India Herald 081518

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

20 Pages

India Herald

VOL. 24 • NO. 33 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 • P.O. BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487 • PERIODICAL PERMIT USPS 017699 • 25 cents

Yakshagana

Chamber gala celebrates IndiaTexas-Houston trade connection

Under the auspices of Shri Krishna Vrundavana and Houston Kannada Vrinda, Yakshagana Bayalata (Open-air field drama) was presented for the first time in the US in the parking lot in front of Krishna Vrundavana, on Synott Road, Sugar Land, by professional artists from “Sri Yakshadeva Mithra Kalamandali, Belvai, India who are touring the US. See Page 3.

Indian American Doctor’s OCI card cancelled for alleged missionary activities An Indian American doctor from Dallas-Fort Worth area,, whose Overseas Indian Citizenship was cancelled by the Indian Consulate in Houston for allegedly engaging in missionary activities in Bihar, has challenged the cancellation in Delhi Court. The OCI card of Dr. Christo Thomas Philip was cancelled by the Indian Consulate in August last year for alleged missionary activities in Bihar leading to unrest and law-and-order problems. While asking the government of India to produce the material based on which an intelligence report had recommended cancellation of the OCI registration of the Indian-origin doctor, the Delhi High Court said that Overseas Citizens of India appear to enjoy the fundamental rights of equality before law and freedom of speech and expression in the same way as any other Indian citizen does. Justice Vibhu Bakhru said, “Prima facie, the rights under Article 14 (equality before law) and 19 (freedom of speech and expression) of the Constitution of India which are guaranteed to the citizens of India also appear to be extended to an OCI card holder.”

The court last week issued the direction after finding that one of the facts, regarding the doctor’s place of birth, was “incorrect” in the report and there was no material on record to support the government assumption that he was acting as a medical missionary, the reason for cancellation of his OCI registration. “The said report indicates that the petitioner was born in USA. This is stoutly disputed by the petitioner. He states that he was born in Kerala. Thus, one of the factual premise in the intelligence report appears to be incorrect. Although, the report states that the petitioner has been acting as a medical missionary, there is no material on record, which supports this assumption,” the court said. OCI is a scheme introduced in response to the demands for dual citizenship by the Indian diaspora. The doctor, in his plea filed through advocates Robin David and Dhiraj Philip, claimed that the action was taken against him without any evidence and there was no basis for coming to the conclusion that he was involved in missionary and evangelical activities in India leading to unrest and law-andSee OCI, Page 6

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At the Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston’s 19th annual gala, Aku Patel, third from left, president of Karat 22, receives the Entrepreneur of the Year award from India’s Consul-General in Houston, Dr. Anupam Ray. At left, IACCGH President Swapan Dhairyawan, Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia. The gala spotlighted the theme “Think India, Think Texas – Leverage Houston,” and the event saw a cross section of over 800 plus business leaders, top tier professionals and elected officials. Texas Governor Greg Abbott was the keynote speaker. PHOTO by BIJAY DIXIT. Story on Page 4.

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PAGE 2 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018

Indian Music Society of Houston Presents

HIndustani Vocal by Smt. Rachna Bodas (Disciple of Late Veena Sahasrabuddhe)

Rachna Bodas

Mandar Phadke on Harmonium

Pandit Shantilal Shah on Tabla

DATE: Saturday, AUGUST 25 TIME: 7 P.M. VENUE: Cullen Hall, University of St. Thomas, 3901 Yoakum Blvd., Houston

www.IMSHOUSTON.Net For Information, Call Govind Shetty @ 713-922-2501

Indian Music Society of Houston Presents

HIndustani Vocal by Smt. Manjiri Asnare Kelkar (Disciple of Pandit M.T. Mhaiskar and Pandit Madhusudan Kanetkar)

Manjiri Asnare Kelkar Sanjay Deshpande on Tabla

DATE: Saturday, SEPTEMBER 8 TIME: 5 P.M. VENUE: Cullen Hall, University of St. Thomas, 3901 Yoakum Blvd., Houston

Suyog Kundalkar on Harmonium

www.IMSHOUSTON.Net For Information, Call Govind Shetty @ 713-922-2501

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 • PAGE 3

NEWS

Yakshagana brings the legend to life in lore of yesteryears

Yakshagana is a rare and unique traditional theatre of Karnataka in India with a recorded history of more than five centuries. It is a rich artistic blend of racy music, forceful dance, extempore speech and gorgeous costumes, combining the features of opera as well as drama and imparting moral education through mass entertainment. Yakshagana is a sensory experience with the tense high-pitched drumming beats of the chande, mellow rhythm of the maddale (percussion) and the tinkling brass peal of the tala which accompanies the melodious singing of the story-teller - the “Bagawatha”. Under the auspices of Shri Krishna Vrundavana and Houston Kannada Vrinda, Yakshagana Bayalata (Open-air field drama) was presented for the first time in the US in the parking lot in front of Krishna Vrundavana, on Synott Road, Sugar Land, by professional artists from “Sri Yakshadeva Mithra Kalamandali, Belvai, India who are touring the US. Vasu Aithala and a team of Yakshagana enthusiasts from Houston brought this unique sensual experience to Houstonians on Saturday, July 28th. The episode “Mahisha Mardhini” from “Sri Devi Mahatme of Sri Durga Saptashati of Markandeya Purana was presented portraying the everlasting conflict between good and evil, the fight between the Gods and demons and the supremacy of Mother

Goddess Durga. It was set up in an open air stage which imitated the traditional look of “Rangasthala” with the young audience seated casually on the floor totally captivated with the show. The vibrant entry of Demon Mahishasura (buffalo headed demon) playing with fire from the crackle and flash of resin powder thrown into fiery torches, the grand entry of Goddess Durga with eight arms, the excitement of a tiger walking on to the stage as a vehicle for Goddess Durga, the fierce battle between Mahishasura and Goddess Durga which concluded with the killing of Mahisha, were among the high watermarks of histrionics on display. Magnificient fireworks during the show symbolized the spectacular performance. More than five hundred people, both Kannada and non-Kannada speaking as well as a significant number of children enjoyed the performance. In keeping with tradition, hot snacks such as churmuri – chilli puffed rice were distributed during the show. The well-known Bagawatha Patla Sathish Shetty was accompanied on the Maddale by Padmanabha Upadhya and on the Chende by the team leader Devananda Bhat. Prof. M.L.Samaga as Lord Vishnu, Chandrashekara Dharmasthala as Shurpashaka, Devendra, Prashant Nelyadi as Malini and Devi, Mohana Bellippady as Mahishusara and Mahesh Maniyani

as Dootha were aptly supported by local artists Meena Aithala as Aadi Maye, Sharath Akirekadu as Lord Brahma and Suhas Aithala as Lord Maheshwara. Satish Rao of Udipi Café described it as a fantastic weekend and felt like he was back home in Hiriyadaka, a coastal town of Karnataka watching Yakshagana Bayalata. He called it a one of a kind event to remember for a long time to come. This sentiment was echoed by Dinesh Pejavar who said that having it outdoors was a brilliant idea and brought back fond memories of the bayalata performance in Pejaver some 60+ years ago! According to Thara Narasimhan, the performance was “like

watching the folklore in the paddy fields of India...the fireworks in between was an added bonus to the superb group of dancers, musicians and dramatists. The sight of a tiger walking on to the stage from the audience as a vehicle for Mahishasuramardhini was spectacular... and Mahisha’s atrocious behavior was simply outstanding”

India Herald

Established in 1995 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.

Greg Abbott , Governor of Texas, extends hearty greetings to India and the Indo-American community on the occasion of India’s 72nd Independence Day.

Ad sponsored by Friends of Governor Greg Abbott

Texas Governor Greg Abbott calls on India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to India.

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

COMMUNITY

Indo American Chamber lauds innovation, economic impact and entrepreneurship

“The Indo-American Chamber Of Commerce continues to play a vital role in the economic success of not only Houston, but the entire state of Texas,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in Houston last week. Abbott was the keynote speaker at the IACCGH’s 19th annual gala held at the Hilton Americas in Houston on Aug. 11. “For 19 years, the Chamber has helped the small business community thrive in Houston and inspired the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders, all while fostering stronger ties between Texas and India. Through our continued relationship with the Indo-American Chamber Of Commerce, the partnership between Texas and India will grow even stronger,” Abbott said. In March, Abbott led a nineday business development mission in India. The visit included a number of meetings with business leaders, industry executives, and Indian government officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to help promote greater economic and trade relationships between India and Texas. Of all 50 states, Texas is the 2nd largest exporter of goods to India and

the 4th largest importer of Indian goods. The gala spotlighted the theme “Think India, Think Texas – Leverage Houston,” and the event saw a cross section of over 800 plus business leaders, top tier professionals and elected officials. In addition to the Governor, Guests of Honor were India’s Consul General Dr. Anupam Ray, Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. The evening also recognized accomplishments in innovation, economic impact and entrepreneurship. The Entrepreneur of the Year award went to President of Karat 22, Chitranjan Aku Patel. The Women in Business: Making a Difference award was presented to Carlecia Wright, Director of the City of Houston – Office of Business Opportunity, Jewel Smith, Supplier Diversity Manager at CenterPoint Energy and Aruna Viswanathan, Chief Operating Manager at Alphax Decision Sciences. The award for Innovation was presented to the Pumps and Pipes Society, and technology giant Wipro was awarded the Inbound Investment award. Earlier, the program began

AWARD RECIPIENTS. L to R: Dr. Alan Lumsden, Michael Hess, Carlecia Wright, Amar Naga, (WIPRO), Rustom Mody; Sitting: Jewel Smith, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Aruna Viswanathan. with Megha Chandna, Serene Kaggal and Ishya Kachru rendering the American, Indian National Anthems and the State Song of Texas, respectively. Past President and Director Sanjay Ramabhadran, who served as Emcee, set the tone for the evening by highlighting Governor Greg Abbott’s recent trade mission to India. He stated that the visit, which was covered by abc13, not only

brought “Incredible India” to living rooms of Texans but went a long way in deepening economic and cultural ties between Texas and India. Describing the Chamber as a “community dream in 1999 and now a significant reality” – Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia emphasized the Chamber’s efforts in collaborating with over 30 Chambers of Commerce

and economic agencies in promoting economic activity in Houston, many of whom were present in the room. He thanked the City of Hempstead for choosing IACCGH to introduce itself to the Indo American community in its drive to attract investment in Hempstead. See Page 5

U.S. Rep. Pete Olson with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Ad sponsored by Friends of Congressman Pete Olson

U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, (Texas Dist.22) extends hearty greetings to India and the Indo-American community on the occasion of its 72nd Independence Day.

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 • PAGE 5

COMMUNITY A “household name” in Harris County, Judge Ed Emmett lauded the “ordinary people who did extraordinary things” during Hurricane Harvey and stated that the evening was celebrating not just the achievements of the Chamber but also those individuals who are “truly making a difference.” Mayor Turner referred to his upcoming delegation in October to build a stronger relationship between Houston and India and the $12 billion trade that currently exists between the two. The diversity of its people, he stressed, has helped Houston overcome many challenges and pledged to build a city that will be “a shining example of diversity and inclusion.” President Swapan Dhairyawan offered an update on the year’s events and highlighted the Chamber’s Outreach efforts to help small businesses affected by Hurricane Harvey rebuild. A recent decision by the Chamber Board to make the Presidency a two year term was put into effect this year making him the first President to continue serving the Chamber in 2019. He expressed his willingness and stated that this decision would “allow for greater continuity” in initiatives and

programs. “India brings everyone together” was Consul General Dr. Anupam’s Ray’s opening remark. India, he noted, is on an upward trajectory, an emerging power, the fastest growing economy in the world and the fastest growing market for companies like Amazon, Walmart and Netflix. Dr. Ray also did the honors of introducing Keynote Speaker Governor Greg Abbott who he described as “a remarkable man on an extraordinary journey.” A special supplement highlighting the Chamber achievements over the past 19 years was released by Houston Business Journal’s publisher Bob Charlet. A fusion dance performance from Frank Sinatra, Beatles to Bollywood by Infused Performing Arts provided the entertainment for the evening. Daawat Catering Co., a division of Madras Pavilion, catered delicious Indian snacks and cuisine, and especially the sweets, cashew rolls, disguised as Lychees and Custard Apples, were not only innovative but a treat to the eyes and the palates as well. For more information visit www.iaccgh.com.

IACCGH Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia, left, Consul-General Dr. Anupam Ray, presenting a copy of Houston Business Journal’s special supplement to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, IACCGH President Swapan Dhairyawan and Master of Ceremonies Sanjay Ramabhadran.

—By MANU SHAH & SESHADRI KUMAR Right, Award winners from Pumps and Pipes Society— Swapan Dhairyawan, left, Michael Hess, Rustom Mody, Consul General Dr. Anupam Ray, Dr. William Kline, Dr. Alan Lumsden, Judge Ed Emmett, Jagdip Ahluwalia. PHOTOS by BIJAY DIXIT.

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 • PAGE 6

COMMUNITY

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Ramesh Jaipal, human rights activist in Pakistan By MANU SHAH Five year old Ramesh Jaipal raced camels in the scorching deserts of Dubai. Losing his balance meant breaking a few bones or even death. Pitiful living conditions added to his troubles but it would be ďŹ ve years before he was rescued by the United Nations and reunited with his family. This child jockey, sent by his father to supplement the family income in a sport that exploits children, is today a ďŹ erce human rights activist in Pakistan. In a recent address in Houston, Ramesh, now 34, spoke of the atrocities faced by more than 6 million Hindus living in Pakistan. Statistics say that the number of Hindus living in Pakistan has dropped from 19% at the time of partition to just 3%. In addition, forced conver-

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order problems. According to the petition, Dr Philip was granted the OCI card and a lifelong visa by the government to visit India on November 22, 2012. He claimed he visited India several times in the past to serve as a volunteer doctor with Duncan Hospital at Raxaul in Bihar from January 2014 till he was allegedly “unlawfully deported� on April 26, 2016 from the IGI Airport in New Delhi. He had moved the high court last year against his cancellation of OCI card by the Consulate General of India at Houston, US. The court had asked him to approach the government against the Consulate General’s order and directed the authority concerned to decide his case “as expeditiously as possible�. The revisional authority, which he had approached with his representation, on December 22 last year upheld the Consulate General’s decision. In his present plea, the doctor challenged the revisional

sions, kidnapping of Hindu girls, denial of basic rights for Hindu women and adverse economic, educational and social conditions has held the community back. Appealing for help, he asked the gathering of Hindu leaders to support him in righting the wrongs with their “tan, man and dhan.� Ramesh’s journey from a camel jockey to a human rights activist had its share of detours. After his rescue, he was enrolled in school but the challenges were no less. He had forgotten his own language, Marwadi and only knew Arabic. As a scheduled caste Hindu, he was prohibited from drinking from the same water cooler as the other children and studied textbooks that derided Hindu idol worship and distorted Hindu prac-

See JAIPAL, Page 11 authority’s decision. Apart from that, he also challenged the Consulate General’s August 1, 2017 decision to cancel his OCI card as well as the look-out circular issued against him. He also sought directions to the authorities to permit him to visit his family members in Kerala. The Delhi High court has issued a notice to the Indian Consulate and sought a response before the next hearing on July 18. Born in Kerala, Dr Philip was granted the OCI status and a lifelong visa in November 2012. He claimed that he had visited India several times and volunteered at the Duncan hospital in Raxaul, Bihar until he was “unlawfully deported� on April 26, 2016 from the Delhi Airport. On the cancellation of his OCI card, Dr Philip claims the consulate’s action against him was taken without evidence and the charges against him have no basis. The OCI cards allow holders to travel to India visa-free and also grants them rights of residency without having to report to the local authorities periodically. It also gives them the right to participate in commercial and educational activities.

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 • PAGE 7

PAGE 8 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 • PAGE 9

COMMUNITY

Meera Vasisht renders lively and sparkling debut performance Sunanda was also very emotional in expressing her gratitude towards Rathna, and all her friends who helped out in every way possible. Pete Olson praised Meera for upholding Indian culture and art through her dance. CGI Dr. Ray congratulated Meera for achieving this milestone and lauded Guru Rathna Kumar for her untiring, relentless work in training and producing dancers of the highest quality over a long period of 43 years. Joseph Emmett complimented Meera on her accomplishment. Two of Meera’s friends spoke very highly of Meera’s passion and dedication towards dance. Meera will be a sophomore at the Awty International School in Fall 2018. Meera has dedicated last several years working alongside the government of towards raising awareness of environmentally friendly energy eďŹƒcient technologies. Her contributions in this area have led to two pilot projects in Hyderabad

Meera Vasisht Arangetram is the ďŹ rst formal solo performance of a student in the Indian classical Bharatanatyam style of dance. Meera Vashisht, the pride and joy of parents Sunanda and Ashu Vashisht created a memorable evening on August 4, at the Kaplan Theater with her Arangetram performance. The presence of dignitaries like Congressman Pete Olson, Consul-General Dr. Anupam Ray, Pandit Suman Ghosh, Vedantist Joseph Emmett, made the evening more special. The program started with brief introductory remarks by mother Sunanda, introducing emcee Vasundhara Kambhampati. Meera made an immediate connection with the audience from the minute she entered the stage with Gajanana Gajamukham when she paid obeisance to the God of auspicious beginnings, elephant-faced Lord Ganesha. She showed her prowess in execution of complex rhythmic sequences set to varying patterns with her next dance, Jatiswaram. Varnam, the longest, most important and demanding dance of the repertoire, was a Sri Rama Vandana performed eortlessly by Meera with tremendous poise and grace, reecting her long hours of practice. Her mastery of Abhinaya (expression through hand, face, body gestures and mime) brought the entire story of the destruction of the demons, his marriage to Seeta and the victory over Ravana to life. Madhav Madan Murari, the next item was dedicated to Lord Krishna, where his playful and all merciful nature were

depicted through enacting several key incidents of his life. A dance Gale Bhujang, praising the Lord of Dance, Nataraja, with a snake around his neck, the moon and Ganga adorning his matted locks, trident held aloft in one hand and his beloved consort Parvati by his side, followed. In Jaya Durge, Meera demonstrated skillfully the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil bualo-headed Mahishasura. The Tillana that ensued was a beautifully descriptive unusual composition about Krishna and the Gopis. It brought out a unique combination of lyrics and soft syllables with purity of technique. The concluding Mangalam was an oering of grateful homage to God, Mother Earth, the Guru and the musicians. Guru Rathna Kumar emotionally expressed her satisfaction, joy and fulďŹ llment in training the exceptionally talented, dedicated Meera. She applauded the fact that despite her roots being in Northern India, Meera had no diďŹƒculty in mastering the South Indian dance form. She awarded Meera her graduation certiďŹ cate. The musicians, vocalist N. N. Sivaprasad, autist B. Muthukumar, mridangam player N. K. Kesavan, Guru Rathna Kumar, teacher Venugopal Josyula, lighting director Seetha Ratnakar, makeup artist Beth Hardin were given tokens of appreciation. Meera thanked her parents, Guru, family members who had traveled long distances, the emcee, helpers and well-wishers for making the program a success.

PHOTOS: MURALI SANTHANA and New Delhi, India. Meera dedicated her dance performance to the goal of

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PAGE 10 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018

COMMUNITY

Kishore Iyer presents distinctly delightful debut concert on Violin

Naga Srinidhi Kuruvada, left, on the Mridangam, Kishore Iyer, Maya on Tampura and Srinivas Ponnappan on Ghatam The Guru-sishya relation- prayers rendered by Manicka the RTP with all its excellence. ship is an exclusive one and a Bhattar of Sri Meenakshi tem- The brilliance of Raga Alapafather-to-son connection com- ple. The traditional Varnam na, Neraval was elaborate and bined in it has to be a very spe- “Virobhoni” in Bhairavi fol- captivating Swaras that were lowed by Mahaganapathim in all well-proportioned and beaucial story. Guru Mahesh Iyer was in- Nattai, the auspicious raga best tifully rendered. The rhythmic deed a proud father, Guru and suited for the commencement variations were aesthetically admirer of an extraordinary of a concert was for the very appealing in the Sangatis and improvisation in the Thaanam debut performance presented beginning. The vibrant rendition of was a charming display of his by Kishore Iyer, a junior at Shadow Creek High school, Aboghi ragam is always stimu- talent that scored very high. The concert was strikingly lating and “Sabapathiku” of Pearland, Texas. This Arangetram concert Gopalakrishna Bharthi was de- impressive with the accomwas held on August 3rd at the lightful. Raga Reethigowla was paniment of Naga Srinidhi Sri Meenakshi temple Kalyana dealt with finesse and the song Kuruvada on the Mridangam Mandapam in Pearland, Texas. chosen was” Janani Ninuvina” that revealed extremely good talent and Srinivas Ponnappan The great violinist of all by Subbaraya Sastri. Elaborate Raga Alapana and on Ghatam enthralled the auditimes, Shinichi Suzuki famously stated that “If children swarams were the highlight ence with his reverberating pot hear fine music from the day of of all the amazing renditions. percussion and both together their birth and learn to play it, Kishore demonstrated his skill- provided a fine addition with they develop sensitivity, disci- ful mastery of notes, fingering their display. Their Thani Avarthanam in Misra Triputa tala pline and endurance. They get and bowing skills. Equally delightful way the was a brilliant creation and rea beautiful heart.” This is so true and a trait playing in the song by Saint ceived a well-deserved round imbibed by Kishore’s learning Thyagaraja in Simhavahini, of applause. Mahesh Iyer, who hails from process stemming from birth “Nenarunchara Rama” where although the actual “Shiksha” the Saint appeals “Oh Sri- Kerala included a composition or education was from a later Rama, please be affectionate of Maharaja Swati Thirunal to me. Am I not your humble of Travancore, without which date. the concert would have been The repertoire of the concert servant “? The song that followed was a incomplete. Kishore rendered was well selected and comprised a plethora of celebrated popular beat “Sri Valli Devase- the all-time classic “Sarasaksha Paripalayamam” in praise Carnatic music composers. napathe” in Natabhairavi. Almost every song had well- of Lord Padmanabha with juMahesh Iyer had meticulously chosen and stringed together meaning verses and immersed bilant melody. The song with a variety of Ragas namely every listener into an enjoyable the waves of musical notes in Alaipayuthe Kanna was comBhairavi, Nattai, Vaagad- experience. The raga that sparkled in mendable and Thillana in Raga heeswari, Saraswsthi, Sri and Gowri Manohari that were Kishore’s brief sketch was the Maand was the concluding synonymous with Sakthi. The Ragam, Tanam, Pallavi in raga piece before “RamachandraThaalam (the beat) included “Vagdheeswari”. The thalam ya Janaka Rajaja Mahoraya” Ata, Ekam, Roopakam, Misra (Misra Triputa) is also called Mangalam of Sri Annamacharya was resonating and graceChappu, Desadi, Adi and Mis- Rudra Thalam. This was a special composi- ful. ra Triputa thalams. Kishore’s sister, Maya Iyer, Every song that was present- tion of Mahesh Iyer with the ed was dedicated with lyrics in Sahityam that was reveren- a well-accomplished artist praise of many different Hindu tial and paid obeisance to the herself and a Violinist cum deities. It clearly indicated that confluence of Siva, Sakthi and Bharatanatyam dancer emceed both the student and the teacher Krishna. Incidentally, it in- the event and also accompahave put in magnificent efforts cluded the names of the mem- nied on the Tampura. Close friends, Aakash Srito bring the whole concert to bers of the family- Bhavani, a display of impressive recital Mahesh and Maya and ending kanth and Vishnu Sadagopan that was melody, rhythm and with Kishora. ”Nee Kaatha- narrated interesting and amusrulum Kanindhu, Aandam Tara ing anecdotes about Kishore music at its best. The presentation was indeed vendum, Bhama Kishora Nee depicting his personality and most enjoyable because of this Vara”, was the last name refer- playful nature, as well as his dedication to music. exceptional selection of very ring to Lord Krishna. Mahesh Iyer presented the Kishore and Mahesh put in popular Krithis. The concert started with tremendous efforts depicting Certificate of Graduation from

Father and Guru, Mahesh Iyer, presents a certificate to son and disciple Kishore. Pranavam School of Arts, Temple, as part of the Kalyana Pearland, TX and indicated Mandapam renovation project. The debut concert was also that this was just a new beginning to achieve higher goals a way to contribute to the Sri after recognition as a concert Meenakshi Temple auditorium renovation project where the musician. Kishore thanked his par- concert was held. The whole ents, Bhavani and Mahesh family is dedicated to the temIyer, grandparents, and a host ple activities with their creof family and friends who ative talent and volunteering were instrumental, (no pun in- services at all events including tended) in making the concert the health fair, cultural and rea grand success, He donated ligious festivities. —Thara Narasimhan the proceeds to Meenakshi

Rajender of Star Promotions is bringing Oscar winner A.R. Rahman’s live in concert at Sugar Land’s Smart Financial center on Sept. 15. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster. com. For sponsorship and VIP tickets, call Rajender at 281-9757469 or 281-222-4500. Or visit www.starpromotioninc.com.

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 • PAGE 11

COMMUNITY Birla Institute of Technology alumni celebrate BITSians’ Day On the first Friday of August every year, BITSians (students and alumni from Birla Institute of Technologyand Sciences, Pilani) around the world gather to celebrate BITSians’ Day -a global gathering of BITS Alumni to reflect, recognize and share those priceless experiences that shaped them into what they are today. This event enables BITSians to bond and positively enhance each others’ professional and personal lives. On August 3rd, BITSians in the Houston chapter gathered together to celebrate BITSians’ Day at Axelrad, a gathering place in downtown Houston, TX to hang out with live music, food and drinks. Alumni from the class of 1960 through 2016 enjoyed the evening recollecting and exchanging fond memories of those four to five fun filled years spent at BITS campuses. Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS) Pilani, Rajasthan has evolved from the Birla College of Engineering which was established in 1946. The institute was under the private management of Birla Education Trust, headed by the late G.D. Birla, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. Since then, BITS campuses expanded to other locations including Goa, Hyderabad and Dubai. During the early years of its inception, in 1964 -70, the Institute, with the support of the Ford Foundation had collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In 2018, the Government of India declared BITS as one of the six Indian “Institutes of Eminence (IoE)” which is a recognition of its admission standards and academic performance. BITSian’s Day is a unique initiative taken up by BITSAA International- a 501(c3) non-profit organization registered in USA that represents all BITSians with chapters in Asia, Africa, Australia, Americas, Middle East and Europe. Besides providing a number of communication channels for Alumni members to stay connected with each other, it engages in charitable and educational activities by raising funds for setting up endowments, creating scholarships, rewarding teaching and research and promoting the development of resources at all of its four campuses at Pilani, Dubai, Goa and Hyderabad. The Houston chapter, initiated by Krishna Vavilala (class of 1955-60) was formally inaugurated in August 2013 by the Consul General of India, Parvathaneni Harish and his wife Nandita. The Chapter continues to play a role in bringing all members of the group together and is open to connecting with similar professional groups in the Houston community. To join the group visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/BITSAAHouston/. —By NIKITA PUNNA

Jaipal From Page 6

tices. These blatant prejudices led to an “inferiority complex” and by 8th grade, he dropped out of school. However, the seeds of activism were sown. Ramesh went to work in a video store, sold balloons and kites at crossroads, and cleaned sewers to earn money. A bright child, he passed his 10th grade privately and went on to complete his Diploma in Business Administration. In 2005, he was appointed as Coordinator by the Applied Socio Economic Research Resources Center (ASR) for his district, Raheem Yar Khan. Here, he got his first taste of how socio-economic problems are rationally discussed and solved. Simultaneously, he continued his education and graduated with a Masters in Political Science followed by another Masters in Sociology and Rural Development. He footed his tuition by plying an auto rickshaw during the evenings. In 2006, Ramesh started the Hare Rama Foundation and the Scheduled Caste Rights movement of Pakistan which fights for the rights of the underprivileged sections of society. The Foundation in partnership with

Sewa-USA recently initiated several Skill Development programs for the youth in the area. He notched a huge victory when the Government of Pakistan passed the first Hindu Marriage Bill in 2017. Ramesh says it took him 3 months to draft the bill but 10 years to get it passed. He is currently working on two other bills – increasing minority seats and an Anti-Force Conversion Bill. In 2017, Ramesh was selected for the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program. He spent the first three months at the University of Davis, California honing his English speaking skills followed by 9 months at Washington College of Law studying Law and Human Rights. The one thing that impresses him most about the US is the freedom of speech and religion that its people enjoy. In the recent elections in Pakistan, Ramesh pointed out that not a single Hindu was nominated from Punjab province. If Hindus, he despairs, are not represented by their own people, how can they ever progress? He routinely receives death threats for his work but this hasn’t deterred him. When asked why he does what he does, he simply says, “If I don’t raise my voice, who will.”

Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences alumni in Houston meet. Sixth from left is Houstonian Krishna Vavilala, one of the senior alumni.

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NEWS

Rains continue to batter Kerala, people shifted to relief camps

Rains continued to wreak havoc in many parts of Kerala with northern hill district of Wayanad experiencing widespread landslides and flooding overnight, forcing thousands of people to take shelter at relief camps, officials said today. Several people fled their homes yesterday due to landslides and land slips in the district part of Western Ghats. People living in the downstream have been shifted to relief camps. Over 13,800 people have been provided shelter at 124 relief camps in the district. Low lying areas are inundated, officials said. Shutters of Banasura Sagar Dam were raised further last night to release excess water. Many parts of northern Kerala districts including Kannur, Kasargod, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palakad also witnessed rains last night. Two shutters of Cheruthoni Dam part of Idukki reservoir were closed last evening. The water level in the dam is receding further, alleviating apprehensions of the affected people living downstream, particularly in Ernakulam district. However, water level in Mullaperiyar Dam rose to 136 ft, prompting authorities to sound caution. The catchment areas of the dam is receiving rains continuously. Meanwhile, the Travancore Devaswom Board has asked the devotees to avoid their pilgrimage to Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district to participate in the Niraputhari as water level in Pamba River was rising steadily. Rains had pounded several parts of Kerala yesterday, triggering landslips and compounding the woes of people already reeling under unprecedented floods and downpour which have claimed 39 lives in six days. The Union Home Ministry’s National Emergency Response Centre (NERC) in New Delhi had said that 187 people have lost their lives in Kerala to the monsoon fury, with 2,406 villages in 14 districts badly hit by rains and floods, and standing crop in over 26,400 hectares damaged. Landslides were reported from various places in Malappuram, Kozhikode, Idukki and Wayanad districts.

A laborer holds tricolour curtain to decorate a fence of the Western Railway building on the eve of Independence day in Mumbai on Tuesday. India will be celebrating its 72nd Independence Day tomorrow. While every city and district headquarters are gearing up to celebrate the Independence Day, all eyes are at the Red Fort, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the tri-color and make his fourth speech.

I pleaded for burial space at Marina: Stalin Opening up on the subject publicly for the first time, DMK leader M.K. Stalin on Tuesday said he had pleaded with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami to allot space at the Marina beach to bury party President and his father M. Karunanidhi. Addressing an emergency meeting of the party’s Executive Committee, Stalin recalled: “We (party leaders and family members) met the Chief Minister and made our request. He said the norms do not allow a former Chief Minister to be buried at Marina beach. “I held the hands of the Chief Minister and pleaded for space. They did not agree,” Stalin said. He said the decision to meet Palaniswami in person was taken after doctors declared that Karunanidhi was in critical condition. According to Stalin, the Chief Minister said the matter would be looked into -- but this was stated in order to send out the delegation. After the announcement of Karunanidhi’s death at 6.10 p.m. on August 7, the government issued a statement formally refusing a burial space at Marina. Praising the DMK’s legal team led T. Wilson, Stalin said they approached the Madras High Court late at night and won the case the next day. Stalin said had the case been lost, a situation would have arisen leading to his own burial next to Karunanidhi.

Ahead of ‘Khalistan rally’ in London, India announces Guru Nanak celebration Hours ahead of a pro-Khalistan rally in London, External Af-

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fairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced on Sunday that all Indian diplomatic missions would celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of the founder of Sikh faith Guru Nanak. The move is seen as a counter to the rally. Last month, India issued a demarche over the ‘Khalistani rally’, intended to drum up support for and awareness of a non-binding referendum on a Sikh homeland in 2020. The British government, however, said people had a right to gather and express their views, provided they did so within the law. The London rally is being organised by Sikhs for Justice, a U.S.-based group, though U.K. groups indicated they would participate too. The pro-Khalistan Sikh Federation U.K. said “some members” would be attending the event, while Dal Khalsa U.K. urged people to join the rally. The organisers received clearance from the London Mayor’s office in the weekend. “We will take the message of Guru Nanak to the world. His message of sharing the fruits of good deeds with all is the right teaching in this era when I, me, myself is the dominating idea. The Guru visited many places and so did Baba Farid. The message of One God taught by Guru Nanak is similar to the Indian teaching in the Shastras,” said Ms. Swaraj in her remarks delivered at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas where she was the chief guest at a Sikh religious event organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Indian diplomatic and cultural missions across the world will organise prayers and festivities to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. The Minister did not refer to the London event in her speech but highlighted the inclusive elements of Sikhism. “We want to convey to the world that the Guru Granth Sahib is the best representative of the Indian understanding of multiple versions of truth. Guru Granth Sahib is the only holy book in the world which apart from the ten gurus of Sikh faith also contains messages [vaanis] of other learned saints and great souls [belonging to other faiths],” said Ms. Swaraj.

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 • PAGE 13

COMMUNITY

Doyen of engineering education E.C. Subbarao visits Houston

By SESHADRI KUMAR A doyen of engineering education, Professor E.C. Subbarao addressed the serious issue of the lack of good teachers facing engineering education in India and how it has affected the quality of education to an informal gathering hosted at Madras Pavilion, Sugar Land. The author of “An Eye for Excellence,” an inspiring chronicle of a newly established institution - the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur’s rise to pre-eminence in a short period of time, Subbarao, 90, was on a private visit to Houston recently. Subbarao’s brother, Elaswarupu Nagaraj, a Sugar Land resident, and an active community member, hosted the event. Indian Institute of Technology alumni and other engineering graduates from India were among the invited guests. “An Eye for Excellence,” published on the occasion of IIT Kanpur’s 50th anniversary, chronicles the phenomenal growth and success of the institution. IIT Kanpur was able to draw on the rich experience of nine famous US universities, backed by US government funds. Breaking loose from established educational patterns both in India and abroad, IIT Kanpur adopted an innovative broad-based curriculum with sciences, humanities and social sciences forming an essential component. Subbarao joined the newly

established IIT Kanpur in 1963 and was a professor there until 1981. In his address, he stated that Indian Americans abroad have a role to play in helping engineering education in India. Subbarao urged the Indo American engineering and technology personnel to take some time off, spend time in Indian engineering institutions and invite the faculty from India to visit organizations here to enable them to upgrade their knowledge. Subbarao also suggested that successful entrepreneurs from the U.S can set up endowments to recognize and retain teachers in Indian engineering institutions. Subbarao acknowledged the lack of high quality research and reputed publications and attributed it to teachers being bogged down in teaching. The IIT faculty do not have connections with Indian industry and real-time problem solving opportunities. A native of Narsapur, Andhra Pradesh, Subbarao was born in 1928 and educated in a school located in a remote village without electricity. An excellent student, he went on to do his BSc Tech degree from Banaras Hindu University, a Master’s degree from the University of Washington and a PhD from Pennsylvania State University. He worked as a research engineer in Westinghouse Research Laboratories, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1956 to 1963, establishing

Nagaraj Elaswarupu, left, Sydney Burrus from Rice University, Mallick Putcha and Subbarao. his research credentials. When he decided to return to India for the second phase of his career, he joined the newly started Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, in 1963 in his first teaching position. He was the first department Head of metallurgical engineering, the first Dean of faculties, and established the Interdisciplinary Centre for Materials Science. A key player in the transformation of IIT Kanpur into a world-class institution, Subbarao contributed to the intellectual, administrative and international aspects of this process. Subbarao’s research and academic achievements in Materials Science, as embodied in several of his books and papers in highimpact journals, are recognized

by fellowships of the three academies of science and engineering in India. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, IIT Kanpur conferred its first Honorary Fellowship on Subbarao in 2006. In 1981, Subbarao became the founder-director of the Tata Research Development and Design Centre, Pune, a division of Tata Consultancy Services, set up to apply science and technology for the benefit of Indian industry and people. The ‘Spirit of IITK’ helped him in building this first institution of its kind. Professor Subbarao received the INSA Prize for Materials Science (1995), Distinguished Alumnus of the Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (1998), and Honorary Fellow of IIT Kanpur (2006). He

was elected Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore, the Indian National Academy of Engineering and the International Academy of Ceramics. Abhijit Gadgil and Witty Bindra, representing the Pan Indian Institute of Technology Alumni of Greater Houston, took Subbarao’s suggestions in earnest and offered to do their best in helping improve engineering education in India. Mallick Putcha, an IITian and Dean Sydney Burrus from Rice University also spoke. It should be mentioned that Subbarao’s brother E. Nageswara Rao taught English at the Sri Venkateswara University in Tirupati and this writer was his student while studying Masters in English Literature.

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INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 • PAGE 15

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RELIGION Aadi Sukravara Deepa Pooja at Sri Meenakshi Temple Aadi Sukravara Deepa Pooja was celebrated with great divinity on August 10th 2018,Friday at Sri Meenakshi Temple. Auspices Fridays in the Tamil month Aadi, are considered very sacred for Shakthi and Lakshmi worship. Symbollically the Deepam (oil lamps) are considered the abode of Goddess Lakshmi.Women invoke Goddess Lakshmi in the lamps and worshop.Preists Sri Sridharan Raghavan, Sri Pawan Kumar, Sri Sriman Narayana and Sri Satish conducted the Deepa Pooja .Many ladies took part in the pooja and simple Dinner and Prasadam was served after the Pooja. The event was co ordinated by Nachal Sethuraman and Saro Alagappan. —Nachal Sethuraman.

Tulsi Gabbard wins primary in Hawaii Honolulu, HI—Hawaiʻi Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI02) won Saturday’s three-way Democratic Primary Election, earning 84% of the votes cast. Tulsi Gabbard thanked Hawaiʻi voters for their overwhelming support, saying: “I’m so thankful to the people of Hawai’i who demonstrated with their votes resounding support for my hard work to serve them, to bring the aloha spirit to Washington, and to fight for peace. They saw through the mudslinging and dirty campaigning, and took a stand for peace and ending regime change wars. “Hawaii’s people understand that the cost of war impacts us all—through lives lost and resources wasted. Every dollar spent on interventionist wars of choice is a dollar we are not investing in our communities right here at home on things like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and more.“I’m grateful for the privilege of serving the people of Hawaiʻi and this country as we fight for our people, our planet, and our future.”

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MUSINGS by Gadfly

That day will come Every January 26th (India’s Republic Day), July 4th (America’s Independence Day) & August 15th (India’s Independence Day), I think of India, my India, Mera Bharat. I have now lived longer in the US (my karmabhoomi) than in India (my janmabhoomi). That doesn’t divide my loyalties. It doubles it. I’ve the responsibility to represent India & Indians here in America, and America when I visit India. I’ve noticed Americans resenting green card holders who chose not to become citizens & those who talked about going back after retirement; or were nostalgic about their ‘home’ land. They asked ‘what are you doing here if that is your homeland?’ or ‘if that’s your home, then what’s this?’ What is a nation without patriotism? Over the years, liberals in India & America have come to equate it with jingoism. That’s how word spread around the world that India is now ruled by Hindu nationalists, the moniker India’s (Westcated) secularist English press enthusiastically chose for BJP decades before it came to power. BJP did a good job too of confirming that impression. BJP is now stuck with it until people realize that nationalism does not mean majoritarianism which in India’s case, liberals love to point out, is blatant Hindu majoritarianism, with insinuations of Hindu exclu-

sivity to patriotism. The Hindus shouting ‘why don’t you go (back to) Pakistan or Bangla Desh etc. do their part in Hindutvawad. Hindus are historically known for being late ‘wakeuppers’ & self-harming. Add to that their embarrassing history of being the highest percentage of traitors to themselves all over the world. You won’t find a Pakistani Muslim betraying Pakistan in Kashmir or anywhere. But Hindu? NDTV reported on April 28, 2010 that Second Secretary for Press and Information at the Islamabad Indian High Commission, 53-year-old Madhuri Gupta, allegedly fell in love with Rana, her Pakistani handler, and began selling secrets to him. Allegedly, in her confession to the police, she said she also wanted revenge for being overlooked for promotion, and unhappy with her service conditions. After her conviction, before being sentenced in May this year, she asked for mercy because extreme financial hardship as a single-mother made her do it. First Post reported August 7, 2014, that police arrested Patan Kumar Poddar (allegedly a porn-addict), Naik Subedar of the EME Unit in Secunderabad for sharing with an unidentified woman (via social networking sites, mobile phone and through email) information about strategic locations

of army bases & deployment of some defense units,. One case is one too many. And they come in all shape & form. covert, overt, some unbeknownst to themselves & the rest like R. Guha, Rahul Gandhi (Hindu in name only; about twenty years too late reading Bhagwad Gita), the Raj’deep’ Sardesais in ‘cat drinking milk with closed eyes, believing ‘Idhar to kuch maloom hi nahin hai’ category. On every August 15, I think of Rahul Gandhi sharing with foreign dignitaries the valuable information that more than anything else, the greatest danger to India is from Hindu terrorism. Now decades later, after losing elections, his mother goes to public meetings with a bindiya on her forehead. Indra Gandhi Ki bahu indeed. These are the things that are frustrating about Indians, not India. The so-called leaders not thinking about country’s interest. In India, the Congress, the Communists (same thing) have been obscenely obstructive & destructive (to India) since Sonia Gandhi’s Maut Ka Saudagar became PM. I know what makes me proud to be an Indian. So on Independence Days (both India’s & America’s), I don’t feel frustrated (if at all) with India but about Indians like India’s liberal leaders, liberal media & their followers. In America, in their eagerness to find fault with the ‘apprentice’ President, they have lost sight of the greater good – the democratic

process of winning at the polls. In India, Modi /BJP hate results in the media helping those they want to hurt. As much as the secular & communist political leaders the Congress (Communists), the minnows from Kashmir to Kerala –the India’s liberal journalists are responsible for ‘false negative’ Western media coverage of India outside India. The following swamp comes from CBS via the Associated Press. This is the standard of news we get in America & Western countries about India, thanks to supposedly reputed AP, with subtext of ‘draw your worst conclusion’. ‘Indian lawmaker Naramalli Sivaprasa, appeared in Parliament dressed like Adolf Hitler with a toothbrush moustache and wearing a khaki coat with swastika symbols on his pocket and arm. Raising his hand in a Nazi salute for the media on Thursday, he demanded more funds for the development of Andhra Pradesh, his southern Indian state. “PM Modi does not get the pulse of what people want and I want to urge him to not be like him (Hitler),” he said. His appearance did not trigger any protests from legislators.’ This was enough for AP to conclude, ‘Hitler remains a figure of fascination in India.’ This is a perfect example of fake news via guilt by perceived association. In 2012, Israel complained to the state of Gujarat that a menswear shop there was named ‘Hitler’. The owner said he didn’t know

1970-2018 1970 - 2014

about Hitler’s history when the name was suggested by his partner, whose stern grandfather was nicknamed Hitler. Based on this, the impression in the Western world spreads like a silent virus about India’s fascination with Hitler. There was some fascination for the only Indian PM (Indira Gandhi) showing fascist tendencies. Once she declared the infamous Emergency, the ‘fascination’ was gone. In Tamilnadu, political party, DMK’s working President’s name is M.K. Stalin. Conclusion? Stretch your imagination to fit the Western (Worst) perception of India, ‘India’s fascination with Stalin’. In the murder of journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru last year, arrests were made in Maharashtra of three men allegedly affiliated to radical Hindu groups.’ Just the kinda fuel Rahul G. & R. Guha love. Rajdeep Sardesai too would love it. Question is what responsibility do journalists & leaders have to INDIA, not to power? Or is it ‘give the dog a bad name & shoot him’. Every July 4th American rallies are full of God Bless America. You don’t hear discord among the opposition leaders & even ordinary citizens. What do we, as Indians do? Do we even include India in our prayers? Hearing the shout-out of God Bless America should make Indians ask how many of them/us pray for India. See Page 19

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

Sri Meenakshi Temple 10-Aug Fri 7PM Aadi Sukravara Ashtalakshmi Deepa Puja 13-Aug Mon 6:30PM Aadi Pooram, Meenakshi and Andal Abhishekam 16-Aug to 19-Aug Thu-Sun Sri Nava Chandi Maha Homam 24-Aug Fri 7PM Varalakshmi Vratham 25-Aug Sat 10AM Onam 26-Aug Sun 7AM Rig Yajur Upakarma Aavani Avi`am Durga Bari Temple Durga Bari temple is open from 9 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Mon. thru Sat. Sandhya aarti at 6:30 p.m. Temple closes at 7 p.m. Sunday special from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Temple is located at 13944 Schiller Rd (o Hwy 6 bet. Bellaire & Westpark). Call Ganesh Mandal at 713-797-9057 / 832-423-8541. 7 Divine Laws for Happiness & FulďŹ llment and Ram Katha Rahasya by Pujya Swami Mukundananda Swami Mukundananda, a worldrenowned teacher of spirituality, Yoga and Meditation will have Free program on 7 Divine Laws for Happiness & FulďŹ llment at India House at 8888 W Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77031 from August BUY

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4th(Sat) –10th(Fri). August 4th (Sat) & 5th (Sun): Yoga & Meditation from 4:30 pm – 5:45 pm, Discourse from 5:45 p.m to 7:30 pm., August 6th (Mon) – 9th (Thu): Yoga & Meditation from 6 p.m to 7:15 p.m, Discourse from 7:15 pm to 9 p.m. August 10th (Fri): Discourse from 7 p.m – 9p.m. Ram Katha Rahasya from August 11th (Sat)-17th (Fri) at Hindu Worship Society, 2223 Wirtcrest Lane, Houston, TX 77055. August 11th (Sat) & 12th (Sun): Discourse from 5 pm to 7:30 pm. August 13th (Mon) – August 17th (Fri): Discourse from 6:30 pm to 9 pm. Free Admission & Prasadam served on all days after program. Visit http:// www.jkyog.org/events or call 281630-5982/832-377-6070/281-7827345 or email: houstonjkyog@ gmail.com. Arya Samaj Satsang Weekly Havan Satsang every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. DAV Sanskriti School Sundays 10 a.m. to 12 noon. - Havan, Hindi and Naitik Shiksha classes. DAV Montessori School for ages 2 to 7 years. Call Arti Khanna 281-759-3286. Free Yoga classes on Sat. Sanskrit & Upanishad classes Tue. 6-8 p.m. At 14375 Schiller Rd. (bet Westpark & Bellaire o Hwy 6). 281752-0100. Brahma Kumaris The Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Meditation Center is open 7 days a week. The center oers free Raja Yoga Meditation classes: MonFri @ 6:00-6:45am and 7-8 pm, Sat-Sun @ 7:00-8:30am, 10 am-2 pm. Visiting hours are Sat-Sun @ 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact us at (832) 379-8888, houston@bktexas.com, OLD

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or bktexas.com to sign-up for classes. All Raja Yoga Meditation teachers at the Houston center are samarpit and have 15+ years of teaching experience. Chinmaya Mission Summer schedule Both BalaVihar and adult classes will remain closed from May 27th to September 8th. Classes will resume on Sunday, September 9th. New member registration for Bala Vihar will be conducted in Chinmaya Smrti Hall on SUNDAY, August 12th from 2 PM to 5 PM and August 19th from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon. Detailed information will be provided at the time of registration. No registrations will be done for Bala Vihar during September 2018. For more information: Visit www.chinmayahouston.org or call Bharati Sutaria 281.933.0233 Vedanta Society Vedanta Society of Greater Houston, VSGH (oďŹƒcial Branch Center of Ramakrishna Math, Belur), 14809 Lindita Dr. (77083), has lectures & talks on every Sunday 11 am - 12 pm, followed by Arati & Prasad; Bhagwad Gita Class on Tuesdays, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm; and Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna on Thursdays, 11 am - 12 pm. Rev. Sw. Atmarupanandaji, the Resident Monk, gives all classes, lectures & talks. Ramnaam Sankirtan is on 1st Saturdays 6 pm - 7 pm. Please visit www.houstonvedanta. org or call 281- 988-7211. Jain Society Jain Society of Houston (JSH) located at 3905 Arc Street Houston Texas 77063 is open M-F from 7:30 AM to 12 Noon and 4 to 7 PM, and Sat, and Sun from 8 AM to 6 PM. Jain Society of Houston invites Jain scholars all year round. Please call Urvashi Jain 713 789 2338. Visit www.jainsocietyhouston.org for more information. Shiv Shakti Mandir Sanatan Shiv Shakti Mandir, 6640 Harwin. Open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. All major festivals, as well as birthdays, naam karan, engagement and other ceremonies. Call Pandit Virat Mehta 713-278-9099 or Hardik Raval 361-243-6539 for puja or other ceremonies. Heartfulness Meditation Heartfulness Meditation is a practical technique of tuning inwards to experience our higher selves. Meditation with someone who has the capacity of yogic transmission can help you explore the Heartfulness practice more deeply. There are no charges for this, and we invite you to experience the unique beneďŹ ts of this transmission. Workshops on Heartfulness relaxation and meditation are held weekly throughout Houston, including Saturdays at 11 am at India House. Web: www. heartfulness.org; Email: houston. heartfulness@gmail.com. Cell: 713-929-0040. Hare Krishna Dham Houston’s original Vedic temple, ISKCON of Houston. At 1320 W 34th St. (77018). Daily Darshan & Arati Times: 4.30 a.m, 7 a.m, 8.30 a.m, 12 noon, 4.30 p.m, 7 p.m, 9 p.m. Sunday Festival: 5.30 pm to 7.30 p.m. Weekly Gita classes for adults; call 281-433-1635 or harekrishnadham @gmail.com Houston Namadwaar A prayer house where the Hare

Rama Hare Krishna Maha-mantra is continuously chanted. Weekends: 8-11 AM & 4-7 PM, Weekdays: 7-8 AM & 6-7 PM. Weekly “Gopa Kuteeramâ€? children’s heritage classes and Srimad Bhagavatam classes. Call 281-402-6585; visit www.godivinity.org (Global Organization for Divinity). Saumyakasi Sivalaya Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya is located at Chinmaya Prabha, 10353 Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Temple timings: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon and 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. For more information Contact 281-568-1690 or Jay Deshmukh at 832-541-0059 or visit www.saumyakasi.org Gauri Siddhivinayak Temple Darshan from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. All major festivals as well as birthdays, naam karan, engagement and other ceremonies. Call Pandit Pradip Pandya 832-4669868 for puja and other ceremonies. At 5645 Hillcroft Ste 701, Houston, TX 77036. Veerashaiva Samaja VSNA Houston is a group of families who believe in Veerashaiva dharma (Basava dharma). Monthly Mahamane program for prayer and discussion on Vachana Sahitya followed by Prasada. Contact: vsnahous ton@gmail.com or Jagadeesh Halyal 832-744-4166. Mar Thoma Church Trinity Mar Thoma Church every Sunday at 5810 Almeda Genoa Rd. Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. Malayalam service at 9:30 a.m. on 1st & 3rd Sunday. Adult Bible class at 9:30 a.m. English service at 10:30 a.m. on 2nd & 4th Sunday. Call 713-991-1557 or 281261-4603. Telugu Christian Fellowship Telugu Christian Fellowship meets every third Saturday of the month at Triumph Church, 10555 W. Airport Blvd., Staord TX 77477 at 6:30 p.m. Join us for a time of praise, worship and fellowship. Worship is in English. For information call Chris Gantela 281-344-0707, or Rev. Vijay Gurrala 281-997-0757. Sri Guruvayurappan Temple Hours: Mon to Fri 6 a.m. -8 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Weekends & Holidays: 6 a.m. to noon and 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bhajans Saturdays 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Special poojas (weekends and holidays) Choroon (Annaprasam) for kids, Thulabharam, Vahana Pooja, Nirapara. Temple is located at 11620 Ormandy St. (77035) Tel: 713729-8994 email: temple@ guruvayur.us Preksha Meditation JVB Preksha Meditation Center conducts weekly Meditation, Yoga and Swadhyay sessions inside its unique Pyramid hall under the auspicious guidance of Samani Kanchan Pragyaji and Samani Pranav Pragyaji who are stationed at Houston Center this year. It also runs special events and programs like I-Choose, Meditation Camps and Gyanshala program for children ages 4-14 yrs. JVB is located at 14102 Schiller Rd. Houston 77082. Every Tuesday,

9:30am-11:30am, Samaniji has pravachan for all adults interested in learning about Jainism. Every Wednesday there is Swadhyay class from 7-8pm and meditation from 8-9pm. Every Thursday from 9:30-11am there is special Yoga class for Ladies only. Every Saturday, there is Yoga Class from 9-10am and Meditation from 1010.30am. Ist & 3rd Sundays, there is Gyanshala Classes for Kids ages 4-14yrs. from 10-12:15pm followed by Lunch. Visit www. jvbhouston.org or send email at info@jvbhouston.org for more details. Patanjali Yogpeeth Free Yoga Classes every Sat/Sun at Arya Samaj from 8 am to 9:30 a.m. Call Anil 281-579-9433. For other free classes, call Indra 281537-0018. For Yoga/Herbal products, call Shekhar 281-242-5000. www.pyptusa.org; www.DivyaProducts.com. Hindu Temple of The Woodlands 7601 S. Forest Gate Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77382 Temple Hours, Weekdays: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM 5:30 PM - 8.30 PM Aarti @ 7:30 PM Saturday and Sunday 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM Aarti at 12:00 PM 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Aarti @ 7:30 PM; Contact 832-585--0001 or temple@myhtw.net Sathya Sai centers Sunday program held at two locations (North Houston: 12127 Malcomson Road, Houston; South Houston: 246 Fluor Daniel Drive, Sugar Land) from 3:00 to 5:30 pm) - Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) classes for children; Study Circle for adults & Devotional singing for all. Service programs - food distribution, canned food drives, nursing home visits, tutoring at schools, etc. Contact Venkat Rao (North) - 602-503-2249 or Ranji Raghavan (South) 281-451-8238. Visit www.sairegion10.org Sadhu Vaswani Center Sadhu Vaswani Center of Houston holds regular Satsang on 3rd Thursday of the month and daily Arti at 7.30 p.m. Call 281-4630379 or e.mail ramolaj@aol.com Gaudiya Math Shri Govindji Gaudiya Matha is a Hindu Vaishnava temple of Sanatan Dharam and worshipping place of Shri Shri Radha Krishna, Shri Gaur Nitai & Shri Ram Darbar. Mandir is open daily from 5.30 AM until 8.30 PM. We urge you to make a special eort to join our Sunday services regularly with your family & friends. The services are held from 5.30PM to 7.30PM followed by delicious prashad. Daily Aarti times : Mangala Aarti- 5:30 am. Bhog Aarti - 12:30 pm. Evening Aarti - 7:00 pm. Enroll your child in Sri Govindaji Vedic School. We oer Hindi classes for all ages. Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha is located in Northwest Houston at 16628 Kieth Harrow Blvd Houston TX 77084. For more information, call at 832-464-4686 or visit our website: http://sggm.org.

From page 16

The Amrutmanthan Musings (IH-Jan.24) ended with the exhortation that we can start with ‘God Bless India’. The rationalists, atheists & agnostics can make that wish without invoking divinity. My father, whenever he prayed on big occasions, included prayers for India’s safety, prosperity, good thoughts & good actions. Being at an age when you question almost everything, I thought, ‘I wonder if anyone is listening’; superstition doesn’t bring results. It’s only for self-security.’ Wrong thoughts. There are those who reject any divinity. But over the years, doubts have grown about such doubts & doubters. ‘Rationalists’ sounds more legit & acceptable than doubters, like ‘progressives’ for communists. In America, I came across groups like Prayers For the Planets, praying regularly for peace & welfare of the whole planet. Some of them were either agnostics or atheists but they believed in the power of ‘collective consciousness’ which rationalists probably call another superstition. As for Indians complaining every Aug. 15, an opioid epidemic (Udta Punjab aside) killed over 64, 000 under-50 Americans in 2016. Most were upper middle class. The late great American comedian Robin Williams said, “If you have drug problems, you have too much money & too much time.” So it’s likely that with prosperity, India could have one. America has had twenty-three school shootings so far this year alone. Thank God, Indians will never have to worry about their children in school. It’s not about making America look bad. It’s to make a point that no country, no matter how prosperous is without some serious problems. But Americans have enough civic sense (decency?) not to crib about these problems on July 4th. With a stronger civic sense, Indians will realize that it is downright indecent to pick on your country’s problems on its Independence Day. There is the opposition party for that. My elders in India often cited Germany & Japan for rising, like a phoenix bird, from the ashes of World War II destruction to rebuild to be ahead of India that was not destroyed. Problem with that is neither Germany nor Japan were ruled & looted by other countries. India, apart from being looted by invaders for centuries, was also never a single geographic entity until 1947. Germans & Japanese prisoners of war & those who fought in the wars without being imprisoned, later spent years recovering mentally.

India as a country was a prisoner in bondage for centuries. That’s different from individual prisoners. Which hospital or doctor can a nation go to recover mentally? India’s cultural resilience survived despite religious assaults. That resilience came from an Indian cultural identity shielding itself from assaults. They didn’t have to rebuild

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INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 • PAGE 19

cultural identity. To rebuild geographically will take a lot more time – perhaps as many years as the British ruled India – to be competitive internationally, provided it still retains its geographic unity. India’s cultural identity is the only in the world that survived millenniums. The characters from TV, films & literature In the West-

ern world often refer are nostalgic about Beethoven’s fifth symphony, Mozart’s unfinished piece Requiem, Ravel’s Bolero. We don’t hear that nostalgia in India yet except for the generation that lived during the golden era of Hindi films. As long as Bharat’s geographic identity continues, the day is not far, centuries from now, when millions of Indi-

ans wistfully wax eloquent about Abdul Karim Khan, Amir Khan, Bade Ghulam Ali, Bhimsen, Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar, Pannalal Ghosh, SD/ RD Burman, Shanker-Jaikishen, Saigal, Lata, Rafi, Asha, Sahir, Kaifi, Shailendra and too many more. That day will come. Send responses to gadfly7_7@ yahoo.com.

PAGE 20 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018

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