Friday, October 20, 2023 | Vol. 42, No. 43
October 27, 2023
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Indo American News
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Published weekly from Houston, TX
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Trisha Jha: Winner of Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
Navarasam during Navarathri
P5 Exhibit of Gopaal Seyn Students
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WEDDINGS, SPECIAL EVENTS, TENTED EVENTS, OUTDOOR COURTYARD
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October 27, 2023
Trisha Jha: Presidential Award Winner
Katy: 17-year-old Trisha Jha, a first-generation American residing currently in Katy, Texas, received her US Presidential Lifetime Award on September 15th, 2023. She is the youngest recipient of this award with the last person who held this title was Angel Rich Jones, 36-year-old CEO of Credit Rich. The US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award is among the highest civilian honors that the President of the United States can bestow to individuals requiring them to have dedicated over 4,000 hours of their life to community service. Trisha, a senior at Jordan High School, Katy, Texas, was specifically awarded this prestigious recognition for her outstanding efforts in founding ‘Teach Her Today’ (THT), a youth-led international 501(c)(3) whose primary mission is to provide free international STEM + Finance education to underprivileged children in Africa and Southeast Asia, ensuring that these students have access to education to build themselves a better future. Trisha’s journey towards founding THT began with a visit to Bhagalpur, Bihar, her father’s native place, where she witnessed an 11-year-old girl being forced into marriage due to her parent’s inability to afford her education expenses (tuition expenses, stationeries, textbooks, uniform fee, and transportation). From her witness-
COMMUNITY EGMH 2nd Annual Golf Tournament
Golf tournament award winners with EGMH Trustees Ajil Paralkar (left) and Dr. Manish Wani (far right)
Trisha receiving Seeds of Fortune research fellowship.
ing the possibility of a child marriage due to the lack of finances, she was absolutely shaken and realized that she needed to do something to stop this. Buying the books that the girl needed, she created a program for Kit creation donating school-specific textbooks and stationeries, which later expanded to THT’s 4 programs (Advocate for a Better World, Tutoring Program, Kit Program, and Incubator Program). THT is now found in India, Nigeria, Niger, Lagos, Poland, Jordan, and foster care facilities all over the United States. “Trisha’s dedication to making a positive impact in the world is amazing,” said her father, Rajeev Jha, an immigrant from Bhagalpur, Bihar who moved to the USA in 2005 and currently works as a Senior Manager at Accenture. “Her empathy and determination to help
those less fortunate have always been part of her character, and I hope this continues in the future.” Her mother, Tripti Jha immigrant from Deoghar, Bihar, and a Project Manager at Capgemini, has also expressed her pride, saying, “We’re so proud of Trisha and the difference she’s making in the world. It’s heartwarming to see our daughter create opportunities for others.” The US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose service has a positive impact on communities throughout the nation and serves as an inspiration for those around them. Along with the honor of presidential recognition, Trisha received a personalized certificate, an official pin, a medallion, and a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States.
Katy: It was a gorgeous afternoon for the 2nd annual Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston charity golf tournament on Monday, October 9th at Willow Fork Country Club in Katy, Texas. 20 teams/80 players participated in this fun filled team scramble format tournament. Registration started at 11:00 AM with contestants preparing afterwards at the driving range and then participating in the challenging putting contest where the Gandhi stamp collection was proudly displayed. Volunteers including Nina Wani and Jigisha Wani cheerfully handed out goody bags which included a sleeve of balls, comfortable golf jerseys (both with EGMH logos), golf towels donated by Wallis Bank, and snacks. Sanjay Jain, EGMH trustee, sponsored a delicious, healthy Subway lunch for everyone. Wes Blankenship, golf pro at Willow Fork Country Club, provided instructions to all the participants
Indo-American News • Friday, OCTOBER 27, 2023 • www.indoamerican-news
and the tournament started at 1pm sharp using a shotgun format. It was a beautiful day with light winds making it a picture-perfect day for golf. The teams competed in an 18-hole, scramble format tournament. EGMH Board of Trustees members, G.V. Krishnan, Ajit Paralkar, and Sesh Bala drove around in golf carts clicking action shots of all the players with their teams.After finishing 18 holes, the official scorecards were handed to the golf pro and all the participants were invited upstairs in the ballroom where they were treated to a delicious all you can eat Italian buffet dinner sponsored by an anonymous donor. Board of Trustee Dr. Manish Wani gave a brief update on the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston and encouraged all to get involved and visit the first museum in the Americas dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and the universal values of peace, truth, and non-violence. All the participants were given a free admission ticket to the museum.
October 27, 2023
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October 27, 2023
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FINE ARTS
October 27, 2023
Navarasam during Navarathiri: Concert by Sriranjani Santhanagopalan By Sudha Mani
Houston: Sriranjani Santhanagopalan is a young artiste is who taking the world of Carnatic music by storm and has expanded its reach , particularly among younger audiences . She is the disciple of her father eminent Vocalist Sri. Neyveli Santhanagoplan .Even though she started her serious formal training to become a professional singer relatively late, she has established a strong place for herself in the music circles. Within the framework of the strong traditional style of her father’s teaching, she has developed a Baani that is quite uniquely hers. We in Houston were treated to wonderful concert on the opening day of Navarathri. On October 15, 2023, Classical Arts Society presented at the Sri Meenakshi Temple a special concert by Vocalist Sriranjani Santhangopalan, with Sayee Rakshith on the violin and Praveen Sparsh on the Mridangam. And special it truly was! It was so imbued in Bhakthi and given the auspicious time of year, it left no doubt in the minds of the audience that Music is one of the surest ways of experiencing the Divine. As the curtains opened showing the artistically decorated stage, the seated artists had a presence indicating a “kallai” concert ahead. CAS Board member Lakshmi Srivaths warmly welcomed and introduced the artists and thanked President Nalini Sadagopan for enabling to bring such a wonderful artist for our Special Navaratri Concert. In her choice of kritis, Sriranjani kept the occasion and venue in mind and adorned the Goddess with a garland that got more fragrant with each piece. Starting with an ode to Saraswathi, the Goddess
of Music and Wisdom, Sarasiruha Sanapriye Amba in Nattai Ragam, the artiste set the stage for what was to come. Akhilandeshwari in Jujawanthi/ Dwijawanthi followed and was sung at a leisurely pace highlighting all the loops and curves of this raga. Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitars adaptation of the Hindustani Rag to the Carnatic style was showcased so beautifully as Sriranjani straddled the t two schools easily in the Prayogams. The feeling of intimate devotion and love for Devi that this kriti evokes everytime one listens to it, speaks to its intrinsic beauty, making us surrender to her protection: Rakshamaam. A quick transition to Nalinakanthi in NathajanaPaalini composed by Tanjavur Sri Shankara Iyer , changed the mood slightly . Every word of this composition is descriptive of the Devis attributes…. calling Her Navarasa kala rasike, Janani, Pankaja Netri, Parama Pavitra, Marakatha Varna, and above all Parama kripakari . Here the artists elaboration at Parama kripakari was very poignant, establishing that the Mother Goddess is the Ultimate protector of Her devotees. Janani Ninnuvinna Amba a
Lakshmi Srivaths, Sriranjani Santhanagopalan, Nalini Sadagopan ,Partha Krishnamurthy
composition of Subbaraya Shastry in Reetigowlai implores Her to hear the devotees’ plea to be the savior and come to their rescue without delay. The presentation of the lilting chittaswaram and the devotion laden lyrics had a healing effect. Sriranjani announced the next piece Kamala Charane as an example of GNBs genius in a Raga of his creation, Amritabehag . It has resemblance to both Amrithavarshini and Behag and is rather interesting because of the Vakra swaras. What an endless ocean our
music system is with so many permutations and combinations! The main Ragam presented was Mohanam. The raga exploration brought out, true to its name, all the sweetness of Mohanam. But it was more that that. The hallmark of Sriranjani’s voice is its malleability. She is capable of portraying power and pathos, adoration, and agile twists. Mohanam was presented with equal ease in the higher and lower octaves. Every embellishment could be discerned in the higher registers and every loop and glide appreciated in the
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lower. Dikshitars grand composition Jagadeeshwari Kripai Puri was presented with passion begging the goddess to confer her Grace to those who worship at her feet. The Chittaswaram was apparently composed highlighting the Daiwatham : and so Sriranjani chose Da as the fulcrum point to traverse the Mohanam scale . The exchange between the vocalist and violinist had been very engaging and here in this main piece, their delight in their exchange was palpable. The Mridangam solo section by Sri Praveen Sparsh was extraordinary. The sound quality and energy that he delivered was unparalleled. It was sharp and precise, engaging and invigorating. Many a time, it was like spoken syllables were emanating from the percussionist’s fingers. The audience applauded in true appreciation at the end of his Thani. Two Ragamalikai compositions followed, one being the Ranjanamala showcasing the Devis beauty in each the four ragas of the Ranjani family. The Tirupugazh Maatha Marakatha Shalini was very soulful. And finally in a true outpouring of Bhakti Bhava and Oneness, Sriranjani concluded with an Abhang in Brindavanasaranga. The devotee is praying to Panduranga with such fevour and devotion that he/she goes into a trance, and visualizes Panduranga as Jagadamba, Devi. The Mother is Omniscient. The Mother is the creator, the healer, the protector. Momentarily, many in the audience were transported, transfixed. Sriranjani ‘s music took us all to a different realm; for many, a new realm. There was so much New in the Old..
RedBlue Arts Galley Hosts Art Exhibition of Works by Advanced Students Sugar Land: The RedBlueArts Gallery recently held a reception for an art exhibition featuring the works of advanced students. On October 16th, a total of 13 students of Gopaal Seyn, an eminent Indian American artist in Houston, showcased their pieces on different walls, creating a unique art wall for each of them. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Suleman Lalani, an eminent physician and Texas State Representative for House District 76. Dr. Lalani spoke about the significance of art in our education system and commended Gopaal Seyn for his remarkable contribution to the community. He praised Seyn for his dedication over the years, which has touched the lives of numerous children. Another notable attendee was Mr. Raja Roy, a critic and writer. Roy emphasized the importance of maintaining a childlike mindset in order to create extraordinary artwork. He credited Gopaal Seyn
for his ability to bring out the inner child in every artist through his mentorship and guidance. The parents present at the exhibition expressed their admiration for Gopaal Seyn’s dedication, discipline, and perseverance. They praised his commitment to mak-
ing a difference in the lives of children. The event was a resounding success, with attendees thoroughly enjoying the ambience and food provided. Certificates of participation were awarded to all the artists, along with certificates for first, second,
third, and honorable mentions. Gopaal Seyn felt immense pride as he thanked the parents for their unwavering support and contributions throughout the years. He spoke about his mission to make a difference in the lives of children and his desire to be an educator, teaching them discipline, perseverance, and how to become better individuals.
Indo-American News • Friday, OCTOBER 27, 2023• www.indoamerican-news.com
Overall, the art exhibition at the RedBluearts Gallery was a memorable and inspiring event. It showcased the talent and dedication of advanced students, while also highlighting the important role that art plays in education and personal growth. The exhibition will continue for the next 3 weeks at the RedBluearts Gallery in Sugarland, Texas.
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October 27, 2023
Indo-American News • Friday, OCTOBER 27, 2023 • www.indoamerican-news
FASHION
October 27, 2023
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“Speak Your Heart with Mine Diamonds” Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ TVC Featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan & Alia Bhatt Goes Viral – Crosses 100 million views
The latest TVC from Malabar Gold & Diamonds, “Speak Your Heart with Mine Diamonds”, featuring their brand ambassadors Alia Bhatt & Kareena Kapoor Khan, has gone viral online, generating humongous interest among viewers and garnering over 100 million views across all platforms in 23 days. The views continue to grow exponentially. Marking the first collaboration between the two Bollywood powerhouses and showcasing the exquisite collection from Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ Mine Diamond jewellery collection, the video showcases the intrinsic value of diamond jewellery and how they are the perfect gift to communicate a myriad of emotions. The message is beautifully portrayed by Alia & Kareena walking viewers through numerous scenarios were diamonds are gifted such as a proposal, anniversary, birthday, and other occasions / celebrations. “It has been an absolutely enjoyable experience being a part of this video. It does a great job of highlighting the momentous nature of diamonds in all our lives and how they can increase the sparkle of any occasion.”, commented Kareena Kapoor Khan. Speaking on the success of the
video, Alia Bhatt said: “Diamonds do let us speak our hearts and this message could not have been conveyed more effectively. The fact that this video has crossed more than a 100 million views goes on to show how much people have connected with the message”. “Being the faces of the brand, Kareena Kapoor Khan & Alia Bhatt were perfectly poised to get our message across, and they have done so in the most amazing way. I have every confidence that the video will attract an even
larger viewership over the coming days, so that our message is spread far and wide”, commented Malabar Group Chairman, M.P Ahammed. With over 335 showrooms across 11 countries in the Middle East, the Far East, India, the USA & the UK, Malabar Gold & Diamonds is currently ranked as the 6th largest jewellery retailer globally. In addition to their signature Mine-diamond jewellery collection, the brand also offers more than 25 exclusive brands and collections, with exquisite designs in
Gold, Diamonds & Precious Gem jewellery. Malabar Gold & Diamonds was established in 1993 and is the flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diversified Indian business conglomerate. With an annual turnover of $5.2 billion, the company currently ranks as the 6th largest jewellery retailer globally and today has a strong retail network of over 335 outlets spread across 11 countries in addition to multiple offices, design centers, wholesale units and factories spread across India, Mid-
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dle East, Far East, USA & UK. The group, owned by more than 4,000 shareholders, has more than 21,000 professionals from over 26 countries working towards its continued success. Malabar Gold & Diamonds also features an online store www.malabargoldanddiamonds.com providing customers the opportunity to purchase their favorite jewelry at any time and on any day from the comfort of their homes. The group also operates MGD – Lifestyle Jewellery, a retail concept offering trendy and light weight jewellery that represents the independent and the modern woman through its designs and collections. ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) has been the primary commitment of the group since its inception. The key ESG focus area of Malabar Group are Health, Housing, Hunger Free World, Education, Environment and Women empowerment. Integrating the principles of responsibility and sustainability into its core business, Malabar Group periodically strengthens its ESG goals to remain a socially conscious and responsible organization. The group contributes 5% of its profit to such initiatives in the same country of operation.
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October 27, 2023
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COMMUNITY Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya Kumbhabhisekam with Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Yatra
October 27, 2023
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Houston: Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya at the Chinmaya Mission premises is gearing up for a rare event, the Kumbhabhishekam of the temple dome(gopuram) from Friday, November 24th to Sunday November 26th, which falls during the Thanksgiving holidays. Kumbhabhishekam is performed every 12 years in Hindu Temples. This divine event is performed to reconsecrate the temple with various homas concluding with Gopura Abhishekam. It is an auspicious ceremony for everyone to participate and get energized in the spiritually charged atmosphere. Along with the Kumbhabhishekam, a spectacular display of the replicas of 12 Jyotirlinga temples namely Kashi Vishwanath, Somanath, Nageshwar, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Mallikarjuna, Rameshwaram, Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Baidyanath, Grishneshwar and Kedarnath Jyotirlings are planned in the temple courtyard. It is a great privilege and a blessing that Houstonians have the opportunity to partake the darshan of all the 12 Jyotirlingas, right here in Sugarland. Program details are as follows: Friday November 24th Evening - Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Yatra 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Udghatana and Aradhana 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Yatra for Darsana open Saturday November 25th Morning - Kalasa Sthapana
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Ganapati Homa, Navagraha Homa, Vastu Homa, and Kalasa Sthapana Saturday November 25th Evening - Rudra Homa 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Rudra Homa and Sudarsana Homa Sunday November 26th Morning - Kumbhabhisekam 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Kalasa aradhana,Kumbhabhisekam and Maha Mangala Arati 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Kumbhabhisekam and Maha Mangala Arati Abhisekam by devotees to the Gopuram of the temple. Sunday November 26th - Sri Satyanarayana Puja 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Sri Satyanarayana Puja Mahaprasada will be served after the event on - Friday Evening, Saturday Morning, Saturday Evening and Sunday Morning. Venue: Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya, Chinmaya Mission Houston, 10353 Synott Road, Sugarland, TX-77498. Tel: 281-568-1690. All are welcome! Please visit www.saumyakasi. org for seva sponsorship or scan QR code
For further information contact: Jay Deshmukh 832-541-0059 0r Bharati Sutaria 281-933-0233
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Indo American News Founder: Dr. K.L. Sindwani Publisher: Jawahar Malhotra Editor: Pramod Kulkarni Correspondent: Sanchali Basu ®All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the written consent of the publisher. Deadline for advertising and articles is 4 pm on Monday of each week. Please include self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of all unsolicited material. Published at 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 212, Houston, Texas 77036.Tel:713-789-6397, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com, website: www.indoamerican-news.com
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ENTERTAINMENT
October 27, 2023
‘Ganapath’: Tiger Shroff as Ultimate Warrior
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harder on his dialogue delivery and needs emotional investment in the roles he portrays. The writing resorts to a Mumbaiyya twang but lacks punch. Lines like “Duniya haseenon ka mela, Aapun bohot khela”, “Jab aapun darta hai toh bohot maarta hai” and ‘Apun ko itni padi hai ke apan aise jeetay hai jaise apanko koi padi nahi hai” make no impression. The fight sequences are finely choreographed, and, in this area, Tiger excels. Kriti Sanon is impressive in her warrior avatar, but her character is eventually reduced to being a love interest. An actor as good as Ziad Bakri deserved a well-written character. We wish the film stayed loyal to the world it hoped to create instead of succumbing to Bollywood tropes. Ganapath feels like a huge potential wasted. -- Times of India
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Synopsis: In a dystopian future, the disparity between rich and poor can only be eliminated by the chosen one aka ‘Ganapath’, the ultimate warrior (Yoddha), who must lead the resistance against an oppressive regime headed by an undisclosed villain, Dalini. Review: Vikas Bahl’s futuristic action drama explores the dichotomy between the ultrarich and ultra-poor, that compels a reluctant Guddu to become Ganapath (Tiger Shroff). It all starts with a war that divides our society into two parts. Rich people create the high-tech ‘Silver City’, where you see more drones than humans. The poor, who wear clothes that need to show that they are poor, are dumped in ‘Gareebon ki Basti’. They have no food, water, shelter, or money except for hope. They believe that their future rests in the hands of Ganapath, their saviour. Turns out, Guddu, who is happy with his rich and promiscuous lifestyle in silver city is the chosen one! Guddu is loyal to his mentor ‘John, the Englishman’ (Palestinian actor Ziad Bakri in a key role) until they part ways unceremoniously. What is Guddu’s past and real identity? Who is Shiva? In a world where the rich are getting richer and poor, poorer, Kaushika Shah Ganapath comes up with a concept that Licensed Sales Agent imitates our hard-hit832-282-3515, TTY 711 ting reality. The premise comes as a breath of fresh air in Bollywood, that rarely addresses socio-political crisis in its storylines Y0066_23SPRJ55188_C now. However, some-
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thing of this nature and an origin story needs tremendous world building. Blending themes of sci-fi, mythology and reality can be tough to achieve. The film’s excessive need to offer filmy entertainment through a grave social conflict harms the execution and the story’s immense potential. Unnecessary songs, romance, and humour feel like an interruption to an otherwise grim plot. Shoddy graphics stick out like a sore thumb. They do little to elevate the film’s scale or bring the director’s vision to life. Those familiar with trailblazing films like Mad Max: Fury Road, Dune and Neill Blomkamp’s District 9 and Elysium, can tell how relevant and immersive Ganapath could have been with the right execution. There are few decent performances but even those don’t salvage the lack of consistency in the treatment and mood. Tiger Shroff needs to work
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Indo-American News • Friday, OCTOBER 27, 2023 • www.indoamerican-news