BANA Academic Fest 2025 Swami Mukundananda in Houston Club 24 Plus at Houston Food Bank
Charity organization Club 24 Plus members presented the Houston Food Bank with a $100K donation. -- PAGE 7
Swami Mukundananda ji will be visiting Houston from July 19th to August 1. -- PAGE 4-5
Bengal Association of North America is hosting its annual academic fest for schoolchildren. -- PAGE 3
India’s energy needs come first, India’s Foreign Secretary Vivek Misri said, “…We have been very clear that insofar as energy security is concerned, it is the highest priority of the government of India to provide energy security for the people of India, and we will do what we need to do with regard to that.” -- PAGE 2
India Defiant on EU-US Sanctions on Import of Russian Crude
New Delhi: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United Kingdom, foreign secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday addressed questions about growing Western pressure on India over buying Russian oil. He made it clear that India’s energy needs come first.Misri said, “…We have been very clear that insofar as energy security is concerned, it is the highest priority of the government of India to provide energy security for the people of India, and we will do what we need to do with regard to that.”
He added, “On energy-related issues itself, also, as we have said previously, it is important not to have double standards and to have a clear-eyed perception of what the global situation is insofar as the broader energy market is concerned... We do understand that there is an important and serious security issue that is confronting Europe, but the rest of the world is also there. It is also dealing with issues that are existential for the rest of the world, and I think it’s important to keep balance and perspective when talking about these issues.”
His comments came after the European Union imposed
Local Resident Exposes Failure to Honor Promotional Offer
Sugar laND: Paru McGuire, a respected South Asian community leader and president of Ashiana 55, is taking a stand against what she believes to be deceptive practices by a local home remodeling company.
After completing a bathroom renovation performed by One Day Bath Solutions, McGuire was promised a travel voucher as part of a promotional offer—but despite written assurances, the voucher never materialized.
The offer was communicated and confirmed by company representative Clif Silver, and formed a key part of McGuire’s decision to move forward with the project. Full payment was made on June 18, 2025, yet all subsequent attempts to receive the promised benefit were ignored or deflected.
a new round of sanctions on Russia over its war in Ukraine.
The EU’s latest move includes restrictions on fuels made from Russian crude and lowers the oil price cap. It also targets Rosneft’s Indian joint venture refinery and imposes new banking curbs, all aimed at cutting off Russian income from oil.
The European Union’s latest sanctions are expected to impact countries like India, Turkey, and the UAE, which refine Russian crude and export fuels such as diesel, petrol, and jet fuel to Europe.
According to GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava, “India’s $5 billion exports of petroleum products to the EU are at risk. The EU’s new sanctions ban imports of refined petroleum made from Russian crude via third countries like India.”
India’s petroleum product exports to the EU dropped from $19.2 billion in FY24 to $15 billion in FY25 — a decline of 27.1%, as per the think tank’s analysis.
In FY2025, India imported $50.3 billion worth of crude oil from Russia, accounting for over one-third of its total crude oil bill of $143.1 billion.
At the same time, the Trump-led US administration has also taken a tough line. Both President Donald Trump and other American leaders have warned countries like India, China, and Brazil - all Brics members - that they could face harsh economic penalties for continuing to import Russian oil.
Speaking on Fox News, US senator Lindsey Graham said, “I would tell China, India & Brazil. If you keep buying cheap Russian oil, to allow this war to continue, we will tariff the hell out of you,” adding, “And we’re going to crush your economy, because what you are doing is blood money.”President Trump had earlier echoed a similar warning during a meeting with Nato secretary general Mark Rutte at the White House. He declared that the US would impose 100 percent “secondary tariffs” on countries that keep purchasing Russian oil and gas if President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a peace deal within the next 50 days. -- ToI
ATTORNEYS
Worse, McGuire received a condescending message from the company stating, “Nobody is going to take your legal action seriously,” and advised her to “quit complaining… and enjoy your bath.”
McGuire has since filed a formal complaint with the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, contacted Sugar Land Council member Sanjay Singhal, and has filed a complaint with the Sugar Land Police Department. She further plans to report the company to the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division as well as the Better Business Bureau. She has also contacted television channels 2 (KPRC) and 11 (KHOU) to further investigate this company.
“This is not just about me,” said McGuire. “Many in our community—especially seniors—may not know how to advocate for themselves when businesses take advantage. I have the time and voice to speak up, and I will use it.”
She urges others who may have encountered similar experiences to step forward. “This is about trust, integrity, and consumer rights. Our community deserves better.”
In conclusion, McGuire urges all readers to not sign any contracts with One Day Bath Solutions
World-renowned Sanskrit Scholar to Share Timeless Wisdom July 25–27
houStoN: Get ready for a weekend of spiritual awakening!
Acharya Dr. Pradyumna Ji Maharaj, a Vedic scholar and mentor to Yoga guru Swami Ramdev Ji, will be in Houston from July 23 to 27, 2025.
Who is Acharya Dr. Pradyumna Ji Maharaj?
Acharya Dr. Pradyumna Ji Maharaj, born in 1955, in Alwar, Rajasthan, is a venerated Sanskrit scholar and spiritual guide. A disciple of great masters like Swami Vedanand Vedavagish and Prof. Mani Dravid, he has mastered Pāṇini’s grammar, Vedanta, Mimamsa, and Vedic philosophy.
Founder of Ārsha Gurukul, Khanpur (Haryana), Acharyaji has dedicated his life to imparting traditional Vedic education free of charge. From 2010 to 2020, he served as Acharya at Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar, teaching Aṣṭādhyāyī, Mahābhāṣya, Upanishads, Darshana, Geeta, and Ayurveda.
A revered teacher of world-renowned disciples like Swami Ramdev Ji Maharaj and Acharya Balkrishna Ji Maharaj, Acharyaji has been honored with several awards, including the Aryaratna Award (2012) and the Pt. Yudhishthir Mimansaka Acharya Award (2011).
Through TV channels, YouTube, and online sessions, Acharyaji continues to share the wisdom of the Vedas, Geeta, and Upanishads, inspiring spiritual seekers across the world.
Acharyaji was awarded an Honorary D.Litt. degree by Karnataka Sanskrit University in 2022, acknowledging his outstanding scholarship and lifelong service in Sanskrit and Vedic studies.
First visit to US
This will be Acharyaji’s first visit to the United States, taking place from July 18
BANA
to August 8, 2025, with programs scheduled in Atlanta, Houston, Washington D.C., Seattle, and San Francisco.
Acharyaji will deliver discourses on the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Geeta, Vedas, and Indian philosophy.
All sessions will be conducted in Hindi.
The three-day program in Houston will feature:
Yogeshawar Bhagwan Krishna’s Teachings and Assurances
Friday, July 25 | 6:00–7:00 PM
VPSS Haveli Mandir, 11715 Bellfort Village Dr, Houston, TX 77031
All sessions will be streamed live via Zoom (Passcode: guruji) and on YouTube at @ AcharyaPradyumnaOfficial
If you would like to host a program, arrange a satsang, or welcome Gurudev’s divine presence to your home or center, please reach out using the contact information below. For coordination and scheduling, please contact Shekhar Agarwal.
Email: shekharagrawal@gmail.com
Phone number: +1 (713) 443-8228
Find out more here: https://www.facebook. com/AcharyaPradyumnaOfficial/
to Host 2025 Academic Fest
houStoN: BANA has announced the 2025 Academic Fest to be held on August 9, 2024 at First United Methodist Church, 3900 Lexington Blvd, Missouri City, TX 77459. This will be an in-person event. As in the past years the contests will include Math, Science, Arts, Spelling Bee, Vocabulary, Speech, Debate, SAT etc. The math and science tests will be written by TMSCA specially for BANA. These tests will also serve as nice preparation for the TMSCA and UIL Contests during the upcoming school year.
As you are aware TMSCA and UIL work in close partnership. Spelling Bee will be organized by SpellPundit.com. The BANA Executive Committee has been trying hard to bring the best possible contest for the children to learn, participate and excel in this year’s contest. The flyer gives some additional details. The registration charge is very nominal and is for all activities for the event day. We have a capacity of only 150, so please register your children ASAP!
COMMUNITY
Swami Mukundananda’s Houston Program July 19th-Aug 1st 2025
A SpirituAl renAiSSAnce: uniting WiSdom And WellneSS in the heArt of houSton
houStoN: 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 Temple, 10315 Clodine Rd, Richmond, TX 77407 from 7PM to 9PM. For 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-trans-
formation 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 281-
houStoN: WOMCC clinched their second consecutive TCC Taped Ball Championship in an absolute thriller, defeating a valiant CSK team who put up a fantastic fight.
WOMCC opting to bowl first after winning the toss, faced a determined CSK batting lineup. CSK posted a strong total of 90 in their allotted 10 overs. Sunil Patel scored 33 runs out of 23 balls, helping CSK to get a good total. Ali Bangash Ali played a brisk cameo, scoring 17 runs off just 9 balls, injecting momentum into the innings at a crucial stage. His quickfire knock featured stroke play and proved valuable in boosting the team’s total.
Jayanth Kalakuntla and Pradeep Naidu Dasu were the standout bowlers for WOMCC, both delivering an exceptional spell of 2 overs for just 15 runs and picking up 2 crucial wickets, while the other WOMCC bowlers provided solid support to keep CSK from running away with a bigger total. Behind the stumps, wicketkeeper Prakash Parthiban was impressive and quick behind the wickets, taking four sharp catches and showcasing excellent glove work throughout the innings.
WOMCC’s innings began with a burst of aggression, led by Captain Harsha Teja and Prakash Parthiban. Prakash set the tone with a blistering 22 off just 11 balls, launching a fierce assault that immediately put the opposition on the back foot. His explosive start laid a strong foundation for the chase. Following that, Viswatej Mudigonda anchored the innings with a composed and well-crafted 29, ensuring WOMCC stayed firmly in contention. In a nail-biting finish, WOMCC
brilliance with the bat, Prakash Parthiban’s explosive knock, and Pradeep Naidu final over finish were key highlights, supported by disciplined bowling performances throughout the game. Pradeep’s composure under immense pressure in the final over showcased his nerves of steel and proved vital in securing WOMCC thrilling victory.
Neelesh Musale, the proud owner, Harsha Teja the aggressive captain and Jayanth Kalakuntla, the energetic vice-captain, were all instrumental in leading WOMCC to get another championship, maintaining their perfect 3/5 record in the TCC finals!
The victory was followed by a vibrant presentation ceremony, organized by Jagadish, the organizers. Captain Harsha Teja and team owner Neelesh Musale received the Winners’ Trophy for WOMCC, while the Runners-up Trophy was collected by CSK’S captain Aravinth Ganesh. Pradeep Naidu and Prakash Parthiban from WOMCC were the MOM for the final for brilliant bowling and hitting match winning runs. Viswatej Mudigonda named MVP of the tournament for his exceptional allrounder performance.
needed 8 runs off the final over but lost two quick wickets in the first three balls, turning the game into a tense affair. Rising to the occasion, Pradeep Naidu Dasu held his nerve and delivered under pressure, smashing a crucial four followed by a match-winning six to take WOMCC over the line in dramatic fashion. His calmness under fire turned out to be the game-changer.
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The WOMCC bowling unit was outstanding throughout the tournament, and special kudos to Viswatej Mudigonda, Abhiram Sirigi-
needi, Harsha Teja, who bowled exceptionally well, applying relentless pressure on opposition batters and contributing crucially to key moments. Their disciplined spells played a huge role in the team’s championship run.
Viswatej Mudigonda consistent
Tournament award winners were. Nishant Padihar from All Stars CC got best batsman with 168 runs, Sachin from JCC, Kalyan from ECC & Shashivardhan from RSCC got best bowler with 9 wickets each. Thisara from All Stars CC got the best wicketkeeper with 23 dismissals. Kavindu from All Stars CC got Best All Rounder with 149 runs and 7 wickets. Shashivardhan from RSCC, Hemanth from Javelinas-Genx got special awards for Hattrick.
Winners: WOMCC
Runners Up: CSK
Club 24 Plus Partners with Houston Food Bank, Raising Over $100,000 COMMUNITY
by Juhi VarMa
Houston’s own 713 Day celebrating the city’s iconic area code— Indo-American organization Club 24 Plus marked the occasion with a philanthropic effort, raising more than $100,000 to help combat food insecurity in H-Town.
Members of Club 24 Plus gathered at the Houston Food Bank’s 308,000-square-foot facility on Portwall Street to celebrate the milestone.
Club 24 Plus offered an initial matching fund of $10,000. Donations soon poured in from regular Houston Food Bank donors and Club 24 Plus members, bringing the total raised to over $100,000.
“Before we knew it, the contributions from regular Houston Food Bank donors started arriving,” said founder member Ashok Garg. “All put together including initial matching fund, we raised a more than $100,000, for Houston Food Bank. Each dollar generates three meals and the total raised funds will provide more than 300,000 meals to families in need.”
Sameera and Ashish Mahendru donated $5,000.
“We are grateful to be part of Club 24 Plus and its commitment to service,” said Sameera Mahendru. “The Houston Food Bank is a worthy cause with significant impact on the community and our family has been proud to support HFB through the years.”
In past years, Club 24 Plus has
Indo-American group Club 24 Plus raised over $100,000 to fight food insecurity. (From left) Ashish Agarwal, Mansukh Vaghela, Paul Vo, Gisela Vo, Venu Rao, Elsie Rao, Ashok Garg, Prabha Garg, Manisha Gandhi, Shephali Kadia, Juhi Varma, Vanita Pothuri, Rosh Rajan, Rita Singh, , Rahul Pothuri. (Photo: Paul Vo)
supported various causes with donations ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, Garg said, but this year the organization focused on making a larger, more direct impact in Houston.
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in Houston
A majority of the club members expressed a strong interest in tackling food insecurity in Houston, Garg said, leading to the group’s 713 Day collaboration with the Houston Food Bank.
Nearly one million people rely on Houston Food Bank each year, many of them working families struggling to make ends meet, said Amy Ragan, Chief Executive Officer of the Houston Food Bank.
“The significance of today is that it’s not just about celebrating Houston—it’s about giving back and making this a very special day for the city,” Ragan said, thanking Garg and Club 24 Plus for their 713 Day fundraiser.
“Thanks to the Houston Food Bank, they transformed the fundraiser at scale into extraordinary success,” said Club 24 Plus member Paul Vo, who donated $500. Ragan shared that the Houston Food Bank, the largest in the U.S., distributes 140 million nutritious meals annually across 18 Southeast Texas counties. She encouraged continued community support, noting that federal funding cuts make local contributions like
these more critical than ever.
“The support is really needed because we are being impacted by the federal funding cuts-- about $11 million-- we’ve had to cut staff and it will also affect the commodities that we’re going to receive,” she said. “We will be receiving a lot less, and as a result, we will focus more on produce.”
Plans are also underway for a second facility in Northwest Houston, on land donated by Chevron, Ragan said. In addition to distributing fresh produce, the new center will house partner organizations under the same roof—offering services such as job training, legal aid, health care, and YMCA programs—so families can access
multiple resources in one place as they work toward self-sufficiency. What is Club 24 Plus?
Founded in 2006, Club 24 Plus is known for blending social networking, cultural exchange, and philanthropy. Over the years, it has raised more than $1.2 million for more than 10 charitable organizations including UNICEF, Save-AMother, and Ekal Vidyalaya.
“Contribution to Houston Food Bank is another example of Club24 Plus’s philanthropic activities that has been going on for decades,” said Ashish Agarwal, Club 24 Plus member and founder of the nonprofit Disha USA. “I am grateful to be part of such an amazing group of individuals.”
This latest event at the Houston Food Bank was a salute Houston itself. Holding the meeting on 713 Day was a deliberate nod to the city the members call home, reinforcing the club’s mission of building bridges between the Indo-American community and the greater Houston population.
“I have a personal feeling that next year, if we do an initial donation of $20,000, we will raise even more,” Garg said. “Because we already have other members who have come on board and including them, next year, will be initiating this matching fund available to Houston Food Bank. It has picked up some wind.”
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Nikita Roy’: Evokes Fear, Lacks Suspense
by reNuKa VyaVahare
Story: Story: Author Nikita Roy (Sonakshi Sinha) suspects foul play in her brother Sanal’s death (Arjun Rampal). She rushes to London to investigate his murder and discovers that he was out to expose a cult leader Amar Dev (Paresh Rawal) before being haunted by a demonic entity. What’s the truth?
Review: Director Kussh S Sinha takes an offbeat path to make his directorial debut. A horror-thriller continues to be an uncharted territory in mainstream Bollywood. Very few have attempted and succeeded to nail this genre.
With his younger sister at the helm, Kussh makes a tad wobbly and hurried but fairly gripping thriller. The film aims to pit superstition against science and faith against blind faith. The concepts works but execution falters.
The film dives straight into investigation from the get-go without establishing the characters and their story. And at most times, the actions of the curious protagonist (Nikita) seem oblivious to the danger that engulfs her. It’s good to be brave, not unaware. Courage is wise, not blind. She holds Amar Dev accountable and vows to bring him to justice in seven days without a strategy to challenge him head on. He gives her three days to live.
Who wins? Sonakshi Sinha exudes strength and determination. Paresh Rawal deserved more screen time for their conflict to
mean something. The thriller sets the stage for something chilling, but the narrative doesn’t make the most of its compelling idea. This could have perhaps worked
as a web series better. Should you watch it? If you are obsessed with atmospheric thrillers, you won’t mind this one just for its fear element, the story feels flat..-- ToI
‘Saiyaara’: A Heartfelt Romantic Musical
Story: Brooding, abrasive rising musical sensation Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday) is anchored by a simple, stoic lyricist Vaani Batra (Aneet Padda), who rediscovers her words after heartbreak through his love. Their romance and Krish’s meteoric rise to stardom hit a hurdle with a tragic turn of events. The film portrays how they navigate this challenge.
Review: Romance, raw emotions, cinematic visuals, and stirring music are the hallmarks of a
Mohit Suri movie, and the director delivers on all these fronts. Writer Sankalp Sadanah sets the emotional tone early: Vaani is jilted on her wedding day. Six months later, she picks up the pieces of her broken heart and lands a gig as an intern journalist. Enter Krish, a hotheaded and troubled young musician with dreams of making it big. The two find solace in each other amid their personal struggles, until a tragedy strikes that will test their love and emotional strength. The
warm, fuzzy romance that paves the way for deeper love and emotion in the rest of the movie strikes the right notes. However, the narrative glosses over what the tragedy truly entails, hastening things for convenience, making the story a tad unconvincing. It’s a romantic outing we have seen before, but it stays relevant to the new-age world of social media, reels, and collabs.
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 29, 2025. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
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