Indo American News
Houston AAPI Inaugural Convention and Unity Gala Honors Syed Javaid Anwar
At the “AAPI Unity Gala” Mayor’s AAPI Advisory Board members with Mayor John Whitmire. The inaugural Houston AAPI Convention was held on July 27, 2024, at the Marriott Marquis Houston, bringing together a diverse group of leaders, advocates, and community members to celebrate and advance the interests of Houston’s Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.The landmark event attracted around 300 participants including Mayor Johnwhitmire, Congressman Algreen and featured an array of influential speakers, panel discussions and networking opportunities. Organized by the City of Houston Mayor’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Advisory Board (Board) and held concurrently with the 2024 Leadership Convention by National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP), ,” The convention opened with a presentation of a letter from President Joe Biden by Judith Teruya, Senior Advisor for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI). The event culminated in a special AAPI Unity Gala recognizing outstanding individuals for their contributions to the AAPI community. Awardees included businessman and philanthropist Syed Javaid Anwar, who received the “Houston AAPI Legacy Award.” -- PAGE 4
Mukundananda Here
Cricket Spring 2024 Winners
‘Ulajh’ makes for an engaging watch and the film leaves scope for a sequel and a cute new pairing. -- PAGE 11
Houston AAPI Inaugural Convention and Unity Gala Honoring Syed Javaid Anwar
Houston: The inaugural Houston AAPI Convention was held on July 27, 2024, at the Marriott Marquis Houston, bringing together a diverse group of leaders, businessmen, advocates, and community members to celebrate and advance the interests of Houston’s Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. This landmark event featured influential speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, drawing significant attention.
Organized by the City of Houston Mayor’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Advisory Board and held concurrently with the 2024 Leadership Convention by the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP), the Houston AAPI Convention addressed critical issues, empowered advocacy, and enabled progress. The event’s theme, “Uplifting AAPI, Uniting Communities,” underscored the importance of highlighting the achievements and contributions of AAPI individuals and groups across various sectors while also strengthening bonds of solidarity and unity.
The convention commenced with a presentation of a letter from President Joe Biden, delivered by Judith Teruya, Senior Advisor for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI). Following the opening ceremony, attendees engaged in thought-provoking panel discussions covering a wide range of topics, including public service, healthcare, justice, and education. Esteemed speakers included US Congressman Al Green, Texas Representative Dr. Suleman Lalani, film director Bao Nguyen, and leading Houston television journalists. Participants also benefited from ample networking opportunities, fostering connections among AAPI leaders and allies.
The event culminated in a special AAPI Unity Gala with a keynote address by Houston Mayor John Whitmire. Mayor Whitmire acknowledged the significant role of the AAPI community in the City of Houston and highlighted his administration’s plans for major inclusion of the AAPI community. The Gala also recognized outstanding individuals for their contributions to the AAPI community. Awardees included businessman and philanthropist Syed Javaid Anwar, who received the “Houston AAPI Legacy Award” for Lifetime Achievements. Anwar has previously received several awards from community media, local, state, and federal organizations for his humanitarian and social contributions and serves as the Chairman of the Texas Higher Education Board.
Mr. Anwar received the “Houston AAPI Legacy Award” for Lifetime Achievements during the Unity Gala. Recognized for his humanitarian and social contributions, Mr. Anwar has previously been honored by community media, local, state, and federal organizations. He also serves as the Chairman of the Texas Higher Education Board, where he continues to influence positive change and promote educational initiatives.
According to Board Chairman Nomi Husain, “Through the event, we were able to demonstrate how important the AAPI community is to Houston’s economic vitality and cultural fabric & we look forward to building on the momentum generated by this groundbreaking gathering.”
Chair Convention Committee Muhammad Saeed Sheikh called the initiating of AAPI Legacy Award a milestone, which highlighted the outstanding Achievements of AAPI community and celebration.
The success of the first-ever Houston AAPI Convention paves the way for future events that will continue to champion AAPI causes and promote inclusivity. Follow the work of the Mayor’s AAPI Advisory Board to keep apprised of future programming.
The City of Houston Mayor’s AAPI Advisory Board was established to help forge stronger connections between the City and its diverse communities. The board has three main goals: (i) increase engagement with the City of Houston; (ii) identify and recommend community leaders to serve on city panels; and (iii) work with law enforcement to identify crime issues that impact businesses. Follow the AAPI Advisory Board at www.houstonaapiconvention.org or on LinkedIn at Houston Mayor’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Advisory Board.
Mayor John Whitmire presenting “AAPI Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award” to Syed Javaid Anwar at the “AAPI Unity Gala” being organized by the Mayor’s AAPI Advisory Board in collaboration with NAAAP. Board Chair Nomi Husain and Convention Committee Chair Muhammad also present.
India House Elects its New Executive Committee
Houston: India House is pleased to announce the election of its new Executive Committee, a dynamic team full of experience, expertise, and energy, poised to elevate India House to new heights.
The committee members were unanimously elected during the recent elections held at the O.P. Jindal Center, India House. The Board welcomes the new Executive Committee, which will serve till July 19th, 2026, and is led by Mr. Pankaj Malani - President; Mr. Ashok Bhambhani - Vice President; Mr. Brij Walia - Treasurer; Mr. Mahesh Wadhwa - Secretary; Dr. Manish Rungta - Immediate Past President; Mr. Paul Madan - General Counsel; and Col. Vipin Kumar (Retired) - Executive Director.
Col. Vipin Kumar: Humanitarian Award
Mr. Pankaj Malani, a successful entrepreneur, brings a combination
of youth, proactiveness, and productivity to the committee. He is supported by Mr. Ashok Bhambhani, whose expertise in real estate and business acumen strengthens the leadership team. Mr. Brij Walia contributes his skills in budgeting, operations management, and analysis, while Mr. Mahesh Wadhwa’s professional architectural expertise adds valuable perspective to the committee. The continued involvement of Dr. Manish
Rungta, a renowned gastroenterologist, Mr. Paul Madan, a distinguished attorney, and Col. Vipin Kumar, an experienced administrator, ensures that India House remains a thriving center for the community.
The India House Board extends its heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing Executive Committee for their impressive tenure, during which they showcased India House as a leader in community-building.
Houston: India House is proud to announce that its Executive Director, Col. Vipin Kumar, has been awarded the prestigious Annual Houston Humanitarian Award for his outstanding contributions to the community.
The glittering award ceremony took place on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the Hilton AmericasHouston Hotel. The event was hosted by Isiah Carey and Melissa Wilson of Fox 26 Houston, and the entire event was live telecasted on Fox 26 from 6:00 pm onwards.
Col. Kumar expressed his gratitude to his late father, who has
been a guiding inspiration, and his family for their unwavering support.
Col. Kumar’s leadership has been instrumental in providing essential services to thousands of Houstonians. Under his guidance, India House has offered numerous free programs, including food distribution to over 500 families every month, a charity medical clinic, immigration and family law consultations, yoga classes, meditation sessions, sound healing sessions, and BollyX fitness classes to individuals and families.
Col. Vipin Kumar (center) with family after the award function.
OBITUARY SPIRITUAL
Swami Mukundananda Life Transformation Program:
Houston: His Holiness Shree Swami Mukundananda will be visiting Houston to conduct the Life Transformation Program (LTP) starting from August 10th. LTP offers a comprehensive approach to personal growth and empowerment, centered around this year’s theme, “The Power of Thoughts,” inspired by Swamiji’s bestselling book, and the Bhagavad Gita - The Song of God.
The first week-long program is a 7-part intellectual discourse by Swami Mukundananda. Swamiji will delve into the topic of The Power of Thoughts at India House, from August 10th to August 16th. In the second week 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 24th at Sharadamba Temple auditorium.
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, then renounced a promising career to embrace monkhood at the young age of 23. He studied Vedic Scriptures under the tutelage of Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj for several years. For almost four de-
cades now, Swami Mukundananda has been sharing his vast knowledge through his books, lectures and life transformation programs. Swamiji has graced prestigious institutions including Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Intel, Oracle, United Nations, MIT, Yale University, and
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:
Stanford University, captivating audiences worldwide. Swamiji divides his time between India and the USA.
While Swamiji’s wisdom resonates with millions online, the opportunity to hear him in person is rare. Don’t miss this chance to meet him, receive his guidance, and explore pathways to mental, physical, and spiritual enrichment.
JKYog’s Life Transformation Programs are open to all, regardless of age or background, and are offered free of cost. Join us for a transformative experience!
Swami Mukundananda’s 2 weeklong Life Transformation Program is 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 24. 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. Kindly do the Free Registration at www.JKYog.org/ Houston. Contacts: Lata Srivatsan: (281) 630-5982 Chaya Lonakadi: (281) 780-4877.
August 9, 2024 10 CRICKET
TCC Taped Ball Premier Spring 2024 • Winners: Tuskers • Runners Up: WOMCC
Houston: Spring 2024 TCC Taped Ball tournament is sponsored by Desi Junction. The Spring 2024 Premier Final was played under perfect cricketing conditions on June 15th, 2024. The final featured the Tuskers, who were appearing in their third final, and WOMCC, a team with one championship under their belt and in their second final.
WOMCC won the toss and chose to bowl, hoping to leverage their formidable batting lineup, which had chased down numerous scores throughout the league and playoffs. The Tuskers started strongly but lost their first wicket for 22 runs in the third over. Despite this setback, their middle order—comprising of Sukitha, Shehan, Hamza, and Sachith—continued their impressive form, guiding the team to a solid 117 for 4 at the end of 16 overs. Though poised for a higher total, WOMCC’s bowlers were persistent, restricting the Tuskers’ scoring. A crucial cameo from Thusitha at the end of the innings pushed the Tuskers to a final score of 142 for 7 after 20 overs. Hamza Bangash was the top scorer with 38 runs, while Harsha Teja from WOMCC bowled a disciplined spell, taking 2 wickets for 27 runs in 4 overs.
Chasing a target of over 7 runs per over, WOMCC began well with Jayant and Bhargav adding 37 runs before Bhargav was dismissed by a rising delivery from Sisindu. WOMCC suffered another blow shortly after, losing the
in-form Vishwatej for just 1 run, bowled out by Shehan. Despite this, WOMCC maintained a steady run rate, reaching 69 for 3 at the halfway mark. Pratap and Ramesh looked set to push the chase, but after the break, Tuskers intensified their bowling and fielding efforts. Romesh M’s fiery spell led to the dismissals of Ramesh and Pratap in the 11th
over, and Tuskers’ bowlers continued to apply pressure, dismissing WOMCC for 88 runs by the start of the 16th over. This ensured a comprehensive 54-run victory for the Tuskers.
The presentation ceremony, organized by Jagadish Biradar, was a highlight of the day. Jagadish acknowledged Dinesh from Gladiators for his volunteer work in cre-
ating the league schedules and presented him with a thank you note. TCC also recognized the contributions of all teams throughout the season for their umpiring efforts.
WOMCC captain Jayant accepted the runner-up trophy graciously, extending his congratulations to the Tuskers and commending his own team. Tuskers captain Sisindu praised WOMCC for their
performance and highlighted the dedication of his team, noting the sacrifices made to secure the championship. Romesh from Tuskers was named Man of the Match, while Sukitha from Tuskers was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. In tournament awards, Shubham from Powerstars was the best batsman with 309 runs, Bernard from SLCC was the best bowler with 14 wickets. Avinash from ECC was the best Allrounder with 179 runs and 9 wickets. Sai Kiran from RSCC was the best wicket keeper with 26 dismissals. Shubham from Powerstars received a special trophy for scoring 2 centuries. Bernard from SLCC received a special award for a hat trick.
Online scorecard is at https:// cricclubs.com/3T/viewScorecard. do?matchId=2048&clubId=8675 YouTube link is at https://youtu. be/BrE2PFqVHD4
Report on TCC Website is at https://triggerscricket. com/?p=956
Winners: Tuskers
Runners Up: WOMCC
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Ulajh’: Engaging Watch Despite Some Flaws
by sreeParna dasguPta
Story: When an IFS officer lands a plum posting as the youngest Deputy High Commissioner of India in the UK, it raises a few eyebrows but she is determined to prove that she’s the best choice for the job. However, she soon finds herself entangled in a web of conspiracies and realises she is just a pawn in a much larger game.
Review: Suhana (Janhvi Kapoor) is thrilled when she’s offered her new office because she believes this will finally impress her father, Vanraj Bhatia, (Adil Hussain). While he has his reservations on why she’s the chosen one, Suhana’s convinced it’s owing to her professional prowess and strategic acumen and not just because she comes from an illustrious family of high-ranking diplomats. As his daughter takes off to assume her new position, Vanraj is also appointed as the permanent representative of India to the UN. In her London office, Suhana is greeted by her team, Jacob Tamang (Meiyang Chang) and Sebin Kutty (Roshan Mathew) who view her appointment as a result of nepotism. On the other hand, her driver, Salim (Rajesh Tailang), seems firmly on her side, offering advice and help whenever required. At a party hosted at the Indian High
Commission, Suhana bumps into Nakul (Gulshan Devaiah), a Michelin star-chef, who switches between languages and accents with as much ease as he sweeps her off her feet. And a whirlwind romance ensues. But soon Suhana’s dream life begins to crumble like a house of cards as Nakul resorts to blackmailing her with a surreptitiously recorded video in exchange of Indian intelligence and trade secrets. And while Suhana gives in, wanting to save face and not disrupt her father’s new appointment, she finds herself sinking deeper and deeper into a mess she can’t seem to wriggle out of. As the storyline juggles between London, India and Pakistan, there is another facet to this whole game brewing.
Though most ‘Ulajh’ rests on Suhana’s shoulders, the film is sprinkled with a multitude of characters, who zip in and out as the story traverses through its many twists, betrayals and unlikely friendships.
The screenplay (Parveez Shaikh, Sudhanshu Saria) engages enough to keep one invested till the end with some legit shocks and thrills. However, the weakest link in the story is Suhana’s lack of judgement and discretion when it comes to falling for Nakul and dealing with the situation before it gets too murky. Pace slackens at times and there are a few loose ends. As
a spy-thriller ‘Ulajh’ is gripping in parts and a tad flat in others.
That said, Jahnvi Kapoor pulls off a convincing performance as she blends in seamlessly with the many shades to her character. Arguably, among her best work so far. Gulshan Devaiah as the main antagonist channels an impressive evil avatar. Roshan Mathew’s character progression is deftly handled and the actor pulls it off with charm. Rajesh Tailang, Meiyang Chang and Adil Hussain lend support with their assured performances. The cinematography (Shreya Dube) and soundtrack (Shashwat Sachdev) add to the mood of the film.
“I liked how the director Sudhanshu Saria wasn’t trying so hard to make her a likable character,” said Jahnvi. “She is a flawed character. And I know that her decisions are going to cause a lot of debate. But I think that it was exciting to take that head on. So, yeah, I guess in the start I was a bit nervous. But right now, when I see the film, that’s what I like about it the most. I don’t think I’ve ever been this invested and involved in any film.” film.”
Despite some flaws, ‘Ulajh’ makes for an engaging watch and the film leaves scope for a sequel and a cute new pairing.
-- 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 13, 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, Prabhu Narumanchi, Subramanian Krishnaiyer, Sunanda Bhat, Sahiti Palle
