Issuu

Friday, August 08 2014 | Vol. 33, No. 32

Indo American erican News

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Aces High for Charity, Education

Event emcee KTRH TV reporter Pooja Lodhia (left) and Event coordinator Vanitha Pothuri ﬂank IACF President Ramesh Cherivirala

Ft Bend District Attorney John Healy (left) and FBISD Trustee Jim Rice (right) with some of the students who received part of the $25,000 scholarship fund that the IACF distributed.

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August 08, 2014

Dr. Kumar Vishwas: Believing, Inspiring and Motivating in Hindi BY VANSHIKA VIPIN

HOUSTON: There are some times when you hate yourself as an English writer, especially when you attend an event conducted in shuddh (pure) Hindi that leaves a mark over your heart and mind. ‘Hum Hain Desi’ translates to ‘We are Indians/South Asians” in English and yet does not do linguistic justice to originality of the event title in Hindi. Dr. Kumar Vishwas brought Hum Hain Desi to Houston on Saturday, August 2, at the India House, and this article in English cannot, even in a thousand words, begin to describe the feeling brought to heart by true Hindi from the son of the heartland, Dr. Kumar Vishwas. Leading this journey to the Hindi heartland was Abha Dwivedi who was not only the master of ceremonies for the evening but also one of the organizers of the show. “When I heard about Dr. Kumar Vishwas’ “Hum Hain Desi” global tour 2014, I asked his national promoter to bring the show to Houston. I found a few interested people but not enough support. I was extremely heart broken and almost gave up but then the national promoter Azim Ahmad of Musik Waves called Dr. Nausha Asrar, for a show in Houston. I felt like God answered my prayers. With the help of some of his fans and very passionate people like Ravi Kankaria, Vipul Bias, Shyam Punjwani, Vijay Sirohi and many other people, we were able to give an amazing show to Houston. Each and every guest personally thanked us for such an awesome show. One of the guests paid second time while leaving the show, when I asked her- did you not pay at the entrance? Her response was- “$50 was very little for such an awesome evening... ticket should have been at least $100 or more”. Personally I have been to many Kavi Sammelans but this performance was literally out of this world. Initially I was his fan because of his poetry but after meeting him, I have promoted my self to a new designation of being his “AC.” He is an outstanding poet, wonderful speaker but above all an absolutely amazing human being. Such a big celebrity and so down to earth, Its hard to believe. He is Hindi ki seva mein laga hua ek saccha sipahi (a true

Dr. Kumar Vishwas during the Hum Hain Desi show, which was held at India House on Saturday, August 2.

soldier for the cause of Hindi). Abha called upon Houston’s own Dr. Nausha Asrar to recite few of his poems and also to introduce Dr. Kumar Vishwas. Dr. Asrar who holds a PhD in Material Science and has written technical publications in science journals has his own special way with words and poetry in Houston. He has recited poetry along with world renowned poets such as Javed Akhtar, Bashid Badar, Nida Fazli to name a few. He said he met Dr. Kumar last year at a kavi sammelan in Dallas and they clicked well ever since. He said he admires him because he has created an awareness of Hindi in the youth as reflected on Dr. Kumar’s Facebook page that gets around 5 million hits. Dr. Asrar then recited some of his own work, which was very enjoyable and set the stage for things to follow. Dr. Kumar Vishwas is a youth icon in India. He is a celebrated Hindi poet well known across the world. He is credited with reviving Hindi poetry amongst the younger generation. Besides being a poet, he has been recognized as a social communicator, being a straightforward and motivational speaker who has ignited the creativity amongst young minds. He is a professor by profession and also involved in writing scripts, lyrics and sto-

ries for the Indian film industry. A small measure of his influence can be ascertained by the fact that his voice is offered as a call back tune for cellphones in India. His works like ‘Koi Deewana Kehta Hai’ and ‘Hotho Par Ganga Ho, Hatho me Tiranga Ho’ have practically changed the definition of Poetic performance. At India House, in good humor Dr. Kumar said “ Before the show I was told that I will not see a big audience but each person will be equal to a thousand people. Alas this was only for listening, not for the payment”. He joked about the quirkiness of Indians giving examples of having a bucket in jacuzzi and calling Niagra falls the ‘Badrinath’ of Desis. Apart from humor there was thought provoking poetry like: “Koi deewana kehta hai, koi pagal samajhta hai; Magar dharti ki bechani ko, bus badal samajhta hai. Mein tujhse door kaisa hoon, tu mujhse door kaisi hai; Ye tera dil samajhta hai, ya mera dil samajhta hai” .. the recital got him a standing ovation and almost a sing-along from the audience. As the evening of Hindi continued, Dr. Kumar’s deep poetry was interspersed with jokes and

Photos: Vanshika Vipin

humorous shers (couplets). He sang about Indians and the pride of being Indian “hum hain desi, haan magar har desh mein chhaye hai hum” touching an emotional nerve with the NRI audience. When the show ended well past 11 PM, Dr. Kumar had been talking, singing, joking and inspiring for over three hours and the audience still wanted more. At the end, he obliged by patiently posing Dr. Kumar with Abha Dwivedi, who was not only for pictures with the master of ceremonies for the evening but also one of the organizers of the Houston show. individuals. In an exclusive interview with IAN, he said that he Vietnam can sing Hindi songs. wants Hindi to be recognized globFor further details about Dr. ally adding that he has been invited Kumar Vishwas and his upcomto perform at the Google head- ing shows visit www.kumarvishquarters and Stanford University. was.com or like his Facebook His aspirations are to make Hindi page at www.facebook.com/Kusuch a strong language that even marVishwas far flung countries like Brazil and

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 08, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

August 08, 2014

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COMMUNITY

August 08, 2014

Packed Turnout for IACF’s Charity Casino Night and Scholarship Awards

BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA HOUSTON: You felt a rush just getting into the packed lobby of the Aloft Hotel on Westheimer and Sage. The two-level lobby is Scandinavian modern chic and has plenty of seating spread around, with oversized table lamps, a color changing LED infused bar counter with a bright yellow backdrop for the liquor bottles and a pool table on one side where the buffet line had been set up by Madras Pavilion. Through the glass backwall where banners of the IACF’s four areas of focus were splayed out, an open air paved patio touched onto Westheimer, a short retaining wall, hedge and the sidewalk separating it from the traffic. The Indo American Charity Foundation had organized their Aces of Hearts for Charity Casino Night on Saturday, August 2 to highlight the work that the 26 yearold venerable institution has performed in the Bayou City to bring attention and respect to the contributions of Indo American community in the process. “We are getting ready for our annual Gala on September 20 at the Hilton Americas,” explained IACF President Ramesh Cherivirala “and this casino night is a precursor to the event.” It’s an event that only the IACF seems to pull off every year, and for the past three years in exotic locales – among the rare minerals and gems of the Museum of Natural History, in the paleontology exhibit of the Museum and now on the busy corner of Westheimer

IACF President Ramesh Cherivirala (left) and Board Director Jawahar Malhotra ﬂank FBISD Trustee K. P. George

and Sage, exuding the feeling of a nightclub with a packed crowd. As most Indian events go, this was a welcome change from the usual round table and chair gatherings that other groups tend to gravitate to. If galas set each group apart, then certainly this pre-gala event has become one to look forward to each year for its originality. This year, the Ace of Hearts for Charity was an interactive casino night experience intended to allow guests to have fun as well as to learn about the IACF’s goals and meet with its current and past leadership at the Aloft Hotel. It

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.

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Guests played at the blackjack, roulette and craps tables at the Ace of Hearts Charity event on Saturday, August 2.

came on the heels of the IACF’s successful Desi Grandparents Day, a first ever program intended to bring three generations together, which was held last week (see IAN dated August 1, 2014). Tables for playing Blackjack, Dice and Roulette were scattered around the

lege bound high school students (see list), a tradition that the IACF has resurrected after a two year hiatus during which it had launched its iEducate mentoring program spearheaded by past president David Raj who passed away last year. A special award to given in his name – the David Raj Memorial Scholarship - to the most deserving student, Morgan Harding, who had exceled in spite of formidable odds. The students received scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500, based on need, performance and other criteria. In another change to involve the mainstream, IACF devised a selection process that involved the Fort Bend ISD to assist in getting applications from students and also in monitoring their progress. Each student will submit receipts for college expenses which will be paid by FBISD upto the limit of the scholarship amount they were awarded. As a measure of their involvement, FBISD Trustees K. P. George and Jim Rice along with Deputy Superintendent Dr. Christi Whitbeck attended the event and got a chance to hand out the certificates and speak to the gathering. Fort Bend District Attorney John Healey, a strong supporter of the Indian community, also attended and also spoke a few words. An enthusiastic Cherivirala called on many of prominent people in the crowd from the Indian community, and many of the IACF Board Directors, to come forward and hand out each certificate to the students, who all lined up in front of the

lobby and guests huddled over to play, with screams of both delight and frustration, for three prizes which were awarded as the event ended around midnight. Coupled with the casino night was the awarding of $25,000 of scholarships to 18 deserving col-

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 08, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

CONTINUED ON PAGE

For photo collage, see page 4

COMMUNITY

August 08, 2014

Lord Bilimoria to Lead Birmingham University, Honored by Exeter COMPLIED FROM PRESS RELEASES LONDON: The Indian-born founder of Cobra Beer received honors last month from two separate universities in the UK. Lord Karan Bilimoria of Chelsea, CBE, DL was installed as the seventh Chancellor of the University of Birmingham on July 17, after the previous Chancellor, Sir Dominic Cadbury stepped down last December after 11 years at the helm. He is the first Indian born chancellor of a Russell Group university. The Chancellor as the ceremonial figurehead, working with the Vice-Chancellor and the Pro-Chancellor to raise the University’s profile and advance its interests. “The University of Birmingham has an illustrious history dating back to its foundation by Joseph Chamberlain in 1900.” said Lord Bilimoria. “It is also the University where my mother, my uncle and my maternal grandfather studied. I am delighted to have the opportunity to take on such a prominent role at the University that has not only been named The Times and The Sunday Times University of the Year 2013–14, but is genuinely going from strength to strength.” Two days earlier, Lord Bilimoria was awarded an honorary doctorate by Exeter University in recognition of his contribution to both British enterprise and public life. The ceremony, which took place in the Great Hall of the University’s Streatham Campus, saw a total of 14 honorary degrees awarded, with other notable recipients including Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Director of the

Lord Karan Billimoria at his installation as Chancellor of the University of Birmingham. From left: Vice Chancellor Professor Sir David Eastwood; Mrs. Yasmin Bilimoria, Lord Karan Billimoria, Lady Bilimoria and Pro-Chancellor Ed Smith CBE.

Stephen Lawrence Trust and Sigrid Kaag, Special Coordinator with the United Nations. Lord Bilimoria’s career has seen extensive involvement in Higher Education. In 2005 he become the youngest ever chancellor in the UK when he was instated as Chancellor of the University of West London. “Britain is a global leader in many ways, but none more so than with its universities,” said Lord Bilimoria, “which –

The plaque of all previous University of Birmingham Chancellors, which include the Rt. Hon Joseph Chamberlain.

along with the US – are the finest in the world. It is thus an enormous hon-

or to receive this doctorate from one of the UK’s top ten universities.”

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August 08, 2014

First Ever Bonalu Festival in Houston

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HOUSTON: For the first time, Houston celebrated Bonalu Festival with joy and exuberance at Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir on July 27. Over 400 people joined the festivities from the Greater Houston area. The sunny weather and pious atmosphere at the Temple provided an ideal stage for this indoor and outdoor community event. Bonalu Celebrations in Houston was planned to coincide with the festivities in India including Bonalu preparation, singing, dancing, and a festive lunch. The event was organized with the help of numerous committed volunteers and donors to promote Telugu culture and heritage. Bonalu is a Hindu Festival during which Goddess Mahakali is worshiped. Bonalu is an annual festival celebrated in Twin Cities Hyderabad, Secunderabad and parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India. It is also celebrated in villages to please their grama devatha, the village deity. The festival falls in the month of Ashada Masam, which is July/August. Bonam means Bojanam in Telugu, a meal, which is an offering to Mother Goddess. Women prepare rice cooked with milk, jaggery in a new brass or earthen pot adorned with neem leaves, turmeric, vermilion and a lighted diya on the top of the pot. Women carry the pots on their heads and make offering of Bonam along with turmeric, vermilion, bangles and saree to the Mother Goddess across the temples. Bonalu involves the worship of Kali and her various forms as Mysamma, Pochamma, Yellamma, Peddamma, Dokkalamma, Ankalamma, Poleramma, Maremma, Nookalamma etc. The event started at 11:00 AM with a puja by Suresh Swami, resident priest of Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir, with invoking the Goddess , the life saver for good health and prosperity. A special stage was created for this purpose with alankaram, the decoration

where people gathered to receive the blessings of the Goddess. A procession was taken out around the temple with ladies carrying Bonam on their heads and men dancing to the dole and music. People walked and danced around the temple bare foot in the mid afternoon with full devotion. In spite of hot weather, everyone enjoyed the dancing with active participation. Later, the specially prepared Bonalu were taken inside. All women and girls in colorful and ethnic sarees and dresses danced as a group around the Bonalu. As the program reached to the end, the circular group dances

expanded as many ladies and children participated in the synchronized dancing while clapping along with the music. Men formed a separate circle and danced enthusiastically to the music. Overall, the Telugu native culture was showcased in every moment of the festival through the ethnic attire, simple yet powerful prayers, native music and dance, ethnic food, volunteering and more importantly a sense of community. Everyone danced continuously for an hour to the rhythm of music. The uniqueness of this festival is that everyone actively participated throughout the event. Finally, the program ended with delicious festive lunch exclusively prepared by Mayuri and Biryani Pot Restaurants. The organizing committee thanked the volunteers for various activities ranging from food to stage set-up and other arrangements. They also thanked the donors and Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 08, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

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Sugar land Texas as “Extraordinary Girl. Chloe also loved her special performance at the 2nd Annual Memorial Hermann Cricket Cup, The APAHA and the SACC Gala’s with Hollywood and Bollywood Stars adding to the sparkle with Local and National dignitaries. Exciting times lie ahead for Chloe, as she plans to enter 6th Grade, this fall and is already being commissioned to open the convocation ceremonies, for FBISD, The UNHCR World Refugee day Celebrations, Bollywood Concerts, Opening of the Skeeter’s Game, India’s Independence Day celebrations, and even for the HOUSTON ROCKETS! Chloe is a very kind and passionate child. Chloe is also identified as a Gifted and Talented Student within the FBISD system and is a part of the DUKE TiPS Program through DUKE University, which encourages academically excellent children with academic averages over 95%. She is a Spelling Bee Finalist 3 years in a row; a Championship Swimmer with the USA Swimming, a Junior Girl Scout, loves

HOUSTON: Chloe Choudhury is a sweet 11-year-old, who has loved living in Sugar Land her entire life. Over the last year, she has received numerous awards and accolades, including Congressional Certificates all the way from Washington D.C; Certificates of Recognition from both the City of Sugar Land and the City of Houston, along with many private Special recognitions from Leaders within our Community. Chloe was the youngest singer to be selected to open The International Citizenship month, by the City of Houston to crowds over 12000 +, the esteemed Lincoln Reagan Dinner and the Exchange Club of Sugar Land where she spoke articulately to a crowd who was fascinated by her story. Chloe was even invited to perform at the State Capitol in Austin Texas and was commended

playing the Piano, Horse Riding (Dressage/ English), Soccer, and enjoys volunteering for community events. Her Passion however is and always has been Music and Singing and she has been singing, ever since she could speak! Chloe shares her life with her parents, Tanaz and Chesley Choudhury and her little brother Tayte. Keep up with the Little Superstar CHLOE at : www.chloesmusic.com Hear her live as Chloe will be opening the Mika Singh Show at NRG Stadium on August 15 and the Shreya Ghoshal Show on August 22.

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Chloe Choudhury: Sugar Land’s Sweet Singing Star

by a rousing ovation. Last August Chloe, sang the National Anthem, at the Skeeter’s Game and was scouted and went on to Nashville, Tennessee. Where she recorded with an Internationally acclaimed Team, the #1 Song of the Year 2013 – Katy Perry’s ROAR. This song has over 22000 plus views in just a couple of weeks of being released. Some of her most memorable events were when she was featured at some of the Premiere Houston Events like: The Memorial Day 2014 Flag Posting Ceremony honoring the WWII Veterans, at the World War II Monument, in Houston Texas! This event was covered by News Channels, NBC, FOX 26, ABC 13 and KHOU 11. Mental Health of America Event with Jim McIngvale “Mattress Mac” and was Crowned by Ms.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 08, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

CALL: 713-789-6397

August 08, 2014

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10 August 08, 2014

Sanatan Shiv Shakti Mandir of Houston Inc. 6640 Harwin Dr, Houston, TX 77036

A Hearty Invitation to all Hindu Devotees to celebrate

Shraavan Maas — July 27 to August 25

Let us Celebrate Shraavan Maas

The First Jyotir Lingam, a Replica of Bhagvan Somnath & Maa Shri Umiyaji, in Houston. Please Come with your family and Friends and pray at Our New Temple.

||Om Namah Shivay|| BY VANSHIKA VIPIN

• Mahapuja Every Monday at 5:00 PM. Arati 7:00 pm. • List your name for Pooja with the Priest. Abhishek will continue for the whole day. • For Mahapooja, a donation of $201.00 is appreciated, Abhishek during daytime a donation of $21.00 is appreciated. • Please bring Milk for Abhishek & Prasad is welcome. • Shravan Maas starts from Sunday, July, 27, 2014 and ends on Somvati Amavasya, Monday,August 25,.2014. • Full Prasad will be served after Arati Donate generously for the New Temple. No donation is big or small for the Temple.

On all Mondays of Shravan Maas that is July 28, August 4, 11, 18 & 25 there will be diěerent Shringar Darshan of Mahadevji. Yajman or Donation is welcome for Shringar Darshan & Mahaprasad Daily Pooja is open for everyone.

Devotees willing to sit in Havan & Pooja may give their names to our Priest Shri Hardik Raval Tel: 361-243-6539 or 713-278-9099

Sanatan Shiv Shakthi Mandir is located at 6640 Harwin Dr. Note: We do not have any other Temple at 5645 Hillcroft Ste: 701

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 08, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

August 08, 2014

Twin Celebration at Sri Meenashi Temple During the Aadi Month

Aadi Poorm and Bhagavathi Seva

Bhagavathi Seva, Invoking the Devi in the form of lamp at Sri MTS.

BY M.K. SRIRAM PEARLAND: Dakshinayana Punyakalam, the night of the Devas, begins on the first day of the month Aadi. It is marked on July 17,2014. The sun changes its direction during this period and next six months is the night time of the gods. Due to this reason, secular auspicious events are not held in the month. However Goddess in the form of Devi is celebrated through numerous pujas and festivals. In Tamil Nadu Aadi Pooram is celebrated whereas is Kerala Bhagavathy Seva is celebrated in the same month. Sri Meenakshi Temple celebrated Aadi Pooram on Wednesday, July 30. It was a supremely divine experience for the 50 odd devotees who had specially come to participate. This is a very auspicious day for both Sri Andal and Sri Meenakshi. Andal’s birthday is celebrated with great grandeur at her birth place Srivilliputtur. Similarly, this day is also very special to the divine mother Parvathy. This festival is celebrated with great gusto in Madurai Meenakshi temple. MTS celebrates this event in a very unique way. Both the utsava murthis are kept side by side and the entire puja worship takes

place at the same time. An elaborate abhishekam was performed to the chanting of Durga and Sri Sookthams. Following this both the devis were decorated most beautifully. They were then carried on a palanquin by devotees on a procession around the temple. Following this they were seated on the exquisitely decorated oonjal (swing). It was such a splendid sight to behold – the gentle movement of the swing accompanied by the sweet songs of devotees, sending waves of exhilaration in the hearts of the devotees. On Friday, August 1, in the auspicious month of Aadi, Bhagavathy Seva, a very special and unique puja offering to Goddess Bhagavathy (Durga) was celebrated at MTS. This puja originated in Kerala and is very popular there. This puja at Sri Meenakshi Temple attracts a number of devotees not only of Kerala origin, but also from other areas. Anyone participating in this puja for the first time is so touched by the spiritual experience that they invariably return whenever it is conducted again. The priest invoked the Goddess Bhagavathy in a tall brass oil lamp decked in flower garlands, placed on a colorful kolam representing a lotus. This lamp was surrounded by more oil lamps symbolizing Ganesha, Saraswathy and others. In typical Kerala tradition, this puja

is performed in tantric style. It was a glorious sight to see the jyothis swaying gently to chanting of various stotrams like Lalitha Sahasranamam, Lalitha Ashtothram, Soundarya Lahiri and Lalitha Trishati while archana to the Goddess was being performed. The puja concluded with a most spectacular arathi when Goddess Bhagvathy radiated brilliantly lighting the divine lamp in everyone’s heart. Special Kerala style neivedya prasadams including neyappam and payasam were distributed to the devotees after the puja. All in all, the supremely divine pujas conducted by MTS, with the support of the temple priests, staff and the volunteers for making these two festivals unforgettable events. We thank RAC lead S. Narayanan and coordinators M.K. Sriram and Sasi Pillai for organizing these wonderful Pujas.

Sri Meenakshi and Sri Anadal (Lakshmi), Aadi pooram Puja at MTS with Priests Sri (Parameswaran, Manicka Sundara Bhattar, Sridharan Raghavan and Pavan Kumar). INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 08, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

12 August 08, 2014

Artistic Director Dr. Rathna Kumar presents

BOLLYWOOD BLAST 2014

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COMMUNITY

August 08, 2014

Arya Samaj Celebrates 23rd Foundation Day and Shri Krishna Janmastami

HOUSTON: Arya Samaj of Greater Houston will be celebrating its 23rd foundation day and Shri Krishna Janmashtami with gaiety and fervor for two days on August 16 and 17. On this occasion, Yajnas with selected mantras from all four Vedas, Bhajans and Vedic discourses will be held at Arya Samaj. The program will start on Saturday, August 16, at 9:45am with Indian flag hoisting ceremony to celebrate India’s Independence Day. It will be followed by a Yajna, with the recitation of selected mantras from the Rig Veda, Bhajans, and a spiritual discourse. The morning session of this day will conclude at 12.00 noon with Aarti, Shanti Path and Prasad. The program will be repeated the same evening from 6.00pm to 8.30pm, and also on Sunday, August 17, in the morning from 10.00am to 12.00noon. The concluding session will be held in the evening from 6.00pm

to 8.30pm and will include Poorna Ahuti. The Glory of Shri Krishna will be the topic of discourse in this session. Both the evening sessions will also have a musical program of Bhajans. At the end of every session, lunch/dinner Prasad will be served. Each time, the Yajna will be performed with selected mantras from one of the four Vedas. In these four sessions, renowned Vedic scholar Acharya Ashish Darshnacharya will deliver enlightening spiritual talks. Acharya Ashish ji is a much sought after Vedic speaker all over India and North America. Everyone is invited to attend any or all of these enlightening four sessions. You can also participate as a yajmaan (host) in any session by contacting Sanjay Sood at sanjay117@gmail.com. For further information, visit the ASGH website: aryasamajhouston.org or call (281) 752-0100.

One Jump to Inspire Students BY NEERAJ SALHOTRA HOUSTON: As a first-generation IndianAmerican, I have seen family and friends come to the US with nothing but $5 in their pocket, yet experience the prosperity of the American Dream. My parents’ hard work and influence helped me gain acceptance to Rice University, and knowing that this country has given much to me, I feel inspired to give back. Currently only 1 in 10, low-income students graduate from college, and I therefore joined Teach for America to help pass on the American Dream my parents experienced. Comparing my students’ lives to my own, I realized something inherently unfair--my students worked harder than I did but had trouble realizing their aspirations because their communities simply could not provide the resources that I had. Alongside three other Indian-Americans: Karthik Soora, Shiroy Aspandiar, and Timeer Amin, I created OneJump.org to connect students to transformative opportunities. One Jump grew out of our student Jorge’s experiences. Jorge came to the U.S. knowing neither English nor the importance of school; he failed 4th grade. Initially, he had no plans

to attend college and believed his future lay in construction. His life was transformed after he attended a Cornell engineering program that let him live there for one week. Now believing that college was possible, he worked tirelessly and became the first in his family to graduate high school and will now attend the University of Rochester on a nearly-full scholarship to major in mechanical engineering. However, Jorge’s story is the exception, not the rule. Low-income students do not all have access to these opportunities, and there is no system that inspires and connects them. One Jump aims to close this gap by inspiring students to take the leap to college. One Jump is creating a website that will inspire students through motivational videos and connect them to a database of eligible summer enrichment opportunities searchable by subject matter, university, and region of the country. Once students are accepted into these programs, One Jump will connect them to a scholarship and crowdfunding. Through One Jump we will ensure that students like Jorge, regardless of their income, can experience the same American Dream so many of us have lived.

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16 August 08, 2014 CONTINUED FROM PAGE

COMMUNITY

Packed Turnout for IACF’s Charity Casino Night and Scholarship Awards

IACF banners. The response for the co-mingled event was overpowering as a crowd of over 200 people packed the hotel lobby and walked around meeting and greeting one another. Each student arrived with several members of their family and friends and many others came to enjoy the casino activities, leading to what has to be one of IACF’s most attended functions. The atmosphere was charged with the hub-bub and commotion

of people, with many crowded together for the presentations, and music played out nonstop by DJ Yogi making for a nice, exciting gathering. Board members Vanitha Reddy Pothuri conceived and coordinated the overall event; Neeta Balsaver and Kamala Raghavan took care of registration of the guests; and Alpa Shah, who is a co-owner of Madras Pavilion restaurant which catered the

of the event and inviting everyone to enjoy the evening. This reporter, who happens to also be on the IACF Board, emphasized how IACF has helped local emerging charities and needy causes and is different than other Indo American charities in the city which focus on causes in India. Srivanvitha Sridhar, the 14 year-old teen who had won the Indian Idol contest two years ago, sang two songs- opening and closing the presentations – in her powerful voice. Cherivirala spoke about IACF’s commitment to education and how it has transformed its emphasis to scholarships again. He then introduced each student and asked a prominent member of the community to hand them their certificate. At the end, with all the students assembled, Cherivirala asked John Healy and Jim Rice to pose with an oversized check for the $25,000 that the IACF had committed to the scholarships. Kamala Raghavan, the PresidentElect closed out the presentations with an invitation to all to come to the IACF Gala on September 20. The evening continued on with DJ Yogi pumping out some music that had All discipline Indian Engineers, a dozen people dancing on the side, Architects, Designers and others playing the tables and many Technicians Celebrating 20 Years more milling around till the event closed out. Of Outstanding Service To The IACF 2014 Scholarship RecipiGreater Houston Engineering & ents & Goals Architectural Community JB Cameau: Willowridge HS; University of Texas at San Antonio, Music Education. Jenny Chang: Elkins HS, University of Houston, UT Health Sciences, Nursing. Daniyal Muhammad: Dulles HS, University of Houston, Chemical Engineering. Grand Maharaja Sponsor Jasmine Felder: Kempner High $7,500 School, Lamar University, University of North Texas, Fashion Marketing. [Premium Seating for 10, Full Page Emily Garza: Austin High School, Back Cover Ad] Texas Woman’s University, Nursing. Morgan Hardin: Dulles High Diamond Sponsor School, University of Houston, Neurosurgeon. $5,000 Efiom ita: Travis High School, Em[Preferred Seating for 10, Full Page bry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Inside Cover Ad] Aeronautical Science. Alma Martinez: Elkins High School, Texas A & M University, PsyPlatinum Sponsor chology. Ashley Mhlanga: Clements High $2,500 School, University of North Texas, [Reserved Seating for 10, Half Page Chemistry. Ad] Habiba Omosun: George Bush High School, Sam Houston State University, open a Seniors Retirement Gold Sponsor Community. $1,000 Sean Rivera: Austin High School, University of Texas at San Antonio, [Seating for 8, Quarter Page Ad] Elementary School Teacher. Megan Tu: Kempner High School, University of Houston, Political Science. Dennis Valle: Willowridge High Individual: $75 School, University of Houston, Biology. Individual+1 Guest: $125 Ta’lour Williams: Bush High School, Baylor College, Lawyer. Govt. Employee: $50

food for the evening, made valiant efforts to keep up with the demands to replenish the dishes even as more than double the people than expected showed up to the event. The emcee was the evening was KTRH TV Channel 13 news reporter Pooja Lodhia who opened up with remarks describing the history and activities of the IACF and guided the event along throughout the evening. Pothuri chimed in, expanding on the goals

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INDIAN ENGINEERS CELEBRATING

20th ANNIVERSARY GALA WHEN: September 24th, 2014, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm WHERE: Hilton Houston Post Oak, 2001 Post Oak Blvd, Houston TX 77056

Keynote Speaker

Chief Guest

Hon. Judge Ed Emmett Harris County

Jimmie Schindewolf, P.E. General Manager, NHCRWA

For Sponsorships and Tickets, please click the link below: 20th Anniversary Gala Payment Attire: Business formal

For More Details, Please Contact: Sekhar Ambadapudi: 281- 235-9202 Showri Nandagiri: 713-294-3944

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS

www.asiehouston.org

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 08, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

For photo collage, see page 4

COMMUNITY

August 08, 2014

‘Vibrant India’ and ‘Crazy Kishkindha’ Summer Camps Conducted by G.O.D.

HOUSTON: Global Organization for Divinity Houston (G.O.D.) conducted three different fun “Gopa Kuteeram” summer camps in Pearland and Cypress areas this summer. In the Pearland/Manvel area, “Vibrant India” was the theme for a 3-day camp (June 20-22) held at Namadwaar Prayer House for kids aged 4 to 10. The camp focused on India’s amazing indigenous, ‘natural’ diversity in various areas – language, food, music AND dance, art & architecture, clothing, geography/climate, religion and color. The children participated in many activities based on this theme: they learned to sing and dance to the popular patriotic songs Vande Mataram and Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, where they learned lines in 15 different languages; they did Madhubani artwork, yoga, cooking, cricket and kho-kho among lots of other fun activities. The children visited the Asia Society Texas Center Museum for a ﬁeld trip, to view the

Transcendental Deities of India exhibit of Raja Ravi Varma paintings and contemporary art and photographs. They also participated in an Indian Deities Writing Workshop at the museum. On the ﬁnal day of the camp, the kids dressed up in varied regional costumes and presented all that they had learned during the camp. At Cypress, the ﬁrst camp was a 3-day “Crazy Kishkindha” camp for kids aged 8 to 12 at the Cy-Fair library (June 13-15). It was themed around Navavidha Bhakti in the Ramayana and the kids had lots of fun doing artwork, crafts and games themed around the nine ways of devotion. The Mission Monkeys game was a huge hit with the children. Here too, the participants visited the Asia Society Texas Center to view the Indian Deities exhibit. A second 2-day camp was also held at the CyFair Library for kids aged 4 to 7 was (July 1819). This camp too was themed around “Vibrant India”. Apart from all the other activities, these

younger kids also worked on some beautiful ethnic crafts. Events at the camps were all conducted by inspired GOD and parent volunteers as well as several community organizations and volunteers who came forward enthusiastically to make it a fun experience for the kids - YogaOne Studios (yoga), Kala Art by Heart Classes (artwork), Nritya School of Dance (dance), Hot Off the Stove blog (cooking) and Asia Society Texas Center. The camps and the information that the children learned during all the camps were greatly appreciated by all parents.

At Asia Society during ﬁeld trip - Vibrant India

G.O.D. also conducts weekly Gopa Kuteeram heritage classes at Pearland/Manvel and Cypress on Saturdays. Classes for the 2014-15 year begin on September 13, for age groups 4-7 and 8-12. For further information and to register online, visit www.godivinity.org.

ISKCON of Houston Prepares for Janmashtami 2014 at their New Temple HOUSTON: About 5000 years ago, in the sacred land of Mathura, king Vasudev and his queen Devaki were gifted with an extraordinary child. This child who appeared on the eight day of the waning moon was no ordinary mortal. He was the Supreme Personality of Godhead known as Krishna, a Sanskrit word which literally means ‘The All Attractive One’. Krishna Janmashtami is a joyous festival that millions of people around the world celebrate to commemorate this earthly appearance of Prince of Yadu dynasty, the darling of Vrindavan. ISKCON of Houston is setting the stage to host this event of the year, the appearance day of Lord Krishna on August 17, 2014, starting at 5 PM. This will be the ﬁrst major event following the recent grand opening of the new temple building at 1320 West 34th Street in the Heights area and thousands of Houstonians excitedly await the biggest event of the year, at this newly constructed center. Celebrations at the palatial new temple with its impressive 90 feet blue and gold dome will have prominent artists featured as part of the cultural programs and a free vegetarian dinner. Internationally renowned vocalists Her Grace Saci Devi (Shashika Mooruth) and Pandit Suman Ghosh, will be presenting a special performance for the pleasure of Sri Radha and Krishna on this auspicious occasion. The festivities at the temple will begin at 5 PM and will continue till midnight. The ceremonious bathing of the Deities, Abhishek will be held followed by a narration of Krishna Lila. Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to perform a Jhulan ceremony for the baby form of Gopal on this special occasion. The grand ﬁnale and highlight of the event will be the midnight arati to commemorate the exact time of His birth. On August 17, take one step closer to the magical wondrous world of Krishna at ISKCON of Houston. If you are interested in sponsorship, please contact the temple president, Shyamsundar Dasa at: info@iskconofhouston.org Find them on Facebook: Iskcon of Houston See ad on page 19.

For advertising Call 713-789-6397 INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 08, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

18 August 08, 2014 India-Nepal: Friends and Equals As a piece of public diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nepal could not have gone better. Nepal lavished attention on Mr Modi, with Prime Minister Sushil Koirala breaking protocol and receiving him at the airport, eager crowds lining the streets and the political class warming to him. On his part, Mr Modi did just about everything to reassure Nepal about India’s intention and his own resolve to push relations in a new direction. India-Nepal ties have long had an ambivalent character — Nepal relies heavily on India as a landlocked State but has come to resent New Delhi’s influence in its internal affairs while the new republic intensely debates its political future. Suspicion has, time and again, choked bilateral potential. Mr Modi has done well to calibrate his messaging in a way that satisfies Nepal’s public and key elite constituents. Among statements that were received well, Mr Modi conceded India needed Nepal, saying the latter was in a position to “free India of its darkness with its electricity”. He underlined that he had no interest in interfering with Nepal’s future and said he would stand by whichever decision Nepal took — be it on the terms of the hydropower trade or the specifics of the Friendship Treaty between the countries. He welcomed the Nepal Maoists’ entry into parliamentary politics and signalled that they would no longer be beyond the pale of Indian engagement. Mr Modi satisfied traditionalists by bearing gifts for the Pashupatinath Temple but refrained from encouraging royalists by backing Nepal’s quest to be a ‘federal democratic republic’. He nudged Madhesi politicians — who are close to India — to work for a unified Nepal and did not pander to their complaints about hill region elites. Some deliverables matched the rhetoric. India announced a $1-billion line of credit for Nepal’s infrastructure development. Key power agreements will soon follow. India will build highways, railway lines, pipelines and bridges to consolidate connections between both sides. Nepal is for now suitably impressed. Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai called Mr Modi’s Constituent Assembly address “magical” while Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said the PM won Nepalis’ hearts. So far so good. A lot now depends on how ministries and officials deliver on the agreed agenda. There is a great degree of bureaucratic fine print to be negotiated concerning the Friendship Treaty, power deals, border protocols and other issues. The PM’s sensitive messaging on Nepal, including his comments on non-interference, must cascade through the Indian establishment and be reflected in the changed tenor of India-Nepal exchanges hereon. Hindustan Times

Indo American News

EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY India & The Great War

BY SWAPAN DASGUPTA It would hardly be unpatriotic to suggest that Europeans do anniversaries and commemorations far better than Indians. The centenary of the start of the Great War — the contemporary description of World War I — was widely observed all over Europe with prime ministers, presidents and the few remaining monarchs participating. The day had been preceded by an onrush of popular interest: Family stories being relived and new histories filling up gaps in knowledge. The War that signalled the demise of an old order, redrew the map of Europe, brought home the horrors of trench warfare and, ironically, laid the political foundations of the next big conflict, was commemorated with feeling, dignity and without national bitterness. Predictably, as happens with anything to do with the past, there is always a controversy. In ‘multicultural’ Europe, there were voices that complained of the overwhelming Eurocentrism of the commemorations. Baroness Warsi, who had been a minister in David Cameron’s government, gave the disquiet a definite subcontinental flavor: “Our boys were not just Tommies — they were Tariqs and Tajinders too.” That the Great War had a definite non-European dimension is obvious. Apart from Western Europe and Russia, the theatre of war also included the erstwhile Ottoman Empire and those patches of Africa where German colonies were located. India’s contribution to the war effort was particularly significant: Some 1.27 million men, including 827,000 combatants, were involved. Of these, 47,756 were killed and 65,000 wounded. Indian soldiers won nearly 13,000 gallantry awards, including 12 Victoria Cross. India and the Empire as a whole provided Britain its strategic depth, something the Kaiser and his allies lacked. Although the battlefields of the Great War didn’t extend into India — barring the shelling of Madras in September 1914 by the redoubtable German cruiser Emden — the experiences of Flanders, Gallipoli and Mesopotamia are etched in the various regimental histories of the

India Gate was built to honor Indian soldiers who gave their lives during World War I.

Indian Army. Indeed, India Gate, one of the iconic symbols of Delhi, was built as a War Memorial to the soldiers of the Indian Army who died in the Great War. Given the importance the Indian Army attaches to its experiences in France, Iraq, Palestine and East Africa in the 1914-18 war, it should occasion some surprise that the centenary went largely unobserved in this country. This was one centenary India chose to give a miss. Predictably, the question arises: If India doesn’t want to own up to its role in the Great War, can we fault Europeans for focusing principally on their own sense of loss? An Indian visitor to the refurbished Imperial War Museum in London complained that India’s contribution to the war effort had been grossly underplayed. He may well be right but if India chooses to ignore its own role, can the British keepers of the past be blamed for their biases? The problem is actually far more complex. Historians and curators in Britain are often under conﬂicting pressures. First, there is the ‘multicultural’ lobby that wants yesterday’s subject peoples to be given their due in popular history. For them, the racist condescension that greeted a Gunga Din must be replaced by the acknowledgement of the heroism of, say, Sowar Dhukal Singh of the Jodhpur

Lancers or Jemadar Gobind Singh of the 28th Cavalry, both awarded the Victoria Cross. Unfortunately, this isn’t as simple as it appears. Contemporary records are very clear that the Indian Army was quite unwavering in its loyalty to the British sarkar and the KingEmperor. Historian David Omissi has documented the extent to which the average sepoy was motivated by concerns of loyalty to the Emperor. The only exceptions were three predominantly Muslim units that refused to fight against fellow-Muslims in the Ottoman army and were, consequently, very harshly dealt with. In a European environment that is dominated by post-colonial angst, highlighting the role of Empire runs the political risk of being seen to be promoting imperial nostalgia. It’s a no-win situation. It’s a problem that even India hasn’t been able to come to terms with. In the self-image of Indian regiments, 1947 marks only a change of the national flag. The battle honors won in the Crimean War, the Boer War, the Macedonian campaign, the North African war and the Burma campaign occupy places alongside the achievements in the wars of 1948, 1965, 1971 and Kargil. For professional soldiers, what matters was the soldiers’ loyalty and devotion to duty, not the political ramifications of the conflict. A sepoy who died in Flanders is as honored as a jawan who laid down his life in the battle for Dhaka. At the same time, there is a premium attached to loyalty and the command structure. The officers and soldiers who joined Subhas Chandra Bose’s INA were subsequently hailed as heroes in independent India. At the same time it is significant that not one of them were taken back into service. In the eyes of the forces, they were guilty of breaching the loyalty code. India remains utterly confused over its past. Is the Republic established in 1950 the successor regime of the British Raj or is it a break? Owning up to the past has an emotive dimension but disowning it completely creates its own complications. India has wilfully chosen to revel in this ambiguity. HT Swapan Dasgupta is a political commentator.

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HOUSTON: MALAY VYAS CHICAGO: NAND KAPOOR, INDIA: RAJ KANWAR ®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 4 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

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 08, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

OPINION

August 08, 2014

The Power of Prayer for Health and Healing

BY KRISHAN GUPTA Prayer for Healing is definitely one of the powerful and miraculous wonders. Praying, in its fullness cleanses the soul and it is believed to have the powers to take away your worry and stress. It is often heard that when you ask, you shall receive and if you seek, you shall find. This is exactly the power of prayer for health and healing and is your all time magical prowess. Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity, but oftentimes conceived as something miraculous. Praying to God makes you feel better and secure. It is said to have healed terminal sickness since the dawn of age. Different versions of the prayer for the sick person have performed wonders. Prayer involves deep concentration in having a real-time conversation with your deity. Prayer should always be coupled with belief otherwise it is empty. The healers are expected to know all the methods and the fastest and most effective ways to talk to their Supreme Head. you should always contemplate upon the presence of a higher being - the One that will heal you and keep you in good health. Prayer puts you into a deep meditation and communication with your deity. A true form prayer must be felt as if you are cradled within the hands of the Almighty. Have faith in healing otherwise prayer will not work. When you believe that the prayer can heal you, you are attracting wellness. Healing can take many forms, from a physical cure to an emotional recovery to a step away from struggle and toward peace, wholeness, and freedom. The less you worry, and the better are your chances in healing. Play soft and melodious music and concentrate fully during healing process. Eventually you will come to understand that love heals everything. Humor is healing and Laughter is natural medicine. Listen to God with a broken heart. He is not only the doctor who mends it, but also the Almighty who wipes away the tears. Also the practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Eat, breathe, sleep well, and exercise. Each of our thoughts acts as either soothing cellular nutrition, or a poison dart that releases corrosive toxins. Our health, healing, and well beings are affected by our thoughts. Strengthen your intuition by clearing all thoughts and listening to your inner self before making decisions. Meditation is the land of infinite liberty where, beyond the mortal body, your consciousness is free. Deep breathings can bring peace to the watercraft of your mind and leaves a beautiful wake behind. Learn to recognize fear, send fear away, particularly within yourself and tap into your intuition. If you can’t find something to laugh at, then laugh when you look in the mirror. Develop a strong positive mind while maintaining inner peace as your health is based upon what you do, how you breathe, what you put in your body. Anger, jealousy, and other stresses are at their root: fear. Right thoughts people will enable an uplifting vibrational transfer. Talk to your body; tell it that the pain signals it is sending are no longer necessary, ask your body to come into balance. Happiness, love, and health are three legs that can balance an exceptional life. Refuse to allow illness a place in your consciousness. Unconditional joy is buried deep within the soul, release it with awareness. Repeatedly say that the power that has created me is healing me now, this healing power is flowing through every cell

in my body, and I am radiant with light. Anger is corrosive to both your emotional and physical body systems. Forgiveness is the most powerful transformation. Every negative thought is a little sip of poison. Repetition of positive afﬁrmations is a powerful tool for transforming a possibility into reality. This life is for sharing, learning, smiling, caring, forgiving, laughing, hugging, helping, dancing, wondering, healing, and even more loving. Learn how to connect with your compassion, how to share your passion and your innermost feelings. Partner more deeply with people, and trust the unfolding process that is part of our growth in life when we are guided by our best instincts.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 08, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

20 August 08, 2014

COMMUNTIY

Seeing Beauty in Ordinary Objects

Houston photographer Narinder Sall’s unusual art images of driftwood, in a play of light and dark, are on display at Galveston’s DesignWorks Gallery.

Monkey Business

“During our recent trip we spent a few days with our dear friends Sue Hagan and Bill Goddard in Jamestown, NC. There is a small forest right behind their house and one morning I decided to go for a walk in the woods. I spotted this log from about 20 feet and curiosity compelled me to walk to it. I assume that someone had cut a tree and left this piece behind (perhaps for me). It was about three feet long. From a distance it was just a simple log, however, when I approached it and I turned it over to examine the other side I spotted the eye and the mouth right away.” -- Narinder Sall.

GALVESTON: Drawing from mixed cultural influences, Narinder Sall offers a unique brand of cultural and naturalist photography. Born in Punjab, India, Sall emigrated to America in 1968. As a photographer he worked in both commercial and editorial circles. He drew a wealth of experience photographing a broad array of subjects including people, corporate ads, flowers, jewelry, food, and portraiture. His work appeared in a variety of national and regional publications. In 1986, Sall co-authored Leonard Tharp: An American Style of Flower Arrangement, a hard cover book written by Lisa Ruffin Harrison and flower designer Leonard Tharp. The book was well received by local critics and collectors. Sall found his next set of unlikely subjects waiting in his brother-inlaw’s backyard. His series, What Grew in Bruce’s Garden?, features a striking, often humorous look at the natural world. He then shifted his focus to cultural exploration, and his latest works showcase scenes ranging from window shopping in Memphis, TN to the holy shrines in urban India. Approaching each of his subjects with a sense of wonder, Sall finds dreamlike images amidst ordinary settings. His purpose is to find new, revealing perspectives on the world and to share these experiences with his viewers. Sall’s crisp black and white studies play with textures and movement of the natural world from the play of light across the sur-

Narinder Sall

during my walks or bicycle rides in the neighborhood.” Sall continued. “Folks have been very kind to let me borrow them to photograph. You Talkin’ to Me?, Obelisk, Medusa, Curiosity, Princess of Forest, and Big Foot’s Footwere borrowed from neighbors and are still decorating their yards. And Winter was home grown in my own back yard.” “Monkey Business was found In Jamestown, NC. in the back yard of our dear friends, Sue Hagan and Bill Goddard, during a recent visit,” Sall continued. “Proposal was found at a water fall the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. My neighbor, Robert, dug out a Crape Myrtle and threw it away for trash, but I rescued by beating the garbage truck. This image is still untitled. Many images were produced from vegetables that were grown by my brother-in-law, Bruce, in his garden in Richmond, Virginia.”

face of driftwood to the beguiling smoothness of a ripe vegetable. Some of Narinder Sall’s images are exhibited at the DesignWorks Gallery on Postoffice Street in Galveston. Although the exhibit ends on 10th of August, the photographs will continue to be available at DesignWorks. Where does Sall find his unusual objects? “Many were discovered Please visit Narindersall.com for in the neighborhood yards,” Sall additional information and images. explained. Sleeping Log was found by a friend Kay Reese’s late husband and stayed in Kay’s yard for over 20 years until she passed it on to her daughter, Marcie, who lives two houses down from our house, where I spotted it.” “Often, I have Visitors to the DesignWorks Gallery in Galveston located them examine Narinder Sall’s images.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 08, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

TRAVEL

August 08, 2014

Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer The Ultimate Rail Experience

Travel & Leisure magazine quotes it thus: “One of the World’s Best Life Changing Trips.” “Winner of 8 World Travel Awards, for being provider of Leading Travel Experience by Train.” Traveling the Rocky Mountaineer through the Canadian Rockies is going to be an eye opening experience. It’s the closest you can possibly get to nature, enjoying the expanse, seeing the wildlife and breathing in the crisp, cool fresh air of the majestic Rockies. The train trip provides opportunities to come in contact with and make new friends, explore the mountain range, and eat some of the best cuisine the world has to offer. Vegetarian meals are provided on board, based on prior request. In 2015 The Rocky Mountaineer is celebrating its 25th anniversary and is giving up to $2500 per couple in added value for 7 nights or more journeys booked by August 31. This unique experience by rail begins in Seattle, Washington, and goes through Vancouver, British Columbia through the new passage along the coast. The Gold Leaf and Silver Leaf Service covers ﬁve unique rail experiences. Trip packages can be booked ranging from a week to a fortnight. The trip also combines the pleasure of enjoying a serene Alaskan cruise at the end of traveling through the Canadian Rockies. Overnight accommodations are set up in best known Hotels in the towns and the train travels through some of the most beautiful cities by the sea.

There are five rail journeys to choose from and are named: First passage to the West, Journey through the Clouds, Rain forest to Gold Rush, Coastal Passage, and Whistler Sea to Sky Climb. The First passage to the West travels through a range of wildlife which includes a visit to the Yoho National Park, and traveling by serene, clear lakes by high range mountains. It touches Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise, Banff and Calgary. Journey through the Clouds takes you through the Albreda glacier, through waterfalls, largest salmon ﬁshing run, travels through mountains where you get to see the highest peak Mt.Robson, the stunning Pyramid Falls covers

Vancouver, Kamloops and Jasper. Rainforest to Gold Rush takes you through some of the rarest wilderness sights you and your family can ever see! It covers Whistler, Quesnel and Jasper. Coastal Passage is a unique three day journey between Seattle and the Canadian Rockies. Cities covered are Seattle and Vancouver

while seeing the majestic wildlife of the Canadian Rockies. Whistler Sea to Sky Climb takes you through the entire stretch of the Canadian coastline. It covers Vancouver, Kamloops, Canadian Rockies, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax. Through all these trips you can explore the wild west just like the explorers did but in the comfort and luxury that the Rocky Mountaineer provides. You and your family would enjoy the best visual sights nature has to offer, the best of wildlife, man made spiraling tunnels, spectacular bridges, deep canyons, and tall mountain ranges. Most of all don’t forget to bring one or two pairs of binoculars, a good zoom camera, to capture some of the scenic beauty. You are sure to see wild eagles ﬁshing as they soar above the seas and lakes, large black bears lumbering through the lush woods, salmon swimming upstream to spawn, a giant mommy bear with her cubs, packs of wild foxes, and other animals across the mountain range. Truly, words cannot describe the pristine quality of nature you will see during this trip. It is truly indescribable! A Once in a lifetime experience and a must to have on your Travel Wish List! This article is courtesy of Travel Guzs, 10701 Corporate Dr, Suite 112, Stafford, TX 77477. Call @713-893-0649 or contactus@travelguzs.com to know more details about this enticing journey!

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22 August 08, 2014

HEALTH 10 Things You Should Know About Lemon Water

If there’s one drink that every nutritionist and health expert is going to advise you to take, its lemon water. Sounds simple, but it is actually a very powerful drink, and the perfect way to get your body ready for the day ahead. Lemons are full with vital nutrients, like magnesium, calcium, fiber, potassium, iron, vitamin C, and B-complex vitamins. They are pretty much like little yellow balls of healthy goodness! Combined with the hydrating H20, you’ve got yourself the ultimate wake up drink. Here are ten more benefits that you can get from lemon water: 1) Helps with Digestion. In Ayurvedic traditions, it is believed that toxins that are building up in our stomachs can cause diseases if not cleansed on time. Lemon helps your digestive system by stimulating the liver to produce more digestive fluid. It also helps it by adding more acid that helps break down food and flush out toxins. 2) Freshens Your Breath. Lemon helps you get rid of gingivitis and helps against toothaches. Just be sure not to brush your teeth for at least a couple of hours after drinking lemon water as the citric acid in lemon can erode tooth enamel.

3) Relieves Constipation. Lemon water is a natural way to relieve constipation as quickly as possible. Lemon stimulates the bowels, and it helps your intestines

6) Reduces Bloating. Lemon water helps in relieving constipation, which causes you to l o s e water weight. Lemons also contain pectin ﬁber, which is helpful against hunger cravings.

produce mucus, which is needed for optimal functionality. It also hydrates the colon and moisturizes dry stools.

4) Helps You Get a Clear Skin. Lemons are full of antioxidants that are needed by your skin in order to be blemishfree. These antioxidants also help decrease wrinkles. Fun fact: when used regularly, lemons can help diminish scars and dark spots! 5) Cleanses the Lymphatic System. Some medicine practices believe that a dehydrated lymphatic system is a general cause of illness. Drinking lemon water helps hydrate the lymphatic system. When it is not properly hydrated, it makes you feel tired, con-

stipated, or just plain sickly. Lemon water can help you cure all these symptoms and also upgrade your immunity, which helps prevent them in ﬁrst place.

the

7) Reduces Inflammation. Drinking lemon water regularly decreases the level of acidity in your body. In particular, it reduces uric acid in your joints, which helps ease joint inﬂammation.

8) Gives You Energy. Drinking lemon water on a daily basis helps your body become healthier, which means that the energy that it was losing ﬁghting off toxins and illnesses will be free to spend anyway you want! 9) Boosts Your Mood. Lemons are rich with potassium, which is an essential nutrient for proper nerve and muscle functionality. Potassium is the key in helping your nerve system produce and deliver more neurotransmitters that boost your mood. Low potassium levels can be linked with anxiety and depression. 10) Helps You Cut out Energy Drinks and Caffeine. With all the healing and energy your body will receive from drinking lemon water, caffeine and energy drinks will be past! Plus, drinking this as your ﬁrst drink in the morning—rather than a coffee—might help you lose your desire to grab a latte afterward. -Healthyfoodteam.com

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 08, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

August 08, 2014

Swami Mukundananda to Talk on “The Path to Happiness”

HOUSTON: Swami Mukundananda, a world-renowned teacher of Spirituality, Yoga, and Meditation would be conducting a week-long program in Houston from August 23 to August 28 at India House at 8888 W Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77031. He is the founder of the unique Yogic system JKYog, also known as Yoga for the Body, Mind and Soul. Each day’s program includes Yoga sessions and Spiritual discourse. The first part of the session focuses on Yoga and Meditation. The second session focuses on devotional chanting and spiritual discourses. The topic of the discourse is “The Path to Happiness”. Swami Mukundananda, received his degrees in Engineering and Management from two world famous institutes in India- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM). However, the call of God was so strong that a short while after landing a top corporate job, he renounced his professional career to take Sanyas, in the quest for God-realization. Since the last two decades, Swamiji has been travelling far and wide in various states of India and also in Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, USA, and Europe, awakening hundreds of thousands of seekers. He is the senior disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and founder of JKYog. JKYog is a non-profit organization dedicated to the spiritual, mental and physical wellness of Humankind, through true Yoga and Spirituality. Swamiji has been invited to speak at various Fortune 500 companies like Google, Oracle, etc. For the youth, Swamiji has conducted programs at prestigious universities such as Princeton, Stanford, Kellogg, MIT, and Duke University. In his programs, Swamiji chants the sweetest bhajans that inspire devotional love and transport the consciousness to subliminal heights. Swamiji’s warmth and humility touch all those who have the fortune to have his association. Year after year, Swami Mukundananda has touched thousands of souls across USA with his soul-stirring lectures and devotional songs. Swamiji’s enlightening discourses clarify the deepest concepts of the Vedic scriptures, with wit, humor, and perfect logic. He has inspired people all over the world on the path of spirituality, holistic health, yoga, meditation, service to society and God realization. Swami Mukundananda will talk

on the “Path to Happiness” at India House at 8888 W Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77031 from Saturday August 23 to Thursday August 28 . Program Details: On Saturday 23 August, Yoga & Meditation from 4:30 pm – 5:45 pm, Discourse from 5:45 pm to 7:30 pm. Sunday, Yoga & Meditation from 11 am – 12:15 pm, Discourse from 12:15 pm to 2 pm. Monday – Wednesday, Yoga & Meditation from 6 pm to 7:15 pm, Discourse from 7:15 pm to 9 pm. Thursday, Discourse 7pm – 9pm. Admission is free and Prasadam served daily after program. For further information visit http://www.jkyog.org or call 281-630-5982 / 832-377-6070 or email: houstonjkyog@gmail.com.

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24 August 08, 2014

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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 AUGUST 13, 2014. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com or mail to 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036. Send us your picture and we will publish it if you are a winner (for ﬁrst three entrees only).

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Mama’s Punjabi Recipes

Sabat Mahn Di Dal (Whole Urad Or Mahn Lentils) This dal is probably the most wellknown one in the whole world, thanks to its extensive use in restaurants and served as “Dal Makhani” (Butter Dal). It is a black colored dal – also known as urad dal – which is served at just about every Indian buffet in a universally cooked recipe, and is just as popular as “sag paneer” (creamed spinach and cheese). Both dishes are widely known by name by Indians – second generation and beyond – and also by non-Indians. But the big difference in the restaurant style and the Punjabi homestyle – for it is truly a dal closely associated with the Punjab and northwestern states – is the way that the curry or sauce is prepared and the resulting taste. The secret is simple: restaurants and dhabas (roadside stalls) serve the dal thickened with lots of cream and then add more spices to take away the sweet ﬂavor of the cream, just the same as sag paneer. Homestyle mahn di dal doesn’t have the cream, but the curry gets thickened by allowing it to simmer over the stove. Also, there is a tarka or masala mixture – that is poured sizzling hot into the dal after it has been cooked and the ingredients of the tarka help in digesting this dal. A small dollop of white homemade butter is usually put on top of each serving of the dal: hence the name “dal makhani” was coined by restaurateurs. It is well known that mahn dal is hard to digest and often makes people feel bloated and gaseous. In order to overcome this, it is very important to add spices and herbs like hing (astafoetida), adrak (ginger) and lasan (garlic) to cut down the aftereffects of the dal. This is a step that most restaurants often skip as the taste and aroma of the spices, if done improperly by less trained cooks, can overpower the taste buds of the diners. As with other dals eaten Punjabi style, this too is also eaten with raw onions and a crispy parantha or hot rotis to be fully appreciated. Ingredients: • 2 cup sabat mahn dal (whole urad lentil) • 4 cups pani (water) • 2 tbspn olive oil • 1 medium adrak (ginger) – peeled and chopped, or use

• • • • •

Directions: 1. Place the sabat mahn dal in a bowl and wash it thoroughly in cold water, then rinse it out. 2. Place the dal with 4 cups of water, the onions, ginger and pepper in a pressure cooker and bring to a boil over high heat. After three or four whistles, turn the heat off and after it has cooled down a bit open the cooker up. 3. Put the heat on medium and let the dal simmer till the grains are tender. Stir occasionally to make sure the dal is not sticking to the bottom of the cooker. If the water boils off before the dal becomes tender. 4. Now add the salt and let the dal

5. Heat the oil in a small karai or wok and add lal mirch, lasan and hing and brown it a little. When roasted and the smell of the spice starts to come through, take off the heat and drop the masala into the pot of cooked dal and stir to mix well. 6. Sprinkle the top of the dal with garam masala and the cut coriander leaves above. 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, 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 OF THE WEEK CHEW DHANIA INSTEAD OF FENNEL FOR BAD BREATH There are many times when eating out or otherwise we suffer from bad breath. Most times, in Indian settings, whether at home or in a restaurant, you are offered saunf (fennel seeds), sometimes mixed with mishri (rock sugar), as an after meal mukhwas (mouth soother), sort of like an after dinner mint. The fennel actually is to settle the stomach, although it also disguises the smell of your mouth. But, to really get rid of the bad odor of your mouth and still not change the wonderful flavor of the food you have just eaten, it is better to chew dhania seeds (coriander seeds), also sometimes mixed with mishri or rock sugar. The taste is pleasant and associates with the Indian meal. Or for plain bad breath, dhania works better then fennel or cardamom.

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simmer for 5 more minutes, then turn the stove off, cover and let the dal stand for 15 minutes.

powdered ginger 1 medium piyazz (onion) – peeled and chopped 1 tspn garam masala Pinch of hing (astafoetida) 5 stalktops fresh dhania (coriander) – pinch off the leaves and cut into pieces Spices: lal mirch (red pepper); namak (salt); haldi (turmeric) – to your taste

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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 08, 2014 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

ENTERTAINMENT

August 08, 2014

Kishore Kumar Gets Google Doodle Tribute on 85th Birth Anniversary

MUMBAI (I E): One of the greatest singers of Indian cinema Kishore Kumar features on today’s Google Doodle as the search engine celebrate the legend’s 85th birth anniversary. The Google doodle has a smiling face of the legendary singer. The doodle pays tribute to the versatility of the multi-faceted talent, who was a successful singer, writer, producer and actor. His son Amit Kumar, who is also a singer, is happy with Google doodle’s gesture. “Fabulous…What a great gesture from Google, surely this proves that ‘He is a man for all seasons’,” he said. Kishore Kumar donned many hats during his illustrious career as playback singer, lyricist, actor, producer, director, composer and scriptwriter. Though born in a Bengali family, Kishore Kumar dolled out tunes in

a number of languages including Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, Assamese, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Malayalam, Urdu and Oriya. Kishore Kumar began his career by working as a chorus singer at Bombay Talkies. He made his first onscreen appearance in ‘Shikari’, his brother’s film. He was offered a number of opportunities but he was not very interested in an acting career. He played the lead role in ‘Andolan’. Bimal Roy’s ‘Naukri’, ‘Musafir’, ‘New Delhi,’ ‘Aasha,’ ‘Padosan’ were some of his other films. It was music director S.D. Burman that spotted Kishore’s talent for singing. The duo recorded together for a number of films – ‘Munimji,’ ‘Taxi Driver’, ‘House No. 44,’ ‘Funtoosh,’ ‘Jewel Thief’ and ‘Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi.’

R.D. Burman also recorded several songs with Kishore Kumar including ‘O Maajhi Re’, ‘Yeh Shaam Mastaani’, ‘Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai’, ‘Rat Kali Ek Khwab Aayi’, ‘Humein Tum Se Pyaar Kitna’ and ‘Mere Naina Saawan Bhadon’. Kishore Kumar, who is known for his versatility, sang a number of duets with Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar including ‘Panna Ki Tamanna’, ‘Neend Chura Ke Raaton Mein’, ‘Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai’, ‘Jaane Ja Dhoondta’ and ‘Kharoshoo’. From a young age, Kishore Kumar was a huge fan of singer-actor K L Saigal and tried to emulate his style of singing. But later, music director S D Burman advised him to ﬁnd his own style which he later developed. He died Oct 13, 1987 in Mumbai and was cremated in Khandwa, his birthplace. (With IANS inputs)

Salman Khan Topples Aamir’s Record, Kick Enters Rs. 200 Crore Club

NEW DELHI:Salman Khan’s Kick has entered the prestigious Rs. 200-crore club and toppled a few records on the way. The ﬁlm smashed Aamir Khan-starrer 3 Idiots’ tally in the Indian market, making it Salman Khan’s biggest hit in the domestic market. 3 Idiots was the biggest hit in the Indian market with Rs. 202.46 crore in its kitty. By Tuesday, Kick had earned Rs. 203.19 crore. This is also Salman’s biggest hit in the domestic market. With Kick, Salman’s tally of hits (read ﬁlm in Rs. 100-crore club) has reached seven -- Ek Tha Tiger, Dabangg 2, Bodyguard, Dabangg, Ready, and Jai Ho being the other six.

The film crossed the Rs. 100-crore mark within four days of its release. Kick went on to collect Rs. 164.09 crore net over the first week. By the end of this weekend, the film had also earned about Rs. 53 crore in the international market. Kick, which also features Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Jacqueline Fernandes, Nargis Fakhri and Mithun Chakraborty, made record opening collections of Rs. 26.4 crore -- the highest this year. The other big hits this year are Salman’s Jai Ho (app Rs. 107 crore) and Akshay Kumar’s Holiday: A Soldier is Never Off Duty (app Rs. 112 crore). -Hindustan Times

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NEW DELHI (IE): As a debate continues on alleged black money stashed by Indians in Swiss banks, India now accounts for nearly 42 per cent of total gold and silver leaving Switzerland shores — largest for any single country. According to the latest ofﬁcial data from the Swiss government, its total export of gold, silver and coins in the month of June 2014 stood at 3.9 billion Swiss franc (over Rs 26,000 crore), out of which India alone accounted for 1.63 billion Swiss franc (about Rs 11,000 crore). This has taken the overall Swiss exports so far in 2014 to 32.1 billion Swiss franc (about Rs 2.15 lakh crore). Of this, shipments to India have reached nearly Rs 50,000 crore (7.3 billion Swiss franc). The latest data comes at a time when India has stepped up pressure on Switzerland to share information

Swiss Gold Exports to India Rise to 42% on alleged stashing of black money by Indians in Swiss banks. Switzerland has committed to cooperate in India’s ﬁght against black money and has also invited an Indian delegation to visit Berne for discussions in this regard. However, a new strategy of ‘layering’ through gold and diamond trade has come to light at Swiss banks to thwart any attempt for identification of real beneﬁciary owners of funds entrusted with them, government and banking sources have said. There is a growing suspicion that a portion of gold and diamond trade is being used to route funds from Swiss banks to India and other des-

tinations. At the same time, the banks in

Switzerland have got new undertakings signed by their clients, where the customer agrees to take responsibility for any possible regulatory or administrative compliance with international norms. ‘Layering’ is a key stage in money

laundering and involves moving illicit funds around the financial system through a complex series of deals to complicate the paper trail. Thislayeringtypically takes place between the first stage — placement of black money in the financial system either in cash vaults, or through a series of cash or sham financial transactions — and before the final ‘integration’ stage when money is put back into the financial system through various transactions for the benefit of its final recipient. Under global pressure, Switzerland agreed earlier this year to provide country-wise breakdown of its gold trade. An analysis of the Swiss govern-

ment’s bullion export data shows that India accounted for 41.91 per cent of total exports during June, up from 33 per cent in May and at just about 14 per cent at the start of this year. The gold exports to India in January 2014 stood at less than one billion Swiss francs, but has been consistently rising since then. In contrast, Switzerland’s overall bullion exports had risen in February to over 8 billion Swiss francs,from about 7 billion Swiss francs, but fell for three consecutive months thereafter till 3.7 billion Swiss francs in May. In June, Turkey came a distant second after India with less than USD 500 million Swiss franc of Swiss bullion export. Other major destinations were UAE, Singapore and Hong Kong, as also major economies like US, UK, China, France and Germany.

Lakshmi Mittal’s Bid to Buy UK Mountain Sparks Protests BY ADITI KHANNA LONDON: Indian steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal has bid for an iconic mountain range in Britain, sparking protests from local people who believe the move could make the area a playground for the super-rich. The 2,850 ft-high Blencathra mountain, which towers above the Northern Fells in the picturesque Lake District region of Cumbria, was put on the market by Earl of Lonsdale Hugh Lowther in May, with an £1.75 million asking price. Funds from the sale of the 2,676-acre plot will go towards paying off the reported 9 million tax he owes from his father’s inheritance, who died eight years ago. Nicknamed the Saddleback due to its distinctive, sweeping ridge, the mountain was celebrated as “one of the grandest objects in Lakeland” by renowned

fellwalker and author Alfred Wainwright, and was an inspiration to Lake Poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Concerned that the announcement of the sale would see the mountain become a playground for the super-rich, ‘the Friends of Blencathra´ local residents group put in a bid for the mountain, and applied to Eden District Council to make the area a community asset to secure it from private hands, the ‘Independent newspaper reported. But on Friday, John Robson, director of selling agents H&H Land and Property, conﬁrmed the Friends of Blencathra were unsuccessful. He explained in a statement that the Lonsdales had accepted an offer from an unnamed party which exceeded the guide price for the mountain. It has now emerged the unnamed party is the London-based Mittal, CEO of

world’s largest steel-maker ArcelorMittal and one of the richest Indians. This has resulted in the Friends of Blencathra lodging a protest to prevent the historic peak from falling into the hands of a foreign landowner. The agent’s statement read: “Prior to reaching this decision we had discussions earlier today with representatives from The Friends of Blencathra. We have taken into account both their offer and the fact that there is a signiﬁcant shortfall between this and the successful offer.” “The reason behind the sale of Blencathra is to realise capital for inheritance tax following the death of the 7th Earl of Lonsdale in 2006. The Estate’s solicitor has been instructed to proceed with the sale and we expect the matter to be completed reasonably quickly,” the statement said. -Live Mint.com

Lakshmi Mittal, CEO of world’s largest steel-maker ArcelorMittal. Photo: Mint

127

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28 August 08, 2014 4th Investec Test: Ashwin May Play at Old Trafford BY SIDDHARTH MONGA MANCHESTER (ESPNCricinfo): If the signs from India’s net sessions are anything to go by, R Ashwin seems set to play his first Test of 2014. It is not clear if he will take the place of Rohit Sharma or Ravindra Jadeja if he does so. During their loss in Southampton, India rarely used Jadeja as a wicket-taking bowler, but equally Rohit disappointed with his shot-selection in the first innings, stepping out and hitting Moeen Ali straight to mid-off five minutes before tea. Rohit seems to be the likelier one to go out, with Ashwin might get his ﬁrst Test of 2014. Getty Images. India returning to got a hit just after Vijay, but strug- bowling at the nets. their five-batsmen gled a bit, and spent most of the There has been another interestformula of the first two Tests. remaining session sat on a cooler ing trend in the India nets since India’s other worry that was accentuated in Southampton was box. There is a line of thought they have arrived in Manchester. their slip-catching. Jadeja dropped that Cheteshwar Pujara could be Their batsmen, mainly Pujara Alastair Cook on 15 in the first in- asked to open with the other bats- and Virat Kohli, have been going nings, and watched him return to men moving up one spot. In that through stints in nets where they form. Shikhar Dhawan dropped scenario, Rohit could be retained, sweep, sweep and then sweep one catch in the second innings, a with Ashwin replacing Dhawan in some more. That India lost six second-innings wickets to Moeen catch that MS Dhoni should have the XI. There might be confusion in Southampton is a big source of gone for. Dhoni later said that slipcatching was an issue, but added around the openers and No. 6, but frustration for them. Dhoni said he that Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane and there was also good news for In- does not want his batsmen to let Jadeja were the best three he had dia. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, whose Moeen settle into a rhythm. India swollen ankle had been a cause were aggressive against the offas a cordon. However, there were enough for concern, bowled for about 50 spinner, but lost Rohit in the prosigns in the nets two days ahead minutes in the nets without any cess in the first innings. India batsmen are not natural of the Old Trafford Test to suggest visible discomfort. If he can manage similar fitness on Wednesday, sweepers of the ball. They like to that that cordon will need a rejig. Dhawan is now an unlikely starter he should be certain to share the use their feet to get to the pitch of after six failures with the bat, and new ball with Mohammed Shami the ball. Before this Test, though, the sweep, with the batsmen conwhen India did their slips practice, on Thursday. Pankaj Singh, who was unlucky sciously getting outside the line of M Vijay had moved in at first slip. Dhawan did not bat as much as in going wicketless on Test debut off and with the bat coming down he has been doing, and Gautam in Southampton, is not likely to from quite high, seems to be an Gambhir can be hopeful of a Test witness a turnaround in his luck. addition the coaches want them to return after having last played in Jharkhand quick Varun Aaron make. looks likely to replace Pankaj, Sidharth Monga is an assistant late 2012. It is not a given, though. Gambhir with the latter doing hardly any editor at ESPNcricinfo

Cook Returns to Form

Leadership comes in many forms. While some leaders, in a cricket context, might inspire with their tactics, others will use oratory. Alastair Cook will probably never be either sort of captain. Instead, Cook has been, at his best, the type of captain to lead by example. The sort of leader who, in India towards the end of 2012, inspired his team with excellent individual batting that showed his colleagues how the spinners could be combated. But while Cook continues to be judged by his on-field tactics and field placings - a key part of captaincy, it is true, but far from the only area of relevance - there is growing evidence to suggest that he demonstrates admirable leadership qualities - less obvious qualities, perhaps, but just as valuable - in other facets of the game. There were two examples of this as England warmed-up for the fourth Investec Test at Old Trafford. While neither example would be apparent to those in the stands or the media boxes, both could be argued to have contributed to England’s victory in Southampton. But Cook, recognising that Ballance was simply a young man enjoying a rare night off, took him for dinner with a couple of other team-mates and ensured he immediately felt welcome back.

SPORTS

Pak-SL: Tough Series

Misbah-ul-Haq has said that Pakistan will need to keep a check on Mahela Jayawardene’s scoring in the upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka. The series will be Jayawardene’s swansong from Tests. “If we are to win the series in Sri Lanka, we have to ensure that their top batsmen, particularly Jayawardene, are not allowed to get many runs,” Misbah said on his departure from Karachi. “I have a lot of respect for what he has achieved but we are going to Sri Lanka to win the two-Test series and we know how important it is for us to not allow their senior players to score.” Pakistan last won a Test series in Sri Lanka in 2006. That was also the last time they won a Test in Sri Lanka. They have toured the country twice since then. In those two unsuccessful tours, Jayawardene managed 267 runs from 12 innings at an average of 26.70. However, the Pakistan bowlers were made to toil by Kumar Sangakkara, who amassed 821 runs at an average of 102.62 in the six Tests. “It is going to be a tough series because Sri Lanka have been playing lot of Test and other cricket. But we have prepared hard and I have confidence in our bowlers,” Misbah said. Saeed Ajmal was the secondhighest wicket-taker over those two tours with 29 wickets, only one behind Rangana Herath, and will have the onus of leading the bowling group on the spin-friendly pitches in Galle and Colombo. “Our spinners have traditionally done well in Sri Lanka but we are banking on our pace bowlers as well,” Misbah said. Pakistan have not won a Test series under Misbah’s leadership since beating England 3-0 in 2012 in the UAE, and he will be nearly 41 when the 2015 World Cup arrives. “I just want to focus on the match at the moment because that is important. No one knows what will happen after one day so why think about the World Cup,” he said. “I take it one match at a time and carry on from there. And I am under no pressure because of the captaincy debate.”

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August 08, 2014

CSAT Row: English Marks Won’t be Counted While Preparing Merit List

NEW DELHI (HT): The government on Monday said that the marks in English language comprehension skills in the civil service exam aptitude test would not be included in preparing the merit list but the opposition continued to raise objections, particularly on discrimination against regional languages. Minister of state in Prime Minister’s Ofﬁce

Jitendra Singh told the Rajya Sabha that the exams have been thus made “language neutral”. “Government is of the opinion that in the civil services preliminary examination, Paper II, the marks of the question section on ‘English language comprehension skills’ should not be included in gradation or merit,” the minister said in his statement made in both the houses.

He also announced that candidates who appeared in civil services examination 2011 may be allowed one more attempt in 2015. “The government has studied the matter very deeply and tried to handle it sensitively,” Jitendra Singh said.In the Rajya Sabha, many members wanted to seek clarifications from the minister.However, deputy chairman PJ Kurien said that the statement was made on a demand and clarifications could not be taken up. Undeterred, opposition members from nonHindi speaking states said it was still partial towards regional languages, even as Jitendra Singh clarified: “We have made it language neutral.” “Students from south India may be understanding English better than Hindi. What about them,” said Vayalar Ravi of the Congress, and was joined by other members from non-Hindi speaking states. “The non-Hindi speaking students have been facing bias for very long,” said Kanimozhi of the DMK. “The question paper for UPSC must be in all national languages, why only Hindi and Eng-

lish,” said P Rajeeve of the Communist Party of India-Marxist. In response, Jitendra Singh said all languages in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution are treated equally and that status remains unchanged. This did not satisfy opposition members who wanted clariﬁcations, despite the deputy chairman insisting that a notice can be given to discuss the topic later. As the din continued, the upper house saw two brief adjournments, before being adjourned for the day. The CSAT-II paper in the preliminary exam, conducted by the Union Service Public Commission, carries questions on comprehension, interpersonal skills including communication skills, logical reasoning and analytical ability, decision-making and problem-solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy and English language comprehension skills (of Class 10 level). The aspirants for the examination have been demanding it be scrapped as they term it discriminatory to those from Hindi-speaking states as well as humanities students.

PM Narendra Modi Visits Pashupatinath Temple, Offers 2,500 kg of Sandalwood BY UTPAL PARASHAR KATHMANDU( H T): A day after he won millions of hearts in Nepal with his speech in the country’s Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attempted to touch religious chords. On Monday morning, Modi, who is on a two-day visit to the Himalayan nation, reached Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred Lord Shiva shrine in Nepal, and conducted special prayers. “He took part in a special ‘puja’ which was conducted by Ganesh Bhatta, the Indian head priest of the temple, and lasted for 35 minutes,” said Govinda Tandon, member secretary of Pashupati Area Development Trust. The prime minister also made an offering of 2500 kilos of sandalwood. Nearly half kilo of sandalwood paste is used daily on the Shiva ‘linga’ at the temple. Considering steep price of the commodity, temple authorities had requested India to provide the sandalwood. Worth several crores of rupees the quantity would last 12-15 years.

Since it was a Monday on the auspicious month of Shrawan, thousands of devotees had thronged at the temple, which was decorated with ﬂowers to welcome the Prime Minister. Elaborate security arrangements were in place and two Nepali Army choppers carried out an aerial survey of the area around the temple before Modi arrived at 9:25am clad in saffron kurta and shawl. Modi spent one hour inside the shrine conducting special prayers and visiting over dozen other temples and monuments located inside. “He performed the ‘puja’ with dedication and devotion and asked about the temple’s history during the tour of the premise,” informed Tandon. Modi signed the visitors’ book at the temple before leaving. He was offered various gifts by PADT and Nepal’s tourism ministry that included a ‘shaligram’ (a usually black fossil found in Nepal and worshipped as symbol of Lord Vishnu). Tandon informed that Modi didn’t offer any ﬁnancial aid for development of the temple, but the things discussed during the Joint Commis-

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sion meeting both countries last month will be implemented. During external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj’s recent visit to Nepal there were talks

on constructing 400-bedded ‘dharamshala’ for devotees, Rs. 25 crore for conservation of the temple complex and a master plan for development of the area with Indian help.

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