Indo American News • Friday, April 09 , 2010
online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
Friday, April 09 2010 | Vol. 29, No. 15
Indo American News
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Another model joins the Bollywood acting scene
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In IAN this Week
See Inside:
Vaisakhi Supplement Three Indian Movies Nominated at WorldFest
Story on Pg 6
Community Support Urged for FB District Attorney John Healey
Story on Pg 10
Dawoodi Bohras Celebrate 99th Birthday of Their leader
Story on Pg 14
Walkathon to Help the Needy in Houston Story on Pg 17
Indian Doctors Association Celebrates Gala 2010 splendid job of conducting the pro- He complimented Dr. Rakesh taken by the clinic. The clinic tries By Manasi Gokhale HOUSTON: Indian Doctor’s ceedings. They began by giving a Mangal, who is the President of to help the financially underpriviAssociation (IDA) Houston is brief introduction about the out- the Indian Doctor’s charity clinic. leged people by attending to them Dr. Rumalla’s speech was fol- every Saturday in Southwest Housa non-profit, networking forum going President of IDA Houston, for physicians of Indian origin to Dr. Srinivas Rumalla. Dr. Rumalla lowed by that of one of the most ton between 8.30am - 12.30pm, irrespective of their race, provide mentorship in acareligion or ethnicity. demic excellence, patient The Chief Guest of the care and promote health evening was President of education for the Greater the Texas Medical AssociaHouston community. The tion, Dr. William Fleming IDA-Houston is one of the III. He gave good advice largest local chapters of to all present about treatthe American Association ing patients and also spoke of Physicians of Indian about Dr. Nik Nikam’s new origin. This organization book, Heart Healthy Lifewas established in 1979 by style. Drs Satish Jhingran, Ninan This was followed by a Mathew and Jagdish SharBollywood song and dance ma and was incorporated performance by students of in 1983. the Anjali Dance Center. The 29th annual Indian Choreographed by Mahesh Doctor’s Association Gala Mabhubani, the entertainwas held at the J.W. Marment thrilled the audience. riott Hotel, Galleria area, This was followed by a on Saturday, April 3rd. brief speech by the CEO More than 300 guests that of ICON Hospital Kiley included doctors of Indian Cedotal, who thanked the origin attended the gala. The event is held annually The IDA Executive Committee. (From L-R) Dr. Srinivas Rumalla, Dr. Ashok Tripathy, IDA for being given the opportunity to be affiliated to to acknowledge the contri- Dr. Veena Chandrakar and Dr. Kulwinder Bajwa. Photos: Bijay Dixit IDA. Dr. Ashok Tripathy, bution of the Indian doctors President-Elect of IDA, towards the community gave a brief introduction about the renowned and experienced Indian introduced Dr. William Gilmer, and celebrate their achievements. The gala began with the singing IDA and urged the IDA members doctors, Dr. K. T. Shah. Dr. Shah practicing neurologist and current of the United States and Indian to take an active role on a national spoke about the work done by the President of the Harris County national anthems. The MCs of the scale. He lauded the members of volunteers for the Indian Doctor’s Medical Society (HCMS). event were Dr. Vinita Bhagia and IDA and said that the physicians charity clinic and gave an update continued on page 3 Dr. Veena Chandrakar, who did a helped Houston area community. on the current activities under-
Houston Mayor Awards Proclamation to HPD Officer Muzzafar Siddiqi
By Jacob David Houston: April 6, 2010 - HPD Officer Muzzafar Siddiqi was awarded a special proclamation by the Mayor of Houston, Annise Parker at the City Council Hall, Downtown. This was a special meeting of the Houston City Council that was held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2010, Mayor Annise D. Parker presiding. A strong recommendation and introduction by Sue Lovell, Council Member, Position 2 who started the proceedings. “Mayor, I’d like to recommend Officer Siddiqi, one of Houston Police Department’s outstanding officers who has done excellently well representing the community. It has been important for him to be there for his community, he has been a source of com-
Officer Siddiqi being presented the proclamation by Mayor Annise Parker at the City Council Hall 23 ON THE WEB • Read Articles • Post Comments • VIEW News E-NEWSPAPER • Share Event • BecomeEdition: a Fan on www.indoamerican-news.com Facebook • Picture Gallery• VISIT OUR WEBSTORE indoaMerican-news.com Indo American • Friday, april 09Pictures , 2010 • Online continued on page
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Indo American News • Friday, April 09 , 2010
online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
Indo American News • Friday, april 09 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
society
Indo American News • Friday, April 09 , 2010
Indian Doctors Association Celebrates Gala 2010 with Dance
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Students of The Anjali Dance Center enthrall the audience with a magnificent song President of the IDA, Dr. Srinivas Rumalla (left) alongside the President-elect of the IDA, and dance performance. Dr. Ashok Tripathy continued from page
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Dr. Jayesh Shah from the American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI, spoke about their upcoming convention in June this year in Washington, DC. Dr. Rumalla recognized and introduced the new board members of the IDA along with Dr. Ashok Tripathy, who will take over as the new IDA President. Dr. Tripathy,
who has more than 20 years of experience in his profession, gave a brief speech and thanked the past Presidents of the IDA. The formal proceedings of the evening were concluded by the release of Dr. Nikam’s latest book Heart Healthy Lifestyle. The Bombay Brasserie restaurant catered the Gala..
Renowned Cardiologist Dr. Nik Nikam (left) during the release of his book by Dr. William Gilmer >>>
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Indo American News • Friday, april 09 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
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Indo American News • Friday, April 09 , 2010
online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
Weigh in as a deciding vote Be a Voice that matters in local elections Act now and Re-Elect
John Healey
as District Attorney of Fort Bend County A trusted friend of Indo American Community With a Proven track record of 28 years of service
Vote in Republican Runoff April 13th Or Early Voting April 5 – 9 For Locations visit www. Johnhealeyfbda.com Political Advertisement Paid for by Indo American Friends of John Healey, 130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 110, Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Indo American News • Friday, april 09 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
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Society
Indo American News • Friday, April 09 , 2010
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Sri Meenakshi Temple Celebrates Sri Valli-Subrahmanya Kalyanam By Chittor Ramchandran PEARLAND: An opportunity to witness the performance of divine kalyana mahotsavams is considered auspicious and a great blessing. Enactment of celestial weddings is also intended to underline the glory of gruhasta-dharma (married life of a householder). These traditions retell the principles of God-consciousness to the younger generation while enriching our daily lives. Sri Meenakshi Temple earns intrinsic merits by promoting many such events consistently. Devotees of Sri Murugan (also known as Lord Subrahmanya, Karthikeyan, Skandan, and Kumara) celebrated Panguni Uthiram last weekend with the traditional rituals of the Lord’s wedding with Sri Valli. The ambiance of Sri Ganesha Temple sannidhi was that of a real Hindu wedding on the early morning of Saturday, April 3. A variety of seeru varisai (traditional special wedding food items) was prominently displayed at the center. A large gathering in celebrative attire engaged in eddies of casual conversations. The event director Smt. Roopa Bala had geared up to lead a procession to hail the de-
Hailing the bride and the groom on chapparam
ity of Sri Murugan to the kalayana mandapam where the stage was set for the wedding rituals. The sound of vedamanthrams and recorded music of nadaswaram resonated everywhere. The melodious Begada krithi of Dikshithar (Vallabha nayakasya...) was flowing through Sri Kothandaraman’s mangalavadyam praising the divinity of Lord Ganesha. As the music reached the
Seeru Varisai- symbol of Subrahmaya-Valli
samashti charanam, the lyrics of the song (valli vivaha karanasya...) prompted me to explore the anecdote of Sri Valli vivaham with Lord Murugan and the role that Sri Ganesha played in it. According to the ancient (300 BC to 300 CE) Sangam literature Sri Murugan is believed to be the Lord who created the language Tamil. He is essentially called “Tamizh Kadavul”. Vedic literature
(Taitareeya Aranyakam, Atharvana Veda) refers to Lord Subrahmanya as a divine warrior son of Rudra who was sent to earth to annihilate the tyranny of the evil Tarakaasura. The worship of Subrahmanya was one of the six principal sects of Hinduism at the time of Adi Shankara. According to the Tamil devotional work Thiruppugazh, “the beauty of Murugan can never be summed up in one word. He is an
abode of splendor, divinity, happiness, courage, power, valor, love, Tamil, simplicity, strength and intelligence.” The legend that tells the love story of Sri Valli and Lord Murugan is vividly described by the saintly poet Arunagirinathar, author of Tiruppugazh. Both oral traditions and literary work glorify Valli, an innocent village girl who attained unison with Lord Subrahmanya because of her undying spirit of love towards the Lord. She was found as a baby in the jungle and was raised by huntergatherers. Love-struck with the unseen god, the teenager Valli made a vrata or solemn vow to marry no mortal man but only the great Lord Murugan. To test her love, Murugan appeared before her disguised as an old ascetic. In a clandestine plan, Sri Ganesha appeared in the form of a wild elephant to frighten Valli in the forest. The ascetic scared the elephant away to rescue the terror –stricken girl who rushed into the arms of the ascetic. In return for rescuing her, the ascetic asked Valli to marry him. Though thankful, she refused to marry him with a firm decision to marry none other than her beloved Murugan.
Indo American News • Friday, april 09 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
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SOCIETY
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Three Indian Movies Nominated for Remi Awards at 43rd WorldFest Houston Film Festival
By Kalyani Giri Houston – Bodhisattva, starring luminary thespian of Bengali cinema Soumitra Chatterjee, will debut worldwide at the 43rd WorldFest Houston International Film Festival. The movie, scripted and directed by local filmmakers San Banerje and Trisha Ray, is one of three Indian films nominated for the Remi awards at WorldFest that runs April 9 – 18, 2010, at the AMC Studio 30 Dunvale. The other contenders vying for the prestigious honors are Saeed Mirza’s Ek Tho Chance, and Nikhil Bhat’s Saluun. Both will make their US debuts at the festival founded by awardwinning producer/director Hunter Todd nearly half a century ago to provide a quality forum for independent filmmakers. WorldFest is one of the oldest film festivals in the world showcasing excellence in emerging cinematic talent from
around the globe. “We’re fiercely independent,” Todd proudly reiterates. Over 450 independent filmmakers are expected to attend the event that kicks off festively at 6.00pm with an art car parade and a mariachi band on April 9. With Bollywood’s burgeoning international popularity, Indian films are trending and appearing
at festivals worldwide. Bodhisattva, in the Bengali language (with English subtitles), is a dark yet compelling creation of Houstonbased filmmakers Banerje and Ray, who also have pivotal starring roles in their film. The movie, set against the vibrant bustle of Kolkatta, is faintly reminiscent of an American Psycho meets Sixth Sense. A young married couple Avik (Banerje) and Anu (Miska Halim), innocently unaware of the devastation their act of kindness would yield, offer the hospitality of their guest room to Anu’s friend visiting from the United States. Maya (Ray), the guest and central character of the movie, harbors an Electra complex –unnatural and unresolved romantic feelings for her father (Soumitra Chatterjee). Like a beautiful broken doll, Maya goes through the motions, hiding her fractured mind behind a contrived veneer of normalcy. Insidiously she insinuates herself between Avik and Anu. She begins to covet Avik. And she will do anything to have him for herself. The overlaying tone of Bodhisattva is understated, insouciant even, but roiling murkily beneath are the bitter tones of deceit, betrayal, needless destruction, and sadness. A continued on page
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Happy & Harmonious Family: JVB Preksha Conducts Annual Family Retreat HOUSTON: JVB Preksha Meditation Center, Houston conducted a 3-day and 2-night Family Retreat Camp at calm and scenic 112-acre facility in southwest Houston area - The Gordon Ranch, Richmond, TX from April 2nd through April 4th 2010. The camp was attended by over 50 people; including families from all over Texas – Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and the Houston metroplex. This was the 10th Annual Family Camp conducted by JVB Preksha Meditation Center since the first one held in year 2001; the theme of this camp was inspired by Acharya Mahapragya’s recent book on – The Happy & Harmonious Family. Acharya Mahapragya’s disciples currently stationed in Houston- Samanijis Akshay Pragya ji & Vinay Pragya ji lead an interactive program which included multiple lectures/presentations on achieving familial peace and bliss. Samanijis guided participants through discourses on Mathematics of Life, Spiritual Healing of Relations, and presented situations that the audience could relate to their familial and daily lives; which led to thought provoking discussions and fructified ideas to overcome them. Participants relaxed and meditated during various meditation sessions during the day that would help focus on increasing tolerance power
The 10th Annual Family camp was attended by more than 50 people including families from all over Texas
and politeness. Daily early morning Yoga sessions were literally an icing on the cake. The retreat had concurrent special kids programs, where they focused on learning Yoga, Pranayam, and other creative activities. Families also enjoyed the excellent recreational facilities at The Gordon Ranch in the beautiful spring weather. All participants, especially kids participated in a cultural eve on Saturday night, which included knowledge snippets & skits performed by the kids. Samani Vinay Pragya
ji challenged participant minds with 10 trick quick fire questions with only 1 minute to answer. Dr. Anand Basi conducted on-site health checkups, blood sugar tests, and made a special presentation depicting the direct link between physical health and Happiness and Harmony within the family. He advised on simple and easy incorporations in our daily routines to help cope with blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and other such malaises. JVB President Pramod Bengani expressed his thanks to all volun-
teers and also thanked the board for their continued guidance. Samanijis recitation of Mangal Paath brought the event to a successful close. Preksha Meditation is the practice of purifying our emotions, consciousness and realizing our own self. Mediation augurs attitudinal change, behavioral modification and integrated development of one’s personality. Started in 1970, Preksha Meditation is the result of the untiring efforts of Ganadhipati Tulsi and Acharya Mahapragya.
Acharya Mahapragya researched and experimented for twenty years to rediscover the process of meditation, as was practiced by Bhagwan Mahavir. JVB Preksha Meditation Center is home to a specially designed Preksha Dhyan ‘Pyramid’ Meditation Hall and is located at 14102 Schiller Rd, Houston, TX 77082. For more information and for current and upcoming programs please visit www.JVBHouston.org or call 281.596.9642.
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Indo American News • Friday, April 09 , 2010
ALEXANDER P. MATHEWS, CPA For Services In:
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ICC and IHA Organizes Kavi Sammellan 2010
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For the past two years ICC and IHA (International Hindi Association), have brought a refreshing, enriching and fun-filled entertainment to Houston. Celebrity poets from India are invited to come and perform in different cities of USA once a year. The program was a huge success for both years and is expected to be a sold out event with excited listeners this year too. This year on the evening of April 11th will feature poet Mahendra Ajnabi of Delhi (he visited and performed here last year at the UoH for a different organization), upcoming star of Indian comedy scene Arun Gemini from Haryana and last but not the least a very talented poet, scriptwriter and director of TV serials and documentaries Aash Karan Atal from Rajasthan. These artists are going to
make the audience reminiscence India’s political, social and cultural themes with a rip-roaring humor, a little satire and maybe some heartwarming patriotism, weaving their intellect and idiocy with such deft that the result is pure delightful sprinkle of poetic jokes. All of the three poets have performed extensively all over India, on radio and TV, and conducted programs like kavi-sammellans in many south Asian countries, European countries and in North America. They are in the literary league with their publishings of books, poems and articles in magazines and all media. Chaired by the President of ICC Swapan Dhairyawan and IHA Director of Houston Sangeeta Pasrija, the program will start at India House at 5:30 pm, after the social hour( when people can mingle
Indo American News • Friday, april 09 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
with the poets and buy their books and CDs) and will continue nonstop for almost 3 hours ending at 8:30 pm. The program is made possible by the combined efforts of ICC Committee chaired by Rafi Ansar and IHA Committee of Bobby Singh (Current President of IACF) and Renu Sood. This program has been sponsored by MD & Associates LLP, United Central Bank, Club 24, Sewa International and Madras Pavilion. For an enchanted, enthralling and memorable experience attend the event on April 11th at India House at 5 pm. For tickets ($15 for Adult & @$10 for Seniors). Please contact Sangeeta at 281788-9750 or Rafi at 832-605-8992 or visit www.icchouston.org for more information.
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society
Indo American News • Friday, April 09 , 2010
Three Indian Movies Nominated for Remi Awards at 43rd WorldFest Houston Film Festival
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strong script and masterful acting make Bodhisattva a firm favorite for the Remi Awards. “This film has an international star, Soumitra Chatterjee, whose World of Apu, directed by Oscar winner Satyajit Ray, remains one of the top 100 movies of all time in the world,” confided Banerje. “He helped elevate the film to a different level.” Closely associated with this publication, Ray served as editor of Indo American News about a decade ago. She was elated to have Bodhisattva show at WorldFest. “This festival is very highly regarded in India. It is a very big victory for our small movie to be included in WorldFest. We truly thank WorldFest for acknowledging our hard work and accepting our film,” added Ray. Bodhisattva will screen on April 17 at 7.00pm. Filmmaker Saeed Mirza’s comedy Ek Tho Chance sparkles with audacious glee. This film, a Pritish Nandy Communications production that tells the tale of people riding the train to the vibrant city of Mumbai in the hope of realizing their dreams, stars Purab Kohli, Amrita Arora, and
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Rajat Kapoor. The film shows on April 14 and 15th at 9.00pm. The third Indian film to be presented at WorldFest is Saluun, a movie by Nikhil Bhat. Saluun is the story of Ashok, a smalltown simpleton who inadvertently gets entangled in a thick web of corrupt government machinery when his road -side salon gets towed away by the local municipality. Screenings of Saluun are billed for April 17 at 7.00pm and April 18 at 5.00pm. This year, the festival will screen 55 awardwinning indie films and 100 short films. The entire movie making process from casting, cinematography, distribution, directing, producing, and scripting will also be addressed in a series of six world-class seminars conducted by experts in each field. Seminars will be held at the Renaissance Hotel. The Avati Brothers of Italy who made the movie Il Figlio Piu Piccolo will be in attendance opening night to receive the Remi Career Achievement Award. The festival concludes with a glitzy Grand Awards Gala and Cocktail Reception at the Renaissance Hotel on April 17, and a VIP NASA Space Center tour and Regatta/ Barbecue at the Houston Yacht Club on April 18. “We focus on a story well-told,” said WorldFest Artistic and Program Director Kathleen Haney. “In the ten days of WorldFest we can do no more than 60 films a year. We try to keep high standards and concentrate only on the very best new American and foreign independent films and honor those,” added Haney. For more information on WorldFest Houston, visit www.worldfest.org.
Indo American News • Friday, april 09 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
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Indo American News • Friday, April 09 , 2010
houston community
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Community Support Urged for Fort Bend County District Attorney John Healey By Rachel Varghese HOUSTON-- A presidential election is surrounded by years of national hoopla with the citizens of a nation keenly aware of the jogging schedule of the candidates and more. What people fail to realize is that there are other elections throughout the year that can affect individuals, much closer to home. The 2010 Republican Primary Runoff Election on April 13th has the capacity to affect the lives of those who live in Fort Bend County. Fort Bend County has been listed in FBI statistics as having the lowest crime rate in cities surrounding Houston. District Attorney John Healey has been working to keep Fort Bend County safe with his experience in successfully prosecuting cases and protecting our way of life. Healey has been an ardent supporter of activities in the Indian community, including attending the Ft. Bend Forum each year and not only attending but donating to the Indo-American Charity Foundation each year,
among others. While Healey does not appear frequently in any publication, his support of the Indian community in Fort Bend has been long standing. He takes the time to be a part of this community. While Healey’s office has addressed juvenile violence, drug trafficking, sexual assaults against children and economic crime, it is in the area of domestic violence that Healey has made the greatest impact. In 1996, Healey was nominated by the National Council on
Domestic Violence in the field of domestic violence prosecution and batterers intervention rehabilitation. In 1999, Healey authored and supported a bill, which later became state law which protecting victims of domestic violence, and not requiring victims from participating in mediation during criminal cases. The role of District Attorney is to act on behalf of the ordinary citizen and Healey has been working for the past seventeen years to do just that. His programs include help for
Sri Meenakshi Temple Celebrates Sri Valli-Subrahmanya Kalyanam continued from page
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At the end of the drama, Sri Murugan revealed himself to her and won the heart of all the villagers. Lord Murugan accepted Valli as his consort. The role of Sri Ganesha in promoting this union has been praised in many contexts in the literature. Unlike other celestial weddings being enacted frequently in Hindu temples, Valli-Subrahmanya kalyanam is unique. Despite the formal wedding rituals, this is more of a celebration of the devotion of a human being towards the Lord. Acceptance of Valli by Murugan is a reaffirmation of the benevolence of the Lord towards the human who trusts him. This event which brought about a celebrative weekend culminated with a sumptuous luncheon. The wedding celebration at MTS was conducted in grand scale in the presence of a large crowd and with the involvement of several volunteers as listed below, to whom the community is very thankful.
Indo American News • Friday, april 09 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
merchants who have been victimized by hot check writers, acting as the voice of abused children and going after drunk drivers. Healey has a reputation for being tough on crime. The winds of change have swept many offices around the country but there is no guarantee that change is necessarily a good thing. If something is not broken, why change it. Healey’s support of the Indo American community must be reciprocated as he heads to the polls on April 13th.
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Indo American News • Friday, April 09 , 2010
Indo American News • Friday, april 09 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
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Indo American News • Friday, April 09 , 2010
houston community
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2010 Tyagaraja Music Festival April 16–18, Celebrates GNB Centenary Yes, it is that time of the year! For an entire weekend, the 18th century saint composer Sri Tyagaraja and his music will resound throughout our city, as the votaries of Carnatic music in the greater Houston area gather to honor the bard at Houston’s 33rd Annual Tyagaraja Utsavam (Music Festival) from April 16 to April 18 at Sri MeenakCharumati Ramachandran shi Temple, jointly organized by the Temple and the Classical Arts Society of Houston. Following a tradition begun four years ago, this year also a renowned musician from India has been invited to don the mantle of leadership as the Artistic Director of the Utsavam. The organizers have chosen Smt Charumathi Ramachandran for that role. Charumathi has chosen the theme “Endaro Mahanubhavulu” meaning many great personalities. The festival will celebrate great musicians who have left an indelible mark in the world of Carnatic music. The celebration will focus on the golden voiced late Sri G.N. Balasubramaniam (GNB) whose centenary is being observed throughout the world. On Sunday 18th, Padma Bhushan Sri Trichur Ramachandran, a leading veteran vocalist from India and the only living direct disciple of GNB, will present a lecture demonstration titled “My Illustrious Guru GNB and his compositions” as well as give
the grand finale concert that evening. As the dance among the festival’s various offer- positions of Tyagaraja. Some dance demos first female Artistic Director of the Houston ings. Consequently an intellectually stimu- will add visual enjoyment to the discussion. Utsavams, Charu- lating discussion amongst the well known The colorful Unchavritti, the singing of mathi has fittingly the Panchratna Kritis, other themed group chosen to presrenditions, a special presentation by youngent “Chatur Stree sters trained by Smt Rajarajeshwary Bhatt Ratnas – The Four , a 17-member orchestra ensemble and the Pillars of Female individual renderings of Sri Tyagaraja’s Singers of Carcompositions by local artists and devotees natic Music”, a are part of the traditional attractions of the tribute and a well Houston Utsavam. Together with all that’s researched insight going to be new, this year promises the attendees of the 2010 Tyagaraja Utsavam, a Trichur Ramachandran into the works of the great erstwhile varied and rich fare of Carnatic Music once female vocalists Smt M.S.Subbalakshmi, again this year. The program timings are: Fri Smt M.L.Vasantakumari, Smt D.K. Pat6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM to tammal and the sisters Brinda & Muktha. A Saint Thyagaraja Late G.N.Balasubramaniam 9:00 PM and Sunday 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM. similar lec-dem during the past music seaThe program information can be accessed son at the famous Chennai Music Academy dance personalities in the Houston area, led at the website www.ClassicalArtsSocietyreceived rave reviews in all the Chennai pa- by Smt Rathna Kumar promises to explore Houston.org. pers. The Utsavam will also feature short bi- a whole new dance perspective in the comographical films, books and CDs and DVD’s featuring GNB’s life and music. Among other attractions is a full length concert on Friday April 16th evening by the young winner of the Carnatic Music Idol competition Bharath Sundar featured on Chennai Jaya TV in March 2010. On Saturday April 17, a “Sangeetha Samvadam” or dialogue with Charumathi and other Houston area youngsters will be an opportunity to learn more of Bharath’s experience during the extraordinarily tough competition. Another major Utsavam attraction is a concert, first time ever in Houston, by popular rising star Gayathri Venkataraghavan and her party. An added feature in this year’s Utsavam is a segment on dance. “Both music and dance are integral to temple worship” says Charumathi. Particularly since this festival is being held at the temple Smt Charumathi felt it is significant to include elements of
Indo American News • Friday, april 09 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
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houston community
Indo American News • Friday, April 09 , 2010
Proclamation to HPD Officer Muzzafar Siddiqi
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Officer Siddiqi had a strong show of support from his community as well. “Officer Siddiqi with his extensive training and experience, his knowledge of several ethnic languages has been able reach out to several Asian communities. He has become somewhat of a legend in his own community.” said Sue Lovell. Mayor Annise Parker said, “ I’ve worked with and have known Of-
the chairperson addressed Officer Siddiqi, “Officer Siddiqi, the city of Houston congratulates your achievement. We are proud and pleased to see your contribution to the city of Houston. You are a shining example to young kids and family members who will consider becoming an officer with the HPD.” The Mayor also wants to commemorate April 6th as Officer Muzzafar Siddiqi
Community members show their support at the proclamation
ficer Siddiqi for many years.” She poked fun saying “But I’m going to poke fun at the ‘legend’ word used by Sue.” The crowd gathered, laughed, sharing a light moment. Officer Siddiqi has been instrumental in keeping the peace in the City of Houston, a distinguished and established officer. Officer Siddiqi spoke on the occasion, saying “I really thank the city for the proclamation awarded to me. Many of you may not know but I was a police officer in the city of Karachi, Pakistan even before I came to Houston. On coming here, I thought I will not be able to continue my job as a policeman. But the City of Houston has been kind to me. I enjoy working with the Houston Police Department and all its officers. I enjoy serving the community.” On the Mayor’s request,
day. Council Member Al Hoang, District F, said “I have known Officer Siddiqi for a long time. I have enjoyed working with him. He is a great resource to our community. He has been bridging the gap between the Asian communities by working hard to resolve crimes. Officer Siddiqi has been able to reach out to his community members more easily because he speaks their language. District F has been able to solve several crimes due to the help rendered by Officer Siddiqi.” Officer Siddiqi has this to say to the Indo-American News readers, “I thank our community members for their enduring support. I also wish that more South Asian youngsters come and work with the Houston Police Department.”
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Dawoodi Bohras Celebrate 99th Birthday of Leader, Dr. Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin Hundreds of Dawoodi Bohras gathered on Saturday, April 2nd 2010 at their Mosque near Baker Cypress and Coventry Park to participate and celebrate in their spiritual leader’s Dr. Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin 99th birthday celebrations. His Holiness Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhannuddin is the 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq and the spiritual leader of the 1 million strong Dawoodi Bohras around the world. Syedna's (TUS) birthday is a joyous time for the Dawoodi Bohra community worldwide. In Dallas, Syedna's (TUS) son Shehzada Malik-Ul-Ashtar bhaisaheb was present to celebrate his birthday. In Houston, the Dawoodi Bohra community celebrated by cutting a cake last Saturday followed by a telecast of Syedna's message on Sunday. At the time of his birthday, His Holiness was in Mumbai where a huge procession was taken place at Bhendi Bazaar. The buildings in the area were decked with lights of different colors he buildings in the area were decked with lights of different colours as a stream of followers passed through the temporary stage between two Bohra mosques on Tahera street — Raudat Tahera and Saifee Masjid — from where Syedna blessed his
Dr. Syedna Mohmmad Burhanuddin celebrated his 99th in Mumbai, India. He is the spirtual leader of the Dawoodi Bohras around the world
Indo American News • Friday, april 09 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
followers who had come from the Middle East, North America, Europe and Africa. Syedna is recognised as Ambassador of Peace from India by various governments. In an expression of love and affection for their revered leader the Dawoodi Bohras have organized colorful processions and decorated their homes and community centers. It has been the practice of the Dawoodi Bohras organized in 700 community centers all over the world to begin celebrations from the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) culminating on the birthday of His Holiness. Events such as Medical camps, seminars on health, Trade Fairs, Business Seminars, launch of low cost housing schemes, mass marriages known as 'Rasme Saifee', sports, competitions for adults on memorization of Quran and arts and crafts are organized for the social, educational and economic development of the entire community. Various public functions were organized and attended by dignitaries, politicians, government officials, prominent citizens and members of sister communities which provided a forum to spread Syedna's (TUS) message of peace and loyalty to one's nation.
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Microsoft to Unveil ‘Pink’ Mobile Phones with Social Media Features NEW YORK Software giant Microsoft Corp is planning to unveil a new line of mobile phones early nextweek, with social-networking capabilities, says a media report. Attributing to people familiar with the plan, The Wall Street Journal reported Microsoft plans to introduce a new line of mobile phones on Monday, April 12. The new devices, based on a Microsoft development project code-named ‘Pink’ would be sold by top mobile operator Verizon Wireless from later this A Microsoft outlet in Las Vegas. month in the US, the report said. Microsoft designed the software, online services and hardware for the Pink mobile phones, while Japan’s Sharp Corp is manufacturing the devices. (PTI):
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Divine Distinction
In our materialistic society (think of the craze over the newly introduced iPad), there’s no shortage of recognition for the moneymakers. A case in point is Forbes magazine’s annual list of leading billionaires. Many of us are heartened to note the entry of Indian billionaires such as Mukesh and Anil Ambani and watch whether Microsoft’s Bill Gates remains on top. It is, therefore, gratifying that earlier this week, The Houston Chronicle chose to recognize the city’s new generation of moneygivers. Nidhika and Pershant Mehta made this list and Indo-American News is pleased join the chorus to applaud their philanthropy. The Mehtas have chosen UNICEF and India House as some of their favorite charities. What is distinctive about their giving is the donation to the Museum of Fine Arts of Houston for the permanent India Art Gallery. Many in our community give to the religious institutions, but it is laudable that some choose to benefit the herelife as much as the afterlife. Pramod Kulkarni
Word to the Unwise
The Greek philosopher, Socrates, once said that he was considered wise because he knew what he did not know. Most people, he said, were ignorant about their own ignorance. The maxim inherent in Socrates’s self-description could also apply to politicians: they should know what they do not know and steer away from the latter. English as she is spoke has never been Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s strong suit. Mr Bhattacharjee believes that the sentence, “the buck stops at his table”, used by the Home Minister P. Chidambaram is slang. Mr Bhattacharjee stands appalled that a politician could use slang.The saying, ‘the buck stops here’, has been around since the 19th century and is certainly not slang. In an attempted and unnecessary thrust at the home minister, Mr Bhattacharjee has made a spectacle of his own ignorance of English and its usage. He would have lost nothing if he had kept his mouth shut. There is, however, a more important issue embedded in Mr Bhattacharjee’s attempted riposte to Mr Chidambaram. The very fact that the chief minister can hold forth on the home minister’s language suggests that Mr Bhattacharjee has enormous time on his hands. This should not be the case if he were devoting adequate attention to his ministerial responsibilities. The state government, in the last few months, has taken no major initiatives and is merely biding its time until the elections. The chief minister’s excursions into the finer points of English usage would tend to confirm the impression that at the moment more frivolous subjects attract him than affairs of state. Calcutta Telegraph
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‘You Can Help India Become Better’ By Dr. Abdul Kalam Why is the media here so negative? Why are we in India so embarrassed to recognize our own strengths, our achievements? We are such a great nation. We have so many amazing success stories but we refuse to acknowledge them. Why? We are the first in milk production. We are number one in remote sensing satellites. We are the second largest producer of wheat. We are the second largest producer of rice. Look at Dr. Sudarshan, he has transferred the tribal village into a self-sustaining, self-driving unit. There are millions of such achievements but our media is only obsessed in the bad news and failures and disasters. I was in Tel Aviv once and I was reading the Israeli newspaper. It was the day after a lot of attacks and bombardments and deaths had taken place. The Hamas had struck. But the front page of the newspaper had the picture of a Jewish gentleman who in five years had transformed his desert into an orchid and a granary. It was this inspiring picture that everyone woke up to. The gory details of killings, bombardments, deaths, were inside in the newspaper, buried among other news. In India we only read about death, sickness, terrorism, crime.. Why are we so negative? Another question: Why are we, as a nation so obsessed with foreign things? We want foreign T.Vs, we want foreign shirts. We want foreign technology. Why this obsession with everything imported. Do we not realize that selfrespect comes with self-reliance? I was in Hyderabad giving this lecture, when a 14 year old girl asked me for my autograph. I asked her what her goal in life is. She replied: I want to live in a developed India . For her, you and I will have to build this developed India . You must proclaim. India is not an under-developed nation; it is a highly developed nation. Do you have 10 minutes? Allow me to come back with a vengeance. Got 10 minutes for your country?
Why don’t you spit ‘paan’ on the streets of Tokyo? Why don’t you use examination jockeys or buy fake certificates in Boston? We are still talking of the same you. You who can respect and conform to a foreign system in other countries but cannot in your own. If yes, then read; otherwise, choice is yours.. You say that our Government is inefficient. You say that our Laws are too old. You say that the municipality does not pick up the garbage. You say that the phones don’t work, the railways are a joke. The airline is the worst in the world, mails never reach their destination. You say that our country has been fed to the dogs and is the absolute pits. You say, say and say. What do youdo about it? Take a person on his way to Singapore . Give him a name - ‘Yours’. Give him a face - ‘Yours’. You walk out of the airport and you are at your International best. In Singapore you don’t throw cigarette butts on the roads or eat in the stores. You are as proud of their Underground links as they are.. You pay $5 (approx. Rs. 60) to drive through Orchard Road (equivalent of Mahim Causeway or Pedder Road) between 5 PM and 8 PM. YOU come back to the parking lot to punch your parking ticket if you have over stayed in a restaurant or a shopping mall irrespective of your status identity. In Singapore you don’t say anything, Do you? You wouldn’t dare to eat in public during Ramadan, in Dubai .. You would not dare to go out without your head covered in Jeddah. You would not dare to buy an employee of the telephone exchange
in London at 10 pounds (Rs.650) a month to, ‘see to it that my STD and ISD calls are billed to someone else. YOU would not dare to speed beyond 55 mph (88 km/h) in Washington and then tell the traffic cop, ‘Jaanta hai main kaun hoon (Do you know who I am?). I am so and so’s son. Take your two bucks and get lost.’ You wouldn’t chuck an empty coconut shell anywhere other than the garbage pail on the beaches in Australia and New Zealand .. Why don’t You spit ‘Paan’ on the streets of Tokyo? Why don’t You use examination jockeys or buy fake certificates in Boston? We are still talking of the same You. You who can respect and conform to a foreign system in other countries but cannot in your own. You who will throw papers and cigarettes on the road the moment you touch Indian ground. If you can be an involved and appreciative citizen in an alien country, why cannot you be the same here in India ? In America, every dog owner has to clean up after his pet has done the job. Same in Japan .. Will the Indian citizen do that here?’He’s right. We go to the polls to choose a Government and after that forfeit all responsibility. We sit back wanting to be pampered and expect the Government to do everything for us whilst our contribution is totally negative. We expect the Government to clean up but we are not going to stop chucking garbage all over the place nor are we going to stop to pick a up a stray piece of paper and throw it in the bin. We expect the railways to provide clean bathrooms but we are not going to learn the proper use of bathrooms. We want Indian Airlines and Air India to provide the best of food and toiletries but we are not going to stop pilfering at the least opportunity. This applies even to the staff who is known not to pass on the service to the public. When it comes to burning social issues like those related to women, dowry, girl child! and others, we make loud drawing room protestations and continue to do the reverse at home. Our excuse? ‘It’s the whole
IndoAmerican News Publisher Emeritus: Dr. K.L. Sindwani Editor: Pramod Kulkarni Business Manager: Jawahar Malhotra Marketing Manager: Krishna Giri Community Reporter: Kalyani Giri Community Editor: Manasi Gokhale Administrative Manager: Vanshika Vipin Marketing & Food Correspondent: Jacob David Production Manager: Hussain Mandviwala correspondents Chicago: Nand Kapoor Ottawa: Avinash Gavai ®All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the written consent of the publisher. The deadline for advertising and articles is 5 pm on Monday of each week. Please include self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of all unsolicited material. Published at 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 262, Houston, Texas 77036. Tel: 713-789-NEWS or 6397 Fax: 713-789-6399, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com, website: indoamerican-news.com
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ADVICE
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Letter to the Editor
Census Worker Knocking at the Door The U.S. Census Bureau had sent the Census Questionnaire to all households during the third week of March and large majority of the people fulfilled their civic responsibility by answering the simple questions in the Census document and sent back by the deadline date, April 1. Participation in the Census count by all U.S. households is mandatory. But there are still many residents who have not sent in the Census form. The Census Bureau has hired thousands of people who will be going from home to home to have complete and accurate count of the US population. Part of the federal funds which would have been sent to the states, counties and cities for community projects, would be spent on wages for the temporary Census takers; good for the economy as many thousands will have jobs, bad for the community projects which have been waiting for the federal funds. A word of caution for those who have not responded
to the Census questionnaire. When a Census worker knocks at your door, make sure that he/she has a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Do not hesitate to see his/her identification and badge before answering any question. Be cooperative but do not give sensitive financial information. It is the scam artists who could be impersonating Census workers to gain access to your Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers for identity theft. Also, a Census worker will not enter your home to conduct the census. He/she can get the requisite information at the door. If you have an email account, do not respond to an e-mail nor click on a link or open any attachments in an e-mail which is supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau. If in doubt, call the Census Bureau at 1-866-226-2864, provide the Census worker’s name and the Case ID number. - Inder Singh, Chairman, GOPIO Int’l,Tarzana, California
Walkathon to Help the Needy in Houston The Indo-American Charity Foundation directors are humming with enthusiasm as they gear up for the Annual IACF Walkathon that is planned for April 24th, 2010 at the Lost Creek Park in Sugar Land, Texas. Bobby Singh, the President of IACF explained that this year’s walkathon is unique as it is being organized as a community event with the active participation and support of over 15 Indo- American organizations, e.g. ICC, Daya, India House, IAPAC, Sewa International, IACCGH, Indo American Forum and IITAGH just to name a few.With the enthusiasm generated from the community, IACF is expecting to have over 1000 participants, making it the largest such event in the greater Houston area. The Consul General of India along with several elected/community leaders have been invited to lead the 2K to 5K Walk in this beautiful park. Mr. Pradeep Gokhale, the Walkathon Chair explained that this Walkathon is a great event to share the IACF Vision, which is to foster a local community whose basic needs are met and where everyone could lead enriched lives through better health, education and growth opportunities. The Walkathon is planned as a true family outing with lots of ac-
The IACF Walkathon is a community initiative to help the needy in the Greater Houston Area. Join IACF on April 24, 2010 from 8:30am to 1:00pm at Lost Creek Park, Sugar Land, TX
tivities for all ages. Mr. Gus Gill the Walkathon Co-Chair said that in addition to walkathon, a wide range of activities are planned including live music, painting contests, children games, face painting, free legal clinic organized by ILAH, yoga instructions and a lot more. Bobby Singh is requesting all walkathon participants to bring at least 10 non perishable items along with them, which will be donated
to the Houston Food Bank in order to fight hunger in the local areas. Manisha Mehta, the Walkathon Co-Chair says that like every other community event, food cannot be overlooked so there will assorted snacks, fruits, tea and other refreshments.Mohan Rao wants to remind everybody that even if you are a late riser, please come and have a fun time as the Walkathon Festivities will continue till 12.30 p.m.
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Vijay Shah Wins Suit Against Secret Service Agent Six years after he was arrested and handcuffed by Secret Service agents at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, Mass., allegedly without cause, Vijay Shah emerged victorious Mar. 12 when Vijay Shah a jury determined he had been illegally arrested. Following a week-long trial, the jury at Moakley Federal courthouse in Boston delivered a verdict after three hours of deliberation, and found Secret Service agent Darin Czellecz guilty of violating Shah’s Fourth Amendment rights, which guard against unreasonable search and seizure. Shah, 39, had filed a civil suit against Czellecz and J.W. Holloway of the Department of Homeland Security’s Secret Service, saying he was racially profiled and unlawfully detained
during an anti-war protest July 25, 2004 on the periphery of the DNC. Holloway was not found guilty by the jury. “This is such a personal vindication for me,” a jubilant Shah told after the trial. “The Secret Service is not used to being challenged,” said Shah, adding that his victory was one of the few times the agency has been held legally accountable. The verdict against Czellecz holds no monetary victory for Shah, nor does it compel the DHS to take action against its employee. Shah, however, opined that both Czellecz and Holloway should be demoted. On the day he was arrested, Shah had planned to participate in an anti-Iraq war demonstration outside the DNC, held at Boston’s Fleet Center. After fruitlessly searching for the march, Shah decided to head back, but then found the marchers and joined in. He was then grabbed from behind by two men who allegedly shoved him in an alley, and handcuffed him. Shah was detained for several hours at a local police station, and released only when he provided identification (I-W, Mar. 5).
‘You Can Help India Become Better’ continued from page 17
system which has to change, how will it matter if I alone forego my son’s rights to a dowry.’ So who’s going to change the system? What does a system consist of? Very conveniently for us it consists of our neighbors, other households, other cities, other communities and the Government. But definitely not me and you. When it comes to us actually making a positive contribution to the system we lock ourselves along with our families into a safe cocoon and look into the distance at countries far away and wait for a Mr. Clean to come along and work miracles for us with a majestic sweep
of his hand or we leave the country and run away. Like lazy cowards hounded by our fears we run to America to bask in their glory and praise their system. When New York becomes insecure we run to England . When England experiences unemployment, we take the next flight out to the Gulf. When the Gulf is war struck, we demand to be rescued and brought home by the Indian Government. Everybody is out to abuse and rape the country. Nobody thinks of feeding the system. Our conscience is mortgaged to money. Dr. Abdul Kalam is a scientist and an educator and former President of India.
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The Alliance Fund Raiser Raises More than $43,000 for Refugee Student Scholarships Houston, TX, April 4th – Alliance for Multicultural Community Services (“The Alliance”), a Houston based non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive mix of social and community development services to refugees, immigrants and low-income residents of Harris County, had a successful annual fundraiser, “Stars Among Us”, Saturday, April 3rd , 2010. The Alliance grossed over $43,000 at a sold-out event attended by Congressman Al Green, State Rep Scott Hochberg, State Representative Hubert Vo, Former State Representative Martha Wong, Pakistan Counsel General Aqil Nadeem, Former Houston City Council Member M.J. Khan, and Farouk Shami, along with several other dignitaries and community leaders. Ms. Miya Shay from KTRKTV, Channel 13 was the mistress of ceremonies. The profits from the fundraising event will be given to refugee students in form of scholarships. Since Stars Among Us began ten years ago, The Alliance has distributed 137 scholarships to students from 16 countries of origin for a total of more than $111,000.00. Dr. Adil Najam, lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and, as a representative of the IPCC, co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, addressed the assembly commending the Alliance’s work with refugee & immigrant populations of Houston. Along with Dr. Najam, Mr. Ahmed Alyasin, United Way of Greater Houston, Taiwanese Heritage Society and Farouk Shami were all recognized for their contributions towards the health and well being of immigrant & refugee populations. The Board and staff of The Alliance would like to thank all of its donors, volunteers, and supporters for making this event successful. The organization is grateful to the Houston community for its overwhelming response to the fundraiser and support of The Alliance’s mission and goals. Thank you for helping us to make a difference in the lives of young refugee students who are forced to flee from violence and persecution towards personal security and self-sufficiency in the United States. About The Alliance: In 1985, local Cambodian, Ethiopian, Laotian and Vietnamese political refugee groups established the organization as the Refugee Services Alliance. As it grew and expanded its mission, the Alliance took on a new name to reflect its additional activities and services. Today, The Alliance is the largest refugee resettlement agency in Texas with having received individuals from Bhutan, Burma, Congo, Iraq, Eritrea, Vietnam, Burundi, Somalia, Rwanda, Cuba, Ethiopia, Iran, Liberia, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Mauritania just in the last year. Along with refugees, in 2009, The Alliance helped 1127 people start new
lives here in Houston, Texas. The Alliance’s mission is: To provide a comprehensive mix of social and community development services to refugees, immigrants and lowincome residents of Harris County to help them become self-sufficient and improve their quality of life. All services are provided free to individual beneficiaries, offered with cultural competency, and are designed to empower individuals, families, and the communities to succeed. For more information about The Alliance please visit: www.allianceonthweb.org or call 713-776-4700 Congressman Al Green showed his support for the Refugee Student Scholarships
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Ghost Busters: Canada Takes Steps to Crack Down on Fraudulent Immigration Consultants By Avinash Gavai
Canada’s gung-ho Immigration Minister Jason Kenney has in recent days made a empathic announcement that parlimentary legislation will be introduced to combating fraudulent immigration consultants, a veritable thorn in the side of the establishment. "We plan to proceed with legislation this spring to impose tougher penalties on people who break our laws or provide fraudulent advice seeking to exploit applicants for immigration to Canada," Mr. Kenney told members of the Commons' Citizenship and Immigration committee two weeks ago. "By regulating consultants in this country we will crack down on ghost consultants as well as others who advise immigrants to make false declarations." The new measures have a direct bearing on immigrants coming in from India. Ghost immigration consultants have threatened to undermine legal immigration in Canada, where close to 300,000 individuals are come in on an annual basis, with immigrants from Punjab forming a high percentage of that number. As had been reported in IAN last July, Kenney has earlier said that he was "floored" to discover the extent and frequency of the fraud perpetrated in Chandigarh by unscrupulous document vendors, counterfeit artists and fake immigration consultants who charge people thousands of dollars to help put together visas that get rejected by officers who are becoming increasingly wise to the fakery. Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) recently reported on an ad in a Chandigarh paper which illustrated the growing problem of ghost consultants: "JOB VACANCY IN CANADIAN HOTEL CANADA: Ominicity Hotel Director wish to advertise through this medium that the Following Job Vacancy in our Hotel. We need both men and females workers to fill in different categories of job openings. Currently, if your interested in working with us you can
South Asian taking oath to become a Canadian Citizen
contact us back E-mail Address: ottawahotelss_canada@yahoo.ca Our Hotel Director shall connect you with our Canadian immigration director during your visa processing, SIGN BY DIRECTOR MRS RESOLING ANNA.'' Inquiries conducted by IANS however found that no such hotel existed in Ottawa. The exact details of the proposed legislation however are murky, a major question is whether a new law will go far enough to make a difference, including tackling consultants who charge a fee for their services before an application is filed—which is when most problems occur. Furthermore, there's no clear answer on how to deal with ghost consultants working abroad. "We want the line to be drawn," said Phil Mooney, president of the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants in an interview with Embassy newspaper. Mr. Mooney described this situation as "a major loophole in the immigration system," where most prospective immigrations are exploited. Most ghost consultants are recommended by family or friends, so trust is not an issue, Mr. Mooney said.
Although not all unlicensed immigration consultants have bad motives, and some may even give good advice to their clients, Mr. Mooney said the problem is there is no official body that can track who these ghost consultants are. The current bodies only have the power to penalize its own members—and there are concerns the society is not even doing enough in that regard. “The situation will not be tolerated. It undermines our citizenship process presents questions on national security,” said John Ryan, chair of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants, told. Ryan noted that a procedure which brings in a structured system of complaints about the ghost consultants should be implemented to help ensure credibility. However, having a complaints based feedback system is inadequate, says Sheetal Jhuti, an immigration consultant based near Toronto. "If there aren’t any clients who will actively show up at your doorstep and talk of how they were swindled, how will the authorities punish them?" Jhuti asked. Jhuti expressed frustration with the high fees immigration consultants have to pay to the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC)— she estimated about $3,000 yearly to maintain the membership—although "the business has been gobbled up by others." "If someone complains against me, it's very easy for [CSIC] to penalize me and shut down my business," Ms. Jhuti said. "But people who are working in another country such as Dubai or India or the Philippines, whether or not they have a license is irrelevant." Many immigration experts have identified the regulation of fraudulent immigration consultants working abroad to be a challenge. "In India, you have people who have no idea about the immigration process, but are helping people fill out there application form for a fee," Jhuti said. "Our legislation needs to have more teeth to crack down on this."
India Culture Center to Participate in iFest Houston International Festival, April 17-18 HOUSTON: The India Culture Center Houston, (ICC) will be participating in this year’s iFest Houston international Festival to be held on weekends of April 17 - 18 and 24 -25 at Downtown Houston. The iFest is highlighting the Caribbean as part of its annual festival featuring one country/ region. In the year 2005, the iFest featured India and ICC played a very crucial role in coordinating with various Indo-American organizations and businesses in partaking in these celebrations. The iFest has invited the ICC this year to participate in the celebrations by putting up their booth at the iFest. The ICC views this as the great opportunity to showcase
India’s culture and tradition to the main stream. The ICC has planned numerous activities like the Henna designs, Rangoli, Saree tying, Indian Instrumental items apart from other dance and music items to be performed on stage. On display will be various Indian arts and crafts, books and other gratis that promote India’s culture. The ICC booth at the iFest will serve as a window to the Indo-American community in Houston as well as India in general. ICC’s cultural program which consists of dances and music will be on Apr 17th and 24th from 8:30 to 10pm. iFest Schedule:April 17,18, 24th and 25th, Saturdays 12 -10pm, Sundays 12 - 8pm
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"Hindi Day" Celebrated at Central Junior High School in Dallas DALLAS, TX: Consular General of India Sanjiv Arora has visited Central Junior High School in Euless, TX (suburb of Fort Worth) on Thursday and participated in an interactive session with Hindi learning students of Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD. He stressed the need and importance of learning Hindi language and encouraged them to learn it well especially in this Global competition. He congratulated HEB ISD superintendent Dr. Buinger and his staff for introducing Hindi for Junior High School students. CGI assured that he would extend all needed help to make this program successful. Dr. Gene Buinger, Superintendent of HEB ISD, thanked CGI Arora for visiting Central Junior High School and Prasad Thotakura, Texas State Coordinator,IndianAmericanFriend-
ship Council (IAFC) for making this event possible and supporting Hindi language courses for the last two years. Dr. Buinger also thanked his staff members for their dedication in teaching Hindi. Dr. Buinger, Bhavani Parpia and Prasad Thotakura also met Indian Ambassador to USA Meera Shankar and briefed the progress of Hindi courses at Central High School. Ambassador Shanakr congratulated Dr. Buinger and pledged her full support to the program. Prasad Thotakura, Texas State Coordinator of Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) said “It is very important to develop excellent communication skills in Hindi including reading, writing and speaking since Hindi is second widely spoken in the world. Now, 35 out of every 100 people in the world are either of In-
to bridge gaps between cultures, contribute to international diplomacy, promote national security. Mastery of an Asian language will open doors to the best universities and great job opportunities” said Bhavani Parpia, IBI coordinator. Dr. Buinger, Superintendent Hurst-EulessBedford ISD,Todd Smith, Texas House of Representatives,Prasad Thotakura, Texas State Coordinator for IndianAmerican Friendship Council, Jonathan James, Principal Central Junior Prasad Thotakura, Ambassador Meera Shankar, Bhavani Parpi and Dr. Gene High School,Bhavani Buinger of HEB ISD Parpia, Coordinator, Inoffered to 7th and 8th grade students ternational Business Initiative and dian or Chinese origin”. “The International Business Ini- at Central Junior High School in Prabhala Srirangam, Hindi Teacher tiative or IBI is a unique program Euless City. This program will help attended the Hindi Day evnet.
Masala Chai Hour with Rathna Kumar Saturdays 10-11am on 1480AM, Masala Radio, 281-277-6874
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DAV Sanskriti School Essay and Shloka Competition
DAV Sanskriti School (DAVSS) Shlokas on the day of the compeof Arya Samaj Greater Houston tition. A heartening number of 61 organized an Essay and Shloka students participated in the contest (verses) recitation contest. The held on March 7, 2010. For judging the competition, event was conducted to emphasize the moral duty (‘dharma’) and the students were distributed into spiritual discipline that all students are expected to learn, adopt and follow during their ‘Brahmacharya’ phase. Literally speaking, Brahmacharya (meaning ‘under the tutelage of Brahma’) has evolved from ‘Brahma’ (the creator or knowledge) and ‘charya’ (a virtuous way of life or to Smriti Ahuja (11-12 yrs), 1st Shloka act/live in). It represents the phase of austerity or spiritual edu- different age groups - 3 for the essay and 5 for shloka recitation. cation in one’s life. The contest is an annual event A ceremony held on March 28th, at DAVSS and is part of the Nai- 2010 recognized all the particitik Shiksha (moral education) cur- pants and also awarded trophies to riculum of the school. The topic for the essay competition this year was ‘The Dharma (duties) of a student’. The students were requested to prepare the topic in advance and write the essay during the school hours from their memory. For the Shloka recitation contest, a set of 8 Amol Patil (Elementary), 1st Essay Shlokas were selected from Bhagavad Geeta the top performers. The ceremony (sacred Hindu scripture) focusing was conducted by Sanjay Jain ji, on learnings most relevant for our Coordinator of DAVSS, amidst young children. These Shlokas an audience comprising the larger along with their meanings were Arya Samaj community including distributed to the students who had the parents of all participants. A to come prepared for reciting 2 total of 25 trophies were awarded
to top performers in each of the age groups. The number one performer in each group was also awarded a gift card from Best Buy. The trophies were handed over to the children by respected Acharya
Gupta (1st), Trisha Gupta (2nd), Uma Zingde (3rd); and High School Students - Atul Gupta (1st); Neil Patel (2nd), Akash Gupta (3rd). Shloka Recitation Competition
Special recognition awards were given for 2 very young participants for their essays - Ananya Luthria and Ishaan Kapoor. A special award was also given to Krishna Chamlagai for shloka recitation.
Winners of DAV Sanskriti School’s 2010 Shlokas/Essay Competition
Praveen ji – the soul behind the event and also the person leading the DAV Sanskriti School. The top winners recited their Shlokas and read their essays which impressed everyone present in the audience. Congratulations to all award winners! List of the winners are as follows: Essay Competition: Elementary Students - Amol Patil (1st), Anshuman Patil (2nd), Roma Nayyar (3rd); Junior High Students - Kavya
(by Age Group): 5-6 years: Mahi Tomar (1st); 7-8 years: Pranav Thatte (1st), Anusha Sathya (2nd), Kanika Talwar (3rd); 9-10 years: Sanjana Kapoor (1st), Anuya Kawathekar (2nd), Gaurav Gomber (3rd); 11-12 years: Smriti Ahuja (1st), Roma Nayyar (2nd), Siddhant Ahuja (3rd); and 13 & above: Neha Srivastava (1st), Soham Chanchalani (2nd), Sonya Chanchalani (3rd).
SACC’s Next Chai Exchange on Education HOUSTON: The South Asian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) invites families to come to its next Chai Exchange on Wednesday, April 21st at 5.30pm at Westin Oaks Galleria to help navigate educational opportunities for all ages. SACC will have senior officials from Higher Education institutions such as Rice University, University of Houston, and the University of Texas Medical School to private schools such as Awty, St. Johns, and Kinkaid. We’ll also have senior HISD officials who can talk about the right Magnate and Gifted/Talented programs you should know about for your kids.” ‘The topic to be discussed is the Competitive Edges that can help get your child into Ivy League Undergraduate, Top Tier Law and Medical School. For details call 832- 660-2952 or email Jeffrey Wallace, Executive Director SACC at jeff@sacchouston.com INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, APRIL 09 , 2010 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
Krishna is a member of one of the families from Bhutan who have recently migrated to the US and have been adopted by Arya Samaj. This event is amongst the various activities that DAVSS and Arya Samaj of Greater Houston organize through the year to inculcate the right values and morals amongst the ‘future leaders of tomorrow’ and is a demonstration of the social leadership that Arya Samaj institutions provide in the communities they operate in.
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Indo American News • Friday, April 09 , 2010
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Indo American News • Friday, April 09 , 2010
online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, APRIL 09 , 2010 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM