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Indo American News • Friday, September 24 , 2010

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Friday, September 24 2010 | Vol. 29, No. 39

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Charity begins at Home but goes across the Community

In a week’s time, the Indo American Charity Foundation will hold its 22nd Annual Fundraising Gala, this year hearlded as the Magic of Passion The IACF has helped over 30 charities over its 22 years and hopes that Houstonians will open their hearts to help others in need.

For related story see page 19

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Indo American Association presents Salaam India : An English play saluting the many paradoxes that define Modern India September 25, 8pm, Wortham Center

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Pratham Goodwill Ambassador Actor Anupam Kher Hosted at VIP reception

rahman rules!

Photo: Krishna Giri

Packed production epitomized by composer’s genius, brilliant theatrics, and outstanding stagecraft

story on page

FEATURED INSIDE

By Kalyani Giri HOUSTON: First there was the widespread hype. Posters, articles, and radio programs, exhorting the faithful to prepare, ticket in hand, for music director A. R. Rahman’s Jai Ho – The Journey Home show.

Then disaster struck. The stage collapsed at the Pontiac Silverdome in Detroit and roadies narrowly escaped with their lives. The rest of the US tour was postponed while sets were reconstructed and confidence restored.

Finally, on September 17, the Toyota Center downtown exploded with psychedelia, sound, and unbridled energy, as the Mozart of Madras emerged, a trilby hat nattily perched on his head, grooving to his Oscar award-winning Eid Milan at India House Story on Pg 6 DAYA Hosts 2010 Annual Seminar Why Counseling Story on Pg 8

soundtrack from the runaway hit movie Slumdog Millionaire. It was an adrenaline rush for fans that had waited for months for that magical moment.

The 2 ½ hour long themed event that incorporated the talents of a multicultural and international team of dancers, acrobats, and musicians, and featured Hariharan, one of India’s most gifted vocalists, was a non-stop fest of Rahman’s hit songs from a plethora of movies in his illustrious career.

And pivotal to the motif of the performance was the score for Slumdog Millionaire, a thread that sinuously wove and insinuated itself throughout, brilliantly echoed by the theatrics of a little boy. About 11, 100 attended, according to fig-

ures released by Toyota Center.

Brought to this city by Moid Khan, CEO of Bollywoodshows4u, the show was choreographed and directed by Amy Tinkham, whose clientele includes Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys, and Mariah Carey.

“The show is actually a celebration of music I have done for 20 years and the whole visual and artistic element is Indian,” confided Rahman at a press conference a few months ago. And indeed, the maestro’s genius was celebrated through the soul-stirring lyricism of Bhaarat humko jaan se pyaara hai from the film Roja, sung by Hariharan, to songs from Lagaan, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Dil Se, continued on page

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Pearls roadshow Hits the city this weekend

HOUSTON: The Pearls Infrastructure Projects company of India will be holding its real estate roadshow this coming weekend at the Marriott Energy Corridor Hotel on 16011 Katy Freeway from 10am to 6pm. The roadshow will

Maheshwari Youth Speed Date in Washington, D.C. Hopes Fade Story on Pg 9 for Success of CommonMeeting an Indophile in wealth Italy Games in India Story on Pg 12 Story on Pg 25

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feature many of the residential, commercial projects that the company has in 15 states in India.

Representatives of the company will be on hand to answer questions on the procedures to buy and hold real estate in India as well as to explain the special financing offers available.

No advance reservations are required for attending the day-long road show, which has also toured other cities in the US and Canada.

(For more information, see the ad on page 35)

America’s Teen Queen is Indianorigin girl from the UK Story on Pg 43

Ikea to Double Buying of Goods In India Story on Pg 32

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Indo American News • Friday, September 24 , 2010

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Indo American News • Friday, September 24 , 2010

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Pratham Goodwill Ambassador Anupam Kher Hosted at VIP reception

By Kalyani Giri HOUSTON: By no stretch of imagination is Anupam Kher modest about his prowess as an actor.

He joyously revels in talking about his vocation that almost did not happen, but for a temper tantrum he threw at the home of Bollywood director Mahesh Bhatt where he berated the latter in the presence of a bemused Shabana Azmi for taking away his role in Saaransh and giving it to actor Sanjeev Kumar. Bhatt, perhaps a little stunned and overwhelmed by the then 26year-old Kher’s apparent anguish, reconsidered and recast Kher who went on to win the national Filmfare Best Actor Award for the movie in 1984. And the rest is history; an enormous body of work bears testimony to the towering versatility and artistry of the charismatic Kher, a recipient of the Indian government’s prestigious Padma Shri award.

This past weekend the actor was in Houston as Goodwill Ambassador for Pratham, the largest nongovernmental organization working to provide quality education to the underprivileged children of India. At a VIP reception held in his honor at the Westin Galleria Monarch Room on September 18, Kher was introduced to community leaders and local philanthropists by Dr. Madhav Chavan, Founder and CEO of Pratham Education Foundation.

“It is a pleasure to welcome

Actor Anupam Kher with author Chitra Divakaruni. Kher had a role in the movie Mistress of Spices, based on the book written by Divakaruni.

Anupam Kher as Pratham Ambassador,” said Dr. Chavan. “He was an obvious choice (along with actress Waheeda Rehman) to help spotlight the key issues concerning education and help Pratham achieve its mission of every child in school and learning well. He is a man who’s never lost his kindness of heart; he’s very simple and compassionate. It is noteworthy that he has retained his simplicity in a very tough field,” added Dr. Chavan.

Dr. Chavan told guests about a new program Education for Education (EFE) launched by Pratham and inaugurated on September 6, 2010, by Kher in Mumbai. The program, said Dr. Chavan, rewards

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volunteers for the organization’s highly successful flagship program, Read India, by providing for them a computer education. Read India in 2008-2009, reached more than 33 million children across 300, 000 villages through 405, 000 volunteers. The volunteers are in the 18-24 age bracket and based in villages and towns where they help teach poor children.

In partnership with Intel, Pratham is running EFE centers where volunteers are taught how to use the computer, including basics of operating system, Microsoft Office applications like Word and Excel and Internet and its applications, by young graduates. For its innova-

tive programs and commitment to eradicating illiteracy, Pratham was awarded the fifth annual Henry R. Kravis Prize in Leadership in March 2010. The Kravis Prize, which car carries a $250,000 award designated to the recipient organization, also recognizes extraordinary leader leadership in the nonprofit sector.

With humorous anecdotes and charming candidness, Kher talked about his involvement with Pratham, his life, and of course, the movies.

“Over the past 26 years, I’ve made you laugh, I’ve made you cry, I’ve made you yawn,” said Kher, drawing ripples of laughter. “But off the script, I am always myself and it is the most difficult thing – to be oneself. Those who pretend to be something other than themselves, must not like themselves very much, I think,” he quipped. “In Mumbai, the industry is such that the whole world knows whether you’re a success or a failure. I was fortunate to come from a small town (Shimla) where we were fourteen family members sharing one small house.

Pretense was an impossibility. I grew up realizing that connectivity is a necessity. There is something in my persona that makes me connect with people because I am interested in them, in human emotions, that is what is important to me. It’s not about how much money or how many cars I have. As we get older we lose our innocence. But children with their innocence and purity de-

serve a fighting chance in life, and I salute Pratham for trying to give a child an identity. I’ve worked extensively with mentally challenged children and the children of the slums of India. They are also worthy of our generosity,” added Kher. A longtime humanitarian, Kher founded The School of Life Program, which is also dedicated to the cause of education in India.

Kher will be hosting Pratham’s informative and educational television program called Angrezi OK Please.

“I’ve found that the people living abroad are much more gener generous than those living in India,” said Kher. “It could be the culture of giving that is so inherent here.

So I urge you to continue to help Pratham with your generosity.”

For more information about Pratham visit http://www.prathamusa.org.

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Society

Indo American News • Friday, September 24 , 2010

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Houston Swings to A.R. Rahman’s Music

Kadhalan, and Rang De Basanti, to name a few, rendered by Rahman and his young team. Several Indian languages were represented through the performance.

The soundtrack from Rahman’s crossover movie Couples Retreat was exuberantly presented by the vividly garbed singers and dancers and drummers who commandeered the ramp surrounding the VVIP seating area and conjured up the laidback Caribbean island ethos of sandy beaches and lazily swinging hammocks.

As the tunes, rhythms, instrumentals, diverse musical styles, odes to world religions, and messages of peace converged triumphantly during the evening’s recital, it more than showcased Rahman’s facility as a composer non pareil.

Shy, notoriously private, not much of a singer, and arguably hardly much of a concert artiste either, the young melodist at times seemed a tad uncomfortable careening across the ramp; to hazard a wild guess he would probably have preferred to be holed up in the sanctity of his studio. Yet undoubtedly, he seemed to revel in hearing his songs come alive onstage to the delighted appreciation of the audience.

Through advanced technology the beautiful duet of the legendary Lata Mangeshkar and Rahman were made possible. Quite outstanding was the Black or White tribute

body language and facial expression. The manifestation of his character was a brilliant piece of choreography.

While there have been many interesting and successful stage shows in this city, none reached the spectacular level of Jai Ho – The Journey Home as far as production, lighting, well-orchestrated stage craft, and special effects were concerned; it was quite unprecedented in an Indian show here. And thanks to impresario Moid Khan, this city was privy to something epoch making in the world of music.

“I’d like to thank Houston and our supporters, fans, media, for their patience and for keeping the faith. The positive messages helped me see this show through. I couldn’t have done this on my own,” said Moid Khan.

For information about future events, visit bollywoodshows4u.com.

Sugar Land Pro-Tem Mayor Tom Abraham presents a proclamation from the City to the promoter of the A R Rahman show, Moid Khan of BollywoodShows4U at the VIP reception held at Toyota Center prior to the Jao Ho Concert .

Photo: Krishna Giri

to Micheal Jackson with the participation of the cast; again, mention must be made of the little boy, whose prowess at mimicking Jackson’s moves, white glove and all,

had the audience captivated. Through the event in short cameo appearances, the boy epitomized innocence, wide-eyed wonder, childlike delight, despair, hope, - all through

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Icc cc Hosts eid milan m celebration at India House c

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HOUSTON: September 19 will be marked spoke his childhood experiences in Varaas a watershed date for Houstonians. The nasi and the interfaith communal harmony Eid Milan celebration which was a collab- which prevailed & the need of continuing orative effort of ICC Houston with AFMI, Eid celebrations in this city for the sake of Aligarh Alumni and Qaumi Ekta Commit- our future generations.

The program continued with literary and tee was held at India House on this day. The first such initiative by ICC under the leader- cultural session which was very well hanship of President Swapan Dhairyawan was dled by Dr Nausha Asrar. The participants in this segment were Parvez Jafri, Ishrat very ably chaired by Col. Raj Bhalla.

The purpose of integration, cohesiveness Afreen, Dr Rucha Sheth, Ahsan Qureshi and and spirit of oneness has been spoken on Shyamal Bhattacharya. variousoccasions.

Organizations and social networking groups have conducted Holi, Diwali, Dandiyas and other major festivals with great vigor and fervor. It was the first instance in which the Houston Muslim Indo-American brethren felt the assimilation and ICC hosted Eid Milan, a collaborative effort with AFMI, Aligarh Alumni were proud and and Quami Ekta committee at India House. The event was attended

by Consul General Sanjiv Arora greeting Raj Bhavsar, ICC and boasted upon the Swapan Dhairyawan, President ICC, and Col. Raj Bhalla and aimed secular forces at promoting a spirit of oneness. which keep India The program had commenced with formal united.

This event was an “Invited Only” event invocation by young kids Omer and Nasince being the first initiative; but the ICC dia Mohiuddin. High School senior Nisha President in his address strongly suggested Azhar spoke eloquently about the Eid festhe ICC Board and also the Boards of the tivities, the 30 day fasting period & the inother co-hosting organizations to continue teractive celebrations of Eid and Diwali in India. There were 3 cash prize winners to such an event on a larger scale in future.

The Chief Guest for the program was Con- the Poster contest whose theme was “Eid as sul General Sanjiv Arora who was also in- I see”. All the kids who attended were given strumental in seeding Eid Milan thought at “Eidi” and goody bags.

The program culminated with a Vote of various forums. He was appreciative of the efforts of the organizations and spoke about thanks from ICC Director Rafi Ansar and the strong secular forces which make India was followed with a sumptuous Eid dinner.

Comments from community leaders: so diverse and yet united. He applauded this “I was used to seeing in newspapers the “one of a kind event” and enjoyed the entire evening with great attentiveness. Harris pictures of successive Indian Prime MinisCounty Judge Ed Emmett was also present ters attending Eid feasts every year in New & he was excited to be part of these Sig- Delhi, but I had no firsthand experience nature celebrations happening “at home” in until last Sunday’s celebration hosted by ICC in India House. I commend you and India House.

Col Raj Bhalla who was instrumental in the ICC board for making a new beginning working every detail to the core was very that reflects India’s pluralism and oneness.” pleased with the turnout. There were more - Krishna Vavilala “The Eid Milan at India House was orthan 330 adults and 45 kids sign up for this event. He read out a beautiful and mean- ganized by the ICC Houston and others. ingful quote from the Granth Sahib about It provided an opportunity for Hindus and humanity and unity. Dr Azeemuddin, Vice Muslims to meet, talk and celebrate Eid President of AFMI spoke about the role and together. I would encourage the ICC Housactivities of AFMI in uplifting women and ton to organize this event annually and for children in rural India. Fayyaz Khan, Presi- more people to participate and gain a better dent of All India Qaumi Ekta Committee understanding of each other’s traditions by spoke about his thoughts on intercommu- celebrating together.”

- Girish Naik, President of Hindus of nity harmony. Latafath Hussain, President of Aligarh Alumni Association of Texas Greater Houston.

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Indo American News • Friday, September 24 , 2010

Addressing Challenges of Globalizing Higher Education by Rice and U of H Presidents

HOUSTON: Academic institutions are facing sets of challenges as they seek to attract the best and brightest students and faculty from multiple backgrounds across the world. Mr. David Leebron, President, Rice University, Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor/President of University of Houston, Dr. M.S. Ananth, Director, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras are the Panelists at an Event organized by IIT Alumni of Greater Houston (IITAGH) and IIT Madras Alumni Association of North America (IITMAANA).

The event is on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. at Westin Galleria Hotel, Monarch Room (24th Floor). The Panelists will explain the types of challenges they have faced in their respective environments and how they have attempted to overcome them and lead the institutions to higher levels of achievement. Mr. Ashok Rao, President of TiE Houston moderates the Panel.

The Consul General of India in Houston, Hon. Sanjiv Arora is the guest of honor for the event.

The dinner event celebrates the signing of memorandum of understanding for academic and research collaboration in the morning at the Rice Campus between IIT Madras Rice University. The scope of collaboration includes: • Academic and research collaboration in the areas of mutual interest, • Exchange of academic information, scholarly information, materials and publications, • Exchange of students and faculty, and

• Sponsorship of cooperative seminars, workshops and other academic meetings The IITM delegation consists of a threemember team led by: Dr. M.S. Ananth, who has been the Director of IIT Madras from December 2001. He joined IIT Madras in 1972 and has been teaching a range of courses in Chemical Engineering. He has held various senior positions at IITM as Head of the Department, Dean of Academic Courses, and Dean of Academic Research. He is an alumnus of AC College of Technology, Chennai where he completed his Bachelor’s in Chemical engineering with a gold medal. Subsequently, he obtained his M.E. and Ph.D. degrees from University of Florida, Gainesville.

Other members of the team are: Dr. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, the Dean for Planning and Alumni Affairs and Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering. He is a founding member of TeNeT. He is from IITM Class of 1980.

Dr. Ram Nagarajan, Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering and the Principal Coordinator for L-RAMP (Lemelson Recognition and Mentoring Program) at IITM, an innovation-incubation initiative. He is an Advisor, Office of Alumni Affairs and he is an IITM Class of 1981.

The IITM delegation is visiting five cities - Los Angeles, SF Bay Area, Houston, Boston, and Toronto, from September 25-30, 2010. The delegation will share the success and achievements of the recently completed Vision 2010 and present new goals and challenges as a part of the Vision 2020 plan. To register for the event, visit www.iitagh.org

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dAy Ay Ay yA A Hosts 2010 Annual seminar s Why Counseling

By Kalyani Giri HOUSTON: Non-profit organization Daya Inc. hosted its 2010 Annual Seminar at the Hilton Southwest Hotel on September 18, from 9.00am to 2.30pm. The topic Why Counseling was addressed by a distinguished panel of experts in the fields of social work/health and mental wellbeing, with speakers coming in from other cities within the United States. About one hundred from the local community attended the event that was both pertinent and informative. The seminar highlighted the benefits of counseling on mental issues, marriage, career, children, adjustment issues in the US, to name a few. Counseling, according to the

tural background it gets complex,” he added.

Dr. Ruhl led the audience in guided relaxation, urging them to “that quiet place”.

“We mortgage our energy the way we mortgage our finances,” Dr. Ruhl told gatherees. “In our busy lives we rarely stop and visit that quiet place within us where the mind stills and you concentrate on breathing,” he added.

Part video, part live skit, Reaching In: Reaching Out was a performance on the process of counseling by the Shunya Theater group and Daya Client Services Coordinator Meghna Goswami. The skit described how clients approach Daya for succor and are heard with

therapists that are accessible, not a long distance away. Some clients are particular about the gender of the therapist, and others may prefer to be counseled by someone outside of their community, added Ruzicka.

Visiting freelance journalist from New York, Nisha Chhabra, offered her personal experience in Lifting the Shame. She told of the family’s anguish coping with her father’s bipolar disorder. She grew up dreading his sudden outbursts.

The family was shunned because of her father’s behavior.

“There was shame in admitting to anyone, even our family back in India, that my dad had a mental illness. It wasn’t something he had

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Daya Board of Directors, volunteers, and panelists at the seminar.

experts, is not just for people with mental illnesses but anyone facing serious issues in life and in need of talking to a professional about getting advice and finding better options. The seminar also addressed the barriers and misconceptions that South Asians have about counseling.

Keynote speaker Dr. Jerry Ruhl, Ph.D, Executive Director, Jung Center, Houston, discussed Framing the issue: Why Counseling? A psychologist in private practice, Dr. Ruhl earned his doctorate developing a holistic model for coping with the trials and tribulations of life. Having observed spiritual practices in India, Japan, and Nepal, Dr. Ruhl advocates meditation in stress management and incorporates relaxation exercises in therapy sessions with clients.

“I am a firm believer in eastern philosophy,” said Dr. Ruhl. “I believe in the slender threads that weave into the tapestry of our lives. We are wounded healers at different stages of healing. When seeking a therapist, look for someone who is compassionate to your needs. When you’re in a multicul-

compassion, and given the necessary tools and resources to make crucial changes for abuse-free lives. The dramatization hinged on circumstances Daya staff often encounters; an abused woman calling the Daya hotline for advice, hope, help, and direction.

Smita Ruzicka, Office of the Dean of Students, UT, Austin, spoke on Counseling Issues – The Client Counselor Fit. “Some personal issues are like a dull pain interfering with our lives.

We need a safe place to deal with these issues even in non-crisis situations,” said Ruzicka.

Counseling, she added, covered a wide spectrum; couples counseling, dealing with grief or terminal illness, career transitions, and group counseling where one can share one’s story in a nonjudgmental environment. A good counselor would be empathetic, compassionate, have excellent listening skills, respect confidentiality, and have some cultural understanding. Their services should be financially feasible. And their areas of expertise must be exemplary. Clients should look for

control over but it ruled our lives because we couldn’t predict what he was going to say or do,” said Chhabra. Her father did get help and medication eventually, she added.

A panel discussion with Daya counselorLakshmyParameswaran, Smita Ruzicka, Bhawna Luthra, Kirit Mehta, Nisha Chhabra, and Rabia Ilahi continued to address questions from the audience and each took turns to answer satisfactorily. Moderator for the panel discussion was Dr. Vatsala Bhaskaran, a respected psychiatrist and Daya Board Member.

Daya promotes healthy family relationships in the South-Asian community by providing services that include counseling, referrals, legal advocacy, and financial support to women and children af affected by family violence and sexual assault. Daya also promotes awareness on topics relevant to the welfare of South Asian families through educational seminars, publications, and outreach events.

For more information, visit www. dayahouston.org. or call (713) 981 7645.

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Indo American News • Friday, September 24 , 2010

maheshwari youth y s speed date in washington, w d.c.

By Pooja DeoPura short three minutes went well get exposed to the Maheshwari Washington, D.C.: From New beyond the session room, Jaju- culture.

Yorkers to Californians to Mum- Mathur said.

It’s important for me to connect baikers alike, Maheshwari youth “In fact, I saw a lot of phone with – and expose Shayal as well joined at the nation’s capital for numbers being exchanged both – to both his Hindu and Jewish the 2010 fifth Maheshwari-Raj- during and after the session,” she heritage. Rather than have Shayal asthani Convention during Labor said. Many youths agree that they choose one path, Anu and I want Day weekend. have made new friends because of him to have a spiritual journey of The Maheshwari Mahasabha of a speed dating session organized his own, said David Morrica, 34.

North America (MMNA) repre- like this.

Shradha Bhutada, 25, who has sents a businessbeen married for less oriented community than three years, tries that has over time to uphold her Maheshearned a reputawari heritage by foltion for excelling in lowing family rituals various professions that have been passed including doctors, down from generation lawyers, engineers, to generation. In adteachers and entredition to practicing a preneurs. strict vegetarian diet, Maheshwaris or she also celebrates baniyas originated Maheshwari festivals from the Indian state such as Gangaur, a of Rajasthan with a festival celebrated in rich cultural history honor of Hindu Gods filled with music, Shiva and His wife, dance and a flair for The speed dating session hosted by the Maheshwari Goddess Parvati, for serving the commu community is seen as essential to maintaining the age old a fruitful harvest seanity. son as well as marital tradition and culture albeit in a modern day society With 1.5 million bliss.

Maheshwaris residing in India and “I celebrate Gangaur not only for approximately 2000 families in ings to find a suitable Maheshwari the health and long life of my husthe United States, the community husband or wife for their children, band,” said Bhutada, “but also behas been in the forefront of char- however, the “Maheshwari” crite- cause it is a Maheshwari tradition ity and community service in India ria for most youth is optional. that helps us to understand the perand the United States, said Guest “My Maheshwari culture is im- fect pairing of Shiva and Parvati.” of Honor for his charitable contri- portant to me,” said Sarish Kasat, “I know with every generation, butions, Vijay Pallod.

25, who was born and raised in the importance of the Maheshwari In addition to learning about one’s Nashville, Tennessee, “because it culture will matter less and less,” heritage, the youth, of ages 15 to unites me with people who have said Jaju-Mathur. “So it becomes 30, see the convention as a great the same family values and up- our responsibility to teach the next way to reunite with old friends and bringing as I do.” generation about our ancestry.” family, and make new friends.

However, marrying a MaheshThe Maheshwari community is Since the Maheshwari commu- wari isn’t as important as long as one of the few that acknowledges nity is so small here in the United she’s Indian and our cultural val- the value in a jati or social-based States, Maheshwari conventions ues match, he said. “If she happens community because it ties those are a great way to meet others to be Maheshwari, that’s definitely with common traditions and occuwith the same cultural values and an added bonus,” Kasat said. pations, said Krishna Maheshwari, upbringing as you, said Roochita Although traditionally, it is pre- 29, founder of Hindupedia.com.

Jaju-Mathur, 29. ferred that Maheshwaris marry With more than 550 attendees, The ice-breaker and speed dating within the community to uphold including 50 from India, this consessions were the highlights since the Maheshwari heritage, Mahesh- vention holds the highest attenit gave the youth a chance to min- waris with non-Maheshwari part- dance record to date. gle with each other. “The speed ners, such as Sangeeta LaForges “This conference offers an opdating session was a huge success and her husband Joe LaForges, portunity to get the community toas a lot of people showed up,” said of Catholic background, and Anu gether in order to help each other co-moderator Jaju-Mathur.

Moricca and her husband David pass on our traditions, maintain The session, attended by ap- Moricca, of Jewish background, our traditions, network and learn proximately 60 youth, ages 21 to proved that a successful marriage about each other,” Maheshwari 30, was intended for the Mahesh- outside of the community is not said. wari singles to meet and network unheard of.

The location of the next convenwith one another. It was set up so For David Morrica, who came for tion are being decided either in that each couple could speak with the first time with his wife and ten- Los Angeles, California, or Deeach other for three minutes. The month-old baby, Shayal, this was a troit, Michigan. friendships that formed in these great way to unite with friends and

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Vishal (Ricky) Agrawal Elected to India House Board of Directors HOUSTON: At the Joint meeting of Board of Directors and Council of India House, Inc. held on August 28,2010 ,Vishal (Ricky) Agrawal was unanimously elected Director of India House. Ricky is a University of Houston Cougar finishing his B. S. in Economics and B. S. in Industrial Engineering.

He has a strong interest in computers and volunteers as a counselor at many Indian related camps and lock-ins.

Ricky is the proud son of Brij Agrawal, Director & Vice President Finance at India House.

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Meeting an Indophile in Italy

By Pramod Kulkarni FLORENCE, Italy: You never know whom you’re going to run into when you’re in Florence for a technical conference.

Last Saturday night here, it was raining so we went around the corner of our hotel to a smaill trattoria. There was very little room in the restaurant so we were placed within the comfort zone of an Italian couple.

We struck up a conversation with the couple: Giulio and Patrizia Mezzetti. Juilio is a retired professor of architecture and Patrizia is a mathematics teacher.

It turns out that Juilio and Patrizia have been to India three times

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Mini Pravasi Divas in South Africa

since the mid-1980s. He writes books on exotic locations around the world, but India is one of his favorites. They started with New Delhi and Agra and has seen the Taj Mahal. Then they went to see the forts in Rajasthan and Kashmir, while it was in the state of turmoil.

The last trip was to Tamil Nadu.

While many Western tourists go to these places, Juilio Mazzetti has created a legacy of a lifetime through books that are travelogues and explanations of religion and culture. Most of all these books contain amazing photographs that Juilio has taken himself.

To take a look, visit their website: www.juiliomezzetti.it.

DURBAN (HT): Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, a conclave of the Indian diaspora, will be held in South African city of Durban from October one. The mini Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is being organised in South Africa with a view to connect with the large Indian diaspora of the country. The event coincides with Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary and will also be a part of the year-long celebrations to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indian immigrants in South Africa from India. The theme of the two-day event will be ‘India and Africa: Building Bridges’, officials said. The mini-PBD is is being organised in partnership with the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and

the Government of South Africa.

Around 600 to 800 delegates from all over Africa are expected to participate in the conference.

The Premier of Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) province, the Mayor of Durban Municipality, Indian origin community leaders, prominent businessmen, dignitaries and distinguished persons from African countries will participate in the event.

South Africa has around 1.28 million Indian-origin people who constitute about 2.5 per cent of its total population.

A plenary session on “The Relevance of Mahatma Gandhi in the 21st Century” will be held on October 2 followed by sessions on ‘Business: Opportunity in Africa’.

Session

Date

Time

Doctors Conference

Sat, Oct 2

9am to 6pm

Mass Healing & Satsang

Mon, Oct 4 & Tue, Oct 5

6pm to 9pm

Siddha Dhyan and Healing

Thu, Oct 7 to Sat, Oct 9 (3 days)

9am to 6pm

Shambhvi Dhyan and Healing

Mon, Oct 11 to Wed, Oct 13 (3 days)

Shree Vidya

Thu, Oct 14 to Sat, Oct 16 (3 days)

(Pre-requisite: Siddha Healing)

(Pre-requisite: Siddha Healing & Shambhvi Dhyan Healing)

(including one tea break and one lunch break)

9am to 6pm

(including one tea break and one lunch break)

9am to 6pm

(including one tea break and one lunch break)

Venue: The Unity Church 2929 Unity Drive, Houston, Texas 77057

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Dipak Jain Named Dean of INSEAD

Jain, who was Kellogg’s Dean, is part of a growing list of Indian-origin academicians assuming leading roles at foreign universities

BOSTON (PTI): Noted IndianAmerican academician Dipak Jain has been named as Dean of INSEAD, a leading international business school which aims to expand operations in developing countries like India and China.

Jain, a Dean Emeritus at Northwestern University’s prestigious Kellogg School of Management, will succeed J. Frank Brown, who will step down in 2011.

Among Jain’s responsibilities would be to look for opportunities to build INSEAD programmes in China and India as the business school focuses on growing its global presence and attracting more students from the developing countries.

Dr. Dipak Jain, fomer Dean of Kellogg School of Management, will take over the reigns of INSEAD, a premier business school in the U.S. from March 2011. File photo

“I am pleased that someone of Dipak Jain’s calibre and values will continue to develop the school. The Board chose Jain to lead INSEAD into what is fast

becoming a new global economic climate - one in which emerging markets are growing at a faster rate than the industrialised mature economies of Europe and North America.

In this environment we need to teach solid business and management skills while being innovative, entrepreneurial and instilling a culture of true sustainability,” Chairman of the INSEAD Board Franz Humer said.

Part of an elite list Jain, a native of Assam, will be introduced at INSEAD’s Leadership Summit Asia 2010 to be held on November 12 in Singapore and will assume his duties as Dean in March 2011.

Jain, who was Kellogg’s Dean from 2001-2009, is part of a growing list of Indian-origin academicians assuming leading roles at foreign universities.

Harvard Business School got its first Indian-origin Dean Nitin Nohria this year while University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business too named Stanford University professor Sunil Kumar as its new Dean in July this year.

At Kellogg, Jain was the Sandy and Morton Goldman Professor in Entrepreneurial Studies and Professor of Marketing, a Chair he held since 1994.

He stepped down from his Kellogg dean post last summer but remained a professor.

A graduate of Guwahati University, the Assam native received a Masters in management science and a PhD in marketing from the University of Texas at Dallas.

“What attracts me to INSEAD is that it is a true global brand in management education, one with enduring passion and inspired vision. The values that drive INSEAD - including a deep respect for the power of diversity; a desire to link theory and practise to address important managerial issues; and an entrepreneurial approach to teaching and research - are ideal to meet the opportunities and challenges facing organisations in the coming years,” Jain said.

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Republician Candidates Share their Views at Barsana Dham

From left: Candidates Ray Whisenant, Jason Isaac, Judge Melissa Goodwin, Dr. Bert Cobb, Dr. Donna Campbell, Judge Bill Henry, Gary Cutler at the Meet and Greet at the Barsana Dham in Austin.

AUSTIN: Candidates for elected offices from U.S. Congress to State Respresentative to Hays County Commissioner were welcomed to Barsana Dham Hindu Temple in traditional Hindu style with flower garlands. The occasion was a “Meet and Greet” at the temple for the congregation and the candidates to get to know each other, enjoy lunch, take a tour of the temple and share some laughter. Each candidate addressed the audience of about 75 people shedding light on their backgrounds, their interests and life’s experiences. They also explained what inspired them to run for office and what it means to them to serve society through holding a public office.

Their stories were punctuated with lighthearted moments and were met with frequent applause from the audience. One candidate shared her experience of serving as a physician in Ghana, another was in the trucking business before decided to run for office and another has spent her entire

career in the judicial system.

There was a broad spectrum of concerns discussed, from government spending, county growth and planning, property taxes, new development, and the question of the limited water supply in the Hill Country which was address by Ray Whisenant who is running for Hays County Commissioner. One of the greatest concerns expressed by Barsana Dham residents is the safety of FM 1826 where a member was recently killed in an auto accident. Barsana Dham residents also frequently assist the injured in the aftermath of accidents along their property line which runs along the busy road.

Gary Cutler, candidate for Hays County Sheriff praised the natural beauty of Barsana Dham and complimented the hospitality, saying, “Hospitality is where God is.” All the candidates enjoyed the vegetarian lunch which included both Mexican and Indian cuisine.

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Our Dark Side

I had wanted this editorial to be about the success of our South Asian community in the technical sphere. During a visit to Europe for a technical conference, I was impressed with the presence of our engineers and scientists as they made presentations on complex projects. There is, of course, a large community of professionals from our part of the world in the English-speaking regions of North America and UK. But our people have made significant impact on the technical contributions being made in European countries such as Norway, Germany and even Italy, despite the language barriers. When India was more closely associated with USSR during the Nehru and Indira Gandhi eras, a large number of Indians learned Russian, and now, there are Indian professional communities in Russia and Eastern Europe as well.

Instead of discussing our ability to traverse the world in search of economic opportunities, we must address our dark side with the tragic killing of three young children in Houston as part of a domestic abuse incident (read story on page 21). Details about the incident are still emerging , but we know enough to realize that domestic abuse is a significant issue in our South Asian community. According to agencies, such as Daya Houston, domestic violence is occurring across all ethnic communities and economic classes. We must combat this problem on a personal, community and regional levels. As a part of this effort, I would like urge you to support Daya’s One Voice 2010 against Dometic Violence as part of the National Domestic ViolenceAwareness Month in association with the Houston Police Department. Please join Daya volunteers in in forming a human chain and spreading the message of violence-free homes. This event is taking place Saturday, October 23rd, 2010 from 12-1pm at the Hillcroft Shopping Plaza.

Pramod Kulkarni

Taking the First Step in Kashmir

Once a much-needed, logical step is taken, it sometimes seems obvious, even too obvious. For many following the 39-member all-party delegation from Delhi visiting violence-wracked Jammu and Kashmir over the last two days, the ‘obvious’ step taken by many members of the delegation of going that extra mile to meet separatist leaders in the Valley may not have amounted to much.

But for those who know that a ‘big picture’ solution comprises incremental yet paradigm-shifting steps, Monday’s interaction between mainstream national leaders and those in the Valley — including separatists such as Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik — is a gesture rife with possibilities of forward movement. By itself, this is a momentous event.

By itself, it’s also, however, just the start before any beginning.

Hindustan Times

Afghanistan Not Getting Better

Last weekend’s parliamentary elections in Afghanistan saw commendable turnouts with ordinary Afghans braving threats from the Taliban to exercise their franchise. Disappointingly though, allegations of fraud have been rife.

Coming after last year’s less-than-perfect Afghan presidential elections, it bodes ill for the country’s nascent democracy and does little to inspire confidence in the stability of the country. The future of Afghanistan looks anything but simple. Frustration is building up and plans for an early US exit strategy are doing the rounds.

The current surge in American troops in Afghanistan needs time to bear fruit, but meanwhile the Obama administration is facing flak at home.

Alternative scenarios being floated are not at all satisfactory, but it’s doubtful whether the administration has the nerve to stay the course. The alternative plan that seems to be gaining support is one that hands over de facto control of Pashtun-dominated south and east Afghanistan to the Taliban with Pakistan as the guarantor. This would also see an end to the US combat mission in Afghanistan and the relocation of a few thousand American troops to the non-Pashtun north and western parts of that country.

Times of India

editorial

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Target Practice

By Sunil Jain Now that it’s Millennium Development Goal (MDG) week, expect a host of studies/ articles/ commentaries around how India has failed to meet the important MDGs, on how parts of India are worse than subSaharan Africa or Bangladesh when it comes to nutrition, and so on.

The UN set the ball rolling when it said that “with just five years to the 2015 deadline for achieving the MDGs, the country as a whole will not be on track for a majority of the targets related to poverty, hunger, health, gender equality and environmental sustainability.” It goes on to add: “It is possible that poverty will be halved by 2015 but by no means certain ... on hunger there are disappointing failures.” Others have jumped on to the bandwagon. Just the other day, Standard Chartered Bank and Cranfield University came out with a study showing that just 5.6 per cent of those in the boardroom were women. The Economic & Political Weekly had an article talking of the jump in inequality levels. The list goes on ... a giant with, to use the sub-title of Pranab Bardhan’s book, feet of clay.

While obviously all this is true, the question is how true, and can an economy really be growing at 9 per cent a year for so long if a fourth of its men are anaemic (56 per cent for women), 28 per cent have a body mass index that’s below normal (33 per cent for women) and 45 per cent of children under the age of three are stunted? It does strain the credulity more than just a bit, doesn’t it?

The poverty numbers are the easiest to tackle, and not just using the Surjit Bhalla argument that all poverty estimates in India are based on the National Sample Survey and the NSS systematically captures less and less of India’s consumption, currently more than half the consumption is left out. Take the 37 per cent figure that Suresh Tendulkar has for poverty in India, as compared to the Planning Commission’s 25 per cent or so. Analysis from NCAER’s income surveys show that 11 per cent of Tendulkar’s poor actually own a

Can an economy really be growing at 9 per cent a year for so long if a fourth of its men are anaemic (56 per cent for women), 28 per cent have a body mass index that’s below normal (33 per cent for women) and 45 per cent of children under the age of three are stunted? two-wheeler and 9 per cent of them have TVs! If you hike the minimum expenditure below which you’re considered poor, the way Arjun Sengupta did to get his poverty number of 78 per cent, you get even more bizarre results — the NCAER data show a fourth of these households have a two-wheeler and a colour TV. In other words, the poverty numbers are hugely dodgy and, in all probability, India has already met the MDG goal on this front.

What of hunger and the “disappointing failures” in reducing the proportion of the hungry by half between 1990 and 2015 that the UN talks of?

By the way, the Indian government report on the MDG, by the CSO, has a zero sign before this MDG and explains this to mean “slow or almost off-track”. I have no independent data, of the NCAER type, to contest this, but it does seem funny that hunger should increase when, even after taking into account inflation, income levels for the poorest fifth of the population, to use NCAER data, rose 4.5 per cent per year between 1994 and 2005 and by 6.5 per cent between 2005 and 2010. Is it possible, just possible, that as people get richer, they eat food that’s poorer in calorie counts? It does strain the credulity to juxtapose this hike in income levels (which, like it or not, is a by-product of the economy growing as fast as it is) with what the CSO has to say on this in its MDG report. “The proportion of population that has dietary

energy consumption below 2100/ 2400 kcal in India tends to rise since 1987-88 with about 64 per cent below the norm in 1987-88 increasing to 76 per cent in 2004-05.”

C’mon guys, give me a break. It gets worse. Not only does the CSO rue the fall in calorie intake of the poorest fourth in rural India, it says, “The total of calorie intake of the top (that’s TOP) quartile of the rural population has similarly declined from 2863 kcal in 1987-88 to 2521 kcal in 2004-05.”

Perhaps the focus on calories is excessive and also driven by age-weight height-weight ratios that aren’t strictly relevant today?

What of gender equality, the boardroom barometer? At 5.3 per cent, the number of women boardroom directors in India is lower than Australia’s 8.3, Hong Kong’s 8.9, the UK’s 12.2 and the US’s 14.5. But surely the years of development have something to do with this, the levels of GDP and per capita incomes? Let’s take women in Parliament — the US was just7 per cent in 1990 and this rose to 17 per cent in 2008; the figures for India were 5 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively. That’s not bad given the 250 years of US democracy versus our 60, isn’t it?

It is true, of course, that while the proportion of boys to girls is roughly equal in primary and secondary levels of education, it is pretty bad at higher levels of education (around 72 per cent at the tertiary level). Concentrating on the 72 per cent figure is fine, but this is rear-window economics.

Look at Pratham’s Annual Status of Education Report and you find that the proportion of girls getting schooled is rising steadily — these are tomorrow’s graduates, GDP and urbanisation willing (why would a woman, or a man for that matter, want to be a graduate if s/he is going to remain in a village with few job opportunities?). India has a long way to go, and various systems are in a mess, whether in public healthcare or education. But let’s not be so hard on ourselves by applying first-world standards to third- or second-world incomes. Indian Express

IndoAmerican News Founder: Dr. K.L. Sindwani Editor: Pramod Kulkarni Business Manager: Jawahar Malhotra Marketing Manager: Krishna Giri Community Reporter: Kalyani Giri Community Editor: Manasi Gokhale Administrative Manager: Vanshika Vipin Marketing & Food Reporter: Jacob David Production Manager: Hussain Mandviwala correspondents Chicago: Nand Kapoor ®All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the written consent of the publisher. The deadline for advertising and articles is 5 pm on Monday of each week. Please include self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of all unsolicited material. Published at 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 262, Houston, Texas 77036. Tel: 713-789-NEWS or 6397 Fax: 713-789-6399, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com, website: indoamerican-news.com

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Arya Samaj of Greater Houston Celebrates its Foundation Day

By Shveta & Upendra Bhatt Road, where it has a sprawling cam3. Sponsorship and support for the HOUSTON: The Arya Samaj of pus comprising of the meditation & Mahatma Gandhi Library and its celGreater Houston (ASGH) celebrated Satsang hall, library, an external yajya ebrations of Mahatma Gandhi week its 19th anniversary of its Foundation shala and the increasingly popular and the 1000 Lights for Peace march day recently on September 12. Initiat- DAV Montessori school. Mahajan in the city of Houston every year. ing the day’s proceedings, Acharya stated that it is due to the perseverHis presentation also included a Sridhar ji reminded the audience ance of the various volunteers and video recording of the 10th anniverof Arya Samaj’s goals of spread- members during the initial years that sary celebrations of DAV Montessori ing peace and spiritual harmony in the Samaj has emerged as a success- School held in May earlier this year. the communities of its presThe video showcased the ence. amazing talent and cultural He praised the vision and versatility amongst the todefforts of the late Ram Chand dlers and various students Mahajan who led the formaof the school and clearly tion of Arya Samaj in the demonstrated the school’s city, providing the impetus holistic curriculum. for shaping a leading instiMahajan’s presentation tution not only in the field was followed by a series of spiritual activity but also of devotional songs sung a home of one of the lead- The youth at Arya Samaj participate in devotionals by the students of various ing Montessori and Sanskriti grades from the Montes(cultural education) schools. ful organization which nurtures and sori and Sanskriti schools under the Acharyaji also spoke of our duty aids people across the various wakes able guidance of Acharya Praveen ji and responsibility to uphold the peace of life. and the music teacher, Smriti Srivasand security of our adopted country, In his presentation, Mahajan shared tava. The devotional songs sung with USA, since it is the land of our karma the highlights of the various programs melody within the environs of the (actions and deeds) just as we would being run by the Samaj and requested Satsang hall held the audience in a do for our motherland, India. Acha- the members to participate whole- bind and truly created a blissful enryaji subsequently led the gathering heartedly in the same. Some of the vironment for the old and the young. for the ceremonial havan which con- notable community service programs The session ended with aarti and a cluded with a prayer for peace and include: prayer for peace and harmony. tranquility for all.

1. Annual Read-a-thon for raising Through the celebrations of the After the havan, Dev Mahajan, donations for Jeevan Prabhat Pondi- Foundation day, a heartfelt gratiChair of the Managing Committee, cherry – an institution in Pondich- tude was expressed by the ASGH recollected the journey of the ASGH erry supporting children orphaned by members to its founder, the late Ram institution from its very humble begin- 2004 Tsunami Chand Mahajan. It is to his passion ning in 1991 at its original premises 2. Support and donations raised for and devotion that the members owe on 1712 Highway 6 South, graciously 15 Bhutanese families from Nepal an institution that is helping spread provided by Rita and Sunil Mehta, to who were granted asylum in the the religious, cultural and moral valits current location at 14375 Schiller USA ues of the Hindu community.

VHP of America Condemns Attack on Hindus in West Bengal

HOUSTON: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (World Hindu Council of America) expressed deep concern to those who suffered as a result of a gruesome attack on Hindus in Deganga, located in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, near Bangladesh.

The attack on Hindus began on the evening of September 6. An Islamist mob armed with swords and daggers and hurling bombs resorted to arson and violence on the Hindu localities of the Bangladesh bordering, Muslim majority district of the state of West Bengal. This mob-attack continued throughout the night and into the next morning.

Army was finally deployed to control this rioting mob when the District police, Rapid Action Force, Central Reserve Police Force and Border Security Force all failed to

stop the Islamist mob violence.

Even after the deployment of army and promulgation of prohibitory orders Islamist violence continued unabated in the interior villages of this Bangladesh-bordering Muslim majority area.

It is reported that recent massive infiltration and illegal migration from Bangladesh has created these Muslim majority bordering districts in India.

The violence finally subsided on September 9, after hundreds of Hindu business establishments and residences were looted, destroyed and burnt, dozens of Hindus were severely injured and several Hindu temples were desecrated and vandalized by the Islamist mobs.

It has been reported by reliable sources, from the area, that these mobs were led by recently elected

local Member of Parliament, Haji Nurul Islam.

In addition, some Muslim leaders had threatened the rape of Hindu Women in the area if they continue to live in Deganga.

According to the VHPA this process of ethnic cleansing of the Hindus in West Bengal, is along the same lines as the one perpetrated in Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir in the 1990s, and cannot be tolerated. The civilized world in general and US in particular must take cognizance of this dynamic caused by unnatural change in demographics.

The VHPA is saddened and disappointed by the inability of the Government of India and WestBengal in protecting the places of worship, life and property of the nation’s citizens.

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At the Crossroads, the Indo American Charity Foundation Aims Higher

By Jawahar Malhotra

HOUSTON: In nearly a week’s time it will be curtain call for the 2010 Fundraising Gala for the Indo American Charity Foundation.

The highlight of its annual activities, the Gala, to be held on Friday, October 1 at the New Stafford Civic Centre on Cash Road, will crystallize the efforts of a Board of Directors to raise funds for the charitable causes that the IACF supports.

The event promises to be different from other Galas held by the desi community with a flashy entertainment program, instant framed photographs of couples, numerous silent auction and live auction items and dancing for an expected 600 guests. By persuading the cream of the desi crop to open their hearts and wallets to those who are less fortunate, this year’s Gala hopes to net much more than last year’s, even in a down economy.

This optimism speaks to the efforts of the current Board under the helm of President Bobby Singh to meld together different personalities harmoniously in consensus building decisions. “This Board represents a strong cross-section of our community, both geographically and ethnically,” said Singh, “and we have all worked hard to spread the message of the Foundation.”

The approach taken this year also heralds a

Members of the IACF Board with executives from Houston area charities at a recent mixer on the westside at Isla Ixtapa restaurant.

maturity in the role that the IACF intends to play and the way it will react in the future.

Since its inception in 1988, the Foundation has held onto an all too familiar formula to raise its profile: a walkathon in the Spring and a Gala in the Fall, interspersed with donations throughout the year, including a well-established Scholarships event.

But, this year, the Foundation has started to

brand itself, marked by the “I am Charity’s Friend” campaign of ads (a play on the IACF acronym) that it has featured to bring attention to its main objective of helping other charities.

The Foundation has held numerous mixers across the city, including one for mainstream charities that it supports, for their help in spreading its message. “We have given out millions of dollars,” said Singh at one event,

“since our inception, and we want you to know that you can count on the Indo-American community to play its part in helping in this city that we call our home.”

And that is the essential difference between the Foundation and many of the other IndoAmerican charities in the city. The Foundation recognizes its place in the spectrum of people that live in Houston who want to show that they care and belong to it. “We want to show that we – the Indo-American community – can make a difference,” said Singh, “that our compassion, understanding and dedication can contribute to a better world for all of us.”

Such efforts signal a maturity in the mission of the Foundation as well as change in the way that it intends to market itself in the future not only in raising money but also in how it will fan out into the mainstream to signal its clout as a philanthropic player. Next year, under the 2011 President Anu Bala, the Foundation will hope to implement new plans to reach out and make a difference – desi style – in someone’s life in the Bayou City.

The IACF can be reached at www. iacfhouston.org or by calling President Bobby Singh at 8322-766-0680 or President-elect Anu Bala at 832-865-6222.

IAC Dallas/Fort Worth Shows Strong Support for Nikki Haley

DALLAS: The Indian American Community of Dallas/Fort Worth gathered in large numbers to support Nikki Randhawa Haley for Governor of South Carolina at a gala fundraising luncheon reception held on Sunday, Sept. 19 at FunAsiA Banquet Hall in Richardson.

Piyush Patel, Vice-President of the Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC), welcomed the gathering and mentioned that it is proud to see Nikki Haley on the cover page of the News Week recently as the new face of the South and wished all the best with her campaign.

While introducing Haley, Prasad Thotakura, Texas State Coordinator-IAFC, said that, after graduating from Clemson University with a B.S. in Accounting, she worked as an Accounting Supervisor at FCR inc., and five of its subsidiaries. Actually, her first job at the age 13 was to keep the books of her family’s small clothing businesses which she eventually helped grow it into a multi-million dollar enterprise.

Nikki was first elected as a State Representative of South Carolina in 2004 beating the longest serving State legislator, as the strongest fiscal conservative she got reelected in 2006 and sent to back to the State House in 2008 with more than 83% of the vote the highest percentage of votes earned by any lawmaker in that year in South Carolina.

Thotakura expressed his full confidence of her being elected as Governor of South Carolina

cultural heritage and a lot of respect for the first generation of Indian Americans like her parents who did sacrifice a lot for the well being of the next generation.

“As a Governor of South Carolina, I want to create and keep more jobs in South Carolina, I do encourage small and mid level businesses to prosper and know exactly what it takes to move them to the next level, I have an unwavering commitment to Tax-payers bottom-line, I have a thorough knowledge of present economic conditions and focus on future to help the next generation and the senior citizens”, said Nikki Haley, gubernatorial candidate of South Carolina.

Rao Kalvala, IAFC Board of Director, moderated Q& A interactive session with Nikki Haley.

A group of Indian American youth Sneha IAFC Board members with Nikki Haley from (L-R) - Dr. C.R. Rao, Dr. Niranjan Tripathy, Chebrolu, Sushmi Shetty, representatives of Taiyab Kundawala, Prasad Thotakura, Nikki Haley, Piyush Patel, Rao Kalvala and Dr. Ecoppell Suraj Kalvala, Eesh Shetty and AashSat Gupta. ish Arrey welcomed Nikki Haley with a boubecause of her credible track record in public already holding a double digit lead over Demo- quet of flowers. Prasad Thotakura pledged a service. As a State Legislator, she has fought cratic opponent. donation of $250 from IAFC for the ECoppell for accountability and transparency, fought Nikki Haley while addressing the gathering project to bring environmental awareness to the for wasteful spending at every turn, reputed appreciated the Dallas Indian American com- local citizens. as one of the most honest, hard working and munity for their wonderful support for her Taiyab Kundawala, Secretary of IAFC fiscally conservative legislators in the State; campaign all way along and this is her third thanked all attendees, Nikki Haley and her displayed her leadership skills in fighting back time of coming to Dallas and will be back as staff for taking time to visit Dallas and FunAsiA on false allegations on her with inner strength, Governor one more time just to thank the com- for providing beautiful banquet facility and the resolve, resilience and family support; endorsed munity for their unconditional support. Haley sumptuous lunch.

by Who’s Who of the Republican Party and said that she is very proud of her rich Indian

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Radhanath Swami to Visit Houston In the summer of 1970, Richard Slavin, a 19-year-old spiritual seeker from Chicago, was meditating in a remote cave on the island of Crete when he heard an inner voice, “Go to India.”

Six months later, Richie stood in front of the Hussainiwala Pakistan-India border crossing. Even though he had almost no money, he had hitchhiked, walked and begged his way through Europe, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. In his new book, Journey Home: Autobiography of an American Swami, Radhanath Swami describes an unexpected obstacle to his quest.

I longed for India... My heart and soul was already with the yogis in their mountaintop ashrams. Now, a step from my goal, I stood waiting before the border guard, who gripped my passport to India in her bureaucratic hand. She looked up after some minutes of scrutinizing it, her face expressionless. “Show me how much money you have.”

As I reached nervously into my cloth bag, she leaned forward in her chair. There were only a few coins to her.

Disgust crept across her face. “You require two hundred dollars minimum to enter. You cannot enter... Go back to your own country.” She glared at me. “We have beggars enough. We don’t want another one. You will not enter India. You are rejected. Now go back to where you came from.”

As the sun was setting, I observed that a shift was about to take place at the immigration desk. An elderly man had come to relieve the woman from her duty.

Not knowing what else to do, I meekly approached the new officer, praying in my heart of hearts. I handed him my passport and pleaded, “Please allow me entrance into your great country.”

His voice was cold and disinterested. “ I was warned that you are a nuisance. Now show me sufficient money or go back.”

Tears sprang from my eyes as I explained my life and my spiritual aspirations. “I have left behind the comforts of America to search for India’s spiritual treasures. Risking my life, I’ve hitchhiked all the way from London to reach your homeland. I yearn to find the way to God. Please

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ThiagarajarAlumniAwardsTKannan

T. Kannan receiving plaque from Sam Kannappan with Sudha Jeyam

Karumuttu T. Kannan met with alumni of Thiagarajar College of Arts and Engineering, Madurai on September 19th at Sri Meenakshi Temple. On behalf of the Alumni, Sam Kannappan presented T. Kannan with a plaque reading “Thank you for your service to further the cause of education”

be kind to me. Someday, I promise, to do something good for the people of India... Please give me a chance.”

Tears filled his eyes. “Give me your passport. Sometimes a man must follow his heart. I believe in your words.” With a thump he stamped my legal entrance into India.

“It is done,” he said. “Son, I give you my blessings. May you find the truth you are crying for. Welcome to India.”

Radhanath Swami has sincerely attempted to fulfill his promise to help the people of India. Today, he is in charge of Mumbai’s Radha-Gopinath temple, and he guides thousands of disciples in India as well as many in England, America, Russia and other countries. His disciples in Mumbai provide free meals for approximately 150,000 slum children daily and they teach weekly spiritual programs in the local colleges and universities.

Radhanath Swami also oversees Mumbai’s Bhaktivedanta Hospital, charitable eye camps in Varshana, a spiritual hospice in Vrindavan, a vegetarian farm and gosala in Maharastra, and a bhakti yoga center in Manhattan, New York. Although he had to beg to enter India about forty years ago, he was recently honored at a personal meeting with the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil, in the

presidential house in New Delhi.

According to B.K.S. Iyengar, founder of Iyengar Yoga, the swami’s new autobiography is “A stunning story worth reading. Radhanath Swami’s journey from the external to the internal world is awe-inspiring. His determination as an ardent seeker of truth is clear, for at last he savored seeing the soul face-to-face.

The Journey Home is the story of a seeker who became a seer. May many be inspired to experience what he has experienced.”

Radhanath Swami is scheduled to make a rare visit to Houston - his first in seven years - beginning Thursday, September 30 through Sunday, October 3. He will speak on Saturday, October 2 at 6:30 p.m. on “The Hidden Treasures of India” at India House, 8888 West Bellfort. The program will include a free vegetarian dinner.

He will also speak at several Houston yoga centers and will conclude his stay in Houston with a discourse on Sunday October 3, “Journey to Ecstatic Love” at the Hare Krishna Temple, 1320 West 34 Street, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The program includes cultural entertainment, booksigning and a free vegetarian feast.

For information on all of Radhanath Swami’s programs or to get a copy of his book, call 281-704-5209.

Special Tribute Show on Sangeet Radio for Mahatma Gandhi Week HOUSTON: Sangeet Radio, Houston’s largest South Asian Radio Network, in collaboration with Mahatma Gandhi Library, Inc. will celebrate “1000 Lights for Peace,” and an event honoring Mahatma Gandhi. A production of Rajput Media Services, Sangeet Radio is a proud partner organization for “1000 Lights for Peace,” a project that seeks to create a higher awareness of the inspiring life and work of Mahatma Gandhi.

Sangeet Radio will celebrate Mahatma Gandhi Week during the week of September 27, during its weekday radio broadcast Monday through Friday on 1460 AM, and during its weekend broadcast Saturday and Sunday on 1480 AM. Houston’s #1 Desi Hit Music Station has extended a special invitation to distinguished guests: Honorable Consul General of India, Mr. Sanjiv Arora; “Mattress Mack” Jim McIngvale of Gallery Furniture; and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett for live, in-studio interviews.

The guests will discuss their important roles in the “1000 Lights for Peace” event and its significance to Houston, as well as share special

messages about Gandhi’s legacy and his influence on the world. Additionally, Sangeet Radio will host a special tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on Saturday, October 2, on 1480 AM from 3 pm to 4 pm. Listeners are encouraged to call during the special weekend show tribute that day at 713-777-1480.

“Sangeet Radio is honored to be a partner organization for an event like ‘1000 Lights for Peace,’” said founder and CEO of Rajput Media Services and Sangeet Radio, Mr. Saeed Gaddi. “We encourage the entire city to come and honor the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, who is an iconic figure for the practice of non-violence, truth and peace.

This special event celebrates his dedication and contributions to the world.”

“1000 Lights for Peace” will be held Sunday, October 3, at 5 pm at the Miller Outdoor Theater. The event will begin with a Walk for Peace at 3:30 pm in Hermann Park, followed by international entertainment and tributes. The event also features “light a candle for peace,” which is a pledge to observe peace in one’s own life.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2010 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

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Indo American News • Friday, September 24 , 2010

Tragic End to Battle Over 3 Kids

Father charged with killing his children as they slept, fearing loss of visitation rights By paige hewitt HOUSTON (Chronicle): A 47year-old father worried that he would never see his three children again was charged in their deaths on Sunday, accused of fatally shooting his son and two daughters as they slept in his north Harris County apartment.

Mohammad Goher then turned the gun on himself, firing into his mouth.

Authorities found him unconscious and transported him in stable condition to Ben Taub General Hospital.

He was charged with capital murder.

Goher had threatened to kill or hurt himself if he lost visitation, said Houston attorney Syed Izfar, who was appointed by a court to represent Goher’s three children in a Sept. 24 divorce mediation.

“By all appearances, this was a man who loved his children. What a nightmare,” said Izfar, who planned to recommend standard visitation in the case. “He had it in his mind that the children would be taken away from him forever.”

While there was a history of violence against the mother — including a 2006 conviction against Goher for beating her — Izfar said he was unaware of the father ever harming 14year-old Saeedah, 12-year-old Saeed or 7-year-old Aisha.

“I have documents of everything, all the abuse, and I showed it to everyone, but no one believed me, and they still made me send my kids to him every weekend,” Norma Martinez said in a statement read by Tayseir Mahmoud, a board member at An-Nisa Hope Center, a nonprofit that operates a shelter for battered women.

“She’s been married to this man for 15 years, and she’s gone through a lot of domestic abuse,” Mahmoud said of Martinez, who was too distraught to speak publicly. “Since three years ago, she’s been trying to tell people her story and raise awareness of what’s gong on and nobody really took her seriously.”

In May 2006, Goher was convicted of assault of a family member and placed on deferred adjudication, district attorney’s spokesman George Flynn said. Official records indicate Goher, who was intoxicated, beat

Mohammad Goher, charged with capital murder in the deaths of his three kids is being treated at Ben Taub General Hospital.

his wife with his hands and fists, leaving her bruised and injuring her right hand.

In 2008, Goher took the children to stay with relatives in Pakistan and refused to tell his wife where they were, said Christina Diaz, the vice president of operations for An-Nisa.

Diaz said Martinez, who’s Hispanic, sought help from the FBI, consulates and embassies. She finally reunited with the children about six months ago after An-Nisa volunteers helped her locate them in Pakistan.

The family had lived together in a tiny apartment adjacent to a worndown convenience store where Goher worked in the 13000 block of Homestead until divorce proceedings began last year.

Since then, the children typically visited Goher on weekends and lived with their mother at a north Harris County shelter for battered women, said Harris County Sheriff’s Of Office homicide investigator Sgt. Ben Beall.

The night before the killings, Goher called co-worker Muhommad Riaz distraught that he would lose all custody rights at the coming mediation

and never see his children.

“He was very stressed,” said Riaz, who was stunned to learn of the killings when he reported to work Sunday afternoon. “We talked for an hour.

He said, ‘Everybody is lying and saying I’m a bad guy,’ “ Riaz said.

Around 9 a.m. Sunday, while the children and an older family friend visiting from Pakistan were sleeping, Goher got out a handgun, authorities said. Beall said he shot one of his girls sleeping in a bedroom and shot his other daughter and son sleeping in a king-size bed in a front room. He then crawled onto the bed and shot himself, Beall said.

The gunfire woke the family friend, who speaks little English. She saw the bloodied bodies and ran outside for help.

Neighbor Julio Rodriguez was cutting his grass across the street when another neighbor whistled at him loudly, alerting him to the scene.

He looked over at the store and saw a woman in the store parking lot, frantically waving her arms in the air and screaming loudly.

“She was hysterical,” Rodriguez said. “I heard her screaming, ‘Gun! Gun! Shoot! Shoot!’ I got scared because I knew there were kids in there.” Rodriguez then called 911, and patrolmen arrived moments later to find the children dead.

Harris County homicide detectives went to the shelter Sunday afternoon to tell the mother her three children had been killed. She was inconsolable, Beall said. Neighbors who frequented the store knew little about the family, saying the children were extremely quiet and spent most time indoors.

“We would never see them outside or playing like normal kids,” said 14-year-old Mercedes Sanchez, who attended middle school with one of the girls. Attorney Ifzar recalled the children as normal and happy but struggling with the divorce. “They wanted their parents to stay together,” he said.

Judge Ed Emmett Stresses the Long Relationship between Harris County, India & Indo Americans HOUSTON: Indo-American Political Action Committee of Greater Houston (IAPAC) hosted a luncheon for the heads of several Indo American organizations & IAPAC Board Members with Harris County Judge, Hon Ed Emmett on Sunday September 19, 2010. About 20 Indo American community leaders attended this unique and informal meeting, which was one of many similar interactive meetings with elected officials organized

by IAPAC through the year called I-Luncheon Series standing for IAPAC Luncheon Series.

Commencing the luncheon, immediate Past President of IAPAC, Gitesh Desai welcomed the judge and requested each of the visiting community leaders to introduce themselves both by the organization they represented and talk briefly about their profession.

Judge Emmett started his informal discussions commending IAPAC on the role it played and provided some suggestions on it’s operations that can help it better represent the interests of Indo Americans. He talked about his close association with India and its food.

Judge Emmett talked about the emergency Response System in place in Harris County, which is working 24/7 to deal with any kind of emergency. He talked about Transtar and the state of the art infrastructure available to respond to issues Real Time.

Responding to a query on Metro Rail, Judge Emmett provided his comments on the route and felt Metro Rail and the critical role it plays in the Houston of tomorrow.

He stated the options for the future use of the Astrodome was up in the air and various options are being

explored.

On how IAPAC could assist him, the Judge mentioned one of the ways was to recommend Indo American talent for various Boards/ Commissions. He was informed of the role IAPAC played with the City of Houston in recommending Indo Americans to various Board/ Commission in the city. The Judge stated that he will be happy to have a similar referral for Harris County

by IAPAC. In closing, the Judge thanked IAPAC for organizing the luncheon and requested that such a luncheon be organized on a regular basis.

Closing the event, the co-chair for the event IAPAC Board Member.

Dr. Ramesh Cherivirala thanked the Judge for joining the Indo American Community for the I-Luncheon and thanked the guests for participating in the I-Luncheon Series.

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