Indo-American News: June 14, 2024

‘Damn, Indians are taking our jobs,’”

recounted in the video. -- PAGE 4

Houston Mayor John Whitmire joins AAPI

Launch. PAGE 4

Mayor, Advisory Board Launch AAPI National Convention in Houston

Houston: At a press conference, AAPI Advisory Board Chairman Nomi Husain introduced the Convention as a first-of-its-kind event aimed at “bringing together the various AAPI communities throughout the country to create a platform of collaboration.” Chairman Husain stated: “The AAPI community in Houston is large and diverse, and it is also large and diverse around the country. There are business groups, social groups, professional groups, but there has never been a convention bringing all of these groups together into one city for one convention.”

AAPI Advisory Board Convention Committee Chair Muhammad Saeed Sheikh provided Convention details. “The theme of the inaugural AAPI National Convention Houston is Uplifting AAPI, Uniting Communities. By mobilizing and strengthening a powerful coalition of AAPI leaders, we will be celebrating the AAPI community’s diversity and collective power.” Convention Chair Saeed Sheikh added that schedule highlights for the July 27th event include keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and a gala.

Mayor Whitmire commended the Convention initiative calling it a “celebration of the community, the diversity [and] the opportunity” of Houston. Mayor Whitmire also emphasized “we are witnessing what makes Houston great -- the leadership, the diversity.”

The AAPI Advisory Board is grateful for Mayor Whitmire’s leadership and support for the AAPI community.

Watch the press conference in full on HTV: https://lnkd. in/gdWK8TXd

Indo-American Engineer: “An Indian Took My Job”

The video opens with the engineer introducing himself and recounting how his entire team had been laid off. During his exit interview, he was stunned to learn that the company was replacing his team with workers in India. He pointed out that he himself is Indian, hoping this would help him retain his position.

In the midst of ongoing layoffs in the tech sector, social media is abuzz with reactions of disbelief and sorrow. Recently, an Indian-origin software engineer in the United States shared a poignant video detailing how he discovered his job was being outsourced to Indian workers based in India.

The video opens with the engineer introducing himself and recounting how his entire team had been laid off. During his exit interview, he was stunned to learn that the company was replacing his team with workers in India. He pointed out that he himself is Indian, hoping this would help him retain his position.

“I told them, ‘I’m already Indian, right? Why not keep me and hire my friends instead?’ I explained that I was born in India and my family moved to the US for work,” he said, expressing his disbelief.

However, the company’s response was clear. “They told me, ‘No, you don’t understand. We’re moving these jobs to India where they can be done more cheaply.’ In that moment, I felt like every father who’s ever lamented about jobs being outsourced. I thought, ‘Damn, Indians are taking our jobs,’” he recounted in the video.

The video, captioned “Indian software engineer is laid off and replaced by... Indians,” has garnered over 3 million views on X (formerly Twitter), along with 34,000 likes and numerous comments.

One user commented, “He doesn’t get it. He’s being laid off because he’s too costly.”

Another said, “It’s always enlightening when someone with progressive views encounters tough economic truths.” -- ToI

Two Indians Killed in Ukraine War, India Demands End to Recruitment

MosCow: Two Indian nationals recruited by the Russian army were recently killed in the war between Russia and Ukraine, the Indian foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

The Indian embassy in Moscow has pressed Russian authorities, including the ministry of defense, for prompt repatriation of the remains, the ministry said in a statement.

The foreign ministry also urged the Russian ambassador in New Delhi and authorities in Moscow to quickly release and return all Indian nationals who are with the Russian army, the statement added.

India demanded that there be a verified stop to any further recruitment of its nationals by the Russian army, urging Indian nationals to exercise caution while seeking employment opportunities in Russia.

Indian police in May arrested four people linked to a network of human traffickers on suspicion of luring young men to Russia with the promise of lucrative jobs or university places only to

force them to fight in the war in Ukraine.

About 35 Indian men were duped in this manner, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said in March.

New Delhi and Moscow have

enjoyed a close relationship for decades and India has refused to condemn Russia over the war with Ukraine, urging the two sides to end the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

The MEA in March directed In-

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:

dian citizens to maintain vigilance and refrain from taking up liferisking jobs in Russian military units. This word of caution comes against the backdrop of the death of two Indian nationals who were serving as support staff with the

Russian Army.

In a weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal appealed to citizens to not get “swayed” by offers made by agents for support jobs with the Russian Army. He said it could be fraught with danger and risk to life.

The same month, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe revealed that dozens of Indians were lured under the guise of lucrative jobs and sent to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. The probe agency then busted a human trafficking network involved in sending the young Indians abroad.

Asfan met an unlikely fate – one his family could never have imagined when Putin ordered Russian troops into Ukraine in February 2022.

At the time, the father of two managed a clothing store, one of almost 300 across India in the homegrown Allen Solly chain, selling kids’ clothes, wedding tuxedos and just about everything in between. He’d been there eight years, his brother said.

-- Reutres, CNN

The probe comes a day after a 30-year-old man from Hyderabad, who fell prey to job fraud, reportedly died fighting for Russia in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Asfan Mohammed, seen in a Russian military uniform, in an image provided by his brother, Imran.

Nailbiter India-Pakistan T20 -- A Match Made in NYC, Viewed in Houston CRICKET

by rugwed daMLe

nassau County, ny: “Agar Gabbar ko koi hara Sakta hai to woh khud Gabbar”.

The iconic lines from Sholay went perfectly well for the Pakistan cricket team post the marquee clash at Nassau county cricket stadium in Long Island New York was the host India Pakistan World Cup clash on June 9 2024.

The Jampacked stadium was full with 34,028 fans seated in every corner of the stadium chanting with India or Pakistan.

Winning the toss Babar choose to Bowl - a great toss to win. Rohit started with a bang scoring 8 in first over and than rain playing spoil sport twice.

Are we even going to have a game? Said one of the journalists seeing the overcast conditions at the start of the day.

What started off as a stop and start match, turned out to be a bad start for India. With Kohli and Rohit going back in the pavilion in first 2 overs of the game. After which Rishabh Pant strung a partnership with Axar Patel to steady the ship when Naseem Shah bowled a beauty to dismiss Axar Patel

Things were sought to be have stabilized when wickets starting falling ina flurry for India with Pant, Dubey and Jadeja going in a pack under 6 runs.

Arshdeep got to smell the leather with some fiery balls from Mohammed Amir who seemed to be on a hat trick ball dismissing Dubey and Jadeja but than got run out thanks to an amazing throw by Babar Azam.

In the break Pakistan Zindabad was in full flow all over the ground. And the spirit amongst the fans in green seemed very high. The sun had come up nice and easy which was going to help things for Pakistan.

The Pakistan innings started off to a flyer with Babar Azam and Rizwan looking rock solid. Even though they had only a 26-

run partnership it set the tone for Pakistan innings. Things stabilized after 10 overs when Usman and Rizwan were batting.

But an arm ball from Axar beat Usman Khan and got his wicket to give India some hope. Fakhar Zaman came next in to bat and started off sweeping to Axar showing some confidence but after some blistering strokes found the edge on a Hardik Pandya bouncer to take the team score to 73-3 putting the middle order to do the fighting.

In came Imad Wasim - a strategy stroke of sorts to come before Shadab Khan and Iftekhar Ahmed. And at that point everyone thought the match was firmly in Pakistan’s grip. But some horrendous shot selection by Rizwan Ahmed at a Bumrah incoming delivery threw Pakistan in a frenzy. No one knew what was the reason for such a careless shot, but I guess hindsight is 20-20.

After Rizwan’s wicket due to excruciating accurate bowling by Bumrah and Co. Pakistan were left with 18 to chase with Arshdeep Singh bowling the last over. And eventually lost the game by 6 runs against India.

“This was Pakistan’s game to lose and they absolutely did,” one dejected Pakistani fan said. “ We had come all the way from Toronto to watch our team and this is what they do to us every time. Although Bumrah did play very well and holds the key for India. And that’s why India deserved to win”.

But the real winner of the Cricket Clash was Nassau county & New York.

On talking with County Executive Bruce Blakeman about the India Pakistan game he said - “It succeeded, my expectations. Remember the stadium is less than 120 days old. This is the kind of marketing and advertising that money can’t buy. It showcases what we can do here in Nassau County. We’ve had billionaires from all around the world here,

who are loving our beaches, our golf courses, our museums, our restaurants, our shopping.. So, you don’t have to just go to Manhattan, you can stretch around here in Nassau County and hopefully you will buy something on the way home. Or at least fill your car with gas before you leave “. If there was a Shark Tank pitching that needed to be done for the county, Mr Blakeman would do a fabulous job. So as the cliche goes in Cricket - win or lose Cricket is the real winner. In this instance, not just Cricket but also the City of New York was the real winner.

-- Special to IndoAmerican News

More than 100 cricket enthusiasts in Houston gathered at the viewing party organized by the Open Forum radio talk show and catered at Indian Summer restaurant.

Cricket fans on location at Nassau County stadium.

Silambam Houston Celebrates $103K Donation from Green Mountain Club

Houston: Silambam Houston is embracing sustainability with the installation of a rooftop solar array and a new pavilion at its Pearland dance studio thanks to a grant of nearly $103,000 from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club.

The 14.58 kW solar array is expected to offset 100 percent of the building’s energy needs and save the organization more than $4,000 each year for the next 25 years. The Green Mountain Energy Sun Club Sustainability Pavilion will serve as an outdoor gathering space for receptions and events at the facility.

Silambam is an Indian classical arts organization, seeking to increase the appreciation and understanding of Indian artistic traditions across cultural boundaries. The arts academy program serves 180 students each week with more than 20 teaching artists on staff and the professional dance company with more than 20 dancers regularly performs at Houston venues, including Miller Outdoor Theater. The organization has a series called “Dancing into STEM” to explain STEM concepts, bringing together two passions of the founder — dance and science.

“We are thrilled to be able to weave sustainable practices into our arts programming, while also giving back to community,” said Dr. Lavanya Rajagopalan, founder and executive artistic director of Silambam. “The annual savings from this project will allow us to increase artist pay, provide tuition waivers for economically disadvantaged students, and/or provide free or pay-what-you-can access to our ArtStream Concerts, all while benefiting the environment.”

Green Mountain Energy is inspiring hope, motivating action through the use of clean energy, and advancing sustainable communities through Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club has donated more than $14 million for 164 projects across Texas and the Northeast. Green Mountain Energy invites its customers and employees to contribute and help support more projects that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation and environmental stewardship.

“At Green Mountain Energy, we recognize that our choices can have a profound impact on our environment,” said Mark Parsons, Green Mountain Energy vice president. “We’re proud to support the rich and diverse culture of the Indian community,

and we’re glad to help Silambam take the next step toward a more sustainable future.”

Silambam performed at the Miller Outdoor Theater on June 7.

Green Mountain Energy is inspiring hope, motivating action through the use of clean energy, and advancing sustainable communities through the work of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club® has donated more than $14 million for 164 projects across Texas and the Northeast. Sun Club collaborates with nonprofit organizations on projects that focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship. To learn more about Green Mountain Energy and Sun Club or to apply for a Sun Club grant, visit greenmountain.com/sunclub.

About Silambam Houston

Silambam is an Indian classical arts organization, seeking to increase the appreciation and understanding of Indian artistic traditions across cultural boundaries. The arts academy program serves 180 students each week with more than 20 teaching artists on staff and the professional dance company with more than 20 dancers regularly performs at Houston venues, including Miller Outdoor Theater. The organization has a series called “Dancing into STEM” to explain STEM concepts, bringing together two passions of the founder — dance and science.

About Green Mountain Energy Sun Club

Green Mountain Energy is inspiring hope, motivating action through the use of clean energy, and advancing sustainable communities through the work of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club® has donated more than $14 million for 164 projects across Texas and the Northeast. Sun Club collaborates with nonprofit organizations on projects that focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship. To learn more about Green Mountain Energy and Sun Club or to apply for a Sun Club grant, visit greenmountain.com/sunclub.

Dr. Lavanya Rajagopalan of Silambam Houston (center rear) with diginitaries at the solar pavilion.

‘Malhar’: Enriching Story to Warm Your Heart

by dHavaL roy

Story: Set in a remote village of Kutch, Gujarat, the film has three interconnected stories: two young boys on a mission to fix a broken hearing aid, a couple grappling with the consequence of an interfaith romance, and a newlywed woman facing potential ouster from her in-laws’ home due to infertility.

Review: Director Vishal Kumbhar skilfully blends three stories— heartwarming tales of friendship, poignant struggles, and even touches of tragedy, ensuring each emotion resonates in perfect harmony, withoutone overpowering the other.

The film starts strong, venturing into a scene at a burial ground before effortlessly shifting to a delightful adventure of two young boys, Javed (Vinayak Potdar) and Bhairav (Shrinivas Pokale). Their quest to fix Bhairav’s damaged hearing aid becomes the heart of the narrative, organically weaving in tales of forbidden love and societal pressures faced by a young woman. The young boys delightfully mistake a Bluetooth device to be the machine they need) and save Rs 1,500 for the new piece without letting the elders know. Their story is connected with two others. Javed’s sister, Jasmine (Akshata Acharya), navigates a blossoming romance with Jatin (Mohammad Samad), while Kesar (Anjali Patil) grapples with the weight of societal expectations as the infertile daughter-in-law of the village sarpanch. Writer-director Kumbhar and co-writer Apurva Patil explore themes of selfless friendship, love, marriage, and the struggles of a minority community, all with a subtle touch that avoids melodrama Cinematographer Ganesh Kamble captures the essence of Kutch – its majestic yet humble beauty, bursting with color. The melodious music by T Satish and Sarang Kulkarni further elevates the experience, while heartrending dialogues penned by Siddharth Salvi and Swapnil Sitaram, particularly

a letter written by Jasmine for Jatin, leave a lasting impression.

The cast delivers exceptional performances. Child actors Shrinivas Pokale and Vinayak Potdar possess an undeniable real-life best friend chemistry. Their portrayal of childish innocence, mischief, and unwavering loyalty is heartwarming. Shaarib Haashmi shines as the boisterous vendor and self-proclaimed tour guide Mohan, with his broken English providing comic relief. Anjali Patil and Akshata Acharya are captivating, while Rishi Saxena delivers a powerful performance as Kesar’s husband Laxman, despite limited screen time. Each actor breathes life into their characters,making the film a compelling watch.

While the film excels at balancing heartwarming moments with poignant realities, the pacing falters slightly in the second half. However, this is a minor blip in an otherwise enriching journey that

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 June 19 2024. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.

Solution Next Week

Recent Winners

Kumud Athavale, Krishna R. Vuddagiri, Sanchali Basu, Prabha Barvalia, Ramana Vadrevu, Yudhveer Bagga, Taranjit Singh, Rohini Mahajan, Tulasi Devireddy, Amit Shah, Arup Gupta, Champak Patel, Sahiti Palle, Prasun Allepalli, Prabhu Narumanchi

deserves to be experienced on the big screen.-- TNN Karan Johar’s ‘Kill’

The new full trailer for the action-packed film KILL has made its world premiere.