Houston: The event brought together over 2,000 attendees, including diplomats, government officials, faith leaders, and business executives, reinforcing its role as a beacon of peace, coexistence, and mutual understanding. Held at the Bayou City Event Center in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office and Sister Cities Associations, this year’s gathering highlighted Houston’s diversity and commitment to inclusivity.
At the forefront of this significant event was Saeed Sheikh, the Houston Iftar Coordinator, whose leadership and dedication ensured a well-organized, dignified, and seamless evening. This year’s Iftar was attended by Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who praised the gathering as a reflection of Houston’s multicultural spirit and interfaith unity.
Congressman Al Green reinforced the importance of such events in building bridges across different communities and faiths. Prominent business leaders, including Javed Anwar Business leader & Chief Patron applauded the event’s impact, calling it *”a reminder of the incredible work being done to bring people together, celebrate diversity, and foster a spirit of goodwill.”*
Prominent Businessman Tanveer Ahmed emphasized the role of corporate responsibility in fostering stronger community ties. Faith leaders and community representatives, such as ISGH President Imran Ghazi, Ismaili Community Leader Faisal Momin, Mayor of Stafford City Ahmed Yasin, and Imam Wazir Ali, reaffirmed the significance of continued interfaith collaboration and dialogue.
Recognizing the immense effort behind organizing such a large-scale event, Mayor Whitmire and Congressman Green presented certificates of appreciation to Saeed Sheikh and his team, acknowledging their dedication to interfaith dialogue and strengthening community relations.
More than just a tradition of breaking fast together, Houston Iftar has evolved into a platform for peace, understanding, and collaboration across faiths and cultures. The event’s success was a result of meticulous planning and strategic execution. With over 15,000 people vying for just 1,800 tickets, managing logistics, security, and seating arrangements required immense coordination.
Through an innovative ticketing system, seamless crowd control, and careful planning, the organizing team ensured an interruption-free and dignified experience for all attendees. Saeed Sheikh’s leadership was instrumental in overcoming logistical challenges, while security teams worked tirelessly to provide a safe and welcoming environment for families, faith leaders, and VIP guests alike.
As Houston Iftar 2025 concluded, it left behind a lasting impact, reinforcing the message of unity, interfaith harmony, and leadership. In a time where communities must come together more than ever, this event stood as a testament to the strength of faith, respect, and the shared vision of a more inclusive and peaceful society. For further information, contact Muhammad Saeed Sheikh Houston Iftar Coordinator +1 (281) 948-1840 sluvfss@gmail.com
Houston: Nasa astronauts
Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams have finally returned to Earth on Tuesday, marking the end of nine-months extended and unplanned stay in space.
Their SpaceX capsule successfully splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, just hours after their departure from the ISS.
According to Dr. Joe Dervay, a Nasa flight surgeon who spoke to CNN, the astronauts were in good health before their return journey.
Research continues into the extended effects of space travel on human health. Data collected over several decades indicates that astronauts undergo physical alterations even during brief space missions, with most changes reversing shortly after Earth return.
“There is some individual variability on how quickly they recover, but it is pretty impressive to see how they will turn the corner and really adapt quickly,” Dervay said.
“Oftentimes, if you look at them a couple days later, you really have no idea what they’ve just done for the last several months.”
What physiological changes astronaut experience
The absence of gravity causes numerous physiological changes in astronauts. Their bone density decreases, muscles deteriorate, and they face issues with motor control, coordination and balance. The absence of gravity impacts their immune system, cardiovascular functions, vision and DNA structure.
Most health effects are temporary, with only a few persistent issues noted. Upon return to Earth, astronauts undergo rehabilitation exercises to restore their bone and muscle strength.
“We don’t see any need for any
special precaution,” Dina Contella, deputy manager of Nasa’s International Space Station Program, said Friday. “Like any astronauts coming back, there is an acclimation period, and so that will vary by crew member.”
Without Earth’s gravity, astronauts can lose up to one-third of their muscle fibre size within two weeks. Bone mass reduction can reach 1.5% monthly, comparable to annual bone loss in untreated postmenopausal women. This increases fracture risks and potential early osteoporosis.
In space, astronauts experience a 3% height increase during the
initial three to four days of weightlessness. For instance, Astronaut Kate Rubins grew from 5’6” to 5’7” in space. Upon returning to Earth, gravity restores their original height.
The absence of gravity affects bodily fluids, which constitute 70% of the human body. Unlike on Earth where fluids settle below the heart, space causes even fluid distribution throughout the body, leading to unusual accumulation patterns.
This fluid redistribution causes what Nasa personnel refer to as “puffy face syndrome” and “chicken legs.” These conditions
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typically resolve within three days of returning to Earth. The phenomenon increases the risk of spinal issues, with astronauts being 4.3 times more likely to experience disc problems than Earth-bound populations.
Vision changes occur due to Spaceflight Associated NeuroOcular Syndrome, causing eye flattening and retinal nerve fibre layer thickening. Dr Michael Harrison from Mayo Clinic explains that approximately 16% of astronauts experience globe flattening post-flight, with varying degrees of vision changes.
Space affects immune function,
with altered white blood cell behaviour increasing susceptibility to infections. DNA modifications occur, though studies comparing astronaut Scott Kelly with his twin brother Mark showed these changes normalised upon Earth return.
How astronauts will readjust to gravity
Prior to their return, Williams and Wilmore increased their fluid intake using salt tablets and water to compensate for losses during space flight, according to Dervay. They utilised compression garments extending from feet to waist to redistribute bodily fluids.
“Every crew that comes back comes through a fluid loading protocol, just to make sure when they get back that their body is conditioned properly,” Steve Stitch, manager Nasa’s commercial crew program, said Friday. “There’s nothing beyond what we’ll normally do.”
Post-landing procedures require astronauts to remain at Johnson Space Center in Houston for several days under medical supervision before receiving clearance to return home.
“Almost every organ system in the body is impacted to some degree – whether it’s the skin, the neurovestibular, the bone, muscle, the immunological system, the cardiovascular system – so we have programs that our human health and Performance team focuses on to try and make sure that we’re covering all those areas,” Dervay said.
Health monitoring continues from through retirement. Increased space missions provide researchers better insights into long-term effects on human health, crucial for future extended missions to the Moon and Mars. -- ToI
by PrasHant KuMar
There was a time I couldn’t focus. My mind drifted—no clarity, no control. In my first YouTube videos, I’d stumble, losing my train of thought. I had played tabla as a kid, but it was daily practice as an adult that brought me back— sharpening my mind and rooting me in discipline like never before. Now, I see that same haze everywhere. In this screen-dominated world, focus is fading—ours and our kids’. Every swipe steals their attention, their discipline, their depth. If we don’t step in, we’re losing something irreplaceable: their chance to think clearly and flourish.
Tabla can reclaim that. It takes focus and patience to learn, but the rewards of having your focus and clarity back are priceless. For adults, it’s a mental lifeline—refining reflexes, boosting memory, restoring sharpness. For kids, it builds coordination, discipline, and attention—skills dissolving in an instant-gratification age. Your hands and mind unite, your senses ignite, and rhythm becomes your foundation.
I’ve shared this with hundreds of thousands of people through performances, online lessons, and local classes. My team and I have mastered teaching tabla, whether you’re in Texas or anywhere else. Don’t let focus fade for you or your
child—try your first month free. Visit youtube.com/texastabla, WhatsApp me at 281-814-7346, or check texastabla.com (launching soon). Rhythm is calling— answer before it’s too late.
Prashant Kumar is a master of tabla with almost 25 years of experience, dedicated to helping students enhance their focus, creativity, and depth of expression through this profound art form. Prashant’s YouTube channel, TexasTabla, has amassed 400,000 views in recent months, and the online tabla communities he has founded have become some of the best resources for aspiring tabla players.
The 12-seater Papa’s restaurant in Mumbai has the charm of discreet speakeasy, a luxury restaurant and a friend’s dining table. It is built around the chef’s workspace.
new yorK: Every year, Time magazine curates a list of the most unique and awe-inspiring destinations around the globe. For 2025, three Indian gems—Raffles Jaipur, Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, and Mumbai’s fine dining hotspot Papa’s—have made the cut!
Located in the picturesque town of Kukas near Jaipur, Raffles Jaipur is a 50-room palatial retreat that effortlessly blends Mughal grandeur with contemporary luxury. Guests can enjoy the best of both worlds: old-world opulence and 21st-century comfort. Time magazine describes it as “a design masterpiece”, highlighting
its hand-carved marble, Mughalstyle arches, intricate jaalis (latticework), and the traditional mirror-mosaic thikri art.
The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort in Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh, offers an extraordinary jungle retreat for those who prefer wildlife over cityscapes. Opened in early 2024, this 21-acre property is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Mumbai’s Papa’s has emerged as one of the hottest dining destinations. The 12-seater chef’s counter, led by the acclaimed Chef Hussain Shahzad, has taken the Indian fine dining scene by storm.
toronto: Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian national and Fulbright scholar at Columbia University, in a statement after her abrupt departure from the US in the wake of an alleged crackdown by the Donald Trump administration on proPalestinian student demonstrators, said she is being targeted for exercising her right to free speech.
“Having my visa revoked and losing my student status has upended my life and future—not because of any wrongdoing, but because I exercised my right to free speech,” Srinivasan told CNN.
The 37-year-old doctoral student in urban planning fled to Canada last week after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents repeatedly visited her apartment. Her case has drawn widespread attention as part of a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on pro-Palestinian student demonstrators.
Srinivasan’s legal troubles began last year during protests at Columbia University against the Israel-Hamas war. On the night of the widely publicised Hamilton Hall occupation, she claims was not part of the demonstration but was returning home when she found the streets barricaded. Unable to reach her apartment, she was caught up in the police response and detained.
She was charged with fail-
ure to disperse and blocking the sidewalk—charges that were later dismissed. “I was just trying to get back to my apartment,” she told The New York Times, explaining that her arrest was purely incidental.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), however, cited her as one of the Columbia students targeted for immigration action.
In a statement, the DHS characterised Srinivasan as a “terrorist sympathiser” and accused her of advocating for violence in support
of Hamas, which the US government designates as a terrorist organization. The claims, however, have been denied by Srinivasan’s legal team.
Srinivasan first learned her visa had been revoked when she received an email from the US Consulate in Chennai on 5 March, providing no explanation other than a vague reference to ‘new information.’ Columbia’s international student office assured her she could continue her studies until she left the country. However, two days later, ICE agents arrived
at her apartment unannounced. She avoided them the first time, but when they returned the following evening—coinciding with the high-profile arrest of another Columbia student, Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil—she decided to leave. “The atmosphere seemed so volatile and dangerous,” she said.
“So, I just made a quick decision.”
Hours after her departure to Canada, ICE agents returned to her apartment, this time with a judicial warrant.
DHS officials accused Srinivasan of failing to disclose her prior cita-
tions when renewing her visa.
Srinivasan said she did not disclose these summonses when she renewed her student visa, believing that since the charges had been dropped, they didn’t need to be reported.
Her lawyers argue she was specifically targeted for her political speech, citing her limited social media activity and the signing of an open letter in support of Palestinian rights.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem posted surveillance footage of Srinivasan at LaGuardia Airport, claiming she had ‘self-deported’ via a Customs and Border Protection app—an assertion her legal team denies. “She left to comply with the law after DHS unlawfully terminated her status,” her attorney Nathan Yaffe said in a statement.
ICE’s aggressive actions at Columbia have alarmed civil liberties groups, who note that visa revocations typically follow overstays or criminal convictions—not political activity.
Srinivasan, now in Canada, remains uncertain about her future. “I came to the US to study. Universities should be places where students can engage in political discourse without fear of retaliation,” she said.
CHennai: Recently, business tycoon Anand Mahindra hailed Tara Prasad, an Indian-American skater slated to participate in the 2026 Olympics. In an X post, Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, shared that one of his friends shared a clip of Prasad with him, and applauded her for making India proud.
Sharing a video of Prasad’s phenomenal skating performance, Mahindra wrote, “Hadn’t heard about Tara Prasad’s accomplishments till a friend recently sent me this clip. Apparently, Tara switched her U.S citizenship to an Indian one in 2019 and has since been our national skating champ three times. Well done, Tara. I hope you are in the vanguard of athletes who give India a noticeable presence in winter sports.”
“I know you narrowly missed out on a spot in the last Winter Olympics but have your sights set on the games in ‘26. We’ll all be rooting for you….Go chase that dream,” he wrote.
With nearly three lakh views, the video amassed plaudits for Prasad. Reacting to it, a user wrote, “That’s an inspiring story. Tara Prasad dedication and achievements in skating truly deserve more recognition. Wishing her all the success. Go Tara,” a user wrote. “This is so inspiring! Tara’s story is incredible! Tara, you’ve already made India proud, and I’m rooting for you
to achieve your Olympic dream!” another user commented.
“Wow, that’s incredible! Tara Prasad is truly inspiring. Keep shining bright, Tara!” a third user said.
According to her official website, Prasad, born on February 24, 2000, is an accomplished figure skater from India, competing in women’s singles. She has already created a niche for herself internationally, earning silver medals at both the 2024 Reykjavik International and the 2024 Skate Celje. Prasad has also won accolades at the Indian national championships, securing titles in 2022, 2023, and 2025.
Prasad was born on 24 February 2000 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Indian immigrants from Tamil Nadu. Her mother, Kavita Ramaswamy, was a national champion in hurdling for India in her teens.
Except for her father Sai Prasad, who lives with her in the United States, Prasad’s family lives in Chennai, India. Prasad splits her time between the two countries and has held Indian citizenship since 2019.
Prasad has represented India at the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, making it to the final rounds in 2022 and 2023. However, despite her accomplishments, Prasad’s journey has not been without setbacks. She narrowly missed qualifying for the 2022 Winter Olympics, but Mahindra encouraged her to keep pushing forward. The businessman urged her to continue her pursuit of a spot in the 2026 Winter Olympics, praising her perseverance and tenacity.
Prasad has been the subject of online trolls and even death
threats, perhaps of her reliquishing her US citizenship. She has responded fiercely to the death threats and hateful messages she recently received online, in a series of Instagram stories. In her posts, Prasad addressed the online harassment, including death threats and discriminatory remarks, which she claimed were sent to her by trolls. The skater’s response serves as a stark reminder of the challenges athletes like her face in the world of competitive sports.
In a now-deleted Instagram story, Tara Prasad didn’t hold back: “It’s easy to send death threats, hatred, discriminatory messages. I hope you are proud of yourselves,” she wrote. Her message highlighted a broader issue regarding the ease with which online abuse is directed at athletes, particularly those involved in less mainstream sports like figure skating.
Continuing her message of resilience, Prasad added in a follow-up story: “At least research the challenges of figure skating first before you speak. I chose this path knowing these challenges, and I won’t give up.” This statement reflected her unwavering determination to succeed in a sport that demands immense physical and mental commitment.
The rising figure skating star has competed in the final segments of the 2022 and 2023 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, considered one of the biggest annual events for non-European athletes. In the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships 2025 conducted in Seoul, Tara ended her campaign at the 16th position.
new deLHi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Tulsi Gabbard, the United States’ Director of National Intelligence, in Delhi Monday evening.
This was after she spoke to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and he called for action against Khalistani terror group Sikhs For Justice outfit and its founder, Gurpatwant Pannun.
During their meeting the two also exchanged gifts; Mr Modi presented the US intel chief with a vase with Ganga water from Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, which hosted the Maha Kumbh.
This is Ms Gabbard’s second meeting with the Prime Minister in two months; the two met in February, when Mr Modi was in Washington, D.C. for a bilateral with President Donald Trump.
Then, Mr Modi and Ms Gabbard discussed ways to enhance cooperation to tackle threats like terrorism and cybersecurity, and “set the tone and vision for a stronger India-US partnership”.
Before the sit-down with the Prime Minister, Ms Gabbard met Rajnath Singh to discuss a number of issues, including intel-sharing, to further deepen the India-US partnership.
This, in turn, was before she met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Both Mr Singh and Mr Doval, sources told NDTV, raised the Khalistani terrorist issue, with
specific reference to concerns about anti-India elements operating from American soil.
Earlier today Ms Gabbard spoke exclusively to NDTV on a range of topics, including the bonhomie between Mr Trump and Mr Modi, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Houthi threat.
She also spoke about the situation in Bangladesh.
On Tuesday Ms Gabbard addressed the Raisina Dialogue - India’s premier multi-national forum on geopolitics and geoeconomics hosted by India since 2016. Gabbard said she met her Indian counterparts and heard “directly from them about the very serious concerns that you have here of your own security interests”, and underlined that “America first is not America alone”.
Tulsi Gabbard is in India as part of a multi-nation visit to the Indo-Pacific that includes stops at Japan and Thailand, and focuses on “building strong relationships, understanding, and open lines of communication” to achieve Trump’s ‘peace, freedom, and prosperity’ objectives.
She was appointed as the US’ top intel chief last month and, in this role, oversees 18 American intel agencies, including the CIA, the FBI, and the NSA, on a budget of nearly $100 billion. -- NDTV
new deLHi: The weakening rupee has started impacting Indian corporates that have gone for foreign currency borrowings, compounding concerns at a time when trade wars and economic slowdown are casting a shadow over global growth prospects. The five per cent depreciation in the rupee since April 2024 has directly increased the rupee equivalent of debt repayment for companies relying on external commercial borrowings (ECBs) by the same percentage, pinching the corporate sector.
by dHavaL roy
Story: Based on a true story, the film follows the Deputy High Commissioner who tries to repatriate an Indian girl from Pakistan after she is deceived and forced into marrying against her will.
Review: The breathtaking valleys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hide a grim reality—where women are forced into submission, and young boys are trained to wield firearms. Among those trapped is Uzma Ahmed (Sadia Khateeb), a young Indian woman deceived into marriage, held captive, and subjected to sexual violence. Director Shivam Nair’s The Diplomat brings her true story to life, tracing her fight to return to India and how the nation stood unwaveringly behind her. Her rescue was made possible through the relentless efforts of the Indian Embassy, particularly Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh (John Abraham) and then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (Revathy).
Ritesh Shah’s screenplay and Nair’s direction craft a tight, brisk narrative from the outset. While the film starts off slowly, it steadily draws viewers in, establishing the harrowing reality of Uzma’s captivity. The tension peaks when a desperate Uzma seizes her chance
and finds refuge in the Indian Embassy, setting the stage for a gripping diplomatic standoff.
From there, The Diplomat maintains its suspense with sequences such as the embassy outwitting Uzma’s husband, Tahir (Jagjeet Sandhu), his menacing allies, and the ISI to ensure her safety. The urgency intensifies as JP Singh (John Abraham), his colleagues, and Uzma’s lawyer (Kumud Mishra) race against time to secure her legal passage before her visa expires, all unfolding against the backdrop of shifting Indo-Pak relations and the International Court of Justice’s intervention in the accused RAW agent Kulbhushan Jadhav case. One of the film’s most compelling moments is the nerve-wracking drive to the Wagah-Attari Border, with Tahir and his gang in hot pursuit.
The film captures the oppressive reality for women in conflict zones with authenticity, avoiding unnecessary dramatisation. The fear Uzma experiences is palpable, and the dialogue remains restrained yet effective.
John Abraham delivers one of his most nuanced performances as the empathetic and resolute diplomat.
He balances quiet authority with wry humour, particularly in moments where he subtly challenges
Pakistani officials. “Yeh Pakistan hai, beta, yahan aadmi aur ghoda seedhi chaal nahi chalta,” offers a refreshing break from the usual jingoistic rhetoric. Sadia Khateeb portrays Uzma’s vulnerability and resilience with finesse, while Revathy channels the late Sushma Swaraj’s kindness and strength with conviction. Kumud Mishra stands out as Uzma’s sharp yet warm-hearted lawyer, and Jagjeet Sandhu impresses as the deceptively charming yet terrifying Tahir.
The direct exchange between the Indian and Pakistani ministries, rather than the embassy simply relaying messages, could have heightened the intensity. However, the tense moments crafted are gripping enough to keep you engaged with bated breath. The compelling narrative and John Abraham’s performance make The Diplomat well worth watching.
Actress Sadia Khateeb spoke about her experience of sharing screenspace with John, saying, “It was a beautiful experience. He is a fantastic actor, but more he is a fantastic human being. I have always admired and adored him. It was nice working with him. It was a big opportunity for me, and I was very happy to get it in the early stage of my career” -- 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 March 25, 2025. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
