Counselors Prepare for 40th Anniversary Hindu Youth Camp
Row Left to
Shakti Dash, Trisha
Simone Alphonse. Middle
to
Maya Neti,
Rishabh Ashar, Ronil Shah, Suhani Shah, Aesha Shah, Meera Borle, Anuhya
Krishnakumar, Reya Patel, Smeet Parekh, Aman Patel, Nitika Veludandi, Anuja Pendse, Prisha Menon, Hirni Bhuta, Pooja Shah, Pooja Patel,
Siddhi Bavare, Srushti Gaikaiwari. Back Row: Parth Dargan, Ishan Shah, Shaan Parekh, Hemish Shah, Abhishek Pratap, Ansh Bhandari, Rahil Dalal, Arch Shah, Anish Havalimane, Ari Bhatt, Ronak Mehta, Aditya Meenakshisundaram, Anunay Dixit, Saahas Ganesh, Kaushik Kallur, Rithvik Edupugandi, Rahil Choksey, Manav Gandhi, Arnav Mehta, Rishabh Raaj, Pratham Rathi PAGE 2
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The Telly Award Winning film is featured in the A Force More Powerful Theater at EGMH -- PAGE 4
Hindus of Greater Houston honored 70 yoga teachers with
teachers. --
Bottom
Right: Keshav Shah,
Gurnani,
Shraddha Guha, Maya Harpavat, Roshni Parikh, Raina Patel, Krupa Rathi, Radhika Patwardhan, Eesha Patel, Medha Koniki,
Row Left
Right:
Juturi, Harshada
Hemangi Swaroop,
Counselors Prepare for 40th Anniversary Hindu Youth Camp
Houston: This year marks the 40th Anniversary of HHYC (Hindu Heritage Youth Camp), a week-long summer camp led by young adults around the Houston area. HHYC, affectionately known as “the best 5 days of the year” is unique in how it’s able to bring together staples of American summer camp like dodgeball and swimming with something that’s much harder to find - an opportunity to learn about Hinduism surrounded by fellow Hindu Americans eager to immerse themselves in their faith.
Ever since the Covid epidemic, HHYC has struggled to find a host location and has had had to switch sites every year, an activity that was grueling on campers and counselors like. While 40 years is remarkable on its own, this year is especially significant for the Hindu American community as it will take place at Texas Hindu Campsite in Columbus, Texas, the new forever home for HHYC. The counselors have been spending their summer training on how to mark this special milestone for themselves and their campers. From brainstorming how their new space allows them to expand their schedule to planning arts and crafts projects that will help campers leave their imprint on their new forever camp home.
While much of the brainstorming has involved owning and adapting long standing summer camp activities, the counselors will make camp particularly special for their campers by creating educations that explore and edify the participants about Hinduism. With their own experience as Hindus growing up in America, they are uniquely positioned to kindle a love and understanding of their faith together with their campers. They find ways to make the educations engaging- including games and videos to help campers understand the core principles being present. Some of the educations that counselors are planning this year include Hindu Pilgrimage Sites, Ayurveda, and the Chiranjeevi
Counselors are led by camp directors, who are former campers and counselors themselves. This year’s directors for HHYC 2024 are Parth Dargan and Srushti Gaikaiwari.
Parth Dargan is the son of Simmi and Rajesh Dargan, and is a recent graduate of The University of Texas at Austin. He is currently working as a data engineer at ExxonMobil. He went to camp for five years as a camper, and one of his favorite memories was the mango eating competition. As a returning director, he is most excited about hosting everyone at the new Texas Hindu Campsite!
Srushti Gaikaiwari is the daughter of Sanskruti and Shishir Gaikaiwari. She graduated from Texas A&M and is starting her masters. She’s been going to camp as a
camper since elementary school and has been a counselor for four years. “I want to be able to cultivate more of the experience I had as a camper. For me and so many kids, camp was a way to see Hinduism adapted to the lifestyle we see in America and being able to help give that experience to other kids was something I’d love to pass on,” she says. One of her favorite memories is cheering people on at the talent show, and she’s excited to see a different side of camp as a first-time director this year!
It’s not just the counselors and directors that are eagerly awaiting camp, the campers are right there with them. “My favorite camp memory was during the bonfire on one of the last nights of camp- I remember everyone taking turns singing karaoke, and I had so much fun with my friends,” says Naina Mehra, who has been a camper for many years now originally started to go to camp because her mom was a camper and counselor before her.
Her mom, Niharika, remembers, “When I was a camper at my very first camp, I remember my counselor. She was nurturing and smart and taught us such wonderful things about our culture and religion. When it was my turn to be a counselor, I knew I wanted to impart that same sentiment to my campers as I had felt so many years ago. And now my own kids are campers, having the same kinds of experiences I did, and showing interest in being counselors themselves. Talk about coming full circle!”
HHYC is impactful due to its ability to not only interact across multiple generations of HinduAmerican youth but also because of how it is able to empower youth through their shared faith. HHYC is only possible due to the support it receives from the local businesses and organizations, such as Hindus of Greater Houston, which is the banner organization HHYC runs under, as well as the numerous volunteers
who help out in numerous roles, whether it be as assistant chefs or camp doctors!
Lastly, HHYC is thankful to Texas Hindu Campsite for offering a place to put down roots and continue to grow, alongside Texas Hindu Campsite. Texas Hindu Campsite was a far-fetched dream that became possible due to the tremendous generosity of the community, but more support is still needed to help make it the best version of itself for the Hindu population of Texas. If you are interested in supporting this valuable cause, please go to https://www. texashinducampsite.org/ for ways to contribute.
Camp directors Parth Dargan and Srushti Gaikawari
HGH Hosts Appreciation for Yoga Teachers in the Houston Area
Houston: SVYASA in collaboration with Hindus of Greater Houston (HGH) organized a special event to honour eminent yoga teachers based in Houston, Texas on June 29th, 2024, at VPSS Haveli Honourable Consulate General of India, Mr. D. C. Manjunath, expressed his joy for Houston organising over 30 events , which concluded a series of activities commemorating the International Day of Yoga. He reflected on the growing global popularity of yoga since its designation as an international observance by the UN a decade ago, Thanks to the vision of India’s Prime Minister, Mr. Modi. Mr. Manjunath praised the collaborative efforts of SVYASA, Hindus of Greater Houston, and other partnering organizations in recognizing the contributions of yoga teachers to the Houston community. He also highlighted this year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society.”
The event was attended by over 350 people, mainly yoga teachers and yoga enthusiasts.
The evening commenced with a warm welcome from the emcees Saumil Manek and Manisha Gandhi who eloquently managed the proceedings with efficiency.
Mr. Robert Boustany, one of Houston’s most senior yoga teachers, spoke eloquently about the profound concept of appreciating life and cultivating love and compassion beyond the physical body - teaching yoga for 50 plus years. Per him there are over 2500 Yoga teachers in Houston. . With his guidance new organisation will be formed to unity Yoga teachers in Houston. This organisation will serve Houston all 12 months.
The rich history of yoga in Houston, dating back to the 1960s, was showcased through a video featuring Mr. Lex, who recounted his journey in establishing one of the first yoga organizations in the city
Mr. Vijay Pallod director Hindus of Greater Houston (HGH)
addressed the gathering with an inspirational speech, highlighting the significance of the event and expressing gratitude to all the participating organizations.
He noted that there are nearly 35 million yoga practitioners in America.
Mr. Pallod emphasized the importance of making yoga accessible to all communities, including minority communities. He made a commitment to provide scholarships to African American and minority groups, to take yoga teacher training courses.
He proclaimed that he would like to promote International Day of Yoga to the level that it becomes as popular as the “Mother’s Day”.
It was inspiring to see small children from Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), between the ages of 5-12, give a beautiful yoga demonstration to the accompanying music. Simmi Dargan organised event Yoga Asana Flow which featured an inspiring performance by a diverse group of yoga practi-
tioners, aged 11 to 82, showcasing a seamless flow of traditional and modern yoga postures.
Smitha Mallaiah PhD(c), Program Director and senior faculty at Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (SVYASA) highlighted the contributions of SVYASA since the last 5 decades. Over 500 graduated from Svyasa SVYASA offers Yoga Certification Courses like degree, doctorate in yoga teaching and therapies but also conducting research to establish benefits of yoga through lens of modern medical science.
Smitha Mallaiah is a highly respected yoga teacher, therapist and researcher with over two decades of experience in the field of yoga therapy and research.
Currently, she serves as a senior yoga Therapist at the prestigious MD Anderson Cancer Centre, where she integrates therapeutic yoga practices into patient care, focusing on improving the quality of life for those undergoing cancer treatment.
Her expertise and dedication have also led her to co-chair the Society for Integrative Oncology’s Yoga Special Interest Group (SIO Yoga SIG), where she plays a pivotal role in advancing the integration of yoga into oncology care at an international level. Through her leadership roles and extensive teaching experience, she continues to inspire and educate both practitioners and patients, advocating for the transformative power of yoga in promoting holistic health and well-being.
The event’s centrepiece was the recognition of 12 outstanding yoga teachers based in Houston, selected through a nomination and selection process. Each teacher received a plaque from the Honourable Consulate General and other presenters.
The celebration concluded with a closing prayer and a group photo of 70 yoga instructors and representatives of the key organizations in Houston, marking a memorable evening of appreciation and unity.
12 award winners with presenters, including Consul General DC Manjunath (center). Tamika Caston Miller, Alejandro Chaoul, Sharon Kapp, Meena Kankani, Smitha Malliah, Jayachandran Chandrasekaran, Mark Ram, Saumil Manek, Sharanya Gopalavishwanathan, Ray Lynn Rath, Farida Meguid, Wayne Campbell.
70 Yoga teachers from all walks of life
Yoga asana by Simmi Dragon and associates.
Indian Community Steps Up in the Wake of Hurricane Beryl’s Devastation
by Kapil sHarMa
Houston: On July 8, 2024, Hurricane Beryl, a Category 1 hurricane, unleashed its fury on Texas, particularly devastating Houston and its surrounding areas. With wind speeds ranging between 80 and 100 miles per hour, Beryl left behind a trail of widespread destruction, causing significant property damage and crippling the region’s electrical infrastructure.
Over 2 million residents were plunged into darkness, facing extreme July Texas heat and suffocating humidity without power—a life-threatening situation for many. With such extensive damage, repair crews have estimated that it will take several days to restore power and connectivity to the affected areas.
In these trying times, the Indian community in Houston has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience, providing crucial aid not only to fellow Indians but also to the wider American community. Their efforts have demonstrated the true spirit of unity and compassion, proving once again that in the face of adversity, humanity prevails.
Seva International, known for its dedication to humanitarian causes, was at the forefront of the relief efforts even before Beryl made landfall. Anticipating the storm’s impact, Seva International
proactively communicated with the community, assuring readiness to address any non-medical needs. As soon as the hurricane hit, Seva International coordinated with regional organizations and first responders, swiftly setting up a helpline and mobilizing resources to provide immediate relief. After the hurricane, Seva International delivered water to several affected areas and, in collaboration with the Red Cross, delivered over 200 dinner packs to a senior living facility left powerless and in dire need of meals, ensuring the residents received much-needed sustenance.
als on the front lines of the disaster response, including Stafford and Sugarland Police Departments.
Volunteers from BAPS Charities united to serve the storm-hit area of Fort Bend County. Recognizing the urgent need for hot meals, they prepared and delivered hot pizzas to the Fort Bend Emergency Response Centers, providing comfort and sustenance to many individu-
At the local BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Houston, TX, over 600 people were served hot rice, lentils, rotis, and pasta during lunch and dinner. Despite running on generators themselves, BAPS is operating cooling centers to provide relief to people reeling under the heat wave. “We stand in solidarity with all the residents and officials working to recover and rebuild after the storm,” said volunteer Jaladhi Patel.
ISKCON Houston, renowned
EGMH ‘Gandhi’ Films Wins Telly Award
Houston: In a momentous achievement, the creative minds behind the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston (EGMH) have been honored with a prestigious Silver Telly Award for 2024. The recognition comes as a testament to their dedication in crafting an immersive and enlightening experience that resonates with visitors from around the world. EGMH, renowned for its profound portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi’s life and principles, stands as a beacon of inspiration and reflection. At its core is a film that captures the essence of Gandhi’s teaching and his commitment to nonviolence and social justice.
The Telly Award Winning film is featured in the A Force More Powerful Theater at EGMH and includes dynamic first-hand content, engaging personal stories, in a unique immersive theater experience. The award-winning film, designed by the talented team of artists, filmmakers, and historians at Solid Light Inc, unfolds a narrative that transcends time. It transports viewers into the heart of Gandhi’s journey, from his early struggles to the pivotal moments that shaped India’s independence
movement. Through attractive visuals and storytelling, the film illuminates Gandhi’s philosophy, offering visitors an understanding of his enduring legacy and leaves them with a source of inspiration.
The film also features peace leaders from all over the world who have followed in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi to bring about massive social change by adopting his everlasting legacy of nonviolent conflict resolution.
The Telly Awards honor excel-
for its commitment to service, played a vital role in the aftermath of the hurricane. Leveraging Govinda’s restaurant, ISKCON served over 300 free vegetarian meals on Monday and Tuesday to local neighbors and the community at large. Despite not having power restored, ISKCON is running on generators and has opened its doors from 4:30 am to 9:30 pm, offering a cool and safe place for those affected by the storm to find respite.
The Vadtal Dham Houston SVG Charity extended its services by offering vegetarian tiffin seva and prasad (dinner) to those in need, despite themselves running on generators. Their unwavering support ensured that many had access to nutritious meals during this crisis, bringing a semblance of normalcy to the affected families.
Understanding the critical need
lence in video and television across all screens. Receiving over 12,000 entries globally from 6 continents and from all 50 states, Telly Award winners represent work from some of the most respected advertising agencies, television stations, production companies and publishers from around the world.
For the designers and creators involved, this accolade is not just a recognition of their craftsmanship but also a validation of their commitment to preserving Gandhi’s legacy for future generations. Their efforts have not only enriched the museum’s offerings but have also ensured that Gandhi’s message of peace and humanity continues to resonate throughout the world.
Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston congratulates Solid Light Inc. for all their endeavors in creating an award-winning film.
“This award is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team who worked tirelessly with Solid Light Inc. to bring Mahatma Gandhi’s story to life,” said Mr. Atul Kothari, Co-Founder & Trustee, EGMH. Visit www.egmh.org to learn more.
for power and connectivity, VPSS opened Vallabh Hall from noon until 8:00 pm, providing an airconditioned space with lights and internet access for those without power at home. VPSS also organized a satvik dinner around 6:00 pm, ensuring that everyone who sought refuge could enjoy a wholesome meal.
Ms. Hari Priya, the President of Young Hindus of Greater Houston, expressed her amazement at the overwhelming outpouring of support and enthusiasm from the Hindu youth. “It surpassed even my wildest expectations,” she said, noting the readiness and willingness of the youth to help the community in this dire time of need.
It is noteworthy that the majority of the volunteers who came together to help have full-time jobs. Their passion for aiding fellow humans in need brought them out in force, showcasing their dedication and commitment to service. This selflessness and determination have been crucial in the swift and effective response to the crisis. In these moments of crisis, it is heartwarming to witness such acts of kindness and compassion. The Indian community’s response to Hurricane Beryl serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of unity and the profound impact of extending a helping hand.
Anant Ambani Requested ‘Real Gold Thread’ on His Outfit, Says Designer
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant for their sangeet ceremony. (Source: Instagram/Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla)
MuMbai: Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding celebrations are afoot, and the sheer regality of their fashion game has left enthusiasts astounded.
For their sangeet night, the couple opted for Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla (ASJK) creations with delicate threadwork and Swarovski crystals. While both looked stupendous and complemented each other beautifully, we cannot get enough of Anant’s bandhgala — which featured zari embroidery using real gold thread! Taking to Instagram, the couturiers shared, “Anant dons a real gold navy blue bandhgala adorned with the inimitable allure of pure gold hand embroidery.”
The bandhgala, from their The Midnight Garden collection,
boasted of zari, French knots, tikkis and vasli to create a mesmerising blend of zardozi motifs, ASJK told indianexpress.com. “The best part: its made of real gold thread, on request from the groom!” they added.
The designers also shared that “The embroidery is extremely complex and detailed with each motif being essayed with the most elaborate mix of zardozi stitches. It took a team of our finest artisans six weeks to embroider and then another week to tailor and finish.” he designer duo also shared details of Radhika Merchant’s outfit stating that she radiated “unparalleled charm in a multi-panel chandelier-inspired lehenga that features a series of pastel colours.
Sewa volunteer delivers food to a senior center.
Indian Student’s Online Confession about Fake Docs Ends in Deportation
betHeleHeM, pa: ‘I have built my life and career on lies’: How an Indian student’s online confession ended in deportation
A 19-year-old Indian student
Aryan Anand, submitted false documents, including academic transcripts, financial statements, and even a fake death certificate for his father, to secure a full scholarship to Lehigh University in Pennsylvania’s Bethlehem, as disclosed in a Reddit post. The student pleaded guilty earlier this month in Northampton County.
The truth was revealed when a Reddit moderator flagged Anand’s post titled: “I have built my life and career on lies,” in which he described how he submitted forged documents.
The moderator then reached out to Lehigh University after noticing that it was the only university Anand followed on the platform.
Anand, who had been enrolled at Lehigh, was arrested two months ago on various charges, including felony counts of forgery and theft of services and faced a potential sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison. However, at the request of university officials, his punishment was limited to expulsion from the school and deportation back to India.
“It was difficult to really verify these things. I think that was great work by Lehigh and their police force. They were able to really dig
deep and find all this really was false,” said Northampton County Assistant DA Michael Weinert.
Meanwhile, Lehigh University released a statement expressing their appreciation for the report to their ethics hotline and the thorough investigation conducted by the Lehigh University Police Department, which led to Anand’s arrest.
He pleaded guilty to forgery on June 12 and was sentenced to one to three months in Northampton County Prison, which his defense attorney, Molly Heidorn, stated was equivalent to time already served, as reported by LehighValleyLive News.
As part of the plea agreement, Anand agreed to return to India, and Lehigh University opted not to seek restitution of $85,000 (approximately Rs 70 lakh). Charges were dropped after Anand’s initial arrest and charge on April 30, as per the news release.
US Embassy: Never Bring Fake Documents
by isHani Dasgupta
new DelHi: The US continues to be the most attractive overseas education destination for Indian students with the US Embassy in India expecting an increase in the demand for student visa applications in 2024 over last year.
“In 2023, we issued a record number of student visas, higher than in any other country in the world. This year we are again well prepared to meet that demand.
Studies show that a majority of Indian students prefer the US for their higher education. This is due to our top-notch facilities and faculty, the chance students have to work on cutting edge research, and the ways that a US degree pays off in the job market,” acting spokesperson US Embassy Nicole Holler, told The Times of India last week.
In 2023, 140,000 student visas were issued in India and, according to the annual Open Doors Report 2023, the number of Indian students studying in the United States surged by 35 per cent in the academic year 2022-23, reaching a record high of 268,923. Indian students now constitute more than a quarter of the total international student population in the United States, which exceeds one million.
“Our advice to student visa ap-
plicants is to treat the interview as a conversation. Provide genuine answers in your own words and never bring a fake document to your interview. We also encourage prospective students to use EducationUSA’s free advising services to find the school that fits them best and obtain accurate information on the admissions and visa processes,” Holler said.
Indian students are attracted to diverse masters’ courses in the US and over the past few years there has also been a sizeable increase in interest in undergraduate courses. “The United States remains a preferred destination for Indian students seeking higher education abroad due to its wide selection of excellent universities, cultural diversity, and opportunities for professional growth,” acting US Embassy spokesperson Holler said.
Most Indian students, according to the Open Doors Report 2023, attended universities in Texas, New York, California, Massachusetts, and Illinois. “While traditionally dominated by master’s programmes, there has been a noticeable rise in Indian undergraduate students pursuing education in the United States. The number of Indian undergraduates increased by 16 per cent, from 27,545 in 202122 to 31,954 in 2022-23. Popular fields of study among Indian students include mathematics, computer science, business administration, and management. This trend underscores the growing appeal of US universities among Indian youth, drawn by the quality of education, diverse academic offerings, and promising career prospects,” Holler said. -- ToI
Jawahar Malhotra @
IAA’s ‘Bollywood & Beyond’ Mesmerizes Sold-Out Audience at Wortham
Houston: Indo-American Association Houston (IAA) hosted a spectacular musical evening titled “Bollywood & Beyond - Strings of Virtuosity Vocals of Grace” on June 29, at the prestigious Wortham Center, drawing music enthusiasts from all over Texas, including attendees who traveled from Dallas, Austin and San Antonio.
The audience at the Wortham Center brimmed with excitement and anticipation as they gathered for an unforgettable evening of music. Sheetal Bedi, the CEO and Executive Director of IAA, in her welcome remarks, wished everyone a very happy Pride Month.
She emphasized the importance of supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and stressed on the significance of continuing efforts to make Houston a safe and inclusive space for everyone. “Pride is a time to honor and support the LGBTQIA+ community, to recognize the progress that has been made and to recommit ourselves to the work that still needs to be done … We celebrate love, diversity and the freedom to be our authentic selves,” she said.
Sheetal Bedi also recognized and extended a special welcome to the Consul-General of India, Mr. D.C. Manjunath, thanking him for his unwavering support of IAA.
The highlight of the evening was the stellar performance by the legendary playback singer Kavita Krishnamurti, who captivated the audience regaling them with her biggest Bollywood hits, including “Hawa Hawaii” and “Nimbooda.” Her exceptional talent shone brightly and her soulful renditions
of songs like “Tu Hi Re” left the audience spellbound.
No less brilliant was the performance of violin virtuoso Ambi Subramaniam, son of the legendary violinist Dr. L. Subramaniam, who stepped in for his father as he was unable to attend due to ill health. Ambi’s effortless mastery of the violin, showcasing his re-
markable talent and the enduring legacy of his father, left the audience asking for more.
Ambi Subramaniam (violin) with Daniel Feldman (percussions), Mahesh Krishnamurthy (mridangam) and Tanmoy Bose (tabla)
The event was a resounding success, underscoring IAA’s com-
mitment to bringing world-class cultural experiences to Houston. The evening’s performances blended Bollywood hits with classical and contemporary melodies, creating a unique and enchanting musical extravaganza for all in attendance.
Indo-American Association (IAA), a Houston Cultural Treasure, is a 31-year non-profit 501(c)(3) organi-
zation for the promotion of cultural arts of India. Our mission is to bridge cultural divides by showcasing the rich heritage of the Indian subcontinent through multi-disciplinary performing arts, cultural and educational and artistic expressions. IAA presents a thoughtfully curated season of 8 to 10 live shows each year, in addition to participating in several community outreach initiatives. For more info about IAA Houston or upcoming events contact: Indo-American Association Houston, Tel (832) 315-6586,info@iaahouston.org-
Kavita Krishnamurti singing one of her hits
Ambi Subramaniam (violin) with Daniel Feldman (percussions), Mahesh Krishnamurthy (mridangam) and Tanmoy Bose (tabla)
The artists with the IAA Board of Directors (From left to right: Atul Bhatia, Alpana Loyalka, Sheetal Bedi, Kavita Krishnamurti, Ambi Subramaniam, Sakina Ali, Radhika Day and Aparna Asthana)
Russia Agrees to Discharge All Indians in its Army Fighting in Ukraine
MosCow: Russia has agreed to discharge all Indian nationals working in its army following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin during Modi’s visit to Moscow, news agency ANI reported citing unnamed sources.
In this photo taken on February 22, 2024, Mohammed Imran shows his brother Mohammed Asfan image who was stranded in Russia along the war torn Ukraine border, at their home in Hyderabad. An apple farmer, an airline caterer and an out-of-work graduate are among the Indian nationals hired by Moscow, with the help of recruiters around the world, for the Russian Army in Ukraine. (AFP file)
In this photo taken on February 22, 2024, Mohammed Imran shows his brother Mohammed Asfan image who was stranded in Russia along the war torn Ukraine border, at their home in Hyderabad. An apple farmer, an airline caterer and an out-of-work graduate are among the Indian nationals hired by Moscow, with the help of recruiters around the world,
for the Russian Army in Ukraine.
At least two Indian citizens have lost their lives while fighting in Russia’s conflict against Ukraine, and many others stuck in the war zone allege they were deceived into joining the combat.
The sources indicated that during a private dinner hosted by Vladimir Putin on Monday night, PM Narendra Modi brought up the issue. In response, Russia consented to discharge all Indians serving in their military and to assist with their return.
Mohammed Imran shows his brother Mohammed Asfan image who was stranded in Russia along the war torn Ukraine border, at their home in Hyderabad. An apple farmer, an airline caterer and an out-of-work graduate are among the Indian nationals hired by Moscow, with the help of recruiters around the world, for the Russian Army in Ukraine. (AFP)
raise the issue in the strongest terms, news agency PTI earlier reported.
Reuters reported that a top Indian official told the news agency last week that fixing India’s trade imbalance with Russia and securing the discharge of Indian citizens who were “misled” into fighting in the Ukraine war would be among Modi’s top priorities in Moscow.
Speaking about the Indians recruited for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, sources said India would
“We want the expeditious discharge of Indians fighting in the Ukrainian conflict from the Russian military,” PTI quoted an unnamed source as saying.
While reports have suggested that up to 200 Indian nationals had been recruited by the Russian military to serve as support staff, such as cooks and helpers, the people
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cited above said the number could be about 100. However, it has been difficult for Indian authorities to establish contact with Indian nationals who are believed to be serving on the frontlines because of the frequent movement of military units and the lack of proper communications, the people said.
The external affairs ministry had earlier urged Indian citizens to “exercise caution while seeking employment opportunities in Russia”.
Many Indian nationals were duped by recruiting agents based in Indian cities and Dubai into taking up jobs with the Russian military. Besides the four deaths, several Indians have been injured. Indians have also posted videos on social media seeking help to get out of such jobs.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) recently busted a human trafficking network spread across several states that lured gullible young men through social
media channels and agents with the promise of highly paid jobs in Russia.
A viral video earlier this year showed a group of men from Punjab and Haryana - wearing army uniforms - claiming they were tricked into fighting the war in Ukraine and doubling down on their request for help.
PM Narendra Modi is set to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, a day after the Indian leader arrived in Moscow amid global outcry over Russian strikes in Ukraine.
Modi, visiting Moscow for the first time since Russia launched its campaign in Ukraine in February 2022, will seek to nurture New Delhi’s long-standing relationship with Moscow.
At the same time, he is courting closer Western security ties after being returned to power last month.
“There are no surprises in preparation. The main thing is to create an atmosphere for meaningful interaction,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state TV when asked about the talks.
‘Sharmajee Ki Beti’: Stories of Womanhood
by arCHiKa KHurana
Story: A celebration of womanhood, weaving a tapestry of stories that capture the essence of women across different age groups.
Review: Tahira Kashyap Khurrana’s directorial debut, ‘Sharmaajee Ki Beti,’ stands out for its authentic portrayal of female experiences, resonating deeply with audiences of all ages. Tackling heavier subjects with a light touch, Kashyap crafts funny situations without being forced or over the top—a rare feat the film achieves with ease.
Bound by a common surname, the film explores the lives of ordinary Indian women divided by age and their situations. School friends Swati (Vanshika Taparia) and Gurveen (Arista Mehta) navigate the pressures of their teen years. Swati resents her career-oriented mother, Jyoti (Sakshi Tanwar), who struggles to balance work and parenting despite support from her caring husband, Sudhir (Sharib Hashmi). Gurveen’s mother, Kiran (Divya Dutta), feels lonely in a city she has yet to embrace, finding solace in her love for Tambola, also known as Housie. Tanvi (Saiyami Kher), a state-level cricketer, faces constant discouragement from her selfish boyfriend. The film follows these five vibrant lives as they resolve their ordeals.
The film offers a perspective on celebrating one’s body and being unapologetic about individual choices without casting judgment. Kashyap’s narrative covering teenage girls grappling with identity and growing pains is commendable, as is her depiction of the complex relationships between mothers and daughters. While the film addresses pertinent themes affecting many Indian families, it sometimes feels overstuffed in trying to cover everything within its less than twohour duration.
The strength of Kashyap’s writing lies in her well-etched characters, which evoke empathy, laughter, and warmth. Sakshi Tanwar proves her formidable talent, while Sharib Hashmi plays a sweet, supportive husband reminiscent of his role as Nalin Dalal in Tarla Dalal’s biopic. Teen actors Vanshika Taparia and Arista Mehta are phenomenal, serving as the film’s beating heart. Divya Dutta delivers a nuanced, scintillating portrayal of Kiran Sharma. Saiyami Kher’s track, though understandable, is the film’s weakest, partly due to her stiff performance. Ravjeet Singh, as Tanvi’s self-absorbed boyfriend, is convincingly unlikeable, and newcomer Sushant Ghadge, playing Kiran’s house-help Chotu, is equipped with some of the film’s best lines.
The overall message of ‘Shar-
maajee Ki Beti’ is not to provide happy endings or instantly break age-old notions but to remind viewers to love, respect, and treat women equally and deservedly. This message is well conveyed through Tahira Kashyap Khurrana’s vision and some commendable performances. -- TNN
Love-All at Wimbledon
lonDon: Star couple Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani looked phenomenal together as they were spotted at Wimbledon. Kiara, in a blue pantsuit, looked beautiful and Siddharth in a white blazer with a blue shirt and green tie looked dapper.
Sidharth took to his Instagram to share some moments, calling it “a day to remember” as he posed with his “partner in crime” Kiara Advani.
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 July 16, 2024. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
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