E newspaper03202015

Friday, March 20 2015 | Vol. 34, No. 12

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Riyaaz Qawwali Debuts Second Album: “ISHQ”

BY HIRA UDDIN HOUSTON: Asia Society is hosting the album release concert for the acclaimed musical group, Riyaaz Qawwali at The Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theater on Saturday, March 21.

This Saturday at 5 pm, join Asia Society and Riyaaz Qawwali, as they celebrate the long-awaited debut of their second album titled, Ishq. Having recently performed at GlobalFest and featured on NPR, the program/concert will explore the meaning of Ishq (translated as “love” in Urdu) as conveyed through ghazals (a specific poetic styling). With Riyaaz Qawwali’s

mission to expose qawwali to new audiences while still paying homage to the 700 year old tradition, they are pushing the envelope with this new album yet again. Musically, the listener will have 5 original compositions ranging from Raag Madhuvanti, to Raag Desh to Raag Patdeep. And lyrically, they will enjoy the juxtaposition of wonderful poetry (i.e. Ahmed Faraz’s ‘Shikwa’ put next to Tahir Faraz’s ghazal Itna bhi karam unka koi kum to nahi hai). For event details, visit asiasociety.org/ texas/events/asia-society-presentsriyaaz-qawwali-performs-ghazal.

After their groundbreaking multi-faith qawwali album, Kashti, Riyaaz Qawwali continues to delve deeper into the rich literature of South Asia through the musical framework of qawwali. Their new album, Ishq, takes ghazal poetry to show themes of longing , desire, passion and even distrust. Work by poets from India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, were used in the CD and will be showcased at the concert. Poetic inspirations are drawn from famed writers such as Ghalib, Mir, Khusrau and S. Batalvi.

The audience will have the opportunity to listen to the unique musical prowess of the nine multitalented musicians of Riyaaz Qawwali. Although the members are of different spiritual and ethnic backgrounds, their greatest bond is the union in which they are singularly upholding the tradition of qawwali in the United States. The ensemble wants to expand the reach of the genre to people of other faiths and traditions.

Join Asia Society and Riyaaz Qawwali for an unforgettable night of inspirational music, this Saturday!

For further details contact Sonny with Riyaaz Qawwali Party at RiyaazQawwali@gmail.com

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Music and Medicine

Student Concert to Benefit Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative

HOUSTON: Growing up, the rules in the Venkataraman household were relatively standard: finish all the vegetables on your plate, only surf the Internet with parental supervision, and never talk to strangers. When I was13 years old, I managed to successfully break all three rules in the span of 24 hours.

It started like any typical morning. My younger sister and I were running late to school as usual.

In the rush to leave the house, I had conveniently left my vegetable filled lunch on the kitchen counter—strike one. My father turned on NPR, our morning commute station. As usual Fresh Air with Terry Gross was on, indicating that we were, once again, late for school. What I didn’t know at that time, was that the interview I was about to hear would teach me something new, change my career path, and introduce me to one of the greatest mentors I will ever know, Dr. Mark Kline.

Dr. Kline’s interview was about HIV/AIDS and the work that the Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative does all over the world. I was intrigued. Here was a disease that was affecting children all over the world, and I had no idea about it. I wanted to know more. I wanted to help. So I went directly to the Internet, found an email for Dr. Kline and asked him

all my questions—strike two and strike three. Of course, all I could think about at the time was what I could do to help. And thus began a very strong relationship between BIPAI and myself. At the time, my career as a performing and recording Jazz and South Indian violinist had entered its 8th year, and I had decided that my future recordings and performances would be dedicated to raising money for the wonderful work that BIPAI does.

In 2008, I recorded my second album Bliss, and since then, I have performed benefit concerts to raise not only money, but also awareness for this initiative.

Currently, I am a first-year medical school, and we are beginning our unit on infectious disease. I can finally see a second avenue to be able to help BIPAI. I look forward to one day having a medical degree in my hand and being on the front lines with Dr. Kline and the team setting up clinics and offering treatment to individuals with HIV/ AIDS. Perhaps, I will bring my violin along.

Join me March 21 at Cullen Auditorium for a benefit performance for this amazing cause. Baylor international pediatric AIDS program celebrates progress, expansionIn “Community” Aishu Venkataraman www. momentumblog.bcm.edu

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4th Edition of Vedic Fair: A Legacy in Making

BY VANSHIKA VIPIN

KATY: A Vedic Legacy was in the making with Ashirwad – A Blessing entering its 4th edition of ‘Vedic Fair’ on March 14. With a mission to preserve and spread age-old spiritual knowledge to the next generation, Ashirwad – A Blessing, an NGO spearheaded by Geetha Ravula, has been conducting ‘Vedic Fair’ since 2011. It is aimed to create a holistic experience of India for the next generation of Indians residing in Houston through means of various cultural and spiritual activities – ancient prayer rituals, theatre play on the lives of Indian gods and goddesses, workshops on Indian Lifestyle including Interfaith, Exhibit presentation on India, dance, shloka recitation, exhibition of Indian apparel, and Indian cuisine. The Indo-Americans of Houston once again witnessed a mega congregation of spiritual and cultural activities under the banner of Vedic Fair 2015 at Seven Lakes High School, Katy this past Saturday.

Ashirward -A Blessing conducts weekend Hindu spiritual classes for young children in Katy, Cypress and Sugar Land. They also teach moral stories, bhajans, Indian Heritage, Indian lifestyle, Yoga, Meditation, classical dance and much more to the interested students. Vedic Fair is a step forward in an endeavour to engage and invite more people in the Ashirwad-A Blessing movement of spreading awareness on Indian traditions.

This year, the Vedic Fair had a series of interesting activities lined up for the devout audience that included presentations on Indian culture and lifestyle by India Exhibit , Cookery competition, Vedic Shloka reciting competition, ‘DIY’ workshops on Saree style, Henna, Tattoo, Yoga, Meditation, Vedik

Walk by children and a grand play – ‘Krishna-The Blue Man’ directed by Geetha Ravula.

The visitors were in for a surreal amusement when they saw a 5 feet tall Lord Shri Krishna’s Ice idol in the magnanimous diorama of Krishna’s abode – Goloka, Mathura. The entrancing set was created

by Ashirwad-A Blessing’s creative team. To kick-start the evening, Shri Gopala Krishna Pooja was performed at the entrance of the Goloka under the guidance of Sudarshana Venkatesa Iyengar Swamiji and prashad from Dwarka, Vrindavan and Tirupati was distributed to the visitors.

The Indo American children showcased their idea of Indian culture in terms of heritage, lifestyle, gods, temples, music, dance in form of creative presentations.

Bhavana Gollapudi and Ananya Bhonsley were the winners while Ayushi Sapru and Anika Ahuja were the runner ups in the category of 10 and above and 9 and below respectively in the India Exhibit Presentations . Srinidhi Srikalyani was unanimously selected as the winner for the People’s Choice awards for the presentations. The Ashirward Shloka league saw the students competing by reciting the Vedic Shloka whereas a well choreographed Pooja dance performance on ‘Kunnidaado Krishna’ was performed by Abhinaya School of Performing Arts The highlight of the cosmic evening was the mega play ‘Krishna- The Blue Man’ directed by Geetha Ravula. She gathered in together more than 50 plus artists to create a dazzling performance on the life of Lord Shri Krishna.

The majestic costumes, ambient setting reminiscent of the age old era coupled with the music of the flute drew applaud from the visitors. The scene where the Krishna is weighed on one side along with

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Magnanimous diorama of Krishna’s abode: Goloka, Mathura.

all the wealth that her wife has, but the weighing scale refuses to budge and only moves when a Tulsi leaf full of devotion is placed, was appreciated by one and all for the apt use of props on stage. The theme that the ego, jealousy, greed, anger, lust are vices that destroy our soul but devotion to GOD is a nectar that burns these vices away was beautifully depicted through the ancient story telling tradition.

Comments made by a few attending audience emphasized that the play was profoundly presented with eloquent narration in English as they experienced goose bumps in few scenes as if witnessing a live Krishna in action.

Besides the profound play, shloka recitations, dance and Vedik walks, there was an area dedicated specially for 20 plus exhibitors displaying Indian apparels & Indian cuisines. The visitors were seen enjoying the delicious array of Indian delicacies while they soaked in the spiritual aura that was prevalent at the venue.

A cookery competition managed

to create a huge participation of the Indo Americans of Houston.

Healthy and delicious dishes like Quinoa/Red Rice Cutlets with Mango Salsa and Fruit Berry Drink with Chia Seeds prepared

by Renu Ahuja were declared as the winners while the desi Indian tadka dishes like Haryali Paneer and Mughlai Paratha whipped in

by Manisha Mehta won the runner up cash prize.

Geetha and Sri Ravula thanked the partners in support and progress of Vedic Fair’s 4th edition namely Shri Sitaram Foundation, Hindus of Greater Houston, Subhash Gupta, Sachin Sharma, Radha Sharma & Sukhi Kohli, Anand & Dr. Ashima Chauhan, Mandap Creations, Frontier Consulting, ISKCON, Sanatan Hindu Center, India Culture Center, Gujarati Samaj of Houston, Katy Indian Cultural Association, Islamic Society of Greater Houston, Sikh Center of Houston, JVB Preksha Meditation Center, Universal Door Meditation Center, Vedic Bazaar Vendors, Participants, Parents

and all the Media friends. Geetha Ravula thanked all Ashirwad team members for their unconditional service, appreciated Kid’s participation in presenting heritage and dearly appreciated Ashutosh and Sonali Sapru, Bindu and Vivek Bhonsley, Ravi Sethuraman and Priya Ravi, Priya Muralidharan, Vikas Ahuja, Sailesh Kaparaju, Anish Kumar, Srividya Shyamkumar and Anuradha Mahurkar for months of hard work and dedicated service.

Continuing the proud legacy of Ashirwad- A blessing, she announced the theme for Vedic Fair’s 5 th edition – Lord Rama’s abode SAKET LOK and Prime Time Play –‘ Rama- Lord of 16’.

Photos: Sujay Ramagoni and Vinod Conikee

For photo collage, see pages 14-15

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ASIE: Year 2015 Started With Full Slate of Events

From left: Ashish Bagga, current President Raj Basavaraju, Past President Sekhar Ambadapudi, and Hari Jaswal. Sitting (from left): Sai Gowthami, Scholarship Recipient Alexy Idicula, Priya Patel, and Poolkeshi Patel.

BY DINESH SHAH, MBA, PE HOUSTON: American Society of Indian Engineers and Architects known as ASIE started year 2015 with by participating in several technical and educational events

under the leadership of current President, Raj Basavaraju. The month of February was a very busy month for ASIE, as board members and members volunteered many hours of their time by attending four major events. In ad-

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dition to two pictured events, ASIE also participated in Math Counts competition and Science & Engineering Fair of Houston (SEFH).

The Math Counts was held at Flour Corporation in Sugar Land.

Thirteen ASIE members served as volunteers for this Greater Houston (Region IV) Math Counts Chapter competition. Sekhar Ambadapudi and Rohit Desai served as proctors, and Mahesh Wadhwa, Vishal Merchant, Raj Basavaraju, Sai Gowthami, Poolkeshi Patel, Raghu Veturi, Shashi Velugati, Sai Rachakonda, Vas Vellore, Priya Patel, and Gaju Patel served as Graders.

The SEFH was held at University of Houston on February 28th at the Athletic /Alumni Center. ASIE was the Special Awarding Agency and was represented by eleven volunteers. ASIE provided fourteen 1st place awards in the Junior, Ninth Grade and Senior Divisions for Individual and Team Projects in Aerospace, Chemical, Electrical & Mechanical, and Materials & Bio engineering categories. Hasmuskh Doshi, Showri Nandagiri, Roy Joseph, Sekhar Ambadapudi, Raj Basavaraju, Sai Gowthami, Raghu Veturi, Shashi Velugati, Lacchman

UH EAA Reception, University of Houston, The event was held at U of H Hilton on February 24. Several members of ASIE attended the event. ASIE presented $500 scholarship to the senior civil engineering student.

Dass, Sandeep Patil, Bhoom Reddy Korpol, Shravani Reddy Korpol, and Sankar Roy were jduges for the competition.

University of Houston Prospective Student Evening - This event was organized by India House. ASIE President Raj Basavaraju and Secretary Sai

Gowthami attended the event. During the financial discussion as a part of the program, they presented an overview of ASIE. One of the goal of ASIE is to promote the future of students, particularly last several years ASIE had given scholarship to many students of U of H.

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MP Mitra Mandal Members Enjoyed Holi at Bear Creek Park

Photos: Navin Mediwala

HOUSTON: Madhya Pradesh Mitra Mandal (MPMM) organized Holi Picnic on Sunday, March 15 at Bear Creek Park, in Houston, Texas. It was attended by 200+ people who enjoyed delicious lunch prepared by several families, fresh made Thandai, Sev-Parmal, Masala Chai, performances from attendees and playing with colors during this daylong event.

The feeling of togetherness, the bonding between families & friends and the cordial atmosphere made this gathering fun & entertaining.

After introduction of new families, there were performances by kids and adults which captured one and all. Surprise package for audience was flash mob dance by the troop of Amit & Ruchika of Bollywood Shake with 20+dancers, which was so energetic and treat to watch. On audience demand, they had to do it once more.

After all mauj-masti and food, everyone played Holi with col-

ors (Gulal), in the park in a fun and festive way. Kids, youth and adults, equally enjoyed playing with colors in beautiful outdoor weather. Colors & Gifts were sponsored by Jhanvi Thakar.

This event was organized by Ashish & Pallavi Jain, Gagan & Shilpa Pandey, Manish & Richa Sharma, Ashish & Mukul Kudaria, Gaurav Upmanyu, Nikhil Jain Jr & Devendra Sharma. Their Planning, hard work and execution made it best ever MPMM picnic by far. We also would like to thank Navin Mediwala for capturing stunning images of this picnic.

For the past few years, response to MPMM picnic has been so overwhelming that RSVP had to be closed 2 weeks before the event, to ensure that picnic is managed well by the volunteers.

MP Mitra Mandal is an informal community group made up of people who have come from Madhya Pradesh or Chhattisgarh to Texas.

These states reflect “unity in diversity” in true sense which is visible amongst the people who attend

MPMM events in Houston. This group was started in Houston in the year 2001 by Ashish Bhandari and Nikhil Jain and has grown to over 225 families belonging to various cities like Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Bilaspur, Raipur, Gwalior Bhilai etc., who are also registered on the group’s website http://www. mp.abindore. com . Its events have been covered by various media groups in Houston as well as in leading news media in Madhya Pradesh in the past.

Read us online at

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12 March 20, 2015 Anshuman Desai: New HGH President HOUSTON: The recent appointment of long time Houstonian Anshuman Desai as the president of HGH heralds the emergence and establishment of “One voice,” a “united Hindu voice.”

Desai, is proud of his Hindu Identity and not shy of showing his Hindu pride. He has committed himself to reinvigorate the HGH, by focusing on the organization’s mission, goals and objectives to ensure that HGH will reflect and resonate as the authentic voice of all Hindus in the greater Houston area.

Recognizing the enormous efforts by all the past leaders having created an enormous presence of Hindus in Houston, the new president is keen and determined to take it to higher plains and be recognized as the oldest and third largest faith of humanity by the mainstream of Americans.

Desai’s spirit of volunteerism and his success in mentoring the youth bear testimony

to his ability and skills in shaping an influential Hindu community organization.

Desai thanks his mother for imbibing in him the interest in volunteerism as she used to work as a nurse’s helper in Municipal Hospital in Ahmedabad, offering her services in all areas, including cleaning the premises. The family’s status did not interfere with her attitude of rendering help to others, without being asked to do so.

His father, who was a leading educator in Gujarat, came to the U.S. in 1955 as a Fulbright scholar to do his master’s in education at Columbia University. It was his father who instilled in young Anshuman the mentoring skills that has become his habit in all dealings.

Desai himself came to the U.S. in 1977 to do his master’s degree in industrial engineering.

The new president may not be too in-

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volved in religious rituals, but places greater emphasis on “Karma Yoga” and “Jnana Yoga,” that is to do service and to nurture spiritual knowledge.

For more than 10 years at Chinmaya Mission Houston he was in charge of Youth and Family activities and various special projects. Though not an active member of the Jain community, he dedicated his work at the Jain Center Houston at a critical time by leading a team of youngsters in completing the temple construction. He was able to play a critical role in installing the deities and help open the temple on time in 1995.

Other organizations he has participated are JVP Preksha Meditation Center and the Mahatma Gandhi Library.

Desai was also associated with Sewa International, especially in building a team to organize monthly workshops for Sewa International. In addition, he has also been ac-

tive in the Interfaith Ministry and serves as a member of steering committee for HIDRA at the Ministry.

Anshuman believes in not reinventing the wheel, but to build upon the strength of HGH and other participating Hindu organizations to serve the whole of Hindu community.

Youth initiative being a major program for HGH this year, “We should make youth feel valuable , mentor while setting specific goals and expectations, provide a platform for service and recognition as deserved, then only they will get involved in service under the Hindu banner,” Desai says. His goal is to bring all Hindus together and develop significant projects led by HGH under Hindu banner to address community needs that are changing as we grow in number and age.

Many Hindus in Houston do not belong to any religious organizations. HGH will provide a forum for all Hindus to work collectively, without competing with any other organization.

While each secular and religious organization is important in its own right, HGH needs to be focused on its Mission by limiting its involvement only where it fits its Vision and Mission as an organization. Desai does not prefer the word “umbrella” organization and prefers it to be a march towards Hindu Federation with much broader vision to represent and serve the larger Hindu community.

He believes that Hindus should be able to show their “Hindu Pride ” identity without any sense of guilt of hurting people of other faiths, as we are third largest religion in Houston.

The Hindu community in Houston is at a stage where “we need to establish our own identity,” Desai says.

HGH also should provide solutions for issues that affect three different generations as we are growing and aging.

HGH will continue its current activities like the Hindu Youth Awards, Janmashtami and the Diwali food drive. This year’s Hindu Youth Awards and Fundraising Gala will be held at Chinmaya Mission Houston on Saturday, April 11.

His objective is to work with the Advisory Board, planning, consulting and using their guidance that can promote and propel the broader objectives of HGH as stipulated by its Mission Statement.

HGH will expand its presence in the mainstream community and establish response teams to react during emergencies and to respond to the media, according to Desai.

“I feel that all the stars are aligned for HGH to achieve its objectives: its vision, its mission and a highly experienced team, are all in place. A strong organization focused on its illustrious goals will make Hindus of Greater Houston synonymous with United Voice of all Hindus,” says Desai.

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Sri Lakshmi Sannidhi Nirmana Prarambha Puja at Sri Meenakshi Temple

BY DR P. VADUGANATHAN & G.N. PRASAD

PEARLAND: Sri MeenakshiTemple Society (MTS) is engaged in a major project called Main Temple Renovation Project (MTRP) which includes expansion of the Maha Mandapam of the main temple, Prakaram for all the three main Sannidhis and a new Maha Lakshmi sanctum with Vimanam and Prakaram. A key milestone of this project was celebrated at MTS on Sunday march 15th with Sri Lakshmi Sannidhi Prarambha Puja with Ashtalakshmi Yagnam (initiation ceremony of the new Lakshmi Sanctum).

As the devotees walked in to the Ganesh temple, in a pradhakshina around the new Ganesh Temple to the back of the prakaram, they were enchanted to see the five beautiful peacocks dancing and showing off their feathers. That set the stage for the rapturous day to unravel.

After a weeklong rain, a picture perfect weather greeted the four hundred plus devotees who attended this blissful event. The days event started with the invocatory blessings of Sri Vishvakshena (Lord Ganesha) after which devotees took the Yagna offerings in a procession circumbulating the outer walls into the Rajagopuram to enter the inner walls of the temple to the auspicious Nadaswaram and other instrumental music. After receiving the blessings of each of the Pradhana Moorthies, Sri Sundareswara, Sri Meenakshi, Sri Venkateswara and Sri Padmavathi, where the devotees placed the homam offerings.

Punya Vachana and recitation of Sri Lakshmi Sostras and vedic chanting was conducted to the Mahalakshmi Utsavamurthy, resplendent in a majestic decorated pedestal and set the scene for the ensuing Mahalakshmi Yagnam conducted by our eminent priests at the site for the Mahalakshmi Sannidhi, with the sublime chanting by Priests Sri Sridharan Raghavan, Sri Manicka Bhattar, Sri Pavan Kumar Bhasyam, Sri Doraiswmay Bhattar, Sri Sriman Narayana Rompicharyulu.

The devotees enthusiastically recited Mahalakshmi ashtakam as the priests were offering the specially delivered 108 Lotus flowers in the yagnam. About 20 new donors carried the gold brick and followed the beautiful Mahalakshmi as she was carried around the main temple.

Priest Sridhar Raghavan pointed out the smile on the face of Mahalakshmi as she was carried up high around the temple.

A delicious lunch awaited them at the end of the puja. The MTS chairman Dr Vaduganathan thanked all the Temple staff and volunteers who came on Saturday to prepare for the puja by cutting vegetables and making rava laddu, as well as the Board and council members and devotees for attending this very first Mahalak-

Devotees captivated in the Homam

Purna Huthi offering to the Homam

Sri Mahalakshmi Utsava Murthy with the Homam offerings

The Peacocks celebrated the Sri Lakshmi Prarambha Puja with their beautiful dance at MTS

shmi Yagnam at MTS. The 400 rava laddus were long gone before the line finished. The Fund raising committee chair AVN Reddy, while describing the progress of the MTR project,

acknowledged the broad base support given through the number of donors.

Devotees stayed captivated in an unforgettable experience throughout the day.

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18 March 20, 2015 Thumbs Up from Lagarde

EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY The Story of Shunya

BY BRISHTI GUHA

Visiting New Delhi this week International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde has lauded India for being a ‘bright spot’ on a cloudy global horizon, urged the government to seize its opportunity and even told students at Lady Shri Ram College that she would personally invest her money in India. Her positive prediction that India’s GDP would be double in size by 2019 from what it was in 2009 is of a piece with similar gung-ho declarations of faith by visiting high profile dignitaries, corporate honchos and economists in the past. With its young demography, huge market size and managerial prowess India has for years been thought of as ready for take off.

Indian potential is not the issue, implementation is. The fact is that India’s upward economic journey has been held back so far by the limited imaginations and risk-averse predilections of a political and bureaucratic class that has so far proved loath to give up control and remain bound by the sloth of existing decisionmaking structures.

Lagarde herself has pointed to the need to reform complex and outdated labour laws, ease land acquisition laws and simplify other procedures. Yet, at a time when India needs an honest and intelligent conversation on its economic direction, MPs remain embroiled in needless controversies such as the colour of women’s skins, tasteless remarks on HRD minister Smriti Irani and over-hyped issues such as the security check on Rahul Gandhi.

We have benefited from the first set of economic reforms in 1991 but stalled investments show that India desperately needs its next game-changing round of liberalisation.

Part of the problem is that we still don’t have a wider political consensus on the case for economic reforms and whether they benefit industry alone or the average Indian as well — see, for instance, the accompanying opinion essay on the blind spots of today’s land acquisition debate. This is why almost all parties push for investments when in power but otherwise oppose any liberalisation in the name of protecting the poor. BJP played the same game when in opposition and is now reaping the whirlwind.

Unless politicians get their act together, the economy may remain perpetually stranded on the runway poised for take off but never quite making it — like the proverbial HAL air force jet trainer that never quite materialises. Times of India

In 6th century BC, a mathematician named Pythagoras proved that the square of the hypotenuse of any right-angled triangle is the sum of the squares of its two other sides.

By doing so, he acquired everlasting fame. The immediate reception of the proof must have been gratifying for him as well; the Greek colony of Croton declared a 10-day holiday in celebration and had 100 oxen killed, treating the entire population of the colony to a sumptuous feast.

Pythagoras had officially become an academic superstar.

We know far less about how the “Pythagorean” theorem was received 200 years before Pythagoras, in 8th century BC India, when the same result was pointed out by Baudhayana in his Sulba Sutra. Baudhayana showed that the square formed by the “diagonal” of a triangle has the combined area of the squares formed by the length and breadth of the triangle — the geometric analogue of the Pythagoras theorem.

Let’s skip 200 years forward to see what Pythagoras did after proving his theorem. He asserted that any number, no matter how large, could be expressed as a perfect ratio of two natural numbers (that is, he believed all numbers were rational). One day, a student (named Hippasus, according to most ancient commentators) made a major discovery. The square root of 2 could never be exactly expressed as a ratio! Yet, Pythagoras’s theorem had already proved that the square root of 2 had a real physical meaning: it was the length of the hypotenuse of an isosceles triangle whose other two sides were of length 1. Pythagoras was now presented with a major threat to his reputation: if he were to uphold the Pythagorean theorem, he must accept that his statement about all numbers being rational was wrong.

His way out of the dilemma was chillingly simple — he murdered his student. Poor Hippasus paid with his life for his intellectual curiosity.

Academics’ lives were relatively more peaceful in ancient India, as far as we know. There was a lack of any rigid preconceptions about

the world of numbers. Baudhayana (and later Aryabhata) do not seem to have had the least trouble accepting that numbers could be irrational — both provided approximations for the square root of 2, and “pi”, without being disturbed by the fact that neither could be exactly expressed as a ratio of two natural numbers.

We might presume that less illustrious Greeks — the ones who transacted their day-to-day business in the marketplace — had an easy time dealing with the numbers needed to settle their accounts. This wasn’t the case, though. Arithmetic was extremely difficult before the invention of our modern place-value number system. Just think of Roman numerals to understand why. What’s more, the Greeks did not have a zero.

They were uncomfortable with the concept of a void. Nor did they have negative numbers, as it made no sense to subtract a larger area from a smaller one.

Thus begins our story of zero as a concept — a story that takes us to India of the 6th and 7th centuries AD, the era of the mathematician Brahmagupta. Even before Brahmagupta, other mathematicians had been using zero, but only as a symbol; they did not know how to perform arithmetical operations with it. Brahmagupta was the first to clearly define zero (as what remains when a number is subtracted from itself) and to explore all its properties.

The zero, or shunya, could now be fully integrated into arithmetic and completed the place-value decimal system. Brahmagupta also invented negative numbers as a concept. Rather than treat numbers simply as abstract

concepts, however, Brahmagupta was also able to give negative numbers practical significance by calling them “debts” — something that must have instantly resonated with lenders and borrowers.

Brahmagupta’s major work on mathematics, the Brahmasphutasiddhanta or The Opening of the Universe, was written in 628 AD. More than a century later, around 770 AD according to al-Biruni, Caliph alMansur of Baghdad heard about Brahmagupta through a visiting Indian scholar, Kanka, who brought with him a copy of the Brahmasphutasiddhanta and would commission an Arabic translation of his book.

The Arabs then gradually became comfortable with the concept of zero, which they called sifr. However, zero remained unknown to Europe for another 400 years, until the Moors conquered Spain and brought zero with them. Accountants and businessmen all over Europe eagerly adopted it, finding a simple way of balancing their books by having their assets and liabilities sum to zero. But governments were not as keen — Florence banned it in 1299. One reason provided was that it would be easy for cheats to inflate figures simply by adding a zero at the end. Merchants, however, were not ready to give up zero so easily, and continued to use a secret symbol for it despite the ban.

Zero, or sifr, thus became associated with secret codes — the origin of the modern term “cipher”.

Brahmagupta could not have known how his number system, complete with zero and negative numbers, would become the number system, just as Baudhayana may not have anticipated how famous his result would become. Unfortunately for them, Baudhayana’s result is now known only as the Pythagorean theorem, while few people know Brahmagupta as the genius behind “Arabic numerals”. (Ironically, the Arab mathematician al-Khowarizmi, who became famous for Arabic numerals, referred to them as “Hindu numerals”.) IE The writer is associate professor of economics, School of International Studies, JNU, Delhi

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HOUSTON: MALAY VYAS CHICAGO: NAND KAPOOR INDIA: RAJ KANWAR, ASEEM KULKARNI ®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 4 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, MARCH 20, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

March 20, 2015

19

Namadwaar Celebrates 5th Anniversary with Nama Sankirtan HOUSTON: Global Organization for Divinity (GOD) and Love to Share Foundation celebrated the fifth anniversary of Houston Namadwaar Prayer House on March 7 and 8 with the singing of the glories and Names of God, and community service respectively.

Nama-dwaar means “portal of the Divine Name”, and it is a prayer house where the Divine Names of God (in the form of the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Mahamantra) are chanted continuously. Established under the guidance of HH Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji, Namadwaar strives to bring peace and happiness to the lives of everyone through the Divine Names, which our scriptures and saints proclaim as the most effective solace in this Age. To commemorate the occasion, GOD Houston performed 48 continuous days of Mahamantra kirtan at different Houston-area homes, which came to a conclusion on the anniversary day.

Also, there was an ongoing endeavor to render the almost 600 divine musical compositions of HH Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji in Namadwaar, that had commenced in December.

This endeavor too, fittingly, was completed during Namadwaar’s anniversary celebration, with continuous 12 hours of singing.

The concluding session of this allday bhajan was led by many singers from around the Houston area on March 7 evening. This was followed

by a discourse on the greatness of the Divine Name by Smt. Hema Kalyan from Dallas. The day’s program concluded with a commemorative live telephone message from India

by Sri Ramanujamji, disciple of HH Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji, who spoke about the purpose and essence of Nama and Namadwaar. Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji had also given a blessing message for the occasion, which was then read out to all who were present.

On Sunday, March 7, continuous Mahamantra chanting was performed for 12 hours. Also, as in previous years, Love to Share Foundation (LTSF) performed community service on the occasion of Namadwaar’s anniversary. This year’s service was for Forgotten Angels, a Pearlandarea nonprofit that provides housing and care for people with disabilities and special-needs. LTSF volunteers

trimmed bushes and spring cleaned homes that house Forgotten Angels’ care-receivers.

Namadwaar Prayer House is located at 3642 Bailey Ave, Manvel TX 77578, in the Pearland area, close to SH 288. Regular weekly programs include Mahamantra chanting every day 7-8 am and 6-7 pm, and for 12 hours continuously on Sundays, 7 am to 7 pm; Family bhajan satsang and lunch on Saturdays 11 am to 12.30 pm; Srimad Bhagavatam class on Saturdays 10 to 11 am; Gopa Kuteeram children’s classes on Saturdays 10 to 11:30 am; Sanskrit classes on Saturdays 9 to 10 am; and Divine Name meditation session on Sundays 7:15 to 8 am.

For more information about GOD USA and Namadwaar visit www.godivinity.org, and for more information about Love to Share Foundation, visit www.lovetosharefoundation.org.

Keeping up With School and Sickness

Common colds are the main reason that children miss school. Each year in the United States, there are millions of cases of the common cold, and while adults average 2-3 colds per year, children can experience even more, according to the Center for Disease Control. If your child isn’t feeling well, staying home from school is a great way to help them recover, but it can also lead to missed school work.

In order to keep your child healthy and flu-free, make sure to: Wash hands –Washing hands frequently with warm soap and water throughout the day is an easy and simple way to stay healthy. Have your child sing the ABC’s so they know how long to rinse.

Disinfect surfaces –By cleaning counters, door knobs, keyboards, cell phones, table tops, etc., you’re able to protect your child from harmful

bacteria.

Cover mouth when coughing –Encourage your child to cover his/her face when coughing or sneezing. Be sure to disinfect after.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands –This is how viruses enter the body.

If your child exhibits signs of sickness, the following are good indicators he or she should stay home from school.

Temperature rises above 100.4 –If your child has a fever, make sure to have your child stay home from school and wait until he or she has been fever free for 24 hours before returning to school or visiting others.

If your child has vomited in the last 24 hours –Always look for signs of dehydration and provide them with plenty of fluids.

Cold-like symptoms –if your child is coughing, has cold-like symptoms accompanied by a fever, or has shortness of breath, it is best to keep your child home.

If in fact your child does need to stay home, here are a few tips for your child to stay up-to-date on schoolwork while out sick.

Collect homework – Stopping by when the school bell rings to grab classroom assignments and homework is a great way to keep your child

on top of lessons and assignments.

Work on problems –While it’s not a classroom, going through a lesson plan at home will help your child stay caught up and will set him or her up for success when the times comes to return to school.

Push your child to do what he or she can - While it is important to get plenty of rest in order to return to good health, try to communicate with your child regularly during sickness to determine what he/or she may feel up to doing. For example, your student may be able to catch up on some reading for school while lying in bed or on the couch, rather than watching a movie. This is a low energy, quiet activity that will still allow your child to lay low, but will also help prevent your child from feeling too behind when he or she returns to school.

For more information about Best in Class services for your student, or about current franchising opportunities, visit www.bestinclasseducation.com or call toll-free at 1.888.683.8108.

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TRAVEL/COMMUNITY

Kathmandu: For You, Too!

Bhaktawar, the largest of the Newa Kingdoms in the Kathmandu Valley, is known for its architecture, arts and handicrafts, and not to be missed.

Buffalo momos are a tasty and filling street food.

BY ASEEM KULKARNI

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NEW DELHI: I never really considered Kathmandu for a long weekend getaway. During the winter, people just naturally migrate south for a beach holiday or just to relax in a hot climate.

Even for tourists in the region, most consider Kathmandu to be a stopping point for trekking, or between India, Tibet, Bhutan, and/or China. Nonetheless, flight fares to Kathmandu from India were incredibly reasonable and I decided to take the plunge.

If you only have a few days to spare, Kathmandu is a great city to soak up a different culture.

While India plays host to quite a large Nepalese community, there is still a great deal of cultural stereotypes many Indians harbor against our neighbors in the North. There’s the idea that the Nepalese are hill people and overzealous Hindus and Buddhists. I’m not here to preach, but during my short visit, I was amazed at how hospitable, welcoming, and kind many of them acted toward me. It just goes to show you how unfounded these sterotypes are. Don’t let those misconceptions stop you from visiting!

Since Tibet is Nepal’s next door neighbor, it’s amazing to see and experience their culinary influence on the city. If you’re a momo lover, Kathmandu is almost heavenly. There are numerous momo stands dotting the city, serving up delicious buffalo, cheese, or veg momos. There’s also the famous Tongba Beer, an alcoholic drink created by the indigenous Limbu people. It’s an interesting millet-based alcohol concoction, where you basically pour hot water into the container filled with red millet and let the grains ferment. If you’re a teetotaler, Nepal has a great coffee scene.

The Nepalese flag is being carried to Durbar Square.

Because of its location within the Himalayas, Nepal has been developing their coffee production, with tasty and satisfying results.

Many are aware that Kathmandu hosts some incredible Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, and monasteries, and amazing escapes to Himalayan towns and villages. Those certainly should not be overlooked.

However, one of the more interesting sites Kathmandu has to offer is the Narayanhiti Palace.

The palace was the official residence of the Nepalese royal family.

In 2001, the Crown Prince Dipendra shot nine members of the royal family before killing himself. It’s super macabre, but the events afterwards, including the overthrowing of the monarchy in 2006, make the palace one of the most interesting sights to see in Kathmandu. The palace now serves as a museum, set up by the current government.

Unlike many far flung countries to visit, Nepal is among the few close countries with no visa requirements for Indian and American passport holders. Add to that the Indian rupee being stronger than the Nepalese rupee, and is widely accepted at most establishments throughout Kathmandu.

While it hasn’t always been considered an ideal getaway, Kathmandu, Nepal offers up a wealth of new cultural insight and unique cuisines to sample—all at fairly economical rates.

Look into heading there for your next quick vacay!

Aseem Kulkarni is New Delhi correspondent for Indo-American News.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

Rama Navami: Celebrate Lord Rama’s Appearance Day at ISKCON of Houston HOUSTON:Many millennia ago, in an age what the Vedic scriptures call Treta Yuga, an incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead descended on earth as Lord Ramachandra in Ayodhya. Born to King Dasharatha and his chaste wife Kaushalya on the 9th day of the month of Chaitra, Lord Rama exemplified the perfect person as is recorded in the great epic Ramayana. He demonstrated characteristics of an ideal king, an exemplary brother and a devoted husband.

For worshippers of Vishnu or Krishna, Rama Navami is a very auspicious day as it signifies the appearance of the revered incarnation who defined principles of dharma and righteousness.

Devotees observe a fast and chant the holy names of the Lord with sincerity. Many also prefer to read from sacred scriptures like the Srimad Bhagavatam and the Ramayana that describe His extraordinary pastimes.

On Saturday, March 28th, ISKCON of Houston will be celebrating this festival starting at 5 pm. There will be a discourse discussing the glories of Sri Rama and His pastimes from the Ramayana. This will be followed by sacred worship with aarti and chanting of holy names. There will be cultural programs with drama presentations and more. These will be followed with a grand feast.

Rama Navami is a chance for all of us to cleanse ourselves of all negativity and fill our hearts with love and devotion. Come join in for the festivities! Jai Sri Ram! Iskcon of Houston | 1320 West 34th St, Houston, TX 77018 | www.iskconhouston.org Connect with us: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

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March 20, 2015

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two complimentary tickets to Houston Museum of Natural Science. (for first three entrees only) Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com or mail to 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036.

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ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT Movie Review: NH10

BY SRIJANA MITRA DAS So, NH10 is a film you both hate and love. Meera (Anushka) and Arjun (Neil) are a happy yuppie couple living in a Gurgaon of multinationals, malls and molesters. The duo gets a gun after Meera narrowly escapes an attack one night. Deciding to take a road-trip, they head down NH10 and see an eloping couple caught and savagely beaten at a roadside dhaba by a gang.

When Arjun intervenes, rustic Satbir (Darshan) slaps him, snarling the girl’s his sister. Despite Meera’s pleading, Arjun grabs their gun and follows the gang, only to witness the couple’s brutal ‘honour’ killing.

What happens when Meera and he are discovered by the gang? And when, by mistake, the yuppies kill a village lad?

It’s easy to hate NH10 while watching it because it’s one of the most terrifying Hindi films ever - while simultaneously, you love its brilliance.

The film’s story, apparently inspired

by Eden Lake, is truly taut, no moment letting you relax, no layer - like Meera’s vulnerability against both Arjun’s ego and the vicious gang - comforting. Every performance delivers a punch, Anushka excelling as Meera on whose glossy life dark horror descends, her acting as remarkable as her commitment to produce

this film which has no band, baaja, baraat - only brutality.

There are constant twists (cops backing caste laws over India’s law) and spots which you imagine offer some rest, like Meera meeting a lady sarpanch Ammaji (Deepti Naval), packing away a girl’s clothes, only bring new shocks. Sound itself - heart throbbing, water dripping, the wail of a song dying on an eerie wind somewhere - becomes a fearsome

character here.

The stark cinematography delves parched ravines and pale mustard fields, one shot - a highway sheeted in blue moonlight, covered with stars, dotted by thorns magical beauty.

Its cutting-edge finesse ensures NH10 puts your nerves through a shredder. Small plot quibbles aside - would a young yuppie really endanger himself and his wife to chase a gang of murderous hoods he met five minutes ago?

- NH10 is not a movie for the fainthearted or those wanting a fun filmi frolic. This is a dark tale from beyond ‘the aakhri mall, where democracy ends’, where jeeps become beasts and where there are no dividers between hunters, hunted and haunted.

NH10 is a relentless thriller you wish you could see with your eyes closed - because truly, as its song goes, chill gaye naina.

-Timesof India

March 20, 2015

The Hit Singer of ‘90s is back, Altaf Raja Croons for Hunterrr

NEW DELHI: It’s yesterday once again. After crooning for a series of chartbusters in the ‘90s, hit singer Altaf Raja is back once again, and how. Raja has lent his voice to a song in the upcoming film Hunterrr, and the number is already topping popularity charts.

The song, called Dil Lagaana, is also used to disclose the film’s plot: Hunterrr is about a sex-addict named Mandar Ponkshe (played by Gulshan Devaiah). Written by Khamosh Shah, Dil Lagaana features Altaf Raja and

Gulshan Devaiah in an autorickshaw.

Raja, also known for his qawwalis such as Tum toh thehre pardesi and Tumse kitna pyaar hai, recently lent his voice for a promotional song in Emraan Hashmi’s Ghanchakkar also.

Directed by Harshvardhan Kulkarni, the film also stars Radhika Apte in a pivotal role.

Hunterr is scheduled to hit the screens on March 20, 2015.

-HindustanTimes

Last week’s edition can be found online. Issue dated June 27,2014. inyour Small Continuing, freeSpecializing radicals are made in body as byproducts of natural processes, called Business Commercial Loans oxidative processes. In the same way that car exhaust is created when you run an engine to power the car, free radicals are formed by the oxidative processes to power your body.

Although these processes are very efficient, free radical formation is inevitable in small amounts—even the most efficient engine will produce exhaust.

There are many healthy roles for free radicals, though. For instance, nitric oxide is a free radical that is used by cells to communicate with other cells. In fact it is necessary for proper nervous system function and blood pressure control.

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STOCKS • FINANCE • SOUTH ASIAN MARKETS • TECHNOLOGY

Market Outlook: Inflation Data, Global Cues to Set Tone for Mkts This Week, Say Experts NEW DELHI: Inflation data based on wholesale price index for February, global cues and developments in the ongoing session of Parliament would dictate the near-term trend on the bourses, say experts.

Besides, overseas investment trends, movement of rupee against US dollar and buzz on how soon US interest rates may inch northward will also be crucial for markets, they added.

The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex concluded last week at 28,503.30, reflecting a sharp fall of 945.65 points, or 3.21 per cent. This is the biggest weekly fall in 2015. After retail inflation data came higher-than-expected, speculation is rife that RBI will pause before cutting rates aggressively.

“This week, participants would be eyeing corporate advance tax data, which could provide cues on March

quarter earnings. Developments in the ongoing session of Parliament will also be closely watched. On the macro economic front, inflation data based on wholesale price index for February, 2015 will be unveiled on Monday,” said Jayant Manglik, President-retail distribution, Religare Securities.

The Budget session commenced on February 23 and concludes on May 8.

However, first part of the session will continue till March 20 and will again reconvene after a month.

Among global events, a two-day meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is scheduled on March 17-18, 2015. Investors will closely be watching Fed chief Janet Yellen’s conference for any hints on how patient the central bank will be before tightening its monetary policy, he added.

Both local as well as foreign investors are keeping a close eye on the US interest rate outlook. Some experts see the domestic markets moving sideways in the near-term.

“After Union budget, the most anticipated macro event which is watched by markets worldwide is the FOMC meet that is scheduled this week where markets fear rate hike by Fed backed by reviving growth and better-than-expected jobs numbers.

We expect the markets to remain sideways bullish this week,” said Hiren Dhakan, Associate Fund Manager, Bonanza Portfolio.

Among other events, US industrial production data for the month of February is due on March 16. Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) two-day monetary policy review is scheduled on March 17 and 18.

-Thefinancialexpress.com

No Retrospective Taxation, Says Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

BY PRASUN SONWALKAR NEW DELHI:Finance minister Arun Jaitley has said that the Narendra Modi-led NDA government would not move on retrospective taxation, and would let previous tax notices and what he called ‘legacy issues’ from the earlier government be sorted through India’s judicial system.

Asked about recent tax notices to Cairn Energy, Jaitley told newspersons on Saturday that ‘earlier notices’

would need to be sorted through the judicial process.

Any investigating tax officer who would now want to levy such taxes would need clearance from the Central Board of Direct Taxes, he said.

“The new government will not move for retrospective taxation. We accepted what courts said in the Vodafone tax case. We did not challenge the rulings. But there are legacy issues from the previous government, which can be sorted through the

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courts,” he said.

Stating that there was ‘huge amount of enthusiasm’ among investors about India, Jaitley said that during his meetings in London the investors were keen to scrutinise on two counts: whether the government was moving incrementally on what it had promised, and whether the government was able to overcome ‘obstructions’ to reform.

-hindustantimes.com

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28 March 20, 2015

India: Middle-order Masterclass Hides Troubles at the Top

BY SHARDA UGRA

AUCKLAND (ESPN Cricinfo): In an otherwise strong campaign, India will be wary of the fact that their openers have struggled to come out firing and are time and again being bailed out by others down the order On Saturday, Eden Park turned into New Delhi or Mohali, with an IPL match being played well into the night. The ground was not quite full, but the noise was the unmistakable sound of Indian fans at high volume backed by bangra pop and Bollywood.

A fortnight ago though, the perfect storm had broken over Eden Park when New Zealand took on Australia and windowpanes had shattered around the neighbourhood. Saturday night was not half bad either, with 30,000 Indian expats in the house as India chased down their highest World Cup score in beating Zimbabwe by six wickets.

The partnership between Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni gift-wrapped the final leg of India’s seamless progress in what is the their best ever performance at a World Cup going into the knockouts. The game ended with sounds, lights and dazzle; Dhoni and Raina opened up shoulders and stances, cleared their front legs and tried to reach all parts of the ground.

Naturally, a Dhoni six had to end it. He and Raina had put up 196 runs in 26 overs, coming together in the 23rd over and first pushing, then racing through the game. Raina’s first World Cup century was marked by scratchiness at the start, a dropped catch in the middle, and a shepherding through the testy parts by Dhoni, who must play at such a sober pace that he is virtually last man on the bridge at No. 6.Dhoni described his frequent conversation with Raina afterwards; “I just have to ask him to go from fifth gear to third gear as there was not really any batsmen after us.”

Over the last 10 years, it should surprise no one that it is these two, ax man and flaky stylist, who have formed India’s most prolific ODI partnership in terms of runs.

Besides the game against Ire-

Suresh Raina celebrates his maiden World Cup century, India v Zimbabwe, World Cup 2015, Group B, Auckland, March 14, 2015.

The group stages are now done with, and India find themselves, where the white light of the knockouts will be training on them with great intensity. land, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma have added just 104 runs together from five innings, with a highest stand of 35 © ICC They have scored 3480 runs together at 62.14, with nine century stands. This was a tighter World Cup game than the other slightly hairy chase India had against West Indies, with Dhoni coming in the 18th over with 105 to get. Here, he walked in during the 23rd, marshaling India’s chase as usual, ending with eight balls to spare. It is the closest India have gone to the very end of a match in this tournament and once again, they came out on the winning side.

Dhoni was satisfied: “It couldn’t have been better. If you’re playing the last game of the league stage, and if you get an easy win, you don’t get a lot out of that game.

What was good was the spinners were put under pressure, and also we lost quick wickets initially, and that actually put our middle and lower middle order under pressure, so we gained a lot out of it.”

Now to the pointy stuff. After teams get repeatedly get clobbered, their captains are asked about ‘positives’ they may have extricated from the debris. When teams get to where are India are at this World Cup, with a smooth factory-line efficiency, the general tone of the, (thank you, KP) “mood hoovers” is ‘negatives’, ‘worries’, and ‘areas of improvement’. While Dhoni was content about the spinners being pushed with the slog overs costing India 80 off the last 10, there is another slightly dodgy issue, which is central to the Indian top order turning up fully switched on at the business end of the event.

Over the next two weeks, the attacks India are about to face, all things going well, will not comprise the combined strengths of UAE and Ireland. They will pose more questions than Zimbabwe’s effort and energy did today. India’s opening stand at the World Cup so far, has been far from steady or confidence-inducing. Outside an opening partnership of 174 against Ireland - India’s highest opening stand in the World Cup - in five innings, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma have managed just 104 runs with a highest stand of 35.

In this World Cup, the Dhawan-Rohit partnership has been a minimum of a modicum. Other than Ireland, together they have traveled without conviction. They have neither blitzed the first 10 overs and thrown the opposition’s bowling into disarray, nor been able to play clatter along into the mid-innings and give any freehitters following them a good tilt in the last 15 overs.

India have never started panicking after a wicket because they know that someone or the other down the order will step up,

The top-order combination which, in the averages taken over a ten-year period (minimum of 1000 runs), has done the best and remains a part of the current team, is in fact Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane with 1106 runs at 69.12. In terms of pure average, Dhoni and Gambhir head the list with 1270 runs at 74.7. India may have done themselves no favours by not tinkering or fidegeting around with options in the lighter games. They may yet still win the thing, but the openers’ numbers remain unpleasant.

Dhoni had a somewhat mystifying answer to this dilemma, saying that in many cases when India were chasing, the opposition had “not scored too many runs” and therefore the openers “can’t score the same number of runs.” He did try to clarify though that it was India’s start that had been important.

That start has been as follows: 34, 9, 29, 11, 174, 11. Exclude that Ireland game, and all the importance the start appears to contain is that Dhawan and Rohit simply turned up together.

The defence for Rohit, whose World Cups scores are 15, 0, 57*, 7, 64 and 16, was stout.

“I feel Rohit has batted really well so far. He looks quite calm and composed, and at the same time he’s playing the shots really well,” Dhoni said. “That’s something that’s a key factor. It’s not always about the runs. We have seen batsmen who are playing really well but they have not scored runs, and all of a sudden you see a game where they score really big and they come back. So it’s not really being out of form. What’s important is to spend time in the middle, and I think Rohit has done enough of that.”

The group stages are now done with, and India find themselves once again in the middle, where the white light of the knockouts will be training on them with greater intensity than they have over the last month. India’s World Cup will now start over, and the openers have a chance to wipe a fairly grubby slate clean.

Sharda Ugra is senior editor at ESPNcricinfo.

SPORTS

Pakistan: Irfan Out with Stress Fracture Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Irfan has been ruled out of the World Cup with a stress fracture of the pelvis. Pakistan’s team management will call for a replacement only if the team wins Friday’s quarter-final, against Australia in Adelaide, according to a PCB release.

The release said Irfan had undergone an MRI scan on Monday afternoon, which showed a stress injury of the pelvis but did not reveal the specifics. Pakistan’s physiotherapist, Brad Robinson, then ordered a more detailed scan, which was done on Tuesday and confirmed a stress fracture.

“This injury rules Irfan out of the World Cup”, Robinson said in the release.

The 7ft 1in Irfan has had trouble with his hip previously, suffering two fractures in the ischium bone of his hip in November 2013 that sidelined him till August 2014.

In that period he had undergone extensive rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

He is the third player out of Pakistan’s originally selected 15 to fall prey to injury, after Mohammad Hafeez and Junaid Khan. He had missed Pakistan’s last group match, against Ireland on Sunday, due to the injury. Pakistan have preferred to play four specialist fast bowlers in this World Cup, meaning Ehsan Adil replaced Irfan for the Ireland game.

The 7ft 1in Irfan has had trouble with his hip previously, suffering two fractures in the ischium bone of his hip in November 2013.

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