Indo-American News: July 14, 2023

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Indo-AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, july 14, 2023 • www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com Indo American News www.indoamerican-news.com 2470 Dairy Ashford, Houston, TX 77077 • 713.789.NEWS (6397) • indoamericannews@yahoo.com Special Reports Community Briefs Local Politics South Asians in the News Published weekly from Houston, TX W E D D I N G S , S P E C I A L E V E N T S , T E N T E D E V E N T S , O U T D O O R C O U R T Y A R D 3 3 3 0 F M 1 4 6 3 | K a t y , T X 7 7 4 9 4 | 8 3 2 . 8 5 5 . 5 5 2 0 | p a l m r o y a l v i l l a . c o m Friday, July 14, 2023 | Vol. 42, No. 28 $1 Pervez Agwan for District 7 Swami Mukudananda P6 P2-P3 P11 P9 MANTRAH Global Hindu Conference in Houston P2-P3
The Sudarshan-2023 grand parade. From Left, Krishnendu Sainath, Swami Satchidananda, Grand sponsor Shri Madhavan Pillai, Mantrah-2023 president Shri Hari Sivaraman, Mantrah-2023 Chairman - Shri Sasidharan Nair and Gopika Nair.

Successful MANTRAH Global Hindu Convention 2023 in Houston

houston: The recently concluded Sudarshanam2023 Global Hindu Convention, organized by the Houston Malayalee Association of North American Hindus, left a lasting impact on participants and attendees. Held at the prestigious Royal Sonesta Hotel, the event brought together a diverse array of guests, including revered figures like Swami Satchidananda, Shashikala Teacher, Swami Mukthananda Yati, Dr. Sreenadh Karyatt, actor Unni Mukundan, Padmashree Ramachandra Pulavar, director Vishnu Mohan, Ranjith Trippunithura, Manoj Namboothiri, and many others.

Throughout the convention, there was an unmistakable sense of cultural richness and spiritual fervor. The convergence of minds and hearts from across the globe created an ambiance that resonated deeply with the attendees. Swami Satchidananda, in his speech, applauded the organizers for their meticulous planning and highlighted the profound significance of the term ‘Mantra.’ He elucidated that a mantra is not merely a set of words, but it symbolizes the divine protection bestowed upon those who contemplate it. Swami Satchidananda’s words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the trans -formative power of the mantra in one’s spiritual journey.

At its core, the Sudarshanam Global Hindu Convention aimed to provide spiritual nourishment to the Hindu community, fostering personal growth and development. In a video message, Swami Mukthananda Yati emphasized the importance of Indian philosophy and the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita in guiding individuals towards a successful and righteous life. The convention strived to engage participants through various activities, touching their hearts and catering to their needs. The resounding success of the convention owes much to the dedicated efforts of several committees. Youth groups, recognizing the convention as a matter of great pride, played a pivotal role in its organization. Sashidharan Nair, Chairman of the Trustee Board, acknowledged the convention’s significance as a transformative model for the burgeoning Hindu community in America. He further expressed that the timing was ideal for the initiation of the Mantra, as it effectively addresses the concerns and aspirations of the present generation.

Secretary Ajith Nair commended the Mantra Global Convention for its exemplary framework, serving as a model for other Hindu organizations worldwide. The convention’s remarkable registration management and commitment to upholding high cultural and spiritual standards were evident throughout the event. Spanning four days, the convention served as a powerful platform that united and celebrated the essence of Hindu culture and traditions. The event featured a staggering 300 cultural competitions, showcasing diverse art forms such as Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Folk, Fancy, and Free dance for children. Additionally, participants engaged in competitions for Narayaneeyam recitation, poetry, and essay writing.

Indo-AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, july 14, 2023 • www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com July 14, 2023 2 COMMUNITY
“Embracing cultural HEritagE and FostEring community”
A snapshot from Kalashree Sunanda’s “Krishnaaya Thubyam Namaha”. by talented seniors of Sunanda Performing Arts center. Sashikala teacher, Raju Nanoo, Hari Sivaraman, Rehka Menon, Swami Mukthananda Yati, Swami Satchidananda, Raju Pillai, Dr, Sreenadh Karayatt.

The Houston Mantrah - Sudarshanam team: The exceptional individuals behind the grand show. dience, which comprised both Indian diaspora and individuals from various cultural backgrounds. In addition to the captivating dance performances, the beauty pageant held at the convention was another highlight of the evening. The Indian children radiated confidence, poise, and cultural pride as they graced the stage in their traditional attire, showcasing the diversity and splendor of Indian fashion.

The venue itself became a testament to the convention’s grandeur, hosting a full-size Kathakali model and a miniature Hindu temple with a flag mast, symbolizing the deep-rooted connection to heritage and spirituality. Sudarshanam-2023 Global Hindu Convention has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who attended. It served as a vibrant celebration of the rich tapestry of Hindu culture while providing a spiritual framework for personal growth and enlightenment. The convention’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide individuals on their spiritual journeys, fostering unity, cultural preservation, and the pursuit of knowledge for generations to come.

In a celebration of Indian cultural heritage and a testament to the dedication of young talents, the mesmerizing performances of Indian children learning Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Folk, and Village Fancy Dress took center stage at the highly anticipated MANTRAH Global convention in Houston.

The convention, renowned for its commitment to promoting and preserving Indian traditions, witnessed a captivating showcase that left a lasting impression on all attendees. These young talents, hailing from diverse backgrounds and based in America, embarked on a journey to learn and master the intricacies of Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Folk, and Village Fancy Dress.

With unwavering determination and a deeprooted passion for their Indian heritage, they embarked on this artistic pursuit, determined to safeguard and pass down their cultural traditions to future generations. Under the guidance of experienced instructor Gurus like Kalashree Dr. Sunanda Nair, Malini Nair to name a few, these children immersed themselves in the rich tapestry of Indian classical dance forms. Their performances exuded elegance, grace, and an exceptional understanding of the nuances that define these art forms. With their intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and enchanting storytelling, they transported the audience to the mystical realms of Indian mythology and folklore.

The MANTRAH Global convention, known for its commitment to fostering cultural exchange and appreciation, provided an ideal platform for these young artists to showcase their talent. Their performances were met with resounding applause and heartfelt appreciation from the diverse au-

but also served as ambassadors of cultural unity and understanding.

The beauty pageant not only celebrated the external beauty of these young individuals but also emphasized the importance of inner grace, intelligence, and cultural awareness. Through this platform, they not only represented the rich heritage of India

The performances of these talented young artists and the beauty pageant collectively made the MANTRAH Global convention an unforgettable event. Their commitment to preserving Indian cultural traditions in a foreign land was both inspiring and commendable. Their dedication to honing their skills, their ability to captivate audiences.

Indo-AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, july 14, 2023 • www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com July 14, 2023 3 COMMUNITY
Kalashree Sunanda Nair Rajesh Gopinath
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41st AAPI Convention: “True and Total Health ... Mind, Body & Spirit”

peaRland: The 41st annual American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Convention and Scientific Sessions with the major theme “True and Total Health is the Wellbeing of Mind, Body, and Spirit” concluded here at the iconic Marriott Downtown in Philadelphia, PA with the new leadership of AAPI assuming charge under the leadership of Dr. Anjana Samadder.

“I am committed to your wellbeing and dedicated to advancing AAPI’s mission for a brighter future,” Dr. Anjana Samadder, the new President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) declared during her Presidential Inaugural address on July 8th, 2023 in Philadelphia, PA.

Along with Dr. Anjana Samadder, Dr. Satheesh Kathula assumed charge as the PresidentElect; Dr. Amit Chakrabarthy as the Vice President; Dr. Sumul Raval as the Secretary; Dr. Sreeni Gangasani as the Treasurer; and Dr. Lokesh Edara as the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

A Gastroenterology Specialist in Columbus, OH, Dr. Anjana Samadder is the spouse of AAPI’s past President, Dr. Gautam Samadder. Dr. Anjana Samadder is affiliated with Mount Carmel West and Mount Carmel East and is a winner of the Gastrointestinal Surgery Excellence Award.

The Convention was officially inaugurated with the chanting of the Sanskrit Mantras, seeking blessings from above, Ribbon cut-

ting and lighting of the traditional Lamp by AAPI leaders and distinguished guests on July 7th, 2023 in Philadelphia, the birthplace of US Independence.

Addressing the over 1,000 delegates from around the nation, Dr. Ravi Kolli, Immediate past President of AAPI spoke about the origins of AAOI 41 years ago and how the physicians of Indian origin have been sought after for their excellence in Medicine. “I applaud you and thank you for your support all through the year. And your presence here with your blessing and your goodwill and warm wishes for the successful 41st Ave annual convention here in our brother City of Brotherly Love Philadelphia,” Dr. Kolli said.

“AAPI has a long and illustrious history of 41 years of existence. Started by a few physicians of Indian origin as they started their journey to this land of opportuni-

ties, today, they have succeeded beyond anybody’s expectations. And they have been contributing to our communities and our societies in every possible way. And they’re the most respected physicians of any group that we can call. So, we all should be proud of our heritage and our dedication to our patient care and our successful transition from one to another world and being a role model and almost model citizens in the United States,” Dr. Kolli added.

In his farewell address, Dr. V. Ranga, immediate past Chair of the BOT, “AAPI is stronger and in safer hands. AAPI is an umbrella organization that has nearly 250 local chapters, specialty societies and alumni organizations. For over 40 years, Indian physicians have made significant contributions to health care in this country, not only practicing in inner cities, rural areas and peripheral commu-

nities but also at the top medical schools and other academic centers.”

In his keynote address, Shri Venkaiah Naidu, former Vice President of India stressed the importance of giving back to one’s Motherland, Janmabhoomi, one’s native place as way of returning the many blessings one has received. He highlighted the importance of taking care one’s Mother, Janmabhoomi and Motherland. Praising the many initiatives of AAPI, Shri Naidu said, “AAPI’s programs are more centered around addressing the issues related to the stigma of mental illness and the importance of the practices such as meditation, and yoga, which is a connectivity between the body and the mind.”

“The secret of meditation is in letting go,” Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar told the gathering, which included AAPI members and their families. “Stress arises when

we have too much to do, and not enough energy or time to do it. We can neither change time nor the number of things we need to do. So, the only option is to increase energy levels. And this can be accomplished through yoga, breathing techniques and meditation,” Sri Sri told the delegates. “A happy mind lets you stay calm; make better decisions and improve the overall quality of life,” he told the Doctors, acknowledging that they lead a stressful life. “You live on average ten years less than the patients you treat, as a consequence of the stressful life you lead.”

Mr. Vivek Ramaswamy in his address passionately spoke about the reasons for his Presidential ambitions. Leaving his successful business, the young and talented Ramaswamy said, “I stepped down from my job as a biotech CEO to focus on a different kinds of cancer. Not a biological cancer, but a cultural cancer that threatened to kill that dream that Martin Luther King had 60 years ago, and that tried to kill the dream that allowed me to achieve everything I had in my life You do get ahead in this country, not on the color of your skin, but on the content of your character and your contributions. A dream that says that any child no matter who they are, where their parents came from, or how long their last name is that we still achieve what we want in this country through our own hard work, our own commitment, our own dedication, that’s the American dream.”

Indo-AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, july 14, 2023 • www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com July 14, 2023 5 IN MEMORIUM
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MIT Graduate Pervez Agwan is Running in Texas’ Most Diverse District

houston: MIT graduate and renewable energy developer Pervez Agwan is running for United States Congress in Texas’ newly drawn District 07, now the most diverse district in Texas. If elected, he would be the first Indian and first Asian-American ever elected to Congress from Texas. He would also be the youngest person to join the congressional delegation from Texas. Pervez is the only Congressional candidate in Houston rejecting lobbyist money.

Pervez grew up in the new district. It is his home, and the fight is deeply personal to him. The newly drawn District 07 stretches from Sugar Land through Mission Bend, Alief, Sharpstown, Gulfton, and into parts of Montrose; 70% of voters are new to the district. Nearly 75% of the district consists of Black, brown, and AAPI communities. It is now the most diverse district in the state of Texas and is ripe for real change; this district now has more AsianAmericans than any other district in Texas. Pervez hopes to be the person to bring that change. As the son of loving Gujarati parents from Mumbai, India, Pervez understands that immigrants in this country need a seat at the table and can no longer be on the menu, ignored by their lawmakers. Because of the incredibly diverse makeup of the new district, he has a very strong chance of winning this race. Folks in District 07 are hungry for bold, uncompromising leadership and representation in Washington D.C. who share their experiences. Mahatma Gandhi, one of Pervez’s inspirations, once said, “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” Pervez strives to live this every day by practicing what he preaches. To begin, his platform focuses heavily on environmental reform. As a renewable energy developer and climate activist, Pervez has been in the fight and pos-

sesses a deep knowledge of the real steps necessary to create a cleaner, more sustainable district. He also talks about the need for universal healthcare in this country. Pervez has profound personal experience with the cost that our healthcare system exacts in this country. After the loss of his father due to the abhorrent price of medical care in the United States, Pervez saw firsthand why a single-payer universal healthcare system would not only change but save millions of lives in this country. Ultimately, the people in his district deserve to breathe clean air and receive treatment when they get sick without fear of going bankrupt.

Pervez is running a grassroots campaign built on the support of the people living within the district. He believes that there is no room in our politics for the special interest and big lobbyist money that has compromised our nation’s representatives and controlled their policy decisions. Because of this, he is not taking any money from lobbyists or special interest groups. By rejecting big money, Pervez is free to spend all of his time fighting for the citizens of District 07 and focusing on the issues that matter to them.

Indo-AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, july 14, 2023 • www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com July 14, 2023 6 COMMUNITY
Blessed are the ones who get this opportunity ! Join us to seek blessings from Her Holinesss Sadguru Mataji Sudiksha Ji Maharaj We will be honored by your presence.
Indo-AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, july 14, 2023 • www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com July 14, 2023 7
Indo-AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, july 14, 2023 • www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com July 14, 2023 8 COMMUNITY • Call 911 • Notify Crime Stoppers Anonymously at 713-222-TIPS What goes UP , must come DOWN. Stray bullets CAN KILL.

Swami Mukundananda Lecture Series: Aug 5th to 18th, 2023

houston: Swami Mukundananda ji, a world-renowned teacher of Spirituality, Yoga & Meditation, will conduct two different programs from August 5 – August 18 in Houston. The first week-long program is a Life Transformation Program (LTP). Swamiji will delve into the topic of Golden Rules for Living Your Best Life at India House, from August 5 to August 11. In the second program, Swamiji diverges in a different direction to help us focus and progress on our spiritual journey with Bhagavad Gita – The Song of God at Houston Durgabari Auditorium from August 12 to August 18. Swamiji will also have a meet and greet session each day to answer your specific questions.

Swami Mukundananda received his degrees in Engineering and Management from two world famous institutes in India- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) respectively. However, the call of God was so strong that after a short while on a successful corporate executive career path, he renounced his professional career to take Sanyas at age 23 in quest for God-realization. Swamiji is a senior disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and the founder of JKYog - a nonprofit organization dedicated to the spiritual, mental, and physical wellness of humankind. Over the last four decades, Swamiji has been travelling all over the world, awakening thousands of seekers through true Yoga and Spirituality.

During the first week-long Pro-

gram from Aug. 5-11, Swamiji will be presenting Golden Rules for Living Your Best Life. The journey of life is an interesting one. It begins at birth when we make our entry into this world confused and crying. From then on, we face challenges, difficulties, and hard ships. The irony in life is that difficult experiences present themselves first and the wisdom of how to handle them comes later. This is like being thrown into the deep end of a pool and being expected to learn swimming to save ourselves. Would it not be useful if we had a manual for living that we could consult? Every complex gadget in this world comes with its user’s guide. It is our one stop resource for procedures for operating it. And a troubleshooting guide on what to do in case of problems. Likewise, it is with life as well. Swami Mukundananda’s lecture series Golden Rules for Living Your Best Life… is meant

to bridge this gap, almost as a user’s manual for life.

During the second week-long program Swamiji will make a beautiful transition to a sweeter more devotional understanding of bhakti, for the spiritual seekers in us, with Bhagavad Gita – The Song of God.

Admission to program is Free and Dinner Prasadam will be served after discourses. Free Registration is requested.

Swami Mukundananda conducts Life Transformation Programs (LTPs) in multiple cities in the USA and India. These week-long programs include intellectual discourses and meditation sessions. In addition, Swami Mukundananda conducts spiritual retreats in the USA and India for the holistic upliftment of the body, mind, and soul.

Swami Mukundananda Exclusive is an online community of people who have a yearning to enhance the quality of their lives and help others grow with them. With SMEx membership, people from around the world can join regular LIVE interaction with Swami Mukundananda to learn how to live a fulfilling life through his discourses, and get their doubts clarified through the interactive question and answer segment. There is also exclusive content created for community members on the SMEx website.

Swamiji has been invited to speak at various Fortune 500 companies like Google, Oracle, Yahoo, Amazon, M.D. Anderson, Merck, and for the youth, Swamiji has conducted programs at prestigious universities like

Princeton, Stanford, Kellogg, MIT, and Duke.

Details:

Golden Rules for Living your Best Life - daily discourse at India House at 8888 W Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77031 from 6:45pm - 9pm from August 5 – 11

(Sat to Fri)

Bhagavad Gita – The Song of

God – daily discourse at Durgabari Auditorium, 13944 Schiller Rad, Houston, TX 77082 India House at 8888 W Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77031 from 6:45pm - 9pm Aug 12 – 18 (Sat to Fri)

Contact 281-630-5982, 281780-4877 832-377-6070. Free Registration at https://www. jkyog.org/Houston

Hands-on Care Needed for Male Patient In Sugar Land, TX

Need hands-on caregiver for male patient. Medical and/or caregiving experience with managing & administering medication is required. Experience with trach care/feeding tubes/letterboards is a plus.

WILL TRAIN THE RIGHT PERSON. MUST BE ENGLISH SPEAKING. Dayshift must be comfortable helping with bathing. Preference for a caregiver who is CPR / first-aid trained.

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Compensation based on experience & skill set. $15 to 20+ per hour.

Contact Al Alamia, 281-782-0116 or royaldentalal@aol.com

Indo-AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, july 14, 2023 • www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com July 14, 2023 9 COMMUNITY

Retreat and Other Short Stories

Retreat and Other Short Stories by Ashok Patwari

Austin Macauley Publishers, New York Paperback: $6.64, Kindle: $4.50 Available on Amazon

Serving all writers since 1948

Publisher: Aus�n Macauley Publishers, New York

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Paperback: $6.64, Kindle: $4.50

what you need to know for February 2020 Wisconsin Writers Association

Reviewer: Kerri Lukasavitz, www.kerrilukasavitz.com

Available on Amazon : Retreat: Patwari, Ashok: 9781641828550: Amazon.com: Books

REVIEW: RETREAT AND OTHER SHORT STORIES

Sat, December 21, 2019 2:36 PM

Retreat and Other Short Stories,

Ashok Patwari, an eminent creative writer for the last three decades, has found "tongues in trees, books in the running brooks" in his extensive voyage through life and lands. He presents us with characters from an array of physical backgrounds and a gamut of emotional make-ups and subtly penetrates the cosmetic layers of his characters to identify the common thread of humanity in them. Retreat is an eclectic collection of fourteen selected short stories with a range of themes, situations, and characters from across the continents.

If you are looking for a short story collection that takes you on adventures to foreign lands across the globe, than Ashok Patwari’s Retreat and Other Short Stories is one to pick up and savor. Each of the 14 stories takes place in nations rich with colorful histories, beautiful lands, and diverse people. Nations such as the foothills of the Himalayas, Jamaica, Mardhan--a remote village in Pakistan-Afghanistan, and Papua New Guinea to name a few. The author’s influence from extensive world travels is intricately woven throughout the stories, creating an authentic sense of place in each tale.

Short Story Collection, 153 pages

Published 2019 by Austin Maucauley Publishers, LLC., New York

Official OnlineBookClub.org Review

Reviewed by: Kerri Lukasavitz, www.kerrilukasavitz.com

Retreat is a collection of fourteen fictional short stories. The author, Ashok Patwari, is a pediatrician and public health researcher. His profession and travels have allowed him to create stories that take place on many different continents and feature characters with different cultures and ethnicities. The subjects of the stories differ widely, but they all have a beautiful lesson to be learned. In his author’s note to the reader, Patwari says he is not sure who the target audience for the book should be. After reading the book, I have some thoughts on this I’ll share later. I’ve never read a book that is a collection of short stories before, but I enjoyed this one quite thoroughly.

If you are looking for a short story collection that takes you on adventures to foreign lands across the globe, than Ashok Patwari’s Retreat and Other Short Stories is one to pick up and savor. Each of the 14 stories takes place in nations rich with colorful histories, beautiful lands, and diverse people. Nations such as the foothills of the Himalayas, Jamaica, Mardhan a remote village in Pakistan-Afghanistan, and Papua New Guinea to name a few. The author’s influence from extensive world travels is

Ashok Patwari, an eminent creative writer for the last three decades, has found “tongues in trees, books in the running brooks” in his extensive voyage through life and lands. He presents us with characters from an array of physical backgrounds and a gamut of emotional make-ups and subtly penetrates the cosmetic layers of his characters to identify the common thread of humanity in them. Retreat is an eclectic collection of fourteen selected short stories with a range of themes, situations, and characters from across the continents

An Intriguing Collection of Curated Short Stories

Short stories remain the most interesting form of story-telling over the centuries. Writing short stories requires a knack to craft the characters, set the backdrop, narrate the plot and finish with a twist in the most succinct manner.

Retreat and Other Short Stories, by Ashok Patwari, is one such unique and eclectic collection which has all these ingredients and much more, each story being so unique and thrilling with an unexpected finale. The author has blended his strength to create, inform and entertain with tales steeped in different cultures and traditions. The stories portray characters one can easily relate to, amidst a lovely background and spanning over different continents that take one on an emotional rollercoaster ride. This doesn’t come as a surprise from a veteran short story writer, who has been into creative writing for the past three decades. To me, it appeared that each story was competing to be the best in making this book a page turner; and pretty much succeeded in it. As with all such collections some stories are stronger than the others, but none of them are weak, in my opinion.

Indo-AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, july 14, 2023 • www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com July 14, 2023 10 713-789-6397 2223 Wirtcrest Ln., Houston, TX 77055 www.hwstemple.org • hws.temple@gmail.com • Facebook: @hwstemple FOR PUJA INFORMATION, CALL PANDIT BHAWANI SHANKAR SHASTRI 832-278-0100 HINDU WORSHIP SOCIETY Sawan Puja, July 17, 24 & Aug 21, 28 7pm - 8pm L ORD SH I VA S AWAN P UJA Three-Year Adjustment made to coincide with Western Calender Seeking $250 Sponsorships for each of these days to cover cost of puja samigri and prasad ! P���� �� C�������� T�� S���� M����� P�� H���� C������� F�� G������ I����������, call Ravi Goel 281-235-5413, Ranjan Lashkari 281-798-8064, Ashima Patel 832-563-6689, Aruna Goel 713-231-8925, Prem Goel 281-300-8632 July 17 puja samigri and prasad Sponsored by Akihlesh & Rashemi Singh, Rajesh & Rajini Saini, Vidhya & Anu Bakshi and Sharda Jain
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‘Neeyat’: Mystery -- Unoriginal, Familiar

A colourful billionaire is hosting a bunch of his good friends on an island. It’s all fun and games till someone gets bumped off, and a clever coot shows up to solve the mystery. Now, what does the central premise remind you of? Why, ‘Knives Out 2’, right? Make that rich guy a salt-and-pepper bearded desi who looks astonishingly like a real-life billionaire on the run, turn the sunny isle into a Scottish castle with storm clouds looming, and you get ‘Neeyat’. So much for declaring that this is not a ‘Knives Out’ rip-off.

Still, having said that, the first half of this whodunit is got through quite briskly, with an array of characters arriving one after another, each of whom has a motive to kill. Ram Kapoor plays Ashish Kapoor aka AK, the dashing tycoon who has more than a few secrets up his expensive sleeve.

So does everyone else trooping into the castle: his devoted slave K (Amrita Puri), his old friend (Neeraj Kabi) and wife (Dipannita Sharma), his new girlfriend (Shahana Goswami), his coke-addict son

(Shashank Arora) and girlfriend (Prajakta Koli), his trusted healer and her little dog (Niki Walia). As well as an event manager (Danesh Razvi) who is holding the fort on his own, till a CBI officer (Vidya Balan) shows up from India, with the stated intention of carting off said billionaire back home.

count is very ‘And Then There Were None’, also by the same author; so is the process of gathering all the suspects, and focussing on each person’s dark past till the real culprit is caught.

You can also spot a Daphne du Maurier touch from her acclaimed Gothic novel, ‘Rebecca’. ‘Neeyat’ is a film trying hard to be original but never quite shaking off the feeling that it is treading familiar ground.

Post-interval, the petering out is rapid. Some of the performers are game triers, especially Ram Kapoor, but the milling around doesn’t help. Neither does Balan’s stolid clomping around, trying to pull off a smart sleuth, who also, that’s right, has something to hide. Smart viewers know a red herring when they see it.

Cast: Vidya Balan, Ram Kapoor, Rahul Bose, Shahana Goswami, Shashank Arora, Neeraj Kabi, Dipannita Sharma, Amrita Puri, Niki Walia, Danesh Razvi, Prajakta Koli

Director: Anu Menon

Rating: 2.5 stars -- Indian Express

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Lalita Devi Das

I am saddened to inform the community that my wife, Lalita Devi Das passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 10:45 a.m. at the age of 86. She is survived by her husband (Lachhman), her two sons (Micky and his wifeAndrea and Tony and his wife- Bernice), her brother (Ram), her sister (Narinder). At the time of her passing, she was blessed to have six grandchildren- Thomas, Nicholas, Andrew, Gabrielle, Amy and Olivia.

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Services in her memory will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 from 3:30 to 6:30 at Clayton Funeral Homes, 5530 West Broadway, Pearland Texas 77581 (Phone 281-485-4446), For additional information, you may contact me at the phone below: Lachhman Das, daslachhman@hotmail.com 832-7481002

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Kumud Athavale, Krishna R. Vuddagiri, Sanchali Basu, Yudhveer Singh Bagga, Prabha Barvalia, Arup Gupta, Ramesh Shah, Pothiraj Bethanasamy, Aadhya Pantam, Taranjit Singh, Mihir Kumar Chakraborty, Ramana Vadrevu, KB Amarnath Y0066_23SPRJ55188_C

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Indo-AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, july 14, 2023 • www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com July 14, 2023 11
us the correct answer before July 18, 2023. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
PROOF
PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF PROOF Indo-Pak Halal Restaurant TASTE UM WE TAKE PARTY TRAY & CATERING ORDERS 10730 W. Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77099 (Near W. Bellfort & SW Frwy) 281-272-6605
832-282-3515, TT Y 711 www.tasteumrestaurant.com
tasteumrestaurant@gmail.com
You will find many influences here: the spread-eagled body lying on the rocks below looks straight out of Agatha Christie’s ‘Death On The Nile’; the rising body
Indo-AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, july 14, 2023 • www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com July 14, 2023 12 ©2023 Lexus, a Division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. SUMMER VIBES JAAREE RAKHIYE ALL YEAR LONG LEXUS.COM
he
hai aapka
season
kijiye—because
SEPTEMBER 5
T
Golden Opportunity Sales Event
mauka to make every
as thrilling as Summer. Lekin jaldi
while the vibes may last, an opportunity like this won’t. ENDS
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