Indo-American News: February 22, 2024

Leadership and Unity in Focus at the IACCGH Annual Reception

PreSS releaSe

HOUSTON: In the evening of Tuesday, February 13 steeped in warmth and camaraderie, the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston convened its Annual Reception, with Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Indian Consul General D.C. Manjunath as the chief guests. The event, held at the Legacy Room in City Hall, marked the beginning of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of IACCGH and underscored the Chamber’s pivotal role in fostering business opportunities and bi-lateral trade opportunities, and as a catalyst for collaboration and economic progress.

Rajiv Bhavsar, President of IACCGH, highlighted the significance of the presence of Whitmire and Manjunath in the shared commitment to advancing the interests of Houston while bolstering international ties.

Sanjay Ramabhadran, outgoing chairman of Houston METRO and former president of IACCGH, emphasized the mayor’s dedication to promoting diversity and driving economic prosperity, laying the groundwork for a promising future.

Whitmire, a seasoned leader with a wealth of legislative experience, expressed his unwavering dedication to public service. He outlined his vision for the city, emphasizing the importance of unity and progress

Whitmire shared anecdotes from his tenure, underscoring the city’s remarkable evolution and the invaluable contributions of its diverse communities. “I wish you could go back in history and walk in my shoes as a young state representative. The legislature was a different place then, but through collaboration and inclusivity, we’ve built a magnificent city,” Whitmire remarked, emphasizing the pivotal role of diversity and unity in shaping Houston’s trajectory.

Jagdip Ahluwalia, executive director of IACCGH, introduced Manjunath, lauding his exemplary service and steadfast commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. “Consul General Manjunath has been instrumental in building ties between India and the United States, driving economic growth, and collaboration,” Ahluwalia affirmed.

The Consul General echoed Mayor Whitmire’s sentiments. . “Our collaboration is a celebration of the richness that diversity brings to this great city. Together, we can continue to build bridges of understanding and contribute to the relationship between India and Houston,” Manjunath added.

The IACCGH Annual Reception was a testament to diversity and leadership, showcasing the deep impact of collaboration and shared vision. With Mayor Whitmire and Consul General Manjunath inspiring attendees, the event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing cooperation, collaboration, and economic growth. As Houston continues to evolve and embrace its diverse heritage, the Chamber remains steadfast in its commitment to driving positive change and strengthening the bonds between Houston and India while promoting business opportunities right here in the Houston region.

Heavy snacks was catered by Mahesh Shah of Daawat Catering The Chamber also introduced its 2024 Travel Partner Travel GUZ

Left picture: (from left) IACCGH Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia, Indian Consul General DC Manjunath, Houston Mayor John Whitmire and IACCGH President Rajiv Bhavsar on right.

How Do I Love You?

By JawaHar MalHOTra

HOUSTON: Nothing touches the Desi mind and heart more than the mesmerizing sounds of music and song and the tantalizing smells and taste of spicy food.Both of these were available in ample quantities last Friday evening, February 16 as the International Hindi Association celebrated Valentine’s Day, never mind it was two days past the actual day!!

Cupid’s arrows were busily marking their spots, with IHA directors handing out little sequined red hearts to all the over 100 people who attended the event at the Elite banquet Hall on Hwy. 6 near Voss.

The IHA folks very smartly asked all to get their dinner at 7pm, rather than after the performance, as is usually the norm to force guests to linger on and not

Continued on page 5

Song

How Do I Love You? in Hindi Verses and Song

Continued from page 4

leave early, so as not to interfere with the singers. And this was one of the rare times when the food was not overly spiced or salty, and the gajjar ka halwa was not super sweet, which was best suited to the palates of the mostly older crowd.

And the music suited the older guests too, as they were serenaded by melodious songs from Bollywood movies of yesteryear, songs, as one person said “that have melody, harmony and meaning that I can relate to”! With Darshak Thakkar of Krishna Sounds handling the sound system, the performers went through a 90-minute session that had everyone humming along and snapping their fingers.

The performance were brought together by Mahalakshmi Krishnan of ShreeKrithi School of Music, with three other singers from her school, which has transitioned as an outcome of COVID, from a storefront to online on Zoom.

With Mahalakshmi opening the night with three sweet numbers, Anil Sadana, (a chemical engineer by profession) joined in with solos and duets with her and another student, Aparna Ranganathan (software engineer by profession). The stage was then taken over by Abhinav Venkataraman (a special needs young man) who sang two Hindi songs in his strong delivery.

All the energy onstage prompted a young man –Nilesh - from the audience to ask to sing a couple of numbers, without the benefit of the karaoke music. His rendition of “Hum Lut Gaye” with a long wail had the audience give him a long applause! A perfect number to end the evening!!

Mahalakshmi Krishnan is a Houston based singer, composer, recording artist, actress and performer. Trained extensively in Indian Classical music, she is the Founder and CEO of ShreeKrithi School of Music which provides an enriched learning en-

Mahalakshmi Krishnan of ShreeKrithi School of Music, with three other singers from her school, Anil Sadana, Aparna Ranganathan and Abhinav Venkataraman. Opposite page: The IHA Board with the singers

vironment to help countless students get ahead in the field of music. She has a Masters in Economics and an MBA from Chicago. Mahalakshmi is a rooted Indian musician with a big heart for philanthropy and social work.

Consulate General of India Houston

SALE OF USED CAR

Sale of used official car Nissan-Armada Platinum 2018, black color, mileage 140,605 miles belonging to Consulate General of India, Houston. Interested persons may send their offer with refundable earnest money deposit of US$ 500/(Cashiers check in favor of CONSULATE GENERAL OF INDIA, Houston) by mail or in person before 1600 hrs on 8th March, 2024.

Address:

Consulate General of India 4300 Scotland Street, Houston, Texas 77007

For inquiry, please email: hoc.houston@mea.gov.in

Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya

MAHASIVARATRI

Come, Celebrate and receive Lord Siva’s blessings

Everything Here Belongs to You, Explores Love, Betrayal, Redemption

SUgar laNd: Author Saborna Roychowdhury’s latest novel, Everything Here Belongs to You, is a captivating exploration of love, betrayal, and redemption set against the rich tapestry of Indian political history and culture. In the vein of Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, Roychowdhury draws from her own family’s experiences, weav-

ing a spellbinding narrative that delves deep into the complexities of Indian social relations and identity.

In an era where issues of identity and culture are at the forefront, Everything Here Belongs to You presents a timely and thought-provoking examination of the intricate relationships be-

tween diverse cultures and social groups. With masterful storytelling, Roychowdhury challenges readers to confront their own biases and prejudices, urging them to embrace the beauty and diversity that make our world so vibrant.

Roychowdhury’s voice as an Indian-American author offers a fresh and unique perspective on

the experiences of the different religion and classes living in Kolkata, India, shedding light on their joys, struggles, and aspirations and making a vital contribution to contemporary literature. Everything Here Belongs to You stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of

diverse voices in shaping the literary landscape. It also illustrates the relevance of diverse perspectives in literature.

On Sunday, February 18, Saborna hosted a book reading event at her home in Sugar Land to a capacity crowd of guests who

Continued on page 8

Authors Saborna Roychowdhury (left) and Nishita Parekh read from their bookd to a group at a function on Sunday, Feb 18.

Everything Here Belongs to You, Explores Love, Betrayal, Redemption

Continued from page 7 were treated to readings from her book, “Everything Here Belongs to You”, and from USA TODAY’s bestselling author, Nishita Parekh’s, “The Night of the Storm.” in parallel sessions in two living rooms. Writer, Neeta Bhate Patwardhan acted as the moderator.

Saborna and Nishita talked about their publishing journey. Being a writer of color, Saborna talked about what it means to be judged

and how one is judged in a literary landscape that is still heavily weighted in favor of white men. She talked about her own struggle getting her book published. She told the guests that the books the publishing industry puts out remains disproportionately white. The guests agreed that the authentic experiences of people like them are not well represented in the bookstores. They wanted to see more writers from the Indian subcontinent.

Nishita Parekh talked about

her experiences as a woman and an immigrant. She is a software programmer but a writer at heart. Despite being a mom of a spirited toddler, Nishita pushed hard to complete her debut novel, “The Night of the Storm.” Her novel follows a multigenerational Indian American family who find themselves marooned in the house with a murderer during Hurricane Harvey.

The event ended with a Bengali style dinner.

IS nOw HIRIng In BaYTOwn

Chemical Engineers:

Chemical Engineers: Req. BS Chemical Engineering w/3 years specialty chemical mfg. exp.

Food Chemist: Req. BS Chemistry, Biology, or another related

Food Chemist:

field w/3yrs exp. in flavor ingredient, as well

as product development in Food Science

Batch Process

Batch Process Req. 3 years. Chemical batch process exp. Process Tech Cert not required.

Operators:

IT Desktop Support

IT Desktop Support Junior knowledge of Microsoft Active DIR, Cisco IOS. exp. troubleshooting enterprise

Operators: Technician:

networks. Exposure to video conference suites.

Buyer:

Buyer: Req. 5 yrs. purchasing exp. computer aptitude, negotiating skills, QB exp. a plus

Technician: Email resume to: apply@chemicalsinc.com Great pay and benefits. EOE/AAP

Chemical Engineers:

Chemical Engineers: Req. BS Chemical Engineering w/3 years specialty chemical mfg. experience

Batch Process

Batch Process Req. 3 yrs. Chemical batch process exp. Process Tech Certification not required.

Operators:Operators:

Analytical Chemist: Req. BS Chemistry, w/3 years basic

Analytical Chemist:

knowledge, exp w/ analytical equip. (GC, GC/ MS, HPLC, FTIR, AA)

Bench Top Chemist: Req. BS Chemistry w/3 years exp. bench

Bench Top Chemist:

formulations & analytical techniques w/3 yrs. specialty chemical mfg. exp. Email resume to:

baycityapply@chemicalsinc.com Great pay and benefits. EOE/AAP

FOUNder: dr. K.l. SiNdwaNi

PUBliSHer: JawaHar MalHOTra

ediTOr: PraMOd KUlKarNi

COrreSPONdeNT: SaNCHali BaSU

Historic Inauguration of BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi

aBU dHaBi, Uae: The iconic new BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi was inaugurated on 14 February by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj in the presence of the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, and the eminent Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence for the UAE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan.

The new Mandir, constructed on land generously gifted by the UAE president and ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was guided and inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a global Hindu fellowship.

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is the first traditional

Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, and stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between India and the UAE, embodying the spirit of cultural inclusivity, interfaith harmony, and community collaboration.

After arriving at the Mandir, Prime Minister Modi was warmly welcomed by community members from across India and the UAE as well as religious leaders from diverse faith communities.

During an extensive interactive tour of the temple campus Modi learned about some of the inspiring features of the Mandir that promote universal compassion, respect, charity, and learning.

Inside the Mandir, upon seeing Mahant Swami Maharaj, the

Prime Minister bowed respectfully to the global Hindu leader, before participating in a short Vedic ceremony paying homage to the seven Hindu deities enshrined under the seven spires of the Mandir, themselves reflecting the unity of the seven emirates of the UAE.

His Holiness and Modi then conducted the first grand arti (ceremony of light) of the deities – which was simultaneously performed by thousands at BAPS temples and homes across the world, with millions more watching online through the live webcast.

After meeting volunteers, children, artisans and others from all over the world who have supported the construction of this magnificent temple, Prime Minis-

ter Modi carved ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ into a piece of stone. The message of ‘the world is one family’ has been the foundational principle of the Mandir, guided by the life and work of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.

Prime Minister Modi then arrived in the assembly where thousands had gathered to celebrate the opening of the Mandir.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Modi said: “Today, the UAE has written a golden chapter in the history of humanity through this Mandir.”

In his blessings, Mahant Swami Maharaj emphasised the importance of the new Mandir as “an abode of love, peace and harmony.” He added, “Harmony is the

power of God, and humility is the way of God. With this understanding, we can serve humanity.”

Sharing his sentiments on this momentous occasion, Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan first thanked Prime Minister Modi for visiting the UAE. “We are proud to welcome a great friend from a great and friendly country.”

The Tolerance and Coexistence Minister also thanked His Holiness for building the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, saying “Today marks the beginning of something special. The new Mandir will be a place of worship and also a community centre.I share in your optimism. I share in your pride.”

(Top) Interfaith fellowship at the inauguration of the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi; above left, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj; above right, aarti being conducted by the two leaders.

CHESS

8 year old Ashwath Kaushik Youngest Player to Beat a Chess Grandmaster

after beating Stopa.

At eight years, six months and 11 days, Ashwath Kaushik made history on Sunday by becoming the youngest player ever to beat a chess grandmaster in a classical tournament game.

The youngster, who lives in Singapore, achieved the feat after beating Poland’s Jacek Stopa, 37, in round four of the Burgdorfer Stadthaus Open in Switzerland.

The previous record was only just set last month by then eight-year-old Leonid Ivanovic – who became the first player under the age of nine to beat a grandmaster in a classical game – but Ashwath was five months younger than the Serbian when he beat Stopa, according to Chess.com.

“It felt really exciting and amazing, and I felt proud of my game and how I played, especially since I was worse at one point but managed to come back from that,” Kaushik told Chess.com

Born in India in 2015, Ashwath has already made a name for himself after winning a number of youth tournaments around the world – notably becoming the World Under-8 Rapid champion in 2022, per Chess.com.

Ashwath has earned the attention of some of the chess world’s biggest names like Anish Giri. He finished 12th in this week’s tournament in Switzerland and plenty is expected of the youngster as he continues to compete against opponents with decades more experience.

In an interview with Chess.com, Ashwath’s father said neither he or his wife have a history of playing chess and it was a surprise to see his son, who he says practices around seven hours a day, become such a talented player.

“It’s surreal as there isn’t really any sports tradition in our families. Every day is a new discovery, and we sometimes stumble in search of the right pathway for him,” his father, Kaushik Sriram, told Chess.com

Credit: CNN

BUrgdOrFer STadTHaUS, SwiTzerlaNd: Look out, there’s another chess prodigy on the scene.