India House has passed the leadership torch
father Jugal Malani (left) to son Pankaj
Children having fun swimming at the newly unveiled Texas Hindu camp in Columbus, Texas. Photo by Bijay Dixit. SEE PAGE 4
Unveiling of 37-acre Texas Hindu Camp in Columbus
Ros from left to right: City of Columbus Councilmember Place 2 Ronny Daley– Julie Prause – Carina Alonso - Jennifer Knesek - District Assistant, State Senator Joan Huffman - James Pressler - District Director for State Representative Gary Gates - Don McCoy - Mayor Fulshear - Bobby Eberly - Fort Bend County Republican Party Chair - Matthew Benavidez - District Liaison, Texas House Representative Stan Kitzman - Swapan Dhairyawan - Ramesh Cherivirala - Shri Rajendra Khaitan from Vidya Bharti - Colorado County Commissioner Elect Precinct 1 Shannon Owers - Vivek Shukla member of HHYC steering committee - Maneesh Mehra First youth camp director - Seshadri KumarBharat Pallod member of HHYC steering committee member. Photos by Bijay Dixit.
Houston: Nestled in a wooded area in Columbus, about 70 miles from Houston, the first campground built with the Hindu American youth in mind, was formally unveiled to the community on July 27, even as the 40th annual Hindu Heritage Youth Camp was in progress at the site.
Built as a bridge between all of the Hindu communities across Texas that in need of a unique place of gathering, the 37-acre campsite, built at a cost of $6 million, has eight cabins to host 240 people. It has a large, multipurpose hall with dining facility for all the campers, a swimming pool and a covered fullsize basketball and more amenities to be added in the future.
In addition to hosting the youth camp during the summer, the site will function as a retreat center for various gatherings, wellness programs and spiritual retreats.
Subhash Gupta, one of the founder-directors of the non-profit organization, who spearheaded the dream project, first bought the land in 2019 and with his wife Sarojini donated $1.75 million to kick-start the campsite construction.
Gupta was rightly proud to address the invited audience and explain how the Hindu Heritage Youth Camp had a transformational effect on the youth by educating them on the Hindu culture, while simultaneously fostering independent thinking, leadership qualities and nurturing the youth to become exemplary citizens.
Young campers learn to be selfreliant while building friendships that often turn into lifelong relationships. Some have even found life partners at the camp, he said stated.
Camp counselors and participants gave their first-hand testimony on the overwhelming popularity of the annual camp where the youth get a life-molding education just as their schools and colleges offered academic education.
Hindus of Greater Houston has
been sponsoring the youth camp for the past many years. Vijay Pallod, a representative of the HGH, is also a spokesman for the Texas Hindu Campsite, along with Gupta.
Vijay Pallod’s wife, Sushma, known as the “Camp Chef” who personally cooks food for the camp attendees for nearly three decades, was visibly moved as She thanked Gupta for establishing the campsite. It was originally Sushma’s idea that the Hindu Youth Camp should have its own campsite and the vision has now become a reality for her.
The formal dedication ceremony began with the lighting of the lamp by Colorado County Judge Ty Purse Prause. Colorado County Commissioners Doug Wessels and Keith Neuendorff and Commissioner-elect Shannon Owers also attended.
The dignitaries also planted a tree to signify the inauguration of the campsite.
County Judge Ty Prause his remarks welcomed the Texas Hindu Campsite as a valuable addition the community and thanked the organizers for educating the community about the laudable activities at the campsite.
Other elected officials who attended the ceremony included Columbus City Councilmember Ronny Daley, Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers, Fort Bend County 240th State District Judge Surendran Pattel, Stafford Mayor Ken Mathew, Fulshear Mayor Don McCoy, Fulshear Councilmember Abhijeet Utturkar and Fort Bend County GOP Chair Bobby Eberle.
Indo American Conservatives of Texas President Bijay Dixit and board members Swapan Dhairyawan and Ramesh Cherivirala facilitated the participation of the elected officials.
Governor Greg Abbott sent a congratulatory message to the Texas Hindu Campsite. Bjijay Dixit presented Letter of recognition sent by Texas Senator
Ted Cruz and Texas Senator John Cornyn in a video message highlighted the contributions of the Indian American community and appreciated the opening of the Texas Hindu Campsite.
Jennifer Knesek, district director for State Sen. Joan Huffman, James
Pressler district director for State Rep. Gary Gates and Matthew Benavidez District Director for State Rep. Stan Kitzman presented certificates of appreciation.
Swapan Dhairyawan presented letters of appreciation from Sugar Land City Councilmembers Carol McCutcheon and Naushad Kermally. Emcee Maneesh Mehra, who had attended the Hindu Youth Camp several years and was himself First youth director, eloquently presented the past, present and future of campsite.
Columbus City Councilmember Ronny Daley and State Sen. Joan Hufman’s district director Jennifer Knesek participate in the tree planting ceremony at the newly opened Texas Hindu Campsite with Swapan Dhairyavan, left, Fulshear City Councilman Abhijeet Unturkar, Subhash Gupta, Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers, Colorado County Judge Ty Prause and Colorado County Commissioner Keith Neuendorff. Texas Hindu Campsite is located at 1655 Smith Rau Road, Columbus, Tx
Guests at Texas Hindu campsite on July 27 at Columbus, Colorado County. Front row from left to right: Vijay Pallod - Judge Surendran Pattel - Abhijeet Utturkar, Fulshear Councilmember District - Sri Subhash Gupta - Colorado County Judge Honorable Ty Prause - Fort Bend County Commissioner Pct 3 Andy Meyers - Sri Brahma AggarwalCity of Stafford Mayor Mr. Ken Mathew - Colorado County Commissioner, Precinct 1 Doug Wessels - Colorado County Commissioner, Precinct 3 Keith Neuendorff. Second
Newly constructed campsite buildings.
India Appoints Vinay Kwatra New US Ambassador Pankaj Malani: India House President
new DelHi: (Diya TV) – India has appointed Vinay Kwatra as its new Ambassador to the United States, a position that has been vacant for over six months.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Kwatra, who retired as Foreign Secretary just last week, will begin his new role shortly. His primary tasks will include assessing the upcoming U.S. Presidential elections, engaging with the new administration, and preparing for a possible visit by President Biden for the Quad Summit, which India is set to host later this year.
Kwatra’s appointment marks a shift from the recent trend of assigning active Foreign Service officers to the role of U.S. Ambassador. Instead, New Delhi has opted for a retired diplomat, reflecting a strategic choice amid ongoing differences between the two natio
During his career, Kwatra has held several significant roles, including serving as India’s Ambassador to France and handling key economic and trade issues within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
His previous postings also include stints in China, the U.S., and Russia, as well as working in the Prime Minister’s Office.
The U.S. has expressed concerns over India’s ties with Russia and commented on recent criticisms from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
In response, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has emphasized its commitment to maintaining strategic autonomy
and fostering a respectful partnership with the U.S., despite differing viewpoints.
Kwatra, born on December 15, 1962, holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry and a Master of Science degree, along with a diploma in International Relations from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva. He has previously served as Minister (Commerce) at the Indian Embassy in Washington, showcasing his deep understanding of U.S. affairs.
India House has passed the leadership torch to the next generation. Pankaj Malani (right) is the new President of the India House Executive Committee. In his day job, Pankaj is the President of Unique Industrial Product Co. His father, Jugal (left), preceded Pankaj in both of these executive posts.
OBITUARY SPIRITUAL
Swami Mukundananda Life Transformation Program: Houston August 10-23, 2024
Houston: Begin your quest for happiness and pace in your daily life with the “Power of Thoughts” and “Bhagavad Gita for Everyday Living” program from the International Authority on Mind Management, Bhakti Saint, Best Selling author, IIT and IIM Alumnus - Swami Mukundananda.
The first week-long program is a Life Transformation Program (LTP) for the holistic well-being of body, mind, and soul. Swami Mukundananda will delve into the topic of The Power of Thoughts at India House, from August 10th to August 16th. Since every aspect of our life experience is so strongly related to the quality of our thoughts, it makes sense to comprehend them in greater depth. How are thoughts created, why do some thoughts come to mind repeatedly and how can we alter our thinking patterns to benefit our lives, our health, our minds? If we focus on transforming our thoughts incredible results will come from small efforts. Join us the first week to explore this incredible journey with Swami Mukundananda.
In the second week’s program,
Swamiji discusses the tools and best practices to focus and progress on our spiritual journey in Bhagavad Gita for Everyday Living from August 17th to August 23rd at Sharadamba Temple auditorium. Swami Mukundananda’s commentary of the Bhagavad Gita not only provides a philosophical understanding of the message delivered by Lord Krishna, but it also describes clear cut techniques to implement spiritual percepts in everyday life for the ordinary person. Join us in the second week to experience this in the association of Swami Mukundananda.
Swami Mukundananda is a world-renowned spiritual teacher from India and an international authority on mind management. He earned his degrees from prestigious IIT Delhi and IIM Kolkata. He was employed by a multinational firm for a short while,
Indo American News
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eDitor: PraMoD KulKarni
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then renounced a promising career to embrace monkhood at the age of 23. He studied Vedic Scriptures under the tutelage of Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj.
For almost four decades now, Swami Mukundananda has been sharing his vast knowledge through his books, lectures, life transformation programs and Retreats.
Swamiji has graced prestigious institutions including Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Intel, Oracle, United Nations, MIT, Yale University, and Stanford University, captivating audiences worldwide.
While Swamiji’s wisdom resonates with millions online, the opportunity to hear him in person is rare, receive his guidance, and ex-
plore pathways to mental, physical, and spiritual enrichment. The Program is to all and is offered Free of cost.
Join the transformative experience!
The JKYog Houston chapter is honored to welcome Swami Mukundananda for a 2 week-long Life Transformation Program from August 10th to 23rd, 2024.
Week 1 Topic: Power of Thoughts Date: Aug 10 to 16, 2024. Time 6:45 PM to 9:00 PM Venue: India House 8888 W Belfort Avenue Houston TX 77031
Week 2 Topic: Bhagavad Gita for Everyday Living Date: Aug 17 to Aug 23.
Time 6:45 PM to 9:00 PM Venue: Sri Sharadamba Temple, SVBF South 10315 Clodine Rod, Richmond TX 77407
The program is FREE, and dinner Prasadam is served every evening at the conclusion of the program. Free Registration at www. JKYog.org/Houston. Contacts: Lata (281) 630-5982 Chaya: (281) 780-4877
TCC Taped Ball Pro Spring 2024 • Winners: The Legends •Runners Up: Masters
Houston: Spring 2024 TCC Taped Ball tournament is sponsored by Desi Junction. The Professional Final was played on a warm sunny afternoon for cricket on 15th June 2024. The final was between The Legends (previously known as Champions CC II) in their third final, and Masters in their first final. This tournament is once in a year opportunity for Div II teams to play for their own championship trophy
The Legends batted first after winning the toss trusting the batting form of Khurram, Saad and Khawar and the support of Umair, Saifee, Usman, Shinwari, Khalid and Adnan the captain. The score at the end of 10 overs was 68/4 and 143/8 at the end of 20 overs. Usman Ashraf with a top score of 32 and Adnan with a quickfire 15 batted well in the end overs. Masters were aggressive when started with good knocks from Ashish, Chirag and Gagan. The required run rate steadily increased due to good bowling and fielding and the score was100 runs in 16 overs. Masters increased the pace in the 17 and 18 overs and scored 29 runs with 3 massive sixers from Vishnu in the 18th over. It was a thriller in the end with 16 required off 12 balls. 16 runs were required in 2 overs. Khurram bowled a good 19th over for 5 runs. Saad defended 11 runs in a thrilling final over and The Legends won by one run on the last ball of the game! The rearguard effort by Manish and Vishnu made
the final a worthy thriller
The presentation ceremony was organized by Jagadish Biradar and as always, was enjoyable. Jagadish mentioned contributions by Dinesh from Gladiators for his
voluntary efforts in creating league schedules for each tournament and presented a thank you note to him. Umpire Keith was the chief guest and gave away the awards Masters captain Ashish accepted
the runners up trophy. The Legends captain Adnan accepted the Championship trophy. Saad from The Legends was the MVP for the final for his match winning performance. Khurram from The
Tournament Sponsor
Legends was adjudged MVP of the series. In tournament awards, Khurram from The Legends was the best batsman with 285 runs. Nasar from Cougars was the best bowler with 18 wickets. Suresh from Ground Breakers was the best wicket keeper with 23 dismissals. Amarnath Reddy from Cricket Woodlands was the best All Rounder with 271 runs and 10 wickets. Special Awards for centuries were given to Khurram from The Legends, Gagan from masters (2 centuries ), Khawar from the Legends, Roshaka from All Stars CC, Gautham from BCC Legends, Umair from Champions CC and Aarav from CM Houston Arrows. Online score card: https://cricclubs.com/3T/viewScorecard. do?matchId=2051&clubId=8675 YouTube Link is https://youtu. be/VQcXC0eUqkw Link to TCC Website report is https://triggerscricket. com/?p=931
The Legends with their Winners trophies
Runners Up Masters team
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Bad Newz’: Vicky, Ammy Virk’s Laugh Riot
by DHaval roy
Story: Saloni Bagga (Triptii Dimri) gets pregnant with twins conceived through a rare phenomenon, heteropaternal superfecundation, which means there are two biological dads. In a hilarious rivalry, the would-be papas compete to win her heart and fatherhood. Whom will she choose?
Review: In the laugh riot that comes after Good Newwz (2019), Saloni Bagga dreams of culinary stardom and resists her mother’s marriage pressure until a whirlwind romance and marriage with Akhil Chaddha (Vicky Kaushal).
While she craves career glory, her husband longs for a family, as his carefree attitude creates friction in their relationship. An incident throws her dreams and job into disarray, forcing them to acknowledge their incompatibility. Divorce ensues, and Saloni seeks a fresh start in Mussourie. There, she has a one-night stand with her boss, Gurbir Pannu (Ammy Virk).
Fate throws another curveball: Akhil reappears, and on the same night, things get tangled again. Six weeks later, a bombshell drops— Saloni’s pregnant with twins, and a paternity test reveals both Akhil
and Gurbir are fathers! This unexpected twist sets the stage for a side-splitting battle between the two men, each vying for Saloni’s love and a shot at fatherhood.
Two heroes in a comedic duel for the heroine feels like a familiar rom-com setup. The plot might not surprise you, but the film shines in its outrageous humour. While the script and screenplay remain on uneven ground, director Anand Tiwari and writers Tarun Dudeja and Ishita Moitra understand that laughter is the key ingredient. Jokes and one-liners (by Dudeja) pepper the narrative, ensuring you’ll chuckle even after a supposedly serious scene. The film feels light and breezy, with the cast seemingly having a blast themselves.
Highlights include hilarious self-referential jabs at Karan Johar, from Akhil’s (Vicky Kaushal) possessiveness over a Katrina Kaif poster to Gurbir’s deadpan declaration that he’s “no Manmarziyan’s Vicky Kaushal” (referencing another Kaushal rom-com). These playful nods at Bollywood tropes add another layer of amusement and will crack you up.
The film’s pacing suffers from a rushed first act, as Akhil and Saloni’s romance, marriage, and sub-
sequent split feel underdeveloped. Similarly, Saloni’s fling with Gurbir lacks depth and is unconvincing. While the soundtrack boasts catchy tunes like Raula Raula, Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam, and Jaanam, their rapid-fire placement disrupts the narrative flow. Repetition in comedic situations and a predictable plot further hinder the film, especially in the second half, which feels overstretched.
Vicky Kaushal shines as the self-centred and loud Punjabi who eventually undergoes a satisfying character arc, learning to prioritise Saloni’s dreams. His impeccable comedic timing and energy are matched by Ammy Virk, who holds his own as Gurbir, the other more polished father figure in the chaotic equation. The best scenes are between the duo and their strong chemistry enables the comedy to roll out effectively. Triptii Dimri looks pretty and pulls off emotional scenes but struggles with comedy.
With a hilarious premise and two funny men, this one’s a laugh riot. Even when the plot takes a familiar turn and stretches, the witty dialogues and spot-on comedic timing from the cast ensure you’re consistently entertained.-- TNN
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 August 6, 2024. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
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