Friday, February 16, 2024 | Vol. 43, No. 7
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February 16, 2024
Indo American News
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Published weekly from Houston, TX
Special Reports Community Briefs Local Politics South Asians in the News
www.indoamerican-news.com
2470 Dairy Ashford, Houston, TX 77077 • 713.789.NEWS (6397) • indoamericannews@yahoo.com
Bindi Day Teaches Culture
Manu Ghazals Seeks FB Mesmerize Constable Seat P3 IMAGHP6,7
P5
HGH Mourns Founder
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Dr. G.S. Gopalakrishna shown with wife Shanta
WEDDINGS, SPECIAL EVENTS, TENTED EVENTS, OUTDOOR COURTYARD
3 3 3 0 F M 1 4 6 3 | K a t y, T X 7 7 4 9 4 | 8 3 2 . 8 5 5 . 5 5 2 0 | p a l m r o y a l v i l l a . c o m
SAFETY IS WHAT OUR COUNTY NEEDS.
Indo-American News • Friday, february 16, 2024• www.indoamerican-news.com
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February 16, 2024
COMMUNITY
Indo-American News • Friday, february 16, 2024 • www.indoamerican-news
COMMUNITY
February 16, 2024
Manu P. Seeks Ft Bend Constable Pct 3 Position By Manu Pooparayil
Sugar Land: My path in law enforcement was inspired by a profound legacy – that of my father, who dedicated 36 years of his life to serving as a police officer in Kerala. Growing up, I witnessed the impact of his commitment and integrity, which laid the foundation for my own career. In my over 10 years with the Houston METRO Police, I’ve faced challenges and triumphs that have deepened my understanding of what effective policing truly means. It’s not just about upholding the law, but about being a pillar of support and trust within the community. My dedication was recognized when I was honored with the 2022 Medal of Valor, an accolade that I hold close to my heart as it symbolizes the courage and dedication required in our line of duty. As your next Constable, I am committed to bringing this legacy of service and integrity to Precinct 3. My vision is to en-
sure community safety, where every resident feels secure and heard. This involves enhancing our approach to community policing, building stronger relationships with residents, and ensuring our youth have the guidance and support they need to thrive. Innovation in law enforcement is also key. I plan to integrate modern technology and data-driven strategies to improve our efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring that Precinct 3 is a safe place for all. But to achieve this, I need your support. From February 20th to March 5th, your vote can help bring about the change we all strive for. A vote for Manu Pooparayil is a vote for a safer, stronger, and more united community. Together, let’s honor the past and embrace the future. Thank you for your trust and support. Let’s make a difference together.
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February 16, 2024
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Indo-American News • Friday, february 16, 2024 • www.indoamerican-news
5 Significance of Bindi Day Taught at Pin Oak Middle School
COMMUNITY
Houston: In the multi-cultural, diverse city that Houston has become, there is a growing demand for teaching second generation young kids the language and cultures of their parents and grandparents. The Houston Independent school district has taken steps in that direction by opening the Immersive Chinese School off Westheimer and Sage and now the Hindi program at the Pin Oak Middle School. In its effort to teach the rich culture of India and Sanatan Dharma one school at a time, the city’s only Hindi, culture of India program and Hindi club at Pin Oak Middle
School celebrated Lord Ram’s return to his home on January 22 as the Blessings Day (Bindi and Tilak day) by explaining the significance of it. POMS Principal Lindsey Vela participated with great enthusiasm and loved learning about it. All the students in the program participated and discussed about it with their friends. Hindi teacher Arun Prakash, a veteran of the well-known but since closed Hindi program at Bellaire High school, explained the importance and significance of Tilak and Bindi to all of his classes and the world culture teacher also talked about it in her class too. Students enjoyed the dough-
February 16, 2024
nut party all day long during their class time. “I wish this could be a scene in every school”, said Arun Prakash. The Indian diaspora is very influential and a number of organizations are actively working towards making changes the way American education system teaches about India. Starting Hindi and Culture of India classes in schools requires very little initial investment, and the proper approach and well trained teachers can provide instruction for very little initial renumeration. Unfortunately, many Hindi programs have started but failed because of untrained teachers or their reluctance to teach.
Pin Oak Middle School Principal Lindsey Vela with some students wearing the bindi on their forehead. Students enjoyed the doughnut party at the Bindi Day program taught by veteran Hindi teacher Arun Prakash (on left).
Indo-American News • Friday, february 16, 2024• www.indoamerican-news.com
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COMMUNITY
A Mesmerizing Performance at IMAGH’s Ghazals Evening By Rahat Sultana Houston: Never one to flinch at the prospect of holding a mushaira to brighten up the spirits, the Indian Muslim Assoc. of Greater Houston started the New Year off with an evening of ghazals on Saturday, February 3 at the Elite restaurant on Hwy 6 South. The evening was attended by a full house of ghazal lovers who sat at round tables, where dinner was served after the performance. The beautiful ghazals were performed by Ghazal Maestro and longtime Houstonian Shekhar Pathak, accompanied by his friend and tabla player Amit Bhagwat. Shekhar possesses a unique ability to convey the intricate nuances of the Urdu poetry through his vocal expressions, making each performance a mesmerizing experience. His rendition of songs by the King of Ghazals, Jagjit Singh, was unbelievably smooth, melodic and lilting to the core resulting in a rich tapestry of style and sound. Shekhar and Amit kept the audience engaged, entertained and absolutely captivated. The added classical songs by Shekhar left the listeners wanting more! Amit dazzled everyone with the rhythm and beat of the tabla along with the technical skills of the patterns and combinations!
Among the evening’s assembled concertgoers were some of IMAGH’s esteemed members and loyal supporters—Col. and Mrs. Raj Bhalla, Mr. and Mrs. Musa Dakri, Mr. and Mrs. Abhizer Shipchandler, Dr. and Mrs. Jaseem Pasha, Past President Latafath Husain and many old and new friends. Taral Patel, a candidate for Ft. Bend County Commissioner Precinct 3, attended the event and spoke to the elite gathering. He is a dedicated advocate and longtime public servant. Patel spoke about the important issues he is fighting for like—housing and jobs in Fort Bend County. Arrangements for yet another fine event were thanks to IMAGH event planners President Tasnim Vadva, Club 65 President Rahat Sultana and Treasurer Neem Vehvaria who never flinch in organizing these bonding events. More photos on page 7
IMAGH event planners Tasnim Vadva, Club 65 President Rahat Sultana and Treasurer Neem Vehvaria with the performers Amit Bhagwat and Shekhar Pathak.
Indo-American News • Friday, february 16, 2024 • www.indoamerican-news
7 A Mesmerizing Performance at IMAGH’s Ghazals Evening February 16, 2024
See story on page 6
Indo-American News • Friday, february 16, 2024• www.indoamerican-news.com
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Eulogy to Dr. G.S. Gopalakrishna By Dr. Mark Gilger
Dr. Mark Gilger is with Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) & Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH)
Dr. G.S. Gopalakrishna shown with wife Shanta
Houston: I am a pediatrician & pediatric gastroenterologist. Dr Gopalakrishna was a friend, colleague and mentor. I first met “Krishna”, as he was always known to us, in 1986, as I began my fellowship training in pediatric gastroenterology at TCH & BCM. Krishna taught me and many in this room how to care for babies & children with GI problems. He was a gifted teacher & physician. He had remarkable diagnostic prowess. He was one of the smartest people I knew. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Krishna was his humble, warm personality. I always felt he never got the respect he deserved, but I knew, his patients and families knew, and my colleagues all knew he was a “go to” physician when you needed help. I think Krishna was a shining example of “living a life worth living”. It was a privilege to know him & work with him and I will always treasure watching him live “a life worth living”.
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9 Tribute to HGH Founding Member Dr. G.S. Gopalakrishna
COMMUNITY
February 16, 2024
By Thara Narasimhan
Houston: The Hindus of Greater Houston expresses our heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. G.S. Gopalakrishna, who passed away on February 7. This is a great loss to our Houston Hindu community. He was the founder member of Hindus of Greater Houston. He took active part in Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America. He was integral part of Hindu Heritage Youth camp for several years and was the Camp Doctor for the entire week. Vijay Pallod, in his tribute to Dr. Gopalakrishna on Sunday, February 11 remarked Dr. Gopalkrishna’s constant advice to him on many aspects of medical, personal and guidance for all matters of helping HGH grow. Dr. Gopalakrishna was very thoughtful, candid, and insightful to do what he believed was best for the community. Suresh Patel of the Gujarati Samaj Houston, one of the founders of the Hindu Heritage Youth Camp, paid respects to him for his dedication, and recalled accompanying him to the National VHPA conference several years ago. Other Tributes came from Beth Kulkarni, another founder of the Hindus of Greater Houston and former Advisory Council member who shared that “Dr. Gopalakrishna made a significant impact on my life. While we worked together in several organizations, I was exposed to his great wisdom, understanding, and compassion. Knowing him helped me to become a better person.” Sharad Amin, the former President of HGH, and an activist with Hindu Swayam Sewak Sangh Balagokulam, SEWA International, and VHPA- America said: “Very sad to find out about the passing away of Dr. Gopalakrishna. He was the VHP summer camp doctor for a long time. We travelled together one time to attend the VHPA governing council meeting in Indianapolis. He was an inspiration to so many of us, to have patience and a cool mind during any pressure situation. He was easy to work with and very knowledgeable”.
Attendees listening to Samanijis information discourse on Preksha Meditation
A file photo from early days of the Founding members of the Hindus of Greater Houston. Dr. G.S. Gopalakrishna is shown standing second from right and behind his wife Shanta.
Indo American News Founder: Dr. K.L. Sindwani Publisher: Jawahar Malhotra Editor: Pramod Kulkarni Correspondent: Sanchali Basu ®All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the written consent of the publisher. 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 212, Houston, Texas 77036.Tel:713-789-6397, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com, website: www.indoamerican-news.com Indo-American News • Friday, february 16, 2024• www.indoamerican-news.com
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EXPERIENCED . DEDICATED . COMMITTED
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CRINME
Senseless Acts of Violence Against Indian-origin People
February 16, 2024 11 Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine. Send us the correct answer before February 19, 2024. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
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SHEFFIELD, ALABAMA: A 76-year-old Indian-origin motel owner in Alabama, Pravin Raojibhai Patel, was fatally shot by a customer during an argument over a room. William Jeremy Moore, 34, was arrested for the shooting, which took place at the Hillcrest Motel in Sheffield. According to Sheffield Police chief Ricky Terry, Moore arrived at the motel looking to rent a room but an altercation broke out. Moore then pulled out a gun and shot Patel. “Moore was quickly apprehended by Sheffield Police on 13th Avenue when he was trying to break into an abandoned house, “ Sheffield Police chief said. Three gunshots were fired according to witnesses who heard the firing. Jemeriz Owens, a barber working across the street said “I heard three gunshots,” Owens recounted, visibly shaken. “I can’t believe it; he was just doing his job.” The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) released a statement expressing their deep sadness and outrage at the violence that led to Patel’s death. “Senseless acts of violence have no place in our communities, and our hearts are breaking for Pravin’s family, including his wife, children, and grandchildren,” said AAHOA
Chairman Bharat Patel. “No family should have to endure what Pravin’s family is going through, and we send our condolences to everyone who knew and loved him.” This incident happens after a series of tragic events involving Indian or Indian-American individuals in recent months. A family of Indian origin, including their 4-year-old twin boys, was found dead in California in what the police are investigating as a murder-suicide. In Washington, a 41-year-old Indian-origin IT executive died after being assaulted outside a restaurant. Vivek Chander Taneja, a 41-year-old Indian-origin executive, became the sixth Indianorigin individual killed in the US
since January 2024. Following an altercation outside a downtown Washington restaurant, he succumbed to injuries. This marks another tragic incident in a series of recent violent incidents involving Indian-origin individuals in the US. In Chicago, an Indian student was attacked by robbers, and in Georgia, a homeless drug addict fatally attacked another Indian student. While authorities have ruled out foul play in the case of a student found dead in Ohio, other cases, such as the death of a student at Purdue University in Indiana and the death of an 18-yearold student with hypothermia in Illinois, remain under investigation. Credit: Times of India
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