Friday, September 08, 2017 | Vol. 36, No. 35
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Indo American erican News
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September 08, 2017
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COMMUNITY
September 08, 2017
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Two Indian Students at Texas A&M Succumb after Rescue from Lake
C
OLLEGE STATION: Two Indian students—Shalini Singh and Nikhil Bhatia—have died after they were rescued on Saturday, August 26, from the choppy waters of Lake Bryan, churned by the onslaught of Hurricane Harvey. While Bhatia, 24, died in hospital on August 30, Singh, 25, who was initially in critical condition, was declared dead on Sunday, Sept. 2 at a hospital in Houston. Singh’s younger brother and maternal uncle, who flew in from New Delhi on August 30, were with her at the time of death. Singh, originally hailing from Delhi, came to the U.S. only last month to pursue a two-year Masters program in Public Health after earning her degree in Dental Surgery from ITS Dental College in Greater Noida. She was to be cremated in Bryan on Tuesday or Wednesday of this week, according to sources at the Indian Consulate in Houston. According to their friends and some witnesses, Singh and Bhatia were swimming in the lake when
Shalini Singh, 25, and Nikhil Bhatia, 24, were victims of a drowning accident in the choppy waters of Lake Bryan as Hurricane Harvey was passing over the College Station area.
a sudden current of water pushed them deeper. The friends accompanying them noticed that the duo was in distress and flagged down nearby police officers. Bryan Police officers were able to rescue and provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the victims until medics arrived, according to
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson. The 25-year-old student lost her battle with life late on Sunday night at a hospital in Houston The 25-yearold student lost her battle with life late on Sunday night at a hospital in Houston Consul General of India in Houston, Dr Anupam Ray had
been monitoring Singh’s medical condition needs closely and helped facilitate the arrival of Singh and Bhatia’s relatives to Bryan, despite road closures due to floods in the Houston area. “She wanted to do research on diseases. She aimed to serve the humanity. That was her motto and it remained so, until I last saw her before she left India,” her father said here after the shocking news hit the family like a tsunami. “She was passionate about her higher studies,” he told PTI, and almost choked recalling the moment when she had learned of her selection to the famed American university. “She wanted to do research on diseases. She aimed to serve the humanity. That was her motto and it remained so, until I last saw her before she left India,” her father said here after the shocking news hit the family like a tsunami. “She was passionate about her higher studies,” he told PTI, and almost choked recalling the moment when she had learned of her
selection to the famed American university.The funeral of Bhatia took place on Friday in the presence of his mother and close friends. According to the consulate office, Bhatia’s mother, Suman Bhatia, will be leaving for India on September 4 and will carry his ashes with her. Bhatia recently graduated from Texas A&M University in water management and hydrological science and had enrolled in a Phd program for the Fall session. Bhatia was the only child of Suman, a lecturer in a government college, and Pradeep Bhatia, an Indian Defense Department employee based in Udaipur. Bhatia, originally from Jaipur, had completed his schooling from Jaipur and did his engineering in Vellore. Bhatia’s cousin, Kushal described his cousin as “a topper with a brilliant mind and a noble personality”. “No one ever imagined that Nikhil, who was riding high on success, would meet such an abrupt end,” he said.
UH Students Volunteer to Help with Area Relief BY SREE SAI RAM NARAYANA
HOUSTON: After
the deluge that engulfed the Houston area following Hurricane Harvey last week, the international students at the University of Houston didn’t want to sit around and just witness the chaos. So they – among which were many Indian students - decided to spring into action and join forces with the others at the Bridges International group on campus and volunteer to help people who were flooded out across town. According to their website, Bridges International “is a caring community of Christ-followers committed to serve, promote social connections and engage in spiritual conversations with international
students so that students become leaders internationally.” BI has a group at UH, UH Clear Lake and Rice University and sought out volunteers who study at UH to help the area people in need and this group of approximately 10 students came forward to assist. On Wednesday, August 30, a family which lives in Meyerland contacted a staff member at BI asking for help in cleaning up after the floodwaters that had done considerable damage to their furniture and belongings. We responded by visiting the site and carrying out the heavily soaked heavy furniture such as sofa sets, dining table and mattresses to safer locations or laid them outside on the curbside to be disposed of. Some items such as
drawers, television stands, jewelry sets and kitchen tools which could be reused again were cleaned and bleached. Everyone was well coordinated and used appropriate protective gear to complete the tasks. We brought cardboard boxes to keep all the bleached items so that they could be easily transported by the family. Another family that lived in Friendswood was affected severely and we were there on Thursday, September 1 to help. They had a lot of heavy furniture that needed serious manpower to move them. Corrugated walls and sponge fillings in them had to be torn out and the floor had to be swept. There were 2-3 people involved in sweeping a fairly large area of
University of Houston students helping families to remove flood damaged materials out of their houses. In a selfie shot from left, Clinton Joel Noronha, Sree Sai Ram Narayana, Sarah Alexander, Lily Wu and Ryan Fung (taking the selfie) and back row from left, Alex Cardenas, Deepak Rao and Kangwook Noh.
floor which had a lot of accumulated mud that needed to be dealt
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COMMUNITY
September 08, 2017
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An Equal Opportunity Disaster Hurts Communities Far and Wide
Loads of supplies collected and distributed to the needy by Sewa volunteers.
Hurricane Harvey.
Photo: Forbes.com
BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA
HOUSTON:
When Hurricane Harvey came onshore at Matagorda Bay and straight at Rockport, unleashing its Category 3 force winds on the area, it knocked down many structures and hovered there for a couple of days, but its fury didn’t really affect the Houston area. Two days later, we began to be pounded by Harvey’s dirty side, as band after band of rain clouds dumped four to six inches of rain an hour on the five counties that make up the greater Houston area. Meteorologists had warned us that Harvey may stall and then twirl like a top before heading back out to the Gulf and launching a third landing (the first was over the Yucatan Peninsula) just east of Galveston. We marveled at
the precision of their forecasts and stayed glued to the four major local tv channels for minute-by-minute reporting of how places and parts of the region we knew began to take on water and within a day, whole areas became rivers and began to resemble Venice with boats on wide major thoroughfares. Had it not been for a rain band that moved ever so slightly to the east and provided an eight-hour lull in the downpour for a swath of the city on the westside from Freeport to Cypress, the area would have been easily far more inundated than it was and possibly many more people would have had their houses underwater. Though they caught a break, the city’s westside finally got its due when it was flooded – not by the rains, but on purpose – by the release of waters from the Addicks and Barker dams as the reservoirs became dangerously full, threatening people and
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dwellings on both sides. Nearly 7 million people over a 17,000 square mile area felt the effects of torrential rains that brought in over 51 inches of water – trillions of gallons - over a three day period, more than what the entire region gets in a full year. The destruction that was left in wake was so complete that first responders and disaster relief crews were overwhelmed as areas that never had flooded before were now underwater. Harvey’s destruction was widespread and covered the parts of the region where the Indian and South Asian community has settled over the past five decades. Some of the enclaves where they have made their homes – Sugar Land, Sienna Plantation, Missouri City, Aliana, Riverstone, Pearland, Friendswood, Meyerland, Memorial, Katy, Cypress, The Woodlands, Kingwood, Humble – all suffered evacuations and massive flooding. Many a desi family was forced out either on their own or on boats and we saw their familiar faces on fleeting screen shots on tv or on social media. The storm affected people rich and poor alike and brought people together at evacuation shelters like never before. Businesses were closed and the effect on the local economy was measured in the billions.
Sewa Volunteers help sort the donations.
Sewa Volunteers handing over supplies, to the shelters.
For the first time in 37 years, Indo American News missed a week of publication as its office location and staff were caught up in the flooding. This was the first hurricane that hit the region that was tracked so completely by social media as Fa-
cebook and WhatsApp lit up with reports by the minute of conditions all across the region. Several commonly used WhatsApp groups exploded with reports of evacuations and relief efforts and ad hoc virtual donation centers were set up. And the desi community opened its heart to everyone which was
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COMMUNITY
September 08, 2017
UH Students Volunteer CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
with. Other volunteers used wheelbarrows/shovels to clear out the mud that had settled all over the house. We had to double bag the trash to keep all the heavy dirt material inside. We were just thrilled at being able to assist these families and they were just as happy with our commitment and hard work. Other organizations which had UH student volunteers included the Graduate Indian Student Organization (GISO), SEWA International, Hindu Yuva and Houston Maratha Mandal. Like Bridges International, these organizations coordinated with the UH students and organized to help the Indian students who lived at
Stratford House Apartments that were heavily flooded. Some of the students now have found temporary housing till their house gets refurbished. The president of UH system, Dr. Renu Khator, along with the Indian Consul General, Dr. Anupam Ray, came to assist the students and families distribute food, water and help locate temporary housing. On campus, Bayou Oaks Apartments at UH was flooded with water reaching the first floor rooms. All the UH students who reside there were evacuated and sent to Bates Hall for safety. There were a few buildings on campus that were flooded, especially the ones that had basement levels. Currently these are closed and getting renovated.
An Equal Opportunity Disaster Hurts Communities Far and Wide CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
suffering. India House Executive Director Vipin Kumar was forced to evacuate his flooded house by boat. Anjali Center for Performing Arts building was completely damaged. One group that set up two days before Harvey’s landfall was Seva International’s Houston Chapter. The multi-national organization relied on its experience in dealing with many natural disasters – most recently the massive floods last year in Chennai – to get their logistics assembled and relief camps deployed. Houston Chapter President Gitesh Desai’s house and two cars were flooded out and he was forced to evacuate but the teams continued to function, rescu-
ing at least 683 people, according to area coordinator Vasudeva Singh. SI opened 15 WhatsApp groups and 15 Neighborhood groups of 150 people each. With over 800 volunteers, they spent over 20,000 volunteer hours helping people, served over 10,000 meals, and brought in 10 truckloads of food and supplies. After the storm moved through other group sprang into action. Shiv Shakti Mandir held a massive donation and relief effort. Local area restaurants opened up their doors for free food to those who were now homeless. Madras Pavilion’s Rajan Radhakrishnan and Mahesh Shah dashed to the George Brown Convention Center to provide free meals to 650 people. Indian and International students from the University of Houston rushed to help with clean up. The Sikh National Center received trucks of supplies from across the country from other Sikh communities, as far away as Yuba City, California, according to spokesman Bhai Amar Singh. And a fund raising effort is underway to collect $1 million for rebuilding and relief efforts. Was Harvey’s flooding preventable? That is a question that haunts many people, especially the desi community that possesses some of the brightest minds in engineering, information technology and finance. There may be many solutions and reasons and Indo American News offers eleven. • Build a 12 ft diameter pipeline and pump the water out to a reservoir 100 miles away in West Texas. If we can do this for the Trans American Oil Pipeline, we can certainly do so for a precious commodity – water – which we receive for free through rainfall. • Link a vast large distant reservoir with other cities like San Antonio and Austin and share the water when either is in drought. • Build communities and roads far away from area reservoirs • Develop denser living and less urban sprawl. When people live vertically, there is less concrete and asphalt to cover the ground and more rainwater can go through the soil • Develop porous ground cover materials and concrete • Develop a fast, elevated mass transit system that can move people quickly out of harm’s way. • Make better use of drone technology for deliveries of foods and medicines once the turbulent weather is over. Nothing would be better than a hot pizza delivered to flooded-out homes! • Make widespread use of video interfacing and have people tele-commute from homes rather than make a commute on traffic-jammed roads. • Develop a $2 billion state fund for developing and repairing road and water infrastructure. • Give federal and state incentives for better electrical and water conservation measures for homeowners, like automatic faucets, LED lamps, solar panels and water collection systems. • Buy rubber boots and a flat-bed boat as part of a house’s emergency supplies.
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A Leap Ahead
COMMUNITY HOUSTON: Indian-Americans rank at the
top of “highest household income by ethnic group,” according to the United States Census Bureau. At a staggering $107,390 median household income level, Indian-Americans blow away the rest of the world by being the only ethnic group to even land in the six figures. So why is it that the richest Americans have started making fewer charitable contributions than their less wealthy counterparts? UC Berkeley psychologist Paul Piff says, “While having money doesn’t necessarily make anybody anything, the rich are way more likely to prioritize their own self-interests above the interests of other people.” Stacy Palmer, editor of the Chronicle of Philanthropy agrees. “Higher-income people tend to give proportionately less during tough economic times.” But the time has come to change this mindset.
Piture on left: The One Jump Founders, from left: Neeraj Salhotra, Juanita Parra, Karthik Soora, and Shiroy Aspandiar
One Jump, a Houston nonprofit formed by a group of Rice graduates, is doing just that. Offering a one stop shop website for highachieving, low-income students, One Jump is opening a world of opportunity to finally close the achievement gap in the United States. Among the leaders of the team are Karthik Soora, current Yale MBA student, Shiroy Aspandiar, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Neeraj Salhotra, Harvard Law School. Although the three bring with them a long list of accomplishments, each would say without hesitation that their proudest achievement to date has been the founding of One Jump. “We are the wealthiest group in the country, and this country has given to so many so much opportunity. With this power comes the moral imperative to give back,” says Soora. One Jump was born out of Rice University’s Startup Accelerator Owlspark as the only nonprofit selected out of a very competitive applicant pool. In 2015, it was selected as a finalist for Teach For America Social Innovation Award, TFA Shark Tank, and Notre Dame’s Zielsdorf Social Impact Pitch Conference. After forging strategic partnerships with KIPP, YES Prep, EMERGE, Fort Bend ISD, Harmony, and Cristo Rey, One Jump dramatically grew its student user base to over 2,500 registered students in over 164 schools in 23 states. With this new venture, the One Jump team hopes to spread their message of equality in opportunity across Houston. The three South Asians are now urging more Indians to join the cause and help low-income students make the leap to college. “Real enlightenment lies in giving up the material possessions of this world,” Soora explains, passionately. “Preaching piously on piles of money is doing a disservice to our philosophy.” To see how you can help, visit www.onejump.org.
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COMMUNITY
September 08, 2017
Relief Donations are Solicited as CGI Focuses Efforts
Pradeep Sulhan, P.C.
Certified Public Accountant
BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA
HOUSTON: At the behest of
some prominent members of the Indian community, the Consul General of India Anupam Ray helped to hastily convene a meeting of leaders of different organizations to help focus their attention on raising funds for the relief and rebuilding efforts underway in the Bayou City. Over 70 people came to the event held at the Indian Consulate on Scotland Street of Memorial Drive near downtown, many spending over two hours to fight the dense grid-lock traffic which is an aftermath of the street closures on the city’s westside. Several turned back after encountering bumper-to-bumper traffic all along the way. Those who were able to attend heard Ray explain the two funds set up to help support the rebuilding effort in South and Southeast Texas: the Mayor’s Fund for Hurricane Harvey Relief and the Rebuild Texas Fund by Governor Abbott. Both funds will allow members of the Indian community to identify and track their contribution by writing the code Diaspora or Indian Diaspora on their checks or credit card, wire transfer or online receipts. In addition, those wishing to become signatories to the appeal to attract others to donate can do so by having their name added to the list of individuals, organizations and companies which have already done so. “Our purpose at the Consulate is to work for the interest of India and Indians here,” clarified Ray as he opened the program. “It is not to take any sides in what is purely an American effort, but we have been asked by two prominent people, and have agreed, to help focus the community’s efforts in fund raising.” He indicated the CGI’s desire was to help build a strong “Indian brand” in the region and added that the Indian Government would make a contribution too. In passing, Ray mentioned that the Government of Israel has donated $1 million for the relief effort but slated it only to people of Jewish heritage. He revealed that one of them is local businessman and ardent philanthropist Vijay Gorodia and the other wishes to remain anonymous. Both have agreed to match every contribution, dollarfor-dollar. Ray also stated that the three Indian oil companies with offices here – GAIL, Oil India and ONGC had committed to contributing $10K each. Also, Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell Computers, has declared he will match whatever amount is given to the Governor’s Fund. Ray opened the floor to those who wished to speak and the leaders of different organizations came forward to add their voice of support and pledge donations.
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Indian Consul General Anupam Ray explains the difference between the two relief funds establish to rebuild Houston and the region
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Sugar Land Ballroom Many of the almost 70 people who attended the fund raising discussion offered their take on the subject and how much they would contribute.
Ash Shah, President of Pratham pledged $10K or 10 per cent of whatever is raised at the Pratham Holiday event and that its leadership will combine to donate another $10K as well as promote the funds nationally. IACF Presidentelect Mahesh Wadhwa pledged $100K, with $25K coming from current president Vanitha Pothuri. Arun Verma of Sri Sita Ram Foundation pledged $10K. Others like Sanjay Ram, on the METRO Board remembered how the Indian community has grown from raising $100K after Tropical Storm Allison to the goal of $1,000,000 for this disaster. Ramesh Shah of Ekal Vidalaya said “we are together going to make a big difference”. Jagdip Ahluwalia of the Indo American Chamber of Commerce said the Chamber would help businesses re-establish. India house pledged to raise $50K for each fund. Gitesh Desia of SEVA International noted how much work the group had done to rescue people. Murthy Divakaruni, a community activist, gave a goal of having everyone of the community donate $10 and that would total the target of $1M. Tahir Rizvi spoke about opening hearts and wallets. Vinod Shah said the AAPI will donate a substantial check in October. Vijay Pallod of Star Pipes said they would give $125K and support both funds. This reporter reminded everyone that the Indian community had prospered over the past 5 decades in the Bayou City and that was the reason why so many cultural and religious institutions had been built. “But there are many from
our community who are hurting now and it is the turn of the rest of us to help them, not to become a statistic in a large fund.” Continuing on, he urged everyone to give to an Indian Community Relief Fund and pointed out that SEVA International had the skill sets to handle disaster relief efforts, He noted that there was a prime institution that needed our immediate help – the Anjali Performing Arts Center which has taught hundreds of girls to dance – which had been badly damaged by the floods. He urged the engineering and financial experts in the community to come up with better ideas to handle these floods. And finally, he lamented why there had not been more community buildings that did not open to become shelters.
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COMMUNITY
GISO Independence Day Celebrations
Dr Anupam Ray and Dr Renu Khator with GISO Team. From left: Aparna, Suma, Niharika, Sindhur, GISO President Ravi, Kaushik, Consul General Dr. Anupam Ray, Baala, Chancellor of the University of Houston System Dr Renu Khator, Abhinay, Harsh, Sarah, Vishal, Deputy Consul General Surendra Adhana.
Cougars at Independence Day celebrations at the Indian Consulate.
BY RAVI SHANKAR CHANDRASEKAR
HOUSTON: On August 15, 2017, Gradu-
ate Indian Student Organization(GISO) at University of Houston celebrated India’s 71st Independence Day and the event was graced by our esteemed dignitaries, Consulate general of India Dr. Anupam Ray and Chancellor of the University of Houston System Dr. Renu khator. Their words inspired graduate students to better themselves in every aspect, remembering to honor their families and nation. After their galvanizing speeches, a fusion dance performance showcasing different dance forms from India elicited awe and
brought back memories of home for all of us. The event was also attended by other organizations namely Hindu Yuva, Sewa International, Bridges International, Houston Maharashtra Mandal and International Student and Scholar Services office at UH amongst others. Various musical performances themed ‘reminiscence of home’, games and flavorful Indian uniting us in the spirit of happiness, sport and unity. The event was attended by over 300 students whose presence made the event a grand success. Ravi Shankar Chandrasekar ia President-Graduate Indian Student Organization
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COMMUNITY
Inspired Training Workshop for Bala Vihar Teachers BY SATCHITANANDA
HOUSTON: During the week-
end of August 19-20, 2017, Chinmaya Mission Houston hosted the much awaited Balavihar Teachers’ Training workshop that drew over 190 onsite and 150 online participants. The online live streaming feature was a first-time add-on to benefit teachers from other parts of the country. Acarya Darshana Nanavaty, fondly adored as Darshana Aunty, shared her decades of wisdom with the eager Balavihar teachers who ranged from the experienced to aspiring beginners. In the two-day event that began promptly with a prayer dedication to Pujya Gurudeva Swami Chinmayananda, Aunty eloquently elaborated on the philosophy behind Balavihar training. She highlighted how freedom is our natural state and how Balavihar equips both the teacher and the taught to gradually build a truly free paradise in life based on scriptural wisdom. With concepts that have gradewise sequential answers to a set of five questions: Where is God?; Why can’t I see HIM?; How can I see HIM?; What should I do?; and, What is the result of this knowledge?, the curriculum is designed to guide children from Kindergarten to 12th grade. The Acarya described the teaching methods which blend in age-appropriate hands-on arts and crafts, singing, chanting, and other funfilled options to keep every child excited. This variety in instruction caught the attention of the second generation aspirants among the attendees. All the training methods were centered on Gurudev’s simple instruction – “Tell, not teach.” Being rooted in Dharma, being compas-
HOUSTON:
Mahatma Gandhi Library in association with communitywide partnering organizations will be celebrating 148th birthday of Apostle of Peace on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at The Miller Outdoor Theatre from 6 PM to 8 PM. The program will be preceded by a 5K “Walk For Peace’ beginning at 5 PM in the beautiful Herman Park and pay respect at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Herman Park. To reregister or learn more, please visit www.gandhilibrary.org. Please mark your calendar and come vote for peace with your feet. It will be an evening filled with multicultural international dance and music show representing many ethnic communities of Houston. Winners of Mahatma Gandhi Week 2017 contests will be awarded their prizes. Please see the attached flyer for Mahatma Gandhi Week – 2017 contests. It is quite an exhilarating experience to hear winners of speech contest
Photo: Jayesh Mistry
sionate and loving to the children is a must if a Balavihar teacher aspires to be effective. The Acarya stressed the need to be mindfully responsible – to walk the talk and to be committed from the heart. Acharya Darshanaben explained in detail the syllabus of each grade, using the teachers from the Houston Bala Vihar team who shared tips from her books: Alphabet Safari, Bala Ramayana, Sri Hanuman, Bala Bhagavatam, My Twenty four Teachers, Symbolism in Hinduism, India, the sacred land, P.O.Box Mr God, Yato Dharmah Tato Jayah, Hindu Culture, and Gita for me. These books are widely acclaimed and followed across the world by a multitude of Chinmaya missions and Hindu institutions. Her youthfriendly way of explaining Bhagavad Gita could inspire both high school students and adults alike. As the acharya weaved her magic, the rapt audience busily took notes of the various teaching aids she presented, be they charts, games or props used by Balavihar teachers. The ease with which
she made complex spiritual ideas simple enough to be grasped by children was extraordinary. Acarya Darshana Aunty reminded all participants that spiritual study and harmonious cooperative effort with discipline was a must for Bala Vihar success. Acarya Darshana Aunty provided living proof of Gurudeva Chinmayananda’s continuing inspiration as she concluded her workshop. Many eagerly signed up for volunteering as Balavihar teachers for the first time, even as many bought several books for their far-flung centers. One could only wonder that Pujya Gurudeva was orchestrating this impeccable workshop through the several sincere teams of volunteers who worked in the yajna spirit and made every aspect of this training memorable! For more information visit CMH website at www.chinmayahouston.org or contact Bharati Sutaria at 281-933-0233 or Jay Deshmukh at 281-565-1108.
1000 Lights For Peace!
deliver their winning speeches. The finale of the program will be a candle lighting ceremony where every individual present will light a candle as a personal pledge to Peace and Non Violence.
Our mission is to increase public awareness, especially among youth, of his philosophy and the universal values of Truth, Non Violence, Service and Love.
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
September 08, 2017
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16 September 08, 2017
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September 08, 2017
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18 September 08, 2017 T
A Truly Horrifying Harvey
he Gulf Coast around Houston has experienced tremendous hurricanes from the Gulf of Mexico, beginning in recent history with the devastating hurricane in 1901, which caught Galveston unaware before the age of radar, and killed thousands. In our recent experience, we’ve suffered through Tropical Storm Alicia and Hurricane Ike. But nothing matches the terrifying devastation we’re currently experiencing with Hurricane Harvey. The suffering and devastation, because of the record 50 inches of rain, is continuing with thousands of people having had to watch rising waters in their homes and having to wait for a boat rescue. The flooding has been compounded by the release of water from Addicks and Barker reservoirs that affects the Western subdivisions in Katy and localities downstream along the Buffalo Bayou. Similar flooding is taking place throughout greater Houston from Galveston to Spring and from Beaumont to Brookshire. At Indo-American News, our hearts go out to all our readers, many of them are isolated in their flooded homes, rescued by boats, or staying in the many evacuation centers. While Harvey has degraded to a tropical storm moved away to Louisiana and Alabama, we will continue to suffer the effects of rising waters. Those without electrical power and clean tap water are suffering additional levels of misery. We’re very thankful to the thousands of federal, state and local officials, who are rescuing flood victims. Especially laudable is the role of innumerable volunteers, who have joined the flood control and law enforcement first responders, such as the HPD and the US National Guard, and charitable agencies such as the Red Cross. In the Houston South Asian community, many volunteers are helping with the deliveries of food, clothing and supplies. The Indian Consulate remains open, despite flooding all around, and under the heroic leadership of CG Anupam Ray, the consulate officials have helped stranded students at the University of Houston and are touring evacuation centers to help people of Indian origin. Our charitable organizations, such as Sewa International, are actively helping victims. For our part, Indo-American News will contribute the funds we saved by not publishing the print edition last week. Unfortunately, misery loves company. More than 1,200 people have lost their lives in floods that are devastating northern India. Now even Mumbai is suffering from Monsoon rains and urban flooding. Our hearts go out to those people who are suffering with little media attention. At this time of tremendous personal, local and regional devastation, we are all one. Please help your neighbors regardless of their ethnic origin. Our heart goes out to all the flood victims. Let us rise once again and rebuild our communities, united as Houstonians, Texans and Americans. God bless all of us. -- Pramod Kulkarni
EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY BY DAN MAYUR
The HHHH
In the aftermath of the Havoc of
Hurricane Harvey in Houston, many of my professional colleagues, inquisitive and highly accomplished in various fields, advocates and skeptics of climate change among them, are having a heated discussion on the causes and solutions for catastrophes like Harvey. And as always, media outlets such as CNN, Forbes, Atlantic, Slate, Newsweek and many city planning pundits are piling on with their explanations and analyses. What I see is that Houston, like most American cities is led by action-oriented people. The enormous machinery of the local, city, state and federal government is now involved full force in taking care of the homeless and the evacuees, flood management, clean-up and reconstruction. And if history is any indication, they will very successfully accomplish everything they have set out to do, leaving the city even better than what it was before Harvey. However, especially at this particular moment, few if any in this group of care-takers are interested in talking and theorizing about the impact of global-warming. For them this is an area for academics, scientists and other intellectuals. Here in Texas, we are a red, very red, state and our earth is flat. Rick Perry, our former governor, is now Trump’s Secretary of Energy (there exists no better example of the blind leading the deaf) who is busy bringing coal mining jobs to MAGA (For the Uninitiated, that is Make America Great Again). Humor aside, my take on the situation is that the real problem is Houston-specific. The city has a large network of creeks and bayous that has been historically adequate to handle normal rainwater runoffs. But Houston’s vast expanse and peculiar topography present some unique problems. This is a mega-city spread out on very flat land of a high water table, and it has grown in the last fifty years like no other city in the world. It is an enormous jungle, vertically of glass and horizontally of concrete, in its gigantic parking lots, endless wide roads and freeways, large apartment complexes and tall office towers.
Houston’s vast expanse and peculiar topography present some unique problems. This is a mega-city spread out on very flat land of a high water table, and it has grown in the last fifty years like no other city in the world.
This has dramatically reduced the absorption capacity of land, resulting in increased amounts of runoff water and thus overburdening the capacity of the creeks and bayous. When water cannot get out fast enough, flash flooding occurs (sometimes water does not find its own level). The amount of water that was carried and dumped by Harvey was large enough for a 500-year flood, totally overwhelming the existing system. What this means is that Houston’s special situation in three key areas contributed to the disaster: - Urban Sprawl - Weak Rules and Regulations - Questionable Reservoir and Land Management In fairness to Houston, there are some historians who question, whether land management or regulations would have really changed anything since the storm was so phenomenally big and powerful. They think , “If Harvey happened in 1850 instead of today, the results would be nearly identical in terms of land flooding.....No zoning law or control on construction would ever have ‘fixed’ anything about that. Some estimates provide a great visualization that brings the point home—imagine the amount of water flowing through the Niagara Falls for a full twenty days; that is how much water fell on Houston in two days.So it is a matter
for legitimate debate as to how much of Harvey was due to global warming (the amount of rain), how much was due to the failure of urban planners in their design, and how much was due to a freak event, the curse of Mother Nature, or God punishing humanity for gay-marriages! Not being an expert in any of this, I shall withhold judgment. What I do know and see is the amazing effort going on at evacuation centers, people volunteering time and other resources, man helping man, charities stepping up, government agencies doing what they are supposed to be doing. It restores our faith in humanity, just as much Harvey reminds us of the power of Mother Nature, of the triviality of man and of the fickleness of life. D. N. “Dan” Mayur is an engineer, financial planner, freelance writer and a world traveler. He is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay and has a Ph. D. in Chemical Engineering from the Rice University in Houston. His most recent book is The Four Ls: Laughing, Learning, Loving and Living.
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INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
COMMUNITY
September 08, 2017
19
JVB Preksha Meditation Center Celebrates 8 Day Long Paryushan Mahaparv Amid Hurricane Harvey
BY SEEMA JAIN
HOUSTON: JVB Preksha Medita-
tion Center hosted 8th Annual Paryushan festival at its premises under the auspicious guidance of Samani Kanchan Pragyaji & Samani Pranav Pragyaji (Disciples of Acharya Shri Mahashraman). The 8-day long festivities began on August 19 and concluded on August 26th. Paryushan is the most important festival among the Jain festivals; and it is observed during every Chaturmas in the month of Bhadrapad (August – September). For Jains, the real purpose of celebrating this festival is to purify our soul by staying closer to our own soul, to look at our faults and to ask for forgiveness for the mistakes we have committed during the past year. Guided by Samanijis, the entire JVB community became spellbound in an atmosphere of enthusiasm, felicity and Tapasya for 8 consecutive days by practicing spiritual parameters such as Swadhayay, Samayik Sadhana, Maun Sadhana, and Dharam Sadhana. Agama discourses on holy ancient scriptures called “Antakritadasao Sutra” by Samani Pranav Pargyaji and evening discourses on the detailed meaning of “SadhanaAdyatmik Arohan Ki” along with Pratikraman for young and old were the daily morning and evening rituals of this auspicious week. A fun Jeopardy style Jain God Contest was conducted by Samani Kanchan Pragyaji to motivate its members to learn about the Jain Dharma. A special spiritual Samayik practice called “Abhinav Samayik
ka Prayog” was followed by all the attendees by sitting in a Swastika setting for 48 minutes. Some of the interesting topics of evening discourses by Kanchan Pragyaji were “Mastishk ka Rasayan- Swadhyay, Power of Paryushan, Tere Bol Bade Anmol, Mantra ek Samadhan, How to achieve peace of mind.” Samani Pranav Pragyaji encouraged young kids ages 4yrs and above to follow a spiritual routine for 8 days in her presentation about 8 days of Paryushan & its Significance. Kids Jain Jeopardy was also an interesting, fun & learning activity for all the kids during this special week. Parallel sessions for kids Pratikraman were also conducted in English. JVB, Chairman Shri Swatantra Jain, Piyush Gosalia, Manasi Sapani and many others kept the tapasya chain going till the end of Paryushan Festival by observing Tela (3 continuous days fasting), Bela (2 continuous days fasting), Upwas (one day fasting) and Paushad. Young Gyanshala kids Siddhi Jain (7yrs.), Tanvi Jain (9yrs.) Neel Jain (9 yrs.)
and Saachi Jain (11 yrs.) did tapasya in the form of Biyasana (eating twice a day), Ekasana (eating one time a day) and Upwaas. JVB Gyanshala senior group girls, Manya Jain (14 yrs.) and Anshumi Jhaveri (13yrs.) amazed everyone with their tapasya bhav by observing two days of continuous fasting without any food. In Closing, JVB President, Seema Jain recognized all the Tapasvees for their immense belief and devotion during this festival amid the fear of Hurricane Harvey and heavy rains. She appreciated her EC team for their efforts on the successful completion of the event. 9 days of continuous fasting with no food (Navai) by one of the Gyanshala parent, Sachin Jain and 8 days of continuous fasting with no food (Athai) by Renu Shah were the milestones of this spiritual festival. We are proud of our center, its beautiful surroundings, a unique pyramid shape meditation hall, and a very peaceful ambiance. It is located at 14102 Schiller Rd, Houston, TX 77082. On the first, 2nd & third Sunday of each month there is pravachan & meditation by Samani Ji. The theme of the pravachans this year so far has been: Transform Yourself. Our center is open to all irrespective of their religious beliefs. Upcoming events include Kshamapana Divas & Bikshu Jaap on Sep. 10th from 10-12pm and JVB’s Annual Day Cultural Celebration on Oct. 7th from 6-9pm and Annual Day Adhar Abhishek Pooja on Oct.8th from 8:00am onwards. For further details, visit www.JVBHouston.org or call JVB Center @ 281-596-9642 or Seema Jain @ 281-575-0575.
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20 September 08, 2017
COMMUNITY
Sri Meenakshi Temple Society Celebrated Guru Peyarchi Homam & Abhishekam
BY KAMALA RAGHAVAN
PEARLAND: Guru Peyarchi Ho-
mam and Abhishekam were conducted at MTS on Friday September 1st, with Navagraha Abhishekam at 7:00pm, followed by a more elaborate event on Saturday September 2nd in a grand manner. This year’s event had a special significance due to the torrential rain and havoc caused by Hurricane Harvey throughout the Houston area. Saturday’s event included a special shanti puja to Sri Varuna Bhagavan (the ruling deity for water and rain). Guru Peyarchi symbolizes the transit of Jupiter or Guru from Simha Rasi to Kani Rasi where he will rule for the next 14 months. The event on Saturday saw
more than 150 devotees braving the high waters on the streets, and participating in the Sankalpam and Homam with 108 kalasas for Lord Dakshinamurthy. The puja started inside Ganesa temple, moved to Navagraha Sannidhi, and culminated at the main temple. The Homam was performed by priests Sri Manicka Sundaram Bhattar, Sri Kalyana Sundaram, Sri Balaji Sethuraman, Sri Pawankumar Sri Bhashyam, Sri Parameswaran, and Sri Narayana Charyalu. After performing the Purnahuthi (below), the devotees got the opportunity to carry the beautifully decorated 108 kalasas with the sacred water to Lord Dakshinamurthy’s sannadhi in the praharam of the main temple in a procession, which was truly a sight
to behold. Dakshinamurthy is a form of Lord Shiva who is the Adi Guru (teacher) of all types of awareness, understanding and knowledge. He is worshipped as the god of wisdom, complete and rewarding meditation. He is regarded as the ultimate Guru - the embodiment of knowledge and the destroyer of ignorance. He shows the Jnana Mudra with the thumb denoting God, the index finger denoting man, and the other three fingers showing the three impurities of man: arrogance, illusion and bad deeds of the past births. When man detaches himself from these impurities, he reaches God. The Abhaya Mudra with the hand lifted above thigh with palm facing out and fingers pointing is
interpreted as His grace upon His students. The snake signifies tantric knowledge and the fire represents illumination, removing the darkness of ignorance. The fifth day of the week, Thursday, also referred to as Guruvar or Guru vaaram, is associated with the planet Jupiter, and are considered auspicious to start any educational efforts. Special worship services are offered to Dakshinamurthy on that day of the week. Once the devotees gave the kalasas with sacred water to the priests, the event continued with Abhishekam, Alankaram, and Archana to Lord Dakshinamurthy in the outside praharam. The attendees sat in the main temple in front of the Utsava Murthy, and recited the mantras as guided by the priests which
made the event very meaningful to the devotees, and the MTS staff provided able support to the volunteers. The event ended with an extensive Deeparadhana to Lord Dakshinamurthy. Recognizing the continuing hardships experienced by the Houston communities, MTS arranged a special prayer for peace on Sunday September 3, 2017 at 10:00 am. All the priests joined to recite the slokas in the main temple asking the almighty to bless all beings. The MTS Board has established a relief fund to help displaced citizens in all surrounding communities, and sent out an appeal for the community members to reach out to the board members for any help needed.
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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COMMUNITY
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DIVORCE
prepared for the way that he arranged that. On the weekend in February 2016 when he had to close on the house, Eric invited the parents from both sides to come to town, then convinced Rita to come back home early on the pretense of having some urgent work to finish. When she got home, she was surprised to find both sets of parents waiting and Eric pulled out the engagement ring! Eric and Rita were married this past weekend on Saturday, September 2 in the Omni Hotel Fort Worth in a traditional Hindu ceremony attended
by a host of family and friends, with Rita’s Aunt officiating as the priest. The sangeet was held the day before in the T&P Station, a popular wedding venue in the city. Rita Golikeri, 29, was born and brought up in the Houston area. She received her undergraduate degree in Public Health from Tulane University and then her medical degree at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. She is currently in her third year of residency. Her father Sudhir Golikeri is a semi-retired chemical engineer and her mother Ranjana is a homemaker. Her grandmother Radha Golikeri, 93, is a sprightly and energetic lady who organized graduation programs for high-school seniors for many years in Clear Lake. Rita has two other siblings, Rohit, 30 and Rima, 33. Eric Wood, 31, has bachelors and masters degrees in mechanical engineering fromVirginiaTech University and has worked for Lockheed Martin since he graduated. His mother Karen Wood-Batcheller is a nurse practitioner at the Fairfax County Department of Health and his late father, William Wood III (who passed away in 2004) was the US Geographer in the State Department. His mother has since remarried to Alan Batcheller. Eric has an older sister, Jessica, 33. The newlyweds will leave next weekend for a honeymoon in Cancun and then return to their home in Fort Worth where they got engaged.
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INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
COMMUNITY
September 08, 2017
23
KTRU Celebrates 25 Years of its South Asian Music Show *Navrang* with Free Concert
BY SREYAS MENON
H
OUSTON: KTRU Rice University Radio will celebrate 25 years of its Navrang specialty show from 5 to 7 PM on Sunday, September 10, with a free concert, Swar Yatra – A Musical Journey. Navrang (meaning “nine colors” in Hindi) show on KTRU treats listeners to the beauty of South Asian music with its variety of flavors. Established in 1992 and airing every Saturday from 10 to noon, the Navrang show has grown to be one of KTRU’s most popular specialty shows. The show has featured interviews almost once a month with several prominent artists within the vast realm of South Asian music. Just a few of these artists are Padmabhushan ghazal singer Shri Jagjit Singh, folk artist Praful Dave and award winning Indian documentary film director, Anant Patwardhan. The Navrang show’s director is Varsha Vakil. Varsha joined the Navrang show in 2008. And in 2009 she already planned KTRU’s first Navrang concert, with the goal of bringing together the Houston community to experience live South Asian music for free on Rice University campus. The concert featured Rice engineering alumnus Dr. Shankar Bhattacharyya performing on sarode and Sri Gourishankar performing on tabla. Each year since, KTRU has invited the community onto Rice’s campus for the Navrang concert. It was Varsha’s vision to provide a platform for local South Asian musicians to showcase their talent and to reach new audiences. This year’s concert features Indian Fusion, classical instrumental and vocal music, taking the audience on a musical journey across the Indian subcontinent. The concert will take place at the Grand Hall in the Rice Memorial Center. Doors open at 4 PM and free henna and tea will be available until the concert’s start at 5 PM. After the concert ends at 7 PM, the audience can meet artists and enjoy free Indian vegetarian cuisine. Parking is free at “West Lot 2” with the code word “ktru”. KTRU thanks the concert sponsors: Hindus of Greater Houston, South Asian Youth Alliance, Daya, Indian American Cancer Network, India Culture Center, ISKCON, Maharaja Bhog, Udipi Cafe, Govinda’s, and Deep Foods. KTRU would also like to express its gratitude to its media partners: Masala Radio, KPFT and GenerAsian Radio.
For advertising contact: 713-789-6397
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
24 September 08, 2017
IMMIGRATION
W
Close to 8,000 Indian-Americans to be Hit as Trump Decides to End DACA Immigration Program
ASHINGTON D.C.: US president Donald Trump is reported to be planing to end a popular and controversial Obama-era regulation that protected from deportation undocumented immigrants who arrived in the country as children and that has benefitted an estimated 800,000 people of whom close to 8,000 are from India. The announcement, which is likely on Tuesday, could include a delayed trigger period of six months for Congress to enact a law to replace the current regulation — called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) — which was instituted through an executive order by President Barack Obama in 2012. While most of those granted DACA are from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Peru — the top five countries of origin — 7,881 for them came India, according to the latest data published by the regulating agency, the US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Migration Policy Institute, which tracks and studies immigration in the US, said in a report in 2016 there were an 1.9 million people eligible for DACA and 22,000 of them were from India, which has also emerged as a top country of origin for legal immigrants. News reports, citing unidentified
US President Donald Trump
administration officials, suggested the White House has informed Congress of the move, but indicated the president could still change his mind. Trump had promised to end the programme during his campaign, but has also said he would “deal with DACA with heart”. It’s an emotive issue as it involves immigrants who were brought illegally by parents — they did not come on their own — as children and who grew up in the United States knowing no other country or culture; they have probably never been to their countries
of origin. But it’s also a political issue tied to the larger question of illegal immigrants. A large number of Republicans — including Trump’s base and officials such as attorney general Jeff Sessions and White House policy adviser Stephen Miller — are opposed to legalisation their status, calling it amnesty. Led by Texas, 11 Republican-ruled states had jointly threatened to challenge the regulation in court, and had in June posted a deadline of September 5 for the federal justice department to phase it out. Some Republicans, however, including House speaker Paul Ryan, favour retaining some elements of DACA, and Trump’s own daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner — both advisers to the president — support the Obama-era regulation, and have pushed the president to stay with it. As have leading Silicon Valley CEOs. Apple’s TIM Cook wrtoe on Twitter Sunday, “250 of my Apple coworkers are #Dreamers (another name for DACA, drawing from an earlier law). I stand with them. They deserve our respect as equals and a solution rooted in American values.” -hindustantimes.com
WRITERS ... TAKE NOTICE Writers are requested to limit their words to 500. The deadline for advertising and articles is 5 pm on Tuesday of each week. For more information: Call 713-789- 6397 or email us at: indoamericannews@yahoo.com
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
September 08, 2017
25
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E-mail resume to : jobofficeassistant.ian2016@gmail.com INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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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 September 13, 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).
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Baingan da Bhartha (Spicy Eggplant Puree) Traditional Style
Amazingly - and delightfully - this
rather simple but tasty Punjabi dish has found a large following over the past four years, appearing on the tables of many non-Punjabis and even showing up on the menus of some restaurants. There are two ways you make this dish, and by popular demand we will publish both recipes, with a few extra pointers. First, below is the traditional way to make Baingan da Bhartha. Eggplant – also called aubergines or brinjals and just baingan in Hindi – are a popular vegetable wherever you go. In France, they like to cook it as aubergine farci in which the hull of the vegetable is stuffed and baked; the Chinese prefer a Szechuan style cooked with garlic sauce; Arabs prefer to eat it pureed as a dip called Baba Ganoush which Russians eat in a dish they call Baklazhannaia Ikra or Poor Man’s Caviar. Baingan are very widely used in India and especially in the North where it is cooked with potatoes or fried in pakoras (fritters) or in some sort of sauce. But when Punjabis see the large plump round ones, they immediately think of the most popular dish, baingan bhartha which is cooked with lots of onions and maybe a slice or two of red tomato to give it a multi-colored look and extra flavor. Some people even add peas (fresh shelled ones are best) for an added taste and crunchiness. The plant that bears the eggplant is native to the Indian Subcontinent but it is widely available all over the world and cooked in many ways. There are many varieties of the plant that produce different sizes, shapes and color, though typically purple. Chinese and Japanese eggplants are typically long and skinny; Europeans usually prefer the plump round ones and Indians have both of those plus the small ones, about 2 inches round. Eggplants have all the B vitamins, and are high in B9 (folate) as well as in calcium (1%), phosphorus (3%) and potassium (5%). This recipe uses a large round eggplant and is made in the traditional style. When I was a young girl in Lyallpur, my mother (whom everyone called Biji), and the other ladies would roast it over a chimta (iron tongs) balanced over an ingithi (clay bucket charcoal stove) and the slightly burnt aroma of the outer skin would permeate the whole house!
Ingredients: • 1 large round baingan • 2 medium pyaaz (onion) • 2 medium tamater (tomato) – soft ones are best • Some small shelled mutter (peas) (if desired) • 2 tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil • Spices (to taste): namak (salt), mirch (red pepper), garam masala Directions: 1. Place a few drops of oil on the eggplant and smear it all around the skin. 2. The traditional way to roast the eggplant is over an open flame that allows the eggplant to take on a smoked, roasted flavor, so for best results, cook over a gas flame. 3. If you do not have a gas stove but only have an electric stove, place the eggplant in the oven on a metal tray and set on bake at 450 deg till it is soft in the middle. The eggplant will cook faster if you slice it in half. 4. You can also cook the eggplant in the microwave in a deep tray; again slice it in half, set the power on full and adjust the timer for 10 minutes till it is cooked. 5. Remove the eggplant from the
fire, oven or microwave and peel off the roasted skin. Be careful as it will be hot! We often place the roasted eggplant in a bowl of water in order to cool it down fast. 6. Cut the green shoot off, leaving some meat on it. Cut the rest of the meat into quarters and then mash it, making sure it is not stringy. 7. Heat the oil in a skillet, wok or kadai. Cut the onion into small pieces and sauté them in the oil till they are brown, then add the cut tomatoes and then add the spices (turmeric is usually not used in Punjabi bhartha). 8. Pour the mashed eggplant and the green shoot (dandal) in the masala and cook over low heat for some time. When you start to see some oil rise to the sides, turn the heat off; cover and let it stay for 10 minutes. 9. Uncover the skillet and if you want, sprinkle with garam masala though it is not necessary since the bhartha has so many onions. It is an honor to get the cooked dandal and remove the cooked meat off it. When thoroughly cooked, the green shoot can also be eaten and is delicious. 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 in 1947. 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 Punjabi recipes.
MAMA’S TIP O F THE
WEEK
HOW TO CHOOSE A BAINGAN (EGG PLANT) TO COOK For most eggplant BHARTA dishes and especially of the vegetable is bharta (pureed eggp very important for lan t), the choice the texture, taste an well as if the final d ease of cooking dish will be tough as or soft to eat. Usua have a dish with lot lly yo s of seeds as they dis tract the palate from u don’t want to main dish and you will spit them out. the softness of the It is best to choose a large round eggplan that it has a lot of se t that is not heavy: a ed he times you will find s. A slightly tender, round eggplant is avy one means elongated ones. Still, the best, but most not collapse when choose the one tha sque t is tender but does dark spots on it. W ezed. Also, the green stem (dandal) sh hen cut off with the ou top portion of the eg ld not have any correctly, the skin an gplant and cooked d base of the stem are very edible and tasty.
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September 08, 2017
ENTERTAINMENT: ENTERTAINMENT:REVIEWS/NEWS ENTERTAINMENT:REVIEWS/NEWS ENTERTAINMENT:
W hen
y o u want to get it on, and you can’t get it up, what do you do? A Bollywood mainstream movie asking this kind of tricky q u e s t i o n deserves serious props, even if it isn’t original. Sometimes the course of true love is rocky. And Mudit (Khurrana) and Sugandha aka Sugu (Pednekar) find this the hard way when certain male private parts turn limp, and what is meant to be a pas-
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan: Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar film suffers from a sagging climax sionate pre-marital tumble rumbles into a deal-breaker. Of course, director R Prasanna (who also directed the Tamil version) plays it for laughs. It’s that kind of film. That’s the only way we can watch just how erectile dysfunction can ruin relationships: otherwise it would turn into an anatomy lesson. And the characters surrounding our sad-sack lovers, Mudit’s mother and father, and Sugu’s parents and younger brother, plus sundry uncles and aunts and best friends, are all part of the ha-ha-hee-hee brigade. When the lines fit right into the
situation, we laugh out loud. The highlight of the film is a conversation between a morose Sugu and her mom (the most excellent Pahwa, who is on a roll, after Bareilly Ki Barfi) which attempts to unpack the secret of the birds and the bees. It is hilarious, and is borderline revolutionary because we’ve had fathers and sons do this in our movies, but not so much maand-beti’, and certainly not at such length. A few other bits and pieces are genuinely funny as well. Both Mudit and Sugu play ordinary, and that’s a good thing: we see them sipping ‘thele ki chai’, supping on
street-‘chaat’ and picnicking in unmanicured Delhi gardens. We see no well-known monuments at all, which is even better. And the film resists the temptation to tart up the ordinary, which is the best part: no one’s calling attention quirky, everyone is real. But overall this comedy of middleclass-Dilli-manners-and-mores suffers from a sit-com flatness, and a sagging climax. The film falls into the category of ‘could have been better’, but I’m charmed by the premise and the honesty-minus-vulgarity with which it’s been done. When the action stays between
Baadshaho: This Ajay Devgn and Esha Gupta film is old wine, in a not very new bottle
Don’t get fooled by the ‘set dur-
ing the backdrop of the Emergency’ thread in Baadshaho. That and few other elements are just window dressing in Milan Luthria’s cops-androbbers tale, which plays out in one his favourite locations: Rajasthan. The target is hidden treasure, comprising mounds of glittering gold and other precious jewels. Eyeing it is a Sanjay Gandhi lookalike called Sanjeev (which is why the mention of the Emergency), a beautiful Rani named Geetanjali (D’Cruz), a crafty bunch which goes by such colourful monikers as Bhawani, Dalia, Tikla and sundry policemen. Because it’s the old masala enter-
tainment genre, we sit back and enjoy a few familiar guilty pleasures — the item song (Sunny Leone shaking it), the ‘seeti-maar’ dialogues (the deepseated misogyny in a few make you cringe, even as you hear, without a shred of surprise, bunches of young
men guffawing), the cheerful absence of logic (what’s that), and coherent plot points. You can see the twists coming a mile off. But that’s also part of the masala-movie experience, this knowing what’s going to come up next. The surprise comes from how the audience reacts to Sanjay Mishra, who plays a wizened safe-cracker: he has some of the best lines in the film, and gets the maximum applause, even more than Devgn who gets the mandatory hoots-and-whistles at the
‘hero’s entry’, as well as Hashmi, who is back in his familiar skirtchasing loutish avatar. The women are decorative. D’Cruz is togged out in regal chiffons, one of which remain spotless through the long proceedings. Her make-up stays intact too. Gupta’s role (she hangs out with the three ‘khazana chors’) seems to have been created simply to include a second pretty face. But we don’t blink, because we know these are all masala movie imperatives. At some point, a character asks another, ‘chor police mein mazaa aa raha hai kya’? And even while you say: ‘thoda thoda’, you ask yourself; ‘aur kab tak?’ -indianexpress
27
the two main leads, whom we have seen play so well together in Dum Laga Ke Haisha, the film comes together, terrible pun fully intended. Pednekar once again reminds us just how convincing she can be as a real honest-to-goodness young woman in search of love. I’m now longing to see her do something more than the ‘gharelu-gunwati’ young woman parts: she’s in danger of being typecast. -indianexpress
Happy Birthday
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
Akshay Kumar September 09, 1967
Aysuhmann Khurrana September 14, 1984
28 September 08, 2017 C
Kohli Lauds Bumrah, Spinners for Series Sweep
OLOMBO: The spinners are skilful, Jasprit Bumrah is improving, and the batting order is ready to move away from formula: these were Virat Kohli’s gleanings from the 5-0 clobbering his team handed out to Sri Lanka. India were tested only once through the series - when Akila Dhananjaya took six wickets in the second match. Otherwise, the contest was incredibly one sided. Four of the top six scorers in the series were India players, Kohli himself leading the charge with 330 runs at an average of 110. More tellingly, seven of the top eight names on the wicket-takers’ list also belonged to India bowlers. Bumrah was the most penetrative bower, taking 15 wickets - six clear of the next best - at an average of 11.26. He had taken career-best figures of 5 for 27 in the third ODI in Pallekele, and claimed the Player-of-the-Series prize for those efforts. “Jasprit has been our most effective short-format bowler in the last 18 months,” Kohli said. “He has really worked on his bowling a lot - especially his length ball, which has picked up more pace. That’s very heartening to see because it never lets the batsmen
Virat Kohli waltzed to his 30th ODI ton, Sri Lanka v India, 5th ODI, Colombo, September 3, 2017.
get settled. It’s not only about yorkers and slower balls any more. He can bowl a good length ball and nick you off as well, which I think is the biggest improvement in his bowling. Credit to him for shaping his game in that way. Getting a Man-of-the Series award in the subcontinent as a fast bowler - it’s always a great thing to achieve.” Though Dhananjaya took nine wicket on his own, India’s spinners,
too, comfortably outperformed Sri Lanka’s as a group. Of those, left-arm spinner Axar Patel took six wickets at an average of 25.66 and maintained an economy rate of 3.85. As with Bumrah, Axar is another bowler who does not allow opposition batsmen to settle, Kohli said. “Axar, being a conventional spinner, varied his pace and I think it was outstanding,” he said. “He didn’t let the batsmen get on top of him. That’s
a remarkable thing - when you don’t have any variation in your bowling and you still don’t let guys score. I think it’s the height that really helps him getting that extra bounce and the extra pace he can generate. He’s got a very strong shoulder and people find it difficult to sweep him.” Not that the wristspinners did poorly either. Legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal took five wickets in four matches, but left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav was perhaps a little more impressive in his two outings, taking three wickets at an average of 23.66. “Kuldeep and Chahal beinig wristspinners will always keep you in the game,” Kohli said. “I certainly felt that all three of them were pretty spot on with attacking all the time. It really helped us get those crucial wickets in the middle overs, and at the same time, helped us control the run rate as well. You might see changes in the bowling attack every now and then but these guys have grabbed the opportunity really well.” India have now won all eight internationals on this tour. One more game remains - the T20I on Wednesday. -espncricinfo.com
SPORTS
Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna Reach US Open Quarterfinals, Paes-Raja Out
Indians @ US Open: Sania and Bopanna reach quarters, PaesRaja out.
NEWYORK: Sania Mirza and Ro-
han Bopanna have reached the quarterfinals of their respective events at the US Open but the fledgling partnership of Leander Paes and Purav Raja has fallen flat yet again. The fourth seeded Indo-Chinese pair of Sania and Shuai Peng overcame a stiff resistance from Sorana Cirstea and Sara Sorribes Tormo 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(2) in the third round of the women’s doubles. In the mixed doubles, Bopanna and Canadian Gabriela Dabrowski, seeded seventh, quelled the challenge from Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez and Nicholas Monroe 6-3, 6-4 in the second round. Paes and Raja, who joined forces recently, were knocked out of the men’s doubles following a close 4-6, 6-7(7) defeat against the Russian pair of Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev in the second round. They had teamed up first for the Winston-Salem Open, where they made a first-round exit. Raja has enjoyed some great results with compatriot Divij Sharan but Australia will arrive in India for a limited-overs series following the loss of points and resultant slide in conclusion of their tour of Bangladesh in Chittagong. the rankings forced them to split to salvage the US Open. They anticipated that their comT20I against New Zealand on No- Sri Lanka in December and Odisha vember 7 subject to ICC clearance. [Cuttack] were supposed to host the bined ranking would not have given Kerala Cricket Association secretary New Zealand game in November,” them a direct entry in the last Grand Jayesh George said Srinath had in- George told ESPNcricinfo. “But, Slam of the season, so Raja teamed up spected the Greenfield Stadium last there is a festival in Odisha in Novem- with Paes while Sharan joined hands week. A report is expected to be out ber, so we are now hosting the New with Andre Begemann. -timesofindia.com soon. Zealand game instead.” “We were initially supposed to host -espncricinfo.com
Australia to Kick off Limited-overs Tour of India on September 17 ARUN VENUGOPAL
Australia will arrive in India for
a limited-overs series following the conclusion of their tour of Bangladesh in Chittagong, with Chennai scheduled to host the first ODI on September 17. The remaining matches will be played in Kolkata (September 21), Indore (September 24), Bangalore (September 28) and Nagpur (October 1). Australia will then travel to Ranchi (October 7), Guwahati (October 10) and Hyderabad (October 13) for the T20I series. ESPNcricinfo has independently confirmed the fixtures with each hosting centre, though the BCCI is yet to make an official announcement less than two weeks before the series opener. The board is awaiting ICC clearance for its two new venues - Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram. An Assam Cricket Association official confirmed that Javagal Srinath, the former India fast bowler
and match referee, had inspected the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Monday on the ICC’s behalf. A report is awaited. In drawing up the itinerary, the BCCI has had to factor in other changes as well, with Bangalore, which was initially supposed to host the second ODI on September 21, now hosting the fourth ODI on September 28. The fixtures are likely to be made official in “a day or two” according to a top BCCI official. Prior to the series, Australia are also scheduled to play a warm-up fixture in Chennai on September 12. India beat Australia 2-1 in a fourTest series earlier in the year. India also got the better of Australia when they last hosted them for a limitedovers series in 2013-14, clinching the seven-match ODI series 3-2 and winning the only T20I in Rajkot. Meanwhile, Thiruvananthapuram, which was initially allotted a T20I against Sri Lanka, will now host a
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
September 08, 2017
Black Money: Bank Accounts of 2.09 Lakh Companies Frozen
NEW DELHI: In a major clamp-
down against black money, the government on Tuesday directed freezing bank accounts of more than 2.09 lakh companies whose names have been struck off from the records and said action would be taken against more such firms. Banks have also been asked to step up their vigil against those companies that are non-compliant with various regulations and not carrying out business activities for long, a senior finance ministry official said as authorities continue their crackdown against shell companies. The official said banks have been directed to freeze the bank accounts of these deregistered companies. While warning that action would be taken against erring firms, the official said the efforts would help in enhancing corporate governance standards as well as clean up the system that otherwise is prone to be misused. The names of over 2.09 lakh firms have been struck off from register of companies for failing to comply with regulatory requirements. “The names of 2,09,032 companies have been
N
Banks have also been asked to step up their vigil against those companies that are non-compliant with various regulations.
struck off from the register of companies under Section 248 (5) of the Act. The existing directors and authorised signatories of such struck-off companies will now become ex-directors or ex- authorised signatories,” an official release said. Section 248 of the Companies Act—which is implemented by the corporate affairs ministry—provides powers to strike off names of companies from the register on various grounds including for being inactive for long. According to the official, since these companies had ceased to
be legal entities, there was no reason having active bank accounts which could be prone to misuse. Once these companies become compliant, banks would activate their accounts, the official added. “Furthering our war against #BlackMoney, banks have been advised to immediately restrict bank accounts of struck-off companies,” minister of state for corporate affairs P.P. Chaudhary said in a tweet. The official said a detailed analysis has been initiated to check whether these deregistered companies were used as conduits for channelising unaccounted money into the system, especially during demonetisation. Amid efforts against shell companies which are allegedly used as conduits for illicit fund flows and tax evasion, the government said the directors of deregistered firms would not be able to operate the bank accounts till these entities are legally restored.The restoration, as and when it happens, would be reflected in the official records by way of change in the status from ‘struck off’ to ‘active’.
“Since such ‘struck off’ companies have ceased to exist, action has been initiated to restrict the operation of bank accounts of such companies,” the release said. The Department of Financial Services, through the Indian Banks Association, has advised banks that they should take immediate steps to put restrictions on bank accounts of such struck-off companies. “In addition to such struck-off companies, banks have also been advised to go in for enhanced diligence while dealing with companies in general,” the release said. A company even having an active status on the corporate affairs ministry website but defaulting in filing of its due financial statements or annual returns, among others, “should be seen with suspicion as, prima facie, the company is not complying with its mandatory statutory obligations”. In another tweet, Chaudhary said the ministry is committed “in attaining @ narendramodi ji’s vision of eliminating black money”. -livemint.com
Fate of 169 McDonald’s Outlets Uncertain, CPRL Board Meets Wednesday
EW DELHI: The board of Connaught Plaza Restaurant Ltd (CPRL), the 50:50 joint venture between McDonald’s India and its estranged partner Vikram Bakshi, will meet tomorrow amid uncertainty over the fate of 169 outlets of the fast food chain run by it. McDonald’s India, which had cancelled license agreement with CPRL in August, said the termination notice period ends on Tuesday after which the franchisee is not “authorised to use the McDonald’s system and its intellectual property”. On the other hand, Bakshi reiterated that the CPRL board will decide on the future course of action in its meeting tomorrow to be presided by National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)-appointed administrator justice G.S. Singhvi.
In the previous two board meetings in August, McDonald’s representatives had stayed away. When contacted McDonald’s India spokesperson said: “The termination notice period ends today (5 September). Therefore, CPRL is no longer authorised to use the McDonald’s system McDonald’s India had cancelled license and its intellectual propagreement with CPRL in August for 169 erty”. They will have to outlets in north and east India. stop using the McDonald’s names, trademarks, “We are having our board meeting tomorrow under the chairmanship of designs, branding, operational and the administrator in which the two marketing practise and policies, and nominee directors of McDonald’s food recipes and specifications, he Corporation would also participate,” said. “We are proceeding with exercising Bakshi told PTI.
our legal and contractual rights,” the spokesperson added. McDonald’s India had cancelled license agreement with CPRL in August for 169 outlets in north and east India and asked to stop using the McDonald’s trademarks, branding, food recipes and specifications, among others from 6 September. Already 43 outlets of McDonald’s in Delhi have been closed since June following expiry of eating house license. Meanwhile, the NCLT issued showcause notice to fast food major McDonald’s Corporation and its Indian arm over the contempt plea filed by Bakshi. Besides, the tribunal dismissed another plea by Bakshi challenging termination of the franchise license of 169 outlets by McDonald’s run by CPRL. -livemint.com
29
Infosys Founders Offer to Sell Shares Worth Rs2,038 Crore in Buyback
Infosys’ share buyback offer of up to 11.3 crore scrips comes at an almost 25% premium over Friday’s closing price of Rs920.10 a share
NEW DELHI: Infosys promoters,
including co-founders N.R. Narayana Murthy and Nandan Nilekani, have offered to sell as many as 1.77 crore shares—worth up to Rs2,038 crore—in the company’s Rs13,000 crore share buyback offer. The promoters group, which includes most of the founders and their families, have expressed their intention to be part of the company’s first share buyback plan in its over three-decade history and have offered to tender a maximum of 1.77 crore scrips. At a buyback price of Rs1,150 per share, this could mean a windfall of Rs2,038.94 crore for the promoter group, if all the shares tendered by them are accepted in the buyback offer. The founders and families—classified as promoters group—held 29.28 crore shares, or 12.75%, in Infosys at the end of June 2017. The Bengaluru-based IT firm has been in the eye of a storm over the past few months, with founders and erstwhile board members clashing over allegations such as corporate governance lapses and irregularities in Infosys’s $200-million Panaya acquisition. The spat, which was often public, culminated in the sudden resignation of the then CEO Vishal Sikka and exit of four board members, including chairman R. Seshasayee. -livemint.com
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
30 September 08, 2017
THE STORY OF GANDHI
Gandhi’s Arrest Creates Sensation Worldwide - Part 14
The story thus far…Newspaper
reporters from all over the world were there to report the progress of the Gandhi’s satyagraha. The march ended on April 5 at Dandi village. Gandhi and his selected followers went to the sea shore and broke the salt law by picking up salt left on the shore by the sea. Gandhi then gave a signal to all Indians to break the salt law and prepare to resist the police action in a nonviolent manner. Heeding Gandhi’s word, all over India people swarmed to the nearest sea coast to break the salt law. Great excitement was created everywhere. Only a few people knew how to make salt, but the people soon found their own ways of making it. All that mattered was the breaking of the salt law. Gandhi and other leaders had made arrangements for the continuation of the agitation if they were arrested. A chain of leaders had been chosen, so that as each leader was arrested another would be ready to take his place. The government waited for some time before taking any action, and then at last retaliation began. Gandhi was left at liberty, but many other leaders were taken into custody. Jawaharlal, Mahadev Desai, and Gandhi’s son Devadas were the first to pick up salt to break the law and be sent to jail. In dealing with the breakers of the salt law, the police resorted to their usual brutal methods. The Indian National Congress was declared illegal. Some newspapers, threatened with censorship, suspended publication. The people held hartaals (strikes) and demonstrations, and mass arrests were made. Soon the jails were overflowing. The people remained nonviolent, lest Gandhi should call off the movement. Gandhi then informed the Viceroy that he was going to raid the government salt works at Dharasana. Lord Irwin decided to act. Two English officers, with pistols, accompanied by many Indian policemen armed with rifles, arrived at Gandhi’s camp in the middle of the night. They woke Gandhi and said, “You are under arrest.” Gandhi was taken to Yeravda Central Jail and was thus absent for the raid on the Dharasana salt deposits. The salt deposits were surrounded by barbed-wire fencing and protected by four hundred Indian policemen armed with steel-toed canes. A few British officers were in command of them. Gandhi’s volunteers halted some distance away from the fence. Then a select group of them advanced
towards the fence. Police officials ordered the volunteers to disperse but they ignored the warning. Suddenly the police rushed at them and rained blow after blow on the defenseless men. Not one of the volunteers even raised an arm to stop the blows. They fell down, some with broken skulls, some with broken shoulders, arms, or legs. When the entire first batch had been knocked down and carried off on stretchers, another batch advanced to meet the same fate. The campaign went on for hours. Finally, as the heat of the day increased, the volunteers stopped their activities for that day. Among the volunteers two had died and 320 were injured. Gandhi’s arrest had created a great sensation in India and abroad. Representations were sent from all parts of the world to the British Prime Minister asking the government to release Gandhi and make peace with India. Even those who were cooperating with the British demanded the release of Gandhi. Gandhi proved to be more dangerous inside the jail than outside. While he sat quietly in Yeravda Jail, countrywide outbreaks of civil disobedience were greatly taxing the British. The jails were full. The government was in distress and finally, in 1931, had to release Gandhi, Nehru, and other leaders. As soon as Gandhi was out of prison he asked for an interview with the Viceroy, Lord Irwin. The interview was immediately given. Gandhi and Irwin met, but the two men seemed to have come from two different worlds. Gandhi did not go to seek any favors. He wanted to negotiate on terms of equality. The meeting went on for many days and finally the talks culminated in a treaty, the GandhiIrwin Pact. It embodied compromises made by both sides. Irwin agreed to release all the political prisoners, and Gandhi promised to suspend civil disobedience and send a Congress representative to the Round Table Conference. At the time, in London, the British government was holding a Round Table Conference on the future of India. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was a victory for nonviolent resistance. But some of Gandhi’s Congress followers thought that he had not gained much as a result of the pact. Gandhi was designated as the sole representative of the Congress to the Round Table Conference. In August 1931 he sailed for London with a small party. Gandhi went to England with the
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object of reaching an agreement with the British on a fair Constitution for India and also of winning the hearts of the British people. In his first object he failed, and in the second he met with great success. Gandhi spent 84 days in England and most of the time he was meeting and talking to people. Prime Minister Winston Churchill refused to see him but Gandhi captivated the hearts of many. He had tea with the King and Queen. When a reporter asked him if he thought he had been dressed well enough for such an august tea party, Gandhi replied, “The King had on enough for both of us.” At the Round Table Conference nothing was conceded to India. The
Conference played up the differences between Hindus and Muslims, and this only served to worsen communal tension in India. Gandhi returned with nothing except warm goodwill for India from the hearts of many
English people. At home, Gandhi found that the government had returned to the policy of repression. There were widespread arrests and seizure of property and bank accounts of people and organizations who were hostile to British interests. Early in 1932 Gandhi wanted to meet the new Viceroy, Lord Willlingdon, but the Viceroy made it clear that the days of negotiations were over. Gandhi informed the authorities that he was again starting a civil disobedience movement. The Viceroy thought it was a threat and had Gandhi arrested and lodged in Yeravada Central Jail. Several other leaders and many followers of Gandhi were also arrested and jailed.
Gandhi Fights British Attempt to Divide Hindus - Part 15 At home Gandhi found that the to dissuade him from fasting unto approve of many of Gandhi’s activi-
Government had returned to the policy of repression. There were widespread arrests and the Government seized the properties and bank balances of people and organizations who were hostile to their interests. Early in 1932 Gandhi wanted to meet the new Viceroy, Lord Willingdon, but the Viceroy made it clear that the days of negotiation were over. Gandhi informed the authorities that he was again starting a civil disobedience campaign. The Viceroy thought it was a threat. He had Gandhi arrested and imprisoned in Yeravda Central Jail. Several other leaders and many of Gandhi’s followers were also arrested and sent to jail. In March the struggle entered a new phase. Gandhi had always insisted that the untouchables were a part of the Hindus and must be treated as Hindus. Now, however, it was announced that the British proposed to set up separate voting for the untouchables. That meant that untouchables could vote only for members of their own caste. Gandhi regarded the Hindu religion as one and indivisible. He saw the game the British were playing. It was an attempt to weaken Hindu society. “Separate treatment of untouchables cannot be allowed,” Gandhi declared. “Here is an attempt to make untouchability last forever. Unless untouchability is destroyed we shall never have self-government.” “But what can you do about this election law now?” asked a friend. “I can die,” was his prompt reply. “I will resist this evil provision with my life.” Gandhi announced that he would soon start a fast unto death unless the plan for separate electorates was changed. The public announcement of his intention threw the country into panic. The Indian leaders were shocked at Gandhi’s decision. Even Jawaharlal Nehru thought that Gandhi was taking a drastic step on a side issue. During the time between the announcement and the day when Gandhi’s fast was to begin, streams of visitors arrived at Yeravada jail. The authorities, anxious to avoid any tragedy, allowed everyone to have free access to Gandhi. But all efforts
death were of no avail. The die was cast. Gandhi was going to fast. Rabindranath Tagore sent a telegram: “It is worth sacrificing precious life for the sake of India’s unity and her social integrity. Our sorrowing hearts will follow your sublime penance with reverence and love.” Gandhi started his fast on September 20, 1932. The first day of the fast was observed all over India as a day of prayer and fasting. Many temples were opened to untouchables and meetings were held all over India urging the removal of untouchability. Outside the jail political activity came to a boil. Leaders of upper case Hindus and untouchables met and discussed various measures to try to arrive at a compromise that would satisfy Gandhi. Proposals and counterproposals were made and considered. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the most powerful leader of the untouchables, met Gandhi and assured him that he would try his best to find a just solution. On the third day of the fast, Gandhi’s condition caused anxiety to all his friends. He was very weak and had to be carried to bathroom on a stretcher. His voice was feeble, his blood pressure was rising. The authorities grew panicky. They sent for Kasturba and allowed all his friends and followers to be with him in jail. On the fifth day of the fast, Hindu leaders finally reached an agreement and signed a pact that would do away with the separate electorates. Gandhi, however, would not accept the pact unless it had been ratified by the British rulers. News came that the British had approved the pact; but still Gandhi would not break his fast until he had seen the text of the approval. The official document of the British government’s approval to the pact came and Gandhi accepted it. Gandhi was released from prison in early 1933. Shortly thereafter he suspended the mass civil disobedience movement but sanctioned individual civil resistance resistance to the government’s policy of repression. For the next seven years, Gandhi worked hard for the social and spiritual awakening of the people. Many leaders, including Nehru, did not
ties. “But,” said Nehru, “how can I presume to advise a magician?” Sabarmati Ashram had been seized by the government during the salt satyagraha. So Gandhi established a little retreat at Sevagram near Wardha in Maharashtra. This became his headquarters. New reforms sponsored by the government got little support from the people. However, many people, including Congress workers, wanted to try them out as a means of furthering the Swaraj movement. In 1939, the Second World War broke out. England and France declared was on Nazi Germany. Without consulting Indian leaders, Britain declared India also to be at war on the side of the allies. Though Gandhi’s sympathies lay with the British, he believed that all violence was evil and therefore he would have nothing to do with the war effort. The Indian National Congress wanted to help Britain and fight on the side of the allies, but only as a free nation. But to grant India independence seemed ridiculous to Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his government. They had no intention of letting India go by default. Britain refused to accept the cooperation offered by the Congress. As a protest, all the Congress ministries in the provinces resigned. The government took over the administration and they too all measures that would help the was effort. Acting on the goodwill and restraint taught by Gandhi, the Indian leaders showed no reaction. However, events in Europe were having repercussions in India. The Congress Working Committee found itself unable to accept in its entirety Gandhi’s attitude to the war. In particular, they would not accept his view that the defence of India should not depend on the armed forces. Congress leaders met several times in Gandhi’s room at Sevagram and talked of their desire to start some action. Finally a proposal was put forward that all provincial governments should join with the British authorities in the defence of India, but the British rejected the offer. -To be continued next week
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
September 08, 2017
INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM