PM Narendra Modi writes about the resurgence after the Mahakumb Mela -- PAGE 3
Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Santner
India vs. NZ for the Champions Trophy: Champs or Chumps?
Dubai: The Indian team will lock horns with New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 9. The game will start at 2:30 PM IST in Dubai (3:00 am Houston CST).
These are two exceptional ODI outfits in potentially title-winning form, deep and balanced thanks to the allrounders they possess. They are well-suited to conditions at this Champions Trophy - particularly, perhaps, to those in Dubai where this contest will take place - thanks to their spin options and the variety of batting gears in their top orders.
India Squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar.
New Zealand Squad: Mitchell Santner (Captain), Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy, Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Nathan Smith.
As of now, the Indian team and New Zealand have a competitive history in ODI cricket as both teams have faced each other in a total of 119 matches. India has won 61 matches, while New Zealand has won 50 times. There have been 7 matches that ended without a result.
The Indian team on the other hand, have the likes of Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav taking care of the spin-bowling setup. Star pacer Mohammed Shami has bowled well so far after returning from injury.
Out of all the teams that are taking part in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand has one of the best spin bowling attacks, including Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra. As of now, they have shown variety and depth in their bowling for the Blackcaps.
While the BlackCaps were clinical across departments, they were dealt a huge body blow ahead of the final against India on Sunday, with seam spearhead Matt Henry suffering a shoulder injury during the match.
Henry suffered the injury during the 29th over of South Africa’s chase as he held onto a low catch of Heinrich Klaasen while running in from long on. Visibly in pain after jamming his right shoulder with the ground, Henry was forced off the field.
India Gautam Gambhir was asked if the Indian team’s play was flawless. “We know that we are a good one-day side and the most important thing is the way we’ve actually played throughout this competition. The hunger, the commitment, and the eagerness to try and do something special for the country is always there in the dressing room,” Gambhir said.
Ekta Ka Mahakumbh -- The Dawn of a New Era
by NareNDra MoDi
The Mahakumbh has successfully concluded in the holy city of Prayagraj. A grand Mahayajna of Unity has been completed. When the consciousness of a nation awakens, when it breaks free from the shackles of a centuriesold mindset of subjugation, it breathes freely in the fresh air of renewed energy. The result of this was witnessed at the Ekta Ka Mahakumbh (Mahakumbh of Unity) in Prayagraj since January 13.
On January 22, 2024, during the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, I spoke about Devbhakti and Deshbhakti - devotion to the divine and to the nation. During the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Gods and Goddesses, saints, women, children, youth, senior citizens and people from all walks of life came together. We witnessed the awakened consciousness of the nation. This was Ekta Ka Mahakumbh, where the sentiments of 140 crore Indians converged at the same place, at the same time, for this sacred occasion.
In this holy region of Prayagraj is Shringverpur, a sacred land of unity, harmony and love, where Prabhu Shri Ram and Nishadraj met. Their meeting symbolized the confluence of devotion and goodwill. Even today, Prayagraj inspires us with the same spirit.
For 45 days, I witnessed crores of people from every corner of the country making their way to the Sangam. The wave of emotions at the confluence kept rising. Every devotee came with one purpose –taking a dip in the Sangam. The holy confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati filled every pilgrim with enthusiasm, energy, and confidence.
This Mahakumbh in Prayagraj is a subject of study for modern management professionals, planning, and policy experts. Nowhere in the world is there any parallel or example of this scale.
The world watched in wonder how crores of people gathered at Prayagraj at the banks of the confluence of rivers. These people had no formal invitations, no prior communication on when to go. Yet crores of people left for the Mahakumbh of their own accord and felt the bliss of taking a dip in the sacred waters.
I cannot forget those faces radiating immense joy and satisfaction after the holy dip. Women, elders, our Divyang brothers and sisters –everyone found a way to reach the Sangam. It was particularly heartening for me to see the overwhelming participation of India’s youth. The presence of the younger generation at the Mahakumbh sends a profound message that the youth of India will be the torchbearers of our glorious culture and heritage. They understand their responsibility towards preserving it and are committed to carrying it forward.
The number of people who arrived in Prayagraj for this Mahakumbh has undoubtedly created new records. But beyond those physically present, crores of people who could not reach Prayagraj were also deeply connected emotionally to the occasion. The sacred water brought back by pilgrims became a source of spiritual bliss for millions. Many of those returning from the Mahakumbh were received with respect in their villages, honoured by society. What has happened in the last few weeks is unprecedented and has laid a foundation for centuries to come.
More devotees arrived in Prayagraj than anyone had imagined. The administration had estimated attendance based on past experiences of the Kumbh.
Nearly twice the population of the United States participated in this Ekta Ka Mahakumbh.
If scholars of spirituality analyse the enthusiastic participation of crores of Indians, they will find that India, proud of its heritage, is now surging ahead with a new-found energy. I believe this is the dawn of a new era, which will script the future of a new India.
For thousands of years, the Mahakumbh has strengthened India’s national consciousness. Every Purnakumbh used to witness a gathering of saints, scholars and thinkers deliberating upon the state of society in their times. Their reflections used to provide a new direction to the nation and society. Every six years, during the Ardhkumbh, these ideas were reviewed. After 12 Purnakumbh occurrences spanning 144 years, obsolete traditions were given up, newer ideas were embraced, and new traditions were created to move ahead with times.
After 144 years, in this Mahakumbh, our saints have once again given us a new message for India’s development journey. That message is Developed India – Viksit Bharat.
At this Ekta Ka Mahakumbh, every pilgrim, whether rich or poor, young or old, from villages
or cities, from India or abroad, from the East or the West, from the North or the South, irrespective of caste, creed and ideology, came together. This was an embodiment of the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat that filled confidence in crores of people. Now, we must come together in the same spirit for the mission of building a developed India.
The Mahakumbh has successfully concluded in the holy city of Prayagraj. A grand Mahayajna of Unity has been completed. When the consciousness of a nation awakens, when it breaks free from the shackles of a centuries-old mindset of subjugation, it breathes freely in the fresh air of renewed energy. The result of this was witnessed at the Ekta Ka Mahakumbh (Mahakumbh of Unity) in Prayagraj since January 13.
On January 22, 2024, during the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, I spoke about Devbhakti and Deshbhakti - devotion to the divine and to the nation. During the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Gods and Goddesses, saints, women, children, youth, senior citizens and people from all walks of life came together. We witnessed the awakened consciousness of the nation. This was Ekta Ka Mahakumbh, where the sentiments of 140 crore Indians converged at the same place, at the same time, for this sacred occasion.
In this holy region of Prayagraj is Shringverpur, a sacred land of unity, harmony and love, where Prabhu Shri Ram and Nishadraj met. Their meeting symbolized the confluence of devotion and goodwill. Even today, Prayagraj inspires us with the same spirit. For 45 days, I witnessed crores of people from every corner of the country making their way to the Sangam. The wave of emotions at the confluence kept rising. Every devotee came with one purpose –taking a dip in the Sangam. The holy confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati filled every pilgrim with enthusiasm, energy, and confidence.
|This Mahakumbh in Prayagraj is a subject of study for modern management professionals, planning, and policy experts. Nowhere in the world is there any parallel or example of this scale.
The world watched in wonder how crores of people gathered at Prayagraj at the banks of the confluence of rivers. These people had no formal invitations, no prior communication on when to go. Yet crores of people left for the Mahakumbh of their own accord and felt the bliss of taking a dip in the sacred waters.
I cannot forget those faces radiating immense joy and satisfaction after the holy dip. Women, elders, our Divyang brothers and sisters – everyone found a way to reach the Sangam.
At this Ekta Ka Mahakumbh, every pilgrim, whether rich or poor, young or old, from villages or cities, from India or abroad, from the East or the West, from the North or the South, irrespective of caste, creed and ideology, came together. This was an embodiment of the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat that filled confidence in crores of people. Now, we must come together in the same spirit for the mission of building a developed India.
I am reminded of the incident where, as a little boy, Shri Krishna revealed a snapshot of the whole universe within His mouth to His mother Yashoda. Similarly, in this Mahakumbh, the people of India and the world have witnessed the massive potential of India’s collective strength. We must now move forward with this self-confidence and dedicate ourselves towards building a developed India.
Earlier, the saints of the Bhakti movement had identified and encouraged the strength of our collective resolve across India. From Swami Vivekananda to Sri Aurobindo, every great thinker reminded us of the power of our collective resolve. Even Mahatma Gandhi experienced it during the freedom movement. Post-independence, if this collective strength had been correctly recognised and harnessed towards boosting the welfare of all, it would have become a great force for a newly independent nation. Unfortunately, it was not done earlier. But now, I am gladdened to witness the way in which this collective strength of the people is coming together for a developed India.
From the Vedas to Vivekananda, from the ancient scriptures to modern satellites, India’s great traditions have shaped this nation. As a citizen, I pray that we draw new inspiration from the memories of our ancestors and saints. May
this Ekta Ka Mahakumbh help us move ahead with new resolutions. Let us make unity our guiding principle. Let us work with the understanding that service to the nation is service to the divine.
During my election campaign in Kashi, I had said, “Maa Ganga has called me.” This was not just an emotion but also a call of responsibility, towards the cleanliness of our sacred rivers. Standing at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Prayagraj, my resolve became even stronger. The cleanliness of our rivers is deeply linked to our own lives. It is our responsibility to celebrate our rivers, big or small, as life-giving mothers. This Mahakumbh has inspired us to keep working towards the cleanliness of our rivers. I know that organizing such a massive event was no easy task. I pray to Maa Ganga, Maa Yamuna, and Maa Saraswati to forgive us in case there were any shortcomings in our devotion. I see Janata Janardan, the people, as an embodiment of divinity. In case there has been any shortcoming in our efforts to serve them, I also seek the forgiveness of the people.
Crores of people came to the Mahakumbh with a feeling of devotion. Serving them was also a responsibility that was carried out with the same feeling of devotion. As a Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh, I can proudly say that under the leadership of Yogi Ji, the administration and the people worked together to make this Ekta Ka Mahakumbh a success. Be it the state or Centre, there were no rulers or administrators and instead, everyone was a devoted sevak. Sanitation workers, police, boatmen, drivers, people serving food - everyone worked tirelessly. The way the people of Prayagraj welcomed the pilgrims with open hearts despite facing many inconveniences was particularly inspirational. I express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to them and the people of Uttar Pradesh.
I have always had unwavering confidence in the bright future of our nation. Witnessing this Mahakumbh has strengthened my conviction manifold.
The way 140 crore Indians turned the Ekta Ka Mahakumbh into a global occasion is truly wonderful. Moved by the dedication, devotion and efforts of our people, I will soon visit Shri Somnath, the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas, to offer the fruits of these collective national efforts to Him and to pray for every Indian.
The physical form of the Mahakumbh may have culminated successfully on Mahashivratri, but just like the eternal flow of the Ganga, the spiritual strength, national consciousness and unity that Mahakumbh has awakened will continue to inspire us for generations to come.
IMMIGRATION
Thousands in Fear of “Self-Deportation”
New yorK: Thousands of Indians in the United States, who migrated as minors under the H-4 visa, now face an uncertain future as they approach the age of 21. Under current immigration laws in the US, they will no longer qualify as dependents of their H1-B visaholder parents. Until now, they had two years to transition to another visa status after ‘ageing out,’ but recent shifts in immigration policy have thrown their future into doubt.
Many are now exploring other options, including immigrating to countries like Canada or the UK, which have more flexible policies. The massive backlog in the US employment-based green card system disproportionately affects Indian immigrants.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced the registration period for H-1B visas for fiscal year 2026. The process opens on March 7 and runs through March 24. The H-1B visa, a non-immigrant visa, allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialised occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.
The H-1B cap remains 65,000 visas per year, with an additional 20,000 for applicants with US
master’s degrees. The USCIS has introduced a beneficiary-centric selection process to reduce fraud and ensure fair selection. The new registration fee is $215.
According to a Times of India report, as of March 2023, nearly 1.34 lakh Indian children were expected to age out of dependent visa status before their families secured green cards. The backlog in the US immigration system means many will face long waits for permanent residency, with some applications projected to take anywhere between 12 to 100 years.
A recent ruling from a Texas court blocking work permits for new applicants under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has worsened the situation. DACA provides temporary, renewable two-year protection from deportation for undocumented youth, including those who lose dependent status after turning 21. Without this provision, many Indian youth now fear an uncertain future.
US Senator Bernie Sanders, a leading progressive, had criticised the H-1B program earlier this year, arguing that it primarily benefits corporations by bringing in lowerpaid foreign workers instead of hiring Americans.
“The main function of the H-1B program is not to hire ‘the best and the brightest’ but rather to replace good-paying American jobs with hundreds of thousands of lowerpaid guest workers from abroad who are often treated as indentured servants,” Mr Sanders said.
Mr Sanders has proposed an amendment to the Laken Riley Act, aiming to double H-1B visa fees to generate $370 million annually, funding nearly 20,000 scholarships for American students in STEM fields. He has also proposed to increase wages for H-1B workers to at least the median local wage, preventing companies from undercutting American salaries.
Mr Sanders also took aim at billionaires like Tesla owner Elon Musk and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy for their support of the H-1B program. “Elon Musk, the wealthiest man in the world, and other multi-billionaires claim the H-1B program is vital due to a shortage of highly skilled workers. In my view, they are dead wrong,” he said.
Citing Economic Policy Institute data, he said that between 2022 and 2023, the top 30 H-1B employers laid off 85,000 American workers while hiring over 34,000 guest workers. -- NDTV
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Pralhad Gad: 1940-2025
houStoN: Pralhad Gad, a devoted family man and cherished member of the Katy community, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on March 1, 2025. He was fondly known for his humor, warmth, selflessness, and love of Indian classical music.
Born in India on May 22, 1940 to Motiram and Subhadra Gad, he grew up in a large family with 4 brothers and 2 sisters. After receiving his architecture degree, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1968 and married Sangeeta two years later. Their marriage of enduring love, laughter, and deep respect would span over five decades.
A man of many passions, Pralhad was a lifelong sports enthusiast who played volleyball, tennis, and cricket. He also loved cheering on his Houston sports teams. He shone in the bright lights of the casino, where his luck at slot machines and card games became the stuff of family lore.
Pralhad’s greatest passion was his family, for whom he was a vocal champion, fierce protector, and the biggest generator of smiles and laughter.
Pralhad Gad is survived by his loving wife, Sangeeta; his sons and daughters-in -law: Yash (Smitha), Darshan (Amy), and Nandan (Christina); and eight adoring grandchildren who brought immeasurable light to his life. His legacy lives on in the laughter, traditions, and unconditional love he shared with those closest to him. “A life well-lived leaves a melody that lingers.” Pralhad’s melody will resonate forever in the hearts of those who knew him.
Celebrations by DAVSS, DAVMES Students
houStoN: DAVSS Students, teachers and volunteers as well as ASGH members and well-wishers assembled in the Satsang Hall to celebrate (1) Dayanand Dashamee, birthday anniversary, and (2) Rishi Bodh, the enlightenment of Maharshi Swami Dayanand Saraswati.
The mosaic program comprised of kids dressed as Swami Dayanand and other eminent personalities of the Arya Samaj, presentations by winners of the speech, poem and I-tribute contests, dance and bhajan curated by teachers under the guidance of Acharya Bramdeo. Longstanding member of ASGH, Smt Rita Gulati ji was colled to confer the prizes to the winners and participants.
The tributes to Maharshi Swami Dayanand were obvious: Thanks to Swa-
mi Dayanand, the founder of Arya Samaj who was the forerunner in advocating education for all, especially girls and broke the taboo on foreign travel that we have a thriving Indian diaspora across the world.
DAV Montessori & Elementary School
Saturday February 22, 2025: DAVMES students had an outstanding performance at the PSIA District Meet! The school proudly submitted 69 entries and achieved victory in an impressive 62 of those.
Even more exciting, we have 32 entries advancing to the PSIA State Meet! This is a remarkable achievement that reflects the hard work and dedication of our students and teachers. Congratulations to the students, parents and teachers. Best wishes to those participating in the PSIA State Meet.
DAV students with their certificates and ribbons.
Why are India, China and US Racing to Secure Supplies of Copper?
by aggaM waLia
New DeLhi: On February 27, the Indian government announced the securing of a 9,000-sq-km block to explore copper and cobalt in a region in Zambia known for high-grade deposits. With production in domestic mines faltering, the project is a crucial step for India to establish overseas mining operations.
On February 25, the White House warned in a fact sheet on “threat to national security from imports of copper” that the “overreliance on foreign copper” could “jeopardize U.S. defense capabilities, infrastructure development, and technological innovation”.
On February 17, Bloomberg reported that with supply of copper ore tightening, China is moving to rein in smelting overcapacity – companies looking to build new smelters must secure longterm contracts with copper mines, many of which are in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Chile, and Peru. China controls half of the world’s smelting and refining capacity.
Why copper mining matters
With the demand for copper, led by electric vehicle (EV) batteries and clean energy technologies, projected to outstrip supply from mines by 2035, countries such as India, China, and the United States are scrambling to secure supply chains and strengthen domestic capabilities. The race for
copper will only intensify over the next decade.
In the copper value chain, ore is processed into concentrate, smelted into anode, and refined into cathode – this is essential to produce rods, sheets, wires, and other industrial inputs.
While more recycling and alternative battery chemistries could ease pressure on primary supply, mining remains critical to meeting global demand.
India’s overseas focus Copper is listed as a critical mineral in India. Domestic ore production in 2023-24 was 3.78 million tonnes (mt), 8% lower than in 2018-19.
Between April and January in the current financial year, ore production by government-owned Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL), the sole domestic copper miner, was
6% lower year-on-year.
Due to stagnant domestic ore production, India’s copper concentrate imports have doubled in value terms to Rs 26,000 crore in 2023-24 from 2018-19.
While India has large copper deposits, they require extensive exploration before mining can commence. Globally it takes up to 17 years on average to operationalise a copper mine.
To meet demand in the short term, India has been looking to secure both greenfield and brownfield mineral assets in copper-rich countries such as Zambia, Chile, and the DRC.
Deposits in these countries are typically of higher grade than in India – and because of their extensive focus on mining, projects could develop faster. However, investments in overseas mineral
assets carry significant geopolitical risks.
Spotlight on Africa
The share of Africa in the production of critical minerals such as copper, lithium, and natural graphite is rising.
“The continent already accounts for 70% of global cobalt production and 16% of global copper production… The DRC is on course to become the world’s second-largest copper supplier by 2030,” the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a report last year.
India has got the 9,000-sq-km block in Zambia’s Northwestern province on a government-to-government basis. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) will explore the land, which is roughly six times the size of Delhi. In the neighbouring Copperbelt province, the Vedanta Group owns a large copper mine.
Zambia is the seventh largest producer of copper in the world. (Chile, Peru and DRC are numbers 1, 2, and 3 respectively.) Canada-based First Quantum Minerals and China’s state-owned Nonferrous Metal Mining are among the largest producers of copper in the country.
India’s Ministry of Mines is working through nodal officers in the DRC, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Rwanda to acquire more critical mineral assets for exploration, but competition from other countries will remain fierce.
China and Trump
On February 25, President Donald Trump signed an executive order
to launch an investigation into “how copper imports threaten America’s national security and economic stability”.
Despite ample copper reserves, however, “America’s smelting and refining capacity lags behind global competitors like China, which controls over 50% of global smelting”, and the US does not figure in the top five countries in copper smelting capacity, the fact sheet said.
China’s steps to control overcapacity, on the other hand, reflect the twin trends of falling treatment and refining charges (TCRCs), and the widening gap between demand and primary supply.
TCRCs have declined in part due to excess capacity, which has squeezed smelter margins and hit the viability of operations in several places, including China. At the same time, the outlook for copper concentrate availability remains weak.
“With significant overcapacity, utilisation rates will inevitably fall as custom smelters struggle to secure concentrate supplies. …Overcapacity has to be reduced in order to bring the custom concentrate market back into balance. This year is…likely to see some smelters suspended or closed as well as delays to the start-up of new projects,” energy data analytics provider Wood Mackenzie noted in its outlook for copper in 2025.
To meet its copper demand in the short term, India has been looking to secure both greenfield and brownfield mineral assets in copper-rich countries such as Zambia, Chile, and the DRC. (Via Pixabay).
Padma Award for Stephen Knapp
New DeLhi: On January 25th, the Indian Government’s Ministry of Home Affairs announced the 2025 recipients of the annual Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian honors bestowed by India’s President. American Hindu leader Sri Nandanandana Das (Stephen Knapp) was one of the notable recipients in the Padma Shri category for his outstanding and distinguished service in the field of Literature and Education.
Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards are announced on the eve of Republic Day. The President of India will confer the honors at a series of ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhawan around March/April of this year.
Speaking of the awards, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an X post, “Congratulations to all the Padma awardees! India is proud to honour and celebrate their extraordinary achievements. Their dedication and perseverance are truly motivating. Each awardee is synonymous with hard work, passion, and innovation, which has positively impacted countless lives. They teach us the value of striving for excellence and serving society selflessly.”
Stephen Knapp, also known by his spiritual name, Sri Nandanandana Das, is an American author, researcher, speaker, and Founder of the Vedic Friends Association (VFA). He has been honored with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award granted by the Government of India.
This prestigious recognition highlights his decades-long dedication to promoting Indian culture, Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism), and the profound spiritual heritage of Vedic wisdom around the world.
A disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Stephen Knapp has spent over four decades as a bridge between the East and the West, sharing the teachings of Krishna consciousness and Vedic culture through his extensive writings, lectures, and service to humanity. His work has touched millions, making him a significant global ambassador for Indian traditions.
Sri Nandanandana learned of the award just a day before its official announcement during a late-night call from the Indian Embassy in
Washington, D.C. Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, he remarked:
“I am very grateful for this level of recognition from the Indian government. For over four decades, I have been striving to please Srila Prabhupada by spreading Krishna consciousness and the glory of Indian and Vedic culture. I see this honor as a reflection of Srila Prabhupada’s influence because, without him, I would not be where I am today. His impact on India continues to grow tremendously. I’m deeply grateful to him and to everyone who has supported me along the way. It is all Krishna’s mercy— you simply have to show sincerity and seriousness, and He will reciprocate.”
Stephen Knapp’s contributions include numerous books, articles, and public talks focused on the spiritual and cultural richness of India. His work has played a vital role in fostering global appreciation for the timeless wisdom of Sanatana Dharma. (More details below)
Stephen Knapp is an American author, researcher, speaker, and Founder of the Vedic Friends Association (VFA), dedicated to the understanding and promotion of Indian traditions, particularly Sanatana Dharma.
Save Smart, Prosper Strong Year of the Snake Special CD rates!
New DeLhi: The weakening rupee has started impacting Indian corporates that have gone for foreign currency borrowings, compounding concerns at a time when trade wars and economic slowdown are casting a shadow over global growth prospects. The five per cent depreciation in the rupee since April 2024 has directly increased the rupee equivalent of debt repayment for companies relying on external commercial borrowings (ECBs) by the same percentage, pinching the corporate sector.
Stephen Knapp (Sri Nandananda Das)
SPIRITUAL
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Superboys Of Malegaon’ : Heartwarming Tale
by reNuKa VyaVahare
Story: Based on a true story that also inspired Faiza Ahmad Khan’s heartwarming documentary ‘Supermen of Malegaon (2008)’, Reema Kagti’s delightful film celebrates the passion of Nasir Shaikh, a self-taught filmmaker from Malegaon and his ragtag group of friends who dare to make a film in their town against all odds.
Review: Not all heroes wear branded capes and spandex. Some get their superman costume stitched from a local tailor with boxers replacing the briefs. Superboys of Malegaon pays a resounding tribute to the oddballs who dream. You may call these people delusional, ambitious or foolhardy. They are all Avengers in their own way, wielding the superpower of resilience, and ability to smile through their pain.
Over a period of 13 years starting with the late 90’s, the dramedy follows the lives of the passionate yet practical Nasir Shaikh (Adarsh Gourav) and his friends -- loyalist Shafique (Shashank Arora), writer-purist Farogh (Vineet Kumar Singh), videographer Akram (Anuj Singh Duhan) and Shakeel (Saqib Ayub) as they navigate life. Nasir’s small video parlour needs to sell tickets and what better than giving the audience a parody that localises Bollywood and Holly-
wood’s biggest hit movies? Malegaon ke Sholay, Shaan and Superman follow.
Each fighting to make ends meet, Malegaon’s motley bunch refuses to be defined by their grim reality, which is far from the world of magic and movies. No one wallows in self-pity, nor do the makers milk misery. Writer Varun Grover and director Reema Kagti build a compelling narrative, through this riveting tale of friendship, faith, failure and love of cinema in the absence of privilege. Be it class commentary, presenting feisty female characters or exploring the tenderness beneath the external conflict in male friendship, the writing and character arc are sharp, thoughtful and empathetic. Also, the film highlights the fact that filmmaking requires teamwork. It takes a village to make a film and writer baap hota hai.
Fast-paced and delightful, not a single moment feels dull or stretched. Every character has substance, and each performance adds further value to it. Adarsh Gourav, Shashank Arora and Vineet Kumar Singh deliver a masterclass in acting. The latter stands out the most and is styled like Farhan Akhtar. Manjiri Pupala is perfect as Trupti.
Producers Zoya Akhtar-Farhan Akhtar are often accused of telling elitist-urban stories. With
Boy and Malegaon, the desire to shrug off that label is evident. What qualifies as art? Who gets to decide what’s original? Even cringe can be creative, it’s all about the perception. Superboys of Malegaon doesn’t judge or mock the people who try. Set in Khandesh (Maharashtra), this one’s a delightful underdog story that makes you smile and weep. You are reminded that nobodies can be somebodies once they let their dreams take flight. “Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” -- ToI
‘Picture This’ on Prime
Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.
Send us the correct answer before March 11, 2025. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
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Bridgerton’s Simone Ashley headlines Picture This, a new romantic comedy on Prime Video.
