January 10, 2025
Gujarati Samaj of Houston Hosts Enthusiastic Celebration of New Year
By GirisH naik
Houston: The Gujarati Samaj of Houston has been celebrating all major Hindu festivals - Holi, Navaratri, Diwali - since 1979. The main objective of the founders of the GSH is to promote and pass on our rich heritage to the coming generations. But at the same time, the GSH also takes on celebrations of western events such Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve.
This year’s New Year Party, attended by 425 members of GSH and their guests, was held at the GSH Event Center on December 31, 2024, from 7:30 PM onwards. The ticket included appetizers, two complementary tickets for alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, munchies and a full Punjabi buffet dinner and party favors. Dance music was provided by one of the best DJ’s in town, DJ – Nish who played hits all the way to the countdown to the New Year 2025. Three prizes were given for the best couple and best dance moves.
The program started at 7.30 pm with the arriving guests taking a photo at the main entrance under an arch of colorful ballons and décor reading Welcome 2025. After the members were signed in and given their tickets for drinks, they were free to mingle with drinks, appetizers and munchies. Light instrumental music played in the background. After an hour of networking and mingling, DJ – Nish took over and opened the dance floor for all the couples with three slow moving dance songs before diving into the fast songs. This is
greatly appreciated by the couples as it gave them time to closely dance with their partners. The
younger
the
as well as the older members. This year we had a good response
from the younger generation as the number of New Year parties in the town was limited and the GSH party’s tickets were very economically priced. Once the dance floor started it never stopped until the countdown to the New Year. While the dancing was going on, the buffet dinner was also open for anyone who was feeling hungry. Aat the countdown, popup confetti was burst into the air welcoming 2025, followed by a champagne toast, welcome hugs and everyone wishing each other the very best for 2025.
The GSH cannot do such a huge celebration without the support of the members and our sponsors.
The GSH thanks Grand Sponsor Co-America Bank, Parvez Jasani and Brijesh Chaudhari; Platinum Sponsor Laxmi; Gold Sponsor Majestic Developers; Silver Sponsors Amin Realty, Dwija Financial LLC/Dabhi Construction, Tara Capital; Bronze sponsors Texas Hindu Camp site, Vijay and Sushma Pallod, Bhutada Foundation, Subhlaxmi Grocers, ABC Travels, SK Insurance, N&M Foundation and Sheena Consulting. The vegetarian food was from Jai Bhavani and non-vegetarian food was catered from Shahi Darbar Halal restaurant. Media partners are Masala Radio and Indo American News.
Last but not the least, GSH thanks the entire three committees of Gujarati Samaj of Houston, all the community volunteers who put in a lot of hours to make this event so successful.
Silver Heart Care: A Youthful Pact to Provide Care for Older Generations
By JawaHar MalHotra
It started off with a conversation between Raghav Singh and his dad Sanjay on the driveway of their house. It was 2020 and COVID had just started spreading all over the nation and Raghav came up with an idea to take care of older people who were unable to get around. Sanjay was impressed by his young 16-year-old son, who was then a junior in Clements High School, and encouraged him to develop the idea of further. And that he did, with a walk-
athon at Lost Creek Park in March 2020 to raise awareness and money for the ideas germinating in him for senior care. Raghav started a nonprofit which he called, “Silver Heart Care”, to offer transportation, meals and other assistance to seniors. So far, SHC has organized four charity runs, provided four senior home performances to uplift their spirits and participated in six distribution events. Meanwhile Raghav graduated from high school and moved on to the University of Texas in Austin where he is now a sophomore
studying finance. His entire family - dad Sanjay, mom Meenakshi and older sister Devika - have jumped in to help him keep his dream going, while Raghav keeps tabs from a distance. This year’s charity walkathon is slated for March 23 in Sugar Land Memorial Park. At a meet and greet held on Tuesday evening, January 7 at the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Raghav expanded on his ideas. “Action speaks more than words,” said Raghav from the podium. “All seniors have different needs, one size does not fit all.
There needs to be cross generational help for seniors”.
He described the three services SHC offers: Wheels of Wellness which has booked 100 Uber rides so far from the $25,000 that has been raised in four years; individualized services and disaster relief. He played a video clip testimonial from one of the seniors who has benefited.
Fort Bend Commissioner Pct 3 Andy Meyers applauded Raghav’s initiative, noting that Fort Bend has 14% seniors and hoped that SHC and the county would co-
ordinate senior activities. Sugar Land City Council District 4 Carol McCutcheon said she “loved that young people take leadership roles and strengthen intergenerational outreach”. Texas House Representative Dist. 26 Jacey Jetton was impressed by Raghav’s outreach, saying “nonprofits do it better than government”.
Several other key sponsors were in attendance in the packed hall, as well as several young adult friends of Raghav who had volunteered for the evening, besides other charity events held by SHC
The Singh family, from left, Sanjay, Meenakshi, Raghav and Devika with Ft Bend Commissioner Pct 3 Andy Meyers at the meet and greet on Tuesday, January 7 at the Ft Bend Chamber of Commerce building. About 50 people attended the event.
crowd went into action as soon as the fast songs started. DJ –Nish had a lot of mixed songs for
younger crowd
‘Each One Plant One’ Initiative by Sewa International’s Houston Chapter
By ViVaan kotnis
Houston: On Saturday, December 21, 2024, close to 85 enthusiastic volunteers, aged between 5 to 80 years, gathered in Alief from across the greater Houston area. A significant number of these volunteers came from high schools from different school district, including, Alief, Cypress, Pearland, and Katy.
The ‘Each One Plant One’ initiative was undertaken by Sewa International’s Houston Chapter.
With the support of the Houston Police Department (HPD), the committed volunteers successfully planted 100 trees onto Alief’s esplanades within a span of just 90 minutes. The tasks involved planting the saplings into the ground, shoveling the mulch, and cleaning up afterwards.
To ensure the long-term success of our tree planting initiative, Sewa International has carefully selected
native Texas tree species that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions. Volunteers worked alongside city officials and environmental specialists to ensure the trees are properly planted. They also added soil moist, a polymer which helps to retain water and to combat the drought-like conditions in Houston. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the trees, Sewa will monitor the maintenance of the trees by regularly watering the trees for the first two years.
Sewa has partnered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) to launch this tree-planting initiative aimed at reducing higher temperatures in neighborhoods in the city/suburb of Alief. The plantation project, which began in December, seeks to plant over 1,000 trees in key areas where heat levels have been much higher than in other parts of greater Houston.
Heat islands are a phenomenon where urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding areas due to human activity and dense infrastructure. According to the National Weather Service, heat islands can be up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than surrounding areas, increasing risks to residents such as heat stroke and respiratory problems.
The tree-planting efforts will focus on planting trees on esplanades nearest to the areas that have been identified as the hottest parts of Alief, found from an heat mapping survey done by Sewa and Houston Advanced Research Center’s (HARC) “Heat Mapping” initiative. Sewa has planned to plant the next batch of trees on Saturday, January 11, 2025. The non-profit organization plans to complete the plantation of its 1,000 trees before summer.
The organization hopes their efforts will decrease heat and create
a healthier environment in Alief.
Please send an email to pmepa-
houston@sewausa.org if you want to be a part of this great initiative.
Cornyn Meets with BAPS Leaders
Sewa volunteers assemble before the start of their plantation drive.
Volunteers planting the saplings and then covering them with mulch.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) met with Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) leaders to discuss the Indian-American community’s important contributions to Texas and their robust charitable work throughout the Lone Star State and beyond. As a co-founder of the Senate India Caucus, Sen. Cornyn remains committed to strengthening bilateral ties between the United States and India.
PM Manmohan Singh: Saluting the Gentleman Reformer
By Bo sinGH
new DelHi: The Akhand Paath of Sri Guru Granth Sahib was started on the first of January at the residence of Dr Manmohan Singh (fondly known as MMS), the Ex -Prime Minister of India, who passed away on 26th December 2024. The Paath (reading of entire Sri Guru Granth Sahib) in his memory was completed in the morning of 03 January 2025. His wife Mrs. Gursharan Kaur even recited a shabad at the conclusion of Sri Akhand Paath. On the same day in the afternoon from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM there was Shabad Kirtan and Antim Ardas at Gurudwara Sri Rakab Ganj. The homage program was well attended by ordinary citizens to higher echelon in politics sitting next to each other, rubbing shoulders. The special arrangements at the Gurudwara were for 3000 people, and the mood was serene yet contemplative as the strains of kirtan sung by Bhai Harjinder Singh Ji Sri Nagar Wale reverberated in the air. The famous ragi also happened to be a family favorite of the Singhs, and he had flown in from the US to pay his respects. Besides the chief of SGPC, DSGMC, and Ex-Jathedar Sri Akal Takht were in attendance to pay their homage.
Earlier on 28th December 2024 his state funeral was held at the Nigambodh Ghat, which was at-
tended by all state functionaries including the President, Prime Minister, Congress leaders, top Military brass etc. It was a rare unifying stage on a gray foggy day, where all pollical rivalries were set aside to honor the humble leader, in a world full of egoistic leaders. The funeral pyre was lit by Upinder Singh, eldest of the three daughters of MMS. His second daughter Daman Singh, a writer has written a book titled “Strictly Personal: Manmohan and Gursharan” an intimate portrayal of the lives of her parents. Their third daughter Amrit Singh is human
rights lawyer based in USA. Before the remains were consigned to flames, the security forces performed a three-rifle volley and buglers played ‘Last Post’ as a mark of honor to the departed soul.
Dr Manmohan Singh was born in a remote village of Gah (Chakwal District, now in Pakistan) on 26th September 1932. His early education was in a modest two room primary school there. After the partition he moved to Amritsar and studied there. He completed his BA, and MA from Panjab University, and completed his DPhil in Economics from Oxford. He
worked for United Nations during the 1966 – 1969 period. Then he taught at Delhi School of Economics teaching Trade Finance. His students remember him for his simplicity, who arrived at the campus in public buses, and taught with rigor. He was inducted into bureaucratic career as an advisor in the ministry of Commerce and Industry. He rose to become Chief Economic Advisor (1972 – 1976), Governor of Reserve Bank of India (1982 – 1985), and Head of Planning Commission (1985 -1987). In 1991 as India faced a severe economic crisis, then PM Narasimha Rao inducted him as the finance minister. Despite the strong opposition to his bitter pills of structural reforms, he implemented those that liberalized India’s economy. He is still remembered for contributions that averted the economics crisis of the nation. He was leader of the opposition from 1998 - 2004 in Rajya Sabha. After
2004 elections he was inducted as Prime Minister, in a surprise move Sonia Gandhi, President of Congress Party. In 2005 he apologized in the parliament speech about the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which was not palatable to some political elements and made it controversial. He became Prime Minister second time after 2009 elections. He made his first official visit to US during President Obama’s tenure in November 2009. In his memoir Obama wrote that “Dr. Singh, an eminent economist, had managed to lift millions of people from poverty and that the markings of his Sikh faith made him look “holy” in the eyes of the west.”
In 2009, Singh was amongst the leaders who laid the foundation of BRICS. In 2010 Newsweek, a leading American weekly recognized him as a world leader, who is respected by other heads of state. Even Nitin Gadkari Transport Minister in Modi’s BJP government said the “country is indebted to Manmohan Singh for the liberalization that gave a new direction”. He held the PM’s position till 26th May 2014. He was member of Rajya Sabha from 2019 to 2024. Today that humblest of the leader who drove Maruti Car is no more with us, but his humility, simplicity, and contributions will continue to serve as an inspiration for generations to come. -- Reporting from New Delhi.
Dr Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92. He was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi on Saturday in the presence of several dignitaries from the country and abroad. (Express photo by Jithendra M)
Two Heartwarming Children’s Books for this Holiday Season
Victoria, texas – Renowned children’s author Ashok Pruthi, a U.S. citizen with an Indian background, is thrilled to announce the release of two captivating children’s books, Big Bold Bear and Jack is Back. These beautifully illustrated tales are set to debut this holiday season, offering families a perfect opportunity to bond over stories of love, resilience, and life lessons.
A versatile author fluent in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu, Pruthi brings a rich multicultural perspective to his work. With a career rooted in journalism, he began his professional journey at The Tribune, a leading Northern India newspaper. Pruthi has been an author since 2015, with four published books, including two earlier works for children.
About the Books
Big Bold Bear
Big Bold Bear is a rhyming picture book for young readers that highlights the importance of friendship, love, discipline, and respect for elders. Through engaging text and vibrant illustrations, the story emphasizes how learning from teachers and parents helps children grow into wise and successful leaders. Pruthi’s
storytelling captures the essence of childhood values, making it a must-read for families.
Jack is Back
Set against the backdrop of a natural disaster, Jack is Back fol-
lows the journey of a courageous cat named Jack who gets separated from his family during heavy rains and floods. Jack’s adventures lead to a heartwarming reunion with Monica and her family on Christ-
mas Eve, delivering a message of hope, resilience, and the joy of togetherness during the holidays.
Big Bold Bear is dedicated to animals affected by natural calamities and to Pruthi’s two sons—Netan, a former Navy Lieutenant who served for eight years, and Ryan, currently a Marine Pilot flying C-130s—this poignant tale also celebrates the spirit of service and love for all living beings.
Both books feature colorful illustrations and compelling narratives designed to captivate children while teaching meaningful lessons. They are perfect for bedtime stories, family gatherings, and holiday traditions.
Author Insights
When asked about his inspiration for writing for children, Ashok Pruthi shared: “I credit my dad, who was a wonderful storyteller and told me bedtime stories that sparked my imagination. Writing for children is complex, but I love it because I aim to bring smiles to readers of all ages. If my stories
can touch hearts and spread joy, my mission is accomplished.”
Pruthi also noted that while his books are written for children, their appeal extends across generations. “Grandparents, parents, and kids often share my stories together, creating lasting family memories through the joy of storytelling.”
About the Author Ashok Pruthi holds a degree in Journalism and a Master’s in English Literature. His rich career in journalism and authorship reflects his passion for storytelling and his commitment to connecting with readers of all ages. A proud father, Pruthi credits his sons—Netan and Ryan—as inspirations in both his personal life and creative endeavors.
Availability
Both Big Bold Bear and Jack is Back will be available starting Starting Dec, 25, on paperback, hardcover, and Kindle formats. Families can purchase these books through major retailers, including Amazon .
This holiday season, give the gift of storytelling and adventure. Bring home Big Bold Bear and Jack is Back to create cherished memories with your loved ones.
Shyam Benegal, the Force Behind India’s Parallel Cinema, Dies at 90
MuMBai: Just when mainstream Hindi cinema stepped into an exciting new phase with the rise of the ‘Angry Young Man’ in the ’70s, Shyam Benegal made a stunning debut as the writer and director of Ankur (The Seedling, 1974), propelling the parallel cinema movement in India.
A refreshingly original movie, Ankur was a searing criticism of the caste system and rural feudalism in India and received widespread national and international acclaim. This ensured a phenomenal start to his film career as the then 40-year-old Benegal became a ‘disruptor’, who with his powerful storytelling and touch of social realism established himself as a modern master and a visionary in the years that followed. Unlike arthouse filmmakers before him, including Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak, Shyam Benegal found a pan-Indian audience and international distributors. That widened the reach of his work. Yet, the writer-director didn’t limit himself to making movies. His impressive body of work includes a host of landmark television shows and documentaries, including landmark series such as Yatra (1986) and Bharat Ek Khoj (1988). The 53-episode Bharat Ek Khoj, based on Jawaharlal Nehru’s book Discovery of India, was an ambitious project that familiarised the audience
with India’s 5,000-year history, myths and ethos through an engaging narrative. In March 2014, Rajya Sabha TV started telecasting Samvidhaan, a 10-part series directed by Benegal that focused on the making of the Constitution of India.
Shyam Benegal’s movies and aesthetics played a major role in the parallel cinema movement of the 70s and 80s. As Benegal directed some of his best movies — Ankur, Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), Bhumika (1977), and Junoon (1979) — he emerged as a strong cinematic voice and a
force to reckon with. Tirelessly, the director continued to push his boundaries.
In the 80s, he made critically acclaimed movies such as Kalyug (1981), Arohan (1982), Mandi (1983), Trikaal (1985), and Susman (1987), apart from diving into the world of television.
Unlike some of his contemporaries, whose career took a backseat when the parallel cinema movement lost its steam, Shyam Benegal continued to push the envelope and tell the stories he believed in. He expanded his oeuvre in the ’90s to direct Suraj Ka Sat-
van Ghoda (1993), an adaptation of the famous novel by Dharmavir Bharati, and biopics such as The Making of the Mahatma (1996). He directed a much-acclaimed trilogy about female Muslim protagonists — Mammo (1994), Sardari Begum (1994) and Zubeidaa (2001). In later years, he made Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2005), Welcome to Sajjanpur (2008), and Well Done Abba (2010). A tireless master, Benegal, at the age of 87, helmed a prestigious India-Bangladesh coproduction — Mujib: The Making of a Nation, his last movie.
Blessed with boundless creative energy, he reinvented himself as a director at different stages of his career. He also experimented with different themes, subjects, and formats and made over 20 feature films, 70 documentaries and short films. What was remarkable is that most of his work stood the test of time and remains relevant even today. Benegal’s women have been assertive, independent, and feisty. They have driven the narrative in movies such as Ankur, Nishant, Bhumika, Mandi, Mammo, Sardari Begum, Zubeida, and Hari Bhari. They were flawed but came with their individuality.
Some of the Indian screen’s most talented artistes, including Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Amrish Puri, Girish Karnad, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda, either made their debut under his direction or worked extensively with Benegal during the initial phase of their career. He not only identified their talent but also showcased it in the best possible way and created several landmark characters of Indian cinema.
Even though most of his movies are considered to be classics today, he faced a lot of criticism too. Critics thought some of his early films were weak in craft. Benegal, however, remained unruffled and uncompromising. -- IE
Texas Universities Ask International Students to Return before Trump Inauguration
Houston: Some Texas universities are asking international students to return early from holiday travels as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office Jan. 20.
The University of Houston and the University of Texas’ San Antonio and Dallas universities “strongly encouraged” students to arrive home as soon as Jan. 13 due to “immigration-related uncertainties.” Trump called for revoking international student visas of “radical anti-American and anti-Semitic foreigners at our colleges and universities” after pro-Palestinian protests at several campuses and has proposed expanding the “Muslim travel ban” enacted in his prior administration.
“With the upcoming change in government and the uncertainty surrounding potential immigration policy changes, the safest way to avoid difficulty re-entering the United States is to be physically present before the new administration takes office,” the University of Texas-San Antonio’s International Services office said in a November statement. “We are recommending January 17 in case of unexpected travel delays which could delay your expected return.”
The University of Houston asked students to return by the first day of the spring semester on Jan. 13, while UTD asked students to arrive before inauguration day Jan. 20.
“Arriving on time will help you meet reporting requirements and ensure that you are fully prepared to attend classes and focus on your academic success,” the University of Houston told its students. “Be-
ing present in Houston at the start of the semester can also help prevent any challenges related to travel or immigration that might otherwise create difficulties for you.”
International students are typically permitted into the United States under nonimmigrant F-1 or J-1 visa status, which allows students to live and work in the country in and around their course dates with approval from student advisors or program sponsors. Students must return to their home country within 60 days of their course’s completion unless they participate in an Optional Practical Training or other work program.
The United States hosted more than 1.1 million international stu-
dents in the 2023-24 school year, according to an Institute of International Education survey, and Texas was one of the three most popular states for incoming students along with California and New York.
More than 5,000 international students attend the University of Houston, 10% of its total population, according to university data.
Rice University hosts 2,275 international students, making up 13% of undergraduates and 41% of graduate students, school data shows. Officials said they are urging them to return to align with the start of the spring semester.
“Rice’s spring semester begins Jan. 13, and the Office of International Students and Scholars has
been actively reminding students of the importance of arriving by the first day of classes,” spokesman Chris Stipes said in an email.
“We are committed to providing our international students with accurate, timely travel information and ongoing support as they prepare for the new semester.”
While Trump floated a proposal to offer green cards to any college graduate in the country in a June podcast, some worried the president-elect will continue to push travel hurdles posed in his last administration.
In 2017, immigration attorney Claudine Gasana and other Houston-area lawyers flocked to George Bush Intercontinental Air-
port, where many international students and other visa holders were left stranded after Trump enacted a near-total ban on incoming travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries.
“Even non-immigration practicing lawyers (helped) because it was a lot of people waiting to come back in who were not allowed in the country. Some were detained,” Gasana said. “I’m thinking universities are trying to anticipate, or maybe get ahead of, having issues with their students stranded across the world when they are supposed to come back in school.”
The previous administration also tightened visa restrictions for many Chinese students; Chinese authorities have echoed universities’ statements and advised students enrolled in the country to “stay put” ahead of the inauguration.
Gasana’s firm, Gasana Law Firm, has already seen an increase in calls from international students checking in on their visa’s compliance. For a smooth reentry, Gasana said students must ensure that their I-20 forms are up to date, that they are in compliance with their student visa requirements, and that they have financial support for the remainder of their time in the United States.
Gasana recommended students whose visas have expired to avoid traveling abroad for several months in case of upcoming travel changes.
On-campus housing reopens for incoming international students at the University of Houston Jan. 9. -- Houston Chronicle
Shivam Dhol Tasha Pathak at the 60th U.S. Presidential Inaugural Parade
wasHinGton Dc: The 60th Presidential Inauguration will mark President Trump’s return to the White House. This special event will honor the rich history and tradition of our great nation, the American people, diversity and inclusion, and the promise our country holds for future generations.
In a remarkable fusion of culture, tradition, and global diplomacy, the 60th U.S. Presidential Inaugural Parade on January 20, 2025, is set to make history and establish a milestone for Texans and the Indian diaspora across the nation. For the first time ever, the renowned Shivam Dhol Tasha Pathak, a Dallas, Texas-based Indian traditional drum and snare ensemble, will participate in this prestigious event, performing during the U.S. Presidential Oath ceremony.
This milestone is not just a triumph for the ensemble but also a defining moment for the Indian community in Texas and across the U.S. and the world. It marks the first time a dynamic, high-energy Indian traditional drum ensemble from the state of Texas will perform on such a grand stage. Shivam Dhol Tasha Pathak will bring its vibrant beats and energetic rhythms to the heart of Washington, D.C., offering the world a glimpse of India’s rich musical traditions during an event that will be watched by millions globally.
The Presidential Inaugural Pa-
rade is a cherished tradition that showcases the diversity and unity of the United States. This year, the inclusion of Shivam Dhol Tasha Pathak represents a new chapter in the celebration of cultural diversity. The high-energy, drum-based performances of the Dhol Tasha—a symbol of strength, unity, and celebration—will captivate a global audience. The group’s invitation is a testament to the growing recognition of Indian culture worldwide and a celebration of the deepening cultural ties between the U.S. and India.
Shivam Dhol Tasha Pathak is no ordinary band. The group has transcended traditional boundar-
ies, performing at a wide range of events beyond religious festivals and introducing global audiences to the powerful sound of the Dhol Tasha—a traditional drum ensemble. Their journey has been marked by performances at major events, including musical concerts, collaborations with African and Japanese percussionists, the Howdy Modi event, NBA and NHL halftime shows, and the ICC T20 World Cup opening ceremony. However, this performance at the 60th Presidential Inaugural Parade is the pinnacle of their journey. The group’s electrifying drumming and unique fusion of traditional Indian rhythms with
global influences make them a perfect fit for this international stage. Representing Texas, a state celebrated for its cultural diversity, the group also shines a spotlight on the state’s role as a hub for multicultural exchange. Their performances have served as a bridge, uniting people from different walks of life and showcasing the depth and vibrancy of Indian culture in spaces where cultural exchange is not typically expected.
Shivam Dhol Tasha Pathak’s inclusion is a testament to America’s commitment to global traditions and cultural diversity. It celebrates the enduring friendship between
the U.S. and India and acknowledges the cultural contributions of the Indian community, especially in Texas, which has long been a hub of multiculturalism.
As the world watches this historic event unfold, the performance of Shivam Dhol Tasha Pathak will remind us of the power of music and culture to transcend borders, create bonds, and foster understanding. It is a celebration of Indian heritage, a recognition of Texas’ global influence, and a shining example of how cultural exchange enriches both nations.
As Shivam Dhol Tasha Pathak prepares for their performance at the Presidential Inaugural Parade, they face the challenge of securing the necessary funds for travel, accommodation, and logistical support for their 29 performers. Despite these financial challenges, the opportunity to showcase India’s cultural richness on such a significant global platform is a tremendous honor.
The group is reaching out to the community to help cover their essential expenses, and contributions can be made through their fundraising platform. With support from fans, well-wishers, and the broader Texan and Indian communities, Shivam Dhol Tasha Pathak is poised to leave an unforgettable mark on the world stage, proudly representing Texas, India, and the spirit of cultural unity at the 60th U.S. Presidential Inaugural Parade.
Top Bollywood Movies of 2024: ‘Merry Christmas’ to ‘Girls will be Girls’
By sHuBHra Gupta
MuMBai: Close your eyes, and think back on 2024. Which are your top movie moments?
Here are mine, in no particular order, comprising the performances-sequences-scenes that made up the year, in which Big Bollywood was shown its place by the cinema of small-budgets and large-hearts.
Vijay Sethupathi in Sriram Raghavan’s Merry Christmas
It’s old-fashioned Bombay, not new-fangled Mumbai, it’s Christmas, and it’s Sethpathi’s returnof-the-native serial-bumping into Katrina Kaif’s mysterious woman-in-red. It’s a ‘hatke’ role (his protective father in one of 2024’s big earners ‘Maharaja’ is much more in his zone) and he aces it: a dance sequence in which he and Kaif jive, is amongst the most magical this year.
Sparsh Shrivastava in Laapata
Ladies
The title belongs to the ladies who are lost-and-found in Kiran Rao’s delightful yarn (which didn’t make it to Oscars short-list), but this gent won my heart. His anguish of ‘losing’ his delicate, flower-like Phool feels earned, and his face, when he sees her at that ‘found-on-the-railway-
station’ scene, is a sight. His relief, and delight leaps off the screen. He was also the only good thing in the set-in-pre-Independence period piece, ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’.
Diljit Dosanjh in Chamkila
Imtiaz Ali’s solid bio-pic unpacks the myth of Amar Singh Chamkila, the singer who parlayed his bawdy, tawdry beginnings into global popularity. Playing the dirt-poor Dalit boy who grows into one of the most provocative, popular folk singers in the Punjab of the 80s, Dosanjh’s parallels with the titular character — singer/Punjabi/son-of-the-soil/ modest beginnings/rebel– hover just under the surface. In the way he gets so deep into Chamkila’s skin, we forget his own.
a goofball well is a gift, and Gandhi has it in spades, and it comes as a surprise because we’ve only seen him do intense dramas before.
Tabu-Kareena-Kriti as a merry threesome in Crew
Rajkummar Rao in Tushar Hiranandani’s Srikanth
His ‘Stree 2’ may have turned into one of 2024’s top grossers, but it’s a part– the ‘chote-shehar-ka-badedilwala-ladka’ — that Rao can dial in with his eyes closed. It’s the one in ‘Srikanth’, in which he plays a blind character with conviction, never turning his disability into ‘bechargi’, never losing his desire
for ‘barabari’. Yes, the white cane is there, but it’s not used as a sorry crutch: Srikanth’s occasional burst of temper and truculence makes him human, someone we can relate to as an equal, and not have to pity. Well played, Mr Rao.
Pratik Gandhi in Madgaon Express
The three-pals-carousing-in-Goa didn’t work for me, coming off stodgy and over-familiar in too many places, but of the trio–Divyenndu, Avinash Tiwary, Pratik Gandhi– the latter made it something I could sit through. Playing
Now this is a caper that works almost all the way because of its emphasis on its trio, as well locations, situations, and lines. The ladies are air-hostesses, slaloming between demanding passengers, bad bosses, and domestic crises: once they get going, it is a riot, especially Tabu and Kareena, who throw in a delicious awareness of their late stage stardom (been there, done all of that, still here), cracking us up with that remark about agedefying make-up. ‘Bas kar Cleopatra, yeh foundation hai, time machine nahin’ is the best line of 2024, bar none.
Kareena Kapoor Khan in The Buckingham Murders:
As the plain-faced police detective, based in a small town in the UK, dealing with past trauma, working through it to investigate the murder of a local boy, Kapoor Khan shows, like she has been for a while, that star-power can be harnessed to good purpose. Many
of these characteristics have led to tropes ( a small-town, conflicted female sleuth shall always be compared to Kate Winslett ), and not all of ‘The Buckingham Murders’ works smoothly, but it gives Kapoor Khan enough room to roam, just like 2023’s ‘Jaane Jaan’. Taapsee Pannu in Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba
As the red-hot ‘haseena’ in a twisted pulpy romance which gets most of its beats right, she has everyone in the place she wants : Vikrant Massey as the husbandon-the-run, Sunny Kaushal as the needy-other-man, Aditya Srivastava as the cop-hot-on-their-heels, and Jimmy Sheirgill as the sleuth who will not back off.
I also liked her as the very-desiPunjabi-wife–deliciously named Happy– in ‘Khel Khel Mein’, a desi adaptation of Italian drama ‘Perfect Strangers’, blowing off secrets and lies in marriages. Preeti Panigrahi in Girls Will Be Girls
As Mira, the teenage girl who explores her sexuality with an honesty we rarely encounter in Indian cinema, Panigrahi is brilliant. This is an actor who knows the power of tiny gestures, her mobile face expressing the turmoil within. And what’s a teenager minus angst? -- IE
Shivam Dhol Tasha bringing electrifying energy to the Dallas Stars’ NHL game
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Vanvaas’: Nana Patekar Shines in Stretched Drama
By aBHisHek sriVastaVa
Story: An elderly father with dementia is abandoned by his sons on his birthday in Varanasi. He crosses paths with a small-time crook, profoundly transforming the crook’s life and the lives of those around them.
Review: ‘Vanvaas’ marks a return to social dramas for director Anil Sharma, who began his career in the early 1980s with films like ‘Shradhanjali’ and ‘Bandhan Kuchchey Dhaagon Ke,’ tackling social issues of the time. After a long hiatus from the genre, Sharma revisits familiar territory with ‘Vanvaas,’ a film with a socially relevant theme and genuine intent. However, its 160-minute runtime and excessive melodrama dilute what could have been a sharp and impactful narrative. The story—featuring themes of parental abandonment, dementia, and redemption through a ruffian with a heart of gold—feels reminiscent of 80s staples, but lacks the freshness to elevate it. While ‘Vanvaas’ remains a relevant watch, tighter editing could have transformed it into a more engaging experience.
The story follows Deepak Tyagi (Nana Patekar), a retired man enjoying a quiet life with his three sons and their wives. Struggling with early-onset dementia, he often reminisces about his late wife, Vimala Tyagi (Khushboo), whom he deeply loved. His constant corrections and idealistic nature, however, frustrate his family. Tired of his behaviour, they devise a plan to celebrate his birthday in Varanasi and abandon him at an old age home. When asked for identity documents at the home, the family decides instead to leave him at one of the ghats. With no memory of his hometown or family, Deepak believes his sons—whom he remembers as children—are lost and begins a desperate search for them. Along the way, he encounters Veeru (Utkarsh Sharma), a small-time thief, and their unlikely friendship brings profound changes to Veeru and those around him. This social drama captivates
largely due to Nana Patekar’s commanding performance. Portraying a retired man battling dementia, Patekar delivers a deeply impactful act, bringing authenticity and emotional depth to the trauma of being abandoned by his own sons. He dominates the screen, present in almost every scene, and fully embodies the character. Utkarsh Sharma as Veeru offers a sincere performance and shows steady improvement with each film, though his inconsistent Banarasi accent detracts from the authenticity. Simratt Kaur, as Meena, has a minimal role, while Rajpal Yadav and Ashwini Kalsekar provide solid support, doing justice to their parts.
‘Vanvaas’ addresses an important subject but leans heavily on a preachy tone to deliver its message. Nana Patekar’s dialogues,
peppered with references to Karl Marx and BR Ambedkar, often veer into excessive moralizing, which can become tiresome. The film is laden with melodrama and feels overstretched, with average songs that fail to leave a mark. However, the cinematography by Kabir Lal beautifully captures the essence of Varanasi. The motivation behind the sons’ decision to abandon their father remains underexplored, leaving a gap in the narrative. While the helplessness of Patekar’s character stirs empathy and brings a lump to your throat, it falls short of delivering the emotional catharsis of films like ‘Baghban.’ Director Anil Sharma’s intentions are genuine, but the execution feels underwhelming, lacking the sharpness needed to truly resonate.-- ToI
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