“If there is a terrorist attack on
Shabana Azmi Appeals for Support of CRY and Children’s Issues
Houston: CRY America’s 2025 Gala series were held across 6 cities with legendary actress Shabana Azmi appealing to the guests to do “our duty as a society to support credible organizations like CRY that work at the grassroots with projects that make transformative changes in the lives of children”. The evenings were an amalgam of generosity and glamor, with a cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, dinner, donor appreciation, pledge session, bollywood music and dancing. An online auction with paintings donated by Indian artists, designer outfits & jewelry added interest to the event. The CRY Galas raised $1.4 million which will be directed towards ensuring children’s rights to a happy, healthy & educated life.
The CRY Gala was held in Houston on April 27th at The Royal Sonesta. Guest Speaker Subrat Tripathy from L&T Technologies’ leadership team spoke about his conviction that the Indian diaspora had the choice and resources to support organizations like CRY America that give children a better future. Shefali Sunderlal, CRY America’s CEO, talked about the ‘multiplier effect’ that these programs have, not only irreversibly transforming the lives of children in CRY supported Projects, but also lifting communities out of cycles of disenfranchisement. CRY’s Project Partner Lalithamma spoke about her work in the villages of Telangana district, Andhra Pradesh and shared stories of children whose life trajectories had been completely changed. Kalpana was pulled out of school to work as a vegetable seller to support her family. But due to the efforts of Project PORD, she was able to finish her schooling and now works as an engineer at a reputable company. Mahesh, too, had to drop out of school and work as a farm laborer. Project PORD intervened and he was not only able to finish his studies, he now works at a national bank and mentors other children who are in the same situation as he was.
Thank you to our event sponsors Parikh Worldwide Media, TV Asia, Merlin, Vantive, Cellpay, Meena Datt Radio, Texas Inpatient Consultants, Alphabet Club, Children’s Lighthouse, L&T Technology Solutions, Simran Patel Real Estate, Taproot Solutions, RockNGrill, Prime Dental, Shiva Jewelers, Trinity Texas Realty, Genpiper Solutions, DB World Foods, Marc Robinson Jewelers, among others.
CRY America thanks its Gala Committees, generous donors, project partners, media, volunteers & staff for their ongoing commitment towards turning children’s dreams into reality.
About CRY America:
CRY, Child Rights and You America Inc (CRY Amer ica) is a 501c3 non-profit driven by its vision of a just world in which all children have equal opportunities to develop to their full potential and realize their dreams. With the support of over 35,000 donors and 2,000 vol unteers, CRY America has impacted the lives of 825,000 children living across 5,000 villages and slums through support to 111 Projects in India and the USA. For more information: contact Renuka Ramachandran at 617-9812826; visit http://cryamerica.org or write to support@ cryamerica.org
PM Modi’s Speech to the Nation Explaining Operation Sindoor
My dear countrymen, Namaskar!
In the past days, we all have witnessed both the strength and patience of our country. First of all, on behalf of the people of India, I salute the valiant forces of India, the armed forces, our intelligence agencies, and our scientists. Our brave soldiers displayed immense courage to achieve the objectives of Operation Sindoor. I pay tribute to their bravery, courage and valour. I dedicate this valour to every mother, every sister and every daughter of the country.
The barbarity displayed by terrorists in Pahalgam on April 22 had shocked the entire country and the world. The merciless killing of innocent citizens in front of their family and their children on the basis of their religion was a very gruesome face of terror and cruelty. This was also a disgusting attempt to break the harmony and unity of the country. For me personally this was very painful. After this terrorist attack, the entire nation, every citizen, every community, every class, every political party, unitedly stood up for strong action against terrorism. We gave full freedom to the Indian forces to wipe out the terrorists. And today every terrorist, every terror organisation knows the consequence of wiping out the Sindoor of our sisters and daughters. Click here for India Pakistan ceasefire live updates
Operation Sindoor is not just a name but it’s a reflection of the feelings of millions of people of the country. Operation ‘Sindoor’ is our unwavering commitment to justice. Late night of 6th May and in the early morning of 7th May, the whole world saw this pledge turn into reality. Indian forces attacked terror hideouts in Pakistan and their training centers with precision. The terrorists had never imagined that India could take such a big decision. But when the country is united, endowed with the spirit of Nation First and national interest is paramount, then strong decisions are taken and results are achieved.
When India’s missiles and drones attacked terrorist bases in Pakistan, not only the buildings of terrorist organizations but their courage also was shaken badly. Terrorist bases, like Bahawalpur and Muridke are universities of global terrorism. The big terrorist attacks of the world, be it 9/11, be it London Tube bombings, or the big terrorist attacks which have happened in India in the last many decades their roots are somehow connected to these terrorist hideouts. The terrorists had wiped out the Sindoor of our sisters and India responded by destroying their terrorist headquarters. More than 100 dreaded terrorists have been killed in these attacks by India. Many terrorist leaders were roaming freely in Pakistan for the last two and a half to three decades who used to
First, if there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given. Secondly, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. Thirdly, India will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism.
conspire against India. India killed them in one stroke.
Pakistan was deeply disappointed and frustrated by this action of India. It was bewildered and in this bewilderment it did another cowardly act. Instead of supporting India’s strike against terrorism, Pakistan started attacking India itself. Pakistan targeted our schools, colleges, Gurudwaras, temples and houses of civilians. Pakistan targeted our military base. But in this act Pakistan itself got exposed. The world saw how Pakistan’s drones and missiles fell like straws in front of India. India’s strong air defense system destroyed them in the sky itself. Pakistan had prepared for an attack on the border, but India struck at the heart of Pakistan. India’s drones and missiles attacked with preci-
sion. They damaged those airbases of the Pakistani Air Forces, of which Pakistan was very proud. India caused heavy damage to Pakistan in the first three days itself, which it had never imagined. That’s why after India’s aggressive action, Pakistan started looking for ways to escape. Pakistan was pleading to the world to ease tensions. And after suffering heavy losses, Pakistan’s army contacted our DGMO on the afternoon of 10th May. By then we had destroyed the infrastructure of terrorism on a large scale. The terrorists were eliminated. We had destroyed the terror camps established in the heart of Pakistan. Therefore, when Pakistan appealed and said that it will not indulge in any sort of terror activities or military audacity further, India considered it. And I
We will give a befitting response on our terms only. We will take strict action at every place from where the roots of terrorism emerge.
Secondly, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail.
Thirdly, we will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism. During Operation Sindoor the world has again seen the ugly face of Pakistan, when top Pakistani army officers came to bid farewell to the slain terrorists. This is strong evidence of state-sponsored terrorism.We will continue to take decisive steps to protect India and our citizens from any threat.
We have defeated Pakistan every time on the battlefield. And this time Operation Sindoor has added a new dimension. We have displayed our capabilities in the deserts and mountains and also proved our superiority in New Age Warfare. During this operation the authenticity of our Made in India weapons were also proven. Today the world is witnessing that in 21st century warfare the time has come for Made in India defense equipment.
Our greatest strength is our unity against all forms of terrorism. This is certainly not the era of war but this is also not the era of terrorism. Zero tolerance against terrorism is the guarantee for a better world.
The way the Pakistani army, Pakistan government are encouraging terrorism, it will destroy Pakistan one day. If Pakistan wants to survive, it will have to destroy its terror infrastructure. There is no other way to peace. India’s stand is very clear... Terror and talks cannot go together... Terror and trade cannot go together.... Water and blood cannot flow together.
am repeating again, we have just suspended our retaliatory action against Pakistan’s terror and military camps. In the coming days we will measure every step of Pakistan on the criterion that what sort of attitude Pakistan will adopt ahead.
India’s three forces,our Air Force, our Army and our Navy, our Border Security Force- BSF, India’s paramilitary forces, are constantly on alert. After the surgical strike and air strike, now Operation Sindoor is India’s policy against terrorism. Operation Sindoor has carved out a new benchmark in our fight against terrorism and has set up a new parameter and new normal.
First, If there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given.
Today, I would also like to tell the global community that our stated policy has been: if there are talks with Pakistan, it will be only on terrorism; and if there are talks with Pakistan, it will be only on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Today is Buddha Purnima. Lord Buddha has shown us the path of peace. The path of peace also goes through power. Humanity should move towards peace and prosperity. Every Indian should be able to live in peace, and can fulfill the dream of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). For this, it is very necessary for India to be powerful. And it is also necessary to use this power when required. And in the last few days, India has done just that.
Once again, I salute the Indian Army and Armed forces. I bow to the courage of every Indian, to the oath and resolve of unity of the people of India.
Thank you, Bharat Mata ki Jai!
‘Clear-cut Victory’: Military Historian Says India Decimated Pakistan’s Bases
In a detailed blog post analyzing the recent India-Pakistan conflict, Austrian military historian Tom Cooper criticized Western media for what he called “PR efforts” that distorted the military reality on the ground.
When India launched a series of precise missile strikes deep into Pakistani territory last week, the world took notice. Among the most striking endorsements came from Austrian military historian Tom Cooper, who labeled the operation a “clear-cut victory” for India — pointing not just to the scale of destruction inflicted, but to the strategic targeting of Pakistani air bases and nuclear weapons storage sites, with no credible Pakistani response in sight.
In a detailed blog post analyzing the recent India-Pakistan conflict, Cooper criticized Western media for what he called “PR efforts” that distorted the military reality on the ground. “When one side is bombing nuclear weapons storage facilities of the other, and the other has no ability to retaliate left, then that’s a clear-cut victory in my books,” he wrote.
Cooper noted that Pakistan lacked long-range missiles capable of countering India’s firepower, singling out India’s BrahMos and SCALP-EG missiles as unmatched in Pakistan’s arsenal. He said Pakistan’s celebrated missile capabilities had not translated into operational deterrence.
His comments came just two days after India and Pakistan agreed to halt military operations, following a call from Pakistan’s DGMO to his Indian counterpart amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The Indian Armed Forces had earlier released visual evidence of the airstrikes, showcasing extensive damage inflicted on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistanoccupied Kashmir, as well as Pakistani military infrastructure.
India also targeted a surface-toair missile site at Karachi’s Malir Cantonment, according to Air Marshal AK Bharti, Director General of Air Operations, in a press briefing on Sunday.
By AncHAl VoHrA
After a terrorist attack in Kashmir, everyone knew that India would retaliate. Nobody quite understood how.
It was widely understood that India would respond militarily to what it called a Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attack that occurred on April 22 in the town of Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of more than two dozen people. But very few anticipated the far-reaching nature of that response—and the resulting counter response.
By last week, India and Pakistan were flying armed drones above each other’s territories, targeting military installations, and spreading panic about the possibility of a full-scale war or even nuclear weapons use. On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a cease-fire “[a]fter a long night of talks.”
The escalatory dynamic was a surprise because it marked an apparent shift in India’s military strategy. This was not the first time that India has been at the receiving end of Pakistan’s well-documented support for terrorist attacks on its territory. But—at least since Manmohan Singh of the Indian National Congress party was serving as prime minister more than a decade ago—New Delhi had traditionally responded according to a doctrine of strategic restraint, placing a priority on avoiding escalation.
By contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking note of public sentiment deeply in favor of retaliation, gradually scaled up India’s response to last month’s at-
tack, culminating in a missile attack against Pakistan on May 7. Some Indian army experts have described it as a strategy of “calculated pressure” that is calibrated to avoid a full-scale war but resolved to impose decisive costs on Pakistan.
Judged according to those standards, it’s unclear if India succeeded. Its retaliation on May 7 certainly soothed the anger of Indians. But if it was aiming to deter continued Pakistani support for extremists and compel Islamabad to end its alleged support for terrorism, then there’s reason to remain unconvinced.
Among the nine sites that India claims to have hit was the headquarters of a U.S.-sanctioned group called Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), located nearly 100 kilometers (62 miles) inside Pakistan in Bahawalpur. The militant jihadi group is led by Masood Azhar, who was born in the city and runs the organization as a family enterprise. While he was behind a string of attacks against India including the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament, his brother is believed to have been involved in the killing of Daniel Pearl, a Pakistan-based reporter for the Wall Street Journal..
In attacking edifices linked to Azhar and JeMt, India was sending a message that it is aware of these groups’ hideouts and is prepared to strike them.
In total, India said it hit nine targets, including a site in Muridke that it claimed was linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), another Pakistan-based terror group, which was behind the siege of Mumbai
According to Cooper, India’s strikes had severely damaged critical Pakistani air bases, including Nur Khan and Sargodha. He added that Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations contacted his Indian counterpart to initiate a ceasefire — a move that, he implied, underscored the imbalance in combat effectiveness.
Cooper, a prolific author on aerial warfare in conflict zones such as the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, remains an influential voice among military analysts and policymakers.
Reinforcing India’s military message, John Spencer, a retired U.S. Army officer and Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute, said on Monday that India’s homegrown defence systems had proven their mettle. “India’s domestically produced weapons worked, China’s did not,” Spencer said, underlining the broader implications of the conflict for regional and global military watchers. -- NDTV
Will PM Modi’s New Military Doctrine Change Pakistan’s Behavior?
India’s retaliation on May 7 certainly soothed the anger of Indians.
But if it was aiming to deter continued Pakistani support for extremists and compel Islamabad to end its alleged support for terrorism, then there’s reason to remain unconvinced.
in 2008, during which 166 people across more than 26 nationalities were massacred. LeT is led by Hafiz Saeed, who is considered a specially designated global terrorist by the United States and has a bounty of up to $10 million.
Syed Ata Hasnain, a former commander of the key Kashmirbased 15 Corps of the Indian Army, wrote in a column for Indian broadcaster NDTV that Muridke is a “known LeT stronghold near Lahore,” adding that it had historically “been off-limits due to proximity to civilian areas.”
But the fact that India has now struck it conveyed that New Delhi would respond to terrorist groups wherever they are and weaken their support in their bastions. The move “signals an acceptance in terms of the kind of escalation acceptable to India. It also under-
mines Hafiz Saeed’s ideological stronghold and recruitment network,” he wrote.
Zahid Gishkori, a Pakistani investigative journalist based in Islamabad, said that the first Indian strikes on Bahawalpur and Muridke looked “precise.”
“The facts on the ground and my talks with locals suggest that India hit precise targets—execution looks accurate,” he told me. “In Bahawalpur, the hit on the madrassa or the mosque was accurate [in] that the family members of Masood Azhar were said to be killed. Although no one is confirming on record, everyone—locals in particular—knows his blood relatives and friends were there.”
One of India’s military objectives was to display superiority in military capabilities.
“There is a lot of anger in Pakistan over how India evaded the radars, and locals asked how the Pakistani anti-missile system did not work,” Gishkori added.
Hasnain argued that another one of the hits—on Sialkot, “a strategically located military-industrial town near the Jammu border,” home to Pakistani strike formations, supply depots, and forward command structures—was intended to convey that if provoked, India will target these, too—“not just militant proxies.”
When Pakistan responded in kind to India’s retaliation with missiles, drones, and shelling across the border, the Indian government boasted about its air defense system—the Russian-made S-400 missile system—which the government said had efficiently eliminated armed drones hover-
ing above various Indian cities and military installations. It also claimed that it had damaged Pakistan’s own air defense system in Lahore.
However, India is quieter on the losses that it has reportedly endured. Pakistan claimed that it downed five Indian fighter jets, including the state-of-the-art French export—the Dassault Rafale fighter. While Pakistan hasn’t produced evidence of its feat, CNN reported that according to a French intelligence source, at least one Rafale was downed.
In the fog of disinformation, some analysts were worried about an accidental full-scale conventional war between two equally committed armies. Rahul Bedi, an Indian defense journalist and analyst, said that on balance, India and Pakistan’s armed forces were “evenly matched,” and he worried about the nationalist fervor and unrealistically high expectations from Indian soldiers taking hold of his country.
Moreover, the jury is still out on whether a limited military response inside Pakistan will deter Pakistan from sheltering anti-India groups or aggravate the situation further by empowering the Pakistani Army at home.
Taha Siddiqui, a Paris-based Pakistani journalist in exile who fled his country in the fear of arrest and possible assassination by the Pakistani Army, said that although it isn’t clear if the Pakistan army orchestrated the April attack it does “allow militants who orchestrate such attacks, so they are complicit in that sense.”
Continued on Page 8
Tagore Center Foundation’s 2025 Spring Festival Delights with “A Latin Flair”
Houston: The Tagore Center Foundation, in proud collaboration with ALMAAHH (Advocates of a Latino Museum of Cultural and Visual Arts & Archive Complex in Houston, Harris County), hosted its highly anticipated 2025 Spring Festival on Saturday, May 10, from 6 to 8 PM. This year’s theme, A Latin Flair, celebrated the vibrant cultural connections between Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and Latin America, underscoring the Foundation’s mission to foster meaningful cross-cultural exchange.
Held in a spirit of unity, tradition, and creative celebration, the evening featured a dynamic lineup of performances and community engagement. Guests were welcomed with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and the dispelling of ignorance — an
apt beginning to a night dedicated to intercultural appreciation.
The program opened with a stirring performance by Itzacatl Tezkalipka, a Houston-based traditional dance circle committed to preserving indigenous heritage. Through rhythmic Aztec dance and ancestral storytelling, they honored the spiritual and cultural legacies that continue to shape identity and healing within communities.
Next, the energy soared with a performance by the Texas Salsa Congress (TSC), recently recognized as a 2025 Houston Cultural Treasure by the BIPOC Arts Network and Fund. TSC lit up the stage with electrifying salsa rhythms, celebrating Houston’s diverse urban dance scene and the power of Latinx-led creative placemaking.
The evening concluded with a
dramatic and emotionally rich performance by Tango Dream, featuring dancers Jorge Cardenas, Florentino Guizar, Liliana Alvarez, and Andrea Moncayo. Together, they brought to life the elegance and intensity of Argentine Tango, weaving a tale of love, passion, and heartbreak through breathtaking choreography.
Throughout the night, guests also enjoyed delicious fare from Mingo’s Latin Kitchen, whose food truck added a vibrant Latin flavor to the celebration.
“The Spring Festival is one of our signature events, and this year’s theme, A Latin Flair, beautifully highlighted the shared threads of artistic and philosophical exchange between Tagore’s worldview and Latin American culture,” said Ruma Acharya, President of the Tagore Center Foundation.
The Tagore Center Foundation
extends its heartfelt gratitude to sponsor Itzamna Translations, all performers, partners, and guests who made the evening a memorable celebration of culture, creativity, and community.
About the Tagore Center Foundation:
The Tagore Center Foundation (TCF) draws inspiration from Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of a borderless, universal human community. Rooted in the ideals of peace, harmony, and shared humanity, TCF promotes cultural coalescence through dialogue, art, and exchange. Its mission is to foster inclusive spaces where diverse traditions unite, encouraging dignity, fearlessness, and mutual respect across all boundaries.
About ALMAAHH:
ALMAAHH is a new organization dedicated to the creation of a Houston-area cultural and visual arts complex that will showcase, preserve, and expand Latino arts. The complex would support Latino culture and visual arts by creating opportunities to grow locally and nationally as well as helping to elevate Houston as a national hub of Latino culture.
Lokenath Foundation to Celebrate 135th Tirodhan Divash of Lord Lokenath
rosenBerg: Lokenath Foundation is an established non- profit organization operating in United States, India, Nepal & Bangladesh since the year 2018. It is engaged in various societal contributions by conducting workshop/webinars on humanity, mindfulness, anger management, hunger relief camps, child’s education, women empowerment initiatives, healthcare camps, clothes drives, toys drives, cultural activities to spread the values on humanity etc.
Being the divine incarnation of the synthesis of Jnana, Karma, Bhakti & Ashtanga Yoga, Mahayogi Lokenath is the living essence and full embodiment of the universal religion of love & humanity. His incredible life, mastery level, teachings, and the magnitude and depth of his compassion are perfect reflection on humanity. Right from our childhood, we have been following the mantra of “Basudhybo Kutumbakam” i.e., the world is one family, “Atithi Devo Bhava” i.e. The guest is equivalent to God
& we certainly believe kindness is a great virtue.”
Humanity is the greatest religion on this earth.
Make a difference by your valuable contribution to serving humanity.
With Lord Lokenath’s blessing, first ever Lokenath Temple in USA is established at 2122, Hartledge Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471 and was dedicated to Public on 11th July 2024.
Being the divine incarnation of the synthesis of Jnana, Karma, Bhakti & Ashtanga Yoga, Mahayogi Lokenath is the living essence and full embodiment of the universal religion of love & humanity.
Lord Lokenath’s simple promises to the humanity are splendid examples of Embodiment of Love : “Whenever you are in danger, whether in ocean or in war or in the wild, remember Me. I will save you.” “You may not know me. You may not realize who I am. Just pray to Me with a little touch of your heart and I shall free you
from gripping sorrow and miseries”.
First Ever Lokenath Temple in USA is inviting you to participate in prayer, puja & celebration on the auspicious occasion of 135th Tirodhan Divash of Lord Lokenath Brahmachari on Saturday, June 7th, 2025, from 11am to 6pm.
Aztec dance
Salsa dance
Argentine Tango
INDIA
Will PM Modi’s New Military Doctrine Work?
Continued on Page 5
He added that, “just recently Pakistan’s army chief said Hindus and Muslims can’t live together, he was kind of dog whistling, encouraging such a thing.”
“Since ’99, Pakistan has instigated a low-intensity conflict—their idea was ‘this is how we are going to keep the conflict alive, by backing anti-India groups,’” he said. “The thinking has been that India will never do anything in response to terrorism they commit inside Indian territory” Siddiqui added. “Now, India has.”
“But I am not sure if Pakistan will learn anything,” Siddiqui said. “It is a security state, and the military uses perceived and actual threats to justify its overarching presence, its big budget, its political interference.
It is unlikely that the military will say: Now India has exposed us, and we should rethink. Instead, they will use India’s attack inside Pakistan to further strengthen their position in the country.”
A former Indian diplomat who spoke on the condition of anonymity, who for years sat at the table where many of India’s responses to Pakistan were drafted, said it was still too early to say whether India’s new strategy—punitive deterrence instead of strategic restraint—has worked.
“If, in the next 10 years, India does not face a terrorist attack, then of course you can say the kinetic response worked. But if it is only slightly better, then that isn’t adequate reason to take the risks such a strategy entails,” the former diplomat told me.
After the 2008 attack in Mumbai, the Indian government exposed
India has basically shown Pakistan that nobody is there to stop India, and Pakistan did not have the capabilities to stop it from carrying out the strikes. But Syed Akbaruddin, a former Indian ambassador to the United Nations wasn’t sure if that will end Pakistanibacked terrorism on Indian soil.
and shamed Pakistan internationally and opted for diplomatic ways to deter Islamabad from supporting anti-India groups. The diplomat asserted that, for a long time afterward, there was relative peace. India faced the next major attack in 2016, when JeM terrorists crossed over into Uri, a town in India-administered Kashmir, and slaughtered 19 Indian soldiers. By that time the Modi government was in power, and it carried out what it called a “surgical strike” and sent ground troops to hit a JeM camp in Pakistaniadministered Kashmir.
The next attack on India came in 2019, in the Pulwama district of Indian-administered Kashmir, where 40 Indian soldiers were killed and JeM claimed responsibility. India went a step further and this time hit a JeM base in the Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but it used a limited strike. That episode ended with Pakistan returning an Indian pilot who was captured by Pakistani forces.
And yet, the terrorists returned to carry out a more vicious attack, this time on tourists.
“India took kinetic action in
2016; there was no attack for three more years. In response to the attack in 2019, again, India hit deeper inside,” the Indian diplomat added. “Now you have had another attack in 2025, and you went deep inside Pakistani territory, which invited their retaliation and could have escalated. The point is: Is this better or worse” than strategic restraint?
India’s opposition Congress party has accused the Modi government of failing in its attempt to lobby against Pakistan at the International Monetary Fund, which approved a roughly $1 billion loan for Islamabad in the middle of the India-Pakistan crisis.
The Indian opposition has also asked if New Delhi has accepted third-party mediation after Trump announced the cease-fire and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote that India and Pakistan will “start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site.” India has painstakingly avoided Western arbitration in the dispute over Kashmir, which it believes is a bilateral issue that could get unnecessarily complicated if any global actors intervene with their own agendas in mind.
Syed Akbaruddin, a former Indian ambassador to the United Nations, told Foreign Policy that India’s hit on Pakistan was “certainly a telling blow.” He added: “India has basically shown Pakistan that nobody is there to stop India, and Pakistan did not have the capabilities to stop it from carrying out the strikes.”
But Akbaruddin wasn’t sure if that will end Pakistani-backed terrorism on Indian soil.
Anchal Vohra is a columnist at Foreign Policy.
Silversmith’s Puzzle: A Mystery by Nev March
In The Silversmith’s Puzzle, award-winning author Nev March takes Captain Jim Agnihotri and Lady Diana Framji back to India as they investigate a murder amidst colonial Bombay’s complex hierarchy.
In 1894 colonial India, Lady Diana’s family has lost their fortune in a global financial slump, but even worse, her brother Adi is accused of murder. Desperate to save him from the gallows, Captain Jim and Lady Diana rush back to Bombay. However, the traditional Parsi community finds Jim and Diana’s marriage taboo and shuns them.
The dying words of Adi’s business partner, a silversmith, are perplexing. As Captain Jim peels back the curtains on this man’s life he finds a trail of unpaid bills, broken promises, lies and secrets. Why was the silversmith so frantic for gold, and where is it? What awful truth does it represent?
Set in lush, late-Victorian India,
Captain Jim and Diana struggle with the complexities of caste, tradition, and loyalty. Their success and their own lives may depend on Diana, who sacrificed her inheritance for love. Someone within their circle has the key to
Kashinath Patil 1928-2025
Kashinath (“Kash”) Patil, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed the evening of April 23, 2025, at the age of 97, surrounded by family members. He was born in Amadade, Maharashtra in India on January 21, 1928 to Reshma and Ziparu Patil, as the youngest of four children. His siblings were an elder brother, Natthu, and 2 elder sisters, Sakhawar and Punja.
He was the first in his village to finish high school and attend college. He completed 3 degrees, BS from Fergusson College, MTECH from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and an MS from Indian Institute of Technology (IIS).
While at Fergusson College, he wrote many articles for the popular Kirloskar magazine. At IIT, he was in the first batch of students to attend and received his diploma from Prime Minister Nehru in 1955.
Kashinath married Mandakini Shirke on November 8, 1955 and after having their first child, Maneesha, moved to the US for graduate studies. Two additional children, Sheela and Sandhya were born in the US. He especially loved being a grandfather to Nathan and Daniel.
In the US, Kashinath and family lived in Indiana, Tennessee, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and ultimately settled in Houston, TX. As a Houston resident for 50 years, Kash and Manda, became pillars of the Indian Maharashtra community, welcoming new couples and students arriving in Houston, serving as role models and maintaining life-long friendships.
As a chemist, Kashinath researched industrial catalysts and
catalytic processes and has a US patent related to new catalysts and a process for production of hydrogen. Throughout his life, he was involved with the American Chemical Society and honored in 2020 for his 60th anniversary with the association. In 2016, he was presented with an award from the Houston Maharashtra Mandal for “Extraordinary Achievements in the Field of Chemical Engineering.”
In retirement, Kashinath’s hobbies were following the stock market and staying in touch with friends and family through social media.
Kashinath made a connection with everyone he met, young or old, by taking an interest in their lives. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Kashinath is survived by his wife, Mandakini, daughters, Maneesha, Sheela and Sandhya and grandsons, Nathan and Daniel.
is Packed with Historical Details
this puzzle. Can she find a way to reconnect with the tight community that threw them aside?
Terrific praise
“Packed with historic detail and local color. A leisurely, decorous period mystery, gracefully told.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Oh, what splendid novels Nev March writes! Rich, rowdy, and romantic, old-fashioned yet fresh, peacock-bright with color but brainy, too: these are books for the adventurer and the historian alike...Thrilling mystery, fascinating history.”
—New York Times best-selling author A. J. Finn
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-25034803-6
On Sale: May 13, 2025
$29.00 US
Nev March Bio Born in Mumbai, India, Nev March is a writer of mystery and historical fiction. Writing short stories, poems and novels since the age of eleven, Nev has previously published stories in children’s magazines and won Writers Digest and Maryland Writers Association contests. With four completed manuscripts, she took a hiatus from writing fiction in order to raise her
family while working full time. As a member of the small Zoroastrian community, she created a community oral history project to record the stories of Zoroastrian immigrants to North America. After a twenty year career as a data scientist, Nev returned to writing full time in 2015 to write the first draft of MURDER IN OLD BOMBAY. Her manuscript won the 2019 Mystery Writers of America/Minotaur Books First Novel Award, which launched her writing career. An immigrant, Nev has an affinity for diverse characters finding their way in challenging environments. Her books combine the excitement of mystery and adventure novels with emotional journeys of personal adversity.
Nev has written and edited for the FEZANA Journal, and is an member of the Hunterdon County Library’s Write Group. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two sons.
DAV Sanskriti School Annual Day & Arya Yuva Mandal Graduation
Houston: The Arya Samaj Greater Houston Satsang Hall came alive with energy and pride on Sunday during the Annual Day celebration of DAV Sanskriti School (DAVSS) and the graduation ceremony of Arya Yuva Mandal (AYM). The program began with a soulful Yajna led by Acharya Surya Nanda Ji, setting a spiritual tone for the morning.
Students of all ages showcased
what they had learned over the past year in a vibrant cultural program. Kindergarten children delivered heartfelt messages on respecting Mother Earth and Nature, while students from Grades 7 and 8 eloquently spoke on the Panch Maha Yajnas—the five daily duties practiced in accordance with one’s time, place, and circumstances (desh-kaal-paristhiti).
A colorful mosaic of perfor-
mances followed, including Yogasanas, Indian dance, devotional music, Bhangra, and Tabla recitals, reflecting the holistic education at DAVSS.
The young AYM graduates shared how the teachings of Sanatan Dharma and the values imbibed at DAVSS and AYM have empowered them to lead ethical and purposeful lives. Two alumni also spoke movingly about how
their time at DAVSS and AYM continue to guide them in their personal, professional, and social lives.
Graduates received mementos, while student achievers were honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, presented by Shri Dev and Smt. Sushma Mahajan, and Shri Ashutosh and Smt. Minu Garg Ji. The evening’s events were thoughtfully curated by Acharya
Bramdeo Mokoonlall. DAVSS extends heartfelt thanks to its students, parents, teachers, volunteers, the Arya Samaj Greater Houston community, and all well-wishers for their continued support and enthusiasm. DAV Sanskriti School resumes on August 10. Registration is now open. Register online: https://davss. aryasamajhouston.org/admissions/registration
Teachers Sanjay Ajuja, Acharya Bramdeo with DAV Sanskrit Sunday School Students PVSA Volunteer Service award students & AYM High School Graduates of 2025.
ASGH Dev. and Sushma Mahajan, Ashutosh and Minu Garg, Teachers Sanjay Ahuja, Acharya Bramdeo with DAV Sanskrit Sunday School Students PVSA Volunteer Service award.
Minu Garg with Music Teacher’s Smriti Srivastava & Raja Banga on tabla with DAV Sanksriti School music students 2025
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Raid 2’: Sequel Wallowing in Self-admiration
By renukA VyAVAHAre
Story: Raid 2 follows the return of fiercely honest and incorruptible IRS officer Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn), as he goes after yet another powerful nemesis — Dadabhai (Riteish Deshmukh), who’s a snake in the garb of a saint.
Review: Relentless Patnaik (Devgn) is a thorn in the lives of the corrupt. He is the party pooper of the privileged who think they can evade law and hence, the chemistry and conflict that unravel once he goes digging has a comic-thrilling element to it. One does not expect efficiency or honesty from public servants let alone heroism and hence the anomaly makes for an interesting watch.
The second time around, Raj Kumar Gupta mounts his crime drama on a bigger scale. A brooding Patnaik dressed in formals, enjoys Singham like slowmo entry, glamour and clout. He can be transferred or suspended but he is always in power much against the odds. Ritiesh Deshmukh makes for an interesting no-nonsense, white collared antihero Dadabhai. He is a prodigal son, revered philanthropist and a powerful political leader. He is too good to be true and that leads Patnaik to go sniffing after his massive empire and assets. The two outsmart each other in a series
of deceitful activities but only one can emerge victorious.
Riteish keeps the character, and his sinister energy understated. He makes for a fine nemesis. Shukla works his magic in a special appearance, but you sorely miss his presence throughout. It was the senior actor who owned the previous film single-handedly with his wit and one-liners. His jugalbandi with Devgn fuelled the film.
The sequel set in the late 1980’s, Raid 2 fangirls its own prequel by following a template so meticulously that it forgets to have some fun along the way. A fleet of ambassador cars aggressively heading for a raid is a visual that stays constant. At 2 hours, 20 minutes, the film feels heavy too. The first half is unhurried, it’s the second half that gets the wit, energy and thrill in place. Songs interrupt the story.
Gupta reunites with his set of actors and writers, barring a few. Ileana D’Cruz, is replaced by Vaani Kapoor as Patnaik’s wife Malini. Saurabh Shukla as Tauji takes a backseat for Ritiesh Deshmukh to take the centre stage. Supriya Pathak as Dadabhai’s mother is a new addition too. Amit Sial as ‘Charan chumbak’ Lallan Sudheer Singh is an absolute riot.
Ajay Devgn and his sunglasses are intense. He portrays the old-
school heroism with swag. He has a solid comic timing too. You wish that aspect was explored more here. The film has some clever one-liners too that mock the sycophants and the corrupt as it oscillates between no frills and old school dramatic storytelling. Raid 2 stays true to its theme, but it takes itself a bit too seriously.-- ToI
‘Costao’: Lacklustre Biopic
Costao is a biographical crime drama that chronicles the life of Costao Fernandes (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a principled customs officer in 1990s Goa. As he delves into a gold smuggling syndicate, his unwavering commitment to justice leads him into perilous confrontations, both professionally and personally, ultimately branding him a fugitive.
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 May 20, 2025. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be
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Kumud Athavale, Krishna R. Vuddagiri, Sanchali Basu, Prabha Barvalia, Ramana Vadrevu, Yudhveer Bagga, Jawahar Khandheria, Sahiti Palle, Prabhu Narumanchi, Mohit Mittal, Naveen Garg
