Houston: The Texas Hill Country was hit by devastating floods over the July 4rth weekend, the floodwater may have receded but death toll has risen beyond 130, search continues for more than 160 unaccounted people and economic damage is estimated to be $22 Billion.
In response to this crisis, IACF has partnered with local organizations across Houston to raise funds for the relief and rebuilding efforts in the City of Kerrville - one of the hardest-hit areas. IACF is grateful for the support of its partnering organizations, who have come together to amplify this cause and help Texas families rise again.
All Members of IACF and its partnering organizations are working diligently to help fellow Texans.
“Our hearts go out to the families affected by this disaster. Our prayers are with those who have suffered, and we stand in solidarity with the first responders and volunteers providing critical support during this challenging time, Let’s stand together, Texas Strong.” said Pankaj Rana, President of IACF.
The Indo-American Charity Foundation (IACF) is calling on the community to come together in support of families impacted by
the devastating floods that have recently struck the Texas Hill Country.
How You Can Help:
IACF urges everyone to donate. Every dollar builds Hope.
100% of the proceeds will go directly to the City of Kerrville for official relief and rebuilding initiatives.
All contributions are tax-deductible.
Fundraising Goal: $500,000
Donate: Scan the QR code on the flyer or donate via Zelle at 281-313-0323.
PayPal and other details: www. iacfhouston.com
For more information, please contact:
Pankaj Rana, President – 772444-7262
Ramesh Chervirala, Special Ops Director – 713-875-4336
Gobind Kamnani, Community Outreach Director – 713-5940029
Dr. Venkateswer Surabhi, Secretary – 281-450-9802
About IACF:
The Indo-American Charity Foundation is a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit, dedicated to supporting communities in times of need, for past 37 years. Motto is, We live here, We give here.
Houston: Sewa International is reaching out to you following the devastating flash floods in the Texas Hill Country - waters rising to 29 feet in minutes that left entire communities drowned in grief and uncertainty.
Sewa International immediately mobilized over 100 volunteers from San Antonio, Houston, Austin, and Dallas are on the ground, distributing emergency supplies, comforting families, and helping coordinate rescue and recovery.
But the hardest part lies ahead— families who survived must now rebuild. Their hope depends on the strength and compassion of people like you.
How You Can Help
Donate: Financial support fuels relief and long-term rebuilding
Volunteer: Help us transport aid and house volunteers
Spread the Word: Engage your community, temples, and organizations
Tragedy has struck, but together, we can uplift those who are suffering. Share this appeal. Extend your hand. Show that compassion knows no boundaries.
Here are some useful links
Donation link - https://sewausa.org/TexasHillCountryFloodRelief2025 NDTV coverage Video - https:// www.facebook.com/share/ v/1Bq1PhEtjJ/
Volunteer registration - https:// forms.gle/YDefWWcbnuTvvuse9
Link to pictures of Sewa efforts on the ground - https://photos.app. goo.gl/RJjq4uzvXPDjWwsz9
Houston area Flood Response Volunteer WhatsApp group - https://chat.whatsapp.com/
Camp Councillors: Top Row: Pratham Rathi, Arrin Desai, Sarthak Bansal, Aarav Singh, Abhishek Pratap, Shrey Parekh, Bhavya Kansal, Saahith Garg, Aarav Shah, Arnav Devani, Arnav Agrawal, Aditya Meenakshisundaram, Saahas Ganesh
Fourth Row: Hriday Bhutada, Suraj Vadapalli, Rishabh Raaj, Aneesh Deshmukh, Aditya Tirlotkar, Krissh Medepalli, Shubham Agrawal, Sidd Gokhale, Smeet Parekh, Neil Bhattacharya, Shivam Gaikaiwari
Third Row: Shakti Dash, Saaj Patel, Aman Patel, Dhruv Parekh, Akhil Vaidya, Aditya Dhiman, Harini Ganesh, Nidhi Gupta, raddha Guha, Sanjana Mittal, Maya Neti, Prisha Menon, Riti Patel, Archana Arangil
Second Row: Rishabh Ashar, Harshada Krish, Pari Dhawan, Siddhi Bavare, Shreya Thakekar, Anvi Bawiskar, Anuva Mundra, Aadya Jain, Eesha Patel, Medha Koniki, Radhika Patwardhan, Veda Javalagi
Bottom Row: Amshu Naglikar, Ashritha Simhadri, Krupa Rathi, Yasha Kaushal, Reya Patel, Diti Kulkarni, Anushka Prabhu, Trisha Gurnani, Suhani Shah, Avanthi Reddy, Nivi Manika
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Houston: Of all the acronyms we toss around, one always sparks smiles and good vibes: HHYC — four letters that stand for the best five days of the year.
After months of planning, we’re thrilled to welcome campers to another unforgettable week of learning, bonding, and growth. The 41st year of the Hindu Heritage Youth Camp (HHYC) is kicking off soon. Since 1985, this camp has built a bridge for Hindu-Americans in the Greater Houston Area to celebrate cultural traditions and uncover the deeper lessons of Hinduism. HHYC is part of Hindus of Greater Houston.
HHYC is more than a camp. It’s a space where campers explore identity, build confidence, and form lifelong friendships. It’s where our vibrant culture is celebrated with joy and pride. As a first-time counselor, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation for this year’s camp.
Growing up, I didn’t have a strong Hindu community around me. I rarely met kids who celebrated the same holidays or spoke the same languages as I did at home. Hinduism often felt like something distant, reserved for temple visits or family rituals. But HHYC changed that. It gave me a safe place to connect with others and realize how large and welcoming our community truly is.
What I love most about HHYC is the balance – one moment, we’re planning lessons and coordinating activities; the next, we’re racing across the field playing games like Coconut Tree. Holi is
another favorite, where we cover each other in color and laugh until we can’t breathe. Looking around and seeing directors, counselors, and campers all dusted in the same rainbow shades reflects the spirit of HHYC: joy, equality, and togetherness. Through it all, I’ve made incredible friends, some of whom I met at Sunday meetings and bonded with at camp. And none of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors. As a nonprofit, HHYC runs on the selfless seva of those working behind the scenes. With 86 counselors on board, we’ve spent Sundays crafting thoughtful lessons – from Bhagavad Gita
teachings to pop culture connections to help campers walk away with new insights and a stronger sense of belonging.
This year, I’ll be teaching lessons based on the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text written between the first and second century BCE. Though ancient, its wisdom is still deeply relevant. While we may not face a battlefield like Arjuna, we all experience moments of doubt or confusion. With courage, good guidance, and the right mindset, we can overcome anything. I’m eager to show how these lessons connect to our daily lives.
At the heart of this effort are our incredible directors: Srushti Gaikaiwari, Smit Shah, and Keshav
Shah.
Srushti Gaikaiwari, daughter of Shishir and Sanskruti Gaikaiwari, returns for her second year as director. A December 2023 Texas A&M graduate in Bioinformatics, she’s been part of HHYC since elementary school — first as a camper, then counselor. “Camp helped me see how Hinduism fits into our American lives,” she says.
“Now I get to pass that experience on.”
Smit Shah, son of Akshay and Tejal Shah, joins as a first-time director. A May 2023 Biochemistry graduate from UT Austin, Smit brings dedication and heart to the leadership team. “After 14 years with camp, I’m proud to share what I’ve learned and help build a space where we form friendships and connect with our Hindu roots,” he says.
Keshav Shah, son of Rajiv and Nisha Shah, is also serving his first year as director. A longtime camper and now a May 2025 graduate from the University of Houston with degrees in Accounting and MIS, he’s passionate about giving back. “Camp gave me lifelong friends and a place to learn about Hinduism — now I get to help create that for future generations.”
Together, these three directors have worked tirelessly to make this year’s camp the best it can be.
From safety protocols and menus to education planning and counselor training, they’ve poured their heart and soul into every detail.
True seva is service done with
heart — and that’s exactly what our directors embody. Their leadership ensures that every camper, counselor, and volunteer has the tools and support needed to make these five days meaningful.
As we gear up for the week, I feel grateful to be part of something this special. HHYC isn’t just another summer camp — it ties us together and helps us grow, whether we’re singing bhajans for the first time or having thoughtful conversations guided by counselors.
From sunrise to sunset, each day at camp is filled with moments that matter. We kick things off with Shakha at 7 a.m., followed by yoga and games like Coconut Tree and Ko to get energized. Campers then dive into thoughtful education sessions and creative arts and crafts. Each evening ends with Aarti and bhajans, where the flicker of flames and our voices in harmony create a sacred space to reflect, reconnect, and remember why we’re here.
Our celebrated traditions — from gaga ball and Garba night to education sessions and Holi — make these five days truly unforgettable. But the lessons, friendships, and memories last long after camp ends. They stay with us as we head back to school, grow into adulthood, and continue building our future.
As we celebrate 41 years of HHYC, I can’t wait to see how the next generation will keep the magic going.
Shreya Thakekar is a rising freshman at the University of Texas
In the vibrant tapestry of Houston’s interfaith and intercultural landscape, July 19th to August 1st, 2025 is poised to witness a spiritual event unparalleled—the Life Transformation program by world-renowned spiritual leader Swami Mukundananda.
Swami Mukundananda is a globally acknowledged Spiritual teacher, an international authority on mind management, and a best-selling author who earned his degrees from the prestigious institutions IIT Delhi and IIM Kolkata. He worked with a multinational firm for a short while before renouncing a promising career at the age of 23 to enter Sanyas (monkhood) and studied the scriptures under the tutelage of his spiritual teacher Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj. For four decades he has been sharing his vast knowledge through his books, lectures and discourse seminars. His steadfast positivity exudes hope, clarity and a sense of purpose to those who connect with him. He has deeply
affected the lives of millions of people who have been drawn by his profound integrity, charismatic personality and his passion to serve. His lectures on social media platforms are loved and followed by millions.
Swami Mukundananda will be visiting Houston from July 19th through August 1st, 2025. His first week program from Saturday, July 19th through Friday, July 25th will be at Sharadamba
the first week, the topic of Swamiji’s lecture series is Yog Sutras of Patanjali. The Yog Sutras of Patanjali stand as a timeless masterpiece in the realm of spirituality and philosophy. Each sutra as explained by Swami Mukundananda in his lecture series, is a treasure chest of wisdom, meticulously crafted to convey profound truths in concise and eloquent language. His second week program from Saturday, July 26th through Friday, August 1st will be at India House, 8888 W
Belfort Ave, Houston, TX 77031 from 7PM to 9 PM. For the second week, the topic of Swamiji’s lecture series will be the 7 Divine Laws to Awaken Your Best Self. Swami Mukundananda has elucidated the principles of self-transformation and personal growth in his book The 7 Divine Laws to Awaken Your Best Self. Drawing from ancient Vedic wisdom and blending it with contemporary insights, he outlines seven universal laws that serve as a practical guide to manifesting one’s highest potential. These divine laws provide a roadmap to inner harmony, purpose, and success in life
Please mark your calendars and attend. It will be an introduction to an inspired life.
The program is FREE and dinner prasadam will be served each day at the conclusion of the program. To register please visit https:// www.jkyog.org/events/Houston Contacts : 281-630-5982 or 281780-4877
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Houston: “I never knew there were so many multicultural news outlets in Houston!”
This was the comment most widely shared among some 200+ attendees at Houston Community Media’s first ever Expo, Conference and awards held on July 8 at the United Way Conference Center. Speakers included elected officials, city agency reps, business leaders, comms specialists, community influencers, and social media innovators who came to validate the role of 45 different news outlets in Greater Houston’s media ecosphere.
And for the media representatives – whether media giants like Televisa-Univision or Telemundo-Houston, the regional leaders like Houston Defender, Southern News Express, the Vietnam Post, Que Onda, Pakistan Chronicle,or outlets serving niche audiences like Desi News TV, Korea Journal, La Esquina, LGBTQ – there was the exhilaration of being recognized as an indispensable bridge for news and information serving all of Houston.
“This is our coming out party,” said HCoM director Nakia Cooper. “Long invisible or ignored because we’re so fragmented, we’ve forged ourselves into a collective voice to expand our access to the public sphere and better inform our communities.”
“This is what inclusive communications looks like,” said Dr. Laura Murillo, head of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce who also hosts her own show on Univision. “Look around you–diversity is not a bad word, it’s who we are becoming and these are the bridges
we need to build for our future.”
“As CEO of Harris Health, I’ve seen first hand how the stories we tell – and who gets to tell them –can shape the health of entire communities,” said Dr. Ismaeil Perso, “When we bring together multicultural media, health systems and community voices, as we do today, we don’t just close information gaps, we build a foundation for trust, civic engagement and health equity.”
Bridging the generation gap, 26 year old Carlos Espina shared how he started out at 19 using Facebook and Instagram to teach students about how to become a citizen to growing an audience of 12 million on Tik Tok – all while attending college and then law school. This is the technology all media have to embrace to remain relevant, Espina emphasized, but if I can do it with no formal training so can you. Today he calls himself a com-
munication activist who shares information in 12 daily “mi gente” feeds about, among other issues, how to deal with mass deportations. While he graduated from law school he has yet to make time to take the bar.
“This is a historic event,” said Jay Malhotra of Indo American News – “coming together to pitch the importance of the audiences we serve. But visibility is a means to a more urgent end – sustaining our outlets when the whole industry is close to collapse. For that we need the decision makers to include us in their ads. And that hasn’t happened yet,”
Malhotra spoke in an afternoon plenary session where a dozen comms specialists shared ideas with reporters about how to diversify communications and expand access to advertising dollars. Kenneth Li, a prominent Asian American community leader and
realtor, echoed Malhotra when he called out the Housing Authority of which he is a member for
placing notices about its planning meetings only in English language media and then wondering why –despite having interpreters in three languages – no one from Asian or Spanish speaking audiences attend.
“The key is building relationships, rediscovering the art of conversation and meeting in person, as we’re doing today,” said Stuart Rosenberg, a PR veteran.
The event concluded with a celebration of the winners of the first Houston Community Media Awards selected from over 80 entries in seven languages. Coemcee Telemundo news anchor Antonio Hernandez applauded the winners for telling the stories of their communities.” This is how we shape the narrative about who we are,” he said.
the Story of A bitter old mAn brought bAck to life by A bright-Souled child hAS never been more relevAnt or touching.
By JuHi VarMa
Houston: Centered on autism and the Indian Army, Anupam Kher’s new film Tanvi the Great is set for theatrical release on July 18, 2025.
I was among the lucky Houstonians who had the chance to watch the film ahead of its release and take part in a Q&A with Kher and newcomer Shubhangi, who stars as Tanvi. Here’s my spoiler-free review (with minor details drawn from the trailer, which, incidentally, has already garnered 21 million views).
You’ll get a crash course in autism and the heartbreak that comes with it. You’ll see what it takes to wear an Indian Army uniform. You will leave the theatre mistyeyed, contemplative, possibly on the verge of enlisting—but you will not be bored.
Anupam Kher’s Colonel Raina has spent years barricaded behind old routines and older resentments. His only son is dead, and his only grandchild is “like this.”
We’ll hear many labels used to describe Tanvi’s autism — some unkind, like “abnormal” or “aisi hai”, and others gentler, like “alag hai” or “different, but no less.”
The film follows two arcs: Colonel Raina, hardened by loss, slowly sheds his grief and resentment as he learns to truly see and appreciate his autistic granddaughter, and Tanvi, whose time with her grandfather becomes a journey of self-discovery. Taking charge of her future, she decides to join the Indian Army—whether she succeeds is for the audience to discover. What’s certain is that her journey is heroic, and the film ends on a powerfully emotional, deeply satisfying note.
Newcomer Shubhangi makes a sparkling debut. The audience’s reactions to Tanvi are a testament to her convincing performance— you will care about her, you will find yourself wanting to scold her, to tell her to act her age and stop crying, just as her grandfather does in a pivotal scene. In the end, you will feel very proud of her.
Complementing these two storylines is Vidya Raina played by Pallavi Joshi, Tanvi’s devoted and intelligent mother, who has raised her autistic daughter alone since her husband’s death. Vidya travels abroad for an autism awareness conference, entrusting Tanvi to her grandfather. Her storyline gently educates the audience about the challenges presented by neurodivergence, societal perceptions, and what life with autism looks like.
“There is no set formula for parenting, and especially for autistic children,” Vidya says. “Autistic people think differently, hence, their reactions are also very different. This is not a disability. The
ability to think differently is what we call autism, when, in fact, it’s a superpower.”
Rounding out the cast is a stellar lineup, including Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, and Arvind Swami, along with Iain Glen, recognizable to audiences from Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey.
Kher disclosed during the Q&A session that the film’s senior actors had waived their fees.
“None of our senior actors asked for a single penny,” he said.
I am the greatest fan of the Indian army
The film also sheds light on the Indian Army. Jackie Shroff’s Brigadier Joshi embodies honor and bravery, while his son, a cynical vlogger, scoffs at the profession, noting that “a CEO deciding bubblegum thickness earns more in a year than an army officer does in a lifetime.” It’s a sharp commentary that highlights both the unfairness of the system and the quiet heroism of those who serve despite better-paying options elsewhere.
pendence Day and Republic Day.
After earning a standing ovation at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and being showcased in several U.S. cities, the Tanvi the Great is set for release on July 18.
The Houston screening, part of the film’s promotional tour, was hosted by Rajender Singh, President of Star Promotion Inc.
“I am the greatest fan of the Indian army,” Kher said during the Q&A. “I grew up in Shimla, which was the headquarters of Western command.”
Kher said he wanted to make a film that truly honored the army, a sentiment reflected in the film’s songs.
“Sena ki Jai” showcases the more glamorous side of army life, complete with champagne flutes and elegant hors d’oeuvres, and gives Tanvi a chance to wear a stylish dress. The rousing track is likely to become a staple at school celebrations across India on Inde-
A veteran of Houston’s show promotion scene for over 25 years, Singh had never organized a film premiere until Kher, a longtime friend, asked him to host the screening. “Hosting the Houston premiere of Tanvi The Great was an unforgettable honor,” Singh said.
The real Tanvi Kher, an icon of Indian cinema with countless films to his credit, said Tanvi the Great is only his second directorial venture. The first was Om Jai Jagdish in 2002—a film he hadn’t written and, as he
three years ago, at a family celebration in Gurgaon.
“Tanvi was 13 years old at that time,” Kher said. “We were all having fun, but Tanvi was standing at a window looking at the mountains. I went up to her and said, ‘what are you doing?’ she said, ‘I’m looking at my world.’ I could not understand what her world was, and she could not describe her world-- that was when the first scene came into came into my mind.”
Kher shared that financing the film was a major challenge, but he was determined to see it through, believing that if it wasn’t made now, it might never be made at all. In the end, it was friends—people with no connection to cinema— who stepped in to help. “There is a certain amount of sincerity and joy behind this film,” he said.
A total of 240 people, including several senior actors, were involved in bringing the project to life, he said.
admitted, wasn’t a story to which he’d felt deeply connected. He’d wanted to write his own script for years but hadn’t found the right story, he said. More than 20 years later, Tanvi The Great finally gave him that chance.
“I have a niece, my first cousin sister’s daughter,” Kher said. “Also named Tanvi. Tanvi is autistic.”
Kher shared the exact moment the film popped into his head—
All in all, Tanvi The Great is the kind of sweeping, feel-good family epic that just might help revive Indian movie theaters. At a time when audiences often prefer the convenience of streaming at home, this film feels too grand to be confined to a flatscreen. Its scale and warmth practically demand the communal experience of the big screen. Word of mouth alone is likely to draw crowds eager to recapture the kind of cinematic magic that can’t be replicated in a living room.
By sreeParna senguPta
Story: When a man begins to suffer from episodes of memory loss and hallucinations, his family decides to abandon him. Only to realise that they need to find him again, to serve their own purpose. But by now he has moved on with plans of his own and has no intentions of returning
Review: When the doctors can offer no further solution to Kaalidhar’s (Abhishek Bachchan) increasing episodes of memory loss and hallucinations, other than expensive medication, his family begins to think of ways to get rid of him. The oldest among four siblings, Kaalidhar, is taken to the Kumbh Mela by two of his younger brothers. Their plan is to ‘lose’ him there. The two even lodge a complaint at the ‘lost and found’ office to keep themselves above suspicion. But provide no other help, to ensure he remains missing.
Finding himself alone and unable to recall his own name or address, Kaalidhar begins to search for his brothers and somehow manages to find his way back to their tent. Only to overhear his family expressing relief over having ‘lost’ him, as they can ill-afford his medical treatment.
A heartbroken Kaalidhar, boards the next bus he can find, to get as far away from them as possible and finds shelter for the night at a temple, near a village. It is here that he meets an 8-year-old orphan, Ballu (Daivik Bhagela) and eventually the two strike up an unlikely friendship. A street-smart and worldly-wise Ballu takes Kaalidhar under his wing and Kaalidhar, too, starts to watch out for Ballu. As they begin to spend more time together, they forge a deep bond, almost like father and son. They even draw up Kaalidhar’s wish-list of things he has always wanted to do and start ticking off the list, one by one. Meanwhile,
Kaalidhar’s brothers, drowning in debt, realise they need to find him to sort out their messy financial situation. And go back to the lost and found officer, Subodh (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub) to convince him to resume his search.
Kaalidhar Laapata’ is the Hindi adaptation of the popular 2019 Tamil, comedy-drama film, K.D.; both helmed by the same director, Madhumita. The story line is mostly similar, barring some changes. While in the Tamil version, KD (Mu Ramaswamy) is an 80-year-old man, whose children plan to kill him through euthanasia to usurp his property, in the Hindi version Kaalidhar is a middle-aged man suffering from memory-loss
For most part, ‘Kaalidhar Laapata’ hits the right notes but there are some bumps along the way. For one, the ‘wishlist’ that Kaalidhar prepares along with Ballu doesn’t have the same emotional ring to it as an 80-year-old K.D. making his bucket list, in the original. Also, as
the story progresses, Kaalidhar’s memory loss track is a bit inconsistent.
And his reason to let go of his lady love, Meera (Nimrat Kaur in a special appearance), in his younger days, doesn’t seem convincing. That said, the film weaves in a beautiful and wholesome friendship between Ballu and Kaalidhar, which is a joy to watch. Daivik Bhagela as Ballu is a combination of confident, perky and warm, which is perfect for his role.
Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub is sincere as the detective who takes it upon himself to find Kaalidhar. Ultimately, it is Abhishek Bachchan’s moving performance that shoulder’s the film’s appeal. He subtly brings out Kaalidhar’s vulnerable yet mature side which is central to the film’s plot.
Overall, ‘Kaalidhar Laapata’ is a touching, slice-of-life drama that ends on an uplifting note and makes for a decent watch.-- ToI
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 July 22, 2025. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
