Houston: Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston (EGMH) proudly hosted the 1000 Lights for Peace event, a vibrant celebration of Gandhi Jayanti – the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, on October 5, 2024. This annual celebration unites Houstonians from diverse backgrounds to reflect on Gandhi’s timeless messages of peace, non-violence, and unity.
As a signature event for EGMH, 1000 Lights for Peace aims to strengthen community bonds and emphasize the relevance of Gandhi’s ideals in today’s society with an enduring message of peace.
The evening commenced at 6:30 pm with a heartfelt welcome from Board of Trustee member Sanjay Jain, who served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. A multi-faith invocation followed, featuring contributions from Acharya Bramdeo Mokoonlal (Arya Samaj Greater Houston), Mehnaz Bhayani (Ismaili Jamat Khanna), and Allen Lea (Museum Director, EGMH). The program continued with one of Gandhiji’s favorite bhajans, “Vaishnava Janato,” performed by students from the Swar Sangam School of Music, under the direction of the talented Smriti Srivastava, accompanied by tabla virtuoso Raja Banga.
U.S. Congressman Al Green inspired attendees with his inspirational address, emphasizing how “the world needs a Gandhi today as he has shown us the way to peace and non-violence.” He presented the EGMH Board a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in Honor of Service to the Houston Community. The audience was then treated to a vibrant dance from the state of Jalisco, Mexico, performed by Ambassadors International Ballet Folklorico, directed by Maestra Martha De La Paz.
Keynote speaker Vinay Kumar, founder of the Wisdom Foundation, shared insights on Gandhiji’s enduring legacy, highlighting how his values transcend time and continue to resonate across all aspects of life. Children from St. Catherine’s Montessori School, led by Mindy Snow, charmed the audience with their renditions of Kumbaya and another uplifting “Peaceful” song.
Dr. Manish Wani, EGMH Board of Trustee member, provided updates on the museum’s first year, noting that it has welcomed over 5,000 visitors, including school groups, families, scholars, and international tourists. The evening also featured a captivating dance by Tropical Rhythms, showcasing Philippine traditions with a Hawaiian flair under the direction of Neni Navarrete. Five students from DAVSS Montessori School recited shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita, illuminating concepts such as Ahimsa and Moksha. The Ambassadors International Ballet Folklorico returned for a lively encore performance, further enriching the festivities.
EGMH Board member GV Krishnan recognized two dedicated volunteers Pankaj Desai and Dedra Benson for their invaluable contributions to the museum’s operations over the past year.
The event concluded with a gracious vote of thanks from Board of Trustee member Ajit Paralkar, who expressed gratitude to the audience, participants, and volunteers for their support in making the event a resounding success.
As the evening drew to a close, attendees participated in a spectacular and symbolic candle-lighting ceremony, a virtual pledge to embody peace in their lives. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the reflective tunes of “Imagine” by John Lennon and “Jyot se Jyot Jagate Chalo,” reminding all to share their light with others.
Guests were treated a delicious dinner by Dawaat Catering, concluding this meaningful and auspicious celebration. For more information about the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston and its activities, please visit egmh.org or contact Dr. Manish Wani at 713-829-6979.
new DelHi: The ruling BJP secured a historic third term in Haryana, winning 48 assembly seats. The Congress has won 37 seats, Independents won 3 and the INLD won 2 seats. The Congress on Tuesday said it cannot accept the verdict as there were “serious issues” about the integrity of the counting process and functioning of the EVMs in some districts, and asserted that it would take up the matter with the Election Commission.
Key mandates: In one of the most keenly watched contests, wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat won the Julana assembly constituency by a margin of 6,015, while Haryana Congress presi-
dent Udai Bhan lost from Hodal Assembly constituency. One of the more surprising losses was of former Haryana deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala, who lost from Uchana Kalan seat, finishing a distant fifth. His party, the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), also hit rock bottom as it failed to win a single seat.
What experts say: The results defied pollsters predictions, who projected a win for the Congress. The BJP’s success can be attributed to several key strategies: First, the consolidation of non-Jat votes, particularly through the early confirmation of Nayab Singh Saini as CM, secured crucial OBC support. Second, the party’s fresh candidate
selection, replacing 60 candidates to combat anti-incumbency, contrasted sharply with Congress’s approach. Third, extensive campaigning highlighted development and Direct Benefit Transfers. Additionally, a fragmented opposition diluted anti-BJP votes. Finally, the BJP’s robust election machinery outperformed Congress, ensuring its electoral victory.
The National Conference-Congress alliance is set to form government in Jammu and Kashmir in what was the first Assembly election in a decade for the Union Territory. What makes this year’s Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections special? What powers will the new Jammu and Kashmir
Assembly have?
The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are significant for several reasons. They are especially important because this is the first election following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which led to the division of the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has 90 Assembly seats. The J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 specifies that the Lieutenant-Governor of the “successor Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir may nominate two members to the Legislative Assembly” to give representation to women
“if in his opinion, women are not adequately represented.”
After its first Assembly elections in 10 years and the first since the scrapping of its special status in August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir is set to have a National Conference-Congress government.
The alliance stood at 49 seats, including the CPI(M)’s one, at last count on Tuesday, well clear of the majority mark of 45 in the current Assembly, and safe even if the nomination of five MLAs takes the House numbers to 95.
Of the 49 seats won by the combine, 42 were won by the NC (the party had won 15 seats in 2014). The Congress got just six seats, compared to 12 in 2014.
Pujas
Diwali Puja
Sunday, November 3
Panditji
Houston: With 226 confirmed deaths and over 300 missing, Helene, which made landfall on September 26, is now the fourthdeadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. mainland in the modern era. Over 1,000 families have been displaced, with a critical food, water, and medical supply shortage.
Rescue teams in western North Carolina are still searching for the missing after the storm’s deluge devastated that part of the state, swallowing towns and leaving thousands without power or clean water. Helene washed out roads, damaged bridges, and stranded
residents amid widespread communication outages.
Sewa International teams in the Southeast US are working tirelessly to clear roads and provide food, water, and aid to mountain towns and villages. Your support is urgently needed to provide immediate solace to the hurricane victims.
Funds raised will be used to: Provide emergency shelter, • food, and clean water for displaced families Support medical care for • the injured Help restore power and •
communication infrastructure
• and schools
Repair and rebuild homes
Please click the link below to donate and support our efforts: https://sewausa.org/DonatetoSupportforHurricaneHeleneRelief
Spread the Word
Please share this information with your friends, family, and colleagues, amplifying the impact of our collective efforts.
-- Swadesh Katoch, VP, Disaster Recovery
Consulate General of India, Houston invites bids from prospective companies for providing cleaning and sanitization services at Consulate office premises at 4300, Scotland Street, Houston Tx-77007.
The tender documents can be downloaded free of cost from Central Procurement Portal https://eprocure.gov.in/cppp/ and also the official website of the Consulate General of India Houston at https://cgihouston.gov.in/. The interested companies should submit their proposals latest by 22 October 2024 (16.00 hrs)
The tender should be submitted in a sealed envelopes as mentioned in Tender Documents superscripted “Tender for Daily Cleaning of Chancery Building, Houston” addressed to the “Head of Chancery, Consulate General of India, Houston at 4300 Scotland Street, Houston TX-77007”, and must reach on or before 22 October 2024 by email to: hoc.houston@ mea.gov.in or by post to:
Head of Chancery
Consulate General of India 4300 Scotland Street, Houston, Texas 77007
For further details visit the Consulate website: www.cgihouston.gov.in
By tanvi MeHta
MuMBai (Reuters) - India bade farewell on Thursday to one of its most respected corporate leaders
- Ratan Tata, who expanded companies under his brand name into a global behemoth spanning multiple industries.
Ahead of a state funeral, hundreds of people including corporate leaders, politicians and celebrities gathered in India’s financial hub Mumbai to pay their last respects to Tata, who died aged 86 on Wednesday.
Known for his exemplary business acumen and philanthropic nature, Tata as chairman led various companies within the Tata conglomerate for more than 20 years. It recorded revenue of $165 billion in 2023-24.
Although in recent years Tata was not as active in the day-to-day running of the group, he was consulted on big decisions by the Tata Sons leadership, a senior company executive told Reuters.
Tata had been in a Mumbai hospital since Monday, but the cause of his death was not immediately made public.
After his death, tributes poured in from around the world, underlining a popularity that transcended boundaries and generations.
“India and the world have lost a giant with a giant heart,” U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti said on X regarding Tata, who was award-
ed the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian honour.
Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates said on LinkedIn:
“Ratan Tata was a visionary leader whose dedication to improving lives left an indelible mark on India—and the world... His loss will be felt around the world for years to come, but I know the legacy he left and example he set will continue to inspire generations.”
Draped in the Indian national flag, Ratan Tata’s body was kept at a cultural centre in Mumbai before being cremated with full state honours.
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Tata Sons’ N.
Chandrasekaran and Aditya Birla Group’s Kumar Mangalam Birla were among business leaders who paid their last respects.
Other attendees included India’s Home Minister Amit Shah, central bank governor Shaktikanta Das, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and actor Aamir Khan.
A licensed pilot who would occasionally fly the company plane, Tata never married and was known for his quiet demeanour, relatively modest lifestyle and philanthropic work.
His love for animals led him to start the Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai and he often used social media to voice his concern
for stray animals. His pet dog was brought to the funeral.
“We will remember his legacy of transformative giving to Cornell,” his alma mater Cornell University said on X, calling Tata their most generous international donor.
Ratan Tata was the son of Naval Tata, who was adopted by Ratanji Tata, son of Jamshedji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group. He graduated from Cornell University College of Architecture with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. He joined the Tata Group in 1961 starting on the shop floor of Tata Steel. He later succeeded J. R. D. Tata as chairman of Tata Sons upon the latter’s retirement
in 1991. During his tenure, the Tata Group acquired Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus, in an attempt to turn Tata from a largely India-centric group into a global business. Tata was also a philanthropist.
Air India, Air India Express, and Vistara are making inflight announcements on Thursday in tribute to Tata Group patriarch Ratan Among those who paid respects to the business tycoon are Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, and industrialist Mukesh Ambani.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has proposed that a Bharat Ratna be awarded to Tata, posthumously. The proposal, which has been approved at the state level, will be sent to the Central government. The Maharashtra and Gujarat governments have declared a day of mourning to pay tributes to the iconic industrialist. in 2000.
He joined Tata in 1961, where he worked on the shop floor of Tata Steel. He later succeeded J R D Tata as chairman of Tata Sons in 1991. Under his tenure, the Tata Group acquired Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus, in an attempt to turn Tata from a largely India-centric group into a global business.
FounDer: Dr. K.l. sinDwani
PuBlisHer: JawaHar MalHotra
eDitor: PraMoD KulKarni
CorresPonDent: sanCHali Basu
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By DHaval roy
Story: A devoted husband is forced to spend all his savings on his wife’s treatment when she collapses and is put on life support.
As his close friends and old acquaintances step in to help him, he faces the devastating dilemma of signing the DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) form. Will he let go or hold on to hope?
Review: Signing a DNR form for a loved one is a decision that can rattle even the most self-assured person. In National Award-winning filmmaker Gajendra Ahire’s Hindi directorial debut, Arvind Pathak’s (Anupam Kher) unwavering hope and love for his wife Madhu (Neena Kulkarni) lead him to refuse to sign the form, even as their finances dwindle. Driven by a relentless determination to save her life, he embarks on a desperate quest for funds, exploring every possible avenue from crowdfunding to selling family property.
Beyond the poignant portrayal of Arvind’s unrelenting quest, the movie is an exploration of love, sacrifice, the fragility of ageing, friendship, and emotional turmoil. The narrative is laced with poetry and deep thoughts like, “Beshaq dardnaak hota hai kisiko kho dena; lekin behad khaufnaak hota hai kisiko kho dene ka darr (The grief of loss is profound, but the fear of losing someone can be more haunting). The story also delves into the
financial burden of hospitalisation and the unethical practices that can exploit patients’ families. For instance, a young boy’s father (Ranvir Shorey) is outraged at how the doctor prescribes excessive medical supplies, taking advantage of overwhelmed loved ones.
All the themes mellifluously enhance the 100-minute narrative without distracting from the film’s core. Rohit Sharma’s background score and music (Ghir Aaye Badariya and Ghar To Pahuncha Hoon by ghazal maestro Talat Aziz) add to the experience.
Anupam Kher’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary, delivering a raw and heartfelt portrayal of a man struggling to reconcile his hopes with the harsh realities of life. As Arvind’s resilience and love for his wife in the face of helplessness strike a chord with you, his desperation and outbursts will tug at your heartstrings.
The actor is ably joined by another powerhouse performer, Annu Kapoor, who plays his selfless friend, Prabhakar. Mahima Choudhary makes a worthy appearance as Ambika, Arvind’s long-lost friend battling a terminal illness. Their chance meeting and her views on life play a pivotal role in how Arvind perceives the situation.
Ranvir Shorey has a short but powerful role.
The Signature is a poignant and thought-provoking film that explores the depths of human emo-
tion and the enduring power of love. However, the film’s pacing may be slow for some viewers, and the lack of major plot twists might not appeal to those seeking a fast-paced narrative. It’s a worthy watch if you appreciate heartfelt storytelling, strong performances, and a nuanced exploration of human relationships.. -- TNN
Story: Nella (Ananya Pandey) and Joe (Vihaan Samat) are an influencer power couple whose picture-perfect relationship crumbles when the latter’s cheating is exposed. Desperate for a fresh start, Nella turns to an AI tool to erase Joe from her life. However, the app turns on her and takes control of her life. Will she escape the ever-powerful bot?
Review: We’re all aware of the risks of excessive screen time and seeking validation on social media. Writer-director Vikramaditya Motwane’s film takes it a step further, exposing the unsettling consequences of letting AI into our personal space, primarily since it’s controlled by humans. The cautionary tale explores the dark side of our digital dependence when we give machines control of our happiness and life — as Nalini (Nella for social media) does.
Despite thought provoking themes, it leaves viewers craving complexity and depth.
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 October 15, 2024. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
