Indo American News • Friday, April 16 , 2010
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Friday, April 16, 2010 | Vol. 29, No. 16
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Maestros of Music TO PERFORM IN HOUSTON
Be prepared for one thrilling musical ride
APRIL 17 - Asha Bhosle, Krishna Beura at Arena Theater APRIL 24, MAY 5 - Rahat Fateh Ali Khan at Arena Theater
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In IAN this Week
The Blug Mug is a funny anecdote & is rated as one of the best comedy plays to date. See it in Houston on May 2nd at Stafford Civic Center Story on Pg 51
Fundraising Gala to Save 78,000 Mothers in India Story on Pg 5
A Class Act by IACF Makes Seniors Feel Special
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Laughter Galore at ICC’s Kavi Sammelan
By Pramod Kulkarni HOUSTON: For the first time in its short history, India House regaled in thunderous laughs, cheers and clapping on Sunday evening. The occasion was the 2010 Hasya Kavi Sammelan brought to the Houston audiences by the International Hindi Association with sponsorship by the India Culture Center (ICC) and India House. The event received support from several community organizations, including the Indo-American Charity Foundation (IACF), Club 24 and Bharatiya Senior Citizens. ICC President Swapan Dhairyawan welcomed the gathering of more than 500 lovers of Hindi literary humor, who had entered the hall after tasting a buffet of samosas, pakoras and chai from Mumbai Spice restaurant. International Hindi Association Director Sangeeta Pasrija introduced the hasya kavi guests after continued on page
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International Hindi Association Director Sangeeta Pasrija introduces laughter poets Mahendra Ajnabee, Ash Karan Atal and Arun Jaimini.
25 Years & Counting for Indian Senior Citizens Association Story on Pg 10
Old and Wise at 165, and the Future Looks Bright Story on Pg 18
Radio Masti - A Talk Show is Born
Story on Pg 25
Try Isla Ixtapa’s Vegetarian and Seafood Delicacies
Story on Pg 40
Houston: The Indian Senior Citizens Association held an impressive gala to mark its 25th anniversary on Saturday, March 27. The daylong program at the Vallab Priti Seva Samaj auditorium was attended by members, their families and seniors from Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and Temple. Emcee Sudha Trivedi introduced Ramesh Parikh, who was one of the main sponsors of the event. He gave a brief history of the VPSS Haveli which started in June 2005. Parikh was impressed by the event that was made possible by the cooperation and dedication of the volunteers. The entire event as well as the performances in the cultural show were done by the seniors themselves. He also introduced the Gokul Gaun project of the VPSS, an seniors assisted living project right next to the temple. “This is an ideal way to enjoy your golden years; it will add life to your years”, he said. The Gokul Gaun comprises of two six-story towers with 200 apartments. The utilities are paid and there is weekly housekeeping;
Members of Houston’s Indian Senior Citizens Association and seniors from Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and Temple participated in a day long gala to commemorate its 25th anniversary on March 27. They started off with a rousing good laugh to clear the mind.
scheduled van services for banking, medical, shopping and public entertainment events are some of the amenities will be provided. Ajit Thakur, CPA, who has given countless pro-bono hours for tax preparation and consultation to
seniors, spoke about the need and ways to be fiscally fit in the golden years. He asked them to take lessons from the film Baghban where Amitabh Bachchan, a banker, is left to rue the day when he gives away all his money to his children
and then has to find a job to support himself and his wife. Thakur suggested they start a cooperative venture in every city where seniors can learn computer skills and bookkeeping and offered to continued on page
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Indo American News • Friday, April 16 , 2010
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Indo American News • Friday, april 16 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
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25 Years & Counting for Indian Senior Citizens Association
For related story on the ISCA, see page 10
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provide the seed money for such a cooperative. Hiren Jain of Atlanta, who owns a travel service told the audience that life actually starts at 55! He gave his own example of starting a
business at 55 and growing it from $90K in sales to $9mn in just five years, mostly catering to vacation travel by senior citizens. It is important to have a cheerful attitude at all times, he said. The program started with a
prayer to Lord Ganesh and was followed by a welcome address of ISCA president Praful Gandhi. Raman Parekh, trustee, reported on the activities of the Houston association and Lalit Chinoy gave the souvenir team’s report, followed by reports from presidents of the Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and Temple seniors’ associations. Neel K. Ghai from the Indian Consulate offered congratulations on running an efficient organization and keeping busy. BAPS member Ashwin Dave offered congratulations. Belinda Price, director of community centers for Harris County Precinct 3, was impressed by the turnout and said she enjoyed working with Indian seniors. She
directs the Bayland Park Community Center, where the ISCA has held meetings for years. ISCA trustee Neeta Mehta, who along with her late husband Padmakant Mehta has been one of the pillars of the organization, spoke on the need for seniors to remain active and in good health. The 25-year-old organization, probably the first such Indian seniors’ group in the U.S., has grown over the years and organizes several activities, including picnics, musical concerts, talks on health issues, etc. for seniors opn the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The third Saturday of the month is reserved for a picnic within a 200-mile radius of Houston.
Clockwise from top left: The Managing Committee of the ISCA; seniors doing a dance and other programs; the audience enjoying the show.
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Fundraising Gala to Save 78,000 Mothers in India By Seema Hakhu Kachru HOUSTON: An Indian woman dies every seven minutes during pregnancy or childbirth, delivers about 210 babies every minute, 50 percent in unsanitary conditions, increasing the risk of infection and even death. A quarter of the world’s total maternal deaths take place in India - the most in any country in the world. Women in India are 60 to 70 times more likely to die in pregnancy or childbirth than in other countries. Harrowing statistics, but a stark reality. As many as 78,000 women die each year in India from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, according to a recent UNICEF report. Despite the fact that we all enjoy secure and healthy lifestyles, technological marvels, rich nutritional diets etc, but back home in India, women still face a silent tragedy of death each time they give life a chance. For most of us having a baby is a moment that brings tears of joy and happiness, but for these women in rural India, the tears are there ----not of joy --but mourning. The reason--- lack of health facilities coupled with the lower social status of the women. Thus
violating basic human rights, as it is the right of every woman to give birth without any crisis. This high rate of maternal and infant mortality in India spurred one NGO to offer health-care education program to these less privileged women. The project aptly named “Save a Mother” (SAM), a non-profit organization, started in 2008 by the India Development Service (IDS) Chicago in partnership with local NGO’s, educates the mothers to be about pregnancy, nutrition, immunization, child birth and child care. Working tirelessly in the state of Uttar Pradesh, with the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, SAM helped thousands of women by training health activists, who in turn educate the villagers; educating the mother-to-be and families and allowing them to seek care, ensure timely checkups, provide information about personal and public health, guaranteeing access and transportation to a medical facility. “Save-A-Mother” project, a humble effort to make a difference for thousands of women about to enter blissful state of motherhood, has been holding fundraising
events across USA for its crucial mission of “Educating and minimizing suffering and death associated with pregnancy and childbirth in India.” SAM’s Houston chapter is inviting you to its second spectacular annual gala, titled “Mera Gaon”, on May 7, 2010, at Ashford Oaks, featuring fashions by Tory Burch. The gala besides raising funds, enables the guests, mostly business and community leaders and individual philanthropists, to learn about SAM’s accomplishments and how well their donations are valued and used. “Seventy eight percent maternal deaths are avoidable with the help of skilled health personnel, adequate nutrition, better medical facilities and family planning, but poor women, especially in rural India where fertility rates are higher and teenage marriages are common, face an uphill battle to overcome lack of access to medical care,” says Dr Shiban Ganju, a practicing physician with 36 years of NPO / NGO work and founder and chief field volunteer SAM. According to Dr Ganju, “SAM aims to identify and address gaps in care by sensitizing and educat-
ing population, who will consider health care as a basic human right. An educated population will demand health care. Through training of voluntary social health activists, it educates the population about their rights to hold the health delivery system accountable. These trained health activists not only complement the public and private health delivery system but also amplifies their effect.” “SAM’s vision is to have trained voluntary social health activists to lead the health revolution in every village in India,” believes Veena Kaul, Houston Chapter President and a philanthropist, who has made saving mothers around the world her lifetime mission now. “Besides educating mothers, Save a Mother has a complementary benefit in saving the child. We believe that one preventable death is one too many, “ said Veena, who hopes everyone to donate generously for the cause. SAM has been working in partnership with local NGOs in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, which has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. SAM hopes to bring this special effort to many other countries, that
are in a similar situation with the help of generous contributors. Although still in infancy, SAM has had a great impact so far and has been accepted for its yeoman’s service. Ever since its inception, SAM trained over 1000 women in health care out of which 450 were designated as Health Activists (“Swasthya Sakhi”) and 35 as master trainers. SAM has a well-marked project plan for 2010 and plans to train 800 more health activists to cover about 1400 villages by the end of 2010 by replicating the program in Chickbalapur in Karnataka, Jhansi and Phoolpur in UP, expanding health training into childcare, improving sanitation and prevention of infectious diseases like HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis SAM intends to get associated with various organizations in India, USA and Africa with similar goals and objectives. Besides, it wants its presence in various cities in the USA and India by launching more chapters. So far, it has chapters in Chicago, Houston, Boston, Washington, New York and California. “We are evolving into health lit-
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Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Concert Makes History! Congratulations to Hum Tum City Radio & Rehan Siddiqi
HOUSTON: Thanks to the great response given by the fans and connoisseurs, we’ve sold out back-to-back concerts in the United States and Canada, say the organizers of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Tour. All local and national promoters are amazed at the unbelievable response that this concert has received within the South Asian community. Houston will be experiencing a sold-out show on Saturday, April 24 at Arena Theater off of SH 59 and Fondren. This capacity crowd will experience the show of a lifetime. This show is organized by Houston’s youngest 24/7 radio station owner, Rehan Siddiqi, who is known for putting together soldout concerts, which are always
professionally organized and extremely classy. The Rahat Fateh Ali Khan concert on April 24th will be a jackpot for Hum Tum Shows and Rehan Siddiqi, who have already announced the second show for Rahat, which will be held on Wednesday, May 5, also at Arena Theater. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, certainly one of the most popular Bollywood playback singers of his time, has had his songs apprear in over 25 Bollywood films since 2004. Raised in a family of musicians, he is the nephew of the famous singer and composer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. His melodious and heart warming songs have captivated people all around the world for decades, and Rehan Sid-
diqi has delivered him to you, for the most unforgettable concert of the year. Rehan has pulled out all the stops for this spectacular event, including top of the line sound and lighting. You will be mesmerized with the laser light show and other effects that you have to see to believe. Lending a touch of class to this romantic evening, Rehan is supplying each lady who enters Arena Theater with a rose. Rose pedals will flow from the rafters as Rahat enters the arena, accompanied by 25 models as he approaches the stage. “We can talk about the show all we want, but words cannot explain this unforgettable concert event. Come experience it for yourself.”
says Rehan Siddiqi, President and CEO of Hum Tum Shows. For more information on this unforgettable event, call Rehan Siddiqi at 713-5454115, log onto www. humtumc i t y. c o m , or tune into Houston’s only 24/7 Houston licensed Desi station, KQUE 1230 AM.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Fundraising Gala to Save Mothers in India continued from page
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eracy and activism organization and its impact will extend beyond maternal and infant mortality. The activists will gradually evolve and demand health as a human right,” Dr Ganju informed. As the gala, coincides with the Mother’s Day Weekend, let us do our mothers proud by saving million mothers who die of pregnancy related complications. Since volunteers run SAM, 100% of your contribution reaches the needy. Your donation directly supports this effort by providing resources for safe motherhood initiatives. If the current economy is holding you up, you still can help by creat-
Indo American News • Friday, april 16 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
ing awareness about the distressing maternal and infant mortality in India; share its link on your website, blog, profile or in email. The need is to take up the big challenge where the cause is noble and the reward is high. No gift to your mother can ever equal her gift to you---Life. If we cannot give life, we can save one. We urge you to Save a Mother, and give those mothers a chance to live and enjoy the melodious cries of life they give birth to. For RSVP please contact Veenakaul8@gmail.com and for more info regarding the project, contact seemakachru@ gmail.com. Or visit http://save-amother.org/
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Indo American News • Friday, April 16 , 2010
India Wants ‘Zero Tolerance’ for Nuclear Traffickers
By Siddharth Varadarajan WASHIGTON: With the spectre of A.Q. Khan and his clandestine smuggling ring still haunting India, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told world leaders there should be “zero tolerance for individuals and groups which engage in illegal trafficking in nuclear items”. He was speaking at the Nuclear Security Summit convened by the United States to address international concerns that lax national attitudes towards the physical protection of nuclear material could allow terrorists to acquire nuclear weapons or ‘dirty bombs’. But if India could not resist the opportunity of reminding the world about the failings of its neighbour, Pakistan was also true to form, equating the problem of nuclear security to one of “strategic restraint” in the subcontinent. Forty-seven countries attended the two-day meet. The next Nuclear Security Summit will be held in South Korea in 2012, they decided. In a statement delivered to the summit on Tuesday, Dr. Singh said India was deeply concerned about the danger of nuclear explosives or fissile material and technical know-how falling in to the hands of non-state actors. The primary responsibility for ensuring nuclear security rests at
objective is to the national level, he “enhance nuclear said “but national resecurity, in its hosponsibility must be listic sense, and accompanied by rereduce nuclear sponsible behaviour by risks”, said Mr. States. If not, it remains Gilani, adding an empty slogan”. that its proposals Dr. Singh’s words on “a strategic were so sharply in restraint regime contrast to what Pakiin South Asia stan’s Prime Minister will go a long Yusuf Raza Gilani told way in making the summit’s workour region secure ing dinner on Monday and stable”. Pakinight that they almost stan had already seemed to have been worked with India drafted in response. on several nuclear “Nuclear security withconfidence-buildin a state is a national ing measures, responsibility,” Mr. Gihe added. “This lani had said. effort must conIn an implicit dig at tinue. More than Pakistan and those Euever before, our ropean states whose natwo nations need tionals were involved to hold a sustained in the A.Q. Khan netdialogue to adwork, Prime Minister dress all issues”. Singh said all countries The Pakistani should scrupulously President Barack Obama with Prime Minister Manmohan minister abide by their interna- Singh during the official arrivals for the Nuclear Security prime Summit in Washington on Monday, April 12. also made a retional obligations. “It is a matter of deep regret that the learn from past mistakes and insti- newed pitch for access to nuclear global non-proliferation regime tute effective measures to prevent technology for peaceful uses “in a non-discriminatory manner”. has failed to prevent nuclear pro- their recurrence”. Though Dr. Singh dwelt at length liferation. Clandestine proliferaIn his remarks, Mr. Gilani said tion networks have flourished and the “democratic government of on India’s approach to nuclear seled to insecurity for all, including Pakistan” was committed to en- curity, the highlight of his remarks and especially for India. We must suring nuclear security. Pakistan’s was the announcement of Indian
decision to set up a Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership, “visualised to be a state of the art facility based on international participation from the IAEA and other interested foreign partners”. President Barack Obama responded to Dr. Singh’s offer, saying “we welcome the announcement of the setting of the centre by India. This will be one more tool to establish best practices”. Providing details of the new initiative, Dr. Singh said the Centre would consist of four Schools dealing with Advanced Nuclear Energy System Studies, Nuclear Security, Radiation Safety, and the application of Radioisotopes and Radiation Technology in the areas of healthcare, agriculture and food. “The Centre will conduct research and development of design systems that are intrinsically safe, secure, proliferation resistant and sustainable. We would welcome participation in this venture by your countries, the IAEA and the world to make this Centre’s work a success”, the Prime Minister said. A four-page brochure prepared by the Department of Atomic Energy and distributed at the summit contained an outline of the programme modules to be offered at each of the four schools of the centre.-Hindu
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Laughter Galore at ICC’s Kavi Sammelan continued from page
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informing the goals of Hindi Association to educate the next generation through classes and promoting Hindi through events such as the Hasya Kavi Sammelan. The association has a newsletter that informs the members of Hindi literary news and upcoming events. This year’s Hasya Kavis were the best ever. Arun Jaimini was the leading poet, who also served as the emcee for the event. A native of Haryana, Jaimini has been published in numerous Hindi publicatons. His books include “Filhaal Itna Hi.” Jaimini has been featured in Doordarshan’s TV shows “Dharti pe Aanchal” and “Hasgola”. For Zee TV, Jaimini was featured in “Dar Asal”, “Taal-Betaal” and “Yehi Politics”. The other poets on the podium were Mahendra Ajnabee and Ash Karan Atal. A biologist by training, Ajnabee is best known for his poetry collection “Hasa, Hasa Ke Marunga”. Ajnabee has made six trips to the US for Hasya Kavi Sammelans. Ajnabee’s poem on whether man is descendant of apes is in the11th class curriculum of Chchattisgarh
More than 500 people attended the Kavi Sammellan. Photo: Sanjay Sohoni
schools. A native of Rajasthan, Ash Karan Atal has appeared in more than 3,000 sammelans. Atal is known for writing the dialogs of the movie “Vivah” and serials such as “Movers and Shakers”. His books include “Film Puran” and “Ek Chatur Naar”. Ajnabee drew laughs first by telling the audiences to clap after his jokes, otherwise he would curse them to have to clap from house to house in their next life. His poem on Man as a Decendant of Apes was much appreciated by the audience Atal impressed the audience with
his humorous description of how some of the Mumbai residents line up along the highways at dawn for their morning rituals. Jaimini was a hit with the audience his one liners on the street-smart nature of Harynana people and made innocent fun of people from UP, Rajasthanis and Gujaratis. Perhaps the best joke of the night came from Aurn Jaimini when he asked why did Sita go with Ram and Laxman? Because vanvaas was preferable over having deal with three mothers-in-law! International Hindi Association deserves kudos for the best hasya kavi sammelan to date.
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Indo American News • Friday, April 16 , 2010
Reelected Fort Bend DA Healey Promises Experience and Passion
By Jawahar Malhotra HOUSTON: As he stood before the steps leading up, John Healey spoke of the unique experience “like the conversion that St. Paul had when going to Damascus when he said he heard God”, he explained when he was working as an intern in civil litigation for 7 weeks at the State Attorney’s office in Hartford, Connecticut. “I saw the light, listening to those cases,” he went on, and realized that I wanted to become a criminal law attorney. “I enjoyed them, dealing with the underbelly of real life.” Since then, working as a prosecutor has allowed him to right wrongs and put the pieces together in many cases. “In the prosecutor’s office, the key is whether justice is done,” Healey added, “but justice is not
for ferreting out the truth in criminal cases and his long experience to persuade the voters in the runoff elections this past Tuesday, April 13 to cast their ballot for him and re-elect him as Fort bend County District Attorney. In a runoff election that attracted low voter turnout, Healey won over his challenger, Richmond attorney Nina Schaefer in a close race by less than 3 percentage points. The meet and greet event for Healey was held by the IndoAmerican Political Action Committee last Saturday afternoon, April 10 at the law offices of immigration attorney George Willy in Sugar Land and was attended by about two dozen people. The appetizers for the event were donated by Pavani restaurant on the Southwest Freeway. In the past
11 years as a prosecutor and “did every bit of work.” He was made Fort Bend DA on November 18, 1992 after his predecessor, John Stenner, was removed from office for misconduct. Since then, Healey has made improvements to the office, such as departments dealing with specialized case loads. He has also been tough on rooting out corruption and has a high success rate, like filing cases against three police chiefs and a sitting county treasurer. He also filed a case against a county commissioner who had not yet taken his oath of office. Healey even prosecuted the Mayor of Fulshear Jaimie Roberts, who was a friend, based on evidence that he had done wrong, although Roberts was later acquitted of the charges. Healey viewed his experience as
Fort Bend District Attorney John Haley with members of IAPAC at the meet and greet event held at George Willy’s office in Sugar Land last Saturday, April 10. Photo: Jawahar Malhotra
clearly defined, but is left to the individual prosecutor to figure out, what the right thing is. If you can live with your conscience and your heart after making a major decision, then you know it is the right thing.” Healey counted on his passion
three months, IAPAC has been actively engaged in holding numerous events to educate the community on political candidates and issues. The youngest of 7 kids, Healey, 55, moved to Texas in the 70’s to attend law school. He worked for
a prosecutor as being in his favor to being re-elected, versus his less experienced opponent who had dealt primarily in family law, and whom he eventually defeated in the election. He hopes that he can bring his entire staff of 44 into one building to improve functionality and efficiency.
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A Class Act by IACF Makes Seniors Feel Special
By Jawahar Malhotra HOUSTON: In a colorful and tastefully done program organized and performed almost exclusively by women, the Indo-American Charity Foundation provided some fine entertainment for the amusement of the elderly guests and friends of the India Senior Citizens Association, at its monthly meeting held this past Saturday, April 10 at India House. The ISCA is one of the fastest growing segments of the desi community, with many members are parents of those who have settled here long ago, and others are graying immigrants. The program tried to stir up the nostalgia for the Old Country through dances, songs, jokes and shaiyri or poems that took the seniors back to another era. The program was ably organized by Keka Kar, a Direccontinued on page
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For related story on the ISCA, see page 1
Clockwise from top left: ISCA President Praful Gandhi with IACF President Bobby SIngh; Rebecca Roseboom does a Kathak fusion dance; Keka Kar sings a medley of songs; Nritya Pallavi dancers doing the Hitchi; Neha Srivastava sings a number; teachers from 3 dance schools performing a fusion number; a jugalbandi dance started the program; Piyal School of Dance students with their teacher; a dance number choreographed by Keka Kar; the emcee for the event, Jasmeeta Singh. Photos: Jawahar Malhotra
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IACF Makes Seniors Feel Special continued from page
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tor of the IACF and also a participant in the show. The show was emceed by Jasmeeta Singh, a dancer who claims roots from Haryana and has become widely known for her unorthodox style of choreography and costumes, leaning towards fusion dancing. Singh promised to tell only shaiyri and jokes and lived upto it during the show. The program began with a bhajan from Keka Kar who is an accomplished singer with a voice that has a wide range. This was followed by dances from various young per-
formers of all ages in wonderful costumes whose students of several of the local dance schools, under the watchful eyes of their gurus. Three of their teachers, Rupa Aranke, Piyal Sengupta and Arpita Mukhopadhyay perfomed a dance that fused each one’s classical styles. Of particular appeal was the dance performed by Rebecca Roseboom, a student at Taylor High School in Katy ISd who is dances ballet. At the prodding of her teacher, Kar, she rehearsed a Kathak dance and performed it intertwined with unique ballet steps. Among the singers was the young Neha Srivastava; and Kar with a medley of songs, one set which was accompanied by three young dancers. The whole evening was closed out by a trio accompanied by the tabla and harmonium who sang a medley of old songs that had the seniors tapping their feet. The effervescent Surinder Talwar, who can belt out a song at the drop of a hint, performed a closing number with the last group and was greatly appreciated. IACF President Bobby Singh expressed his delight at the close relationship that the IACF has had over the years with the ISCA and the entertainment program as well as financial support it continues to provide the seniors group. After From Top: Anjali School of Dance students; Nisha the show, the seniors were treated Mehta, Smriti Srivastava and Shaymal Bhat- to a catered plate lunch from Bhotacharaya. Photos: Jawahar Malhotra jan restaurant.
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Indo American News • Friday, April 16 , 2010
Blood Drive by Sant Nirankari Mission HOUSTON: Sponsored by Sant Nirankari Mission a van of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center will collect blood donations from the public on 25 April (Sunday) from 11 AM to 5 PM. The van will be located at the parking lot of 5810-B Hillcroft (Harwin crossing) in front of E.K. Perfumes Center fully equipped with staff. Public is invited to give the great gift of own blood for saving the lives of human beings, though unknown. For scheduling your appointment time please call 832-646-7292 and bring your ID.
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Indian Named CEO of MasterCard NEW YORK: Prominent Indiaorigin banker Ajay Banga, a Citigroup veteran, has been appointed as the chief executive officer (CEO) of electronic payment services provider MasterCard. The 50-year-old Banga, currently the company’s president and chief operating officer, would take over as the CEO from July 1, MasterCard said New CEO of MasterCardr, Ajay Banga with outgoing CEO in a statement. “I am excited Robert W. Selander to lead MasterCard at a time when likes of Citigroup’s Vikram Pandit the global opportunity for electronic and PepsiCo’s Indra Nooyi in headpayments has never been stronger,” ing a global corporate. Banga, said. Banga will also become a board Banga, a Delhi University prod- member with immediate effect, the uct, is the brother of high profile company said. Manvinder Singh Banga of Uniliver. MasterCard, the global payment Last month, M S Banga, President, solution leader, processes over 22 Global Foods, Home & Personal billion transactions in a year. It had a Care, Uniliver, had announced that profit of $1.5 billion on revenues of he would leave the company by the $5.1 billion for 2009. end of May. Before joining MasterCard on Ajay Banga graduated in Econom- August 31, 2009, Banga had spent ics from Delhi University and is an 13 long years with banking major alumnus of the Indian Institute of Citigroup. He was Citi Asia-Pacific Management, Ahmedabad. CEO, responsible for all of the comHe succeeds Robert W Selander, pany’s business lines in the region inwho has been heading the company cluding institutional banking, wealth since March 1997. With this appoint- management and credit cards. ment, Banga would be joining the continued on page 16
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A Lost Generation? It was impressive to see a ‘House Full” for the Hasya Kavi Sammelan presented by the International Hindi Association at India House last Sunday evening. More than 500 lovers of Hindi humor packed the hall. What was odd is that 99.9% of the audience consisted of greying (or at least color dyed) generations of Indo-Ameircans from the South Asian subcontinent. Understandably, the Hindi will go over the heads of our secondgeneration kids. A major question looms: how do we disconnect from their Facebooking on iPhones to get them interested in the Indian culture? For most of them, Indian culture is what the Khans and Kapoors and Rahmans bring to us on the Bollywood silver screens. It would be a shame if Bollywood was our only connection to the Generation Next. Let us all work together to bridge the generation gap before it becomes a chasm. Pramod Kulkarni
Meeting of Minds? Coming as it did during the lead up to the Nuclear Securityi Summit in Washington, and sandwiched between meetings with other leaders, the bilateral discussion between US president Barack Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was never going to be a game changer. But it has served its purpose well enough in a low-key manner, providing the two administrations a chance to compare notes. Issues of concern to both sides were brought up, clarifications made and strategic congruencies reaffirmed. High-profile summits and joint statements may make for good sound bites, but meetings such as this are essential for preventing drift in the Washington-New Delhi relationship. A few developments to emerge from the discussion are of particular interest. The first is the confirmation by Obama that he would make the required effort to see that an Indian team is given direct access to David Headley. This has subsequently been backed up by US officials who have said that the issue now is only of technicalities. If the US delivers on this, it could be a prime opportunity for India to gain first-hand, indisputable information about the extent of the involvement of serving officers in the Pakistani military and intelligence in anti-India terrorist activities. In the same vein, Obama’s acceptance of Singh’s concerns about the 26/11 perpetrators and the necessity of Islamabad taking action against them for dialogue to resume something the US president relayed later to Pakistan prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is an encouraging sign. Times of India
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How to Reconcile with Maoists By Shyamal Datta The solution to the Maoist insurgency may lie in making the extremists participate in the democratic process. It was in February 2010 that the Union home minister, P. Chidambaram, declared that the government of India was not averse to talking to the Maoists if they abjured violence and came forward for talks without attaching any “ifs and buts”. Sometime later, the home ministry informed through the press the fax number on which the proposal for talks could be communicated. Perhaps in response to that, the politburo member and military commander of the Maoists, Koteshwar Rao, alias Kishanji, reportedly served a 72-hour ultimatum to the government to start the talks or face intensified assaults targeting cities and towns. This was on March 6. Earlier, he had charged the government with carrying out operations in violation of the ‘ceasefire’ that the Maoists had reportedly declared on February 23. Kishanji failed to appreciate the fact that no government worth its salt would react to an ultimatum laced with threats of retaliation. No selfrespecting government would buckle under pressure and agree to enter into a dialogue with a group that prefers to talk through the barrel of the gun. The government of India could discern that the offer of talks was just a ploy to divert attention and slow down the intensity of the ongoing military operations against the Maoists. It was also intended to create doubt in the minds of the security forces about the logic of continuing with the military campaign if talks were indeed an integral part of the blueprint. To the analysts, both the ‘ceasefire’ and the call for talks are nothing but publicity stunts. The Maoists are desperate to buy time to regroup and reorganize themselves in the aftermath of the killing of Lalmohan Tudu, the leader of the People’s Committee against Police Atrocities, and the arrests of Telugu Deepak and some others who are allegedly involved in the murder of a police officer in the tribal belt. What has followed the suo motu
The offer for talks and the listed demands reflect the doubts in the minds of Maoist leaders about the sustainability of an armed struggle. Hence the need to explore the option of an honourable exit as part of their strategy. offer of talks is the listing of Maoist demands. These are as follows: recasting of the development model based on the Paschimanchal Unnayan Parishad; empowering adivasis by imparting skills and aptitude so as to enable them to avail themselves of jobs offered under the reservation quota; setting up of an autonomous council managed by the adivasis to spearhead welfare activities in the tribal region; greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of the panchayats, and so on. The offer for talks and the listed demands reflect the doubts in the minds of Maoist leaders about the sustainability of an armed struggle. Hence the need to explore the option of an honourable exit as part of their strategy. To understand the actual intent of the Maoists’ designs and plans in the larger context, it will be instructive for the government to carry out a reasoned analysis and a nuanced debate within the intelligence, civil, law- enforcement and security agencies. No set patterns exist for starting negotiations with an organization that believes in the cult of violence as an instrument to overthrow a constitutionally-elected government. It is not very easy to precisely determine the conditions before agreeing to talks. These vary with situations and are, in turn, influenced by the historical background, geographical terrain and ideological content of the movement. Talks are generally preceded by informal, behind- the-scene parleys,
IndoAmerican News Publisher Emeritus: Dr. K.L. Sindwani Editor: Pramod Kulkarni Business Manager: Jawahar Malhotra Marketing Manager: Krishna Giri Community Reporter: Kalyani Giri Community Editor: Manasi Gokhale Administrative Manager: Vanshika Vipin Marketing & Food Correspondent: Jacob David Production Manager: Hussain Mandviwala correspondents Chicago: Nand Kapoor Ottawa: Avinash Gavai ®All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the written consent of the publisher. The deadline for advertising and articles is 5 pm on Monday of each week. Please include self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of all unsolicited material. Published at 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 262, Houston, Texas 77036. Tel: 713-789-NEWS or 6397 Fax: 713-789-6399, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com, website: indoamerican-news.com
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popularly known as the Track Two initiatives, with those who represent the leadership of the organization willing to talk. The idea is to assess the ability of the outfit to meet the demands without derailing the talks through the threat of violence against the government. In most cases, the cessation of violence paves the way for the engagement process because it creates a measure of trust in the minds of both the government and the people. It also indicates the willingness and commitment of the outfit to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. In the event of any breach, it becomes easier for the government to rally the people’s support behind sanctions that it may impose on the outfit for violating the terms and conditions. No negotiation can commence without strong indications from the organization that it is serious about ending its armed struggle. A slew of demands before talks makes this kind of a strategy weak and flawed. As a result, irrevocable concessions in advance cannot be entertained. It is for the government to ascertain in advance the ties that exist between those responsible for violence and those willing to negotiate. Only negotiating with the latter is not considered the best option. Therefore, it must be ensured that those linked to extremist violence are brought into the loop of talks. The objective should be to strengthen those willing to come to the bargaining table and weaken those reluctant to walk the talk. The mechanism helps in enlarging the space for dialogue and to ensure that the engagement makes tangible progress. Talks that are held without preconditions help create a climate of trust, which ensures that the engagement is productive. Negotiations cannot legitimize violence. On the contrary, it must add legitimacy to all that is necessary to promote peace and consolidate the system. The key objective is not simply to end violence but also to minimize the risks of destabilising the system. The author is former director of the Intelligence Bureau, and the former governor of Nagaland.
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Baylor Dentistry Research Award for Dr. D’Souza DALLAS: Rena D’Souza, D.D.S., Ph.D., professor and chair of biomedical sciences at Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry, has made significant contributions to the fields of tooth development and genetics, received millions of dollars in research funding from the National Institutes of Health and accepted the highest accolades for scientific achievement and mentorship from her peers. In recognition of her work and accomplishments, she was honored by the Texas A&M Health Science Center during the academic convocation in College Station, Texas. She received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Research, which honors significant contributions that enhance, facilitate or accelerate the HSC research enterprise. “Dr. D’Souza is a recognized leader in her discipline of biomedical research throughout the United States and internationally,” said James S. Cole, D.D.S., dean of HSC-Baylor College of Dentistry. “In the brief time she has been at BCD, she has made great strides toward the integration of clinical, educational and scientific collaborations throughout the college. She works tirelessly to better her personal research projects, as well as those of the department, the college and the college’s research partners.” Since joining the dental college faculty in 2006 as professor and chair, Dr. D’Souza has received more than $6 million as the principal investigator for 12 grant awards. She is the principal investigator of two major research grants from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) and director of a National Research Service Award Institutional Research Training Grant from the NIDCR. Recently, Dr. D’Souza received four NIH American Recovery and Reinvestment Act awards including one
Dr. Rena D’Souza was honored during the academic convocation in College Station, Texas. She received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Research, which honors significant contributions that enhance, facilitate or accelerate the HSC research enterprise.
that will help recruit two outstanding faculty members with expertise in tissue engineering. As a result of her hands-on mentoring of faculty, the department has seen an almost threefold increase in extramural funding over the past five years. Dr. D’Souza’s impact on future professionals through her mentoring work is extensive. She has provided guidance to researchers at all stages of education and development, from high school students and science teachers to junior and mid-career faculty. Faculty in her department have noted her interest in sharing her knowledge and expertise, her positive attitude and service as a role model for active and aspiring researchers, and her constructive feedback and willingness to help others reach their potential. In their letter of nomination, senior departmental faculty members stated, “We believe that Dr. D’Souza strongly meets [the award] criteria because of the unique way she has translated her own scientific achievement into a larger integrated model for research program development at Baylor College of Dentistry. “She has
been able to develop initiatives that are creating the unique integrated research environment at BCD,” said the faculty members. “This environment extends beyond biomedical sciences to all parts of BCD and is enhancing intellectual integration throughout, breaking down research area silos and promoting a unified approach to health-related research that brings together basic, translational and clinical research approaches. This integration also extends to the educational mission of the institution and an increase in critical thinking throughout.” Dr. D’Souza, who is a recipient of the Distinguished Scientist Award from the International Association for Dental Research, is the current vice president of the American Association for Dental Research and serves as member of the National Advisory Council for Dental and Craniofacial Research as well as a director of Friends of the NIDCR. She was selected as a fellow of the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine Program for Women at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia.
Banga to Take Top Post at MasterCard
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He was with Citi for 13 years and held various roles in the US, Europe and Middle East, among others. Banga started his career with Nestle in 1981 and later joined Pepsico. He also serves on the board of Kraft Foods. “We are fortunate to announce the transition to a leader with Ajay’s
expertise and experience. His industry knowledge, as well as his deep background in financial services encompassing many geographies, makes him the ideal CEO to successfully drive MasterCard’s future growth,” MasterCard Board of Directors’ Chairman Richard Haythornthwaite said. Following the transition, Selander
would serve as the MasterCard’s executive vice chairman and continue to serve as a board member till his retirement on December 31, 2010. “Since joining MasterCard in late August 2009, Ajay has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and insight, and I know he is the ideal candidate to lead MasterCard moving forward,” Selander said.
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Old and Wise at 165, and the Future Looks Bright
By Jawahar Malhotra HOUSTON: “So, how’s life?” asked Brad Williams, half jestingly, with a grin. He, of course, knew the answer he wanted and Nina Singh, one of the New York Life agents in the audience supplied it loud and clear. “Unbelievable!” she responded, then repeated it again. “That’s what you have to expect,” a delighted Williams continued to the guests. “See, it could be that you had a stroke of luck. Or, maybe you had a really lousy day. But,” continued the Managing Director of the local Houston agency for NYL, “whatever it is, it’s unbelievable!”
ImmigrationattorneyGeorgeWileygaveatestimonial tothetrustthathehasdevelopedwithhisNYLagent, Ramesh Cherivirala
Williams and the Regional Director for NYL, David Wilcox had come to India House this past Monday evening, April 12, to support Ramesh Cherivirala and his agency to celebrate the 165th Anniversary of New York Life with a party for many policyholders and guests. Both lauded India House as a marvelous community facility and asset. One policyholder, immigration attorney George Wiley, came onstage to express his gratitude for the attention and service that his agent (Cherivirala himself) had shown him since he bought the policy. “New York Life and Ramesh are synonymous to me,”
NewYorkLife’sManagingDirectorBradWilliamstold everyonethatNYLwasthemostadmiredinsurance companyintheworld,accordingtoasurveypublished in Fortune magazine
India House President Ashok DhingraNewYorkLife guests to the facility
IndiaCultureCenterPresidentSwapanDhairyawan presented an award to Cherivirala for his service to the organization
New York Life’s Reginoal Director David Wilcox spoke of the reliability that was at the heart of NYL’s investments.
he quipped. The party featured welcoming comments from Ashok Dhingra, the president of India House who expressed his appreciation for the ads NYL runs on desi cable TV channels that exemplify the culture and values of India. “This is similar to the way India House operates: with open arms for diversity and culture,” he explained. “With all the programs that we have here every day, we want to share this culture and give back to the community.” A short video presentation opened the brief
program explained why New York Life was a mutual insurance company (it has policyholders, not shareholders) and how this allowed it to take a long-term perspective on the investments it makes and why this helps to survive relatively unscathed during economic recessions. “We have $150 billion in investments in a very diversified portfolio,” Wilcox expanded, “and Pfizer is our largest holding at $240 million. But even that is very small compared to the whole.” He explained how the current economic recovery could be viewed as V, U, W or L shaped, but
ShilpaMalhotraintroducedtheclassicalandfusion dnaces that were perfomed at the tail end of the event
regardless, NYL’s diversified portfolio helped get it through in a very healthy position. “We did not take any help from the Feds, while other financial institutions did,” Wilcox added. Williams also shared that New York Life had been voted as the most admired insurance company in the world in a survey of 4,000 CEOs and executives in Fortune magazine. Cherivirala attributed his success to the efforts of the agents that form his team - Navinchandra Patel, Michael Shum, Bachcha Tiwari, Ramana Reddy, Vatsa Kumar, D.K. Parikh, Rajesh Varghese, Namrata Vora, Marcos Moros, Riddhi Parikh and Nina Singh – and asked others interested in selling insurance to contact him. Rounding out the program, Swapan Dhairyawan, the president of India Culture House, presented Cherivirala (himself a former president of ICC) and award for community service. The program ended with classical and fusion dances by two students of Shilpa Malhotra. The food for the evening was catered by Pavani restaurant on the Southwest Freeway, which served an assortment of tasty appetizers and a buffet dinner. Drinks were served from a bar inside the main hall.
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Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (Hire) Act By Manzoor Hasan As America begins its economic life in the new decade, citizens everywhere are clamouring to put our recent recession behind us. Certainly many obstacles remain in our way, namely America’s unemployment rates which haven’t been this high since the early 80’s. In an effort to combat our 9.7% unemployment rate, President Obama signed into law the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act. Obama was quoted as saying the HIRE Act is, “a jobs bill that will encourage businesses to hire and help put Americans back to work.” I will reiterate the points of this bill with a few words about what this jobs bill will mean for workers, for businesses, and for America’s economic recovery. During the signing session, Obama briefly laid out the specifics of the bill stating that “this jobs bill will make a difference in several important ways. First, we will forgive payroll taxes for businesses that hire someone who’s been out of work at least two months. That’s a tax benefit that will apply to unemployed workers hired between last month and the end of this year. So this tax cut says to employers: If you hire a worker who’s unemployed, you won’t have to pay payroll taxes on that worker for the rest of the year. And businesses that move quickly to hire today will get a bigger tax credit than businesses that wait until later this year.” PAYROLL TAX RELIEF AND TAX CREDIT FOR RENTENTION OF NEW HIRES The tax exemption applies for employees hired who have not had full-time work for at least 60 days prior to the hire date. Although an employer will be exempt from the one-half portion of an employee’s Social Security tax (6.2% on wages up to $106,800), the employer will not receive an exemption on the Medicare portion of the employers’ tax. Furthermore, there will be no additional exemption on any part of the employees’ tax or the self employment tax paid by individuals. Employers are allowed a $1,000 income tax credit as long as they retain the new-hire for at least 52 weeks and the employee’s wages during the last 26 weeks of the taxable year are equal to at least 80% of the wages earned during the first 26 weeks of the year. Additionally the tax exemption is only for employees hired between February 3, 2010, and January 1, 2011. Neither relatives of employers, nor current employees are eligible for this tax credit. EXTENSION OF EXPENSING LIMITATIONS The Hire Act increases the maximum ceiling that taxpayers can expense under Section 179 of the code to $250,000. The key benefit for sole proprietors and small businesses is an extension of a provision from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that permits sole proprietors and small businesses to deduct up to $250,000 of the cost of qualifying property in the year it is purchased. The Hire Act will stimulate hiring and also motivate business owners & businesses itself to invest in buying business property. This act is reminiscent to President Reagan’s Investment Tax Credit (ITC) on Equipments back in 1981 to stimulate the economy. ELECTION TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAX CREDITS The Hire Act will allow issuers of certain tax exempt bonds, new clean renewable energy and conservation bonds as well as qualified school construction bonds to receive direct payments in lieu of providing a tax credit to such bondholders. REGULATION OF CERTAIN FOREIGN FINANCIAL ASSETS & REPORTING TO THE IRS Foreign financial institutions after 2012 must agree to obtain information from US account
Manzoor Hasan
holders and disclose their findings to the IRS. They also must withhold 30% of payments made to US holders. US persons and US Entities holding interests in certain foreign financial assets must disclose their ownership in such interests to the IRS. For any year in which the assets value exceeds $50,000. The act provides that the IRS may impose a 40% penalty on any understatement of tax attributable to an undisclosed foreign financial asset. The statute of limitations related to foreign assets extends from 3 years to 6 years. SYNOPSIS OF THE HIRE ACT • The Hire Act mandates that an employer’s portion of the Payroll tax will be forgiven for any business hiring someone who has been unemployed for at least 60 days prior to the date of hire. • The Act will permit small businesses to
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write off up to $250,000 in investments towards equipment this year. • The Act will reform municipal bonds to expand investments in schools & clean energy. • The Act also contains and focuses anti-abuse provisions to restrict the ability of US taxpayers including individuals & corporations to conceal assets and income overseas.
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Five Indian Americans Win Truman Scholarships The five Indian American Truman Scholars for 2010 share an extraordinary record of academic achievements and a background of significant community involvement. They five are Varun Srinivasan
Sivaram of Stanford University, Nirant Manoon Gupta of California’s Claremont McKenna College, Puja Virendra Parikh of the University of Notre Dame, Neha Deshpande of Johns Hopkins University, and Ali Hussain of Cornell University. A total of 60 scholars were selected nationwide from 576 candidates nominated by 245 U.S. colleges and universities. Madeleine K. Albright, president of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, announced the winners March 30.
They were chosen by 16 selection panels based on leadership potential, intellectual ability and the “likelihood of making a difference.” Recipients must be U.S. citizens, have outstanding leadership potential and communication skills, be in the top quarter of their class and be committed to careers in nonprofits or government. Panels interviewed finalists from three or four state regions and selected one scholar from each state and one at-large scholar from the region. The scholarship provides up to $30,000 for graduate study. Scholars also receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some graduate institutions, leadership training, career and graduate school counseling, and internship opportunities in the federal government. The 20-year-old Parikh said she was “ecstatic” when she found out she qualified for a regional interview. “I knew that if I was granted the opportunity to interview, I could do well. I think that was my biggest strength…because of my extensive
public speaking experience.” Parikh was a champion high school debater and co-captain of the mock trial team at Notre Dame. Gupta, 20, a resident of Connecticut, is pursuing a dual major in government and economics at Claremont College. In fall 2008, he took leave from school to work as a field organizer for the Obama campaign. A platform/initiative endorsement director for California Young Democrats, he also interned at the USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. Sivaram, 21, has a double major in engineering physics and international relations at Stanford, where he serves as the chair of the undergraduate senate. Thane-born Deshpande, a junior at Johns Hopkins University, is majoring in biology with a minor in French cultural studies. She will graduate in May in three years. Hussain, from Minneapolis, Minn., is a junior majoring in government at Cornell, where he is in the College Scholar Program. His extended family is originally from Gujarat, but now lives in Karachi. The Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as a memorial to the 33rd U.S. president. The Truman Scholars will assemble May 25 for a leadership development program at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., and receive their awards at the Truman Library in Independence, Mo., May 30.-IW
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Getting Lost in UH’s Nasha 2010
HOUSTON: On Friday, April 2nd, the University of Houston’s Indian Student Association held its third annual cultural and talent show, Nasha 2010 at the Cullen Performance Hall. The show consisted of various groups all having one main goal: claiming the title of being number one and taking home the grand prize money. With more than 1000 people, the emcee, Comedian Dan Nainan, kept the crowed entertained with his variety of jokes and skits. The show consisted of 12 dance teams; one a capella group, and a glamorous fashion show. At the end of the competition, ISA’s president, Nehal Verma, thanked all of those who sponsored the show and the judges, who were specialists in their own areas. Both sponsors and judges received thank you plaques for their contribution to the show. The long awaited winners were finally announced with Texas Raas in first place, winner of $1000 and Texas Mohini winner of $500 in second place. The show was not over with
Texas Raas, winners of a dance competition.
just the talent show; a full Indian course meal, from Chutney Restaurant was served banquet style in the Houston ballroom. The irresistible food consisted of spinach pakora, navaratan kurma, chole, maa rajma daal, bhature, rice pulao, salad and rice pudding known as kheer for dessert. The guests were able to mingle and reflect on all of the great moments of the night, all while having additional performance
Photo: Brandon Neol
groups who were not competing for the prize on stage. The event received great raves and many said they could not wait for next year’s event. Check out the pictures of this year’s Nasha 2010 and many more online at www.uh.edu/india . ISA would like to thank each and everyone who came out and supported Nasha 2010 this past weekend, and we hope to see everyone at future events!
Gaurav Kikani Announced as a National Youth Scholar HOUSTON: Gaurav Kikani, a senior at Clement High School has been selected as the 2010 American Red Cross Navin Narayan Natinal Youth Scholar. This year the Navin Narayan Scholarship had a large number of fantastic applicants and the scholarship is focused on Red Cross service and academics. Throughout high school Gaurav has had a passion for service, especially with the American Red Cross. Through the Clement High School
Red Cross Club in Sugar Land, TX he worked his way up from being a club member to treasurer, to vice chair and currently in his senior year, leading his club as chair. In addition to leading the Clement club, Gaurav also chairs the Youth Service Council for the Greater Houston Area Red Cross. In this role he is tasked to unite and guide all youth services activities in his area. He also leads mass orientations for over 300 youth volunteers at a time! Just as Gaurav’s dedication to the
Red Cross is impressive, his academic performance matches. Guarav is one of the very top students in his class scoring very high on his SATs and by the time he graduates this year will have taken 12 Advanced Placement classes and tests! His academic track record has not gone unnoticed and Gaurav has won numerous local and national awards. It is this combination of community service and dedication to school that has made Gaurav a very deserved winner of this years award.
Free Meditation Sessions at Sanatan Shiv Shakti Mandir Meditation means to forget our physical existence completely and become one with the Universal Consciousness. At such a time we experience the pure joy as universal energy starts flowing within. Just as words are insufficient to describe the scents of flowers in the same way the experience of this eternal joy cannot be expressed through words. Samarpan Meditation is a path of experience so meditate and experience an internal transformation by attending free sessions at Sanatan Shiv Shakti Mandir, 5645 Hillcroft Street, Houston, TX 77036 on May 1st 2010. For further information please contact Aruna Gurajada @ (908) -643 -5434 or visit the website www.samarpanmeditation.org.
Masala Chai Hour with Rathna Kumar A program focusing onIndian Performing & Visual Arts, Literature
Saturdays 10-11am on 1480AM, Masala Radio, 281-277-6874
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