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Friday, October 07, 2016 | Vol. 35, No. 41

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The IACF 2016 Board at the Gala held on Friday, September 30 at the Stafford Civic Centre

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Justice Hegde Decries Decline of Moral Values for India’s Corruption

FIS board members and volunteers pose with Justice Santosh Hegde (center). Mrinal Chaudhury (left), Raghavender Nednur, Narayana Ponnada, Krishna Vavilala (FIS Founder- Chairman), Col. Dr. Raj Bhalla, Chief Guest Justice Santosh Hegde, S. Gurusiddappa, Parul Fernandes (Event Chair), Lakshmi Vavilala and Hiren Sarma. Photo: Dr. Nik Nikam, NNN.

BY PRAMOD KULKARNI

HOUSTON:

Foundation for India Studies (FIS) featured a crusader against corruption as the latest speaker for its Distinguished Lecture Series. Despite the short notice, more than a 100 FIS members and guests attended Justice Santosh Hegde’s passion-

ate lecture on the causes of India’s systemic corruption and possible solutions on Thursday, Sept. 29 evening at India House.

A native of Karnataka, Santosh Hegde served as a judge on India’s Supreme Court from 1999 to 2005.

His judicial attention turned specifically to corruption issues in 2006 when was appointed Lokayukta

(anticorruption ombudsman) by the Karnataka state. During his five-year tenure in this position, Justice Hegde helped more than 28,000 people obtain justice and charge sheeted at least three ministers and nearly 700 civil servants for a corruption case involving illegal mining.

Justice Hegde shared a number

of examples of corruption involving crores of rupees at the state level to as little as Rs. 25. In one case, an exasperated old woman with a deaf grandson complained to Justice Hegde about a bribery problem. Her postman would not turn over her pension of Rs. 250 by money order unless she paid him Rs. 25. Hegde asked a policeman to intercede on behalf of the old woman, who responded that the amount was too small to be of concern.

During the Q&A session, Justice Hegde agreed that even the judiciary department is corrupt, though less so than the legislative and executive branches. Hegde’s criticism extended equally to the fourth pillar of democracy, the media. While he appreciated help he received from media, Hegde said the planting false stories had become easy in India, where money is the absolute ruler rather than the people.

“The corruption situation is so bad,” explained Hegde. “It is not likely that Mahatma Gandhi could get elected to any elected position in India.”

Hegde insisted that the society

must stop respecting and honoring people who have ill-gotten wealth. He gave the example of Pappu Yadav who, in spite of his criminal record and being sent to jail repeatedly, was elected to parliament. Hegde concluded by reiterating that we as a society should inculcate humanism, shun those with ill-gotten wealth, and resume teaching moral values in schools.

The Distinguished Lecture Series is part of FIS’ mission to enrich the understanding of India’s contributions to the world as well as understanding of the role of the Indo-American community in Houston’s multicultural tapestry.

FIS hallmark project is the IndoAmerican Oral History Project to capture a piece of Houston’s history through the voices of the firstgeneration Indian immigrants. For additional information on FIS, please contact Krishna Vavilala, Founding Chairman at (713) 795-5169 or visit www.foundationforindiastudies.org.

This article includes significant contributions from Bhamy V. Shenoy, former President of India Culture Center of Houston.

Miss/Teen/Mrs India USA Texas

HOUSTON: Sage Productions is

an event management company in Houston, Texas. They specialize in Sound and Light Set Ups but, have expanded their horizon by becoming the Franchise owners for Miss/ Teen/Mrs India USA Texas. On October 1, Abiya Olivia Malhotra and Sajawal Dass (D.J. Sage) of Sage Productions, in association with Moid Khan and Irfan Moosa of Radio Dabang organized Miss/ Mrs/Teen India USA Texas 2016, at the Arabia Shriner Center. The show was a huge success with over 700 people in attendance and featured Bollywood sensation Nargis Fakhri, singer Nouman Khalid, singer Arnie B and Mrs India USA 2015, Neha Multani Verma. This was a great successful effort to bring both Pakistani and Indian Communities together.

The dynamic duo was recognized for their contribution to the South Asian Community by the City of Houston and also by the Congress.

The judging panel was composed of American, Pakistani and Indian CONTINUED ON PAGE

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Friends, Angels ... and a Little Bear, Bring Charity Home

Brian Dean, Sr. VP and CEO of Memorial-Hermann-TMC Campus, which was the lead sponsor, with his wife.

BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA

STAFFORD: All Nik Nikam had

with him (apart from the mic that he loves so well!) as he strode on to the catwalk was a fluffy white teddy bear. And a penchant for adlibbing witticisms, which he has captured in a couple of books. “Our biggest addiction is texting while driving at 80 miles per hour of the freeway,” he rolled off. “So who’s going to bid $10,000 (no takers) …. okay $5,000 …. for this fluffy little teddy bear?

And also get a copy of my brain ‘Comedy Clips of Nik Nikam’?” (as he held out a thin paperback).

Sure enough, Dr. Bharat Pothuri, dashing in his red bow tie and deep blue suit made a bid for $5,000, walked onstage to get the bear and book and got the ball moving.

Many more made bids for the lovable bear, though none matched the first bid, and by the end of the night, after adding in for two items auctioned off by the auctioneer for the night, the versatile Subodh Buchchar (who had just flown in from Chicago); brought in about $26,000 pledged for the Indo American Charity Foundation’s annual fund drive. This added to the silent auction that netted near $10,000 and the money raised beforehand to bring in a little over $200,000 for

the Houston-based charity that prides itself for its moniker “we live here, we give here”.

The IACF held its 29the Annual Gala tagged “After the Monsoons – Charity Blossoms” at the Stafford Civic Centre on Cash Road this past Friday, September 30 with a sold-out event for 500 people. The chief sponsor this year was Memorial-Hermann-TMC which contributed $25,000 to the charity. “”We are in the midst of the most charitable, benevolent people,” said IACF President Nanda Vura as he opened up the evening, emphasizing the key elements of his year in office: expanding the volunteer base, energizing organization and empowering the brand.

He segued into a brief video that showed testimonials from other community leaders who have worked with, and benefitted from, IACF. The unusual tactic of using bears added to the subtle change in the way the IACF has raised its profile, beginning with last year when it gave out its first Friends of Charity awards to local newsmakers, an idea first conceived by this reporter while a Director of the organization.

This year’s gala featured 14 more Friends who came forward to ac-

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IACF President Nanda Vura made some brief opening remarks.

Photos: Roy Photography

Nik Nikam ran the pledge drive for teddy bears and Dr. Bharat Pothuri was the first one to bid with $5,000.

is at many other galas during this busy charity season.

Towards the end of the program, the IACF President-elect for next

Students of the Anjali Center for Performing arts did three dances at the gala.

cept the distinction and went one step further to herald the Angels of Charity, 10 couples in their finest apparel to the sound of music who walked down the catwalk.

The rest of the entertainment came from students of the Anjali Center for Performing Arts, under the tutelage of Rathna Kumar, who is also a Director of the IACF. They performed three dances celebrating the monsoons, in keeping

with the gala’s tagline. The emcee for the evening was the tall Robin Beltran, who sported a huge Afro and is an entrepreneur and frequent television commentator and volunteered her time as a way to give back to the community.

The Gala Chairs were Girija and Anant Patel of Karat 22 Jewelers.

Food for the gala was catered by Dawat Catering whose co-owner Mahesh Shah was on hand, as he

year Dr. Vanitha Pothuri, who has been on the Board for 5 years, was introduced. She spoke about the culture of giving in her family that has inculcated in her the same sentiments of helping family, neighbors and community which are central tenets to the IACF mission. She said she hoped to start an “I Am Charities Friend” program to work with a new local charity each year.

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COMMUNITY

October 07, 2016

Miss/Teen/Mrs India USA Texas CONTINUED FROM PAGE

LAW OFFICES OF ZAINAB K. RIZVI

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dignitaries, entrepreneurs and beauty pageant queens. The beautiful stage set up and hall decor was by Erum Piprani of Wedding Essentials and the contestants were transformed into glamorous queens by the team of Hooked on Henna. Amir Ali Dhodhiya of New York Life, Malik Jamal of Discount Power, Apex Printing and Hassan’s Studio were the grand sponsors. Blu, The Hadi Law Firm, All brands cigarettes and candy, Shahid Usmani of Sterling McCall Toyota, Junaid Chang of Sterling McCall Lexus, M.V. Enterprises, Thredz, Desiwindow, Humtumdesi, Kismet Tickets, Gehna Jewelers, Sweet Tooth by Noureen, Chamak Chocolates, B Poshi, Gyro King, Mirch Masala, Tastee Pizza, Kas Inspiration, Studio S, Samarah’s Fashion, Marium Mehendi Cones, Simple Med, Curve Hospitality, Bareeka, Parinaz, Sangeeta Dua of TV Houston/Apsara, The Malhotra Family and The Dass Family were some of the other sponsors. The contestants were given a platform to express themselves and to share their experiences with women of the South Asian Community and the opening of the show was conducted by the Tagore Society of Houston. The children

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sang “We are the world” and shared a message about love and peace. All the contestants joined the children on the stage with candlelights to promote their message. It was an emotional affair as last year’s winners shared the stories about their journey. Aradhana T. Padilla (Mrs India USA Texas 2015), Tanisha Hirani (Miss India USA Texas 2015), and Mahita Nuthalapati (Teen India USA Texas 2015) gave a ravishing dance performance as a farewell to their term and passed on the crown to the ambassadors for the year 2016.

The ladies were crowned by Nargis Fakhri and the results were as follows: • Miss India USA Texas 2016: 1.Shreya Sheth (Winner) 2.Riya Madhyani (1st Runner Up) 3.Hinna Akhtar (2nd Runner Up) • Mrs India USA Texas 2016: 1.Deepika Verma Aggarwal (Winner) 2.Megha Shekhawat (1st Runner Up) 3.Riva Thanki (2nd Runner Up) • Teen India USA Texas 2015: 1.Andrea Fernandez (Winner) 2.Ashira Abbasi (1st Runner Up) 3.Nadia Khan (2nd Runner Up) 4.Devika Mathilakath (3rd Runner Up) 5.Anmol Khan (4th Runner Up)

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Bollywood Boogie Event at the Sugar Land Town Square

Photos: Navin Mediwala

SUGAR LAND: On September

30, 103 dancers of the Rhythm India Bollywood Dance Company mesmerized a crowd of close to 1000 people at the Sugar Land Town Square for an event called Bollywood Boogie. Rhythm India’s Artistic Director & Founder Arzan Gonda and members of Rhythm India have always been passionate about helping animals.

So they decided to make this event a fundraiser for various local animal shelters.

Animal shelters present that day were, Fort Bend Animal Services Shelter, Missouri City Animal Shelter, K9Kare & Fort Bend Pets Alive which is a non-profit that

is trying to make all Fort Bend shelters - No Kill Shelters. A large number of guests (close to 1000 people) joined in the fun and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The Town Square was packed.

In order to raise funds for this event, Rhythm India had a raffle for which generous sponsors donated towards prizes such as an Ipad Air, Apple Watch, An Evening at Sugar Land Town Square

which included gift cards from Jupiter Waffles & Chicken, Salata, Baker Street Pub, Ben & Jerry’s & Cillies Cakes. They raised a total of $3611 through the raffle so each shelter got $902 each. The icing on the cake was that 6 dogs got adopted that day.

The event started at 7:00 pm with live Dhol music from Dhol Beat International, which got the crowd pumped up. It was then followed by two Bollywood dance tutorials by instructors Namrata Sirur

and Tanisha Hirani. The floor was packed with people of all ages learning Bollywood moves to the songs Abhi toh Party Shuru hui hai and Let’s Nacho. There was a henna tattoo booth and face painting booth and a Bollywood Themed Selfie Booth, which was decorated beautifully by Aalponna Event Design & Planning.

Sharp at 8:00 pm the emcees of the evening Arzan Gonda and Preanka

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October 07, 2016

Women 2016: Navigating the Corridors of Power

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Raji Tarakad (seated) with Daya Board Indrani Goradia (moderator) and Rachna Khare Members Sesh Bala, Vatsala Bhaskaran and (Executive Director of Daya) Viji Raman

Board Members Shaila Patel and Sheela Rao with Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen

BY FATIMA MOHIUDDIN

HOUSTON: Daya, a Houston-

based nonprofit organization that supports South Asian women affected by domestic violence, held their annual seminar on Saturday September 24, at the University of St. Thomas. The program started with a welcome speech by Viji Raman, one of the founding members who gave a brief history of the organization starting from its humble origins to how it has grown to an established and respected organization. She reminded the audience that this tremendous growth was made possible solely by the generous support of the community and other charitable foundations.

The seminar focused on important issues facing women in modern society; from salary negotiation to work life balance. Supported by the Simmons Foundation, this year’s theme, WOMEN 2016: Navigating the Corridors of Power, brought 5 incredible women leaders together to share their experiences and insights. Moderator Indrani Goradia, founder

of Indrani’s Light Foundation and life-long advocate for women, led participants through candid discussions about several challenges facing women today.

Among the speakers was Mayor Pro Temp, Ellen Cohen who discussed the challenges of being a female leader. She shared her personal story of triumph against breast cancer and the importance of advocating for oneself. Her insight that “if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu” was met by cheers from the audience.

Dean Latha Ramchand of the University of Houston, Bauer College of Business spoke about the power of negotiation, guiding participants through case studies related to salary and career negotiations.

Dean Ramchand advised participants to always look within themselves to define their values and fight for what’s important. Judge Stuti Trehan Patel spoke candidly about the challenges of creating a work-life balance. She gave the audience excellent advice on building long term plans in order to accomplish various goals. She

also spoke about the importance of making small changes and investing in oneself and one’s relationships to result in positive changes for the individual and society. Finally entrepreneur and CEO Tanaz Choudhury, rounded out the group of speakers by leading the audience through a motivating mantra and speaking candidly about her life experiences in developing a positive, powerful image.

All the speakers had important and critical messages for women as they seek to play multiple roles in our society.

During lunch, Indrani Goradia led the audience and speakers through a very interactive panel discussion. The audience was given feedback on the many hard choices working women face with every day; from letting go of mommy guilt to negotiating salary increases in the workplace without

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Sewa Youth volunteers with President Sarojini Gupta

HOUSTON:

After staying in a refugee camp in Nepal for 15 years, Sudarshan Luitel, a Bhutanese refugee, came to the U.S. in 2009.

Seven years later, successfully studying at the Texas State University, the former refugee showcased his transformation.

He spoke with an accent, but spoke in English clearly, and attributed his success to the help provided by Sewa International in terms of free vaccination, school supplies, tutorial help for studying English as a Second Language and finally, a college scholarship.

“Your donations can help transform refugees like me,” Luitel told over 500 people gathered at the Sewa International’s Annual Fundraiser at Sri Radhakrsihna Temple Auditorium in Houston on Sept. 25.

The event with inspiring speeches, scintillating performances and mouth-watering spread catered by Bhojan, drew people of diverse backgrounds with the common thread being their commitment to Service or Sewa .

The chief guest and keynote speaker, Alief Independent School District Superintendent H.D. Chambers, spoke passionately about the work Sewa International does to serve the refugee and immigrant students of Alief ISD. He said “the challenges my school district faces with students speaking more than 91 languages are many ” and emphasized how “without the help of non profits like Sewa Houston it would not be possible for school districts to educate these students.” His comments underscored the importance of the work Sewa does through

School districts and its independent programs like ASPIRE tutorials.

“America is more of an idea. Every community is a microcosm of the USA. For the country to prosper there must be support from the communities. If communities do not hlp each other, the country will crumble,” Chambers said. Alief community is a contributor to the concept of America, he said.

Nearly 60 percent of Alief ISD students live in apartments. In this context, Sewa also helps refugee students who live in these apartments. Chambers said the challenge is to make apartment dwellers live like a community and he admonished Sewa to help build communities in apartments and help those students assimilate into the culture.

People, faith-based organizations and schools are three pillars of the society and building a community begins with a family and building from within. And here comes the contribution of Sewa, Chambers said.

Sewa President Sarojini Gupta drew loud applause as she shared with the audience the numerous strides Sewa has made in the past year.

“This past year has been a year of progress and growing partnerships” Gupta said. She added that “Sewa served over 75 kids through the entire school year, took two field trips with the support of Brays Oaks Management District and tutored over 200 kids in Alief ISD summer schools. We also served over 70 pre diabetic and diabetic people through our Stop Diabetes Movement yoga camps.”

Also present at the event were

Sadhavi Ritambhara Ji speaking at the HELP 2016 fundraiser

various beneficiaries of Sewa programs and speakers like SDM participant Dr.Satyanarayan Chilukuri, and noted scientist Dr.Sen Pathak.

Dr. Chilukuri spoke about yoga as a complementary medicine and how Sewa programs helped provide good health and living in harmony with nature. A practicing doctors for 50 years, Dr. Chilukuri encouraged everyone to practice, yoga as it has immense impact on good health and wellness. Yoga will liberate us from unnecessary medications, he said.

The evening’s highlight however was the speech given by Sadhvi Ritambhara Ji, who stressed on the importance of service and the long standing virtue of donating .

She reiterated that Sewa does exactly that, serving humanity without any prejudice of cast, color or religion.

With the support of its speakers, well wishers, the emcee of the evening Dr. Ratna Kumar, Director of Anjali School of Dance, Sewa was able to raise $168,000 against its target of $150,000.

The evening’s entertainment comprised live dance performances, Saraswati Vandana performed

by Neha Pendse and troupe from Aradhana school of dance, Chinese dance by J.H school of dance and Flamenco performance by Flamenco Houston.

On behalf of our entire team Chapter Coordinator Kaushik Chatterjee and Project Coordinator Kavita Tewary thanked all Sewa Volunteers and donors who came out and made the fundraiser a big success.

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2016 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

October 07, 2016

A Celebration of the 147th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

HOUSTON: Mahatma Gandhi

Library presented the spectacular 1000 Lights for Peace, a celebration of the 147th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, on Sunday, October 2, at Miller Outdoor Theater.

The spirit of Houstonians attending the program was truly visible during this auspicious celebration.

The gorgeous day started with 5K Walk for Peace, coordinated

by Sesh Bala. The participants walked around Hermann Park voting for peace with their feet, many proudly displaying signs depicting peace.

The walk culminated on stage at Miller Outdoor Theater, welcomed by the talented Katy Taylor HS Drumline.

The 1000 lights for Peace program started at 6pm with an invocation by Rev Daniel Dominguez from Centro Familiar Cristiano in Sugarland, and Dr. Kavita Vachaknavee from Arya Samaj Greater Houston.

Neha Srivastava, the lovely Mistress of Ceremonies kept the evening flowing with historical perspectives on not only Mahatma Gandhi, but also social reformers including Cesar Chavez, Nelson Mandela, and Desmond Tutu.

The Gandhi Darshan Exhibit, portraying the chronological lifetime of Gandhiji with actual photographs from that era, were on display as were booths for arts and crafts and face painting, which the children lined up for. The Vegan Society for Peace and the IndoAmerican Senior citizens club were active participants through-

out the day.

The evening started with the adorable children from Houston’s St. Catherine Montessori Catholic Choir directed by Tim and Mindy Snow. They brilliantly sang “Halleluleah.”

Rigved Sawale, winner of the younger speech contest, inspired the crowd by reciting his winning speech “Truth: My Story.”

Next was a high-energy, dynamic performance called Nsati by KoumonKe’le’ African Dance & Drum Ensemble, directed by Ms. Christina Gerard.

Tony Jha then treated the crowd to his brilliant winning speech in the older category discussing NonViolence: Means of Conflict Resolution.

The students of Anjali Center of Performing Arts, directed by Dr. Rathna Kumar, performed a classical Indian dance to the melodious tune, Vaishnav Janato.

The Keynote Speaker for the evening Houston City Controller Chris Brown spoke about how relevant the practice of Non-Violence was in today’s strife ridden world and that Gandhi’s message of “Be the change you want to see in the world” was his primary influence for entering public service.

The Ismaili Dance Ensemble presented an elegant performance featuring Turkish and Syrian folk dances.

Dr. Manish Wani announced an unprecedented collaboration of MGL with Birla group in India to bring Eternal Gandhi Museum to Houston. It is one the world’s first digital multimedia museums pre-

serving the historical events of Gandhiji’s life.

Chris Brown presented the awards to more than 30 winners of the city-wide contests held by Mahatma Gandhi Library.

The Abhinaya School of Performing Arts, directed

by Indrani Parthasarathy, presented a “Collage for Peace” set to contemporary Carnatic fusion music with the dance style of Bharatanatyam.

Atul Kothari, the founder of MGL, delivered the vote of thanks and urged everyone to think deeply about attaining peace in their own hearts.

The spectacular evening concluded with the lighting of a candle by all as a symbolic pledge to observe peace in their own lives. The crowd reflected on how to emulate Mahatma Gandhi’s life listening to the soothing song “Imagine” by John Lennon and the soundtrack of “Jyot se Jyot.”

To learn more about 1000 Lights for Peace, please visit gandhilibrary.org or contact Dr. Manish Wani at 713-829-6979.

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COMMUNITY

Unmesh to Unfold Spectrum: Traditional Music at its Colorful Best magnificent musical event in the most traditional way. The Chief Guest of the evening will be the Honorable Consul General of India, Shri Anupam Ray. Please come, enjoy this free

event at this magnificent venue, open to all. Partake in India’s heritage at Saadhana Unmesh – Spectrum and feel the awakening in you.

Bollywood Boogie Event CONTINUED FROM PAGE

BY SASI RAGHAVAN

HOUSTON: After a sultry after-

noon, imagine a beautiful evening – relaxing on your porch, with a cup of tea, watching the rainbow colors of the trees all around. The ambient temperature perfectly poised between warm and cool, you feel the gentle breeze brushing past your face. Slowly, you hear the droplets of rain – first delicately falling down and then turning into a torrential downpour - emanating an earthy smell, reminding you of your childhood, a time when you were an integral part of the nature that surrounds you. By the time you wake up the day, it’s a cool crisp morning!

Saturday, Oct 15, will be one such remarkable evening, where Houstonians will have the opportunity to connect with these elements of nature through Hindustani Clas-

sical music at Saadhana Unmesh, the much-celebrated, much-awaited Flagship event of the Center for Indian Classical Music of Houston (CICMH), an organization founded by Pandit Suman Ghosh, which strives to bring this traditional art form to the community in the purest and most holistic form. This event, to be held at Stude Concert Hall, Shepherd School of Music, Rice University at 3:15pm, will feature the disciples of Pandit Ghosh, Hindustani Classical Music Virtuoso. During the course of this musical evening, aptly titled “Spectrum”, one can witness the confluence of Music and Tradition, with about 90 disciples of the much revered Gurukul, Saadhana Pariwar, ages 5 to 70, presenting a spectacular garland of Raags through delightful compositions and delicate moves.

The rain of raags will display

beautiful color schemes knit together by musical notes, creativity and imagination of the highest order from Pandit Ghosh, the maestro himself, portraying a whole new dimension of this age-old complex musical system, bound to transport us to a spiritual world filled with happiness, attesting to the belief that this traditional music is a reflection of our association with nature. A range of moods - from serenity to ecstatic joy, from sheer dynamism to tranquil calmness, can be experienced in this captivating music palette.

Unmesh, meaning “blossoming”, will showcase the growth of musicality in the performers representing the wider community, and will help the blossoming of the mind and spirit of the audience as well.

Guru Pandit Suman Ghosh-Ji himself has conceptualized, directed and will be conducting this

10

Desai talked about the goal of the show and the festivities began.

Rhythm India Dancers took over the performance area and blew everyone away with their energy.

After the show, Rhythm India’s Facebook page got wonderful feed back from the audience members regarding the costumes, the performances and the professionalism of the entire show.

Rhythm India acknowledged and thanked all their students who raised $100 or more through raffle CONTINUED FROM PAGE

11

ticket sales on that day. Arzan gave these students a memento for their hard work. The kids included, Ishana Bhatnagar, Riti Patel, Navya Suria, Shraddha Guha, Taruna Jhangiani, Hasya Magesh and Hannah Dill.

Arzan Gonda said, “It was indeed a wonderful experience for all our dancers who danced their hearts out and gave back to our community towards this wonderful cause.

The smiles it put on our student’s faces were priceless”.

Women 2016

being apologetic or aggressive.

In her closing remarks, Daya’s new Executive Director, Rachna Khare, thanked participants, supporters and speakers and emphasized the importance of engaging in community discussions, especially those around difficult topics that will aid in breaking barriers for women in society. Since 1996, Daya has supported South Asian clients who are trying to break the cycle of domestic and

sexual violence through counseling, case management and advocacy. Through events such as their annual seminar, Daya promotes community awareness and prevention. To learn more about Daya’s services and to find out how to become a supporter or volunteer, please visit www.dayahouston. org. If you or anyone you know could benefit from Daya services, please contact the confidential helpline at 713-981-7645.

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October 07, 2016

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16 October 07, 2016

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d Conditions: r in this advertisement •No refund, no exchange, no credit, no rain checks •Sale price valid till supply last •Sale items are not for any wholesalers or retailers INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2016 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

18 October 07, 2016 My Chest vs. Yours I

n the early hours of September 29, the NDA government carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads along the LoC, and owned up to it. On that day, the India-Pakistan relationship entered a new phase, imbued with a new dynamic, bearing new challenges — and raising key questions.

What was the defined objective of the military strike and has it been accomplished? Have the costs of the proxy war that Pakistan has waged against India been raised in a manner and to an extent that it is dissuaded in future? What are the next steps for India’s government, for managing the escalation?

In a robust democracy, these are questions that must be asked of the government and questions that the government must address, within the constraints and while keeping the necessary options open, without labelling the questioners as unpatriotic or anti-national.

But in a climate where the initial sobriety displayed by both government and opposition after the strikes is rapidly evaporating, serious conversation or questioning is being rendered difficult. On show is the triumphalism and chest-thumping by sections of the ruling dispensation, being countered by immature claims and irresponsible dares issued by the opposition, particularly the Congress.

Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar broke through the general restraint with which his government had handled the aftermath of the surgical strikes with some effusive imagery, describing Pakistan as the anaesthetised patient after surgery, and the Indian army like Lord Hanuman, awakening to its own prowess. Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad followed his colleague’s trail, and went further.

Suggesting that to question government and the army is to be with Pakistan, he accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of making headlines in the Pakistani media and warned him not to “do or say anything whereby our armed forces feel let down”.

The Congress, after having initially supported the government, no questions asked, appears to be rashly overcompensating. Digvijaya Singh has asked that the government furnish proof of the strikes, while, and here is the problem, the party has officially boasted that it had carried out similar strikes when it was in government in 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2013, but not taken political ownership. All revelations are welcome, by those who are in power and those who have been.

There is need for greater thoughtfulness and responsibility on all sides. The BJP-led government, which has opened a new front against the terror that has repeatedly struck the nation from across the LoC, must refrain from drawing borders within. And the Congress must know that its rhetoric in this difficult moment will return to haunt.

-indianexpress.com

EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY ‘Pink’ of a Different Hue

BY MALVIKA SHARAD

I didn’t really know what my room-

mate meant when she texted me saying “bhai, ‘Pink’ kya movie hai!”

Yes, I had been intrigued by the trailer — the fact that it was produced

by Shoojit Sircar and the ongoing appraisals of the film all over my newsfeed on Facebook — but nothing had driven me to actually watch it till my room-mate’s text.

Slowly getting used to the arrangement of sharing an apartment with three other people and being there for each other in our little ways, maybe I have started trusting her judgement.

She wanted to watch it again and we decided that I would accompany her on the following day for the morning show — the one with cheaper tickets than other times of the day.

I knew there was going to be something unusual about the film when it began with silent credits — one could feel that the silence on the screen was a prelude to a thunderstorm. And the anticipation wasn’t unfounded. Pink unfolds slowly and powerfully, giving you the joy of connecting the dots and also the nervousness of finding out what happens next.

However, it is in the small moments of the film that the beauty of Pink lies: Like when Falak calls up Rajvir to apologise and put an end to the matter and relieve herself of the misery of living in fear and anxiety but ends up bashing him left and right when he just wouldn’t control his tongue; when Falak stings the professor with “I wanted you to hold me” when he tries to throw some hollow rationality at her; it lies in the moment when Sehgal pulls down Meenal’s hood which she puts on to avoid snarky glances and judgemental murmurs in the park.

There are many more of them.

Just when one would think that the girls will succumb to the turmoil and give up, they bounce back with greater might and that is when the film weaves magic. The girls raise the volume on all those muffled voices in a way that sitting there in the theatre watching them, you feel like someone said it for you, that someone finally said what needs to be said, what has to be said and such an expression is priceless — it is the expression of

While we will continue to find our way through all our struggles, we need more lawyers like Sehgal who will voluntarily step up to take our cases and comprehend silences.

that anger that had been long suppressed, that had come out only in front of a few selected friends in a socially acceptable tone. It wanted to come out in front of parents, that boyfriend, that watchman, that aunty, that shopkeeper and that neighbour in an ear-ripping scream.

I could see in those girls myself, my roommates and several of my friends who live in places far away from home, take pride in and draw encouragement from leading an independent life, go out on dates, get physically intimate with the people they like, meet new people, travel, drink, party, borrow money from friends when broke, talk, laugh, argue, fight — never even thinking about how they might be treated and branded when they do any of that.

I could also see in those girls that lady who sat beside me in the theatre with her husband — they were awkward when the lights turned on in the theatre after the film. I could see in those girls that teenager who sat beside my room-mate and who was trying to fathom how much she would have to caution herself if growing up was about what was shown in the film.

While we will continue to find our way through all our struggles, we need more lawyers like Sehgal who will voluntarily step up to take our cases and comprehend silences, we need more judges like Satyajeet Dutta who approaches the law with sensitivity and humanness. But above all, we need more films like Pink. IE The writer, 20, is pursuing an MA from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.

India’s Urban Sprawl

BY JUG SURAIYA

T

he other week an odd thing happened to me. I went from Gurgaon to Shimla by car. So what’s odd about that? What’s odd about it is that i got to Shimla without feeling that i’d left Gurgaon.

Because before you realise you’ve left Gurgaon you’re in Delhi. And before you can goodbye to Delhi you’re in Kundli, which morphs into Samalkha, which becomes Sonepat, which turns into Panipat, which merges into Kurukshetra, which links up with Ambala, which joins Chandigarh, which continues into Kalka, which becomes Dharampur, Solan and Barog.

And before you know it, presto!

You’re in Shimla, before you’ve really shaken the dust of Gurgaon off the wheels of your car.

It’s called urban sprawl. Our towns and cities are getting bigger and bigger. The result is that theyallgetsqueezedtogetherlikethis so that you can’t make out where one ends and the next one begins.

Urban India is gobbling up rural India; towns and cities are eating up the countryside. Where there used to be open fields, there is an unbroken continuum of residential and commercial complexes, malls, fast food joints and dhabas. In the meantime, Kolkata could well become one with Chittagong via Dhaka. And Amritsar might reach Islamabad through Lahore. And India will become undivided again.

-timesofindia.com

Indo American News FOUNDER: DR. K.L. SINDWANI PUBLISHER: JAWAHAR MALHOTRA EDITOR: PRAMOD KULKARNI BUSINESS & PRODUCTION MANAGER: VANSHIKA VIPIN GRAPHIC DESIGN: BHUMI PARMAR OFFICE ASSISTANT: MANSI THAKKAR CORRESPONDENTS

CHICAGO: NAND KAPOOR INDIA: 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.

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COMMUNITY

October 07, 2016

21

UH Honors Late Dr. Lakshmi Putcha with a Symposium on Pharmacokinetics

From left: Dr. Mohammad Tabrizifard, Dr. Sandy Pang, Dr. Diana Shu-Lian Chow, Dr. Girish Putcha, Dr. Stuart Feldman, Mallik Putcha, Dr. Richard Brundage, Professor, Dr. Jitesh Kawedia.

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Dr. Lakshmi Putcha

HOUSTON: A Research Sym-

posium on “Pharmacokinetics: A Pivotal Link to Mechanistic Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Product Development and Clinical Therapy” was held on Friday, September 23, by the College of Pharmacy at the University of Houston in memory of late Dr. Lakshmi Putcha. It was a well-attended by over hundred people comprising of students, her colleagues from NASA/JSC and UH, her family and friends from various cities in USA. Vasanta Lakshmi Putcha, a longtime resident of Houston, a role model, a respected NASA scientist, an intellectual and lover of Indian fine arts and a woman of many talents, passed away last September 28, 2015 after a tragic car accident after suffering a stroke while driving.

Dr. Putcha, 68, was the Chief Pharmacologist at NASA-Johnson Space Center, having started her career as a post-doctoral fellow in 1982 and went on to develop cutting-edge applications for astronaut health care operations in space and on Earth. Over the course of her career, Dr. Putcha was awarded grants by the National Institutes of Health and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute, to name just a few. Her contributions to the field of Pharmacotherapeutics include significantly expanding our knowledge of the wide-ranging effects of space flight on humans, as well as resolving critical human health and safety issues for future exploratory missions, including the upcoming missions to Mars.

The morning session of the Sym-

Consul General Anupam Ray at Luncheon.

posium began with a welcome by Dr. Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Interim VP for Research and Technology Transfer and opening remarks by Dr. Lamar Pritchard, Dean of Pharmacy.

It was moderated by Dr. Diana ShuLian Chow, Professor of Pharmaceutics. The research papers were presented by •Dr. K. Sandy Pang, Professor, University of Toronto •Dr. Richard Brundage, Professor, University of Minnesota •Dr. Mohammad Tabrizifard, Director, Biologics Discovery, Merck •Dr. Jitesh Kawedia, Research Specialist, UT-MDACC Vernie Daniels, Pharmaceutical Scientist/ Research Pharmacist, NASA/JSC presented a detailed account of the legacy of “Dr. Lakshmi Putcha in her hour long presentation entitled “A NASA Pioneer of Pharmaceutical Science, Research, and Innovation”. Vernie Daniels presentation was very revealing on Dr. Putcha’s work as very few in the local community knew about the contributions of Dr. Putcha in academic, scientific, research and corporate circles of Pharmacokinetics all over the world. Her humility and simplicity in her personal and professional life dominated her accomplishments in the world of science which helped her to maintain a low profile as a friend and a caring mother amongst the Indo-American community. It was interesting to know of the long list of her achievements and it was also an inspiring experience to learn about the lifetime work of Dr Putcha.

At the Luncheon, Honorable Anupam Ray, Consul General of India, touched on Dr. Putcha’s contributions to NASAin the area of Human Health and Performance. Dr. Stuart Feldman, Professor Emeritus University of Georgia and Graduate Advisor of Vasantha Lakhmi discussed her Masters and Ph. D research work.

Mallik Putcha and family announced the establishment the following Four Endowments at the University of Houston, Houston and Clear Lake Campuses: •Dr. Lakshmi Putcha, Pharmacy •Dr. Herb Hayre, Electrical and Computer Engineering •Dr. Ben Ostrofsky, Industrial Engineering and Bauer College of Business •Dr. Charles McKay, Software Engineering Mallik spoke passionately about giving back to the University, the Professors, the City of Houston, State of Texas, and the United States of America for giving the opportunities to the Putcha family members and urged immigrant families to give back to this country to the extent possible.

Dr. Girish Putcha, a distinguished doctor & research scientist shared his personal insights and research contributions of his mother.

Toshy Hayre, wife of late Dr. Herb Hayre; Keri Pearlson and Tracy Ostrofsky, family of Dr. Ben Ostrofsky attended the Luncheon. Dr. Toshy Hayre appreciated and shared her thoughts on the establishment of the Endowments.

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COMMUNITY

Diwali and Dusshera Mela Celebrations at Skeeter’s Stadium, Sugar Land

BY NIK NIKAM, MD

SUGAR LAND: Shri Sita Ram Foundation,

USA will be presenting the Diwali - Dusshera Mela at the Skeeter’s stadium on Oct. 15, 2016, between 4-10 PM. This will be the FIFTH year in a row, where Shri Sita Ram Foundation will be displaying this cultural extravagance, where the Triumph of Good over Evil is brought to real life on stage with hundreds of artists acting, dancing, changing music and much more.

The Dusshera refers to the tenth day of the battle between Gods and Demons, where Lord Sri Rama kills the Demon Ravan in Sri Lanka.

In other parts of India like Karnataka, this day refers to Goddess Chamundeshwari killing demon Mahishashura, and in West Bengal, it refers to Durga mata killing the Demon Monster.

Dusshera celebrations are accented by enacting the battles scenes on stage, followed by music, dances, and religious chantings. That is followed by a parade, similar to the one we see on the Macy’s day Parade. Here some people dress-up like Gods and Goddesses, while others play music, dances, and wear mythical costumes.

Following the parade, the burning of the effigies of the Demons and fireworks, mark the finale of this glorious celebrations.

This program is very popular and very attractive to all members of the family, as young children get to learn a great deal about the India mythology, while the grandparents get to reminiscence the nostalgia memories of their childhood when they were participating in the similar events in various parts of India.

And, of course, there will be plenty of food booths, merchandize booths and activities for young children Diwali marks the beginning of a new year in the Indian calendar and is celebrated with houses lit up with multicolored lights ( similar to Christmas) prayers, exchange of gifts, wearing new dresses, visiting family and friend, and finally, culminating with firecrackers.

This Diwali and Dusshera Mela has attracted more than 9000-10,000 people in the past. We have had to turn down people due to fixed capacity at the Skeeter’s stadium.

We urge people to buy their tickets from www.

Sulkeha.com, www.humtumdesi.com, Foundation website www.ShriSitaRam.org and many Indian grocery stores around town.

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OBITUARY

October 07, 2016

Dr. Sumant Malhotra Optimist and Devoted Friend 1976-2016

HOUSTON:

Dr. Sumant Malhotra, an optometrist devoted to family and a legion of friends who all packed into the hall, was eulogized in a standing room only funeral service at the Winford Funeral Home on the city’s southwest side on Monday, October 3. He was almost six weeks shy of his 40th birthday when he succumbed to a seven-year battle with brain cancer and passed away at his parent’s home on Friday, September 30, 2016.

Just last year on May 26, many of the same childhood friends and their young children, along with his family, wife Kavita and then 5 year-old daughter Sarina, had gotten together to celebrate his courageous battle with cancer which was then considered to be in remission.

They held a special surprise get together for him in the private back room over boxes of pizza party at the Marquee, a members-only club in City Centre.

Sumant was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend who touched the lives of many people. He will best be remembered for his infectious smile, laughter, devoted friendship, selflessness, transcendent personality and work ethic. There was a profound outpouring of love and support from across the globe and many came together be with him in his final days and posted their meeting on the Facebook page.

Sumant was born in Montreal, Canada but grew up near Buffalo, New York before moving to Houston in 1990. In high school, he excelled in academics, music, and tennis, graduating summa cum laude. He then attended the University of Houston, graduated with honors, and subsequently completed his doctorate in Optometry in 2004.

Sumant was the older son of long-time Houstonians Bindu and Bhagwant Singh Malhotra.

Bindu is from New Delhi and worked as an former school teacher and registered nurse for 30 years, currently at Memorial Hermann Hospital Northwest. Bhagwant, from Lucknow, is a retired civil engineer. They left India in 1971 and lived in Lockport, New York for 10 years before moving down to the sunny climes of Houston in 1990. They have a younger son, Kavin, a radiologist in Houston.

Sumant was diagnosed with stage 3 anaplastic astrocytoma, a type of brain cancer characterized by headaches, depression and sometimes seizures, in October 2009 and had surgery in a week later to successfully remove the tumor.

Unfortunately, it returned as a stage 4 glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive malignant primary brain tumor in humans, and Sumant had surgery to remove most of it in March 2015.

Throughout his multiple brain surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy, he steadfastly main-

tained a positive and selfless attitude and continued to work hard to provide for his family and never made excuses. Sumant worked as a full-time optometrist at America’s Best in Fort Worth, where he lived with his wife and daughter, up to the day his condition left him no choice but to stop.

Throughout his battle, he continued to defy statistics and his courage was a true inspiration to all around him. In his last days, In passing, he brought together many from across the globe with the unifying purpose of celebrating his exquisite, but short life.

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2016 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

25

26 October 07, 2016

Job Posting:

News Edit Internship

KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid NEWS EDITING INTERNSHIP for the Spring 2017 semester. Internships are available to currently-enrolled college students in their junior or senior year who are pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies by using a “real world” hands-on environment. News Editing Interns will have an opportunity to observe, participate, and contribute in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station.

As a News/Technical Intern you will primarily assist in editing for air- being creative and precise, while also learning the ins and outs of working behind the scenes for live newscasts. Interns will work under the direct supervision of the Digital Media Coordinator and other staff members. Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least two days per week between the hours of 2PM and 10PM. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship.

To be considered applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req # 401287BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities.

No Telephone Calls Please KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2016 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

October 07, 2016

Job Posting:

Assignment Desk Intern

KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for assignment desk interns for the Spring 2017 semester. Internships are available to undergrads currently enrolled college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship.

The successful applicant will be responsible for assisting the assignment desk, which includes but is not limited to making beat-checks, answering phones, monitoring police and fire radios, getting information and developing stories.

Job Posting:

27

Community Affairs Intern

KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid COMMUNITY AFFAIRS INTERNSHIP for the Spring 2017 semester.

Internships are available to currently enrolled undergraduate college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies. Interns will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station.

The candidate should be detail-oriented and able to handle many different responsibilities at the same time. The ideal intern knows how to multi-task and set priorities. Good news judgment and strong communication skills are essential, along with strong writing skills. The candidate should have a good working knowledge with the use of social media for news gathering. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends.

As an intern you will attend help in the production of community affairs shows, including scheduling of guests, help gathering and editing video, assist with community drives, forums and outreach. Each area requires significant planning, scheduling and execution.

Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship.

Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least one day per week and the hours may vary depending on scheduling and may include some weekend and early morning and evening hours.

All interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req. # 401286BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities.

All interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req #401285BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities.

No Telephone Calls Please

No Telephone Calls Please

KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

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PUZZLES / RECIPES Mama’s Punjabi Recipes Loon Mirch da Parantha (Salt ‘n’ Pepper Crispy Flatbread)

If you want to make a true Pun-

jabi really happy about a meal, just tell him or her that you’ll be serving hot paranthas and they will come right over. They might even invite themselves over if they smell the paranthas being cooked on a hot tava (flatplate). There’s just something about the smell of a hot parantha becoming crisp with just a little sizzle as it fluffs up, that is undeniably inviting.

The word parantha comes from parat (turn over) and atta (flour) and it is pronounced in various ways across India and other places where Indians have settled, like Mauritius, Burma and Malaysia.

Paranthas are thicker and more substantial than chappatis or rotis because of using more dough - which is rolled twice - and coating with ghee (clarified butter) or oil while cooking. There are at least 50 types of often-made paranthas but many more could be made with different ingredients and a little imagination. The secret is to know how to stuff the atta and then cook it on the tava without the dough falling apart.

A homemade Punjabi parantha is usually 8 to 10 inches round and nearly ¼ inch thick. It is made of twice-rolled dough, with a little dab of oil and then cooked on each side till there is a crispy, golden brown top layer, which can only happen when you coax the dough to actually puff up and NOT press down hard on it while cooking. Then the crispy side is coated with some butter or oil and served piping hot.

And the easiest parantha to make is the loon-mirch (salt and red pepper with a pinch of ajwain (carom seeds)) one which is a favorite of little kids who hate to eat crumbling pieces of stuffing falling out while they tear the bread apart. It was a favorite of my kids who would often sit side-by-side at the kitchen table and eat the

parantha with a fried egg on top and a little chilled butter on the side! They loved the crispy edges of the parantha and the eggs!!

Ingredients: • 500gm kanak (gehon) ka atta (wheat flour) • 2 tbsp tael (olive oil or vegetable oil) • 1 1/2 cups pani (water) • 1/4 tsp namak (salt) per parantha • 1/4 tsp mirch (red pepper) per parantha • 1/4 tsp ajwain (carom seeds) per parantha - optional

dry atta, then roll the ball out with a pin into a 4 inch disc.

4. Throw in the salt and pepper, then gather off the ends off the dough in pleats with a pinch and then roll into a ball again. The ajwain is optional but helps with digestion and gives additional flavor.

5. Carefully roll out the ball into an 8 to 10 inch disc, ¼ inches thick, trying not to put a tear in the dough.

6. Put a small dab of oil on a hot tava (hotplate or skillet) and place the flattened disc on. When it puffs a bit and turn color, turn the pancake over. Turn the heat to medium low.

Put another dab of oil on the tava and then turn it over again till it is fully cooked. A well-made parantha will actually puff up!

7. These paranthas are best served hot with butter, plain yogurt, daal (lentils) or sabzi (vegetables).

Directions: 1. Pour the atta into a bowl (stainless steel is best); pour in the water a little at a time and knead into dough.

Make sure that the dough is not hard but not too soft. It shouldn’t stick to the hands or the bowl. Cover and set the dough aside for 30 minutes.

2. Grease your hands with a dab of oil. Pinch off a small amount of dough and roll it in the palms of your hands into a 2-inch round paada (ball).

3. Coat the counter top with some

Shakuntla Malhotra is a skilled cook of Punjabi dishes made in the oldfashioned style that she learnt as a young woman in her ancestral home in Lyallpur (since renamed Faisalabad), India before it became part of Pakistan after the Partition. People have often admired her cooking for its simplicity and taste that comes with each mouthful. Even in her late-eighties, she continues to cook daily and agreed to share some of her delectable recipes.

MAMA’S TIP OF THE WE EK REMOVE TH EGGPLANT WH E SEEDS FROM EN MAKING BH ARTHA

There are only a fe bhartha (mashed sa w types of ways to make bainga n utéed eggplant), bu t th that can really destr oy the enjoyment of ere are two things th the eggplant has be en shredded and th e dish. One is when er e filaments that run are still long stringy through it.

And the other is w hen finished dish and yo there are just too many seeds left in th e u on the way that the bite into them while eating. Dependi ng eggplant is roasted, make sure to take extra time to remov the e time consuming bu the seeds before shredding. It is a lit tle t the final result is in the tastiness of dish. the

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October 07, 2016

ENTERTAINMENT:REVIEWS/NEWS ENTERTAINMENT:REVIEWS/NEWS Indian Film Producers Ban Pakistani Actors Forever Over Kashmir Crisis

MS Dhoni: Sushant Delivers a Match-winning Knock as Dhoni

T

he Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association has banned Pakistani actors, singers and technicians from working on Indian films.

The organisation’s president, TP Aggarwal, said: “No Pakistani will be hired by their producer members for ever.” However, as a crisis between Indian and Pakistan over attacks in the disputed territory of Kashmir escalates, other reports stated that the ban would last only until normal relations resume between the two countries.

The IMPPA’s decision, carried at the organisation’s annual general meeting on Friday, comes in the wake of the deaths on 18 September of 19 Indian soldiers in the Uri region, part of the disputed territory of Kashmir. India blamed the assault on Pakistan-sponsored militants and this week launched strikes across the 1972 ceasefire line that divides the Himalayan region.

Ashoke Pandit, a producer and IMPPAmember, said: “IMPPApaid homage to the martyrs who were killed in Uri. It therefore felt its responsibility towards the nation and passed a resolution banning Pakistani actors and technicians in India till normalcy returns. For IMPPA, nation comes first.”

Separately, far-right political party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has led a call for all film industry

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

workers of Pakistani origin to leave India, as well as for their films to be banned. The party, led by Raj Thackeray, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Pakistani movie workers to leave India by 25 September or risk being “pushed out”.

Reports allege that Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has been dropped from forthcoming film Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laddoo Deewana. A number of films scheduled for release during the Diwali holiday in October may also be affected, including Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which co-stars Pakistani pin-up Fawad Khan alongside Indian stars Aishwarya Rai and Ranbir Kapoor.

Dear Zindagi, due to hit cinemas in November, may also be affected.

The film co-stars Pakistan’s Ali Zafar and India’s Shah Rukh Khan.

-theguardian.com

29

T

he biopic on India’s celebrated skipper, MS Dhoni (played by Sushant Singh Rajput) is the cricketer’s ode to his well-wishers, friends and family, who stood by him at all times - in success and failure. Their immense contribution in fulfilling his dream, his faith in himself and ability to battle professional and personal setbacks, forms the story.

If you are a diehard fan of MS Dhoni and cricket (in that order), you are bound to love this film, which reveres its protagonist. Despite the glorification, what works is Sushant’s impeccable portrayal of a stoic Dhoni and the latter’s inspiring untold story - his journey from being a ticket collector to a renowned attacking batsman/ wicket-keeper/captain.

Sushant internalises his character and becomes MSD, without heavily mimicking the cricketer.

He even nails his iconic helicopter shot and restrained personality. The actor scores a winning knock. The film also boasts of a spectacular firsthalf, which showcases Dhoni’s initial struggle as an aspiring professional cricketer. It reminds you why sportsmen deserve the fame and money they get.

Neeraj Pandey recreates Dhoni’s Ranchi life beautifully. He keeps it authentic and relatable. This one scene shot at Kharagpur station particularly stands out. Sushant is seen trying to make his way through a sea of people. It’s him going against the tide, summing up Dhoni’s life journey as well. Supporting actors deserve a special mention as their performances tug at your heartstrings. A scene featuring Yuvraj Singh (Herry Tangri) is outstanding.

However the biopic loses its momentum in the second half with Dho-

ni’s love life getting undue prominence. Also, the cricketer’s questionable decisions or possible vices are mostly overlooked. His tiff with the senior players (Sehwag, Gambhir), rivalry with Yuvraj Singh, lovehate relationship with the media, team politics and criticism faced on occasions, barely find a passing reference. As a full-fledged biopic, this one-dimensional approach towards the lead character leaves you a tad discontented. But since you see the film through Dhoni’s eyes, it’s justified as one rarely sees faults in oneself.

Nonetheless, this cricket movie hits sufficient sixes making the ‘Dhoni Dhoni’chants reverberate in the theatre.

-timesofindia.com

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2016 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

Amitabh Bachchan October 11, 1942

Rekha October 10, 1954

30 October 07, 2016

Series Win Against Kiwis Lands India No. 1 Test Ranking

BY KARTHIK KRISHNASWAMY

K

wicket to the left-handed Henry OLKOTA (ESPN Cricinfo): Nicholls in the 36th over. From India 316 (Pujara 87, Rahane 77, the amount of work he puts into Saha 54*, Henry 3-46) and 263 his action, a batsman expects the (Rohit 82, Saha 58*, Boult 3-38, ball to turn. He often plays for Henry 3-59, Santner 3-60) beat that turn, or at the very least, worNew Zealand 204 (Bhuvneshwar ries about it so much that it brings 5-48) and 197 (Latham 74, Jadeja uncertainty into his game. Nich3-41, Shami 3-46, Ashwin 3-82) olls was put through this harrowby 178 runs ing sequence of events and sent At the historic Eden Gardens, on his way to the pavilion as a in front of 12,068 people, India good length ball, holding its line became the No. 1 team in the just outside off stump, took the world with a 178-run victory over edge and was taken superbly by New Zealand and captured their Ajinkya Rahane at slip. fourth series trophy on the trot.

Only six times has a team ever It isn’t groundbreaking for a made 376 or more to win a Test. team to dominate in their own Never has it been done at Eden conditions. And granted, the heat Gardens, where the highest sucand the pitches left New Zealand cessful chase took place more feeling out of place - picture Mr than a decade ago and finished Bean in an MI6 facility - but when at 120 for 2. The contribution you watch R Ashwin conjuring from Saha to put his team in such wickets, or Mohammed Shami Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane congratulate each other, India v New a strong position should not be demolishing stumps; when you Zealand, 2nd Test, Kolkata, 4th day, October 3, 2016 underestimated. He became only watch M Vijay leaving the ball the fourth Indian wicketkeeper to or Cheteshwar Pujara attacking the the ball hit pad or beat bat. India often sure the bat came down close to it. A hit two fifities in a Test. spinners; when you watch Virat Kohli get on rolls like these. But it isn’t often second later, he was watching his off On the West Indies tour, Saha was raising his game, it is difficult not to that they make it last. Someone gives stump cartwheeling all over the place. demoted one spot from No. 6 with wonder whether India have found it away. A ball down leg. A wicket The ball had moved one way in the the team management saying they themselves an XI capable of becom- thrown away. This XI, though, may air and then promptly the other way wanted to reduce the pressure on him just be learning to shed those bad off the pitch to beat the outside edge. when they went in a batsman short. ing something special.

New Zealand did the best they habits.

Shami can’t possibly have intended India have not opted for that combiTake Ashwin for example. He had for that to happen; it would just be nation at home against New Zealand could in the absence of their regular captain and best batsman Kane Wil- seen that Latham had changed his scary if he did. but Saha stayed in the lower order. liamson. He had finally recovered technique; that he was taking a shorter Twelve out of the 20 wickets India On his home ground, he produced from a fever to come out of his hotel front stride so that he could be in a took in Kolkata went to the seamers. an innings that may well become room and watch the match from the better position to play the ball that Admittedly, the pitch suited them something of a signature. He was ground. He would have felt proud doesn’t turn and avoid being lbw. better in the early stages, but not often happy to take blows to his body of Tom Latham’s polished 74. He It paid off beautifully. He survived have India made use of that advan- from the fast bowlers. He used their would have enjoyed Matt Henry’s the first few minutes. His footwork tage. On the fourth day, when conven- pace, nudging them behind point or big-hearted performance. He would grew assured. A good cover drive off tional swing went AWOL along with towards backward square leg. And have wanted to run out to the field a half-volley got him going. A delec- the uneven pace and bounce, they having blunted them, he gorged on when the ninth wicket fell and do his table flick shot later in the innings used what was given to them - score- spin. Five of his six fours and 28 of little bit for his men. But 376 was too exemplified that he was reading the board pressure and reverse swing his unbeaten 58 came off the bowllength early and well. He went to tea - brilliantly. This is why India should ing of Mitchell Santner. It was only big a target in the final innings.

The coin was in love with Kohli, unbeaten on 74. feel upbeat about their chances. Their the fifth time in Test history that a Ashwin got him in his first over fast bowlers aren’t place-holders for batsman from No. 8 had made two doing as he bid for a sixth time in a row, in Kolkata. The weather too after tea. The ball was looped up. It the spinners anymore. fifties in a Test. wanted to be on his good side, giving was bowled wide. It was a tease. Like But it is India, it was a spinner who There were two Indian wickets him the perfect conditions to ambush the smell of chocolate to a man who got things going. Ashwin mystifies standing on the fourth morning, when New Zealand late on the second day. has never eaten anything other than batsmen with his flight and Martin the pitch showed signs that it had In Bhuvneshwar Kumar, he also salad. Latham went for that sinful Guptill and Ross Taylor were the lat- slowed down. Neil Wagner picked up had the ideal weapon to exploit a cover drive and the outside edge was est scratching their heads all the way one of them to move his career tally pitch that offered seam, swing and taken by Wriddhiman Saha, moving to the pavilion. One was lbw because to 99. Playing his 25th Test, he could variable bounce. On the fourth day, smoothly to his left. the ball dipped, the other was lbw have tied with Richard Hadlee’s reAnd then there was Shami and his again because it drifted away and as cord for the fastest New Zealander to when conditions had become better for batting, India remained tenacious. sexy reverse swing. BJ Watling read a result the Kolkata Test claimed the 100 Test wickets but the final wicket They remained patient. They were a that a fuller delivery was tailing into record for the most lbws in a Test in went to Trent Boult. little petulant too, putting the umpire him. Appropriately, he brought his India. The count finished at 15.

Karthik Krishnaswamy is a subunder needless pressure every time front pad down the line and made Ravindra Jadeja went around the editor at ESPNcricinfo

SPORTS

Pak Series Win vs. WI

S

HARJAH: Pakistan 337 for 5 (Azam 123, Malik 90, Sarfraz 60*) beat West Indies 278 for 7 (Bravo 61, Samuels 57, Riaz 2-48) by 59 runs Pakistan followed up their 3-0 T20I series win by sealing the ODI series with yet another clinical display against West Indies in Sharjah. Pakistan’s 59-run win was set up by their most and least experienced batsmen Shoaib Malik and Babar Azam - who combined to display the art of batting through the middle overs on a slow surface to lead them to 337 for 5, the third-highest total in Sharjah.

Azam struck a chanceless century, his second successive one, and Malik blitzed 90 as the pair strung together 169, Pakistan’s highest stand for the third wicket against West Indies. In reply, West Indies found the chase too steep and could only manage 278 for 7.

Openers Azhar Ali and Sharjeel Khan put West Indies under pressure from the outset after Pakistan opted to bat. Sharjeel used his bottom hand to clear the infield regularly, collecting three fours and a six in his 12-ball 24 before West Indies hit back, removing both batsmen in the space of three balls.

Thereafter, Azam and Malik stalled West Indies with sound technique and calculated risks. Azam pierced the field while Malik went over it, both equally effective in collecting frequent boundaries and keeping the score moving.

Babar Azam brings out the pull shot, Pakistan v West Indies, 2nd ODI, Sharjah, October 2, 2016.

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October 07, 2016

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