Mahakumbh 2025 First Shahi Snan: January 14 was the first amrit or shahi snan-- PAGE 4
racist hatred against Indians
Faith, Fellowship, and Growth: 18th North American Zoroastrian Congress
By NAZC 2024 TeAm
HousToN: The 18th North American Zoroastrian Congress (NAZC), held at the Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria Hotel from December 29, 2024, to January 1, 2025, brought together over 700 attendees for four transformative days of worship, learning, and fellowship. Themed “Generation Z: Propelling Zarathushti Resurgence,” this biennial gathering underscored the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future, with an impressive 42% of attendees under the age of 40. From captivating performances to thought-provoking discussions, the Congress celebrated the enduring spirit of the Zoroastrian faith while providing a platform to explore its relevance in today’s world.
A Grand Opening: Visions of Paradise
The Congress began with a spectacular opening ceremony showcasing Visions of Paradise, a theatrical production inspired by the Persian Garden (Pairidaēza). This multi-generational performance involved over 70 participants who brought the vision to life through elaborate costumes, choreographed dances, live music, and stunning visual effects.
Costumes crafted with intricate detail accentuated the performers’ movements, symbolizing the gentle flow of water and the tranquility of serene gardens. Live recitals on the flute, violin, and saxophone enriched the atmosphere, blending harmonious melodies with a visual feast of Mughal pageantry, Roman grandeur, and Spanish flamenco. These elements transported the audience across time and space, highlighting the interplay of tradition and innovation through symbolic representations of butterflies and astronauts.
The production set the tone for the Congress, inspiring attendees with a deep connection to their heritage and a forward-looking vision. Following the performance, City Council Member Letitia Plummer, At-Large 4, presented a proclamation from Houston’s Honorable Mayor John Whitmire, declaring December 29, 2024, through January 1, 2025, as Zoroastrian Days in Houston.
Keynote Moments and Youth Involvement
Legendary Bollywood icon Boman Irani delivered an engaging keynote address filled with humor, anecdotes, and heartfelt messages of resilience and faith. Irani’s impromptu songs with the Z-Band brought warmth and charm to the evening, making his address unforgettable. Youth keynote speaker Sanaya Master continued the theme, passionately addressing the critical role of Generation Z in ensuring the Zarathushti resurgence.
The involvement of the Young Adults of the Zoroastrian Association of Houston (YAYA) was a cornerstone of the Congress. YAYA organized engaging activities, including a silent disco and Bollywood dance workshops, fostering camaraderie among younger attendees while deepening their connection to Zoroastrian heritage. Youth also played crucial roles as volunteers, emcees, and performers, managing event logistics, energizing crowds with dance demos, and hosting interactive sessions on Zoroastrian ceremonies.
Religious Connections and Dynamic Panels
The opening ceremony began with priests from across North America reciting the Homage unto the Fire prayer created a spiritual ambiance.
The Congress, deeply rooted in Zoroastrianism, offered a meaningful exploration of faith, tradition, and contemporary relevance. The opening ceremony set a spiritual tone with priests from across North America reciting the Homage unto the Fire prayer in full regalia. Sessions throughout the event delved into religious nuances, sparking debates on generational perspectives and addressing modern challenges.
Dynamic speakers and panels tackled a wide range of topics, from the diaspora’s cultural heritage and historical significance to technology and sustainability. Notable sessions, such as Empowering Zarathushti Communities with AI, Initiating Athravans and Consecrating Atash Kadehs in North America, and Sustainable Philanthropy, offered actionable insights for the community’s growth.
Keynote speaker Boman Irani, the famed Bollywood character actor, spoke and sang to the delight of the delegates at the NAZC 2024 Congress. SEE COLAGE OF CONGRESS PHOTOS on PAGE 6-7.
Center for Study of Organized Hate Documents Anti-Indian Hate on X
By
WAsHiNgToN DC: The last week of December 2024 witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of unequivocally anti-Indian racist hatred against Indians and IndianAmericans on X. The spark for this hatred was the appointment of Indian-origin technologist Sriram Krishnan1 as an adviser to the incoming Trump administration on Artificial Intelligence, announced on December 22.
The backlash was compounded by Vivek Ramaswamy’s X post on December 26.Indian-American Ramaswamy was appointed by President-elect Donald Trump, alongside Elon Musk, to lead the proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency aimed at reducing government waste.
In his post, Ramaswamy criticized ‘normal’ American culture with that of “foreign-born” engineers, labeling the former ‘mediocre,’ inaugurating a firestorm2 of posts in response. Krishnan’s prominence and his call for reform to ease the path of skilled immigrants on H-1B visas for green cards and citizenship further added fuel to the fire.
Laura Loomer, a far-right influencer, conspiracy theorist, and ardent Trump supporter, became one of the most active voices targeting Indian-Americans3 on X. Loomer opposed Sriram’s appointment as antithetical to the nativist principle of ‘America First,’ a MAGA talking point, on grounds that he had called for removing green card caps and that he wanted to grant science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) jobs to immi-
grants that ‘rightfully’ belonged to Americans. Her public disagreement and feud with Musk on the H-1B program—which allows U.S. employers to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations— is a reflection of the MAGA base’s unflinching opposition to immigration and indicates a schism between various constituencies of Trump supporters.
Additionally, as an unabashed white supremacist, Loomer’s stance is likely to galvanize the more extreme racist and white supremacist elements among Trump supporters, which may well lead to a rise in anti-Indian sentiment and anti-South Asian sentiment. Ramaswamy’s original post, full of simplistic generalizations and essentializations about American culture as well as the culture of foreigners, and, by extension, that of immigrants, was open to criticism on many grounds.
Indeed, the responses on X ran across a gamut of themes, including the inherent unfairness of the H-1B visa program system, abuses of the system by Indians and American corporations, the ‘disenfranchisement’ of American workers through offshoring and outsourcing, the strengths of the American culture that Ramaswamy had criticized, and the betrayal of what Trump had promised his MAGA base.
However, accompanying these themes and often interwoven with these sentiments was an unequivocal and deeply troubling expression of anti-Indian racism. With Musk and Trump both expressing support for the H-1B program, the racism and hatred showed no signs of abating, if anything only ramping up in intensity and spread.
Several themes clearly stand out in the anti-Indian narrative of hate that has manifested itself. The racism and hatred can be analyzed through two distinct dimensions: first, through generic stereotypes about immigrants and people of color, which have historically and recently been applied to groups like Muslims, Haitians, Hispanics, and Middle Easterners; and second, through specific stereotypes targeting Indians in particular.
Generic and particular stereotypes are typically combined or interwoven in numerous posts. For example, the idea of immigrants as thieves and cheats underlies claims that Indians lie to get H-1B visas, and the racist stereotype of Indians as “smelly” or people who defecate in public draws on longstanding stereotypes of immigrants or minorities as unhygienic and uncivilized.
The speed with which the distinction between legal or ‘good’ immigrants and ‘illegal’ or ‘bad’ immigrants collapsed in the discussion about Indians and H-1B visas on X is further affirmation
of the clear presence of white supremacist ideology on X. During successive presidential campaigns, many Trump supporters, including some Indian-Americans who ironically backed him in 2024, suggested that Trump would only target ‘illegal’ immigrants and not those who had entered the U.S. by legal means.
Other sections of his supporters and MAGA adherents, however, tend to express opposition to immigration in general. In such constructions of American identity as racially white, undercurrents or overt expressions of white nationalism are frequently combined with assertions that the West is fundamentally Christian and that non-Christians cannot, by definition, be American.
It is essential to clarify that these attacks are not exclusively aimed at Hindus, whether of Indian or American origin. Rather, the attacks are directed at everyone perceived to be of Indian origin, which, as our analysis reveals, also includes members of the Sikh community. Various posts that we documented highlighted xenophobic sentiments toward all Indians, not just Indian Hindus. For example, on December 29, the account @DamielBernaldo posted that “it’s kinda crazy that we even let indians in this country.” Four days prior, on December 25, X account @TheRoyalSerf posted, “Fuck indians and fuck india” which reached an audience of 315k. Both examples reinforce our claim that these attacks are not narrowly antiHindu in nature, but anti- Indian.
The claim that such attacks are ‘Hinduphobic,’ as Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar
of Michigan’s 13th Congressional District Congressman has suggested, is unfounded. To define these attacks as ‘Hinduphobic’ merely echoes the Hindu nationalist credo that Indian identity is synonymous with Hindu identity and that non-Hindus are not really Indian. According to Hindus for Human Rights, ‘Hinduphobia’ is often invoked by Hindu far-right organizations in the U.S. as a means of targeting critics of Hindu nationalism and deflecting attention from the violence by Hindu extremists against religious minorities in India.
CSOH documented and analyzed 128 X posts targeted at Indians.
- All posts in our dataset received a total of 138.54M views on X as of January 3,2025. 36 posts received over a million views, 12 of which claimed Indians to be demographic threat to white America.
- 64 of the 85 X accounts documented in our dataset are subscribed to X Premium and display a blue badge on their profiles.
- The posts were in violation of X’s policies on Hateful Conduct. Violations included Incitement through ‘inciting fear or spreading fearful stereotypes about a protected category,’ slurs and tropes, and dehumanization.
- As of January 3, 2025, 125 posts in our sample remain active. 8 posts have been marked as sensitive and 1 post remains active with limited visibility due to potential violation of X’s rules against Hateful Conduct.
- Only 1 of 85 accounts in our database has been suspended by X.
-- Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH)
DeeksHA uDupA eT Al
Mahakumbh 1st Amrit Snan: What is it, Why is it Held on Makar Sankranti
prAyAgrAj: Mahakumbh 2025
First Shahi Snan: January 14 was the first amrit snan or shahi snan at the Mahakumbh underway in Prayagraj. While the Kumbh Mela started on Monday, today was the first of the ritual baths, in which sadhu akhadaas take the first dip after an elaborate procession to the river.
Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara were the first ones to take the amrit snan, PTI reported. Thirteen akhadaas are participating in the Maha Kumbh.
After the sadhus, or holy men, thousands of devotees took the dip in the sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati) at Prayagraj.
What is amrit snan or shahi snan, and why was the first one
today? What is the significance of Makar Sankranti? What are the other auspicious dates for bathing at the Mahakumbh? What is Amrit Snan?
The Kumbh Mela is held after every 12 years at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, and Ujjain, at the banks of the sangam, the Ganga, the Godavari, and the Kshipra rivers respectively. It is believed that bathing in these rivers during the Kumbh washes away one’s sins.
However, some dates during the Kumbh period are specially auspicious, depending on the alignment of planets, the Sun, and the Moon. The Kumbh Mela is attended by hundreds of sadhus, as part of their akhadaas or groups. Since this is a religious occasion, the sadhus are the “royalty” here, and thus they take the first dip. This ritual dip
has traditionally been called the shahi snan or the royal bath. However, from this year, the bath is being called amrit snan. This is being seen as more in keeping with Hindu religious beliefs, as it is believed that Kumbh is celebrated at the four places where amrit, or the nectar of immortality, spilled after Samdura Manthan, or the churning of the ocean.
What is Makar Sankranti?
January 14 is Makar Sankranti, the day that the Sun moves into the Makar raashi or the zodiac Capricorn.
Whenever the Sun moves from one raashi to another, it is called a Sankranti, but Makar Sankranti is special. This is because this marks the movement of the Sun from the south to the north, heralding that the worst of winter is over and warmer, sunnier days lie ahead.
“With Makar Sankranti, the Sun is moving to uttar (north), and thus the Uttarayan period has begun. According to Hindu mythology, this period is the gods’ daytime. Thus, it is a reason to celebrate. After six months, the Sun will be in the Dakshinayan (southward) phase, which will be the gods’ night. Also, the Sun has now moved out of the Dhanu raashi (Sagittarius), marking the end of the kharmas, or the 30-day period in which auspicious activities are not undertaken,” said Dr Ramesh Kumar Upadhyay, president of the Bhartiya Jyotish Aadhyatm parishad in Jamshedpur. Upadhyay explained that another reason Makar Sankranti is special is that the lord of the Makar raashi is Shani, Sun’s son. “A lot of Hindu beliefs and rituals centre the family and loved ones. Since
Sun is moving into the house of his son, it is a reason to celebrate. One indication of how important Makar Sankranti is that in the Mahabharata, Bhishm Pitamah, who could choose the time of his death, chose the Uttarayan period,” Upadhyay said.
Makar Sankranti is also similar to many celebrated in other parts. Taking a bath in a river on Makar Sankranti is believed to accrue spiritual merit, and if it coincides with the Kumbh, the benefits multiply manifold, it is believed. What are the other important bathing dates in the Kumbh this time?
After Makar Sankranti on January 14 is Mauni Amavasya on January 29 and Vasant Panchami on February 3. Shiv Ratri, which falls on February 26, is also significant. -- IE
Zoroastrian Congress: NAZC 2024
Continued from Page 2
A TED-style session, Make Your Voices Heard, added a personal touch as speakers shared topics close to their hearts.
A dedicated Tween-Teen program engaged younger participants with interactive activities, while exhibits displayed Zoroastrian culture through religious artifacts, traditional clothing, handcrafted jewelry, and literature, weaving a vibrant tapestry of the community’s identity.
Culinary Connections
Food played a central role in bringing attendees together. A medley of cuisines—from Cajun and Persian to Indian and Mexican— satisfied every palate. Traditional Zoroastrian favorites, like batasas, khatais, and the iconic Honey Bell cakes flown in from India, added a nostalgic touch, while diverse desserts became the icing on the cake. The NAZC2024 Committee extended heartfelt gratitude to the generous food sponsors who made these experiences possible.
Evening Festivities and Entertainment
Evening events, like Denim & Diamonds Nite, offered a blend of tradition and modernity. Highlights included The Good, The Bad, and The D’Ugly, a musical comedy skit, and a fashion show by Ashdeen showcasing Zoroastrian motifs with Western flair. From cowboy boots to fringed jackets adorned with Zoroastrian symbols, the runway was a vibrant display of creativity and innovation.
Performances like Pestonji Pakrai Giya a comedy play depicting a Parsi household and a comedy of errors and a New Year’s Eve magic show added levity, while DJ Gary kept attendees dancing well into the night.
Logistics and Planning Excellence
Organizing such an event required meticu-
TRAVEL
lous planning. From pre-congress tours of Houston landmarks like NASA, Port of Houston and the Museum of Fine Arts to seamless accommodations and themed banquets, every detail reflected the committee’s dedication. Transporting attendees to the Bhandara Atash Kadeh for the New Year’s Day prayer service was a logistical marvel that underscored the event’s focus on community and spirituality.
A Memorable Conclusion
The Congress culminated with a moving New Year’s Day prayer led by Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor and a torch-passing ceremony to Sacramento, the host city for the 2028 Congress. A midnight celebration welcomed 2025, marking the conclusion of a vibrant and meaningful event.
The 18th NAZC was more than a gathering; it was a celebration of faith, fellowship, and growth. It inspired attendees to honor their heritage while embracing the future, ensuring the Zoroastrian community thrives for generations to come.
How Travel is Shaping the Future of India-US Relations
By ANil kumAr sHArmA
As we enter into 2025, the travel landscape is set for a transformative shift, especially shaped by renewed Indo-US relations. Both nations share a strong relationship deeply rooted in trade, culture, technology and business. The current sentiment, promised by announcements of renewed trade and business, has already bolstered more travel, reflecting strengthened bilateral relations. A new travel era is emerging - one marked by resilience, innovation and a renewed focus on cultural exchange. This demonstrates the essential role of travel in further strengthening a close bond between the United States of America and India.
The Resurgence of Travel
The travel industry is experiencing a robust recovery, with projections indicating that international travel will continue to gain momentum. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), India’s tourism sector is expected to contribute nearly $253 billion to its GDP in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This resurgence is not just about numbers; it reflects a deeper desire for connection and exploration that transcends borders. As
per the data released by the United States Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), 15,54,020 Indians have visited the U.S. till August 2024.
As India emerges as the secondlargest travel market for the US in 2024, the opportunities for cultural exchange and economic collaboration are immense.
Economic Impact and Opportunities
Tourism serves as a significant economic driver for both nations. American tourists are projected to contribute substantially to the Indian economy, while Indian travellers are increasingly exploring the diverse landscapes and cultural experiences the US has to offer. According to the data released by the Tourism Ministry, Government of India, from January to June 2024, 17.56 per cent of foreign tourist arrivals were from the United States.
Additionally, niche sectors such as medical, wellness, and adventure tourism are gaining traction as many Indian travellers seek activities beyond traditional attractions. Add to this the new administration’s chances of reviving earlier conversations in the defence, energy, agriculture, education and healthcare service – the business traffic between the two nations only sees a more promising time.
According to reports Brian Beall, director of the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) under the Department of Commerce, stated that the US aims to attract 9 crore visitors annually, with an estimated $280 billion in spending, by 2027.
The U.S. continues to be the preferred destination for Indian students. And the accompanying family travel also significantly boosts tourism revenue. Overall, the travel relationship between India and the USA presents substantial economic opportunities for both nations, fostering cultural exchange and mutual growth.
Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Ties
Travel is a powerful medium for fostering understanding and connection; it is not merely a transactional experience. The halfmillion-strong Indian diaspora enriches the Indo-US relationship and acts as a natural bridge that boosts travel. As more Indians travel to the US and vice versa, they bring with them their unique cultures, traditions and perspectives. Both societies benefit from this interchange, which also establishes the foundation for future diplomatic ties. In 2025, it is anticipated that there will be a sustained focus on cultural tourism, where travellers will look for genuine opportunities
that allow them to interact with local communities. Initiatives that promote cultural exchange, such as festivals, art exhibitions and culinary experiences, will play a pivotal role in enhancing mutual understanding.
The Role of Technology in Travel
Technological integration is expected to redefine travel experiences by 2025 and beyond. Innovations in AI are set to revolutionise the travel industry, enhancing customer experiences. Technology is a driving force in shaping the future of travel and Indo-US relations. As both nations are working closely to innovate in fields like AI, cybersecurity, and aviation, the role of technology will play a pivotal role in their partnership. AI-driven tools can provide personalised recommendations, streamline customer services, and improve operations efficiencies for airlines and hotels. Moreover, the rise of remote work has led to a new trend: ‘workstations’ where individuals combine work and leisure travel. This shift allows for longer stays and deeper engagement with destinations, further enriching the travel experience. As more professionals embrace this model, the demand for flexible travel options will grow, benefiting both the US and India.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Travel
The era of travel in 2025 heralds a new chapter in India-US relations, characterised by economic collaboration, cultural exchange and innovative travel experiences. The travel trajectory between India and the US appears promising in 2025 and beyond. The journey ahead, I believe, is not just about destinations; it is about building bridges between people, cultures and economies. As both nations navigate the evolving landscape of international travel, the emphasis on shared data, innovation in global travel systems, and processes will play a more pivotal role in fostering deeper connections and mutual understanding.
Anil Kumar Sharma is Head Americas, VFS Global
Microsoft to Invest $3 Billion in India, to Expand AI and Cloud Capacity
BeNgAluru: Microsoft will spend $3 billion to expand its Azure cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) capacity in India, CEO Satya Nadella said on Tuesday, doubling down on a country with tech expertise and low costs to help turn such investments profitable.
The two-year investment, its biggest ever in the country, will also be used to upskill Indians in AI, a Microsoft spokesperson said, clarifying this outlay was on top of the company’s recently announced plan to invest $80 billion on AI-enabled data centers in fiscal 2025.
India is a key growth market for U.S. tech giants, with executives ranging from Nvidia (NVDA.O), opens new tab boss Jensen Huang to Advanced Micro Devices (AMD.O), opens new tab CEO Lisa Su visiting the country in recent months, promising big investments.
Microsoft, which has more than 20,000 employees across 10 Indian cities, is aiming to both help the local tech community develop and tap into its talent base, Nadella said at a conference in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru. He noted the community’s contribution to Microsoft, specifically to their involvement in AI projects on GitHub Copilot, the company’s generative AI-based tool for developers.
“India is the second-largest (developer community on GitHub) after the United States. In fact, it’s projected to be the largest in 2028.”
“We also have contributions from India AI projects that are just second to the United States.”
Microsoft, like its tech peers, has come under pressure to show that the billions it has invested in AI technology will start to reap profits.
GitHub, though, is one of its few AI bets that has generated returns.
In July, Microsoft said the tool had an annual run-rate of $2 billion.
Microsoft plans to train 10 million people in AI in India by 2030, Nadella said. The company upskilled 2.4 million people last year.
Like other big tech executives, the Indian-born Nadella enjoys strong popularity in a country where engineering degrees are seen as a path to prosperity.
Hundreds of people gathered on Tuesday to hear his keynote, which is part of the “Microsoft AI Tour.”
Among them was Prashant Bhanawat, a software engineer whose company uses Azure AI services, who said he waited for more than three hours to enter the conference venue.
“This is a chance for us to see the products in development before they are rolled out, and to obviously see Satya Nadella.”
The announcement comes a day after his meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the $3 billion investment
would include the setting up of new data centres.(Satya Nadella/X)
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the $3 billion investment would include the setting up of new data centres.(Satya Nadella/X)
The world’s most populous country has become a key AI battleground in the last few years, as US tech giants look to find new users for their services and tap into fresh pools of talent.
In recent months, top executives including Nvidia boss Jensen Huang and Meta’s chief AI scientist Yann LeCun have visited India.
On Tuesday, Nadella said the $3 billion investment would include the setting up of new data centres.
“India is rapidly becoming a leader in AI innovation, unlocking new opportunity across the country,” Nadella said.
“The investments in infrastructure and skilling we are announcing today reaffirm our commitment to making India AI-first, and will help ensure people and organisations across the country benefit broadly.”
The global embrace of AI has boosted sales of Microsoft’s key cloud services, which have become the core of its business under Nadella’s leadership.
CM, Film Star & Tragedy: A Hyderabad Post-script with Twists
By NikHilA HeNry
HyDerABAD: In his latest blockbuster Pushpa 2: The Rule, Allu Arjun’s character ensures a regime change over a slight to him by the sitting chief minister. In the past few days, a version of the script has been playing out in real life in Telangana, as the Telugu star finds himself in an unexpected standoff with Congress CM Revanth Reddy.
The death of a 35-year-old woman in a stampede at a show of Arjun’s Pushpa 2 in Hyderabad on December 4, which was attended by him, has so far seen the actor’s arrest on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and for voluntarily causing hurt (he is out on bail); Assembly attacks by the Congress and AIMIM against the star; accusations against him of callousness; press conference by him claiming attempts at “character assassination”, and finally, on Sunday, vandalism at his Hyderabad residence.
In a film industry where stars are revered, and where many have cashed in on the same for political power, this open antagonism comes as a surprise. While sources close to the CM say Revanth is in mood to step back, with his government projecting the incident as an example of how it treats everyone equally, in an Instagram post Sunday, Arjun struck a con-
ciliatory note.
Asking his fans to “express their feelings responsibly”, and “not resort to any abusive language or behaviour”, Arjun said he would take “strict action against” those who do so.
The woman is said to have died as the crowds swelled at the theatre in the hope of catching a glimpse of Arjun. Her nine-yearold son who was with her is in a critical condition. The Revanth government contends that they had no prior intimation of the star’s presence at the theatre, and hence could not make the security arrangements. However, it has also claimed that the police told Arjun to leave the premises. The actor has said the police had been kept informed.
A source close to Revanth said: “The CM had made it clear that the law would take its own course after Allu Arjun was named in the FIR (related to the woman’s death). But when the police arrested Arjun, the CM faced attacks. The remarks made it appear as if the actor was being unfairly targeted.”
The CM’s aides say that “the visuals of popular actors of the Telugu film industry meeting Arjun after his bail, as if he was the
victim” further conveyed that impression. By “speaking up for the victim’s family”, Revanth wants to show that he, in contrast, stands for the disadvantaged, said a supporter. “There was only one question before the CM: should he support a star-actor who has been accused or should he stand up for the deceased family?”
A source close to Revanth claimed the CM’s stand had “drawn widespread support from the people”. Revanth’s supporters even draw a parallel with other measures taken by the CM “in the face of intense criticism”, such as an ongoing demolition drive as part of which properties of the rich and powerful have also been targeted.
A Congress leader said they had “standing instructions from the CM to defend the deceased woman and her family, despite political pressure”. A source said the CM
is clear that “one of the most powerful families in the Telugu film industry” is not above the law.
Another source claimed the CM and several ministers wanted to underline the star’s “apathy”, even as the state government was bearing the entire medical costs of the injured boy. Arjun has offered the family Rs 25 lakh, while Mythri Movies, the makers of Pushpa 2, have given Rs 50 lakh. Arjun has also said he is committed to supporting the family, and was advised not to go to the hospital to meet them as it would lead to fans crowding the place.
On December 21, Revanth claimed in the Telangana Assembly that the actor had refused to leave the Sandhya Theatre even after the police told him of the woman’s death. “There is only one entry and exit (to the theatre). In spite of being informed not to go to the theatre, the hero went there. Not only did he go there, he came out from the sunroof of his vehicle and started waving to the thousands of fans gathered while 50-60 bouncers of his private security team pushed them. Amidst the commotion, the police found
the lifeless body of the mother,” the CM said.
At a press conference held later that day, Arjun said he left the theatre “as soon as he came to know about the problem outside”. “Only the next morning did I come to know that a woman had died and her son was critically injured… I am not blaming anyone, either the police or government… This is a very unfortunate incident, which should not have happened.”
Others see a “political message” by Revanth – whose short government has been accused of “autocratic” police action – that goes deeper than optics. Arjun is the son of renowned producer Allu Aravind, whose sister Surekha is married to Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi. Chiranjeevi’s brother Pawan Kalyan, himself a noted film personality, is an ally of the BJP and the Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh.
Following Arjun’s arrest in the case, one of the first Opposition leaders to criticise the CM was BRS working president K T Rama Rao, who is currently under probe in a corruption case lodged by the Revanth government. KTR, as the BRS leader is called, said Arjun’s arrest showed “the height of insecurity” on Revanth’s part. BJP ministers have called the attacks on Arjun an example of the Congress “targeting” the Telugu film industry. -- IE
Those close to the CM say he was also “bothered by the visuals of popular actors of the Telugu film industry meeting Arjun after his bail, as if he was the victim”. (PTI Photos)
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella
A Preamble to One of Our Mother Tongues on World Hindi Day
By jAWAHAr mAlHoTrA
HousToN: Recognizing the importance of the Indian diaspora worldwide and the need to unite them with cultural ties, in 2006 then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (who recently died on December 26) inaugurated the first Vishwa Hindi Divas or World Hindi Day which has been celebrated since then yearly on January 10.
This past Friday, members of the International Hindi Association, Houston chapter came together, as they have done for the past three years at the Indian consulate, to honor the richness and fullness of Hindi and enjoy presenting a passage in their state languages, later translating into Hindi, to glorify the national language of India. The entire evening’s celebration was in Hindi.
“Hindi is among the most widely spoken languages in Northern India and across the globe”, said Vice Consul Anju Malik. “After Mandarin and English, Hindi ranks as the third most spoken language worldwide and continues to spread”. Acting Vice Consul Prashant Sona appreciated the audience of about 40 people, and their efforts “to keep Hindi alive and our Indian traditions”.
Swapan Dhariyawan, a cofounder of IHA Houston, who helped organize the event, noted
that Hindi was first spoken at the United Nations General Assembly in 1949. As in previous years, the Indian Prime Minister sent a message to cover the occasion. Dhariyawan had lined up eight people to speak about the diverse cultures in India, first in their own state language and then translated it into Hindi. But they had to all start with the preamble “We The People...”.
To start off, first came Partha Krishnaswamy in Tamil, then Hindi; then came Kirti Sohoni in Marathi; Jagdeep Ahluwalia in Punjabi; Keka Kar in Bengali; Ramesh Cherivirala in Telegu; Pallavi Dhariyawan in Kokani; Saeed Pathan in Urdu; Daxina Mehta in Gujarati and Swapan Dhariyawan in Sanskrit.
In closing, Sona gave a short introduction to the late former Prime Minister Atul Bihari Bajpayee who was a great Hindi poet. Sanjay Sohini presented one of his poems; followed by another recited by Swapan Dhairyawan.
At a gathering at the Indian Consulate in honor of the World Hindi Day on January 10, those who spoke in their mother tongues and then translated into Hindi, gathered with Vice Consul Anju Malik (fourth from left) and Acting Consul General Prashant Sona (fourth from right).
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Fateh’ : Sonu Sood in Gritty Cyber Crime Actioner
By roNAk koTeCHA
Story: Story: Fateh (Sonu Sood), a humble man from Moga, Punjab, transforms into a ruthless killer when a young girl becomes the victim of a dangerous cyber crime syndicate that preys on unsuspecting lives across the nation.
Review: Sonu Sood’s directorial debut delves deep into the pervasive threat of cyber crime, a modern plague wreaking havoc in India. With mobile phones doubling as vulnerabilities, the film explores how greed and desperation make people easy targets for malicious digital predators. The narrative begins with Fateh’s quiet life in rural Punjab but quickly takes a dramatic turn when a harrowing incident sets him on a mission to dismantle a cyber crime mafia. The film dives into action from the start, taking viewers on a gritty, blood-soaked journey. While the fast pace keeps the audience engaged, the backstory of the lead characters lacks the depth needed to forge a strong emotional connection, making the writing feel somewhat shallow and exaggerated at times.
The action sequences are intense, evoking the stylised brutal-
ity of Hollywood films like John Wick and Kill Bill and Animal back home. However, the escalating violence may not sit well with all viewers.
Sonu Sood, who makes his directorial debut with this film, handles the action effectively, and his performance, perhaps by design, doesn’t delve deeply into the character’s emotional side. Naseeruddin Shah and Vijay Raaz make their presence felt despite limited screen time, with Raaz’s sly humor offering moments of relief in an otherwise dark plot. Jacqueline Fernandez does well in her role as ethical hacker Khushi, and it’s refreshing that the film avoids unnecessary romantic distractions.
The screenplay, written by Sonu
‘Yo
Sood and Ankur Pajni, traverses various locations to highlight the far-reaching influence of cyber crimes. While the film’s relentless pace is a strength, the story occasionally veers into unrealistic territory, though the rapid evolution of digital fraud today lends some plausibility to even its more farfetched sub plots. The background score, composed by John Stewart Eduri and Hans Zimmer, enhances the tension, though it can occasionally feel overwhelming. At its core, Fateh highlights the vulnerabilities of our fast-paced digital lives. While its bloodsoaked narrative may not resonate with everyone, it effectively underscores the urgency of its theme..-- ToI
Yo Honey Singh’: A Rhythmic Roller Coaster
‘Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous’ is a docu-film that takes viewers on a journey through the meteoric rise, sudden fall, and eventual comeback of India’s iconic rapper and music producer, Yo Yo Honey Singh. The film unveils the man behind the chart-topping beats, offering a rare and unfiltered glimpse into his personal and professional life. Despite its shortcomings, Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous is a valu-
able watch for fans and newcomers alike. It provides a deeper understanding of the man behind the music, celebrating his resilience and vulnerability. The nostalgic inclusion of his iconic tracks serves as a reminder of Singh’s irreplaceable role in shaping contemporary Indian pop music. The film is both a tribute to Honey Singh’s triumphs and a reminder of the human challenges that come with stardom.
Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.
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