The Aga Khan, spiritual leader
died on Tuesday in Lisbon. -
ICC Celebration of 26th January-Republic Day of India Draws Thousands
houSton: What a Blast!
The India Culture Center (ICC) celebrated India’s 76th Republic Day with gusto and funfair at GSH Event Center on Sunday, January 26. It was a divine coincidence that the exact date of 26th January fell on a Sunday so that the celebration could be easily accessible to the Indo-American diaspora. Despite the rain, thousands came to revitalize themselves with traditional food, shopping and lots of entertainment.
ICC is the oldest Indo-American organization, 52 years running with no slowing down. ICC is marching forward with young blood and old wisdom. Its mission is to preserve the cultural heritage of India.
The Acting Consul of India, Prashant Sona, who himself knows Turkish, Nepalese and several other Indian languages, gave the
audience an overview of India’s progress for the next decade.
Phani Kondapi, the Event Chair and Naeem Vehvaria the Cultural Chair, built a team with other directors, guided by President, Parul Fernandes and Vice President Dr. K.D. Upadhaya. Bharat Patel took care of dignitaries while eager Seema Jain and her two daughters took care of the backstage and gifts with immaculate precision by Naeem.
Each director and trustee was given the opportunity to present certificates to the organizers and artists. Uma Mantravadi, an immigration lawyer by profession and co-chair of the event not only sang the Indian National Anthem but continued to help backstage. There were five different MC’s and that was a good because different voices provided impetus to
entertainment featured performances from
entertainment. Topped by fabulous emcees Naeem Vehvaria, Sunaina Panchal, Lakshmi Haridas, RJ Anish Lakhva and Uma Mantrawadi.
Talking about entertainmentstarting with the youngest child on piano, the entertainment grew in dances from 22 dance schools. Kathak, Bharat Natyam was performed with grace and elegance by children and teenagers.
Shivangani Academy for Kathak, Dholak and Tabla was an innovation to music through different instruments. The Dhadhak School for Performing Arts for Bharat Natyam brought traditional art of ancient dancing to the forefront.
Qala Dance Houston, the Omkara group, Kathak Beats consisted of teenagers with kinetic energy which was a delight to watch. The Sonam Group was semi classical and Desi Beats was a Bolly-
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wood Fusion. Storytellers School of Dance gave graceful Kathak moves, an innovation; as did the Chinese Indian Dance Fusion by the Anyone Can Dance School.
Apart from the entertainment of Dances there was poetry recital by Dr. Sarita Mehta, a well-known Indian author of over 400 poems. The best patriotic song “E Mere Vatan Ke Logo” was sung with the most melodious voice of Payel Mitra - a resident of Houston.
Another thing different was the interactive quiz led by Naeem and RJ Anish which activated the participation of the audience. The Seniors of the Matki Band, an Ismaili group all above 70’s in age, got a standing ovation and “Once More” from the audience. Our very own director Pavanna Gadde showcased the exquisite Indian Saree show by Saree Fans of USA for
the audience. Behind the scenes, Trustee Praful Gandhi and his wife manned the ICC booth and Trustee Santosh Verma managed the slide show with BOD Manoj Nair throughout the 6 hours event. Raghvendra Sengar managed the volunteers and Divyendu Singh helped with booths.
Thanks goes to all the Trustees especially Hasu Patel, Pramod Bengani, Hemant Patel, Praful Gandhi, Santosh Verma and VP K.D. Upadhaya, Malla Mekala, Phani Kondapi, Naeem Vehvaria, Uma Mantrawadi, Sangeeta Dargan who gave the vote of thanks, Seema Jain, Bharat Patel, Gaurav Jhaveri and Juli Matthew. ICC’s next event - India’s Independence Day will be celebrated on Sunday, August 17, at Stafford Centre.
ICC President Parul Fernandes (second from left) with India Consul Prashant Sona (far right) with other ICC volunteers.
The
more
22 dance shools, poetry reading by Dr. Sarita Mehta and patriotic songs from Payel Mitra.
The Aga Khan, Spiritual Leader of the Ismaili Muslims, Dies at 88
LiSbon: Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims, died on Tuesday in Lisbon, Portugal. He was 88. Khan, who was born Prince Shah Karim Al Husseini, assumed leadership at 20 while studying at Harvard and led the global Ismaili Muslim community for over six decades. He dedicated his fortune to philanthropy, supporting healthcare, education, and housing in developing nations. His successor will be announced soon, the Aga Khan Development Network said.
Aga Khan was the 49th hereditary Imam of the 15 million Ismaili Muslims, a branch of Shia Islam. He was considered a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad through his cousin and sonin-law, Ali, and his wife, Fatima. His title, Aga Khan, was given in the 1830s by the Persian emperor to his great-great-grandfather.
Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland, he spent his early years in Nairobi, Kenya. He later attended the prestigious Le Rosey School in Switzerland and studied Islamic history at Harvard University. He became the Imam in 1957 at the age of 20, taking over from his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, who chose him instead of his own son, Prince Aly Khan. Just weeks after becoming Imam, he was recognised as “His Highness” by the late Queen Elizabeth II in July 1957. In 1967, he founded the Aga Khan Development Network, which employs 80,000 people and works on building schools, and hospitals, and providing electric-
ity in underdeveloped regions of Africa and Asia. He also funded hospitals in areas like Bangladesh, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan which had limited healthcare access.
Under his leadership, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) funded several important restoration projects, including
Local Tributes to The Aga Khan
houSton: Representative Suleman Lalani, M.D. expresses his heartfelt condolences following the passing of His Highness Shah Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network.
“Our heartfelt condolences to all affected, especially our Ismaili brothers and sisters across the globe,” said Dr. Lalani. “As we honor and celebrate the life and legacy of His Highness the Aga Khan IV, let us renew our commitment to improving the society we live in and serving selflessly in uplifting our fellow beings.”
His Highness dedicated over six decades to the spiritual leadership of millions of Ismaili Muslims worldwide.
Dr. Lalani extends his deepest condolences to the family of His Highness and mourns alongside the global Ismaili community during this time. Beyond his religious leadership, he was a visionary humanitarian, founding and expanding the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which has transformed lives through investments in healthcare, education, economic development, and cultural preservation across more than 30 countries.
Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin also offered her condolences to the Ismaili community.
“My heart is with our Ismaili Muslim community both here at home in Houston and around the world. His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, The Aga Khan IV was a visionary who ushered in profound philanthropic partnerships, including in the heart of our district. had the privilege of joining the community in welcoming His Highness to Houston in recognition of the generous gift that is the Ismaili Center.”
the Qutb Shahi Tombs complex in Hyderabad and Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi. He owned a pharmaceutical company, a bank, and a fishnet factory in Uganda. He also founded a prestigious architectural prize and established programmes for Islamic Architecture at MIT and Harvard.
He built a huge fortune, estimated between $800 million and $13 billion, from family inheritance, horse breeding, tourism, and real estate. He owned a $200 million superyacht, a private island in the Bahamas, and private jets. He was a highly successful racehorse owner, winning major championships. His most famous horse, Shergar, was kidnapped in 1983, and its whereabouts still remain unknown.
Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston Offers Shraddhanjali for Mahatma Gandhi
houSton: The Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston (EGMH) hosted a powerful and reflective event, “Shraddhanjali– A Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi,” on the 77th anniversary of the Mahatma’s martyrdom for truth and nonviolence. Held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 3 pm, the gathering brought together a diverse community to honor and celebrate the enduring legacy of this global peace icon.
“Shraddhanjali”, meaning “offering of homage,” provided an opportunity for attendees to pay respect to Mahatma Gandhi and reflect on his principles of truth, nonviolence, and nonviolent conflict resolution. The event featured a serene assembly, soulful prayers, readings of Gandhi’s teachings, and thought-provoking reflections from community leaders, dignitaries, and local organizations.
“As the only museum in North America dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi’s life and ideals, we be-
lieve it is our duty to remember and uphold his timeless message of truth, nonviolence, and nonviolent conflict resolution,” said Manish Wani, Board Member of the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston. “This event served as a poignant reminder of Gandhi’s sacrifices and his enduring influence on humanity.”
The event showcased a variety of heartfelt presentations, expertly led by EGMH Board Member Tina Khatri, who served as the emcee for the afternoon. The program opened with a beautiful rendition of Vaishnav Jan to, one of Gandhi’s favorite bhajans, performed by Swar Sangam, led by Smriti Shrivastava.
Christopher Martinez, representing Congressman Al Green’s office, presented a certificate of appreciation for the event. Honorable Consul General D.C. Manjunath then delivered an inspiring speech reciting three of Gandhi’s most impactful quotes and their
practical relevance to modern-day society.
The Zikr Band, led by Kamal Haji, performed a stirring musical piece, “Wohi Khuda Hai,” that beautifully conveyed Gandhi’s principles of nonviolence through the power of song.
Stafford Mayor Ken Matthew spoke passionately on how nonviolence, demonstrated by Gandhi, is the mightiest weapon.
Swatantra Jain, founder of JVB Preksha Meditation Center, shared insights into how Jainism profoundly influenced Gandhi’s journey. This was followed by a delightful skit performed by the students from JVB, directed by Anushka and Priyanka Jain, who brought to life the core values of Jainism, including non-violence, compassion, equality and respect for all living beings.
In a groundbreaking announcement, Consul General D C Manjunath, with the assistance of EGMH Board Member G. V. Krishnan,
proudly unveiled EGMH’s presence on the Bloomberg Connects app. This new tool is designed to enhance visitor engagement and provide interactive digital experiences for museum visitors. A live demonstration of the app marks a new era of accessibility, ensuring that Gandhi’s message resonates with audiences of all ages and remains impactful for generations to come.
Thanks to Vasant Patel who led the effort this coveted achievement.
Thanks to volunteers Ami Norton, Neena Wani and Dr. Manish K Wani for providing their voices for the app.
The musical contributions of the talented T. Raja Banga and the Tagore Society of Houston further enriched the program with their renditions of Rabindranath Tagore’s poem “Where the Mind is Without Fear” and the iconic rendition of “Ekla Chalo Re.”
The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by EGMH Board Member and Program Chair, Sanjay
Jain, followed by the chanting of “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram,” by students of Arya Samaj and Swar Sangam led by Smriti Srivastava.
A short reception, including tea, snacks, and open tours of the museum’s galleries, provided a fitting close to a meaningful day of reflection and remembrance.
Many heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who made Shraddhanjali a flaw less event. For more information about upcoming events, please visit www.egmh.org
About Eternal Gandhi Museum
Houston
The Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston is dedicated to promoting Mahatma Gandhi’s message of nonviolence, peace, and service to humanity. Through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and community engagement, the museum inspires individuals to be agents of positive change.
“Life Continues to Thrive on Earth, and as Long as it Does, it Will be Heard”
Sugar Land: Anjana Parthasarathi enchants audiences with her soulful voice in the Texas Kannada Short Film “Kashi-Kailash” directed by Anu Kulkarni from Sugar Land.
Anjana, a talented RJ at Dakshin Radio, is a trained Carnatic singer from Bengaluru, India. Her commitment to authenticity and her ability to connect with listeners through her deeply resonant singing make her stand out. An All India Radio (AIR) Akashvani Artist, she has recorded numerous music programs and appeared on Doordarshan.
Her song “Stree” is a powerful expression of emotion, telling the story of a woman’s daily life, her strength, and resilience. Through this song, she beautifully highlights the immense respect for women, offering them a space to feel seen, valued, and understood.
“Stree,” a Bhavageete (Expressive Poetry), is penned by G.S. Shivarudrappa.
Consul General Shri D.C. Manjunath addressing the audience. Photos by Satyajit Verma.
Dr. Manish K Wani addressing the audience on the progress made by EGMH in 2024.
SWNB Student Scholarships
Sugar Land: Southwestern National Bank (Member FDIC) is proud to announce the Southwestern National Bank Scholarship Program to assist outstanding high school graduates in their pursuit of higher education. This program recognizes students who have demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to community involvement.
A total of $5,000 will be awarded to five selected scholars, with each receiving a $1,000 scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements:
U.S. High School Graduating Seniors
Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted)
Demonstrates financial need for college tuition, books, supplies, and expenses
Plans to enroll full-time in an accredited U.S. college for the 2025/2026 academic year
Required Documents (Submit all of the following):
Completed Scholarship Application Form
Official High School Transcript
Copies of documents demonstrating financial need (e.g., Family’s 1040 Federal Income Tax Return Form, qualification for School Free/Reduced Lunch Program, etc.)
Two Letters of Recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other advisors
Two-Page Typed Essay addressing:
Financial need for this scholarship
Personal and academic achievements
Academic plans and career goals
Past and future community involvement
Application Process:
Send your completed application package to: Southwestern National Bank, Attention: Scholarship Program - Ling Chuang 6901 Corporate Drive, Houston, Texas 77036
Deadline:
All applications and supporting documents must be received by May 15, 2025.
An interview may be required for semi-finalists.
Award Announcement: Scholarship recipients will be notified by mail in June 2024.
Contact Us:
For further information or to request an application, please contact: Ling Chuang Scholarship Coordinator
Email: ling.chuang@swnbk.com
Save Smart, Prosper Strong
Arya Samaj Celebrates R-Day, 25th Anniversary of DAV School
houSton: January 26: India Republic Day Celebrations was celebrated at Arya Samaj Greater Houston by DAV Sanskriti School students, parents, teachers and volunteers joined the Satsang for the flag hoisting ceremony which was held indoors due to the pouring rainfall on that day. The Sanskriti School Children led in the singing of the Indian National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana…” and the ode to Mother India “Vande Mataram…” under the guidance of Ms Smriti,
Music Teacher. Volunteers were also recognized for their longstanding contribution to the Samaj. Students, Parents, Teachers, ASGH members and well-wishers joined the first of the various programs marking the Silver Jubilee of DAVMES. Welcoming all, Ms Arti Khanna, Director DAVMES gave an overview of the 25 years of the existence of the school. She thanked all past and present students, their parents, teaching and non-teaching personnel as well as ASGH mem-
bers and well-wishers for their continued support. Shri Dev Mahajan Ji, one of the founders of the school elaborated on the various steps up to operational levels as well as how the school stands tall in Houston as a node for kids to connect to the living values Sanatan Dharma and Indian culture. All the kids had joined on stage for a vibrant singing of the DAV Anthem, and another handful of students were also on stage for a Kathak Dance performance.
ASGH volunteers were recognized during the Republic Day celebration.
DAVMES Kids singing the DAV anthem
Audience
SPIRITUAL
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Deva’ : Entertaining Albeit Slow Thriller
by dhavaL roy
Story: A rebellious and abrasive cop investigates a murder case but suffers memory loss after a major accident. As he retraces his past, relying only on his muscle memory, he discovers some unsettling truths about his department and himself.
Review: Director Rosshan Andrrews sets the stage for a gripping whodunnit right from the opening scene. Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor) calls his boss, DCP Farhan Khan (Pravessh Rana), to declare that he has solved a murder case and knows the identity of the killer. Just as you settle in for a murder mystery, the intrigue deepens—Dev loses his memory after a major accident. Over the course of 156 minutes, the screenplay team—Bobby–Sanjay, Abbas Dalal, Hussain Dalal, Arshad Syed, and Sumit Arora— takes you through the various layers and shades of Dev, and the unraveling of the mystery.
The film’s first half focuses on building the backdrop of the film and the characters world, keeping the pace slow yet engaging. The dynamics between Dev and his friend Roshan D’Silva (Pavail Gulati) slightly overstretches, but their collective pursuit of powerful mafia dons keeps the momentum alive. As the mystery thickens in the second half, the tonality shifts from action to dark and intense emotions and mood. Dev struggles to navigate his world while dealing with memory loss, turning the movie into a slow burn. However, the well-maintained suspense ensures you stay invested.
a raw and intense edge. However, some visual effects feel gimmicky.
Vishal Mishra, along with Bejoy, delivers the songs Bhasad Macha and Marji Cha Maalik, which enhance the film’s mood.
Amit Roy’s cinematography, combined with action and stunts by Anal Arasu, Supreme Sundar, Vikram Dahiya, Parvez Shaikh, and Abbas Ali Moghul, makes for an entertaining watch. Jakes Bejoy’s background score is a banger, particularly when paired with the action sequences, giving the film
Shahid Kapoor delivers a brilliant performance as Dev Ambre, balancing menace and vulnerability. There are moments where his actions are unpalatable, yet you find yourself rooting for him in some others. His portrayal of Dev before the memory loss (Dev A) and after (Dev B), showcases his range as an actor—his rugged persona intermittently resurfaces within the milder, confused version of himself. However, there are instances where his performance veers into over-the-top territory.
Pooja Hegde is effective as his girlfriend, journalist Diya, though her character remains largely unexplored despite being the first to hint at a possible mole in the po-
lice department. Kubbra Sait delivers a powerful performance in her brief role as a cop, Deepti, but is frustratingly underutilised, and appears out of the blue. Pavail Gulati and Pravessh Rana lend solid support.
That said, the film isn’t without flaws. The narrative has several loopholes and moments that feel unconvincing—a sniper shot, for instance, seems far-fetched. Some loose ends remain unexplained (avoiding spoilers here). Dev’s childhood hardships and his motivation to become a cop to arrest his abusive father are referenced multiple times but never fully explored. The overall pace remains slow, yet it manages to keep you engaged and entertained. The film has inconsistencies, however, its intensity, raw appeal, and slick execution make it worth a watch.
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