India Herald 120419

India Herald

Web: www.india-herald.com • Editor@india-herald.com • Tel: 281-799-9459

20 Pages

VOL. 25 • NO. 49 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 • P.O. BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487 • PERIODICAL PERMIT USPS 017699 • 25 cents

FORT BEND INTERFAITH COMMUNITY’S THANKSGIVING SERVICE. Father Drew, left, DeAndre Johnson, Rev. Scott Cooper, Ghasem Bayat, David Hruska, Irfan Ali, Geetha Ravula, Imam Mohammad Ahmad Khan, Will Starkweather, John Hirling, Mark Crawford, Timothy Madison and

Gaurang Nanavaty (Chinmaya Mission, Houston) join in singing “America the Beautiful” to close out the evening at the Fort Bend Interfaith Community’s Thanksgiving Service. The Fort Bend Interfaith Community attended an all-faiths Thanksgiving service with the theme of “Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World,” on Monday, Nov. 25, at 7

p.m. at Christ Church Sugar Land, 3300 Austin Parkway.

The event featured readings, songs, poems, dances and prayers from a wide range of faiths including Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Hindu. The service included clergy and members from local congregations. Hindus of Greater Houston represented the Hindu faith. See Page 3.

Bollywood Tadka, The spice of life

On Sat 23rd Nov, 2019, a packed audience at the Berry Center witnessed another epic production, performed by the talented students of Naach Houston, conceived and directed by Bollywood Dance Guru Mahesh Mahbubani.

Dil se Naach 2019, titled Bollywood Tadka, the Spice of Life, lived up to its title with another mesmerizing show, celebrating the community spirit in dance.

This was the 8th production from Moksh Community Arts.

Each year, the organization has been raising the bar with innovative choreography, hi energy dancers, spectacular production through magical lighting and mindblowing visuals.

This production was a culmination of all the dance work created in the summer and fall terms, at the Naach Houston Institute of Bollywood and Indian contemporary dance.

The show began at 8 pm sharp; with a welcome note by Disha Thadani - Moksh Board member and Naach faculty, followed by a unique collaboration of music and dance featuring musicians Misty dawn Elfer on the violin, Kalyan Darshan the composer, on the

harmonium and Tibetan Bowls, danced by Mahesh Mahbubani, to invoke the gods, to bless the space. The ethereal combination with heavenly visuals on a larger than life LED screen and magical lighting transported the audiences to a spiritual realm.

After the serenity, came the spectacular Overture to the Wakhra song performed exquisitely by the performing teens of Naach Houston, dazzling the audiences with their electrifying performance.

The show included 4 acts by the Naach performing teams interspersed with three acts by the Recreation Students teams.

Act one Mumbai café opened with the hit single of 2019 Saki Saki, amazingly choreographed

by Sanjana Khanna an emerging Naach Choreographer, followed by yesteryear hits of Helen, bringing the house down with songs Mungda and Yeh Mera Dil, interspersed with Mumbai Di Kudiyan and Milegi Milegi, continued by Act One of the student Recreation teams, featuring teens, juniors, adults and young seniors who stole the audiences heart with the old hit single, Bholi surat dil ke khote….

See NAACH, Page 4

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PAGE 2 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019

NEWS SBA seminar: “Helping healthcare professionals grow their business”

Miguel Lopez, Executive Director, SBDC addresses the meeting.

Left to right: Dr. Sheela Chandra, Dr. Neeta Shukla, Dr.Vanitha Bala, Dr. Jignesh Shah, Mr. Divyendu Singh, Jagdip Ahluwalia. Photo credit: Bijay Dixit.

Sri Meenakshi Temple Society 17130,Mclean Road, Pearland TX 77584 www.emeenakshi.org 281-489-0358 ext 100/110

Cordially invites you & your family to

RAJATHABANDHANA ASHTABANDHANA MAHA KUMBHABHISHEKAM

Sunday December 8th,2019 11AM Program Schedule Sunday, December 1

9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Yajamana Anugnai, Ganapathy Homam, Navagraha Homam

Monday, December 2

6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Sri Lakshmi Homam

Tuesday, December 3

6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Sri Sudarsana Homam

Wednesday, December 4

6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Vaastu Shanthi & Mrut Sangrahanam

Thursday, December 5

5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Friday, December 6 Saturday, December 7

9:00 AM to 12:30 PM 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Ankurarpanam, Rakshabandanam, 1ST KAALA YAGASALA POOJA 2ND KAALA YAGASALA POOJA 3RD KAALA YAGASALA POOJA 4TH KAALA YAGASALA POOJA

Sunday, December 8

5:30 PM to 9:00 PM 7:00 AM

5TH KAALA YAGASALA POOJA 6TH KAALA YAGASALA POOJA

11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

MAHA KUMBHABHISHEKAM

Followed by Sri Meenakshi Kalyanam& Sri Srinivasa Kalyanam

Mark Winchester, Deputy District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston and the Indian Doctors’ Association hosted an SBA Presentation on “How the SBA can help health professionals grow their business”.

Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia opened the event by welcoming the speakers and thanked them for their continued support to the Chamber and the community. He also thanked the IDA for joining hands with the Chamber for this event and invited Dr. Vanitha Bala to speak a few words on behalf of IDA. Appreciating the efforts of the Chamber in supporting the event, Dr. Bala thanked everyone for coming on a chilly evening. She presented a PowerPoint presentation on IDA and their work over the years and highlighted the work IDA is doing to get the youth involved in the business of medicine. She then invited Dr. Jignesh Shah, president of IDA to share some of the new initiatives.

Dr. Jignesh Shah spoke about his new initiatives and how he plans to involve youngsters and children in the business of medicine. He also stated that he believed in giving back to the society which is what prompted him to join the IDA. Miguel Lopez, Executive Director SBDC, in his presentation, stated that the most important thing he would like the attendees to realize is that SBDC is a service/resource for business owners and entrepreneurs. SBDC works with business owners to work with them on growing and expanding their business. They do this by sitting down with them in a one-on-one confidential no-cost business advising session.

Mark Winchester, Deputy District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration presented a PowerPoint presentation on the different kinds of loans that can be provided to business owners and health care professionals. He also dwelt on HAGGL – an organization in Houston which has about 140 lenders that provide SBA loans. He emphasized that SBA does not give loans but guarantees loans. This was followed by a Q& A session after which both speakers were presented with a certificate of appreciation from both IACCGH and IDA. To conclude, IDA arranged a lucky draw for the people in the room. Dr. Shukla was invited to pick the first winner. She announced Dr. Sheela Chandra as the First Winner. Dr. Chandra was then asked to announce the second winner and she announced Dr. Vanditha Iyer as the second winner of the lucky draw.

IACCGH continues to serve the Houston business community with a series of events to address different sectors. Visit www. iaccgh.com to learn more about the Chamber. To get information on SBDC and SBA loans visit www.lonestar.edu/sbdc and www. sba.gov/offices/district/tx/houston.

—By BHAVNA KALYAN

COMMUNITY Indra Nooyi inducted into Smithsonian Portrait Gallery

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 • PAGE 3

Hindu Trinity represent the faith at Thanksgiving service

Indra Nooyi, 64, the former chairperson and chief executive officer of PepsiCo — the world’s second largest beverages company —became the first Indian- American to be inducted into the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.

Unveiling Nooyi’s portrait was Alberto Ibarguen, president and CEO of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Nooyi, in her remarks during the induction ceremony said, “To be an immigrant, a South Asian immigrant of color, a woman to be included in the Portrait Gallery… it really says that we are the country where people look for the people who make a positive impact and At the Interfaith Thanksgiving service, the Hindu Trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, representcelebrate them. ing the principles of creation, protection and dissolution, was presented by the Hindus of Greater “It doesn’t matter what your background, color, creed, ethnicity Houston representative Geeta Ravula. is. As long as you’ve made a positive impact to the country, we are going to celebrate you — actually memorialize — which I thought was even more spectacular,” she said. She told the assembled media that “I feel very grateful to be making a home here in this country because this portrait gallery is an accolade which I’ve never dreamed of. And it’s heartwarming to see this.”

Nooyi was among five luminaries, including Amazon founder and CEO and the owner of The Washington Post Jeff Bezos, and members of the iconic musical group, Earth, Wind & Fire, whose portraits were unveiled at this prestigious gallery that was constituted by an act of Congress in 1962, to “tell the story of America by portraying the people who have made significant contributions to the history, development, and culture of the people of the U.S.” “The Portrait of a Nation Prize celebrates and honors exemplary achievements in the worlds of science, performing arts, business, fashion and media,” Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Gallery said, and added, that “the Portrait Gallery is focused on bringing together people of different backgrounds and disciplines who have impacted American history and culture.”

Of Nooyi, Sajet said, “She has really broken all sorts of glass ceilings,” and pointed out that “She was the first female CEO of PepsiCo.” The Chennai-born Nooyi, the 2006 India Abroad Person of the Homakundam for Sri Prasanna Vinayagar , Sri Meenakshi, Year, who stepped down from PepsiCo on Oct. 3, 2018, when she ascended to become this beverages conglomerate’s first-ever female CEO, joined only a handful of women as leaders of Fortune 500 Sri Sundareshwara, Sri Venkateshwara, Sri Padmavathy companies.

She was named by Forbes as one of the world’s 100 most powerful women and during her 12-year tenure, she not only established initiatives to meet the changing demands of consumers, increased the company’s net revenue more than 80 percent, and saw share price nearly double; she also led efforts — such as Women With Purpose and Spark A Future — to empower millions of women and girls through education, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities.

According to Nooyi, “I think the big difference in my portrait is that they asked me a question, what’s meaningful for you — a picture of my parents, picture of my husband and kids, a picture of a PepsiCo annual report or a Yale hat.” She said that since “all these are major factors in my life, it’s in a way an unusual portrait because I have all that behind me, which most portraits don’t have.”

Nooyi acknowledged, “It is a pretty special day today — special because I’ve just begun to understand the value of the portrait gallery. I didn’t know a portrait gallery existed because I had never been to one. So, I came to visit this gallery about a year ago when they informed me about this. I was simply blown away by the fact that such Dec 5, 6, 7 & 8 [Any Deity Yagasala ] a gallery existed, that portrait is a way to tell the story of the country and all the people who contributed to it. It tells a beautiful story.

“It’s not just a picture, it tells a story. If you go downstairs to the portrait gallery, there’s a room that is now showcasing the women’s suffragette movement. It’s a fantastic story of how the whole thing evolved,” she said. Nooyi said being featured in this gallery, as a woman, as an immigrant and as a person of color “sends a message Kumbabhishekam day lunch to the people that the U.S. is a great country to make your future in.”

Nooyi also said she hoped that her induction into this gallery would not be perceived as just a message for women, “but a message for all business people that whether you are Indian- American or any other American or just American American—that as long as you conduct business with high integrity, as long as you make a positive change in society of significance, you will be perceived well in history, we will think about you positively.”

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PAGE 4 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 • PAGE 5

DIL SE NAACH-BOLLYWOOD TADKA 2019

From Page 1

Act two, Naach Masala, a true mixture of dances and hit singles graced the stage with the songs from Kalank, First class and Rajwadi Odhni, leading to the sassy Jawani song performed by the Naach Pre teens performing team,

concluding the act to a thunderous applause, on Psycho Re from the film ABCD, choreographed by Naach emerging choreographers, Rithvik Edupuganti, Kashan Ali Qazi, Afraaz Malick, Siddhant Dhar and Kanishka Deepak.

The second student act included

hit singles like Aira Gaira and Baja Baja Dhol performed yet again by the seniors and concluded with a hi energy dance on Rangtaari performed by the adult recreation team, choreographed by Anita Vyas and Vinoo Palicha.

Act three, Kala Niketan, the

House of Creation, a contemporary act, showcased a theatrical interpretation of human emotions, through very beautiful dances on Chashni and Ek ladki ko dekha choreography by Mahesh Mahbubani and Kanishka Deepak .The highlight of this act was a dance

choreographed by Naach emerging choreographers, Rajo Dey, Nidhi Naveen & Anusha Visnani to River and Believer, concluding this act with classical Ghar More Pardesiya beautifully choreographed by Disha Thadani and Vinoo Palicha.

The final student act included

current popular Bollywood songs like Slow Motion, She Move it Like This, Dil Main Mars Hai and Zilla Hilela.

Before the final act, Naach acknowledged the students graduating this year, with an Award for Excellence in dance to Akash Shah, Rishita Shah, Mahak Jawar, Twinkle Khanna, Simki Palicha & Sanjana Vasudev.

The final act Bollywood Tadka opened with Mera Wala dance from the movie Simba, an awesome performance by lead dancer

Rithvik and the rocking pre-teens performance team, followed by proper patola , the cross dressers in Ankh Mare which was a riot concluding with Morni Banke beautifully choreographed by Anita Vyas.

This year, Mahesh introduced the Choreography platform to nurture talent within the performing teams, guiding & developing their creative movement making skills, into fullfledged thematic dance works.

Naach faculty contributes to the diverse canvas of different dance

styles making Naach a unique and dynamic space of constant creative growth.

Under the artistic direction of Mahesh, the Naach faculty – Anita Vyas, Brinda Patel, Disha Thadani, Aishwarya Ravat, Karishma Mehta, Kanishka Deepak, Simran Kotak, Deep Elangovan, Vinoo Doshi Palicha and Nithya Venkatesan creatively contributed to the production by choreographing a diverse range of dance pieces, giving the production a wide variety of dance styles.

Sponsors were Rungta Foundation, Bombay Pizza Express, Sanjiv Khanna & Viral Thakkar, Alnoor & Shelina Malick, Imagi make &Quill on, India Herald, Namaste Radio, Dr. Jagdish & Anu Reddy.

The photographs were beautifully captured by ace photographer Navin Mediwala and Videography by Yash Singh, Brochure & Flyer Design

by Anita Vyas, and Sound Design, Lighting Design and Background Visuals by Mahesh Mahbubani.

Moksh Board members are

thanked for their continual support, Manish Rungta- President, Malay Vyas – Vice President, Mahesh Mahbubani – CEO, Nithya Venkatesan – Secretary, Disha Thadani – board member and Dr. Manoj Nair – CPA. New enrollments for Naach 2020 classes are now open at www. naachhouston.com Collage & Photo credit: Navin Mediwala

PAGE 6 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019

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By QUSAI MAHESRI As we traverse this physical reality that we call “Our World”, we often come to a point when we ask the existential question: What am I doing here in this “World” of ours – What is the purpose for my existence? And at that point is usually when the inner journey begins…

My inner journey started many years ago, one late evening in Khandala (a hillside community in India). I had just finished a very philosophical and interesting conversation with my uncle/mentor and was getting ready for bed. In the guest room, there was a cabinet filled with books that had not been touched for decades. For some reason, I was drawn to them, so I dusted off the cobwebs from one of the books and started reading. I didn’t realize that I had been reading for hours until I finally looked up and saw dawn begin to break.

The book I could not stop reading was “Many Lives, Many Masters”

by Brian Weiss.

Although the book is about past life regression therapy, it made me realize that our physical mindbody is just a very small part of our non-physical energy (some call it source energy). It was one of those epiphanies that almost magically removes all the haziness and shows a clear picture of who we really are in this Universal Cosmos.

I sighed, smiled and fell asleep …

I knew something substantial had just happened within me. My inner journey had just begun.

My definition of the inner journey is that it is a lifelong quest to find your “True Self”. When someone asks the question “who are you?”, one usually says: “I am John Doe, I am doctor, and am married with two kids.” Is this not the True Self? Well, not really.

What you have just described are the personas or roles that we play in this physical world. We are a lot more than that; we are timeless beings in an envelope of the mindbody–what we refer to as our existence in this physical world.

The question I am asked most often is this: “Why is it important for me to find my True Self?” And my answer is usually another question: “What are you looking for in this Life?” A majority of you have said “happiness, contentment, joy” and so on. And how do you intend to find this happiness, joy, etc.?

The answer always boils down to “If I do this, and get that, and am at this point in my career or personal life, I will be Happy!”

What we have just created is a conditional road to Happiness & Contentment. Again, this is something that we are all conditioned to believe in. From the time we were children, we were told if you work hard, you will do well. If you achieve these things (whatever See next page

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 • PAGE 7

they may be), you will be happy.

This is embedded in our belief system. We keep trying to find conditions, then try to be happy when we get close to that condition by usually finding another condition!

I am sure you are seeing the futility of this process. The path to eternal Happiness has been espoused for centuries in holy books and scriptures. There have been countless books written in the last few decades that dwell on these concepts.

They all have a common theme– mainly that Contentment or True Happiness is possible when we are truly “Present”, and that only occurs when our physical mind-body is aligned with our True Self.

That’s why it is so important for us to start our inner journey; that is the beginning of understanding our True Self and starting the process of aligning with it. So, the next time you think about who you are, or what Happiness is, ask yourself some of these questions–it might lead you to the beginning of your quest to finding your True Self.

Qusai Mahesri is an avid learner and is always on a quest to discover more about the non-physical part of our universe. He is a Reiki master, yoga enthusiast, and holds both public and private meditation sessions around the city. In his day job, Qusai is a serial entrepreneur and manages Xpediant Digital (www.xpediantdigital.com), a computer consulting company in Uptown. He is also a teacher and mentor at SOS, a unique life-skills development organization, and serves on the board for the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) and committees of the American Leadership Forum (ALF).

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Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation Reaching Historical Milestone Of 100,000 Schools "Rooted in Education, Blossoming into Empowerment" Changing Millions Of Lives Across Rural India

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PAGE 10 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019

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INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 • PAGE 11

ANALYSIS

Historic leap of faith

By PRIYANKA CHATURVEDI Politics is the art of making possible what was once seemingly impossible. This was proved to be true in Maharashtra as the country witnessed how the BJP’s State unit, in its bid to hold on to power, was trying to break every rule in the book to form a Government. These rule-breakers were supported by certain sections of the media, who, instead of calling them out, were lauding such unconstitutional moves as “masterstrokes” and part of Chanakya Neeti (Chanakya’s strategies).

The coming together of the Shiv Sena, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress in an alliance is more to keep the State first and India’s Constitution above all else. Those who continue to raise doubts must realize that what was witnessed in this Maharashtra battle after the results were declared had little to do with political twists and turns or ideology. It had more to do with the State, the country and its very foundation, democracy.

The way the BJP Government was secretly sworn in, early in the morning, without even cross-checking the party’s claims of having the majority, raises questions on the role of various individuals who are relied upon to uphold the institutions entrusted to them.

It was surprising to learn how the Governor worked all through the night to install a Government without checking if the Chief Minister he was swearing in actually had the numbers that he was claiming to have. Those who said in his defence that it isn’t the Governor’s job to check, should first explain how does it become a Governor’s job to clandestinely swear in a party while refusing to give time to others? It is time to seriously re-examine the Governor’s function in a democracy.

While Governors doing the bidding of the Central Government has become a norm now, the bigger shock was the reduction of the President’s office to the status of a “rubber stamp.”

For the President to apply the rarely-used Rule 12 to do away with the need for the Union Cabinet’s approval to revoke the President’s Rule, was shocking. So hurriedly was this done that the notification for the same was uploaded without the President’s signature!

The country has seen similar cases in Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Meghalaya and Karnataka. This trend of every non-BJP Government that has been formed, having to fight for their right to govern by knocking on the Supreme Court’s (SC’s) doors, needs to be discouraged.

What this episode has shown to the nation is that whenever our democracy has faced a simple test, all the institutions entrusted with the task of upholding the principles of democracy crumbled and individuals stood compromised. It took the SC to step in and call the bluff of those who played a lead role in subverting the Constitution, leading to the resignation of Devendra Fadnavis from the Chief Minister’s post.

At a time, when the election results had all the political parties precariously perched, it took the Shiv Sena president and now Maharashtra Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray, to call out the supposed invincibility of the BJP in shoring up numbers to form a Government — the saam, daam, dand, bhed (explain, bribe, punish, coerce) method the BJP proudly proclaims. After the BJP declared its inability to form the Government when first invited by the Governor, the Shiv Sena moved deftly and discussed possibilities for a coalition with the NCP and the Congress.

Keeping all differences aside, it took the political will of NCP and Congress party presidents, namely Sharad Pawar and Sonia Gandhi, to take a historic leap of faith and forge an alliance that would be an alternative to the BJP Government in the State.

The other argument of different ideologies coming together to form a Government is also inherently incorrect because the three parties are committed to working on the basis of the Common Minimum Programme they have formulated. Committed to the people of the State, it keeps the people of Maharashtra before all else. It is a framework that has kept the development of Maharashtra at the forefront with no ambiguities whatsoever. The Government’s top priority would be to ensure that farmers are looked after, the youth have job opportunities, women have safety, besides education, health and homes for all. This coming together of the alliance is also a reality check for all those who have been building a political narrative to end all parties opposed to them, that will later be followed by decimating their alliance partners.

This attempt to become a hegemonic political party has been thwarted by India and its people. Time and time again, our democracy has shown that there can never be space for single-party dominance and it is important to ensure that dissent and disagreement prevail. This alliance will not just see the dynamics of the power structure change in the State but will also see a tectonic shift in the political dynamics of India. The coming together of the Shiv Sena and the Congress to run a Government in a coalition may be a first. However, the history of cooperation between the two sides is well-documented. The Shiv Sena had supported the Congress’ Murli Deora for mayoral elections and also backed the UPA’s presidential candidates Pranab Mukherjee and Pratibha Patil.

The bond between former Congress Chief Minister AR An-

Uddhav Thackeray and Shard Pawar

tulay and the late Balasaheb Thackeray was well-known and Antulay had once referred to himself as a Shiv Sainik.

Balasaheb held Indira Gandhi in high regard. Shiv Sena had also hailed the introduction of computers in the country which was vehemently opposed by the BJP. Shiv Sena was also very vocal on the demonetisation move, the agrarian crisis and some aspects of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). While being in alliance with the BJP at the Centre, it did find common ground with the Congress. For the Sena, their politics has been about putting the people first.

Though the NCP and the Shiv Sena have never worked together politically but the presidents of both the parties and their families have been very close friends. In 2006, when Supriya Sule was to contest for the Rajya Sabha, Balasaheb chose not to field any candidate against her.

When Uddhav Thackeray was to be sworn in, Supriya in a tweet had acknowledged how she would miss both Balasaheb and Meenatai Thackeray on the momentous day. The two most-important regional players have come together to en-

sure that Maharashtra gets the governance that it deserves.

The party that would truly need to introspect its strategy is the BJP. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to enjoy immense popularity amongst the people, his party’s unholy greed for power is not appreciated. Devendra Fadnavis pulling in the PM’s office in his power-grab bid was unfortunate and misleading. Fadnavis leading the walk-out of the BJP from the Assembly on the day of the trust vote, after repeatedly rushing into the Well of the House and sloganeering, was in direct contrast to what Modi had said on Constitution Day. The BJP’s conduct in Maharashtra after elections has been arrogant and brazen. Some grace and humility now as an Opposition party in the State would help them regain their lost credibility. When today the BJP accuses others of lacking numbers and merit, it has to look back on its history of forming Governments in other States despite not having the numbers.

As the BJP sees its hold shrink in various States from 71 per cent in December 2017 T:6” to 40 per cent in November

2019, it surely needs to introspect its political manoeuvres that are coming at the expense of diluting all it stood for and losing its long-standing allies.

Those who say that the alliance will not last are yet again making a “masterstroke” of a mistake. Those who rush to say this alliance will go the Karnataka way barely understand the ground realities of the State. In Karnataka, the alliance was not what the local leaders wanted.

However, in Maharashtra it was the winning MLAs of all the three parties, barring a few, who overwhelmingly wanted the parties to come together and are committed to working towards a stable Government.

This alliance has to last as it paves the way for the tenets of democracy to thrive and to retain the balance of power. The majority vote on the floor of the House has shown the stability of this Government; the CM’s decisions on Aarey Metro Car shed and his speeches in the Assembly have shown this alliance Government’s intent. It is going to be a Government of the people, by the people and for the people of Maharashtra.

(The writer is a senior Shiv Sena leader) —The Pioneer

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PAGE 12 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019

NEWS Two Indian students killed in hit-and-run crash on Thanksgiving night

Indian students Judy Stanley and Vybhav Gopisetty were graduate students of the Tennessee State University (TSU) Two Indian students were killed in a hit-and-run accident in South Nashville, Tennessee on Thanksgiving night, authorities have said.

Judy Stanley (23) and Vybhav Gopisetty (26) were graduate students of the Tennessee State University (TSU) and were pursuing food science degrees in the College of Agriculture, the university said.

The university students have raised — through a GoFundMe Page — more than $42,000 for their last rites and funeral in India.

According to the local police, Stanley and Gopisetty died in an apparent hit-and-run incident on the night of November 28.

Stanley was seeking a master’s, Gopisetty, a doctorate, the University said in a statement.

David Torres (26), the owner of the GMC pickup truck involved in the double-fatal crash on Nolensville Pike near Hard-

ing Place, surrendered before the police, Metro Nashville Police Department said on December 1.

“Torres would not answer questions. Officers took a DNA sample. Investigation continuing,” the police said.

According to the police, Torres’ vehicle crashed into a Nissan Sentra, in which the two Indian students were travelling.

The pickup truck was speeding and ran a red light when it hit the passenger side of the Sentra, witnesses said according to ABC-affiliate News 9.

The car went off the road and through a fence before slamming into a tree on the Walmart property.

Stanley and Gopisetty succumbed to injuries and their families have been notified, police said, adding that Torres ran away from the scene.

According to eyewitness Louis Mireles, he was walking to the bus stop when he heard it happen and saw the GMC driv-

er run away from the scene.

“Boom boom like that and I looked backward. It was right there I would’ve been dead right there, but something told me to step back,” local News 4 quoted him as saying.

“They’re dead but we are going to make them alive again, so people get their chance in court get him because that guy ran... he didn’t even care about their lives,” Mr. Mireles said.

Bharat Pokharel, Associate Professor at the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture said the students were

“humble, innocent, and hardworking” with a “prosperous future”.

“I could not believe what had happened to the lives of these two young energetic scientists,” he said in a Facebook Post.

Sharath Julakanti of the food science club at TSU has created the GoFundMe page.

According to the page, Vybhav Vipul Sudhir Gopisetty landed in Nashville with a dream to shine in the field of food science and completed his master’s with excellent scores and four publications in inter-

national journals.

“Judy Stanley came from a middle-class financial background; she was a girl with positive attitude and hardworking in nature. She was passionate about helping poor people by participating in various volunteering and fund collecting program but finally a situation arise, where we are now collecting fund for her funeral,” the page says.

“We kindly request everyone to support them for their funeral which is to be held at India,” it added.

Support AIMPLB decision to file review plea, says Akbaruddin Owaisi

AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi has said the All India Muslim Personal Law Board is filing a review plea in the Supreme Court in the Ayodhya matter out of faith in the Constitution despite the injustice allegedly meted out to Muslims.

Akbaruddin Owaisi, MLA and younger brother of All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi, also wondered when will those responsible for the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 get punishment.

He was speaking at a protest meeting organised by the United Muslim Action Committee, a body of religious scholars and others, late on Monday night against the demolition of the disputed structure ahead of its anniversary on December 6.

A five-judge bench of the apex court had ruled on November 9 that a temple should be built through a trust set up by the government on the disputed site, where the mosque was demolished.

“We have faith in justice. That faith is telling us to file review petition. We have trust in this country’s Constitution.

“We have trust in this country’s court. That’s why we are filing. It should not be seen in a wrong way,” Akbaruddin Owaisi said.

A resolution passed at the meeting, released to the media by AIMIM,said the meeting held that the judgment on the title suit of Babri Masjid/Ram Janmabhoomi “is not acceptable to the Muslims.”

The meeting supports the AIMPLBs decision to file the revision petition against the apex courts judgment on the title suit, according to the resolution.

“The meeting demands that just as the title suit was heard by the court on a daily basis, the criminal case against the perpetrators of the demolition shall also be heard on a daily basis and verdict shall be given soon,” it said.

Protests should be held in a democratic and peaceful manner on the demolition anniversary on December 6 and prayers should be offered for rebuilding the mosque, the resolution added.

The AIMPLB, which was not a party to the law suit, has previously said a review petition will be filed by December 9.

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 • PAGE 13

VIEWS

Crying shame

No matter what the law, nobody bothers following it in letter and spirit.

No matter how dehumanising the brutality of every rape, nobody goes beyond the tokenism of expressing shock and anguish in words, simply because that doesn’t require us to assume responsibility.

No matter what the momentary trauma on our collective conscience, it doesn’t change our attitude, behavior and mindset.

We just look back in anger but are not angry enough to demand correctives.

Instead we look at scapegoats — Was the girl right to be out alone at that time of night? Was the road deserted? Was the police patrol missing?

So when news streamed in of the heinous rape and murder of a 27-year-old veterinary doctor by four truckers near a toll plaza of an expressway in Hyderabad, its public analysis revealed why we aggravate instead of rein in predatory behavior.

The Telangana Home Minister reacted by doubting the girl’s emergency response instincts, publicly asking why she called her sister and not the police, ignoring the fear psychosis that must have frozen her sensibilities as the men leered at her.

And while the State police may have swooped down on the culprits the same day after the outrage snowballed across the country, its initial response was not just wanting, it was reprehensible.

The family members of the

victim had a tough time registering an FIR on the incident, which happened at around 9:30 pm, as two branches of the State police settled territorial jurisdiction. The complaint was finally logged in at 3 am, by which time precious hours had been lost in tracking the whereabouts of the dead girl.

It is also a telling comment that the veterinary doctor was raped near the Cyberabad police station.

It is even more shameful that netizens, who are so vocal about their outrage on social media, sought to lend a communal color to the grossest human rights violation, saying it was orchestrated in “Muslimmajority Shamshabad” when the accused were all from Narayanapet district.

If we cannot be responsible, at least let us not be irresponsible.

Or turn apologists. It is precisely this insipidity that drives predatory behavior.

For on the same day, another woman’s charred body was found in the vicinity. And in Tamil Nadu’s Neyveli village, a 32-year-old widow was gangraped by five men while she was returning home with her kin on a two-wheeler.

One of the accused was even killed by the others over a dispute about who should take turns.

Meanwhile, in Ranchi, a law student was gang-raped by 12 men at gunpoint in a high-security zone. The little solace is that because the rapes seemed like a baton run on a single

day, all the culprits have been booked. But how many will ultimately be convicted and sentenced is the bigger question.

Currently that figure is one in four nationally.

Rape accounts for 11.5 per cent of the total crime statistics. The 2012 Nirbhaya rape, which shook the conscience of not just the nation but the world, too, compelled our parliamentarians to strengthen the punitive justice delivery system.

It led to some crucial amendments to the law, which included changing the very definition of “rape”, the establishment of fast-track courts, harsher punishments for the accused, with

the provision of death sentence for extreme cases, and the abolition of two-finger tests.

Besides, as the Hyderabad incident has shown, question marks remain on the use of the death penalty as criminals are now murdering their victims to destroy evidence. For the criminal, there is no deterrent.

But yes, he can be stalled if deterrence is built into the system by fast-tracking procedures and ensuring swift justice.

Conviction rates need to go up proportionately.

At present, fast-track courts are no different from the usual courts in terms of case pile-ups and vacancies.

A quick, fair and unbiased judicial set-up with requisite number of judges is a sine qua non.

A continuously responsive system is a bigger deterrent than one or two landmark rulings.

This will also spur institutional and judicial reforms.

And last but not the least, as expressways become a reality in the heartland of India, we need more police patrols to keep women users safe. We can use technology to map their safety.

A single woman on a twowheeler was not out there on her free time, she was out on work.

—The Pioneer

“49“44 Years Years Visit www. India-herald.com.

and Counting, Providing Services Email: 1970-2019 1970 - 2014 To Generations editor@india-herald.com of Businesses and Professionals Around The World”

PAGE 14 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019

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INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 • PAGE 15

COMMUNITY Foundation for India Studies at HCC Foundation luncheon

Foundation for India Studies Chair, Krishna Vavilala and Director, Supal Vora represented FIS at the Houston Community College Foundation Scholarships luncheon held on Nov. 15. They were among the guests of honor at the President’s table. Dr. Zachary Hodges, President of HCC-North West college greeted the guests. Advisory Board member, Col. Dr. Raj Bhalla could not attend. The event which was attended by almost a 1000 people took place at Houston’s Bayou center. Above, Krishna Vavilal, Dr. Zachary Hodges and Supal Vora.

Photo courtesy: Jill Assir, Director of Development, HCC-N.W.

FIS Oral History Project

Foundation for india Studies (FIS) is recording and preserving the life stories of the first generation Indian legal immigrants living in the Greater Houston Metropolitan area for at least twenty years. All the sixty interviews recorded so far have been stored in the digital archives of the Houston Public Library,and can be accessed from any where in the world over the Internet. Generations later, your descendants will be glad to be able to trace their roots from this legacy project. Candidates interested in participating in this Indo-American Oral History project, may please contact Krishna Vavilala 713-795-5169 or Supal Vora 951-850-0552.

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PAGE 16 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2019 • PAGE 13

Spirituality NEWS HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT AT INDIA HOUSE The Body, & Soulfind Chandrayaan 2’s Vikram lander on Moon Indian techieMind helps NASA

Relationship

Chandrayaan-2’s Vikram scheduled touchdown. lander, which crashed on the NASA’s Lunar ReconnaisBy Swami Mukundananda surface of the Moon in Sepsance Orbiter Camera (LROC) Question: The popularity of tember, has been found by team had released the first moYoga has skyrocketed around NASA, the US space agency saic of images acquired during the world. What is the science confirmed on Tuesday, lauding its September 17 flyby of the behind the effectiveness of the aYogasans?

Chennai-based techie who Moon. helped it trace the debrisThe of InThe US space agency reSwami Mukundananda: art dia’s ambitious lunar mission leased a mosaic image of the of healthy living must incorporate by spending hours comparing site on September 26 (but takall aspects of the personality: before and after images of the en on September 17), inviting the physical, mental, emotional, landing site. people to compare it with imintellectual, and spiritual. While NASA’s confirmation came ages of the same area before the central theme of Yog remains nearly three months after Inthe crash to find signs of the the highest goal of the spiritual dia’s Chandrayaan-2 mission lander. path, physical yogic practices made a hard near and the The first person to come up enshrined in itlanding give direct uncharted lunar south pole in with a positive identification tangible benefits to everyone the wee hours of September 7. was Chennai-based IT profesregardless of their spiritual aims.

Likewise, the soul isSubramasentient, “The Chandrayaan2 Vikram Shanmuga Yogasans harmonize the body, sional its presence, it makes the lander hasemotions. been found by our and nian,bywho confirmed the idenmind and For example, matter body sentient at the Moon physical level, the organs, NASA mission, Lu- dead tification of of thethe crashing site of well. Asbylong as the soul before resides muscles and nerves mayOrbiter. not be as nar Reconnaissance Vikram comparing theafter body,images. the senses, organs and functioning properly.

Asans See the first mosaic ofbring the in and display of life. the different functions intoa limbs, impact site,”bodily NASA said in “Thealldebris firstsigns located by Upon death, when the soul departs, perfectsharing coordination that after they Shanmuga is about 750 metres tweet beforeso and body is dead once again. work forimages. the good of the whole the impact northwest of matter the main crash How does the soul communicate body.

On September 7, the Indian site and was a single bright elements ininour At the mental Organisation level, people with Space Research pixel the identification thatbody? first Where is the connection harbor poisonous and mosaic,” NASA said. between (ISRO) attempted thoughts a soft landbody and the soul? emotions within. on Muscular knots theAfter ing of Vikram the Moon. receiving this tip, the SM: The communicates can occur anywhere in thecontact body – LROC teamsoulconfirmed However, ISRO lost the the body bybyenergizing it with in theVikram neck as cervical with shortly spondylitis, before the with identification comparing the in the face as neuralgia, etc. Every the force of life, or consciousness. mental knot has a corresponding Its presence makes the intellect, physical, muscular knot and vice mind and body work. As already versa. For example, emotional mentioned the soul is sentient, and tensions can affect the smooth by its presence, it makes the dead functioning of the lungs, and matter of the body sentient as well.

Now the reverse communication breathing process,minister contributing Former Union Arun Shourie suffered a brain injury – how does the body communicate to a very debilitating disease, after he fainted and fell while taking a walk near his home at which is asthma. The aim of with the soul? The link between Lavasa in Pune on Sunday night. the material body and the spiritual asans is to release these knots. For Shourie, 78, has been hospitalised in Pune, a doctor said on full benefit, these asans should soul is established by the ego. In Monday. be performed along with the the materially conditioned state, the “As it was a free fall, he received an injury to the back of meditation. Meditational exercises first covering on the soul is of the his head. He was initially rushed ego. to aThe hospital in ego Hinjewadi (on word for in Sanskrit is cleanse the mind, to bring a feeling Pune’s outskirts) and shifted to Ruby Hall Clinic late on Sunday asmita, which means “that which is of peace and contentment within. night,” the Pranayam, hospital’s subtle neurosurgeon, Sachin who not.” ThisDrego createsGandhi, a false identity Propersaid asans, is treating the former BJP politician. body relaxation, meditation, tackle for the soul. Due to it, the soul is “Due to the is an internal and that swelling the under injury the illusion it is theinbody, these knots bothfall, at there the physical brain and he is currently in the ICU,” Dr Gandhi said. mind and intellect.

In this illusion and mental levels. As a result of the release of dormant energy, the that it is the body, the soul identifies “Hebecomes is, however, responding (to pains treatment) with the pleasures and of the body full of completely vitality and stable, and taking food.

As of now there is no abnormality because of the body.

When the senses come in strength, the mind becomes light injury.” contact with the sense objects, they and creative, joyful and balanced.

Dr Gandhihave said succeeded Shourie had with Under brain experienceconcussion fleeting pleasure.

Yogasans as “cerebral haemorrhage (bleeding in the brain)”. the illusion that it is the body, the an alternative therapy in diseases “In CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance soul too experiences this pleasure. such as asthma, diabetes, blood imaging) the bleeding and swelling his head does are visHowever,inside the experience not pressure, scans, arthritis, digestive ible but he is improving,” he said. satisfy the soul, which can only be disorders and many ailments of a satisfied by Divine Bliss.

So the chronic and constitutional nature, where modern medical science has search for pleasure continues. This is how the two-way communication failed.

What is consciousness? How between the soul and the bodymind-intellect works. is it different from the soul?

SM: “Consciousness” is the symptom of life that is manifested Swami Mukundananda is a worldby the soul. It is not the soul itself; renowned teacher of spirituality, rather, it is a quality of the soul. Yoga and Meditation. He is the This is just as heat and light are founder of the unique Yogic system manifestations of the fire, but by JKYog, also known as Yoga for the themselves, they are not the fire. Body, Mind and Soul. He received Everything that exists is verily His degrees in Engineering and Accountant the Certified energy ofPublic God. However, it Management from IIT (Delhi) is not all consciousness. Matter and IIM (Kolkata). Swamiji is Off: 713-984-4852 • Cell: 832-283-1677 is “insentient” or devoid of the senior disciple of Jagadguru • Fax: 713-278-1656 consciousness, while the soul Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. For the Email: Sharmasenanayake@yahoo.com is Email: “sentient” or possessing last 3 decades, Swamiji has been sharma@sharma-cpa.com consciousness.

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Arun Shourie in hospital with brain injury

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before and after images.

On November 17, he further the site of the primary impact “When the images for the zeroed in on his observations as well as other debris around first mosaic were acquired the and tweeted out the possible the impact location and has impact point was poorly il- crash site of the lander. announced the sighting on the luminated and thus not easily “ThisINFORMATIVE might be Vikram land- NASA and ASU pages where identifiable,” NASA said in a er’s crash site (Lat:-70.8552 you have been given credit for SESSIONS statement, adding that two sub- Lon:21.71233 ) & the ejecta your observation,” Keller said. sequent image sequences were that was thrown out of it might “I apologise for the delay in acquired on October 14 and 15, have landed over here … (The getting back to you. We needed and November 11. one on the left side was taken to be certain of our interpretaThe LROC team scoured the on July 16th & one on the right tion of the observation as well surrounding area in these new side was from Sept 17),” he as making sure that all stakeCORPORATE FESTIVE mosaics and found the impact said in a tweet accompanying holders had an opportunity to point about 2,500 feet to the the images. comment before we could beEVENTS CELEBRATIONS southeast of the planned touchAs it turns out, Subramanian fore we could announce the redown site, and a spray of de- was spot on with his inferences, sults. Congratulations for what bris emanating outward. and now NASA has lauded him i am sure was a lot of time and The November mosaic had for finding the lander. effort on your part,” the scienthe best pixel scale (0.7 metre) “NASA has credited me tist in his letter to Subramanian and lighting conditions (72 de- for finding Vikram Lander on who shared it on Twitter. grees incidence angle), NASA Moon’s surface VikramLander Ever since ISRO lost contact said.

Chandrayaan2,” Subramanian with Vikram, NASA had made EXCLUSIVE “The November mosaic said in another tweet on Tues- several attempts to locate the EXHIBITIONS Chandrayaan-2 lander with the shows best the impact crater, day. ray and extensive debris field.

“Thank you for your email help of its Lunar ReconnaisThe three largest pieces of de- informing us of your discov- sance Orbiter. bris are each about 2x2 pixels ery of debris from the Vikram The LRO flew over Vikram’s and cast a one pixel shadow,” lander. The LROC team con- landing site once on September the statement said. firmed that the location does 17 and next on October 14.

On October 3, Subramanian, exhibit changes in images Chandrayaan-2 mission to a Chennai-based mechanical taken before and after the date the Moon launched in July. If engineer, had tagged the twit- of the landing,” said deputy the spacecraft had reached the | Conference-Room | Classrooms ter handles of NASA,Ballroom LRO project scientist Lunar Reconsurface in one piece on Sepand ISROOur in a3,780 tweet, asking, naissance Orbiter mission John tember 7, India sq ft banquet halls can accommodate functions of nearly anywould size. have “Is Special this Vikram lander?

(1 km Keller. been only the fourth country to rental rates available for week days, repeat customers & non-profit organizations. from the landing spot) Lander “Using this information, successfully put a lander on the ForLROC More Information Contact: Moon. might have been buried in Lu- the team did additional | www.indiahouseinc.org nar sand?”. 713-929-1900 | Vipin@indiahouseinc.org searches in the area and located

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INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 • PAGE 17

NEWS

It is time to seal the US-India trade deal

By MUKESH AGHI The President and CEO of US-India Strategic Partnership Forum touches upon the various areas the Indian government must focus on as it aims to secure a fruitful USIndia trade deal.

Highlights: The current US-India partial trade deal should be visualised as the beginning of an important chapter towards a larger Free Trade Agreement.

Allowing negotiations for a trade deal covering a handful of market access issues shows the Trump administration’s recognition of the value of the US-India partnership.

India needs progress in enforcing contracts, modernisation of courts, land administration system and restrictive labour laws to reap the maximum benefit from a partial US trade agreement.

India’s decision to opt out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has raised concerns on its ability to integrate with global value chains. More broadly, it is seen as a blow to an open and free economic system in the region.

An opportunity to reverse this notion would be by taking the much talked about US-India trade deal across the finish line. It gives both countries an opportunity to calibrate a deeper geo-economic alliance and adds further momentum to the bilateral economic cooperation between the two nations.

Trade negotiators from both

sides understand the value and significance of this deal for the bilateral relationship. Never has there been such political will at the highest levels of both governments to allow this deal to reach fruition.

The current US-India partial trade deal, though limited in scope, should be visualised as the beginning of an important chapter towards a larger Free Trade Agreement. It prefaces a future of the bilateral ties when both sides decide to engage Mukesh Aghi is the Presimore intrinsically. dent and CEO of the US-India The Trump administration Strategic Partnership Forum. has shown its willingness to work with the Modi govern- upswing without even having ment by agreeing to resolve any trade arrangements. UStrade issues in a tier-based ap- India bilateral trade has grown proach. It is a unique opportu- in the last seven years by leaps nity for both countries as the and bounds, and it is expected United States follows a com- to continue this growth trajecprehensive trade negotiation tory in the near to long term. template. Smaller trade packAccording to a USISPF ages such as the one being ne- study, US-India trade is progotiated with India are more of jected to grow to $238 billion an exception than the norm. in 2025 from the current $143 The format of the US trade billion if the 7.5 per cent avagreement generally includes erage annual growth rate is chapters on labour, IPR, envi- maintained; bilateral trade can ronment, and competition poli- also reach $283 billion at the cies that affect trade, manufac- growth rate of 10 per cent, and turing, and investment in goods $327 billion at a 12.5 per cent and services. In addition, the growth rate.

US also leans towards marHowever, to attain these tarket access reforms for trade in gets, both sides will need to goods that requires a competi- address some thorny issues on tive domestic market. the trade front. It will require Allowing negotiations for a a complementary rather than trade deal covering a handful a confrontational approach to of market access issues shows fulfilling the national goals of the Trump administration’s India and the US – “Make in recognition of the value of the India” and “America First” reUS-India partnership. spectively.

Remarkably, India’s trade A potential US-India trade with the US has been on the deal likely includes market ac-

CHECKUPS ARE GOOD FOR YOUR FINANCIAL HEALTH.

cess commitments from India in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), access for American agricultural products, and rationalisation of trade margins on medical device imports.

Market access for ICT products will address the longstanding demand of the US industry while also help make the domestic high-tech manufacturing sector more competitive.

Political action on the USIndia trade package will also send a favourable signal to foreign investors who have stalled investment decisions pending any major trade liberalisation measures.

In exchange, the US is likely to restore India’s partial or full duty concessions allowed under the Generalized Preferences System (GSP) program.

India’s small and medium enterprises will be the direct beneficiary of the GSP restoration that employs millions of workers in export production of textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and steel items.

But to reap the maximum benefit from a partial trade agreement, some immediate work lies on the domestic front.

First, India needs a game plan for economic reforms and the timing couldn’t be more appropriate, especially when the BJP enjoys a clear majority.

Some reforms are already in place – with the reduction of corporate taxes, roll-back of angel tax, bankruptcy code, and liberalisation of several sectors of the Indian economy.

Despite making strides on

the World Bank’s Doing Business ranking, India still needs progress in enforcing contracts, modernisation of courts, and the land administration system. It is also critical that India relaxes some of the highly restrictive labour laws. Additionally, businesses still face uncertain tax policies, and this can deter foreign investors from considering future expansions.

Secondly, India’s infrastructure bottlenecks are a real barrier when it comes to achieving true economic success.

S&P Global Ratings has drawn clear linkages between economic benefits and positive credit impact from infrastructure spending, with the “multiplier effect” of spending 1 per cent of real GDP likely to boost India’s GDP by at least double that amount. Increasing government spending on infrastructure to improve supply chain logistics will reap the most benefits to India’s manufacturing sector.

Both sides should move swiftly to finalise a partial trade agreement. With trade negotiators travelling to India, a tangible outcome would be to steer the conversation towards resuming the annual bilateral talk – the Trade Policy Forum – that has been stalled for almost two years.

Bilateral deals when implemented in a phased manner can provide enough leverage to the commercial interests of both sides and a competitive edge to industry in the global market.

—India Inc.

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PAGE 8 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015 PAGE 8 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015 PAGE INDIAHERALD HERALD• •WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY,MARCH DECEMBER 4, 2019 PAGE 18 8 • •INDIA 30, 2016

COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR kids 4 to 18 yrs - meditation, Yoga, Arya Samaj Satsang

Arya Samaj Satsang Sri Meenakshi Temple Brahma Kumaris Weekly Havan Satsang every fromShiksha 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

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14-Westpark Apr Thu 8:30 a.m Vishu classes are offered to the comfor Kids in Katy Rd. (bet Westpark & Bellaire off Kani Darshanam munity of charge. Visit the Chinmaya Mission Enrollments are open for In- Hwy 6). free 281-752-0100.

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Durga Bari Temple 379-8888, Vedanta Society Vedanta Society of Greater Houston, 14809 Lindita Drive (77083) Chinmaya Kalyanam Durga Bari temple isof open fromHouston, 9 ora.m. bktexas.com toMission sign-up for Vedanta Society Greater 14809 Lindita Drive (77083) has classes every Sunday from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m. on Gospel of Sunday All satsangs for Meditaadults, 30-Apr Sat4 9:00 a.m Mon. Sita classes. to 11 a.m. and to 7 p.m.

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Temple closesVivekananda, at Swamis 7 p.m. SunsamarpitHoly and have years of works of5thSwami 4thare Sunday; Mother Gospel, Sunday. of Ramakrishna Order visit15+ to Sarada’s conduct Road, Sugar Land, TX 77498. day special from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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Akhand Hwy/6832-423-8541. bet. Bellaire & Westpark). Call GaneshLindita Mandal at 713-7979057 ton, 14809 Drive (77083) Ramayan Path starting Saturday has classes every Sunday from 9057 / 832-423-8541.

April 09, 2016 at 5:00PM on- 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Mandir Foundation forShiv india Studies (FIS) is recording and wards until Sunday AprilShakti 10, Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, 1st Shiv Shakti Mandir preserving thePrasad life stories of the Open first generation Sanatan Shiv Shakti Mandir, 7 a.m.Gita, to 8 2016 7:00 PM. Will6640&Harwin.

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Candidates interested Sahaj Marg is a natural and simple system of heart-centered meditationNirankari and spiritual practice thatits helpsdanta. one realize utimate potential Sant Mission holds org orthe 281-584-0488. in participating in this Indo-American Oral History project, tation and spiritual practice that helps one realize the utimate potential within oneself.

The congregation meditation is available to anyone wishes to weekly spiritual Durga Bariwho Temple may please contact Krishna Vavilala 713-795-5169 orto within meditation is available to anyone wishes practice.

Weekly meditation sessions heldBari throughout theopen Houston on everyoneself.

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Sandhya aarti at 6:30 BUY For further SELLinfor- Classes are welcome. p.m.OLD Temple closesNEW at 7 p.m.

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Puja services Priest BishAshirwad’s Heritage Classes in Katy, Cypress and Sugar Land for Arya Samaj Satsang nupadaCell Goswami Phone 281-597-8100 SANJEEV KUMAR Weekly Havan Satsang every Temple is located at 13944 Schil832-689-1819 Sunday 10 a.m. to 12 noon. ler Rd Your from realtor for life. (off Hwy 6 bet. Bellaire & Email: sksrealtor@hotmail.com DAV Sanskriti School Sundays Westpark). Call Ganesh Mandal 10 a.m. to noon.

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Classes in Houston, Classes in Houston, Mission Bend, Mission & Sugar Bend, Land & Sugar Land

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Telugu Christian Fellowship Friday, July 10 @ 6:30 p.m.

Marathi, and Gujarati.

Chinmaya is located at 14102 Schiller Rd. Houston Namadwaar Zoroastrian Association of9:30 Houston will every third Saturday Vishnu Sahasranam, bhajans,Adult com- a.m. petitions and fun activities.

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Every Tuesday, A prayer house where the Hare Heartfulness Meditation Zoroastrian Association of Houston will Brigadier Behram Panthaki and his petitions andclasses. fun activities.

Adult meditation Register at present a.m. on 1st & 3rd Sunday.

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Call 713-991-1557 us for a time of praise, worship Hare Krishna tween 8 Meditation a.m.

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PleaseVedic visit www. class 7-8pmWorship and meditaKuteeram” children’s heriwho has Krishna the capacity of temple, yogic “Gopa Houston’s original at the Zoroastrian Heritage and Cultural Center, 8787 W Airport Blvd., Houston, TXfrom English.

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Panthaki himself boastsand a distinguished 30-yearon military A prayer house where the Hare PM Ramcharit Manas Tue. Rama Hare Krishna Maha-man11620 Ormandy St. (77035) Tel: Vedanta Society Free Yoga Classes every Sat/Sun and 5:00 PM 8:00 PM. For com.

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Week713-729-8994 email: temple@ Vedanta Society of GreaterMD) Hous- more attoArya 8 am toaccom9:30 Contact 281- honors.

(Ragini Prakash Miryala careerinformation that earned him 12 military Zenobia Panthaki panied her husband on his postings manySamaj smallfrom cantonment towntra isVSGH continuously chanted.

Weekor 281-499-3347. ends: 8-11 AM & Classes 4-7 PM, Weekguruvayur.us ton, (official Branch Cen- 568-1690 a.m.

Call Anil 281-579-9433.

For or Jay Deshmukh at Heritage panied husband on his postings to many small cantonment ships allher over India and became involved with running welfaretownproends: 8-11 AM 4-7 PM,Weekly Weekdays: 7-8 AM &&6-7 PM. Hindu Temple of Preksha Meditation ter of Ramakrishna Math, Belur), other free classes, call Indra 281or visit www.sauAshirwad’s Heritage Classes in 832-541-0059 ships all over India and became involved with running welfare programs for soldiers’ wives and children; she has run the Army School, days: 7-8 AM & 6-7 PM. Weekly “Gopa Kuteeram” children’s heriNew facilities of JVB Preksha 14809 Lindita Dr. (77083), has myakasi.org 537-0018.

For Yoga/Herbal prodthe Woodlands Katy, Cypress and Sugar Land grams for soldiers’ wives and children; she has run the Army School, and worked for the World Bank for 28 years until retirement in 2012.

“Gopa children’s heri- Meditation tage classes Srimad Center.

Classes for foructs, lectures & talks every Sunday call Shekhar Gauri Siddhivinayak Temple 7601 S.reviews.

Forest Gate Dr, in“From for kidsKuteeram” 4 to 18 on yrsand - meditation, and worked for the World Bank 28 years until retirement 2012.

The book has received over 60 positive To281-242-5000. quote: tage classes and Srimad Bhagavatam classes.

Call 281Yoga and Meditation under guid11 am -slokas, 12 pm,stories followed by scripArati Darshan www.pyptusa.org; www.Divyafrom 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Woodlands, TX 77382 Yoga, from The book has received over 60 positive reviews.

To quote: “From beginning to end this delightful narrative simply races along, providing Bhagavatam classes.

CallClass 281- daily.

402-6585; visit www.godivinity.org ance byAllSamani and discours& Prasad; Bhagwad Gita Products.com. major festivals as wellnarrative Temple tures, Vishnu Sahasranam, bhabeginning towitty endjis this races along, providing an intimate, anddelightful scintillating storysimply ofHours a superhero “ Sam’s hu402-6585; visit www.godivinity.org (Global Organization for Divinity). es.

At 14102 Schiller Road (off on Tuesdays, 7:30 pm 8:30 pm; as Hindu Temple ofSam’s birthdays, naam karan, engageWeekdays: jans, competitions and-fun activian intimate, witty and scintillating story of a superhero “ humanism, his notations on official files, his colorful language and his (Global Organization for Divinity).

Hwy 6and betother Bellaire and Westpark and Gospel of meditation Sri Ramakrishna on ment Woodlands ceremonies.

Call files, 7:30 his AMThe - 9:30 AM ties.

Adult classes. manism, his notations on official colorful language and his doodling”.

- doodling”.

77082).

Tel 281-596-9642.

Thursdays, 11 - 12 pm. Rev. Pandit 7601 S. is Forest Pandya 5:30 PM -dedicated 8.30Gate PM Dr, Register at amwww.ashirwadaSaumyakasi Sivalaya ThisPradip book, with over832-466200 photographs, to the men in Patanjali Yogpeeth Sw. Atmarupanandaji, the ResiThe Woodlands, TXcountry 77382 9868 for puja and other ceremoAarti @ 7:30 PM Saumyakasi Sivalaya blessing.org or Sri Ravula 281This book, withlaid over 200 their photographs, is dedicated to the men in Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya is lo- uniform who have down lives defending their and to Free Yoga Classes every Sat/Sun dent Monk, gives all classes, lecTemple Hours, Weekdays: At 5645 Hillcroft Ste Saturday and The Sunday 995-0930.

Sri Sivalaya is lo- nies. uniform who have laid down their lives defending their country to cated atSaumyakasi Chinmaya Prabha, 10353 their widows who have also701, sacrificed so much. book will and be on attheir Arya Samaj fromhave 8 amalso to 9:30 7:30 tures &attalks.

Ramnaam SankirAM -- 9:30 AM 77036.

8:30autographed AM 1:30 PM Hare Krishna Dham cated Chinmaya Prabha, 10353 who so much.

The will be on Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX Houston, sale atwidows theTX discounted price ofsacrificed $35, and bybook the authors.

A Call Anil 281-579-9433. tan is on 1st Saturdays 6 temple, pm -TX 7to a.m.

5:30 PM - 8.30 Veerashaiva Samaja Aarti at 12:00 PM Houston’s original Vedic Synott Road, Sugar Land, sale at the discounted price of $35, and autographed byWar the authors.

77478.

Temple timings: Monday major portion of the royalty will be donated to the WoundedA For other free classes, call Indra pm.

Please visit www.houstonveAarti @ 7:30 PM VSNA Houston is a group of 5:30 PM 8:30 PMAssn.

ISKCON of Houston.

At 1320 W 77478. 9:00 Temple to Foundation major portion the and royalty donated to the War Wounded Friday: AMtimings: - 12:00Monday Noon and of of India the will Warbe Widows Welfare of India.

281-537-0018.

For Yoga/Herbal danta.org orPM call 281988-7211. and Sunday who of believe inand VeerasAarti @ 7:30 PM; Assn. of India.

34th (77018).

Darshan Friday: 9:00 AM - Daily 12:00 Noon and families Foundation India the WarSaturday Widows Welfare 5:00 -St. 8:00 Saturday and Sunproducts, call Shekhar Jain Society AM832-585--0001 - 1:30 PM dharma (Basava 281-242dharma). 8:30 Contact & Arati Times: 4.30 7-a.m, 5:00 - 8:00 PMPM Saturday and Sun- haiva day: 8:30-2:00 anda.m, 5:00 8:00 familiesWeb: who believe in Veerashaiva dharma (Basava dharma). Monthly 5000. www.pyptusa.org Jain Society of Houston, JSH, is Aarti at 12:00 PM Monthly Mahamane program for or temple@myhtw.net 8.30 a.m, 12 noon, 4.30 p.m, 7 day:Call 8:30-2:00 and 5:00 - 8:00 Mahamane PM. BhartiPM Sutaria 281-568families whoprogram believe infor Veerashaiva (Basava prayer anddharma discussion on dharma).

Vachana Monthly Sahitya and www.DivyaProducts.com. located at 3905 Arc Street Hous5:30 PM 8:30 prayer and discussion on Vachap.m, 9 p.m.

Sunday Festival: Temple PM. Call Bharti Sutaria832-541281-568- followed 1690 or Jay Deshmukh Mahamane programContact: for prayer andSwaminarayan discussion onPM Vachana Sahitya by Prasada. vsnahous ton@gmail.com or Jagadeesh Sathya Sai centers ton Key832-541tenets na Aarti @Satsang 7:30 PM; Sahitya Prasada.

5.30 pm to 77063.

7.30 Weekly Hindu at Shree Swami1690Texas oror Jay Deshmukh 0059 visit p.m. www.saum followed byfollowed Prasada.by Contact: vsnahous ton@gmail.com or Jagadeesh Halyal 832-744-4166.

Sunday program heldton@gmail. at two lo- Contact of Jainism Non-violence vsnahous Gita classes for adults; call 281-- Contact: narayan832-585--0001 Hindu Temple, under 0059 or are: visit www.saum yakasi.org.

Halyal 832-744-4166. cations (North Houston: 12127 Ahimsa, Philanthropy with mulor temple@myhtw.net com or Jagadeesh Halyal 832433-1635 or harekrishnadham @ Shree NarNarayan Dev Gadi kayakasi.org.

Mar Thoma Church Louetta Rd, Houston; South lupur. ticity in views – Anekantvad, No 744-4166.

Sathya Sai centers gmail.com Opens daily from 7 a.m.

Gandhi Library Mar Thoma Church Trinity Thoma ChurchDr, every Sunday at 5810held Almeda 246 Fluor Daniel possessiveness - Aparigrah, Right Houston: Sunday program at two4Genoa locaMarMar Thoma Church Houston Namadwaar to 12:30 p.m. and from p.m.

Gandhi Library Mahatma Gandhi Library Book Trinity Mar Thoma Church every Sunday at 5810 Almeda Rd. Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.

Malayalam service at 9:30 a.m. Genoa on 1st Suga Land, from Church 3:00 pm to tions Knowledge -- Samyak (North Houston: 12127 MalMar Thoma every A prayer house where theGyan, Hare Trinity to 8:30 p.m.

Daily aarti at 7 a.m.

Mahatma Library Club: Meets–Gandhi 2nd Sunday of Book each 5:30 Rd. Sunday School atBible 9:15 a.m. Malayalam 9:30 a.m. on 1st & 3rd Sunday.

Adult class at 9:30 a.m.service EnglishatHouston; service atSouth 10:30 pm.

Spiritual Education Right comson Road, atSai 5810 Almeda Genoa Rama Path Hare Samyak Krishna Darshan, Maha- Sunday and 7 p.m.

Saturday sabha from Club: Meets 2nd Sunday of each month; 12:30 PM at Arya Samaj & 3rd Sunday.

Adult Bible class at 9:30 a.m.

English service at 10:30 a.m. on 2nd & 4th Sunday.

Call 713-991-1557 or 281-261-4603. classes for children; and Right Conduct – chanted.

Samyak Rd. Fluor Danielby Drive, Sunday School atstudy 9:15circle a.m. Houston: mantra is continuously 5p.m to 7246 p.m. followed aarti month; Houston, 12:30 has PM13475 at Arya Samaj for Greater Schiller a.m.adults. on 2ndservice & 4th Sunday. orfrom 281-261-4603.

Service Charitrya.

Jain Sugar Land) 3:00 to 5:30 atprograms 9:30 Call a.m.-713-991-1557 Weekends:JSH 8-11 AM &Pathshala 4-7 PM, Malayalam at 7 p.m. and Maha-Prasad (free Greater Houston, 13475 Schiller Sri &Guruvayurappan Temple Rd. Join for the discussion the great on food Classed students ofof6-7 all ages - Sai Spiritualwww.issotx.

Education 1stdistribution & 3rd Sunday.

Adultdrives; Bible pm) Weekdays: 7-8 AM & PM. food dinner).

Website Sri Guruvayurappan Temple Rd. Join the discussion of the great man’s autobiography – The Story Hours: Mon to Fri 6 a.m.

-8 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Weeknursing home each Sunday at 10:15 classes for children; Study at 9:30 a.m. visits, Englishtutoring service (SSE) Weekly “Gopastarting Kuteeram” chil- class org, phone (281) 530-2565. man’s autobiography –M-F TheTruth.

Story at of My Experiments Hours: Mon a.m.

-8 a.m. and 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Weekends & Holidays: 6Fri a.m. toSanjay noon and 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 Bhajans schools etc.

Contact AM. The center isclasses openwith Circle forp.m. adults &p.m.

Devotional 10:30 a.m. on to 2nd &6 4th Sundren’s heritage andfrom Sri- at Sanatan Dharm of My Experiments with Truth.

Call Manish Wani 713-829-6979. ends & Holidays: 6 a.m. to noon and 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Bhajans Saturdays 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Special poojas GuptaCall (North) 832-687-6766 or singing for all. Service programs 7:30 to 12 Noon and 4 to 7 day.

713-991-1557 or 281mad AM Bhagavatam classes.

Call Calland Manish 713-829-6979.

Maha Sabha Saturdays 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Special (weekends and holidays) Choroon (Annaprasam) for poojas kids, Sondip Mathur (South) 832-215PM, Sat, Wani andvisit Sun from 8 AM 261-4603.

- food distribution, canned food 281-402-6585; www.godiWest Indian Religious Organiza(weekends and holidays) Choroon (Annaprasam) for kids, Thulabharam, Vahana Pooja, Nirapara.

Temple is located at 11620 www.sairegion10.org. to 6 PM. Call Jain Center at 713 8675 drives, nursing home visits, tutorTelugu Christian Fellowship Gauri Siddhivinayak vinity.org (Global Organization tion called Sanatan Dharm Maha Thulabharam, Vahana Pooja, Nirapara.

Temple is located at 11620 Ormandy St (77035) Tel: 713-729-8994 email: temple@ guruvayur.us 789 2338 orSiddhivinayak visit www.jainsoci- Telugu ing at schools, etc. Contact Venkat SadhuChristian Vaswani Fellowship Center forGauri Divinity).

Sabha Branch # 377guruvayur.us is located Temple Ormandy Stthird (77035) Tel: email: temple@ etyhouston.org.

(North) - 602-503-2249 or meets every Saturday of the Rao Sadhu Vaswani Center of713-729-8994 HousSaumyakasi Sivalaya Temple at 26100 Tina Lane, TX Darshan from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Preksha Meditation Shiv ShaktiSivalaya Mandir is lo- month 281-451at Triumph Church, on 10555 ton holds regular Satsang 3rd Ranji Raghavan (South)Katy, Sri Saumyakasi 77494.Visit www.sairegion10.org Durga Mata PoojaforisYoga held Darshan from 7Prabha, a.m. toas 86640 p.m. W. Preksha Meditation daily. major festivals well Sanatan Shiv Shakti Mandir, 8238.

Airport Stafford TX Meditation New facilities of JVB Preksha Center.

Classes Thursday of Blvd., the month and daily cated atAll Chinmaya 10353 every Friday from 7 pm to 9.30 daily.

All major festivals as well as birthdays, naam karan, engageHarwin.

Open Sugar daily 7Land, a.m. toTX 8 77477 Vaswani Center facilities ofCall JVB Preksha Center.

Classes for14102 Yoga 6:30p.m. p.m.

Join us for by a Meditation andNew Meditation under guidance SamaniSadhu jis and discourses.

At Arti atat7.30 281-463Synott Road, pm. and Contact Ram @ as birthdays, naam karan,Monday engagement and other ceremonies.

Call time p.m.

All major festivals, as well Sadhu Vaswani Center ofAtHousand Meditation under guidance Samani jis and discourses.

14102 of worship and fel-by Schiller Road ramolaj@aol.com (off Hwy 6 bet Bellaire Westpark - Sharma 77082).

Tel 0379 or praise, e.mail 77478.

Temple timings: 713-412-9985 ment and other ceremonies.

Call Pandit Pradip Pandya 832-466as naam 12 karan, engageton holds regular Satsang on 3rd Schiller Road (offisHwy 6 bet Bellaire and Westpark - 77082).

Tel Worship in English.

281-596-9642. to birthdays, Friday: 9 a.m.Noon and 5 lowship.

Pandit Pandya 832-4669868 for puja and otherand ceremoment otherSaturday ceremonies.

Call For 281-596-9642. information call Chris Gan- Thursday of the month and daily p.m.

-and 8Pradip p.m.

Sun98688:30 for puja and other ceremonies.

At 5645 Hillcroft 701, tela 281-344-0707, orPatanjali Pandit Virat Mehta 713-278-9099 Arti at 7.30 p.m. Call 281-463Rev. Vijay Yogpeeth day: a.m.-2 p.m. andSte 5 p.m.

Exciting Summer Camp nies.

At 5645 Hillcroft Ste 701, Gurrala 281-997-0757.

Houston, TX 77036. or or e.mail Patanjali Yogpeeth - 8 Hardik p.m. CallRaval Bharti361-243-6539 Sutaria 281Free Yoga Classes every Sat/Sun0379 at Arya Samajramolaj@aol.com from 8 am to 9:30 Houston, 77036. for puja orTX other ceremonies.

Math SriFree Guruvayurappan Temple 568-1690 or Jay Deshmukh 832- a.m. every Sat/Sun at Arya Samaj from am to2819:30 CallYoga AnilClasses 281-579-9433.

For other freeGaudiya classes, call8Indra Veerashaiva Samaja Heartfulness Meditation Shri Govindji Gaudiya is a Mon to Fri 6 a.m.

-8 a.m.

541-0059 or visit www.saum Hours: a.m. Call Anil 281-579-9433.

For other free classes, call Matha IndraWeb: 281537-0018.

For Yoga/Herbal products, call Shekhar 281-242-5000.

Veerashaiva Samaja Heartfulness Meditation is a Hindu Vaishnava temple.

Mandir and 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

WeekVSNA Houston is a group of 537-0018. For Yoga/Herbal products, call Shekhar 281-242-5000. Web: www.pyptusa.org and www.DivyaProducts.com. yakasi.org. practical & Holidays: 6 and a.m. www.DivyaProducts.com. to noon is open daily from 5.30 AM unVSNAtechnique Houstonofis tuning a groupin-of ends www.pyptusa.org GauritoSiddhivinayak Temple wards experience our higher and 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bha- til 8.30 PM. The services are held Darshan from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. jans Saturdays WANT TO toHOST YOUR SUMMER selves. Meditation with someone from 5.30PM CAMP? to 7.30PM followed 7 p.m.

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All major festivals as well PARTNER WITH US & HOST YOUR SUMMER CAMPEnroll AT INDIA HOUSE who has the capacity of yogic Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Special by prashad. your child in as birthdays, naam karan, entransmission can help you explore poojas (weekends and holidays) Sri Govindaji Vedic School. We Instructors or agencies looking amazing space gagement and other ceremonies.

These Texas Lottery Commission Scratch-Off willfor beanclosing soon: the Heartfulness practice more offer Hindi classes for all ages.

Choroon (Annaprasam) for games kids, Call Pandit Pradip Pandya 832to conduct their summer camp activities may These Texas Lottery Commission Scratch-Off games will be closing soon: deeply. There are no charges for Thulabharam, Vahana Pooja, Ni- Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha is Official Close End Validations 466-9868 puja you and to other cerGamewe #forinvite Game Name / Odds $ to provide collaborate us safe and this, and experilocated infun, Northwest Houston at rapara.

Temple is locatedwith at 11620 of Game Date Official Close End Validations emonies.

At 5645 Hillcroft Ste Game # Game Name / Odds $ ence the unique benefits of this Ormandy St. (77035) Kieth HarrowDate Blvd HousTel:experience 713- 16628 enriching the kids. offor Game 701, Houston, TXUltimate 77036.Crossword 1651 Overall Odds email: are 1 in 3.27 $10 1/8/16 transmission.

Workshops on - 729-8994 ton7/12/15 77084. Call 832-464-4686. temple@ guru1651 Ultimate Crossword Overall Odds are 1 in 3.27 $10 7/12/15 1/8/16 Veerashaiva Samaja Heartfulness relaxation andFrenzy medivisit our website: http://sggm.org. vayur.us 1690 Cash - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.09 $5 7/30/15 1/26/16 VSNA Houston is a group of tation are held weekly throughout Swaminarayan Temple Preksha Meditation YOU A TALENTED INSTRUCTOR? 1690 Frenzy - Overall Odds are 1 ARE in 4.09 $5 7/30/15 1/26/16 families who believeCash in VeerasHouston.

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Blackjack - Overall OddsPreksha are 1JOIN in 4.75 $1 8/26/15 2/22/16SwaminaINDIA HOUSE AS A SUMMER CAMP COORDINATOR haiva dharma (BasavaBlackjack dharma). org; Email: 1701 houston.heartfulness@ - Overall are 1 in weekly 4.75 $1 8/26/15 2/22/16 rayan Hindu Temple, under Shree terOdds conducts Meditation, Monthly Mahamane program for - Overall 1646 Hot ‘N Spicy Tripler areare 1 in 4.29 8/26/15 gmail.com. Cell: 713-929-0040. looking for$2intalented instructors, in art,kalupur.

Yoga Odds andWe Swadhyay sessions NarNarayan Dev 2/22/16 Gadi prayer 1646 and discussion on VachaHot ‘N Spicy Tripler - side Overall Odds are 1Pyramid in 4.29 hall under $2 8/26/15 2/22/16 Hare Krishna Dham its unique Opens daily from 7 a.m. to 12:30 craft, dance, music, theater, henna, language arts, 1657 followed Redby Chili Tripler - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.14 $2 8/26/15 2/22/16 na Sahitya Prasada.

Houston’s original Vedic temple, the auspicious guidance of Samani p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. cooking, baking, robotics or8/26/15 any other activities 1657 vsnahousRed Chili Tripler - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.14 $2 2/22/16 Contact: ton@gmail.

TM W ISKCON 1320 andthat Samani Daily aarti at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

1648of Houston. At Loteria - OverallKanchan Odds are 1 Pragyaji in 3.98 $3 8/26/15 2/22/16 interest the kids. com St. or1648 Jagadeesh 83234th (77018).

DailyHalyal Darshan Pranav Pragyaji Saturday 5 p.m to 7 LoteriaTM -&Overall Odds are 1 in 3.98who are stationed $3 8/26/15 sabha from 2/22/16 744-4166.

Arati Times: 4.30 a.m, 7 a.m, 8.30 at Houston Center this year. It p.m. followed by aarti at 7 p.m.

For detailedThoma odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 1-800-375-6886. Must be 18 or older to purchase a Church a.m,Mar 12 noon, 4.30 p.m, p.m,and9veterans. also special events and pro- and Maha-Prasad (free dinner). ticket.

The Texas Lottery supports Texas 7 education © 2015runs Texas Lottery Commission. rights reserved.

713-929-1900 |AllVipin@indiahouseinc.org For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 1-800-375-6886. Must be 18 or older to purchase a Trinity Mar Thoma Church p.m.

Sunday 5.30education pmevtoveterans.grams like I-Choose, Meditation www.issotx.org.

(281) 530-2565. ticket.

The TexasFestival: Lottery supports Texas and © 2015 Texas Lottery Commission.

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8888 West Bellfort Ave., Houston, TX 77031 7.30 p.m. Weekly Gita classes

OPPORTUNITIES!

LEGAL LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 • PAGE 19

MUSINGS by Gadfly

The Cosmic Joke On Us

After Rajesh Khanna’s death (July 18, 2012), the famous (& now retired) film star, Mumtaz reportedly said, “When I was in Mumbai recently, I visited Kaka (Khanna) in the hospital.

He was suffering from cancer for the duration of the prior year and had undergone chemotherapy sessions. What I don’t understand is why does one have to hide one’s illness?

When I was ill with cancer, because of the chemotherapy, my thyroid gland was gone. That meant anything I ate went to my weight. I bloated up. But since my fans knew about my condition, no one made fun of me. I was honest about my illness and I’m honest about my age.”

For many if not most Indians, it’s not a matter of being made fun of, but a matter of privacy; also, an upbringing that says one should share happiness with family & others but one’s misery only with family.

In the America I was introduced to in 1977, it seemed, nothing was private, almost nothing.

My personal belief was that once your ailment is known – be it cancer, TB, jaundice – the questions asked are, “How is your cancer/TB/jaundice?”

Well it’s not my cancer or TB etc. Whatever illness, pain and/ or suffering I face, I don’t need partners in that. It’s like a friend who owes you money. Every time you meet him/her, the first things they will talk about is when they can pay back or why they can’t yet. Conversations are tainted by money, illness, diseases. Who needs such conversations?

But after President Reagan disclosed in November 1994 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease earlier that year, I was surprised by the outpouring of not only support but gratitude. It made do some rethinking about personal disclosures, realizing that at least some such disclosures help others & have unintended but good consequences. A lot of Alzheimer’s survivors were inspired by Reagan’s courage & generosity of spirit. Hence this

column. It’s not about any disease but the information may be useful, even entertaining.

On Passover night, one of the questions Jews, their families & friends gathered answer, is why this night – Passover - is different from all other nights - Passovers. With apologies to Passover followers, here’s why this Thanksgiving holiday so different that for me, it was first of its kind in my forty-two years in America. It is a Thanksgiving Day I want to forget but is also one I will never forget.

This column was not planned. No one plans such columns, just as no one plans going to the police station.

First the hot water went out on Thanksgiving night and hasn’t returned yet. Every business was either closed or parts were not available.

The gas heater that was never needed in the past, now didn’t work when most needed - high 30s to mid-40s temperature at night. I suspect it’s that ‘use it or lose it’ thing.

I lived in New Jersey & commuted to New York for work for almost three years but the heating never failed for four days & nights in a row.

One night taking the train home from Hoboken, we were warned that the last train of the night (10 p.m) will run without heat. The temperature was 9 degrees below zero but that train travel & walk home from the station was only for about forty minutes & I was fully bundled up for it. Not for four days & counting like now, though it’s far from nine below zero.

I had not left home from Wednesday evening to the day after Thanksgiving.

That Friday evening when I went out to get groceries (4 p.m), the car was missing. Was I having a senior moment forgetting where I parked it? No. It turns out two people decided to make this year’s Thanksgiving weekend more unpleasant for me. A triple whammy of no car, no heating & no hot water.

Next step, police station.

The one hour round-trip drive and filing a report at the police station took almost two

hours. Officer R. said the ageold low jack system (don’t mean to give them publicity & they don’t need it anyway) will locate it wherever the car is, faster if it is moving. Got home around 7:25 p.m. The column was the farthest from my mind.

I had learned from the previous owner that this car was stolen once around 2001 & was located by the low jack device within a day. And now again, there was a message at 4:52 a.m next morning from the police station that the car was recovered. Apparently, because the car was moving, it got on the police radar faster and the two merry-makers were caught in the act. It would be nice if they learned the lesson too. The $293.65 plus whatever it costs to fix the car will be worth it if those two give up a life of crime. That may be a naïve expectation. Now the car was waiting for me at the impound.

Previous experience with someone else’s car had taught me that these impounds are exorbitant.

My report about the theft was sent out by their system around 7:15 p.m Friday evening, and the message on my machine about having located the car came less than twelve hours later. I picked up the car that day around 3:50 on Saturday. It cost me $293.65. While looking at the car’s condition – ignition hanging out, driver’s window smashed to get in & a big dent on the driver’s side metal – I thought with a dispirited smile that it would have cost me far less to stay in a five-star hotel for those few hours than what this impound charged me. But as they say – ‘them’ again - you can’t fight city hall.

On coming home, cold water was waiting, which still continues. I grew up on cold water. So it’s not hard but that means no shower, and boiling water for a quick uncomfortable bath, doing dishes & washing hands, face etc. in the current very low temperatures. The heater was fixed without repairs (don’t ask).

It’s not the end of the world.

It’s things like these that make

us appreciate life so much more when there is hot water.

These were luxuries in India but it was never this cold in Mumbai. We’re used to & spoiled by these comforts.

It was also a good reminder that health is a necessity. It was a pleasant surprise that my body and mind were tougher than I had thought, to withstand the pressures & demands that came with this triple whammy.

The oft-noticed but easily ignored reality & irony of life is that life goes on whether we care to go on or not. Except for the loss of a near one, everything else can be ‘handled’.

My mother used to say ‘Forget the big picture, just think of the immediate next step’, meaning big picture (of hardship, stress, strain & exhaustion ahead of you) will depress you. Only think of what needs to be done, one step at a time.

Anything else will turn it into a melodrama.

It also helps to compartmentalize issues. In the middle of the triple whammy, on my way home from the police station, I found time to stop by & purchase my first color laser printer. I don’t really need color but difference between black & white and color printer was hardly $50. It was also my first shopping activity ever on a Black Friday. Nothing to get excited about. Just a welcome

distraction.

Now another ‘challenge’ awaits me when it is delivered this week - of getting all-inone functions going. Then, on to the next challenge - my insurance adjuster deciding the fate of my car.

That would mean the insurance company paying for repairs after my deductible or totaling the car. It’s not a great situation to be in but the irony is how often we let these things get to us while we go through the essentials and look back with a smile, not at the unpleasant experience but at how much stress we let it put us under.

Charlie Chaplin said, “Life in a close-up is a tragedy but in a long shot it’s a comedy.”

With apologies to Chaplin, I’d say life in a close-up can be misery but in a long shot, it’s a cosmic joke. We’re too stressed to laugh at what’s facing us we you have to smile at our life that repeatedly teaches us not to take things too seriously. And yet, next time it happens, you, I & most others will go through the process of stress, acceptance, taking the necessary steps to the light at the end of the tunnel – the solution, the relief - and then final step, smile at the cosmic joke.

(Send responses to gadfly7_7@yahoo.com;)

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