Silver Heart Care (SHC) Hosts Its 5th Annual 5K/10K Charity Run
Sugar Land: On March 23, the trails of Sugar Land Memorial Park were filled with energy, excitement, and purpose as Silver Heart Care (SHC) hosted its 5th annual 5K/10K Charity Run. This event, which brought together participants from all over the Houston-Sugar Land area, raised funds to support SHC’s Wheels of Wellness initiative, which provides senior citizens with free transportation to critical appointments like doctor visits and pharmacy pickups.
Starting early that Sunday morning, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters gathered at the starting line, ready to take part in something bigger than themselves. This year’s event gathered 300 participants, four keynote speakers, and 14 race award winners. The speakers present included Former Representative Jacey Jetton, Councilwoman Carol McCutcheon, Councilman William Ferguson, and Councilman Naushad Kermally.
Among the participants were passionate runners and supporters who have been dedicating their efforts to SHC since its conception. Many shared stories of why they chose to run—whether in honor of a loved one who is a senior citizen, or because they personally experienced the positive impact of the organization’s work.
The Charity Run included both runners and walkers for the 5K and 10K categories, and awarded first, second, and third-place prices for males and females in both distance groups. Whether participants were seasoned runners or first-time walkers, the event offered something for everyone. Volunteers lined the route with hydration stations, cheering squads, and motivational signs, adding an extra layer of fun to the day.
Silver Heart Care, Inc. is a Sugar Land-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has been active since 2020 and was founded by Raghav Singh, who was a high school sophomore during the organization’s inauguration.
SHC was founded on the idea that senior citizens require more assistant than they are typically provided, and that there should be a bridge between them and youth volunteers that connects generation by allowing young adults in the community to be of service. Today, SHC provides aid to seniors in the Sugar Land-Houston area in the form of the Wheels of Wellness program, help moving, canned goods collections for under-funded retirement homes, and post-natural disaster aid.
The success of the Charity Run would not have been possible without the support of local sponsors, volunteers, and donors.
The Charity Run may have come to an end, but the impact of the event will last long after the finish line. SHC is already planning next year’s event. If you missed this year’s run, be sure to mark your calendars for next year and join us in continuing the journey toward a stronger, more compassionate community.
For more information about Silver Heart Care and how you can get involved, visit www.silverheartcare. org, email us at silverheartcare@gmail.com, or search for us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Meenakshi Temple in Pearland Celebrates Mahashivarathri
eating or drinking anything and break the fast only after the sunrise, the next day.
PearLand: Mahashivarathri, every year, is celebrated on the 14th day of Phalguna month when Chathurdasi falls at night and due to the alignment of celestial bodies, there is a natural flow of high energy among living beings. There are many legends behind the significance of Mahashivarathri.
One legend mentions that this is the night that Shiva married Parvathi. Another one mentions that on this day, Shiva performed the cosmic dance, Tandava, symbolizing the creation, preservation and destruction of the entire infinite universe. Some believe that on Mahashivarathri, Shiva swallowed the poison produced due to the churning of the ocean and kept it in his neck giving it a blue color and hence the name, Neelakandan. Yet others consider that on this day, Shiva became one with Mount Kailash as an Adiyogi.
Whatever be one’s belief, devotees spend the day fasting, meditating, chanting prayers and visiting Shiva temples. Some fast for 24 hours (Nirjala Virat) without
Here at The Meenakshi Temple (MTS) in Pearland, Houston, MahaShivarathri was celebrated on 25th February in a grand, divine, and sublime way. Pradosham called Mahapradosham was also celebrated on the same evening, and abhishekam for Nandi (the vahanam of Lord Shiva) and Lord Shiva were performed first, with the devotees circumambulating the temple carrying Shiva and his consort Parvathi, in a procession on a palanquin. Alankaram for Nandi that day consisted of fruit garlands, made with black, red, and pink grapes, cherry tomatoes, mandarins, oranges, lemons, guava, and apples, a special alankaram indeed, for this night. What a beautiful sight it was!
Then Shivaratri pujas began with the first of the four Kala poojas at 9 pm. For each Kalam, Shivalingam was anointed and abhishekams performed with milk, yogurt, sacred ash, rose water, honey, and Panchamirtham. After the abhishekam, Shivalingam was adorned with new Vatsaram and
flower garlands of various hues and colors, imported fresh from Madurai, India. The other poojas were at 11.30 pm, 2 am and 4.30 am. Each alankaram was unique and breathtaking. Prasadams prepared by both MTS and the devotees were distributed after each pooja. Coffee, tea and other light snacks were supplied by MTS throughout the night. The devotees recited songs from the holy texts in many languages. Though the crowd, a microcosm of India, was the largest for the first kala pooja, it was still sizable and a vibrant one even for the pooja at 4.30 am.
Dances portraying many of Shiva’s thiruvilaiyadals (leelas or playful miracles) were performed by a team of 22 people headed by Dr. Obuli Karthik. Working men and women, housewives, and moms all worked tirelessly to make the decorations, sew the costumes, choreograph, and practice to perfection. The program lasted for nearly two hours. It brought back childhood memories and emotions. Dances were performed by children of all ages from different Bharatanatyam dance schools in the area. There were also Carnatic
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music concerts. It was a divine and spiritual night and the cultural program added to the grandeaur. It was a night of entertainment, edutainment, and excitement.
A large bedecked Shivalingam model, a replica of Lord Annamalai of Thiruvannamalai, with colorful lights, kept near the Dwajasthambam in the outer mandapam, was the cynosure of all. It invoked the sublime and serene within our souls and became the ‘photo booth’ for most devotees. What a feast it was to the eyes! All devotees were allowed to perform Aathmalinga Pooja through abhishekam of milk on Shivalingam kept at the center of the main hall. It is said that one attains immortality through this Pooja. Even in India, such opportunities are limited. In the holy text, Thirumanthiram, it is said that if one offers even a mere leaf but with sincerity, faith, and devotion, God accepts it with joy. So, performing this abhishekam was a privilege and exhilarating to all devotees.
The Chairman of the temple Board, Mr. Sundar Arun, in his speech, said that he was overwhelmed with the divine cel-
ebration, the increased number of devotees this year, the amazing cultural programs, the many spiritual bhajans all night, and thanked the silpis, priests, administrators and volunteers, the kitchen staff, coordinators, the executive and Board members for their commendable support and contributions.
As the first rays of Sun cleared the darkness, devotees received the Prasadams, quietly praying for their inner darkness to be cleared too, for nescience to be replaced by cognizance, the Maya by the Truth, the bonds by emancipation, and the turmoil by tranquility, All in all, the devotees left the temple with eyes, sleepy and moist with devotion, hearts filled with joy, souls enriched, and minds quieted. Was anyone tired? The answer was “No”. All those present were full of energy and excitement as they left the temple. An experience only to be experienced to savor it fully. As for me, I am eagerly looking forward to next year’s celebration of a very divine, spiritual and a fulfilling night of Shivarathri Celebration.
Om Namasivaya!
by dr. S. CheLLaiah
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SIAEA of New Jersey Introduces New Leadership Team
Edison, nJ: The Society of Indo-American Engineers and Architects (SIAEA) recently held its biennial election, ushering in a new wave of leadership committed to advancing the Society’s mission. The new team, headed by its president, Mr. Mitul Patel, PE, was formally sworn in at the Oath Ceremony by Mayor of Edison Mr. Sam Joshi, held on Saturday March 22, 2025 at Mirage Banquet in Edison, New Jersey. Mr. Patel, a licensed Professional Engineer and president at KeRi Engineering PC , expressed his commitment to strengthening the Society’s initiatives and empowering professionals of Indian origin across the United States. In the recent elections, Ms. Chitra Radin, ENV SP, a SIAEA Executive V. P., was voted as President-elect for the new term along with other executive committee.
The oath ceremony luncheon was graced by a distinguished guest list, including New Jersey State Senator Patrick Diegnan, Jr., Mayor Sam Joshi, Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, Assemblyman Sterley Stanley, Council candidate Kelli Dima, Council candidate Biral Patel and several former SIAEA presidents. During the ceremony, dignitaries praised SIAEA’s continued accomplishments and recognized the dedication of professionals of Indian origin for their vital contributions
to society. Encouraging remarks highlighted their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to building strong community bonds. The former president, Amil Patel, highlighted accomplishments during his administration and expressed his best wishes to new committee.
Following a heartfelt oath delivered by Mayor Sam Joshi, Mr. Patel shared his vision for the Society’s future. Emphasizing the need to build upon the achievements of past presidents, like Lal Motwani, Nayan Parikh, Jack Kapur, Ketan Shah, Mihir Patel and many oth-
ers, he stressed inclusiveness and the creation of new opportunities for engineers and architects of Indian origin. Drawing from his extensive involvement with the Society, Mr. Patel underscored his awareness of the organization’s potential to foster collaboration, enhance professional development, and promote innovation.
SIAEA’s new board members who took oath include Chitra Radin (President-Elect), Yatish Sharma (Executive Vice President), Yogesh Mistry (Secretary), Bony Parikh (Treasurer), and Board of
Directors: Nimesh Shah, Aditi Patel, Nirav Shah, Tejas Desai, Owais Ahmad, and Vijay Kamarajugadda.
SIAEA has reached several significant milestones over the years, including awarding scholarships to engineering and architectural students; organizing technical seminars; hosting networking events; and expanding its membership base. Mr. Patel pledged to continue these efforts while introducing new initiatives that promote innovation and social impact. In his speech, he urged members to
actively participate and leverage their collective expertise to empower communities.
In his address, Mr. Patel emphasized plans to enhance SIAEA’s visibility through new initiatives focused on technology and innovation. He committed to improving communication with members, fostering stronger engagement, and creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing through focused seminars. Additionally, Mr. Patel outlined his intention to establish new committees and subcommittees, inviting all past presidents to contribute their ideas, wisdom, and expertise to strengthen the organization’s future.
The Oath Ceremony concluded with a General Body Meeting, where financial statements and recent accomplishments were shared. Upcoming networking events announced for the year include a Dinner Cruise on July 26, 2025, a summer picnic , and the Annual Gala.
True to Indian traditions and hospitality, SIAEA continues to welcome members’ families and friends to networking events and professional seminars, promoting unity within the community. These gatherings celebrate the supportive network that makes professional success and growth possible, fostering connections within the broader community.
New Executive Committee: Left to Right – Yatish Sharma (Director), Bony Parikh (Treasurer), Aditi Patel (Director), Owais Ahmad (Director), Mitul Patel (President), Chitra Radin (President-Elect), Vijay Kamarajugadda (Director), Tejas Desai (Director), Nimesh Shah (Director)
US Imposes Reciprocal Tariffs on Trading Partners, 26% on India
waShington dC: US President Donald Trump celebrated America’s “Liberation Day” on April 2 by announcing “reciprocal tariffs” against all major trading partners.
The US runs a trade deficit of around $1.2 trillion. Trade deficit is the difference between the value of goods the US exports and the value of goods the US imports. A trade deficit (shown with a minus sign) of more than a trillion dollars means the US imports a trillion dollars worth more of goods than it exports.
There were two sets of tariffs announced. One, a base tariff of 10% against all countries. This in itself is a sharp increase from the pre-Trump 2.0 tariff rate of around 2.5%. This base rate of tariffs will go into effect on April 5.
Then there are country-specific tariffs (see table below) that were arrived at by estimating how much each of these countries charges on US goods and then halving it to reach “USA discounted reciprocal tariffs”.
President Trump said that Americans are “kind” people and that is why he is only levying half of the tariffs that he believes other countries are imposing on the US. These country specific tariffs will be enforced from April 9 onwards.
nounced reciprocal tariffs, in descending order of tariffs imposed.
The Table lists the main countries against which the US an-
Cambodia — with a per capita income of just $2,950 (just a tad more than India) and accounting for just 1% of the overall US trade deficit — has been hit with the highest level of tariffs. Bangladesh — with an even
lower per capita income and accounting for half a per cent of the overall US trade deficit — has got a tariff of 37%.
In contrast, China (with a much higher per capita income and accounting for almost 25% of the total US deficit) and the EU (with an even higher per capita income and accounting for almost 20 per cent of US trade deficit) have been hit with 34% and 20% tariffs respectively.
Indeed, of the list that President
Trump shared while announcing the tariffs, there were only three countries/ regions — China, EU and Vietnam — that accounted for the US trade deficit in double digits. And there were only two countries — Switzerland and Singapore — that were richer than the US in per capita terms.
India has been smacked with a tariff rate of 26%. Trump shared a report of the US Trade Department that gave details of why each country was being tariffed. The report came down heavily on the Government of India’s increasingly protectionist stance since 2014. In India’s case, to get a reprieve on tariffs, India’s leadership may have to reform its protectionist policies out of compulsion.
Together Building the Awakened Home – Laying the First Stone
Sugar Land: The “Together Building the Awakened Home” ceremony, held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the Universal Door Meditation Center was a momentous and spiritually impactful event. More than 300 people comprised of monastics, honored guests, members, and friends gathered on this auspicious day to witness the “Laying of the First Stone” for the International Awakened Retreat Center. The ceremony took place under the warm glow of a setting sun, in a peaceful and natural environment that far exceeded the typical atmosphere of a groundbreaking event.
The event was graced by Awakened Zen Masters Thich Dieu Thien and Thich Thong Hoi, who
have fully realized the Awakened Truth and compassionately guided many generations back to the Source. In the profoundly meaningful ceremony, they placed the first foundation stone, not merely for building a center, but as the Dharma Stone —unveiling the Path to the Unborn, the Undying Reality, for generations to come. This established Universal Door as an Awakened door, boundless and unlimited in all directions, to welcome everyone to return to the unborn. The receptivity and harmonious energy was palpable as the community gathered with open hearts. Everyone present turned toward the Awakened Zen Masters, inviting them to unveil the deeper meaning of the Dharma Stone—to
open the gate of the Unborn -- so that in that very instant, the entire assembly could directly perceive the Unborn, Undying Essence. When the Awakened Zen Masters transmitted the Unborn Nature, the entire space became still, filled with serenity and boundless openness, laying the foundation for the path that leads all beings back to their True Origin. The sprinkling of sand around the Dharma Stone represented merit and Bodhi seeds, falling to establish the Dharma Realm. This Center will be a sanctuary where wisdom is nurtured and flourishes, a place where all who arrive may pause and directly perceive the Unborn Essence. The ceremony not only marked the culmination of careful plan-
ning and preparation but also signaled the start of a new era for the Universal Door community and beyond. In revealing the future development plans, the Awakened Zen Masters, along with a dedicated team of monastics, core students, and architects, shared their vision for the International Awakened Retreat Center. The facilities will embody the Awakened Five Natures: infinite Wisdom, boundless Compassion, the pure Essence, endless Tools, and the Great Vow to awaken all beings to return to the Unborn The Center is open to people of all ages, cultures, religions, and backgrounds; it currently offers weekly Awakened Meditation sessions, monthly retreats, special
events, Youth and Teen programs, volunteering opportunities, and other activities to engage all members of the community toward connecting with the Awakened Ones, to have their Unborn Nature awakened and liberate the source of suffering.
“May the boundless power of the AWAKENED ONES reach all beings.
May the radiance of the Dharma Stone spread far and wide, infusing the earth, every tree, and every blade of grass—ensuring that Universal Door Meditation Center endures eternally, as a gateway to the Unborn Realm.”
For details, contact the Center at: info@universaldoormeditationcenter.org.
‘Great Elephant Migration’ Art Installation Now at Hermann Park
houSton: Hermann Park Conservancy, with the support of a lead gift from the Dunwoody Charitable Foundation, presents The Great Elephant Migration – a month-long public art installation featuring 100 life-sized sculptures of Indian elephants made from dried lantana plants. On site throughout the month of April 2025, Houston is the fourth stop on this traveling installation’s global journey, which will also feature the largest tusker the herd
has ever had on display. As part of the Conservancy’s Art in the Park initiative, the public art installation invites visitors to experience the beauty of wildlife conservation and sustainability.
From Tuesday, April 1, through Wednesday, April 30, The Great Elephant Migration can be experienced at Hermann Park for free during the Park’s operating hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The majority of herds will be located in the Park’s newest destination, the
Commons, with additional herds at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and in the Texas Medical Center.
“The Great Elephant Migration is more than an art installation— it is a call to action and a place to experience joy,” said Cara Lambright, president & CEO of Hermann Park Conservancy. “By bringing this breathtaking global effort to Hermann Park, we are inviting our community to be part of a worldwide movement to pro-
tect ecosystems, eradicate invasive species, and inspire change. These are shared values that span continents.”
The Great Elephant Migration is the fundraising adventure of 100 life-size Indian elephants migrating across the US to amplify indigenous knowledge and inspire the human race to share space. As they travel, they tell the story of Asia’s wild elephants and the indigenous communities living alongside them, where people and elephants
coexist in the densest populations in the world. A collaboration between indigenous artisans, contemporary artists and cultural institutions, it is raising millions of dollars to power human-wildlife coexistence projects through partnerships with over 20 conservation NGOs in the USA and around the world.
Visit thegreatelephantmigration. org to learn more about this initiative and see their previous stops.
ENTERTAINMENT Salman’s ‘Sikandar’: Weak Plot, Tedious Narrative
by dhavaL roy
Story: The king of Rajkot takes on a powerful minister and embarks on a mission to protect the recipients of his late wife’s organs—preserving her memory at all costs.
Review: Sanjay Rajkot (Salman Khan), the generous and courageous king of Rajkot, is fondly known as Sikandar or Raja saab by his people. His clash with a powerful minister (Sathyaraj) leads to the tragic death of his beloved wife, Saisri (Rashmika Mandanna). Before passing away, she donates her organs to three individuals in Mumbai. In a ruthless attempt to erase her memory and break Sanjay’s spirit, the minister targets the recipients—a young boy from the Dharavi slums who receives her lungs, a CA topper whose dreams are stifled by her orthodox fatherin-law and receives her eyes, and a college girl heartbroken in love and also with a weak heart. The film follows Sanjay’s journey as he protects them from harm while helping transform their lives.
A Salman Khan movie is a genre in itself, and you know what to expect—gravity-defying action, larger-than-life heroism, and punchy dialogues. Written and directed by A Murugadoss, this actioner checks all these boxes but suffers from an underwhelming plot and cliched narrative. Sikandar is the expected righteous, brave, and invincible figure typical of both the genre and a Salman Khan massive Eid release. He saves 6,000 Dharavi residents by arranging their treatment, empowers a homemaker (Kajal Agarwal), and helps a lost in love college girl. Amid all this, he battles the minister’s henchmen.
The predictable storyline is paired with a generic background score by Santhosh Narayanan. Kevin Kumar’s action direction is limited, with no jaw-dropping, extraordinary stunts to impress you. The few action sequences feel repetitive, with slow-motion shots, flying goons, and exploding cars. Salman Khan drives the film
with his signature star power. He strives to deliver an emotional, action-packed performance, but the sluggish narrative holds him back, while throwing in some over-thetop dialogues like, “Ab insaaf ki nahi, inhe saaf karne ki zaroorat hai.” Rashmika Mandanna has a few scenes and some songs, but the problem is not that. Overall, she has a strong screen presence but doesn’t have much to perform or elevate the scenes she appears in. Vatsan Chakravarthi plays a
corrupt cop and fits the role well. The surprise element is Sharman Joshi as Salman’s loyal aide—he holds his own opposite the superstar, delivering a restrained and impactful act.
The story is the biggest letdown of this larger-than-life movie; even if they are trying to draw in diehard Salman Khan fans, we wish they had taken the action notches higher. A few standout punches and stunts could have probably salvaged this one.-- ToI
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