponsors and SIMA board members. SIMA was formed in 1992 by a small group of

hoteliers from Gujarat, India, and the organization represents more than 200 properties. Patel highlighted the fact that SIMA provides its members with adequate resources, education, and training on the best practices for operating their businesses.

SIMA participated and contributed to the relief efforts during Hurricane Katrina, Ike and Harvey, the motel fire on Southwest freeway, Memorial Day floods, Tax Day floods and many others, by providing

free lodging. SIMA also donated $151,000 to the Mayor’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

SIMA’s aim is to host educational seminars with the city of Houston, the Houston Police department and local management districts, acting as a liaison between the hotel and motel owners, informing members about the policies that effect the hospitality industry and encouraging members to get involved in the political process.

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PAGE 10 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018

NEWS Salman Khan released after getting bail in poaching case, fans celebrate Bollywood superstar Salman Khan on April 7 walked out the Jodhpur jail after a sessions court here granted him bail in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case in which he was given a five-year prison sentence.

Immediately after his release, 52-year-old Khan, who spent two nights in the jail, was driven under police escort to the Jodhpur airport from where he was flown to Mumbai in a special plane, a police official said.

Khan was allowed to leave the jail after the prison authorities received the bail documents, the official said. The actor’s long-time bodyguard Shera accompanied him to the airport.

Hundreds of the actor’s fans, who gathered outside the Jodhpur Central Jail, burst fire crackers and sang songs from his films as he walked out of the prison. The police had made tight security arrangements.

The fans, who were carrying garlanded posters of Khan, raised slogans like “Salman zindabad”, “Salman tum sangharsh karo, hum tumhare saath hai”. A few fans even chased the actor’s cavalcade for some distance. Earlier, they had gathered outside the court and celebrated the grant of bail by bursting crackers.

In his order, District and Sessions Judge Ravindra Kumar Joshi also allowed Khan’s application for suspension of sentence for a month against his conviction.

Khan, who was lodged in the Jodhpur jail after his sentencing on Thursday, was granted bail on a bond of Rs 50,000 and two sureties of like amount, defence counsel Mahesh Bora said.

The judge asked the actor to appear before the court after a month on May 7 when it will hear his plea for suspension of sentence. He also directed Khan not to leave the country without the court’s permission.

Meanwhile, the Bishnoi community, which reveres the blackbuck, has decided to move the Rajasthan High Court challenging the bail granted to Khan, according to Ram Niwas, the secretary of the Bishnoi Tiger Force.

In its 10-page bail order, the court said the trial judge acquitted his Bollywood colleagues Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam and Sonali Bendre and a local, Dushyant Singh, giving them the “benefit of doubt” for the incident.

It also cited the differences in the post-mortem reports of the blackbucks with the first saying there was no gunshot injury while second stating that the animals were killed by gunshots.

Judge Joshi said during the trial, Khan had never misused any condition.

He also said he was earlier granted bail in the Mathania Ghoda Farm case in which he was sentenced to five years in prison for killing a blackbuck.

Later, the high court had ac-

quitted him in the case.

Similarly, he was acquitted by the trial court last year in the Bhawad poaching case in which he was accused of killing two chinkara gazelles, the court said.

It said the high court had also raised suspicion over the recovery of a Gypsy car, pellets and arms from the actor in the two other poaching cases against him.

The judge also said the complaint of lone eyewitness Poonam Chand on October 2, 1998, was submitted to the court by the forest department six days later on October 8.

Earlier in the day, the judge heard the arguments of the prosecution and the defence which lasted about an hour and pronounced the order around 3 pm, a defence counsel said.

Khan’s sisters - Alvira and Arpita - were present during the hearing, besides Shera.

The actor was convicted by a trial court and sentenced to five years in prison for killing two blackbucks during the shooting of “Hum Saath Saath Hain” in Kankani village near Jodhpur on the night of October 1, 1998.

In a late night development, an order was issued to transfer Joshi to Sirohi, as part of a reshuffle. He was among 134 judges transferred by the high court registrar general.

The judge had yesterday reserved his decision on Khan’s bail plea till today after hearing arguments on the suspension of sentence and the bail application. While defence counsel

Bora had argued for Khan’s bail in the court yesterday, public prosecutor Pokar Ram Bishnoi had opposed the plea.

After Khan was granted bail, his friends and well-wishers from the film industry expressed their happiness over the decision.

Director of Salman’s upcoming film “Race 3” Remo D’Souza told PTI, “I am happy that he has got bail. After working with him so closely I have become a huge fan of him not only as an actor but also as a human being.”

“Almost 90 per cent of the shoot for ‘Race 3’ is over and the remaining portions will mostly be shot in India,” he said.

Producer of “Race 3” Ramesh Taurani said he is “happy” that the actor has come out of the jail.

Khan’s “Dabangg” co-actor Sonu Sood tweeted, “A Good deed is the best Prayer. Welcome brother Salman Khan.”

Singer Adnan Sami, who composed the music of Khan’s “Lucky: No Time for Love”, said, “So happy for the bail of my dear brother Salman Khan . Relieved. Come home. JAI HO!”

Visit Google Playstore or Apple store and download the free India Herald App today.

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INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 • PAGE 11

COMMUNITY

From rags to enrichment, Muni Seva rat. Learn more about MSA at www.MuniSevaAshram.org.

Muni Seva Charitable Foundation USA is a non-profit registered under IRS Code 501(c) (3). The foundation operates 100% on the services of its volunteer staff making all funds donated fully utilized by the main ashram in India.

Muni Seva Charitable Foundation is hosting an informational & fundraising event, on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 5:30 PM., at India House,

Houston. Dinner will be served. Guest speaker will be Kaajal Oza Vaidya, renowned author, screenwriter, radio personality and journalist from Ahmedabad, India. Ms. Vaidya has written over 56 books including novels, short stories and essays. For more information, please contact Sejal Patel at 832-276-4649, Priti Patel at 831-205-9453 or Nina Desai at 713-446-7962.

—SONAL PATEL

Sharma Tilal Senanayake, CPA Certified Public Accountant

Off: 713-984-4852 • Cell: 832-283-1677 • Fax: 713-278-1656

In our history, there are stories of simple, transformative ideas that change the course of human progress that must be told. There is no story more inspirational than that of Anuben Thakkar and the founding of Muni Seva Ashram (MSA).

In the 1980’s, Anuben—with one pair of clothes, Rs. 50 in her hand and an abundance of determination—started a selfless journey with a simple goal: help those who were unable to help themselves. Her mission and determination inspired a young medical student, Dr. Vikram Patel, to give up his future career as a city doctor and dedicate himself to the same.

Their work began in a single hut. Four decades later, Dr. Patel has transformed MSA into a secular, self-sustaining unit on a 300-acre campus in rural India that delivers high-quality healthcare, education, women empowerment initiatives & job creation. Today, MSA is also a pioneer in eco-friendly technologies and one of the best state-of-the-art cancer care and research hospitals in India, providing the latest advancements in surgery, radiation therapy & chemotherapy.

This journey was fueled by the unwavering desire to address need. When the parents of Goraj, a village in India, needed a safe place to send their children while they worked, Anuben set up a hut to watch those children. When those same children needed medical care, Anuben recruited medical students like Dr. Patel to volunteer their time to provide free treatment. As those children got older and looked towards their own future, Anuben created quality schools and provided education. She saw a need for compassionate care for

mentally disabled girls/women and the elderly, which led to the creation of a residential school, Bhagini Mandir, now a safe haven for the mentally disabled, and Vanprastha Mandir, a loving community home for senior citizens. Various facilities serve as sources of employment for local women and men who otherwise would have no means, including a sustainable clothing factory.

“This is the only institution that has a holistic approach to solving rural India’s problems of poverty, unemployment, education, women empowerment & healthcare,” says Dr. Yogendra Patel, a retired surgeon from Staten Island and longtime active contributor to MSA’s multifaceted activities, “MSA does not just provide fish to a hungry person - which only takes care of one meal but teaches all how to fish, to offer sustainable long-term solution to problems.”

Notably in 2017, of 1,660 hospitals from 94 countries that participated in a worldwide radiation treatment planning competition, MSA ranked 5th in the world and 1st in India. Construction of a hospital ward building is in progress to add 180 more beds which will bring the hospital’s bed capacity to 300 beds. The cancer hospital serves needy people not only from Gujarat but also from neighboring states like MP, Rajasthan & Maharashtra.

Production of radiopharmaceuticals (cyclotron project) to be used for the treatment and diagnosis of cancer is slated to begin in the summer of 2018. There is also an Atithigruh (guest house) to provide lodging facility for the family members of patients as well as visitors. Construction is cur-

Read India Herald on line at www.India-herald.com.

Download the free India Herald App from the Playstore.

rently underway for a modern Vocational Training Center where girls and boys will receive training in the fields of para-medical services, renewable energy, industrial training, agriculture and animal husbandry, enabling them to earn livelihood.

A basic tenet of Anuben’s philosophy was this: no one should be turned away, anyone who needs help, support, comfort, and care will be received with wide open arms and without discrimination. MSA has an aggressive expansion plan in place for 2018 to carry out this goal, including more seats in its exemplary schools and more beds in its innovative hospitals.

According to co-founder Dr. Vikram Patel, “the expansion projects will increase our Ashram’s footprint nearly thrice.”

BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THIS AMAZING STORY. To make a tax-deductible donation, please visithttp://www. munisevaashram.org/donate/ making-a-donation . Additionally, in order to inspire and introduce future generations to this cutting-edge work, MSA hosts 3 volunteer programs throughout the year: a Student Volunteer Camp, a Medical observership Program, and an Internship Program. MSA is located in the village of Goraj, 22 miles east of Vadodara, Guja-

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PAGE 12 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 PAGE 10 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018

NEWS NEWS Prince Organization lends a hand to hurricane impacted communities

USISPF appoints industry leaders from U.S and India

National Harbor, MD from industry leaders and eduPrince Organization CEO cational sessions.

Sunil Tolani was honored for The more than 18,000 AAhis humanitarian D.C. work from HOA members own 1 in every on the Board. He acquired low WASHINGTON, Asian AmericanStrategic hotel owner’s in- cost airline SpiceJet in 2004 2 hotels members in the United States The US-India Part- New association, the (USISPF) largest in anthe and close to $1 trillion in as- and helped revive the company nership Forum clude senior man- after financial losses in 2015, world. the addition of a third sets. nounced Jagruti Panwala, AAHOA At the end from of AugustCIS2017, later becoming Chairman and Vice Chairman, two new board agement Vice Chairwoman, members and one boardpraised advi- the Texas Gulf Coast was dev- Managing Director.

CO, Spice Jet and Mr. Singh said, “India is at Tolani and29. said “One inspir- astated by Hurricane Harvey, sor on Jan. ing is Narayen, Sunny Tolani. one of theSystems worst storms to ever a pivotal time in this relationMr.example Shantanu CEO Adobe Sunny lives in California and hit the area. of Adobe Systems and PresiShantanu Narayen, ship, with the United States owns ofproperties in Texas and While many of the victims recognizing India as “a leading dent the Adobe FoundaLouisiana.

Systems, was power” in the Indo-Pacific reof these events had to evacuate tion, has been a member of the Adobe Even board beforeand thehas storms hit, their homes due to subsequent gion and beyond. I’m thrilled USISPF recently recently selected as Sunny immediately been selected to lead aslowered, a Vice flooding and were waiting for to join the US-India Strategic Vice Chairman not raised, of his the room prices.Mr. He a humanitarian aid, Tolani of im- Partnership Forum at such a Chairman Board. also contacted AAHOA Narayen has worked closelyand on mediately jumped into action relevant time in this relationthe Board and David Texas Hotel and Lodging As- to help house the displaced ship, andSunil I look forward to the global strategy for Adobe Tolani as the New sociation offering to donate Petraeus and offer comfort to those who promoting this powerful partand expanding the company’s “He through is doing good rooms tointo anyone my such work with business India.who had lost needed it immediately begin nership Board Advisor work and I admire his devotion their Of home. the recent appointment, efforts to help the victims and the forum.” serving David he said, told “Strong his General Kernothers” joined said Cisco in Mr.Then Narayen stra- aid in rebuilding. He set up toMr. Chairman and Managing DiBowman President of CaliforManagers to givetheaway free donation bins for personal toi- 2003 and has worked in varitegic ties between U.S. and Jet items Limited nia supply Lodging Industry Associameals have to anyone letries of andSpice hygienic in ous chain positions beIndia neverin the beencommumore rector along with John Kern, Senior tion (CLIA) at a hotel confernity who needed food.are Sunny important than they to- his hotels in Dallas, Austin and fore becoming Vice President President of Supply Chain of ence. did all this, not a law Louisiana.

Supply Chain Operations. day.

USISPF hasbecause emerged as Vice Operations at Cisco Ltd. General him to do it,inbut Tolani also opened his prop- HeJustin possessesBragiel, great experience aforced powerful force thebecause U.S.With the addition of the two Counsel Texas Hotel & Lodghe understands what it means India strategic partnership and erties in Nacogdoches, and in global operations and spoke new members, the number of ing Association says “Sunny back.” to be asked to other cities in Texas—driving about the country’s potential, ittoisgive a privilege board from members has in- saying, encourages 6,700 attendees distance Houston—to “Indiaall is anhoteliers incredibleto serveAasrecord Vice Chairman.

I look the creased to 31. follow their core values and converged on National forward to working withHarbor busi- displaced victims following country for Cisco, representUSISPF continues to attract the meaning of hospitality.” recently for the 2018leaders AAHOA ness and government in the storm with complimentary ing an emerging economy with the generosity and Convention Show, roomscaliber and hotboard foods.members, aThanks great togrowth opportunity, both countriesand to Trade promote our high who serve as both prominent dedication of Texas hoteliers where goals Hotel of owners, hospital“During times like this, world-class talent, and an inteshared improved ecoleaders and global in- gral like part Sunny, ourglobal communities ity professionals, and industry when there’s a natural disaster, of our supply nomic growth, innovation, and business fluencers with an ability to imare rebounding from partners alike gathered at the we can’t become paralyzed by chain. I look forward Hurricane to buildentrepreneurship.” relations and Harvey’s devastation.

Thank Gaylord National leaders Resort re& pact fear international or uncertainty.

We have to ing the U.S.-India relationship New business corporate affairs worldwide. you Sunny for what you do.

Convention Center outside of act fast, rally and start making through my work at Cisco and cently inducted into the WashMr. Singh brings a wealth Your mother raised a good Washington, advocacy D.C., to group’s discuss calls that inspire everyone to in my work at USISPF.” ington-based to hisimmediate position man,” Texas Gov. Greg the previous do experience their best. Those In addition to the newAbbott vice board includeyear’s Ajaysuccesses Singh, of acknowledged. and learn about opportunities calls to action make all the difTolani, an A-lister in philanfor growth and improvement ference,” Tolani said.

Hari Venkatachalam Hindu Students Association, Board of Directors

thropic circles and corporate social responsibility indicated that his vision is to become the top-five most-admired hotel chairman and new board companiesUSISPF in the world.

“After members, is adding I leave the earth, my legacy General David Petraeus (U.S.is to passRet.) on a meaningful waytoto Army, as an Advisor help the organization continue the Board. their charitable activities.”

For General Petraeus is the me the glass if full untilGlobal it’s toChairman of the KKR tally empty.” said.

Institute.

He Tolani was previously Tolani has thatandhe the Director of stated the CIA hopes to inspire “Bhagavad commander of thehisInternationPrinciples” for life and alGita Security Assistance Force work toand other companies. U.S. “God (ISAF) Commander, knows Afghanistan what you do,” Tolani Forces (USFORoften He learned of the A), as remarks. well as Commander sayingCentral from hisCommand mother. and U.S. Tolani is proud of his ability Commander of the Multinato build teams. “ ifduring you were tional Force in Iraq the to interview any of my surge developments.

Heexecuwill tives or I know that assist themanagers, forum with its asthey would say that I’mdevelsomesessment of geopolitical one withand integrity, who can be opments counter-terrorism trusted to do the right thing, do efforts. his best and never beenleaderunfair Regarding his new to a role single teamforum, member in ten ship in the General years of business.”

Petraeus said, “I am a strong Tolani joked, a voodoo supporter of thesend relationship doll carrying my name each between the U.S. and to India, of my hotels and seetoforbeing yourand look forward self of if they stick pins or burnofit part the important work or pinch it with pliers lashing USISPF.” out at me., pointingtrade to some While promoting is anof his strengths. important part of the organizaContrary his strengths tion’s work, ittofocuses on proare his he’s moting job weakness-one creation, inclusion, struggledinnovation, with over the start-ups, andyears edu-is giving USISPF a few people cation. worksfew to more crechances than they strategic deserved ate the most powerful who not only let himU.S. downand but relationship between let themselves down. His staff have faith and belief in him.

“He’s the straw that stirs the drink,” says said Deborah Clark, one of the senior Managers”and He is a bearerthis of can hope India, believes relentless bewith achieved bypositivity. business Enerand gizing otherscoming is in his together blood.” government Tolanimeaningful mentor’s young emto create opportuployees network, nities thatto have the build powerskills to in newtheareas change livescultivating of citizens. charisma.

He excited opens new paths to “We are to welcome leadership by encouraging these three important leadersemto ployees to develop our board,” said, Dr.spheres Mukeshof influence.

Aghi, President of USISPF. Ruth man“They willAyala, add another great value tries “spread toager the says workhethat thetoUSISPF positivity” by showing genuine board and staff is already dointerest others.toSir sayssupconing with in regards trade, trarychain to popular belief, charisply management, and ma alsowork.” is a quality that can be defense developed by showing “as As champions of the up U.S.the best versionsand of strategic ourselves India commercial and makingwe a believe consistent effort partnership, there is show authenticopportunity warmth and anto unprecedented empathy.” for business communities in asked bothWhen countries towhat play advice a largerhe gives to aspiring young role in the next chapter of hotethis liers, he saidbilateral-partner“You don’t ever important have to pretend to be anything ship. other than iswhat you are.

All USISPF uniquely suited have to do is deeply emtoyou work together with leaders whoand you are,toand you’ll inbrace the U.S. India achieve be shared fine. Ingoals. life aren’t you drawn our toHeadquartered the more authentic and posiin WashingtiveD.C., people.?” ton USISPF has offices Once York, a traveling Malang in New Silicon Valley, (follower mystical Mumbai andofNew Delhi. Islam) advised himdetails, at the Haji Alivisit DarFor more please gah in Mumbai,You if sometimes http://usispf.org/. can also bad things to you, you follow us onhappen LinkedIn, Twitter should rejoice because it’s an and Facebook. opportunity to work on yourself and find out where your blocks are.

Succeed In Your Business

PRESS RELEASE

April 6, 2017Get – AUSTIN, TX –your The Hindu Students rid of staffi ngAssociaproblems and spend more time on sales. tion (HSA) would like to regretfully announce that it will be Good = Good Decisions cancelling its annual Gateway Retreat for the 2017 Numbers 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 differMashruwala, ent CPA 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 Just dump your Get on projects that will truly benefit them.”

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INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 • PAGE 13

FILM Sikh period drama The Black Prince on digital platforms & DVD

The critically-acclaimed film stars veteran actress Shabana Azmi (left) as Rani Jindan, the exiled King’s mother, and acclaimed singer-poet ‪Satinder Sartaaj (right) who makes his acting debut in the film as Maharajah Duleep Singh.

Movie Still from THE BLACK PRINCE. From L to R: Amanda Root, Satinder Sartaaj and Jason Flemyng To commemorate Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month (April) and to celebrate the harvest festival of Vaisakhi (April 14th), Hollywood-based production, distribution and marketing studio, UniGlobe Entertainment, releases THE BLACK PRINCE on digital platforms and DVD on April 10th in English, Hindi and Punjabi.

UniGlobe Entertainment has a special focus in producing, distributing and marketing social awareness projects. Their next project, titled 5 WEDDINGS, stars Rajkummar Rao

and Nargis Fakhri and will be associate produced by Firdaus Productions, also the Executive Producer of THE BLACK PRINCE. However, UniGlobe Entertainment and Firdaus Productions originally met to discuss making a film about a Sikh immigrant who moved to America in the 1920s. That film, yet to be titled, will most likely star Sartaaj and Fakhri, who recently appeared in a music video together titled TERE VAASTEY. Jasjeet Singh, President of Firdaus Productions: “Talk about divine intervention. Some things are just meant to be, and

we are excited to collaborate with UniGlobe on not ONE, but THREE projects back-to-back.”

On the timing of THE BLACK PRINCE’S digital release, Namrata Singh Gujral, President of UniGlobe Entertainment, says: “Vaisakhi commemorates the formation of the ‘Khalsa Panth’ under Guru Gobind Singh Ji after the execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for refusing to convert to Islam. When I watched the film, I had tears in my eyes. As a Sikh, I felt honored to bring the story of Maharajah Duleep Singh to Sikhs worldwide so our children

can learn how our Sikh community of warriors have consistently fought and risen against religious intolerance and the persecution of Sikhs.”

Having secured a coveted Top 10 Box Office spot in the UK during its theatrical release in 2017, THE BLACK PRINCE narrates the true story of one of India’s greatest kings - Maharajah Duleep Singh – who was forced to live as a Christian in Victorian England. The film is a personal account of Maharajah Duleep Singh’s lifelong struggle to reclaim his rightful kingdom back from the British, as he rebelled against religious supremacy, rose against religious persecution and finally returned to his Sikh roots.

Kavi Raz, the film’s director, is thrilled with UniGlobe’s choice of digital release date: “Vaisakhi seemed to be the per-

fect time to present this film to every Sikh worldwide because Vaisakhi celebrates Sikh heroism and that is what our film does as well.”

THE BLACK PRINCE will be available on digital platforms and DVD on April 10th, with pre-orders available now. Digitally, it can be viewed on Amazon, ITunes, Google Play, Fandango Now, Sony Playstation and Microsoft XBox. DVDs will be distributed on Amazon and the film’s official website.

“It is incumbent upon us Sikhs to support these stories that celebrate the Sikh spirit of courage and bravery and showcase the heroic acts of Sikhs for their allegiance to our Sikh identity,” says Gujral. “We hope that on April 10th, Sikhs worldwide will come together to watch this little known piece of Sikh history.”

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INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 • PAGE 14

NEWS

Vedic Heritage School conducts Sholakathan

The Shlokathon is an annual event where students in the Sri Meenakshi Temple Vedic Heritage School program are able to display what they have learnt throughout the year in a competition.

More than one hundred children participated in the 2018 VHS Shlokathon. Teachers, parents, and relatives filled the audience, eagerly watching students as they recited Sanskrit shlokas and narrated stories and speeches related to Hindu culture.

The event started with a prayer from our priests and introductions by our coordinators. This was followed by group presentations; first was the Junior Assembly chanting the Ganesha Pancharatnam, followed by the Senior Assembly chanting the Vishnu and Lalitha Sahasranamams.

After the group performances were the individual competitions. The toddlers who are in the beginners classes recited a number of shlokas and bhajans. Other children in the junior assembly recited the Nama Ramayanam and Gita Govindam.

The senior assembly children chanted various portions of Lalitha and Vishnu Sahasranamams. Hearing the children recite the shlokas in Sanskrit that is a completely new language to them was very remarkable and a culmination of the hard work by the students and assembly teachers, Nalini Sadagopan, Bhavani Iyer, Pankajam Ramachandran,Jyotismathi Swaminathan and Vijay Krishna throughout the year.

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Following the shloka competition was the speech competition. This year’s speech and story topics were centered on the Nayanmars, Alwars, and the Acharyas, in honor of the

newly constructed parts of the temple.

Students were allowed to present a story about their favorite Nayanmar, Acharya or Alwar and tell their life story as

well as their contribution to the Bhakti movement.

Achut Karunakaran spoke about his favorite Alwar, Nammalwar.

The senior assembly children were asked to speak about the three Dharmic philosophies – Dvaita, Advaita, and Vishishtadvaita, championed by the Acharyas – Madhava, Shankara and Ramanuja.

The speech offered an excellent opportunity to learn more about these very important philosophies. Some children also spoken about their favorite Hindu festival – Diwali, Pongal and Holi.

The event was followed by a delicious lunch, organized by the kitchen staff and Board member for food services,

Rani Chilukuri and her wonderful team.

The award ceremony for the students was part of the lunch, and first, second and third prizes were awarded to the most outstanding performances by students in all classes by the MTS board members and VHS coordinators.

The 2018 Shlokathon was a blast, and overall a fun experience.

Family members and friends were able to see all the hard work put into the program by the students and teachers. Students were able to present in front of an audience as well as learn more about their culture from other performances.

— By Anirudh Karunakaran

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 2018 • PAGE 15

COMMUNITY

Marathi new year celebrated with music concert

The Lunar Calendar’s New Year, Gudi Padwa, was celebrated by the Houston Marathi community at the Durgabari Temple hall on March 31st.

Pandit Milind Raikar and his son, child prodigy, Yadnesh who presented “Colors of the Violin”, a unique program which explained the role of the violin in Indian Classical and light music.

The curtain opened with Houston’s local talent compering and accompanying Pandit Raikar on the tabla. Mandar Phadke and Dipti Kanhere compered the program while taking the audience through Pt. Raikar’s musical journey. Dr. Prasanna Joshi and Amit Bhagwat accompanied him on tabla.

Pandit Raikar began the program with a soulful rendition in Raag Des as the lights in the auditorium dimmed. This was followed by Raag Madhuvanti, an afternoon raag. He enlightened the audience about his tutelage under Gaansaraswati Kishori Amonkar, her strictness about riyaaz and rigorous practice to be able to render any raag to its fullest.

Pt. Raikar demonstrated the difference in his playing style after having learnt from Pt. D.K. Datar and then from vocalist Kishoritai Amonkar. He got his first break for a classical tour abroad to Paris and London for violin accompaniment with Smt. Amonkar. Pt. Raikar was blessed to have received tutelage for Raag Yaman in the rendition of the bandish “Sakhi yeri aali piya bin” and Raag Bhoop for the bandish “Sahila Re” from the Gaansaraswati herself. For an hour or more she sang just the first line of the latter bandish in so many ways that Pt. Raikar was overwhelmed by her creativity.

He played “Sahila Re” for the audience to demonstrate the same.

Pt. Raikar played the natyageet “Zaale Yuvati Mana” from the age-old Marathi musical classic “Manapamaan”. This was followed by another famous natyageet “Narvar Krishna samaan”. Marathi bhavgeets songs in which the bhaav, that is the expression through the words is of utmost importanceform an integral part of the Maharashtrian culture. Pt. Raikar played some Bhavgeets like “Gele Te Din Gele” accompanied

by Houston’s own Amit Parchure and “Kenvhatari Pahate” where once again, Houston’s Deepali Kulkarni ably accompanied him by singing along.

Mandar Phadke introduced the artistes who were part of this program. The stage was adorned with wonderful stills and video clips comprising Kishoritai and Pt. D.K Datar that kept the audience engaged visually and were the efforts of Aditi MhaskarChitale. The sound was ably managed by Dr. Hemant Pandit.

The Raikar father-son duo presented the regional/vernacular music of different States of India, known as Loksangeet, the folk melody. When Pt. Raikar received a scholarship from the State of Goa, he was told that in return he should always play the music of Goa (where he hails from) wherever he goes. The Loksangeet section started with music from Himachal Pradesh and the hills of India to the Bengali flavor of music from which many famous Hindi film music pieces are inspired. Rajasthan was portrayed through Kesariya Balama, bringing in the hot sun and colorful mirrored ghunghats (veils) and bellowing sand dunes.

The violin closely mimicked the one-string tuntuna of Gujarat as the beats of Ras-garba set in; then followed the catchy western twist from Goa, an influence of its Portuguese history.

The violin has played an important part in Hindi film music. Famous music directors like Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Shankar-Jaikishan have used the violin to its full potential. Pyarelal himself is a Master violinist.

Yadnesh was fortunate to play the violin in front of him. The fatherson duo then played Bollywood melodies from the Raj Kapoor era to the Shah Rukh Khan era.

Yadnesh learned music from Gaansaraswati Kishoritai and gave his first public performance at the age of four. He learnt vocal music from Pt. Vasantrao Kadnekar and Anand Pednekar and received several awards.

Yadnesh played evergreen favorites from the movie Dastak, Baiyya na dharo in all its flavor and flair as well as films like Woh Kaun Thi, Lag Jaa Gale, Aayega Aanewala from Mahal and Yaad kiya Dil ne kahan ho tum from Patita.

Pt. Raikar played a Portuguese

piece called Lisbo Nasio to the horse-gallop beat. Yadnesh concluded this segment with A.R. Rehman’s Tu hee Re in which his father joined him.

As a tribute to Amonkar on her first death anniversary, Pt. Raikar played her special bhajan in Raag Yaman, “Mharo Pranaam”. He has a CD dedicated to the Gaansaraswati which includes Raag Rageshri, Raag Basanti Kedar (for which she created a special bandish for

HMM volunteer team.

Raikar), and Mharo Pranaam which he considers as a major milestone of his musical journey.

Bheti Laagi jeeva, an abhang (religious composition) by Saint Tukaram played without tabla accompaniment added another dimension to the Colors of the Violin. Sagara Praan Talmala, a song written by Swatantraveer Savarkar, and which Pt. Raikar has played sitting in the prison cell where Savarkar was imprisoned, was an apt conclusion to this

wonderful program.

The evening concluded with Houston Maharashtra Mandal honoring the artistes. The HMM 2018 team was introduced to the audience. This was followed by the Brihan Maharashtrian Mandal (BMM) team from Dallas inviting Houstonians to contribute in fundraising as well as volunteering for the BMM Convention to be held in Dallas in 2019.

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PAGE 16 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018

NEWS

Police chase away protesters trying to disrupt IPL match

Protests intensified in the city today against the conduct of IPL matches amid raging Cauvery demonstrations, with police chasing away agitators in some places.

One incident of agitators burning yellow jerseys, the attire of Chennai Super Kings players, was also reported.

Hundreds of activists of proTamil outfits like Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK), Naam Tamizhar, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and some Muslim groups staged road blockade at the arterial Anna Salai and TTK Salai, affecting traffic movement, police said.

In some places, protesters clashed with police.

Tamil film celebrities, director Bharathirajaa and national award-winning lyricist Vairamuthu among others also joined the agitation. Naam Thamizhar Katchi leader Seeman, SDPI leaders, MLAs Thamim Ansari, U. Thaniarasu and Karunas, and Tamilnadu Farmers Federation president P.R. Pandian led the procession after they broke the police cordon near Anna Salai.

Film directors Bharathiraja, Seeman, Ameer, Ram, Vet-

rimaran and Mr. Ansari have been detained. Protesters are being arrested and taken away by police near the Triplicane police station.

The threat of more protests prompted police to step up security for the cricketers, including during their journey to the stadium from their hotel.

The CSK team suffered a slight delay on its onward trip to the stadium for the match due to the disruption.

The Chidambaram stadium has turned into a virtual fortress with 4,000 policemen including commandos and members of the Rapid Action Force deployed for security.

Monday’s IPL tie, the first since 2015, would involve Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Police were seen chasing away protesters on the arterial Anna Salai which bore the brunt as scores of protesters staged agitation on this key road, resulting in traffic snarls.

Some protesters were seen raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not establishing the Cauvery Management Board, an issue on which Tamil Nadu political parties including DMK and other outfits have been agitating for the past one week.

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Submit Cauvery draft by May 3, says court

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Centre to submit a draft Cauvery Management scheme by May 3 defeating the Government’s plan to stall it till the elections in Karnataka scheduled for May 12.

With the two States Karnataka and Tamil Nadu locked in a major water dispute sharing battle on Cauvery, the Supreme Court on February 16 this year judicially resolved the matter by giving Centre time till March 30 to prepare a draft scheme setting up Cauvery Management authority for allocation of water to the two States, besides Kerala and Puducherry.

With the deadline over and no scheme yet in place, Tamil Nadu approached the apex court with a contempt petition alleging noncompliance of Court order by Centre. The state even complained that Karnataka did not comply with the monthly releases fixed by the Court in its judgment. Senior advocate Shekhar Naphade who appeared for Tamil Nadu said that it is truly said about Indian legal system, that the trouble for litigant starts after a decree is passed by the Court. He was dismayed to see an application by Centre seeking three-month extension on account of Karnataka elections.

The bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud told all parties to the case that its judgment must be respected. Giving Centre time till May 3 to frame a draft scheme, the CJI told Attorney General KK Venugopal, “Now the Centre must show its bonafides. You must file a draft scheme by May 3. We will ask all counsels for their response before putting our stamp of approval that will make it final.” Meanwhile, the Court directed both states (TN and Karnataka) to urge their people to cooperate and maintain peace.

Venugopal informed the bench that it was in the process of inviting responses from the three states and one union territory prior to framing of scheme. The bench said, “That stage is over.

Following our decree, the earlier Cauvery Water Tribunal Award has got merged. Now you (Centre) must frame a holistic scheme and submit to us. We want our decree to be implemented.”

The Court on February 16 raised the 270 tmcft share of Cauvery water for Karnataka by 14.75 tmcft and fixed the annual entitlement of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Union Territory of Puducherry at 404.25 tmcft, 284.75 tmcft, 30 tmcft and 7 tmcft of Cauvery water respectively.

Transgenders to be recognised as independent gender category in PAN form A senior official said the notification amending the tax rules was brought out in view of some representations received.

CBDT issued a notification on Monday that provides a new tick box for the transgenders to apply for the PAN. The government has amended Income Tax rules that will now allow transgenders to be recognised as an independent category of applicants for obtaining a Permanent Account Number (PAN) for their tax-related transactions.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which frames policy for the department, issued a notification on Monday that provides a new tick box for the transgenders to apply for the PAN. The notification, issued under sections 139A and 295 of the Income Tax Act, specifies the new application process for obtaining a PAN number by an individual.

So far only male and female gender categories were available to be chosen on the PAN application form.

A senior official said the notification amending the tax rules was brought out in view of some representations received.

“Individuals from the transgender community were facing hassles in obtaining a PAN card and this problem was further magnified as Aadhaar had the third gender category but not PAN. “Hence, they were notable to link their PAN with their Aadhaar due to this anomaly,” the official said.

The amendment will now be reflected in Form 49A (PAN application form for Indian citizens) and 49AA (PAN application form for individuals not a citizen of India), the official added.

PAN is a 10-digit unique alphanumeric number alloted by the I-T department to individuals and entities.

The government has now made quoting of Aadhaar mandatory for filing income tax returns (ITRs) as well as obtaining a new PAN. Section 139 AA (2) of the Income Tax Act says that every person having PAN as on July 1, 2017, and eligible to obtain Aadhaar, must intimate his Aadhaar number to the tax authorities.

As per updated data till March 5, over 16.65 crore PANs, out of the total about 33 crore, have been linked with Aadhaar. The deadline to link these two has been extended recently till June 30 by the CBDT.

SOCIETY

By Aseem Hasnain & Abhilasha Srivastava To the world, India is often known as the land of Gandhi, spiritualism, and yoga – three sets of beliefs and practices closely associated with some form of vegetarianism. They have played a role in creating the widely held assumption that Indians are vegetarians.

Though India has the largest population of vegetarians worldwide, it is a predominantly meat-eating nation.

Nevertheless, vegetarianism is both a powerful norm, and an important performance, both of which are central to a person’s claim to high status in the largely caste-based Indian worldview. As a desired attribute of so-called upper caste groups, vegetarian norms are so desirable that they enforce periodic ritual abstinence even among frequent meat eaters.

Vegetarianism is also present in several societies outside India, especially in the West where a small but increasing number of people aspire to live without consuming meat. The roots of vegetarianism both in India and in the West lie in a comparable time period. Vegetarianism started becoming an aspired value in the South Asian region around the seventh century BCE in Hindu scriptures, and a few centuries later in Jain and Buddhist texts and practices.

In Europe, the earliest mention of the virtues of vegetarianism is found in the works of the Greek philosopher Pythagoras (sixth century BCE), who propagated a meatless diet.

In fact, vegetarians in Europe were called Pythagoreans until the founding of The Vegetarian Society in Ramsgate, England in 1847, and the American Vegetarian Society in New York City in 1850. However, similarities between Indian and western vegetarianism end here. While vegetarianism has been popular in India for a much longer period than in the West, the more important difference is that vegetarianism is led by, and leads to, very different worldviews in both places.

West: Vegetarianism for social justice Although 19th century vegetarianism in Britain and the US was rooted in the Bible Christian Church, it has evolved in these two countries primarily through secular social movements. Four broad values have driven these movements: ethics and morality, environmental concerns, animal rights, and health and food safety. Barring the last one, the first three concerns are comparatively altruistic, and oriented towards a shared public good. Participants in vegetarian social movements transform themselves both in thought and behaviour, by changing not only their belief about food but also everyday consumption patterns. This is an extraordinary

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, April 11, 2018 • PAGE 17

Vegetarianism in India and abroad transformation because eating habits are one of the most resilient to change, especially those that involve excluding previously consumed food items completely.

In the West, to be a vegetarian is also to be against the general norms about food – it is often seen as a rebellious act opposed to long-standing cultural norms and expectations.

Therefore, vegetarianism in the West is a lifestyle that involves a deep commitment to self-transformation, breaking away from everyday dietary preferences, going against the forces of socialisation, and rebelling against cultural norms – all for the sake of newly discovered ethics and concerns.

There is an interesting spillover of these broad concerns when participants of vegetarian movements are often advocates in other campaigns – such as anti war, anti pollution, anti nuclear, and anti corporate movements. In effect, vegetarianism in the West is part of the broader platform of social justice from which various ethical, humanist, and egalitarian movements emerge and evolve. A person in the West becomes a vegetarian through a deliberate process, by questioning received knowledge about consumption, and by painfully transforming one’s day-to-day behaviour. Therefore, a vegetarian individual in the West is most likely to be a progressive figure oriented towards broader ethics of social justice.

Brahmanism and vegetarianism in India In contrast, vegetarianism in contemporary India displays an arguable continuity with dietary traditions and beliefs central to Brahmanism and the caste system where communities deemed to be upper caste, barring a few, maintain vegetarianism and the so-called lower castes are free of such restrictions.

Vegetarianism evolved in modern India through two pathways. The first is through conformity with Brahmanism and caste sensibilities, especially visible within the traditionally vegetarian upper castes. The second involves the adoption of vegetarianism through the influence of myriad religo-spiritual cults, headed by gurus, which have mushroomed across India over the past few decades. While some of these cults are standalone institutions with only local appeal, others have greater influence based on their franchisee business models that allows them to be present across several regions. Cable TV and social media have added to the outreach of these cults and their influence.

Such cults purportedly facilitate the elevation of ordinary mortals to salvation-ready entities through a set of rituals that often includes vegetarianism.

While their followers could belong to any caste, they are especially appealing to the socalled lower caste communities that aspire to climb the caste hierarchy through the wellknown process of Sanskritisation. Thus vegetarianism becomes an attractive mechanism for upward social mobility in a rigid caste hierarchy. Although these neo-vegetarians follow an innovative path by changing their dietary preferences, the fact that they follow traditionally established Brahminical practices undermines the spirit of innovation. Vegetarianism in modern India is thus largely driven by conformity to traditional social norms above any other motivation.

Traditional Indian vegetarianism is also unique in relation to ethical and moral concerns.

Although Brahminical vegetarianism is rooted in the ethics of animal welfare, the absence of any restriction on milk products makes it substantively different from animal welfare concerns in the West. In fact, the vegetarian diet in India places a premium on milk and milk products such as cheese, butter and yogurt, and this has opened the doors for the industrial use of animals unquestioningly. Thus, the concern for

animal welfare among Indian vegetarians is much weaker than in the West. Finally, the discourse of vegetarianism is so completely monopolised by the notions of ritual purity and pollution that concerns for the environment and food safety have almost no space on the agenda.

This brings us to the question: what kind of a person is the Indian vegetarian individual? A traditionally vegetarian person in India is the opposite of all that her counterpart in the West is. For one, a person is largely born into vegetarianism in India. The consumptive life of a vegetarian in India is based on the complete acceptance of received knowledge about food taboos especially meat.

Therefore being a vegetarian in India is not as deliberate as in the West, but is mainly about reproducing everyday norms.

Couple this uncritical norm reproduction with the strong connections that vegetarianism has with Brahminism and caste sensibilities to see how vegetarianism is central to making or maintaining boundaries in an unequal society. For all practical purposes, vegetarianism in India is about maintaining the caste system, as well as about reinforcing perceptions

of superiority and inferiority of caste based groups, based on the avoidance of meat.

While a vegetarian American might treat the food preferences of a meat eater with harmless contempt, in India a vegetarian’s scorn for meatbased diets and meat-eating individuals has real consequences. This takes place through social distancing and exclusion based on the notions of ritual purity or pollution that are inherent to the caste system. The vertical nature of caste-based society in India ensures that vegetarianism is not simply a food preference, but a pathway that shapes one’s life outcomes through social or material rewards and punishments.

In other words, vegetarianism in India is as much about the maintenance of social inequality, than it is about anything else. Thus, a common vegetarian individual in India is most likely a conservative figure generally detached from the broad ideas of social egalitarianism, and social justice.

Aseem Hasnain teaches sociology and Abhilasha Srivastava teaches economics and interdisciplinary courses at Bridgewater State University, Massachusetts.

Courtesy: Scroll.in

PAGE 8 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015 PAGE 8 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015 PAGE 18 INDIAHERALD HERALD• •WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY,MARCH APRIL 11, 8 • •INDIA 30,2018 2016

COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR kids 4 to 18 yrs - meditation, Yoga, Arya Samaj Satsang

Art Museum who upon completing the trainArya Samaj Satsang Sri Meenakshi Temple Brahma Kumaris Weekly Havan Satsang every from a.m. to for 12 noon.

Kannappan Art Museum will be Sunday ing wish to 10 contribute future

Weekly Havan Satsang every 10 a.m. to 12pleased noon.

8Apr FriSchool 7:00 p.m Brahma Kumaris DAV Sanskriti Sundays a.m. tofrom 12Instruction noon.

- Havan, Hindi open for public Tuesday 5.30UgaPM10Sunday students. inis Vipassana DAV Sanskriti School Sundays 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Havan, Hindi dhi Telugu and Kannada New to announce a new location in and Naitik Shiksha classes.

DAV Montessori School for ages 2 7 to 7.30 PM, Saturday 10AM to meditation is given in ten-daytoreand Naitik Shiksha classes.

DAV Montessori School for ages 2 to Year Houston at 14333 Pavilion Point years.

Call Arti Khanna 281-759-3286.

Free Yoga classes on Sat. 2 PM, Sunday 12 noon to 4 PM. treats. Visit www.siri.dhamma.org7 years.

Call Arti Khanna 281-759-3286.

FreeAtYoga classes onHwy Sat. 14- Apr Thu p.m Tamil Beechnut and Sanskrit & Upanishad classes Tue.(77083)(near 6-8 p.m.

14375 Schiller Rd. Address: 2341 N.7:00 Galveston Ave, Arya Samaj Satsang Sanskrit & Upanishad classes Tue. 6-8 p.m.

At 14375 Schiller Rd. New year 6).

Daily Raja Yoga Meditation (bet Westpark & Bellaire off Hwy 6).

281-752-0100.

Pearland, TX 77581.

Weekly Havan Satsang every Sun(bet Westpark & Bellaire off Hwy 6).

281-752-0100.

14-Sri Apr Thu 8:30 a.m Vishu classes are offered to the comMeenakshi Temple day from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. DAV Kani Darshanam munity free of charge. the Chinmaya Mission 14-Apr Sat 10:30 AM Sanskriti School SundaysVisit 10 a.m.

15Apr Fri 7:00 p.m Sri center for a tour every SaturChinmaya Mission Sunday for adults, youth, and children. are no weekly Tamil Newsatsangs Year Vilambi to 12 noon. There - Havan, Hindi and Rama Navami day orShiksha Sunday anytime between Sunday satsangs for Sunday adults, andfor children.

There areDAV no weekly Balavihar classes and satsang children during the sumSamvatsaram And Vishu Kani youth, Naitik classes.

Mon15-Apr FriPM 6:00 pm 11:00 –Sept.

1:00 pm. Located Balavihar and Sunday satsang foram children summer.

Regular weekly classes will resume on 13. at 20-Apr Fri classes 7:00 tessori School for during ages 2The tothe 7center years.

Dwajarohanam, Mahotsavam is open 7 days a week.

Contact mer. Regular weekly classes will resume Sept.TX 13.

Located at Chinmaya Prabha, 10353 Synott Road, 77498.

New Mahotsava Dwajarohanam, CallSugar ArtionLand, Khanna 281-759-3286.

1st day may us between atSugar (832)classes 379-8888, houston@ Chinmaya Prabha, Synott desk Road, Land, TX 77498.

New members the welcome 8 a.m. a.m. or Mahotsavam 1stvisit day 10353 Free Yoga on- 8:45 Sat. Sanskrit 16-Apr Satvisit 6:00 p.m Poo desk bktexas.com, or bktexas.com to members may welcome between 8classes a.m.

-Tue. 8:45 a.m. or 10:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Visit www.chin mayahouston.org or call 6-8 Bharati 20-Apr Fri 7:00the PM & Upanishad p.m.

Pallakku, Meenakshi Pattasign-up for classes and tours.

All 10:15 a.m.-11:30 or call Sutaria 281.933.0233.

Sankara Jayanthi a.m. Visit www.chin Atmayahouston.org 14375 Schiller Rd. (betBharati Westbbhishekam Raja &Yoga Meditation Sutaria 281.933.0233.

21-Apr Sat 6:00 PM park Bellaire off Hwy teachers 6). 28124-Apr Pattabhishekam, Sun 9:30 a.m Ma- 752-0100. at the Houston center each have Meenakshi Vedanta Society hotsavan final day, Meenakshi 15+ years of teaching experience.

PooVedanta PallakkuSociety of Greater Vedanta Society Brahma Kumaris Houston, 14809 Lindita Drive (77083) Chinmaya Mission Kalyanam 21-Apr Sat every 6:00 PM The Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Vedanta Society of Greater Houston, 14809 Lindita Drive has classes Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Gospel of Sunday satsangs for (77083) adults, 30-Apr Jayanthi Sat 9:00 a.m Sita Meditation Ramanuja Center is open 7 days a hasRamakrishna, classes every Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Gospel of Sri 1st & 3rdfrom Sunday; Bhagavad Gita, 2nd Sunday; on youth, The and center children.

Located at Rama Kalyanam 25-Apr Wed 7:00 PM week. offers free Raja Sri Ramakrishna, 1st & 3rd Sunday; Bhagavad Gita,Mother 2nd Sunday; on works of Swami Vivekananda, 4thChinmaya Sunday; Holy Sarada’s Prabha, 10353 Synott Mahotsavam 6th day, Meditation classes: Monworks of5thSwami Vivekananda, 4thYoga Sunday; Holy Mother Sarada’s Gospel, Sunday.

Swamis of Ramakrishna Order visit to conduct Road, Sugar Land, and TX 7-8 77498.

Vasavi Fri @ 6:00-6:45am pm, SriJayanthi Radha Krishna Gospel, 5th lectures.

Sunday.

Swamis of Ramakrishna Order tovisit conduct retreats and www.houstonvedanta. org or visit 281-584-0488.

New members may the 28-Apr Sat 10:30 AM Sat-Sun @ 7:00-8:30am, 10 am-2 retreats andTemple lectures. www.houstonvedanta. org orbetween 281-584-0488. welcome desk 8 a.m.

Narasimha Jayanthi Durga Visiting hours are Sat-Sun @ On the auspicious occasion Bari of pm.

- Temple 8:45 a.m. or Contact 10:15 a.m.-11:30 29-Apr Sun 9:30 AM M een10 a.m.-5 p.m. us at (832) Nav Ratri,Bari thetemple Temple will have Durga Bari Temple Durga is open from 9 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.

Mon. a.m.

Visit www.chin mayahousakshi Kalyana Utsavam 379-8888, houston@bktexas.com, Mata Ji Ki Chauki & Akhand Bari temple isatopen from 9ton.org to 11 a.m. and 4Bharati top.m.

7 p.m.

Mon. thruDurga Sat. Sandhya aarti 6:30 p.m.

Temple closes at 7 Sunday or call Sutaria Durga Temple orTemple bktexas.com sign-up for Ramayan Path.Bari Mata Ji Ki Chauthru Sat.from Sandhya aarti at7 6:30 p.m. closes atto7 p.m.

Sunday special 9 a.m. to p.m.

Puja services Priest Bishnupada 281.933.0233.

Durga Bari temple is open from classes.

All Raja Yoga Meditaki

by Mahant Shanker Puri. Puja special from Ravi 9 a.m. to Temple 7 p.m. services - Priest Bishnupada Goswami is located at 13944 Schiller Rd (off Vedanta Society 9on toFriday 11 a.m.281-597-8100 and 408, to 72016 p.m. Mon. tion teachers at theSchiller HoustonRd center April startGoswami 281-597-8100 Temple isCall located at 13944 (off Hwy 6 bet.

Bellaire & Westpark).

Ganesh Mandal at 713-797Vedanta Society of Greater Housthru Sat. Sandhya aarti at 6:30 are samarpit and have 15+ years of ing onwards.

Akhand Call Hwy07:30PM 6832-423-8541. bet. Bellaire & Westpark).

GaneshLindita Mandal at 713-7979057 / ton, 14809 Drive (77083) p.m.

Temple closes at 7 p.m.

Sunteaching experience.

Ramayan Path starting Saturday has classes every Sunday from 9057 / 832-423-8541. day from 9ata.m. to 7 p.m.

Mission Aprilspecial 09, 2016 5:00PM on- 10:30 Chinmaya a.m. to for 12:30 p.m. on Shiv Shakti Mandir Temple is located at 13944 SchilSunday satsangs adults, youth, wards until Sunday April 10, Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, 1st Shiv Shakti Mandir ler Rd (off Hwy 6 bet.

Bellaire &6640and children.

A unique Sanatan Shiv Shakti Mandir, Open daily 7Bala a.m.Vihar to 8 2016 7:00 PM. Prasad Will &Harwin.

3rd Sunday; Bhagavad Gita, Westpark).

Call Ganesh Mandal at program for each grade, from Sanatan Shiv Shakti Mandir, 6640 Harwin.

Open daily 7 a.m.PreK to 8 p.m. Allafter major festivals, as well birthdays, naam karan, engageserved Ramayan Path.

For as 2nd Sunday; on worksinoftwo Swami 713-797-9057 / 832-423-8541. to Grade 12.

Satsangs sesp.m.

All major festivals, as well as birthdays, naam karan, engagement andinformation other ceremonies.

Virat Mehta4th 713-278-9099 or further pleaseCall callPandit Vivekananda, Sunday; Holy Vipassana Meditation sions between 8:35 a.m. - 10:15 ment and other ceremonies.

Pandit Virat Mehta 713-278-9099 or Hardik Raval 361-243-6539 for puja or other ceremonies. temple at 281-933-8100 or Call visit Mother Sarada’s Gospel, 5th “Register for Houston area Vipasa.m. and 11:20 a.m.

1p.m.

Bala Hardik Raval 361-243-6539 for puja or other ceremonies. www.SRKT.Org. Temple is lo- Sunday. Swamis of Ramakrishna sana course asUniverse taught Vihar students can take shloka, ‘The Within’ catedMeditation 11625 Beechnut Street.

Order visit to conductclasses retreats bySant S. N. Goenka.

July 6 to 18, bhajan and orchestra or Universe Within’ Sahaj Nirankari Marg is a ‘The natural and simpleand system of heart-centered mediMission lectures. www.houstonve2018, Oct. 19 to 31, 2018, Dec. 7 language classes for Hindi, Telugu, Sahaj is a practice natural and simple system oforheart-centered meditation andMarg spiritual thatits helpsdanta. one realize the utimate potential Sant Nirankari Mission holds organd 281-584-0488. to 19, 2018.

All courses are FREE. Marathi, Gujarati.

Chinmaya tation and spiritual thatis helps one realize the utimate potential within oneself.

Thepractice meditation available to anyone who wishes to weekly spiritual congregation Durga Bari Temple Donations are accepted fromHouse those Mission is anyone located at Chinmaya within The meditation is available to who wishes to practice.

Weekly meditation sessions held throughout the Houston on everyoneself.

Sunday at India Durga Bari temple is open from practice.

Weekly meditation sessions held throughout the Houston area. www.sahajmarg.org Email: meditate_ houston@yahoo.com.

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. fol9 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Mon. area. www.sahajmarg.org Email: lowed by community meals.

All meditate_ thru Sat.houston@yahoo.com.

Sandhya aarti at 6:30 BUY For further are welcome. inforOLD SELL p.m.

Temple at 7 p.m.

Heritage Classes closesNEW mation, call Raj BhalaHeritage at (281) Sunday special from 9 a.m. to Classes Ashirwad’s Heritage Classes & in Katy, Cypress and Sugar Land for7 980-2825.

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL p.m.

Puja services Priest BishAshirwad’s Heritage Classes in Katy, Cypress and Sugar Land for Arya Samaj Satsang nupada Goswami 281-597-8100 Phone Weekly Havan every TempleCell SANJEEV Satsang KUMAR is located at 13944 Schil832-689-1819 Sunday 10 a.m. to 12 noon. ler Rd (off Hwy 6 bet. Bellaire & Your from realtor for life.

Email: sksrealtor@hotmail.com DAV Sanskriti School Sundays Westpark). Call Ganesh Mandal 10 a.m. to noon.

Havan, at 713-797-9057 / 832-423-8541.

LotDEAL for12Sale off- of Kalyani Hwy in Sodhpur, WE IN WE DEAL IN Houses, Hindi and Naitik Shiksha classes.

Shiv Shakti Mandir Lot for Sale off of Kalyani Hwy in Sodhpur, West Bengal.

1Motels bhiga or 20Sanatan KathasShiv with 2300 Sq. DAV Montessori School for ages Houses, Gas Shakti Mandir, Gas Stations, West Bengal.

1 bhiga or 20 Kathas with 2300 Sq. ft. bungalow built.6640 Architectural plans 2 to 7 years.

Call Artihalf Khanna Harwin. Open daily 7 Stations, Motels and Farm & Ranch. ft. bungalow half built.

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Freeavailable.

Yoga classes a.m. to 8713-722-8870 p.m. All plans major festiOffice: 281-497-7000 Rs. 90 lakhs.

Farm Ranch Apartment Complex on and Sat. Sanskrit & & Upanishad vals, as well as birthdays, naam available.

Rs. 90 lakhs.

Fax: 713-779-4656 281-497-7007 Please contact Saha at classes Tue. 6-8 p.m.

At 14375 Shilpi properties Available!!

Call Now karan, engagement and other cerPlease contact Shilpi Saha at Shilpi@yourblvd.com or 832-647-9433 Schiller Rd. (bet Westpark & Bel- emonies.

Call Pandit Virat Mehta Shilpi@yourblvd.com or 832-647-9433 laire off Hwy 6). 281-752-0100.

713-278-9099 or Hardik Raval

Property Property for for Sale Sale

Open Forum Radio Program Open Forum Radio Program Where Your Opinion Counts Where Your Opinion Counts

KGOL 1480 AM • Saturdays 4 to 6 p.m.

Listen to Open Forum on 106.1 KGOL 1480 AMprograms • Saturdays to FM 6 p.m.

Informative with4 doctors, in Houston.with doctors, Informative programs lawyers, politicians and other Every Saturday 4.00 PMand to 6.00 PM. lawyers, politicians other newsmakers.

Studio line 800-444-1061 newsmakers.

Call 713-784-1480 Call 713-784-1480 Hosts: Dinkar Chheda, Jagat Kamdar & Subodh Bhuchar

Hosts: Dinkar Chheda, Jagat Kamdar & Subodh Bhuchar

Chandra & David Courtney Chandra & David Courtney Tabla and Vocal Tabla and Vocal

Classes Classes now ongoing now ongoing

Visit www.chandrakantha.com Visit www.chandrakantha.com

or call for info. or call for info.

(713) 665-4665 (713) 665-4665

Classes in Houston, Classes in Houston, Mission Bend, Mission & Sugar Bend, Land & Sugar Land

Book onPM. Field Marshal PM - 8:00 For more in- FreeSam Yoga Manekshaw Classes every Sat/Sun Prabha, Road, Sugar kids 4 to10353 18 yrsSynott -from meditation, Yoga, 5:00 slokas, stories scriptures, ery Sunday aton 5810 Almeda Ge- 10 Book Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw 361-243-6539 for puja or other Telugu Fellowship Friday, July @ 6:30 p.m. formation Contact 281-568-1690 at Arya Samaj from 8 am to 9:30 Land, 77498.from New members slokas,TX stories scriptures, Vishnu Sahasranam, bhajans, com- noa Rd. Sunday School at 9:15 ceremonies.

Telugu Christian Fellowship Friday, July 10 @ 6:30 p.m. or Jay Deshmukh at 832-541-0059 a.m.

Call Anil 281-579-9433. may visit thefun welcome desk beZoroastrian Association Houston will every third Saturday For Vishnu Sahasranam, bhajans, competitions and activities.

Adult a.m.

Malayalam service atof9:30 meets of or visit www.saumyakasi.org other free classes, call Indra 281tween 8 a.m.

-fun 8:45 a.m. or 10:15 Heartfulness Meditation Zoroastrian Association of Houston will Behram Panthaki and his petitions andclasses. activities.

Adult meditation Register at present a.m. onBrigadier 1st & 3rd Sunday.

Adult the month at Triumph Church, Gauri Siddhivinayak Temple 537-0018.

For Yoga/Herbal proda.m.-11:30 a.m.

Please visit www.

Heartfulness Meditation is or aat wife present Brigadier Behram Panthaki and his Zenobia authors of the10555 much meditation classes.

Register www.ashirwada-blessing.org Bible class atPanthaki, 9:30 a.m.

English Airport281-242-5000.

Blvd., StafDarshan from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. ucts, callW.Shekhar chinmayahouston.org or contact practical technique of tuning inwife Zenobia Panthaki, authors of the much acclaimed book: “Field Marshal Sam www.ashirwada-blessing.org or service at 10:30 a.m. on 2nd & ford TX Sri Ravula 281-995-0930.

77477 at 6:30 p.m. Join daily.

All major festivals as well www.pyptusa.org; www.DivyaBharati 281.933.0233 for Manekshaw: wards toSutaria experience our higher acclaimed “Field Marshal Sam The 713-991-1557 Man and His Times”, Sri Ravula 281-995-0930.

4th Sunday.book: Call us for a time of praise, worship as birthdays, naam karan, engageProducts.com.

Hare Krishna Dham more information. selves.

Meditation with someone at Manekshaw: The Heritage Man andand HisCultural Times”, the Zoroastrian or 281-261-4603. and fellowship.

Worship is in Hare Krishna Dham ment and other ceremonies.

Call Hindu Temple of Society who hasVedanta theoriginal capacity of temple, yogic Center, Houston’s Vedic at the Zoroastrian Heritage and Cultural 8787 W Airport Blvd., Houston, TX Call Chris Gantela 281English.

Sri Guruvayurappan Pandit Pradip Pandya 832-466The Woodlands Vedanta Society Greater HousHouston’s original Vedic temple, transmission canof help exISKCON of Houston.

Atyou 1320 W 77071.

Center,Starts 8787 W Blvd., Houston, TX at Airport 6:30 with social hour.

344-0707, Rev.Dr,V. Gurrala Temple forManekshaw puja other 7601 S. ForestorGate ton, 14809 Lindita Drive (77083) ISKCON of Houston.

AtDarshan 1320 W 9868 plore the(77018).

Heartfulness practice 34th St. Daily 77071.

Starts atand 6:30 withceremosocialfirst hour.

Sam was India’s Field 281-997-0757.

Hours: Mon to Fri 6 a.m.

-8 a.m. nies.

At 5645 Hillcroft Ste 701, The Woodlands, TX 77382 has classes every Sunday from Marshal 34th St. (77018).

Daily more deeply.

There are noDarshan charg& Arati Times: 4.30am, 7am, Sam Manekshaw was India’s first Field and a distinguished war hero.

HisGaudiya Math and 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

WeekHouston, TX 77036.

Temple Hours, Weekdays: 10:30 a.m. to p.m. on Gos& for Arati Times: 4.30am, 7am, es this, and12:30 we4.30pm, invite you to courage, 8.30am, 12noon, 7pm, Marshal and a distinguished wardedication hero. His his character, and the Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha ends Holidays: a.m.and toare noon Samaja 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM pel ofSunday Sri12noon, Ramakrishna, & to 8.30am, 4.30pm, 7pm, experience the unique benefits of 9pm.

Festival: 5.301st pm to courage, his character, thelegendary. dedication his&Veerashaiva troops and 6country at 16628 Kieth Harrow Blvd., and 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

BhaVSNA Houston is a group of 5:30 PM 8.30 PM 3rd Sunday; Bhagavad Gita,pm 2nd 9pm.

Sunday Festival: 5.30 this transmission.

Workshops onto to 7.30 pm.

Weekly Gita classes for country are legendary.

Thehis lifetroops of thisand distinguished soldier is portrayed by two distinguished Houston 77084.

Satsang Sundays jans Saturdays 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; families who believe in VeerasAarti @ 7:30 PM Sunday; onWeekly works of Swami Vive7.30 pm.call Gita classes for Heartfulness relaxation and medadults; 281-433-1635 or authors The lifewho of this distinguished soldier is portrayed by two distinguished worked closely with him and shared many of the historic 5 to 7 pm.

Mantra meditation, Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Special haiva dharma (Basava dharma).

Saturday and Sunday kananda, 4th Sunday; Holy Mothadults;arecall 281-433-1635 or events itation held weekly throughharekrishnadham @gmail.com authorsthat who workedthe closely with him and shared many of theThrough historic changed geo-political landscape of the region. kirtan, Dharma classes. poojas and holidays) Mahamane program for 8:30 AMSanatan - 1:30 PM er Sarada’s 5th Sunday. Monthly harekrishnadham @gmail.com out Houston, Gospel, including Saturdays events (weekends that changed geo-political landscape of the region.

Through anecdotes related bythe Behram and Zenobia Panthaki we get a Vedic at Education Hindiunique classChoroon for kids, and(Annaprasam) discussion Vachana Aarti 12:00 PMand Swamis Ramakrishna Order prayer at 11 am of at India House. Web: anecdotes byon Behram Zenobia Panthaki we get anoon unique insight intorelated the man’s ideals, hisand military acumen, his mannerisms, and Houston Namadwaar es for kids.

Gita classes Thulabharam, Vahana Pooja, Sahitya followed by Prasada.

Con5:30 PM 8:30 PM visit to conduct retreats and lec- his www.heartfulness.org; Email: insight into the man’s ideals, his military acumen, his mannerisms, and sense of humor.

Houston Namadwaar 1:30 pm Wed. Hanuman Chalisa A prayer house where the Hare Nirapara.

Temple is located at tact: vsnahous ton@gmail.com or Aarti @ 7:30 PM; tures. www.houstonvedanta. org or hisBrigadier houston.heartfulness@gmail. sense of Panthaki humor. himself boastsand a distinguished 30-yearon military A prayer house where the Hare Jagadeesh Ramcharit Manas Tue. Rama Hare713-929-0040 Krishna Maha-man11620 Ormandy St. (77035) Tel: Halyal 832-744-4166.

Contact 832-585--0001 281-584-0488. com.

Cell: Brigadier Panthaki himself boasts a distinguished 30-year military career that earned him 12 military honors.

Zenobia Panthaki accomRama Hare Krishna Maha-man7:30–8:30 p.m. info@sggm.org tra is continuously chanted.

Week713-729-8994 email: temple@ Mar Thoma Church or temple@myhtw.net Jain Society (Ragini Prakash Miryala MD) career that earned him 12 military Panthaki accompanied her husband on his postingshonors. to 281-499-3347. manyZenobia small cantonment towntra isSociety continuously chanted.

Weekor ends: 8-11 AM 4-7 PM, Weekguruvayur.us Mar Thoma Church every Sathya Sai centers townJain of & Houston (JSH) lo- Trinity Heritage Classes panied her husband on his postings to many small cantonment ships all over India and became involved with running welfare proends:7-8 8-11 AM &6-7 4-7 PM, Weekdays: AM & PM. Weekly Hindu Temple of Preksha Meditation atover 5810 Almeda Genoa involved Sunday program held at two locacated at 3905 Arc Street Houston Ashirwad’s Heritage Classes in Sunday ships all India and became with running welfare programs for soldiers’ wives and children; she has run the Army School, days: 7-8 AM is open &and 6-7 PM. “Gopa Kuteeram” children’s heriNew facilities of JVB Preksha Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. tionsshe (North Houston: 12127 MalTexas 77063 M-FWeekly from Rd. the Woodlands Katy, Cypress Sugar Land grams for soldiers’ wives and children; has run the Army School, and worked for the World Bank for 28 years until retirement in 2012.

“Gopa Kuteeram” children’s tage classes and Meditation Center.

Classes for comson service at 9:30Bank a.m.

Road, Houston; South 7:30 AM Noon andSrimad 4 herito 7 Malayalam 7601 S.reviews.

Forest Gate Dr, in“From for kids 4 to to 12 18 yrs - meditation, and worked for the World 28 years until retirement 2012.

The book has received over 60for positive To quote: tage classes and Srimad Bhagavatam classes.

Call 281Yoga and Meditation under guidon 1st & 3rd Sunday.

Adult Bible Houston: 246 Fluor Daniel Drive, PM, and Sat, and Sunfrom from scrip8 AM beginning The Woodlands, TX 77382 Yoga, slokas, stories The book has received over 60 positive reviews.

To quote: “From to end this delightful narrative simply races along, providing Bhagavatam classes.

281- class 402-6585; visit www.godivinity.org ance by Samani and discoursat 9:30 a.m.

English servicenarrative Sugar Land) from to 5:30 pm) to 6 PM. Jain Society ofCall Houston Temple tures, Vishnu Sahasranam, bhabeginning endjisthis races3:00 along, providing an intimate,towitty anddelightful scintillating storysimply ofHours a superhero “ Sam’s hu402-6585; visit www.godivinity.org (Global Organization for Divinity). es.

At 14102 Schiller Road (off at 10:30 a.m. on 2nd & 4th SunSai Spiritual Education (SSE) invites Jain scholarsand all year round. manism, Weekdays: jans, competitions fun activian intimate, witty and scintillating story of a superhero “ Sam’s huhis notations on official files, his colorful language and his (Global Organization for Divinity).

Hwy 6 bethis Bellaire and Westpark Call 713-991-1557 281- files, classes for children; Study and Circle Please call Urvashi Jain 713 789 day.

7:30 his AM - 9:30 AM ties.

Adult meditation classes. manism, notations onorofficial colorful language his doodling”.

- doodling”.

77082). Tel 281-596-9642. for & Devotional 2338.

Visit atwww.jainsocietyhous5:30adults PMis -dedicated 8.30 PM to thesinging Register www.ashirwadaSaumyakasi Sivalaya 261-4603.

This book, with over 200 photographs, men in Patanjali Yogpeeth Telugu Christian Fellowship for all.@is Service programs foodin ton.org for more information.

Aartidefending 7:30 PM Saumyakasi Sivalaya blessing.org or Sri Ravula 281This book, with over 200 their photographs, dedicated to the -men Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya is lo- uniform who have laid down lives their country and to Free Yoga Classes every Sat/Sun Telugu Christian Fellowship distribution, canned food drives, Shiv ShaktiPrabha, Mandir Saturday and The Sunday 995-0930.

SriatSaumyakasi Sivalaya10353 is lo- their uniform whowho havehave laid down their lives defending their country to cated Chinmaya widows also sacrificed so much. book will and be on at Arya Samaj from 8 am to 9:30 meets every third Saturday of the nursing home visits, tutoring Sanatan Shiv Shakti Mandir, 6640 8:30 AM 1:30 PM Hare Krishna Dham cated atRoad, Chinmaya Prabha, theiratwidows who have also so much. The will be at on Synott Sugar Land,10353 TX sale the discounted price ofsacrificed $35, and autographed bybook the authors.

A a.m.

Anil 281-579-9433. month attheTriumph Church, 10555 schools, Contact Venkat Rao Harwin.

Open daily 7Monday a.m. toTX Aarti at etc.

12:00 PM Houston’s original Vedic temple, SynottTemple Road, Sugar Land, sale atCall discounted of $35, and autographed byWar the authors.

77478. timings: to8 major portion of the price royalty will be donated to the WoundedA For other free classes, call Indra W. Airport Blvd., Stafford TX (North) 602-503-2249 or Ranji p.m.

All9:00 major festivals, as well 5:30 PM -Welfare 8:30 PMAssn.

ISKCON of AM Houston.

AtMonday 1320 Wto Foundation 77478.

Temple timings: major portion the and royalty donated to the War Wounded Friday: - 12:00 Noon and of of India the will Warbe Widows of India.

281-537-0018.

For Yoga/Herbal 77477 at 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a Raghavan (South) 281-451-8238. as birthdays, naam karan, engageAarti @ 7:30 PM; 34th St. (77018).

Daily Darshan Friday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon and Foundation of India and the War Widows Welfare Assn. of India.

5:00 - 8:00 PM Saturday and Sunproducts, call Shekhar of praise, worship281-242and fel- Visit www.sairegion10.org ment other ceremonies.

Call time Contact(Basava 832-585--0001 & Arati Times: 4.30 7-a.m, 5:00 -and 8:00 PMPM Saturday and Sunday: 8:30-2:00 anda.m, 5:00 8:00 families who believe in Veerashaiva dharma dharma).

Monthly 5000. Web: www.pyptusa.org Worship is in English. or temple@myhtw.net Sadhu Vaswani Center Pandit Virat 713-278-9099 8.30 a.m, 12Mehta noon, 4.30 p.m, 7 lowship. day:Call 8:30-2:00 PM and 5:00 - 8:00 PM. Bharti Sutaria 281-568families whoprogram believe infor Veerashaiva (Basava Monthly Mahamane prayer anddharma discussion on dharma).

Vachana and www.DivyaProducts.com.

For information call Chris Gantela Sadhu Vaswani CenterTemple ofSahitya Housor Hardik Raval 361-243-6539 for followed p.m, 9 Jay p.m.

Sunday Festival: PM. Call Bharti Sutaria832-541281-5681690 or Deshmukh Mahamane programContact: for prayer andSwaminarayan discussion on Vachana Sahitya by Prasada. vsnahous ton@gmail.com or Jagadeesh Sathya Sai centers 281-344-0707, or Rev. Vijay Gurton holds regular Satsang on 3rd puja ceremonies.

5.30 pm to Deshmukh 7.30 Weekly Halyal Hindu Satsang at Shree Swami1690or orother Jay 832-5410059 or visit p.m. www.saum followed

by Prasada. Contact: vsnahous ton@gmail.com or Jagadeesh 832-744-4166.

Sunday program held at two lorala 281-997-0757.

Thursday of the month and daily Heartfulness Meditation Gita classes adults; call 281- Halyal 832-744-4166. narayan Hindu Temple, under 0059 or for visit www.saum yakasi.org.

(North Houston: 12127 Arti Sri Guruvayurappan Temple atNarNarayan 7.30 p.m. Call Heartfulness Meditation is @a cations 433-1635 or harekrishnadham Shree Dev 281-463Gadi kayakasi.org.

Mar Thoma Church Louetta Rd, Houston; South Hours: Mon to Fri 6 a.m.

-8 a.m.

0379 or e.mail ramolaj@aol.com practical technique of tuning ingmail.com lupur.

Opens daily from 7 a.m.

Gandhi Library Mar Thoma Church Trinity Mar Church every SundayGaudiya at 5810 Almeda Genoa Houston: 246 toThoma Fluor Daniel Dr, 5:00 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

Weekwards to experience our higher and Houston Namadwaar to Sunday 12:30 p.m. andMath from 4Genoa p.m.

Gandhi Library Mahatma Gandhi Library Book Trinity Mar Thoma Church every at 5810 Almeda Rd. Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.

Malayalam service at 9:30 a.m. on 1st Suga Land, from 3:00 pm to ends & Holidays: 6 a.m. to noon Shri Govindji Gaudiya Matha selves. withthe someone A prayerMeditation house where Hare to 8:30 p.m.

Daily aarti at 7 a.m.

Mahatma Gandhi Library Book Club: Meets Sunday ofyogic each and Rd. Sunday atBible 9:15 a.m. service atservice 9:30 a.m. on 1st & 3rd Sunday.

Adult at 9:30 English at 10:30 5:30 pm.

Sai Spiritual Education 5:00 p.m.School to 8:30 p.m.class Bha-Malayalam is a a.m.

Hindu Vaishnava temple of who has the2nd capacity Rama Hare Krishna ofMahaand 7 p.m.

Saturday sabha from Club: Meets 2nd Sunday of each month; 12:30 PM at Arya Samaj & 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 281-261-4603. classes for children; study circle jans Saturdays 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Sanatan Dharam and worshipping transmission can help youchanted. explore mantra is continuously 5p.m to 7 p.m. followed by aarti month; 12:30 PM13475 at Arya Samaj Sundays Greater Houston, Schiller a.m.adults. on 2nd & 4th Call -713-991-1557 orShri 281-261-4603.

Service programs 9 a.m. to 1Sunday. a.m.

Special place of Shri Radha Krishna, the Heartfulness practice Weekends: 8-11 AM & 4-7 more PM, for at 7 p.m. and Maha-Prasad (free Greater Houston, 13475 Schiller Sri Guruvayurappan Temple Rd. Join the discussion of the great food distribution & food drives; poojas (weekends and holidays) Shri Gaur Nitai & Shri Ram Dardeeply. There for Weekdays: 7-8 are AMno&charges 6-7 PM. dinner).

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INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 • PAGE 19

ESSAY

Cycle of empty predictions continues in particle physics

By Sabine Hossenfelder, aka Bee, Research Fellow at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies You haven’t seen headlines recently about the Large Hadron Collider, have you? That’s because even the most skilled science writers can’t find much to write about.

There are loads of data for sure, and nuclear physicists are giddy with joy because the LHC has delivered a wealth of new information about the structure of protons and heavy ions. But the good old proton has never been the media’s darling. And the fancy new things that many particle physicists expected – the supersymmetric particles, dark matter, extra dimensions, black holes, and so on – have shunned CERN. It’s a PR disaster that particle physics won’t be able to shake off easily. Before the LHC’s launch in 2008, many theorists expressed themselves confident the collider would produce new particles besides the Higgs boson. That hasn’t happened. And the public isn’t remotely as dumb as many academics wish. They’ll remember next time we come ask for money.

The big proclamations came almost exclusively from theoretical physicists; CERN didn’t promise anything they didn’t deliver. That is an important distinction, but I am afraid in the public perception the subtler differences won’t matter. It’s “physicists said.” And what physicists said was wrong. Like hair, trust is hard to split. And like hair, trust is easier to lose than to grow.

What the particle physicists got wrong was an argument based on a mathematical criterion called “naturalness”. If the laws of nature were “natural” according to this definition, then the LHC should have seen something besides the Higgs. The data analysis isn’t yet completed, but at this point it seems unlikely something more than statistical anomalies will show up.

I must have sat through hundreds of seminars in which naturalness arguments were repeated.

Let me just flash you a representative slide from a 2007 talk by Michelangelo L. Mangano so you get the idea. The punchline is at the very top: “new particles must appear” in an energy range of about a TeV (ie accessible at the LHC) “to avoid finetuning.”

I don’t mean to pick on Mangano in particular; his slides are just the first example that Google brought up. This was the argument why the LHC should see something new: To avoid finetuning and to preserve naturalness.

I explained many times previously why the conclusions based on naturalness were not predictions, but merely pleas for the laws of nature to be pretty.

Luckily I no longer have to repeat these warnings, because the data agree that naturalness isn’t a good argument.

The LHC hasn’t seen anything new besides the Higgs.

This means the laws of nature aren’t “natural” in the way that particle physicists would have wanted them to be. The consequence is not only that there are no new particles at the LHC. The consequence is also that we have no reason to think there will be new particles at the next higher energies – not until you go up a full 15 orders of magnitude, far beyond what even futuristic technologies may reach.

So what now? What if there are no more new particles? What if we’ve caught them all and that’s it, game over? What will happen to particle physics or, more to the point, to particle physicists?

In an essay some months ago, Adam Falkowski expressed it this way: “[P]article physics is currently experiencing the most serious crisis in its storied history. The feeling in the field is at best one of confusion and at worst depression” At present, the best reason to build another particle collider, one with energies above the LHC’s, is to measure the properties of the Higgs-boson, specifically its self-interaction. But it’s difficult to spin a sexy story around such a technical detail.

My guess is that particle physicists will try to make it sound important by arguing the measurement would probe whether our vacuum is stable. Because, depending on the exact value of a constant, the vacuum may or may not eventually decay in a catastrophic event that rips apart everything in the universe.

(I know that’s not correct. I merely said that’s likely how the story will be spun.)

Such a vacuum decay, however, wouldn’t take place until long after all stars have burned out and the universe has become inhospitable to life anyway. And seeing that most people don’t care what might happen to our planet in a hundred years, they probably won’t care much what might happen to our universe in 10100 billion years.

Personally I don’t think we need a specific reason to build a larger particle collider. A particle collider is essentially a large microscope. It doesn’t use light, it uses fast particles, and it doesn’t probe a target plate, it probes other particles, but the idea is the same: It lets us look at matter very closely. A larger collider would let us look closer than we have so far, and that’s the most obvious way to learn more about the structure of matter.

Compared to astrophysical processes which might reach similar energies, particle colliders have the advantage that they operate in a reasonably clean and well-controlled environment.

Not to mention nearby, as opposed to some billion light-years away.

That we have no particular reason to expect the next larger collider will produce so-far unknown particles is in my opinion entirely tangential. If we stop here, the history of particle phys-

ics will be that of a protagonist who left town and, after the last street sign, sat down and died, the end. Some protagonist.

But I have been told by several people who speak to politicians more frequently than I that the “just do it” argument doesn’t fly. To justify substantial investments, I am told, an experiment needs a clear goal and at least a promise of breakthrough discoveries.

Knowing this, it’s not hard to extrapolate what particle physicists will do next. We merely have to look at what they’ve done in the past.

The first step is to backpedal from their earlier claims. This has already happened. Originally we were told that if supersymmetric particles are there, we would see them right away.

“Discovering gluinos and squarks in the expected mass range […] seems straightforward, since the rates are large and the signals are easy to separate from Standard Model backgrounds.” Frank Paige (1998).

“The Large Hadron Collider will either make a spectacular discovery or rule out supersymmetry entirely.” Michael Dine (2007) Now they claim no one ever said it would be easy. By 2012, it was “Natural SUSY is difficult to see at LHC” and ““Natural supersymmetry” may be hard to find.”

Step two is arguing that the presently largest collider will just barely fail to see the new particles but that the next larger collider will be up to the task.

One of the presently most popular proposals for the next collider is the International Linear Collider (ILC), which would be a lepton collider. Lepton colliders have the benefit of doing away with structure functions and fragmentation functions that you need when you collide composite particles like the proton.

In a 2016 essay for Scientific American Howard Baer, Vernon D. Barger, and Jenny List kicked off the lobbying campaign: “Recent theoretical research suggests that Higgsinos might actually be showing up at the LHC—scientists just cannot find them in the mess of particles generated by the LHC’s protonantiproton collisions […] Theory predicts that the ILC should create abundant Higgsinos, sleptons (partners of leptons) and other superpartners. If it does, the ILC would confirm supersymmetry.”

The “recent theoretical research” they are referring to happens to be that of the authors themselves, vividly demonstrating that the quality standard of this field is currently so miserable that particle physicists can come up with predictions for anything they want. The phrase “theory predicts” has become entirely meaningless.

The website of the ILC itself is also charming. There we can read: “A linear collider would be best suited for producing the lighter superpartners… Designed with great accuracy and precision, the ILC becomes the perfect machine to conduct the search for dark matter particles with unprecedented precision; we have good reasons to anticipate other exciting discoveries along the way.”

They don’t tell you what those “good reasons” are because there are none. At least not so far. This brings us to step three.

Step three is the fabrication of reasons why the next larger collider should see something. The leading proposal is presently that of Michael Douglas, who is advocating a different version of naturalness, that is naturalness in theory space. And the theory space he is referring to is, drums please, the string theory landscape.

Naturalness, of course, has always been a criterion in theoryspace, which is exactly why I keep saying it’s nonsense: You need a probability distribution to define it and since we only ever observe one point in this theory space, we have no way to ever get empirical evidence about this distribution. So far, however, the theory space was that of quantum field theory.

When it comes to the landscape at least the problem of finding a probability distribution is known (called “the measure problem”), but it’s still unsolvable because we never observe laws of nature other than our own. “Solving” the problem comes down to guessing a probability distribution and then drowning your guess in lots of math. Let us see what predictions Douglas arrives at: Supersymmetry might be just barely out of reach of the LHC, but a somewhat larger collider would find it. Who’d have thought.

You see what is happening here. Conjecturing a multiverse of any type (string landscape or eternal inflation or what have you) is useless. It doesn’t explain

anything and you can’t calculate anything with it. But once you add a probability distribution on that multiverse, you can make calculations. Those calculations are math you can publish. And those publications you can later refer to in proposals read by people who can’t decipher the math.

Mission accomplished.

The reason this cycle of empty predictions continues is that everyone involved only stands to benefit. From the particle physicists who write the papers to those who review the papers to those who cite the papers, everyone wants more funding for particle physics, so everyone plays along.

I too would like to see a next larger particle collider, but not if it takes lies to trick taxpayers into giving us money. More is at stake here than the employment of some thousand particle physicists. If we tolerate fabricated arguments in the scientific literature just because the conclusions suit us, we demonstrate how easy it is for scientists to cheat.

Fact is, we presently have no evidence – neither experimental nor theoretical evidence – that a next larger collider would find new particles. The absolutely last thing particle physicists need right now is to weaken their standards even more and appeal to multiversal math magic that can explain everything and anything.

But that seems to be exactly where we are headed.

Sabine has a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a PhD in physics. She graduated at Frankfurt University, Germany, in 2003. She has written more than 60 research articles, mostly dedicated to quantum gravity and physics beyond the standard model. Her research is or has been supported by the Foundational Questions Institute, the German Research Foundation, and the Swedish Research Foundation.

In her own words: I am a physicist. More exactly, I am a theoretical physicist. People often wonder what a theoretical physicist does. You might not believe it, but most of the time I think. Sometimes, I scribble funny looking things with a pencil on a notebook. Processes like this usually involve lots of coffee and walking up and down the corridor. I am working on physics beyond the standard model, phenomenological quantum gravity, and modifications of general relativity.

PAGE 24 20 • INDIA HERALD HERALD • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 PAGE 2016 PAGE 24•• INDIA INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH JULY 1, 30, 2015

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