Kash
fierce
IACF GALActic Night: Over 400 Guests Raise Funds for Charity
Houston: For over 36 years IACF (Indo-American Charity Foundation) has appealed to the philanthropic spirit of the Indo American community in Houston to address needs in the areas of Education, Family, General Welfare and Healthcare in the metro Houston area. “We live here, We give here” is their motto, and they have a focused mission to foster the local community where everyone’s basic needs are met and they can lead enriched lives. Friday, November 22 saw yet another altruistic event, ‘GALActic Night’ - IACF’s 2024 Annual Gala, at Stafford Centre on Cash Road, attended by over 400 guests to raise money for charitable causes.
The GALActic night, commenced with registration and cocktail hour, and the ever-charming Pooja Lodhia, from ABC13 Houston News, was the emcee for the evening. As a mark of respect to both nations, rendition of National Anthems of United States and India were beautifully presented by Tania Mahesh and Ajay Chunchoo respectively. Everyone felt ecstatic and joyful upon hearing the national anthem and these emotions were all across the hall.
IACF President, Pankaj Rana then welcomed the audience and thanked them for extending a helping hand and being a part of the prestigious IACF gala. His passion was evident as he spoke. He mentioned, “We have strengthened the partnerships with fellow organizations– Indian Doctors Associations and the Indian Doctors Charity Clinic (IDA and IDCC), to raise funds through ‘WE WALK – WE CARE’ walkathon, which supports wellness projects and provides health care at no cost.” With excitement, he shared with the audiences the outstanding work IACF has accomplished in the likes of supporting 15 local charity organizations with grants and providing financial aid to 33 deserving high school seniors through scholarships. He stated that he was overwhelmed by the ongoing support they have been receiving and hoped to get such assistance in future as well. He stated, “the most impressive thing to me is that IACF is a 100% volunteer organization. This helps to keep costs low and maximizes the distribution of funding.” With great pride, he mentioned that IACF is considered as one of the 4 pillars of the Indian community run charities here in Houston. He commented that all Board Members truly believe in the motto, ‘We live here, We give here’.
With a view to have the audiences acquainted to the noteworthy efforts of IACF in 2024, a collage of pictures played in the background. Lastly, he got the audiences acquainted with the IACF board and advisors donned in futuristic space glasses to accentuate the Space theme for the gala.
The emcee then introduced the Houston Mayors office. The IACF board was presented with a proclamation from Mayor John Whitmire declaring November 22nd as the IACF day.
Continued on Page 3
An Evening of Grant Presentations, Friends of Charity Awards
Continued from Page 2
The Houston Police Bomb squad was introduced to showcase their robot dog SPOT. It was a great show of the different skills SPOT can perform but more importantly the vast number of lives that the robot can save with its involvement in the various activities that the police have to perform to keep the citizens safe in major metros. SPOT walked around the floor, engaged with the audience with fist pumps, tricks & kisses. Everyone was thrilled to experience innovation first-hand and were amazed to see The Future, Now!
Keynote speaker Mr Manu Asthana, CEO of PJM Interconnection has the responsibility of overseeing the function of the largest electricity grid in the world to keep the power on for millions of people with the utmost uptime as the demand for electricity keeps growing. Mr Asthana shared his perspective on purpose and meaning, and the importance of supporting causes that are meaningful to all of us.
Guest of honor Ms Diana Hayden, 47th Miss World, was introduced by DJ AJ with great enthusiasm as she was escorted by the spouses of the board members to the stage. Diana Hayden, gave a riveting speech on ‘There is no such thing as a Coincidence’. With truth and humor, she enthralled the
guests using her own personal experiences. She encouraged them to go down memory lane and note the ‘coincidences’ that has shaped their lives. Ending on an articulate, purposeful note, she encouraged all to donate generously as she pointed out, ‘Remember, you being here tonight, is Not a coincidence.
This was followed by Grants Presentation. IACF supports and funds charities spanning the areas [EFGH] which are Education, Family, General welfare and Healthcare across the Greater Houston Area.
The recipients this year were Attack Poverty, AVANCE-Houston, Inc., Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Child Advocates, Inc. (of Harris County), Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, iEducate, Indian American Cancer Network, Indian Doctor’s Club Charitable Foundation Inc (IDCC), Parent Engagement for Active Child Enrichment (PEACE), SEARCH Homeless Services, Second Servings of Houston, Sewa International, Inc., Sleep in Heavenly Peace Texas-Houston Central West and Wellsprings Village, Inc.
Like each year, ‘Friends of Charity’ title was honored to individuals for their exceptional service to the community and support to the foundation. Head of Chancery, Consul Mr. Prashant Sona from
Indian Consulate, moderated the awards. Recipients included Faizel Dakri, Manju Gupta, Deepak Suri, Lakshmy Parameswaran, Veerender Devireddy and Ranganathan Gopalan.
Dr. Sushovan Guha was honored with ‘Champion of Charity’ award for his unwavering support over the past several years for the underserved and the Community at large.
IACF Board Member, Mahesh Wadhwa, delivered the vote of thanks. He politely expressed his gratitude to the IACF board and gala committees for their inspiring teamwork and dedication.
The event concluded with scrumptious dinner served by Michelin Star Winner Musaafer. They joined hands with IACF in giving back to the community. Shammi & Ishrat’s munificence is truly inspirational.
Live music kept the audiences engaged during and after dinner. The well-coordinated sound and lighting was provided by DJ AJ, beautiful decor by Phoenix, photos & videos by Sudhakar – Roy Photography.
To sponsor scholarship to a deserving student, grants to an emerging charity, learn more about IACF and to become a volunteer, please email iacfpresident@gmail.com or visit www.iacfhouston.com.
Former Miss World, Diana Hayden was guest of honor. She is wearing futuristic space glasses.
Kash Patel: Anti-Deep State Warrior Picked by Trump to Lead the FBI
Houston: Kash Patel, a staunch supporter of the Ram Mandir and fierce critic of the “deep state,” has been nominated by Donald Trump as FBI Director, symbolising a unique convergence of Indic and American populist narratives.
Known for co-authoring the “Nunes Memo,” Patel has challenged institutional biases and accused the US justice system of favouring elites while targeting conservatives.
A loyal advocate of Trump’s America First agenda, Patel’s rise disrupts perceptions of Trump’s cabinet as homogeneously Christian. His vocal support for US-India ties and cultural identity, combined with his anti-establishment stance, underscores his role as a disruptive force in modern politics.
Patel isn’t the only ABCD (America-born confident Desi) in the Trump team, which also includes Vivek Ramaswamy (whose Hinduism almost mimics JudeoChristian pathos), Usha Vance (whose Hinduism helped her husband and VP-elect JD Vance find Christ again), and Tulsi Gabbard (who’s not of Indian origin but is the first Hindu to take the oath in the US Congress).
Patel’s nomination was met with the usual disdain and jubilation we’ve come to expect from Trump’s left-field picks. While Huffington Post (which famously
covered Trump’s first US election campaign in the entertainment section) wrote “Trump Picks Nut for FBI”, pro-MAGA accounts on X celebrated Kash Patel’s nomination by sharing memes of the uberhit RRR, showing the two protagonists destroying British legions with the caption: “Vivek and Kash Patel taking on the deep state”.
Patel’s career trajectory is as unconventional as his public persona. Beginning as a federal public defender and counterterrorism prosecutor, he rose to prominence as a key figure in dismantling the Russia investigation, co-authoring the controversial “Nunes Memo.”
This document accused the FBI of politically motivated bias against Trump, cementing Patel’s role as a
trusted ally in the fight against the so-called deep state. His critiques of systemic corruption and his assertion of a two-tiered justice system biased against conservatives have made him a polarising figure in Washington.
Patel’s vocal admiration for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his vision for US-India relations reflect a unique cultural cross-pollination. Both Trump and Modi have been cast as populist disruptors challenging entrenched elites in their respective democracies. Patel embodies the overlap of their ideologies, advocating for technological collaboration, economic growth, and a shared fight against media and establishment bias. In fact, when Trump came to
India for a mega-event in Ahmedabad, Patel was responsible for peppering his speech with references like Sachin Tendulkar and Vivekananda that would appeal to the Indian public.
Kash Patel’s animosity toward the “deep state” is deeply rooted in his professional experiences and ideological beliefs. As a former federal prosecutor and senior government official, Patel has consistently confronted what he perceives as an entrenched bureaucracy operating beyond democratic oversight.
Patel first gained significant attention as a senior aide to Representative Devin Nunes on the House Intelligence Committee. In this role, he co-authored the
“Nunes Memo,” which alleged that the FBI and Department of Justice misused surveillance powers to target Trump’s 2016 campaign, suggesting political bias within these institutions. This memo became a cornerstone for those arguing that elements within the government were working against the President’s interests.
His tenure in the Trump administration further solidified his stance. Serving in various capacities, including as a senior official at the National Security Council and later as Chief of Staff to the Acting Secretary of Defense, Patel was involved in efforts to expose and counteract what he viewed as internal sabotage by unelected officials. He has been vocal about his belief that a “two-tiered system of justice” exists, favouring liberal elites while targeting conservatives.
Patel’s commitment to dismantling the deep state is also evident in his post-government endeavours. He authored Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy, a book that delves into his perspective on bureaucratic corruption and offers strategies to combat it. Additionally, he founded the “Fight With Kash” initiative, aimed at supporting whistleblowers and challenging perceived governmental overreach.
-- ToI
UNITED KINGDOM
Kerala-origin Nurse Turned UK MP Settles into the House of Commons
London: Sojan Joseph is among the new crop of Indian-origin Labour members of Parliament who pulled off an impressive feat by being elected from a former Conservative Party stronghold of Ashford in Kent, south-east England, in the July general election. In an interview with PTI at the House of Commons, the mental health nurse on a career break from the National Health Service (NHS) reflected upon finding his rhythm as a new MP with his parliamentary team now in place.
The Kerala-origin father of three feels the election has brought a strong sense of optimism to his constituency and is particularly relieved about investment in the NHS unveiled in the Prime Minister Keir Starmer-led government’s first Budget tabled in Parliament last week.
“I’m still an employee of the NHS and so pleased that not only the NHS, but the minimum wage also went up in the first Labour Budget in 14 years. It will be a big boost for workers, like a lot of Indians and new migrants who arrive here for jobs, including as care workers. Their minimum wage is going up which is very welcome news,” shared Joseph.
After the Budget, while the UK’s national minimum wage is set to rise in April 2025 from GBP 11.44 to GBP 12.21 an hour, the statefunded NHS received GBP 22.6 billion for day-to-day spending over two years and GBP 3.1 billion towards capital investment.
The 49-year-old former hospital worker feels his experience as a mental health nurse and work in the community as a local councillor and charity fundraiser helped him connect with voters, who were desperate for change.
“It was not an easy campaign, but I tried to be very positive when I met people crying out for change, with the economy so down and public services in desperate need of improvement,” he said.
“Often in the mental health sector, it is not just patients, but you also engage with the family and wider society. You come across people who are vulnerable, struggling and in need of help, which helped me understand the needs and led me to join in politics,” he said.
“I thought to influence change, I need to be in the right place,” he added.
Joseph was born in Kottayam and went on to study nursing in Bengaluru and work in Himachal Pradesh.
He moved to the UK after being appointed to an NHS hospital in Dorset, south-west England, and eventually settled down in Ashford with his family in 2002 after completing his training.
At 49 years old, Sojan Joseph joins twenty-six other Indian-origin Members of Parliament elected to the House of Commons. (Image via X/@sojanuk)
His wife, who is also a nurse, and children were initially hesitant about his career shift to step into frontline politics but have since been his biggest cheerleaders.
“My wife and children were quite happy when I became a local councillor, but when I talked about standing for Parliament, it came as a big shock to them. But since then, the outpouring of support has been overwhelming.”
He also recalls fondly the hero’s welcome he received when he made a brief post-election visit to his family home in Kottayam.
“Especially in my parish back in India, they all are very proud to see me getting elected to the Parliament. When you think of Kerala, every house in my village has somebody living here in the UK. So, any decisions that the Parliament is taking here impact each and every one of us,” he reflected.
Joseph sees his election along with around a dozen Labour MPs of Indian heritage as symbolic of the new government’s commitment to strengthen ties with India and its diaspora.
He said: “I am extremely proud and happy to represent the people of Kerala, and, even if they don’t live in my constituency, I have really good, close connections with the Malayali community around the UK.
“I also feel proud to represent the Indian community and, of course, the NHS. I originally came to this country to work as a nurse in the health sector. When you look at the health sector here, thousands of Indian doctors, nurses and care workers are employed in the NHS. So, there is a clear connection between the NHS and India and representing them makes me truly proud.”
Diddy Case Assigned to Judge Arun Subramanian
new York: The federal criminal sex trafficking case against Sean “Diddy” Combs has been reassigned to a new judge.
Judge Arun Subramanian will now preside over the case giving Combs another chance to apply for bail, after being denied for it twice.
Hip-hop mogul ‘Diddy’ appeared before Judge Subramanian on Thursday in Manhattan federal court, where a trial date of May 5 was set for him to face sex trafficking charges. Initially, the case was assigned to Judge Andrew Carter, who was nominated by President Barack Obama in 2011.
The reason for the reassignment has not been disclosed.
As Combs awaits trial, he is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking by force, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy.
Job Posting
Disney Entertainment’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. For over 70 years, ABC13 has been Houston’s news and weather leader, and the station remains the dominant #1 choice for Houstonians today. ABC13 provides live local news and weather coverage 24/7 through its linear and streaming newscasts, as well as its website, apps and social media platforms.
ABC13 is deeply engrained in the Houston community, the most diverse city in the nation. ABC13 Localish stories celebrate the good people and places that make Houston so unique.
The station is the community leader, giving back through tentpole events throughout the year, including Share Your Holidays food drive, E-Cycle Earth Day electronics recycling event, and Pick Your Pet adoption drive.
The biggest events in Houston all happen on ABC13! The station is the proud media partner for the Houston Marathon, Galveston Mardi Gras, the Houston Rodeo Parade and the Houston Pride Parade, and the Freedom Over Texas July 4th celebration.
Employee oversees the day-to-day accounting functions. Major impacts include financial statement reporting, managing the station payables process, management of the station’s capital budget, accounts receivable management and troubleshooting various issues for other station departments (T&E, admin, etc.)
Responsibilities and Duties of the Role:
• Manage Accounts payable (process, research, PT associate, etc)
• Manage accounts receivable (political recon, cash in advance, resolving disputes, etc)
• Manage capital budget
• Manage quarter/year-end close
• Assist with forecasts, AOP and LRP
• Bookkeeping for Teletower partnership
• Ad-hoc reporting/tracking for station departments (OT, news, finance)
• Complete ancillary tax reporting
• Other (supplies, etc.)
Basic Qualifications:
• Broadcast media experience preferred
• MS excel experience required
• Experience with Financial systems (SAP, preferred)
• Ability to learn other systems (Traffic, T&E, payroll, etc)
• Ability to problem solve with various levels of stakeholders, occasionally with short timelines
• Forecasting and budgeting
Required Education:
• Degree in Accounting
• CPA preferred or equivalent experience
Interested candidates apply via Disneycareers.com reference JOB ID # 10107239
About Disney Entertainment:
At Disney Corporate you can see how the businesses behind the Company’s powerful brands come together to create the most innovative, far-reaching and admired entertainment company in the world. As a member of a corporate team, you’ll work with world-class leaders driving the strategies that keep The Walt Disney Company at the leading edge of entertainment. See and be seen by other innovative thinkers as you enable the greatest storytellers in the world to create memories for millions of families around the globe.
About The Walt Disney Company:
Who is Judge Arun Subramanian? Born in 1979 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Indian immigrant parents. Graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 2001 with a degree in Computer Science and English. Earned his Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School in 2004, where he was a James Kent and Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. Served as Executive Articles Editor for the Columbia Law Review. Clerked for US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg from 2006 to 2007. Worked as a civil litigator at Susman Godfrey LLP, becoming a partner in 2007. Nominated by President Biden for the US District Court for the Southern District of New York on September 2, 2022.
Served as the first judge of Indian descent on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Nominated by President Biden for the US District Court for the Southern District of New York
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, Disney Parks, and Experiences and Products. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with KTRK Television, Inc, which is part of a business we call Disney Entertainment.
KTRK Television, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Sikh Community Provides Many Free Thanksgiving Meal across United States
new JerseY A Sikh charitable organisation based in New Jersey organized a communal feast, known as ‘langar’, providing complimentary meals nationwide.
According to a statement released on Friday, the organization ‘Let’s Share a Meal’ engaged over 700 volunteers who distributed vegetarian meals to more than 10,000 people across 80 locations in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
“Let’s Share a Meal was inspired by the life and teachings of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, who established the concept of Langar, or community kitchen,” a key organiser of the event Onkar Singh told news agency PTI.
According to him, the organisation has provided over 1 million meals throughout the United States since its establishment.
We are trying to teach our children the core values of our reli-
gion, including peace, harmony, and the principle of Oneness—an idea that extends beyond Sikhs to embrace all of humanity, Onkar said.
“The world is one community, and nobody should be hungry or unequal. We are proud that over 700 volunteers, including many from the broader American community, have come together to support this cause,” he added.
The organisation now distributes 20,000 meals yearly, a significant increase from the initial 1,500 meals served in its first year.
“I have been part of this incredible effort for over 15 years, and I am so grateful to see how it has grown. Every year, more and more people - volunteers and donors alike - come together to make this possible,” another volunteer, Harleen Kaur said.
Scores of volunteers from the Sikh community came together this morning at the Nanak Naam
Organizer Onkar Singh said the two-day event will collectively see hundreds of volunteers preparing thousands of meals to be delivered fresh to shelters and other locations in the region.
Singh estimated that roughly $25,000 worth of food will be distributed by the end of the event, with much of it paid for through donations.
Langar was designed to uphold the principle of equality where everyone could eat food irrespective of his creed, castle, religion or sex,” an event postcard stated.
The Hudson County jail in Kearny, the Bethune Center in Jersey City and the Coalition for the Homeless in New York were among the dozens of facilities that have received or will be receiving deliveries.
Jahaj Gurudwara temple at 1080 West Side Ave. to cook, package and deliver the meals.
No Land, No Marriage: How NRI Grooms Rejected Over Missing Assets
HYderabad: A six-figure salary in the US, a 6,000 sq ft condo and a hot-off-the-charts Tesla. While these were enough to list 36-yearold Raj Jagirdar as a ‘blue chip’ stock in the Telugu matrimony market until a few years ago, he isn’t a big deal anymore – thanks to the rising rate of job cuts across the US.
But the real black mark on Raj’s wedding biodata isn’t recession. It’s his empty land bank, back home in Hyderabad.
In fact, STOI’s conversations with multiple grooms-to-be living across the US, Canada, UK, Australia revealed that many young men are sailing in the same boat. With no immovable assets to their name in either of the two Telugu states, these young professionals are struggling to keep their ‘eligible bachelor’ tag alive. And this, despite their fat pay cheques, swank hot wheels and upgraded lifestyles on foreign shores.
On the marriage market for long “Who would have thought finding a partner would be this hard?
I have a master’s in data science from a top university in Australia and a job with a tech giant. But because my parents came from poor financial backgrounds, we could never buy farmland or properties. They had a small plot of land
we had in our village in Vikarabad district – about 75 km from Hyderabad -- to pay for my education eight years ago,” said K Abhishek Adhiraj, who lives in Brisbane. His father ran a small kirana shop while his mother has always been a homemaker.
Though the 34year-old is confident of building his own assets over time, the absence of generational wealth has put him on the list of rejects for now. “We are planning to buy property around Hyderabad now because that seems like the only way to find an alliance,” said Abishek who’s been on the marriage market for six years now.
all my hard work to build a comfortable life, it’s just not enough,” lamented Raj who has been living in Atlanta for over 10 years. He has been rejected on multiple occasions for not having a house or land to his name in India.
Raj’s unsuccessful run has been equally long. “What’s the point of owning assets in India when I see my future here in the US? Even my parents plan to move here eventually. This demand, I feel, is not only unreasonable, but also affects the self-esteem of a person. Despite
NRI status not enough
Marriage bureaus in Hyderabad confirm this churn in the market.
According to them, families of potential brides now – more than ever before -- insist on knowing the prospective groom’s assets upfront. “The NRI status alone
doesn’t cut it anymore. They expect land and other assets. So much so that we have now introduced a separate section in our forms for the groom’s family to list their holdings. This focus on assets has also caused a drop in demand for NRIs. While we used to arrange about 18 to 20 matches a month a decade ago, now it’s down to 10 or 12,” said a representative from a private Telugu marriage bureau in Ameerpet.
Lack of job security turns the tide
Prospective brides-to-be and their families are rather nonchalant about this new trend.
“We all know how volatile the job market is in the US and Canada. It’s not about being obsessed with assets, but the security they provide. Even if everything else falls apart, we can fall back on these possessions. I’ve been in Canada for
three years myself and have firsthand experience of the struggles,” said V Jyothi Reddy, a 27-year-old chef from Vancouver who completed her master’s in supply chain management and has been looking for a job for almost two years now. With her family back in Nalgonda on a groom-hunting-spree, Jyothi’s list of demands from her ‘match’ includes -- at least 10 acres of land, own house both in India and abroad and a stable job with a minimum of a five-figure salary. Green Card – only other qualification
Turns out, there’s only one trump card that can beat the boy’s low asset score – permanent resident (PR) card or a green card.
Speaking from experience, N Abhishek Vishwanath, a convenience store owner living in Tampa, Florida said: “My parents have been told outright that if there are no assets, at least I should have a green card. In fact, on all these matrimonial websites and WhatsApp groups, people make this clear in their search: ‘Looking for a partner with a Green Card only.’ Does this mean those without assets and a green card, are not allowed to marry,” asked the 28-year-old – echoing the sentiment of many such NRI bachelors ‘listed’ on the wedding market.
Indian-origin Neurosurgeon Fined $2 MM for Fraud involving Fake Surgeries
Houston: A 53-year-old Sugar Land surgeon has agreed to pay $2,095,946 to resolve allegations he submitted false claims for the placement of electro-acupuncture devices, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Dr. Rajesh Bindal used the entity Texas Spine & Neurosurgery Center P.A. to conduct his medical practice. From March 16, 2021, to April 22, 2022, Bindal billed Medicare and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) for the surgical implantation of neurostimulator electrodes.
These are invasive procedures usually requiring use of an operating room. As a result, Medicare and the FEHBP pay thousands of dollars per procedure.
However, neither Bindal nor his staff performed these surgical procedures, according to the allegations.
Instead, patients allegedly received devices used for electroacupuncture, which only involved inserting monofilament wire a few millimeters into patients’ ears and taping the device behind the ear with an adhesive. In some instances, a device sales representative or a physician assistant allegedly performed these placements, which were then billed as surgeries. All device placements took place in Bindal’s clinic, not a hospital or surgical center, and no incision was made on a patient. Most patients claimed the adhesive came loose and the device fell off on its own accord within a few days.
A neurosurgeon, like Bindal, should know when he is and is not performing surgery,” said Hamdani. “Even though neurosur-
geons, according to one study, are the highest paid physician specialists in the United States, Bindal allegedly submitted false claims in an effort to further enrich himself.
To maintain the trust of the public in our federal health care system, it is imperative that medical professionals, such as neurosurgeons, bill accurately for the services provided. Otherwise, my office may get involved and seek to hold accountable anyone who violates that trust.”
“Ensuring that health care professionals are held accountable for submitting false claims to Medicare is essential for preserving public trust and safeguarding critical resources,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (DHHS-OIG). “Dr. Bindal not only submitted false claims to Medicare but also deceived our most vulnerable population. DHHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners remain committed to working together to uphold the integrity of federal health care programs.”“False claims come
at a cost not only to our federal health care programs but also to the members who rely on these programs for necessary care,” said Special Agent in Charge Derek M. Holt of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM-OIG.) “We support the efforts of our law enforcement partners and colleagues to protect not only the integrity of federal health care programs but also the safety of federal employees, annuitants and their families.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation with DHHS-OIG and OPM-OIG.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Collins handled the matter. Alamdar Hamdani is the 24th United States Attorney (USA) for the Southern District of Texas. Nominated by President Biden in October 2022 and confirmed by the United States Senate in December 2022, Hamdani is the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). The district was established in 1902 and encompasses seven divisions with federal district courts in Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Browns-
ville, McAllen and Laredo. As USA, Hamdani supervises the investigation and prosecution of all federal crimes and the litigation of all civil matters in which the United States has an interest.
Hamdani joined the SDTX in 2014, but has been with the Department of Justice since 2008. As an AUSA with the SDTX, he was primarily responsible for the investigation and prosecution of national security and official corruption crimes. From 2010 to 2014, Hamdani served in the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, holding the position of deputy chief from 2012 to 2014. Prior to that, he was an AUSA in the Eastern District of Kentucky.
Prior to his government service,
Hamdani was a partner at the law firm of Hamdani & Simon LLP in Texas from 2005 to 2008 where he litigated corporate disputes and civil rights matters. In 2003, he helped form the South Asian Bar Association of North America, holding various leadership positions in the organization, including president from 2007 to 2008. From 2001 to 2005, Hamdani was an associate attorney in the Houston office of the law firm Winstead P.C.
During his tenure as an AUSA with the SDTX, Hamdani was also an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center. Hamdani received his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center in 1999 and his B.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin in 1993.
No foul play in Death of Gursimran Kaur: Police
HaLifax: Canadian police on Monday announced that the death of a 19-year-old Indian-origin girl, whose body was found inside Walmart bakery oven last month, was not the result of foul play.
Gursimran Kaur was found dead inside a walk-in oven at the Walmart on 6990 Mumford Rd. on the evening of October 19th. Halifax Regional Police responded to a report of a sudden death at the store and launched an investigation. The heartbreaking discovery was made by Kaur’s own mother, who also worked at the store.
“At approximately 9.30 pm, officers responded to a report of a sudden death in the Walmart located at 6990 Mumford Road. A 19-year-old woman, who was an
employee of the store, was located deceased in a large walk-in oven belonging to the store’s bakery department,” Halifax Regional Police notified on Facebook.
Dr. Rajesh Bindal
US Attorney Alamdar Hamdani
Job Posting
Disney Entertainment’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. For over 70 years, ABC13 has been Houston’s news and weather leader, and the station remains the dominant #1 choice for Houstonians today. ABC13 provides live local news and weather coverage 24/7 through its linear and streaming newscasts, as well as its website, apps and social media platforms. ABC13 is deeply engrained in the Houston community, the most diverse city in the nation. ABC13 Localish stories celebrate the good people and places that make Houston so unique.
The station is the community leader, giving back through tentpole events throughout the year, including Share Your Holidays food drive, E-Cycle Earth Day electronics recycling event, and Pick Your Pet adoption drive.
The biggest events in Houston all happen on ABC13! The station is the proud media partner for the Houston Marathon, Galveston Mardi Gras, the Houston Rodeo Parade and the Houston Pride Parade, and the Freedom Over Texas July 4th celebration.
You will work in a high-energy, non-stop news environment to help us deliver breaking news effectively to our audience and to create compelling content that our users will find valuable and engaging. Our digital team is responsible for providing news updates for a loyal 24/7 audience on our stream, apps, and website.
Some of the day-to-day duties include writing stories, producing breaking news, producing live streams, producing newscasts, optimizing content for more reach and impact, and helping to manage content and engage our audience. Our producers work on a little bit of everything –expect each day to be different.
Our station prioritizes our 24/7 streaming content, making production one of the highest-profile positions and most rewarding opportunities.
Responsibilities and Duties of the Role:
• Creation and facilitation of news content including our 30-minute streaming weather newscast
• Writing/editing news stories
• Crafting/sending push alerts
• Communicating with assignment desk and producers about breaking/ developing news
• Curating website and app content
Required Education:
• High School diploma or equivalent
Preferred Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication or related field Interested candidates apply via Disneycareers.com reference JOB ID # 10106479
About Disney Entertainment:
At Disney Corporate you can see how the businesses behind the Company’s powerful brands come together to create the most innovative, far-reaching and admired entertainment company in the world. As a member of a corporate team, you’ll work with world-class leaders driving the strategies that keep The Walt Disney Company at the leading edge of entertainment. See and be seen by other innovative thinkers as you enable the greatest storytellers in the world to create memories for millions of families around the globe.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, Disney Parks, and Experiences and Products. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with KTRK Television, Inc, which is part of a business we call Disney Entertainment.
KTRK Television, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Job Posting
Disney Entertainment’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. For over 70 years, ABC13 has been Houston’s news and weather leader, and the station remains the dominant #1 choice for Houstonians today. ABC13 provides live local news and weather coverage 24/7 through its linear and streaming newscasts, as well as its website, apps and social media platforms.
ABC13 is deeply engrained in the Houston community, the most diverse city in the nation. ABC13 Localish stories celebrate the good people and places that make Houston so unique.
The station is the community leader, giving back through tentpole events throughout the year, including Share Your Holidays food drive, E-Cycle Earth Day electronics recycling event, and Pick Your Pet adoption drive.
The biggest events in Houston all happen on ABC13! The station is the proud media partner for the Houston Marathon, Galveston Mardi Gras, the Houston Rodeo Parade and the Houston Pride Parade, and the Freedom Over Texas July 4th celebration.
A successful candidate should have a passion for producing and for telling impactful stories. Attention to detail is a must. Producers must know how to make decisions quickly and lead the team during live newscasts and during live breaking news coverage on the abc13 Streaming Channel. Producers must work well with everyone on the team including anchors, reporters, assignment editors, directors and graphic artists.
Responsibilities:
• Craft daily newscasts and manage all aspects of the broadcast
• Pitch story ideas on a daily basis
• Communicate well with others in the newsroom when building shows
• Collaborate with digital team members throughout the day
• Write clear and compelling broadcast copy
• Execute last-minute changes in high pressure situations
Basic Qualifications:
• The ideal candidate must have top market producing experience at a local news station
• Demonstrated ability work under deadline pressures and work in a rapid, fast-paced environment
• Detail-oriented with strong editorial and production skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be flexible with working hours (late nights, overnights. Weekends and holidays) and adaptable to change.
Required Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication or related field
• Employment Type: Full time Interested candidates apply via Disneycareers.com reference JOB ID # 10106962
About Disney Entertainment:
At Disney Corporate you can see how the businesses behind the Company’s powerful brands come together to create the most innovative, far-reaching and admired entertainment company in the world. As a member of a corporate team, you’ll work with world-class leaders driving the strategies that keep The Walt Disney Company at the leading edge of entertainment. See and be seen by other innovative thinkers as you enable the greatest storytellers in the world to create memories for millions of families around the globe.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, Disney Parks, and Experiences and Products. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with KTRK Television, Inc, which is part of a business we call Disney Entertainment.
KTRK Television, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Jaaiye Aap Kahan Jaayenge’: Heartfelt
and resilience.
bY abHisHek srivastav
Story: A father and son are constantly at odds with each other. Their strained relationship reaches a breaking point when the son decides to create a mobile toilet on his rickshaw, designed specifically for women.
Review: ‘Jaaiye Aap Kahan Jaayenge’ may have its flaws in production quality and screenplay, but it stands out for its simplicity and heartfelt performances. The film weaves together emotion, drama, and humour to narrate the story of a poor family in a way that resonates. Sanjay Mishra, Karan Aanand, and Monal Gajjar deliver standout performances that help distract from the technical shortcomings. The narrative sheds light on the struggles of an underprivileged family, particularly highlighting the challenges faced by women in small towns and villages due to the lack of toilets. With a meaningful social message and a genuine emotional core, the film manages to leave an impact despite its limitations.
Set in a small town near the UPBihar border, the film follows the turbulent relationship between a father, Nathuni Prasad (Sanjay Mishra), and his son, Kishan (Karan Aanand). Kishan earns a living as a rickshaw puller, while Nathuni roams the streets selling bhuja from his cart. Despite their constant bickering and heated arguments, the father always rides home in his son’s rickshaw, hinting at an underlying bond. Their constant clashes come to a head in a physical fight, after which Nathuni dares Kishan to earn more than him at the Babuniya fair, promising to leave home for Haridwar if he does. Determined to prove himself, Kishan, with support from his wife and daughter, decides to build a mobile toilet. Soon, neighbours pitch in financially to help him achieve his goal. However, during its trial, the mobile toilet gets damaged, leaving Kishan devastated and questioning his efforts. The story unfolds against this backdrop of conflict, determination,
This film struggles with its identity, sending mixed signals throughout. It leaves viewers unsure whether the focus is on the strained relationship between a father and son, a man’s mission to provide mobile toilets for women, or a filmmaker’s quest for an inspiring story from the UPBihar region. By the end, it also ventures into the theme of social upliftment, adding to the confusion. However, the film’s charm lies in its simplicity and the authenticity of its characters. It’s best appreciated with an open mind, embracing the raw, earthy feel of its storytelling. Despite its shortcomings, the narrative tugs at your heartstrings as you root for the son, who dreams of moving beyond his father’s legacy of selling bhuja on a cart to create an honest and better future for his family. The father, though burdened with his own frustrations, harbours an unspoken love for his son, making their dynamic both poignant and relatable.
Sanjay Mishra shines as Nathuni Prasad, delivering a standout performance in a challenging role.
Portraying a father who deeply loves his son but constantly belittles him, Mishra captures the character’s complexity with finesse. His breakdown in the final sequence, after his son surpasses him, is a masterclass in acting. Karan Aanand brings sincerity and restraint to the role of Kishan, delivering a subdued yet impactful performance. Monal Gajjar, as Phoolmati, Kishan’s wife, adds authenticity with her grounded portrayal and showcases her acting range effectively. While ‘Jaaiye Aap Kahan Jaayenge’ falters on narration and technical fronts, its compelling performances and straightforward plot keep you engaged, ensuring the story resonates despite its flaws.
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