Indo American News: March 4, 2022

Friday, March 4, 2022 | Vol. 41, No. 09

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March 4, 2022

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Indo American News

Published weekly from Houston, TX

www.indoamerican-news.com

Special Reports Community Briefs Local Politics South Asians in the News

2470 Dairy Ashford, Houston, TX 77077 • 713.789.NEWS (6397) • indoamericannews@yahoo.com

India, Sewa Helping Ukraine Evacuation

Umeed’s Fundraiser

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Alia Bhatt in ‘Gangubai’

Indian nationals hold the tricolour before boarding a special Air India flight, evacuating Indians from war-torn Ukraine, in Budapest. (PTI Photo) SEE PAGE 2

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WEDDINGS, SPECIAL EVENTS, TENTED EVENTS, OUTDOOR COURTYARD

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

Indo-American News • Friday, MARCH 4, 2022 • www.indoamerican-news.com

DIASPORA

March 4, 2022

Indian Government, Sewa Helping Indians in Ukraine

able to visit the hospital, probably where it is kept now,” said Sridharan Gopalakrishnan, who was Naveen’s hostel mate.

No one from the Indian Embassy reached out to stranded Indian students in Kharkiv in Ukraine, where a Karnataka native pursuing medicine was killed in shelling amid a Russian military offensive, the victim’s father alleged on Tuesday.

While there is no official word from either the government or the Air Force yet, it is expected to deploy its large C-17 Globemaster aircraft for the operation. The aircraft were also used for evacuation efforts from Afghanistan last year, after Kabul fell to the Taliban in August 2021. -- Sewa International and ToI news reports.

Indians on the fourth evacuation flight from Bucharest. Twitter/@DrSJaishankar

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Houston: As airstrikes cause extensive damage and people flee Ukraine in large numbers, Sewa International volunteers in Europe have helped more than 3,200 individuals in the past six days to cross the border to reach safety. Sewa volunteers are working with another 3,680 people who have registered for evacuation through the Sewa helpline.

Over 250 Sewa volunteers spread across many countries in Europe are coordinating relief efforts in eighteen Ukrainian cities. Working closely with Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) volunteers, Sewa units in Ukraine, Finland, Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Denmark are fielding calls from stranded students and others seeking help and directing them to a volunteer who lives close to them for further assistance.

“The situation on the ground is as challenging as it can get. Sewa and HSS volunteers are taking calls from people in distress and working 24 x 7 to help them evacuate. More than 35 Sewa volunteers are working on the ground in Ukraine. We are seeing an increased call volume as the war intensifies,” a Sewa volunteer from Ukraine, deeply involved in coordinating the relief work, explained over a WhatsApp call.

Sewa is helping people to reach Ukraine’s western border by bus, train, or other modes of transport. They are distributing food packets, establishing temporary shelters, or working with local hotel owners to provide fleeing students a place to stay until they leave for their home country.

“After a student from India was killed in shelling in Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine and an epicenter of the current war, there has been a heightened fear among students. Due to the danger posed by the war to civilian lives in the city, helping people leave Kharkiv has been our top priority. In nearly 80 percent of the situations, we have been able to help the caller when they call the Sewa help number for the first time,” Heramb Kulkarni, a Sewa volunteer from Finland said.

As per reports, about 9,400 students from India are in Ukraine and seeking help to leave the country. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, over 660,000 people, mostly women and children, have left Ukraine within five days of the beginning of the war. Students stranded in Ukraine are facing multiple challenges, including threat to their lives, non-cooperation from local officials, not being allowed to cross the Ukrainian border, lack of food, and money.

To register for assistance, Sewa is asking people to complete an online form at -- https://bit.ly/ SewaUkraineHelpline. More information related to Sewa’s Ukraine relief efforts can be accessed at https://linktr.ee/sewaeurope, https://www.facebook.com/SewaEuropeOfficial, or https://www. instagram.com/sewaeurope. According to official estimates, about 18,000 Indian students are studying in universities across Ukraine. Due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, they are currently stranded, facing a severe shortage of food, and are in dire need of transport and shelter. The Indian Embassy in Kyiv is advising these students on how to reach country’s western borders to reach Poland, Romania, or Hungary from where they can board Air India flights specially operated by the Indian Government to reach India.

An Indian student lost his life in the shelling in Kharkiv on Tuesday morning, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated. “With profound sorrow we confirm that an Indian student lost his life in shelling in Kharkiv this morning. The Ministry is in touch with his family.We convey our deepest condolences to the family,” he tweeted.

The Indian student has been identified as Naveen Shekharappa Gyanagoudar, 20, from Karnataka. He was a fourth-year medical student at the Kharkiv National Medical University. “Naveen was shot dead around 10.30 am Ukrainian time today. He was standing in the queue before a grocery shop when the Russian army fired at people. We have no information about his body. None of us was

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Willy, Nanayakkara and Associates remains in full operation during this global health event. Attorneys, legal assistants and support staff will be available via phone and / or video conferencing between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM CST. Thursday free consultations can also be scheduled by phone and video. Please contact us at (281)265-2522 or visit our website at www.grwpc. com for more information.

Indo-American News • Friday, MARCH 4, 2022 • www.indoamerican-news.com

3 FCCRS Hosts Virtual Fundraiser for Patient Manish Aurora

COMMUNITY

Houston:: The Foundation For Children Cancer, Research and Support, a Houston-based nonprofit held a magnificent on-line fundraiser on Sunday evening, February 27,for Manish Aurora, a 43 year-old cancer patient at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center who is battling a serious cancer, diffused large B-cell lymphoma.

The virtual fundraiser called Umeed (Hope) started with the introduction of FCCRS by Board director, Parul Fernandes. She explained that it is a non-profit organization started by Jeet and Keka Kar to support children who have cancer, support their families morally and financially and support cancer research.

Though FCCRS is set up primarily to help children fight cancer, the FCCRS board decided to reach beyond its mission, on humanitarian grounds to help Aurora fight his lymphoma cancer as his treatment is expensive. So, the Kars used local talent, to produce an awesome interactive virtual concert beamed in India and the US over Zoom and Youtube Live to raise funds.

Satish Agarwal, a community philanthropist, began the event as a local sponsor. Leading off was good hearted entrepreneur Bobby Singh who interviewed Vipul Aurora, Manish’s brother, who has accompanied him to nurse him back to health. Manish’s parents are also

Job Posting

in Houston to look after him.

Vipul explained that Manish has been fighting cancer for the past 2 years. When his doctors in India recommended that a possible curative treatment was only available in M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, they came here in November 2021.

His treatment for Car T- Cells has started and Manish and his family live on anxious moments everyday.

Then, Keka explained that Umeed wants to provide Hope to live and fight cancer. The first act from India was a pantomime choreographed by Sajid Jamal and acted

by Tanay Chowdhury who conveyed the traumatic emotions of a young man who suddenly finds himself caught in the web of cancer and how he struggles to come out of it. Well known anchor and actor Sabir Khan in Kolkata and Keka in Katy applauded the act over Zoom.

Sabir introduced Dr. Priyanka Sen (a cardiologist) who sang 2 solos with her melodious voice. She sang ‘O mere Sona Re Sona Re’ and, ‘Tu mile Dil ke chain’. Then Salil Bhadekar sang’ Mitwa’, a heart rendering romantic song followed by the melodious voice of Mahalakshmi Krishnam who sang ‘Ye dil sun raha hai’. A duet followed with Mahalakhmi and Salil- ‘Meri Aawaz hi Pehchan Hai.’ Keka also thanked program sponsors Manohar and Meera Gidwani and Syham Thadani of Banke Bi-

March 4, 2022

hari Parivar and Sieu Rambhajan, Executive Chairman, Titan Logistics and Support Services; and Satish and Kamlesh Agarwal for their support.

Songs by the gifted Kar family followed: Abhijit Kar’s solo song “Janam Deklo’; his father Jeet continued with a lively beat in the song “Phoolon Ke Rang Se” and his mother Keka sang “Yahi wo jagah hai” in her nightingale voice. Then all three joined in “Ye rate ye Mausam”.

The program continued with

NEWS PHOTOGRAPHER/EDITOR

KTRK-TV, the Disney-owned television station in Houston, TX is looking for a creative, hard-working, and dedicated News Photographer/Editor.

Responsibilities • Shoot and edit news stories and breaking news in a fast-paced, deadline fast-paced environment • Work as a team or independently to portray compelling stories from concept to completion Basic Qualifications • Three years television news experience • Must pass a pre-employment background check, DMV check, and urinalysis drug screen • Clean Driving Record • The ability to work under deadlines, multi-task, and prioritize assignments • Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 30 pounds of equipment • May require standing for long periods of time • Flexibility to work any shift/any day including weekends and holidays and business dictates • Must submit newsreel when applying Preferred Qualifications • Demonstrate good news judgment • Proficient in lighting, audio, and non-linear editing for television news • Experience operating a live truck • Team player with exceptional work ethic • Ideal candidate would be comfortable on-camera if needed Required Education • High School Diploma To be considered all interested applicants must apply online at disneycareers.com, reference job # 932729BR. .

Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

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a very vivacious Jasmeeta Singh who is visiting India in her video debut, singing three songs back to back ‘Chura liya Hai Dil’, “Hare Krishna Hare Ram, and “O, Sathi Re”. This was followed melodiously by solo songs by Jeet Kar , Mahalakshmi and Keka Kar. Other sponsors include the FCCRS Board members: Jawahar Malhotra, Parul Fernandes, Dr. Biswajit Kar, Satyajit Kar, Keka Kar, Ritu Chanchlani and Bashist Sharma. The UMEED team consisted of Bobby Singh, Keka Kar,

Parul Fernandes, Rajat Sood, music arranger Somnath Chakraborty, anchor Sabir Khan, choreographer Sajid Jamal, and actor Tanay Chowdhary.

A special thanks goes to the donors and 400+ viewers from all over the world. As they say, ‘life is uncertain but kindness is certain’.

FCCRS, a facilitator, is forging links among those who need help in the realm of cancer with those whose hearts are filled with kindness. Please donate for Manish at www.fccrs.org.

PREMIUM CONTENT PHOTOGRAPHER/EDITOR

KTRK-TV, the Disney-owned television station in Houston, TX is looking for an innovative, creative, hard-working, and fiercely competitive Premium Content Photographer/Editor.

Responsibilities • Will work on a variety of projects including Long Form Originals, Short Form, Breaking News, Integrated Sales, Live and Pre-Produced Specials or Programs, and Live Event Productions.

• You must be a master storyteller who can identify, develop, shoot, write, edit and produce high-quality, enterprising stories for multiple platforms.

Basic Qualifications • Three years of medium to large market television news experience • Must pass a pre-employment background check, DMV check, and urinalysis drug screen • The ability to work under deadlines, multi-task, and prioritize assignments • Must be able to carry a minimum of 30 pounds of photography equipment • Flexibility to work any shift/any day including weekends and holidays and business dictates • We want a respected, knowledgeable, ethical station representative.

• Must submit newsreel Preferred Qualifications • Must be proficient in modern storytelling techniques with the ability to take a story from concept to completion, including resource/rights documentation.

• Excellent editorial, shooting, lighting, audio, and producing skills • Team player with exceptional work ethic • Experience in long-form documentary-style storying telling a plus Required Education • High School Degree To be considered all interested applicants must apply online at disneycareers.com, reference job # 933161BR. Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Indo-American News • Friday, MARCH 4, 2022 • www.indoamerican-news.com

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March 4, 2022

Arijit Singh -- Live in Concert in Houston “Arijit Singh – Live in Concert” is a live musical concert created around the King of Playback Singing Arijit Singh.

Presented by ShowFest, this Musical Live Experience will definitely entertain the audience through all of Arijit’s superhit songs.

Prepared to head out on a North America Tour in May 2022, the concert will have an array of compositions and medleys that will redefine several of your favorite songs and leave you spellbound. Grand production, exclusive content and creative presentation is sure to set the live experience apart. The vision is to take the live concert on a National tour covering all the major cities across North America.

Come along as we take you on an unforgettable voyage in time as you relive old memories and create new ones.

We bring you a musical like never before!

Arijit Singh – Live in Concert in Houston on May 20, 2022, at NRG arena. For more information call Harry Shah 832-863-8600 or visit showfest.com Arijit Singh is an Indian musician and playback singer for Bollywood films and is known for his soulful voice and versatile singing.

His songs are evergreen and have enhanced the experience of films through beautiful melodies and heartwarming lyrics, an amalgamation sure to make the audience fall in love with his music.

He is a musical icon followed by numerous aspiring artists and music lovers all across the globe who thoroughly enjoy his music and

eagerly wait for his new songs.

Arijit Singh rose to fame as his songs from Aashiqui-2 became a runway hit that broke geographic barrier and became popular all across UK, USA and the East Asia.

Ever since then there has been no looking back for him.

Arijit Singh is one of the artists whose name and voice are found in almost all movies, with his every song topping the charts. He is the most streamed singer across every music streaming app in India and abroad. He is the only musician to win over 50 major Music Awards in last 5 years. He is one of the most versatile and popular Musician in the Indian Music Industry recently.

Arijit Singh is known to experiment with his own work.

He improvises each and every song every time he picks up the mic to mesmerize us with his voice. At live concerts Arijit Singh also gives you a trip into his favorite playlist by crooning the most amazing songs of Bollywood.

Arijit Singh – Live in Concert, is definitely going to be a show that is entertaining, engaging and soulful.

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Indo-American News • Friday, MARCH 4, 2022 • www.indoamerican-news.com

March 4, 2022

Indo-American News • Friday, MARCH 4, 2022 • www.indoamerican-news.com

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March 4, 2022

Coming Soon: Tagore Grove Memorial

By Pradeep Anand

Houston: Rabindranath Tagore visited the City of Houston on February 13, 1921. He spoke at Rice University and our city played a significant role in Gurudev Tagore’s effort in raising funds for Shantiniketan. Houston was the number one contributor on the tour that included New York, Boston, Chicago and many other U.S. cities. Houston contributed 15% of the US national total.

The step that Gurudev Tagore took 101 years ago in spreading his word about the universality of humankind and nature is being strengthened today by Tagore Society of Houston, by building a Tagore Grove Memorial at Ray Miller Park in Houston. His statue already adorns the park.

Rabindranath Tagore is one of the few global icons of India. Besides being recognized with a Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, his works have been used and quoted in several spheres-from the national anthems of India and Bangladesh to Methodist Hospital welcoming its visitors in its lobby with his words- “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.”

Actor Martin Sheen often read a Tagore poem, My Country Awake, at Congressional hearings and universities, to inspire his audiences.

Actor Gregory Peck read Audrey Hepburn’s favorite poem, Tag-

COMMUNITY IAA Presents Ricky Kej Houston: Ricky Kej is a Grammy Award-winning Indian music composer and environmentalist.

He has performed at venues in over 30 countries including at the United Nations headquarters in New York and Geneva. Kej was named a UNCCD Land Ambassador at the COP14 to raise public awareness about the challenges of land degradation, desertification and drought. Kej also serves as a UNESCO - MGIEP “Global Ambassador for Kindness”, UNICEF Celebrity Supporter, and is an ambassador for the Earth Day

ore’s Unending Love, at her funeral. While celebrities being moved

by Rabindranath Tagore was special, nothing moved me more than when I discovered a friend, Jon, from Dallas, reading Tagore poems to his father as he was passing his last days on a hospital bed.

He said, “My father is dying, and I have been reading Tagore poems to him. My father was in the US Air Force and was posted in Calcutta during World War II. He discovered Tagore in Calcutta and wants to hear his words, his poems, during his last days.”

I did not know what to say.

Thankfully, Jon continued, “My God, Pradeep,” he said, “these are the most beautiful poems I have

read in my life. It is a late discovery, but I am glad I discovered Tagore.”

Very simply, Rabindranath Tagore moves people in so many different ways and the Tagore Grove Memorial is a physical monument, in a neighborhood park, to inspire visitors with his words and spirit, to move them, contributing to their lives and the universality of humanity and nature.

Tagore Society of Houston is a 501 (c)3 organization, and it seeks contributions from the public to speed up the completion of this project. To donate, please visit www.tagoresociety.org. For further information, please write to president@tagoresociety.org.

Indo-American News • Friday, MARCH 4, 2022 • www.indoamerican-news.com

Network. In 2020, Kej was named as a GQ Hero 2020 by GQ magazine. www.rickykej.com Ricky’s awards include the United Nations “Global Humanitarian Artist” award and is conferred with the title “Youth Icon of India”. ‘Real Leaders’, a Signatory to the United Nations named Ricky Kej as one of the 100 Real Leaders who ‘Inspire the Future’.

The House of Commons, Parliament of Canada awarded Ricky for his “Outstanding Musical and Humanitarian Achievement”.

COMMUNITY

March 4, 2022

Ashwin Rao: Eagle Scout from Village School Houston: Ashwin Rao, a sophomore from The Village School, a private pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade school located in the Energy Corridor, has developed a passion for robotics. He enjoys it so much that he wanted to make sure students in three of Houston’s underprivileged schools had the same opportunity and access to robotics as he did.

“I like robotics because there are unlimited avenues you can take. For example, you can build a robot that works in the medical field or customize one to work in whatever field you choose,” explains Ashwin. “I think everyone should have exposure to all of the neat projects you can create with robots.”

On a journey to become an Eagle Scout since the second grade, Ashwin needed one more service project to earn the distinction. So, he first identified three underprivileged middle schools in Houston which would benefit from having robotics tables set up for students to use and receive hands-on learning opportunities. Then, he got to work fundraising to purchase the necessary materials and mobilize his friends and other volunteers to help build the tables.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashwin had to wait for his project to come to life. Earlier this year, the tables he and his friends worked on were deployed in the three middle schools. Ashwin says it has been both fun and rewarding to see the fruits of his labor materialize this year, and see the students using the robotics tables he helped create.

“I learned so much from doing this project – from all the different aspects,” he shares. “It taught me a lot about leadership and how to bring people together for a common cause.”

Ashwin says his robotics teacher at The Village School, Dr. Chad Huffman, inspired him to take on this project and sparked his interest in robotics.

“Dr. Huffman has been my robotics coach and taught me the fundamentals. I’ll always be grateful for all the lessons and fun I had in his class,” says Ashwin.

Ashwin and his peers are not only introducing students in other schools to robotics; they are mentoring younger students at The Village School on the topic. Unfortu-

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nately, the pandemic disrupted the continuity of the robotics program, so Ashwin and his friends have taken it upon themselves to ensure these younger students have the opportunity to learn about this emerging and innovative field.

“When he graduates in a couple of years, Ashwin will have left his legacy at The Village School as a student dedicated to helping others broaden their horizons by learning new subjects,” says Suresh Rao, Ashwin’s dad.

“I’m so proud of Ashwin for demonstrating leadership in this way.”

Despite the obstacles COVID19 presented, Ashwin was able to complete his project and successfully fulfill the requirements of earning his Eagle Scout distinction from the Boy Scouts of America. He is proud of his accomplishment and all those who supported him along the way.

Ashwin Rao, sophomore at the Village School, performed a robotics service project on the way to become a Boy Scouts Eagle Scout.

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Indo American News Founder: Dr. K.L. Sindwani Publisher: Jawahar Malhotra Editor: Pramod Kulkarni Correspondent: Sanchali Basu ®All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the written consent of the publisher.

Deadline for advertising and articles is 4 pm on Monday of each week. Please include self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of all unsolicited material. Published at 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 212, Houston, Texas 77036.Tel:713-789-6397, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com, website: www.indoamericannews.com

Indo-American News • Friday, MARCH 4, 2022 • www.indoamerican-news.com

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COMMUNITY

March 4, 2022

Prayer for Care Tribute to Lata

Houston: The Prayer for Care sessions, created by Mrs. Vinita Arora, began in 2020 in order to circumvent the immense amount of anxiety created around the world, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The platform has weekly zoom sessions, allowing for members to become a part of mantra chanting and bhajans. Prayer for Care has allowed for various artists to perform by singing bhajans with around a total of 30 artists performing. The forum has grown in popularity throughout the past two years, with followers across the world including Canada, The United States, India, etc..

On Saturday, February 19th, 2022, the 100th session of Prayer for Care was celebrated. Alongside, a tribute to Lata Mangeshkar Ji was made in order to mourn the loss of the “nightingale of India”.

The program started with Mrs. Vinita Arora and her students sing Tumhi Ho Mata Pita Tumhi ho, Aye Maalik Tere Bande Hum, and Vande Maataram. Many ac-

complished artists sang at the Arya Samaj Greater Houston including Uma Krishnan, Vaishali, Manik Joshi, Smriti Shrivastava, Eesha, Krisha, and all of Mrs. Vinita Arora’s students. The program also had immensely talented musical accompanists including Mr. Raja Banga on Tabla, Mr. Tej Ghanju on the Harmonium, and Mr. Azim Khan on the Violin. The evening ended with Mrs. Vinita Arora singing two beautiful bhajans by Lata Mangeshkar Ji, named Aye Mere Vatan Ke Logo and Vaishnav Janato.

The 100th session of Prayer for Care was greatly appreciated as it remembered the great works of Lata Mangeshkar ji, performed by talented artists. The Forum continues to grow with all of its followers remaining connected as weekly sessions are conducted by Mrs. Vinita Arora.

Here is the Zoom Id for anyone to join the session each Saturday @10:00 am CST, 8210610983, No password required

Mixed Local Primary Results for South Asians Houston: South Asians running for political offices achieved mixed results in the March 1 Texas Primary elections.

In the Democratic primary for Fort Bend County, incumbent County Judge KP George won with 25,352 votes (69.52%), defeating Ferrel Bonner 11,115 (30.48%). George will face Republican nominee Trever Nehls in the Novembere general election.

In the Republican primary for the newly created Texas House District 76, Dan Mathews won the majority of votes (51.59%) ahead of Ramesh Cherivirala (26.55% and Mike Khan. On the Democratic side in this district, Suleman Lalani and Vanesia Johnson are in the runoff. Lalani topped the list with 3,216 votes (36.63%), followed by Vanesia R. Johnson 2,172 (24.74%), James Burnett, 1,694 (19.29%) and L. ‘Sarah’

DeMerchant, 1,698 (19.34%).

For the 240th District Court race, Surendran K. Pattel won a majority of the votes, 19,197, (55.03%) against Frank J. Fraley, 15,689 (44.97%). Pattel will face

Republican nominee Ed Krenek in the November general election.

In County Court NO. 2 race, Tyra McCollum won the Democratic primary with 18,114 votes (51.74%), followed by Oscar Telfair III 10,579 (30.21%) and Tony Wadhawan 6,320, (18.05%). McCollum will face incumbent Republican judge Jeff McMeans in the general election.

In the Pct. 4 commissioner race, Neeta Sane 3,171 (39.89%) and Dexter McCoy 3,023 (38.03%) are in a runoff. In Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace race, Sonia Rash,4,768 (48.31%) and Husein Hadi 3,249 (32.92) are in the runoff.

In Harris County, Civil Court of Law No. 4 Democratic primary, M.K. Monica Singh 56,461 (41%) is in a runoff against Treasea Trevino 43,167 (31%) with David Patronella at 39,251 (28%).

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Indo-American News • Friday, MARCH 4, 2022 • www.indoamerican-news.com

March 4, 2022

Have you planned for your future?

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

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Indo-American News • Friday, MARCH 4, 2022 • www.indoamerican-news.com

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March 4, 2022

SAVE A LIFE LOCK UP YOUR GUNS

Indo-American News • Friday, MARCH 4, 2022 • www.indoamerican-news.com

SUDOKU/BOLLYWOOD 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 March 8. 2022. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.

Solution Next Week

March 4, 2022

‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’: A Visual Treat

By Ronak Kotecha

STORY: Based on S Hussain Zaidi and Jane Borges’ hard-hitting book Mafia Queens of Mumbai, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ chronicles Ganga’s rise to power and fame from a demure small-town girl in Gujarat, to the undisputed queen of Kamathipura in Mumbai.

REVIEW: Women invitingly standing at the doorstep of a kotha (brothel) in the bustling bylanes and strange in all of this, while the women in Kamathipura, her of south Mumbai’s infamous red- the narrative moves ahead, is that liaison with the city’s underbelly light area Kamathipura, is a scene the physical appearance of Alia’s and her political aspirations — we that is real, tragic and dramatic. character, always clad in pretty are still left craving to know more about the rest of her life and how it Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s whites, remains unchanged.

Ajay Devgn, even in a brief all unfolded. There are some beaufilm ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, set entirely against this gritty back- role as Rahim Lala, leaves a solid tifully crafted, heartbreaking modrop of Mumbai, tells the story impact. The rest of the support- ments in Bhansali’s signature style of many young women who were ing cast like Seema Pahwa, Vijay — with a lot of finesse and flair sold off to brothels for a few hun- Raaz, and Jim Sarbh put their best — however, the narrative does dred, solely through the eyes of foot forward, but don’t have much not delve deep into any one aspect its protagonist Gangubai (Alia room to shine. Shantanu Mahesh- of Gangu’s life. The production wari as Gangu’s love interest puts value is top-notch. The film skillBhatt).

It’s sometime in the early 1950s out a fine performance, and the fully pays homage to the bygone or 1960s when a starry-eyed and bitter-sweet moments between era through movie posters and acnaive Ganga is conned by her own Gangu and him are among the tor portraits of that time plastered lover Ramnik (Varun Kapoor) to more memorable parts of the film. on the walls. Each song is masterBhansali drives his narrative fully and colourfully picturised — elope with a promise that he will pave the path for her to make it as a much like the book with each even while Gangu stands like a viheroine in Bollywood. What turns challenge and episode moving sion in white in the midst of it all. out is that Ganga (who rechristens like a chapter. While there is a lot But none of the songs, other than herself as Gangu, and eventually packed into the film — like how Dholida, are too memorable.-Gangubai), ends up being the her- Gangu turns into an activist for Times of India oine of Kamathipura instead. Over the SENIOR PRODUCER CONTENT years, Kamathipura becomes her home, DEVELOPMENT the brothel girls her family and all of KTRK’s Programming Department is looking for a hands-on Senior ProKamathipura her ducer with a proven track record. domain. But her journey is fraught Responsibilities with challenges, • Identify and create marketing unique, compelling original premium opponents and a multi-platform content. social stigma that • Be the ideas person who can take a story from concept to completion brings out the fightwhether it is Long Form Originals, Short Form, Integrated Sales, Live or er within her.

Pre-Produced Specials or Programs, or Major Live Event Productions.

The beauty of the film lies in how Basic Qualifications it shows Gangu’s • Minimum 5 years news producing television news and original content character transform in a major market including long form writing and live control room/ through various booth experience. stages in her life.

• Flexibility to work any shift/any day including weekends and holidays The narrative takes and business dictates time to build up, • Well respected, knowledgeable, ethical station representative. even slowing down along the way, but Preferred Qualifications not without leaving • Must be highly organized with the innate ability to lead multiple projects an impact through simultaneously, secure & document all legal clearances/rights, and still some fiery diadeliver final product on deadline. logues and power• Excellent innovative storytelling skills and exceptional editorial, interful moments. viewing, writing, producing and data driven marketing skills.

It’s an Alia Bhatt • A strong hands-on story producer with the ability to generate content for show all the way, all company and station initiatives including News, Community, Proas she slips into the Social and DE&I initiatives. role of the bosslady • A team-first collaborator with a focus on data driven results. Experience in a world full of articulating creative intent to others and actively coordinating team membrothels and lustful bers to turn ideas into reality. men. It might take • Experience managing expectations, especially when working with outa while to feel comside clients, with the ability to identify and articulate alternative solutions fortable with the when challenges arise. idea of Alia playing • Excellent communication skills as this position will liason will many this part, and she company departments, especially news. too takes her time to settle in. She does Required Education deliver the much• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field loaded dialogues with supreme conTo be considered all interested applicants must apply online at disneycafidence, audacity reers.com, reference job # 933552BR. and a killer instinct.

Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity What’s unmissable

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