Indo-American News: November 4, 2022

Friday, November 4, 2022 | Vol. 41, No. 43

November 4, 2022

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Indo American News

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Published weekly from Houston, TX

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Special Reports Community Briefs Local Politics South Asians in the News

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Diwali Dandiya

19th India House Gala : “Bringing Communities Together”

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Diwali at BAPS Mandir

19th Annual India House Gala was hosted on Saturday, October 22nd with lots of lights, dynamic speakers, numerous community leaders, friends, entertainment, and tasteful food. The theme this year was “Serving Communities Together”.

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COMMUNITY

November 4, 2022

19th Annual India House Gala: “Serving Communities Together”

India House President and CG Aseem Mahajan present Lifetime Achievement award to Brij and Sunita Agrawal (left). Mr. Rungta with Volunteer of the Year Mr. and Mrs. Kantilal Mistry. The Community Service award was presented to Bhagwan Taparia of Maharaja Bhog restaurant.

Houston: 19th Annual India House Gala was hosted on Saturday, October 22nd with lots of lights, dynamic speakers, numerous community leaders, friends, entertainment, and tasteful food.

The theme this year was “Serving Communities Together”. It was another proud moment for India House where they were able to showcase the hard work that has been going on all year towards community service, fundraise, and also celebrate the festival of lights (Diwali).

The evening began with a social hour where community members mingled mingling with each other and partook in the silent art auction on display. Once the guests settled inside the elegantly decorated Ballroom, the event began with the singing of both the American and Indian National Anthems, by Ms. Nidhika Pillai. This followed the Mistress of Ceremonies, Ms. Pooja Lodhia, KTRK, and ABC13 Eyewitness News team reporter welcoming the guests and introducing the evening’s speakers.

The President of India House, Dr. Manish Rungta, welcomed the guests and shared his thoughts and appreciation for all that India House continues to do for the betterment of the community.

He thanked India House Trustees, Board, Volunteers, Donors and Staff who continue to work toward the betterment of the communities with exceptional compassion, innovative ideas, and inventiveness, together as one.

This followed the video messages from US Senator John Cornyn, and Noble Peace Prize nominee Dr. Peter Hotez, Founding Dean of Baylor College of Medicine’s National School of Tropical Medicine.

India House Executive Director, Col. Vipin Kumar highlighted all the outstanding work being done, free programs that are offered, as well as the outreach and impact

that India House is having on the community. He showcased how India House continues to distinguish itself for always lending a helping hand, and collaborating with other organizations towards betterment of the community members we serve.

Consul General of India, Aseem R. Mahajan, who was introduced and invited to speak by India House Trustee Hari Agrawal, talked about the work being done at the Consulate of India, and expressed his pride and appreciation for the continued work and outreach at India House. He stated that he looks forward to events and activities planned with India House. Commissioner Jack Cagle of Harris County Precinct 4 stated how proud was he of the relationship that India House has with the community and all the services that are provided to assist the lives of those in need. US Congressman Al Green spoke about his appreciation and pride he has for all the work that India House continues to do, year after year, for the betterment of the community. He presented Congressional Recognition to India House.

Later in the evening, the Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Brij & Sunita Agrawal for their service to the community and for being a strong pillar of support to India House. Brij Agrawal is one of the Trustees of India House and has been mentoring and guiding India House to bring it to the forefront of humanitarian efforts.

The Keynote address was delivered by the Chairman of the Board of Houston Metro, Mr. Sanjay Ramabhadran. His words were powerful and thought-provoking as he spoke of the importance of giving back to the community. Mr. Ramabhadran shared information about many of the projects Metro is working on to alleviate traffic flow because of the increase in population in the

years to come. He said that India House is an example of what it is to be in service to others.

The Community Service Award was presented to Maharaja Bhog, received by its Houston owner Bhagwan Taparia, for providing free meals to the first responders, healthcare workers at various organizations during the most difficult of times of Covid-19, and their continuous support to India House during its free food distribution and community service programs.

The facility was decorated in a rich and sophisticated manner by the Touch of Elegance team adding just the right ambiance for the event. Darshak Thacker from Krishna Sounds Productions provided the sound system while Bijay Dixit captured all the memorable moments of the evening by his perfect photography. There were delightful appetizers and delectable dinner from Narin’s Bombay Brasserie.

The evening ended with live music performance by Payel Mitra & her band, and Sanjeev Kumar.

India House is a 510 ( C) 3 nonprofit organization serving more than 10,000 people annually in the Greater Houston area.

Most participants in these programs are families from economically

challenged neighborhoods.

Their community support programs include bi-monthly free food distribution through which we serve 400 families every month, charity volunteer clinic every Saturday treating about 350 individuals each year, free family law & immigration law consultations and free relationship coaching to individuals and families. Their programs for children include free art classes, soccer and cricket coaching, and personality development workshop. For seniors, they have free technol-

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

ogy classes, yoga classes and BollyX fitness classes. India House also provides free Sanskrit and spoken English classes to those who want to improve their communication skills.

India House programs and services are open to all, regardless of religion, race, and ethnicity. As such, India House has become an avenue for our Indo-American community to give back to their city.

For more information on India House and its various programs, please visit www.indiahouseinc.org or email vipin@indiahouseinc.org or call 713-929-1900.

COMMUNITY

November 4, 2022

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A Bright Dipavali at Chinmaya Mission Houston

By Satchitananda Houston: Dipavali, the most iconic among Hindu festivals, also called as Diwali was celebrated with great pomp and festivity at Chinmaya Mission Houston (CMH) on October 23rd, 2022. Also called Diwali, Dipavali literally translates to mean “rows of lamps.” The day marks Sri Rama’s return to Ayodhya after his victory in Lanka.

It also signifies the day Goddess Lakshmi emerged during Saagar Manthan (churning of the Milky Ocean), and the triumph of Sri Krishna over Narakasura. Diwali represents the victory of light over darkness, victory of good over evil. Typically marked by bursting of crackers and exchanging of gifts/sweets, Diwali is also a time to rekindle the inner spiritual connection.

CMH was the home of great celebrations marking the first Dipavali after two years of the Covid pandemic that had restricted such public gatherings. The celebrations had to be done in two batches to accommodate all the eager Mission members. The volunteers at CMH once again rose to the occasion, thoroughly organizing the event to the last detail. For weeks, the excitement of the upcoming event had been building up.

Everyone was attired in the best and brightest clothes. The families seated in rows performed Lakshmi Puja. Sri Ganeshji, head priest of Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya, officiated the pujas. Lakshmi Ashttothara

Shatanamavali (108 names of Sri Lakshmi) followed by Vishnu Sahasaranama (1008 names of Sri Vishnu) were chanted by all seeking the health, wealth, and welfare of everyone.

Earlier, Acharya Gaurang Nanavaty initiated the event with a soul-stirring Dipavali message. He reminded all that Dipavali comes every year, marked by the celebrations and festivities. Yet, unless we work on our inner tamas, illuminate it with the light of Jnana (wisdom), and practically apply it in our lives, the actual spiritual import of Dipavali will not be felt. His crisp message implored everyone present to make use of such festive events to embark on the spiritual journey.

CMH is also home to important traditions like Guru Dakshina to show gratitude to the Chinmaya Guru Parampara. Following the pujas, families lined up to offer their Guru Dakshina. Acaryas Gaurang Nanavaty and Darshana Nanavaty have been guiding the Houston Hindu community for over four decades. Their exemplary seva is directly from the wondrous example set by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda,

a spiritual revolution that swept across the world a few decades ago. After collecting personal blessings from Acarya Gaurang Nanavaty, they were treated with sweets for Prasad.

Pujya Gurudev brought the highest wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads to the common man’s grasp thorough his deep insights simplified to appeal to the ordinary man’s intellect.

This legacy has been maintained to this day by the Chinmaya Missions across the world, and CMH led by Acaryas Gaurang and Darshana Nanavaty have been leading the efforts in Houston. Call to embark on this inner spiritual journey from Dipavali is loud and clear.

Tradition steeped in wisdom, diffused with fun is the norm at Chinmaya Mission Houston, located at Chinmaya Prabha, 10353, Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX-77498. For more information about Chinmaya Mission Houston, Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya and its activities please visit www.chinmayahouston.org, www.saumyakasi.org or call temple 281 568 1690 or Jay Deshmukh 832 541 0059 or Bharati Sutaria 281-933-0233. -- Photos by Rajesh Thatte

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A Scintillating Deepavali Concert by Sri Sandeep Narayan

By Sudha Mani & Lata Srivats Houston: Sri Sandeep Narayan’s musical journey is an unusual one.

He was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and like many of our children here, he listened to rock and hip-hop as a young boy.

But, coming from a musical family deeply entrenched in Carnatic Music, he showed remarkable interest and ability to sing Kritis just from listening to his mother teaching other students. To further hone his talent, he moved to Chennai to learn music in a more serious and structured form. He then trained under Vidwan KS Krishnamurthy and subsequently under Vidwan Sanjay Subrahmanyan.

He has presently established himself as a very popular and soughtafter artist in the Carnatic music world. He is the first artist from North America to have done this.

In another first, Sri Sandeep Narayan’s maiden concert in Houston was held on Sunday October 23rd, 2022, at Sri Meenakshi Temple under the auspices of Classical Arts Society of Houston, co-sponsored by Meenakshi Temple society. The concert tour was titled Trichy Sankaran ‘80 to celebrate the Mridangam Vidwan’s 80th birthday. Along with him, sharing the stage were Vidwans VVS Murari on the violin and KV Gopalakrishnan on the Kanjira. Second in the series of CAS’s fall live concerts, the CAS board members were very engaged in impeccably executing this concert’s proceedings. The program started with CAS president Dr. Nalini Sadagopan welcoming the artists; the temple priests blessing

Vidwans Sri Sankaran and Sri Sandeep Narayan with prayers, garlands and prasadam; and Mrs. Anuradha Subramanian speaking very eloquently about Vidwan Sankaran as she has known him personally for many years. Announcement was made about the final CAS fall concert on November 18th 2022, titled “Thenisai Thamizh” by Sri Sikkil Gurucharan.

The concert opened with a neat and concise presentation of Kanada Ata Tala Varnam Nera Nammithi.

Following that, the Tyagaraja Kriti Maakelara Vicharamu in Ravichandrika was handled beautifully by both Sri Sandeep Narayan and Sri Murari. Saint Tyagaraja is said to have composed this song in his later years at a stage of reclusion and introspection, where he trustingly says ‘O Lord, why should I worry anymore? You are the doer, the puppeteer’. In presenting this song, the artists were very respectful of the meaning and mood, conveying its contemplative content. A beautiful ode to the divine Mother, Sri Shyama Shastri’s Shankari Shankuru Chandramukhi in Saveri was next. The raga’s inherent quality of being able describe the lyrics reverentially was fully taken advantage of. The chosen tempo, synergy between the vocalist and percussionist and their exchanges on the word Akhilandeshwari enhanced the descriptive grandeur of the composition.

In a Concert, for the main piece to be the anchor, the artist has to know the target audience, choose the appropriate composition in terms of deity, composer, raga and possibly a few other personal parameters. Over the years, many artists have chosen compositions on Madurai Meenakshi to present in Houston as She is our presiding Deity. But for that main piece to become the Pièce de résistance, for it to satiate the rasikas, to elicit repeated approval and ahas, it has to come from the depths of the artists‘ being. Maamava Meenakshi in Varali is Muthuswami Dikshitar’s heartfelt outpouring to the Mother Goddess; and on Sunday, it was Sri Sandeep Narayan’s and this ensembles’ outpouring to our temple and us the audience. Varali is a Ghana Raga and a vivadhi raga with the Vakra (zigzag) notes in the ascending scale. In the vocalist’s raga Alapana, his approach to raga delineation was unfettered, tremendously delicate and ever so sensitive. Every note on the canvas of the scale was precisely positioned, sensitively summoned, gracefully oscillated and given life to. The result: Varali unfolded in

all its beauty like a flower, spewing her fragrance in straight lines and jagged ones. The conversation between the vocal cords and violin strings was so engaging. The voice modulations and soothing elaborations on the violin, matched masterfully by Sri Sankaran and Sri Gopalakrishnan on percussion, gave this traditional piece a lively contemporary feel. True to the lyrics in the song, it was Madura Vani.

The Thani that followed was literally “Thani” aka unique. The highlight of the concert series, Sri Sankaran, is truly a Pitamaha of mridangam, well known for his percussion style adeptly embracing the singing rather than standing out separately. Sure enough, his percussion was so nuanced and sensitive, the ebb and flow of the percussion modulations creating a musical laya which was pure enjoyment and par excellence! He presented a variety of rhythmic variations, some rapid and some measured, some bright and some soft, which took us on a pleasurable ride on the laya river that seemed to flow endlessly! Vidwan KV Gopalakrishnan ably responded to the

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rhythm with his own kanjira percussions serving as answers to Sri Sankaran’s queries. Throughout the concert, Sri Sankaran’s percussion was truly “sollu-ful” as stated by him once before, with his sollu kattu perfectly matching the sangathis and swara patterns of the vocalist and the violinist.

Following a small interval, the last section ensued, filled with delectable thukkadas that felt like Diwali sweet treats! As Sri Sandeep Narayan opened the song with the phrase “Penn Koduthadharayya”, the audience perked up to pay attention to this interesting krithi in sprightly Kuntalavarali.

The Vidwan announced that it was penned by his revered guru Vidwan KS Krishnamoorthy himself! The melting Jagadhodharana in Kapi and lilting Lalgudi Tillana in Ragesri presented the beauty of Lord Krishna’s leela and the intensity of Lord Shiva’s narthana respectively! The Meera Bhajan Hariguna Gavat, in the rare raga Dipali was indeed the Deepavali Special sparkling finish!

Needless to say, the concert concluded with a standing ovation from the full house audience, in praise of Sri Trichy Sankaran’s percussion mastery and Vidwan Sandeep Narayan and team’s musical brilliance! The enchanting evening ended thus, but the music and laya continued to ring and resonate in the audience’s ears and heart for long!

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November 4, 2022

Town Center becomes a Village Square Full of Garba Revelers

By Jawahar Malhotra Sugar Land: Over the past decade, the South Asian community has grown so much in the Greater Houston area and is so spread out that there are dense pockets of desis scattered all across the region.

But none rival the community that lives in Ft Bend county, and especially in Sugar Land.

Town Center Plaza, across from City Hall, has become the cornerstone of many desi functions and this Diwali season, a new and large event turned the venue into a funfilled Indian village square.

As evening descended, the plaza filled up with revelers drawn by the rhythmic beating of the dhol and drums and singers perched at the top of City Hall stairs. Behind them stood the royal blue sign for Mahesh’s Kitchen, the organizer of the Diwali Dandiya mela, which brought in over 2,000 people to the Plaza, which was cordoned off by short white fencing. The sound system was pitch perfect and resounded across the plaza and beyond.

The private, but free event, had the Mahesh’s Kitchen food booth serving delicious veg and non-veg dishes as well as beer and wine, and merchandise booths lined the entrances. As people in bright Indian outfits entered, they picked up

dandiya and stepped into the tiled and Astro-turfed area to get into their dance strides. Pretty soon, the whole plaza was just a sea of swirling dancers, all keeping beat, twirling, and snapping their dandiyas.

Not to be left out, there was face painting and henna for kids and prizes for the best dressed male and female as well as the best dancer. A trio of bhangra dancers gave an energizing performance This unique event was the brainchild of Shubhangi Musale, the owner of Mahesh’s Kitchen ­- located just a block away from the plaza - who worked hard to make sure that it became a gathering that showcased the culture and heritage of India.

Although the restaurant opened only 14 months ago, Shubhangi has poured her passion for cooking into building up a reputation for good food. She says she owes it all to her late brother Mahesh, for whom the restaurant is named, who was studying at the Cordon Bleu in Paris to become a chef. “It was our dream to open this. Everyday I come here, I feel close to him”, says Shubhangi who misses Mahesh even four years later, “We made sure that the décor is in his favorite colors: yellow and royal blue”

Shubhangi Musale (center) beside her husband Nilesh , sons and members of her extended family before the Dandiya Garba began on Saturday, October 22 at Sugar Land Town Center.

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November 4, 2022

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COMMUNITY

November 4, 2022

Colors, Lights and Food Mark Joyous Diwali Celebrations at BAPS Mandir

Houston: On October 21st, 2022, colors, lights and food fused with joy and tradition, as Diwali – The Festival of Lights – was celebrated at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Houston. Diwali is the most widely celebrated festival by Indian and Hindus around the world. October is being celebrated as Hindu Heritage Month, and community leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott, are participating in lighting lamps and offering best wishes for the festivities.

Visitors were greeted with a festive and traditional welcome at the mandir entrance by a colorful Rangoli, an ornate floor design made from colored powder, displaying various traditional Hindu symbols.

This year a special one of its kind aerial light tribute was the highlight of the evening. Color-

ful drone lights iconized the dark skies with teachings of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

The message of love, humility, faith and unity amongst all.

Visitors were awed with use of technology to give a universal tribute and a spiritual message to the community. “It’s great to be starting the year off with family, friends, and community members.” said Ushma Prajapati. “The drone show was the most exciting part of the Diwali festivities and not only did it remind us what a great spiritual leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj was but how we can imbibe his teachings.”

In preparation for the festivities, many devotees, young and old, gave their time to help create decorations, prepare for children’s Diwali, and set the stage for the most significant ritual of Diwali,

‘Annakut’. Annakut, which literally means ‘a mountain of food’, is traditionally offered to God to celebrate the beginning of the Hindu New Year.

“The preparation begins very early in the morning for us,” explained Mansi Inamdar of the BAPS youth wing. “The vegetarian food is traditionally arranged in tiers or steps in front of the sacred images of God. Today over 750 food items have been offered to God.” “Diwali is my favorite festival because of the excitement that fills the air when the festival nears.” said Ushma Prajapati, “After coming to the mandir today, I experienced my culture while getting a taste of fine Indian cuisine. Every person I met had an expression of warmth and happiness on their face.”

At mandirs across North America, the glow of the lights, bright colors, and festive ambiance at the mandirs welcomed visitors as they took in the colors of the rangoli.

Visitors joyfully offered prayers for the year ahead, and had the opportunity to partake in prasadam (sanctified food).

Diwali traditions are founded in deep spiritual meaning and encourage communities to reflect at each step of the celebrations. The ancient tradition of lighting diyas, or traditional lamps, symbolizes the transition from darkness to light. While the lamps lit on Diwali erase the physical darkness, the festival’s rich traditions and rituals help individuals remove the darkness from within, in forms of anger, envy, greed, arrogance, and resentment. The celebrations and traditions observed during the

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

Diwali period present an opportunity to reflect and introspect on one’s personal, professional, and spiritual growth, and to start anew.

The multiple days of Diwali are steeped in traditions and rituals that symbolize new beginnings and a renewed commitment to family.

The bright colors of Rangoli, the lamps, the elaborate offering of vegetarian food (Annakut) to God, all mark a renewal of the good within and the goodwill towards all around us.

This year His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj celebrated Diwali and Annakut in Gondal, in the state of Gujarat in India. He blessed the devotees for a happy and peaceful new year. He also stressed that since this year is also the centennial celebration of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, may all be blessed to live according to his virtuous life.

COMMUNITY

November 4, 2022

W.E.@IAPAC Hosts Dialog on Women’s Rights

Houston: On October 28, the Indian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC) hosted its 2nd annual women empowerment event aptly named W.E.@ IAPAC at the Junior League of Houston. This year’s event was an invigorating evening with a dialogue focused on women’s health and reproductive rights.

Dr. Roopa Gir, IAPAC president, opened the event with an intro- of Training of the Houston Area Women’s duction to IAPAC. The event’s focus was Center and Reserve Harris County Depunot to sway women one way or another ty, Michelle Sacks. The conversation was about being pro-choice or pro-life. Instead, seamlessly moderated by Chau Nguyen, a it was focused on education – what the licensed Master Social Worker and Trauma current laws are, the implications of Roe Therapist. The event was attended by sevv. Wade being rescinded, and how Indian eral women leaders from the community.

American women in Texas will be impact- Adding to the impact of the evening, present ed and what they can do to ensure their were representatives from Al Green’s office, opinions are taken into consideration when Senator Huffman’s office and Former Counlaws are being written. Shweta Arora, co- cilmember Amanda Edwards. chair of the event, spoke about the imporThe guests appreciated the powerhouse of tance of women supporting each other and panelists and insights they provided. In adthe power women have with their votes, dition to sharing their expertise, the panelists reminding everyone to use their voice by took the time to answer questions from the voting. audience. It was such an engaging experiPassionate about the cause, Congress- ence that the discussions continued longer woman Sheila Jackson Lee made a special than initially planned. appearance and spoke eloquently about the Yasmin Udawala, co-chair of the event need for such events. “This is a time when thanked the panelists and the IAPAC volunwomen must assert themselves. We are at a teers who worked tirelessly to make this a moment in history where it is truly keenly successful event. important that women speak up, speak The Indian American Political Action out, and continue to speak informatively.” Committee of Greater Houston (IAPAC) is Quoting her good friend John Lewis, the the only non- partisan PAC representing InCongresswoman reminded us “You never dian Americans of the Greater Houston area. give in. You never give out. And you nev- To learn more about IAPAC, please visit er give up. Because each step of the way www.iapacgh.org or email IAPACHOUSthere is a hurdle that forces you to reassess TON@GMAIL.COM. whether you are on the right direction or whether you need to recreate your pathway.” Before leaving, Congresswoman Lee presented the Cer14 YEARS IN HOUSTON tificates of CongresUTO LASS INDSHIELD sional Recognition to the panelists and INSTALLATIONS IN HOUSTON the IAPAC event coAUSTIN DALLAS FT WORTH chairs.

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For Board positions (Directors and Trustees) please mail nomination form and a check in the amount of $25 to: Jawahar Malhotra Member, Election Committee 12207 Westmere Dr Houston, TX 77077 Phone-713-789-6397 Email – jawoche@yahoo.com

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

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

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832-766-6662

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Jawahar Malhotra at 713 789-6397

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For Advertising in Indo-Amricacan News call:

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SONY KOHLI YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT

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in rich Indian culture, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

-- Arya Samaj AYM high school group, Aastha Bharati

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Kaushika Shah

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watering food stands with dishes such as pav bhaji, chhole bhature, dahi vada, and aloo kachori.

The night ended with a spectacular display of fireworks and sparklers. As last year’s event had to adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure everyone’s safety, attendees were ecstatic to be able to finally return to celebrating this sparkling event to the fullest. It is through events like this that Arya Samaj Greater Houston brings together the community where everyone feels welcome and that they belong. Nights like the Diwali celebration have a special way of bringing together the most different of people, immersing oneself

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Banga on the tabla and Smriti

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Local help with your Medicare questions.

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Joyous Diwali Celebration at Arya Samaj

Houston: On October 22nd, 2022, members of Arya Samaj Greater Houston joyously celebrated Diwali Yajna. Diwali is the auspicious Hindu festival of lights which celebrates and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and new beginnings. Recognized as India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year, ASGH 500+ family members gathered to celebrate Children’s singing program with Raja this wondrous festival with Srivatsava on the harmonium. a variety of children’s RaThe event continued with a vamayana cultural showcases, delicious food, and fun contests. riety of performances such as the The air was buzzing with excite- DAVSS bhajan, dance, and tabla These students ment that had been missing due performances. to COVID protocols in previous dedicate time every Sunday to atyears. The program began with tend Arya Samaj, practicing these Havan led by Acharya Suryananda showcases to share their talent and ji and a beautiful aarti from Sm- brighten the ASGH community. riti ji. All guests were welcomed These performances also serve as with a tikka by Arya Samaj youth opportunities for the students to initiating the celebrations. The showcase what they have learned venue was decorated vivaciously in elective courses they take over with warm and vibrant colors; the the course of the year. Throughout guests dressed in traditional ethnic the evening, everyone was anticiwear. With the efforts of the AYM pating the winners of the annual youth, volunteers, event coordina- raffle contest, where anyone who tors, and DAV teachers, the cele- had purchased tickets from Arya bration continued flawlessly. After Samaj youth had a chance of winprayers, several events took place ning from a variety of fun prizes such as the DAVSS costume con- for all ages such as a Ring Video test, wowing attendees with the Doorbell and PlayMobil Scooby creativity and artistic visions of Doo. All the proceeds from this the youth groups while celebrat- raffle will go to AYM commuing characters and the story of nity service projects, encouraging the Ramayana. A song in Sanskrit the youth groups in their ongoing was delightfully performed by the community service efforts. AlongDAVMES, engaging the audience side these performances and showcases were delicious and mouthto sing and clap along.

November 4, 2022

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November 4, 2022 10 COMMUNITY

November 4, 2022

Isha Mishra Sings National Anthem in Charlotte Charlotte: The crowd roared as a 14 year old ordinary Indian American girl from Charlotte, North Carolina nailed her last note in front of a crowd of 8,000 people.

Isha Mishra, a student and aspiring theatre performer, beautifully sang the US National Anthem in Charlotte’s Bojangles Coliseum on October 15. The successful performance is the culmination of hard work, dedication, and support.

Isha worked her way from weekly voice lessons to be selected to perform in front of a prime time national audience hockey game.

She had been honing her oratory skills with a vocal teacher at Onstage for the past two years, but her passion was evident earlier on, when she began singing musicals at an early age. The opportunity surfaced after a small recital Onstage had hosted, after which she felt the aspiration to do more. So when she was presented an opportunity to sing the national anthem in front of a large audience, she was hesitant at first.

But she decided that success can only come through challenging oneself and reaching beyond our comfort zone. Weeks went by working on perfecting the videos, all the while uncertain she would be selected.

When she found out she was selected it was elation and nervousness combined.

After weeks of endless practice and frustrations, the night came and with it, the exhilaration and anxiety of performing in front of a large crowd. Standing on the

Isha Mishra

stage, it was surreal, as the hockey players charged into the area and the crowd went wild. Still, a calmness in Isha’s head prevailed, and she nailed the performance as she felt the calm of the moment. She left the arena feeling a sense of anticipation and excitement for the next opportunity, and the hope that other young Indian women would feel inspired to let their voices be heard and talents be seen across the country.

November 4, 2022 11 ENTERTAINMENT 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 November 2, 2022.

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

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Kumud Athavale, Ramana Vadrevu, Krishna R. Vuddagiri, Sanchali Basu, Yudhveer Singh Bagga, Nirmala Devi Rajesh Prabhu, Rhea Shetty

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