E newspaper 02172017 by Indo American News

Friday, February 17, 2017 | Vol. 36, No. 07

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Chef Vikas Hindi Poetry for Your Valentine! Khanna P5

P13

“Guest of Honor” at the India House Gala, Saturday, March 25

At the IHA/ICC Shaam-e-Ghazal on February 10, the performers in the back row (from left) Imtiaz Munshi, Nausha Asrar and Archna Panda with the organizing Board members Sangeeta Pasrija (second from left, back row), (front row, from left) Sanjay Sohoni, Dr K.D. Upadhyaya, Rajiv Bhavsar, Charlie Patel and Swapan Dhaiyrawan.

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February 17, 2017

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COMMUNITY

February 17, 2017

Sri Meenakshi Temple Society Hosts Grand Celebration of Thaipoosam on Full Moon Sunday, February 12

BY KAMALA RAGHAVAN

PEARLAND: Thaipoosam was

conducted at MTS on a grand scale on Sunday, February 12. More than 800 devotees participated in the celebrations including “Kavadi”, “Paalkudam” and reciting the Skanda Shasti Kavasam providing a feast to the eyes and ears. Thaipoosam, is a festival celebrated mostly by the South Indian community on the full moon in the month of Thai (January/February) in many countries around the world including India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Guadeloupe, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, parts of the Caribbean, UK, and USA. The

word Thaipoosam combines the name of the month, Thai, and the name of a star, Poosam which is at its highest point during the festival. The festival commemorates the occasion when Mother Parvathi gave Lord Murugan a “Vel “ or spear to vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman. Lord Murugan also known affectionately as “Kandan”, “Velan (one with the spear)”, “Subramanyan”, “Azaghan (the handsome one”, and “Kumaran (the child)” is beloved deity in South India who was also a patron of the Tamil language. The divine verses on Murugan, “Skanda Puranam” (the legend of Murugan), and “Thirupugazh” adhere to Shaiva principles. Murugan is the embodiment of Shiva’s light and wisdom, and devotees

pray to him to overcome the obstacles they face. The festival is celebrated with devotees carrying the “Kavadi (decorated canopy)” on their shoulders, or a “paalkudam (pot of milk)” on their head in a procession to signify carrying a physical burden to implore for help from the God Murugan. The simplest kavadi is a semicircular decorated canopy supported by a wooden rod that is carried on the shoulders to the temple. At MTS, the celebration started at 9:00 am at the Ganesh temple with more than 150 decorated “paalkudams” and 113 “kavadis” each. Volunteers spent countless hours preparing the beautiful kavadis and paalkudams during the previous day, as well as cutting vegetables and getting ready for the sumptuous lunch prepared by

the kitchen staff under the able direction of Mrs. Rani Chilukuri. The priests performed sankalpam and puja for the paalkudams and kavadis, and handed them to the devotees to take them around in a procession to the kalyana mandapam. The procession was accompanied by the incomparable “Chenda melam” performed by young MTS devotees. Many youngsters carried the kavadis eagerly, showing that our tradition continues proudly. At the kalyana mandapam the priests did the Abhishekam, Alankaram, and Upacharam for Lord Murugan with Deivayanai and Valli Devis, while the devotees recited “Kanda Shasti Kavasam” and bhajans. The grand finale of the event with a strong divine ambience was the Aarti by the priests. Volunteers

distributed the milk from the “Abhishekam” and “Prasadam” bags with coconuts. The “Utsava Murthi” of Lord Murugan along with his consorts Deivayanai and Valli were taken on a procession on the silver chariot or “Ratham” to the main temple for the final Aarthi. Prasadam and “Aannadhanam (lunch)” were provided by the temple to all the devotees. The event was coordinated flawlessly by Dr. T.A. Dorairajan, Malar Narayanan and Muthuraman Solayappan. Chairman thanked the priests Sri. Manicka Bhattar, Sri. Kalyana Sundaram, and Sri Balaji Sethuraman along with the temple staff and countless volunteers who made the event a pleasure for the devotees, and deserve everyone’s gratitude.

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February 17, 2017

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COMMUNITY

February 17, 2017

Hindi Poetry, Songs of Love Serenade IHA/ICC Valentine’s Party BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA

HOUSTON:

IHA/ICC: Sometimes it’s hard to tell the two groups apart as many of their board members are the same and they seem to have a jolly good time working together, whichever the venue. It’s a seamless fit and if there’s any friction, the cheerful interaction of a few key individuals seems to brush it away. If you add a Valentine’s Day party tagged “Sham-e-Ghazal” to it, the lovefest between the Boards knows no bounds!! So it was this past Friday evening, February 10 when the International Hindi Association and the India Culture Center got together for the first-ever Valentine’s eve party at India House on West Bellfort. There was a back room for couples to have their Valentine’s picture taken by Raghu Thakkar (they got a copy just before they left) and libations (both soft and strong) and food aplenty. Madras Pavilion’s Mahesh Shah (who has supported the IHA and ICC for the past 7 years) made sure that the snacks and dinner items were in good supply and the gajjar halwa (carrot pudding) vanished as quickly as it was put out. He had to call his restaurant for more!! Though a collaboration, the event marked another step forward for the IHA Houston Chapter to re-ignite the public’s engagement with their matra bhasa - mother tongue - which has fallen into disuse over the many years in an Anglophone culture. The IHA’s magazine Vishwa, completely in Hindi, was at every one of the 25 tables that were spread out across the main banquet hall. Even while on vacation in India, Darshak Thakkar made sure to have someone to setup and handle the sound system and Gautam Jani, in his last stint before himself going to visit India, took video for the evening. And the true champion of the night was Hindi itself, as spoken in all its intricacies and subtleties with a degree of difficulty that had many searching for their online dictionaries! Among the familiar supporters were many who seldom have attended a Hindi mela, but they too were surprised at their immersion and enjoyment of the language. Sangeeta Pasrija, IHA National Director, and Swapan Dhairyawan, IHA National President opened up the evening with

Archana Panda, a poet from California, ﬂew in for the event.

Local Houstonian Nausha Asrar recited poetry in Hindi, Urdu and English.

Sangeeta Pasrija (right), IHA National Director, and Swapan Dhairyawan, IHA National President, opened up the evening’s cultural festivities.

background of the IHA and concept for the event. Recognizing the vernacular, Dhairyawan noted the contributions of Hindi and Urdu in the popular Hindustani in common

use. For some, just the use of tatha (and) and prantu (but) tickled their ears! It was echoed by one of the poets, Archana Panda of California (who has been featured

Imtiaz Munshi, a well-known local crooner, sang several Golden Oldies, which had the audience dancing away.

twice before at previous IHA events), who encouraged parents to speak Hindi at home so that their children would be exposed to the language. Dhairyawan disclosed that the IHA soon plans to start Hindi classes at the VPSS. ICC President Falguni Gandhi welcomed in shudh (proper) Hindi the estimated 230 guests. At the tail end of the program, IHA chapter president Dr K.D. Upadhyaya announced that there were thoughts of creating a Hindi Bhavan (House) in the area. The evening belonged to the two poets, Panda and local Houstonian Nausha Asrar, each of whom took two turns—the second being Performnance Poetry - to present their own creations in verse and in song. “Mein ankhons se sun sakthi hoon, tum ankhon se bolo” (I can hear with my eyes, speak to me with your eyes) started off Panda drifting into “tumne mujhe aaj chooya nahin, aise lagta hain ke naya din hi nahin hua” (you haven’t touched me today, it seems like a new day has not dawned). She sang some verses with happiness and vivre and the audience clapped along. Asrar is no stranger to IHA mehfils (gathCONTINUED ON PAGE

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COMMUNITY

February 17, 2017 Houstonians and India Work Towards Making a Better India, Dr. Durga Agrawal Meets with Prime Minister Modi

HOUSTON: During his recent

visit to New Delhi in February 2017, Dr. Durga Agrawal, a prominent Houstonian along with his wife Smt. Sushila Agrawal and Mr. Braham Aggarwal, met with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Dr. Agrawal praised Prime Minister Modi for a great budget and his demonetization initiative to curb black money and benefits for farmers in India. He discussed on how a program similar to Doctorate of Nursing Practice program in Texas can help provide healthcare to masses in rural India. Although the number of health facilities in rural India has risen in the past decade, workforce shortages are substantial. As of March 31, 2015, more than 8% of 25,300 primary health centers in the country were with-

out a doctor, 38% were without a laboratory technician, and 22% had no pharmacist. Nearly 50% of posts for female health assistants and 61% for male health assistants remain vacant. Unlike a traditional research-based degree program, nurses can see patients, conduct research and teach other students also in Texas DNP program, and a similar model can help ease the workforce shortage in the healthcare sector in India. Dr. Agrawal discussed the model used by the prominent hospitals like M D Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where approximately 1,200 volunteers work full time and are given parking spots and encouraged to participate in providing care services to the patients. He suggested that expanding a similar volunteer program for high schools, colleges and

hospitals in India may work very well. He also mentioned that organizations like BAPS have the best volunteer programs, and we can learn from them. Dr. Agrawal also appraised the Prime Minister on the increasing funding and role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine program in hospitals in Houston, TX. M D Anderson offers Yoga and Meditation classes to its patients. Dr. Agrawal also discussed the possibility of opening a medical center in India on the pattern of Texas Medical Center. PM Modi introduced Dr Singh, Minister of State in his office to Durga to follow up with the appropriate authorities (health ministry, Secretary of Health) so that this some of these ideas/projects can be implemented. Prime Minister Modi remembered a dinner in 1993 at a Global Vision 2000 event in Washington DC, when Dr. Durga and other Houstonians had a dinner with him. Dr. Durga also invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Houston, TX. Dr. Durga Agrawal is a founder trustee of India House, regent at University of Houston, and a well-established businessman in Houston. He and his wife Sushila Agrawal are engaged in several community activities in Houston area.

Hindi Poetry, Songs of Love Serenade IHA/ICC Valentine’s Party CONTINUED FROM PAGE

erings) as he has recited his amazing mix of Urdu and Hindi poetry on two other occasions too. He responded to Panda with “zaban ke koi ankahein nahin hoti, aur ankhon ke koi zaban nahin hoti” (the tongue has no eyes and the eyes have no tongue). He recited examples of Hindi, Urdu and English poetry (from Wordsworth’s “The Daffodils”) to share how the same feeling is expressed in these languages. After dinner, the mood changed to Performance Songs and Imtiaz Munshi, a well-known local crooner sang several Golden Oldies while he accompanied himself on a keyboard and a karaoke setup. He got the pitch and tempo down

to perfection as he Bollywood sang Rafi, Mukesh and Kishore oldies and had the backseaters dancing in the aisle, others dancing in the front and all begging for “just one more song”! Two days later, the IHA/ICC group met again at the gorgeous and huge house of Falguni and Bharat Gandhi’s in Sugar Land for a celebratory dinner and another round of karaoke and camaraderie. As I said before, it’s a lovefest and you can’t keep these people apart!! They are already planning the next free Holi ke Hindi Bol event at the JVB Preksha Center on Sunday, March 5, from 2 to 5 pm.

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COMMUNITY

February 17, 2017

Dr. Dronamraju Delivers the Keynote Address at the Monterrey Institute of Technology in Mexico HOUSTON: On January 25, Dr. country and its wealth, influence

Krishna Dronamraju delivered the Keynote Address at the Annual celebrations of the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM) which is the most prestigious Institute of Technology in Mexico and all of Latin America and one of the largest Technology Institutes in the world. His address referred to the problem of social and ethical consequences resulting from the application of genetic revolution and its relationship to the larger question of public health research and administration in human societies all over the world. The term ‘Genetic Revolution” includes, in a broader sense, numerous developments in medical and health-related fields, including gene therapy for cancer and other diseases such as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy, application of molecular biology and nanotechnology in disease research, role of informed consent in clinical trials, DNA revolution and its impact on biomedical research and applications, the potential applications of cloning and embryonic gene therapy, and many other branches of biomedical sciences. Other important aspects include the ethical and moral consequences of these applications and their impact on human society.

The chairman of the conference and Director of the Medical Research Institute as well as the Dean of the medical school, Dr. Eugenio Valdez, introduced Dr. Dronamraju as a leading genetic scientist of international renown and author of over 20 books and 100 research papers, as well as a member of the national advisory committees of the U.S. Government in Health and Agriculture. The Monterrey Institute for Technology and Higher Education (Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) , also known as Tecnológico de Monterrey, is a private, non-sectarian and coeducational multi-campus university based in Monterrey, Mexico. Founded in 1943, ITESM has since grown to include 31 campuses in 25 cities throughout the

and widespread recognition have made it one of the most prestigious universities in the Spanish speaking world. One of the most academically recognized universities in Latin America, it is also known for its highest reputation among the public. It is known for becoming the first university ever connected to the Internet in Latin America and the Spanish-speaking world, having one of the top graduate business schools in the region and being one of the leaders in business applications. Dr. Dronamraju’s latest book, “Popularizing Science: The Life and Work of JBS Haldane”, is just published by Oxford University Press. He is the President of the Foundation for Genetic Research since 1980, is the author of 20 books and 200 research papers in Genetics & Biotechnology. He is a Visiting Professor of the University of Paris and was awarded the Nayudamma Prize in Science. He was a Member of the U.S. Presidential delegation to India in 2000 and has been actively promoting U.S.- India Cooperation in Science and Technology for many years. He served as a Member of the National Advisory Boards for Health and Agriculture, U.S. Government, Washington, D.C.

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

10 February 17, 2017

COMMUNITY

Technology Day at The Hindu Temple of The Woodlands

BY BETH KULKARNI & VASU RAYACHOTI.

he WOODLANDS: The EYS (Education Youth Service) Venture Club of the Hindu Temple of The Woodlands held its Technology Day at the temple on Sunday, February 12, 2017 from 2:30 to 5:00 pm. The program was primarily for the youth of the temple and surrounding community and their parents. Nearly a hundred interested persons attended and

participated. The keynote speaker was Mr. Subroto Mukerji, CEO of HP Enterprises. He encouraged the youth to plan ahead and develop their abilities and flexibility to change careers as needed. He noted that lifelong learning is a must, with new occupations developing at an increasingly fast rate. Dr. C. (Vipu) Vipulananda, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, was the main speaker. He gave a very interesting pre-

sentation on major research he and his colleagues and students have been doing on developing “smart concrete”. The university owns several patents based on this research and the licensing on these has been sought after for use in various manners both in the USA and internationally. A second topic he covered was nanotechnology. He told of how his lab has produced nano-particles specially for various applications, including in medicine and pharmacology.

DIVORCE

Several young students gave presentations and others participated in demonstrations of some of the projects the Venture Club members have been participating including programming and use of drones and use of digital automation for various tasks. Speakers, demonstrators, and members of the audience all found the program both educational and inspiring. The Hindu Temple of The Woodlands is located at 7601 S Forest-

gate Dr, just off Woodlands Parkway, in The Woodlands (Spring), TX 77382. Established in 2005 and inaugurated in 2010, it serves the religious, cultural, educational, and social needs of the surrounding community, as well as providing services and opportunities to serve others to all age groups. More information is on the temple’s website, www.woodlandshindutemple.org.

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COMMUNITY

February 17, 2017

Ramesh Shah Receives Bharatiya Pravasi Samman Award

Pradeep Sulhan, P.C.

Over 25 years experience

GAURI SIDDHIVINAYAK TEMPLE

For Any Ceremony Contact Pradip Pandya 832 466 9868 Ramesh Shah receiving Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award from President of India Hon. Pranab Mukherjee.

HOUSTON: In January 2017,

Ramesh Shah received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) from President Pranab Mukherjee, the highest honor conferred on overseas Indians by the Government of India in recognition of achievements both in India and abroad. The PBSA is a lifetime achievement award for Ramesh Bhai, who has been actively engaged in the Indian community since he moved to the United States in 1970. He been involved in Houston, working together with the community to set up the Gujarati Samaj, the India Culture Center and supporting many other organizations and leaders. In recognition of this award, Ramesh Bhai is being honored Saturday, Feb. 18 at India House. The event is cosponsored by India House and the Consulate General of India. Recently, Ramesh Bhai is best known for his work with Ekal Vidyalaya—working to provide education to the millions in tribal India, who have little access to education. Ekal Vidyalaya originally operated from his home. He is now the global coordinator for Ekal Vidyalaya, where he travels worldwide to advocate Ekal’s mission ranging from Denmark to

Email: pradippandya2000@yahoo.com

From Left: Roopal (daughter), Ramesh Shah, Kokila (wife), Shilpa (daughter-in-law) holding grandson Niam, Sonal (daughter) holding granddaughter Leya and in the back is son Anand.

New Zealand. Additionally, with his other brother Dinesh, Ramesh Bhai is also active in Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh. Ramesh Bhai was one of the cofounders and the first president of the Gujarati Samaj of Houston. In fact, he is currently fundraising for the organization’s community center. Ramesh Bhai was one of the leaders behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic speech and community reception at Madison Square Garden in September 2014. His behind the scenes efforts are legendary; he worked tirelessly to bring the community together, raise money and recruit volunteers. He has a personal magnetism that attracts others to set high standards and meet them! Service is a part of his family. Ramesh Bhai grew up in Gabat, a small village in Gujarat, and remembers his father paying for a pipeline from the river that would assist local farmers to irrigate their crops. While it was good for his father’s grain business, Ramesh Bhai remembers that his father personally cared for the farmers and village people on a human level. For many, Ramesh Bhai is a favorite friend and neighbor. He is the first person they call in a difficult situation. He has been a com-

munity resource in times of emergencies, helping the community navigate difficulties in immigration, accidents, and family crisis. He has block-walked for political campaigns around the US and in India. And he is willing to fight for justice. In 2010, Ramesh Bhai drafted a petition to the Indian Overseas Ministry and led a silent hunger strike to protest the unfairness of the renunciation certificate rollout. His wife Kokila shares in the award as she has opened her heart and home to take care of hundreds of people in Ramesh Bhai’s gallant service adventures. He has inspired his children and many other young people to selflessly serve locally and in India. In addition to his devotion to service, Ramesh Bhai is an avid movie goer. Those that have played antakshari with Ramesh Bhai know that he has watched his share of movies in college and has a wicked memory for old songs.

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Beauty on Parade at Texas Int’l Lunar Festival

HOUSTON: After dealing with

an endless presidential election, political rallies, protests, visa bans and executive orders the nation needs to do something to keep its sanity and maintain unity between communities. The annual Chinese Lunar New Year festivities provided just that. After a long time, it felt like a breath of fresh air in a garden whose sensual aroma of flowers touched the senses. The Texas International Lunar Festival opened its doors at the plaza in front of the Southern News Group building at Boone and Bellaire at 10 am on Saturday, February 4 after weeks of planning and preparation by a team of event co-chairs and organizers for what turned out to be a spectacular display of international foods,

Jesal Patel ARPC, CLTC, LUTCF Financial Adviser*: Eagle Strategies LLC Life Member MDRT Ph: 281-221-5061/713-499-7670 Fax: 832-201-5394 Website: www.jesalzpatel.com Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner with Texas International Lunar Festival Chairman Wea Lee behind him, TV Houston founder Sangeeta Dua and several local area beauty queens.

entertainment and speeches by local dignitaries. The slight chill in the air was not enough to deter the crowds estimated at 10,000 that visited the festival throughout the

CONTINUED ON PAGE

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COMMUNITY

February 17, 2017

Vikas Khanna: Guest of Honor at the 14th India House Annual Gala

Three Times Michelin Starred Indian chef, and Top 10 Chefs of the World in 2017

HOUSTON: India House, Hous-

ton will hold its 14th annual Gala on Saturday, March 25th, 2017 at J W Marriott Galleria in Houston, TX. Three times award winning Michelin starred Indian chef and top 10 chefs of the world in 2017, Vikas Khanna will be a “Guest of Honor” at the Gala. Other “Guests of Honor” are India Ambassador to USA Mr. Navtej Sarna and USA Ambassador to India, Mr. Richard Verma. Vikas Khanna is one of the most recognized faces of India in USA. He is a restaurateur, philanthropist, cookbook writer, filmmaker, humanitarian, three times Michelin starred Indian chef, top 10 chefs in the world, and the judge of Master Chef India Season 2, 3, 4, 5 and Master Chef Junior Ceremonies. He is a goodwill ambassador of Smile Foundation. He was honored with the Rising Star Chef Award by Star Chefs for his role in shaping the future of American Cuisine. Hi-Blitz Magazine named Vikas in their “50 Most Beautiful List” and People Magazine named him in the list of “Sexiest Man Alive” He has also received a proclamation from the Council of the City of New York for his outstanding contribution to the city, and was chosen New Yorker of the Week.

He was featured as the consultant chef on the Gordon Ramsay TV show Kitchen Nightmares on Fox and appeared as a judge and Indian-cuisine specialist on the two-part season finale of Hell’s Kitchen. Vikas Khanna was the guest chef in the episode “The India Show” on The Martha Stewart Show telecast. He has authored several books, including “The Spice Story of India” and “Modern Indian Cooking”, and “Flavors First”. His cookbooks won several awards including Benjamin Franklin and Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.

The annual Gala is the main fundraising event of the India House, with all proceeds going to the day to day community programs and expansion of India House. I am looking forward to contributing to India House, said the Chef Vikas Khanna. We invite Houstonians to come and support India House and its annual fundraising event, said Dr. Virendra Mathur and Dr. Durga Agrawal, founder trustees of India House. This year’s India House Gala event will feature an evening of networking, entertainment, and dinner. For further details, please visit www.indiahouseinc.org

Beauty on Parade at Texas Int’l Lunar Festival CONTINUED FROM PAGE

day. A walk by beauty queens representing the world was presented by TV Houston in a segment called “Global Beauties”. VIPs from across the business and political spectrum were among the spectators “This showcases the diversity that exists in Houston “said co-chair and TV Houston founder Sangeeta Dua. The celebration began with a VIP reception hosted by International District Chairman Wea Lee, who is the publisher of the Southern Chinese News. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congressman Al Green, State Rep. Gene Wu, HCC

Trustee Neeta Sane, and other dignitaries opened the festival with a ribbon cutting. Green welcomed everyone, declaring the Texas International Lunar Festival as “the greatest coming together of the many diverse cultures.” Lee disclosed that, from next year, the Lunar Festival will be called the Houston International Arts and Cultural Festival and “will be dedicated to celebrating not just the Asian Lunar New Year, but also many other international cultures as well.” The message of Asian diversity was brought out by singers and emcees from many countries and

the presence of international communities on stage with a Filipino fashion show by PHTV, a Chinese dragon dance, Caribbean and Vietnamese performances, followed up by Indian classical dances by students of the Anjali School of Performing Arts.

Sangeeta Dua with local area beauty queens at the festival at Boone and Bellaire. INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

14 February 17, 2017

TRAVEL

SIGHTSEEING IN INDIA OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Somnath-Porbandar-Diu and Gir National Forest

The ﬁrst temple at Somnath was a wooden structure built as early as 500 AD. Muslim invaders destroyed the temple multiple times. The inset photo shows the dilapidated temple in 1869. The temple shown here was reconstructed in 1951 under the direction of Sardar Vallabhai Patel.

BY PRAMOD KULKARNI

N THE ROAD: This is the second episode describing my wife Jyoti and I’s visit to India during Dec.-January 2016. As outlined in the first episode, we undertook a 9-day trip to Gujarat. Our Gujarat saga began with a flight from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. Our tour driver met us at the airport and journeyed with us until our flight from Vadodara back to Mumbai nine days later. The previous episode provided a cursory view of our entire Gujarat trip. This episode picks up at Somnath. The temple is situated

at the edge of the Arabian Sea near the confluence of three rivers— Kapila, Hiran and the mythical Sarasvati. Our next stop was Porbander, the ancestral home of Mahatma Gandhi. A memorial built at the site is called Kirti Mandir. The house and room where Gandhiji was born is preserved and includes a photo exhibit of the life and times of the Father of India. A most interesting discovery at Porbandar was the Huzoor Palace built by Rana Natwarsinhji, who was the last Maharaja of the Princely State of Porbandar, in the early years of the 20th century, with clear European influences. Descendants of the Rana now live in London and the palace is deso-

An unexpected discovery was the Huzoor Palace on the beach in Porbander. The palace appears abandoned, but you could imagine the type of lavish living Rana Narwarsinghji and his descendants held here. Imagine a Downton Abbey of India!

Gir National Forest is a protected area for lions, deer, neelgai and peacocks. The lion population has increased to 522, but they are to be seen in only early morning or evening when they come to drink out of the streams and brooks.

late and appears to be abandoned. The journey from Porbandar to the island of Diu was through dry, desolate land hugging the Arabian Sea. We passed rows of windmills that took advantage of the stiff coastal winds to generate electricity. Diu is one of the three islands that were reclaimed from the Portugese in 1961. In 1535, Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, allowed the Portuguese to construct the Diu Fort and maintain a garrison on the island. Diu is now a beach resort that attracts tourists from Gujarat for its wine shops and bars. Diu is one of the few “wet” areas in the dry Gujarat state. Next stop on our trip was the Gir National Forest. This is the sole sanctuary for the Asiatic lion. The Nawab of Junagadh hunted

Diu fort has impressive ramparts, massive gates and a moat on the land side.

liona, but when their population dwindled, he declared the forest as a sanctuary as long back as 1900. The 2015 Asiatic Lion Census lists the lion population at Gir as having grown to 523 (up 23% from the 2010 Census). The Gujarat Forests & Environment Department conducts safaris through the forest daily in the mornings and evenings. You have to, however, register at their online site at least two days in advance. We couldn’t get on the government safari, but managed to go on a private tour to see deer, peacocks and neelgai (blue bull), but were not lucky enough to see any lions. The next episode of this travelogue will cover sights in Junagadh and Vadodara, then reports from Pune, Konkan coast and Hyderabad.

St. Paul’s Church in Diu is known for its traditional baroque architecture in white stucco. The altar, which has the image of St. Mary, is carved out of a single piece of Burmese teak and can be lit up with up to 101 candles. INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

February 17, 2017

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

16 February 17, 2017

COMMUNITY

Channeling Your Inner Architect Gets Connoisseur’s Attention

The new vaunted living room with a curved ceiling and stained glass windows reminiscent Atul Vir in front of the new curved wooden staircase, wooden bannisters and a cantilevered of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs. The water wall is on the right. second ﬂoor space.

BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA

HOUSTON: Most of us remem-

ber the deluge on the 2016 Tax Day weekend when rains fell for 19 hours and dumped 5 to 12 inches of rain, depending on which part of town you lived in. Many areas suffered massive amounts of street flooding and whole areas of Richmond-Rosenberg and Wharton were inundated by the Brazos River that crested. Area bayous also overran their banks as they couldn’t keep up with the drainage from surrounding areas. Though he lives nowhere near a bayou or a drainage channel, Atul Vir was shocked when he got a frantic call from his wife Aarti that

their house on the westside north of I-10 was being flooded out. “She told me that there was 18 inches of water inside the entire house,” recalled Vir, who at that time was on a business trip to China. He immediately hurried back to discover that the damage was to most of the homes on the cul-de-sac he lives on. The area had almost 6 inches of water within an hour and the drains were backed up with no place for the water to go. Vir’s family moved in with his mother-in-law who lives a few blocks away and he set to work to repair the home. But rather than rebuilt it as it was, he decided to take the opportunity to make ma-

jor changes to the design and add elements that he had only just dreamed about before. At the meeting of the first Connoisseurs Club of the year, in keeping with the club’s creed of sharing knowledge and experiences, Vir took the opportunity to give a tour of his finished house and expand on the inspiration behind it. “I have had a long time fascination with the early 20th century architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his Usonian House designs,” said Vir as he went through a slide presentation on Wright’s favorite design features and showed how aspects of his own redesigned home incorporated these elements.

This reporter even spoke about his own admiration for Wright and described his trips to see Wright’s iconic Fallingwater home in Mill Run, Pennsylvania built for the Kaufmann family in 1937 and earlier visits to Wright’s studio in Oak Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Vir took over 18 months and a general contractor, who was willing to work on his designs, to rebuild his home, adding not only more square footage but also a second floor. He even built his own wooden bannisters, curved stairway, balcony, Tudor style second floor, a high curved vaunted ceiling, a flat roof as an outdoor patio

and even some wooden furniture. And in a nod to the outdoorsman in him, he placed a second-floor walkway through a giant oak tree in the backyard to connect his office which sits on top of the garage. “I wanted to make sure that I was in harmony with nature,” said Vir. To do so, he reused all the limestone and rock to build a 20foot tall cascading water wall and pond, complete with indoor plants and had several stained glass windows and light fixtures built in China and shipped back just for the new house. The results were truly channeling the inner Frank Lloyd Wright and fascinating to see.

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

HEALTH

February 17, 2017

6 One-Minute Morning Routines That’ll make Starting Your Day Easier BY DANIEL RATNER

Iused to start most of my workdays lying in bed

after my alarm went off, eating up time scrolling through social media, and only leaving myself a few minutes to get ready and hurry to work in a frenzy. That is until I realized that my weeks were slipping away because I wasn’t taking advantage of that time. And, considering how many morning routines exist out there, that felt a little stupid. So, I decided it was time to come up with my own. This moment of inspiration didn’t come from the cosmos and just happen—it was after I read a few great books on the topic (like this one, this one, and this one). I played around with some ideas, and after practicing some healthy habits I realized I felt more productive and happier than I used to be in the AM. If you’re ready to take back your day, too, here are six routines to try that I personally vouch for. Best part? They each only take one minute. 1. For the Person Who Can’t Stop Pressing Snooze: Hydrate Instead According to research, hitting snooze only confuses your body more and can negatively affect you for two to four hours after you wake up. So, rather than pressing the button, try chugging a cold glass of water to rehydrate yourself—trust me, it works. Don’t have a faucet installed in your nightstand? Neither do I. That’s why I fill a glass before I go to bed and place it within reach (so easy I can grab it with my eyes closed). 2. For the Person Who Always Wakes Up Stressed: Practice Mindfulness Mindfulness may seem like it comes with a price. While the New York Times highlights the many paid ways—apps, classes, even mayo—to find your chi, don’t worry if you’re on a budget. You can still start your day in peace without spending a dime. My favorite tactic is the “4-7-8” breathing method. Taken from the Indian yooga practice called Pranayama, this is a rapid way to destress, relax, and become mindful first thing when you wake up. Here’s how to do it: 1.Take a big exhale like you’re blowing out a birthday candle 2.Inhale through your nose for four seconds 3.Hold your breath for seven seconds 4.Exhale for eight seconds 5.Repeat three times! Do this while sitting up in bed, eating breakfast, or as you work to keep you calm and collected all day. 3. For the Person Who Always Wakes Up Ready to Take on the World: Repeat a Mantra We all want to be awesome at something. Regardless of what your dream is, the morning is the time to be aggressively ambitious and focus on something you want to achieve. To do this, take a note from You Are a Badass author Jen Sincero and “drown yourself in affirmations.” For example, I spend one minute in bed saying “I am good at my job and I will lead my team in sales in November!” I imagine what this would look like and it makes me feel much more confident to start my day. 4. For the Person Who Never Has a Plan for the Day: Visualize Your Perfect Day Steal this one from Olympians: Athletes who put a major focus on training with mental visualization were more successful than their counterparts who focused only on physical training. Visualizing key events in your day going perfectly—closing a deal, finishing an article, rocking a presentation—helps stimulate your brain in the same places as when you actually do that task. Basically, it makes you more

likely to succeed at it. Whether I’m visualizing serving an ace in tennis to crush my friend in a tiebreaker, or responding with the perfect rebuttal to win a sale, taking 60 seconds to craft my perfect day adds clarity and reassurance to it. 5. For the Person Who Wakes Up Feeling Meh: Practice Appreciation Practice appreciation and you’ll be happier, simple as that. One study had subjects spend a couple minutes each day writing down three things that they were grateful for. As a result, each subject improved his or her quality of sleep and felt overall more refreshed! So, take a minute to be appreciative for three things in your life every day when you wake up—and put them down on paper. Not only does it actually improve your well-being, but it helps put those stressors into perspective. 6. For the Person Who Needs to Start the Day With Caffeine: Substitute With Exercise A quick burst of exercise is not only healthy

but energizing. In one scientiﬁc study, someone replaced coffee entirely with 30 seconds of exercise and saw an increase in energy and cognitive functioning. Take the time to ﬁnd a routine that works for you—I prefer 20 quick pushups and 10 sit-ups to get things rolling. But if that’s not your thing, try 30 seconds of a wall sit, or jumping jacks, or a quick walk around the house. Practice one, or all, of these simple habits, and you’ll quickly turn yourself into a productive and energetic person right at the start of the day (no matter how much you hate mornings). -themuse.com

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

18 February 17, 2017 Kshatriya Offense

The last person one would have expected to use his caste cre-

dentials to justify his ability to tackle professional upheaval is a CEO of a modern technology company. But Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka did the most absurd thing on Monday. Hours after a press meet, which was preceded by a meeting with shareholders, Mr Sikka said: “I am a kshatriya warrior. I am here to stay and ﬁght”. By raising his warrior credentials, he added that developments in the technology giant over the past week didn’t weigh him down and that investors were concerned about the company’s performance and not the governance controversy. It is intriguing that despite his impeccable professional pedigree and wide-ranging experience—prior to joining Infosys, Mr Sikka was a member of the executive board of SAPAG and the Global Managing Board—he had to use his Kshatriya background to make a point. Modern companies, such as Infosys, publicly claim that while employing people they go by the qualifying requirements for jobs and don’t discriminate with any employee on the basis of gender, caste or religion. But comments such as this only give rise to suspicion that caste bias is alive even in companies that symbolise modern India. In fact, there have been some reports accusing the technology companies of biases, though the ﬁrms rubbished them. A couple of years ago, a leading think tank, the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) in Bangalore, claimed that the IT sector has an urban, upper-caste bias. The study attracted attention as it came in the midst of a raging debate on job reservations in the private sector. It based its claims on a sample survey that found 86% employees in the IT sector belong to the upper castes and only 5% have a rural background. Unsurprisingly, the social media reacted unfavourably to the comment. Would it now be too much to ask Mr Sikka assuage feelings of those who may have been alarmed by such a statement, especially at a time when the country is trying hard to battle caste discrimination? -Hindustan Times

EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY Think Trump is for Indians?

BY SRINATH RAGHAVAN The Trump administration’s noises about tightening the H1B visa program have rattled the IT industry — both in the United States and India. Given the direction in which the administration is pushing wider immigration policy, there is every reason to expect it to press ahead on the H1B front as well. Much of the ongoing debate has been framed in terms of whether and to what extent IT ﬁrms will be hurt by the proposals that are doing in the rounds in Washington. But it is equally important to see these in the longer historical context of Indian immigration to the US. In their recent, timely book, The Other One Percent, Sanjoy Chakravorty, Devesh Kapur and Nirvikar Singh offer a remarkable analysis of why Indians turned out to be the most successful immigrant group in contemporary American history. Their account is particularly valuable because they emphasize what an extraordinary departure this was from the fate of the Indians who moved to the US in the early twentieth century — a history that still awaits its chronicler. In the year 1900, a mere 2,031 Indians had legal permanent resident status in the US. Over the following decade, the Indian population in America rose to 4,664. This was largely the fallout of tightening immigration policies of Canada from 1908. Denied entry into Canada, many Indians turned south to the US and began working in the lumber industry of Washington state. Then they branched out to other parts of the West Coast, especially California, working predominantly in agriculture and construction. Soon, the Indians faced the wrath of white American workers who feared the competition of Asian laborers allegedly willing to work on the cheap. In September 1907, hundreds of white workers descended on the living quarters of the “Hindus” — as all Indians were labelled — in Bellingham and forced some 700 hundred of them to ﬂee across the border. Later that year, nearly 500 workers in Everett turfed the “Hindus” out of the city. When an Indian attempted to buy

Without delegitimization of the older, brisk racism and overt xenophobia, Indians could not have scaled such heights in the US. We should worry about the subtle re-emergence of such attitudes in the Trump administration

property in Port Angeles in 1913, the real estate agents published a formal agreement not sell to “Hindoos or Negroes” as they were “generally considered as undesirable”. Such incidents stemmed from a combustible cocktail of economic and racial anxieties. But they also fed on the prevalent, unsympathetic cultural images of India purveyed by seafarers, missionaries and travellers over the past century. The xenophobic antipathy towards Indians was part of a larger nativist backlash against Asian immigrants, especially from China and Japan. Leading this campaign was the Asiatic Exclusion League of San Francisco. The league’s ﬁrst reports on the “Hindoo question” portrayed the Indian as dirty and untrustworthy, insolent and lustful. In another report of 1910, the league vented its spleen: “We the people of the United States are asked to receive these members of a degraded race on terms of equality … what would be the condition in California if this horde of fanatics should be received in our midst.” The government began to take note. In February 1914, the US Congress House Committee on Immigration and Naturalization held “Hindu Immigration Hearings”. In his testimony, the commissioner general of immigration insisted the “Hindu” immigration was “a menace to the country, and particularly to California”. Representative Denver Church claimed, “those of us who come into contact with Hindus, regard them as a menace.” The committee did not go with the demand for exclusion owing to

the small and dropping numbers of Indian immigrants. Church kept up his tirade, warning the House that a “large percent” of India’s 350 million people were anxious to bring their “superstitious and backward” culture to America. Although Church’s aims were not initially accomplished, the exclusion of “Hindus” was eventually achieved in the immigration law of February 1917, passed over the veto of President Woodrow Wilson. A US Supreme Court ruling in 1923 further squeezed the Indians in America. The court ruled in United States v Bhagat Singh Thind that immigrants from India settled in the US were not eligible for naturalization as US citizens. The court ruled on the grounds that an Indian could not count as a “free white person”. The immigration act of 1924 banned the admission of all groups that could not legally be naturalized in the US. The door was firmly shut in the face of immigrants from India. Faced with implacable racism and diminishing opportunities, many Indians chose to return home. The plight of the Indian in the US was dramatized in 1929, when Rabindranath Tagore abruptly pulled out of a lecture tour in America owing to discourteous treatment by immigration officials — behavior that he felt reflected the anti-Indian bias of the act of 1924. By 1940, there were only over 2,000 Indians immigrant left. The striking success of Indians who immigrated in recent decades is also testimony to the extraordinary changes in America since the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Without the delegitimization of the older, brisk racism and overt xenophobia Indians could not have scaled such heights in the US. As much as the technicalities of the immigration regime, we should worry about the subtle re-emergence of such attitudes in the policy discourse of the Trump administration. When a white supremacist like Steven Bannon publicly grumbles about South Asians heading Silicon Valley corporations, the echoes of Church are unmistakable. -HT Srinath Raghavan is senior fellow, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi

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COMMUNITY

February 17, 2017

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Job Posting:

WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN

KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN for the summer semester. Internships are available to currently enrolled undergraduate college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies. Interns will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station. As an intern, you will turn content generated from multiple sources into comprehensive stories formatted for digital display in a fast-paced environment. The intern will interact with newsroom personnel to get text, video and images onto multiple digital platforms. Intern will make have hand in keeping station’s various social media platforms active. You will have the opportunity to learn how to write, shoot, produce and edit news and programming promotions as well as create digital ads, social videos, and original content that keeps audiences engaged in our local news products.The ideal candidate will be a team player with a strong interest in creating and promoting local news. Non-linear editing knowledge and a thorough understanding and enjoyment of social media platforms are a tremendous plus. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and will be required to supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. Hours will be scheduled around school and may vary and will include some weekend and early morning and evening hours. To be considered you must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req. #425272BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and will be required to supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. No Telephone Calls Please KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Job Posting:

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS INTERN

KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid COMMUNITY AFFAIRS INTERNSHIP for the upcoming semester. Internships are available to currently enrolled undergraduate college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies. Interns will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station. As an intern you will attend help in the production of community affairs shows, including scheduling of guests, help gathering and editing video, assist with community drives, forums and outreach. Each area requires significant planning, scheduling and execution. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least one day per week and the hours may vary depending on scheduling and may include some weekend and early morning and evening hours.

Job Posting:

NEWS EDIT INTERNSHIP

KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid NEWS EDITING INTERNSHIP for the upcoming semester. Internships are available to currentlyenrolled college students in their junior or senior year who are pursuing careers in the television/ media ﬁeld and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies by using a “real world” hands-on environment. News Editing Interns will have an opportunity to observe, participate, and contribute in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station. As a News/Technical Intern you will primarily assist in editing for air-- being creative and precise, while also learning the ins and outs of working behind the scenes for live newscasts. Interns will work under the direct supervision of the Digital Media Coordinator and other staff members. Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least two days per week between the hours of 2PM and 10PM. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and will be required to supply written veriﬁcation of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship.

To be considered you must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req. #425267BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and will be required to supply written veriﬁcation of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship.

To be considered you must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req. #425271BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and will be required to supply written veriﬁcation of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship.

No Telephone Calls Please

KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Job Posting:

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER

Are you a newscast producer who’s ready to move up to a top 10 market? Here is your chance to work for one of the nation’s best broadcasting companies that is dedicated to covering local news. KTRK-TV, the ABC O&O station in Houston, TX is accepting applications for an Associate Producer. The person hired for this position will line produce a section of our weekend morning newscasts and have opportunity to ﬁll in on other newscasts as well. Applicants must have experience working as a line producer. This is a newsroom that embraces new technology. ENPS /Aurora/Ignite experience a plus – as is good understanding of social media and how it can be used to reach viewers and create content. Candidates must be able and willing to learn both non-linear editing and writing for our digital platforms. Applicants must be willing to work overnights, weekends and holidays. To be considered interested applicants must apply online at disneycareers.com, ref job #403168BR. Please upload a cover letter, resume and list of references. In addition, please mail writing samples and a DVD of or link to your latest newscast to: Robin Freese, Executive Producer, KTRK-TV, 3310 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005. Reference job #425266BR No Telephone Calls Please

KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Job Posting:

ASSIGNMENT DESK INTERN

KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for assignment desk interns for the upcoming summer semester. Internships are available to undergrads currently enrolled college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The successful applicant will be responsible for assisting the assignment desk, which includes but is not limited to making beat-checks, answering phones, monitoring police and fire radios, getting information and developing stories. The candidate should be detail-oriented and able to handle many different responsibilities at the same time. The ideal intern knows how to multi-task and set priorities. Good news judgment and strong communication skills are essential, along with strong writing skills. The candidate should have a good working knowledge with the use of social media for news gathering. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends. To be considered you must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req. #425688BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and will be required to supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. No Telephone Calls Please

KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

22 February 17, 2017

PUZZLES / RECIPES

SUDOKU

Mama’s Punjabi Recipes

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 February 22, 2017. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com or mail to 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036. Send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published (for ﬁrst three entrees only & 1 submission per month).

Coconut de Pedde (Condensed Milk Coconut Disks)

Solution Next Week

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L�� W��’� SUDOKU W�� 1) Vijay Gupta 2) Rajvi Shekhar 3) Mary Soni

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here is no shortage of sweet confections in India as they are made of various types of base ingredients. Very few are actually made of flour dough and many use milk, either condensed, coagulated, reduced or separated for its whey and cheese. Most of these “sweetmeats” (as Indian are fond of calling them) are very rich in sugar calories and deep frying and adding nuts make them even more fattening. All the same, they are extremely delicious and hard to pass up. Some sweets – like laddus (balls made of various ingredients), burfi (reduced milk squares), boondi (sweet fried gram flour drops) and pedde (dough disks), apart from being eaten as a desert, are often used as offerings to the deities in temples and then distributed to others as prasad (blessed food). But not all sweets are used in temples as offerings. They are often sold at the stalls and shops that line the way to the temple. Pedda is a sweet that is made with khoa (reduced milk), sugar and traditional flavorings like illachi (cardamom), piste (pistachio) and kesar (saffron) and can come in creamy white to a caramel color. Pedde originated in the holy city of Mathura (associated with Lord Krishna) and these – along with petha (caramelized white pumpkin or winter melon) – is what the city is also famous for all over the country. The traditional way halwais (confectioners) make pedde is to first boil whole milk on a stove till it has evaporated down to a thick paste. They then make small disks of them. It’s a time consuming process that requires patience, a lot of supervision to stir the milk so that it doesn’t stick to the bot-

tom and burn, and the ability to stand over a hot stove for long hours. But there is a much simpler way too. This recipe allows the average home cook to cut back the work and still make tasty pedde that can match the store made ones. It is quick and easy to make - in about 30 minutes – and those who eat it will never know the difference. Ingredients: • • • •

1 cup non-fat milk powder 1 cup bariq narrial powder (ﬁne coconut powder) 7 oz (200 gm) condensed milk Condiments to taste: crushed piste (pistachioes); illachi (cardamom) powder

Directions: 1. Pour all the non-fat milk powder and coconut powder in a bowl and mix together.

2. Pour in the condensed milk and mix thoroughly. 3. Coat your hands with some vegetable oil so that the ball will not stick. Now knead the mixture till it forms into a ball. 4. Coat a clean dinner plate with a thin ﬁlm of vegetable oil so that the pedde will not stick. 5. Take a small amount of dough and roll between your palms of till it forms into a small ball. 6. Place the ball on a serving plate and then press down with your palm to form a half-inch thick disk, about 1.25 inches in diameter. 7. Continue to make more disks with the remaining mixture. 8. To the top of each disk, place some crushed piste. Then sprinkle the entire plate lightly with the illachi powder. 9. Cover with some wrapping paper and place the plate in the fridge for an hour. Shakuntla Malhotra is a skilled cook of Punjabi dishes made in the oldfashioned style that she learnt as a young woman in her ancestral home in Lyallpur (since renamed Faisalabad), India before it became part of Pakistan after the Partition. People have often admired her cooking for its simplicity and taste that comes with each mouthful. Even in her late-eighties, she continues to cook daily and agreed to share some of her delectable recipes.

MAMA’S TIP OF THE WEE K TO ADD COLOR T O BURFI AND PED DE, USE SOME TURMERIC

Most people think of haldi (turmeric) as just another spice gives off a deep ye to cook with that llow color. Some ma y even know that ha antiseptic and skin ldi is an effective lightener, both scien tifically proven fac realize that haldi sta ts. But most people ins on clothing is fai do rly difficult to get ou for awhile. t if left untouched But what many peop le may not understan d is that haldi is als coloring agent to ma o often used as a ke different foods, especially sweets lik no other color is av e burfi and pedde. If ailable, or if you wa nt a slightly creamy haldi while kneadin color, just add a litt g the dough and it le will give a nice, ple adding any taste to asing color without the sweets.

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INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

February 17, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT:REVIEWS/NEWS ENTERTAINMENT:REVIEWS/NEWS Singam 3: Si3 is Suriya’s Show All the Way

Director Hari introduced Suriya as

Durai Singam in the first Singam. He was as a reluctant police officer with strong family values, who preferred to run a provision store in Nallur, a small village in Tamil Nadu, over policing. The first part was all about Durai Singam overcoming his own mental barriers and convincing himself to stick to khaki. In Singam 2, he had no confusions or doubts. His experience in Chennai had made him more efficient in dealing with hardened criminals. The climax of second part ended in South Africa, with the arrest of drug lord Danny. In Si3, Durai Singam has grown more focused and advanced as he gets ready to finish an international crime syndicate, run by Vitthal Prasad

(played by Thakur Anoop Singh). The film is set in the backdrop of a volatile situation in Telugu states after Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh. Durai Singam is called in from Tamil Nadu by the AP government to investigate the murder of the police commissioner of Vizag. As soon as he arrives in Vizag, he begins his police work, gathers evidence and goes after big shots, including Vitthal, who remote-controls his Indian dealings from Sydney. An Australian citizen and the son of an Indian central minister, Vitthal runs his illegal activities in India with impunity. And when the police commissioner, played by Jayaprakash, threatened to blow the whistle on Vitthal’s crimes, he was killed Hari maintains a sense of urgency in his films from the beginning to end. Suriya, meanwhile, has brought a lot of energy to his character and is only getting better at playing Durai Singam. The average first half of the film is redeemed by the onscreen presence of Suriya. The second half, meanwhile, is quite engaging as Vittal and Durai Singam try to outsmart each other. Vidhya’s role, played by

JOLLY LLB 2 : Akshay Kumar, Saurabh Shukla Make This Unalloyed Delight

olly LLB 2 is the kind of film Hindi cinema used to make at a time when its primary activity was to tell a rousing tale, using star power to embellish it. This sequel of Jolly LLB, infinitely superior to the first, brings back the joys of watching a movie with a solid plot, a strong sense of time and place and rhythm, and a confidence in itself that has been missing from Bollywood. Yes, there a few dips, and some slips, but on the whole, this Akshay Kumar-starrer is a win. Kanpur-wale Jagdishwar Mishra aka Jolly (Akshay Kumar), now a Lucknow-nivasi, is lawyer-in-themaking. Which means that Jolly is just the kind of shifty individual who wants from a 15th assistant of a snooty senior advocate to a ‘vakil’ in his own right, with his own chamber. But you also know that this Jolly will see the path of truth sooner vs later, and set out to slap the bad guys into submission. Not with the kind of kicks and slaps that we’ve got used to from Akshay’s actioners, but the sort of colourful verbal sparring that lawyers engage in, dotted with some Shruti Haasan, is mostly that of an eye candy in the film. She plays a journalist who obviously falls in love with Durai Singam. In Si3, Kavya, played byAnushka Shetty, is already married to Durai Singam but had to live separately due to safety reasons. It is Singam’s show all the way. -indianexpress.com

hilarious throwaway lines which the star generously shares with his terrific co-stars, especially Saurabh Shukla and Annu Kapoor. If Shukla weren’t in it, it would be a lesser film. Kapoor, as the mendacious legal eagle who will go to any extent to further his cause. Huma Qureshi, who pops up once in a while, before the script forgets about her, fits right in as Jolly’s ‘angrezi-swiggingbiwi’. Kumud Mishra as the thoroughly bad cop is a nice change of image for this amiable actor. Akshay dials down the ready-forall-comers sharp action hero persona and dons a thick-moochwala fella who wants to get ahead, but has an innately noble streak, enough to save him. We see him doing stuff that superstars do not — a great scene which has Jolly slaving at the gas stove and his wife seated at the dining table, will kick start a conversation around gender role reversal. There are problems, of course. In a song which has Akshay and Huma do the boogie-woogie. Why, why? When everything else is going swimmingly along? Also, though we like that this film

is not inherently scared of drama, and it fully embraces its dramatic bits — something else that’s gone missing from today’s Bollywood — it does fling in contrivances which take away from the core strength of the film. Especially towards the end, which gets stretched, and a trifle preachy about Hindu-Muslim ekta and bhaichara. Jolly LLB 2 is a cracking watch, despite its few squelchy parts. Aur yeh lock kiya jaaye, mi’lord. -indianexpress.com

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

Sajid Nadiadwala February 18, 1966 Anu Kapoor February 20, 1956

24 February 17, 2017 Jadeja, Ishant Wrap Up 208-run Win vs. Bangladesh BY DEIVARAYAN MUTHU

YDERABAD: (ESPN Cricinfo): India 687 for 6 dec. (Kohli 204, Vijay 108, Saha 106*, Taijul 3-156) and 159 for 4 dec. (Pujara 54*) beat Bangladesh 388 (Mushfiqur 127, Umesh 3-84) and 250 (Mahmudullah 64, Ashwin 4-73, Jadeja 4-78) by 208 runs Ravindra Jadeja’s relentless accuracy and Ishant Sharma’s reverseswing ensured India dismissed Bangladesh for 250 in an improbable chase of 459 and secured a 208-run victory in Hyderabad, extending their undefeated streak to 19 Tests. Bangladesh’s major source of resistance on the fifth day came via a Jekyll-and-Hyde 56-run stand between Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, who made his first fifty since July 2015. Facing a target of 481 - 22 more than Bangladesh were set in Hyderabad - South Africa tried to block their way out to a draw in Delhi in 2015 but couldn’t. Chasing 475 in Indore last year, New Zealand attacked and collapsed dramatically. Bangladesh did a bit of both to play out 100.3 overs, and had lasted 127.5 in the first innings as well. Though they couldn’t win their first Test in India, they did bat more than 100 overs twice in a match for a sixth time. Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah showed sound judgement outside the off stump against the seamers but took on the spinners, sometimes at great risk. Mushfiqur charged at Ashwin’s second ball of the day - a non-turning offbreak - to cover drive a boundary all along the ground. Two balls later, he used his feet again, but hit over the top against the break to hole out to wide mid-off. While it is understandable that the Bangladesh captain wanted to upset India’s best bowler, he might just have taken it too far. Mushfiqur exposed the inexperienced lower-middle order to the opposition and added to the list of inglorious Bangladesh dismissals in the recent past. Ishant Sharma pinned Sabbir lbw for 22 in the fourth over after lunch. Mahmudullah, who had sent Jadeja over the top for back-to-back fours, continued to live dangerously against spin. But it was pace that undid him. Ishant tucked him up with a chest-

Hardik Pandya hit a belligerent half-century, India v England, 3rd ODI, Kolkata, January 22, 2017.

Ishant Sharma celebrates having Sabbir Rahman lbw, India v Bangladesh, one-off Test, Hyderabad, 5th day.

high short ball on the leg stump and forced a top-edged pull to long leg. Mehedi Hasan and Kamrul Islam Rabbi saw off the second new ball with a partnership of 17 in 85 balls, but the re-introduction of Jadeja produced the breakthrough. He found extra bounce and turn to glance off Mehedi’s glove and into Wriddhiman Saha’s. Taijul skied a top edge and was caught at short leg though both KL Rahul and M Vijay went for it with neither one backing out. Ashwin completed formalities in bizarre fashion as the tea break was postponed. His slider beat No.11 Taskin Ahmed and India appealed, presumably for lbw. Umpire Marais Erasmus went across to his partner Joel Wilson and brought Chris Gaffaney, the third umpire, into play to check for a bat-pad catch. The replay showed the ball had clearly skidded past the inside edge, but Virat Kohli went for a DRS review that conﬁrmed the lbw. Ashwin bowled only 14.3 overs on the last day as opposed to Jadeja who wheeled away for 29 overs and nearly bagged his second successive ﬁve-wicket haul in the second in-

nings. Like a popgun, he kept firing into the rough in an interrupted spell this morning. His 14-6-31-1 included the wicket of Shakib Al Hasan, which summed up the enormity of negotiating a deteriorating fifth-day track in India. Jadeja got one to explode from the rough outside off, graze the top glove of Shakib and loop to Cheteshwar Pujara at short leg. Jadeja celebrated, sticking his tongue out and flashing a naughty little smile. It would only grow as the day wore on. In a related development, Mushfiqur Rahim has said that his role as Bangladesh’s Test captain is open for “analysis” by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) but he is happy to continue in the triple role of wicketkeeper, batsman and captain. While there was always the odd question about his captaincy since he abruptly quit the ODI post in 2013, the criticism has increased since 2015 and it flowed into the Hyderabad Test, where his wicketkeeping also came under the scanner. After his proficient 127 in the first innings that kept Bangladesh in the game, it has become evident that his

role as a dependable middle-order batsman is gaining importance. Mushfiqur, however, has said that since the BCB has entrusted him with the three roles since 2011, he will happily oblige as long as they decide otherwise. During India’s first innings, Mushfiqur made some errors as a wicketkeeper and captain, chiefly the missed stumping of Wriddhiman Saha when he was on 4. “My average is not more than 33 or 34, so how can I be the No. 1 batsman of Bangladesh? If you are entrusted with two or three roles, that means the management has shown faith in you,” he said. “If I am not doing well, it’s up to the board to take a call on my future. “At the moment, I am enjoying what I am doing - I love to spend time in the middle and the way you can do your job is to spend time in the middle rather than in the dressing room. There are people who are sitting outside [BCB officials] who can take a decision but as far as I am concerned, Captaincy is not in my hands.” Deivarayan Muthu is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo.

SPORTS

Blast in Lahore Casts Doubt on PSL Final

AHORE (ESPN Cricinfo): A bomb blast in Lahore has, according to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) chairman Najam Sethi, made it very difficult for foreign players to feature in the final of the second season which, until the bombing, was set to be played at Gaddafi Stadium on March 5. Speaking on his political talk show on Geo TV Sethi also said the question now of where the final should be played, was one that fans would have to decide. The explosion, which has so far claimed 13 lives, went off in Lahore’s busy Mall Road during a rally on Monday attended by hundreds of pharmacists protesting against changes to a drug sale law outside the provincial assembly building. Ever since the PSL announced that the final will be played in Lahore, the question of whether - and which - foreign players might attend has loomed. Sethi briefed foreign players about the security situation in Lahore last week ahead of the start of the league in Dubai. He said on the show that though the players had a number of questions and didn’t commit, “they were mentally preparing to play in Lahore”.

Misbah-ul-Haq top scored for Islamabad United with 61, Lahore Qalandar v Islamabad United, PSL

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

February 17, 2017

Isro Launches 104 Satellites in a Single Mission N

EW DELHI: India’s space agency Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) successfully launched 104 satellites in a single mission on Wednesday, setting what it says is a world record of launching the most satellites at one go. Of the 104, 101 are foreign satellites to serve international customers as the South Asian nation seeks a bigger share of the $300 billion global space industry. “This is a great moment for each and everyone of us. Today we have created history,” said project director B. Jayakumar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his congratulations on the launch conducted by the state-run Isro that went off smoothly and was carried live on national TV news channels. “This remarkable feat by ISRO is yet another proud moment

for our space scientiﬁc community and the nation,” he said. “India salutes our scientists.” Modi is bullish on India’s space program and has repeatedly praised the efforts of scientists who three years ago pulled off a low-cost mission to send a probe to orbit Mars that succeeded at the ﬁrst attempt. Isro’s low prices attracted international customers to launch 75 satellites last year from Sriharikota in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. The launch of PSLV-C37 in a single payload, including the Cartosat-2 series and 103 co-passenger satellites, together weighed over 650 kg. Out of 101 nano satellites, 96 were from the United States and one each from Israel, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates.

After Last Year’s Maggi Disaster, Nestle is Back

EW DELHI: In the autumn of 2015, in its 103rd year in the country, Nestle India Ltd was a house demolished. A year later: It’s June of 2016, a year after the safety crackdown. At the Centre, Nestle SA’s global headquarters in Switzerland’s picturesque Vevey, the global company’s board and management are trying to finalize a three-year strategy for the India market. Maggi, which returned to shelves in November, has since reconquered 57% of the market, a far cry from its heydays, but a major fightback still. “What’s at stake if we don’t take any action?” The question was directed at 56-year-old Suresh Narayanan, chairman and managing director of Nestle India, who was parachuted in from Philippines a year earlier to put out the noodle fire. The question was unusual even for Narayanan, who had attended such strategy sessions for various markets during his two decades at Nestle. But

the man, who had just successfully sailed through one of the biggest crises in Nestle’s history globally, knew this was coming. The rest of the day, Narayanan briefed the top management on what Nestle should do in India over the next four years to ensure a safer future. What started as Plan-B of staying aﬂoat without Maggi noodles ﬁnally shaped up as a three-year strategy that Nestle would follow in India—a market that fetched less than 2% of its 2015 global revenue of 88.7 billion Swiss franc despite a century of doing business here. Nestle declined to share details of its three-year plan framed at the Vevey conclaves. However, according to Narayanan, the company is looking at entering new business segments. That’s some change for the company, which stepped out of its comfort zone last in 1990 when it launched chocolates. The reason: Narayanan wants to push what he calls “motion initia-

130 MM Smartphones to be Shipped within India

Of the 104, 101 are foreign satellites to serve international customers as India seeks a bigger share of the $300 billion global space industry. Photo: Isro

tives”, or initiatives that will help the company grow faster, that will gradually ensure the company’s portfolio is a lot more “balanced beyond the 30% dependence” that it has on Maggi today. Over the coming quarters, Nestle will enter a few of the ﬁve new product categories. These are: Nespresso (a coffee machine), Dolce Gusto (a coffee capsule system), pet care, healthcare and skincare.

Narayanan cites research to show India’s top 600 cities will account for half of the consumption growth expected in the country over the next decade or so. “With the increasing participation of more women in the workforce, the need is a marriage between nutrition, health and convenience. And, that is the area Nestle is looking at in terms of product innovation as we go forward,” he adds.

EW DELHI: India’s smartphone market is expected to witness a growth of 15% to 130 million units this year, accounting for almost half of the total mobile phone sales in the country, a report by CyberMedia Research (CMR) said on Wednesday. Total mobile phone shipments in 2016 stood at 262 million units, of which smartphones accounted for 113 million (43%), while the remaining 149 million were feature phones. “Despite ‘turbulence’ in sentiments towards the end of year, the shipments did not see a proportionate hit as there was very little window for handset makers to realign the shipments through the value chain,” the report said However, demonetization did result in inventory build-up in the range of 25–35% for various brands in different categories of mobile handsets, it added. “As a result of this, CMR expects contraction in the shipments for 1Q CY 2017. At the same time, handset makers will try to catalyse sales by offering discounts and schemes immediately after the Union budget 2017 is announced, which in all probabilities is going to be favouring the handset industry to aid rejuvenation,” it said. The market is estimated to ship 270 million mobile phones in 2017, of which 130 million (48%) are forecast to be smartphones. CMR said it expects strong competition in the sub-Rs10,000 or the “affordable smartphone” segment. However, for Chinese brands like Lenovo, Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi—which have carved out a strong position in the Indian market—2017 could be a difﬁcult year.

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

26 February 17, 2017 UP Elections: 64.2% Voting in First Phase, Mayawati Talks of Pro-BSP Wave

UCKNOW: An estimated 64.2% voter turnout was recorded in 73 assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday in the ﬁrst phase of polling considered crucial in determining results in the country’s most populous state. The Election Commission said the ﬁgure was calculated at 5 pm. The high turnout is believed to be because of heavy polling in Jat- and Muslim-dominated areas of the 15 western UP districts, perceived to be a stronghold of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The region had recorded 59.6% voting in the 2012 assembly elections that witnessed Samajwadi Party (SP) making a dent into the BSP vote base,

riding on a surge in support for its young leader Akhilesh Yadav. The party had then won as many as 24 seats. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP bagged all the parliamentary seats in the region with the Jat community voting overwhelmingly for it. But this time around, the Jats are reportedly upset with the party. The community is demanding reservation in jobs and education in neighbouring Haryana, where the BJP is in power. The stir could have reﬂection on the UP polls. Of all the major players, BSP chief Mayawati has the largest stake in the region that has a large presence of Muslim, Jat and Dalit voters. Her

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party is in a sticky wicket in eastern Uttar Pradesh and has limited presence in the central region. The BSP will have to make a sweep in the region -- as it did in 2007 – to make up for its limitations in areas that will go to the polls in the remaining phases. If the BSP emerges the first choice of Muslims in this region, it might create a momentum in the party’s favour in the next six rounds, political analysts said. Muslims and Dalits together constitute 40% of the state’s population. And four-time chief minister Mayawati has been aggressively wooing them, giving 97 seats to Muslim and 87 to Dalit candidates. “There is a pro-BSP wave in the state. We are getting positive response in the first round of polling,” Mayawati said in Lucknow. The region doesn’t have a significant population of Yadavs, the mainstay of the ruling SP, which is contesting the elections in alliance with the Congress. The coalition is eyeing Muslim voters, who constitute 19.26% of the state’s 200 million population and are numerically stronger in many districts that voted on Saturday. Around 41% in Muzaffarnagar, including Shamli that was separated post-census, 25%

Men wait in a queue to cast their votes at a polling station in Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.

in Ghaziabad, and 20% in Aligarh. Besides, the SP is hoping that chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who have addressed joint rallies, will bring dividend for the party. The BJP is banking on an assortment of castes and sub-castes among others to do well in the UP elections, also seen as a key test for Narendra Modi halfway into his ﬁrst term as Prime Minister. The BJP’s best hope, analysts said, lies in a split in Muslim votes between the BSP and the Congress-SP combine and polarisation of Hindu votes in its favour. Union HRD minister Prakash Ja-

vadekar, quoting a BJP survey, said the party will win more than 50 seats in the region and will get a “big mandate” in the state. Several of these 15 districts witnessed social tension in the past couple of years leading to communal riots in Muzaffarnagar, killing of a man in Dadri on the suspicion of slaughtering a cow for a family feast, and allegations of migration of Hindu families from Muslim-majority Kairana. Of the 73 seats, the BSP and the SP won 24 each in the 2012 assembly elections. The BJP got 11 seats, the Rashtriya Lok Dal of Ajit Singh took nine and the Congress bagged ﬁve. -hindustantimes.com

India Beat Pakistan by Nine-wickets to Win T20 Blind World Cup

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India’s blind cricket team had only been beaten once over the course of the tournament.

ANGALORE: India successfully defended their title in the T20 Blind World Cup on Sunday at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore by beating arch-rivals Pakistan in the ﬁnal by nine wickets. Incidentally, in the previous and only edition of the T20 World Cup for the visually impaired, Pakistan had been on the losing end then too. Both teams came into the contest with a superb record during the tournament. Where India had won eight out of nine games, losing only to

Pakistan, beat Sri Lanka in the semiﬁnal by a convincing ten wicket margin to seal their place in the summit clash. Neighbours Pakistan had been going one better by winning all nine matches and they had edged England in Karnataka by massive 147 runs. However, on the day that mattered, Pakistan batted ﬁrst and put together 197/9 on the scoreboard with Badar Munir scoring 57 from 37 balls hitting eight fours and one six during the way. He enjoyed support from Muhammad Jamil, who scored 24

from 15 balls with the duo putting together 58 runs. In India’s bowling department, Ketan Patel and Jaffar Iqbal took two wickets each, while conceding 29 and 33 runs respectively. In reply, Ajay Kumar Reddy and Prakasha Jayaramaiah gave India a commanding start and never let go of the momentum that was created early on. The duo continued to score runs at a quick rate and maintained ten runs an over run rate after both the ﬁve and ten overs. After ﬁve overs, India were 54/0 and 109/0 after ten overs. The hosts lost Reddy for 43 when he tried to go for a run but was caught short by Israr Hassan. Up next for India was Ketan Patel who, unfortunately, retired hurt at 26. Dunna Venkatesh walked into the middle and gave Jayaramaiah good company. India crossed the line win in the 18th over in spectacular fashion – with a boundary. Jayaramaiah missed out on the century by just one run as he remained unbeaten on 99 when the winning runs were hit. -indianexpress.com

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

February 17, 2017

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

February 17, 2017

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM