Indo-American News: August 11, 2023

Bridging Continents: IACCGH 2023 Gala Celebrates Transnational Commerce

Houston: The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) successfully held its 2023 Gala on July 15. Serving as a bridge between the local business community and the chamber, the event celebrated the potent synergies and fruitful collaborations that have formed over the years.

Unfolding the evening with an impactful video, IACCGH encapsulated its accomplishments and core ethos, setting the tone for the gala. Founding Secretary and Executive Director, Jagdip Ahluwalia, during his speech, aptly acknowledged, “Trade between India and the U.S has soared in the last 24 years. Our members, partners, advisors, and sponsors are the bedrock of our growth. The entrepreneurial spirit of Indian Americans is now on full display in enterprises of all sizes. We adapt to changing times and take pride in nurturing foreign investments in Texas.”

Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade, Diane Farrell, the chief guest of the evening, presented a promising picture of the trade relationship between India and the U.S, emphasizing, “India and the U.S now enjoy a trading relationship that is three times what it was just 15 years ago. The Biden Harris Administration recognizes the benefits of focusing on common areas, fostering supply chain resilience, encouraging clean energy transition, and improving the business environment.”

The guests included event Honoree Houston Mayor, Sylvester Turner; Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Missouri City Mayor, Robin Elackatt; and the new Consul General of India to Houston, D.C. Manjunath. A powerful video from the Houston Airport System spotlighted business relations with India. In his address, Mayor Sylvester Turner acknowledged the integral role the Chamber plays in fostering local business growth and emphasized the city’s commitment to diversity. He pointed out that, “Houston-India trade has nearly doubled over the past decade. The Chamber plays a critical role in helping businesses grow and create more jobs. We value relationships over business and diversity over uniformity.”

IACCGH President, Rajiv Bhavsar, lauded the Chamber’s growth and contributions to the local community, affirming, “Tonight, we celebrate the vision and dedication that brought IACCGH to life. Our focus remains on serving our community and its needs.”

The event was highlighted by the presentation of four awards. The Chamber invited Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade, Diane Farrell, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, new Consul General of India to Houston, D.C. Manjunath, and Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George to help present the Awards.

Pooja Jesrani, the first Asian flight Director at NASA, was honored with the “IACCGH Woman of the Year” award. The “IACCGH Business of the Year” was awarded to Bobby V. Singh of Isani Consultants, while the “IACCGH Trade Champion of the Year” went to Shuchita Sonalika of CII, USA. Swatantra Jain was lauded with the “IACCGH Community Service Award” for his relentless commitment to public service. The awards recognized the remarkable contributions to the Indo-American community and served as an inspiration for others.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Inspires for a Stress-free, Violence-free Society

Texas Governor Greg Abbot, had earlier issued a proclamation announcing 29th

in-person courses can be found at: https://linktr.ee/artoflivinghouston

About Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Houston: On Tuesday, August 1st, 2023, Global humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation (AOLF), interacted with local communities in and around the City of Houston.

The event titled “Sixth Sense” was held at the Wortham Theater Center, as part of Gurudev’s 30 city US tour that focuses on how to effectively deal with today’s most pressing challenges. The greater Houston community accorded a warm and rousing welcome to Gurudev, who addressed 2,400 community members from all backgrounds, races, and genders.

Taking them on a journey beyond the five senses, Gurudev led the entire audience into a powerful guided meditation and emphasized the importance of breathwork

and meditation to deal with stress, anxiety and other mental health issues prevalent in the modern day fast paced life. Gurudev shared his wisdom on several other topics –relationships, dealing with stress at work, inner peace and more.

“A disease-free body, quiver-free breath, stress-free mind, inhibitionfree intellect, obsession-free memory, and soul which is free from sorrow is the birthright of every human being.” – Gurudev shared.

At the event, Gurudev was felicitated with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition by US Congressman Troy Nehls, a Humanitarian Award by Texas House Representative Ron Reynolds, a proclamation from Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers, and was presented a Texas flag flown over the state capitol.

July 2023 as Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day – commemorating his 5-day Texas tour across 3 cities including Houston!

The citations honor and acknowledge the work and efforts of The Art of Living under the guidance of Gurudev, in serving, spreading peace, joy, resolving conflicts, working for the environment, and bringing communities together.

The event also coincided with the Texas launch of Gurudev’s book Notes for the Journey Within, which has become a National Best Seller and Wall Street Journal bestseller in its launch week.

Gurudev also discussed the benefits of Sudarshan Kriya (SKY) breath meditation, an evidencebased profound practice that cleanses the nervous system and eliminates stress. It enhances overall well-being and boosts immunity. Options for upcoming - online and

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a global humanitarian, spiritual leader, and peace envoy. He has helped millions of people worldwide find peace and resilience in the face of adversity, learning not only how to excel in their own lives, but also how to become powerful agents for social change.

Gurudev has created trauma relief and meditation programs for atrisk youth, war veterans, prisoners, and survivors of disaster. He has also created numerous educational and self-development programs and tools that facilitate the elimination of stress and foster deep and profound inner peace, happiness, and well-being for individuals.

Standing for the Gandhian principles of non-violence, Gurudev has mediated and progressed negotiations for peace in conflict-stricken areas such as Sri Lanka, Iraq, Venezuela, and Colombia, where he is credited for playing a central role in ending the violent 52-year conflict

between FARC and the Colombian government. He has received 39 governmental awards, including the highest civilian awards from several nations. Twenty-four universities have awarded him with honorary doctorates for his peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts.

About Art of Living Foundation

Operating in 180 countries, The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) is a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organization founded in 1981 by the renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

All AOLF’s programs are inspired by Gurudev’s philosophy of creating world peace through a stress-free and violence-free society. AOLF has touched over 800 million lives through numerous educational and self-development programs and tools that facilitate the elimination of stress and foster deep and profound inner peace, happiness, and well-being for individuals.

Volunteers gather for a group photo.

Gurudev speaking before a capacity audience at Wortham Center.

Maha Mrtyunjaya Mantra at Chinmaya Mission, Houston

By ujwala BHatt

Houston: Chinmaya

Mission Houston is honored to host an immersive five-day discourse on Maha Mrtyunjaya Mantra, a universal prayer chanted for the spiritual and material prosperity of all, by Mukhya Swami Swaroopananda.

Chinmaya Mission

Houston is especially pleased to welcome Swamiji back after a long hiatus. Houstonians who attended his discourses during his visit in 2017 still cherish the wisdom and devotion evoked by those talks.

Pujya Mukhya Swami Swaroopananda has been the Global Head of Chinmaya Mission since 19 January 2017 when Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda entrusted him with that important leadership responsibility.

He now oversees the worldwide Chinmaya Mission alongside his roles as the Chairperson of the Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth Trust (University for Sanskrit and Indic Traditions) and Director of the Chinmaya International Residential School in Coimbatore, South India, one of the most wellrespected residential schools of India.

Pujya Swami Swaroopananda is a prominent disciple of the Vedantic Master, Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, founder of Chinmaya Mission, and a direct student of Pujya Swami Tejomayananda since 1984. Inspired by Pujya Gurudev’s discourses and vision, he left a successful business career in Hong Kong and joined Chinmaya Mission’s Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, the institute of Vedantic studies in Mumbai, India. After serving as a brahmachari in Chinmaya Mission’s monastic order, he was initiated into sannyasa by Pujya Gurudev in March 1992 to become Swami Swaroopananda.

An able administrator and a dynamic leader, his watchful eye and thoughtful guidance steers over three hundred Chinmaya Mission

centers worldwide. Devotion to his Guru, Swami Chinmayananda, and obeisance to His philosophy guides his decision-making and vision.

Pujya Swami Swaroopananda has written commentaries on important spiritual classics, such as Ik Onkar, Maha Mrtyunjaya Mantra, and Sankat Mochan. He has also authored books on contemporary lifestyle subjects such as Simplicity and Meditation, Storm to Perform, Managing the Manager, and Journey into Health.

A widely traveled spiritual teacher, Swamiji is also a worldrenowned public speaker. He has inspired successful business leaders around the world and countless spiritual aspirants to greater heights in their inner unfoldment.

His versatility spans a range of subjects and infuses today’s draining fast-paced lifestyle with the energizing, ancient spiritual truths of Vedanta. His seminars and workshops offer practical and insightful techniques that have helped many to gain efficiency and live a more dynamically balanced, purposeful life.

The Maha Mrtyunjaya Mantra is one of the most powerful mantras in the repertoire of Vedic chants. Translated as “The Great victory

over Death,” this short but potent prayer is known to bestow good health and long life. The mantra holds the power to also liberate ardent seekers of Truth from the ignorance of the Self, certainly a deathly state unto itself. Aptly, the powerful verse invokes Lord Shiva who is Mrtyunjaya, the victor over death and worldly delusion.

In his discourses on “Maha Mrtyunjaya Mantra,” Swami Swaroopananda will delve into this esoteric mantra to reveal the full spectrum of its nuances and impact. The sensitive listener is sure to discover a new and lasting appreciation of the Mantra’s efficacy on both the gross and subtle levels.

For more information about Chinmaya Mission Houston, Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya and its activities please visit www.chinmayahouston.org , www.saumyakasi. org or call temple 281 568 1690 or Jay Deshmukh 832 541 0059 or Bharati Sutaria 281-9330233

Jnana Yajna – Maha Mrtyunjaya Mantra

By Pujya Mukhya Swami Swaroopananda

@ Chinmaya Smriti Hall, 10353 Synott Road, Sugar Land. TX – 77498

Discourses: August 19 to 23 – 7:30 to 8:30 pm

Meet of Two Eminent Chefs for Akshaya Patra

Houston: Akshaya Patra Houston chapter announces a culinary excellence chef Sanjeev Kapoor to collaborate with Akshaya Patra in bringing awareness of lack of nutritious food in government schools across India, Chef Kapoor has been a stalwart supporter of Akshaya Patra and its vision, mission, and mid-day meal programs for over many years.

The luncheon event on Friday September 8, 2023 is at well renowned Indian eatery Kiran’s Restaurant in Houston, owned and operated by Chef Kiran Verma – a staunch supporter of Akshaya Patra. The two eminent Chefs promise to bring to table a delectable Indian Vegetarian Thali lunch that is slated to be one-of-a-kind lunch experience in a cozy ambience.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a secular not-for-profit organization that cooks, transports and serves over 2 million midday meals to government school children in 22,000+ schools across 15 States and 2 Union Territories in India, every day.

The all-vegetarian mid-day nutritious meals prepared by Akshaya Patra are the results of collaborations and guidelines from The National Institute of Health and Family Welfare in India, local and state governments in India and Department of Food Sciences at the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign.

Children attending government schools come from low-income families who typically make less than $2.00 per day who are unable to afford basic food grains, vegetable, milk etc. needed for a child’s growth. To that end, Akshaya Patra fulfills the need of feeding at least

one nutritious meal a day for the entire school year. Poverty in India is still very high, almost 102 million school age children attend the government school and Akshaya Patra is barely reaching 2+M children. Help us reach the goal of feeding 3 million children everyday by 2025.

All donations and ticket sale proceeds are 100% tax deductible.

For a child’s growth and improve learning, a nutritious meal is of utmost importance. Children not hungry at school are more attentive at learning and parents not having to worry about feeding them at least once a day are apt to keep children at school.

Please join us and raise the attendance and learning standards at government schools.

For additional information contact Ashok Shah at 832-518-9938 or Janardan Thakkar at 713-2494256

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor

Chef Kiran Verma

September 8, 2023

Akshaya Patra announces famous celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor to Houston at Kiran’s Restaurant

Akshaya Patra to host celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor with renowned Houston chef Kiran Verma for a superb afternoon of delicious food, fun and fundraising.

Akshaya Patra provides 2+ Million hot mid day lunches at 20,000+ government schools in 15 states and 2 territories across India.

Join us in helping raise the funds for this noble and worthy cause.

Venue: Kiran’s Restaurant, 2925 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77098

Admissions & Donations: www.tinyurl.com/chefkapoor , www.apusa. org/events

Complimentary Valet Parking at the venue.

Houston Contact: Ashok Shah 832-518-9938, Janardan Thakkar: 713-249-4256, National - AP Development Director: Geeta Rai – 408839-1123

All donations & admission charges are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. APUSA organization is a registered 501(c)3 organization. TAX ID: 01-0574950

NextGen Hindu Youth Leadership Convention Empowers Sanatani Youth

By VarsHa Vasu

Pearland: In a historic event that gathered approximately 400 attendees o ages 17 & above, the inaugural NextGen Hindu Youth Leadership Convention took place at Sri Meenakshi Temple (MTS). Enthusiastic participants, particularly youth, drove and flew in from cities across Texas and the US to take part. The convention, co-sponsored by Hindus of Greater Houston, Hindu Temple of the Woodlands, and Hindu University of America, aimed to forge a community of Sanatani youth, fostering connections through spirituality, advocacy, and entrepreneurship.

The day began with the vibrant and welcoming drumming sounds of the Chenda , followed by prayers recited by MTS Vedic Heritage School students and soulstirring renditions of the American and Indian anthems. The morning emcees welcomed the attendees and invited MTS Chairman, Vinod Reddy Kaila to say a few opening words. Then was introduced the visionary behind NextGen, Dr. Dhamo S. Dhamotharan whose leadership provided the youth with a powerful voice.

The conference featured an inspiring lineup of speakers who drew connections between Hinduism and their respective professions, encouraging the attendees to embrace ancient wisdom and contemporary innovation.

Honorable D. C. Manjunath, Consul General of India in Houston, highlighted the tremendous accomplishments and trajectory in which India is economically progressing, largely with vision powered by young adults in the country. Suhag Shukla, Executive Director, and co-founder of Hindu American Foundation delivered a compelling talk titled “It’s in Your Back Pocket: A Timeless Roadmap to a Happy Life,” guiding youth on finding fulfillment within themselves. Joseph Emmett, the Director of Vedanta Institute Houston, enlightened attendees about the practical application of Vedanta philosophy in daily living.

After a coffee break followed a Spirituality Panel, moderated by Dr. Madhuri Vasudevan, a prominent NextGen leader in Satsang.

Panelists included Siddhant Patil, Mika Rao Kalapatapu, Dr. Lavannya Pandit, and Nikhil Balasubramanyam, all of whom attributed their Hindu faith and values to their successful journeys thus far. Then followed Professor Shobita Parthasarathy from the University of Michigan delivered an impassioned talk titled “Leading Towards Social Justice,” inspiring youth to take up the mantle of social change as their dharma.

The afternoon session began with Pooja Jesrani, NASA Flight Director who shared insightful remarks on Hindu and South Asian representation through her talk moderated by the lively Dr. Aiyasawmy Dorairajan. Next, Eddie Stern, renowned for his multi-disciplinary approach to yoga, engaged the audience with his particularly captivating talk, “Yoga and Life’s Big Question.”

Following Mr. Stern, Vasudha Narayanan, a Distinguished Professor, shed light on the cultural and spiritual importance of the sacred spaces of temples.

The session continued with Honorable Federal Judge Arun Subramanian, who drew attention to the power of a united generation in transforming society, citing several inspiring examples. An entrepreneurship panel discussion followed, moderated by Sanjay Ramabhadran, and featured Indira Vishnampet, Mythili Varanasi, Abhishek Balakrishnan, and Rishi Bhutada, who inspired the attendees to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

The convention proceeded with Partha Sarathi Chatterjee, a digital transformation and technology strategy executive, delivering a thought-provoking presentation on “AI and its impact on our lives.” This was followed by Arun Venkataraman, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, who emphasized the role of Hindu principles in guiding his dedication to public service. Then followed Jodi Bernstein, Vice President of Interfaith Relations, and Community Partnerships at IMGH, who inspired youth to channel their

energy towards driving positive change. Lastly, Kalyan Viswanathan, President of Hindu University of America, shared the university’s empowering vision for the next generation of Hindu leaders.

The evening dinner sponsored by the Hindu University of America, culminated in an enthralling musical experience by “Ragaverse”, an Indo-Jazz band. They received roaring applause from the audience. This also offered a venue for networking and socializing.

The NextGen Hindu Youth Leadership Conference marked a momentous occasion and was made possible with the dozens of volunteers and leaders working diligently behind the scenes. Panelist and attendee Rohit Raina summarizes the experience: “I loved the ambience of the event [and the] many interesting topics…I look forward to attending the event next year!” With the flame of inspiration ignited, young Sanatani leaders are poised to shape a prosperous future. As the first of its kind conference, the NextGen Hindu Youth Leadership Conference has set the stage for an exciting journey ahead, fueling the aspirations of the next generation of Hindu leaders in Houston and beyond.

Varsha Vasu is an enthusiastic NextGen leader and young performing artist: dancer, singer, and violinist. She combines her passion for the arts with a passion for serving her community through her 501(c)(3) nonprofit, VAH (@Virtual Arts for Humanity on IG/FB).

Job Posting

KTRK-TV, the Disney-owned television station in Houston, is looking for an innovative, creative, hard-working, and fiercely competitive reporter

Responsibilities:

• Candidates must be master storytellers who can identify, develop, shoot, write, edit, produce and report high-quality, enterprising stories for multiple platforms.

• Our ideal candidate also knows how to tell high-impact stories utilizing data and other research tools and is willing to experiment with new technology

• Must have a desire to serve the community and a knack for quickly cultivating contacts and exclusive story ideas.

Basic Qualifications:

• Must be able to work under tight deadlines, multi-task, prioritize assignments, and have the flexibility to work any shift required.

• We want a respected, knowledgeable, ethical station representative and team player with a strong presence on social media.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a major television market

• Must have excellent writing and editorial experience

• Must have strong shooting, editing and on-air presentation skills, including live reporting & ad lib expertise.

• Must be able to pass a background check, which includes having a clean driving record

Required Education:

• High School Diploma

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication or related field Interested candidates apply via Disneycareers.com, Job ID 10057020

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, Disney Parks, and Experiences and Products. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating worldclass stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with KTRK Television, Inc, which is part of a business we call ABC Owned TV Stations.

KTRK Television, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Today’s youth, tomorrow’s leaders. Photos by Bijay Dixit.

NextGen Youth Leadership Convention organizers.

ICC Celebrating Independence Day & 50 Years of Excellence

Houston: On Aug 19th, at Houston Marriot Sugarland ,we are thrilled to commemorate the remarkable milestone of 50 years ICC gala, since the establishment of the India Culture Center at 6 pm. For half a century, our organization has been dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich heritage, traditions, and diversity of Indian culture.

We, the India Culture Center, proudly declare our jubilant celebration of India’s Independence Day on August 20th from 1 pm to 7 pm, marking the 77th anniversary of India’s liberation. This momentous occasion reminds us of the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and the unyielding spirit of our great nation. In addition to, let’s step back in time as we transport you to the glorious era of the 1970s, when the ICC was born in 1973, with mesmerizing performances that will evoke feelings of nostalgia and pride. And also, experience the magic of classical dances, melodious music,

Through countless cultural events, performances, workshops, and educational programs, the India Culture Center has fostered unity, understanding, and appreciation for the vibrant tapestry of Indian traditions among our community members.

On this momentous occasion, we invite everyone to join us in our series of cultural events, exhibitions, and performances showcasing the essence of India’s glo-

rious history, arts, music, dance, cuisine, and much more. Together, let us embrace the diversity and richness of our Indian heritage, as we continue to build bridges of

friendship and understanding. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event where old meets new, and traditions are celebrated with fervor and joy.

Swami Mukundananda Series: Aug 5-18

Houston: Swami Mukundananda, a world-renowned teacher of Spirituality, Yoga & Meditation, will conduct two different programs from August 5 (Sat.) –August 18 (Fri.) in Houston.

Swami Mukundananda received his degrees in Engineering and Management from two world famous institutes in India- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) respectively. However, the call of God was so strong that after a short while on a successful corporate executive career path, he renounced his professional career to take Sanyas at age 23 in quest for God-realization and has subsequently dedicated his life for the last 40 years for the welfare of humanity. Details of the Event:

From August 5 - 11 (Sat to Fri)

- daily discourse at India House at 8888 W Belfort Ave, Houston, TX 77031 from 6:45pm - 9pm. Topic: Golden Rules for Living your Best Life

From Aug 12 – 18 (Sat to Fri)daily discourse at Durgabari Auditorium, 13944 Schiller Road, Houston, TX 77082 from 6:45 pm - 9 pm. Topic: Bhagavad Gita –The Song of God.

Admission to program is Free and Dinner Prasadam will be served after discourses. Free Registration at https://www.jkyog.org/Houston

Contact 281-630-5982, 281-7804877, 832-377-6070

Please Join and enhance your life’s journey.

Indo American News

Founder: dr. K.l. sindwani

PuBlisHer: jawaHar MalHotra

editor: PraMod KulKarni

®All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the written consent of the publisher. Deadline for advertising and articles is 4 pm on Monday of each week. Please include self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of all unsolicited material. Published at 2470 Dairy Ashford, Houston, Texas 77077.

Tel:713-789-6397, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com, website: www.indoamerican-

OBITUARY

Even In Passing, Veena Kakkar, 86, Taught Strength, Resiliency

and with Annu, then 17, landed in Houston on April 16, 1987, where she was sponsored by her sister Janak Tiwari. After repeated attempts, she finally found a job at Walgreens where she worked for 12 years till she retired. During these years she taught Annu the value of perseverance and sacrifice, and the two lived together her entire life, for 53 years. Veena was a staunch Hindu and often participated at the Hindu Worship Society, Radha Krishna

Temple and Sri Sita Ram Foundation events.

Even as her health started to fail her, she was determined to visit her family in India, most recently in 2022, against the advice of her cardiologist. Her motto in life was to be pragmatic and just do what you set your mind to.

Veena was a kindred spirit who left her mark on others through her caring and generosity. In addition to Annu, she leaves behind sisters Janak Tewari (husband

T.D. Tiwari) of Houston and Kanchan Anand (of Noida, India) and brother Surinder Anand. She is also survived by her nephew Ashu Tewari and his kids, Shaan and Isabela, as well as her nieces, nephews and their families in Australia, and siblings and their families in India.

Her funeral and cremation was held on Wednesday, August 9 at 10 am at the Winford Funeral Home at 8514 Tybor Dr., Houston, TX 77074.

By jawaHar MalHotra

Houston: Even though the last few years had been tough on her as her escalating health issues took more of her energy, it did not fade the spring in her steps as she walked across the living room, determined not to use the walker to steady her. Much as she realized the frailties she had to deal with, Veena Kumari Kakkar didn’t want to burden others, especially not her only child, daughter Annu Khanna.

On Sunday, August 7, 2023, in the arms of her loving daughter, and in her own bedroom, this strong fighter breathed her last, a day after she returned from a week at the hospital. Her last words for the inconsolable Annu were telling her not to cry, but

“to be strong”.

Born in Multan, pre-Partitioned India on January 16, 1937 to Maapyari and Jaswant Rai, Veena was the most loved child in the family of seven siblings and took responsibility of each brother and sister. She was seven years old when the family moved to Delhi, and after high school she went to Lucknow to complete her medical diploma and worked as a GYN nurse.

She lived in the Pahargunj district of Old Delhi, where Annu was born and raised her as a single mother. At the age of 50, she took voluntary retirement from the Municipal Health Department, completed all the US immigration process by herself

SONY

832-766-6662

Late Veena Kakkar with daughter Annu Khanna

“Why Meditation?” -- Anandmurti Gurumaa Provides Guidance

A gyani (enlightened being) knows his true, ever-blissful ‘Self’. Thus, although he performs all actions, he is not dependent on the world for anything. He is blissfully content in his own ‘Self’. And only such a being can be the non-doer of actions and thus the non-bearer of its consequences. He is ever content with whatever that comes to him of its own accord, being equanimous in success and failure, and thus he is not bound despite performing actions. Now check where you stand. More often than not, the slightest achievement fills people with pride and the slightest failure makes them despair. Even a trivial victory or success makes folk want to shout aloud from the roof top. People gloat, they boast and some even get their photos printed in the newspaper so that all sundry come to know of their ‘achievement’! On the other hand, even the most insignificant failure or defeat makes you despondent. Thus, the mind keeps swinging between the dualities of pain and pleasure. And such is your identification with the mind that when the mind feels happy, you say ‘I am happy’ and when it is sad, you say ‘I am sad.’

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I will narrate a Puranic story to make it clearer. Once Lord Brahma was sitting in his court, and since he is said to be the creator of this whole creation, his throne was higher than all attending courtiers. It so happened that a sadhu (hermit) entered his court, carrying a kamandal (container) filled with holy water in one hand and kusha grass (used in ritualistic offerings) in the other.

mind. It is only when we start meditating that the hidden attributes of the mind such as ego, anger, desires, jealously etc. begin to surface. We are aware of others – what they did, whether it was good or bad, but we haven’t seen ourselves. We analyse everyone else except ourselves. Hence in a way, our situation is similar to that of Lord Brahma, for everyone thinks ‘I am the greatest’. But when you start sitting for meditation, you get

introduced to your own mind. You start seeing all the shades of your own mind. Thus, instead of pursuing this external world all the time, give some time to dwell within. Extracted from the book ‘Art of Meditation’ by Anandmurti Gurumaa

As he walked in, he kept on dipping the kusha in his kamandal and sprinkling the holy water around, murmuring sacred hymns to purify the surroundings. All were curious to know who he was, and why was he doing an indecorous act of ‘purifying’ Lord Brahma’s court. For he seemed to imply that the place and deities were impure, needing purification!

Job Posting

DIGITAL NEWS PRO D UCER - P T Job ID 10054869

KTRK-TV, the Disney TV station located in Houston, TX seeks an experienced digital news content producer for a part-time job who can write, edit, and produce material for our digital, social, and connected TV platforms. You will work in a high-energy, non-stop news environment to help us cover breaking news and to create compelling content that our users will find valuable and engaging.

Curiosity, solid writing skills and willingness to learn are important. Some of the day-to-day duties include writing stories, producing breaking news, creating original videos, producing live streams, optimizing content for more reach and impact, and helping to manage content for social media and engage our audience.

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ndal and sprinkling the holy water on Lord Brahma, he started singing holy hymns of purification, “Om Pavitroh Pavitrah,” before coolly sitting down in Brahma’s lap! Now, Lord Brahma got really worried and asked, “Sir, who are you? Your actions leave me utterly perplexed. At least introduce yourself.” The sadhu retorted, “I am your ahankara (ego) who was inside you and is now in front of you. You could not see me. I have come to tell you that don’t be under any misconception that you are the supreme father and Lord of all beings. Not at all! You are dwarfed by my presence, I am your ahankara, superior even to you.’’ The point being conveyed through this allegory is that we cannot see our

Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing content across current and future platforms with storytelling that is optimized for each screen and reflective of the diversity of our audience

• Writing stories from a variety of sources

See, the root problem of all suffering is ignorance. Ignorance of what? Ignorance of your true identity! Not knowing your true identity, you regard the unit of bodymind as ‘I’. And this is what leads to all sorts of suffering and misery. Your true nature is bliss. So, if you want to really be blissful, you will have to realise your real ‘Self’. Body is not you, mind is not you - the key lies in seeing yourself separate from body, separate from mind. Well, you can see this body, but what about the mind?

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• Owning breaking news and the big stories with speed and accuracy and growing new opportunities in our multi-media environment

A bemused Lord Brahma welcomed him saying, “Dear Sir, although I don’t recognize you, I do warmly welcome you in this court, please be seated.” Rather rudely, the sadhu demanded, “Where should I sit? All thrones are occupied and hence impure. There is no unsoiled place for me to sit.” Lord Brahma tried to placate him saying, “Sir, you may sit in my lap, if it is okay with you.” Without batting an eyelid, the nonchalant sadhu walked up to Lord Brahma and dipping the kusha into the kama-

• Ability to produce a variety of content for social platforms

• Collaborate with other content makers and newsroom leaders to maximize the sharing of our content in a multi-platform way

• Understanding of SEO (search engine optimization) and how to use data insights to make editorial decisions to best reach and increase our audience

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1 year experience in a production or newsroom environment

• Background in journalism or related discipline

• Strong editorial skills, good news judgment and social media expertise

• Excellent communication and writing skills, as well as proficiency in grammar, spelling, and punctuation

Kaushika Shah

Licensed Sales Agent

832-282-3515, TT Y 711

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• Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced news environment

• An understanding of social strategy and SEO with the desire to keep up with emerging platforms

• Must be able to meet deadlines and work under pressure

• Proficient with AP style

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• Experience with Adobe Premiere and Photoshop (or similar nonlinear editing programs)

• Must be flexible and willing to work mornings, evenings, and weekends and adaptable to change

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree (related degree preferred in Journalism, TV/Production, etc.)

Interested candidates apply via Disneycareers.com, Job ID 10054869

About The Walt Disney Company:

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The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, Disney Parks, and Experiences and Products. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with KTRK Television, Inc, which is part of a business we call ABC Owned TV Stations.

KTRK Television, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

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