Indo American News • Friday, July 30 , 2010
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Friday, July 30 2010 | Vol. 29, No. 31
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This week roundup Hindu Heritage Summer Youth Camp 2010
Shankar Ehsan Loy coming to H-town on August 6, 2010
Rajas of Raga
The most popular and critically acclaimed music director of Bollywood comes to Houston on August 6, 8:30pm at Berry Center along with Pakistani singer Shafaqat Amanat Ali, Richa Sharma, Mahalaxmi Iyer and others to perform in one of the most entertaining concerts of the year.
Houstonians Celebrate Jagannath Rath Yatra
Story on Pg 5
Story on Pg 6
Anjali Students Sweep Awards at Fokana Convention Photo: Saurabh Patel
India House Summer Youth Cricket Clinic Underway Story on Pg 11
Akshaya Patra Recognized for its Culture of Innovation
Great W’Kana Cafe: First of its Kind in Texas is a Gourmand’s Story on Pg 38 Delight
Miss India Texas 2010 Crowned HOUSTON: In a colorful entertaining event spread over four rounds - including traditional wear, evening wear, talent and a Q&A session - interspersed with classical, folk, Bollywood and even Scottish and South American dances, a bevy of intelligent and talented beauties vied for the honor of representing Texas at the Miss India USA pageant in New York later this year. Natasha Arora (center) was crowned the winner with Aradhana Thawani (left) and and Aishwariya Raju as Ist and 2nd runners up of the pageant held under the auspices of Kohinoor Diamonds. Story on page 11
By Surath Rath HOUSTON: Even though other parts of Houston were washed out with Rain, the Sun was shining happily celebrating the joyous occasion of Lord Jagannatha’s Rath Yatra. More than thousands devotees thronged to majestic India House to have glimpses of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra on Rath. The Orissa Culture Center (OCC) and Shree Govindaji Gaudiya Matha organized the third annual Shri Jagannatha Rath Yatra on 24th July, 2010 at the India House with support from other organizations such as the Hindus of greater Houston and ISKON. The festival was partially supported by the Houston City Art Alliance. Lord Jagannatha is worshipped in the City of Puri, on the east coast of Odisha for over thousand years and attracts people of all faith and religion. The Houston festival continued on page
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Diamond Studded Weekend at Kohinoor Photo: Krishna Giri
Story on Pg 19
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A special celebratory weekend July 29 - August 1 featuring a variety of diamond jewelry is the main attraction at Kohinoor Diamonds as they celebrate fifth anniversary. Both Neelofer and Altaf Ali, along with their staff, are thankful to the Houston community for their support throuout these last five years.
Story on page 3, 12 & 13
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Indo American News • Friday, July 30 , 2010
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Kohinoor Diamonds Celebrates Fifth Anniversary
By Jacob David HOUSTON: Kohinoor Diamonds, the most prestigious retailer of “Everything Diamonds”, exclusively featuring Luca Carati, LeVian, Breanna, Claude Thibaudeau, Diana Classic, Carlex, and Fendi is celebrating its fifth anniversary. To commemorate this special occasion, an award-winning necklace collection featuring diamonds and precious stones with handcrafted designs will be revealed. Neelofer Ali, President of Kohinoor Diamonds says, “We thank our patrons who have shown us valuable support these five years. We extend our commitment to all our customers and stand by the purchases they have made. We’d like to be known for building a familylike relationship with each of our customers, we take pride in after sales of each diamond that we sell.” To celebrate this momentous occasion, Kohinoor Diamonds is having special celebratory weekend July 30 to August 1st, 2010 featuring a variety of diamond jewelry. Kohinoor Diamonds extends an invitation to everyone to come join the celebrations with extraordinary savings, great gifts, refreshments, and much more! Kohinoor Diamonds’ showroom is a 5,000 square foot retail exhibit, rich with exquisite diamonds in stunning settings. They rely on more than 45 years of experience to bring the world’s finest diamonds and diamond jewelry designs to the Houston community. A woman and her diamonds are inseparable. Kohinoor Diamonds has since its inception featured some of the top designers who are world famous. For their anniversary celebrations they are bringing exclusive designs from these designers. The Diana Classic collections, an
exclusive ring designer is proudly displayed - a wide collection of engagement, wedding and anniversary ring sets. Breanna Collections feature exclusive engagement rings for those who are seriously thinking of exchanging vows in the near future. Claude Thibaudeau has very unique designs in engagement and
feature chocolate diamonds having a sunset bronze tinge that is present in the diamond and is in its naturally excavated range of colors. Kohinoor Diamonds also features yellow, white and rose gold. Pendants designed at the Kohinoor Diamonds feature mini pendants that are highly fashionable and are increasingly gaining popularity as a
Kohinoor Diamonds features top designer Fendi watches. His and her pair watch sets are highly sought as wedding gifts to offer a newly married couple. If you are into shopping for diamonds, know the 4 C’s - Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat weight. The precision and symmetrical cut makes the perfect Heart and Arrow
Kohinoor Diamonds’ showroom is a 5,000 square foot retail exhibit, rich with exquisite diamonds in stunning settings. They rely on more than 45 years of experience to bring the world’s finest diamonds and diamond jewelry designs to the Houston community. anniversary rings that will truly make your ring stand apart. LeVian jewelry features diamond rings, watches, pendants, necklaces and earrings in stunning designs that are contemporary but yet holds the timeless secrets of design while setting diamonds into a pattern. LeVian prides itself with 2500 years of history dating before Christ. They are the most famous Hollywood diamond designers. Luca Carati, who are exclusive suppliers of diamond jewelry to Kohinoor Diamonds in Houston feature elegant bracelets that can be worn for any occasion. Their earrings are quite fashionable, necklaces, pendants and rings are the most amazing designs seen. The rings
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gift item. The pendants that feature precious stones come interchangeable - where you can have different stones like Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Jade and the like each day of the week. Some sets come with their own group of precious stones. Religious pendants are also highly popular and look brilliant in the diamonds set at Kohinoor Diamonds. The floating diamond necklace that features a single diamond and multiple diamonds that seems to be floating in its setting is also available at Kohinoor Diamonds. For the man who very much loves his fiancée or bride to be, he can gift her with the best gift a mangalsutra (holy knotted necklace) studded with high graded diamonds.
Cut diamonds carried at Kohinoor. These have the highest clarity and cut quality. Kohinoor Diamonds is getting exclusive designer collections from the highest jewelry fashion points around the world for its 5th Anniversary. The designs chosen are specifically selected for its brilliance, clarity and uniqueness in design. With over 45 years of diamond selection experience among its staff, a family run enterprise, Kohinoor Diamonds promises its customers the very best in their diamond purchase experience. This years anniversary is the best time to visit Kohinoor Diamonds for fine diamonds and exquisite jewelry.
A Message from Kohinoor Diamonds With amazing events and extraordinary jewelry, Kohinoor Diamonds has been serving the Houston community for 5 years. We will be celebrating our 5th anniversary on July 30, July 31, and August 1. On this favorable event, Kohinoor Diamonds would like to thank the community for their support by inviting all to join us in this celebration. The event will be held on 5901 Hillcroft Drive, Houston, Texas 77036, at the showroom. Refreshments will be served on all 3 days along with entertainment. We will be revealing a lavishing award-winning collection that will leave you in awe. Specials will be offered on every spectacular piece of jewelry. On this occasion Kohinoor Diamonds wishes to thank all their loyal customers for their patronage, all the leaders of the Community and of course the media who have all helped us to achieve 5 successful years of our business, and we look forward to their continued support in the coming years. Kohinoor Diamonds has enjoyed a good reputation since its opening and we will continue to offer the best quality diamonds and excellent and friendly service to our valued customers. 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. Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Indo-American News, 7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, Texas 77036. 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
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Houstonians Celebrate Jagannath Rath Yatra at India House continued from page
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aims to spread this message of universal brotherhood which is the core of Jagannatha Philosophy and integral to the Sanatana Dharma. The day started with the traditional Hindu ritual of fire worship, the Homa. The Homa is the most ancient of the Vedic rituals and is meant to appease the fire God and purify the environment. Homa was followed by Netrotsava or Nava Yauvan Darshan festival. It is believed that the deities get fever after the ritualistic bath on Debasnana Purnima. They stay indoors for fifteen days on a strict diet of fruits. During these fifteen day period, the idols are given a fresh coat of paint. Netrotsave is the day, the Lords give darshan to devotees coming out of ‘Anabasara’, the sick room. This two-week period is also known as ‘Anabasara’ and nothing auspicious happens in the state. The mandap decorated with silks and fresh flowers and appliqué works from Orissa provided a small version of Ratna Simhasan of Puri Temple. The decoration team led by Mrs. Binodini Verma and all Odia ladies, didn’t leave any room, for the lords to complain!! The Lords in the Ratna Simhasan, with the smell of Agarbati and offerings of traditional ‘Chhapan Bhoga’, looked absolutely majestic! A very nice Bhajan Samaroh was organized and many well known Oriya singers including Swayam-
Ceremonial King and Queen Jugal and Raj Malani at the Houston Ratha Yatra
prabha Mishra, Sonali Mishra and Dr. Atasu Nayak. It’s said, Lord Jagannatha can’t sleep well without listening Gita Govinda or bhajans by Bhakta Salabega (the legend goes, the Nandighosa Rath came to a halt only to give darshan to his dearest devotee Bhakta Salabega). In the last three years, annual Chariot Festival has attracted Indians and non-Indians alike. Many dignitaries including Judge Emmet, Mayor Scarcella and Vice Consul of India showed their support for this multicultural festival by attending the event and seemed to be enjoying the beautiful cultural program.
Dr. Aditya Samal of Orissa Culture Center declared the third annual Chariot Festival Open to the packed audience including dignitaries. The dignitaries spoke briefly regarding the importance of the Chariot Festival in Houston and the role played by the greater Indian community in advancing the cultural friendship among different communities. The dignitaries were offered and welcomed with traditional tilaks, sandalwood paste and flowers. Going with the objective of OCC’s showcasing our rich cultural heritage, this year’s repertoire included Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam and Odissi Dance. The
eminent visiting artist Mrs. Aruna Mohanty mesmerized the audience with her performance in Odishi Dance. She was also accompanied by her very talented disciple danseuse Shipra Mehrotra. The bhajans by well known singer Jamuna Murli accompanied on Tabla by Raja Banga, were treat to ears! Rathyatra cannot be completed without Kirtan, a tradion started by Shri Chaitanya, was performed by members of Govinda Gaudiya Matha. The cultural program was followed by the worship of the deities, the Pahandi procession and finally the chariot procession. The pahandi is a special ritual procession when the Deities come in a row beginning with The Sudarshana (The Celestial Wheel of Lord Vishnu), Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord jagannatha and are carried onto the beautifully decorated chariots. The deities were placed on the 22 ft chariot and the puja ceremony was conducted by Dr. Debananda Pati of OCC and Pandit Bibhudatta Mishra of the Hindu Worship Society. A large congregation of devotees filled the air with the chanting of Jai Jagannatha. The traditional kirtan (or the name chanting of Lord Krishna) was performed by the members of ISKON and Govinda Gaudiya Matha. Traditionally, “Chherapahanra”, the sweeping before the Lords is done by the King of Puri during the world famous Puri Ratha Yatra. Here in
Indo American News • Friday, JUly 30 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
Houston this symbolic ritual was performed by Mr. Jugal Malani of the India House. The chariot was taken around the pavilion surrounding the India House. All along the procession, a large number of audiences had a chance to enjoy the parade and join the singing of bhajans and kirtans. One could see a people trying out various vegetarian foods at the booths, while kids were busy getting their balloons from the artiste or getting mehendi done on their tiny palms. Even though it was getting dark and Maha Arati time was passing by, Lords couldn’t refuse to give darshan to devotees with offerings of ‘Khaja’, the sweet known to be the favorite of Lord Jagannatha! For the first time, the day’s events were broadcast live by the Masala Radio and the Sangeet Radio. What could be more unwinding after a long joyous day than enjoying to the beats of Dandia and singing in praise of Lords? The Sangeet Radio crew provided the right songs and music and brought the people together, which extended till mid-night. Shri Jagannatha Rath Yatra has been successfully celebrated with cooperation from people of all walks of life in Houston. The festival continued to offer little bit of everything for people of all ages. For the cultural diasporas of Houston, the event is definitely bringing people closer.
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Hindu Heritage Summer Youth Camp: A Spiritual Experience By Kavita Pallod learn about life, enjoy new HOUSTON: From the day friendships every moment of I was born, I always woke up the day, sharing giggles over to the sound of bhajans playpau bhaji, and bringing our ing from the stereo. Mornings talents together for the talent at camp were no different, but show. there was something about When I was seven, I never that one week every sumwould have guessed that tomer. Something special that I day I would the camp’s colooked forward to so earnestly director and writing an article each year. (Well almost each about my experiences. In the year!) past I was reserved and quiet, This year is the 26th year and shied away from speakof Vishwa Hindu Parishad of ing to no more than three America’s Hindu Heritage people at a time. Now I’m Youth Camp. Some of my looking forward to telling friends wonder why I choose 166 kids what to do for five to devote so much time each Back Row, from left: Rishi Bhutada, Akash Dhingra, Indy Shukla, Neel Gupta, Sonu Gupta, Arpan Amin, days, and guiding a group of summer to this cause. But Rosch Wadera, Ketan Datta, Bharat Pallod; Middle Row, from left: Parth Jhaveri, Rohit Moharir, Rani 35 counselors throughout the other friends completely un- Ramchandani, Anuj Mittal, Atul Agrawal, Aditya Kunjapur, Puja Chugh, Amit Desai, Maulik Shah, Ronak week. I believe I wouldn’t be derstand because they’re right Shah, Avi Jain; Kneeling, from left: Ruchita Naik, Anjali Dhingra, Neha Chaudhry, Nikita Arya, Swati Verma, able to give back to camp, if it next to me throughout the en- Saniya Chaudhry, Sapna Malani, Riddhi Parikh, Priyanka Parekh; Sitting, from left: Mona Malkan, Kavita didn’t help shape me into who tire process. Camp is not only Pallod, Dharti Patel I am today. a place for Hindu youth to learn Kavita Pallod, Camp Cofamily was working at camp and have imbibed much from those ten a pillow fight, every moment of about and experience different Director will return to Uniaspects of their multifaceted cul- they refused to leave me at home years- enough to motivate me to camp is packed with enrichment. versity of Texas at Austin this fall ture, but also a time for children to alone, but most years, I remember dedicate my summer to being this We build our muscles playing to complete a dual major degree games and practicing Surya Na- in Education and Psychology. She meet peers of similar backgrounds being excited that I would practice year’s camp co-director. The Camp has taught me the maskar early in the morning, and will be the President of the Hindu sleeping in a sleeping bag at home and make lifelong friends. I was 7 years old when I attended long before camp ever began. importance of building my mind stretch our minds during educa- Students Association (HSA) chapthe camp for the very first time, and While I admittedly don’t remem- as well as my body, and this was tion sessions for which counselors ter at Universsity of Texas and I returned every year until I was ber all details of each year, every reflected in the daily schedule. spend months preparing. We grow Executive Branch National HSA 17. I was reluctant and dragged camper I met, and every education From waking up to bhajans at 6:30 spiritually while singing bhajans President. She is the daughter of along a few times, since my whole session I sat through, I do believe I to falling asleep exhausted after together. The best part is that we Sushma and Vijay Pallod.
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Anjali Students Sweep Awards at FOKANA Convention ALBANY, New York: Sindhu Sathees, Jamy Abraham and Sheila Chacko, two current and one former student of the Anjali Center for Performing Arts, won coveted titles and awards at the Fourteenth FOKANA (Federation of Kerala Associations of North America) Convention, held in Albany, New York, July 2-4, thus bringing pride and joy to their guru, Rathna Kumar, and to their dance institute, the Anjali Center for Performing Arts. Thirteen year old Sindhu Sathees, daughter of Dr. C.V. and Sathya Sathees of Sugar Land, won first place in five categories Classical Dance, Folk Dance, Cinematic Dance, Carnatic Music and Light Music – and thus earned the coveted title of Kalaathilakam for 2010. She has been learning Bharatanatyam from Dr. Rathna Kumar for the past nine years, and Carnatic music from Madhura Shankar for six years. Sindhu is no stranger to awards. In 2008 she won the Kalaathilakam title at the FOMA (Federation of Malayali Associations of America) International Convention in 2008, and in 2009 she placed First in the classical dance competition in Florida. Sindhu will be attending Fort Settlement Middle School (8th grade) this fall. Jamy Abraham, also of Sugar Land, competed in four activities at the FOKANA 2010 Youth Festival and won First Place in all of them - Classical Dance Category, Cinematic Dance, Folk Dance, and Art Competition. Jamy too has won numerous awards in the past several years, and is well known for her brilliant choreographic skills. She has received her classical dance training for Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi
Thirteen year old Sindhu Sathees won first place in five categories - Classical, Folk & Cinematic Dance, Carnatic & Light Music
for the past thirteen years from Dr. Rathna Kumar at the Anjali Center for Performing Arts, where Jamy also serves as resident dance teacher and choreographer. Along with Indian dance styles, she has received training in lyrical, jazz, and contemporary dance styles. As an elementary and middle school student, Jamy has also won several medals in ice-skating championships. She is currently a senior at the University of Houston, completing her undergraduate degree in Business Administration. Sheila Chacko, belonging to the first batch of Anjali students (1975), and an excellent dancer, was the Runner-up for the title of Malayaalamanga.
Sienna Branch Library Presents Introductory Computer Class in Hindi
VISIT THE HOUSTON ZOO THIS WEEK
Purchase Discount Zoo Tickets at any of the 33 Fiesta Mart stores. Visit the courtesy booth of Any Fiesta Mart to purchase an adult zoo admission for $9 and a child zoo admission for $6. - IA News
Fort Bend County Libraries’ Adult Services staff at the Sienna Branch Library, 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City, will present a free, introductory computer class, “Computers 101 for HindiSpeaking Adults,” on Wednesday, August 25, beginning at 10:00 am, in the Computer Lab. This class presents a basic introduction to using computers.
The classes are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib. tx.us), click on “Calendar,” select “Sienna Branch,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at 281-238-2900, or by visiting the library.
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Indo American News • Friday, July 30 , 2010
IAPAC–AJC Joint Sessions Launched HOUSTON: Monday,July 26: IndoAmerican Political Action Committee (IAPAC) of Greater Houston is the political voice of Indo-Americans of Greater Houston. IAPAC continues to provide Indo-Americans of Greater Houston a platform to take educated decisions related to political interventions, while continuing to remain nonpartisan, it embarks on initiatives to bridge the gap between Indo-Americans of Greater Houston and other communities within Houston. Following the recent joint meeting between some of IAPAC and VA-PAC Board Members, IAPAC recently has renewed the IAPAC–AJC (American Jewish Committee) joint sessions. The IAPAC team was welcomed with a big “NAMASTE! KAISE HO?” written in colorful, bold letter on the blackboard. Mr. Stephen Friedman, Board Member of AJC, Houston Chapter and Head of Community Outreach, welcomed the IAPAC Board members to the discussions. He shared his excitement with the scope of the discussions and looked forward to working with IAPAC closely. AJC Director, Nat Levy, talked about the various activities of AJC and the role that AJC played in contributing to harmony through such interactions and other interfaith initiatives. Jack Lascar, who has recently assumed to role of President of AJC, Houston Chap-
ter, echoed Nat’s thoughts and stated that he looked forward to working closely with IAPAC and pick up the baton from where it was left by his predecessors. Barbara Shepard, Assistant Director of AJC, shared some of the initiatives that had been undertaken earlier and about strengthening the AJC– IAPAC relationship. IAPAC was represented by its President, Ramesh Anand, immediate past president, Gitesh Desai and other Board Members, Preanka Desai and Sam Merchant. Ramesh Anand, President of IAPAC, thanked the AJC members for the hospitality and briefly talked about the history of IAPAC and some of its recent initiatives. Gitesh Desai shared with the group the long relationship the India has had with Jews and the contribution that Jews had made to India providing examples, including that of General Jacob. Gitesh stated that it is only natural that IAPAC and AJC work towards fortifying this long standing relationship. Sam Merchant and Preanka Desai related their thoughts and the vision of the two PACs working together as well as the opportunities they provide the communities. IAPAC and AJC will now develop immediate, short-term and long-term strategies on working together for the betterment of both communities. For more information on the interpac initiative, contact Sam Merchant at 713-2774033; samm@gorelianceusa.com
Indian-Origin Man Becomes Road Safety Envoy
KUALA LUMPUR (IANS): An Indianorigin man who lost his arm in a road accident in Malaysia has turned into a road safety ambassador, urging public to use helmets and drive carefully. T Nantha Kumar, 24, had his right arm amputated in May 2009 after a speeding car on the Jelutong Expressway in Georgetown rammed into him and flung him into a drain. Kumar now pleads with motorists to be careful on roads to prevent accidents from happening, The Star newspaper said Monday. “My arm was severely slashed by a broken mirror and doctors said it was too late to attach it back. My right leg was also broken in the accident,” he said in the presence of Road Safety Department Director-General Suret Singh, also of Indian origin. The jobless man, who lives with three younger siblings and his mother, has this
message for road users: “I hope all road users are mindful of other people and also think of their loved ones when they are on the road.” Head injuries were the main cause of fatalities in motorcycle accidents in Malaysia - with 73 percent of 4,100 riders succumbing to the injuries last year, Singh said. “If we can prevent road accidents, we will save the country RM9 billion ($2.8 billion) every year and add two percent more to GDP growth,” he said.
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STORY of Mahatma GandhI
First Victory for the Satyagraha Experiment
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Gandhi Jayanti 2010 Celebration as 1000 Lights for Peace 5 pm: Sunday, October 3, 2010,at Miller Outdoor Theatre To register for “Walk For Peace” at Gandhi Jayanti celebrations, visit www.gandhilibrary.org.
There had been a recent court decision in South Africa holding that Indian marriages were not recognized by law. The women could not brook this attack on family ties. They openly broke the law and were imprisoned in large numbers. In the coal mines at Newcastle, in Natal, Indian workers went on strike protesting against the repression. The arrests, the deportation of passive resisters, and the untold sufferings of Indian families angered the people of India. A large amount of money was collected for the relief of the victims. Now read on: Many satyagrahis were beaten and flogged, and some were even killed. Gandhi, who felt intensely the humiliation his people suffered, took a triple vow of self-suffering. He decided to dress like a poor laborer, to walk barefoot, and to have only one meal a day, till the poll-tax and other injustices were abolished. Gandhi found the Government relentless. There was no solution in sight. He had to take further measures. In October 1913, Gandhi organized a march of over 6,000 Indian workers from the Natal mining area into the Transvaal, although crossing into the Transvaal without a permit was not allowed by law. Gandhi said, “We are going to march peacefully together across the border into the Transvaal. The Government will arrest us and put us in prison. We are to remain peaceful. This is the nonviolent way of protesting against the polltax, against the Government’s decision not to recognize our marriages, and against all the laws that are made against us. We are fighting for just causes, we will not harm anyone.” He then cried out to the people, “Are you ready to face arrest and harsh treatment, remaining always nonviolent?” Roars of assent assured him of everyone’s support. They were ready to follow Gandhi anywhere. And so the march into the Transvaal began. Late in the evening Gandhi was roused from sleep by several uniformed men. “I know,” he said, “you have come to arrest me. I am ready.” Gandhi and many other Indians were jailed. The mines were cordoned off by barbed wire and converted into temporary jails. The satyagrahis were beaten and flogged to force them to go back to work, but without success. The authorities could not make them return to work. Gandhi had aroused in them the spirit of quiet, dignified resistance. Soon the movement of passive resistance, or satyagraha, spread all through Natal and the Transvaal. The Government did not know what to do, because none yielded to their cruel treatment.
Gandhi with Kasturbai
The prisons were overflowing. At last General Smuts was obliged to act. He appointed a Commission to study the situation. In December 1913 Gandhi was released, but he would not give up the struggle. Gandhi threatened Smuts that he would start another march if his demands were not met. That march, however, never took place. The European employees of the railways in the Union went on strike, and this made the Government’s position extremely difficult. Gandhi decided to drop the idea of the march at such a critical time as he did not wish to embarrass the Government further. Gandhi ordered every Indian to go back to work, at least for the time being. His decision created a good impression on the Government and even General Smuts recognized this courtesy. The Inquiry Commission reported in favor of all the essential reforms demanded by the Indian leaders. The Indians’ Relief Bill was at last passed and signed by the Governor. It abolished the polltax on indentured workers, declared absolutely legal all Indian marriages, and removed penalties for crossing from one State to another. Gandhi had won. And so had the satyagraha movement. Gandhi had been active in South Africa for 21 years and had contributed much to the welfare of the Indians in South Africa. Gandhi now felt that his mission in South Africa was over and he wanted to return to India. At that time Gokhale was in England. He wanted Gandhi to meet him ill London before returning to India. Gandhi promised to do so. Gandhi announced his decision to Kasturbai. “You are going to London with me,” he said. “From England we will go back to India.” Gandhi, with Kasturbai and Hermann Kallenbach, the white South African farmer sailed for England on July 18, 1914. On August 4, two days before he reached London, the first World War was declared.
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On arrival in London, Gandhi heard that Gokhale had gone to Paris for reasons of health. Communications were cut off between London and Paris because of the war. Gandhi was disappointed. He did not want to return to India without seeing Gokhale, so he stayed on in London. The war was on. What could Gandhi do in England? At the suggestion of some Indian friends, a meeting was called of the Indians in England. Gandhi expressed the view that Indians residing in En gland ought to do their bit in the war. English students had volunteered to serve in the army and Indians should do no less. There were objections to his views and many Indians were of the opinion that the war provided an opportunity to get freedom for India and that Indians should assert themselves and claim their rights. Gandhi felt that England’s difficulty should not be turned into India’s opportunity. He insisted on rendering all possible help to England. He organized an ambulance corps which, in spite of many difficulties, helped the British in their time of need. After some time Gokhale returned to England. Gandhi and Kallenbach went to see him often and they talked together about the war and other matters. Then Gandhi had an attack of pleurisy and Gokhale and his friends were worried. Dr. Jivraj Mehta treated Gandhi but there was little relief. Gandhi was still ill when Gokhale returned to India. As the pleurisy still persisted, Gandhi was advised to go back to India as soon as possible. He accepted the advice and returned to India. Gandhi was back in India after 12 long years. A great reception awaited him in Bombay. Gandhi was overwhelmed by the great love shown to him by the people. Gokhale was in Poona and was in poor health, so Gandhi went to see him. Gandhi told Gokhale that his plan was to have an ashram where he could settle down with his Phoenix family. They had already reached India and were at Santiniketan. Gokhale approved of the idea and promised whatever help he could. Gandhi went to Rajkot and Porbandar to meet his relatives and then went on to Santiniketan. There Gandhi met poet laureate Rabindranath Tagore for the first time, as well as C. F. Andrews who was there too. During his short stay at Santiniketan Gandhi heard the sad news that Gokhale had passed away. He immediately left for Poona, C. F. Andrews accompanying him as far as Burdwan. — To be Continued
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society
Indo American News • Friday, July 30 , 2010
VPSS Celebrates Silver Jubilee The first Pushtimarg Haveli in Houston was started back in 1984 in the garage of a devoted Vaishnav’s home (Sarlaben J. Patel). In this garage, Dahiben Desai (Dahiba) served as the very first Mukhyaji (priest) of the Haveli. She maintained her position as a priest until 1991, when the construction of our current Haveli was completed.
HOUSTON: Thousands of people joined in Shobha Yatra at the occasion of Silver Jubilee celebration of VPSS in Houston. V.P.S.S (Shri Vallabh Priti Seva Samaj), which is appropriately named under the guidance of P.P.G. 108 Shri Indira Betiji Mahoday, is a well-known non-profit organization in the greater Houston area.
Canadian Indian Doctor is Leader in Field
TORONTO (HT): With most ing as a diagnostic imaging Indian doctors in Toronto driving specialist,” he recalled. taxis because of non-recognition “I set up a small facility of their degrees, few have estabunder the name of BSA Dilished themselves in their mediagnostic Imaging Centre in cal profession in Canada. But 1989 and have not looked Amritsar-born physician Birinder back since. We have grown Ahluwalia has made it to the very many times over to become top of his trade, with his BSA Dione of the biggest in Canada. agnostic Medical Imaging Centre I was lucky to enter this field in Toronto rated as one of the bigat the right time and become gest and best. financially successful very “Last year, we treated a record quickly,” Ahluwalia said. Prince Charles (left) meeting Dr. Brinden Singh 70,000 patients and the numbers Ahluwalia in 2008 in London. With Toronto earning the will be even higher this year. I dubious distinction of havcentres in Canada, they thought it don’t know of any other mediing more immigrant doctors cal centre in Canada treating more fit to invite me. Maybe I was in- turned taxi drivers than any city patients than us,” Ahluwalia, who cluded because Canada and India in the world, Ahluwalia is angry is equally well known in cultural also to increase medical tourism,” about the the plight of his fellow circles as one of the founders of said the alumnus of Amritsar Med- professionals. the city’s Spinning Wheel Film ical College where his illustrious “Canada is making its system father Balbir Singh Ahluwalia also inaccessible to foreign trained Festival, said in an interview. For his professional and cultural taught. doctors on the false grounds that Like all immigrants, Ahluwalia their skills may not be up to Canaaccomplishments, he was chosen among the top 25 immigrant too began his life at the bottom af- dian standards. It is bigotry. I have achievers and Canadian Prime ter reaching Toronto in 1985. hired more foreign trained profes“Yes I was a qualified doctor sionals and we have become one Minister Stephen Harper invited him to accompany him to India in from India, but I started here as of the best diagnostic centres in a courier boy. But that didn’t last Canada. I tell these people: put 2009. “It was so kind of the Prime Min- long as I made quick moves, be- immigrant doctors through 6-12 ister to invite me to India. Since coming assistant to the chief of the months of training, and they will we are one of the largest medical RDS Diagnostics as well as train- be wonderfully okay,” he said.
We revamped our website to serve you better
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Hindus of Greater Houston Cordially Invite You for a Special Event to Meet
Sadhvi Ritambhara Devi (Didi Maa) INDIA HOUSE
8888 West Belfort, Houston, TX 77081
Speaking on Hindu Unity Thursday, August 12, 2010 SOCIAL HOUR: 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm PROGRAM: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Snacks provided
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Janmashtami Grand Celebration is on August 28th, Saturday www.hindusofhouston.org
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IA News © 2010 A.R.R
For More Information, Call:
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Indo American News • Friday, July 30 , 2010
Miss India Texas 2010 Crowned
India House Summer Youth Cricket Clinic Underway
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HOUSTON: On July 24, 2010, an extraordinary pageant took place in the heart of Houston, Texas at University of Houston. This trail-blazing event was the Official Miss India Texas Pageant 2010 presented by Kohinoor Diamonds. The day was filled with beautiful ladies who were not only intelligent, but also talented. Four rounds, including the traditional wear, evening wear, talent, and question & answer determined who would be crowned the official title of Miss India Texas 2010. After intense elimination there was one contestant who was crowned the official title of Miss India Texas 2010, Natasha Arora. Natasha wowed the audience and judges as she swayed across the stage with her astonishing dance moves and her violin performance. Aradhana Thawani took the title of first runner up, and Aishwariya Raju took second with their intense dance performances. Neelofer Ali, president of Kohinoor Diamonds, was amazed at all the wonderful per-
formances and announced that all the brave contestants are winners in her book. All contestants received a gift basket from Kohinoor Diamonds. The three crowned winners also received a photo shoot with glittering diamond jewelry. Natasha will now be going on an all expense paid trip to New York to participate in the official Miss India USA pageant, which will be held in November. Natasha also won $1,000 gift certificate from Kohinoor Diamonds. Pictures Neelofer Ali, President of Kohinoor Diamonds, from the elegant with Natasha Arora, winner of 2010 Miss India pageant can be seen Texas Pageant online at www.MissPhoto: Kaiser Kasimali IndiaTX.com.
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A dozen children are participaing in the second annual India House Summer Cricket Clinic. Organized by Curt King, Mahendra Govardhan and Ranjit Nair of the India House Cricket Club with guest coaching support from Houston Taped Ball Cricket players. The children are learning batting, bowling and fielding through two sessions per week. Trophies will be awared to the best players at the end of the clinic.
Court Shockingly, Orders Destruction of Austin Temple AUSTIN: Sikhs are shocked and outraged at a ruling by a Texas Court of Appeals ordering that the only Sikh Temple (Gurudwara) in Austin, Texas be torn down. Austin Gurdwara Sahib (AGS), a non-profit, Sikh organization purchased land in West side of the Greater Austin area in 2003 to start the first permanent Gurudwara in the Capital City. For years, religious services were hosted weekly in a manufactured home located on the property. In 2005, to improve the facilities, AGS, with the congregation’s support, decided to build a more contemporary building. In this regard, AGS applied for, and was granted, all the necessary permits from the city. The approval process from the city included meetings with Planning & Zoning committees as well as the City Council at large. AGS also met with and provided full disclosure to the neighborhood association. The construction commenced in late 2007, and the members of the
Austin Sikh community celebrated laying the initial foundation stone of the first Sikh temple of its kind in Austin. However, the festive mood came to an abrupt stop immediately after the foundation had finished in Feb 2008, when the Bolliers filed for an injunction against the construction. John and wife Leslie, who is an attorney, were relative newcomers to the neighborhood arriving about 3 years after AGS had been using its property for religious services. Citing to the deed restrictions, the Bolliers argued vehemently against the construction of the Sikh Temple on the grounds that it would be an eye-sore and a traffic magnate, and would lower their property’s value. By agreement, AGS and the Bolliers agreed to cease construction until the issue was resolved by the trial court. In March 2009, the case was heard by Honorable Judge Susan Covington in the 353rd Judicial District in Travis County Texas. Over the course
of several days, the court heard evidence presented by both sides, and rendered an informed decision denying Bollier’s request for an injunction and further ordered them to pay 80% of the associated court costs. In fact, the plantiff, Leslie Bollier, was cited for inequitable conduct in connection with the AGS use of the property. After the trial court’s favorable ruling, AGS proceded to complete the Temple construction over the next few months. Meanwhile, not satisfied with the trial court’s decision, Bolliers filed an appeal. In July 2010, months after the construction of the Temple was complete, the Appellate Court
reversed the lower court’s ruling. In fact, it went so far as to order the completed structure to be torn down! Sikhs around the world and shocked, saddened, and flabbergasted by such an unjust ruling. The AGS intends to vigorously appeal and ask the court to reconsider its decision. A website www.
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SaveGurudwara.com is being set up to provide updates on the matter as well as to collect donations for the legal fight. Press Release issued by: Austin Gurdwara Sahib, 5104 Avispa Way, Austin TX 78738 Email: AustinGurdwara@Gmail.com
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Indian Ocean Coastal Cuisine This unique Indian Cuisine offers the best of North & South Indian Seafood Grill Weekend Lunch Special Buffet • Weekday Unlimited Thali • 3 items of Fresh Seafood
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environment
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World Sets for Hottest Year Since Records Began 1880 LONDON (TOI): The world is on course for the hottest year since records began in 1880 after recordbreaking temperatures in four of the first six months of the year, according to meteorologists. The first six months of 2010 brought a string of warmest-ever global temperatures -- not only was last month the hottest June ever recorded, it was the fourth consecu tive month in which the standing high mark was topped, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The records show that 2010 has surpassed 1998 for the most recordbreaking months in a calendar year, reports The Telegraph, Britain. The January to June period registered the warmest combined global land and ocean surface temperatures since 1880, when reliable temperature readings began, NOAA said. The combined land and ocean temperature for the first six months of 2010 are 57.5 degrees Fahrenheit (14.2 degrees Celsius), which is 1.2F
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(0.68C) above the 20th century average for the January to June period. In June the combined land and oceantemperaturewas61.1F(16.2C), which is 1.2F (0.68C) above the 20th century average of 59.9F (15.5C). Arctic ice cover - another critical yardstick of global warming - had also retreated more than ever before by July 1, putting it on track to shrink beyond its smallest area to date, in 2007. On the face of it, these numbers would seem to be alarming confirmation of climate models that put Earth on a path towards an environmental catastrophe. Without steep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, the global thermometer could rise by 6C (10.8F) compared to pre-industrial levels, making large swathes of the planet unlivable, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned. June was the 304th consecutive month with a global surface temperature above the 20th century average, the NOAA reported. The most recent month to dip below that average was February 1985, more than a quarter century ago.
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Indo American News • Friday, July 30 , 2010
America Two Timed
There is an acceptance in Washington that the present role it has allowed Pakistan to assume in the Afghanistan war has to change. The dozens of US military intelligence documents leaked on the internet reporting that the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence was assisting and guiding the Afghan Taliban have helped confirm what has long been suspected. And it comes soon after the US was already showing public impatience with Pakistan’s Janusfaced policies regarding militancy. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently spoke of sections of the Pakistani establishment having knowledge of Osama bin Laden’s whereabouts. Other US officials have recently said that Pakistan must take action against the largestAfghan Taliban faction, that of Sirajuddin Haqqani, and against the Lashkar-e-Tayyeba, the perpetrators of the Mumbai 26/11 terror attacks. At least rhetorically, Islamabad’s feet are being placed to the fire. Pakistan’s sympathies for the Afghan Taliban have been known for many years, as has Rawalpindi’s long association with the Lashkar. In private, the US has long agreed with the broad accusations made by India that large swathes of the Taliban and groups like Lashkar survive only because of military patronage. However, Pakistan has been able to ensure this knowledge never translated into action because of two-fold leverage it had over the US. First, 70 per cent of the supplies supporting the US military in Afghanistan pass through Pakistan. Second, Pakistan’s response to any threat of aid being cut or diplomatic isolation was, in effect, to aim a gun to its own head and warn that this could push their country over the brink. Washington has thus lavished weapons and aid on Pakistan, helped it militarily against the anti-Islamabad Tehreek-e-Taliban, but used only verbal suasion when it came to action against the Haqqani network or the Lashkar. The US is now realising that when it comes to Pakistan, it can’t have its cake and eat it too. Washington once believed that it could win the battle for Afghanistan even while allowing Islamabad to give haven to the Afghan Taliban and destabilise the Kabul regime. Today it’s struggling to persuade Pakistan that the US won’t allow the Afghan Taliban to return to power in Kabul. Washington has also found that Lashkar, once seen as an Indian concern, is now targeting western troops and operating on US soil. There is now a greater US awareness of what Pakistan is all about. There is no evidence, however, that Washington has worked out a strategy on how to armtwist a country that believes it has the US in a half-nelson. This provides New Delhi an opportunity to propose ways — other than a crude cessation of all aid — by which the US can put together a more coercive strategy towards Pakistan. Hindustan Times
editorial
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Of Free Healers, Tardy Trains By Khushwant Singh Of all the professions, healing the sick is regarded as the noblest. Jesus was a healer — Isa Masih. He could heal people by the mere touch of his hand. He did not charge any fees for doing so. Since then healing has become an expensive business as healers have to undergo six years of learning how to heal and have expensive gadgets like stethoscopes, thermometers, blood pressure gadgets, blood sugar counters, X-Ray machines and much else. So to demand the fees that they do is understandable. But there are huge differences in the monies they demand. I know of two doctor brothers. One is a heart surgeon; he earns upwards of Rs 1 lakh every day. His brother is a physician. He refuses to take any fees and even travels long distances to treat sick friends without accepting a rupee. However, the majority of doctors not only charge high fees but also pass their patients on to their friends in the profession for further tests in the expectation of getting patients in return. It has become a mafia of doctors: the Hippocratic oath be damned. I have recently come across a family which has three generation of doctors who combine ‘pay for advice’ with free healing so that they can make their living as well as serve the poor who cannot afford to pay them. They are Bengalis settled in Delhi. Dr Samir Nundy is attached to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, his wife Mita set up a society to help spastic children. Their son Surajit Nundy was schooled in Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, reckoned to be among the best schools in the capital. After finishing his school, he went to the United States to become a doctor. He studied at Manhattanville College for pre-medical, sociology and computer science. Then he went to Duke University and got a PhD in Neurobiology. He went on to the Washington University School of Medicine, Harvard School of Public Health and set up his own practice in Boston. Two years ago he returned to Delhi, married the beautiful Mandakini, daughter of Manju and Suman Dubey. They have two little girls. Surajit Nundy is a strapping 6 feet
The majority of doctors not only charge high fees but also pass their patients on to their friends in the profession for further tests in the expectation of getting patients in return. It has become a mafia of doctors: the Hippocratic oath be damned. 3 inches tall, handsome young Hindispeaking Bengali. He did not return home to make money but to combine comfortable living with serving the poor. First, he explored prospects of doing so with Dr Binayak Sen’s colleagues in Chattisgarh. Then he returned to Delhi and through his father’s contacts met Reeta Devi Varma of the Ila Trust to see what she was doing. The first day she took him to her mobile clinic to Jama Masjid where her doctors and nurses treat hundreds of men, women and children free of charge as well as give free medicines. The next day she took him to the red light district of GB Road. Dr Nundy offered his services to the Ila Trust. He has been doing the rounds of Delhi’s slums where everyday her mobile clinics treat about a thousand people. One day Reeta brought him over to meet me. I ferreted out bits and pieces of information of his past and future plans. He was reluctant to talk about his plans. It is evident he has to earn to provide for his wife and children as well as have the satisfaction of serving the needy. He must not be forced to return to the States, but made full use of by our government. There are not many people as highly qualified and eager to do their bit. Monsoon Express There are a few features that our railways share with the monsoons. Most of our trains depart on time but very few reach their destinations
IndoAmerican News 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 Reporter: Jacob David Production Manager: Hussain Mandviwala correspondents Chicago: Nand Kapoor ®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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as printed in railway time-tables, no matter what fancy names they are given: Rajdhani, Shatabadi, Deccan Queen, Queen of the Himalayas. When I was able to travel by rail, I used to take the the Shatabadi to Chandigarh from New Delhi railway station at least four times a year to go to Kasauli. It used to pull out dot on time and gather speed as soon after it cleared the suburbs of Delhi. However, I can’t recall it ever arriving in Chandigarh on time: a delay of 15 minutes to half an hour was normal. Other trains are usually late by an hour or two. We have got used to our trains running late. It is much the same with the summer monsoon. It was expected to hit the west coast by the last week of May or first week of June. This year it broke over the Malabar coast on May 31. Then it moved northward, drenching Mumbai a week later. Its progress further inland was preceded by dust storms and an occasional shower. Our weather forecasters assured us our first gift of rains on June 24. On the promised day, the sky was overcast by the afternoon and in the evening there was a dust storm followed by a light shower. We waited a week when the proper monsoon was supposed to break over the city. Though more cloudy days came and went, but there was no rain. Why do the monsoons, both the summer and the winter mean so much to us Indians? For one, despite our network of canals, thousands of tubewells and water-harvesting devices, we remain heavily dependant on good monsoons to feed ourselves. The summer monsoon is the time of national rejoicing: flying kites, girls singing sitting on jhoolas, dancing and seeing peacocks spread out their tails and raise their cries to rain-sodden black clouds. HT Yogic Miracle My friend’s son Golu used to bite his nails. I advised my friend to send Golu to Baba Ramdev who will teach him yoga. After two months I asked my friend, “How is Golu now?” My friend said: “Now Golu can bite his toe nails also.” Contributed by JP Singh Kaka, Bhopal
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india
Indo American News • Friday, July 30 , 2010
Letter to the Editor
Religion and Politics in USA and India
Religion, it is said, should play no role in politics. But how far is it true even in a well developed democracy like USA? It looks like it is imperative to identify oneself with the majority faith, Christianity to be successful in U.S. politics. The smart and ambitious among the Indo-Americans seem to have grasped this truth quite early. . The prime examples are the most successful among them ,the Governor of Louisiana Mr. Bobby Jindal and the possible new Governor of South Carolina Mrs. Nikki Healy. They both seem to flaunt their Christian identity at every opportunity. I do not criticize them. It is their decision. Obviously it helps them in their political career. It is interesting to contrast this with the situation in India a developing democracy. There, a member of a tiny minority that too foreign born, was elected by popular vote as the top leader. This should be an interesting subject for the political scientists as well as the vociferous critiques of democracy in India. Jay K Raman, MD
India Fest 2010 to Celebrate Tagore’s 150th Anniversary By Shobana Muratee HOUSTON: India Fest 2010 celebrating India’s 64th Independence Day will combine Tagore’s 150th birth anniversary as part of the celebrations on Sunday, August 15th at the George R. Brown Convention Center. India Culture Center, (ICC) Houston in collaboration with the office of the Indian Consulate and other major Indo-American organizations will hold India’s Independence Day celebration as a tradition being observed for over 37 years since its inception. The India Fest 2010 holds day long festivities that include elaborate cultural activities of traditional dance and music, fashion shows, bazaar with commercial booths, competitions, and occasionally concerts for entertainment segment. The formal segment of the celebrations focuses on community awards and flag honoring by India’s Consul General, the Chief Guest on the occasion, who will be delivering the Independence Day message to the Indian community. This year’s Independence Day celebrations are dedicated to India’s most honorable, beloved son Rabin-
dranath Tagore whose contributions in the world of literature, art, philosophy, poetry, playwright, song and music, writing and education won him international fame and acclaim in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize in Literature for his work Gitanjali. Tagore, the author of India’s National Anthem Jana Gana Mana also wrote Amar Shonar Bangla, now the national anthem of Bangladesh. Born in Kolkata on 7 May 1861, Tagore lived in the hearts of people as Gurudev until he died on 7 August 1941 at the age of 80 years. The ICC in collaboration with the Tagore Society of Houston will observe Tagore’s 150th death anniversary as part of India Fest 2010 celebrations. A ‘Sketch of Tagore Life’ presented by the members of the Tagore Society is the highlight of this segment. Awards in his honor designated to those excelling as literary scholars, artists, poets, writers
and playwrights will be conferred on the occasion. Children will engage in painting completions, skits and other activities that will connect them to the works of Tagore. Event Chair Rajiv Bhavsar and Co-Chair Jasmeeta Singh have put together a very elaborate show of cultural extravaganza that includes a wide variety of entertainment featuring Bollywood history presented through fashion show and dances, and other classical and semi-classical dances and music. The event will also feature the Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP) Graduation , ICC’s youth program initiated in 2008, will honor the second batch of graduates of the program on the occasion. By making the event free at the George R. Brown Center, the organizers are confident that the turnout will be twice as much. ICC President Swapan Dhairyawan says that an event of this magnitude and varied would not have been possible without the consolidated efforts of the partnering Indo-American organizations, ICC‘s Directors/ Trustees and the generous support of the sponsors. All details of the event are updated on ICC’s website www.icchouston. org where the contact information for the event is also listed.
Indian Briton Jailed for Major Shares Fraud in UK
LONDON: An Indian-origin British national has been sentenced to seven years in jail for his involvement in a multi-million pounds fraud that operated through aggressive, high-pressure sale of shares of worthless companies to the old and elderly. Rahul Natwar Patel, 35, who lives in Spain, operated the fraud across several countries along with another British national, David Arthur Vidgeon, 30. Vidgeon has also been sentenced to seven years in jail for the fraud worth over 7 million pounds. The two have been sentenced at the Ipswich Crown Court for duping around 1,250 investors and siphoning off around 80 per cent of the invested funds. Vidgeon and Patel conspired to defraud investors, many of whom were retired and elderly, by high pressure selling of shares in small/obscure companies, with false claims about their future worth, official sources said. The fraudulent sales practice was carried out by unlicensed offshore brokerages known as “boiler rooms” under the control and direction of Vidgeon and Patel between April 2003 and November 2006. The companies whose shares were sold were worthless. Their function in this conspiracy was as vehicles used by Vidgeon, Patel and the ‘boiler rooms’ to take not less than 80 per cent of the investors’ money.
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Indo American News • Friday, July 30 , 2010
Akshaya Patra Recognized for Its Culture of Innovation BOSTON: The Akshaya Patra Foundation, one of the world’s largest NGO-run midday meal programs, was one of 11 winners that received the distinguished Indian Express Innovation award titled ‘Scalable, Technology Driven Kitchen Model’ from Entrepreneurship and Management Processes International (EMPI) Group of Institutions in association with The Indian Express Group at an awards ceremony in New Delhi. Dr. Nandan Nilekani, the Chairman of the new Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), presented the gold trophy to Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, Vice Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation at the fourth annual EMPI-Indian Express Indian Innovation Awards ceremony on July 12, 2010 in New Delhi. Akshaya Patra was recognized for being a role model for the midday school meals program based on their innovative deployment of technology and cutting edge management practices. Initiated in 2005 by former Indian President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the award identifies innovative organizations in India who have made amazing breakthroughs to become role models in their respective fields. Akshaya Patra was selected out of 184 applications representing corporations, NGOs, and various government departments. Out of the 11 organizations recognized, 8 organizations, including Akshaya Patra, received the gold trophy. For the past two years, EMPI and Indian Express annually recognizes organizations operating in India through these awards aimed at promoting a ‘culture of innovation’ in
children each day in 7,000 schools through 19 kitchens in eight states in India. A public-private partnership, Akshaya Patra combines good management, innovative technology and smart engineering to deliver school lunch at a fraction of the cost of similar programs in other parts of the world. It costs $28 to feed a child daily Dr. Nandan Nilekani, left, chairman of the for the entire school year. new Unique Identification Authority of With an average governIndia (UIDAI), presents the gold trophy ment subsidy of 50 perto Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa at the fourth cent, $28 feeds two chilannual EMPI- Indian Express Indian dren. Akshaya Patra has a Innovation Awards ceremony in New demonstrated impact on Delhi the children it reaches. AC India by showcasing their innovative Nielsen, an independent research initiatives. Dr Ashok Jain, Vice Presi- firm, performed an impact assessdent of EMPI Group of Institutions ment which demonstrated an increase said “We are delighted to honor a in enrollment, especially among the socially responsible organization like female students, and better health Akshaya Patra who can serve as role and improved performance among model in the long run for others to all students who received school lunches. This meal gives these chilemulate” “We are honored to receive this rec- dren an incentive to come to school, ognition. It is innovative technology stay in school and provides them with that has not only allowed us to sustain the necessary nutrients they need to and grow the Akshaya Patra Program develop their cognitive abilities to in reach and scale but to differentiate focus on learning. Akshaya Patra is a great example it from other programs. We look to a time when hunger will no longer of what can be accomplished when be a barrier to school attendance and the public sector, private sector and learning, and I am confident that the civic society collaborate-- a cost Akshaya Patra will help achieve this effective, scalable solution with high not only in India but globally as well,” quality service delivery. After reachsaid Madhu Sridhar, Akshaya Patra ing its goal of feeding one million children each school day, Akshaya USA’s President and CEO Akshaya Patra’s vision is that no Patra’s next milestone is to serve 5 child shall be deprived of education million children daily by 2020. For because of hunger. The organiza- more information, please visit www. tion currently feeds over one million foodforeducation.org.
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JUly 30 , 2010• ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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Indo American News • Friday, July 30 , 2010
india
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BizarreNews
Living Man Declared Dead by Hospital GHAZIABAD (TOI) : In a shocking case of medical negligence, doctors at a government hospital here declared an accident victim dead and kept him in the mortuary but when his relatives came to take away the body they found him alive. 21-year-old Sanjeev, an MCom student, was on his way to the market
to buy books when his motorcycle was hit by a car on Sunday evening. Police rushed him to the MMG Hospital where the doctors declared him brought dead. However, when Sanjeev’s family members arrived at the hospital and rushed to the mortuary they found the youth to be alive and crying painfully.
They raised a hue and cry over the incident demanding stern action against the negligent doctors at the hospital. Chief medical officer A K Dhawan said an inquiry has been ordered into the incident. Later on, family members of Sanjeev shifted him to Yashoda Hospital where he continues to be critical.
After Honour Killing, ‘Honour Selling’ Emerges NEW DELHI , Jul 15 (Oneindia): After several cases of ‘honour killing’, now a case of ‘honour selling’ has emerged. An Agra girl, who was in love with a boy from a different caste, was married against her wishes not once but twice by her mother in exchange of money. 21-year-old Arti was in love with Shankar, a boy from her neighbourhood. However, their relationship was not acceptable to Arti’s mother as the boy was from a different caste, reported MiD-Day. The mother, Laxmi, quickly jumped to the rescue of the family ‘honour’ by getting Arti married off to a man called Jagdish in 2007. The
mother allegedly took money from Jagadish’s family. When things did not work out well with Jagdish, Arti returned home complaining of dowry harassment and physical abuse. Laxmi stepped up as a supportive mother and helped her daughter get a divorce. However, this was not the happy ending. Laxmi allegedly started looking for another man who would pay money for her daughter’s hand in marriage. She reportedly found a boy in Sobipura village of Firozabad district who was ready to pay her Rs 20,000. Arti revolted against this and turned to her childhood friend and lover,
Shankar, for help. The couple wrote to Agra Superintendent of Police, DIG and the local police station in Jun 2010, but found no action from their side, the tabloid reported. It all came down to Sanjay to rescue Arti as he did not want he to take any extreme steps. Now, his case has been taken up by Love Commando, a community that was set by by a Delhi-based activist to protect young lovers from ‘killer’ panchayats. Hope for Sanjay and Arti seem to be arising as petitions to the National Commission for Women and National Human Rights Commission are set to be filed on behalf of Sanjay.
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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JUly 30 , 2010 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
opinion
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Indo American News • Friday, July 30 , 2010
Why Make Divorce Easy?
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In a society like ours, is it necessary to rush through with the “irretrievable breakdown of marriage” clause without examining its impact on the vast majority of poor women? Divorce is still relatively uncommon in India compared to many other countries. The incidence of divorce is barely 1.9 per cent of registered marriages. By Kalpana Sharma (Hindu) What are the laws that need the urgent attention of the government? One that deals with the increasing, and horrific, instances of so-called “honour” killings, where young women and men are being murdered for no other reason than choosing whom they will marry, a right that is guaranteed to them as citizens of this democratic country? Or one that will make divorce easier for those who want to opt out of marriage? These are not mutually exclusive choices. But because they have a direct impact on the lives of millions of women and men, they cannot be rushed through without adequate thought and debate. On the former, there is still some discussion and no conclusion yet. On the latter, strangely enough, the government seems to have made up its mind and is contemplating introducing a new provision in The Hindu Marriage Act that will permit divorce under “irretrievable breakdown of marriage”. Divorce is still relatively uncommon in India compared to many other countries. The incidence of divorce is barely 1.9 per cent of registered marriages. This figure of course would not include a much higher percentage of desertions that routinely occur, where men leave their wives and children and live a bigamous life without any fear that the law will ever catch up with them. Such women are left in a limbo, still legally married, unable to go into another relationship, and left without financial support. In a country where poverty and illiteracy are common, the figures if ever collated of such women would be staggering. Specific grounds Under the Hindu Marriage Act and the Special Marriage Act there are specific grounds on which divorce can be sought. These include adultery, cruelty, desertion, conversion to another religion, unsoundness of mind, virulent and incurable form of leprosy, venereal disease in a communicable form, renouncement of the world and not heard as being alive for a period of seven years or more. Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act and Section 28 of the Special Marriage Act also provide for divorce by mutual consent. Under this, both parties have to file a petition in court and are given six months after its admission and up to 18 months to change their minds. If neither party withdraws, the divorce is granted. The government, and the Law Commission in its 217th report (March 2009), holds that the introduction of a provision of no-fault divorce, that is where neither party has to prove that the other committed an offence such as adultery, or cruelty or desertion to file for a divorce, will assist many couples who get caught in legal wrangles when their marriages have already broken down. Sometimes, even when they use the provision of mutual consent, one or the other party pulls out part way through the proceedings, leaving the other with no choice but to resort to a lengthy
Opting out of marriage: Should it be made easier?
legal process to get a divorce. The government believes it is introducing this provision to bring such situations to an end. But lawyers and women’s groups, who have known first hand the problems deserted women, or those who are victims of cruelty within their marriages, or have to live with adulterous husbands, say that such a provision will place a bigger burden on women. At present, a mutual consent divorce is the easiest and only possible way if both parties want to break up. Otherwise, one or the other has to prove a “fault”. Women often do not take the first step, particularly those women who are not financially independent, as they cannot pay for the litigation and also fear that even if there is a divorce, the final settlement will not suffice for them to survive on their own. For instance, apart from maintenance, sometimes the court awards a lump sum if a woman is able to prove her husband falls under any of the categories listed for grounds for divorce. But if the woman has to leave her matrimonial home, she would not have the resources to get another house unless that was part of the final settlement. And the current law does not mandate a formula for a financial settlement that would take care of the woman’s shelter needs. Considerable debate In countries around the world, including the United States, where the grounds of “irretrievable breakdown of marriage” are part of the statute, there has been considerable debate over its introduction and it has been followed by clear and specific mandates on division of property. In some states in the US, everything is divided equally between the couple after a
divorce on these grounds. In India, there is no such provision in the existing law or in the contemplated
new addition. What this will mean in real life is that an adulterous husband can file under this addition to the divorce law and even if he agrees to pay alimony, he is not bound by law to ensure that the woman has adequate resources to survive on her own. Also, in a society where being married grants women “respectability”, a divorce means losing that status. There is no legal compensation for this and no sign that our society is likely to change its attitude toward divorced or unmarried women in a hurry. Hence, women will always hesitate before filing for divorce. The bottom line is that provisions for divorce are not gender neutral in a society like ours where there is no level playing field for men and women. Therefore, before any such provision is introduced, there needs to be a much closer scrutiny of its impact on poor women without independent economic resources who constitute the majority in this country. You cannot bring in a law that would ease the way for a small minority without considering the impact on this majority. This is not to say that women or men should be permanently tied into loveless or cruel marriages. Divorce is a way out of such situations and marriage is not sacrosanct as some hold. But the provisions for divorce must be just. Of course, women who have a hard time proving that their husbands are cruel, or bigamous, could also use
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JUly 30 , 2010• ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
this provision to end their marriages. But such women are usually those with financial independence and the ability to negotiate a decent settlement. The majority of women would not dare use the provision for fear that they would be left with nothing. On the other hand, for their husbands, this would be a very handy piece of law to opt out of the marriage, and then go in for another. Let me end by quoting from a reader who responded to the news that the government was going to introduce this provision. Writes Dr. Mitu Khurana from Delhi on the Economic Times website (June 14, 2010):“My husband threw me out because I could not give him sons. I have two daughters. After trying for four years to make my marriage work, for the sake of my daughters, now I have initiated legal action against my husband. So has my marriage broken down irretrievably? Now my insistence not to take any more abuse, has it become a ground for my husband to take divorce and remarry to have sons, which he so badly desires? And what is the fault of my daughters in all this? Just that they were born daughters. That means now no mother should take the stand I took, and simply go ahead with female feticide.” This is just one voice. There are many more. They need to be heard and heeded. Why is the government in such a hurry?
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Indo American News • Friday, July 30 , 2010
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