Friday, January 19, 2024 | Vol. 43, No. 3
January 19, 2024
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Indo American News
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PM Modi to Lead Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Consecration
Mercedes Benz in India P6
‘Merry Christmas’: Twisted
File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi worshipping at the Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya. On Friday, Modi said he will undertake rituals required ahead of the consecration of the idols at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22.
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WEDDINGS, SPECIAL EVENTS, TENTED EVENTS, OUTDOOR COURTYARD
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INDIA
January 19, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will Lead Ayodhya Temple Consecration New Song: ‘Mere Ghar Ram Aaye Hain’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at the Kalaram Temple in Nashik. (AFP)
New Delhi: Singers Jubin Nautiyal and Payal Dev’s devotional song Mere Ghar Ram Aaye Hain, penned by Manoj Muntashir, earned praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the grand Ram temple opening on January 22. Nautiyal says, “It fills my heart with joy to see Prime Minister Modi’s acknowledgment to the song, as it adds a profound layer to this experience, reminding me that music is a universal language that speaks to every heart.” Dev, who has also composed the bhajan, adds, “I did not expect a direct appreciation from PM sir. It is the result of all the love which my fans and Shri Ram ji’s devotees have
Nashik: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he will undertake a set of rituals required ahead of the consecration of the idols at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. He will visit Panchavati in Nashik, where Lord Ram spent much of his exile, and fast for 11 days besides waking up at the Brahamamahurata (before dawn). In an audio message, Modi said the consecration has evoked sentiments he has never felt before. “I am fortunate that I will also be a witness to this auspicious occasion. The Lord has made me an instrument to represent all the people of India during the consecration,” he said. Modi said people have waited long for the temple construction and sought their blessings ahead of its inauguration ceremony. Modi said he would follow all the rules on the day and before the inauguration with the strictness mandated by the scriptures despite his hectic schedule and responsibilities. He has started the ritual of following Yama-Niyam for 11 days before consecration, said a person aware of the matter. “The Prime Minister continuously follows the rules like Brahmamuhurta Jagran, Sadhana, and Satvik diet in his daily routine”. The scriptures require the consecration of a deity’s idol to be carried out through a detailed and comprehensive process. “...detailed rules have been given which have to be followed several days before the consecration. As a devotee of Ram, the Prime Minister is dedicated to the construction and consecration of Ram temple in the spirit of spiritual practice,” said the person. On Friday, the PM also offered prayers at the Shree Kala Ram Mandir situated along the banks of Godavari in the Panchavati area of Nashik. As per the scriptures, Lord Ram, along with Sita and Lakshman spent a few years in the Dandakaranya forest which is situated in the Panchavati region. The name Panchavati means the land of five banyan trees . Prime Minister Modi, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and president of the temple trust Mahant Nritya Gopal Das will be inside the sanctum sanctorum on January 22, Rai said. The ceremony will be attended by all the trustees of the temple trust, seers of about 150 sects and more than 500 people associated with the construction of the temple, who have been named the ‘Engineer Group’. Rai said gifts are coming from many places, including Mata Sita’s maternal home Janakpur in Nepal. Water has come from Mansarovar, Amarnath, Gangotri, Haridwar, Sangam of Prayagraj, Narmada, Godavari, Nashik and Gokarna among other places, he added. “The general tradition of our society is to give gifts. Hence, a gift in a thousand baskets has come from Virganj in South Nepal, an area connected to Mithla. There are grains, fruits, clothes, dry fruits, gold and silver in it. Similarly, people associated with Sitamarhi have also come, people from the place where Sita Mata was born have also brought gifts. People have also brought gifts from Ram ji’s maternal hometown Chhattisgarh,” Rai said. Indo-American News • Friday, january 19, 2024 • www.indoamerican-news
shown towards the song. I have seen people play the song daily while doing pooja or meditation.” Sharing the devotional song on X, PM Modi said it is going to immerse everyone in the devotion of the deity: “This Ram Bhajan decorated with the wonderful tunes of Hariharan ji is going to immerse everyone in the devotion of Lord Shri Ram. You too must enjoy this beautiful bhajan (sic).” Talking about it, the singer says, “The bhajan has beautiful lyrics and has a simple tune, making it hummable.” A Kerala-based singer Sooryagayathri, 17, caught everyone’s attention when her bhajan, Sri Ramachandra Kripalu, was shared on social media by PM Modi recently.
HOUSTON
January 19, 2024 Full Sensory Overload for Houston
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Shri Ram and Ayodhya Mandir Celebrations Here on January 21st Houston: Never before experienced day awaits Houstonians on Sunday, January 21st. Hindus of Greater Houston’s volunteers have been working feverishly to organize a phenomenal event to celebrate the Pran Prathishta of Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, India. While the actual ceremony in Ayodhya is on January 22nd at 11AM (IST), based on their various geographic locations, Hindu organizations across the world will synchronize the time of the local celebrations so they take coincide with the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya. Houston will therefore celebrate from 3:00 PM to 6:00 following which they will proceed to VPSS to join a live telecast from Ayodhya. Carefully choreographed by the dedicated volunteers, some captivating events were organized ahead of the main event. On January 7th, Houston Hindus probably broke all records by organizing one of the largest and most successful car rallies in the US. A total of 216 cars and five motorbikes took part in the rally with over 500 riders. During the course of eight hours, the rally covered one hundred miles with stopovers at 13 temples where an estimated two
thousand devotees welcomed the riders and participated in the puja and aarti. History was made on January 10th when Houstonians woke up to a sight never before seen in the city- the skies of Houston were adorned by images of Shri Ram, one of the central Hindu deities, with Ayodhya Ram Temple as the backdrop on a billboard. Designed by Dr. Kusum Vyas of Living Planet Foundation, founder of Green Kumbh Yatra and Save Ram Setu Campaign, who conceived and executed the project
with the help of Mr. Umang Mehta. “Several people have seen the billboard since it was up, with some stopping to offer prayers making the billboard a pilgrimage site in Houston. In addition to putting Hindus of Greater Houston on the map, the billboard aims to remind the community about the inauguration in the presence of saints and luminaries of the world on January 22nd in Ayodhya,” said Mr. Umang Mehta. “This would be first time in history that Shri Ram and Ayodhya will be seen
on a billboard in such a major city outside Bharat. It is located on one of the busiest prime locations of Houston, 4th largest city in United States. Over 1.2 million people will drive past this billboard each week and an estimated 30 million people will have darshan of Shri Ram over the next 30 days” said Mr. Vijay Pallod, Hindus of Greater Houston. A grand celebration is being organized in Houston on January 21st to mark the momentous event. All are invited to join the event,” said Mrs. Thara Narasimhan, President
of Hindus of Greater Houston.” “The chants of Jai Shri Ram and sounds of conches will ensure full sensory overload for each and every person present at the temples. It will be a treat for the body mind and soul as we feel the presence of Shri Ram among us”. The event on Sunday, January 21st, will take place at Gujarati Samaj of Houston (GSH) located at 9550 West Bellfort Road. The program is scheduled to begin at 3:00PM. Adequate arrangements have been made to ensure ample parking for all guests and they are requested to arrive early to ensure smooth parking and seating. The celebrations will commence with a grand parade around the GSH center with Ram Lalla Murti on the Ram Rajya Rath with sounds of conches ensuring full sensory overload, lighting of diyas by all attendees, recognition of several countries where Shri Ram is worshipped, interesting and creative talks by the youth, recognition of invited dignitaries and city officials, bhajans and cultural program and Maha Arti followed by snacks and tea. All interested people are invited to register for this event by visiting https://form.jotform. com/233420629702148.
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INDIA
January 19, 2024
Arun Yogiraj Idol Selected for Ram Lalla Temple Mamata to Lead Harmony Rally
Ayodhya: It is now officially confirmed that the dark-coloured Ram Lalla idol sculpted by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj on ‘Krishna Shila’ (black schist) has been chosen for installation in the sanctum sanctorum of the new Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The unique black schist for the idol was transported to Ayodhya from Gujjegowdanapura Village (Jayapura Hobli) in H.D. Kote taluk of Mysuru district. Arun Yogiraj, hailing from a long line of sculptors, dedicated himself to the meticulous carving of the idol, displaying an exceptional level of commitment. Champat Rai acknowledged Yogiraj’s intense focus on his work, noting that he abstained from using his phone for 15 days and refrained from speaking to his children for extended periods. Yogiraj’s creation received unanimous appreciation from the
Trust members. Three sculptors were initially shortlisted to craft idols depicting a five-year-old, 51-inch-tall Ram Lalla in a standing form. While Arun Yogiraj and Ganesh Bhatt sculpted idols in dark stone, the third, by Satyanarayan Pandey, was in pure white. Champat Rai assured that the other two idols would be given due respect. While Arun Yogiraj and Ganesh Bhatt sculpted idols in dark stone, the third, by Satyanarayan Pandey, was in pure white. Champat Rai assured that the other two idols would be given due respect. The worship of the existing idol, which has been ongoing for the past 70 years, will continue alongside the new idol in the original temple’s sanctum sanctorum. The new idol will also be part of a ritual called ‘adhivas’, during which the ‘jal niwas’, ‘fal niwas’, ‘anna
niwas’, ‘aushadi niwas’ and ‘ghee niwas’ for the idol will be done, he said. The new idol, weighing 150200 kgs, is set to enter the temple premises on Jan. 17 (tomorrow) and will be installed in the sanctum sanctorum the following day. Rituals leading up to the consecration ceremony, known as ‘Pran Pratishtha,’ have commenced today and continue until Jan. 21. The consecration ceremony on Jan. 22 will begin at 12.20 pm and will be attended by all Temple Trust Trustees, seers from approximately 150 sects and over 500 individuals involved in the temple’s construction. The rituals will be conducted by 121 acharyas under the guidance of Laxmikant Dixit of Varanasi, with Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid overseeing the proceedings.
Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee, who earlier called the inauguration of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya on January 22 a “gimmick show” by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before the Lok Sabha polls, announced on Tuesday that she will lead a rally in Kolkata on that day and visit places of worship associated with every religion. Addressing the media at the state secretariat, Banerjee said: “I am not doing this to counter anyone or protest anything. I have already said religion belongs to individuals but festivals are for all. On January 22, I will first offer prayers to Maa Kali and then lead the rally. It will touch temples, mosques, gurdwaras and churches along its route before reaching Park Circus where a meeting will be held.” “Our people will take out similar processions at every community block in every district at 3pm on that day,” she added. Targeting the BJP, Banerjee alleged that the Union railway ministry informed the state government in November last year that the newly constructed pedestrian skywalk leading to the famous Dakshineswar temple has to be dismantled for the East-West metro railway project. “I will not allow this as long as there is a drop of blood in my body. They talk of religious places and they want to demolish the skywalk. Dakshineswar is associated with Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda. Our government had to work very hard to relocate hawkers and landowners to build the skywalk. We had to contest court cases,” said Banerjee. “Consecration is the job of priests. Our job is to develop in-
Indo-American News • Friday, january 19, 2024 • www.indoamerican-news
frastructure,” she quipped. Although the issue of seat sharing among INDIA coalition partners for the coming polls is still clouded the timing of Banerjee’s statements almost coincided with the remarks Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made in Manipur where he is leading the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Explaining why Congress leaders declined to attend the Ayodhya event, Rahul Gandhi called it a “political function of Narendra Modi.” Even though Banerjee voiced her criticisms ahead of the consecration ceremony, she somehow distanced herself from the “gimmick show” remark she made on January 9. “We are organising our rally because the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose will be observed on January 23,” Banerjee said, implying that the TMC wants to pay homage to the freedom fighter who was revered for his secular values.
INDIA
January 19, 2024
The Ayodhya Story: Dream of 500 Years Now Becomes A Reality
By Kapil Sharma With all the recent excitement and celebration around the subject of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, it is easy to forget the history and significance of the event. Ayodhya holds immense religious and historical significance for Hindus. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu. The city’s cultural identity is deeply intertwined with its history and religious significance. Ayodhya has been mentioned in ancient texts like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. The city was the capital of the ancient Kosala Kingdom and is believed to have been a prosperous and harmonious kingdom under the rule of King Dasharatha. Origin of the conflict (15281859) The Babri Masjid was built in 1528 during the Mughal era by Mir Baqi (possibly Baqi Tashqandi), who was said to be a commander in the court of the Mughal emperor Babur. The mosque was named after Babur, hence the name Babri Masjid. The exact location of Babur at the time of the construction of the mosque is not clearly documented. However, it is known that Babur was the first Mughal emperor of India, and he had several conquests across the region. The Hindu belief is that the Mughals demolished the Hindu shrine to construct the Babri Masjid. Conflict of Beliefs The belief is that the Hindu Shrine that was demolished to build the Babri Masjid was the birthplace of Lord Ram. The Ramayana, a Hindu epic whose earliest portions date back to 1st millennium BCE, states that the capital of Rama was Ayodhya. Hindus believe that the site of the Babri Masjid was the birthplace of Lord Rama and that a temple dedicated to him once stood there. The opposing view is a bit divided. Some did not believe that Babri Masjid was built after demolishing the Ram Temple, some questioned if the Ram Temple (or Babri Masjid thereafter) was exactly at the location of the birthplace of Lord Ram, and to further those claims, some have said that said Ram was born in present-day Haryana, Afghanistan, or Baluchistan. There is also the widely held view on the Hindu side that the medieval age was a period of subjugation so removing symbols of the subjugation and atrocities is an anti-colonial act for them. In a way, bringing a temple back to
its rightful status and ownership after it was demolished wrongly is a righteous deed, and an act of correcting the ills of the past. This has striking parallels to the recent removal of statues of slave-owners in the West as a symbol of a postracial era. The Evidence and Counter Evidence The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted the first excavation drive on the site in 197677 and found many terracotta sculptures depicting human beings and animals, a characteristic of a temple, not a mosque. They also found 12 pillars of the mosque that were made from the remains of a temple, and pitchers found in the remains indicated that they were symbols of a temple. Moreover, an inscription from the 12th century mentioning a temple to Lord Rama was found on a pillar at the site. KK Muhammed, the former Director (North) of the ASI, who was part of the first excavation drive conducted in 1976-77 submitted the report to the court, that said that the evidence clearly indicated that a grand temple once stood at the site. There is also evidence of the location from the scriptures. The Skanda Purana was written between the 8th and 9th centuries AD. Its Book 2 (Vaishnava Khanda) Section 8 (Ayodhyā-māhātmya) Chapter 10 (Pilgrimage to Ayodhyā) mentions in Shloka 18-19:“To the northeast of that spot is the place of the birth of Rāma. This holy spot of the birth is, it is said, the means of achieving salvation etc. It is said that the place of birth is situated to the east of Vighneśvara, to the north of Vāsiṣṭha and to the west of Laumaśa.” In addition, there are written records, from travelers in that era, that prove that in the 16th, 17 and 18th centuries, Hindus continued to worship around the (then) Babri Masjid, including performing the parikrama of the Masjid itself.
The documents from the Mughal rule and British rule continue to refer to the Masjid as Masjid-eJanmsthan. The musical chairs of the occupation of the structure The structure was loosely controlled by the Mutawalli of the Faizabad (as Ayodhya was known then) when in 1858, 25 Nihang Sikhs, lead by Baba Fakir Singh Khalsa entered the premises of the structure, and occupied it, started performing pooja, and wrote Ram on the walls. The Mutawalli objected and lodged an FIR with the Thanedar of Oudh, signing himself as the Mutawalli of Masjid-eJanmsthan. While the Thanedar of Oudh came down and reprimanded the Sikhs for occupying the structure, they did not vacate. In 1883 the Mahant Raghubar Das started constructing a chabutara around the Masjid, but that was objected to, and the case went to court. An understanding was reached between the Hindu and Muslim community that allowed the the outer area between the structure and the boundary wall was given to the Hindus for their prayers where Ram Chabutara and Sita Rasoi were constructed. In 1949, Shri Ram lala’s Vigraha (idols) were brought inside the structure, and led to another dispute that was so intense, that Jawahar Lal Nehru asked the CM of UP, Gobind Ballabh Pant to get the vigrahas out of the site. Pant ordered the District Magistrate, Mr. KKK Nair to do so, who refused, saying this would lead to unnecessary massacre. As a result, the structure was locked for the next 40 years. In 1989, the locks were opened for the religious Hindus to go in and pray to Ram lala. In 1992, a massive crowd of Kar Sevaks gathered at the place resulted in deconstruction of the structure, which also lead to the widespread riots in the country. After that, the case remained in courts for decades. Allahabad
High Court came up with a judgment in 2010, asking the area to be divided into three equal parts for the parties involved – onethird to Nirmohi Akhara, onethird to Sunni Waqf Board and one-third to Ram Lalla Virajman, but that was rejected by the Muslim party. The case then went to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court Verdict Initially, in March 2017 the Supreme Court suggested an outof-court settlement and that the stakeholders must hold talks and find a solution amicably as the matter is extremely sensitive; but the case could not be solved by this process. The mediation attempts that followed also failed. Eventually the five-judge Constitution Bench comprising of CJI Ranjan Gogoi, Justice SA Bobde, Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice S Abdul Nazeer heard the case. While the court accepted the ASI findings that there was a temple identified by the ASI dates to the 12th century – about four centuries before the first Mughal emperor Babur came to India from Central Asia. However, the Supreme Court of India, in its verdict on the Ayodhya dispute, did not uphold the claim that Babri Masjid was built by demolishing a temple. “No evidence is available to explain what transpired in the course of the intervening period of nearly four centuries,” writes the Supreme Court. As a result, medieval history played only one part in the Supreme Court’s judgment. “A finding of title cannot be based in law on the archaeological findings which have been arrived at by ASI,” ruled the court. Instead, “title to the land must be decided on settled legal principles and applying evidentiary standards which govern a civil trial.” Eventually, the court decided the case not only by relying on whether a
Indo-American News • Friday, january 19, 2024• www.indoamerican-news.com
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temple was demolished but also by which side had possession of the Babri Masjid. The final verdict where the title was awarded to Shri Ram Virajman and an alternate site in Ayodhya for construction of a mosque was granted to the Sunni Waqf Board, was delivered on November 9, 2019. The stunning unity after the verdict While there was widespread disappointment in the Muslim side, largely they accepted the verdict and moved forward. The main group of Muslim litigants said that they would honor the judgement of the Supreme Court and will not appeal against it. Most Muslims accept this and have moved on, and that is great news for a display of unity and peace between the two largest communities after such a contentious divide. The Debt of Gratitude The Hindu community also owes a debt of gratitude to the Sikh community for initiating the occupation of the Masjid in 1858. Indeed, the descendants of Nihang Singh Khalsa have been overjoyed with the verdict and are running a monthlong langar (community meal) near the Ram Mandir. Another debt that hasn’t been paid is to KKK Nair, who decided to rather forego his role and position as the District Magistrate in 1949 when Jawaharlal Nehru and G P Pant ordered the vigrahas of Ram lala removed from the site, rather than cause massacre and bloodshed. The Celebration The Hindu community is naturally ecstatic to have found the revival of one of the most revered places of their faith. Ma Sita is believed to be born in Janakpur, in the modernday Nepal. Nepal has not only contributed the holy Shaligram rocks for carving out the vigrahas (idols) for Ram lala but a convoy from Nepal is heading to India with gifts to celebrate the occasion. Here at Shri Sita Ram Foundation in Houston, we’re celebrating the day of faith and celebration by partnering with other temples and organizations in the area, and welcoming Ram lala back in Ayodhya, and our hearts: Hindu Worship Society: 20th and 21st Jan 2024. Ramayana Path. Shiv Sanatan Mandir. 19th to 21st Jan 2024. Shriram Maha yagna, Ramlila, Sundar Kand and Purnahuti. Hindus of Greater Houston. Program at GSH on 21st Jan 3-5:30 pm. Shri Sita Ram Foundation. Program on 27th Jan.
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INDIA
January 19, 2024
264 Motorists Penalized for Stopping on Atal Setu for Selfie and Picnicking
Mumbai: As many as 264 motorists were penalised Rs 500 each on Sunday for unnecessarily stopping their vehicles on the newly Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) for clicking pictures and picknicking, affecting vehicular movement on the sea bridge, police said. Traffic police of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai have warned of registering criminal offences against motorists if they stop the vehicle on the sea bridge. The 21.8 km-long country’s longest sea link between Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai and Sewri in Mumbai that was inaugurated by Prime minister Narendra Modi on Friday was opened to public on Saturday morning. “Given the viral social media photos and videos about the sea bridge, people thronged it on Sunday for joyride and stopped in the middle of the bridge for taking selfies, blocking the lanes,” said an officer of Mumbai traffic police. The Mumbai police carried out a special drive and erected nakabandi at 108 places all over the city on Saturday night and checked over 6,000 vehicles for violating traffic rules. as many as 1,869 bikers were penalised for driving without helmet while 255 were penalised for riding triples. Apart from this, 85 cases were registered for rash driving. A total of 138 motorists were booked under the Motor Vehicle Act for driving in the wrong direction. Action was also taken against 20 for driving under the influence
of alcohol, while 153 vehicles were impounded for rash driving. Pravin Padwal, joint commissioner of police (traffic), Mumbai police, said that strict action will be taken against motorists for stopping vehicles on Atal Setu that will include charges under the Indian Penal Code. “We appeal to motorists to not stop vehicles and get down on Atal Setu. By doing so, people are not just endangering their own lives, but also of other motorists. We have informed MMRDA to put up ‘no stopping’, ‘no halting’ boards on the bridge,” Padwal said. The penalty traffic police recovered from violators on Sunday was just Rs 500 as the offence is compoundable. “We also kept in mind that their experience of enjoying the travel on the country’s longest sea bridge is not spoiled,” an officer said. The Mumbai Trans Harbour Sealink (MTHL), which opened to traffic at 8 am on Saturday, saw a total of 8,169 vehicles in 12 hours on day one, according to figures provided by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) which takes care of this bridge. An official said that traffic was good throughout the day. “The speed limit on the MTHL is 100kmph and no vehicles are allowed to stop and click pictures. The return trip for passenger cars will be Rs 300, daily pass Rs 500 and monthly pass Rs 10,000. The toll on the Shivaji Nagar-Gavhan stretch is Rs 50 and Rs 75 for the return toll.
Mercedes India to Double Plant Capacity to 40,000 Pune: Mercedes-Benz plans to expand its production capacity at its Pune plant as luxury car sales hit record highs in the country. According to media reports, Mercedes-Benz is looking to double its plant capacity from 20,000 units to 40,000 units per annum. It will be the first major expansion by a luxury carmaker in India. Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India stated that the company has started the process to identify and look at future expansion needs as sales move towards its peak capacity. “While we are fully focused on 2024 right now, we will need to expand if the existing growth rates continue,” he added. Mercedes-Benz India closed the year with record sales. The carmaker registered its highest-ever sales of 17,408 units in CY2023, a 10% growth over the previous year. Mercedes plans to invest Rs 200 crore to scale up its manufacturing operations at the Chakan plant in 2024. At a time when the Indian government is working overtime to kick off the Free Trade Agreement with Europe and the UK and incentivise imports of EVs for fasttracking Tesla’s entry, MercedesBenz India, luxury car market leader in the country, has exported a batch of made-in-Chakan back to Europe in FY2023. The development happens at a time, when Mercedes-Benz India is reaching high-capacity utilisation of over 85-90% at its 20,000units-per-annum facility in Chakan, Pune. In order to cater to the rising demand, the company has even worked three shifts over the last few quarters. India, which has been a model
assembly base for the German car maker, has proven itself as a highquality production base globally and the same is leveraged for sourcing of components. The export of made-in-India MercedesBenz SUVs may be an indication of signs of things to come in the post-FTA world. As per the financials of FY2023 filed by the company with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Mercedes-Benz India stated that it had received an export order of BR167 LHD vehicles for the European market. These vehicles were built by adapting existing lines in the body shop, paint shop and assembly line. The startup was concluded in the first quarter of 2023. When contacted, a MercedesBenz India spokesperson confirmed the development and said, “Our world-class manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune produces
Indo-American News • Friday, january 19, 2024 • www.indoamerican-news
a comprehensive vehicle range. The production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars is flexible and efficient, enabling capacity to be utilised in accordance with global demand.” The exported vehicle is understood to be a GLE SUV. While the exact quantum of the batch of exports was not mentioned, the fact that the manufacturing lines were adapted for the order, underscores the significance of the batch of production. This marks the second time over the past five years that MercedesBenz India has leveraged the local assembly plant in India to supply to global markets. In 20l8, the company had shipped the GLC SUV to North America – at the time, India was a back-up base for the German luxury car maker, which was unable to meet the demand for the SUV for a brief while.
January 19, 2024
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January 19, 2024
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SPORTS
January 19, 2024
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Sumit Nagal: First Indian Player to Beat Seeded Opponent at a Slam Since 1989 Melbourne: Sumit Nagal became the first Indian tennis player to knock off a seeded opponent at a Grand Slam since 1989 when he defeated Alexander Bublik in straight sets at the Australian Open on Tuesday. Nagal, a qualifier who was ranked No. 1 in India and No. 137 in the world entering the tournament, outlasted the No. 31 seed Bublik 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (5) to a raucous reception from fans on Court 6. Ramesh Krishnan was the last Indian player to beat a seeded opponent at a Slam, defeating top-seeded Mats Wilander in the second round of the 1989 Australian Open. “I didn’t know that, until 10 minutes ago,” Nagal said in his news conference following the win. “I’m enjoying the moment, of course, because you have to kind of enjoy these [moments] because it doesn’t
stay forever.” Nagal went viral in India last year after he revealed in an interview that he had 900 euros to his name and was struggling to make ends meet as a professional ten-
nis player. With his second-round berth, Nagal has netted a payday of $180,000 Australian dollars ($119,151 in U.S. dollars) -- more than he earned in his entire 2023
season. “Starting the year not getting into challenger [qualifiers], to playing [second round of a] Slam on Thursday -- it’s been emotional,” he said. “I’ve worked very hard with my team, and I’m very proud of myself to be able to handle the things that I’m going through and be able to perform the way I want to perform.” Nagal, who had to leave India for Germany to pursue his tennis dream, said hopefully his latest success in Melbourne can help shift the tennis culture in India to become more self-sustaining. He said it might be easier for more prospective pros to make it if there were more tournaments, more coaches, and better facilities
available in India. “Why are all tennis players going outside India and living outside India to give themselves a chance? We should ask why. Of course, we can sit here all day and talk about it, but in a simple word I will just say it’s change the system. That’s it.” As for what the $180,000 payday means to him in the short term? “Obviously, I’m not crying right now, but of course, at the same time it hasn’t completely sunk in yet,” Nagal said with a smile. “You know, these moments you will go through as an athlete. Sometimes you’ll have a good year, sometimes you’ll have a bad year.” Nagal next faces China’s Juncheng Shang, a wild card who defeated American Mackenzie McDonald in five sets, Thursday for a place in the third round.
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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: www.indoamerican-news.com
Indo-American News • Friday, january 19, 2024• www.indoamerican-news.com
10 January 19, 2024
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
Request for Sub-Contractor Proposals for LSC – Victory Center Expansion
Durotech, Inc., as Construction Manager at Risk on behalf of Lone Star College System will receive subcontractor/vendor proposals for the LSC – Victory Center Expansion project as designed by PBK Architects, Inc. Proposals and qualification statements will be received by Durotech, Inc., from interested proposers, sub-proposers, and suppliers until 2:00 PM on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in the presence of the Owner and Architect at the offices of Durotech, Inc. at 11931 Wickchester Lane, #205, Houston, Texas 770434501, Phone: 281-558-6892 and Fax: 281-496-5637. Construction Manager Contact: Marcela Rodriguez. A pre-proposal meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 2.00 PM (Location: Lone Star College-Houston North Victory - 4141 Victory Dr, Houston, TX 77088). Drawings and Specifications will be available for review at the offices of Durotech, Inc., and at the plan rooms of AGC, Dodge Data & Analytics, Virtual Builders Exchange, Brazos Valley Contractors Association, Construction Data and CMD Group. Prevailing wage rates in conformance with Texas law will be paid on this project. All proposals shall remain valid for sixty (60) days. The Owner, Architect/Engineer and Construction Manager reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive any informalities and irregularities in the proposal process, and to make the awards in the best interest of the Owner. By submitting a proposal, each proposer agrees to waive any claim it has or may have against the Owner, the Architect/Engineer, Construction Manager and their respective employees arising out of or in connection with the administration, evaluation, or recommendation of any proposal; waiver of any requirements under the Proposal Documents, or the Contract Documents; acceptance or rejection of any proposals; and award of a Contract.
Indo-American News • Friday, january 19, 2024 • www.indoamerican-news
ENTERTAINMENT
January 19, 2024
‘Merry Christmas’: Surprise in a Twisted Tale
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.
By Dhaval Roy
Send us the correct answer before January 22, 2024. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
Solution Next Week
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Kumud Athavale, Krishna R. Vuddagiri, Sanchali Basu, Prabha Barvalia, Ramana Vadrevu, KB Amarnath, Pruthvi Seth, Rekha Trivedi, Sunil Sharma, Yudhveer Bagga, Taranjit Singh, Sai Lakshmi Subramanian
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Local help with your Medicare questions.
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Story: Shunned by society, a young widow and a transgender person from Varanasi find solace in each other. But will such an unconventional relationship be accepted? Review: Written, directed, and produced by Sandeep Singh, Safed is based in Varanasi, where a transgender person, Chandi (Abhay Verma), and a recently-widowed Kaali (Meera Chopra), are struggling to come to terms with their reality and bleak lives. The film portrays how widows and transpersons are treated. However, the portrayal seems lopsided as it focuses on the transperson being mistreated while the widows’ experiences in society remain largely unexplored. Safed’s concept must have been good on paper but falls short at the execution level.
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‘Safed’: Over the Top
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Story: Back in town after being away for seven years, a man spends Christmas Eve with a mysterious and lonely woman. The evening takes an unexpected and dark turn that could land him in trouble. Review: Thanks to consuming riveting suspense thrillers and crime dramas relentlessly, audiences can often easily predict twists or crack a mystery. But not with Sriram Raghavan’s movies, and his latest offering is no different. Here, the director not only keeps the suspense veiled, but one can also not foretell what’s going to happen next. The movie begins with Albert (Vijay Sethupathi) returning home to an empty house as his mother passes while he is away for seven years. As his neighbour (Tinu Anand) describes her last few days, Albert decides to step out and take in the Christmas cheer to Pritam’s soundtrack (especially lift his spirits up. When he helps an attractive woman, Maria (Ka- Raat Akeli Thi and Nazar Teri trina Kaif), take her mute daugh- Toofan) and Daniel B George’s ter home, she invites him in for background score enhance the a drink, and sparks fly between film’s moody atmosphere, masterthem. However, things go awry fully created by cinematographer soon, and the narrative turns into a Madhu Neelkandan. Bombay, whodunnit. But the movie is more when railway stations had weighthan that. Maria and the incident ing scales with whirring little remain shrouded in mystery when discs, has been recreated splenin comes Ronnie (Sanjay Kapoor), didly. The film’s dialogues also stand out. When Albert points out adding to the chaos. The movie is quintessentially to Maria that she and her husband Raghavanesque and neo-noir in look happy in the pictures, despite its tonality. It springs surprises that there being trouble in paradise, she you least expect, and therein lies says, “Tum kisiko jaante ho jo rota his ingenuity. However, not much chehra deewar par lagaate hain?” happens in the film’s first half, and (Who frames photos in which they the real action begins only shortly look sad?). Although relatively less ominous before the intermission. The track of the two strangers spending the compared to films in the genre evening together overstretches, or the director’s previous works, and the audience’s interest inter- catch this one for the wicked plot and the surprises. You’d have a mittently tapers. The narrative takes wings in the merry time!.-- Times of India second half and keeps you engrossed right until the end. When you think all’s well that ends well, another track begins. The twist does not seem incongruous but adds another layer to the narrative. Vijay Sethupathi, as the earnest Albert, is outstanding. He delivers funny lines with an effortless poker face. “Fermented kuchh bhi chalega, except dosa batter,” he says to Katrina Kaif’s Maria. A story within the story is as quirky, and Vijay narrates it with finesse. Katrina Kaif delivers Kaushika Shah a serviceable perforLicensed Sales Agent mance and is excellent in a scene where she 832-282-3515, TTY 711 lets herself go and celebrates Christmas Eve with Albert. Sanjay Kapoor, Tinu Anand, and Vinay Pathak (as a cop) Y0066_23SPRJ55188_C play their parts well.
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Indo-American News • Friday, january 19, 2024 • www.indoamerican-news