Indo-American News: April 10, 2020

Friday, April 10, 2020 | Vol. 39, No. 15

Indo American News

April 10, 2020

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Published weekly from Houston, TX

www.indoamerican-news.com

Special Reports Community Briefs Local Politics South Asians in the News

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

India Lights Up vs. Corona

Covid-19 Appeal

P3 Consulate @ Work

P6 Vaisakhi Special

NASA satellite photo showing India all lit up, as urged

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, April 5 at 9 pm IST, Credit: Times Now

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Indo-American News • Friday, APRIL 10, 2020

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April 10, 2020

Indo-American News • Friday, APRIL 10, 2020

COMMUNITY

April 10, 2020

Local Covid Patients Seek More Transfusions

Three known Indo-American Covid-19 patients in the Houston area: Rohan Bavadekar (left), Susham Singh and Dr. Lavanga Veluswamy.

Houston: There are three known Indo-Americans Covid-19 patients in the greater Houston area: Rohan Bavadekar at St. Luke’s Hospital, Dr. Lavanga Veluswamy at Baylor, and Susham Singh at Houston Methodist Hospital.

All three are on ventilator support.

Both Bavadekar andVeluswamy have received one plasma transfusion each from recovered Covid-19 patients.

The transfusion status for Singh was unknown at the time of publication.

Doctors have recommended at least two plasma transfusions for each other patients. As such, all three patients are still seeking plasma donors from recovered patients.

A resident of Pearland, Rohan Bavadekar is an IT professional with an avid interest in cricket. Rohan and his wife have one son and younger twin boy and girl.

A Houston resident for more than 33 years, Susham Singh is a gradmother and may have contracted Covid-19 during a recent trip to India. Her husband remains in a self quarantine.

Dr. Veluswamy and his wife are long-time residents of Houston, who have moved recently to Beaumont.

A Go Fund Me page was posted on behalf of the Bavadekar family.

Rohan’s wife Manasi had posted this note on Feacebook: “It brings tears to my eyes every time to realize the goodwill that people have. Four thousand individuals, many unknown to our family until this terrible event - and many of whom decided to stay anonymous - stepped into action to attend to compassion’s duties at a moment’s notice. In the shortest of time, you raised the $200K, an amount that we envisaged will scaffold the situation.

Donations continue to pour in well after the goal has been reached. With the same sincere gratitude, we bring this initiative to a close. Thank you, once again. ... A few well-wishers have questioned, sometimes rudely, the need for raising such a large amount.

As Rohan lies hospitalized in a continuing critical condition, and I try very hard to keep my three little ones occupied in the confines of the four walls of our home (for the past two weeks plus), self-quarantined and medicated due to testing positive, fielding medical questions and hospital staff, and balancing domestic

duties while making immediate life changes, I’m afraid there’s little need to address them.

Still, there are many things yet to be determined. How long before Rohan is home? What rehabilitation will he need? Will I be able to keep my job? How will all this affect our status? And the kids...? I am scared of the future.”

Here are some phone numbers to contact if you or someone you know can help. The ideal plasma donor is someone who has recovered from Covid-19 infection with Blood type A or AB (+ or -).

For Rohan Bavadekar, contact Bhushan at 208.313.1480 or Sandesh at 832.623.3657. For Dr. Veluswamy, contact Dr. Rajwanth Veluswamy at rajveluswamy@gmail.com or Asha Reddi ashakreddi@hotmail You can also call Sewa International at 281.909.7392 or 713.632.4449 According to the Times of India, as of Wednesday, April 5, a total of 26 Indo-Americans had been infected with the Coronavirus. Of these, 11 have died, mostly in the NewYorkNew Jersey area, which has been the epicenter of the Coronavirus in the United States. Coronavirus patients are also in other parts of the country, including Texas and California According to the Economic Times, a former AAPI president was admitted to the intensive care unit. Veteran Indian-American journalist Brahm Kuchibhotla succumbed to the virus in a New York hospital.

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Trump Flips, Thanks India for Export of Hydroxychloroquine

Washington DC: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allowing export of Hydroxychloroquine, deemed a possible cure against the disease.

“I want to thank Prime Minister Modi of India for allowing us to have what we requested for the problem arose and he was terrific.

We will remember it,” Trump told reporters at his daily White House news conference on coronavirus.

“Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten!” he said.

“Thank you, Prime Minister,” Narendra Modi “for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight!”

India on Monday agreed to lift the ban on export of Hydroxychlo-

Indo-American News • Friday, APRIL 10, 2020

roquine to the US. Three Gujaratbased companies would export these tablets to the US, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said on Tuesday. India manufactures 70 % of the world’s supply of Hydroxychloroquine, according to Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) secretary-general Sudarshan Jain.

The country has a production capacity of 40 tonnes of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) every month, implying 20 crore tablets of 200 mg each. Since the drug is also used for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, manufacturers have production capacities that can also be ramped up.

PM Modi also received a thank you note from Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro who compared India’s drug supply to his country as Sanjeevani Booti brought by Lord Hanuman to save life of Lakshman, brother of Lord Ram.-- ToI

4 April 10, 2020 COMMUNITY Masala Radio: First Indo-American Channel with Own Station

Spice up the Airways: Sangeeta & Pramod of Voice of Bharat, Lida Thomas and Team of Asha Radio, Jawahar, Pramod, and Sanchali

of Indo American News Radio, Thara, Kirti and Geetha of Voice of Sanatan Hindu Radio, Freemu and John and their entire Team of

Dakshin Radio.

Masala Radio is ever looking for new voices on radio. No experience necessary, if you love to talk, and have command of English & Hindi, give them a call. And now, more than ever, Masala Radio is looking for sponsors to increase talent and infrastructure for 24/7 broadcasting.

If you have a product or service to promote, call us. If you have been listening and thinking about sponsoring, now is the time. Masala Radio requests its listeners to support the advertisers – even just a call to let them know you appreciate their support. This is something everyone can add to their list of things to do during this COVID-19 mandate.

To reach Masala Radio 98.7FM, 281-277-MUSIC (281-277-6874, 866-3-MASALA. Email admin@ masalaradio.com. NEW – WhatsAPP your requests & feedback directl to the studio RJs while they are on air: 713-568-0987. Halo Re Halo!

PRACTICING IMMIGRATION LAW SINCE 1985

INTEGRITY

KNOWLEDGE

SOLUTIONS

ATTORNEYS

THOMAS P. FISCHER

THOMAS R. HUTSON

FORMER DISTRICT DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION

GEOR

Group, Umang Mehta of Deep Foods, Aziz of Malik of Maharaja Jewelers, Hamid Lakhani of Travel Guzs. Immigration Attorney George Willy, Dr. Jay Sheth of Amerejuve, Mike Baches of Land Rover Houston Central and Keemat Grocers management to name a few… your support is priceless. Many thanks to Gujarati Samaj of Houston, India Culture Center, and Hindus of Greater Houston for always supporting our Festivals. We have listeners who have been with us for 27 years - that means everything. These are all my friends, who have been with us through thick and thin. I hope to always remind our Indo American community to be proud of not only where we came from, but to also be proud of our collective contributions to Houston and to America – the land of untold opportunities. JAI HIND and GOD BLESS AMERICA” Masala Radio has propagated the radio platform to provide more than just radio entertainment. They have organized over 25 years of Masala Parties with Bollywood Music. Nearly 50 group Masala Cruises sailing over 20,000 Guests with Indian Food & Music. Masala Radio has personally hosted over 200 local business Grand Openings, promoted thousands of Bollywood Concerts, Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi Plays, Indian Cultural and Temple Events and organized Ganesh Festivals, Rath Yatra Festivals, Diwali Festival of Lights and Holi Festival of Colors all of these events together have attend by over a quarter of a million guests.

Masala Radio would like to take a moment to thank the Crazy Masala Crew: Office: Rinku, Bhavisha, Carlos, Payal, Alisha.

Masala Radio Jockeys who add so much Masala from the latest Bollwood hits to Retro Favorites, to Ghazals, to Partiotic Songs, to the latest breaking News: Senior Radio Jockeys: Preanka, Rajoo, Dilip, Priya, Ina, Pankti, Swati, Amit, Anish, Alisha. Newbies: Shilpi, Sanjeev, Vineet, Khushbu, Arun, Seema, Haroon, Simra, Seerat, Sophie, Nazakat. Entertainment Crew: Ruchir, Mayur, Shah, Ninad, Vinay, Kamaal.

Festival Crew: Krupa, Ankit, Lauhuel, Deep, Sangeeta, Nimi, Munira, Soham, Sonali, Henna, Meedu, Gaurav, Jesus, Asit, Nand, Harshin, Priyanshi, Simran, Sahil, DJ Zee, DJ Nish, DJ AV, DJ Tamim, DJ Geo, DJ Aalim, DJ Impact. And hundreds of Past Crew too numerous to count, “but always in our hearts.” Thanks to our current Programmers who further

GE

R. W

ROGER PIPER FORMER DISTRICT DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION

FORMER CONSUL GENERAL

ANDHRA MIRCHI 1050 AM

HUM FM

106.1 FM EVERY 2ND SUNDAY TUESDAYS 3:10 - 3:40 PM 1:00- 1:30 PM

Y ILL

Houston: Music Masala Inc., parent company of Masala Radio and Masala Entertainment, has becomes the first Indo-American Company to acquire its own radio station and license in Houston.

Approaching 27 years on air, Masala Radio as of April 1, 2020 closed on its purchase of 98.7 FM. Owner & CEO Sandhya Thakkar said, “While the timing of the purchase is probably the worst in our 27 year history, amid Coronavirus stay-at-home orders and so many sponsors completely shut down, we realize now more than ever the ‘essential’ nature of our business – to connect our South Asian community with music, information & comedy, positive local, national and India news.”

Masala Radio is proud to be able to send out to the masses messages of hope and information during this crisis including timely interviews with Fort Bend County Judge KP George and Mayor Sylvestor Turner, Local Doctors, Insurance Agents, Lawyers, and Businesses, with light comedy that reminds people not to take anything TOO seriously.

Radio Stations and Licenses are difficult to come by; unlike real estate there are limited choices and FCC ownership restrictions are stringent. Masala Radio was successfully broadcasting on 1110 AM for nearly 2 decades, however that station was sold in November 2019 as part of a 17-station sale by Salem Communications to a Christian format company.

Masala Radio was indeed given a 90 day notice to be off air midNovember. Miraculously, another Christian conglomerate was willing in a rare circumstance to sell one of its recently acquired and upgraded signals to fund their own future projects. Masala’s bold move to vertically integrate not only made financial sense, but made sense for the future generations. Masala Radio’s lead comedian Sunil Thakkar said “We feel that the next generation of IndoAmericans deserves a permanent voice in Houston. While me or the other amazing Radio Jockeys may not be broadcasting in ten or 20 years, the community will always have a platform to foster new talent and promote our arts, culture & diversity. We will always have our own Indo-American community 24/7 FM station.” The timing was perfect, Masala needed a home, and the community applauded the move to 24/7 FM with one word… ”FINALLY!” Sunil Thakkar further said “I feel that every single Radio Jockey, Programmer, Sponsor, Office Crew, Entertainment Crew, Listener and even Festival Attendee is a part owner of this station. We humbly appreciate the financial support of our sponsors - and special thanks to our key sponsors Javed Meghani of Texans Energy, Swapnil Agarwal of Karya Properties, Arshad Ramji of Ramji Law

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Indo-American News • Friday, APRIL 10, 2020

SOUTH ASIA/COMMUNITY

April 10, 2020

5

India Responds to PM Modi’s Appeal with Candles, Diyas, Phone Torches

New Delhi: Millions of Indians across the country switched off lights at their homes and lit candles, diyas or turned on mobile phone torches on Sunday night, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to show the nation’s “collective resolve and solidarity” in its fight against coronavirus.

As the clock struck 9, lights went out in most houses and people gathered in balconies and at doors, flashing mobile lights while many lit candles and diyas. Fireworks, thalis, whistles and police sirens were also heard.

At some places, Hindu devotional songs, mantras and national anthem were also played.

PM Modi had on Friday urged people to turn off lights at their homes for nine minutes at 9pm to display the country’s collective resolve and solidarity to defeat the virus.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lit a candle as part of the nolights exercise.

This is the second time Prime Minister Modi has sought to rally people amid the ongoing lockdown to combat the pandemic, which has claimed more than 76,000 lives globally and inflicted over 1,366,350 people.

The 9 pm to 9.09pm blackout requested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned into a festival of lights in Mumbai.

The nine-minute lights-out event on Sunday evening went off well without any disruption in the electricity grid after the government and utilities put in place elaborate plans to deal with the sudden drop and then a quick spurt in demand.

On a day coronavirus cases in Maharashtra crossed the 1000mark, the Shiv Sena, taking a veiled dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said the war against COVID-19 cannot be won by clapping, clanging of plates or lighting lamps.

An editorial in Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ said people “misconstrued” PM Modi’s appeal while stating that the PM should clearly spell out what it expected from citizens and those not obeying orders should be punished.

“In the fight against coronavirus, you need such a commander. We lost the Panipat battle because of rumours and lack of planning. The war against coronavirus should not end up like that and people of the state shouldn’t meet the fate of Sadashivrao bhau (Marathaarmy commander in Panipat battle),” the Marathi daily said.

The Sena cricitised incidents of people coming out on streets with candles, torches and mobile phones and dancing, and said due to bursting of crackers there was a fire incident in Solapur.

In Wardha, BJP MLA Dadarao Keche celebrated his birthday (during the lockdown) and more than 200 people gathered for the party, it noted.

The Sena also pointed out similar incidents in other parts of the country, including that of a BJP women’s wing leader at Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh firing in the air to ‘chase away’ the coronavirus.

People of Indian origin throughout the world joined their compatriots by lighting diyas and torches at 9 pm according to their time zones. -- Indian Express

Houston’s Bhutada (above) and Mathur families also participated in the Diya lighting ceremony on April 5. Credit: Vijay Pallod.

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6 April 10, 2020 HOUSTON CG Mahajan: Indian Consulate Providing Essential Services

By Pramod Kulkarni Houston: With most of us sheltering at home during the Coronavirus pandemic, how is Consulate General of India’s office in Houston coping? Consul General Aseem Raja Mahajan provided a background assessment during a remote interview with Indo-American News on Saturday, April 4.

Q: How is the Consulate carrying out its functions during the Coronavirus crisis?

A: The Consulate falls in the category of essential services as per directives of the Office of Foreign Mission and State Department.

Since March 14, 2020 the Consulate has been open on all seven days of the week.

The Consulate has set up emergency mail/phone helplines for to support the community and responds on a real-time basis. We receive several calls every day on these helplines which include queries seeking information regarding consular services and requests for assistance The Consulate is also granting emergency visas on a case-by-case basis depending on the exigencies. We are trying to run the Consulate with staff working either in Office or home to deliver consular services during this difficult period. We are taking all health and safety precautions and carrying out our functions as directed by the Government of India and in compliance with appropriate advisories from local authorities. We are also doing our best to

media posts. keep up the office moQ: What is the status of rale and truly appreciIndian citizens who have ate the Consular staff’s been stranded due to travel devotion to their duties. restrictions imposed by the Q: What Consular Government of India? services are available A: We have several thouat this time? sand Indian students studyA: We are responding at various US universiing to several mails ties in the 8 States covered and calls every day to by the Consulate. There assist stranded Indians are also Indian citizens on and our community temporary US visa status, who have been affected who are working on shortdue to this pandemic. term projects for American For the time being, the businesses. We are assistConsulate is not haning some groups of Indian dling any routine OCI students and others who are or passport applications stranded and have requested either via walk-in at for boarding and lodging the Consulate Counter with the support of various or via postal mail. Our community organizations.

Cox & King’s passWe are also receiving sevport and visa office in eral queries for medical downtown Houston is assistance and refill of prealso closed. scriptions.

For emergencies, Before the international the Consulate offers travel restrictions were two helpline telephone imposed, we were issuing numbers (+1 713 6262149 or +1 346-232- Consul General Aseem Raja Mahajan speaking to emergency visas for some of 5345). However, the Houstonians at the interaction with community on these people to return to India. Since the travel restricConsulate prefers email 20 February, 2020 (file photo). tions have been extended queries (inquiriescgi@ zations throughout its jurisdiction until April 14, we have been swbell.net).

The Consulate is providing reg- (Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, working with universities to help ular updates to the public regard- Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, ensure that the students are able to ing Coronavirus-related official Colorado and Nebraska) and is shelter in place.

Please note that there are no policies via its website (www.cgi- keeping them informed via mass houston.gov.in) and social media email distributions. It is important evacuation flights planned from platforms (Facebook.com/Indiain- for everyone to rely on official ad- US to India due to travel restricHouston and Twitter.com/cgihou). visories and not give credence to tions placed by both countries.

The Consulate has an extensive any rumors regarding evacuations We’re also working with US Conlist of Indian community organi- or any other irresponsible social sular officials regarding the status

of Indian citizens on F1 and J1 visas, which may be expiring during the lockdown period.

Q: How have Indo-American organizations helped?

A: We are proud of contribution that the Indo-American community is making in these challenging times. The Consulate is in regular touch with several community, social and religious organizations. Sewa International has been proactively assisting stranded Indians to provide support including boarding and lodging etc. All American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has a Pan-American network to assist people for medical exigencies and refilling of prescriptions. India House Medical Clinic has been helping with health queries regarding the Coronavirus and the urgent need to renew prescriptions that were written by doctors in India. The Indo-American Chamber of Greater Houston (IACCGH) is also assisting businesses by providing information.

Q: What is your assessment of the Indian Government’s effort to combat the Coronavirus?

A: I think the Government’s 21-day lockdown at the very beginning of the epidemic is helping reduce the spread of the virus through social distancing and other comprehensive measures.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has lauded India’s proactive steps in combating the outbreak.

Continued on Page 7

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Indo-American News • Friday, APRIL 10, 2020

COMMUNITY

April 10, 2020

7

VHPA: “Pray from Home - Prayer for Global Health” Consulate Providing Essential Services Power to keep everyHouston: For the past one healthy, banish the three Sundays, over 25,000 fear of death and perHindus across North Amerform right actions. ica harnessed the power A key coordinator of AUM by closing their of this effort, Vallabha eyes, taking a deep breath Tantry of Minneapolis and intoning the sacred summed up a comsound syllable by syllable. mon sentiment by statDissolving into silence afing that “this was a ter each AUM, they delved much-needed activity into their own divinity to to rid our minds from pray for universal peace the anxiety and stress and the wellbeing of a arising from the uncerworld that is being ravaged tainty of the COVID

by COVID-19.

This infusion of peace VHPA General Secretary Sanjay Mehta leading the 19 situation. Knowing that each participant and hope was the brain- chanting from his home in Pittsburg. was chanting the Om child of the Hindu Mandir this crisis. mantra along with Executive’s Conference VHPA General Secretary Sanjay thousands of others across North (HMEC), an initiative of Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America. Mehta began the sessions at 5:00 America, at the same – remotely, HMEC, in partnership with over pm CT from his puja room in Pitts- yet collectively, was intended to 400 organizations across North burg, PA with a brief explanation bring a calming feeling of oneness America, took the lead in live of the significance of AUM. Ac- among all of us” Ami Patel, Program Chair, streaming the 15-minute chanting cording to Hindu Shastras, AUM sessions through Facebook and creates strong positive vibrations HMEC announced that this is a Twitter. The organization has been both within us and around us. weekly event and will be conductperforming Havans and prayers AUM, for Hindus, is also a symbol ed at the same time (5:00 pm CT, regularly, but this is the first con- of hope, peace and a manifestation 6:00 EST) every Sunday going certed effort to encourage as many of the Divine Power or Brahman – forward.

Amitabh Mittal, Jt. Gen Secpeople as possible to connect to the Absolute.

After the traditional invocation retary World Hindu Council of the power of creation collectively.

While the first chanting session to Bhagwan Ganesh and the blow- America stated that VHPA is also was for universal peace, the sec- ing of the conch, Sanjay Mehta working to raise funds to help the ond was dedicated to the scientists guided the chanting for 10 minutes community such as food banks, who are working to find a vaccine followed by the Mahamantrajaya international students, senior citifor Coronavirus and the healthcare eleven times. The meaning of the zens and first responders. If you and service workforce. The third Mahamantra, composed by the would like to donate, please visit: session was to offer solace to those Rishis of India thousands of years https://www.vhp-america.org/dowho had lost their loved ones in ago, is an appeal to the Divine nation/HMEC

Continued from Page 6 Q: How can Indian Americans help India?

A: The Indian government has decided to accept contributions from abroad to the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PMCARES) Fund. Details are available at www.pmindia.gov.in Q: Since your arrival in January, have you planned any initiatives to improve India-US ties (trade, culture, etc.)?

A: Before the outbreak, we had several initiatives underway with local organizations such as the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP). But now is the time to concentrate on recovering from the Coronavirus outbreak. Once the crisis eases, we can renew work

on our political, trade and cultural initiatives.

Q: What is your advice for the Indo-American communities in your jurisdiction?

A: I have two recommendations.

First, I urge our Indo-American communities to stay calm and work together to support the effort of their local and State Government for addressing this unprecedented challenge. Secondly, I urge everyone to please follow all Coronavirus-related advisories like stay at home, social distancing etc. from the US government authorities.

I am confident that all of us would be able to tide over this crisis very soon. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if we can be of any support or assistance

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8

COMMUNITY

April 10, 2020

BAPS Temples Across N. America Lit Blue to Support 1st Responders, Health Care Workers

Huoston: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, its toll grows exponentially, and the timeline to overcoming the novel coronavirus is uncertain. On the frontlines of this pandemic, in the middle of the chaos, stand a group of individuals whose heroism was not fully appreciated before this crisis – the first responders. Doctors, nurses, paramedics, public safety officers and others risk their lives on a daily basis to ensure the well-being of the public at large.

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide Hindu organization, and the caretakers of six traditional stone mandirs (Hindu place of worship) in North America located in the greater metropolitan areas of Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Toronto as well as Robbinsville, New Jersey, has decided to honor these brave individuals who now risk

their health, more than ever before to stem the impact of COVID-19.

Starting on March 29, 2020, BAPS has been lighting these landmarks blue as a gesture of gratitude to those men and women working tirelessly in healthcare and public safety.

Nilkanth Patel, a devotee at BAPS and a director of the organization’s humanitarian arm, BAPS Charities said, “BAPS Charities, for years, has had the good fortune of engaging healthcare professionals and first responders in some of our initiatives such as health fairs for the uninsured or underinsured, as well as our quarterly health awareness seminars.

Through these activities, many of these professionals have become our friends and partners in community service. Likewise, BAPS and BAPS Charities host events which require the collabo-

ration with local agencies and officials – many of whom we have gotten to know well on a personal level. During these times when our friends and brethren are risking their lives to literally save our families, we as an organization want them to know that we salute them.”

In addition to lighting the mandirs blue, BAPS Charities has also donated over 18,000 N95 respiratory masks during the critical early days of the pandemic to some of the hardest hit hospital systems in New York, New Jersey, and Canada.

BAPS operates over 100 mandirs throughout North America and over 3,300 globally. Since early March, the organization has shut down all of its mandirs and stopped all in-person activities in response to COVID-19.

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Loan forgiveness if proceeds used for payroll costs and other designated business operating expenses in the eight weeks following the date of loan origination (due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs) With recent development and the increasing impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Golden Bank wants to reassure you that we have taken actions to help you and your business to overcome the difficult times. Please contact following representative Monday – Friday 9 am to 4 pm for details of Paycheck Protection Program: Houston: Saleem Afrooz ( 7 1 3 ) 596-6889, Shasha Piao (713) 596-6828; Dallas: Pervez Bhojani (972)889-6985; S. California: Charles Cho (626)320-1936; Jay Chen (626)322-3708 Or email: OnlineBanking@goldenbank-na.com, (713) 777-3838, (888)320-3838.

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The 2020 Census will shape your future.

Every 10 years, the United States counts everyone living in the country on April 1, no matter where they are from, what language they speak, or why they are in the country. The count includes children and newborn babies, citizens and noncitizens, and temporary residents.

What will the 2020 Census ask me?

The number of people living or staying at your address on April 1 • Do you own or rent your home?

•Telephone number • Name • Age • Date of birth • Sex • Relationship to the person filling out the form • Race • Hispanic origin

What won’t the 2020 Census ask?

Your Social Security number • Money or donations • Anything on behalf of a political party •Your bank or credit card account numbers • No citizenship question or immigration status

Responding is important for your family and community.

The information collected in the census will inform the distribution of more than $1.5 trillion in federal funds each year. These funds impact critical services, including education, health care, senior centers, and public transportation.

Communities rely on census statistics to plan for a variety of needs, including new roads, schools, and emergency services.

Businesses use census data to decide where to build factories, offices, and stores.

For more information, visit:

Responding is easy.

www.2020census.gov

ONLINE my2020census.gov

PHONE 1 (844) 330-2020

MAIL

English & Spanish only

Indo-American News • Friday, APRIL 10, 2020

ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICAN VOTE

www.apiavote.org/census2020 HOTLINE: (844) 202-0274

VAISAKHI SPECIAL

April 10, 2020

The Meaning of Vaisakhi, the Biggest Sikh Celebration

By Simran Jeet Singh

Every April, communities across the world come together to celebrate Vaisakhi. For centuries, Vaisakhi has marked the spring harvest, and Punjabi farmers have celebrated this occasion with community gatherings and festivals.

Vaisakhi took on special significance for the Sikh community in 1699, when the tenth of the Sikh Guru-Prophets—Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708 CE)—invited his disciples to join him in the city of Anandpur Sahib. At this gathering, Guru Gobind Singh formally

established the Khalsa Panth (the community of committed Sikhs) and publicly entrusted it with leadership.

Every year on Vaisakhi, Sikhs come together to commemorate and reflect on this significant historical event. While the community holds a special place in its collective heart for this occasion, Vaisakhi is not a “holiday” in that the Sikh tradition does not regard any one time or day to be uniquely “holy.” Rather, it is an occasion for celebrating the community’s growth and for recalling a set of shared values and collec-

tive memories. In both its cultural and religious context, Vaisakhi is fundamentally about community, progress, and celebration.

Some people mistake Vaisakhi of 1699 as the initial moment of Sikh community formation, so it is particularly important to recognize that Guru Nanak (1469-1539 CE) started the process of forming the Sikh community nearly two centuries earlier.

Among other things, he gathered disciples, created community centers, and established shared traditions.

The community grew substan-

tially under the leadership of his successors over the next 200 years, and the expectations and responsibilities of the community also increased during this period. This development culminated on Vaisakhi of 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh established a formal order of committed Sikhs—the Khalsa Panth—and bowed before its representatives as a way of indicating the transmission of corporeal authority.

The Sikh theology urges cultivation of the individual self while also serving and nurturing the communities around us, an inte-

Indo-American News • Friday, APRIL 10, 2020

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gration of the spiritual and temporal domains.

In the Sikh spirit, Vaisakhi celebrates the integration of the spiritual and temporal worlds, and it provides practical avenues for bringing these to bear through shared values and practices. Vaisakhi is fundamentally about community, celebration, and progress, and these values are at the forefront of the collective consciousness as Sikhs gather together to mark the occasion.

-- The Daily Beast

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SUDOKU/RECIPE VAISAKHI BUSINESS SPECIAL

April 10, 2020

Best Vaisakhi wishes to the Houston Sikh Sangat Licensed Agent

Chemical Co. in Baytown Looking for

Chemical Engineer

Candidates should have an engineering degree and some chemical plant experience Great pay w/ benefits. EOE/AAP Send resume to apply@chemicalsinc.com Room Available in West Houston For responsible female student or young professional.

Beautiful, furnished room with own refrig. Access to kitchen, tv room, washer dryer, free wifi, own parking, utilities included. Asking $500/mo. Immediate availability

713-789-6397

Call or text 713-962-5555

Indo-American News • Friday, APRIL 10, 2020

VAISAKHI SPECIAL

April 10, 2020

Happy Gurpurab!

Happy Gurpurab!

As we tackle the Coronairus Pandemic, remember the rites of

Vaisakhi and the guidance Guru Gobind’s gave to overcome hurdles!

Bobby & Jasmeeta Singh

On this ....

Vaisakhi ... the Sikh community of Houston thanks all the healthcare workers fighting the Coronavirus Gurmeet S. Bhatia & family Indo-American News • Friday, APRIL 10, 2020

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April 10, 2020

VAISAKHI SPECIAL

May the Blessings of Guru Gobind Singh be with you during this Stressful Time of COVID-19

Especially in this dark hour, may you feel the renewing spirit of

Vaisakhi

Jasbir & Darshan Singh Indo-American News • Friday, APRIL 10, 2020