Indo-American News: December 8, 2023

Friday, December 8, 2023 | Vol. 42, No. 49

December 8, 2023

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First Kumbhabhisekam for Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya

India PM Modi on G20

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Sikh Center 50th Jubilee

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India’s Consul General in Houston Hon. D.C. Manjunath and Pujya Acarya Gaurang Nanavaty participated in the first Kumbhabhisekam of the divinely beautiful Saumyakasi Sivalaya.

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WEDDINGS, SPECIAL EVENTS, TENTED EVENTS, OUTDOOR COURTYARD

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December 8, 2023

CHINMAYA MISSION HOUSTON

A Memorable First Kumbhabhisekam for Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya An outpouring of grateful devotion and inspired seva

By Padmashree Rao Houston: Chinmaya Mission Houston (CMH): On the Sunday morning of November 26, 2023, the skies had a sacred overtone.

The air was cold and crisp as the brisk winds gathered strength through the day. Sunrays illumined clouds with a warm glow, and a gentle sprinkling of rain before dawn had already refreshed the earth. Indeed, all the great elements of Nature had joined in to bring the touch of Mount Kailash to Chinmaya Prabha, Houston.

They evoked the feeling of being in the very abode of Bhagavan Siva as an unforgettable first Kumbhabhisekam of the divinely beautiful Saumyakasi Sivalaya unfolded.

The festivities leading up to the much-awaited Kumbhabhisekam had started on the cheerful Friday evening of Nov.24, the day after Thanksgiving, in the expansive courtyard before Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya. Excitement filled the air as over 400 Bala Vihar children performed the inaugural pujas at the altars of 12 spectacular Jyotirlingas in preparation for the symbolic Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Yatra that was the main feature of that evening. Following that delightful beginning, the 5th grade children invoked Bhagavan Siva’s blessings for the upcoming celebrations by chanting the Siva Panchak-

shari Stotra. That was a nostalgic moment;16 years ago, on the eve of the Sivalaya’s inauguration on Dec.19, 2007 by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda, the whole congregation of Bala Vihar children had chanted this same invocation while creating a dazzling outline of the Sivalaya with diyas.

To acquaint the gathered crowd of over 1400 people about the 12 Jyotirlingas that are spread across India, the talented children of the Chinmaya Choir sang the powerful Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Stotra.

Then, the audience was invited to a video overview which detailed the far-reaching vision of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda and the deep commitment of his disciples, Pujya Gaurangbhai and Darshanaben Nanavaty, that led to the birth and growth of Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya. The video also conveyed the importance of the first Kumbhabhisekam and the significance of the Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Yatra.

In his address to the attentive audience, Pujya Acarya Gaurang Nanavaty said that one seed that Pujya Gurudev sowed in June 1987 sparked the glory of the iconic Sivalaya inside Chinmaya Prabha Houston to nurture future generations. Conveying his appreciation for that important mission, the chief guest of the evening, Houston’s Honorable Consul General of India, Shri D.C. Manjunath noted

that Chinmaya Mission Houston (CMH) has kept the flag of Hindu culture flying high in Houston. He explained that Jyotirlingas proclaim Bhagavan Siva’s Presence across India and expressed great happiness about the opportunity for the Houston community to experience the Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Yatra inside the blissful Sivalaya premises. That evening, when the Jyotirlinga Yatra opened for all with Bala Vihar student volunteers explaining the story and significance of each Jyotirlinga, the entire Sivalaya seemed to glow with Bhagavan Siva’s effulgence.

The Saturday of Nov.25 was uplifted by the powerful homas that sanctified the space and energized the Kalashas, the ceremonial pots, in preparation for Sunday’s Kumbhabhisekam. Sri Ganesh Satyanarayana, priest of Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya, and Sri Raghuram Bhatt, priest of Sri Krishna Vrundavana conducted the sacred homas to propitiate Sri Mahaganapati, the Navagrahas and the Vaastu devata in the morning. They, with a team of learned priests from all surrounding temples, surcharged the atmosphere with the Rudra Homa and Sudarshana homa in the evening.

That night, just before the purnahuti, the devotees of Chinmaya Mission Houston, especially the Bala Vihar children and teachers, felt overjoyed and doubly blessed

when their beloved Pujya Acarya Darshana Nanavaty came to the Sivalaya and did the Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Yatra that she had envisioned about four years ago!

With the spiritual aura of Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya reaching its peak on Nov.26, the first Kumbhabhisekam was an indescribable outpouring of grateful devotion.

When Pujya Acarya Gaurang Nanavaty, led by Sri Ganeshji and other priests, performed the abhishekam to the majestic Sivalinga atop Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya, the huge gathering of devotees was entranced. To see every one of the hundreds of devotees climb an intricately constructed scaffolding and offer the sanctified abhisheka water to the luminous Sivalinga was a blessing beyond compare.

Even the very aged devotees could do abhiseka, thanks to the thoughtful touch of a huge scissor lift platform.

Throughout that divine weekend, the spirit of the CM pledge shone bright. Devotees were welcomed with cheerful “Hari Om” and kindly directed from the time they parked to the time they were given Maha Prasada after every event.

The incredible work put in to create the Jyotirlinga temples and plan the Bala Vihar puja, the beautiful decorations that adorned the entire Chinmaya Prabha and Sivalaya courtyard, and the impressive audiovisual enhancements inside

Indo-American News • Friday, DECEMBER 8, 2023 • www.indoamerican-news

the carefully constructed tents showed the exceptional commitment behind this spectacular ceremony. The sevaks and sevikas of different teams worked together as one family, with love and respect. They offered so much more of their time and energy with such zeal that His Grace and blessings flowed in and through every aspect of this Kumbhabhisekam.

Truly, the first Kumbhabhisekam of Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya became a flawless offering, thanks to Bhagavan Siva’s supreme Grace.

It was an inspired offering at the Lotus Feet of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda heralding His upcoming 108th Janma Jayanti on May 8, 2024. The first Kumbhabhisekam of Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya was a selfless Mahayajna where an entire army of CMH’s enthusiastic sevaks and sevikas gave their all-in surrender to the ever-smiling Bhagavan who is the guiding Presence in their lives.

Hari Om! 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 281-933-0233.

Photos by Bharat Rao, Ashutosh Kak, Manisha Joshi, Rajesh Thatte, Nilesh Shah

INDIA

December 8, 2023

Towards a Brighter Tomorrow: India’s G20 Presidency and the Dawn of a New Multilateralism

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi: We recently marked 365 days since India assumed the G20 Presidency. It is a moment to reflect, recommit, and rejuvenate the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’

As we undertook this responsibility last year, the global landscape grappled with multifaceted challenges: recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, looming climate threats, financial instability, and debt distress in developing nations, all amid declining multilateralism. In the midst of conflicts and competition, development cooperation suffered, impeding progress.

Assuming the G20 Chair, India sought to offer the world an alternative to status quo, a shift from a GDP-centric to human-centric progress. India aimed to remind the world of what unites us, rather than what divides us. Finally, the global conversation had to evolve – interests of the few had to give way to aspirations of many. This required a fundamental reform of multilateralism as we knew it.

Inclusive, ambitious, actionoriented, and decisive—these four words defined our approach as G20 president, and the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD), unanimously adopted by all G20 members, is testimony to our commitment to deliver on these principles.

Inclusivity has been at the heart of our presidency. The inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20 integrated 55 African nations into the forum, expanding it to encompass 80% of the global population.

This proactive stance has fostered a more comprehensive dialogue on global challenges and opportunities.

The first-of-its-kind ‘Voice of

the Global South Summit’; convened by India in two editions, heralded a new dawn of multilateralism. India mainstreamed the Global South’s concerns in international discourse and has ushered in an era where developing countries take their rightful place in shaping the global narrative.

Inclusivity also infused India’s domestic approach to G20, making it a People’s Presidency that befits that world’s largest democracy.

Through “Jan Bhagidari” (people’s participation) events, G20 reached 1.4 billion citizens, involving all states and Union Territories (UTs) as partners. And on substantive elements, India ensured that international attention was directed to broader developmental aims, aligning with G20’s mandate.

At the critical midpoint of the 2030 Agenda, India delivered the G20 2023 Action Plan to Accelerate Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), taking a cross-cutting, action-oriented approach to interconnected issues, including health, education, gender equality and environmental sustainability.

A key area driving this progress is robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Here, India was decisive in its recommendations, having witnessed the revolutionary impact of digital innovations like Aadhaar, UPI, and Digilocker first-hand. Through G20, we successfully completed the Digital Public Infrastructure Repository, a significant stride in global technological collaboration. This repository, featuring over 50 DPIs from 16 countries, will help the Global South build, adopt, and scale DPI to unlock the power of inclusive growth.

For our One Earth, we introduced ambitious and inclusive aims to create urgent, lasting, and equitable change. The Declaration’s ‘Green Development Pact’

addresses the challenges of choosing between combating hunger and protecting the planet, by outlining a comprehensive roadmap where employment and ecosystems are complimentary, consumption is climate conscious, and production is planet-friendly.

In tandem, the G20 Declaration calls for an ambitious tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030. Coupled with the establishment of the Global Biofuels Alliance and a concerted push for Green Hydrogen, the G20’s ambitions to build a cleaner, greener world is undeniable. This has always been India’s ethos, and through Lifestyles for Sustainable Development (LiFE), the world can benefit from our age-old sustainable traditions.

Further, the Declaration underscores our commitment to climate justice and equity, urging substantial financial and technological support from the Global North. For the first time, there was a recognition of the quantum jump needed in the magnitude of development financing, moving from billions to

trillions of dollars. G20 acknowledged that developing countries require $5.9 trillion to fulfill their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2030.

Given the monumental resources required, G20 emphasized the importance of better, larger, and more effective Multilateral Development Banks. Concurrently, India is taking a leading role in UN reforms, especially in the restructuring of principal organs like the UN Security Council, that will ensure a more equitable global order.

Gender equality took center stage in the Declaration, culminating in the formation of a dedicated Working Group on the Empowerment of Women next year. India’s Women’s Reservation Bill 2023, reserving one-third of India’s Parliament and state legislative assembly seats for women epitomizes our commitment to women-led development.

The New Delhi Declaration embodies a renewed spirit of collaboration across these key priorities, focusing on policy coherence,

reliable trade, and ambitious climate action. It is a matter of pride that during our Presidency, G20 achieved 87 outcomes and 118 adopted documents, a marked rise from the past.

During our G20 Presidency, India led deliberations on geopolitical issues and their impact on economic growth and development.

Terrorism and the senseless killing of civilians is unacceptable, and we must address it with a policy of zero-tolerance. We must embody humanitarianism over hostility and reiterate that this is not an era of war.

I am delighted that during our Presidency India achieved the extraordinary: it revitalised multilateralism, amplified the voice of the Global South, championed development, and fought for the empowerment of women, everywhere.

As we hand over the G20 Presidency to Brazil, we do so with the conviction that our collective steps for people, planet, peace, and prosperity, will resonate for years to come.

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SIKH CENTER

December 8, 2023

Sikh Center’s Golden Jubilee Celebration

By Bhupinder Singh Houston: The Sikh Center was established in 1972. Then there were about a dozen Sikh families who had just made Houston their home. These early pioneers felt a void for their religious and spiritual needs. They decided to fill that void by holding a monthly meeting in a volunteer family’s home for a session of Gurbani Keertan. Soon they realized that holding monthly Diwans was not a practical solution for their needs, finally they decided that they needed to have a community place of worship. That led to the decision of having a Gurudwara, so the designated volunteers started scouting for a piece of land. The lot on 8819 Prairie Drive was selected and the fledgling community decided to build the place of worship in August 1973.

These professionals could only muster evenings on weekdays, and the weekends for construction. The modest wooden Gurudwara building was inaugurated in November 1973 on Parkash Purab of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism.

We are now celebrating golden jubilee of this modest vision of the early pioneers which has grown over the period and with the recent modifications cum upgrades completed in 2019 makes it a beautiful worship place that provides spiritual and physical food to the worshippers. The managing committee of The Sikh Center drew up a cal-

endar of events to commemorate this major milestone as under: October 14, 2023, Saturday: Interfaith Seminar November 5, 2023, Sunday: Amrit Sanchar November 19, 2023, Sunday: Blood Drive November 24, 2023, Friday to November 26, 2023, Sunday:

Morning Akhand Paath Arambh, evening Kirtan Programs: Special invitee was Dr. Gurnam Singh Jatha & Local Jatha performed.

Nishan Sahib Sewa was performed on Sunday followed by the children’s kirtan performance.

November 27, 2023, Monday: Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab (Actual Day), evening Kirtan & Katha

by The Sikh Center Jatha.

November 28, 2023, Tuesday evening: Kirtan: Local Gurdwara’s Kirtan Jathas November 29, 2023, Wednesday to December 02, 2023, Saturday: Daily evening Kirtan by Sant Anoop Singh Unawale & Sikh Center Jatha. Arambh Akhand Paath on December 01 morning.

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The culmination of the celebrations was on December 03, 2023, Sunday which started with the Paath Bhog. This was followed by the Kirtan of Sikh Center Jatha.

After the Center Jatha the special invitee Jatha of Sant Anoop Singh Unawale enthralled the devotees with their melodious Kirtan. It was followed by a speech by Dr. Sukhmander Singh, 84 from Santa Clara University and an original pioneer of The Sikh Center.

He shared with sangat about the historic challenges the fledgling community endured in the early days of Houston’s growth. After his speech Bobby Singh introduced Judge Manpreet “Monica” Kaur, who further introduced Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Next Bobby Singh introduced Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis. Commissioner Ellis and Mayor Turner expressed their desire to wear a turban. They also presented framed Proclamations.

Amrik S Nijjar, President Sikh Center thanked Mayor & Commissioner. Both the dignitaries were presented with a beautiful pictorial book titled Golden Temple by Patwant Singh. This was followed

by Katha by Bhai Kuldeep Singh and speech by Dr. Kanwaljeet Singh and the final conclusion of the program. All present founder family members were given gifts of The Sikh Center History Book & Souvenir Book plus 50th Anniversary celebration T-shirts.

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INDIA

December 8, 2023

US, India Officials Meet to Discuss Foiled Assassination Plot Enquiry

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U.S. Principal Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) Jonathan Finer in a meeting with Vikram Misri, Deputy National Security Adviser (Strategic Affairs), National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), on Monday. | Photo Credit: ANI

New Delhi: Confirming that the alleged plot to assassinate Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was discussed in meetings between its visiting Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jonathan Finer and top Indian officials, the White House said he “acknowledged India’s establishment of a committee of enquiry”.

In the first meeting between Indian and US officials after US federal prosecutors alleged that an Indian official was involved in a foiled plot to assassinate Pannun on American soil, Finer met NSA Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday.

“Mr Finer acknowledged India’s establishment of a committee of enquiry to investigate lethal plotting in the United States and the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible,” the White House said in a readout.

Last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had hailed India’s decision to announce a high-level probe as “good and appropriate”, and said “we look forward to seeing the results”.

At the Global Technology Summit organised by Carnegie India in New Delhi, while responding to questions on the challenges in India-US ties, Finer said: “I think the US and India have complicated history. We have not always been wholly aligned… the most important step forward for the US and India is recognising by each side that there is much more that connects us, than what divides us… what

we have demonstrated throughout the course of not just this administration, I will acknowledge this is a bipartisan effort that has gone back many administrations in the US, and frankly, many administrations in India, to bring us to the point where not only can we seize some of the important opportunities that the world presents for us, geopolitically and economically, but we can work through our differences in a constructive way without derailing that broader agenda.”

“Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer led a US delegation to New Delhi on December 4 for an intersessional review of the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) with Indian Deputy National Security Advisor Vikram Misri. The iCET is a major milestone in the US-India partnership, which is defined by strategic security and technology cooperation,” the White House readout said.

“In addition, Mr Finer conducted bilateral and regional consultations with Ambassador Misri, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra for discussions aimed at strengthening policy alignment across the Indo-Pacific, including the wider Indian Ocean region,” it said.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said on Monday that the two Deputy NSAs “reviewed key bilateral issues and exchanged views on regional and global developments”. -- Indian Express

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December 8, 2023

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Indo American News Founder: Dr. K.L. Sindwani Publisher: Jawahar Malhotra Editor: Pramod Kulkarni Correspondent: Sanchali Basu ®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 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 212, Houston, Texas 77036.Tel:713-789-6397, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com, website: www.indoamerican-news.com

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COMMUNITY

December 8, 2023

DA Kim Ogg Files Ballot Papers for March ‘24 Democratic Party Primary

By Jawahar Malhotra

Houston: Its filing season once again and Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg did just that on Wednesday afternoon, December 6 at the Harris County Democratic Party Headquarters on Lyons Ave on the city’s eastside.

A group of her supporters joined her outside the building and then once again inside after she had signed the documents that would

place her name on the March 5 primary ballot next year.

After winning her election in 2016, Ogg won her re-election in 2020 and is now seeking her third term. She has made great inroads with the South Asian community and other minorities during her tenure in office. After signing the documents, Ogg made a short stump speech outside the building on the corner of Lyons Ave. and Schweikhardt St.

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At the Harris County Democratic Party Headquarters, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg (center) signed the documents that would place her name on the March 5 primary ballot next year.

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COMMUNITY

December 8, 2023

IMAGH/Club 65 Members Enjoy Picnic on Shores of Lake Conroe

By Rashida Abdullabhoy Conroe: There is no doubt that the Club 65 group of seniors have all the fun! Most months, they hold a meeting – usually at Bayland Park- where not only do they reconnect with one another, but they learn new ideas and share in lighthearted moments and some musical interludes while heralding the events of the season – like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and the like.

And each year they look forward to their picnic in the Spring and Fall, often to distant locale, where, depending on the venue, the same activities go on. They have gone to the Coushatta Casino Resort; the Beach Front Pavilion in Rockport; the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic site; Laporte/Keemah; and Lake Conroe to name a few picnic destinations.

This past Sunday, December 3, a group of almost 90 Club 65ers made the trek in a caravan of cars once again to the Outrigger in Harbour Town on Lake Conroe,

IMAGH & Club 65 members enjoyed a picnic at the Outrigger in Harbour Town on Lake Conroe on Sunday, December 3

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a private clubhouse on the shores of the lake, within sight of the red and white striped lighthouse.

They couldn’t have asked for a prettier day: the air was crisp, bright sunshine with a slight breeze and clear lake water was cool.

Out came the picnic baskets and the delicious food catered

by BBQ Village, who frequently handles Club 65 events. While some strolled the grounds, others played games while others broke out into song. The essence of camaraderie and reconnecting with one another made the hours fly by until it was time to leave at 4pm.

Arrangements for another fine events were thanks to IMAGH Committee Members Latafath Hussain, Tasnim Vadva, Yasmin Udawala, Rahat Sultana, Parvin Sheikh and Neem Vehvaria who never flinch in organizing these bonding events. And no doubt they have the next picnic locale already in their minds.

-- Edited by Jawahar Malhotra

10 December 8, 2023

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December 8, 2023 11

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Sam Bahadur’: Great Acting by Vicky Kaushal

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Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.

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Story: ‘Sam Bahadur’ chronicles the life of Sam Manekshaw, the legendary Chief of Army Staff, who later ascended to the position of Field Marshal. The film explores the milestones of his illustrious career.

Review: ‘Sam Bahadur,’ despite narrating the tale of a legendary Indian Army personnel, carries a distinctive flavour that sets it apart from other films in its genre. The narrative unveils aspects previously unknown to the audience, shedding light on Sam Manekshaw’s close relationship with General Yahya Khan from Pakistan. The film also delves into the challenges he faced, including efforts to label him as anti-national by someone close, and showcasing his candid behaviour, such as playfully referring to Indira Gandhi as ‘Sweetie.’

Vicky Kaushal’s superlative performance brings the character to life, providing a portrayal that feels remarkably authentic. However, regardless of the film’s success on various fronts and its overall engaging quality, there is a certain lack of cohesion. While watching, one can’t shake the impression that several milestones from Sam Manekshaw’s illustrious career have been pieced together, resulting in a slightly underwhelming final outcome.

One glaring drawback of the film lies in its inability to generate heightened tension and intrigue. ‘Sam Bahadur’ presents several moments ripe for such dramatic intensity, but the screenplay falls short in effectively incorporating them. Another Kaushika Shah shortcoming surfaces in the film’s treatment Licensed Sales Agent of its female characters. Sanya Malhotra, in 832-282-3515, TTY 711 the role of Sam’s wife, makes only fleeting appearances, contributing little to the film’s plot. In portraying InY0066_23SPRJ55188_C dira Gandhi, known for

impeccable mannerisms, flawless diction, and the authoritative aura he exudes are hallmarks of a truly capable actor, and Vicky checks all the boxes. Mohd Zeeshan Ayub, essaying the role of General Yahya Khan, and Govind Namdeo, portraying Sardar Patel, are noteworthy characters in the film who effectively make their presence felt.

‘Sam Bahadur’ endeavours to encapsulate the chequered career of a decorated Army officer who epitomized bravery and nationalism, leaving an indelible mark in the annals of the Indian Army as a larger-than-life persona. However, the film only partially succeeds in capturing those moments, lacking a cohesive portrayal of the protagonist’s illustrious journey.

Vicky Kaushal emerges as a saving grace for the film, delivering a performance that goes a long way in redeeming its shortcomings. Vicky Kaushal has delivered a commendable effort, but ‘Sam Bahadur’ falls short of being a cinematic experience to be savoured in its entirety, offering enjoyment only in fragmented segments.-Times of India

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her strong will and assertiveness, Fatima Sana Shaikh falls short of bringing out this crucial element.

The film, however, is not devoid of moments that significantly contribute to its overall charm. Sam’s interactions and shared moments with Gurkha soldiers, his comical exchanges with the grumpy South Indian cook, and the scenes featuring his encounters with Indira Gandhi-all add a unique flavor to the narrative. The film effectively captures the synergy between Sam and Indira Gandhi, showcasing their ability to understand and respect each other’s perspectives.

The initial scenes depicting Sam’s sojourns in Mussoorie and Firozpur play a crucial role in shaping his character arc. They highlight the core essence of Sam as a nononsense, non-conformist soldier willing to go to any lengths to serve his country.

Undoubtedly, the standout element of the film is Vicky Kaushal’s performance. Kaushal once again takes on the challenge of embodying a real-life character for the screen, and this time too he comes out with flying colours. His

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By Abhishek Srivastava

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12 December 8, 2023

Indo-American News • Friday, DECEMBER 8, 2023 • www.indoamerican-news