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Friday, May 28 2010 | Vol. 29, No. 22

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Own a Piece of Manhattan in the (Not So) Old Country

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LAMHE: Bollywood Musical on June 6 at Jones Hall LAMHE- a pure bollywood musical delight featuring four-time Filmfare Award winner Kavita Krishnamurti, the incredible Bollywood’s classical music phenomenon Suresh Wadkar, the melodious Sa Re Ga Ma Pa winner Sanchita, the rising playback singer Aavez Darbar, accompanied by the original six-member Sa Re Ga Ma Pa band headed by Girish Vishwa.

A Savior Comes to Remind Us of Cherished Indian Values Tarun Vijay, the National Spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party, used some stern words but still reveled in the diversity of India and Indians

SUGAR LAND: For many, it was a treat just to see a former great world-class tennis player and have a picture taken with him.

But as the presentation and the designs for the master communities were explained by and laid out on the projection screen, it became clearer that many of the over 80 people who attended the IREO’s sales event were seriously eyeing the Indian market for a real-estate opportunity.

Complete Story on Pg 25

INSIDE IACAN Addresses the Role of Diet and Complemantary Medicine in Story on Pg 7 Cancer The Ceremonial Opening of Sri Guruvayurappan Temple

Story on Pg 8

Incredible India Captured Essence of India’s Diverse Cultural Heritage Story on Pg 12

By Jawahar Malhotra

HOUSTON: The buildup to the speech that everyone came to hear was preceeded by comments and remarks by the local organizers and the other speaker from out of town, Mahesh Mehta, the founder of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in the US and currently its International Vice President, all of which were conducted for the most part in English, the language most often used in large desi settings among us here. Of course, the subject matter dealt with Hindu Na-

tionalism and so the mindset was atuned to the Hindi vernacular.

So, it seemed appropriate for Tarun Vijay, when he was invited upto the podium, to start off in shud (pure) Hindi, and he may have lost many in the audience as they paid close attention to each word, catching maybe every third word. Still, Vijay’s versatility in conveying his message in Hindi may even exceed his powerful writings in English but the message is the still the same.

“India in at the forefront of no

less than a war and we have to fear for our coming generations,” he said emphatically in Hindi. “We still have a chance to fight for this.

Let us remind ourselves that if we Indians have forgotten our values, then we will be wiped out.”

Tarun Vijay was not mincing any words. As the National Spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party and a Director of the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, an ideological think tank based on the Nationalist school of thought at the BJP headquarters

34 Different Looks for AR Rahman in Concert HOUSTON: When you are an Oscar winner and on a world tour, you need a fashion designer. Even the sartorially sombre AR Rahman. So Ritu Beri is designing the wardrobe for Rahman and his troupe for “AR Rahman Jai Ho: The Journey Home World Tour 2010”, which comes to Houston on July 3. Beri, who has barely a month to get the costumes ready, has to design 34 different looks for Rahman and the group of musicians and dancers who will be travelling with him. Befitting the grandeur of the sets and the occasion, she has designed unusual LED costumes for the team.

“It’s been my most thrilling experience to date,” says Beri. “When I started working on the looks, I realised that Rahman was not the

one for flashy colours,” she says.

But Beri is determined to make Rahman sport looks that he hadn’t so far. “This time Rahman has experimented. He has been more fun and adventurous,” says Beri who got him in ethnicwear for the song Khwaja mere Khwaja from the

film Jodhaa Akbar. For another number, Rahman dresses like Michael Jackson, and this surely has been his boldest look, says Beri.

She isn’t sure about touring with the troupe, but she will be definitely going to cheer them in Paris on June 17.

in New Delhi he speaks at many gatherings like the one at the India House last Saturday evening, May 23 in front of about 150 people.

Vijay is the author of over 2,000 articles in English and Hindi in many Indian and international media and has been a regular columnist for more than 22 newspapers.

Vijay is often quoted in the media on India’s socio-political issues and has written four books on the same.

Switching to English, Vijay conContinued on Pg 3

Crash Raises Issue of India’s Aviation Oversight MUMBAI: An Air India flight that crashed after landing in southern India on Saturday killed 158 people and raised questions about India’s oversight of a rapidly growing aviation industry. The immediate cause of the accident appeared to be pilot error: the Boeing 737 overshot the hilltop runway in Mangalore, one of India’s trickiest airports, on the southwestern coast.

Complete Story on Pg 31

It’s Masala Time Watch Masala Holi TV Show this Saturday, May 29 on Star Plus

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Indo American News • Friday, May 28 , 2010

online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Indo American News • Friday, MaY 28 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

society

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Indo American News • Friday, May 28 , 2010

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A Savior Reminds Us of Cherished Indian Values continued from page 1

tinued. “People from all over the world came here and became one, Americans. And the overwhelming basic identity and values are still Latin-Christian.”

"So what can it be for India but Hindu, through Sanatan, Vedic Dharma" he asked as he gesticulated, "which has given the world the best of ideals of pluralism? We are all inclusive, we don't ask you to be converted. You can believe what you want, we will protect who you are. This is the freedom in Hinduism that cannot be found elsewhere."

According to Vijay, India is facing many challenges, and he wondered how it will be able to face them. He quoted V. S. Naipul that the weakness in Hindu society is its forgetfulness of what Hindus once were, and then related it to the story of the city of Humpi in R. K. Narayan's novel, Malgudi Days.

With historical perspective and a clarity of purpose, Vijay explained how the atrocities of the Gandahar Afghans led to the annihilation of thousands of Hindus; how the 3 million volumes of Hindu philosophy in the ancient library in Takshila were burnt. "What was the reason for this hatred?" he asked.

Turning to the present, he said that the 26/11 assault was the nth attack on India "because you happen to be Hindus. The assaulters

believe that they are right and you are wrong." He went on to relate how Kashmiri Hindus were assaulted, killed and raped and 500,000 were sent down to the Jammu Valley; how 125,000 sq. km of land was given to China and Pakistan; how in Kashmir there are two flags flown: one of India and the other of Kashmir. "If this is the state of Kashmir, (do) you want to save India, what are you doing? Ask yourself." challenged Vijay.

He then expanded on the beauty of Hinduism and its philosophy and how it expanded to China, Thailand, the Far East and can be found in the beauty of the Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia.

But Vijay believes that the threat to India is from within and related how the troubles in Manipur, "the land of Krishna" by the People's Liberation Army of Manipur has led to Hindus being ostracized and they have been ordered out of the state by May 31, all facts that he contends have not been reported in the press.

Still, Vijay sees hope in the new emergence of India and its being recognized for its brilliance, intrinsic values and the qualities of Hindu Dharma. He stated that, since its creation in 1925, the BJP was a social service organization dedicated to the Motherland through the RSS. In concluding, Vijay related the

story of the young 20ish man who was leaving his lucrative profession to become a swami with the BAPS with the blessings of the Pramukh Swami. “When I asked why he was doing so,” recalled Vijay, “he replied ‘So that history will not record that while the padres were converting Hindu youth, Hindu youth were too busy making money to notice.’"

These same sentiments were echoed by Mehta when he spoke earlier. He believes that India has survived for thousands of years and that its current emergence on the global scene will ensure that it will get the leadership role in

the coming years. "The challenge is who will solve the problems of India and stay in the driver's seat?" he asked. "We need a vehicle, a political party, to get where we want to go and working in the US, the BJP can be this vehicle."

He asserted that the potential exists outside of India because of the force of Hinduism.

Prior to the speeches, the local organizers presented plaques to the past presidents of the Overseas BJP and Ramesh Shah and Hasu Patel spoke briefly to welcome the guests and explain the setup of the OBJP. After the lighting of divas before portraits of the founders of

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Indo American News • Friday, MaY 28 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

the BJP and the singing of Vande Matram, the evening started. It ended with a video on the dangers of terrorism and the need to be vigilant.

If you receive your paper more than 4 days after the Dateline, please file a complaint with your post office or call the USPS Consumer Affairs Office at 713-226-3442 Indo-American News (ISSN 887-5936) is published weekly on every Friday (for a subscription price of $30 per year) by Indo-American News Inc., 7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, Texas 77036, Tel: 713-789-6397, Fax: 713-789-6399, Email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com.

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Indo American News • Friday, May 28 , 2010

Society

A Rite of Passage for Graduating Seniors Bound for College

By Manasi Mehta CLEAR LAKE: This past Saturday, May 23, the India Culture Center of Clear Lake held its13th Annual Graduation luncheon at the Moguls Restaurant on Bay Area Boulevard. Each year community volunteers in ICCL put together a

interesting to see what these Indian students had decided to pursue.

Majors ranged from economics to forensic science and business to biomedical engineering. Some students were accepted to highly renowned honors programs at some of these universities.

Later, a few of the seniors had a chance to express their gratitude and discuss what the next chapter in their life will hold for them.

Every year, this is a wonderful rite of passage for the Clear Lake area and one figure in particular who makes this event continually suc-

Graduating High School seniors, parents and guests at the annual luncheon held by the ICCL

luncheon to honor graduating Indo-American High school seniors from the Clear Lake district are invited to hear a keynote speaker, receive a small token of appreciation of their hard work, and mingle with others about their future endeavors. Each senior attending this event usually announces the college they plan on going to and the major they intend to pursue.

This year, the seniors planned on going to the University of Texas, Texas A&M University, Baylor University, Texas Tech University, and even going out of state. It was

The keynote speaker this year was Sanjay Rao who has been involved with the Indo-American community in Greater Houston for many years and has had a very successful career himself. Coincidently, his own daughter was also graduating from high school. He gave the college-bound students some useful advice about creating a system for personal success. He spoke about using wrong decisions as a way of learning to make the right decisions in the future. His heartfelt advice and bits of humor was well appreciated by everyone.

cessful is an 86 year-old woman named Radha Golikari. She works very hard each year to make this luncheon possible for graduating seniors and their parents and all her efforts are deeply appreciated as she has seen many young people from the area go onto college.

Radha Golikari has been a part of this process for so many years that she has even seen younger siblings of students who have attended the event in previous years. This is an exciting experience for Golikari to be able to see the legacy of this sincere tradition.

online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Stop Here to Plan a Wedding HOUSTON: Planning a wedding and don’t know where to start?

Clear presents Impression - The Wedding Exhibtion by Indigo Events, at Stafford Center on June 5 & 6 from 12noon onwards. The exhibition is open for all and not ticketed.

Impression, is not only about shopping, it is an event for the whole family. But above all, it is the perfect place to go when organizing a wedding.

Shop for everything from clothing to the cateres.

Impression has a selection of the latest trends. by top design houses like Crafts Clothing, Nazia’s Couture, Uzma Saadia’s Wardrobe, His Highness Collection, Sonal’s Collection, Princess – The Royal Collection, Exclusive Fashion Sarees and many more showcasing Bridal Wear, Party Wear, Indian Suits, Pakistani Suits and Designer Sarees. Also find matching jewellery and accessories to go with all that

you shop.

For beauty tips, visit Skin Specialist Marry Jane of Decree Beauty and get a consulation from Sarrah Ali of Transformation Studio – A world Inspired Beauty &

Wellness Center.

Meet the best Wedding Photographers and videographers in town like Zeerum Photographer and Unique Photo Images.

For more information about the exhibition, visit www.ImpressionByIndigo.com See the advertisement on Page 24

The Voice of CRY Houston

By Swati Sachdev Today, India’s intellectual capital is prized the world over. Information Technology, aeronautics, business, telecom-you name it.

India is gaining rapid strides and proudly so. Women and men have reached outer space, the moon, yet there is a disparity between the quality of life for those select few achievers and the youth in India. Many first generation Indian Americans have grown up hearing stories about their parents or grandparents journeys to the United States, and of success stories where something was created out of nothing. “I came to this country with eighty dollars in my pocket and look where I am now” or “I had to walk five miles and catch two buses to go to school/college when I was your age”are common examples. Many in the younger generation have had the privilege of answering the question where will I go to college vs. how will I go to college? Regardless of reason, the set of opportunities which are usually taken for granted are more than a privilege to millions of children in India. It is an inaccessible right. The right to an edu-

cation, the right to a childhood, the right to a choice.

CRY America serves as a champion for these rights, and has been working towards enabling children to realize and reclaim what should already be theirs.

It is 2010, ten years into the millennium; however, the statistics relevant to child labor, education, and marriage are astounding: • 46% of children in India are underweight, 38% stunted and 19% wasted. Their fate decided even before they turn three [National Family Health Survey, 2007] • 53% children in India reported having faced one or more forms of sexual abuse [Ministry of Women and Child Development, 2007] • There are 17 million child laborers in India [Government of India Census, 2001] • 180 out of 581 districts in India have seen primary school enrollments fall [DISE, compiled by NUEPA] •88,000 schools (nearly 8%) in India still do not have a blackboard in their classes [2007 Sur-

vey by HRD Ministry, UNICEF and NEUPA] The persistence of these problems, their scale and severity call for more than philanthropic

responses. CRY America, has learned that permanent change is possible only when children, their parents and communities are informed about their rights and engage with their local government bodies to address the root causes of their problems. Based on this, CRY’s philosophy of community mobilization has evolved. CRY believes that the ‘child rights’ approach is the most effective way to ensure sustainable change, increase awareness and enlist greater

support for children, as opposed to the ‘relief’ approach which treats children as objects of sympathy.

CRY America and CRY have witnessed this approach work in thousands of rural, tribal and slum communities across India. In just over 5 years, CRY America removed 6,620 children from the workforce, provided 10, 936 children with Educational Support, and immunized 80,719 children. In addition to providing children with the right to an education and protection from labor, CRY also champions the Cause of the Girl Child. By creating awareness regarding child marriage, foeticide, and female infanticide, CRY America promotes community participation and ownership of child rights centered development processes. By involving larger civil society-individuals, business and media CRY works towards achieving the goal of creating a ‘just world’ for all children. One, in which every girl’s childhood is preserved, cherished, nurtured, and protected.

The above mentioned statis-

Indo American News • Friday, MaY 28 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

tics and initiatives may lead to the question, where do we fit in?

What can we do to contribute and make a difference? The answer is very simple: GIVE. Give of your time, energy, spirit, and if possible material resources. Most importantly, give from your heart!

The Houston chapter of CRY America is committed to making an impact via its volunteers, events, and leadership. June 1st marks the commencement of the ‘My Vision and Dream for Children’ Campaign. The campaign makes CRY change their world by expressing a new vision.

The campaign is essentially a contest comprising of six categories: Poems, Essays, Slogans, Photography, Short Film, and Painting/Drawing. Ages 10 and up qualify to enter and share their ‘vision’ on what their dream is for children. In addition to promoting the ‘My Vision’ Campaign, CRY will be hosting a mixer this summer to provide interested individuals with information about the organization. If you are interested in learning more about CRY America please contact them by e-mail at: houston@cryamerica.org.

online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Society

Indo American News • Friday, May 28 , 2010

IAPAC Holds Events for Gordon Quan, Vietnamese PAC

By Jawahar Malhotra HOUSTON: The Indo American Political Action Committee held a fundraiser this past Sunday, May 24 at Pavani Restaurant on the Southwest Freeway for Gordon Quan who is running as the Democratic challenger for the Harris County Commissioners Court Judge position held by incumbent Republican Ed Emmett.

The late afternoon event drew some 50 people as they listened to Quan, a former Houston City Councilman who was term-limited four years ago, explain why he was running again for a position that has long been a Republican stronghold. A Chinese-American, Quan is a successful immigration attorney who has built his firm, FosterQuan LLP into one of the city’s largest in the field. Several in the audience were former clients of his.

“Some people have asked me why I didn’t run in the last election for Mayor,” Quan said.

“Well, there were just too many things going on in my life then.

But I am motivated to keep an Asian-American in government ever since M.J. Khan was termlimited out last year. I want to be a mentor for other Asian Ameri-

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Gordon Quan who is running for the Harris County Commissioners Court Judge, met with the IAPAC at Pavani Restaurant on the Southwest Freeway at a fundraiser last Sunday, May 24. He posed for pictures with the IAPAC Board of Directors.

Photos: Jawahar Malhotra

cans who want to run.”

As a Councilman who followed in the footsteps of the first AsianAmerican at City Council, Martha Wong, Quan was a popular figure who brought the community into prominence. He conceded that he is the underdog in this race but believes that the Democratic Party is finding resurgence in strength in Harris County especially after winning 27 of 33 races in the past election.

Although the Commissioners Court Judge does not have a vote of issues, and requires 3 votes to

get motions passed, he can wield influence by presiding over the five Commissioners and using the bully pulpit to move matters to the front. Quan has a three– pronged platform for the position: enlarge the existing program funded to $1.3m to help small businesses grow; enhance education and improve the after-school program for 1.5m kids in Harris County; and close the revolving door for criminals in the County Court system.

“We are currently sending hundreds of prisoners outside of the

county due to facility shortages,” Quan explained, “but many are the same people who have been in jail before. I want to start a process to see what kind of treatment they really need and alleviate overcrowding and the associated costs.”

Quan understands that this Judge seat is quite entrenched.

“They either go feet first or in handcuffs,” he quipped of the past holders of the position. But he is encouraged by the current swing towards Democrats, “the largest since LBJ was in office,”

Indo American News • Friday, MaY 28 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

he added as well as the mood to drive out long-term incumbents.

He realizes that he needs to raise funds but his main concern is getting the voters out, about 350,000 votes to win this position.

Emmett has been a constant presence at many South Asian functions over the past two years and can lay claim to being empathetic since he has a son who lives in India and he has often visited the country. Quan reminded the audience of his own involvement with the community over 33 continued on page

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Indo American News • Friday, May 28 , 2010

SOCIETY

online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Indo-American Wins in Photo Exhibition PUEBLO, Colorado: Namita Sutaria, a Houston based amateur photographer, won second and third place in the Steel City Art Works’ sponsored juried photographic exhibition.

Namita’s two entries in the “People” category titled Lajja and Kumbhar placed second and third place in this juried photographic exhibition.

Lajja means shyness and is a portrait composition of a Rajasthani woman. This photograph uniquely captures the beauty and expressions of a native Rajasthani woman.

Kumbhar means a clay potter in Gujarati and is a composition of two creative hands and clay on a turning wheel, in other words a clay pot in making.

Namita uses a digital SLR camera with bells and whistles to bring her subject opportunity and creativity to develop a unique photograph.

Her favorite subjects are people (in primarily rural settings), flora, and architectural art. Being raised in two cultures (Asian Indian heritage and United States), she has blended both worlds together and truly gives the effect of “East meets West” in her work. She has successfully used eastern subject matters and enhanced them with western technology.

Namita is a Houston-based professional interior designer and a graphic artist. She owns and operates My Kreative Style where she designs and markets eastern and western stationery, wedding cards, and many other print products.

Lajja, the second place winner

Kumbhar, the third place winner

The exhibition continues through May 30 at Steel City Art Works located at 216 S. Union Avenue, Pueblo, Colorado, where all exhibition entries are available for sale. Details can be obtained by calling 719-542-6838.

Masterji Honors Community Women on May 16 HOUSTON: It is a well known fact that more and more women have stepped forward and are governing nations. Women in our society effortlessly essay roles of responsibility and never say no to a challenge.

An example close to home would be Annise Parker, the Mayor of Houston.

To honor the spirit of women, Indravan Trivedi, known fondly as Masterji, honored six women from the Indian community for their contribution to society.

Indo American News • Friday, MaY 28 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Mrs. Arti, Indira Bhusan, Mrs. Anamika, Kalyani Giri, Mrs. Saroj, Ms Amrita and Mrs. Avantika were honored on Women Appreciation Day, May 16.

Masterji has provided community services for over 20 years in Houston including choreographing Indian classical dances and now providing spiritual education.

Trivedi is a President of Practical Spritual Education at Manekpur Darbar Center.

Indravan Trivedi can be contacted on 281-889-5813

online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

society

Indo American News • Friday, May 28 , 2010

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IACAN Addresses the Role of Diet and Complementary Medicine in Cancer

By Kalyani Giri HOUSTON: The west is finally wising up to what the east has long known, that adding a little spice to your diet can add years to your life. Clinical studies of recent years have research scientists excited about curcumin, the source of the spice turmeric, which is a member of the curcuma longa botanical group. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and antimicrobial properties.

“Through Ayurveda and traditional scientific knowledge, India has benefited from the healing qualities of spices we use in our foods such as turmeric. Chronic inflammation causes heart disease, cancer, Alzheimers and many other ailments. Curcumin inhibits the NF – kB (nuclear factor kappalight-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) linked to chronic disease,” said Dr. Bharat Aggarwal, a scientist at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Dr. Aggarwal was one of four distinguished speakers at a community outreach event hosted by the Indian American Cancer Network (IACAN) at the India House on May 23. The volunteer organization’s mission is to provide a diverse resource network that will address the distinct cultural and psychosocial needs of people of South Asian descent affected by cancer. The program, The Role of Diet and Complementary Medicine in Cancer, was the second in a series of cancer-relevant educational seminars that IACAN has hosted since inception in August 2009.

“Cancer is a preventable disease that requires a major change in lifestyle. Fifty percent of cancers are caused by tobacco, 7% because of pollution and radiation, and 5%

through the genes. Patients suffering the fatigue, depression, and sleeplessness are being treated with curcumin with positive results,” said Dr. Aggarwal of a clinical study that the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is conducting. He is the co-editor of the book Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Uses for Spices – Modern Uses for Ancient Medicines.

Serving as moderator for the afternoon was Dr. Anu Rao, Secretary of IACAN. Dr. P.G. Parameswaran, a thoracic and general surgeon, is a diehard believer in holistic medicine and the healing power of alternative techniques. He also practices acupuncture, hypnotherapy, yoga therapy and energy medicine. Dr. Parameswaran, the IACAN JointSecretary, spoke about Alternative and Complementary Therapies for cancer patients. While he touted non-traditional treatments, he cautioned that a holistic approach be adopted along with mainstream allopathic therapy.

“Complementary treatments such as acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, breathing exercises, help stimulate the body’s natural healing, helps the blood flow and tissue repair, and reboots the autonomic system. It restores a sense of control and vitality,” said Dr. Parameswaran. “Acupuncture helps treat nausea, dry mouth, and other side effects associated with chemotherapy.”

Hypnosis is beneficial as the subconscious mind becomes active and receptive to suggestion, particularly in helping quell anxiety in the wake of a dire diagnosis, added Dr. Parameswaran. Yoga promotes flexibility and well being, while meditation helps lower mood disturbances and pain.

Colorful foods are higher in

Board Members of IACAN and expert guest panelists. From Left: Pallavi Mehta, Dr. Sunil Krishnan, Dr. Parameswaran, Dr Bharat Aggarwal, Neeta Pahwa, Dr. Beverly Gor, Alpa Shah, Dr. Anu Rao and Mitali Paul. Photo: Kalapi Sheth.

nutrients, said Dr. Beverly Gor, another erudite panelist for the event and Program Director of Community Relations for the Center for Research on Minority Health (CRMH) at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. She spoke of various foods and their healthful benefits; fresh ginger root is a powerful antioxidant that helps cleanse the colon.

The active ingredient in garlic is allicin, which enhances the immune system and protects the body against infection. Insoluble fiber like wheat bran, brown rice, vegetable and fruit skins and peels prevents constipation, while soluble fibers such as oats, blackeyed

peas, and beans lowers cholesterol and slows the rise of blood sugar.

“Stop smoking, maintain suitable weight, limit smoked or salt cured food, eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grains, limit fatty foods, and limit alcohol intake,” suggested Dr. Gor, to help prevent cancer.

Neeta Pahwa, diet specialist at the St. Lukes Episcopal Hospital, offered ways of incorporating more vegetables into everyday traditional Indian dishes. She advocated eight servings of fruit and vegetables per day. “Add vegetables to whole wheat roti atta, rice, dhal, and upma. Eat a high fiber diet by washing veggies thorough-

ly and cooking them with skins.

Use the stems for chutneys. Throw in a handful of almonds in oatmeal, along with dry fruits. Have veggie smoothies for a snack,” Pahwa told gatherees. She also had creative recipes for soybeans and soy products.

Following the discussions, guests got to ask questions that ran the gamut from whether coconut was considered harmful to the health, and to which website offered the purest form of curcumin for sale.

The knowledgeable panelists answered patiently, making for a very successful and educative afternoon.For more information visit http://www.iacannetwork.org.

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Indo American News • Friday, May 28 , 2010

society

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The Ceremonial Opening of Sri Guruvayurappan Temple

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By Chittor Ramachandran haran Nair said “We’re very proud idols. Most of the devotees witHOUSTON: With the Balalaya that we are celebrating an event nessed these rituals for the first Prathishta from May 21-23, the that crosses a crucial milestone. time.

Sri Guruvayurappan (Sri Krishna) Having a Guruvayurappan temple In addition to Sri GuruvayurapTemple in Houston was established. in our community will contribute pan, Sri Ganesha, Sri Ayyappa A temple with unique architecture towards the cultural and spiritual and Sri Bhagavathy idols were and ritualistic worship procedures health of our town and promote also established. The prathishta of the ancient Sri Guruvayurappan social harmony. We take pride coordinators Madhavan Pillai and Temple at Guruvayoor in Kerala that a temple of this kind would be Rajagopal Pillai could not control (India) will be an added attraction the first one in the western world their emotional outburst like many to Hindus in others at the most the western auspicious moworld. Granment of the conite structures secration. Anil will be imAranmula and ported from Muralee Kesavan Kerala, where experienced the work has alimmense joy of ready begun. a divine miracle.

The construction The devotees felt is expected to highly elated and be completed spiritually close by summer to Sri Guruv2012. Until ayurappan at the then, the deiend of witnessing ties will be this unique ritual. worshipped The confident in the temDr. Chithpuram porary buildspoke about the ing. bright future of 11620 Or- A Joyous procession of visitors at the Guruvayurappan Temple this institution as mandy Street a pilgrimage cenwas crowded with religious Hin- and we hope to attract people from ter of North America. dus and connoisseurs of Indian all over the US and from Canada Providing sumptuous meals to culture, over the weekend. Remi- as a pilgrimage spot and a cultural all the visitors on all three days of niscent of a band of triumphant sol- center”. The joyous past Presi- the event was an incredible task. diers, Dravidian drummers (Keli dent of the temple Shanmukhan This was made successful by the of Houston), braved the scorching expressed a huge sense of ac- dedicated service of a number of sun to enthrall visitors with tradi- complishment with the project. volunteers. An estimated two tional beats. The beats are usually “Culture is a powerful force for thousand people attended the fesplayed to ward off negative energy community development’” said tival. and evil eyes. The festive look of Somarajan Nair, the vice president Several prestigious dance the vast and manicured temple of the temple. Nair is happy that schools of Houston added color premises with colorful lights, sev- the Guruvayurappan temple will to the festival with their best pereral huge tents and filled parking join several other Hindu Temples formances. The music recital of lots indicated a temple ready for in the Greater Houston area and the classical musician Sankaran celebration. strengthen the spiritual foundation Nambuthiri added charm to the One of the visitors from San of the neighborhood we live in. festival. Some of the musicians Antonio, was stunned to see the The elaborate Vedic rituals be- who performed included Anand authenticity of an Utsavam and gan at dawn on Friday, May 21 Kaushik, Mayavaram Siva, Dileep was soon convinced that it was a under the direction of Brahmasri Makuni, Mahesh Iyer and Divya worthwhile decision to spend two Kariannur Divakaran Nambuthiri Ramachandran. days with her family at the temple. who has been honored with the In addition to religious events, Anand Kaushik, a classical veena title of ‘Thanthri’ of this temple. the temple also organized quizzes player from India was unaware of As a tradition, the Thanthri will and games for children. the magnitude of this festival be- hold the life long sole responsiThe temple will be open to fore he reached the venue. bility of all the ritualistic aspects the public daily in the morning and In an interview, the spokesper- of the temple. A major part of the evening. For further details visit son of Kerala Hindu Society and rituals during the three-day event www.guruvayurusa.org. the President of the Temple Sasid- was about bringing divinity to the

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IAPAC Holds Events for Gordon Quan, Vietnamese PAC

At the recent meeting with the Vietnamese PAC, from left: IAPAC Board Members Jagat Kamdar, Vish Bhaskaran, Sam Merchant and President Ramesh Anand with Vietnamese Community of Houston & Vicinities VA–PAC Board Members Joe Phan (left), and Dy. Director Philip Nguyen. continued from page

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years, and his support for funding of India House as well as a program to help convenience and gas station owners. Some of the local desi motel owners in attendance offered to put his election signs on their property. Other attendees asked that Quan make an issue of dealing with the high tollroad

costs and how HCTRA is operated.

The IAPAC has been on a tear ever since the current president, Ramesh Anand, came into office in January. He has been holding smaller, but more frequent events in hopes of building more awareness and bridges with other communities. One such event was the recent meeting of several IAPAC

Board Directors with the President Peter Tran Dzung, and two other Board members of the Vietnamese Community of Houston and Vicinities VA-PAC to explore how the two organizations could work together on issues of common interest.

For information visit www. iapac.org or Ramesh Anand at 832-731-6133

4th Regional NRN Conference on Memorial Weekend HOUSTON: We are pleased to announce that the 4th Regional NRN Conference will be held at Westchase Marriot Hotel, Houston, Texas (USA) from May 2830, 2010. The past three regional conferences were held in Doha (Qatar), Bonn (Germany) and Bangkok (Thailand) in 2004, 2006 and 2008, respectively. As a state with a large number of Nepalis, it is a pride for all Nepali Texans to be able to host a conference of this scale and stature.

This conference will provide opportunities for attendees across the world to interact with each other and discuss on their potential as a Non Resident Nepali and People of Nepali Origin to help Nepal develop in the field of education, economy and democracy. This conference will also support the NRN demand for dual citizenship.

Kathmandu, Capital of Nepal, has been identified as a highly vulnerable location for a major earthquake. Proactively NRNs

have geared up to build a team of medical, information technology, engineering and other profession to develop a strategy to assist Nepal. Nepal, as the home of beautiful mountains, including Mount Everest and the birth place of Buddha is a favorite destination for tourism. The conference will be attended by several Mount Everest summiteers and will discuss tourism promotion of Nepal.

Similarly the conference will discuss NRN women’s issues, youth issues, charity programs, investment strategies, dual citizenship and several other topics of interest to NRN and Nepal.

One significant all day session is geared to distance education and science and technology exchange between Nepal and the Diaspora.

As a part of that a concept for an Open University in Nepal will be a major topic.

Non Resident Nepalis play an important role in remittance and other resources for Nepal’s econ-

omy. A major Nepali population in US and Canada are highly accomplished professionals and academicians and they have been actively engaged in helping Nepal.

Over 200 participants worldwide are expected to attend this 3 days event. Ambassadors of Nepal to US and Canada, other Government of Nepal representatives, Chancellor and President of the University of Houston Prof. Renu Khator and Dr. Frits Pannekoek, President, ICDE and Athabasca University will be among the speakers. Several accomplished Nepalis worldwide are expected to participate as well.

The event is expected to energize the goal of the NRNA organization “Nepalis for Nepal”. The conference has been cosponsored by several business houses in addition to almost 50 Nepali organizations in United States of America. Preparation for the event has almost been completed. More information can be found at http://nrnusa.org

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Own a Piece of Manhattan in the (Not So) Old Country Victory Valley, in Gurgaon, features North India’s tallest tower at 51-stories

SUGAR LAND: For many, it was a treat just to see a former great world-class tennis player and have a picture taken with him. But as the presentation and the designs for the master communities were explained by and laid out on the projection screen, it became clearer that many of the over 80 people who attended the IREO’s sales event were seriously eyeing the Indian market for a real-estate opportunity.

IREO is the force behind this integrated township in Gurgaon. They have a vast experience of developing such self-sufficient multi-utility complexes across the country.

Currently they have fifteen such ongoing projects incorporating hotels, SEZs and office spaces all over the country. Since the past six years, the company has invested more than two billion dollars in various ventures across commercial and residential spaces across India.

The simple philosophy that governs IREO is to develop areas that are in tune with nature using environmentally friendly technology. In these hectic and stressful times, the aim is to develop walk to work townships with residences at walk able distances from workplaces.

FOLLOW THE STORY OF THE HOUSTON EVENT ON PAGE 25

“If you can get that style of living in India, then why would you look elsewhere? Why would you leave India?” - Anjali Grover, Ireo Mktg Assoc.

The Uptown project in Sector 66 in Gurgaon covers 11 acres of landscaped greens

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Incredible India Captured Essence of India’s Diverse Cultural Heritage

By Kalyani Giri HOUSTON: The magnificent cultural heritage of India was venerated through soulful music and vibrant dance at the Miller Outdoor Theatre on May 15. Incredible India, an audio-visual multi-media production presented by the Samskriti Society for the Performing Arts, enthralled a more-than-capacity turnout at the informal venue. From the stunning tableau of young percussionists inundating the stage with flying hands and nimble fingers, to the jingle of ankle bells on a lone Kathak dancer’s feet, and on to a sultry soaring voice weaving mystical notes that harkened back to the court of King Akbar, Incredible India captured the diverse essence of that hoary subcontinent through a series of stellar classical and contemporary performances.

Guests of Honor for the evening were the Consul General of India Sanjiv Arora, and his wife Chhaya. Representatives from the consulates of Peru, France, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia were also in attendance.

Artistic Director of Samskriti, Dr. Rathna Kumar, served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the event. Her explanatory eloquence on sequences showcased gave the mainstream majority audience a better understanding of the arts of India. The program began with Naadadhwani, a sonorous orchestral rendition of a composition by the poet saint Tyagaraja. Coordinated by Geetha Jayaraman, the ensemble was a triumph of local talent at its melodious best.

Under the encouraging eye of their guru Maestro Pandit Shantilal Shah, 36 young students of percussion showed their mettle as future exponents of the tabla in a rousing display of enthusiasm and dexterity in Taal Tarang. An obviously appreciative audience punctuated their performance with wolf whistles and applause. Providing the vocal backdrop for the percussion was the very gifted Hindustani classical singer Aparna Shah.

Ubiquitous yoga. Its healthful benefits for the mind, body, and soul have rendered the ancient practice universal in appeal. Pratima Desai and Kalpana Mewara lyrically presented the physically demanding Surya Namaskar yoga postures; fluidly recreating the motions through classical dance was Jamy Abraham of the Anjali Center for Performing Arts. Following this item, the Anjali Center’s senior students paid obeisance to Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance, in Mahadeva, choreographed by Dr. Rathna Kumar.

Guest artiste for the evening was the UK– based Kathak danseuse, Nahid Siddiqui whose intricately precise footwork dazzled gatherees. Accompanying her with vocal and percussive support were Aparna Shah and Pandit Shantilal Shah respectively.

Gange, excerpted from composer Kanniks Kannikeswaran’s opus Shanthi – A Journey to Peace, was choreographed by Dr. Kumar and presented by the Anjali Center artistes.

The program included traditional folk dances from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Pun-

jab. Elaborately masked dancers described a village scene in rural Karnataka in a piece choreographed by Yamuna Srinidhi, Artistic Director of the Nrityasri School of Dance and performed by her students. The Anjali Center presented one of the oldest folk dances of Tamil Nadu, the Poikaal Kuduray art form. The energetic Bhangra colorfully ushered in the vigor and effervescence of Punjab in a foot-tapping item choreographed

by Simmi Soodan.

The event drew to a pitch-perfect finale with a collage of global dance forms choreographed by Mahesh Mahbhubani. Set to popular film songs, the piece was presented

by Mahbhubani and his students.

With Incredible India, Samskriti once again excelled as a compelling conduit between the Indo American community and the mainstream, yet another success story for the storied organization.

Clockwise From Top: 36 young students with their guru Pandit Shantilal Shah; UK–based Kathak dancer, Nahid Siddiqui; Poikaal Kuduray, a traditional folk dance from Tamil Nadu; Gange, excerpted from composer Kanniks Kannikeswaran’s opus Shanthi – A Journey to Peace; The energetic Bhangra colorfully ushered in the vigor and effervescence of Punjab; Anjali Center’s senior students paid homFor more information about Samskriti, age to Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance, in Mahadeva. visit www.samskritihouston.org.

Photos: Navin Mediwala

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Mythili Beauty Salon on Westheimer Celebrates 5 Successful Years

Mythili with her staff and clients celebrating 5 years of the Salon

HOUSTON: Mythili’s Beauty Salon celebrated its 5th anniversary on Friday, May 21 and many customers and friends attended,. Among those were Leena Kothari, Amisha Dalwadi and Jasmine Wilson.

Mythili very excitedly welcomed all her guests and loyal customers.

She thanked them for their loyalty through all the years.

The salon looked smashing in its makeover with new colors and furniture. Leena Kothari spoke the feelings all all who came as she said “Mythili is a very hardworking and friendly woman. She makes us feel at home.

She has also trained her employees to treat her customers like family. I have been coming to this salon for past 5

years and I take pride in introducing Mythili to my friends.”

Amisha Dalwadi, another customer, “I’ve been going to Mythili for more than 5 years. I used to go to her when she was working for another salon, and was pretty upset when I called to make an appointment with her only to find out she had left them.

Later, I was so happy to find out that she had opened up her own salon on Westheimer. I have never had the need to look elsewhere.”

Mythili’s Beauty Salon is located at 6453 Westheimer (between Voss and Winrock), Houston, TX 77057.

They are open from Monday through Saturday 10am to 7pm.

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Exciting & Disheartening This is an exciting time for students. The school year is closing and after the stress of finals, it is time to look forward to three months of summer vacation. You don’t have to remember how to conjoin verbs or remember when the Battle of Hastings took place.

For high school graduates, it is time to look forward to begin for years of relative independence from home, to make new friends and learn new things. For many college graduates, it is both an exciting and disheartening time. This is a tough year to find a job as the unemployment levels remain close to double digits. Private companies are having a difficult time cutting costs and remain viable without the luxury of training fresh college graduates. For some, it may be necessary to delay entry into the job market by going for graduate school or volunteer assignments.

When I graduated from college in 1971, it was also a difficult time to find a job. But eventually, one finds one footing and starts a career path. From personal experience, I can advice perseverance and keeping faith in one’s abilities.

Pramod Kulkarni

Making Gas More Natural The less controls there are on fuel prices the less likely India will suffer from power. Energy subsidies and administered prices have generated highly questionable social dividends. But what they inflict in terms of low investment in production and transmission, as well as red-inked balance books for oil companies, is not in doubt.

Which is why the government’s decision to raise the price of natural gas sold by state-owned firms to the level of private sector firms is welcome. One consequence will be higher cooking gas and electricity bills. But the fields producing the lower-priced gas have been running out. Without a higher price, the new fields would not have been tapped and future fields will not be discovered. Cheap gas would, in the long run, have meant a shortage of gas.

Natural gas, even more so than nuclear power, has the potential to transform India’s energy sector. The discovery of large domestic offshore gasfields, a global glut of gas from shale deposits and a steady expansion of the infrastructure needed to distribute gas, has made this fossil fuel the country’s most likely energy alternative to imported oil and dirty coal.

At present, gas in India is a bizarre pricing regime with costs ranging from $ 2 to $ 7 per million British thermal unit. India should have a spectrum of gas prices — but a narrower band that is based on market forces. This will not be easy. Political lobbies like those of rich farmers will seek their pound of urea.

And, ironically, the sparsity of India’s gas infrastructure mitigates against price equalisation. Which is why, when it comes to energy reforms, New Delhi needs to continue to step on the gas. HT

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All in a (Hot) Day’s Work

By Khushwant Singh Dog days: literally they mean the hottest days of the year associated with the rising of Sirius the dog star.

In modern parlance the term is also used for hot summer days when nothing very exciting happens and people take a long snooze. We seem to be passing through that kind of period now. We are living through the hottest summer in 50 years. The best way to preserve oneself in good health is to stay indoors and take long siestas, (the over-weight Shri Gadkari learnt that lesson leading a procession in the afternoon and collapsing), and catch up with the latest news on TV after sunset. Nothing exceptionally exciting is taking place. We are used to hearing about the confrontations between tribal Naxalites and the police.

We are used to seeing our law-makers wasting time in the Parliament by shouting slogans, marching into the well of the House, forcing adjournments, and marching out to enjoy tea or coffee. And yet ask for increases in their emoluments. We are used to ministers of the government make foolish statements concerning fellow ministers. We are used to politicians shooting their mouths just to get noticed by the media. All this has become our daily diet. Why not ponder over more important issues like asking ourself: “Has the government done whatever was expected of it? Is it pursuing the right path to abolish wide-spread poverty and hunger?

I believe Manmohan Singh has done as good a job as anyone could whose party did not have a clear majority in Parliament. On more than one occasion when opposition parties got together, they almost succeeded in toppling his government. He was bailed out by Jharkhand MPs ever willing to help anyone who pays the price asked for. That may not work everytime and we may have to go in for mid-term polls. I also believe that while the Congress Party has steadily gained ground under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, the main opposition party has lost ground because it has nothing concrete to offer and have kept harping on religious and caste loyalties. I may be wrong.

“We are living through the hottest summer in 50 years. The best way to preserve oneself in good health is to stay indoors and take long siestas, (Shri Gadkari learnt that lesson leading a procession in the afternoon and collapsing), and catch up with the latest news on TV after sunset.“ What bothers me most are the enormous delays in bringing criminals to justice. Why have the men and women, proven to be involved in destroying the Babri Masjid not been arrested and brought to trial? Why are the perpetrators of the anti-Muslim pogrom of 2002 in Gujarat allowed to roam free? I can cite dozens of similar instances of failure to bring criminals to justice and find it vastly depressing because it shakes peoples’ faith in our judicial system. I’m sure if our government had been stronger and not dependant on outside support, it would have acted more decisively.

The Shashi I Remember Now that the Shashi-Tharoor-LalitModi drama is over, it’s time to draw the curtains because most of us have got bored with it. Allow me to add a few words as post-script on what I know of the man who played the stellar role in the drama.

I liked Shashi Tharoor even before I met him. I had read his The Great Indian Novel based on a portion of the Mahabharat narrating Drapaudi marrying five brothers. Tharoor’s version was irreverent, amusing, laced with satire. I feared it might be banned.

Fortunately, our fundoos don’t read books, so the novel sold well. I met him at its launch and found myself

sitting next to his mother, who was evidently proud of her son. He was a handsome young man, boyish looking, sophisticated and well-spoken.

He had a big job with the United Nations (UN) and drew a large salary in dollars. Women fell for him; he responded like a gentleman. He was never a one-woman man. At that time he had just divorced his wife and was available to female admirers. I assumed his real ambition in life was to become a great writer. I was wrong.

He wanted to be a world leader. He tried to become secretary-general of the UN, got India to support him but failed. He then quit his UN job, joined the Congress and won his election to the Lok Sabha with a handsome margin. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made him a junior minister in his ministry of external affairs. Shashi felt a foreign wife didn’t fit in with his scheme to become an Indian neta. So he divorced his second wife who was Canadian. Thus began his troubles.

Instead of moving to the bungalow allotted to ministers he chose to live in a suite of a five-star till the bungalow was re-furbished according to his taste. It created a rumpus in the Parliament and Tharoor quickly moved to his official residence.

He got into more trouble Twittering words of wisdom about every subject. People misunderstood what he said. By ‘cattle class’ he did not mean only ‘fit for oxen’ but too cramped for space. By ‘interlocutor’ he did not mean mediator but a friendly adviser.

It was evident that he had been away from his country for too long and forgotten what his countrymen were like: a bunch of nit-pickers.

Then came the spat with Lalit Modi to get Kochi into the IPL set up. At the same time he found a comely-looking, twice-married Sunanda Pushkar who put a lot of money into sponsoring Kochi franchise. His downfall from grace was inevitable. It may be a blessing in disguise. He has no money problem. On the UN pension he can live in luxury. His lady companion is a crore-patni seventy times over.

He can turn his writing skills to earn a bigger name and esteem than he did as junior minister. HT

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Founder: 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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Sri Meenakshi Temple Celebrates “Vedic Heritage Day Two” PEARLAND: Sri MeenakshiTemple Vedic Heritage School (VHS) concluded its 2009-‘10 academic year with the second day of its Year End Program (YEP) on May 23rd, 2010. The event focused mainly on the senior kids, which was preceded by singing bhajans and chanting shlokas by the entire student body.

With an enrollment of 282 children (ages 4 to 17), the VHS is a great resource for the Hindu community of Houston. Vedic heritage lessons are held for almost 2 hours every other Sunday for 9 months in a year. Many students avail of the excellent Chess and Yoga classes that precede the curriculum. On a typical class-day, there are 16 parallel classes being taught

the priest, Sri Sambha Siva Sharma, lighting the lamp and chanting our scriptures. The lead coordinator of the Vedic Heritage School, Sri Chandrasekhar Raghu, guided the audience in the invocation to Lord Ganesha and the worship of the lamp.

Smt. Chitra Kumar, the dynamic Volunteer Lead of the VHS program, was the Emcee for the program. She kept the program on track and the audience in good spirits.

The senior assembly students first chanted Aditya Hridyam followed by the first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. It was a spell-binding performance. The audience listened in rapt attention to the perfect diction and cadence of the students. The students

than a Mahabharatha kid?”, featured a guest from the audience who had to answer questions from the Mahabharatha posed by the students. The contestant had the opportunity to get help from student helpers to earn a million dollar check. This segment was organized by their teachers, Dr. Radha Rao and Dr. Keyuri Popat, with Dr. Piyush Das as the hapless contestant! The program had the audience chuckling as the contestant finally acknowledged “I am NOT smarter than the kids of the Mahabharatha 1 class”. A huge check for $1,000,000 dollars, signed by Lord Kubera, was then presented to the students.

The kids from the Mahabharatha

Senior assembly of Vedic Heritage School chanting Shlokas

on Panchatantra tales, Ramayana, Bhagavata Purana, Mahabharata, Values, Religious Discipline & Culture, Vedanta, and Bhagavad Gita.

The VHS is a fully volunteerdriven initiative of Sri Meenakshi Temple. Enrollment has grown steadily year after year since it was launched in 2000 by a dedicated group of parents and volunteers led

by Smt. Chitra Dharmarajan with around 50 students. Today, 28 teachers follow Swami Dayananda Saraswati’s Poorna Vidya Vedic Heritage curriculum with 2 supplementary Assembly sessions teaching shlokas and bhajans.

Children also participate in many special events like Saraswati Pooja, Sri Rama Navami, Nama Ramayanam shlokathon, Gita Jayanti and Holi, and have the opportunity to go to field trips and summer camps.

The active participation of many parent-volunteers is critical to the success of the VHS program. These volunteers, led by Smt. Chitra Kumar, literally spent hundreds of hours over the academic year, ensuring that the classes and the various special events run smoothly.

The YEP on May 23rd started with

had been learning the shlokas under the tutelage of Dr. Bhavani Iyer and Dr. Partha Krishnamurthy since September 2009, and the hard work and practice showed. Then it was the turn of the children of the junior assembly (ages 4-9), who first recited shlokas, then a rousing rendition of Nama Ramayanam, other Bhajans and finally finished with “Mytreem Bhajata”, a song composed by the Senior Sage of Kanchi, Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati, to cultivate friendship and abandon conflicts, so relevant in today’s global context. Musical accompaniment was provided by the trio of Sanjana Vasudevan on the flute, Nikhil Balasubramanyam on the Tabla, and Karun Salvady on Mridangam. The junior assembly children are taught with loving dedication by Dr. Kiran Partha, Smt. Vyjayanthi Vivek, and Sri Chandrasekhar Raghu.

After a 15-minute snack break for the children, the main part of the year end program started. First up were the kids from the Mahabharatha 1 class who enacted a humorous takeoff on the popular TV show “Who’s Smarter than a 5th Grader?”. Their program, called “Are you smarter

2 class, under the able guidance of Smt. Anu Menon and Smt. Sarada Akunuri, then performed a play called “Karna”. The play traced the birth of Karna to a young Kunti, his training in martial arts under Sage Parasurama, his friendship with Duryodhana and his antipathy to the Pandavas, Indra’s boon to Karna, and his final meeting with an older and wiser Kunti.

There was quite a buzz in the audience as the Values class presented a humorous skit called “You too Doctor?”. The play was produced by the teachers Sri Venkat Prasad and Sri Chandrasekhar Raghu, and various elements appealed to the audience like a TV hair commercial and a dance sequence by Nikita Rao as “The Sweetest Krishna”, in line with Sri Vallabhacharya’s Madhurashtakam song. The protagonist of the skit named Ramesh is blessed with all the riches of life, but he is desperate for one important thing: hair on his bald head. The audience was amused as Ramesh was fleeced of his money by a charalatan (himself a bald head) posing as a hair doctor.

The teacher of the Ishwara & Recontinued on page 19

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Swami Ramdev Brings Yoga to Texas Camp in Dallas DALLAS: Swami Ramdev, the world famous Yoga Guru, is bringing the ancient Indian system of physical and mental wellness to Texas next month, with his Yoga and Pranayam Camp. The Camp will be on the holiday weekend Friday, July 2 through Monday, July 5 in Dallas.

Patanjali Yogpeeth USA Trust is

Yoga camp will cover different aspects of Yoga ranging from practical sessions of Yogic exercises, Asanas, Pranayam, Acupressure, Mudras, and the use of Ayurved in daily life.

Patanjali Yogpeeth Foundation in the USA was established with the specific aim of promoting the ancient Indian science of Yoga/ Pranayam for

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A Seminar on Bridging Gaps with Politics a real, responsible, deserving HOUSTON: For a piece of super power.

Indian politics, be sure to attend As the President of the Lok Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan's Satta party in India, and a seminar on May 31. Narayan member of the National Adis a well known politician in visory Council and the Comcontemporary India. mission on Second AdminisAs a spokesperson of modtrative reforms he is right in ern India, he wants to rid the the middle of current issues country of its third world poliin India. He was also the drivtics of privilege and affluence. ing force behind the National He envisions a country that Rural Health Mission, Right seeks to meaningfully combine to Information Act (RTI) and economic growth with New the Local Court Act. Right Political Culture. He feels that now, he serves as a member this can be possible only by a of the Andhra Pradesh State systematic decentralization of Legislative Assembly. power.

Narayan will meet with the In this context, Narayan's Indo-American community visit to Houston can be seen in Houston to engage in the as being a bridge between the political process of Change NRI community and India. in leadership for good GovNarayan feels that his visit would be meaningful, only if Dr Jayprakash Narayan, President Lok Satta ernance in India on May political bridges are built, political munity should be the bridge which 31, from 3pm to 5pm at Chutney's dialogues are undertaken and politi- facilitates the process of learning, restaurant auditorium. For further cal expertise shared. The NRI com- which is the key to India emerging as details call 713-571 -2010

A New Doctor in the House

organizing the Yoga and Pranayam Camp at Market Hall in the Dallas Market Center for the general public. It will be attended by Yog Rishi Swami Ramdev, also known as Baba Ramdev. The Yoga camps are very well-attended in India and also elsewhere in the world wherever the Swami goes.

In the western world, Yoga is generally taken to be a series of physical exercises for normal wellness. Baba Ramdev has changed the whole conception since he started teaching the wider and deeper concept of Yoga with not only exercises for the body but rejuvenating and re-invigorating the mind through various ways of breathing (Pranayam).

Baba Ramdev has popularized a method of teaching Pranayam that is both simple and effective. Millions have been able to experience the difference that Pranayam makes in their lives. The Dallas Yoga and Pranayam Camp will be conducted by Ramdev everyday from July 2 to July 5 from 6am to 8.30am.

Yoga is a complete science which brings self-healing, self-realization, self-discipline and control. Ramdev advocates Pranayam, a part of the ancient Indian practice related to the control of Prana – the life force -- through a regular practice of controlled breathing. He has emphasized that the effect of Yoga and Pranayam in life is to reduce negative stress and to provide health and a feeling of well-being. Pranayam improves immunity, stimulates and balances the neuro-endocrine system, improves memory, and relaxes the mind. The

physical health and peace of mind.

In 1995, Ramdev founded the Divya Yog Mandir Trust, Haridwar, to spread Yog and Pranayam practices worldwide.

Patanjali Yogpeeth (USA) Trust is a nonprofit organization Divya Yog Mandir Trust promotes free Yoga classes worldwide and has a TV program on the Aastha channel dedicated to spreading the benefits of Yoga. It also has a center for Ayurved and Yoga in Haridwar, India, which produces Ayurvedic foods and herbal supplements for distribution throughout the world.

Sanjeev Khanna is a board member of the Patanjali Yogpeeth USA Trust and is the coordinator for the Dallas Yoga Camp.

For further information call 972607-6601 or visit the websites: http:// www.yogacampdallas.org or http:// www.pyptusa.org, Besides the event in Dallas, Advanced Yoga and Meditation, sessions with Baba Ramdev will be held on June 28 & 29 from 6-8.30 am in Houston for Patanjali Yogpeeth members only. To become a member please contact Shekhar Agrawl at pyptusa@gmail .com or 281-2425000. In Washington, DC, on Friday, June 25, Baba Ramdev will address the AAPI delegates at 1pm on “ ComprehensiveApproach to Holistic Care and Practice of Yoga”.

Also on Saturday, June 26 from 10am to 1pm at Marriott Tyson Corner Hotel in McLean, VA, Baba Ramdev will speak on “Challenges Facing India and Shaping its Future.”

energy and extensive knowledge to the table about working with patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD).” She adds, “Her credentials are excellent, including her research background. With her expertise in hypertension and nephrology, we know she will do an excellent job in treating and counseling patients.”

In addition to being a full time resident, Dr Chaudhary loves reading and travelling

SUGAR LAND: Dr. Humaira Chaudhary joins Renal Specialists of Houston P.A. Dr. Chaudhary is a resident of Sugar Land, and does rotation to four different medical offices, including The Woodlands, East Central on Capitol, Memorial Hermann Southeast and Sugar Land.

She specializes in nephrology and hypertension.

Dr. Sarah Shearer, a partner in renal Specialities of Houston says, "Dr. Chaudhary brings a lot of new

Riverstone Schools: Best in Houston, Best in State SUGAR LAND: Schools serving the Riverstone master-planned community fared well in rankings recently released by Children at Risk, a local research and advocacy group, with several schools listed among the top facilities in the Houston area and in the state.

The Riverstone school ranked highest by Children at Risk is Fort Settlement Middle School, which placed fourth among 253 Houston-area middle schools and is 10th among the 1,720 middle schools on the Texas list. First Colony Middle School also was among the premier schools, ranking 14th in the Houston-area and 51st in Texas.

Both high schools serving Riverstone placed high on the list, with Clements ranked ninth in the Houston area (22nd in the state) and Elkins placing 32nd among the 140 high schools ranked citywide and 146th among the 1,018 high schools ranked throughout Texas. All new construction in Riverstone is currently zoned to Elkins.

In addition, each of the elementary schools attended by Riverstone students that were reviewed placed in the top 25 percent of the 557 Houston-area schools listed.

Most notable is Commonwealth Elementary, which was listed sev-

among other Fort Bend schools, but also among Houston schools and statewide.

“Education is a vital part of a quality master-planned community and we’re pleased to be zoned to such great schools. And people are noticing — we just completed our best-selling first quarter and continue to be ranked among the 10 top-selling communities in the Houston area.”

This is the fifth year Children at Risk has evaluated public high schools in the Houston area and the first year middle schools and elementaries were included on the list. It is also the first year for Young Riverstone residents attend the report to extend statewide. some of Houston’s — and the state’s Riverstone, ranked fifth among — best schools, based on rankings the 10 top-selling Houston comjust released by Children at Risk, a munities by housing consultant local research and advocacy group. Metrostudy, is conveniently located at Highway 6, three miles enth in the Houston area and is ranked south of U.S. 59, and offers easy ac30th among the 3,126 Texas elemen- cess to several major thoroughfares, taries on the Children at Risk list. One including the Fort Bend Parkway. campus, Jan Schiff Elementary, was Abundant dining and shopping not included in the rankings because choices are just minutes away, including First Colony’s booming it opened only recently.

“Riverstone is a family-oriented Town Center.

For more information on Rivercommunity and our Fort Bend schools have long been a top draw stone, visit www.riverstone.com. for our buyers,” said Tom Wilcox, For information on the school rankgeneral manager of Riverstone. “It ings, including the variables used in is exciting to see so many of our the school evaluations, visit www. campuses compare well not just childrenatrisk.org.

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MTS Celebrates “Vedic Heritage Day Two” continued from page 17

ligious Disciplines class, Smt. Kiran Parthasarathy then showed a video compilation of her class in action.

The video showed the lively, intelligent, and intellectually fertile minds of these 12-13 year old kids as they

the Mandukya Upanishad, and also shared their recycling project ideas.

The senior-most graduating class then presented their interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita to the whole assembly. Following their slide show and a lucid presentation, the students

members including Sri Narayanan (acting Education Director), Dr Sharma Tadepalli (Secretary), Sri Gopalakrishnan (Chairman), and Sri Tupil Narasiman (Vice-Chairman), joined the VHS leadership team on the stage. Dr. Sharma, who has

Indo American News • Friday, May 28 , 2010

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Mahabharatha 1 students won a check for $1,000,000 dollars, signed by Lord Kubera

talked about their favorite aspects of what they studied in class, as well as engaged in a spirited debate on a variety of topics like Idol Worship.

The Vedanta and Human Development class taught by Sri Kotesh Rao presented a multimedia enhanced presentation called ‘Vedantic Explorations’. The program conceived by the students traced our rich Vedantic Heritage and traced its expansion through various personalities from ancient to modern times, including both Hindus and non-Hindus. The dance “Bho Shambho” (composed

by Swami Dayananda Saraswati) was used to express the spiritual essence of Vedanta. The students then presented their summation of

eloquently responded to several thought provoking questions from the audience. Then it was time for these students to receive their graduation diplomas and a hardbound book on the Bhagavad Gita. As they stood proudly on the stage with their teacher, Smt. Lata Krishnarao, the lead coordinator (Principal) of VHS, Sri Chandrasekhar Raghu, gave a 5-minute convocation address with emphasis on the need for integrity in one’s personal life. They were also given a credit-card size introduction card to the Hindu American Foundation. After that, six senior students with perfect attendance were recognized on the stage.

Sri Meenakshi Temple board

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been the guiding force for the VHS program for many years, thanked the students, parents, teachers, and volunteers for their tremendous efforts this year. All the teachers and the key volunteers were then invited to the stage, and were presented with books as a token of appreciation.

Sri Gopalakrishnan then presented a plaque to the outgoing coordinator, Sri Chandrasekhar Raghu, who has positively transformed the VHS program with his energy and dedication. The program that began at 9 am sharp came to a formal conclusion at 1:30 pm and the audience moved next door to the MTS Youth Center for a delicious lunch catered by Udipi Café.

713-789-6397

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10 Glorious Years of DAV Montessori School

By Nandita Sharma & Renu Jain HOUSTON: Thunder and heavy rain bowed to the blessings of gods and gurus on the DAV Montessori children on May 15th, 2010. As the evening approached, the sun was shining and the whole Arya Samaj Greater Houston complex was adorned to welcome the guests for the tenth anniversary of the Dayanand Anglo Vedic Montessori School in Houston.

With the surge of parents and the chirping of the children, it would be easy to believe that we were visiting a quality school in India, reminding us of our own schools back home.

DAVM, as it is fondly called, is a school which constantly strives to make their students aware of India’s Vedic heritage and culture. A conscious and concerted effort is made every single day to highlight and focus on our glorious heritage and culture. The children are taught Hindi, yoga, naitik shiksha, and shlokas in addition to celebrating both Indian and American holidays. The Montes-

sori curriculum of teaching is adopted in the school to introduce these kids to their regular courses. DAVM graduates have excelled in academics as well as extracurricular activities in both Public and Private schools. In IOWA tests of basic skills which are conducted by the school each year, the KG and first grade students have been scoring 2 to 3 grade levels higher in both language and Math.

The evening started with a breath taking rendering of the Shiv-sutra Shloka’s and the energizing song “Veer Garjan” by the entire school, under the guidance of Vineeta Arora and Acharya Praveen Gulati. The atmosphere could have been mistaken for

2010 Graduates of DAV Montessori School

a Gurukul. Acharya Gulati explained not just the significance of, but also how, the kids are taught to help their parents and show respect to them.

The M.C. for the evening, Meena Dutt, echoed everyone’s feelings of love and tenderness, as the class of 2010 was awarded their graduation certificates. It was a fabulous site to witness 1st grade and kindergarten graduating children walking down the stage in their blue caps and gowns.

One could clearly see the Indian values instilled in these children as they received the certificates by bowing their heads to Meena Dutt. This was followed by a spellbinding DVD presentation featuring the “DAVM Journey Down Memory Lane”.

Dev Mahajan recalled the inception of DAVM when Shekhar Agrawal felt that there was a need within the Indian community to nurture and provide children with a holistic development. Thus was born the idea

and DAV Montessori School started in 2000 with seven students. Dev also acknowledged that the ASGH organization is like a tree, the roots are many and run deep, all pivotal to the growth and success of a school of international stature. Many members of the community were recognized and applauded for their selfless service, unflinching dedication and commitment to the school since its inception in 2000. Among them were the first two teachers of DAVM, Chetna Desai and Madhu Bangia who received the loudest applause from parents and students.

Arti Khanna, director of DAVM, recalled how her association with young children started as a Montessori teacher fifteen years back. Five years ago, when she took up the position, she found that instead of a class of twenty-five students who adored her, she now had an entire school to take care of. Under Arti

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Khanna’s leadership, supervision and guidance, the school has shown exponential growth each year.

The first batch of DAVM students, the magnificent seven, were brought on stage as they highlighted their early years in the school as well as positive impact their foundation has had and contributed to their overall confidence and academic achievement.

The Green class students, ages 2 ½ years to 3 ½ years, led by Rita Gulati, Monita Mehta and Sangeeta Gupte performed a Rajasthani dance.

Shilpa Pokhriyal and Aruna Gummadi choreographed a tribute to the teachers around the world, presented by the Blue class which left the audience awestruck. The Red Class with Chetna Desai and Sangeeta Vats rocked the house showing power of imagination, how it can capture all the wonderful things of nature. The grand finale performed by the Yellow class highlighted different cultures of India. Madhu Bangia and Shubha Ananth performed scenes from different states of India and concluded the show with a special birthday cake marking the 10th anniversary of DAVM. Every single performance had the audience spellbound. The music, the colorful costumes, and the makeup were simply breathtaking.

Arti Khanna thanked the management committee members and the parents, reminding everyone that though only a few were mentioned, she has had an army of soldiers, by way of teachers, volunteers and others who helped make the evening a success.

The evening concluded traditionally with a beautiful Shanti Path by Acharya Shridhar. Families of current and past DAVM students were each given a yearbook to commemorate this special occasion.

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Indo American News • Friday, May 28 , 2010

Farah Pandith Overwhelmed with Response from India

By Lalit K. Jha Kashmir-born Farah Pandith, who was recently appoinwted as the Special US Representative to Muslim world by the Obama administration, has said that she is overwhelmed with the response from India over her new job.

“I was actually very overwhelmed with the response in India... I really have to say it was really very special for me as somebody of Indian heritage,” Pandith told the State Department on Wednesday.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had a few weeks ago appointed Pandith for this firstof-its-kind position in the US government as part of President Barack Obama’s effort to start a new beginning with the Muslim world and improve America’s image among Islamic countries.

At her maiden press conference after being appointed for the post, Pandith said, “I was born in

India and grew up in Massachusetts.” India has the world’s second largest Muslim population.

Having done all her education in Massachusetts, she went to Milton Academy, Smith College and then to the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

“I have had experience working in both the public and private sector. I was vice president of international business for a company outside Boston and had a chance to really think about the international marketplace, so to speak, from a lot of different perspectives,” she said.- PTI

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Rasaanubhava 2010: A Journey of Rhythm

By Rini Bhattacharjee STAFFORD: It was the annual celebration of the “Abhinaya School of Performing Arts,” on May 16, 2010 at the Old Stafford Civic Center. The participants incorporated students of all ages, starting from mere five year olds to adults. They were all trained by eminent Bharatnatyam dance teacher, Indrani Parthasarathy. Parthasarathy is the daughter and disciple of Karnataka Kala Thilaka Guru Smt Radha Sridhar, and also received training from the esteemed maestros of Bharatnatyam, like Pandanallur Shri Muththiah Pillai, Shri Gopalakrishna and Shri M. R. Krishnamurthy of Kalakshetra. She is also trained in the Kuchipudi form “Shivaashtakam”, a presentation in the Kuchipudi art form performed by Indrani Parthasarathy’s students, from left: Archana, Ashradha, Sharmita, Kavya

students showed their skills with expert execution in items such as “Swagatham Krishna” and “Jaganmohanane”.

The program concluded with the “Hindola Thillana”, symbolizing pure ecstasy of the dance form.

This program was an overall melodic experience which enthralled the audience and lingered in their minds long after the performance.

“Swagatham Krishna”, a Bharatnatyam set performed by senior students, from left: Vaidehi, Sharmita, Kavya, Archana, Ashradha and Komal.

Photos: Navin Mediwala

of dance.

Rasaanubhava had two sections. The first, had beginners gracefully performing the various “Adavus”; the basic unit of Bharatnatyam.

These are short pieces in praise of Lord Ganesha, the obstacle remover, Lord Krishna, the enchanted flautist and the hero and lover of Radha. The program then steered towards semi-classical dance numbers like “Vande Mataram,” which elicits patriotism among the Indian audience, “Taal,” a fusion dance, taken from the movie of the same name, set the mood with some fast dance moves, with the fast beats of the music. There were also some folk dance numbers like “Krishna Hare” and “Syambada” depicting none other than Lord Krishna the most popular of all heroes. The challenging item of this section was “Dheem”, a Bharatnatyam - Thillana style choreography based on a “Tarana”, a typical fast paced item of the Hindustani classical repertoire. The first section ended with “Mukunda”, a number where the dancers elaborately illustrate the ten incarnations, or rebirths on earth, of the famous Hindu God “Vishnu”, to relieve mankind of their ongoing miseries.

The second section began with a Marathi devotional number, “Abhang”, gradually heightening up to “Misra Alaripu” signifying the opening of the flower depicting various Bharatnatyam dance movements and then leading to Brindavani Thillana, comprising of very fast foot work. The dancers of the second section were mostly advanced students, who have been learning this art form for more than three years, if not more. There were also some veteran students of the school who have already graduated from the course work and are making their mark as young dancers in the field of performing arts. Among them was Anupama Nagasimha, the school’s most experienced student, who performed “Jagadodhaarana” depicting motherly love of Yashoda for her naughty

and mischievous son, Krishna.

There were some pure classical Bharatnatyam items in this section. “Pushpanjali”, “Shabdam” “Jathiswaram” and “Varnam”, were a treat to watch. While Pushpanjali illustrated the offering of flowers with devotion to Lord Ganesha, Shabdam comprised of pure Abhinaya, or theatrical gestures, of the divinity of music created by the flautist Lord Krishna. Jathiswaram, on the other hand was rich with rhythmic syllables, yet Varnam challenged the dancer's stamina, maintaining the perfect rhythm, and postures to the lilting music beats.

Besides, the traditional Bharatnatyam items in praise of Lord Ganesha like “Ganesha Kavithvam”, and “Ananda Narthana,” there was also a fusion number, “Mahaganapathim” extended the boundary beyond the normal classical style. Dance numbers like “Kolatam” added a different flavor to the audience since it involved dancing with sticks as props.

Items like “Jayajanaki”, “Sriramachandra” and “Maathe” led to the invocation and praise of Lord Rama and Goddess Parvati respectively while “Sriranga” described the superfluous nature of River Cauvery, one of the few life sustaining rivers of Southern India.

One school of thought believes that the dance form of Bharatnatyam has emerged from the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva. Hence a lot of importance was given in this section to Lord Shiva or Nataraja, the supreme cosmic dancer in the Hindu mythology. The relevant dances included “Nagendra Haaraya”, “Shivaashtakam” and “Bho Shambho,” all in praise and dedicated to Lord Shiva.

A small part of the program depicted dance in the Kuchipudi style and comprised of items like “Kunidado”, “Vandanatrayi” and “Shivaashtakam”. The performers of the mentioned items executed their dance in a very skillful manner since a part of the dance involved dancing on a plate. Senior and more experienced

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