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Friday, May 03 2013 | Vol. 32, No. 18

Indo American erican News

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From left :Amit and Arpita Bhandari, Leena and Ash Shah, Swatantra and Bimla Jain P4 & P5 Indrani and Hemant Goradia , Rekha Muddaraj

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May 03, 2013

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COMMUNITY

May 03, 2013

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Verma’s Donation Swells India Studies’ Curriculum at UH

BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA HOUSTON: “We hope that one day the India Studies program could grow into a magnificent place like this,” quipped Dr. John Roberts, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Houston, as he motioned around him at the opulent lobby and living room “to highlight its goals.” Standing on the marble steps of the foyer, he had just thanked the owner of the large house in the Memorial area for their generous gift of $100,000 to help the still nascent Foundation of India Studies grow further.

The homeowners, Dr. Arun and Vinni Verma had not sought out compliments for their donation and in the self-effacing manner which they prefer, made every effort to play the event down. They are a deeply religious couple whose convictions are readily visible in their home from the portraits of Radha and Krishna which are adoringly displayed throughout their spacious home, down to a jhula (swing) settee nestling a painting of the baby Krishna in the living room. A two foot tall anodized brass statue of Krishna playing the flute welcomes you in the foyer.

For the past three years, the Vermas have become widely recognized for the Ram Leela program held in the late Fall just before the Diwali festival. Last year, they took the entire celebration one step further by adding a Dusserah function at the Skeeters Baseball Stadium in Sugar Land attended by several thousand people, where eight-foot tall effigies of Ravana, brother Kumbhkaran and son Meghnath were set ablaze, followed by a huge fireworks show.

This first ever event is still the talk of the town.

So, it was not unexpected that Arun opened up the dinner and dialogue event organized by the FIS with a reminder that this con-

The guests and speakers mingled for a group picture at the ceremony at Dr. Arun and Vinni Verma’s house on Thursday, April 25 in appreciation for their donation of $100,000 to the Foundation for India Studies program at the University of Houston.

Photo: Jawahar Malhotra

cluded the nine days of Ramnvami (celebrating the birth of the Lord Ram) and that the day, Thursday, April 25, was also an auspicious day since it marked the birth anniversary of Hanuman. To honor it, the chief guest, Dr. Renu Khator, President and Chancellor of the University of Houston, prompted Verma to recite the Hanuman Chalisa, a devotional hymn written by the sage Tulsidas. Verma asked her to step besides him to do so and they both recited the forty verses in rapidfire, as other Hindus from the about 60 guests joined in, while those from the mainstream listened and watched with rapt attention.

The Indian Consul General Harish Parvathaneni spoke eloquently in support of the FIS program, noting that its curriculum (which is still being put together) would have to perforce be very broad as India itself was so vast, diverse and ancient that it offered educators more than just a few angles to

study. He reported that he had been discussing with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to establish an India Studies Chair and hoped to soon be able to bring in two visiting professors from India.

His remarks were echoed by Khator, who also noted that “the time was right for Indian studies to take off’ in the fourth largest city in the US. We have such a huge Indian population base with so many temples, restaurants and businesses that can support the FIS program,” she added as she enthusiastically welcomed Verma’s donation.

Dr. Roberts related how, while his community has been a part of this country for many generations, he had grown up in the segregated South without any exposure to courses that dealt with his AfricanAmerican ancestry or culture. He pointed out that the FIS would provide an opportunity for future generations of Indian Americans to stay connected to their heritage.

Roberts applauded the Vermas

for the gift which will be directed to funding scholarships, visiting professors, lectures and programs dealing with Hinduism and spiritualism from the Vedas. He noted that several months back Dr. Durga

Das Agrawal and his wife similarly created a $100,000 endowment to fund India Studies postdoctoral research.

Dr. Lois Zamora, of the Department of Comparative Cultural Studies at UH which includes the FIS, spoke about her plans for building an all encompassing curriculum. She also explained that a winter term study abroad program was being developed for those wishing to go to India and that she hoped some scholarship or support could be raised for about 15 people who make up the group.

She then asked Craig Wilson, son of UH Regent Welcome W. Wilson Sr. and involved in the family’s real estate business but also volunteers at UH to talk about his recent trip to Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Wilson explained that he would like to raise funds to help the people there with a community center and link that with the Jack Valenti School of Communication, of which he is on the Board of Directors.

The evening concluded with a buffet style vegetarian dinner served in the fragrant rose garden behind the Verma’s house.

Sen. Cornyn Meets with Consul General Harish HOUSTON: U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Consul General of India in Houston Harish Parvathaneni met last week to discuss the economy, energy, trade and immigration, as well as express admiration for the active role Indian Americans are taking in Texas’ communities. They issued the following statements after their meeting: “I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Consul General Harish and discuss the issues that are so important to both our countries. Today’s global environment provides many opportunities for our nations to partner, and it is encouraging to see all that Indian Americans in Texas are do-

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MAY 03, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

ing to foster strong community,” said Sen. Cornyn, co-chairman and an original co-founder of the Senate India Caucus.

“Senator Cornyn has been a great votary of strong economic engagement between US and India. With enhanced prospects for cooperation in the field of energy in view of the US shale gas revolution, we will witness in the next few years LNG exports from US to India. This will have a huge significance for Indian households and the industry. We look forward to Senator Cornyn’s support to realize the promising prospects in this regard for Indian and US companies,” said Consul General Harish.

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May 03, 2013 COMMUNITY Pratham Comes in First Again Among Local Desi Charities

BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA HOUSTON: It was a night to count the many blessings that had been bestowed upon those who came to the Hilton Americas Hotel downtown to attend Pratham’s Annual Gala last Saturday, April 27. They came to see history once again in the making as the local chapter of the international NGO raised a record breaking $1.3 million in donations, about $50,000 over last year.

This placed Pratham within range of the $1.5 million it raised total last year. This record amount raised the profile of the organization to fifth place among the 25 highest grossing charities in the Bayou City, much to the elation of the entire Pratham Board.

“This will allow us to continue to help more children in India,” declared outgoing Pratham President Swatantra Jain, “just as we have helped 184,000 children so far out of child labor and sent them back to their homes.”

“Pratham reminds me of my own childhood,” went on Jain about his modest family background in the Punjab from which he moved to the US in 1978 with a dream, never forgetting the sacrifices his parents had made. “But education is more powerful than a dream,” he added, as it helped him to succeed in his career. “And everyone deserves a better future.” He quickly added that “those who waste their time get nowhere, but those who use it are considered wise.”

The other blessing for those who attended was that they managed to make it to the event despite the deluge of thundershowers that had engulfed the city that very afternoon and by reception time of 6pm had turned many parts of the city into a lake. Although it had been three long years since

Photo: Bijay Dixit

Houston Mayor Annise Parker with the Board and VIP guests at the Pratham Gala last Saturday, April 27 at the Hilton Americas.

the city has seen such a rainfall, it did make it miserable for people to valet park and eventually many confirmed guests could not make it to the elegant black tie event. Of the over 800 people expected, perhaps 200 could not attend due to the weather.

Still, this did not dampen the spirits of those who did make it there and enjoy not only the speeches by Jain, Gala Chair Hemant Goradia, Dr. Rukmini Banerji, Director of Pratham India and the keynote speaker Dr. Madhav Chavan, the CEO and Founder of Pratham India but also the colorful and professional entertainment by local talent. The stage was festooned with many narrow spotlights, as if representing the points of lights that Pratham gives

its children, and was colorful in the manner that these children and their dreams are.

The evening began with local radio celebrity Meena Datt inviting KHOU TV Channel 11 news anchor Rekha Muddaraj to emcee the program, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Bimla Jain and Indrani Goradia.

Muddaraj introduced Swatantra Jain as “a passionate leader”, but true to his spiritual nature, Jain played down any accolades that were thrown his way throughout the evening, instead asking that attention be focused on Pratham and pledging to match every dollar raised that evening up to $100,000.

He also made sure to acknowledge “the person most responsible for the success of Pratham these past

two years, Brij Kathuria.”

Dr. Banerji who has been with Pratham for the past 16 years is originally from Bihar but studied at the University of Chicago.

She responded to some questions submitted earlier in the evening and added that “once you have launched a village you will also be one with them. You can leave Pratham, but Pratham will never leave you!” She acknowledged that Pratham had given birth to many other enterprises and that other countries are looking to emulate the Pratham model, especially in East Africa and Pakistan.

On coming to the stage, Dr. Chavan looked none the worse after being on a trip to nine cities in the US since leaving Delhi on April 8 and arriving in Houston the day

before. He recalled meeting Vijay Goradia in 1977 and receiving $125,000 in 1999 from him to launch his dream that would become Pratham. He then enumerated Pratham’s outreach programs: teaching children in villages and give them a head start through preschool programs; volunteers helping teachers to teach correctly and making sure that children didn’t drop out.

An inspiring video clip showed how Chavan had come to the US to finish graduate work and then teach at the University of Houston only to return later to India and start a program that empowered people to help young kids learn.

Jain received an award for his dedicated service to Pratham and introduced the incoming President, Marie Goradia who took over the reins right after the Gala. A native of Mumbai, Marie has a PhD in molecular biology, raised two kids – Sitara and Kevin – and acknowledged that “the US had been very good to me, better than in my wildest dreams.” She thanked Jain for his resoluteness in raising the level of support for Pratham and promised to carry the torch.

A lively auction followed for several items, including an immense wooden statue of Ganesh donated

by Surender Talwar, conducted

by Dr. Subodh Bhuchar who has become quite good at doing so at many a gala, and in this one was able to raise almost $20,000. Dinner was catered by Daawat Catering and was accompanied by music by the Bollywood Strings doing several popular tunes. Divya Walia shared her experiences with Pratham children in India. Naach Houston presented the dance entertainment, both through a drama play onstage and then later through a lively group fusion dance.

See Collage on page 4

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COMMUNITY

May 03, 2013

IACCGH Hosts Dinner Reception on April 5 HOUSTON: On Friday April 5, 2013 IACCGH hosted a dinner reception sponsored by the Southside Group in honor of the Indian delegates to the MD Anderson Annual GAP Summit and local MD Anderson faculty at the HESS Club. The guests included Dr. Kian Ang MD PhD, Vice President, Global Academic Programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center, South Africa’s first lady Madam Tobeka Madiba Zuma, IDA Houston President Dr. Kulvinder S. Bajwa and Delhi State Cancer Institute Director Dr. Rakesh Kumar Grover.

IACCGH President Pankaj Dhume welcomed Madam Zuma and other over 70 guests by reminding them of an important alliance between the MD Anderson Cancer Center and Tata Cancer Institute that was facilitated by the IACCGH ten years

ago. Past President of the Chamber, Deepa Thakur walked the audience down memory lane thanking founding Presidents Dr. Durga Agrawal and Ashoke Nath for their efforts that led to the signing of the MOU. In March 2003 the IACCGH facilitated a visit by a seven member MD Anderson delegation to Mumbai and Delhi. This delegation included MD Anderson Cancer Center President Dr. John Mendelsohn. In the 62 years of MD Anderson’s history this was the first ever visit by its President to India. This delegation met Indian President Kalam and the then Health Minister Shatrughan Sinha.

The team visited AIIMS Delhi and participated in a symposium on “Common Cancers in India: Evidence Based Management” at Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH).

On Oct 6 2003, Dr. John Mendelsohn and

IACCGH President Pankaj Dhume with Madam Zuma.

From Left: IACCGH Director Harish Katharani, whose business Southside Group sponsored the dinner, with Anil Patel of Southside.

Dr. K.A. Dinshaw, Director of Tata Memorial Center, Mumbai signed a historic Sister Institution Agreement in Mumbai, India.

Witnessing this historic event were 2003 IACCGH President Deepa Thakur, founding President Durga Agrawal, Past Presidents Ashoke Nath and Ashok Shah, Board Advisor Vijay Goradia, founding member & Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia, then Director-at-large (Pune based) Pankaj

Dhume and chamber member Ajit Thakur.

In the ten years since the signing of the MOU there have been numerous exchanges between MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Tata Memorial Center. Since then, MD Anderson Cancer Center has expanded its relationships with several other centers of excellence in India including the Delhi State Cancer Institute.

From Left: Dr Sen Pathak(MDACC), Jagdip Ahluwalia, Delhi State Cancer Institute Director Dr. Rakesh Kumar Grover, and Dr Sewa Singh Lega.

IDA Houston President Dr. Kulvinder S. Bajwa networking at the event.

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May 03, 2013

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IMMIGRATION

May 03, 2013

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• Allows spouses and minor children of Lawful Permanent Residents to be considered immediate relatives • Removes per-country limits for employment-based categories • Eliminates Fourth preference category for siblings of U.S. citizens • Exempts derivative beneficiaries (spouses and children) from being counted for purposes of the employment-based categories • Labor Certification requirement eliminated for STEM workers • Expands K visa to Lawful Perma-

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nent Residents REFORMS TO NONIMMIGRANT VISA PROGRAMS • Increases the number of H-1B visas available • Allows work authorization for H-4 dependents if home country has reciprocal provision • Creates a $500 for the Labor Certification application (PERM) • Increases H and L visa filing fees for certain employers • Provides for the ability of the Department of Labor to conduct more investigations • Seeks to protect U.S. workers from job loss or wage suppression • Allows immigration agencies to cooperate with State agencies to verify business existence • Authorizes F-1 students to pursue Lawful Permanent Residence • Creates new W visa for temporary guest workers • Creates new X visa for entrepreneurs • Creates new EB-6 category for investors seeking Lawful Permanent Residence If this bill passes the Senate, the House of Representatives can either vote on the Senate bill or introduce their own through the same process. If two different bills are passed by the Senate and House, a conference will be used to resolve the differences, followed by another vote in both chambers.

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BY DR. VENUGOPAL MENON PEARLAND: Certain experiences happen but seldom, and they happen only to the destined.

Sri Meenakshi Temple in Pearland just concluded its ten-day grand commemoration of ‘Mahotsavam’, the magnificent, anniversary extravaganza. From Thursday, April 18 to Sunday April 28, the entire temple atmosphere was transformed into one of supreme celestial ambiance with religious, cultural and social activities celebrating the divine glory of Goddess Meenakshi.

As per the legendary Agama traditions that guide Sri Meenakshi Temple, as supervised and performed by the honorable priests Sri Manicka Sundara Bhattar, Sri Kalyana Sundaram and others, and adhering to austere spiritual and religious requirements, the elaborate ceremony was planned and prepared with all the infinite details meshed in to their appropriate places.

The event was inaugurated on Thursday evening with the Vigneswara Pooja as is the auspicious custom of every Hindu religious function, getting the blessings from God Ganesha for its successful progression. The following day, there was Homam and special Abhishekam for all the Utsava Murthis performed in the tent pitched outside, where the rit-

ual was repeated daily through the festival. The highlight of Friday morning was dhawjarohanam, hoisting of the flag that declares the traditional inauguration of ‘Utsavam’, the annual temple celebration.

On Saturday, April 20 was the ornate coronation of Goddess Meenakshi, the heavenly ‘Pattabhishekam’, when Chairman Tupil Narasiman, bestowed with the customary honor on behalf of all the devotees, formally accepted and handed over the regal scepter. It was followed by the procession of the Utsava Murthis in the ‘Poo Pallakku’, the palanquin, beautifully decorated with flowers. It was a magnificent spectacle to watch the parade with the Murthis adorned in their godly vehicle wrapped up with over five thousand light golden and pink carnations. The festivities were enriched by the accompanying ‘Mangala Vadyam’, the auspicious Nadaswaram by Shri Murugadoss along with N. Ganesan and P. Shanmugasundaram on the Thavil, artists who were brought from Canada .

There was traditionally prescribed poojas every evening with the Utsava Murthis dressed up with resplendent radiance and taken out in a procession around the Outer Praharam.

Cultural programs were orga-

nized during the evenings of the Mahotsavam, which richly augmented the artistic elegance of the atmosphere. The various groups who performed each day were, Anuradha Subramaniam and Chitra Dharmarajan with their groups and the students of Rajeswary Bhat, all singing Devi Kruthis in praise of the Goddess, Sri Nagan Srinivasan doing Abhirami Andhadhi, the Houston Rudram CONTINUED ON PAGE

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COMMUNITY

May 03, 2013

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Sri Meenakshi Temple ‘Kalyana Mahotsavam’

CONTINUED FROM PAGE

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group offering the Vedic chanting, Roopa Bala and her group reciting Lalitha Sahasranamam, Surabhi Veeraraghavan doing classical dance honoring Matha Parasakthi, Deepa Ramachandran performing with her violin, Mahesh Iyer and his students contributing the ‘Taala Vadhya Vrndha’ and the various Houston dance schools doing ‘Natyanjali’ as their offering. The programs were of such high caliber, especially with the young talents showing great promise and adding to the wealth and splendor of the festival.

The grand finale on Sunday was the Royal Nuptial ceremony, the ‘Thirukalyanam’, as the richly legitimate and delightful conclusion of the ten days of celebration. As plentiful and deserving as the occasion demanded, it was arranged in the Temple Kalyanamandapam, the wedding hall with all the pomp and glory of a stately wedding. The sophisticated process included every detail as prescribed for a celestial marriage ceremony. Adhering to the traditional ritualistic recipes, starting with Seervasai, procession from the Balalayam, Oonjal ceremony, Sankalpam, Vigneswara Pooja, Punyavachanam, Raksha Bandhanam, Pravaram, Kanyadanam, Agni Prathishtai, Mangalya Dharanam, Lajahomam and Purnahuthi the event concluded with the Mangala Aarthi. Follow-

Attendees enjoying the grand feast during the festivities at Sri Meenakshi Temple on Sunday April 28.

ing the ceremony, there was the Rathotsavam, a magnificent procession around the temple with the Utsava Murthis honorably placed in their respective vahanams. The concluding majestic parade to the accompaniment of the chanting of Rudram, recitation of Sahasranamam, Kolattam and Nadaswaram infused ecstatic spiritual vibes to all those who participated. And as required by the tradition, the Dwaja Avarohanam, the un-hoisting of the celestial flag marked the conclusion of the Utsavam.

Of course weddings cannot be complete without a meal, and in this case with the royal pageantry that befits the occasion. It was a sumptuous grand feast, with all the several dishes meticulously prepared in the temple kitchen by the staff and several volunteers

under the supervision of Malar Narayanan and cordially served on banana leaves by the many affable volunteers.

The efficient and committed team of the temple from the chairman to the directors to the administrators to the employees along with a large squad of sincere volunteers deserves to be abundantly applauded for a splendid job in organizing such a marvelous festivity. A most deserving compliment goes to Roopa Balakrishnan, the Pooja committee coordinator, working tirelessly and arduously, weaving the various filaments together, and involving an array of enthusiastic devotees in presenting to the public an exemplary spiritual bequest to be remembered for a very long time.

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“Save a Mother” Anniversary Gala May 10

BY SEEMA KACHRU HOUSTON: Pregnancy is not a disease, yet 15 percent of all pregnancies result in life threatening complications. Maternal health, a critical topic in global development, impacts families, communities and societies and has far reaching effects across socio-economic strata.

Despite being among top ten countries of the world, India`s Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is currently one of the highest in the world, at a rate of 236 deaths per 100,000, in comparison to an average of 16 for developing countries.

As 2015 fast approaches, the time has come to assess the progress of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). According to the MDGs, the MMR should reduce at a rate of 5.5 percent annually, yet, in India the rate is only 2.3 percent.

Such lofty goals are possible only due to the dedicated organizations like “Save a Mother” (SAM), that is working to improve and standardize care in India and beyond so that all pregnancies and births can be joyous occasions and maternal mortality a thing of the past.

SAM, started in 2008, has grown its scope, increased the number of supporting chapters in the US and partnered with Save A Mother UK in London and India. Partner organizations in the UK and India operate independently towards the same mission of educating women about pregnancy, nutrition, immunization, delivery and care of the child. Working in tango with local NGOs in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, which has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, SAM has expanded health care solutions to Karnataka, India.

Within five years of its existence, SAM has achieved significant mile stones and impressed by the magical achievement in Sultanpur and 40 adjoining villages of UP, Deshpande foundation granted SAM $ 36000 in 2012, to support its initiatives of reducing the MMR and IMR in up to 100 Karnataka villages in Gadag. SAM overexceeded its impact in 103 Gadag Villages and therefore grant by the Deshpande Foundation has now been extended till 2014.

Five Year Achievements: •Maternal Care in Uttar Pradesh (UP), India: SAM started maternal mortality reduction program in approximately 1000 villages in 2008. The program has expanded in 50 districts of UP with execution by our NGO partner, RGMVP. •Maternal Care in Karnataka: Replicated maternal mortality reduction in Gadag district of Karnataka.

•Tuberculosis Control: Launched TB Control Program in CSM Nagar in UP in 2012.

•Water Borne Diseases: Launched a program to reduce

water borne diseases in CSM Nagar in 2012. Doctors working in primary health clinics will participate in this program. The target is to reduce water borne diseases by 80% in the next 4 years.

•Free Primary Health Clinics: Participate in management of 16 free primary health clinics run

by Asia Heart Foundation. Clinics serve 1000 to 1500 patients daily.

“SAM’s leadership has equipped

various Indian villages of professionals who serve mothers to

dollar raised and donated will go directly to let another heart to beat in this world and live a healthy life. Those, who cannot attend personally but are passionate about the cause can sign up and donate securely at www.saveamother. org or send a check to the registered 501(c)(3) organization in Houston, TX to Nat Murthy, 633 Lake Shore drive, Sugarland, TX 77478.

Since M others Day is almost here, the need is to take up the big challenge where the cause is noble and the reward is high.

No gift to your mother can ever equal her gift to

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RSVP: Nat Murthy Nat@sunitech.com, 832-264-9668 make positive changes in community that will benefit mothers and families for years to come”, said Veena Kaul, a philanthropist and a very dedicated SAM Houston President.

After a resounding success of its previous gala’s, “Save A Mother” Houston is celebrating 5 years of extraordinary service at its 5th Anniversary Fundraising gala to be held on Friday, May 10th, 2012, at Le Virage 12126 Westheimer.

Gala will inspire, highlight accomplishments, and unveil plans for the next decade. The public and the media are invited and every

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MAY 03, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

you—Life. If we cannot give life, we can save one. We urge you to give needy mothers a chance to live and enjoy the melodious cries of life they give birth to. When you support a mother, you uplift her family, when you uplift her family, you strengthen her community, when you strengthen her community, you change the world.

For more information visit www. saveamother.org or email the author, a PTI correspondent based in Houston--seemakachru@ gmail.com.

COMMUNITY

May 03, 2013

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IACAN: For Those Who Suffer, Relief Comes in Unexpected Ways

BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA HOUSTON: The audience was on its feet. They were smiling and grinning. They were, in fact, bent over laughing, some so hard that tears were streaming down their cheeks. They embraced each other, wagged their fingers at one another, made eye contact, shook hands, did high-fives and made awkward gestures that erupted in laughter. And it was all because of that tall, loud, bespectacled man with a wireless headphone microphone who was going around the floor, between the seats egging them on.

The man was demonstrating the therapeutic power of laughter over the ill effects caused by pain and discomfort. “Too many people give out fake, polite laughter,” explained Chaplain Stephen Findley who works at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at the Texas Medical Center, as he mimicked one, “but good, gut busting laughter involves yogic breathing down to the diaphragm and expelling it.”

Findley is certified as a Laughter Yoga teacher, the Founder and Director of Shaka Seminars and a much sought after speaker.

Findley listed out some basic rules for Laughter Yoga to be effective: that it be unconditional, hearty, extended for up to 15 minutes, allowing the brain to secrete endorphins and be enthusiastic.

He gave the example of how kids

Photos: Bijay Dixit

IACAN Board members with the presenters.

laugh “at nothing. Every part of their body laughs – their elbow, belly, even the back of their head” and jumped down from the stage to mingle with the audience and demonstrate, using one or two as a sidekick. He had them in stitches in no time, just using gestures and making provoking grunts, bellows and stares.

Even the organizers of the event, the Indo American Cancer Awareness Network, were cracking up in the side aisles, and the other three members of the “Living the Anti Cancer Life – The Mind-Body Connection” panel onstage were giggling too. The seminar was part of an ongoing effort by IACAN to educate the public on the dreaded disease and how to handle its ef-

fects, both physical and emotional, and pay for care.

The seminar was co-sponsored by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Indo-American Charity Foundation, and Vallabh Priti Sewa Samaj and held at the VPSS auditorium on Bellfort at the Southwest Freeway this past Sunday afternoon, April 28. IACAN Board member Lakshmi Naik gave a brief introduction on the program and the panelists who covered four areas of alternative and complimentary therapies that work well with conventional treatments. The IACF President Murthy Divakaruni and Board Directors Ramesh Cherivirala and this reporter presented a check of support to IACAN’s President Kan-

chan Kabad onstage.

The panel discussion started with Dr. Gabriel Lopez, an Assistant Professor in the Department of General Oncology, Section of Integrative Medicine at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, who focuses on conducting integrative oncology consultations. “There is an abundance of information available about alternative and complementary medicine as well as many books discussing anticancer and finding a new approach to life,” Lopez said, “But be careful because much of it is not evidence based and may even be harmful to follow.”

He explained how alternative medicine encompassed a wide

range of health care practices, products, and therapies not typically used in Western medicine like acupuncture, Ayurveda, Chiropractic, and Homeopathy. Complementary Alternative Medicine merges this with conventional medicine to complement the treatment through diverse medical and health care system, practices, and products not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine, such as probiotics, Tai Chi, mind body medicine-yoga and others. For example, he explained how music therapy helped children having a biopsy to ease their pain.

Coming after Findley was a discussion on the ancient Chi-

From left: Jawahar Malhotra, Kanchan Kabad, Ramesh Cherivirala, Murthy Divakaruni and Lakshmi Naik

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MAY 03, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

CONTINUED ON PAGE

14

14 May 03, 2013 Tiger Ball Guests Toast Brilliant First Year in Asia Society Texas Center’s New Home HOUSTON: First anniversaries are always special. Supporters of Asia Society Texas Center, marking one year since the grand opening of the organization’s spectacular home in the Museum District, celebrated Tiger Ball 2013 on Friday, April 26 in grand style and amid lavish surroundings.

More than 500 of Houston’s social and civic worthies, many in gorgeous national dress, crowded into the Yoshio-Taniguchi-designed Center for scrumptious food by Jackson and Company and good conversation. Tables were arrayed over both floors in intimate groupings while musicians—representing the diversity of Asia, from Indian sitarists to Vietnamese folk singers—entertained guests. Golden limestone and rich cherrywood walls formed the backdrop to elegant décor by AJ’s Urban Petals.

The evening started in style with cocktails and sushi in a lighted pavilion in front of the Center. After brief remarks, guests moved into the building for the seated dinner.

Following dessert DJ Sun cranked

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A few of the members of the desi community who attended the Asia Society’s Tiger Ball 2013 on Friday, April 26.

up the sounds for post-dinner dancing in the expansive Fayez Sarofim Grand Hall.

The annual gala raised $650,000 to support programs, exhibitions, educational activities, and operations of the Texas Center, all designed to further Asia Society’s mission of bringing Asians and

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nese science of acupuncture and acupressure by Sonya Patel, who owns and operates Mirvana Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. Petite and young, Patel has spent several years in China honing her skills and explained how acupuncture and acupressure works on the 12 primary meridians of energy or chi passing through the human body. Although not a cure for ailments, acupuncture can relieve some of the symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, dryness of the mouth, fatigue, depression and constipation. Patel demonstrated the way acupuncture is performed by inserting needles into a volunteer on stage.

The event ended with a demon-

stration of Tai Chi by members of the USA Tai Chi Academy who comprised of people of all ages.

Tai Chi is practiced both for its defense training as well as its health benefits and its slow movements make it suitable for old, young and the weak alike. The Academy President, Jason Leung, was on hand to explain how he discovered that some of the movements he had to undergo in therapy when rehabilitating from his own recovery from cancer surgery and treatment were similar to those that he knew from Tai Chi. Both he and his wife are members and instructors of the Academy and a dozen members of the group performed to two songs, one with a sword, onstage.

Americans together for a shared future.

Welcoming guests were gala chairs Gina and Dr. Devinder Bhatia and the Texas Center’s Acting Executive Director, John Bradshaw, Jr. Honorary chairs were Muffet Blake and Sheela and Ashok Rao. Seen in the crowd: Margaret Williams and Jim Daniel, Sima and Massoud Ladjevardian, Annette and George Strake, Tony and Isaac Arnold, Jr., Marian and Dr. Robert Stasney, Sushana and Jack Castle, Anu and Dr. Nat Bala, Monjula and Ravi Chidambaram, Dr. George Yang, Lily and Hamid Kooros, Y. Ping Sun and David Leebron.

Since its April 2012 opening the new Asia Society Texas Center has hosted internationally recognized performers, statesman, writers, and scholars. As it enters its second year, it continues to present wideranging public programs across the fields of business and policy, arts and culture, and education. A nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization, it promotes mutual understanding and strengthens "#$%&'$%(&) #,&#$-.'/#(&)0#()'$$)1'2#() partnerships among the peoples, "#$%&'$%(&)leaders#,&#$-.'/#(&)0#()'$$)1'2#() Stephen Findley with Dr. Seva Singh Legha. and institutions of Asia '-($-,%& and the United States.

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IACAN: For Those Who Suffer, Relief Comes in Unexpected Ways

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15

16 May 03, 2013

COMMUNITY

HISD Board of Education Approves New Magnet School Principal Jyoti Malhan to Head New Campus that Will Serve as Feeder to DeBakey High School

HOUSTON: The HISD Board of Education in April approved creating a new magnet school that will offer a highly rigorous curriculum emphasizing science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The newly created Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan will now begin enrolling students for the upcoming 20132014 school year. The Baylor

College of Medicine Academy at Ryan will open with a sixth-grade class and eventually serve students in grades 6-8. Earlier this year, the Houston Independent School District Board of Education authorized the district to apply for $12 million in federal magnet school funds for these two new magnets and six others.

HISD Superintendent Terry Gri-

er brought the proposal forward in an effort to continue the district’s tradition of strong magnet programs that prepare graduates to contribute to Houston’s status as a global economic power.

“HISD’s strength lies in our ability to offer every parent and student outstanding school choice options, both in neighborhood schools and in city-wide magnet schools such as these,” Dr. Grier said. “We are serious about becoming great all over, and that means seizing every opportunity to meet students’ everchanging needs.”

The Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan will be aligned with HISD’s prestigious DeBakey High School for Health Professions in the Texas Medical Center.

Expanding this partnership with Baylor College of Medicine will provide more students with access to the faculty of one of America’s leading medical schools.

“For more than 40 years, HISD and Baylor College of Medicine have enjoyed a highly successful partnership in operating the DeBakey High School for Health Professions,” said Dr. Paul Klotman, BCM’s president and CEO. “The school’s remarkable success demonstrates what can be accomplished when the public and private sectors come together to address pressing educational needs.

The BCM Academy at Ryan is a logical extension of our shared commitment to Houston’s future.”

Even though the new magnet middle school will be open to all students without admission requirements, the level of academic rigor will be especially high.

“We believe the Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan can provide educational opportunities comparable to those at the most elite private schools in the Houston area, and the highest-rated public middle schools in the US,” said Dr. Nancy Moreno, professor and senior associate director of BCM’s Center for Educational Outreach. “Students in this new program will benefit from a curriculum that increases their academic and social preparedness to compete and succeed in the best high schools in Houston, including the DeBakey High School for Health Professions.”

The new magnet school will be located at the historic Ryan Middle School site, 2610 Elgin.

The application deadline is May 16.

The application is available online at http://www.houstonisd. org/cms/lib2/TX01001591/Centricity/Domain/21217/Magnet_ BCM_finals.pdf In addition to recruiting students, HISD is recruiting teachers to staff

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MAY 03, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

Principal Jyoti Malhan

these new magnet schools and other HISD campuses. Instructors with a strong background in the science, technology, engineering and math fields as well as a background in the common core subjects are encouraged to apply.

The Houston Independent School District is the largest school district in Texas and the seventh-largest in the United States with 276 schools and more than 203,000 students.

The 301-square-mile district is one of the largest employers in the Houston metropolitan area with nearly 30,000 employees.

For more information, visit the HISD Web site at www.houstonisd.org.

COMMUNITY

May 03, 2013

17

World Renowned Soorya Festival Makes U.S. Debut Soorya Krishnamoorthy’s Sangamam premiers in Houston May 5

cultural society of Asia.

He served as the director of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation for three terms, as a member of the India National Film Award committee, the Kerala State Film Award committee, the NFDC Script Committee and the National committee for selecting Indian Panorama films. He has also been a member of the Expert Committee of the Department of Culture for the Government of India where he was instrumental in advancing the cultural policy of the country.

Krishnamoorthy’s Sangamam brings together several accomplished artists who promise an unforgettable visual experience on May 5 at Stafford Civic Center (1415 Constitution, Stafford, TX 77477).

They include Madhu Gopinath and Vakkkom Sajeev (Samudra Natanam), Sonia Gupta (KathThe art of Sumudra Natanam by the award-winning Madhu Gopinath and ak), Dakshina VaidyanaVakkkom Sajeev will be a part of the Soorya Festival this Sunday at the than (Bharatnatyam), Ziya ul Huk (vocal), Stafford Civic Center and Manipur Dancers

BY IAN STAFF REPORTER complished artists in Indian clas- presenting Dhol Dholak Cholam.

Various percussionists and HOUSTON: This weekend, sical dances and music participate.

Padmashree Dr. Soorya KrishKrishnamoorthy has the pro- classical musicians also join the namoorthy, the founder-director fessed aim of disseminating Indian troupe directed by Krishnamoorof the Soorya Stage and Film So- culture and achieving “Integration thy for his American version of ciety, is making his first visit to the through Culture” – he remains the the Soorya Festival, which is tourUnited States as he presents his only artist to have received the ing 15 cities in one month, courhighly-acclaimed Soorya Festival highest artistic honors from three tesy of Houston-based production in Houston. The Soorya Festival state governments: Kerala, Tamil company Freedia Entertainment. is the longest and among the most Nadu and Puducherry. The highlyFor tickets: www.sulekha.com/ prestigious cultural events in India, decorated artist was named Man conducted annually and now last- of the Year 2003 by the Limca houston. ing for more than a hundred days Book of World Records, who also in which the finest and most ac- appointed Soorya as the largest “IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA”

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EDITORIAL

May 03, 2013

No Checks and Balances Uttar Pradesh’s urban development minister Azam Khan has either a very heightened sense of self-importance or is suffering from some sort of delusional incapacity. What else explains his deduction that a very short detention at Boston’s Logan International Airport late last week was a conspiracy hatched by external affairs minister Salman Khurshid to defame him outside India?

The detention — which according to some media reports was for about 10 minutes — seems to really have set a cat among the pigeons in the UP government. Reacting to it UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav cancelled his talk at Harvard University and also chose to skip a reception hosted by the Indian consul general at New York.

A routine check is now being sought to be made into an international incident. Anyone who has travelled to the US, Europe or Israel will testify to often intrusive security checks. But, on the other hand, every country has the right to put in place its own security systems and most passengers may grumble but do accept that this is for the safety of everyone.

Mr Khan’s charge that he was singled out because he is a Muslim is really over the top. It is highly unlikely that the US security was lying in wait for Mr Khan in order to humiliate him. The UP minister is not the first person to be ‘humiliated’ by the US authorities.

Actor Shah Rukh Khan and former Union minister George Fernandes were also subjected to such security checks. Most notably, former president APJ Abdul Kalam was frisked twice, once in 2008 and then in 2011. While Kalam played down the incident, the leader from UP seems to be milking it for all it is worth.

Given that the Azam Khan ‘incident’ comes a few days after the Boston bombings, it is entirely possible that the airport security officials were doubly cautious. Many of our netas seem to be allergic to being treated on a par with ordinary people, given that they are used to VIP treatment at home.

If such checks are such a nuisance to Mr Khan, all we can say is stay at home. This is infinitely preferable to going abroad and creating such a shindig which really does no credit to him and gives the impression that Indian egos are so fragile as to be hurt by a common and garden security check.

Finally, Raining Hope There is more to the summershowers than the romance of gently falling raindrops. The June-September rains provide relief from a sticky summer. Schools shut down. Families go on vacation. But the monsoon is more than just a cool respite: it’s the life-blood of India’s economy. It’s a long expedition nature undertakes each year.

This year summer rains are likely to be normal, the Met department has forecast, brightening prospects of bumper crops and economic recovery, crucial for a government heading into a general election. Hindustan Times

Mess, Mayhem and Mamata

BY CHANAKYA The Economist recently did a cover story on India. It carried a picture of a cat looking into the mirror only to see a majestic tiger as its reflection. I wonder what our very own Mamata Banerjee sees when she looks into the mirror?

Could it be that she sees the lone street fighter from a rough part of the city or does she see an Indira Gandhi-like patrician figure? I suspect it is the latter going by her imperious ways, though no one could accuse la grande dame Gandhi of being out of touch with the people.

This is not to say that Mamatadi is not a woman of sterling qualities. She has many. She is a poet, she is a singer, she is a painter. But when you are the chief minister of a populous and backward state, when you have been able to by sheer dint of perseverance and a little bit of luck overthrow the 34-year-long reign of the Left, you cannot use proficiency in the liberal arts to wish your responsibilities away. Mamatadi lacks the one quality most needed for her high office, political acumen. Indeed, I wonder if she thinks that thanks to her feat of hammering the Left, she now does not need to govern, that people will look on with indulgent fondness as she makes bizarre statements and throws inexplicable tantrums.

It is one thing to be moody and mercurial but as her reaction to the death of a young SFI activist shows, she is just plain uncaring and insensitive. She dismissed the protests as unnecessary, the death as a small, indeed, petty matter. And in the days to come no doubt, she will come up with a theory that this unfortunate turn of events is aimed at tarnishing her image. We have heard of people who imagine that the CIA is after them, who think that everyone is out to get them. If it were you or me, we would be called paranoid and the men in white coats would come calling straitjacket in hand. In Mamata’s case, we will have to call it her spontaneous outbursts of expression, just in case a posse of Trinamool workers pop around and wallop the daylights out of us.

In fact, thanks to her antics, Mamata is making the Left rule look like a Sunday school picnic. In her Bengal, we have women being raped and our Didi feels that this is part of a Red plot to

“Mamatadi lacks the one quality most needed for her high office, political acumen. Indeed, I wonder if she thinks that thanks to her feat of hammering the Left, she now does not need to govern, that people will look on with indulgent fondness as she makes bizarre statements and throws inexplicable tantrums.” sully her fair name. A hapless farmer asks her a question in public, and dear Mamata flies into a rage that a Maoist dares to infiltrate her rally. Journalists ask her uncomfortable questions and someone draws a cartoon of her and she is upon them like the Spanish Inquisition. To her credit, I must say that she is an equal opportunities Left basher, she sees a Red under every bed.

As an acerbic political observer put it, Mamata has never gone beyond being a street corner rabble-rouser. At times, her seeming simplicity was endearing.

She craves approval and attention, she could barely contain her happiness when senior political leaders gave her a great deal of importance. She seemed to think that a common language put

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her on a par with the matchlessly erudite and able Pranab Mukherjee. She stomped her feet with rage at a great industrial house trying to set up shop in West Bengal. It packed up and went to greener pastures. She huffed and she puffed and tried to blow the UPA house down. But had to fold up her tent and go home to Kolkata, her crestfallen ministers in tow.

Her Trinamool goons have carte blanche to intimidate people and woe betide anyone who stands up to say that this is no different from the Left dadas’reign of terror. Our Didi goes one better. She has stormed a police station to free miscreants because they were from her party. You will rightly ask if she is a party leader first and the chief minister after, if at all she qualifies for that moniker.

This perpetually aggrieved act is wearing a bit thin. Those in government who viewed her with some indulgence no longer seem to bother about her pronouncements. Her recent endorsement of the government’s foreign policy stand with regard to Sri Lanka - she loftily told us that foreign policy is the government’s preserve - is at severe odds with her throwing a spanner in the works on the Teesta water-sharing issue with Bangladesh.

The prime minister had hoped that more Teesta water would win over Bangladeshi hearts, only to have Didi throw cold water on his hopes.

I cannot think of a single positive step she has taken for Bengal since she assumed office. Investment has certainly not come calling after the Singur episode, there is no tourism effort worth the name in the state, there are no jobs being created and the Centre is not feeling too generous towards her. If a professional agency were to evaluate her leadership, she would probably be given the pink slip.

Mamatadi is in desperate need of a reality check. She must follow the advice of Bengal’s greatest son Rabindranath Tagore who said, “To be outspoken is easy when you do not wait to speak the complete truth.” And one of these days when she looks in the mirror, she will see that staring back at her is none other than little old Mamatadi. That is the day when poriborton, the real story will begin.

Hindustan Times

COMMUNITY

May 03, 2013

19

SOS Graduates 2012-2013 Class

BY FARIDA HASANALI HOUSTON: SOS incoming President Dr. Swapan Dubey proudly announced the completion and graduation of SOS’ 4th Life and Leadership Series. The Graduation event hosted at Fratelli’s by the SOS Executive Board on April 13 was attended by close to 100 members, friends, and wellwishers. The event held a different kind of charge this year. Past, present and future students mingled with the crowd, each talking to members and supporters about the benefits of the SOS program.

Dr. Archana Laxmisan, President of SOS, thanked the audience and graciously stepped down to hand over the baton to Dr. Swapan Dubey for the upcoming year.

“SOS taught me how to rethink my priorities,” said Dr. Laxmisan. “Today I am equally focused on my personal and professional goals and I am achieving the things I have always wanted to achieve. I had to sit myself down, figure out what I wanted and devise a means of getting it. SOS taught me how.”

Dr. Swapan Dubey accepted the

Circle of Influence Members: From left: Reji Varghese, Vivek Mehta, Zarir Sethna, Swapan Dubey, MD, Ajit John

all of a sudden you see galaxies and formations and you recognize the names of several stars. That’s what SOS did for me…I look at my life every day, SOS helped me see the patterns within it with a focused lens.” said Russell Richard, Director of Leadership and Engagement, Center for Houston’s Future and current SOS student.

The program closed with a thank you from Vivek Mehta, Chairman of SOS. Vivek recounted both SOS’ and its COI’s 2012-2013 accomplishments and promised exciting events in the second half of 2013 such as an in-

asked each table to contemplate over a question. “If Life is not about how much money you make and whether you are a successful entrepreneur or corporate executive, then how would you define a life “well-lived” in the context of living in Houston today?”

Each table reported back ideas ranging from supporting the growth of the Houston economy, being good civic inhabitants of Houston, to contributing towards the city’s growth. On a personal level, several tables agreed giving back was critical to self-fulfillment. Others expressed the desire to find an optimal work-life balance where they could spend as much time with family as they did at work.

For those not familiar with the parent SOS Organization, SOS (Share Our Secrets), was founded in Graduating Class 2013: From Left: Siddharth Dhar, Zal Sethna, Shafiq Shivji, Swapan 2010 as a joint Dubey, MD, Gina Patel, Biki Mohindra, Amol Kulkarni, Mitul Patel, Manasi Gokhale, venture beVignesh Veer, Farida Hasanali, Russell Richard. tween Club24 Presidency and briefly spoke about formational event at Dr. Dubey’s and NetIP. his vision for the SOS program. emergency clinic and another so- The current SOS program con“We need to ensure that SOS is phisticated networking encounter sists of four components; the SOS a life long learning experience, at the River Oaks Country Club. Life and Leadership Series, SOS “said Dr. Dubey. “We don’t want The evening held another sur- member speaker series, SOS Conpeople to graduate from one year prise for its attendees. Randhir nect, and the Circle of Influence. of sessions, and then never been Sahni, President, Llewelyn-DaIf you are interested in learnseen again. That’s not our goal.” vies Sahni presented his thoughts ing more about any of the SOS Dr. Dubey called upon current on life and success. “Life is not all components please email us at students to express what the SOS about accomplishing your finan- LearnHow@ shareoursecrets.org. experience meant to them. “When cial goals, you have to focus on Please mention specifically how you look at the sky with an un- personal growth and community you would like to support SOS and trained eye, all you see is a mass of service, you have to think in terms its goals to help the next generation stars, if you look up at the same sky of “what can I give back to the succeed at an accelerated pace. with the guidance of an astronomer community.” Over dinner, Sahni

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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MAY 03, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

20

SUDOKU

Place a Number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Send us the correct answer before May 8, 2013.

Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com or mail to 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036.

Send us your picture and we will publish it if you are a winner (for first three entrees only).

Solution Next Week

Mama’s Punjabi Recipes

Masaladaar Bhune Pyaaz ka Pulao (Spicy Sauteed Onion Pilaf) This is the second pulao recipe that I use and it is tasty and unique because the rice comes out looking brown, but it is not made with brown rice. The rice still has the distinct taste and aroma of regular basmati rice and because of the way it is made, the pulao has an additional taste of spiced onions.

It is also a very Punjabi dish made this way on special occasions.

Chawal (rice) are a basic ingredient in many Indian cuisines, irrespective of which part of the country you come from. But for special occasions like weddings, rice is usually prepared as a pulao (pilaf), which can include vegetables or various meats. Biryani is another rice dish similar to pulao, but introduced to India by the Mughals.

Pulao is a method of cooking adopted from the Persians. Pulao is a dish in which rice is cooked in a seasoned broth. In some cases, the rice may become brown depending on the use of onions, a mix of spices and meat or vegetables, depending on the local cuisine. A variation of it can be found in the Middle East, Central and South Asia, East Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The brown color of the onions runs off on to the rice which is why I call this “brown onion rice”. When served with garam masala (see previous recipe IAN Dec. 7, 2012).

Ingredients: • 2 cups chawal (rice) (preferably Basmati rice) • 2 medium pyaaz (onion) • 4 cups pani (water) • 2 tbsp olive oil or any other oil you prefer • 1 teaspoon garam masala (black pepper mix) • Namak (salt) to taste

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Directions: 1.

Soak the rice for 30 minutes in cold water.

2.

Peel

the

onion

and

cut

into

long

slices.

3.

Heat the oil in a medium sized pot and place the onion in it, stirring till they are dark brown.

4.

Add the salt, garam masala and water and bring to a boil.

5.

Drain the rice, then add to the pot and bring to a boil again. Now cover the pot and reduce the heat to very low.

6.

When the rice fills the pot, check that there is no more water on the bottom.

Turn the heat off and leave the pot covered for 10 minutes.

7.

Serve warm with plain yogurt, daal or rajmah (red beans) or eat simply with Indian pickles.

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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MAY 03, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

May 03, 2013

21

Moving Hearts and Minds: 7th Annual BP MS-150 Bike Ride

HOUSTON: For the seventh year in a row, Indian youth from all over the Houston area bicycled over 150 miles from Houston to Austin as part of the annual twoday bike ride event called the BP MS-150, to raise awareness and money for research to hasten the cure for Multiple Sclerosis. The youth were part of the “Houston Desis” cycling team whose motto “Moving hearts and minds” has been instilled into each of the rider’s psyche. The team was sponsored principally by the Methodist Hospital’s Lung Transplant Center which has graciously obliged the team’s commitment, three years in a row, for their excellent service to the community. The team was also sponsored by, Coastal Cardiology, Pearland Heart Institute, Career Uniforms, Geotest Engineering Inc, Clear Lake Dental Care, Hurricane Glass, Clear Lake Infectious Diseases, SriTech Inc, Kenall Inc. and Mayuri Restaurant.

The team’s journey began in Katy in the early hours on April 20 and ended in Austin on the afternoon of April 21. They were among 11,000 cyclists from all over the US who took part in the largest event of its kind in the world which raised almost $18 million dollars for its cause.

As 14-year old second-time rider Arun Rao said, “Riding for a cause that is important and can help save

old and a second year veteran, showed tremendous improvement over the past year. In stated, “MS150 is an awesome experience. It makes you push yourself to the limit. Even though it was my second year riding, I felt some jitters. The training was painful. My dad helped me by enrolling me in spin classes. Soon, I could ride 40 miles with great ease.

We started in Katy at a slow pace but soon I decided to set Nakul Rao (front), From left: Tayo-Femi, Tej Kabra, Satish Paruchuri (hidden), Srini Gogineni, Srini Kamana, my own pace line. I had left the Stuti Schroff, Rupendra Radia, Vishal Sastri, Ramana Anantha, Arun Rao, Srikar Ananatha, Rahul Popat, team and set off at around 22 Kotesh Rao, Gopinath Sivasubramanian, Saku Gopinath, Praful Bora, Sharad Ravishankar (hidden), Ajay miles per hour and soon I was Vishwanath, Yash Bora, Siddhanth Ahuja, Swamy Yeleswarapu, Akhilesh Yeleswarapu and Raghu Vikram at the lunch stop before 10 am. (who is missing since he started from Tully Stadium) I arrived in La Grange around someone’s life is one of the greatest did amazingly well, thanks to the forms. I clearly felt the first 20 1:40 pm. The second day we all feelings in the world. As you ride strong training and support from miles after lunch were difficult but left La Grange at a fast pace and through the streets of Austin with their parents and the team captains. soon after, adrenaline kept pushing before I knew I was in Bastrop. cheers and applause surrounding The Houston Desis team has a me to the finish line in La Grange. As me and Dad approached the you, you can’t help but smile at great history of organizing a very At the tent, my friends and family finish line a little after noon time the fact that what you have done is safe and fun environment for both and volunteers greeted me. We had amongst a loud crowd, I knew that just special. Riding from Houston new and returning riders to take great Indian food and hot Masala my effort had not gone to waste.”

The captain of the team, Rato Austin is no easy feat. Training part in this event. The highlight Dosas made for us by volunteers. and preparing for an event like this of the team is the wonderful cama- The next morning, we woke up mana Anantha, said that he was takes months of practice, focus raderie and sense of family that it by 5 to eat some delicious hot honored to participate in his 5th and dedication. I believe every- engenders in its team members in pancakes. Once again, we started MS-150. The MS-150 event has body on this Houston Desis Team preparing for the event especially off early and headed for the hilly once again provided the opporhas exemplified these traits.” at the overnight stop in La Grange. ride from La Grange to Austin.” tunity for families and friends to The returning teen riders included Safety is the most important unite together to participate in an It was Rahul Popat’s 2nd MS 150 Srikar Anantha, Rahul Popat and ride. “On the first day I biked 86 theme stressed for the riders in exhilarating and uplifting event.

To be part of Houston DeNakul Rao. Other teenagers were miles from Houston to La Grange. the MS-150 and there were some first time riders including Akhilesh The ride from Houston to Bellville near-misses as riders were stopped sis, contact Srini Kamana at skaYeleswarapu, Yash Bora, Saku was easy and fun. We stopped at several times due to accidents, manawho@gmail.com or Swamy Gopinath, Sharad Ravishankar, Bellville for lunch and got to see stoppages by cops and EMS. Yeles at swamy.yeles@gmail.com and Siddhanth Ahuja, all of whom all the different bikes and uniSrikar Anantha, just 13 years

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MAY 03, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

22

COMMUNITY

May 03, 2013

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HOUSTON: On April 8, IAPAC held a “meet and greet” fund raising for Congressman Al Green at the India Coffee House on 5901 Hillcroft Ave., Suite C2A, Houston, Texas 77036.

Sujeeth Draksharam the current President of IAPAC, welcomed the guests and introduced the Congressman to the attendees and moderated the interactions between the Congressman and the invited guest.

Sujeeth Draksharam requested all attendees to give a brief self introduction.

In his talk, to a group of select donors and IAPAC board members, Congressman Al Green touched on topics ranging from Healthcare, immigration, education, Gun control, Economic Climate and the Keystone Pipe Line project.

As expected the Congressman was very stimulating and inspirational in his presentation and he fielded every query from the audiences very graciously.

The Congressman wrapped up his talk by stating that he is honored to represent the people of the 9th District of Texas in Congress and he is here to help anyway possible and thanked all those who attended the event.

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From Left: Asheet Yagnik, Roy Joseph, Congressman Al Green, David Raj and Reji Joseph.

Jewelers represented the Mahatma Gandhi district businessmen and women group and lauded the Congressman for his yeomen service to the district.

Hor d’oeuvres were served to the guest and many guest had an opportunity to try out the piping hot and delicious coffee and tea from India Coffee House.

Congressman Green was very appreciativeofIAPAC’sinitiativesand involvement in the political arena.

Special thanks was given to David Raj, owner of India Coffee House for opening his establishment for this and other IAPAC events.

This was another quality event put together by IAPAC. Brace yourself for more exciting events.

IAPAC is the political voice of the Indo American community in the Greater Houston area.

Additionally, IAPAC promotes and encourages political activities and increases political awareness in the Indo-American community.

For more information about IAPAC please visit www.iapacgh. org.

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23

IndoAmerican News

Business IndoAmerican News

STOCKS • FINANCE • SOUTH ASIAN MARKETS • TECHNOLOGY

Why India Slowed

Why has India’s GDP growth slowed so much, from nearly 10% year-on-year in 2010-11 to 5% today?

BY RAGHURAM RAJAN NEW DELHI (Live Mint): For a country as poor as India, growth should be what the US calls a “no-brainer”. It is largely a matter of providing public goods: decent governance, security of life and property, and basic infrastructure such as roads, bridges, ports, and power plants, as well as access to education and basic healthcare. Unlike many equally poor countries, India already has a strong entrepreneurial class, a reasonably large and well-educated middle class, and a number of world-class corporations that can be enlisted in the effort to provide these public goods.

Why, then, has India’s gross domestic product growth slowed so much, from nearly 10% yearon-year in 2010-11 to 5% today? Was annual growth of nearly 8% in the decade from 2002 to 2012 an aberration?

I believe that it was not, and that two important factors have come into play in the last two years.

First, India probably was not fully prepared for its rapid growth in the years before the global financial crisis. For example, new factories and mines require land. But land is often held by small farmers or inhabited by tribal groups, who have neither clear and clean titles, nor the information and the capability to deal on equal terms with a developer or a corporate acquirer.

Not surprisingly, farmers and tribal groups often felt exploited as savvy buyers purchased their land for a pittance and re-sold it for a fortune. And the compensation that poor farmers did receive did not go very far; having sold their primary means of earning income, they then faced a steep rise in the local cost

To the extent that democratic responses to institutional incapacity will contribute to stronger and more sustainable growth, India’s economic clouds have a silver lining.

of living, owing to development.

In short, strong growth tests economic institutions’ capacity to cope, and India’s were found lacking. Its land titling was fragmented, the laws governing land acquisition were archaic, and the process of re-zoning land for industrial use was non-transparent.

India is a vibrant democracy, and, as the economic system failed the poor and the weak, the political system tried to compensate.

Unlike in some other developing economies, where the rights of farmers or tribals have never stood in the way of development, in India politicians and non-governmental organizations took up their cause. Land acquisition became progressively more difficult.

A similar story played out elsewhere. For example, the government’s inability to allocate resources such as mining rights or wireless spectrum in a transparent way led the courts to intervene and demand change. And, as the bureaucracy got hauled before the courts, it saw limited upside from taking decisions, despite the significant downside from not acting. As the bureaucracy retreated from helping businesses navigate India’s plethora of rules, the

required permissions and clearances were no longer granted.

In sum, because India’s existing economic institutions could not cope with strong growth, its political checks and balances started kicking in to prevent further damage, and growth slowed.

The second reason for India’s slowdown stems from the global financial crisis. Many emerging markets that were growing strongly before the crisis responded by injecting substantial amounts of monetary and fiscal stimulus. For a while, as industrial countries recovered in 2010, this seemed like the right medicine. Emerging markets around the world enjoyed a spectacular recovery.

But, as industrial countries, beset by sovereign debt, fiscal and banking problems, slowed once again, the fix for emerging markets turned out to be only temporary.

To offset the collapse in demand from industrial countries, they had stimulated domestic demand. But domestic demand did not call for the same goods, and the goods that were locally demanded were already in short supply before the crisis. The net result was overheating—asset price booms and inflation across the emerging world.

In India, matters were aggravated by the investment slowdown that began as political opposition to unbridled development emerged. The resulting supply constraints exacerbated inflation.

So, even as growth slowed, the central bank raised interest rates in order to re-balance demand and the available supply, causing the economy to slow further.

To revive growth in the short run, India must improve supply, which means shifting from consumption

BSE Launches Broad-Based Islamic Index SYDNEY (TOI): The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has launched an Islamic equity index based on the widemeasure S&P BSE 500 index, providing a new benchmark for Islamic investors in one of the world’s largest stock exchanges.

The new index comprises the largest 500 companies in the BSE, out of more than 5,000

listed, which fit Islamic finance principles such as bans on investing in alcohol, tobacco and gambling-related businesses.

The country’s first Islamic index was launched in 2010, also by the BSE, tracking the 50 largest and most liquid stocks.

The Mumbai exchange had a total market capitalisation of $1.32 trillion as of January 2013.

to investment. And it must do so by creating new, transparent institutions and processes, which would limit adverse political reaction. Over the medium term, it must take an axe to the thicket of unwieldy regulations that make businesses so dependent on an agile and cooperative bureaucracy.

One example of a new institution is the cabinet committee on investment, which has been created to facilitate the completion of large projects. By bringing together key ministers, the committee has coordinated and accelerated decision-making, and has already approved tens of billions of dollars in spending in its first few meetings.

In addition to more investment, India needs less consumption and higher savings. The government has taken a first step by tightening its own budget and spending less, especially on distortionary subsidies. Households also need stronger incentives to increase financial savings. New fixed-income instruments, such as inflationindexed bonds, will help. So will lower inflation, which raises real returns on bank deposits. Lower government spending, together with tight monetary policy, is contributing to greater price stability.

If all goes well, India’s econo-

my should recover and return to its recent 8% average in the next couple of years. Enormous new projects are in the works to sustain this growth. For example, the planned Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), a project with Japanese collaboration entailing more than $90 billion (around Rs.5 trillion) in investment, will link Delhi to Mumbai’s ports, covering an overall length of 1,483km and passing through six states. The project includes nine large industrial zones, high-speed freight lines, three ports, six airports, a six-lane expressway, and a 4,000 megawatts power plant.

We have already seen a significant boost to economic activity from India’s construction of its highway system. The boost to jobs and growth from DMIC, linking the country’s political and financial capitals, could be significantly greater.

To the extent that democratic responses to institutional incapacity will contribute to stronger and more sustainable growth, India’s economic clouds have a silver lining. But if India’s politicians engage in point-scoring rather than institution-building, the current slowdown may portend stormy weather ahead.

127

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MAY 03, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

24

May 03, 2013

Dhoni’s Quick Knock of 45 n.o. Keeps Chennai on Top PUNE (ESPN Cricinfo): Chennai Super Kings continued with their formula of going at roughly a run a ball for the first 10 overs, keeping wickets in hand, and then exploding to take 10 an over off the last 10. On a pitch on which the ball seamed and bounced variably, they reached 55 for 2 after 10 overs, but Suresh Raina, S Badrinath and MS Dhoni looted 109 in the rest of the innings to set up an easy 37-run, sixth consecutive win, which kept them at the top of the table and Pune Warriors at the bottom.

With the ball seaming around, Super Kings lost their openers for 28 runs, that too thanks to generous umpiring. However, out came their crisis man Badrinath, and did his job without any fuss. He and Raina added 75 off 59, without taking risks, and picking the rate up progressively. Raina kept providing the odd boundary, and Badrinath found the gaps for ones and twos.

It was in the 13th over that the real charge began. Badrinath drove consecutive deliveries from Rahul Sharma down the ground and through point for fours to take his strike past 100. Raina’s was

MS Dhoni scythes through the off side, Pune Warriors v Chennai Super Kings.

already a healthier strike rate, but he accelerated by sending Kane Richardson over midwicket for a six in the next over.

Badrinath fell in the 16th over, but he and Super Kings will know he fell at just the right time, after just the right innings of 34 off 31.

Dhoni came out and took four and six off the first two balls he faced.

The six was a demoralising - for the fielding side - punch off the back foot, over extra cover.

Dhoni then took apart Ashok Dinda, a bowler he is often criticised for not giving enough chances. He took 25 off eight Dinda’s deliveries, two of them swept boundaries, and one a six off the last ball of the innings. Seamlessly Raina went from being the dominant partner in the earlier partnership to taking back seat and watching Dhoni subdue the bowlers. Along the way he brought up his second half-century of the season.

The target was bigger than ever chased in Pune, because of the seam movement available. Mohit Sharma, the Haryana fast bowler who has been the find of the season for Super Kings, utilised it to end the chase for all intents and purposes with an unbroken four-over spell. With successive deliveries in his first over, he got rid of Aaron Finch and T Suman. He missed the hat-trick, but got Yuvraj Singh to edge behind, making it 43 for 4 in the fifth over.

Sidharth Monga is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo

Out-of-Form Adam Gilchrist: “Form is a Rubbish Word

Adam Gilchrist has attributed the decision to drop himself as captain and player for the match against Mumbai Indians largely to team balance and the wealth of batting resources on the bench. Gilchrist, who followed the example of Mumbai Indians’ Ricky Ponting by leaving himself out of the playing XI, has had a lean tournament to date, managing only 94 runs in eight matches.

“Since the last few games we’ve had to think about it as a selection group,” Gilchrist told IPLT20. com. “We had to look at the right balance and find the right players who were playing well and could contribute most to the team.”

Gilchrist believed that form is not an accurate representation of what has been afflicting him this tournament. “Form is a rubbish word. I have hit a lot of balls in the nets and have felt very comfort-

able. But that hasn’t translated to results in [the] games.”

He was also aware of the batting talent on hand. “At the end of the day I haven’t contributed, and that’s no problem when you’ve got batting talent like Shaun Marsh, [Luke] Pomersbach, David Hussey and David Miller. It’s not a tough decision.”

When asked whether he had considered giving up the wicketkeeping gloves and playing solely as a batsman, Gilchrist said, “No, never, I’ve played years and years of cricket now. So for me it’s not a case of having to focus on batting because keeping is taking up time and energy. It’s part of my nature and part of who I am. If anything, I have contributed more with the gloves than with the bat this year and so I am lucky to have my keeping gloves on.”

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MAY 03, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

SPORTS

Hockey in Punjabi

TORONTO: “Chak de phatte goooaaalll Joffrey Lupul! Torrronto Maple Putayyy!” - that’s how a Punjabi commentator does play-by-play on CBC’s “Hockey Night in Canada” to win new ice hockey fans.

Harnarayan Singh (left) and Bola Chauhan calling a hockey game in Punjabi.

“Dressed in a pinstriped suit with gold cuff links, a blue-and-white tie and a matching turban,” Harnarayan Singh hosts the weekly show with Punjabi analyst Bhola Chauhan, according to a New York Times report from Calgary,Alberta.

The “show that calls games in Punjabi has married Canada’s pastime with the sounds of the Indian subcontinent, offering a glimpse at the changing face of hockey,” says the report.

Describing a game last month between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Winnipeg Jets on two televisions, reporter David Sax recalls how “Singh called the end-to-end action in an animated stream of Punjabi, punctuated with English words like ‘linesman,’ ‘icing’ and ‘face-off.’”

Similarly “Chauhan, an Indian-born draftsman, writer and taxi driver wearing a creamcolored turban, read a fighting poem he had written based on a Punjabi style of verse.”

“The weekly Punjabi broadcast of ‘Hockey Night in Canada,’ as venerated an institution for Canadians as ‘Monday Night Football’ is for Americans, is the only NHL game called in a language other than English or French,” the Times noted.

“The broadcast marries Canada’s national pastime with the sounds and flavours of the Indian subcontinent, providing a glimpse into the changing face of ice hockey,” it added.

INDIA

May 03, 2013

25

Why This Sudden Spurt in Rape Cases?

Have we sold our souls to the devil?

Delhi Police Commissioner asks, “Why should I resign?

If my resignation can prevent such a depraved action of the society, then I am ready to resign a thousand times.”

Pointing out at the reporters, he says, “If wrong news is published in your paper, your editor doesn’t resign.”

For this police officer, the buck stops at the lowest rung of the hierarchy. What a shame !

BY RAJ KANWAR IAN INDIA CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI: Now that a dozen rape cases were reported one day last week from various parts of the country, the earlier ‘rape a day’ routine has become passé. Most news telecasts daily highlights two or more such cases. Four of the 10 Top News on a channel last week was rape-related.

Raping of adult women too has at present become somewhat old fashioned; raping of children and minors is the current flavour. Rape by an individual is also outdated; gang rapes are currently in vogue.

What has happened to us Indians? Have we sold our souls to the Devil? Have we men become so very depraved so as to have lost all sense of proportion or even of elementary decency?

India as a country is already at the bottom rung of the ladder in so many social parameters. If this unending spate of rapes continues unabated, India is certainly destined to achieve the dubious distinction of becoming the country with more rapes per capita.

Why are we men become so nonchalant? Some of the recent rape cases involved inebriated ‘beasts’; however the most other rapes were committed with due deliberation by such ‘beasts’. It is rather humiliating to call these ‘rapists’ as men; they are even worse than the beasts. One has never seen or heard of a male animal raping a female of its own species. It would be somewhat insulting to an animal if we were to use the expression ‘animal instincts’ to describe the baser predilections of men; our animals have better instincts.

The latest rape of a five-year old girl-child in Gandhi Nagar, Delhi by two inebriated ‘brutes’ came

like the last straw that broke the camel’s back, and brought agitated crowds in thousands onto Delhi main streets. This time the profile of the crowd was very different from the one that had thronged Delhi thoroughfares and landmark places such like Jantar Mantar and India Gate following the rape of a 23-year old paramedic student on 16 December, 2012. The last December’s crowds largely comprised of students and young professionals. The composition last week was primarily of people from lower middle class, living in lesser colonies and even slums. Despite this demographic distinction, the two crowds were equally angry, bold and fearless.

Fuel to the fire What had added more fuel to the fire was that the victim’s father had earlier reported her daughter as ‘missing’ but without avail. When he later went to the police station to lodge a report after the girl was found badly injured in a nearby house, the inspector concerned pleaded with him with an offer of bribe not to lodge the report or something to that effect. All this had further infuriated the crowds who vociferously demanded the suspension of the police commissioner, and even the resignation of the Home minister. The government’s response to these demands was characteristic; “just sit tight,

vent such a depraved action of the society, then I am ready to resign a thousand times.” All this sounded and looked melodramatic. Why “a thousand times”, Mr. Police Commissioner; you just need to resign only once. It was possibly for the first time that a police commissioner has had the temerity to publically rubbish the popular demand for his resignation. At any other time, a more responsible and courageous Home minister would have sacked him for such a public show of defiance.

Where does the buck stop?

In fact, this act of bravado by Neeraj Kumar looked more like a preemptive attempt at forestalling any possible action against him by the government. Pray, if not the police commissioner, who else is responsible for the maintenance of law and order in the country’s capital. It is indeed a paramount tragedy that no one in our country is actually held accountable for his acts of commission or omission. In any other country, ‘the buck stops at the top’ is the norm of governance. The late US President Harry Truman had even put a sign on his desk saying that “the buck stops here”. In our own country late Lal Bahadur Shastri had resigned as the Railway minister on moral grounds after a gruesome rail accident. But this high profile police commissioner suffers from the

Police commissioner Neeraj Kumar.

clasp hands and pray that the storm will blow over on its own.”

The police commissioner Neeraj Kumar was even more obtrusive; he decided to take the bull by the horns and told a hastily-called press conference, “why should I resign? If my resigning will pre-

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usual bureaucratic trait of ‘arrogance’ to accept culpability for any misdemeanour by his Force. This should be height of ‘impudence’ and he deserves to be suspended instantly for this act of ‘bravado’.

A road accident in a Jaipur tunnel, a family on motorbike was mowed down by a passing truck.

Are people going mad?

Who are such ‘brutes’ responsible for this ongoing series of rapes that has taken the form of a scourge? By and large, many of them are migrants from distant villages coming from dysfunctional families; they are either barely educated or school dropouts. They do odd jobs in the city, and stay either singly or in small groups with fellow migrants. The other day, two Delhi High Court judges also wondered, “Are people going mad? A five-year old has been raped… some sort of awareness is needed.”

The honourable judges also asked both the Home ministry and Delhi Police to find out the ‘root cause’ of the sudden spurt in rape incidents.

“Yes, my Lords, we men have lost whatever sense of proportion or sensitivity we possessed, if ever.” Sociologists and psychologists fear that perhaps every second person has become a psychopath. Many of the rapists have had a prior history of violence or crime, and also suffer from abnormalities of one or of another kind.

By and large they don’t have family support. But that is no solace to the victim or her family. Psychologists or sociologists have their own take on these and explain such incidents of sexual violence with their usual mumbo-jumbo. But imagine the trauma that is inflicted on the victim and her family.

The 5-year old child was not only raped but her ‘innocence’ too was killed for ever. What a tragedy?

She can never live a normal life even if she overcomes the ordeal.

It is unfortunate but nevertheless true that our insensitivity is all-pervasive in many other situations. In a recent road accident in a Jaipur tunnel, a family on motorbike was mowed down by a passing truck, grievously injuring the wife and son of the biker. The man and his 3-year old daughter survived.

Hundreds of cars and two wheelers passed that way over the next 20 minutes but not one even stopped to help despite repeated plea by the man. Much later when the police sauntered in, it came casually without even an ambulance. When the critically injured were brought to the hospital, they were already dead. Such cases happen every day in most parts of the country. How insensitive could people become?

Raj Kanwar is a Dehra Dun based freelance journalist and writes columns on current affairs for local and national newspapers. He is also the author of the official history of ONGC, which is one of the top three companies in India in terms of market capitalization. Kanwar is also associated with World Oil as its Contributing Editor for South Asia.

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