Indo-American News: November 13, 2020

Friday, November 13, 2020 | Vol. 39, No. 46

Indo American News

1

November 13, 2020

$1

Published weekly from Houston, TX

www.indoamerican-news.com

Special Reports Community Briefs Local Politics South Asians in the News

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

Grand 9th International Diwali-Dussehra Festival

Dem Victory Party

P7 Woman of Substance

P3

T F A R D IAN Now Enrolling 2020-21 for PreSchool to 5th Grade Montessori & Traditional Programs, TAAPS Accredited Hindi Language•Vedic Prayers•Yoga

P 11

T F A R D IAN

DAV Montessori & Elementary S c h o o l 281-759-3286

info@davhouston.org • www.davhouston.org

Indo-American News • Friday NOVEMBER 13, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com

PSIA Winners - 2020

2

DIWALI 2020

November 13, 2020

Ayodhya: Deepotsava is Virtual This Year, PM Modi to Take Part

Houston: Keeping in mind the ongoing Covid pandemic, the Deepotsava event in Ayodhya to mark Diwali will go virtual this year. Devotees can mark their attendance virtually at the “Ram Darbaar” – a portal made where virtual lamps can be lit. The portal will have a portrait of Shri Ramlalla Virajman before which the virtual lamps will be lit.

According to the UP government, the virtual Deepotsava “will be no less real than the actual one” and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also take part in it virtually.

“After a long and agonising wait of some 492 years, now when the dream of a grand Ram temple is being fulfilled, the state government is ensuring that no one is deprived of the joy of lighting up a lamp of faith in the court of Ramlalla. At the special instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the government is getting a portal made, where virtual lamps can be lit,” read a statement issued by the state government.

The portal will have a facility to pick up the lampstand of one’s choice — steel, brass or any other material. “The option of using ghee or oil will also be available for devotees. Not only this, the person lighting the lamp will be based on whether the devo-

tee is a man or a woman. After the lamps are lit, based on the details of the devotees, a thank you digital letter carrying the picture of Shri Ramlalla, from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also be issued,” the government said, adding the portal will be up before the main event on November 13.

Meanwhile, Adityanath issued instructions to officials to make Ayodhya Deepotsava grander this time, and at the same time, there should be no breach of Covid-19 protocol. Directives have been issued to hold different events daily while adhering to Covid-19 protocols, officials said. IE

The target is to light 55,000 diyas in Ayodhya this Diwali.

Deepawali 2020

PRACTICING IMMIGRATION LAW SINCE 1985

INTEGRITY

KNOWLEDGE

SOLUTIONS

ATTORNEYS

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

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

THOMAS P. FISCHER

THOMAS R. HUTSON

GEOR

FORMER DISTRICT DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION

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

The festival of lights, Deepawali is the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals. As per the Hindu epic Ramayana, Diwali is the day when Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman returned to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in forests. However, it is also believed that Goddess Lakshmi was born on Diwali during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan). Thus, Goddess Lakshmi is the most significant deity during Diwali Puja.

According to drikpancahng, this year people will celebrate Diwali on November 14 all over the country. Amavasya tithi begins on November 14 from 2:17 pm and ends at 10:36 am on Nov 15, 2020.

The most auspicious time to do Diwali Puja is after sunset. The time period after sunset is known as Pradosh. This year Pradosh Kaal is from 05:28 pm to 08:07 pm.

Diwali is the five days festivity which begins on Dhanteras and ends on Bhaiya Dooj.

Employment Based VISAS

Family Based VISAS Naturalization Deportation

FREE CONSULTATIONS

FORMER USCIS ASSOCIATE REGIONAL COUNSEL

FORMER IMMIGRATION JUDGE

MASALA RADIO RADIO MIRCHI 98.7 FM THURSDAYS 4:00 - 4:30 PM

107.5 FM - HD-3 TUESDAYS 4:00 - 4:20 PM

CENTRAL TIME

LIVE Investment VISAS

PAULINE APPELBAUM

JUDGE JIMMIE BENTON

Former District Director of Immigration Thomas Fischer and Roger Piper and Former Consul General Thomas Hutson serve as Special advisors to the �rm Former Immigration Judge Jimmie Benton is �Of Counsel� to the �rm

THURSDAYS

Former USCIS Regional Counsel for Texas Pauline Applebaum is �Of Counsel� to the �rm

MONDAYS

Member of American Immigration Lawyer Association (AILA) since 1989

 SUGAR LAND, TX  ATLANTA, GA

Boarder Assistance

Providing representation for Canadian Immigration through our a�liate in Canada Over 1� Languages spo�en by the �rm�s sta�

Asylum THURSDAY

Litigation Canadian Immigration

SHIVANTI T. WILLY ATLANTA MANAGER

FREE CONSULTATION

MONDAY

(281)265-2522 | (888)529-5990

(404)937-6868

immigration@grwpc.com

swilly@grwpc.com

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

Indo-American News • Friday, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com

DIWALI 2020

November 13, 2020

3

An Epic Celebration - 9th International Diwali-Dussehra Festival

The stage had a Ram temple at one end and the Hanuman temple at the other. Flags of all participating countries were displayed in full glory.

Hosts Geeta Ravula, Dr. Arun Verma and Ajay Kumar with CG Aseem Mahajan.

Singer Anuradha Paudwal performed via Zoom.

Dr. and Mrs. Arun Verma perform the puja as local priets chant prayers in Sanskrit. Photos by Bijay Dixit.

Houston: Shri Sita Ram Foundation, USA (a nonprofit) celebrates Diwali Dussehra Festival every year in the Biggest and The Grandest Way Possible. This epic celebration from Houston, has grown tremendously since it started and continues to reach more and more all over the world every year.

The foundation team finds innovative, unique ways to share Indian Vedic culture/ values to people of Houston, Texas and neighboring states. Last year it initiated efforts to highlight Diwali’s message of ‘Good Over Evil’ by involving Consul Generals of 15 countries in the Dussehra parade.

This year, because of the pandemic, the event was celebrated Virtually via Zoom, Facebook live, and YouTube live. Virtual nature of the event presented an opportunity to the Foundation to expand & share India’s Vedic culture and moral values (which appeal universally) rapidly to other countries than originally planned. Our Diwali celebration tag lines of ‘Victory of Good Over Evil’, ‘Light over Darkness’, ‘Knowledge over Ignorance’, ‘Hope over Despair’, ‘ Truth Always Wins’, ‘Vasudhev Kutumbkam’ (world is but one family), resonated well with everyone whom we contacted worldwide. This year representatives of temples in several states of the US, and over 30 countries participated in the event. Foundation received a tremendous response to our call, to join us in an International effort to celebrate this festival of lights celebrating ‘Victory of Good Over Evil’, and showcase India’s culture and moral values worldwide.

Temples, Performers and viewers participated enthusiastically from the entire globe as a result of this

outreach effort by the Foundation team.

This year the festival truly went International on 7th November, with its international participation of contestants, temples, Consul Generals, singer and dignitaries.

The event was broadcast Live via Facebook and YouTube to several hundred thousand viewers who logged in to watch this spectacular show for over 6 hours, around the globe. While the show started at 4:00 p.m CST, it was night in India and a number of other countries. An uptick in viewership was observed as Mideast, Europe and India started waking up and logging in.

The stage from where the entire event was broadcast was set at Gujarati Samaj of Houston (GSH) Event Center on West Bellfort Avenue in Houston with the entrance and hall gorgeously decorated for Diwali festivities.

The stage had a Ram temple at one end and the Hanuman temple at the other. Flags of all participating countries were displayed in full glory. Sunder Kaand from Ramcharitmanas was recited devotionally as pre-event.

The program went live at 4 PM with the Host for the evening, Emcee DJ AJ Ajay Kumar entering the hall in his trade mark high energy with a Punjabi Dhol drummer singing and dancing all the way on to the stage. This was followed by a colorfully choreographed Hanuman Chalisa dance

by Infused Performing Arts Dance Group of Houston.

Ramayan Skit competition followed where 50 teams from various countries (US, Canada, India, South Africa and others) contested by performing one minute

Congratulatory message from Texas Governor Greg Abbott

skits depicting stories from various Kandas of Ramayan. This was well received and applauded by the audience. The top three teams, winning the honors were from the US, India and Canada. The skit competition was judged meticulously by Divya Unni, Venu Joshyula, and Sandhya Rao of Houston.

Sita Ram Kalyanam, The divine marriage of Sita ji to Lord Ram, was an unique presentation. While Hanuman Swami of Rama Jaya Niketan temple in Houston conducted the divine marriage ceremony with the idols at one end of the stage, the same was enacted live simultaneously by actors in regal attire on the other end of the stage. Included in the divine marriage celebrations was a live marriage Band from India followed by Sri Rama Jaya Niketan temple students reciting Hanuman Chalisa. This was out of the world experience for the viewers.

The audiences were also enthralled by a showcase of 51 temples from USA, India, Myanmar, Australia, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal, Canada, Ireland. Some of the worldwide temples showcased were Thirumala Tirupati Balaji, Dwaraka, Ayodhya, Kashi Vishvanath, Puri Jagannath, Vrindavan, Vashno Devi, Mukthinath, BAPS Swaminarayan. The Foundation team took many months gracefully contacting the head priests of all the temples, and convincing them as to what the Foundation was attempting to do to share our Vedic culture worldwide. Once that was accomplished the team got unconditional support, with enthusiasm and cooperation from each temple.

An integral part of Diwali Dussehra Festival is Ram Leela,

Among the cultural performances included was Sita Ram Kalyanam, the divine marriage ceremony of Sita jo to Lord Ram.

The play on Lord Rama’s journey, the divine King. This play was enacted by a whole range of wonderful actors from Houston including Divya Unni (a famous actress from South India) who opened the play with her dance performance.

The play was directed and choreographed by S. Mathur and Rathna Kumar of Houston, winner of many international awards.

A beautiful devotional dance by Shailaja Grandhi followed the play.

Ghoomer Dance of Rajasthan, a Gujarati dance, a mesmerizing Egyptian Sufi devotional dance in lighted LED costume kept the audiences captivated to the program.

While the stage shows were being broadcasted several messages from leaders of Texas and Consular Generals from Portugal, Austria, Thailand, Egypt, Norway, Australia, Mexico, Germany, Costa Rica and others were being shown to the world. Congratulatory Diwali messages from Governor Gregg Abbott of Texas, Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston, Mayor Rick Stopfer of Irving, Mayor Zimmerman of Sugarland, several Judges and Commissioners were shown. Consul General of India, Mr. Aseem Mahajan along with his wife N. Mahajan joined the celebration. The CG of India addressed the gathering in person.

A fascinating presentation by Baba Maurya was shown from India. Baba ji is a Ram Bhakta, a Desh Bhakta, who has been involved with Ram Janam Bhoomi for a very long time and is a great painter. He drew a painting of Ram ji in 5 minutes while singing glories of Ram. This was marvelous showcase of unique talent.

One of the highlights of the event was singer Anuradha Paud-

Indo-American News • Friday NOVEMBER 13, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com

wal performing live via Zoom from Mumbai. She mesmerized the audience with her melodious voice and later interacted with her fans from around the globe; a gesture which created ripples of joy among her fans.

Chief Guest of the evening was Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Honorable Minister of Jal Shakti in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in India. He addressed the world audience via zoom from the Arunachal Pradesh. We hope to see him in person at the next year’s Diwali Dussehra Festival.

As the event was nearing its conclusion, conches were blown from the 51 temples worldwide before starting the Maha Aarti led

by Hanuman Swami and joined by team of volunteers.

Thereafter thanks were given to all the volunteers and organizations which joined in this epic celebration. Plaques were handed out to the team of volunteers prior to the live countdown to ‘Ravan Dahan’ the burning of effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnath, followed by spectacular fireworks.

The event has been viewed by several hundred thousand people already on Facebook with several hundred more expected to view over this festival season. Viewers can visit our website www.

ShriSitaRam.org and click on the Facebook icon to view the entire epic celebration. Email to Info@ ShriSitaRam.org for any inquiry.

Shri Sita Ram Foundation, USA thanks all volunteers, temples, organizations, participants from several countries and several hundred thousand viewers who joined in this epic celebration of Diwali 2020.

4

November 13, 2020

CONSULAR SERVICES

Consulate Provides Details of Outsourcing Vendor

Washington DC: Consulate General of India, Houston will accept online applications for OCI, Renunciation, Passport and GEP services through the new service provider, VFS Global.

A service fee of US$15.90 (inclusive of all taxes) per application will be charged in addition to applicable Government of India fees for these services.

The details of the VFS Global Application center in Houston are as under: VFS Global, 1001 Texas Ave, Suite #550, Houston, TX 77002 Applicants are advised to send duly filled applications by post to VFS Global only after completing their application through their website: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/ en/ind It may also be noted that due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, there will be no walk-in service at

VFS Global until further notice.

All applications shall only be dealt with by post.

Visa: Emergency visa to the eligible categories allowed to travel to India as per the advisories issued from time to time by the Government of India. Visa applicants are requested to send an email to:‘visa. houston@mea.gov.in’ requesting for emergency visa.

On receipt of the documentation checklist, applicants are requested to carefully go through the requirements relating to the different categories of visa before submitting their applications. The Consulate may request additional documentation in certain cases.

Request for Miscellaneous Services (Attestation, Power of Attorney, Police Clearance Certificates etc.) can be sent to the Consulate through regular Post/Mail. These services are being rendered ONLY through regular post/mail. Appli-

cants are requested NOT to visit the Consulate for any service.

For procedure related to application for Emergency Visa and general information regarding other Consular Services please visit our website www.cgihouston.gov.in Please contact us for any query or assistance on the following helplines.

Helpline number: +1-713-6262148 Emergency helpline number:+1713-626-2149(for emergencies only) Email: enquiriescgi@swbell.net With 3430 application centres and operations in 144 countries across five continents, VFS Global serves the interests of 64 client governments. The company has successfully processed over 225 million applications since its inception in 2001, and over 98.07 million biometric enrolments since 2007.

Pradeep Sulhan, P.C.

Certified Public Accountant 14340 Torrey Chase Blvd. | Suite 110 | Houston, Texas 77014

281-583-2993 | 281-580-8700

office@pspccpa.com| pradeep@pspccpa.com

Call Sid or Pradeep Over 25 years of experience For Advertising in Indo-American News call

Jawahar Malhotra @

713-789-6397

God gifted Psychic Nihan Helps with all problems: love, marriage, business, stops divorce, removes bad luck and evil. Helps restore failing business. Can help with difficult children.

Call now for one free question:

281-995-3319

Indo-American News • Friday, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com

November 13, 2020

Mata Chouki by Ravi Shankar Puri Ji & Group Sunder Kand Paath by Devotees

Indo-American News • Friday NOVEMBER 13, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com

5

6

INDIA

November 13, 2020

NDA Gets Simple Majority in Bihar, BJP Comes Out with Flying Colors

The BJP-led alliance won 125 seats in the 243-member assembly.

New Delhi: India’s governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies have won a close race in the key state of Bihar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “democracy has once again won in Bihar” in a vote many viewed as a test of his government’s Covid-19 response.

His National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 125 seats in the 243-member assembly, the Election Commission said.

Tuesday’s election was the first major poll in India since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The NDA beat regional heavyweight Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) despite exit polls that suggested the RJD-led coalition would emerge victorious.

They had predicted a wave of anti-incumbency against long-time Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

But in a nail-biting contest the NDA edged past its chief challeng-

er, even though the RJD became the single largest party with 75 seats.

The northern state of Bihar which is one of the country’s poorest, has been hard hit by the pandemic, recording more than 220,000 coronavirus cases and 1,000 deaths so far.

But the state still ploughed forward with the polls. Virtual rallies quickly gave way to crowded arenas as top leaders, including Mr Modi and Mr Kumar, hit the ground to bolster their campaigns.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during an election campaign rally, on November 1, 2020 in Samastipur, India.

Mr Kumar (L) and Mr Modi (R) campaigned together ahead of the polls Mr Modi tweeted his coalition

Tejashwi Yadav was hoping to be the state’s next chief minister.

were victorious around midnight on Tuesday: “Democracy has once again won in Bihar with the blessings of the people,” he wrote. “I congratulate the workers and express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Bihar.”

The BJP’s Hindu nationalist base is concentrated in India’s so-called Hindi heartland - states such as Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. But Bihar is the only one where the party has never won on its own.

Despite decisive parliamentary victories in 2014 and 2019, the BJP has failed to script similar wins in state polls.

It has not won a clear majority in any state since elections in Uttar Pradesh four years ago. And in the last two years, it has lost six state elections. It won just one by cobbling together a majority with a

regional rival-turned-partner.

But the BJP’s patchy electoral record in states is not necessarily indicative of waning popularity, writes our correspondent Soutik Biswas. He says observers believe that it’s also the result of local leaders “who appear to lack charisma beside Mr Modi’s larger-than-life, presidential personality”.

The chief opposition, the RJD, led a “grand alliance” that included India’s main opposition party,

Congress, and a clutch of Left parties. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav addresses the gathering during an election rally at Digha, on November 1, 2020 Tejashwi Yadav was hoping to be the state’s next chief minister Its candidate for chief minister was Tejashwi Yadav, the 31-yearold son of two former chief ministers. His father, Laloo Prasad Yadav, is now serving a jail term for corruption. -- BBC

Chemical Co. in Baytown is hiring a Janitor.

Full-time, Day shift.

Must have good English Skills.

Great pay w/ benefits. EOE/AAP Apply at 12321 Hatcherville Rd, Baytown, TX

SONY KOHLI YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT 832-766-6662

Indo-American News • Friday, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com

ELECTION 2020

November 13, 2020

7

Lutfi Hassan’s Biden-Harris Victory Party Draws Local Democratic Leaders

By Jawahar Malhotra

US 59 near Beechnut with the community during the Primaries last year. Hassan has been a board member of South Asian for Biden and has keenly campaigned for the Biden-Harris ticket nationwide.

Hassan has been a resident of Houston for the past 40 years. He is the founder and promoter of the Apex Group of Companies and currently serves on the boards of advisory of several multinational companies in the U.S. and Asia.

The victory celebration included US Representatives Sheila Jackson-Lee and Al Green, who both handily won their reelection races and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. The guests watched the results pour on the gigantic LED screen in the newly created “lazy river” inner court area. area.

Lutfi Hassan (right) and his brother Azam Hasan flank US Congressman Al Green at the Victory Party on Tuesday, November 3.

Houston: With the election results closing in on Tuesday, November 3, many South Asian supporters gathered with local leaders for a victory party hastily arranged for by local businessman Lutfi Hassan who is a stalwart of the Democratic Party, not only in Houston but also nationally. The party was held at the newly remodeled luxury hotel, the Grand Tuscany on Pinemont and Hwy 290, and thrown by co-owner Azam Hasan, who is Lutfi’s younger brother.

Hassan has been politically active for at least two decades, always supporting Democratic candidates and causes. He was instrumental in bringing then Democratic candidate Kamala Harris to Houston for a meeting in his office building on

Lutfi Hassan and his two sons Safeer (right) and Sohail (left) at the meeting with Kamala Harris last year during the Primaries.

Lutfi Hassan (left) and his brother Azam Hasan flank Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner at the Victory Party on Tuesday.

Indo-American News • Friday NOVEMBER 13, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com

8

November 13, 2020

COMMUNITY

Election 2020 at Arya Samaj

Houston: The election process is a celebration in any democratic setup that makes the people govern themselves. Today we hear very often the unique partnership between India and the USA, the largest and the oldest democracies, respectively. But the truth is that India is the oldest democracy in the world besides being the largest one. India gave the original mantras of democracy to the entire civilized world. Maharshi Dayanand writes in the sixth chapter of his Magnum Opus, Satyartha-Prakash (Light of Truth) - the people should follow the directives of the king and the king should follow those of the public. Such were the governing principles written by Manu, the first writer of the republic constitution in human history. Democratic principles reside in every grain of what India is and is vividly present in its classical Gram Panchayat system.

It is natural for Arya Samaj to view the election process with a sense of sacredness. So, much before the arrival of the grand day, your Arya Samaj Houston got in touch with the county officials and proposed their Arya Samaj Mandir to function as the Election Mandir. The challenge was to maintain the sanctity of the process amid the health concerns of the pandemic. Both, Arya Samaj Houston and the county officials walked the extra mile to ensure that the Devatas (the voters) will exercise their rights in an environment that respected their safety, security, and privacy. We are grateful to the County Judges Gabriela Zavala and Jon Menefee for their guidance, presence, and patience throughout the process.

We take the opportunity to wish Shubh Deepavali to all! -- Acharya Dr. Harish Chandra, Arya Samaj Greater Houston

Biden Selects Dr. Vivek Murthy

President-elect Joe Biden has named a former surgeon general, Dr. Vivek Murthy, and a former Food and Drug Administration commissioner, David Kessler, as co-chairs of a coronavirus working group.

Indo-American News • Friday, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com

SPORTS

November 13, 2020

IPL 2020: Mumbai Wins 5th Title

Dubai: Mumbai Indians secured a fifth Indian Premier League title with a five-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in the final.

Mumbai, the most successful team in IPL history, chased 157 with eight balls to spare as captain Rohit Sharma hit 68.

Trent Boult took 3-30 for Mumbai, including Marcus Stoinis with the first ball of the match in Dubai.

Delhi were 22-3 before captain Shreyas Iyer made 65 not out - he added 96 with Rishabh Pant - but Mumbai ensured their total was never enough.

The defending champions were always in

control of their chase after Rohit and Quinton de Kock plundered 45 from the first four overs.

Rohit was caught at deep mid-wicket with 20 needed from 23 balls and, although Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya soon followed, Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 33 off 19 balls took Mumbai to victory.

It follows their IPL wins in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019 and means they have won the world’s premier domestic Twenty20 competition at least twice more than any other team. -- BBC

Chemical Co. in Baytown

Hiring a person for Full-time to conduct strategic research to identify new products.

Chemistry degree desired, but not required.

Candidate must have some chemistry knowledge and have proficient computer/internet skills.

Great pay w/ benefits. EOE/AAP Send resume to tmg@chemicalsinc.com

Financial Services Professional* Agent, New York Life Insurance Company AR Insurance Lic # 18139449 CA Insurance Lic # 0M30399 Cell: 812-272-2911 Ph: 713-499-7638 dsingh06@ft.newyorklife.com

www.dsinghnyl.com New York Life Insurance Company 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 1900 Houston TX 77027 *Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency.

NYLIFE securities LLC is a New York Life Company.

SMRU 1710579 (Exp 08/31/2022)

Indo-American News • Friday NOVEMBER 13, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com

9

10

BUSINESS

November 13, 2020

IACCGH Women Mean Business: “Worthwhile and Valuable”

By Manu Shah

IACCGH’s Women Mean Business event on August 31 was in the words of Shell representative Alyssa Henderson a “worthwhile and valuable event.” The Webinar titled “Being a Woman in the age of COVID-19” highlighted the extra burden COVID-19 had placed on women and the balancing act it required from us as women, caregivers and professionals. Keynote speakers Malisha Patel, Senior VP and CEO of Memorial Hermann Southwest and Sugar Land and Alyssa Parrish, Senior Counsel for Rite Aid, who play lead roles in their respective organizations, shared COVID-19’s impact on them professionally and personally and how they juggled work and the home front. They concurred that, for the most part, women “are all in the same boat.”

Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia welcomed the gathering and thanked Shell for their longstanding sponsorship of the highly popular series that sought to empower women. President Tarush Anand offered a brief overview of the Chamber’s 21 year history and how the “Chamber makes business happen.”

Past President and Board member Joya Shukla, who has been leading the series, noted that the vision behind the events was to encourage women who have broken boundaries to share their challenges and successes and empower other women.

The ripple effects of COVID -19, according to the keynote speakers, were felt in four major sectors: health, financial income, caregiving responsibilities and normalcy of routine. Women on average are picking up 15 more hours a week related to childcare and household tasks. Sectors such as health care, leisure and the hospitality industry are composed of predominantly women. For instance, according to Malisha, Memorial Hermann has 28,000 employees and over 75% of them are women.

In addition to her leadership role at Memorial Hermann, Malisha is a mom of two young children who switched to remote learning at the onset of the pandemic.

Fortunately for her, her husband Bhavesh, who also began working from home, is a huge support and has been the one “coordinating with the children, schoolwork and grocery shopping.” As CEO of an organization that works with frontline caregivers and patients, there was a significant time commitment in responding to the crisis. The challenge for her was not bringing the stress home and optimizing her time at home. She recharges from the demands of her job with a 10-minute yoga or meditation session and believes that it’s important to make time for yourself and “find those resources to help you get through.” The silver lining was time with the family,

Malisha Patel

Alyssa Parrish

as a family, Asha is experimenting with different cuisines and testing her green thumb with an organic vegetable garden. A very social person, this has been “a great time for self-reflection.”

Dr. Marie Goradia’s scientific background kicked in and she used this time to learn about the virus and impress upon people why they needed to take the CDC’s guidelines seriously. The Goradia family kept up with their philanthropy by donating to food banks and sent funds to provide meals for the underprivileged in Mumbai. On

the walks and the “simplicity that COVID-19 forced on us.”

Alyssa, who was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago and is at a higher risk from COVID-19, also found herself leaning on her husband and establishing a new family rhythm with her 5 yearold twins. She quickly switched to working from home and for the last four months has been using the Calm App to “decompress and compartmentalize what is happening.” The flexibility of working from home allows her to unplug and walk “every square foot of her neighborhood.” She changed her working hours to early mornings and late nights and found that she had time to read and cook. Not only did she find this setting “freeing” but found herself “thriving.” A work tip that worked well was designating a work zone which helped set boundaries with the children. This opportunity for bonding with her children and husband was a “very important silver lining out of this” and she is now more understanding of her priorities and putting her family first.

Two Past Presidents of the global nonprofit Pratham, who have been featured as Keynote Speakers at past WMB events, also weighed in on the life changes brought about

by COVID-19. Asha Dhume, one of the initiators of the Women Mean Business Series with Past President Joya Shukla, is director of sales and marketing at Elliot Systems.

Along with savoring the bonus time with her children to come closer Indo-American News • Friday, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com

the personal front, her husband Vijay and she go on long walks, do yoga, play the piano, sing, read and play bridge. Despite the fear of COVID-19 hanging over all of us, she is “very grateful just to be alive, happy and healthy.”

For Advertising in Indo-American News call:

713-789-6397

SUDOKU/COMMUNITY SUDOKU/RECREATION 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 17, 2020.

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

Solution Next Week

November 13, 2020

11

Leela Honored as “Woman of Substance” Houston: For almost six decades, The Mission of Yahweh has sheltered and provided food and many other services for homeless women and children. Their fourth annual Women of Substance Luncheon turned into a Virtual Presentation this year and much-needed funds raised from the event are nearing $400,000 to provide Mission initiatives to empower, enrich and restore the lives of its residents.

This yearly event began with renown photographer Gittings producing photographs of the 2020 Women of Substance that are currently displayed in the windows of Neiman Marcus.

Receiving applause as 2020 Women of Substance are: Lilly Andress, Donatella Benckenstein, Cathy Borlenghi, Donae Chramosta, Tracy Faulkner, Zina Garrison, Gina Gaston Elie, Susan Arnoldy Hansen, Leela Krishnamurthy, Susan Soussan along with Honorary Chairs Regina Rogers, Sybil Roos and Rose Cullen, the “Lifetime of Substance” award recipient.

Presenting Sponsor and Houston Texans owner Janice McNair congratulated all the honorees via video and their contribution will provide a new playground for the children at The Mission of Yahweh.

MTS Leaders Attend Pearland Town Hall Last Week’s Solution

Sam Kannappan (left), Pearland Mayor-elect Kevin Cole and Som Nair

Last Week’s Winners Sanchali Basu

Pearland: Mayor Elect Kevin Cole conducted a town hall meeting on November 11th 2020 attended by members of various communities. He acknowledged presence of sam Kannappan and Som Nair and said that Hindu temple and other religious institu-

tions in Pearland enhance friendship. He also said that CEOs of large corporations express desire for presence of event center, arts and culture activities and museum in Pearland. Kevin Cole said that outgoing Mayor Tom Reid expressed his desire for enhancing

arts and culture activities.

Other issues brought up were Budget and award of city contract to small Pearland businesses.

Kevin Cole will assume office of Mayor of Pearland Tuesday November 17th, 2020.

For Advertising in Indo-American News call:

713-789-6397 Indo-American News • Friday NOVEMBER 13, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com

12

November 13, 2020

Indo-American News • Friday, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com