Indo-American News: January 31, 2020

Friday, January 31, 2020 | Vol. 39, No. 05

Indo American News

$1

Together we canJanuary reach31, 2020 your career goals.

1

Competitive compensation, benefits and mutual support. To apply, contact: Lalit Jallan, CLTC, LUTCF Sales Manager 713-545-9269 LalitJallan@financialguide.com www.advisors.massmutual.com/lalit-jallan

Published weekly from Houston, TX

www.indoamerican-news.com

Special Reports Community Briefs Local Politics South Asians in the News

7457 Harwin Dr, Suite 212, Houston, TX 77036 • 713.789.NEWS (6397) • indoamericannews@yahoo.com

Insurance Representative of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), Springfield, MA 011110001, and its affiliated US Insurance companies. Local firms are sales offices of MassMutual, and are not subsidiaries of MassMutual or its affiliated companies. Insurance products issued by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), Springfield, MA 01111, and its affiliated US insurance companies. Securities and investment advisory services offered through MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC® and a MassMutual subsidiary. Supervisory Office: 3 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1800, Houston, TX 77046. 713-402-3800. Financial Services Representatives are independent contractors and are not employees of MassMutual, its subsidiaries, or of General Agents with whom they contract. CRN202106-232418

Jasmeeta Singh is New ICC President

Houstonians Celebrate India’s 71st Republic Day Pages 3,5

P4

Krishnamurthys: Top Impact Makers

P6

Indo-American News • Friday, JANUARY 31, 2020 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

2

January 31, 2020

Indo-American News • Friday, JANUARY 31, 2020 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

3 Republic Day Flag Hoistings Held at the Consulate, India House

COMMUNITY

January 31, 2020

Newly arrived Consul General Aseem R. Mahajan (above right) read Indian President Ram Nath Kovind’s Republic Day address after the flag hoisting at the Consulate with Asst.

Consul Surendra Adhana (left). Participants at the India House Republic Day celebration gathered for a group photo under the flags of India, US, Texas, and India House.

By Pramod Kulkarni Houston: Overnight showers, cool morning and challenging street parking did not deter more than 130 Houston Indian stalwarts from attending the early morning flag hoisting for India’s 71st Republic Day on Sunday, January 26 at the Indian Consulate on Scotland Street.

The interest in attending the RDay function was piqued by an opportunity mmet to the new Indian Consul General Aseem R. Mahajan, who had arrived just two days earlier to assume his post.

After the flag hoisting and the singing of the Indian national anthem, the function moved inside, where CG Mahajan read out Indian President Ram Nath Kovind’s Republic Day address as is the custom at Indian government flag

hoistings in India and at embassies or consulates around the world.

The morning’s festivities concluded with the serving of idli-sambar and sweet Kesari catered by Dawat Cuisine.

By 11:30 am, when India House was due to perform its own flag hoistings, the sun was shining brightly and more than 250 guests were able to pose for the traditional photo below the flags of the United States, Texas, India and India House. The flags were hoisted by various dignitaries, including Congressmen Al Green and Pete Olson, and Fort Bend County Judge KP George.

The gathering then moved inside, where India House Executive Director Col. Vipin Kumar (retired) welcomed the guests.

This was followed by India House Trustees Dr. Durga Agarwal and

Dr. Virendra Mathur sharing the reading of President Kovind’s Republic Day address. Both Congressmen Green and Olson praised the contributions of the Houston Indian Americans and expressed their hope that US and India could work together for world peace.

The speeches were followed by an entertainment program with the rendition of patriotic songs and a classical Odissi dance. The celebration concluded with the serving of snacks and tea catered by Bombay Brasserie, Aling’s and Nirmanz restaurants.

At 2 pm, protests took place outside the Consulate office by both opponents and proponents of the recently passed Citizenship Amendment Act (see page 5).

The Republic Day festivities concluded in the evening with the onagain, off again official reception

hosted by the Indian Consulate for guests, including representatives of local Indian organizations, ethnic news media, and local officials, including Congressman Al Green, liaisons from Congressman Sheila Jackson Lee, and Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz. Harris County

Commissioner Adrian Garcia and Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman held a friendly competition for the attention of South Asian businesses by each saying, “We’re open for business!” The evening’s dinner was catered by Dawat Cuisine with special attention from co-owner Rajan Radhakrishnan.

At the official reception hosted by the Indian Consulate, US Congressman Al Green (right) presented a Congressional Proclamation to Indian Consul General Aseem Mahajan.

Indo-American News • Friday, JANUARY 31, 2020 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

4

COMMUNITY

January 31, 2020

India Culture Center 2020 Executive Committee

ICC Board of Directors and 2020 Executive Committee members with Mrs. Jasmeeta Singh (seated center) as president.

Houston: India Culture Center’s Board of Directors met at India House on January 5, 2020. This was the first meeting of the Board for the year 2020. At the meeting, the Board of Directors unanimously elected the Executive Committee for the year 2020. The newly elected executive committee is: President – Mrs. Jasmeeta Singh – She is a member of the past ICC Board of Trustees, a past ICC Board of Director and also a past ICC Secretary. At ICC, Mrs. Singh will focus on promoting Indian cultures, strengthening relationships between American and Indian cultures and values, women’s empowerment and bringing the Indian non-profit organizations together and closer.

She has held several prominent

positions in other organizations in the Houston area. She produces and organizes the most popular annual shows in Houston Vaisakhi, Elite Halloween Fashion & dance extravaganza and many more.

Vice-President – Mr. Pramod Bengani – He is a member of the past Board of Directors, and was also the Vice-President from 2018-2019. He is also in the Board of Directors of JVB Preksha Center in Houston.

Secretary – Dr. Santosh Verma – He is a past member of ICC Board of Director member and was also the ICC Secretary in 2019. He is a former President of Bihar Association of North America (BANA) and is currently in the BANA Board of Directors.

Treasurer – Mr. Hemant Patel

– He is a past ICC Board of Directors member and was also the Treasurer in 2019. He is a very active member of BAPS, Houston.

The Executive Committee also includes Mrs. Nisha Mirani as the immediate past-President of ICC. Founded in June 1973, ICC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) and secular organization. It serves as a coordinating link among all major Indian organizations and ondividuals of Indian origin living in the Greater Houston and surrounding areas, on issues of common interests and concerns. It organizes several events during the year celebrating India and its people. Some of the organized events include Republic Day, Independence Day and Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti Celebrations

IMMIGRATION ATT ORNEYS

Willy, Nanayakkara & Associates

INTEGRITY

ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW ATTORNEYS

CHIRANJAYA “ CHIRO” NANAYAKKARA

JAMES W. PARKER

Managing Attorney

Associate Attorney

To Advertise in Indo-American News, call 713 789-6397

DIGNITY

COMPETENCE

SPECIAL ADVISORS

STEPHANIE STUBBE Associate Attorney

THOMAS P. FISCHER

Former District Director of Immigration

GEORGE R. WILLY

THOMAS R. HUTSON Former Consul General

OF COUNSEL

ROGER PIPER

Former District Director of Immigration

JIMMIE BENTON

Former Immigration Judge

Principal Attorney

Deportation

Employment Based

Naturalization

Family Based

Investment Visas

EB1 / EB2 / EB5

Professional Visas

Skilled Worker Visas

We’ve Moved To

14141 Southwest Fwy, Suite 110 Sugar Land, TX 77478

GRWPC.COM

Canadian Immigration

Masala Radio @ AM 1110 Every Thursday: 4:00 to 4:30 pm

......

30 MIN FREE CONSULTATION

Geetanjali Radio @ AM 1320 2nd and 3rd Saturday: 3:00 to 3:30 pm

Andhra Mirchi @ AM 1050 Every 2nd Saturday: 1:00 to 1:30 pm

•Over 30 years of practice in Immigration Law. •Member of the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association since 1989.

•Providing representation for Canadian Immigration through our associates in Canada.

•Over 16 Languages spoken by the Firm’s staff.

HOUSTON • ATLANTA • CANADA • MUMBAI - INDIA

HOUSTON: EVERY THURSDAY | (281) 265-2522 | (888) 529-5990 | IMMIGRATION@GRWPC.COM ATLANTA: EVERY 1ST & 3RD MONDAY | (404) 937-6868 | (888) 529-5990 | ATLANTAIMMIGRATION@GRWPC.COM Indo-American News • Friday, JANUARY 31, 2020 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

PAULINE APPELBAUM

Former Immigration Regional Counsel USCIS

5 Both Sides of CAA Protestors Demonstrate at Indian Consulate

COMMUNITY

January 31, 2020

By Jawahar Malhotra Houston: The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed by the Indian Parliament last month has inflamed passions throughout India and in the Indian diaspora around the world and Houston is not immune to its effects either.

The rhetoric that’s has been building up in WhatsApp groups and social media rose to a head when it erupted in simultaneous protests – in front of the Indian Consulate, across the street from each other – on Sunday afternoon, Republic Day itself, after the flag hoisting ceremony and lunch.

The day also marked the second day in office for the Indian Consul General Aseem Mahajan, who also met with invited guests later that evening at the Consulate’s official Republic Day reception at the Doubletree Hotel in Greenway.

It is estimated that over 500

Protestors for (top) and against (below) the CAA stood across the street from each other.

protestors organized by the Indo American Muslim Council’s newly formed Houston Chapter came to protest against the CAA, 200, according to reports, even bussed in from Dallas. About 150 protes-

tors for the Act were organized by the Friends of India Society International. Both sides waved Indian and American flags and chanted slogans over megaphones and loudspeakers and waving plac-

ards.

The IAMC is a Washington, D.C. registered non-profit established in August 2002 advocacy group for Indian Muslims in the US and seeks to promote peace, pluralism and social justice. It has over a dozen chapters in the US.

The Houston protest coincided with similar protests held in several cities throughout the US, including Washington DC. The FISI-led protest included people from the Ishwar Sewa Foundation and the Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora.

ArchitecturAl Peer review ServiceS rFQ Houston First Corporation requests Statements of Qualification from experienced firms able to provide architectural and structural peer review services in connection with the development by a third party of a 308-room hotel on a pad site atop Partnership Tower.

Please visit https://www.houstonfirst.com/do-business for complete details.

Pradeep Sulhan, P.C.

Certified Public Accountant 14340 Torrey Chase Blvd. | Suite 110 | Houston, Texas 77014

281-583-2993 | 281-580-8700

office@pspccpa.com| pradeep@pspccpa.com

Call Sid or Pradeep Over 25 years of experience

Property Management Employment Hiring individuals, with or without experience, who are interested in upper management positions in the industry of Apartment Complexes.

Our company trains all of employees, and needs people seeking full-time positions (40 hours a week).

Individuals must have computer skills in: Microsoft Excel & Word and typing skills.

Please contact our office at 832-390-1713 Monday- Friday, 9 am - 5 pm to set up an interview.

Come and join our family

Indo-American News • Friday, JANUARY 31, 2020 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

6

January 31, 2020

COMMUNITY

Krishnamurthys Receive 2020 Top 20 Impact Makers Award

By Jawahar Malhotra

Houston: As big-hearted as they are, it is not uncommon to see Leela and Nat Krishnamurthy at many charitable functions across the Bayou City, mixing with some of the well-known donors and movers and shakers in town.

Between them, they serve on the boards of Houston Habitat for Humanity, UNICEF, Save A Mother, Youth Leadership Development Program, Indo American Charity Foundation and the Sri Meenakshi Temple Society. They are also patrons of the arts, especially Indian classical dance, as wellas the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Leela has also served as President of the Sankara Nethralaya Om Trust which supports eye care and free cataract surgeries in India.

The couple were honored for selflessly assisting their community in ways that improve lives for everyone, at an event organized by CKW Luxe magazine (standing for Caring Kindness Wisdom) publisher Connie Kwan-Wong and held at the luxurious St. Regis hotel on Sunday, January 19.

Among the awardees were two other South Asian women - Dr. Shelena C. Lalji, founder of Dr. Shel Wellness & Aesthetic Center and Dr. Sippi Khurana, a rheumatologist, Immunologist and Internist and also Rozina Mohammad who is the founder of Casa Dei Bambini Montessori Schools.

Top: The 2020 Top 20 Imapst Makers Awardees gathered together for a group picture at the gala held at the Regis Hotel on Sunday, January 19.

Right: Houstonian philanthropists Leela and Nat Krishnamurthy, were among the Impact Cpouples honored by CKW Luxe founder and publisher Connie Kwan-Wong (left).

Far right: The gala and awards were organized by CKW Luxe, a fiveyear-old high soceity magazine whose Winter/Spring Edition was devoted to the Awards.

Pratham Recognizes Houston Readathon Team 2019 and Parents

By Vaani Gupta

above and beyond to raise addiHouston: It is well rectional funds ognized that education has for Readathe power of pulling milthon. These lions of people out of the were 9 year darkness and poverty. It old Ayan, empowers people to over6 year old come adversity. Yet, today, Avya Nad35% of the Indian populakarani, and tion is unable to read and 8 year old write. 75% of this popuYash Kalation earns no more than tarya. $78 per month.

Ayan and With little or no opporAvya orgatunities how are the future nized a hot generations expected to chocolate break the never-ending stand in the cycle they live in and creLOP neighate a new life? That is borhood where Pratham steps in.

The shining stars of the Pratham Houston Readathon team. Photo by Hardeep Thind. raising adPratham is a non-profit ber of books they read. This way book authors: Chitra Banerjee organization that works to educate not only kids in India are helped, Divakaruni and Bhupinder Singh. ditional $150. Despite the wintry children in India. It began with but kids in USA are also enhanc- Ms. Divakaruni is an award-win- chill of the season they stood for a small preschool located in the ing their knowledge and reading ning author, poet, professor, and hours handing warm cups of hot depths of Mumbai and through skills. activist. She writes about contem- chocolate with smiles on their their efforts has now expanded to Recently, on January 12, Manjit porary life, women’s experiences, faces. Yash Katarya wrote letters have schools and learning centers Soni, the Houston coordinator of immigration, and Indian mythol- to families in India and raised adin 20 Indian states, touching the the Pratham Readathon, concluded ogy. Mr. Singh writes about issues ditional $175.

Pratham’s Readathon awareness lives of thousands of kids across the 2019 Houston Readathon with in today’s society, such as bullying the country. a dazzling event to congratulate and how to handle it as well as re- is expanding in Greater Houston One part of this organization and celebrate efforts of the readers flections on Sikh scriptures. Young area. Volunteers Isha Taneja and Janavi Sheshadri of Elkins that makes a significant contribu- who were recognized with medals readers and their parents had a Q& tion to this goal is the Pratham and trophies.

A session with the authors. Ms. High School in Sugarland have creReadathon. In the this program, The participants had a wonderful Divakaruni shared valuable tips on ated a Pratham club at the school. kids in USA read books, and in re- time, as they met other book-lovers writing and emphasized that read- This is first of its kind at a public school in the USA. Their goal is to turn, have their family and friends in the room and had the opportu- ing is essential to writing. donate money based on the num- nity to engage with two children’s Some ambitious readers went expand the awareness of this club

in their community by holding book drives and walkathon.

All in all, 2019 Houston Readathon raised $6,000 and with a matching donation from Pratham National Board Member and CFO of Pratham USA, Swatantra Jain, they nearly doubled the total to $11,000. Given that it only takes $25 to educate one kid in India, the Houston chapter alone has touched the lives of hundreds of kids.

As Ben Franklin once said: “If man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”

Credit for success of the 2019 Houston Readathon also goes to mothers who got their kids involved and motivated them to keep reading and raising money.

This team has been together for the last 4 years and is still growing. Special thanks to event managing volunteers---Charu Gupta, Sunita Khatri, Sumedha Katarya, and Pooja Malik.

Please join the Houston Readathon Team or start your own team in your area and brighten the lives of underprivileged kids in India.

Vaani Gupta is a senior high school student at the Village School and has volunteered for the Pratham Readathon since the last five years.

Indo-American News • Friday, JANUARY 31, 2020 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

COMMUNITY

January 31, 2020

7

World Hindi Day with Indian Consulate at DAV Sanskriti School

DAV Sanskriti School gathering at Arya Samaj of Houston (left). Acharya (Dr.) Kavita Vachaknavee, Director of the DAV Sanskriti School, with Indian Consul Shri Ajay Ajamani.

The tradition of World Hindi Divas commemorates the first World Hindi Conference held at Nagpur on 10th January 1975.

All Indian Missions abroad conduct programs to bring together Hindi loving people. CGI Houston had organized Vishwa Hindi Diwas last year and Acharya (Dr.) Kavita Vachaknavee (director of the DAV Sanskriti School) coordinated the event. This year the event was organized on Sunday, 19th January.

DAV Sanskriti School, the Sunday School of Arya Samaj Houston celebrated in the presence of Shri Ajay Ajmani, Consul and Shri Amit Khanna, Teacher of Indian Culture from the Indian Consulate. The Consul read out the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message who is known among Indian diaspora as a champion of Hindi.

To begin with, Dr. Vachaknavee presented a glimpse of the Sanskriti School. One period a week is devoted to Hindi conversation and the children, age 4-14 have practiced in the last few weeks, mere 2-3 hours. Our teachers are mostly the parents of the children with their own profession and yet they function as teachers with dedication. Sanskriti School believes in equal opportunity to its ALL 130 children age 4 to 13; every child must appear on stage. Some of the songs and poems were old classic such as: Bachche mun ke sachche , Chanda mama door ke, Choon Choon Karti Aayi Chidiya, etc.

Some were rather unheard of: Ek Bandar ne Kholi Dukaan, Mera Tesu yahin khada. There were five solo items: the poem ‘Pushp Ki Abhilasha’ by Laasya Sharma,

‘Personal Progress in Hindi’ by Kashish Kalita, ‘Vijayi Vishva Tiranga Pyara’ by Dhruv Thacker, ‘Jeevan ki Paribhasha’ by Aarna Kapil and ‘Why Do We Celebrate World Hindi Day’ by Shrey Mukharji. There was a significant level of maturity in the conduct and presentation by the children of this age. They received applause and appreciation they truly deserved.

As emcee, Dr. Vachaknavee mentioned that Indian songs and hymns have been adapted and used by various popular rap and pop music artists. From science to commerce and business to various multimedia as shown India is on its way to becoming a viable world economy, inviting increasingly more interest from the world.

Bollywood is the second biggest

film maker following Hollywood.

Indian music becomes influential, not only audiences in the United States but also with the rest of the world. Poetic words used in the classic Hindi songs are helpful to learn Hindi.

Another aspect that struck everyone was flawless discipline and the efficient manner of the outgoing group being replaced by the incoming group without loss of time. Noteworthy was the make shift use of the Sanskriti School lobby providing the stage and sitting space for 130 children, 100

volunteers, teachers and parents and a number of special guests. It was a remarkably successful exercise in space management! In his closing remarks, the Consul expressed satisfaction seeing the Sanskriti School children learn Indian heritage and values. He distributed certificate of participation to all children. For school inquires Dr. Vachaknavee can be reached at <davss@aryaamajhouston.org>.

More about Sanskriti School can be known from davss.aryasamajhouston.org and https://www.facebook.com/SanskritiUSA/

HELP WANTED Chemical Co. in Baytown hiring a Purchasing Clerk. QuickBooks exp. & good computer skills req. Great pay w/ benefits. Send resume to apply@chemicalsinc.com. EOE/AAP.

Have you planned for your future?

People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan

Jesal Patel ARPC, CLTC, LUTCF Financial Adviser*: Eagle Strategies LLC Life Member MDRT Ph: 281-221-5061/713-499-7670 Fax: 832-201-5394 Website: www.jesalzpatel.com *Financial Adviser offering investment advisory services through Eagle Strategies LLC, A Registered Investment Adviser. Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC-Member FINRA/ SIPC, A Licensed insurance Agency. Agent with New York Life Insurance Company.

3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 1900, Houston, TX 77027 (713) 961-4545 California Insurance License # 0F53803 smru#1711530 Indo-American News • Friday, JANUARY 31, 2020 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

8

DIASPORA

January 31, 2020

New Ambassador: Taranjit Singh Sandhu Washington DC: Taranjit Singh Sandhu (IFS:1988), presently High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the United States of America.

Sandhu will take over as the US Ambassador from Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who just returned to New Delhi.

Shringla will take over as Foreign Secretary from Vijay Gokhale, who is retiring later this month.

Sandhu has previously served as deputy chief at the Indian embassy in Washington DC. The government is sending Gopal Baglay, currently in PMO in New Delhi, to Colombo, as a replacement of Sandhu.

Sandhu joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1988 and has served across the world, including the former Soviet Union in 1990.

He was tasked with opening the Indian embassy in Ukraine and served there as head of the political and administration wings from 1992 to 1994. He has served as consul general in Frankfurt, Germany, from 2011 to 2013.

Sandhu has served multiple tenures in the US, including as deputy chief of mission at Washington DC from 2013 to 2017, first secretary in Washington DC from 1997 to 2000 and with the UN in New York from 2005 to 2009.

The Hindustan Times reported Sandhu’s long experience in Washington DC had made him a popular choice as he had extensive experience working with members of the US Congress. After the US imposed

sanctions following the nuclear tests of 1998, Sandhu worked to restore the bilateral relationship. “Sandhu was part of the team that dealt with the outrage and quietly worked to unravel the sanctions—he was handling the toughest elements among the Americans...” The Hindustan Times reported.

Sandhu is a history graduate from St Stephens’ College in Delhi and holds a MA in international relations from JNU. Interestingly, Sandhu’s wife, Reenat Sandhu, is also an ambassador. She is currently India’s ambassador to Italy and San Marino.

In addition to Taranjit Singh Sandhu, other senior diplomatic positions are also expected to be reshuffled. The Times of India reported “Jawed Ashraf, India’s high commissioner to Singapore, will be taking over from Vinay Kwatra as ambassador to France”. Kwatra will move to become India’s ambassador to Nepal.

The Print reported MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar is in the reckoning for the post of high commissioner to Singapore, while T.S. Tirumurti could be posted as the high commissioner to London.

SONY KOHLI YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT 832-766-6662

Indo-American News • Friday, JANUARY 31, 2020 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

COMMUNITY

January 31, 2020

IACCGH Hosts 21st Inaugural Reception at Houston City Hall

By Manu Shah

Chicago: On January 16, a distinguished group of community leaders and members of the Chamber attended the 2020 IACCGH Inaugural Reception at City Hall to welcome Tarush Anand, IACCGH’s new President and his Board. Luminaries like Mayor Turner, ACG Surendra Adhana, Sheriff Ed Gonzales, Former Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and Rice University President Dr. David Leebron graced the occasion.

Welcoming the gathering, Executive Director JagdipAhluwalia highlighted the main events of the year such as the popular Distinguished Lecture and Women Mean Business Series sponsored by Shell, the NexGen Young Professionals which is the Chamber’s engagement with millennials and the well-received Generational Transition Panel Discussions.

The year also saw the Chamber reaching out to a wider audience through various organizations like the Indian Doctors Association, the Jamatkhana and Meenakshi Temple.

Jagdip also thanked the Chamber Advisors and Board members and welcomed Malisha Patel SVP and CEO of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land and Southwest Hospitals to the IACCGH Board.

Guest of Honor Mayor Turner who was introduced as “a man who not only gives every Houstonian a seat at the table but also a voice at

IACCGH President Tarush Anand (center right) presents a plaque of appreciation to Immediate Past President Swapan Dhairyawan (center left) with distinguished guests. Photo: Bijay Dixit.

the table”, in his remarks, alluded to the successful trade delegation to India in 2018 which he led with the Greater Houston Partnership and the Chamber. He cited that since then trade between Houston and India “continues to grow and exports from Houston to India have grown by 50%.”

Thanking the Mayor for his “genuine ongoing support to the Chamber,” President Tarush Anand spoke of the Chamber’s constant efforts to innovate with new programs to create value for its members. As

President for the next two years, he intends to initiate networking type events for new members and new businesses so they can integrate, meet new people and find new business connections. He is also working on a Business Mentorship Series which will bring together a small group of business owners to meet periodically and a mentor to guide the discussion and help find solutions to problems they may be facing.

NexGen Exchange programs which brings young professionals into the fold will also take priority “because

ultimately that’s where we grow.”

The 2019 IACCGH Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Former County Judge Ed Emmett for his “contributions to the city, state and country” as Past President Sanjay Ramabhadran put it, as well as for his “steady leadership through the good times and the tough times and for his

collaborative style.”

Accepting the award, the former Judge, who was recently in India to work on a joint partnership between Rice University and IIT, Kanpur, reflected on his deep relationship with India and the Chamber. He added that he would continue to look for ways to further his relationship with India.

A plaque of appreciation was presented to Immediate Past President Swapan Dhairyawan for his “exemplary service to the Chamber.”

In his remarks, Swapan spoke of his indebtedness to a unified Board for his success and the rewarding experience of leading the Chamber.

Acting Consul General Surendra Adhana, in a lighter vein, called the Chamber “a part of the Consulate team” for the work it does in strengthening ties between Houston and India and added that the “India-US relationship….is on an unprecedented trajectory.”

Visit www.iaccgh.com to learn more about the Chamber and upcoming events which include a Power Lunch with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Friday, February 21 and the annual IACCGH Tax Seminar on Sunday, February 23.

HELP WANTED

Chemical Co. in Baytown hiring an Accountant min 3 yrs. exp. in A/P, A/R & P/R ulizing QuickBooks. Send resume to tmg@ chemicalsinc.com. Great pay w/ bene’ts. EOE/AAP

• Now HiriNg •

Light up a Life.... Sponsor a Program Be a reason for someone’s smile.

Your donation will benefit many programs & services that are offered by India House either free or at a very discounted price.

Contribute $500 and sponsor any one of the programs for a month, ensuring their continuity and advancement.

PLEASE SPONSOR: YOGA CLASSES CHARITY MEDICAL CLINIC FOOD DISTRIBUTION AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM LANGUAGE CLASSES

Our Sponsor for February... Thank You! Free Food Distribution: NANDLAL & RAJ (LATE) KHATRI Charity Medical Clinic: ASHOK & MOHINI BHAMBHANI Free Yoga Classes: ANIL & MUKTA AGGARWAL For Sponsorship & Donation Contact: 713-929-1900 | vipin@indiahouseinc.org | www.indiahouseinc.org 8888 West Bellfort Ave., Houston, TX 77031

9

Social Media advertiSing SaleS rep • Must Know How to EngagE ProMotions on ig • Must be Able to Hold ConversAtion on dM’s And Able to reply proMptly • Custom Diamond Jewelry • Hip Hop Jewelry • Engagement Rings • Diamond Necklaces • wiLL TrAiN • CoMEPTiTiVE PAY • grEAT worKiNg HoUrS

CALL 832-471-7000 OR APPLY WITHIN

DIAMONDS BY PLAZA

7500 BELLAIRE BLVD #100 HOUSTON, TX 77036

Indo-American News • Friday, JANUARY 31, 2020 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

10

COMMUNITY BUSINESS

January 31, 2020

‘Desi Day of Action’ with Beto by Sri for Congress 2020 and Desi Blue

By Sanchali Basu

Houston: A Desi Day of Action to flip Texas Blue was hosted by Sri for Congress 2020 and Desi Blue (www.theyseeblue.com) on January 25 at the home of Allan Alam. It was an inclusive event, where everyone was welcome, Desis and non. Lunch was served and while everyone waited for the chief guest Beto O’Rourke to arrive, Sri Preston Kulkarni got the day’s proceedings started.

Sri welcomed the crowd and introduced K P George, Fort Bend County judge who stressed the importance of getting involved in the election process to get responsible candidates elected, and so did Juli Mathew, the first Asian American woman judge ever to be elected in Fort Bend County. Dr. Suleman Lalani, established physician in the community, running for Texas State representative District 26, asked for everyone’s support to get him elected in November to help expand Medicaid, make prescription drugs affordable and sustain public school funding., Sri explained the word Desi is an inclusive word, meaning Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Indians, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis etc. The country currently is getting divided by race, religion, gender etc. Republican party does not look like America. Fort Bend is the most diverse county in the entire state of Texas. Diversity is not the same

Congressional candidate Sri Kulkarni 9left) with host Dr. Suleman Lalani. Former Presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke drew media and volunteer interest. Photos by Sanchali Basu.

as inclusion and that is the goal of the campaign. Immigrants are known not to vote and that needs to change. His campaign last year was run in 15 different languages to aid people to go out and vote.

Brian Middleton, District Attorney, Fort Bend county encouraged everyone to vote. Among other candidates present at the gathering were Sonia Rash, running for Fort Bend County Attorney, J Christian Becerra, for 434th District Court judge, Nabil Shike for fort bend Constable Pct 4, Eric Fagan for Fort Bend County Sheriff. The enthusiasm and spirit were very high

in the air.

Officials of They See Blue had traveled from California to attend the meeting. They put forward their mission of mobilizing and engaging Americans of South Asian origin in the democratic process to help Democrats win federal, state, and local races.

Beto was greeted with a rousing welcome. He was knocking doors all morning in support of Eliz Markowitz, a Katy educator, who faced Republican businessman Gary Gates in the Jan. 28 special nationally targeted election runoff to fill the seat of former Rep.

John Zerwas, Richmond for Texas House District 28. He endorsed her by reiterating that she wants to take the lead to ensure the community has resources for public education, confront climate change, encourage renewable energy. The district had never elected a democrat in a lifetime. In a special election in November 2019, Eliz got more votes than any other candidate (39% of the votes) but the rest of the votes went to republicans. That is why it was so important to improve the level of turnout by reaching out to all who did not vote in November.

The promising fact was that the

of prize money awarded to race winners. Since the inception of the Run for Reason Charity Program, $30 million has been raised for local charities.

Even though the runners consume 18,522 bananas on race day, they collectively burn a staggering 48 million calories and discard an unbelievable 10,000 pounds of clothing which is later cleaned and donated to non-profits.

Since my last Half Marathon a year ago, I ran just 4 times - 3,6,8 and 9 miles all within the past month -to prepare myself. Even though I finished my run, I had to receive medical attention 4 times between miles 10-13, each time treated by the healing touch of Biofreeze

and roller therapy, for excruciating cramps in the thighs. With all the breaks, it was more of a leisurely run as I appreciated the cheering crowds, listening intermittently to my favorite Beatles music on my headset and took lots of pictures.

Around mile 10 when excruciating pain from muscle cramps was setting in, I found tremendous inspiration from a blind man who was running the half marathon with the help of two guides. This was a turning point for me and gave me the determination to finish the race.

Just close to the finish line, I was once again was in awe of a young Veteran who was running with a prosthetic right leg and this gave me enough push not to stop until I reached

the finish line before my 3-hour selfimposed mark. Even though I had only 5 hours sleep the night before due to very hectic family obligations, I managed to finish the run with God’s Blessings in a safe manner with absolutely no injuries.

All in all, I am feeling very proud to have finished my half marathon feeling strong and raising over $5,000 from 45 donors for the KatyISD Foundation this year. This flowed into a cumulative total of $25,000 raised over multiple races, and creating a new record raised by a single individual for the KISD Foundation.

The KISD Foundation has a wonderful mission to provide resources to enrich teaching, inspire

Sri Kulkarni with Fort Bend County Judge Juli Matthew.

early voting number had gone up by 3,000 votes. Democrats were pushing to flip the traditionally red seat as they head toward November with hopes of capturing the House, where they are effectively nine seats away from the majority.

But it was not meant to be. Gates defeated Markowitz decisively in the race.

A Marathon Fueled by Determination, Adrenaline, but Little Practice

By Dr. Randeep Suneja

HOUSTON: For me, long distance

running has become an obsession that I find both exhilarating and relaxing.

Just the road ahead and being able to push my body to perform, of course knowing my limits. If it is for as good cause, it makes the feeling of accomplishment all the better, like when I have run in the Katy Marathon, or in New Delhi four years ago with scarcely enough time to get over my jet lag.

Two Sundays ago, on January 19, I ran in the Aramco Houston Half Marathon and finished my 12th half marathon in a time of 2:58:55, my worst personal record in contrast to my best personal record of 2:12:10 that I established exactly 20 years ago.

This half marathon was truly done with hardly any practice at all; only four sessions all within a month prior to the marathon. I simply put mind over matter, let pure adrenaline work and let my legs carry me.

The Houston Marathon Weekend is the Largest single day sports event in the city that brings together 250,000 spectators on race day to cheer along 27,000 runners (13,500 run the full marathon while the remaining 13,500 run the half marathon), including numerous world-renowned athletes.

This year marked the 48th year of the Houston Marathon with $281,000

learning and enhance opportunities for the Katy ISD students. As KISD celebrates 100 years with 79,905 students enrolled in the current academic year, I am honored to raise money for the noble cause of education.

In Nelson Mandela’s words, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the World.”

I am extremely grateful to all the donors and well-wishers for their love, support and encouragement.

I have already signed up run again next year, but will definitely have better training to beat my recent personal best of 2:29 minutes. Wish me Happy Running!

Indo-American News • Friday, JANUARY 31, 2020 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

PUZZLES / RECIPES

SUDOKU

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 January 29. 2020.

Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com or mail to 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036.

Send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published (for first three entrees only & 1 submission per month).

Solution Next Week

Last Week’s SUDOKU Solution

Last Week’s SUDOKU Winners

Rekha Trivedi

January 31, 2020

11

Mama’s Punjabi Recipes If you go to any South Asian party, chances are that you’ll be served samosas for snacks. These pyramid shaped appetizers are even available in the frozen food sections in large, medium and cocktail sizes, have crossed over into the mainstream stores and the name has become part of the vernacular. Below is a reprint of Mama’s Samose recipe, which is perfect with chutney and hot tea. It is reprinted with some additional

Samose (FRIED STUFFED PASTRIES)

Here is another North Indian snack that has migrated not just to the rest of India but around the world. It is perhaps the most popular Indian snack due to its neat triangular appearance, variety of stuffings and flaky texture when cooked right. The closest Western snack to it is probably the empananda which is a baked, long, shell-shaped which originated in Spain and Portugal in the Moorish period of the 8th century and has made its way to Latin America.

In India, the corner store halweis (confectioners) generally make samosas for an afternoon tea snack, but in larger stores they are available all day. Some people will sometimes eat a whole meal of samosas rolled up in a roti, with a little chutney or with semi-dry chole (garbanzos) as a heavy appetizer. Samosas are usually made with maida (finely milled, refined and bleached wheat flour), like puff-pastries.

Although most people associate samosas with India, it may come as a surprise to learn that, just like sone halwa which came from Turkey, samosas originated before the 10th century in the Middle East where they are known as sambosa. They were introduced to India in the 13th or 14th century by Arab traders and are mentioned in the Mughal courts as sambusak.

Samosas are generally served hot and eaten with mint or imbli (tamarind) chutney. They now come in small bite size to serve with cocktails and of course, the large Punjabi style, usually stuffed with potatoes and peas.

Ingredients: • 1 cup maida (fine bleached wheat flour) • ½ cup pani (water) – enough to make the dough • ¼ cup tael (vegetable oil) • 1 lb aloo (potatoes) – avoid russet as the mash easily • ¼ cup mutter (peas) - if frozen, then defrost first • Spices to taste: namak (salt), mirch (red pepper), garam masala, dhania (coriander) Directions: 1. Place the aloo in a medium pot full of water and bring them to a boil. When tender (but not mushy), remove the aloo, discard the water and let the aloo cool down.

2. Peel the aloo and chop into small pieces. Pour a tablespoon

For Advertising in Indo-American News call:

Jawahar

713-789-6397

of oil into a skillet over medium heat and stir fry the potatoes till they are a little brown. Stir in the namak, mirch, dhania and garam masala to taste.

3. For the samosas shells, in a bowl, pour in the maida then add the oil and sprinkle in some warm water, mixing well to make the dough. Judge the amount of water needed so that the dough is semihard and not too soft otherwise the samosa shell will fall apart. Cover the dough and leave it covered for at least 30 minutes.

4. Take an inch round piece of dough and make a ball out of it.

Now roll it out like a 1/8 inch thick roti and cut into half.

5. With your hand, form a holder between your fingers and your thumb. Place the half-cut dough in this cavity and then close the straight ends by pinching them off to make a cone.

6. Take a spoonful of the aloomutter mixture and place it in the cone. Now pinch off the open top end. Repeat till all the dough is finished and place the filled cones on a tray. Sprinkle the bottom of the tray with some dry maida so that the filled cones do not stick.

7. Heat some frying oil in a karahi (wok) over high heat. Throw in a

small dab of dough to make sure the oil is very hot, and then turn the heat to medium. Take a filled cone and release it into the hot oil. Keep doing this till the surface of the oil is covered with filled cones.

8. When one side is slightly brown, turn it over using a sieved spatula and turn over a few times to make sure both sides are cooked. Be careful that they do not become dark brown. Take them out and place on a paper towel to absorb extra oil.

9. Samosas are best when served hot with some tomato ketchup or mint chutney.

Shakuntla Malhotra is a skilled cook of Punjabi dishes made in the old-fashioned style that she learnt as a young woman in her ancestral home in Lyallpur, India (since renamed Faisalabad) before it became part of Pakistan after the Partition in 1947.

People have often admired her cooking for its simplicity and taste that comes with each mouthful. Even in her early-nineties, she continues to cook daily and agreed to share her delectable Punjabi recipes for future generations.

MAMA’S TIP O F THE

WEEK GREASE THE PAL M S W HEN MAKING SAMOSAS, PINNIS A N D O T HER PASTRIES One of the things many young

is that when they and inexperien d cooks ask nis or laddus, themake the dough balls, cones for ce samosas, pinat ta (flour) sticks to th use a little water eir hand Some tr y to this usually makeson their palms to make the atta s. stick less, but m pinnis and laddus atters worse. Also, it is recom refrigeration, bu which can be kept for long pe mended for will begin to spoitl.the moment some water is addedriods without to them they The best thing keep replenishingto do dab your palms with a little the time, and as as often as you need to. This bit of oil and get your hands oithey say, “if you want to cook welwl,orks most of ly!” you have to

HELP WANTED Chemical co. in Baytown seeking another person for its IT dept. Computer Science degree req. w/ 2 yrs. exp. Position is responsible for all IT related hardware, software and process related control systems. Great pay w/ benefits. Send resume to apply@chemicalsinc. com. EOE / AAP

Indo-American News • Friday, JANUARY 31, 2020 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

12

January 31, 2020

Editorial

EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY Just Yoga

Learning from Brazil

By Vodula Joshi

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro capped his official visit to India with an address at the IndiaBrazil Business Forum.

Bolsonaro, the third Brazilian president to be chief guest at the Republic Day parade, was accompanied by a large business delegation. This is in sync with his most notable achievement: Economic revival. Brazil and India have in common an economic structure characterised by messy tax laws, government overspending and a large, sluggish bureaucracy. The manner in which Bolsonaro, a social conservative, has handled economic reforms holds a lesson for us.

As an ethnic nationalist leader, Bolsonaro may appear to have many things in common with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has, however, been able to draw a clear distinction between his social agenda and the absolute necessity to reform Brazil’s economic structure. In his first year, he managed to cobble together adequate cross-party support to implement critical pension reforms delayed for two decades. This has been followed by steps to clean up the tax system, significant administrative reforms and economic deregulation. The key lesson Brazil’s experience holds is that economic reform needs a capable team with a coherent plan. Bolsonaro put together a team and empowered them.

A consequence is that Brazil’s economy has turned a corner, growth prospects have brightened and the country is open to investments and trade pacts.

On the flip side, Bolsonaro is a climate change sceptic. His poor record in dealing with Amazon forest fires drew widespread global criticism. In contrast, Modi has used India’s size and geography to take the lead in creating an institutional mechanism for renewable energy: the International Solar Alliance, a grouping of more than 100 solar resource rich countries located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Yet, the government’s economic track record leaves a lot to be desired. Economic growth has slowed for six successive quarters, import substitution is back and unemployment is high.

Bolsonaro’s approach to economic reforms is worth emulating. A part of India’s lacklustre record here can be explained by lack of policy coherence. For instance, structural reforms like the bankruptcy code have not been complemented by governance reforms in the banking sector where government is the dominant owner. If anything, the government is in a strong position to transform the economy on account of the PM’s credibility and BJP’s parliamentary strength. Even as Brazil and India take steps to enhance their meagre bilateral trade, there are lessons the partners can draw from each other. -- Times of India

Yoga is not a pill nor is it magic.

It is acquiring wisdom through daily practice. By wisdom I mean, getting to know your own body and how it connects internally with the mind. Yoga works. It has for me, and self experience is the best guide. Every person, one hopes, has a routine for maintaining physical and mental well-being, such as walking, going to the gym, dancing, running, zumba etc.

Yoga is another such option, with a difference. Walk out of a yoga class, and gauge the difference of how you feel. Then contemplate.

That before and after comparison?

That is the Yoga narrative.

Nonetheless, it’s better not to preach, but coax and urge friends to go try a class near their house.

Try and give it time, a month or two maybe? Any enduring practice needs practice. Classical music for example takes days, months, even years to learn, internalize, and then perform. The same is the case with Hatha yoga. Commit your time.

Roll out the mat. Listen to the instructor. Then close your eyes and stretch your limbs as told. Do not compare yourself with someone else next to you. Rather, listen to your body. Just be on the journey by yourself for yourself.

“You can’t touch your toes. No way you can do yoga.” Ok, strike that one out. I grew up in a house-

hold full of cousins. I regularly heard the above rejection. “You can’t cross your legs and sit on the floor. What stiff joints you have!”

My brothers followed suit. They too had stiff joints. Alas, no yoga for me. Fast forward 35 years. I find myself standing on my mat in a yoga studio, in a dilapidated building in Houston. The instructor is a young fellow who talks profusely. In fact for the first ten minutes of class he instructs nonstop on “how to stand on your two feet.” “Press down on the heels.

Spread each toe into the ground.

Allow the ground to hold you. So relax your calves and your hamstrings. Tuck in your abdomen.

Open your chest. Keep the chin in line with the neck” I loved the sound of those words because they engaged me. Being a lover of language I loved the flow of words precisely calling my mind’s attention to fingers, tow, heels, shoulders and allowing me to connect with them all.

It takes time they say to nurture a good habit. But if you like what you do, and see the superior benefit of what you have chosen as your form of fitness, then you will crave Yoga. So give it a try. Let 2020 allow you to open yourself to new possibilities and Grow.

Vidula Joshi is a Houston-based writer and yoga proponent.

AP’s Capital Idea: Rajdhani to Riches

By Jug Suraiya Had Karl Marx been around today he might well have been inspired to add a literally monumental codicil to his magnum opus, Das Kapital, and the source of his inspiration would have been Andhra Pradesh. Having had to cede its former capital of Hyderabad to the recently created Telangana, Andhra found itself in need of a new rajdhani. Having initially coldstoraged former CM Chandrababu Naidu’s pet project of developing Amaravati, the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government has now unveiled a proposal to have not just one capital but three,

a legislative capital at Amaravati, an executive capital at Vishakapatnam, and a judicial capital at Kurnool. Such a literal interpretation of the need to separate the branches of the state in a democratic polity would have got full Marx as a way of capital formation through the creation of multiple capitals.

Indeed, given the increasingly urgent need to provide a stimulus to a stubbornly sluggish national economy, other states might be motivated to follow Andhra’s capital idea of infusing capital into the system by the multiplication of capitals. Taking a leaf from the order book of the British Raj, which

in addition to shifting the capital from what was then Calcutta to create a new capital in New Delhi also made what was then Simla into a summer capital, it could be mooted that apart from a summer capital and a winter capital, states could also have a spring capital and a monsoon capital. Such a project could truly be called a venture capital scheme to cap-it-all.

A former associate editor with the Times of India, Jug Suraiya writes two regular columns for the print edition, Jugular Vein. His blog takes a contrarian view of topical and timeless issues, political, social, economic and speculative.

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

Indo-American News • Friday, JANUARY 31, 2020 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

SPORTS

January 31, 2020

13

Williamson 95 in Vain as Rohit Sharma Bosses it in the Super Over

By Alagappan Muthu Hamilton: (ESPN Cricinfo): India 179 for 5 (Rohit 65, Bennett 3-54) tied with New Zealand 179 for 6 (Williamson 95, Shami 2-32) A slow pitch and batsmen rising above it. Hamilton was a theatre of shot-making and at the end of a game where neither team had the edge until an astonishing Super Over, India came away deserving winners.

Kane Williamson made this the classic it turned out to be, scoring 95 off 48 balls - 25 of those runs were made off the normally unhittable Jasprit Bumrah, at a time when the chase was becoming unbearably close - but his teammates let him down. Walking off the field, with the equation reading two off three balls, he would never have imagined - even having endured that bizarro World Cup final - the events that followed.

Mohammed Shami, having started the 20th over giving away a six, beat Tim Seifert not once but twice with short and wide deliveries and then bowled Ross Taylor off the last ball of the match to force a tie.

So Williamson had to take the field again. He had to summon the unreal form that helped him whack Bumrah for five fours in 12 balls in

Sealed with a six: Rohit Sharma is thrilled after hitting the winning runs as Tim Southee walks away in disappointment.

normal time. And guess what? He did. A six over square leg, made by his moving around in this crease. A four down the ground, thanks to a straight bat flying in the face of all that is holy in T20 cricket.

New Zealand made 17 in the Super Over against the best death bowler in the world. And in the

end, the very end, it still wasn’t enough. Rohit Sharma had to hit two sixes off the last two balls of a ridiculous game and even under that pressure one of India’s greatest white-ball batsmen rose to the occasion and sent his fans - including those in the dressing room - to utter delirium.

India wanting to go hard while batting first is never more apparent than when Rohit, one of the greatest timers of a cricket ball ever, starts to look for the power shots. He nailed a cut shot in the first over, but that was just a batsman taking advantage of the width he was offered. The clearer indi-

cation of Rohit wanting to boss it came in the third over when he charged at Tim Southee. It resulted in zero runs but seeing a player who knows he can hit sixes without such luxuries go in search of them indicated both his and India’s mindset. They wanted a mammoth score. Rohit went on to become the first Indian to hit a half-century inside the Powerplay in a T20I, surging from 24 to 50 in the space of five Hamish Bennett deliveries that were whacked to the boundary back to back to back to back to back.

Such high-quality hitting made Hamilton seem like a batter’s paradise, but as soon as fielders could be put on its sizeable boundaries - Rohit had to clear 80m for a straight six - and New Zealand resorted to a consistent barrage of slower balls, the truth came to light. Even Rohit could only make only 15 off his last 17 deliveries before being dismissed by a change-up, Bennett’s knuckle ball giving him vindication.

Ish Sodhi was excellent in these conditions. He changed his pace virtually every ball so that he wouldn’t be lined up. He stuck tight on off stump when he wanted to build pressure, and then dangled one wide outside to try and get wickets.

VPSS Celebrates Historic Uttarayan with Outdoor Snacks, Kites : Uttarayan, as Makar Sankranti, is called as a major festival in different states of India , especially in Gujarat. It is celebrated on January 14th and mostly Gujju people keenly await this festival to fly kites, called ‘patang’. VPSS, Vallabh Priti Seva Samaj is host-

ing several such huge festivals for Hindu followers and Uttarayan is one of them.

On Sunday, January 19th, VPSS organized a historic event of Uttarayan which was attended by about 2000 people. VPSS has very big ground with the facility which

made main attractions to celebrate this event.

Main coordination of the event and senior trustee Shri Rasesh Dalal informed that VPSS arranged kites, threads, snacks, tea and lunch for every one. Also organized games for different age

Job Posting

group from 5 years to 75 years and prizes were distributed.. Mr. Dalal specifically added that this was historical event for VPSS and confirmed to host future events in similar scale. He also added that VPSS has acquired additional seven aces of adjoining land which

will make facility even bigger to host large scale events.

People enjoyed the event with kite flying, games and delicious food and left with very nice memories. We have Holi coming up in two months and similar or larger event will be organized.

NEWS PRODUCER

Are you a Rockstar Producer ready to take on a next level challenge? We are looking for an aggressive, proven, passionate, collaborative, cool-under-pressure News Producer who knows what it takes to put together a fast-paced, creative, highly-showcased newscast.

Houston is a major market that is a magnet for stories that often make national headlines.

KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned Television station in Houston, TX wants a vocal and confident producer who knows how to handle the big stories, dig for informative, interesting content, knows how to meet the needs of the ‘new’ news audience, and knows when it’s time to abandon everything for breaking news, weather, or traffic.

You must have excellent news judgement and the ability to come up with and pitch unique story ideas every day. You must be a team player who can command the control room and calmly communicate and manage an ever-evolving rundown during live newscasts.

Candidates must also have complete understanding of how a 24/7 newsroom works with a digital first perspective. A perfect candidate will have innovative and modern ideas on how to promote and utilize all of KTRK’s digital platforms, including live streaming. Knowledge of Dalet and desktop editing a plus. Will need to show examples of newscasts, and submit tease and headline writing samples. This is a high profile position that requires a high level of skill and proven leadership in breaking situations. Candidates must have at least three years line-producing experience in a medium or major market.

To be considered interested applicants must apply online at disneycareers.com, Ref Job# 712215BR. Please upload a cover letter, resume and list of references. Please email writing samples or link to your latest newscast to: KTRK.HR@abc.com.

KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Indo-American News • Friday, JANUARY 31, 2020 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

14

TRAVEL

January 31, 2020 India Off the Beaten Track

Angkor – Of Shaivites, Vaishnavites and Bodhisattva

By Shashishekhar Gavai Angkor lies in Cambodia, which is separated from India by 2,000 kilometres and 2 countries, Myanmar and Thailand. No Indian conqueror has ever stepped on its territory. Yet there is an essence of India here, a strong cultural influence that goes back almost two millenia, a civilisational link that extends off the beaten track .

Siem Reap is a short 50-min. flight from Bangkok, the most convenient transit point from India. It is a compact, efficient airport and the visa on arrival facility for Indians and others is expeditious as are the immigration and customs formalities. There is a foreign exchange counter here, but the US dollar is the preferred currency for transactions by foreign tourists. Prices are quoted in dollars and the Cambodian Riel is encountered only when small change is tendered by a vendor.

My hotel is comfortable and well located. A Tuk Tuk, a four-seater contraption attached to a motorcycle, takes me from the hotel to Angkor, a short drive of about 20 min., if you went directly. But on the way, or rather, a few kilometres out of the way, entrance tickets have to be bought from a ticket office in a shopping plaza.

The guide explains later that the inexplicable detour was designed to accommodate the avarice of a prominent politician whose family now owns the plaza .

According to ancient Chinese texts corroborated by other sources, the kingdom of Funan was established around the 1st century by Candana or Kaundinya , a Brahmin from India, with Hinduism as the religion and Sanskrit as the official language. Indians were also employed by the Funan kings on administrative posts. The kingdom had extensive links with the Chola and Pallava empires in India. It was in the 9th century that the Shaivite king Yasovarman I started building Yashodharapura some distance away from Funan. It came to be known as Angkor, derived from the Sanskrit “Nagara”, which of course means city. The core of Angkor is spread over about 200

sq km and houses its most impressive monuments, which are either in ruin or have been restored.

Much of the area around them has been reclaimed by the jungle over centuries of its abandonment. There is also archaeological evidence that the expanse of the city including its suburban sprawl may have covered as much as a 1000 sq km, with good infrastructure including efficient irrigation systems.

With my guide Teddy, I stand before the most spectacular of the Angkor monuments – Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century by the Vaishnavite king Suryavarvan II, the temple is dedicated to Vishnu. It was Angkor Wat – the main temple. also the king’s perMeru, the centre of all universes. sonal mausoleum. It is not difficult It is today a symbol of Cambodia to see why Angkor Wat is not only and appears on its national flag. the largest hindu temple in the Angkor Wat is truly a wonder of world , but is also the largest sin- the world. gle religious monument anywhere.

Angkor Wat is, of course, the Indeed, French explorer Henri most magnificent of all the monuMouhot who is credited with the ments at Angkor. But what is most rediscovery of Angkor Wat in the remarkable about this ancient city mid 19th century, wrote: “ …it is is the fact that several other strucgrander than anything left to us by tures here can be listed as worldGreece or Rome.” class monuments. This is evident As you walk over the causeway as you move on to Ta Prohm, a across the moat towards the main short distance away, and then to temple, the various stages of the Angkor Thom . monument unfold like petals of a Ta Prohm was built by King gigantic flower. The moat, which Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist encircles the monument is over 5 temple in the final decades of the km long. There is then the outer 12th century. With this monarch wall, which runs for 3.6 km, en- begins the Buddhist age of Angkor closing the massive 400-acre tem- and of Cambodia, which continues ple complex. Within the wall are to date except for a very brief inthree rectangular galleries each terlude. The jungle had taken over raised above the next. You find large parts of this temple and even here exquisite bas reliefs depicting today many trees sit over the ruins stories from the Ramayana, the like huge reptiles. Hollywood acMahabharata and the Puranas. And tion movie buffs ignorant of Angfinally, you are at the breathtaking kor will easily identify Ta Prohm “Temple Mountain” with its five from the 2001 film Tomb Raider iconic towers representing Mount – an unremarkable production re-

deemed partially by Angkor and Angelina Jolie. The Archaeological Survey of India has carried out restoration work on Ta Prohm and appears to have done it well, unlike its controversial involvement in the restoration of Angkor Wat. Jayavarman VII built Angkor Thom in the early years of the 13th century as his new capital. At its centre sits the grand Bayon temple dedicated to Buddha. Its most distinctive feature are the stone faces of bodhisattvas that cast a benevolent eye on you from several towers. Apart from Bayon, the Angkor Thom complex has at least a dozen other impressive monuments including ruins of the royal palace .

Angkor flourished from the 9th to the 15th century – about 500 years. At its peak, the area may have supported a population of a million. Its end came in 1431 when the city was sacked by the Ayutthyan kingdom of Siam.

The capital then shifted to present day Phnom Penh. Ayutthya itself was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767 and the capital of Siam was relocated to present-day Bangkok.

Poetic justice? Or the revenge of history?

The National Museum in Siem Reap is well curated. The artefacts are carefully chosen and there is no clutter. It offers a chronological tour of Cambodia’s rich history and culture which the lay tourist would not find difficult to absorb. It is well worth a visit. And then there is the dark chapter in Cambodian history – the rule of the murderous Khmer Rouge in the 1970s with their concentration camps and “killing fields”. A small museum on the outskirts of Siem Reap and on the site of a killing field documents this tragic period.

The remains of some child victims of the Khmer Rouge are also on display here .Edward Gibbon, the great 18th century historian, describes history as “little more than the crimes, follies and misfortunes of mankind”. The Khmer Rouge in pursuit of their own brand of Communism succeeded in perpetrating the most horrific act of genocide in the latter half of the 20th century as the world watched mutely. To counter Vietnam, the Americans and the Chinese cynically backed the Khmer Rouge regime while it exterminated 1.5 million of its own people. The horror stopped only after the Vietnamese invaded and ousted the Khmer Rouge in 1979. Seeking some cheer after the rather depressing atmosphere of the “killing fields” museum, I escape to the brightness of the tourist quarter of Siem Reap. It has all the trappings of a tourist haven – bright lights, haggle-friendly shops selling garments, curios and leather goods, pubs with loud music, restaurants with food from across the world, massage parlours and vendors of “delicacies” like dried locusts and even scorpions. I settle for a beer and sample a piece of grilled crocodile, which I have never tasted before ... and will never do so again. It tastes like rubbery chicken. But apart from the crocodile, the tourist quarter is a fun place .

I even try the fish massage whee little fish nibble at the dead tissue on your feet for a dollar. I admire the entrepreneurship of the proprietor – you feed his fish and pay him for the privilege.

I leave Siem Reap with some regret – that I should have spent some more time here. The abundance and richness of these ancient monuments has to be savoured unhurriedly much like a table full of gourmet food. But I have been here before and I will come again .

A retired Indian Foreign Service Officer, Shashishekhar Gavai’s career has included serving as the Consul General of India in Houston and India’s High Commissioner for Canada. For a full version of this and other travelogs, visit indiaoffthebeatentrack.

Indo-American News • Friday, JANUARY 31, 2020 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

15 Panga: Kangana Starrer is a Kabaddi ‘Panga’ Worth Taking

ENTERTAINMENT

January 31, 2020

By Shubhra Gupta Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Jassie Gill, Yagya Bhasin, Richa Chadha, Neena Gupta Director: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari Rating: 3 stars Women trying to get back to work after becoming wives and mums is an issue Bollywood hasn’t bothered to explore in any detail. Panga’s protagonist is a former kabaddi player whose life has been subsumed by the tedium of everyday domesticity and jobbery.

That Jaya Nigam, played with absolute conviction by Kangana Ranuat, dares to dream of a past life where she was in the spotlight, is a straight-off win, subject-wise.

But just how tough is it for a mainstream Bollywood movie to focus on a woman like Jaya, is evident in the long build-up to the point where she can say to her husband: when I think of you, I feel happy. When I think of Adi (her son), I feel happy. But when I think of myself, I am not so happy. Or words to that effect.

By that point we are fully primed to support Jaya, because we’ve seen her do the stuff middle-class, working mothers do every day of their life: wake up early, get the tiffins packed, see off the child to school, make sure the home runs smoothly, and get herself to office only to have to deal with a tetchy boss. Fine, we say, she’s done all

this smilingly, now she can go off and do her thing, if she wants to.

And we say this only because the push-and-shove comes from the son (Bhasin), and the husband (Gill).

Phew. What if Jaya’s bosom buddy and kabaddi mate Meenu (Chadha), who is still so married to the sport that she doesn’t have the time for a proper ‘shaadi’, were the ‘heroine’? And the having-plumped-for-ghar-andgrihasti-Jaya was the one in a

supporting role? What if, horrors, Jaya had ditched her family, not having found enough fulfillment, and merrily gone her way? Nah, we are still far away from that kind of film.

Till such time, we will make do with Panga, which gives us an array of wonderful women walking the talk. Ranaut has the courage to go plain-faced, minus pancake: her sure-footedness right through the film, on and off the mat, is spoton. Chadha, armed with a bouncy

pony-tail and buoyant back-chat, is a lot of fun, as is Neena Gupta’s bracing mother. The two current kabaddi players, whom Jaya spends time with, in the second half, both leave a mark. And it’s

nice that Jaya is made to work hard for her climactic triumph ; the victory is then even sweeter.

My interest flagged a little post-interval, when the film becomes repetitive and flat, and Chadha is used to explain a scene which has just got done, or about to come, like an old-fashioned ‘sutradhar’.

But Gill, as the supportive husband, who learns how to function minus his loving wife, is solid, and keeps us going. As does Tailang, in a brief kabaddi official role. Young Bhasin as Adi is a charmer, but is given too much talktime, and the dialogues he mouths sometimes sound like they are there strictly to be played for laughs.

I will take this, if it comes with a film that celebrates a woman trying to reclaim her dream, even if it comes sanctioned by family. The film springs to life when Jaya raises her fist, and slaps her thigh: it is a ‘panga’ worth taking.

-- Indian Express

HELP WANTED

Chemical company in Baytown looking for a Chemical Engineer. Candidates should have an Engineering degree and some chemical plant experience. Great pay w/ benefits. Send resume to apply@chemicalsinc.com. EOE / AAP

Shunya Announces 2020 Season for Houston-based South Asian Plays

By Usha Ganju Houston: Shunya has been regularly producing plays for and about the South Asian American community in Houston since our founding in 2002.

From the beginning, we focused on providing a voice to the South Asian American experience. Made up of volunteer theater enthusiasts, our productions have provided an opportunity for artists in the community to showcase their talents.

By hosting our plays in the city’s arts districts and always performing in English, we sought to serve as a bridge between Houston’s South Asian community and Houston’s art community.

Just a few of our past productions include “A Nice Indian Boy”

by Madhuri Shekar, “The Jungle Book” adapted from Rudyard Kipling’s novel by Stuart Paterson, “Bricks and Lyrics” by Abhijat Joshi, “Naga Mandala” by Girish Karnad, and “Partition” by Ira Hauptman about the difficult friendship between G.H. Hardy and Srinivasa Ramanujan.

As many of you may have noticed, we have not produced a full production since 2017. Up until then, Shunya had been on a magical 15 year run. But in 2017, Hurricane Harvey struck during our production of “The Waiting Room”. Our run of the show was

cut in half. We were able to cover our expenses, but for the first time in our history, we did not have enough money to plan our next show.

Over the years, Houston has rebuilt, and it is now time for Shunya to step back on the stage.

2020 SEASON With that we are announcing our 2020 Season: Silence! the Court is in Session

by Vijay Tendulkar April - May 2020 Guards of the Taj by Rajiv Joseph October - November 2020 “Silence! The Court is in Session” was first performed in Mum-

bai in 1967. Since then it has been widely translated, was adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 1971, and led to Vijay Tendulkar receiving the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama) Award in 1970. Although set in 1648, “Guards of the Taj” was written in 2015 by Rajiv Joseph, probably the most critically acclaimed Indian-American playwright of all time. The play received the 2016 Obie Award for Best New American Play.

OPEN AUDITIONS Open auditions for “Silence! The Court is in Session” will be held 3 to 6 pm on February 15th and 16th

at the MATCH. Updates will be sent out over our email list as it becomes available. You can also contact us directly for more information and to sign up at sanjay@shunyatheatre. org. We encourage all local actors and actresses to audition. No preparation required, but if you contact us you will receive scenes in advance.

JOIN THE SHUNYA FAMILY Of course, announcing our season does not immediately clear up our budget shortfall. With the productions set as a goal, we are simultaneously launching a fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $10,000 by March 2020 to be able to successfully fund the first show. We’ve also set intermediary milestones between now and then to make sure that we are on track and pursuing these productions responsibly. We have already raised over

$3500, but to move forward with auditions this February, we must first reach $5000.

For everyone who has attended our productions in the past, supported us with your donations, or just believes that Houston’s rich theater scene needs a South Asian American voice, we need your help to rebuild and revive the troupe. Please consider supporting us with a tax-deductible charitable donation.

Equally important, in the coming months, you will see further communications and activity regarding our productions. There will be many opportunities for theater fans of all ages to get involved.

Shunya’s Board of Directors include: Soham Mehta (Founder and Board President), Sanjay Mediwala (Managing Director), Usha Ganju, Amit Patel, Surender Talwar, Ninaad Vaidya, Sriram Vengalathur, and Lynn Ghose Cabrera.

Please visit our website (www. shunyatheatre.org) to join our email list, make a contribution, and become a part of the Shunya family.

PRIVATE ROOM FOR RENT

Private room for rent in Houston / Sugarl Land call 713 373 7706.

Indo-American News • Friday, JANUARY 31, 2020 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

16

January 31, 2020

Indo-American News • Friday, JANUARY 31, 2020 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com