New York: In his address to the Indian diaspora in New York, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Indian community has been the strongest brand ambassadors of the country and that “Namaste” has now become multinational.
Addressing the community programme in New York, PM Modi also gave two new meanings to the term AI short for Artificial Intelligence. PM Modi said, “For me, AI means American Indians. This is the spirit that is taking the India-US relations to a new height.” He also referred to AI as “Aspirational India”.
PM Modi also spoke about the transformation India has gone through and stated that it doesn’t wait for opportunities anymore, rather creates one in the process.
PM Modi said, “India is now the land of opportunities. It doesn’t wait for opportunities any more, it creates opportunities. In the last 10 years, India has created launching pads of opportunities in every sector.”
During the ‘Modi and US’ event in the Long Island, PM Modi said that India has emerged as the first responders to any crisis the world is facing and the country has become a strong voice of the Global South. He further illustrated that now when India states something, it is heard upon by the global audience.
PM Modi said, “Today, when India says something on a global platform, the world listens. Some time ago when I said that this is not the era of war, its severity was understood by all.”
Modi completed an intense 72-hour visit to the US, steering clear of interactions with 2024 Presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. His packed schedule included discussions with President Joe Biden, participation in a Quad summit, addressing the UN Summit of the Future, and meetings with top CEOs.
Understanding that leaders of the Quad grouping — India, US, Japan, and Australia — were meeting amid global “tensions and conflicts”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that they “are not against anyone”, and all of them “support a rulesbased international order, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of all issues”.
Modi’s remarks during the sixth Quad leaders’ summit at President Joe Biden’s hometown of Delaware were a thinly veiled reference to China’s aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad declaration, adopted after the summit, focused on “militarisation” and “intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea”. It also addressed other key global issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The declaration highlighted the “negative impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security”.
HoustoN: Jain Vishwa Bharati (JVB) Preksha Meditation Center hosted its annual community event “Maitri Diwas” a festival of forgiveness, under the auspicious guidance of Samani Arjav Pragyaji & Samani Swati Pragyaji (Disciples of Acharya Shri Mahashraman) on Sunday, September 22, 2024.
The special ceremony was well attended by 125+ community members comprising Jain Vishwa Bharati patrons & eminent leaders of 35+ organizations and Indian diaspora to capture the spirit of Maitri Diwas which is celebrated with the idea that friendship between people, and cultures can inspire peace and build bridges between the communities.
The program began with the recitation of the Navkar Mantra by Samani Arjav Pragyaji followed by a short yet powerful relaxation
meditation session. After that the JVB Bhajan Mandali sang a melodious bhajan with meaningful lyrics about forgiveness. JVB Chairman, Shri Swatantra Jain extended his gratitude by delivering a welcome speech. A proclamation was presented by the Mayor of Houston, Mr. John Whitemire’s office, who declared the day as “The Day of Forgiveness” recognizing the Paryushan & Das Lakshan festivals celebrated at JVB Houston. Emcees of the program, Gaurav Jhaveri & Nikhil Jain kept the audience engaged.
The 1st part of the program was the recognition of the tapasvees who had observed fasting during the Paryushan. This year Ruchi Deepesh Jain of Richmond fasted the longest for 11 days, and there were many more who fasted for 8 days and some fasted for 3 or 4 days. They were all recognized by
a beautiful poem written by Samanjis and were handed a plaque with the poem printed on it.
The highlight of this program was a special lecture & presentation by Samani Arjav Pragyaji on personal growth by believing in yourself & your destiny by using these 3 key strategies F- Foster Index, A - Accept the Imperfection and N - Nurture Accountability. Understandably, the acronym urges everyone to be your own FAN.
Samani Swati Pragyaji later led an interactive activity for the attendees, where they were asked to write down what was holding them back from “growing forward”. She urged them to leave it at the center in a small box symbolized as a last ritual box and start a new chapter.
The event also marked the unveiling of JVB’s next Mega Play - “Prem aur Vairagya ki Amar
Kahani”, which is going to be held on January 12, 2025, at the Stafford Center. The director Hemant Bhavsar & key cast members were introduced, and support from community leaders was requested to make the upcoming play a grand success.
All invited community leaders were duly recognized by JVB Board Member, Nikhil Jain and President, Gaurav Jhaveri. These included dignitaries of community organizations and elected officials - Consul from the Indian Consulate, Judges from Fort Bend County, Leaders from Arya Samaj, Durga Badi, BAPS, HSS, Sewa International, Gujarati Samaj, ICC, IAPAC, JSH, IMAGH, Sathya Sai, IHA and several others.
Kunal Vyas BAPS wrote a beautiful poem in Hindi about his visit & spiritual time spent at the center with its members after the Pary-
ushan festival.
Tasnim Vadva, President of Indian Muslims Association of Greater Houston said “Thank you for including me on such a special occasion. I am grateful for the fellowship and for the extremely gracious welcome. I shared it with all my Jain friends in India. They were so impressed with how you have preserved the faith and essence of Jainism and the very progressive way you have included people of all faiths in your celebration. Thank you for the delicious lunch and for the grace with which it is served. I look forward to being part of it next year again”. The program ended with the Mangal Path followed by a sumptuous lunch. JVB Preksha Meditation Center envisions a blissful and peaceful society through Preksha Meditation, Yoga, and Education of Non-violence.
BHuBaNeswar: The Houston Maharashtra Mandal (HMM) hosted its grand Ganapati festival at the Texas Safari Ranch in Houston, Texas, drawing over 1,000 attendees from the local Marathispeaking community. The event, a key cultural celebration for the Mandal, was a vibrant display of devotion and tradition, centered around Lord Ganesha. The festivities began with the installation of an intricately designed Ganapati idol, which was the focal point of the celebration. The event space was decorated with vibrant flower rangolis and garlands, creating an atmosphere of traditional Maharashtrian culture. Attendees, dressed in colorful sarees and kurtas, further enriched the cultural ambiance. One of the highlights of the day was the collective recitation of the Atharvashirsha dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The devotional chants, performed in unison, created a deeply spiritual and serene atmosphere. This collective act of worship symbolized the community’s strong connection to its religious traditions. The energy of the festival peaked during the lively Miravnuk procession, where the rhythmic beats of the traditional Dhol-Tasha drums filled the air. Local artists skillfully played these drums while zanz players synchronized their movements, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The procession, accompanied by the sound of zanz, drew loud cheers
from the enthusiastic crowd. The cultural program began with a joint welcome speech by President Mrs. Neetal Adkar and Vice President Mrs. Trupti Nag, who warmly greeted all HMM members and expressed gratitude to the sponsors. This was followed by a series of cultural performances that highlighted the richness of Marathi art and heritage. Attendees were treated to a diverse range of acts, including classical and folk dances, devotional songs, and skits. The performances, featuring participants of all ages, made the event a truly intergenerational celebration. A much-anticipated element of the festival was the Mahaprasad dinner, As per tradition, this year’s menu also featured the beloved Ukadiche Modak (steamed rice dumplings filled with coconut and jaggery), which was a particular crowd favorite. The day concluded with an evening aarti, a ritual prayer that marked the closing of the festival. The final visarjan miravnuk procession, accompanied once again by the beats of the Dhol-Tasha, was a fitting end to the celebrations. Attendees left with a deep sense of fulfillment, grateful for the opportunity to come together and honor their cultural heritage. The HMM’s Ganapati festival continues to be a testament to the community’s enduring cultural ties and collective spirit. For further information contact President@houstonmaharashtramandal.org www.houstonmaharashtramandal.org
BY ujwala BHatt
HoustoN: The vibrant community of Houston welcomed the start of the Chinmaya Bala Vihar 2024-25 session with open arms and enthusiastic hearts. The first day of classes, held on September 8 at Chinmaya Prabha, Houston, was filled with excitement, learning, and a sense of togetherness.
In two sessions where both the Saraswati Nilayam and Smrti Hall overflowed beyond capacity, children of all ages, accompanied by their parents, gathered early in the morning, eager to begin their journey of spiritual education and cultural enrichment.
The seating arrangement for the children was meticulously organized in Saraswati Nilayam and beautifully decorated. Each class had its designated area, adorned with colorful mats, a plate, and puja items for the 16-step Ganesha Puja, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The thoughtful arrangement that awed parents and all members ensured that every child had a comfortable and engaging space to learn.
Pujya Gaurang Uncle, the Acarya of Chinmaya Mission Houston (CMH), addressed the students and parents, emphasizing the importance of learning and living the values taught in Bala Vihar. His words set a positive and motivational tone for the year ahead.
The day began with a traditional Hindu ritual performed to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The special Ganesha Puja led by Sri Ganeshji, the priest of Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya, involved sixteen steps, each
with its own significance, including offering flowers, lighting lamps, and chanting prayers. The ritual was beautifully explained with an audio-visual presentation by a Bala Vihar teacher, Smt. Sandhya Harpavat who guided the students to perform the puja.
When the puja concluded, Sri Sameer Murali, another teacher of Bala Vihar, led the gathering with
the Chinmaya Mission pledge. The children enthusiastically repeated as he also chanted “Ganapati Bappa Moriya” to spread the joy of the auspicious Ganesha Chaturti celebrations.
Then, as students met their teachers and classmates in their Bala Vihar classrooms, the atmosphere was vibrant. The curriculum, designed to impart values
and teachings from Hindu scriptures, was introduced in an engaging and interactive manner. Activities included storytelling, bhajans (devotional songs), and creative arts, all aimed at making learning both fun and meaningful.
While students from pre-K to 12th grade were immersed in learning in their classrooms, the adults had an engaging start of Sat-
sang in Chinmaya Smrti Hall as Pujya Gaurang Uncle started the class with a recap of Chapter 1 of Bhagavad Gita. The stage was set for spiritual learning for all.
As Bhagavan Krishna says in the Gītā: “na hi jñānena sadṛśaṁ pavitramiha vidyate – (Arjuna), there is nothing more purifying than right knowledge.” Pujya Gurudeva Swami Chinmayananda made that spiritual knowledge accessible worldwide through His Jnana Yajnas. As an organization, Chinmaya Mission then made that knowledge available for children through Bala Vihar classes, for youngsters through the Chinmaya Yuva Kendra, for women through Devi Group, and for all seekers through Study Groups. Thus, Pujya Gurudeva created a beautiful platform where everyone could learn, practice, and spread the highest wisdom of the ancient scriptures.
At Chinmaya Mission Houston, where Pujya Gurudeva’s legacy shines on, parents expressed their joy and satisfaction with the Bala Vihar program. “It’s wonderful to see our children learning about our culture and values in such a positive environment,” said one parent. “The dedication of the teachers and volunteers is truly commendable.”
For more information about Chinmaya Mission Houston, Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya and its activities please visit www.chinmayahouston.org, www.saumyakasi. org or call temple 281 568 1690 or Jay Deshmukh 832 541 0059 or Bharati Sutaria 281-933-0233. PHotos BY BHaratH rao aNd asHutosH kak
HoustoN: The State of Texas now allows fireworks sales during Diwali, but the Commissioner’s Court must approve this. Harris county Precinct 4’s Commissioner, Ms Lesley Briones responding to community request to allow Fireworks sale as part of Diwali celebration brought this resolution to the court’s deliberation on September 19th. Members of the community were invited to the Harris County Court Public hearing to voice their support and share the significance of Diwali with the court.
Community members enthusiastically attended to lend support with several members registering to speak. The diverse representa-
tion included Community organizations such as Masala and Sanatana Hindu Radio, Hindu Senior Citizens as well as several Business and other community organizations and individuals. Hindus of Greater Houston (HGH) was well represented with several Board and Advisory council members including Vijay Pallod, Manisha Gandhi, Bharat Patel and Giyarpuram N Prasad. In closing the discussion, Commissioner Briones stated that as one of the most diverse counties in the USA, Harris County needs to be a leader in not just accepting but embracing and supporting all communities to thrive and enjoy
their cultural and historical ways to celebrate including safe use of Fireworks during Diwali.
This resolution, effective immediate, allows for fireworks sales to take place five days before Diwali (starting October 25th 2024) and until midnight on the last day (November 1st, 2024) of the holiday. When the result was announced there was unbridled joy with the public who had taken time to ensure their voice was heard; now all can celebrate their favorite light festival of Diwali as they had experienced when they were kids and bring the same joy to their children and grandchildren to experience the same.
FouNder: dr. k.l. siNdwaNi
PuBlisHer: jawaHar MalHotra
editor: PraMod kulkarNi
CorresPoNdeNt: saNCHali Basu
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HoustoN: “History and Chronology of Ancient India: Undoing Distortions from Colonial Rule” is a new book written and published by Anil Mehta, an ex-IITian chemical engineer who retired early from his profession to pursue truth in the history and chronology of ancient India.
The book is based on years of extensive research supported by hundreds of references that are cited in the book. It explains the reasons and the glaring errors in the prevalent Indian chronology and history.
The author discusses numerous specific examples of distortions of the chronology to provide a correct, continuous, and connected chronology and history of India
from 3100+ BC to AD 1192. The Hon’ble Consul General of India in Houston, H.E. D. C. Manjunath Ji graciously accepted the first copy of the book from the author on September 6. The book was formally launched by celebrated Hindustani Vocalist Pandit Suman Ghosh Ji, founder of the Center for the Indian Classical Music of Houston (CICMH), in a special event at Vallabh Hall of the VPSS Haveli in Houston, on September 14.
The author is a disciple of Pandit Ghosh at Saadhana PariwarThe Gurukul. The book has been warmly received by the audience with several copies bought immediately after the launch event.
H ousto N :ISKCON of Houston is thrilled to announce the grand celebration of The Festival of Bliss, the Sri Jagannath Ratha Yatra, on Saturday, November 9th, at 10:30 AM in American Legion Park. This ancient festival, which originates from the city of Puri in India, will now grace the streets of Houston, bringing with it a wave of joy, color, and spirituality.
The Ratha Yatra, or the Chariot Festival, is a significant event that commemorates Lord Jagannath’s annual visit to Gundicha Temple via Mausi Maa Temple (Aunt’s Home). In Houston, the festival will feature a beautifully decorated chariot procession, that starts at 12 PM from the American Legion Park, pulled by attendees, symbolizing the pulling of the Lord into their hearts.
The event promises a vibrant cultural experience with live music, dance performances, and traditional Indian cuisine. Devotees dressed in colorful attire will sing and dance in jubilation, creating an atmosphere of communal harmony and spiritual upliftment.
ISKCON of Houston invites everyone, regardless of their background or faith, to join in this unique cultural and spiritual event. The festival is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and experience the blissful love that Lord Jagannath bestows upon his devotees.
The Ratha Yatra is not just a parade; it is a journey of the heart, a celebration of unity and peace, and a display of the rich cultural heritage of India. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of this divine celebration.
Although the delicious free vegetarian dinner is always a crowd favorite, attendees also have the option to enjoy at Govinda’s, ISKCON’s popular new vegetarian restaurant, right on the festival grounds.
Free and convenient parking will be at ISKCON of Houston (2 blocks away). There will be NO PARKING available at the festival venue. Handicapped and senior citizens can be dropped off at the park.
Details: https://iskconhouston. org/festivalofbliss
New York: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indian diaspora on Sept. 22 in New York, announced the establishment of two new Indian consulates in the United States—one in Boston and the other in Los Angeles. This significant diplomatic initiative reflects India’s growing focus on enhancing its global presence and deepening relations with the United States, a key partner within the G20.
“These new consulates will serve as vital hubs for our citizens, providing crucial services and strengthening our cultural and economic ties with the United States,” Prime Minister Modi stated during his address.
The Boston consulate will serve Indian nationals and businesses in the northeastern U.S., while the Los Angeles consulate will cater to the western U.S., including California, a major center for technology and international commerce. Modi emphasized the strategic importance of Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the U.S. and a critical player in global trade, particularly within the IndoPacific region.
Gunjan Bagla, a prominent advocate for the Los Angeles consulate, expressed his gratitude for the government’s decision. “This is the result of years of effort by dedicated volunteers and community leaders,” Bagla said, noting
that over 3,600 signatures from Southern California residents were collected in support of the initiative. “Having a consulate in Los Angeles is essential for representing India in such a globally influential city.”
Bagla also acknowledged the role of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who sent a formal letter to the Indian Ambassador outlining the strategic necessity of the consulate. “Los Angeles is the capital of the Pacific Rim, handling 40 percent of all overseas goods trade in the U.S. With the increasing importance of the Indo-Pacific, India’s presence here is crucial,” Bagla added.
Consul General Dr. K. Srikar Reddy, based in San Francisco, has made numerous visits to Southern California, maintaining connection with the Indian community. “Dr. Reddy’s regular visits have been invaluable, but the opening of a permanent consulate in Los Angeles will allow for more consistent engagement,” Bagla said. The new consulate will also provide essential services, such as visa and passport assistance, and facilitate emergency travel, eliminating the need for local residents to travel to San Francisco.
This announcement is part of India’s broader strategy to expand its diplomatic presence globally, especially in key regions like the U.S.
BY reNuka VYaVaHare
Story: British Indian detective Jasmeet Bhamra aka Jas, (Kareena Kapoor Khan) must solve a murder mystery in an English town even as she finds her own life crumbling around her. Can she put the pieces together of a rather complex case without succumbing to the pressure of its social implications?
Review: After a young Sikh boy goes missing in a British town, a Muslim teen is looked upon as the prime suspect. Given the religious violence in the region, the investigation faces ample roadblocks. Jas (Kareena Kapoor Khan), a 40-something stoic detective, haunted by the loss of her own child is assigned the case. She chooses to get too busy to grieve and deep dives into the investigation that not only reopens personal wounds but also has the potential to spark communal discord within immigrants.
British police procedurals like Happy Valley, Broadchurch, Blue Lights have set the benchmark quite high. Kate Winslet starrer Mare of Easttown followed their footsteps to give us an impeccable masterclass in female-led detective dramas that revolved around personal trauma and professional upheaval. They went beyond the standard realm of crime thrillers to decode human behaviour, relationships and its warped doings in everyday life.
gious, social, sexuality or gender driven, overshadows the murder case at hand. This makes the interrogation seem stagnant and bleak.
Sleepy English towns make for great murder mysteries, but the characters don’t feel like they inhabit the spaces they are shown to live in. Sonam Kapoor starrer ‘Blind’ faced a similar issue.
The Buckingham Murders has clearly taken pointers from its celebrated predecessors. There’s this eerie silence and darkness that engulf Hansal Mehta’s police procedural-crime drama. There is no attempt to lighten up the atmosphere or dial down the paranoia. The slow burn crime drama retains the grit and unpredictability but lacks the nervous energy and tension that are integral to this genre. Somewhere, the intent of making a larger point, be it political, reli-
Despite a middling narrative, the film unfolds as an interesting character study on unresolved grief and repressed anger. Jas’ reluctance to confront her psychological state and get on with her life is well captured. A scene between Jas and her father stays with you. Her tragic backstory lends an edge to the proceedings along with alleged suspects and plot twists.
Performances and an unapologetic climax also work in the film’s favour.
Though known for her commercial success, Kareena can be subtle, nuanced and understated. Glimpses of this were visible in Udta Punjab, Jaane Jaan and Talaash. A de-glam Bebo weaponises her silence amid the chaos as she seeks closure in solving the case. She hasn’t done anything like this before and this is a welcome change. Chef Ranveer Brar and Ash Tandon also play significant roles convincingly.
This may not be an edge-of-yourseat, hard-hitting crime thriller as you expect it to be, but its understanding and expression of grief, isolation and repressed anger is noteworthy. Also, you won’t be able to guess the killer till the end. If that’s what you are looking for, this film succeeds. You just wish the build up was more chilling and captivating. -- TNN
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