Friday, February 26 2016 | Vol. 35, No. 09
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Indo American erican News
Movie Review
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February 26, 2016
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February 26, 2016 3 COMMUNITY The Gitanjali Hit Parade Keeps Rolling till Midnight! BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA
HOUSTON: If you ever doubted
that you could hold a huge party on a Sunday evening and get a full house, you haven’t encountered the charm and persistency of Shoba Joshi, the popular host of the Gitanjali radio program. She not only brought in so many well-wishers to her second annual fundraiser this past Sunday, February 21, many of them were still dancing away till the wee hours of Monday morning, work be damned!! “This was our second time to put the fundraiser together after last year,” said Hiren Joshi, Shoba’s son and co-host of his own radio segment “and we’re still learning a lot about organizing it.” But apparently, the Joshi’s – Shoba’s husband Rakesh, who works just as hard behind the scenes, in-
cluded – knew they could count on their loyal listeners and advertisers to come out on what turned out to be a drizzly Sunday evening to the Sterling Hall on Beltway 8 near Tanner. By their own count, almost 300 people came to the event that started at 6pm. Once the party got started, Shoba showed why she has earned her spot on the radio dial for the past 23 years. “Last year, we had so many people who wanted to perform during the event,” gushed Shoba as she relaxed two days later. “And this year it was no different. They approached us on their own but we had to turn several people down.” The rising costs of the radio show has prompted Shoba to try a different approach to funding Gitanjali, she explained
to her guests. The appetizers and dinner for the evening was catered by Madras Pavilion, whose co-owner, Mahesh Shah ran around though he was suffering from jet lag after a trip to India. The music and sound system was coordinated by Darshak and Mona Thacker of Krishna Sounds and the photographer of the evening was Asit Patel, newly arrived from India. Shoba opened up the program by honoring her biggest advertisers and sponsors of the evening, and a lighting of the traditional diyas by community leaders. The “show” started with the self-confessed amateur Dr. Vivek Sharad Kavadi, an oncologist who tried his hand at a bit of humor. He said he grew up here and learnt all
his Hindi from watching desi movies and made his point by asking the audience to identify the character, actor or director from the dialogues he laced into his commentary. Winners shouted out the answers and were rewarded with small prizes. A raffle was held for other items that were donated by local jewelers and merchants. Then the night rolled through with performances by Dolly, a twoyear transplant to the Bayou City doing a Kathak dance; Leena and Swati doing a Bollywood dance to “Jhumka gira reh”; Ashish and Taruna doing an energetic pop dance, Suresh Shenoy singing a melodious number, Sharda singing a delightful song and other local artists performing onstage. Shoba’s older brother Bansi Chabria (who came to town
with his wife Sarla), much admired for his voice, serenaded the audience with a medley of songs.
And all of this was before dinner!! There was much more later!
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February 26, 2016
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COMMUNITY
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February 26, 2016
2nd Annual “University of Houston Day” at India House
HOUSTON:
On Wednesday, February 17, as the sun was setting down, India House started buzzing with dozens of enthusiastic youngsters, most of them with parents or other family members, to attend this very important day to figure out how to navigate towards their future career. Together, India House and University of Houston, under the leadership of President Dr. Renu Khator, who is also the Chancellor of UH System, organized this special UH Day at India House to guide students at all levels to select the correct path to carve their future career and head in the right direction to crystallize their educational goals. The event started with social hour and visit to multiple informative booths, representing all the 13 colleges of UH to give a general information about what each of the college can offer. The attendees, about 250, were treated to delicious dinner catered by Kurrywalah of Katy. Once inside the Banquet halls, where the main event was hosted, India House President, Dr. Manish Rungta welcomed all and spoke about the partnership of the two institutions, whose mission is to serve the Greater Houston community at large and help each individual to attain their full potential. India House serves very young students, who are just starting school and UH educates more senior students who are thinking about their career paths. Col. Vipin Kumar, Executive Director, India House presented programs and activities of India House through a video. He introduced Dr. Richard Walker, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services, UH, who talked about the UH programs with emphasis on enhancing student success and their learning experience; by integrating and providing both curricular and extra-curricular opportunities to the students and by building a strong campus and community collabo-
Dr. Durga Agrawal
Photos: Bijay Dixit
Col. Vipin Kumar
Dr. Renu Khator
Dr. Richard Walker
Jeff Fuller
rations to prepare them for life experiences. Dr. Durga Agrawal, the founder President and current Trustee of India House who is also a Regent of UH system, while introducing Dr. Renu Khator, spoke fondly with great pride about the amazing progress that UH, his alma mater has made during the last 7 years since Dr. Renu Khator took charge. He talked about her perfect worklife balance with everyday yoga and precious family time and how her husband, Dr. Suresh Khator is the dreamer, architect and engineer of her dreams. Dr. Agrawal spoke
about the Cullen College of Engineering, where he earned his Masters and Doctorate degrees, while working full time. He talked about highly ranked Colleges like Bauer College of Business, College of Optometry, Law School and School of Hotel and Restaurant management and three new National Research Centers in sub-sea systems, superconductors and border issues. Dr. Durga Agrawal enlightened students and their families about University of Houston’s illustrious achievements. 1. UH is among the top 100 universities in the world that produce most millionaires!! Yes, Millionaires!! some of them were here among the attendees. 2. Many of the students are now launching start-up companies and generating over 25 million dollars per year in royalties from the commercialization of intellectual properties -- #1 in Texas; higher than UT and Texas
A&M. 3. One billion dollars of construction projects are going on, including opening of new football stadium!! and UH Cougars are currently Peach Bowl Champions!! 4. Last Texas Legislature approved $362 million for all 7 new buildings requested by UH, including cutting edge Health and Biomedical Sciences Building. 5. Over 13000-15,000 degrees awarded every year from a total enrollment of approx. 70,000 students, for all four campuses. The annual operating budget is close to 1.3 billion dollars. 6. UH has the 2nd largest residential campus in the state of Texas with more beds in the dorms, “Residential Halls” than UT Austin. 7. According to the U.S. News & World Report, Nine graduate programs now rank in the top 50, and 27 rank in the top 100, almost double from six years ago.
Indo American News (ISSN 887-5936) is published weekly every Friday (for a subscription of $40 per year) by IndoAmerican News Inc., 7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036., tel: 713-789-6397, fax:713-789-6399, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Indo American News,7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036
8. UH has just been awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most selective academic honor society. 9. UH’s latest achievement is the selection of its campus by CNN for the next Republican Party Debate on February 25, before Texas primary elections on Super Tuesday. President Dr. Renu Khator called University of Houston the “Power House”, Tier One public research institution with the vibrant and ethnically diverse community. She gave a very inspiring and enthusiastic welcoming speech and her passion and personal involvement was obvious when she mentioned that the freshmen will not be surprised when she will show up any day in their first semester in their class, as she is always interested in every student. She was very proud of the fact that UH had become a truly residential University and students need not commute for hours through the crowded pot holed streets with daily traffic jams and accidents. She jokingly emphasized to the new comers that they will be far enough from the Moms to be
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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February 26, 2016
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
February 26, 2016
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COMMUNITY
February 26, 2016
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HOUSTON: Samyuktha Hari was on a
mission while performing to benefit a noble cause. “Dance4 Chennai” was held on Feb 6 at the McCullough Junior High School auditorium in The Woodlands. Her mother Rajee Hari had earlier pioneered to collect funds, clothing, household and non-perishable items and shipped two container loads of donation to help victims of Chennai flood disaster. Krishna Hari and Rajee Hari are among those that have imbibed in their children the values that are important in life. These are learning, caring, sharing and dancing. Most of us teach our kids to give what little they can to help those who do not have anything. This deed of sharing when young gave rise to blossoming of a young girl like Samyuktha who performed to collect money for “Helping Hands “Udavaum karangal” rightfully named, is more than merely helping. It transforms lives of many old and young. Recent floods affected the institution that needs much support and which will reach them directly in a timely manner and make a difference in their rehabilitation work. Samyuktha Hari raised a total of $18000/ for Udavum karangal through generous donation from the community. Guru Rathna Kumar who emceed the evening performance has also shaped Samyuktha’s artistic abilities that enhanced her performance as full-fledged Bharatanatyam dancer. Petite, pretty, and perfect as a performing artist Samyuktha executed the intricate rhythmic sequences with general ease and grace. The repertoire for Samyu’s dance was chosen ideally by her dance guru Rathna Kumar with five unique pieces, each one included for its aesthetic appeal and spiritual and celestial significance. Samyuktha's performance was par excellence, as always an added ability of the teacher is reflected in the fine performances of her pupils.
Celebrating the three divine forms of Sri Ganesha, Sri Hanuman and Sri Krishna was the first invocatory piece seeking the blessings in “Trideva Sthuthi”. This was followed by a beautiful piece in Raga Shanmugapriya, “Murugan Kavuthuvam”. The Varnam, the elaborate centerpiece in a Bharatanatyam recital was a composition of Dr. Balamuralikrishna “Amma Anandadayini” in Gambhira Nattai raga. Samyuktha’s rendition of Abhinaya (expression) and Nritya (body movements to portray emotions and footwork) was outstanding bringing out the attributes of Mother Goddess in her many forms. The Shiva Panchakshara Stotram was brilliantly presented in a Ragamalika of five ragas set to Khanda Chapu Thalam. The grand finale came with a vibrant Thillana in Kannada raga by Maha Vaidyanatha Iyer that was stimulating with soaring steps of a ballerina. Samyu’s friend Caroline Courtney talked about Samyuktha’s involvement and dedication in presenting a program to support a good cause. Dr. Padmini Ranganathan, President of Udavum Karangal commended on the admirable dance performance and efforts she took to fulfill her philanthropic commitment. Aditya Hari welcomed the gathering and Vibhan K.Emmi rendered a short prayer. Rajee Hari was indeed the proud mother who announced that the target they set multiplied three fold and thanked all the donors who contributed their time, support and donation. She thanked The Hindu Temple of the Woodlands and Anjali Center for performing arts for their help. She also acknowledged thanks to Venu Josyula, dance teacher at the Anjali Center for expertly handling lighting effects to the program and to Krishna Kumar for the audio. The Woodlands IndoAmerican group is closely knit who helped make the event a grand success. Samyuktha Hari thanked all her friends who enthusiastically helped her in the cause as well. She acknowledged a whole lot of volunteers that helped them bring an exceedingly exclusive entertaining evening.
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
COMMUNITY
February 26, 2016
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Judge R .K. Sandill Addresses YLDP Class of 2016
SHIBU PHILIP, MTax, CPA TAX & ACCOUNTING
BY SHALINI LAKSHMI
HOUSTON: On Saturday, February
13, YLDP held a session with Judge Ravi K. Sandill at the Houston Civil Court House. Judge Sandill is a judge at the 127th District Court and is first South Asian to be elected into the district court bench in Texas. Judge Sandill had overcome obstacles of all kinds and from him we had the opportunity to learn the importance of positivity, perseverance, resiliency, risk taking, and good decision making. In his life Judge Sandill has overcome many cultural and physical barriers. Three months after he began to practice law, Sandill was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Despite his cancer, Judge Sandill did not let his illness stop him from pursuing his dreams. He took a leap of faith when
he was asked to run for elected office. The fact that he was much younger than his opponent, an incumbent of 28 years, and had been suffering from cancer for over 2 years did not stop Judge Sandill’s perseverance paid off when he became elected the judge of the 127th District Court in 2008. Through this, Sandill has shown that South Asians can overcome obstacles relating to race by working with others and empathizing with the struggles others face. When Sandill ran, he was able to get support because he brought innovative ideas that helped to contribute to the community. On a personal level, Sandill continued to move forward in his life, despite his illness, by adopting his son Asher from
Guatemala. He not only found the strength to continue onward for himself but also for his new son. Sandill’s will to progress and not give up despite his struggles really has shown us the value of hard work and resilience. It is so easy to let the world swallow us up and let ourselves become slaves to the obstacles we face. The fact that Judge Sandill overcame so many obstacles like cancer showed me that with grit and determination all things are possible. His story inspired me and all the other YLDP students to not give up on our dreams and turn challenges into opportunities. In the end, we will all become better people by not succumbing to adversity and bouncing back from setbacks.
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COMMUNITY
Mission Possible! Search for a Bride!! Then Get Married!!! BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA
SUGAR LAND: Though she is
not South Asian, Ellen Goldberg has been so immersed in local community affairs, especially in international circles like the Sister Cities Project that is near and dear to her heart, that she has often been in contact with people from the Indian and Pakistani communities, in one form or the other. And here she was, at the Ismaili Jamatkhana on First Colony Blvd. being felicitated at a launch of her first book “Finding a Bride” that was the outcome of her trip 32 years ago to India after perhaps her first close encounter with a young Indian man, Umesh Jain, then 25, who happened to be the comptroller of The Desk Factory, a company owned by Ellen and her husband Howard. “Mike (as Umesh was called then – and even now) came to me to tell me he was engaged and whenever I asked him for a picture of the girl, he would only say ‘It’s coming’,” Ellen remembered as he spoke from the podium in front of a room full of people who came to hear about her book. “Then, a couple weeks later, he said he was off to India to get married, and declared that I had to come with him ‘To help pick the bride’! I was dumbfounded and asked him to
Ellen Goldberg being interviewed by Naslin Keshwani Peffley in the auditorium of the Ismaili Jamatkhana on First Colony Blvd.
explain this.” The explanation came in the way of a voyage to the Punjab, where Mike hails from, to his ancestral home and on the trail of several bride candidates that his parents had learnt about, in the typical tradition of Indian arranged marriages, but one that was completely foreign to Goldberg. She kept a detailed journal of the two weeks she spent in India and the many mini adventures she had along the way, all of which she managed to narrate in flowing and engrossing prose in the book that she selfpublished and launched with this reception. Sneha Merchant, the Programs Team Member with the
Jamatkhana, emceed the program. She read one such passage about the time she had to get off the train to go the restroom, only to discover, much to her horror, when she returned, that the train had already started moving. She started running after the train, but it slowly gathered speed and just when she began to lose hope, her luggage was thrown off the train and her companion, an Indian relative who was her guide, jumped out and soon the train came to a screeching halt. Relieved, but confused, she asked her guide what had happened. “He said, ‘I pulled the emergency brake as the conductor said the train stopped for no one unless it was an emergency!’”
Ellen Goldberg with her family (from right) grandson Harry, son Jay, husband Howard and daughter Margie at the book launch last Sunday, February 21. AT extreme left is Jawahar Malhotra, publisher of Indo American News, who gave her the first few assignments to write for the paper in 1982 and got her interested in writing.
explained Goldberg. Later, Goldberg spoke conversational style seated in armchairs with Naslin Keshwani Peffley who is also associated with the Jamatkhana to help with special events. Goldberg explained other incidents related in the book as well as the photographs that she taken herself and included in the middle. She explained that it took her 32 years, but she was determined to get the book published. The graphic artist, Kelley Blakely, who designed the catchy cover, was also in the audience.
And of course, so was the couple who Goldberg helped to get married; Umesh and Rajni Jain and along with them was their daughter Shelly and husband Nitin Chandra (who are expecting their first child soon) and Umesh’s brother Ravindra and his wife Kamani who has since moved to Sugar Land. Goldberg’s own family – husband Howard, son Jay and his son Harry, and daughter Margie were in the audience too to enjoy Ellen’s special moment.
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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COMMUNITY
February 26, 2016
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Tax Planning & its Benefits Workshop at JVB Preksha Meditation Center
BY SEEMA JAIN
HOUSTON: As part of com-
munity outreach, JVB Houston Center organized its first workshop of I-Choose for year 2016, a program for young professionals on Tax Planning & Its Benefits. The event was held on Sunday, Feb. 7, from 1PM - 2:30 PM inside JVB’s Pyramid Hall and was conducted by distinguished speaker Mallikarjun B. Shintri, a practicing CPA with over 30 plus years of experience and was aided by Nishant Jain, an Avid Accountant and active member of JVB Center with over 15 plusyears of experience. The seminar was targeted for professionals of all ages. 40 plus people attended this highly informative & interactive workshop. The objective of this workshop was to give a general information on how to report personal tax return forms such as 1040, 1099 as well as Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts to cope up with challenges of this busy tax season. The event Coordinator, Sudhir Daga welcomed the community members and invited JVB Board of Director, Alok Jain to be the Emcee of the afternoon. He opened up the session with sharing the vision of I-Choose program, its need in today’s world. He emphasized that Increasing
numbers of young professionals are entering the sandwich generation, trying to maintain a balance between their personal & professional lives. I-Choose program fills the gap with an aim to guide, educate, and help young people to address these challenges by providing a venue to talk to the “experts “and networking with each other so that they can succeed in their professional, social, family, and personal lives. He invited Shintri to share his wisdom on the current Topic of the session. Shintri gave the detailed explanation of how to fill IRS form 1040 to report personal taxes. What kind of Income can be taken into account for example, Salary & Wages, Interest & Dividend income, Business & Farm income, Rental & Royalties, Unemployment Compensation etc. What kind of deductions for e.g. standard or itemized deductions and what kind of exemptions can further be claimed to arrive at taxable income. He also talked about AMT form 6251, Various Tax Credits such as foreign Tax Credit form 1116, Child Tax Credit Form 8812 , Education Credit, Retirement Saving Contribution Credit Form 8880 & Residential Credit Form 5695. During Q & A Round, He along with Nishant Jain answered various Foreign Bank & Financial Account Reporting queries from all corners. Jain shared his insight about what constitutes interest income from foreign accounts, what are the limits
of Foreign Capital Gains & Losses, Gift Income, Active as well as Passive Income. The entire presentation was extremely informational, educational and audience was very engaged and interested throughout. After his presentation, Shintri & Jain stayed past their time to discuss and answer specific questions from audience and even did a one- on- one consulting with individuals. In closing, Alok Jain did the vote of thanks and presented Shintri a small gift as a token of appreciation. He also highlighted that so far the theme for I-Choose sessions at JVB Center been bucketed under various broad categories such as : Work and Life Balance, Networking Skills, How to develop soft skills, Wealth Management etc. and asked for audience input for picking up the next topic of the session which will be happening on April 3, from 1:00Pm - 2:30 Pm at the same location. T h e JVB Preksha Meditation Center conducts regular Preksha Meditation sessions which 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. Also at JVB’s Gyanshala, We value our intellectual capital, and nurture it through a perfect blend, of the traditional as well as contemporary ways and means, for the comprehensive development, of the kids personality. For more information please visit www. jvbhouston. org or call us at 281.596.9642.
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INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
COMMUNITY
February 26, 2016
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Telugu Bhavanam Banquet Set for March 5
HOUSTON: The Houston Telugu com-
munity is organizing a Banquet on March 5, (Saturday) at 6 PM at India House to launch its campaign to build Telugu Bhavanam, a community center in Houston. Consul General Parvathaneni Harish will be the Chief
Guest for the evening. The proposed Telugu Bhavanam is designed as a multipurpose facility to promote Telugu language, traditions, education and service to the community. The concept of Telugu Bhavanam has been in the discussion for over a decade. However, it started to take shape in the last few months because of the strong initiative by Sri Chowdary Yalamanchili who offered to make a generous matching donation of $500,000 to build Telugu Bhavanam. This generous commitment by the community leader and entrepreneur energized the community to take concrete steps to plan and build the Telugu Bhavanam. The community initiated a task
force team and had several meetings for the last few months to develop the plans and to seek input from the community. Over $200,000 was also raised in several of these informal meetings. The task force in consultation with an architect developed detailed plans for the phased development of Telugu Bhavanam including the facility requirements, initial estimates, possible land options, fundraising plans, donor recognitions, maintenance plans, and proposed timeline. The goal of the banquet is to seek support for this exciting project and to involve the community in all phases from planning to inauguration. This project is supported by the Telugu Cul-
tural Association (TCA) and Telangana Association of Greater Houston (TAGH). The Telugu Bhavanam is registered as a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization to serve Telugu community and beyond. It is an autonomous, non-religious, non-political entity and not affiliated to any organization. Please join and pledge your support for Telugu Bhavanam which will be a dream come true for the community. For information and RSVP, please contact Jagapathi Veerati or Raj Pasala via email: houstontelugubhavan@gmail.com or phone: 713730-9686. For further details visit: http://www.telugubhavan.org/
2nd Annual “University of Houston Day” at India House CONTINUED FROM PAGE
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free and do without being watched every moment and still not too far to go home for the weekly laundry and Mom’s cooking. At the same time she also assured the Moms that she, instead of the Moms, will be keeping an eye on them. She emphasized on developing skilled workforce and future leaders within Houston. With strong local support and industry strength with energy, healthcare, and arts, students are encouraged to develop their skills in a global environment. With the appointment of Dr. Steven Spann as planning Dean, UH is working towards the 2019 goal for a Medical School. She thanked Dr. Durga Agrawal for the wonderful words about University of Houston and community support from India House and Indo-American Community. Three students from UH spoke about their experience and good choices in making the right decisions towards their career goals with University of Houston. After that, Jeff Fuller, Director of Student Recruitment spoke in great detail about each College and the facilities and scope of learning and the future prospects after graduating from the particular College. Once the formal program concluded, every student was encouraged to spend some time to meet the Departmental Faculty and Staff to learn about various financial and residential choices and opportunities. The students and their families were delighted to have this opportunity at UH Day and thanked profusely the organizers and UH Faculty and Staff. They truly felt that they benefitted immensely from this yearly event held at India House.
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14 February 26, 2016
COMMUNITY
Alok Utsav: An Evening of Exquisite Odissi Dance Recitals BY SANCHALI BASU
HOUSTON:
The Kalaangan school of Odissi dance led by its inimitable artistic director, Supradipta Datta held its annual function on Saturday, January 16 at the Sugar Land Auditorium. The evening started off with a sumptuous array of delectable snacks including samosas, egg rolls, brownies and jalebis. This was the fifth year that Alok Utsav was being celebrated and this year’s celebration, like past ones, was dedicated to all Gurus. Smt. Datta commenced the proceedings by paying tribute to her guru Smt. Aloka Kanungo. Councilman Harish Jajoo, chief guest after the ceremonial lighting of the lamp addressed the audience and sought their support in his Sugar Land mayoral candidacy. Emcee for the evening Shyama Mishra, then led us through the rest of the evening very capably. The evening’s recital started with an invocatory item Namo Ganesha, as is ritualistic in Hindu traditions, to worship Lord Ganesh at the commencement of any occasion. It was commendable how the very young kids adapted to last minute changes as 2 of the 5 dancers dropped out due to ill health. This was followed by a Mangalacharan (Shantakaram), which is yet another invocation,
marking the entrance of the dancers on the stage. It was a spiritual number dedicated to Lord Vishnu seeking his blessings for an auspicious beginning. The next item of an Odissi repertoire is always a Nritta, a noninterpretative pure dance composition Pallavi based on Raag Patadeep, featuring fast tempo of complex patterns highlighting several rhythmic variations and vari-
ous mudras or hand gestures, the two basic stances, the Chouka (or the square position) and the Tribhangi (or the three-bend postures) as well as sculpturesque poses. This was followed by Aradhana, the first Odissi performance of the junior most group. Though not perfect at all, their enthusiasm and high spirits more than made up for the imperfections. The next dance Basant Pallavi, a composition combining an abhinaya section describing Lord Krishna enjoying the season of spring followed by a pure dance piece based on Raag Basant was again impeccably performed by six well-trained young dancers. The next Abhinaya piece, Swagatam Krishna again welcoming Lord Krishna was performed by the Rath sisters, who have a very promising future.
The evening went on to include another Mangalacharan (Gurur Brahma), Megh pallavi, evoking the ambience of the rainy season with movements that depict raindrops, dancing peacocks and overcast skies, and Bilahari Pallavi by 3 senior dancers, featuring steps and poses bringing out the quintessential beauty of the Odissi form. The next presentation was an Abhinaya named Mahadeva, a hymn in praise of Lord Shiva,
describing his power and beauty, perhaps the most vibrant presentation, had powerful choreography with stunning poses. This was followed by Rageshree Pallavi, a total treat to watch. Patadeep Pallavi and Rageshree Pallavi were performed by senior dancers of the school who have all completed their Ranga Pravesh and still continue to dance, even though some of them are off to college or working mothers just for their sheer love for Odissi. The last dance of the evening very appropriately was the Mokshya Mangalam, which is the spiritual culmination where the dancers attempt to attain the ultimate goal of life – the reintegration of the soul with the Absolute. The entire evening was well coordinated and enjoyed by all. Senior and junior students shared their experiences of dance class, anxiety and training for their upcoming Ranga Pravesh and the joy and sense of accomplishment on completing it. Kalaangan is consistently improving and gaining in strength.
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COMMUNITY
Mission Possible! Search for a Bride!! Then Get Married!!! CONTINUED FROM PAGE
10
The writer Ellen Goldberg (right) with the couple she helped to unite, Umesh and Rajni Jain, the central figures in her new book, “Finding a Bride”.
Also enjoying the special moment was this reporter, whom Goldberg singled out in the reception, for giving her the first chance at writing. When Indo American News needed some furniture in 1983, Fate brought Jay Malhotra and his partner Dr. K. L. SIndwani to The Desk Factory which then had an outlet at the corner of Hillcroft and Harwin, Ellen recalled “and soon after Jay asked me to write an article for them. I had never written
before, but he said ‘Don’t worry, I’ll help and edit it’ and so I did.” That was the first of five articles that Goldberg wrote for Indo American News, one of which sent her, a Jewish woman, to a mosque to do a story on education. After that, Goldberg said she got the bug for writing, photojournalism and meeting people of all cultures. And she has never looked back.
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18 February 26, 2016 Vigilante Injustice
EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY Better to be Ignored This Time
BY ANIRUDH BHATTACHARYA
In this year of American angst, the
Lawyers assaulting a journalist outside the Patiala Court House.
Incident after incident over the past week suggests that India is
witnessing a wave of vigilantism, with individuals and private groups taking the law into their hands — to avenge injustice, real or imagined. In the world’s most populous democracy with an established civil service, a time-tested police force and an independent judiciary, this is a disturbing portent. The most visible of vigilante events has been the violence in New Delhi’s Patiala House courts where journalists were bashed up as they waited to see the trial of JNU Students’ Union president Kanhaiya Kumar, accused of sedition. Police watched mutely. Kumar was also visibly roughed up. A sting operation has revealed the contours of the brazenness with which the chief vigilante,Vikram Singh Chauhan, a small-time advocate who has been photographed in the past with none less than the nation’s home minister, defends his act. Never mind that he has no proof, or that he is no authority to enforce the law. A BJP MLA claiming proof of moral turpitude (which has no legal standing in India) at JNU has reeled off statistics to prove drinking and sex at the university, never mind its authenticity or relevance. In Varanasi, at a function presided over by the prime minister, an unidentified man slapped a slogan-shouting youth who demanded union rights. A BJP mayor issued a 24hour “ultimatum” to the authorities at Aligarh Muslim University for action against what she claimed was the serving of beef biryani at its canteen. In Chhattisgarh, journalist Malini Subramaniam was forced to leave after a self-styled anti-Maoist group tried to intimidate her, said to be with the blessings of the local police, because her work focused on state atrocities. There is a pattern in all this, one in which those in positions of power respond with silence, while those associated with them run amok. Apart from the fact that rule of law is indispensable for democracy and good governance, it is also a prerequisite for economic prosperity. Vigilante justice is no way to raise India’s status as an investment destination in the eyes of the world. Hindustan Times
ante just got upped. Even as Democrats and Republicans are primarying their way to the presidential polls in November, the scales of justice are hanging in the balance. The death of Supreme Court (SC) justice Antonin Scalia, a conservative appointed by former President Ronald Reagan, has created a vacancy in an institution that is truly the US’ ubergovernment, when it comes to delivering the final verdict on social policy. That leaves plenty of room for an appointment with speculation. Among the nominee names that have been noted is 48-year-old appeals court judge Indian-American Srikanth Srinivasan. He’s a likely candidate, but the very reasons that qualify him could also make him unlikely. The vast majority of SC judges have obviously been Christian, though there have been eight Jewish justices, including three on the current court. None has been of any other religious affiliation. Srinivasan, who took his oath on the Bhagvad Gita in 2013, will alter that. Forget about Indian-American, he’ll become the first Asian-origin judge on the SCOTUS, as Americans abbreviate their apex court. With issues relating to the majority religion and race always on the SCOTUS docket, he’s not from the sort of minority that could get affirmative action from partisan politicians. But the Chandigarh-born Srinivasan’s truly disabling drawback is that his political affiliation is unknown. He was first appointed to the US Solicitor General’s office by George W Bush; Barack Obama nominated him to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Obama described him as a “trailblazer”, while Republican Senator Ted Cruz maintains a friendship that started when they were law clerks. Obama will almost certainly nominate the next member of the Supremes, even if that person’s chances of getting confirmed by a Republican-majority Senate could
Among the nominee names that have been noted is 48-year-old appeals court judge Indian-American Srikanth Srinivasan. He’s a likely candidate, but the very reasons that qualify him could also make him unlikely. be roughly equivalent to that of an outbreak of dignified behaviour from Kanye West. Before anyone can chant bipartisan, take a gander at the political landscape. Srinivasan studied human biology in his undergraduate programme at Stanford University, but it’s the psychology of the body politic that will determine his future. America has a political ecology where donkeys and elephants run rampant and an Independent is an endangered animal. Yes, Gallup’s January survey of party affiliation shows a massive 44% of voters are Independents. But once leaners are discounted, that number slumps to just over 10%. That’s what makes Michael Bloomberg’s flirtation with a presidential run a self-love affair that will achieve little other than allowing the Clintons, with a net worth of over $100 million, to plead poverty. In America, they have a thing for picket fences, but sitting on them is not just precarious but also particularly painful. Sri Sri and the art of living together may have little space in this. Srinivasan, as a friend of his once remarked, is neither a “crazy liberal” nor a “crazy conservative.” That’s already two strikes against him. In fact, it may
actually help his cause for a future SC nomination to be ignored during the 2016 cycle, a presidential election year when opposing camps can’t even agree over pizza toppings. Before Srinivasan’s 2013 confirmation, by a landslide 97-0 vote in the Senate, legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin wrote in the New Yorker: “...Which is why it looks very much like this hearing isn’t just a test for Srinivasan - it’s a dress rehearsal.” But this may not be the time that suits him. Right now, even his pal Cruz will nix his name. In 2017, that seat on the bench may still be available, whereas anyone nominated now will end up getting singed by the heat from firebreathing campaigns. This is the political system that prevails. Those that would be considered political affronts become frontrunners. Since one poor joke deserves another, here’s one for this situation: Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump walk into a bar. “One of us could be the next President of America,” they chorus. The bartender looks at them and mutters, “I need a drink.” HT Anirudh Bhattacharyya is a commentator on American Affairs.
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COMMUNITY
February 26, 2016
19
Happy Together After All These 25 Years!
Dinker and Iren Amatya celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a couple of hundred of their family and friends on Saturday, February 20 at Taj Hall.
BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA
HOUSTON: They may have met a few times in the same college they went to in Katmandu, Nepal but they didn’t know that their fates would bring them even closer together years later. He was a busy soccer player, having formed the 3
Star Club and if he wasn’t practicing, he was competing against other teams. For 18 months, he was a soccer player on the national team. She was busy with the usual college activities and concentrated on studies. And then, he got a scholarship to study engineering in Russia. Instead he decided to come to the
For Nadeem and Shuana it was Simply Love at First Sight!
Newlyweds Nadeem Amatya and Shauna Paul are flanked by the groom’s parents Nayna and Madhukar Amatya.
BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA
HOUSTON: It all started at a
friend’s birthday party and there were many people around. He recalls her coming up to him and starting a conversation and thought she was really courageous and bold. She thought he was kind of shy, but really wanted him to call her later and found a way to get her number to him. He still remembers the date well: May 20, 2010. The next day, he did call her and
then it became a daily habit and pretty soon they were inseparable. “He was so honest, open and caring. We’ve been together everyday ever since then,” smiled Shauna Paul as she gave her husband of 15 days a quick glance at the anniversary party of his Dad’s younger brother. Almost six years later, the couple was married in two ceremonies: the first on February 1 at Taj Hall in a Hindu ceremony officiated by Dilip Shastri and later on February 5 at St. Cyril Catholic Church by Father
US in 1984, where he had an older sister, and opened a grocery store in Atlanta, Georgia. Seven years later, he went back home, and his parents had arranged a marriage for him with the same girl whom he used to meet occasionally in college, as if Fate had pre-ordained it! This past Saturday, February 20, Dinker and Iren Amatya must have remembered that time well, as they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a few hundred family and friends at the Taj Hall on Savoy Drive, off Harwin Drive. They sat garlanded on stage as others posed for pictures with them and then after dinner, let loose in a loud night of dancing and partying. Dinker and Iren moved to Houston in 1999 to be closer to his sister Dr. Anjali Jain who has a pain management practice near Hillcroft and Harwin. The Amatyas have built a business in medical supplies, billings, collections and help to manage Dr. Jain’s clinic. They have two children, Devin, 20, in college at the University of Texas and Alina, 16, still in high school and they have kept their passion for Nepalese culture alive in many ways. Dinker was the founder of the Nepalese Association of Houston and its President for a few years and also the President of the Shri Krishna Pranami Mandir in Richmond. But he never lost his passion for soccer. A while back Dinker formed the 3 Star Club USA for teams to compete every year for a Nepal Day trophy. “I still get to play sometimes,” he grinned. Mario. The reception was held on February 5 also at Chateau Crystale on Gessner and Westheimer. Nadeem, 28, got his degree in accounting in 2014 from the University of Houston Downtown and went straight to work for RPBS, a wholesale book company. He is studying to take his CPA exam next year. His father Madhukar, who got a Master’s in Civil Engineering from Kiev, Ukraine, moved his family to Houston in 1999 from their native Nepal when Nadeem was 12 years-old, to work with his family and now runs his own medical supply business. Nadeem’s mother Nayna used to have her own beauty salon. Shauna, 25, received her certificate as a paralegal from the University of Houston Main Campus in November 2014. She works as a paralegal in the area of family law with Clark & Jordan, LC. She was born in Karachi, Pakistan and moved here with her family when she was 8 years-old. Her father Daniel Paul has his own travel agency, Lifetime Travel, and her mother Sharon is a homemaker. After a romantic honeymoon in Destin, Florida, the couple returned to their home in Houston, which they plan to call home for now.
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22 February 26, 2016
PUZZLES/RECIPES
SUDOKU
Mama’s Punjabi Recipes
Lobia Di Chaat (Black Eyed Pea Snack)
Place a Number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine. Send us the correct answer before March 02 , 2016. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com or mail to 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036. Send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published (for first three entrees only & 1 submission per month).
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L��� W���’� SUDOKU W������ 1) Shirin Pasha 2) Vikram Gupta 3) Deep Singh
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here are several ways to make lobia (black eyed pea): in a curry, sautéed or served cold as a snack. Eaten in any way, lobia is a nourishing and satisfying vegetable that can be served with many other dishes. Their soft buttery taste and ease of cooking makes them a popular alternative to rajma (kidney beans) or even the favorite chole (chickpeas). You can find the long strands of fresh young lobia (usually called rongi in Punjabi) in stores and many people just chop them up and cook them with potatoes. But you can also find fresh shelled lobia at the street vegetable hawker’s stall and these are best eaten in a chaat because they are still so tender. Most of us aren’t so lucky, especially overseas, so you have to do with dried lobia beans or the kind found in cans in the frozen food aisle. In Indian cuisine, there are many types of chaats – most easily described as cold, spicy, mixed salad – that tantalize the taste buds in many ways. They are ubiquitous in hawker stalls all over India and are often eaten as a meal by itself because of the high amount of carbohydrate foods that are used and also because they are inexpensive. Chaats are often served with spicy chutnies and topped with lots of raw green garnishes like raw onions, cilantro and tomatoes. Some chaats – like papadi chaat – require ingredients that take lots of preparation and use fried foods. Others, like lobia chaat, are much simpler, and faster to make. If you can’t find fresh lobia, use the frozen variety found in most grocery stores. For more taste, you can add a touch of hing (asafoetida), jeera (cumin) and garam masala. Ingredients: 200 gm lobia (black eyed pea) if using frozen, medium bag, thawed 1 medium piyaaz (onion) – peeled and finely chopped 1 tsp lasan (garlic) - powdered
1 tbsp adrak (ginger)- powdered 2 tbsp imbli (tamarind) chutney 2 tbsp olive oil Spices (to taste): namak (salt), mirch (red pepper), dhania (coriander), garam masal, amchoor (green mango powder) Directions: 1. Wash the lobia well, then pour into a pot and let them soak overnight in warm water. 2. Pour them with the water in a pot and bring to a boil for 15 minutes. If you can find frozen black-eyed peas from the grocery store and use them instead, then skip this step. 3. When the beans are soft (but not mushy), drain the water through a strainer and pour the lobia into a medium sized mixing bowl. 4. Pour in the olive oil and stir to
coat the beans. Now add in the onions, garlic, ginger and imbli and mix well, but try not to smash the beans. Add in the rest of the spices and stir in well. 5. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill. Before serving, sprinkle with garam masala. Shakuntla Malhotra is a skilled cook of Punjabi dishes made in the old-fashioned style that she learnt as a young woman in her ancestral home in Lyallpur (since renamed Faisalabad), India before it became part of Pakistan after the Partition in 1947. People have often admired her cooking for its simplicity and taste that comes with each mouthful. Even in her mid-eighties, she continues to cook daily and agreed to share some of her delectable Punjabi recipes.
MAMA’S TIP USE THE LAST OF THE WEEK
SMALL PIECES OF R C L E A N IN G HOUSE We all face the an noying problem of w
BATH SOAP FO
hat to do with the pieces of bath soap last . They are much to o small to use hand yet you don’t feel ily and like throwing them away. These last sli wear down so muc thers h that even using them to wash hand be difficult. Yet, yo s can u may feel that thro wing them away is wasteful. being The same thing co uld be said of the on e sock that remain the other one of th s after e pair is gone. So metimes, the washe has eaten one up an r-d ryer d you just can’t find the other! You may it’s a shame to thro feel w away a complete ly good sock. Well, I joined the tw o items together an d now throw all the pieces of hand and small bath soap in the re maining sock. Just up the loose end, w bu ndle et it down and use the soap-sock to cle the sink and other an up household surface s. It suds up well scrubs gently. Whe and also n the soap is finish ed, you can throw away: a completely th e sock biodegradable solu tion!!
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ENTERTAINMENT:REVIEWS/NEWS ENTERTAINMENT:REVIEWS/NEWS
Neerja BY UDAY BHATIA In 2002, a film called Let’s Talk released in theatres and, in all likelihood, exited them soon after. Directed by a first-timer called Ram Madhvani, it was a marvellously unsettling, unrelenting chamber piece. This week, Madhvani is back with his second film, Neerja. Unlike Let’s Talk, he has a substantial budget this time, and a star to help open the film. What remains the same, though, is his capacity to sustain tension over the length of a film. On 5 September 1986, a 22year-old former model from Mumbai named Neerja Bhanot was making her first flight as purser on Pan Am 73. At Karachi airport, the plane was stormed by four Libyan terrorists. Bhanot, the senior-most cabin crew member, managed to get a mes-
sage through to the cockpit, which allowed the pilots to escape. Later, she had the presence of mind not to hand over any American passports, an action which prevented the terrorists from using the US citizens on board as bargaining chips. Finally, in the chaos that ensued when the military stormed the plane, she opened the emergency exit and got passengers to deplane. She was killed in the process, but 359 of the 379 on that plane survived because of her. In 1987, she was given a posthumous Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. The film takes its time getting Bhanot (Sonam Kapoor) on to the plane, alternating scenes of her and her close-knit family with ones of the terrorists preparing for their mission. This is reminiscent of Paul Greengrass’ cross-cutting at the start of Captain Phillips, but Madhvani wrings more emotion from the stratagem by making Neerja’s parents (played beautiful-
ly by Yogendra Tiku and Shabana Azmi) compelling characters in their own right. We return to them at regular intervals, and their conviction that their daughter will return home safe becomes as moving as Bhanot’s courage under duress. The film suggests an unusual emotional impetus for Bhanot’s bravery by linking, through a recurring flashback, her passivity in a recently ended abusive relationship to her decisiveness during the hijacking. It is a reminder that courage can spring unbidden, much like the crises that prompt it. Kapoor, in a break from her usual achingly hip persona, presents Bhanot as a believable mixture of quick thinking and barely suppressed panic. The roving camera seems to mirror her nervousness, flitting around, capturing little details on the corners of the frame (cinematographer Mitesh Mirchandani deserves credit for making such dynamic use of an enclosed space). If there’s one quibble I had with
Neerja—apart from a couple of moments of sentimental overreach, like the song sequence which crosscuts between Azmi in her home and mothers on the plane comforting their children—it’s in the way it presents the hijackers. It might be asking too much in a film about Bhanot to make her killers fleshed-out characters, but the film might have gained in depth had it at least revealed a little about the terrorists’ motivations and aims (Captain Phillips, for example, gives us a glimpse of the pirates’ lives). Without the context, the hijackers are just another bunch of crazed,
23
bearded, armed men shouting in Arabic—a stereotype Indian cinema seems to fall back on as readily as Hollywood. Neerja released in theatres on Friday. -Livemint. com
Shah Rukh Khan Begins Shooting with Alia Bhatt in Goa Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has already started shooting for his next film opposite young actress Alia Bhatt. A picture of the two standing on a ferry along with the crew of the film has started do-
ing the rounds on Twitter. SRK will be romancing Alia for the first time who is half his age. The two are in Goa for the shooting of the upcoming, yet untitled film. From what we can see in the hazy picture, we understand that the duo is standing on a ferry getting ready to give their shot. While
a man is seen taking care of SRk’s hair, Alia looks carefree in a summery dress, holding a shoulder bag standing beside the superstar. Shah Rukh Khan, who is currently busy with the shooting of Raees and the promotions of Fan, is a multi tasker. He has now simultaneously begun shooting for
another film. Meanwhile, Alia also has a couple of projects in her hands. She will be seen in Kapoor & Sons opposite her rumoured boyfriend Sidharth Malhotra, Udta Punjab opposite Shahid Kapoor and now in Gauri Shinde’s next opposite the king of romance. - indianexpress.com
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24 February 26, 2016
India-Bangladesh Soap Opera Set for New Season BY ALGAPPAN MUTHU
Indian Women Sweep Sri Lanka by 7 Wickets
R
D
HAKA (ESPN Cricinfo): Big Picture It was all telenovela in 2015. MS Dhoni as the hero who had gone on to be perceived as villain. “If I am the reason for all the bad that is happening to Indian cricket, definitely I would love to step away.” R Ashwin was the steadfast sidekick. “If my captain asks me to die on the field, I’ll do it.” And Mustafizur Rahman was the shy, rising star; he had become a world-record holder after playing two ODIs and you could barely get two words out of him. All he would do was flash that big, toothy grin and say he was happy to perform for the team. There is no sign of a resumption of the ad wars, but the rest of the protagonists are back for season two, with the added twist of an Asia Cup and World T20 implications. Bangladesh’s limited-overs team has maintained their Mirpur stronghold jealously since failing to chase 106 against India in 2014. They have played 19 matches and won 14 of them. The trouble is, out of those five losses, three have come in T20Is. With their one-day cricket in prime order, the coach Chandika Hathurusingha has been concentrating on building skills that are vital to success in the shortest format. The team goes into the Asia Cup after a couple of camps in Khulna and Chittagong. India are not light on preparation either. They have been playing T20 cricket since the start of the year (the carnival continues through to May with the IPL) and are quite certain of their first XI. The only issue might be is some of the players in that XI have not had enough match practice. Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and the returning Virat Kohli have been merciless in their plunder of runs that the middle order has not had much to do. Over six matches, Yuvraj Singh has faced only 26 balls and rookie allrounder Hardik Pandya 18. India do not seem to be worried though, as both Dhoni and Kohli have said their players are well tuned to T20 cricket thanks to the IPL. Yuvraj Singh signs in at the dot-
SPORTS
Captains Lasith Malinga, Amjad Javed, MS Dhoni and Mashrafe Mortaza pose with the Asia Cup Trophy, Dhaka, February 23, 2016.
ted line under returning old favourites. Fifteen years since his international debut, he is still madly sought after. The last three IPL auctions have netted him a whopping Rs 37 crores. At the team hotel in Dhaka, he was spirited aside by a few players from the Oman team to take some pictures and share some secrets. It is unlikely that anyone will ever forget what happened the last time he was in these parts, but with a Sri Lanka rematch and a clash with Pakistan around the corner, maybe he has the opportunity to do something about that. Mahmudullah signs in at the dotted line under captain’s understudy. He is seen as an option to take over Bangladesh after Mashrafe Mortaza having led Barisal Bulls, a team sans any big names, into the final of the Bangladesh Premier League. But he is not seen as the best fit for T20s. He tends to be grilled about his strike-rate a lot and when the question was put forward this time, he quipped that he will try to hit the first ball he faces in the Asia Cup for six. Team news Dhoni returned fitter and leaner after a rare break from international cricket just before the Australia tour in January, but suffered an onset of back spasms two days out from India’s first match of the Asia Cup and three weeks out from their
first match of the World T20. The team management said he was recovering well and will be assessed before the match. If he is not fit, Parthiv Patel, who last played for India in 2012, has arrived as backup. But if Parthiv is brought in, will he fit in the middle order or at the top where he’s had most of his success in domestic limited-overs cricket? India (probable): 1 Shikhar Dhawan, 2 Rohit Sharma, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Suresh Raina, 5 Yuvraj Singh, 6 MS Dhoni (capt & wk)/ Parthiv Patel, 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Ravindra Jadeja, 9 R Ashwin, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Ashish Nehra Coach Chandika Hathurusingha was impressed by Mohammad Mithun in the Chittagong camp, so he could get a first look in ahead of Imrul Kayes. Both Taskin Ahmed and Abu Hider might miss out while Nasir Hossain too could be benched with Nurul Hasan taking wicket-keeping and late-hitting duties. Bangladesh (probable): 1 Soumya Sarkar, 2 Mohammad Mithun, 3 Sabbir Rahman, 4 Mahmudullah, 5 Mushfiqur Rahim, 6 Shakib Al Hasan, 7 Nurul Hasan (wk), 8 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 9 Arafat Sunny, 10 Mustafizur Rahman, 11 Al-Amin Hossain Pitch and conditions Mirpur sprung a green pitch on
India’s juniors at the Under-19 World Cup and more recently, the final game of the Asia Cup qualifiers played under lights helped the new ball dart around considerably. If the early phase is seen through, however, lots of runs are on offer. There is also the slim possibility of rain playing spoilsport. Stats and trivia Since 2014, Bangladesh batsman score at 132.33 in the last four overs, which is the worst worst among Full Members. In the Powerplay, Bangladesh batsmen’s strike-rate of 112 is second-worst after Pakistan’s. In T20Is since 2014, India’s No. 5 to No. 7 have averaged just 16.78 only Hong Kong, Nepal and Papua New Guinea have averaged worse. Quotes “As many different teams as we play before the World T20, it gives us an opportunity to assess what the teams are like, what the balance is like, what their strengths and weaknesses are and where we stand against them.” Virat Kohli “We had all our experiments done against Zimbabwe in January. There’s no room for any such experiments in the Asia Cup. This is a very important tournament ahead of the World T20.” Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza. Alagappan Muthu is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo
ANCHI: India Women 114 for 3 (Krishnamurthy 61*, Sharma 28) beat Sri Lanka Women 112 (Surangika 23, Sharma 6-20) by seven wickets Deepti Sharma, the offspinner, followed up her four-for in the previous game with figures of 6 for 20 to help India Women to a comfortable seven-wicket win against Sri Lanka Women in Ranchi. The victory gave India a clean sweep in the three-match series and pushed them to fourth place on the ICC Women’s Championship points table. Sri Lanka got off to a solid start after opting to bat, with the openers adding 33 before Sharma took two in two to spark a spectacular collapse. Captain Shashikala Siriwardene and Dilani Manodara combined for a 32-run sixth-wicket stand but a cluster of wickets thereafter meant Sri Lanka were bowled out for 112 in 38.2 overs, from a score of 94 for 5. Debutant Preeti Bose returned figures of 8-4-8-2. India’s chase began in shaky fashion, losing Poonam Raut in the first over. Smriti Mandhana was run-out soon after for 6. Veda Krishnamurthy and Sharma, then, set about consolidating the innings. The pair added 70 in 109 balls to take India into the ascendancy before Sharma was stumped for 28. India cruised to the target on the back of Krishnamurthy’s 90-ball 61, with more than 20 overs to spare.
Hockey Women Win
C
APE TOWN: Deepika converted a penalty corner in the last quarter to lead Indian women hockey team to a 1-0 win over hosts South Africa in their tour-opener. Both the teams were cautious, trying to assess each other's playing style. The game was mostly played in the midfield but superb defensive play by both the teams ensured a goal-less first half. The third period saw a shift in the game plan with attacking play from both the sides but none of the teams managed to break the deadlock and the penultimate period also ended with the 0-0 score.
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
February 26, 2016
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Saudi, Iraq Sell More Oil to India, Elbow out Latin America Crudes Saudi Arabia was the top supplier to India in January, with volumes jumping 29% from the same month a year ago to nearly 940,000 bpd
BY NIDHI VERMA
Indian refiners say they increased imports of Middle Eastern crude after Brent rose relative to the Dubai benchmark, making oil priced off the latter more attractive. Photo: AFP
NEW
DELHI: India’s oil imports from Saudi Arabia and Iraq hit the highest in more than a decade last month as OPEC’s top producers gained at the expense of Latin American crudes, a validation of the OPEC policy of maintaining output and fighting for market share. Competitive prices and shorter shipping distances are giving the Middle East members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) the upper hand in India, the world’s third-largest crude oil importer. Saudi Arabia was the top supplier to India in January, with volumes jumping 29% from the same month a year ago to nearly 940,000 barrels per day (bpd), ship tracking data obtained from sources and data compiled by Thomson Reuters Oil Research & Forecasts showed on Friday.
provides discounts that could amount to more than $1 a barrel to compensate for crude quality changes, trade sources said. “Basra Heavy is better priced compared to any other heavy crude. Even Basra Light is better priced compared to other heavy crudes,” A. K. Sharma, head of finance at Indian Oil Corp said last week. IOC buys about 300,000 bpd of Iraqi oil, including a recently signed term deal for Basra Heavy. Reliance Industries Ltd, owner of the world’s biggest refining complex, has also entered into a longterm deal with Iraq to buy Basra Heavy, according to its website. Indian refiners that have invested billions of dollars in upgrading their plants are scouting for cheaper heavy, sour grades such as those from Iraq and Iran to
maximise gross refining margins. “For a country like India where value of local currency is fluctuating and so are global oil markets, it’s better to go for nearby markets for oil purchases than going for a parcel that takes up to two months to reach India,” said Ehsan Ul-Haq, senior analyst at London-based consultancy KBC Energy Economics. The Indian rupee is edging near a record low of 68.85 to the US dollar hit in August 2013 - when India was mired in its worst currency turmoil in more than two decades. In January, India also took just over 170,000 bpd of Iranian crude, down nearly 40% from the same month last year, the data showed. Volumes from Iran are expected to surge from this month as Indian buyers start receiving barrels snapped up from Tehran soon after economic sanctions were lifted. -Livemint.com
Just behind was Iraq at 930,000 bpd, up 52% from January levels last year. The daily rates from both were at their highest since at least 2001, according to data available on the Thomson Reuters Eikon terminal. In contrast, total imports from Latin America fell by a quarter in January from a year ago to 706,000 bpd, the data showed. “We are going slow in the purchase of Latin America oil and have raised supplies from the Middle East,” said H. Kumar, managing director of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. Indian refiners say they increased imports of Middle Eastern crude after Brent rose relative to the Dubai benchmark, making oil priced off the latter more attractive. As well, on top of competitive monthly prices for its oil compared with similar grades, Iraq
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
26 February 26, 2016 Job Posting:
Assignment Desk Intern
KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for assignment desk interns for the upcoming summer semester. Internships are available to undergrads currently enrolled college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The successful applicant will be responsible for assisting the assignment desk, which includes but is not limited to making beat-checks, answering phones, monitoring police and fire radios, getting information and developing stories. The candidate should be detail-oriented and able to handle many different responsibilities at the same time. The ideal intern knows how to multi-task and set priorities. Good news judgment and strong communication skills are essential, along with strong writing skills. The candidate should have a good working knowledge with the use of social media for news gathering. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends. All interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req. #345396BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities. No Telephone Calls
Community Affairs Intern
KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid COMMUNITY AFFAIRS INTERNSHIP for the upcoming semester. Internships are available to currently enrolled undergraduate college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies. Interns will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station. As an intern you will attend help in the production of community affairs shows, including scheduling of guests, help gathering and editing video, assist with community drives, forums and outreach. Each area requires significant planning, scheduling and execution. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least one day per week and the hours may vary depending on scheduling and may include some weekend and early morning and evening hours. All interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req #345383BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities. No Telephone Calls Please
KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
Job Posting:
Job Posting:
News Edit Internship
KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid NEWS EDITING INTERNSHIP for the upcoming semester. Internships are available to currently-enrolled college students in their junior or senior year who are pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies by using a “real world” hands-on environment. News Editing Interns will have an opportunity to observe, participate, and contribute in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station. As a News/Technical Intern you will primarily assist in editing for air-- being creative and precise, while also learning the ins and outs of working behind the scenes for live newscasts. Interns will work under the direct supervision of the Digital Media Coordinator and other staff members. Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least two days per week between the hours of 2PM and 10PM. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship.
KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
Job Posting:
Programming and Production Intern
KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a multimedia programming and production intern for the upcoming summer semester. . Internships are available to undergrads currently enrolled college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The intern will assist Producers and Photojournalists with executing all aspects of the broadcast and digital story-telling process and will be expected to assist producers with original content weekly for broadcast and digital platforms Applicants must be comfortable juggling multiple projects at once and needs to be a strong researcher, writer, and communicator. Responsibilities will include working on a variety of programming, and digital projects. Opportunity to assist on field shoots, production news broadcasts and live special event programs.
To be considered applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req 345394BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities.
To be considered interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers. com, Job Req. #345382BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities.
No Telephone Calls Please
No Telephone Calls Please
KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
Job Posting:
P/T MULTI MEDIA CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR
Are you a news junkie who scans the morning headlines before getting out bed each morning? Are you tied to your twitter feed throughout the day? Can’t go to bed before watching the 10pm news? KTRK-TV, the ABC O&O located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a part-time content contributor for broadcast and digital departments. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to advance their career as a multi-media journalist. In this position, you will write and edit scripts, work on the assignment desk, contribute to digital platforms, sort scripts and run the teleprompter.
KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
Job Posting:
Weather Department Intern
KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid WEATHER DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP for the summer semester. Internships are available to currently enrolled undergrad college students in their junior or senior year pursuing a career in meteorology or related field with intent on pursuing a career in broadcast meteorology. Student must receive college credit for the internship. As an intern you independently research and produce a daily weather forecast and create computer graphics for on-air and on-line weathercasts and digital videos. Additionally, as an intern you will monitor severe weather and track developing storms and complete projects as assigned by the Chief Meteorologist.
Must be willing to work overnights, weekends, and holidays. The ideal candidate has experience gathering information and writing news stories - along with a good understanding of social media trends and apps. College degree preferred.
Must be able to work at twenty hours per week and the hours may vary depending on scheduling and may include some weekend and early morning and evening hours. Applicants should be familiar with weather analysis and forecasting techniques and intend on pursuing a career as a broadcast meteorologist.
To be considered interested applicants must apply online at disneycareers.com, ref job #347006BR Please upload a cover letter, resume and list of references. In addition, please mail writing samples to: Robin Freese, Executive Producer, KTRK-TV, 3310 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005.
To be considered interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req #345386BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities.
No Telephone Calls Please
No Telephone Calls Please
KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
February 26, 2016
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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February 26, 2016
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM