081310a

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Friday, August 13 2010 | Vol. 29, No. 33

Indo American News

Jai Hind!

$1 Circulation Verified by

READ US ONLINE at www.indoamerican-news.com

1

on the 64th Independence Day!

i

n

s

i

d

Our 28th Anniversary Special sel’s Inspiration 2010: A rock solid entertainer

e

Published weekly from Houston, TX

7457 Harwin Dr, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036 Ph: 713.789.NEWS (6397) • Fax: 713.789.6399 • indoamericannews@yahoo.com

continued on page

9

Photo: Krishna Giri

By Pramod KulKarni K Karni HOUSTON: This concert season has been exceptional for Bollywood music. First, we saw and heard Shreya Ghoshal and Atif Aslam. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was next. Then came Suresh Wadkar and Kavita Krishnamurthy. Last weekend, it was the blockbuster performance of Shankar-EhsaanLoy (SEL) with Richa Sharma, Mahalakshmi Iyer and Shafqat Amanat Ali. IAA’s Black & White show and A.R. Rahman’s Jai Ho concert are yet to come. If there was a Bollywood music heaven, it is here!

SEL’s Inspiration 2010: Aman Ki Asha concert last Friday at the Berry Center in northwest Houston From left: Raman Mahadevan, Anushka Menon, Ehsaan Noorani, Shankar Mahadevan & Loy Mendonsa. Photo: Krishna Giri

IAcF makes A $28K Investment in the Future

this week Inside

The 18 winners of the Indo American Charity Foundation Scholarships at Madras Pavilion restaurant in Sugar Land where the eveny was held last Thursday, August 5.

Photo: Krishna Giri

By Jawahar malhotra SUGAR LAND: It was music to the ears of the organizers and couldn’t have encapsulated the meaning of the evening’s program more. Here was 18 year-old

Rosch Wadera, smiling at the podium as he responded for the entire 18 scholarship winners with a few appreciative remarks. “It (the scholarship) is an investment in the youth in our community,”

Wadera said. “I promise to honor the help you gave me tonight and pass it on to others in the future.”

That is the very sentiment that has propelled the Indo-American Charity Foundation along for the

past 22 years as the Houstonbased group has sought to ease the way for college-bound highschool graduates. “Every year, the IACF has given out scholarship checks of $2,000 each to deserving students,” explained Rupa Iyer, the Chair of the event for the second year running and Director of Biotechnology Programs at the University of Houston.

“This year, we made an all-out effort to reach many more people and encourage them to apply.”

The main criteria to apply for the scholarship are being a graduating high-school senior of Indocontinued on page

3

Story on Pg 7

A.R.Rahman’s Jai Ho World Tour Re-Launched Estate Planning & Your Legacy

Story on Pg 19

India Lures Him Back, After 36 Years Here Story on Pg 21

ON THE WEB • Read aR aRticles • Post comments omments • V Vie ieW e-neW ieW neWs neW WsPa PaP aPeR • shaRe eVent PictuRes • Become a Fan on FaceBook • PictuRe GalleRy• Ry• R y• V Visit isit ouR WeBstoRe indoameRican-neWs.com

2

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Indo AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, Ay, August 13 , 2010 • onl A o Ine I edIt ItI It tIon: www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com

Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

continued from page

1

society

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

IAcF makes A $28K Investment in the Future

American origin, having a gross annual family income of no more than $100,000 (a limit which was raised from $75,000) and listing achievements on the application.

“Our Board worked hard to get the word out, as we want our community to know there are resources available that can reward high achievers,” said Iyer.

With the extra push to school districts, flyers across community businesses and referrals, the IACF received 24 applications for the scholarships this year as against 10 last year. “After a difficult screening process, we decided to give out ten $2,000 scholarship checks and eight $1,000 checks,” described Iyer, “which is a record for the IACF.” Another marked difference for awarding the scholarships was the setting, which in the past has been held at the home of one of the Board Directors. This year, in keeping with a higher profile for the IACF, the awards were made this past Thursday, August 5 at Madras Pavilion restaurant in Sugar Land, over hors d’ourves, drinks and a buffet dinner served on the patio in the back by the lake. “It was a welcome surprise,” said past Board member Sesh Bala as he clutched a plate in the line.

The event was attended by over 150 people including the scholarship winners, their families, many Board members and invited guests.

Among them were the two chief guests, Sonal Buchar, the President of the Fort Bend Independent School District and Neeta Sane, a Trustee for the Houston Community College System. Buchar, a past Board member of the IACF,

remembered when “just 7 or 8 years ago, we gave out 5 scholarships of $2,000 each.” She said the increase to18 awards this year was a matter of pride. “In the 70,000 student FBISD graduating class, I noticed that, of the 20 Valedictorians and Salutorians, 14 were of Indian origin,” she related to applause, “and it made me beam!”

She extolled the scholars to “go where there is no path and blaze a trail for those who come after you.

Put your entire passion into it.” she continued, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire … may your path always be lit by the fire.”

Sane continued along the same lines. “Education is the key to success and in every way of life,” she said, “and in college you should lay emphasis on three points: passion, perseverance and being prudent.” Sane expanded on these guideposts. “Follow your passion, it will take you to great heights and directions; persevere to become successful through hard work and prudence will come,” she continued, “with more responsibility that will shape you to become more respectful of others.”

The program was emceed by another Board member, Manisha Mehta, who reminded everyone throughout the evening to attend the IACF’s annual fundraising Gala, headlined this year as “The Magic of Passion” and scheduled for Friday, October 1 at the New Stafford Civic Centre.

Before dinner, three award winning students gave short performances: Sharmita Bhattacharaya, the current Miss Teen India USA gave dances choreographed to two Bollywood hits; Abhas Mishra sang a folk song in Bengali and

A-ONE INTERNATIONAL Wishing all Readers a very Happy Independence Day Call us! 281-493-1888 aonedishnetwork.com

3

$2,000 Scholarship Winners • Sarah Ansari Stephen F. Austin High School • Sian Ali Bana Hightower High School • Akash Batra Clear Lake High School • Sharmita Bhattacharya, Cinco Ranch High School • Niraj Bhavsar, Seven Lakes High School • Shusmita Chakka, Seven Lakes High School • Ami Desai, CyFair High School • Brent Ghosh, Hastings High School • Anushka Giri, DeBakey High School • Deena Kapadia, Clear Springs High School

Manoujna Veerati performed a classical Indian dance. In addition, two other students, Harika Medi and Rosch Wadera gave short speeches of appreciation.

The awards were given out by Iyer, Buchar and Sane, along with IACF President Bobby Singh while the names and a brief bio of each recepient were read out by Singh’s daughter, Simrit who is a Senior majoring in Biology and minoring in psychology at Chapman University in Orange, California.

Bobby summed up the evening by first alluding to the air conditioning system, which was unable to cope with the number of people, who were sweating and fanning themselves with whatever means possible. “I guess I negotiated too hard,” quipped Singh, “and the price we have to pay is no AC.”

Clockwise from top left: Chief guest at the awards were Sonal Buchar and Neeta Sane; Event Chair Rupa Iyer with IACF President Bobby Singh; winner Monoujna Veerati performed a classical dance.

Photos: Jawahar Malhotra

Despite ithe heat most people stayed on. Singh noted that the $28,000 scholarships award was the largest funded activity of the IACF in its 22 years of helping mainstream, nascent and emerging organizations. He lauded the IACF’s Walkathon earlier in the year, which had participation from 20 other organizations, and hoped to have 1,000 attendees next year.

In concluding, Singh made a case for the formation of a 1,000 member Volunteer Corps who would donate up to 50 hours per year to community work and asked that interested people sign up with the IACF.

$1,000 Scholarship Winners • Harika Medi, Elsik High School • Abhas Mishra, Cypress Falls High School • Deepali Patel, Austin High School • Jay Shah, Lamar Consolidated High School.

• Zainab Shipchandler, Mayde Creek High School • Hadia Siddiqi, Cypress Springs High School • Manoujna Veerati, Seven Lakes High School • Rosch Wadera, Hightower High School 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

NEED A WEBSITE

Expand your business with an online presence Great Rates for Non-Profit organizations and Institutions

Indo AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, A August 13 , 2010 • onl Ay, o Ine I edIt ItI It tIon: www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com

• Online Stores • Informative Website • Professional Blogs • CMS Websites • Radio/Music Stores

Start your business Online today!

Call 713-349-3726

Society

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

When Medical Help is Scarce, to be Sure, Friends Help Friends

By Jawahar Malhotra HOUSTON: The woman two tables down wiped her eyes as she heard Angela Williams tell her story. If it was hard for her, it was doubly hard for Williams as she choked over the parts that hurt the most: the tumor that had been found over 4 years ago, the numbness she started to feel in her jaw, no insurance and no means to pay the $9,000 for medical treatment, a marriage that eventually fell apart, raise two kids as a single mom.

Williams, a perky, tall woman stood at the podium in the banquet hall of Mangianno’s Little Italy restaurant in front of the invited guests and donors for Friends Helping Friends, a local charity.

She felt her world closing around her and her options dwindling and she could have been another casualty to be added the lack of medical insurance debate that has fermented through the country this past year. But then she heard of FHF and applied for assistance. “I know that $9,000 is not a lot of money, but I just didn’t have it,” recalled Williams, “and they came through for me.” Luckily for her, the story has a happy ending. An MRI showed the tumor was benign and was removed and the numbness went away.

Two other women – Marisol Bush and Amanda Bodiker - came to the podium to relate their personal brush with what could have become medical calamities. Each thanked FHF for coming forward with the financial and medical help when they needed it most.

It was a similar experience in 2001 that prompted a group of people in Clear Lake to band together and help another from their midst with financial aid for a medical procedure. They raised money from a fundraiser dinner and a garage sale and were so enthused by the outcome that they formed the tax-deductible FHF organization. Through a confidential screening process, in the past

Panna Bhatia (avove), the President of Friends Helping Friends addresses the guests at the Annual Faundraiser dinner held last Sunday, August 8 ant Mangianno’s Little Italy on Post Oak. Nearly 200 people came to the event which featured a show by Indo-JapaneseAmerican comedian Dan Nainan who cut up the audience with his routine on Indo-Americans and politicians. The event also showcased the poignant stories of three women (below) - from left, Angela Williams, Marisol Bush and Amanda Bodiker - who exprssed their thanks for the help that FHF extended. Photos: Jawahar Malhotra

6

More content, fresher look. . .

continued on page

www.indoamerican-news.com

4

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Society

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

5

When Medical Help is Scarce, to be Sure, Friends Help Friends

The items from the Silent Auction for the Friends Helping Friends Annual Fundraiser Gala included many services, a dress and baskets of wine. support from both groups. The continued from page 6

decade, FHF has identified many individuals deserving of their help and contributed to their treatment. In partnership with “The Rose”, FHF routinely can offer free mammograms. It has even been able to help with funeral and burial expenses for some families.

It was no accident that FHF can count on support from both the desi and mainstream communities as these comprised the original nucleus and for the past decade has counted on financial and pro-bono

first president of FHF was Shoba Wenger, whose sister Dr. Asha Kapadia teaches at UTHSC and the current president is Panna Bhatia, the manager of the floral department at Rice Epicurean Markets in Post Oak and a powerhouse of energy and determination herself.

And so, FHF has continued with what was a simple, but endearing winning formula, for its fund raisers as was the one last Sunday evening, August 8. As in past Galas, the mix of community volun-

The Board of Directors with Dan Nainan (third from left). From left, Shobha Wenger, Panna Bhatia, Dr. Neera Bhutani, Toni Masone, Dimple Ahluwalia, Susie Stuart, Veena Kaul and Michael Lobo after the successful Gala which raised almost $50,000.

teers and Board of Directors has allowed for a cross-section of donors, guests and service providers to offer items at the Silent Auction including Rice Epicurean which provided the wine baskets for the auction. The event was able to raise $50,000 for the organization.

But the events are also a lot of fun for those involved and last week’s program was no exception as it included a performance by Indo-Japanese-American comedian Dan Nainan whose anecdotes of being raised by a Japanese

mother and a Keralite father kept the audience in stitches. “When I was in High School, I took AP Math,” he recalled with a mischievous smile. “That’s Asian People!

You know that all Indian Americans take calculus in kindergarten!

And KFC really stands for Kerela Fish Curry!!” His impersonations of former Presidents George W, Bush and Bill Clinton were hilarious, although he is still working on his Obama monologue. Nainan lives in New York and came down especially to perform at

the event. He generously donated the entire proceeds from the sale of his CDs that evening to FHF. The event featured a 5-course Italian dinner served with Italian wine at tables that were packed.

After the Silent Auction ended, the evening came to a close with an open auction of the items that included SPA and accounting services and netted over $3,000.

Friends Helping Friends can be reached at 281-488-0124 or at friendsHF@hotmail.com or visit www.FHF2001.org

Indo American News • Friday, august 13 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

6

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

society

Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Indian culture c c center’s e expanding services ever s

By ShoBana muratee HOUSTON: The growth of Indo-American organizations in the Greater Houston areas continues to rise but not at the rate of the 90s when over 80 organizations were in operation. Few sustained while others faded into oblivion mainly due to lack of funds. Current economic recession is taking a heavy toll on charitable and non-profit organizations; as community events are declining considerably. Among those that have managed to be consistent is the India Culture Center, (ICC) Houston. The ICC is an organization of over 37 years that has been promoting India’s culture and traditions through events like India Fair and India Fest, two signature events celebrating India’s spirit of freedom, independence & democratic setup. Other events the organization observes independently or in collaboration with partnering organizations are: Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, Deepawali, Holi and other festivities.

In the last five years, the ICC has expanded the scope of its services tremendously supporting education, youth leadership, promoting art and talent from India, commerce and even political awareness in the community. The ICC has always projected its ideology as an aspiring umbrella organization that would remain and render supportive lead to any non-profit organization striving to promote India’s cultural and traditional values. It is only organizations that partners with over 20 other local organizations of varied background but serving the same cause and the same community; which is the people of India origin.

Since taking on its new challenges, the ICC has made tremendous strides over the past few years like: Installation of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Hermann Memorial Park, creating a Mahatma Gandhi District at Hillcroft, one of the busiest business locales in Houston, establishing the Youth Development Leadership Program, hosting

the Hindi Hasya Kavi Sammellan (assembly of humor poets), Leadership Conference and Spelling Bee Contests each year. These programs continue to grow in popularity and stature with increasing number of participants each year. To support these programs and the activities of associate organizations, the ICC hosts a robust website, a radio program, event oriented souvenir magazine and finally an Electronic newsletter to its Members & be connected and engaged with the Community at Large .

On Sunday, August 15,2010 the ICC Houston along with the Office of the India Consulate and other major Indo-American organizations is hosting the India-Fest 2010 celebrating India’s 64th Independence Day celebrations dedicated to India’s most beloved son and writer of its national anthem, Rabindranath Tagore fondly known as Gurudev. This year, the celebration will observe Tagore 150th Birth Anniversary by organizing various activities in his honor like sit and draw for children, patriotic and folk songs, dance and music highlighting life sketch of Tagore and awarding the Spirit of Tagore Awards for outstanding poets, educationalist, artists and writers of India origin from Houston.

The day-long celebrations include a grand cultural show highlighting Bollywood through its Passage from the Golden era to Modern era depicted through fashion, dances and music. The celebrations will also have a formal flag honoring ceremony by the Chief Guest Hon.Consul General Sanjiv Arora’ who will give his Independence Day message, YLDP graduation ceremony, an elaborate commercial Bazaar, and the Award Ceremony. Admissions to the event at the George R. Brown Convention Center are free and all information can be found on www.icchouston.org.

For further information, call Swapan Dhairyawan, President ICC at 281-3820348

independence Day Flag Hoisting

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

HOUSTON: The Flag Hoisting ceremony on India’s 64th Independence Day will be held on Sunday, 15 August at 10 am at the Consul General’s Residence (5634 Briar Drive, Houston, Tx – 77056).

Consul General Sanjiv Arora will read President of India’s message on this occasion. Refreshments will be served.

Indian nationals and friends of India are cordially invited to the function. Participants are requested to assemble at Consul General’s Residence by 9:45 AM. Kindly bring a photo ID.

Indo AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, Ay, August 13 , 2010 • onl A o Ine I edIt ItI It tIon: www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com

Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

society

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

A. R. Rahman’s Jai Ho World Tour Re-Launched

By Kalyani Giri HOUSTON: He slipped fleetingly into Houston for an unobtrusive visit with media this past weekend, but when A. R. Rahman stepped into the Hyatt Regency Hotel’s conference room, the famously private Mozart of Madras may have once again had it thrust home that his quiet days were over. Slightly built and youthful, the legendary music director of international repute was deluged by a storm of photographers, reporters, and

contortionist. The theme celebrates Indian culture and will include several of Rahman’s compositions new and old. Rahman told media that the performers rehearsed for nearly two months and that he avoided taking on other movie contracts to practice with them.

“I’m so happy to resume touring,” said Rahman. “Performing live for my fans means so much to me and the time lost due to the accident has been very difficult for

From Left: Moid Khan of Bollywood Shows 4 U, A.R.Rahman and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee at the media and VIP press conference held on August 7.

Photo: Shiraz Maherali

fans. But he was a study in graciousness as he took his seat onstage and calmly waited for the furor to subside. Rahman was in the city August 7 to re-launch the publicity of his Jai Ho – The Journey Home World Tour in North America. The show, which had an extremely successful and critically acclaimed run in four cities within the US, was abruptly aborted in Detroit in July when part of the stage infrastructure catastrophically collapsed before the concert, destroying most of the staging, lighting and musical instruments. Jai Ho – The Journey Home, brought to this city by Moid Khan of Bollywoodshows4u, has been rescheduled to play at the Toyota Center on September 17, 2010, at 8.30pm.

Rahman, the two-time Academy and Grammy Award- winning music director of the movie Slumdog Millionaire, has collaborated with creative director Amy Tinkham.

Tinkham has previously worked with music icons in the ilk of Paul McCartney and Madonna, structuring and choreographing impressive live stage performances. The Jai Ho – The Journey Home concert is a twoand-half hours long theatrical experience that blends elements of Sufi mysticism, traditional folk, reggae, jazz, and rock, with new technologies.

“Through the vast tapestry of music that is Rahman, he takes us on a virtual journey through beauty, culture, and spirituality,” said Tinkham. “This is uniquely Indian both ancient and modern.”

The Jai Ho concert incorporates the talents of a world troupe of dancers from various countries globally, and also includes a

our team. The support and encouragement we’ve received from fans has been an incredible inspiration. We’re all very grateful and can’t wait for the fans to see the special show we’ve put together for them. I wanted to create a polished show,” he added.

When a guest at the media conference suggested that Rahman tended to favor the Tamil and other South Indian languages more in his shows, he responded: “I’ve included many languages, but I’ve found that when you’re deep into music, the language ceases to matter,” Rahman said.

Rachel Varghese, a fellow journalist from the local community was at the kick-off performance of Jai Ho - The Journey Home in New York in June. She raved about the show, calling it “simply stupendous”. “It was an extraordinary show. I am definitely going to see it again as I’m sure I missed something.

There was so much to see. The beautiful set, the dancers - each song had a different stage design. It’s quite unlike anything I’ve ever seen before!” added Varghese.

Dignitaries attending the media and VIP press conference were Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Council Member Brenda Stardig, Consul General of India Sanjiv Arora, Guy Rippon, Chancellor of the University of Houston, Dr. Renu Khator, and Suresh Khator. Sponsors included Udipi Café ( who also catered for the press meet), Tara Energy, Kohinoor Diamonds, Toyota Center, Qatar Airlines, and Snapple.

For information visit www.bollywoodshows4U.com or http://www.houstontoyotacenter.com or call Moid Khan at 281235- 4711.

Upto 3% BACK to home buyers!

NATIONAL REALTY & ABLE MORTGAGE

One place for all Residential & Commercial deals / 24-hr pre-qualification & fast closing We will beat any real mortgage deal - Good & Bad Credit - No Origination / No Cost Options We can Find, Finance & Build Apartment, Gas Station, Shopping Strip, Office Building, Church & Motel

281-733-4242 / 281-242-8500

www.ablemortgageloans.com

TX Mortgage Broker #: 2874

Indo American News • Friday, august 13 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

7

8

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

society

Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Indian Film Festival of Houston to celebrate c t w true winners of Feature Films, documentaries

ALEXANDER P. MATHEWS, CPA For Services In:

INDIVIDUAL & BUSINESS TAXES • BUSINESS TAX CONSULTATION INCORPORATION, FORMATION OF LLC CERTIFIED QUICK BOOK ADVISOR AVAILABLE

25 Years in Public Accounting 11104 West Airport, Ste 114, Stafford, TX 77477

(281) 564-9500

HOUSTON: The Indian Film dug the well then was killed after the Chinese rule, but for general Festival of Houston (IFFH) is a it was completed. The cruel vil- autonomy. nonprofit organization devoted lage leader plots to take the well In addition to the huge numbers to creating a greater apprecia- by force with surprising results. of Chinese already there, the new tion of Indian cinema and culture Caution: Language railroad brought 1.5 million Chiby showcasing quality films that You Can’t Curry Love - Reid nese migrant workers and aspiring honor entertainment industry per- Waterer – English – USA USA– 23 entrepreneurs to Tibet, which will formers and film makers while Minutes: A “closeted” young cause the character of the country promoting the diverse perspectives Indo-British executive who is ob- to vanish. The documentary gives of the Indian Diaspora through an sessed with his boss is temporarily a comprehensive look at Tibetans annual event. transferred to India to oversee the who were born in India and want We have received 75 submissions new office. He resists going, but to go back, at those who were born of feature films, documentaries in Tibet, and how both differ and shorts of which 15 will be with the Dalai Lama’s philoschosen to be shown during the ophy of “The Middle Way.” festival.

Documentary Films: WomVenue: The 2nd Annual Inan Rebel: A young woman dian Film Festival of Houston from the countryside of Ne(IFFH) will take place Seppal joins the Maoist rebels as tember 22nd-26th, 2010 at a result of witnessing the ef efStudio Movie Grill, 805 Town fects of inequality on women & Country Lane, Houston TX and the poor. During the ten77024. year revolution, 1996-2006, Programming: The Festival she fights against governprovides programming and ment forces, the side which activities that no other film her brother has chosen. festival in Houston offers and Uma Bhujel, code name serves a community of Indian “Silu,” rises to leadership in and international filmmakthe People’s Liberation Army ers that has the potential of which is comprised of 40% reaching a crossover audience. women. Eventually NepIFFH offers the Houston comalese, tired of the senseless munity a unique opportunity waste of life, press for peace. to learn about India’s multiWhen the King steps down, Khan’s phenomenal rise to Stardom is faceted culture and long his- Shahrukh and a new Parliament is an interesting documentary to watch in this film tory of filmmaking. During the festival to be played at Studio Movie Grill formed, Uma/”Silu” becomes weekdays there will be four a Constitutional Assembly on the first day meets and begins showings and during weekMember. She vows to cona comfortable relationship with tinue the struggle for the right of ends there will be eight.

Question and Answer Sessions: the desk clerk. The film gives a everyone to have food, clothes and Directors, producers and cast are light-hearted look at the two men a roof over their head. But this invited to present their films and as they go sightseeing. When the time she’s working within the law. share their experiences with the executive returns to London, he is Feature Films: Cooking With given the choice of a large promo- Stella: At first glance, Stella, who audiences.

Awards: Award’s Night will be tion which means traveling around has cooked for Canadian High held Sunday, September 26, 2010, Europe with his boss, or return- Commission families for thirty Venue: Royal Oaks Country Club, ing to manage the office in India. years, is a religious Catholic and located at 2910 Royal Oaks Club What will he decide? devoted servant in New Delhi.

Documentary Films: Dr, Houston, TX 77082 Everyone loves her, not knowing Revealed: Shah Rukh Khan - she has a thriving side-line busiIFFH offers Jury awards for Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best Samar Khan – English - 45 Min- ness selling food, silver, jewelry Short and Special Recognition utes (Documentry On Shah Rukh and anything else she can steal Khan For Discovery Channel) Awards for Industry Leaders. from the household. She’s deviThe actor who began his career ous, making it appear that other Special Events: The Opening Night Cocktail followed by a as dark anti-heroes and rose to be- employees are responsible for the screening of a feature film and come a Mega-Star is the subject of thefts.

Closing Night Gala followed by an unusual biography. Film critics When a new family arrives with Award ceremony and receptions and scholars, an advertising/brand their baby, Stella assumes that the that include Indian culinary de- expert, the Editor of Vogue, India, husband Michael is a diplomat. Inlights, music and dance perfor- and a social anthropologist give stead, Maya, his half-Indian/halfinsight into Shah Rukh Khan’s Polish/Canadian wife is the Conmances For more information please call phenomenal rise. His movies sul. Michael, a chef in Ottawa, 713-260-9630 Or log into www. opened the overseas market and looks for a diversion from being a captured the spirit of the nation. house-husband and implores Steliffhinc.org Synopses: Short Films: Idol Snippets of his films, such as “My la to be his “cooking guru.” After Kranti Kanade – English And Name Is Khan” are shown, and the initially refusing, she relents. An Marathi – 11 MINUTES: Many engaging “King” Khan himself honest nanny enters the household people pray fervently but don’t shares his thoughts about family and a series of adventures ensue. apply religious principles to their and films.

A plot is uncovered and in culinary The Sun Behind The Clouds: terms, Stella gets her just “deseveryday lives. Idol shows the generational divide between father Tibet’s Struggle For Freedom serts.”

India,Uk 2009 – Digibeta La and son, tradition and the modern The Japanese Wife: Orphaned world. A simple request to watch Premiere, Director: Ritu Sarin, at a young age, Snehamoy a shy the World Cup quarter finals leads Tenzing Sonam – 79 minutes school teacher, lives with his In 1959, ten years after the Chi- Mashi (Aunt) in a small Bengali to violence and a relationship that nese invaded Tibet, The Dalai village. He has corresponded with is forever broken.

Boond Abhishek Pathak – Lama led an exodus of his peo- his pen friend Miyage, an equally Hindi - 26 Minutes: Water be- ple to Dharamsala, India, where shy Japanese woman, since his comes the major focus of life in they have made their home in days in college. English is their the stark futuristic film Boond. Its the diaspora. He feels that the common language, though neither lone source is carefully guarded Tibetan Issue is not “pro-Tibetan is proficient in it. When Miyage by an unmarried woman and her nor anti-Chinese; but rather, it is suggests that they marry, he acyoung bastard son whose father pro-justice.” He accepts having continued on page 9

Indo AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, Ay, August 13 , 2010 • onl A o Ine I edIt ItI It tIon: www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com

Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

society

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

9

Indian Film Festival to celebrate c t winners true w continued from page

8

cepts. They build a loving relationship through letters and gifts, yet never meet face-to-face. Can true love survive under such unusual circumstances?

Udaan: A seemingly minor infraction is one too many for Rohan and his three classmates.

They are thrown out of a prestigious boarding school where he has spent eight straight years after his mother died. His father never visited him, so he has a rude awakening when he returns to his small industrial town to find his young half-brother Arjun whom he never knew existed. His father is so irate at the expulsion, he forces Rohan, an aspiring writer, to work long hours at the factory.

His cruelty breaks the spirit of the once rebellious boy. When Rohan discovers that Arjun, whom he has grown to love, has been beaten so severely that he is hospitalized, Rohan takes matters into his own hands with satisfying results.

Feature Films:

Harischandrachi Factory: Dadasaheb Phalke was a multitalented man who was ahead of his time. After dabbling in photography, he became mesmerized when he saw his first silent film.

He learned as much as he could, then traveled to England where he was taught about equipment and technical matters. He made the first Indian full-length “moving picture’ in 1913.

This period piece is a humorous look at his trials and tribulations making Raja Harishchandra at a time when no decent woman would dare be an actress, so he used men in wigs instead. Phalke’s marketing skills changed empty theaters into sold out ones, and he is considered the Father of Indian Cinema.

Shob Charito Kalponik (After(After wards In The Language Of Last Love) The poet Indraneel Mitra is about to be memorialized by his colleagues and admirerers. He died of a massive heart attack not long after learning that he won a

prestigious prize, including a large sum of money, for his book. His wife Radhika.sits on the stage listening to the recitation of his beautiful poems. Though a series of flashbacks, she reviews their life together, remembering their conflicts. By education, he was an engineer, yet he often missed work, was irresponsible, lazy undependable and had a hard time making money. By contrast, Radhika was the “adult” of the relationship, taking responsibility for keeping food on the table.

She relives the moment when she heard that Indraneel was dead.

She was away, taking care of her ill mother, accompanied by her colleague Shekhar. Radhika had planned to ask for a divorce, then was jolted by the news.

During the days after her return, she fantasizes that her husband is still there with her, along with the imaginary woman featured in his book. As the film ends, Radhika accepts reality and begins to live again.

swami Vidyadhishananda comes to Houston s

HOUSTON: Himalayan monk, His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda returns to Houston on 21st August 2010 for a series of public lectures on Sanskrit philosophy and Vedic tradition encompassing the fields of education, wellness and health.

Especially significant is the elaborate Vedic Prayer Ceremony on September 11, 2010, named as Vedānjali offered to the greater community for peace and harmony.

The venue for this extraordinary healing event is the India House in the southwest part of Houston.

Furthermore, in the spirit of promoting Vedic fine arts there will be a Classical Dance and Spiritual Banquet named as Kalārashmi at the Old Stafford Civic Center on August 27th. The banquet will include a message by His Holiness followed by fundraising for the Nonprofit’s projects.

His Holiness has been invited to

speak at Rice University, University of Houston, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and Museum of Fine Arts Houston. He will begin the series of discourses on Sunday, August 22nd at the Hindu Worship Society Temple at noon followed by the India House at 5 pm. He will also be speaking to the Bellaire High School students for the first time.

Houston is one of a few privileged cities that are part of his nation-wide tour this year that started in April with lectures in Santa Barbara and ends in September with the grand function of Vedic Fire Ceremony after which he returns to his home base in Santa Barbara, California, and prepares for his annual retreat to Himalayan mountains scheduled for October 2010.

His Holiness is a saint of the Kriya-yoga tradition, hailing from the lineage of Paramahansa Hariharananda and Paramahansa

Yogananda, the author of Autobiography of a Yogi. He teaches spiritual philosophy with exquisite clarity and guides sincere seekers in the practice of Himalayan meditation techniques.

Houstonians have known His Holiness since the WAVES conference in 2006 which is also the year in which he was awarded one of the highest awards conferred through the university system in India, the degree of Mahamahopadhyay (Great Ordained Teacher), due to his meditative insights and ability to articulate Sanskrit philosophy. His Holiness is the head monk of the U.S. based Nonprofit, Self Enquiry Life Fellowship, dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of ancient Sanskrit literature and wisdom.

For a full listing of public fellowships and special public events, visit www.swamahiman.org/public_lectures6.html

shankar-e shankarhankar-ehsaanehsaan-l hsaan-loy Inspiration 2010 1

presented solid four-andhalf hours of outstanding Bollywood music with no time wasted in an intermission. The concert was arranged by Balaji Entertainment on the national level and locally

by Rajender.

It was unfortunate that due to competing entertainment programs such as the BhupinderMitalee concert on the same evening, some fans missed this outstanding concert.

The visual effects at the concert were a bit lame and there were no Bollywood film stars, but you couldn’t have asked for a better set of playback singers backed by an impressive band starring Ehsaan

Photo: Krishna Giri

continued frpm page

Noorani on the guitar and Loy Mendonsa on the keyboard.

Richa Sharma opened the concert with her solo intro from Sa-

jda from the movie My Name is Khan, which she performed in full form with Shankar and Shafqat later during the concert. With a

voice suitable for an opera diva, Richa belted out her hits such as “Billo Rani” from the movie Goal made famous by Bipasha Basu on the screen, and the song Toba Toba Ishque Main Kariya from the movie Kaal.

Next came Shaqfat Amanat Ali, the husky-voiced singer from Pakistan, who sang his Sufi-based hits, “Mere Naina” from My Name is Khan and “Mitwa” from Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. Shaqfat’s most rousing number was “Dama Dam Mast Kalandar”, which included a of a scintillating dholak solo.

The sultry Mahalaxmi Iyer then sang her hits, including the “Aaj ki Raat” from the movie Don and

“Chup Chup Ki Chorise” from Bunty Aur Bubli. Headliner Shankar roused the crowd with “Jhoom Barabar Jhoom” from the movie of the same title. It was, however, “Pretty Woman” from Kal Ho Na Ho and “Dil Chahta Hai”, the trio’s original hit, that got the audience to start clapping and “Rock On” got the youngsters dancing in the aisles. The crowning glory at the end of the concert was “Kajra Re” from Bunty Aur Babli. Shankar showed off his vocal versatility from ragas to jazz and rock.

One of the moving segments in the show was “Rind Posh Maal” from Mission Kashmir, a plea for Aman Ki Asha, or world peace.

Indo AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, A August 13 , 2010 • onl Ay, o Ine I edIt ItI It tIon: www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com

10

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

society

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

deA: sugar s land store s o owner lived A double life l l By dane Schiller

SUGAR LAND ((HC HC): HC ): Mohammad Zahid owns convenience stores and a home in suburban Sugar Land, and he has two kids in college — one a medical student.

If federal agents have it right, the 54-year-old who emigrated from Pakistan more than 20 years ago also lived a double life.

Far from his family residence on a tree-lined street was a string of younger lovers, a drug habit and a Houston condo, from which he allegedly dispensed wildly addictive methamphetamine over games of pool.

A federal indictment borne from Operation Agent Orange states the man known as “Z” is part of a 35person plot that connects Houston to Mexico.

All face at least 10 years and as long as life in prison if convicted in the drug-trafficking conspiracy.

“It is a large organization, as large as they come for crystal meth on this side (of the border),” testified Agent John Schwartz, of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

The array of alleged conspirators includes rookies and street-hardened criminals.

David Ruiz, 31, served time with the Texas Youth Commission for capital murder. He co-owns and runs a sports bar.

Jesus Pineda, 30, is charged along with six family members, accused of being the Mexico connection and described as keenly street smart and adept at avoiding detection.

Ken Collins, 43, owns a home in Houston. After supposedly doing well in the drug business, he bought a home in the country and

allegedly sustained himself by continued dealing.

The size of the ring likely made for a lot of money and a lot of dealing, but it might also have been its own undoing, said Tom Melsheimer, a former federal prosecutor who is now a Dallas-based defense attorney.

“If the conspiracy is too broad and too involved, that is often a reason why it is uncovered,” he said. “You have weak links. You have people you don’t know particularly well, you can’t trust particularly well.”

According to court documents, Zahid was far from the big time.

But his alleged role selling to dealers and users shows in part how Mexico-made meth has saturated Houston. The meth dealt by Z at a low-key condominium on Fondren Road was 50 percent more potent than typical meth sold in the United States, according to authorities.

The price has climbed steadily in Houston’s streets, jumping 20 percent in 2009 to as much as $24,000 a pound, according to a recent federal report.

That is twice the value of cocaine and 50 times that of Mexican marijuana, the most prevalent drug in Houston.

Imported drugs Most of the meth here is made in Mexico. The amount confiscated spiked last year and is expected to increase again, according to an assessment by Houston’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, which coordinates anti-trafficking efforts for an array of agencies.

Schwartz, who went undercover to catch Z and others, said Z had a preferred way of doing business.

“When he sells drugs to custom-

ers, he likes to relax and play a game of pool,” Schwartz said.

If the pool went well and Z was comfortable, that’s all it took.

Sometimes a little Johnny Walker Scotch whisky on ice was involved.

He seemed to trust just about everyone but had burglar bars installed to thwart a stream of home invasions.

Undercover DEA agents pretended to be organized crime gangsters from out of state and used a hidden camera to secretly record inside Z’s condo.

There were guns with serial numbers filed off inside the residence, and Zahid talked of having a contact that could get him a passport in as little as two hours if he needed to slip out of the United States.

One of Z’s alleged girlfriends at the time, Ashley Henry, 24, weighed drugs, counted money and held bills up to the light to make sure they were real, he said.

She was recorded talking on the phone with another conspirator as she bragged of having connections in the Aryan Brotherhood and asked if he could hook her up with members of the Houstones, an especially large gang also started in prison.

She also said she recently had her gun stolen and wanted to kill someone who had crossed her on a deal, according to testimony.

Son defends Zahid The Zahid described by agents is not the man his family knows, said his 22-year-old son.

He described a father married for more than 25 years to a woman who is home-bound, but he “stuck with her through thick and thin.”

Well spoken and direct, the son continued on page

11

H H to c Hg celebrate Janmashtami

HOUSTON: Twenty memorable and remarkable years have passed by celebrating Sri Krishna Janmashtami with Hindus of Greater Houston (HGH, the first city in North America to celebrate this most revered Hindu festival. The grand 21st year celebration will be held on August 28th, 2010 from 6 pm to midnight at the George R. Brown Convention Center (Hall B3) in downtown Houston. All are invited to participate in this festive and blissful event.

The tradition of celebrating this Hindu festival on a grand scale is continued by the next generation of volunteers, whose vision is to bring Hindus together and jointly celebrate a Hindu festival, inviting everyone in the Greater Houston community.

This event is free and open to all, thanks to generous donors from community members and organizations. This year’s key note speaker will be Swami Vidyadishananda Giri, a Himalayan monk who is a spiritual leader and also the head of Self Enquiry Life fellowship, a non- profit organization in Santa Barbara California.

Visitors will be welcomed with the traditional Hindu anointing of Tilak on the forehead with kumkum, a red herbal powder. Well decorated temples and booths with information on Hinduism and Hindu activities in the Houston area will be displayed. Delicious mouth- watering vegetarian delicacies will be available.

This year’s cultural program will focus on promoting the sev-

eral professional dance schools in our area with their special dance performances, the ever increasing costume contest with children dressed up to portray characters from Krishna’s life, presentation of the “Akhil Chopra Award” to an unsung hero, playing of Matki representing the childhood pranks of Lord Krishna and ever-popular Dandiya Raas, a dance in which visitors of all ages and backgrounds will dance to the melodious music and drum beats, beginning at 10pm. Another special for this year will be the young multiracial youth group from various parts of Texas who will energize the crowd with their lively songs.

On the stroke of midnight Aarti will take place signifying the birth of Lord Krishna.

Partha Krishnaswamy, this year’s program coordinator comments “It is an honor to be associated with the most envied community wide Janmashtami celebrations once again. The support we get from the donors boost our spirits to do better every year and this year our goal is to attract more than 8,000 people.

We have a spectacular cultural program planned that is sure to bring cheer during these continued difficult economic times. I request everyone to attend this event with family and friends.

Come, participate and spread the word about us.” Traditional Indian dress is suggested.

For additional details, please visit www.hindusofhouston.org/ or call Partha 713-962-8523 or Girish Naik at 281-851-6866.

20

IAccgH to Honor s shell with s special Appreciation Award Executives to be recognized at 11th Annual Gala and Awards Banquet

HOUSTON: The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) will recognize Shell with a Special Appreciation Award on Saturday, August 14, during IACCGH’s annual gala and awards banquet at the Westin Galleria Hotel.

Shell is being honored by the chamber for the exceptional support they have provided throughout IACCGH’s 11-year history.

Shell has provided financial support in the form of grants for educational programs such as the Thought Leadership Distinguished Lecture Series, Mentoring and the direct support of Shell executives who have generously given their time and talent to develop business leaders.

Two Shell executives will be recognized for their outstanding contributions and support of the chamber: • Ed Daniels, Executive Vice President, Shell Global Solutions Downstream, for personally conducting several leadership ses-

sions, for mentoring two IndoAmerican Young Professionals, for bestowing a financial grant on IACCGH and other support for promoting Indo-American Commerce.

• Francene Young, Vice President - Upstream Americas Talent Development & US Diversity, for conducting several of the IACCGH leadership sessions for Emerging Women Leaders. Young has also funded and supported the development of the mentorship program and has been and will continue to lead a mentoring circle for Emerging Women Leaders.

“The contributions from Shell -- both financially and in the generous giving of several executives’ time and expertise -- has been an invaluable asset to the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston,” said IACCGH President Madhukar Prasad. “Community partners such as Shell help us deliver the IACCGH mission to our members: of facilitating commerce between the U.S. and India

and enabling Indo-American businesses to succeed through sharing of experiences by seasoned executives such as Mr. Daniels and Ms. Young. The chamber is deeply grateful for all of the comcom p a n y ’s contribu-

tions.”

A l s o during the ceremony, recipients nominated by chamber members will be recognized for their efforts to enhance business and trade relationships between the U.S. and India.

The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston is the voice of the Indo-American

business community. IACCGH is committed to facilitating commerce between the U.S. and India. The chamber strives to use its good will to enable Indo-American businesses to succeed while facilitating access to the IndoAmerican market for its members.

IACCGH actively supports its members by offering a mentoring program for small businesses, networking events, lecture series, and presenting visibility at events with partners including Govern Government Procurement Connec Connections, Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance Expo, Houston Minority Supplier Development Council Expo and Diversity Summit. For the benefit of member businesses, valuable alliances have been created with complementary organizations such as the Greater Houston Partnership and the Houston Minority

Business Council.

“Since its inception more than 11 years ago, the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston has served the needs of our members as well as our community. We hope to stimulate economic and industry growth and promote Indian business success in the U.S. while providing our business partners with access to opportunities in India. Throughout our organization’s short history, , we’ve proven our worth to our members, offering them opportunities to engage in bilateral trade, participation in our community outreach programs, our diversity and educational initiatives, and networking and visibility opportunities,” said Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia.

For underwriting and sponsorship opportunities, to get information about the gala or for general membership information email almamach@aol.com, call 713-6247131 or visit the website at: http:// www.iaccgh.com

Indo AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, A August 13 , 2010 • onl Ay, o Ine I edIt ItI It tIon: www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com

12

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

entertainment

Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Indo-American Association Presents “Black & white” live musical

HOUSTON: Indo-American Association presents “Black & White”, a walk down the memory land of the golden era of Hindi cinema, 1948-65. The show is an ecstatic mix of singing, costumes, acting, dancing, and narration, all sewn together with the common thread of the music of the bygone era of bollywood.

An entertaining multimedia concept and production by Milind Oak of Niche Entertaiment, Pune the performance will take place on Saturday, August 28 at 8 pm at the Wortham Center.

The journey visits landmarks like K.L Saigal, Bimal Roy, V. Shantaram, and Guru Dutt. En route, we meet the stylish Dev Anand, tragedy king Dilip Kumar, showman Raj Kapoor, the beautiful Madhubala, the classy Meena Kumari, and “Yahoo” Shammi Kapoor, to name a few.

“Black and White” is a collage of performance on screen and stage. Aided by mega screen audio-visuals, the performers on stage blend with the celluloid, making music come alive on stage. The performance touches the finer aspects of the era through the medium of music, pictures, movie clips, anecdotes and trivia. How incredible is the show? Check out the links: www.youtube.com watch?v=mOLNTmCMk74, www.youtube.com/ watch?v=iswD4fj_U5I

“Black and White” travels through life of cinema from 1945 to 1968 as actors perform on stage and film clips run in the background.

My Name Is Khan now on dVd LOS ANGELES, CA: Following a sensational theatrical debut that set a new all-time record for the biggest opening weekend for a Bollywood film in North America, My Name Is Khan arrives on DVD August 10 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Two of Bollywood’s biggest superstars, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, deliver powerful performances in this epic romance that proves true love knows no boundaries. Rizwan (Khan), an Indian man with a unique way of looking at the world, moves to San Francisco and meets a vivacious single mother named Mandira (Kajol).

Indo AmerIcAn news • FrIdAy, Ay, August 13 , 2010 • onl A o Ine I edIt ItI It tIon: www.IndoAmerIcAn-news.com

Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

Indo American News • Friday, august 13 , 2010 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

13

14

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 , 2010 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 , 2010• ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

15

16

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 , 2010 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

society

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

17

Sunil Kumar to Head UC Business School CHICAGO: Sunil Kumar, an Indian American management guru, has been named the new head of the University of Chicago’s prestigious Booth School of Business.

Currently the senior associate dean of academic affairs at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, Kumar, 42, succeeds Edward Snyder, who stepped down in June and will run the Yale School of Management, in New Haven, Connecticut, starting next year. Kumar will begin a five-year term as dean on January 1, the University of Chicago announced on Wednesday.

At Stanford, Kumar oversees the master’s of business administration programme. He is also a professor of operations, information and technology. Kumar, who was born in India, received a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and has taught at Stanford since 1996.

Kumar “brings the right blend of vision, entrepreneurial energy and academic leadership that will build on the contributions of Chicago Booth at a time of tremendous momentum and achievement,” University of Chicago President Robert Zimmer and Provost Thomas Rosenbaum said in a statement.

Kumar told the Wall Street Journal his role at Chicago will be as a gatekeeper for what the school has already accomplished. “This is an institution that is already in terrific shape.”

“My basic mission is to strengthen and enhance what is already great.”

Meanwhile, he says he will take time

Sunil Kumar: management guru

to learn “about the students, faculty and the programmes.”

John Huizinga, chairman of the business school’s dean search committee and an economics professor at Chicago, says the school was looking for a dean who could preserve the school’s resources-retaining key faculty, for example-without settling too comfortably into school’s already lofty position.

“If you have the right outsider, it can be a great benefit,” Huizinga said.

“Sunil has the key decision-making skills, acquires the necessary amount of information before he acts and is inclusive. He’s the whole package.”

Kumar is the first dean in many years who does not have a background or degree in economics or finance.

Kumar’s non-traditional background lends itself well to promoting Chicago’s lesser known attributes, such as its entrepreneurship and marketing programmes, Huizinga said. “[Kumar] will be effective in communicating our strengths in multiple areas outside economics,” he said.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 , 2010• ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

18

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

US Cutting Off Its Nose ...

The $600 million “border security” bill will send extra men to the United States’ border with Mexico, where politically sensitive illegal immigration has proved difficult to control. That extra spending was supposed to come out of the country’s federal stimulus spending program. Instead, the money will come from raising the cost of work visa applications originating from a handful of foreign corporations by over $2,000, to around $2,250.

Which companies? Those that, according to one of the bill’s sponsors, Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri, “exploit US visa programmes to import workers from abroad.” Indeed, the bill itself specifically names four: Wipro, Infosys, Tata, and Satyam, which it says “exploit” visas in the H1-B and L categories to “import foreign workers” into the US. The bill’s sponsors claim — and their claim appears to be agreed with by the Obama administration, with full-throated backing from cabinet member Janet Napolitano, who called it a “great package” — that these companies basically “domestically outsource” jobs in information technology to temporary workers from India. This betrays a fundamental unwillingness to come to terms with how the modern world economy works, and even what the foundations of America’s continuing prosperity are. The US has evolved over two decades away from being a center of manufacturing to being the world’s place for innovation and the conceptualisation of new technology. This is the source of most of its economy’s growth, and of its edge over its competitors.

But, as is now widely known, work of this sort, whether in fashion, in IT, or in bio-engineering, is surprisingly subject to “cluster effects”: you need to be close to others working like that, and so you get places like Silicon Valley. What this legislation demonstrates is that this basic fact has not been internalised. You don’t want people staying out; you want people coming in, because they raise your own workers’ productivity. In the long run, such petty, short-sighted laws will hurt only the US, and dull its competitive edge. Calcutta Telegraph

Act of Faith

Financial aid, like investment, is an act of faith. India’s decision to give a loan of $1 billion to Bangladesh should be primarily seen as a great leap forward in rebuilding relations between the two countries. The fact that this is the biggest loan New Delhi has ever offered to any other country indicates the importance of the agreement. Obviously, New Delhi would not have committed itself to such an agreement unless it was convinced of its longterm economic and security benefits for both countries. Much will now depend on how the officialdoms in the two countries go about implementing the first 14 projects to be financed by the Indian loan. Hindustan Times

editorial

online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Not Our Game

By Vir Sanghvi International sporting events are meant to serve as advertisements for their host countries. The recently-concluded soccer World Cup demonstrated that no matter what we may have read, South Africa was well-organized enough to host a global tournament with style and élan. The last Olympics served as China’s coming-out party to the world in much the same way as the 1964 Olympics served notice that Japan was ready to became an international player.

I think we can all agree that there is little hope that the Commonwealth Games will be a global advertisement for India. Forget about replicating the success of the South African World Cup or the Chinese Olympics, it seems likely that these Games will not even approach the success of the 1982 Asiad.

I am enough of an optimist to believe that in true Indian fashion we will manage to ride over all the obstacles at the last minute and that the Games will not be the fiasco that some writers are predicting. But I do believe that the mess we find ourselves in raises certain long-term questions which deserve answers.

I have no desire to sit in judgement over Suresh Kalmadi who loudly protested his innocence in an interview to HT on Thursday but even a fouryear-old can tell that the Games reek of corruption and dishonesty.

The sheer weight of the charges — kickbacks, needless commissions to mysterious offshore companies, forged letters, unexplained payments to non-existent London firms, inflated purchase figures, etc. — is so great that no denials will seem convincing.

Clearly a lot of people have got very rich out of these Games.

Now that the skeletons are tumbling out, the organisers of the Games are blackmailing us. We may be crooks, they say, but if you act against us then this could endanger the Games which are only a few weeks away. So like it or not, you are stuck with us.

The problem is that they may be right. Any action against the crooks may have to wait till the Games are over. The racketeers are hoping that, in classic Indian style, if the Games go

The Commonwealth Games mess is a symptom of many deeper malaises.

One of them is the sickness that afflicts Indian sport.

Many of the people who have been responsible for this mess are the same people who have been running Indian sport for decades. off relatively well, we will forget about these charges.

Here too, they may be right. The fact that people who are famed for their corruption have been put in charge of organising the Games shows how little accountability there is in the Indian system. No matter how much of a sleazeball you are regarded as, you can always manipulate your way to the top of the system.

So, here’s my question: why does the Indian system allow crooks to get so far? Why does it take the media to expose the level of rank dishonesty?

The Commonwealth Games mess is a symptom of many deeper malaises.

One of them is the sickness that afflicts Indian sport. Many of the people who have been responsible for this mess — across sports federations — are the same people who have been running Indian sport for decades.

Because the Commonwealth Games are so high-profile, we have finally been forced to pay attention to what they are really up to. And everything we have learnt over the last four weeks confirms what sportsmen and women have been saying for decades: Indian sport is run by crooks who have no interest in sport but care only about their own wallets.

It is significant that in all the discussions about the Games the players have hardly been mentioned. We now treat it as a given that despite being the most populous country in the Commonwealth, we will not emerge at the top of the medals tally. The story of Indian sport (outside of cricket) is a story of permanent third-ratedness interrupted

by brief spells of second-ratedness.

So, here’s my second question: why don’t we look beyond these Games and ensure that the crooks who have brought Indian sport to this sorry pass are thrown out of sports organisations forever?

It is convenient to treat Suresh Kalmadi as the source of all that is wrong with the Games — and certainly he has a lot to answer for.

But the truth is that it isn’t just the Games organisers who have failed.

The leaking infrastructure, the collapsing roads, the delayed projects, the incomplete Games village, etc. have little to do with the Organising Committee.

They are entirely the fault of the government.

The Sports Authority of India, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA, under the Urban Development Ministry), the New Delhi Municipal Committee (NDMC) and the state government have all failed to meet their targets or to complete projects to international standards.

What’s worse is that many of the cases that the Central Vigilance Commission is looking at relate to corruption within government bodies, not just the Organising Committee of the Games.

Yet, have you heard one central minister (I exclude the Delhi Chief Minister because she has been honest and upfront) accepting responsibility for the screw-ups or promising action against errant and dishonest officials?

They are all thrilled that Kalmadi is in the line of fire because it gets them off the hook. And sadly, we are content to let them get away with it.

So, here’s my third question: why doesn’t the government of India accept that it shares responsibility for the disaster? The government has failed to impose accountability on the organising committee; the sports ministry is a joke which should be renamed the ‘talk ministry’; and government departments have failed to deliver the infrastructure on schedule.

And finally, the big question. The Games will cost upwards of R 35,000 crore. Spend that money on improving the road traffic systems of Bombay and

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

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 , 2010 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

continued on page 23

ONLINE EDITION: www.indoamerican-news.com

Financial advice

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

Estate Planning and Your Legacy

By Jay KaBad, CFP

Many years ago, a friend John called me to get some information.

His sister-in-law, Mary was undergoing treatment for cancer and was in the hospital in a very serious condition. Mary had married late only a few years ago. Her husband, an immigrant from abroad, in his late 40’s had never been able to obtain a stable job.

Mary had worked for almost 25 years as a nurse and had bought a house and accumulated a significant amount of money in her pension/403b plans.

In the hospital, Mary indicated to John that she wanted to leave some money to her aged mother who also lived abroad. Shortly thereafter, Mary passed away. John wanted to know if the conversations in the hospital entitled the mother to any of Mary’s assets. I sought advice from an estate planning attorney and was quickly told that such ‘death-bed conversations’ are rarely enforceable! All the pension/401k assets, life insurance and annuities would be distributed through beneficiary designations and all other assets would depend on the ‘titling’ of the assets, the provisions of a valid will and state law. Needless to add here, all the assets legally (and rightfully?) went to the husband with nothing left to the mother. Adding to the sadness, nothing more has been heard from Mary’s husband!

Benjamin Franklin is supposed to have made the comment “nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes”. We have taken that to mean that estate planning only refers to death and the reduction of taxes for the wealthy. Nothing can be further from the truth! While death and taxes are important, the whole purpose of estate planning is to leave a positive legacy for the family, one might even call it a positive imprint of your life for the future. And still there are many of us who do not plan for what happens to us at the end of life or if involved in an accident. For those who do not plan, the consequences of not planning are visited not upon the dead or the injured alone but upon the other family members. We are creating problems and bitterness amongst our family that does not have to occur with proper planning.

Who needs estate planning? Let us look at some situational examples.

While most of us would think no planning is needed for young people with no assets, do we wonder why

the auto insurance premiums are so high for anyone under the age of 25 and unmarried! Children over the age of 18 need at least powers of attorney for someone else to make medical/ financial decisions in case of an emergency and a living will (remember Schiavo and Ann Quinlan cases). Also, anyone older and unmarried may also want to plan.

Why leave your assets ‘in limbo’after death or after being ‘incapacitated’?

Now consider a couple with no children. Is it not better to write down a plan so that assets are left as per your specific wishes (perhaps some assets going to your side of the family?).

As to couples with young children, estate planning becomes even more important. With no ‘will’ or ‘living trust’ in place that specifies guardians for the children, and with both parents untimely death, it is possible that court-appointed guardians will handle the care of the children till they reach the age of 18. As beneficiaries of pension plans, IRAs or insurance contracts, children under the age of 18 may not receive the benefits directly but may receive benefits only through a court-appointed guardian or trustee.

It means a harrowing time and a billable by-the hour expense for the family. Lastly, we have families who have accumulated significant amount of wealth, who may be in an ‘estate tax’ situation. With laws pertaining to estate taxation in a state of flux, it is very difficult to plan the exact steps to take at this time. However there are a couple of things to remember. It is possible that congress might not enact any law this year which means that the exemption from estate taxes will go back to the year 2001 exemption of $ 1,000,000. Most estate attorneys think it is probable that Congress will enact changes with exemptions pegged at $ 2.5 to $ 3.5 million per person. So the super wealthy with estates of more than $ 5 to 6 million would in any event need to do some advance planning. There are obviously a number of complicated issues to consider such as the best ways to minimize or mitigate those taxes through the use of gifting, trusts and charitable planning. With the foregoing, we recognize that everyone needs estate planning!.

Here are ten pointers to estate planning that are often overlooked: Wills and living trusts documents: They are signed, reviewed and up-

dated every few years or as family circumstances change. Name guardians for minor children.

Medical/financial powers of attorney: Name 2-3 alternates for each position Appropriate beneficiary designations for pension plans, 401ks, IRAs are made.

Trusts: Name trustees with the ability to make changes to those trustees Coordinate verbal instructions, will/ living trust provisions and beneficiary designations so there are no conflicts among family members.

Small or family businesses: Business succession and buy sell agreements are in order Living wills- make sure we do not burden our families with a “schiavo” situation Family Limited Partnerships, Trusts and Private Foundations: All state and federal tax filings are cur current.

Document and communicate with your executors, trustees and family Consult a qualified attorney to assist you in the estate planning process

Jay Kabad, CFP®, is President of Jaykay Wealth Advisors, Inc, a Houston-based wealth management firm. He received his Graduate degree from IIT Madras and an MBA from University of Pittsburgh, PA in 1980 and has been in business for 27 years. He is a Financial Advisor with LPL Financial and can be contacted at 713-780-4575. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 , 2010• ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

19

20

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

society

online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

A Temple in Little India Draws in Many Faithful

By Dr. Bela R Shah

HOUSTON: The lady who devotees affectionately call Maaji – Laxmiben Bechardas Thakkar – had a dream around 20 years back in which she saw Shri Sai Baba among divine lights, guiding her to build a temple which would not only provide a place of worship but also cultural and religious values. After the dream, Maaji could no longer focus on business.

Soon after, Maaji suffered a heart attack and after recovering, she told her son, Pankaj that she wanted to build a temple to Sai Baba and Jalaram Bapa as she has been a lifelong devotee of both.

Pankaj immediately gave a blank check to V. Damodar Reddy to find land for the temple and through perseverance, in 1990, along with the efforts of Ganna Vadapu Chandra, a temple were established at 104 Hillcroft. Maaji also started to offer free food to devotees visiting the temple.

The temple’s motto is “all religions are equal and humanity is the best worship”.Alarge number of devotees visit the temple on Thursdays and Sundays.

Maaji has been spreading love and imparting religious values and wisdom for the past 20 years at the temple with a divine glow on her smiling face. She brings cooked food from her home and shares it with all the devotees at the temple and has lunch with them. People who visit regularly believe that Maaji combines Sai Baba and Jalaram Bapa within herself by her virtues and deeds. She blesses everybody with her unconditional love

Above: Maaji at the temple with devotee Pradeep Chandna at the facility in Little India. Below: A view of the murtis at the altar. Photos: Jawahar Malhotra

and trust. She embraces everybody with love and respect irrespective of their caste, language or color. Sai Baba and Jalaram Bapa has put such enormous energy and dignity in Maaji that it inspires her to serve in the temple at the advanced age of 80.

As more people have started to attend, she felt the need for a larger space for worship and bought a larger property on Highway 6 and donated it. A bigger temple was built and its founder, Maaji, fulfilled her dream yet another time to dedicate the temple to followers and devotees.

The saints always try to heal people’s sorrows and give their blessings for peace

and happiness. Likewise, Maaji always gives gifts to children on their birthdays and on various festivals and also gives the real gift of values

and proper guidelines to live life in a spiritual, culturally rich and honest manner.

These days, people rushing to make money and fame, and forget their values, culture, spirituality and responsibilities towards society. A true saint like Maaji tries to preserve such values and our Indian culture by guiding youth and their parents to stay on the path of real values and cultural spirituality.

Maaji has overcome plenty of obstacles to found these two temples.

She serves society without any greed or selfishness and tries to lighten the path of devotees by spreading love, laughter, peace and knowledge of our culture and values. She has donated a large portion of her wealth to make these two beautiful places to worship and rejuvenate themselves under blessings of Sai Baba and Jalaram Bapa.

Store Owner Double Life

continued from page

11

said his father was grateful to live in America.

“Everything we have earned, everything we have, the entire American dream, my dad has achieved here,” he said. “From what I know, my dad is a very peaceful man, a joyful guy, and would never do any harm to anybody,” Banks Kerr, admissions director at the Bay Area Recovery Center, which treats drug abuse, said it doesn’t take much for a person’s life to be torn apart by meth.

“There have been recreational users of methamphetamine, but those stories are few and far between,” he said. “It is not like a high school kid drinking a Budweiser or smoking a joint, where he can take it or leave it.”

A new user could quickly get addicted snorting amounts so small they’d be about the size of a pin laid on its side.

“Once they use it, they feel like Superman; it just makes them feel invincible, like they can do anything,” Kerr said. “Eventually, they become dependent on it and feel like they can’t function without it.”

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 , 2010 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

We wish you a Happy Independence Day!

ONLINE EDITION: www.indoamerican-news.com

society

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

Atul Kothari: India Lures Him Back, After 36 Years Here

By Jawahar Malhotra

HOUSTON: One by one they strode upto to the microphone set in front of the projection screen that had just shown a presentation of the highlights in his work at the Arya Samaj. Each had some fond memories and a few had tears rolling down their cheeks as they spoke of the man’s devotion to spreading the word of Mahatma Gandhi. Acharyaji was moved as he. His voice breaking and an admirer recited a poem he wrote, Yeh Wadaa Raha Hamara (This is our promise).

Atul Kothari sat at the front table in the Arya Samaj dining room and listened with his trademark ever ready smile flashing and shock of white hair not covered, for a change, by a white khadi Gandhi cap, his wife Rita by his side. The object of the adulation of the nearly 120 people who came last Saturday afternoon to bid him farewell had finalized his plans to return to India after 36 years in the United States and was to leave on Monday, August 10.

Kothari has been a very recognizable face at the Mahatma Gandhi Library booth at many community fairs over the past decade when he took on the crusade of promoting Gandhi and his works as well as through the “Life of Gandhiji” series of articles he supported for publication in the desi press.

Dev Mahajan, the President of the Arya Samaj Center on Schiller Road in far west Houston recalled the time

Dev Mahajan (above right), the President of the Arya Samaj Center and Acharayaji spoke fondly and glowingly about the work that Atul and Rita Kothari with the M a hatm a Gandhi Library and the Youth Group. Right: Indian Consul General Sanjiv Arora wished Kothari would stay on till his positng was over and commended his work in promoting Gandhiji’s nonviolence movement.

Photos: Jawahar Malhotra

21

when he met Kothari promoting Ahinsa Day at the M.K. Gandhi Library booth at the Janamashtami celebrations in 2003. “I spoke with him and asked if he would like to start the library at the Center,” said Mahajan amidst chuckles over the memory, “and he immediately agreed. That was the day that a journey of love and mutual respect started.” Soon, Kothari and his wife, they took over the responsibility of the DAV Shankar School and the Arya Youth Mandal.

Most of those who came to the farewell lunch are involved with the Arya Samaj’s work in the community and had teamed up with Kothari to help in the different programs that he planned to spread the doctrine of ahinsa – non-violence – and it’s principle proponent, Mahatama Gandhi.

Kothari was instrumental in getting the Gandhi statue installed in the Rose Garden across from the Museum of Natural History – an event that the Indian Consulate had an important role; the Peace Walk from the statue to downtown and the Thousand Points of Light event where lit diyas are floated on the reflecting pool in front of City Hall.

And Indian Consul General, Sanjiv Arora, was at hand also, more relaxed in a short-sleeved sports shirt, to pay his respects. “I learnt of his plans and thought it was a wonderful decision, but hoped that you would stay on through the time that I am still here,” quipped Arora. “Today is a special occontinued on page 23

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 , 2010• ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

22

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

ONLINE EDITION: www.indoamerican-news.com

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 , 2010 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

ONLINE EDITION: www.indoamerican-news.com

society

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

India Lures Him Back, After 36 Years Here were at the lunch too) with help- the programs going in his absence.

21 “You are all devtas, you have all casion, a farewell to a stalwart of the ing him with spreading Gandhi’s community who has worked hard at word. He also credited all the Indian given so much to me,” Kothari said enhancing the Gandhi-King connec- Consuls over the years for their help. with humility as he bowed and then tion in the US and perpetuating the They, and the others who help in run- kneeled to the floor. ning the Library, pledged to keep all important role of Bapu.”

Apart from these community enhancing programs, Kothari had a steady CPApractice, which he has sold off as he goes back to Ahmedabad, India, where he hopes to be involved in a NGO program that will help the downtrodden learn skills that will make them self sufficient. In addition, the Kotharis will work with the local chapters of Ekal Vidalaya and Akshya Patra. “It will take us a year or two to settle Among those at hand to wish the Kotharis off on their return to India were many down,” Kothari said of the people who they worked with to promote the Mahatma Gandhi Library and with his characteristic other projects to promote Gandhi’s principles, including the Thousand Points good humor,” and at of Light project and workshops with co-volunteers at the Unity Church. Photo: first we will stay in the Jawahar Malhotra apartment of a friend who actually lives in Houston. We also have bought some land in the city continued from page 18 and will build our own house there.”

Delhi and you would reduce jams and congestion — a benefit the citizens of “I do not have enough words to say both cities would value more than the stadiums that have been built in the ‘Thank you’,” said Kothari when it capital. Spend that money of developing an infrastructure for Indian sport at was his turn to conclude the event. “It the mass level and you would give talented sports people a means of breaking was purely by coincidence that I met through.

Dev Mahajan and the rest is history.

I use these two examples — rather than the hundreds of schools and hospitals He is truly an inspiring, smiling figure you could build with this money — because the two arguments used to justify and he gave us a platform.” After atthis expenditure are that a) Delhi will get civic improvements and b) that Indian tending a workshop on “The Wisdom sport will benefit. Both are weak and unconvincing justifications. In fact, there of Gandhi” at the Unity Church (just is only one reason for hosting an international sporting event: to show off your north of Richmond Avenue), Kothari country to the world. credited several people there (who continued from page

Not Our Game

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 , 2010• ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

23

24

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

society

online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

Swami Mukundananda Illuminates Hearts Across America

Awe Inspiring! Phenomenal! Indescribable! Outstanding! These are the words of some of the people who have been touched by the words of wisdom and the personality of Swami Mukundananda, a renowned saint from India who is currently in Norcross, GA, as part of his 12 state tour of USA. Jagadguru Kripalu Yog (www. jkyog.org) has organized a series of Yoga, Meditation, and spiritual discourses in nineteen cities across USA this summer. Led by Swami Mukundananda, these programs kicked off on the 2nd of May, 2010 at Silver Spring, MD and will conclude in early October, after a whirlwind tour across 12 states.

Swami Mukundananda has pioneered the ground breaking, “Jagadguru Kripalu Yog” – a holistic system of Yoga that incorporates physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual health of humankind.

Swamiji teaches the true philosophy of attaining God realization by practice of sincere devotion as per the Vedas, Upanishads and other sacred texts. In order to achieve this goal, a healthy body and mind is absolutely essential. His programs imbibe the age old traditions of Yoga, Meditation & Pranayam to purify the body, and Divine knowledge to cleanse the mind, which leads to the true upliftment of the soul.

In every city of his visit, a weeklong program with Yoga sessions in the mornings and/or evenings is organized. The first part of the session focuses on Yoga & Meditation. The

second session focuses on devotional chantings and spiritual discourses to purify the mind.

Nancy Carter of NYC says, “I feel so much has been lifted off of me. It is such a gift to be here. Swamiji really cares for you in such a personal way that it is astonishing.”

Teresa Castro (Hyatsville, MD) and Tirthankar Bhowmick (Sunnyvale, CA), who attended his program at Swamiji’s special ‘spiritual retreat’ say, “Very purifying, thought provoking, enjoyable and increased inspiration towards surrendering and practically devotional service.”

Many such participants and devotees feel enlivened by Swamiji’s life transforming techniques. Swamiji has made a tremendous impact on thousands of people who came to see and hear him speak at the various venues across the country.

Deeply inspired by Swamiji’s discourse, Kishor Patel from Long Beach, CA has this to add, “Excellent! Indescribable! Each and every

aspects of day to day life were enriched.”

Speaking at the hugely successful program at Dallas very recently, Aruna Kannan, TX adds, “His saintly personality is highly inspiring. His simple yet powerful way of explaining even the most complex truths is astonishing. His knowledge is mind boggling and yet he is extremely humble and a loving person. A true saint who practices what he preaches”. More than 400 people attended the week long program between July 25th and 30th at the Holiday Inn, Plano, TX. His tour will now move to Houston where there are two programs: first one is at Hindu Worship Society, Houston (Aug 15th to 21st) and second program is at Shiridi Sai Jalaram Mandir, Sugarland (Aug 22nd to 28th). A special, 2-day spiritual retreat has also been organized in the 1st week of September at Camp Olympia, TX for aspirants to recharge their spiritual batteries.

Swami Mukundananda, received his degrees in Engineering and Management from two world famous institutes in India- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) respectively.

However, the call of God was so strong that a short while after landing a top corporate job, he renounced his professional career to take sanyas, in the quest for God-realization. Since the last two decades, Swamiji has been travelling far and wide in various states of India and also in Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong,

USA, and Europe, awakening hundreds of thousands of seekers.

About Jagadguru Kripalu Yog (JKY): JKY is a non-profit organiza-

tion dedicated to the spiritual, mental and physical wellness of humankind, through true Yoga and Spirituality.

Visit www.jkyog.org

HMM Celebrates “Maradaanee Mejwaanee”

By Madhu Nimkar

HOUSTON: Houston Maharashtra Mandal recently celebrated “Mardaanee Mejwaanee” and “Aathvaninchya Hindolyavar - sadabahaar Marathi Geetancha Karyakram” “Aathvaninchya Hindolyavar” - sadabahaar Marathi Geetancha Karyakram, a Marathi events at Rosen- songs concert presented by talented local berg Civic and artists of Houston.

Convention Center, 3825 Highway 36 South, Rosenberg, Texas, 77471 on Saturday, July 24.

The event started with “Mardaanee Mejwaanee”. Cooking is traditionally associated with women and “Mardaanee Mejwaanee” was a twist on this very conventional premise. It provided a broad stage to showcase the culinary skills of the male half of our community. The event featured exotic, lip-smacking feast of entrees, all freshly cooked from scratch, exclusively by the men of Maharashtrian community of Houston.

It was followed by “Aathvaninchya Hindolyavar - sadabahaar Marathi Geetancha Karyakram” a Marathi songs concert presented by talented local artists of Houston like Shruti Sample, Anjali Pandit, Sucheta Karandikar, Ravi Kolhatkar, Viju Bhadkamkar and Shakutai Shetye. It was a special musical program by Houston Maharashtra Mandal in the honor of senior citizens.

“Mardaanee Mejwaanee” and “Aathvaninchya Hindolyavar” events were unique concepts well appreciated by all people of the community.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 , 2010 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

ONLINE EDITION: www.indoamerican-news.com

society

Fort Bend Regional Infrastructure Conference Hosted by Planning Commission’s Harish Jajoo

HOUSTON: The Fort Bend water issues and sustain ability. us critical amenities such as water, Chamber of Commerce (FBCC) Featured speakers include Marvin drainage, wastewater treatment, Infrastructure Planning Division Marcell from Fort Bend Subsidence and amenity lakes. Infrastructure presents, Innovative is often left to the policy Infrastructure a half-day makers, engineers and conference bringing together contractors to figure out “Thought Leaders” in rail, how to get things done, transit, traffic, mobility, while the nuts and bolts water, drainage, sustain of our infrastructure can ability, public policy and be left to professionals, it financing. Harish Jajoo, is important to understand P.E., CFM is the chair of this that things do not and cannot conference and vice-chair happen overnight. It takes for Infrastructure Planning Vision-planning,financing, Division of FBCC. He is also political will, stakeholders a member of the Planning involvement and the and Zoning Commission for experts in engineering City of Sugar Land. This and construction. conference will take place Having good Friday, August 27, 2010 infrastructure is as critical starting with registration to a community as having and breakfast at 7:30 am at good schools and public Texas Safari in Richmond, safety. It’s not just Texas and promises to be attractive to residents; it is an information packed and a key factor in retaining and results oriented meeting attracting businesses. Fort of experts in various Bend County continues to fields of infrastructure and Harish Jajoo is a member of the Planning and grow and with growth and financing.

Zoning Commission for City of Sugar Land and age come stress on existing A public policy power Vice-Chair of Infrastructure Planning Division for infrastructure and the need panel featuring Fort Bend the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. He firmly for more. The bridge County Judge Bob Hebert, believes that the actual planning for the city’s collapses in Minnesota and Bill Jameson and Joe B. infrastructure can be successful and be done a grade of D by American Allen will be moderated only by active participation and discussion by Society of Civil Engineers

by Transportation Policy the city residents scorecard on the nation’s Council Chair and Fort infrastructure are reminders Bend County Commissioner District followed by two surface of this priority. Fort Bend County James Patterson.

Te x a s water conversion projects case is a proactive community where we Transportation Commissioner studies by City of Sugar Land think long-term and act strategically Ned Holmes will be the key note and City of Missouri City. Pablo for the future economic, physical, speaker for lunch.

Martinez from San Antonio Water social and cultural well being of Setting the stage for the conference System will highlight water reuse the region. The forward thinking will be preeminent urban sociologist application and this session will members of our community at the Dr. Stephen Klineberg of Rice conclude by a speaker on sustainable Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce University talking about the and energy efficient infrastructure. are shining the spotlight on the demographics, projected population While the rest of the nation Infrastructure issues that face growth and the critical need to focus struggles with the rough economic our communities, cities and on infrastructure. It is often said – climate, Fort Bend County remains county. Please participate in this “Build it and they will come.” Fort resilient through the economic important and relevant dialogue.

Bend County is most likely faced slowdown. As one of the fastest For sponsorship opportunities and with the following scenario, “They growing counties in the nation, it reservations call Harish Jajoo at are coming by the thousands and you is challenging to keep up with the 832-338-3202 or mail to: Harish@ better build while you can.” growth and not risk a compromise HarishJajoo.com A session focusing on Mobility on quality of life. Infrastructure issues will feature-Mark Ellis, is the essential key to maintaining Harish Jajoo, P.E., CFM is Chairman of Gulf Coast Rail District the quality – highways, airports, the chair of this Infrastructure highlighting our commuter rail roadways, water systems, drainage Conference. He is also a member of plans in Fort Bend County. Karen and levee systems, wastewater Planning and Zoning Commission Daly, Assistant Manager of City of treatment, traffic lights, bridges, for City of Sugar Land and ViceSugar Land will speak on Intelligent etc. Infrastructure allows us to go Chair of Infrastructure Planning Traffic System (ITS). from place to place, keeps flood Division for the Fort Bend Chamber Another dialogue will focus on water from our homes and provides of Commerce.

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

25

MYTHILI’S BEAUTY SALON Two Locations to serve you better 6453 Westheimer Rd, Houston TX 77057 Call: 713-972-1665

2

9515 Broadway st #119 Pearland TX 77584 Call: 281-997-0949

Email: mythilistouch@gmail.com mythilisbeautysalon.com

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 , 2010• ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

26

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

ONLINE EDITION: www.indoamerican-news.com

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

3559 Hwy 6 South, Sugar Land, TX 77478 • Phone: 281-240-0377

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 , 2010 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

ONLINE EDITION: www.indoamerican-news.com

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 , 2010• ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

27

28

Indo American News • Friday, August 13 , 2010

online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 , 2010 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM