21st Annual India House Gala: Extravagant, Engaging, Entertaining
By Pramod KulKarni
Houston: ‘Tis the season of galas. Every year, this is the time that community organizations in Houston host their annual galas. The idea is to host a glitteratiattracting event that coaxes its donor community to don their glad rags and make donations more impressive than in previous years. A gala needs to be fashionable, entertaining, and a feast for all senses. Held at the Omni Hotel on Woodway, the 21st India House gala on October 13 was a rare event that was successful on all of these desirable qualities.
The gathering of more than 300 India House supporters and guests feasted on snacks and dinner catered by India House, enjoyed dances on stage by Infused Performing Arts, appreciated the passionate call for donations from keynote speaker UH Chancellor Renu Khator, and were thrilled by the stories and singing of veteran comedian Boman Irani.
After a social hour, the audience made its way to the banquet hall to hear newly elected India House President Pankaj Malani welcome donors, dignitaries, and special guests. Then Executive Director Col. Vipin Kumar presented a review of all the activities undertaken by India House, including the Virendra Mathur Medical Clinic, food distribution, yoga and fitness classes, taped ball cricket, and annual celebrations of India’s Independence and Republic Days.
India’s Consul General DC Manjunath spoke in appreciation of the special relationship the Consulate had with India House in promoting relations between India and the United States, including patriotic celebrations and hosting of events promoting greater cultural and commercial relations between the two countries.
Renu Khator, who is beginning her 16th year as Chancellor of the University of Houston, presented a keynote speech that highlighted India House charitable activities and urged the audience to give back through both monetary and voluntary donations.
India House presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to Hari and Anjali Agrawal, who are current trustees of India House. They have been associated with India House for a long time and have contributCont’d on page 5
Guyanese President Mohammed Ali Transits in Houston
Houston: Guyanese President Mohammed Irfaan Ali was welcomed by Congressman Al Green, former Houston Mayor (and Democratic nominee for late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s seat) Sylvester Turner and Consul General of Guyana to the United States Lutfi S. Hassan during a short three-hour transit stop at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
President Ali thanked them for taking time out of their busy schedule to visit with him. He updated them on the enormous growth taking place in Guyana in various sectors. A number of other topics on global affairs were discussed. President Ali also extended invitations to both the officials to visit Guyana in the near future.
Congressman Green & Mayor Turner were both very impressed with his knowledge and views on the global issues. They have indicated keen interest in visiting Guyana early next year.
Clockwise from top left: India House President Pankaj Malani; Chief Guest Boman Irani; Irani with Rajinder Singh; India House Exec. Dir. Col. Vipin Kumar.
21st Annual India House Gala
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ed immensely to where it stands today. Hari is a self-made entrepreneur from rural India, the CEO of CNA Metals Ltd., a global metal recycling company.
The Community Service Award winner was Reenu M. Varghese, a nurse practitioner and elected president of the Indian Nurses Association of Greater Houston. She has been a dedicated volunteer at the Virendra Mathur Charity Clinic.
The Young Volunteer Award recipient was Shaan Bhagia, a junior at St. John’s School, and founder of Solve Together, an organization dedicated to teaching underprivileged children how to solve the Rubik’s Cube. Since 2020, Shann has taught the art of cubing to raise over $2,500 for non-profits such as India House by hosting cubing summer camps.
Guest of Honor was veteran Indian come-
dian Boman Irani, who told the audience several stories of his rise to stardom after working as a professional photographer and managing his family’s bakery. Irani described how he was a shy child, who rarely spoke because of a lisp. However, when his mother placed him on stage in a children’s performance, he was all smiles and realized that being on stage would be his calling.
Irani’s breakthrough was in 2003 in Munnabhai MBBS, when the producer did not have money to shoot the last scene which was to be at a wedding. The film crew gate crashed an actual wedding and shot the film’s climax. Irani was perplexed by the lack of initial response from movie audiences but was assured of box office success for the film by a lady who sold tickets in black.
Irani led the audience into a popular rendition of “Give me sunshine, give me some rain, give me another chance, I wanna grow up once again.” He also crooned Frank Sinatra’s “I did it my way”, in honor of the late Ratan Tata.
So, India House hosted a successful annual gala by doing it “their way”!
Muhammad Saeed Sheikh Receives Prestigious “One World Award 2024” from Sister Cities of Houston
Houston: Prominent Community organizer and recognized business leader, Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, received the “One World Award 2024” from Sister Cities of Houston on Thursday, October 10. He becomes the first South Asian Pakistani American nominated for this prestigious recognition of his international impact, exceptional leadership, and outstanding contributions to Houston’s international spirit.
Muhammad Saeed Sheikh is a distinguished community leader, humanitarian, and business advocate with over 44 years of dedicated service.
As President of the Houston Karachi Sister City Association, he
has pioneered initiatives in trade, healthcare, and cultural exchange between the U.S. and Pakistan. His leadership in disaster relief and interfaith collaboration has garnered numerous awards, including the U.S. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. His unwavering commitment continues to inspire and strengthen global communities.
The largest event in this year’s Sister Cities of Houston Annual Fall One World Concert was held at Jones Hall at the University of St. Thomas and featured colorful performances from across the globe. It was attended by Congressman Al Green, several Consul Generals and prominent businessman and Chief Patron of the Houston Ka-
rachi Sister City Association, Syed Javaid Anwar and many community leaders, and media.
The award was presented by Sister Cities of Houston President Susan Young along with Congressman Green and Syed Javaid Anwar. Young and Green paid very high tribute to Sheikh for his decades of community service. A special and very impressive documentary on the 44 years of Journey of Muhammad Saeed Sheikh was also shown.
Many elected officials and Community leaders were among those who also congratulated Sheikh on this distinct Achievement and called him an influencer and recognized trailblazer in Houston.
Sheikh, who strongly believes that the success of every initiative depends on collaborative efforts, which brings “Blessings in Unity”, thanked SCH for the Award. Sheikh is leading several initiatives including Alliance for Disaster Relief, Houston Iftar, Houston AAPI Board Convention Committee.
About SCH & Its Mission: Reflecting the vision of Sister Cities International, Sister Cities of Houston was established to promote the values of sister city relationships which include citizen-based international understanding, cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.
Sister Cities of Houston’s goals are to raise awareness in the community about Houston’s 18 relationships snd support the activities of the individual sister city associations through developing intercultural appreciation, promoting international trade and commerce, and increasing tourism.
SCH is a non-profit citizen diplomacy network that creates and strengthens partnerships between communities in the United States and those in other countries. Houston’s 18 sister cities are Abu Dhabi, Baku, Basrah, Chiba, Grampion Region, Guayaquil, Huelva, Istanbul, Karachi, Leipzig, Luanda, Nice, Perth, Shenzhen, Stavanger, Taipei, Tampico, and Tyumen.
Muhammad Saeed Sheikh receiving the award from Congressman Al Green, prominent businessman Syed Javaid Anwar and Sister Cities of Houston President Susan Young
Muhammad Saeed Sheikh with Sister Cities of Houston President Susan Young and other attendees of the event held at University of St. Thomas on October 10.
Pavan Abraham Passes Away Suddenly
Katy, TX: Pavan Abraham, who was born on March 8, 1970, in Nasirabad, Rajasthan, India, to James V. Abraham and the late Dr. Usha Singh, passed away on suddenly in his home on October 8. He was 54 years-old
Pavan was raised in India, where he came from a proud military family. His father was a decorated member of India’s Army, and his mother was an Army doctor. Pavan attended The Army Public School, graduating in 1988, before continuing his education at Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi. He later moved to the United States, where he earned a Masters in Computer Science from the University of Illinois
In 2020, Pavan married the love of his life, Nigora Khamidova, in Uzbekistan. Together, they built a loving home and welcomed their son, James Karimboy Abraham, whom Pavan adored.
Pavan had many passions. He enjoyed playing tennis, squash, and basketball, and he was an avid music lover, especially fond of the 1970’s American rock band, The Eagles. His favorite foods were BBQ chicken and mangoes, and he had a particular fondness for the color orange.
Pavan is survived by his beloved wife and their cherished son. He is preceded in death by his mother, Dr. Usha Singh.
Pavan was known for his trustworthiness, loyalty, and reliability, qualities that made him an exceptional friend and colleague. His extraordinary communication skills and his unique ability to connect with people made him successful both personally and professionally. Pavan’s warmth and friendliness left lasting impressions, and his friendships endured for many years. Pavan’s warmth, loyalty, and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Visitation was held on Thursday, October 17, from 5 to 7 pm in the Heritage Room at Schmidt Funeral Home on the Grand Parkway. The funeral was held on Friday, October 18, at 10:30 am in the Chapel of the Schmidt Funeral Home with a reception that followed.
PAID FOR BY ELIZABETH PANNILL FLETCHER FOR CONGRESS
Electoral College System, its History and Implications
By dr. BarKat CHarania
Houston: United States citizens elect all their representatives DIRECTLY, except the President of the US, who is elected INDIRECTLY through the Electoral College system. The guiding principle of democracy is one person one vote and the majority wins. But surprisingly, this principle was set aside causing anomalies.
On July 4, 1776, the 13 colonies decided to declare independence from Britain, The U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1788. It is sometimes called a “Bundle of Compromises” because the delegates had to compromise on many issues for the Constitution to be acceptable to all states. The system of the Electoral College is one of the compromises included in the US Constitution to keep unity between colonies.
Number of Electoral Votes with each state:
Electoral Votes assigned to each state are equal to the number of representatives in the Congress (both House and Senate).
There are a total of 538 electoral votes; 100 Senators, 435 Representatives, and an additional three electors are allowed to Washington DC, totaling 538. To win the presidential election, a candidate must secure at least 270 electoral votes.
Every state awards its assigned electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the popular votes in that state. All states except Maine and Nebraska award
all their electoral votes (winner takes all) to the candidate receiving the majority of the popular vote in that state. How to reach the magic number of 270 to win?
Some states predictably vote for Republican or Democrat. Hence political pundits predict the possible number of predictable electoral votes that each candidate may get. Their tally shows that both parties will get more than 200 votes. It is the remaining votes to reach the magic number of 270 that is important. And these votes are in Swing states.
The Swing, Toss-up, or Battleground states:
These are important states that decide the outcome of the presidential elections because historically they vote for one or the other party. They may vote either red or blue and hence award their state’s Electoral Votes to one or the other candidate.
Both parties make large efforts to win these states. These states are Arizona (11), Georgia (16), Michigan(15), Nevada (6), North Carolina (16), Pennsylvania (19), and Wisconsin (10), will decide who wins. These seven Battleground or Swing states hold a combined total of 93 electoral votes and help reach the required total of 270 Electoral Votes.
Cont’d on page 13
Winter
May the light of Diwali
your life with light, love, and laughter.
POL. ADV. ADRIAN GARCIA CAMPAIGN
Help shape the future of our jobs, schools, healthcare, and neighborhoods. Every vote counts, including yours!
Early Voting: Monday, October 21st – Friday, November 1st
Election Day: Tuesday, November 5th
Photo IDs Accepted: Driver’s License, Handgun License, Military ID, U.S. Passport, U.S. Citizenship Certificate, and more
Need language assistance? You can request an interpreter or bring someone with you to the polls.
Make your voting plan:
• Where will I vote? • When will I vote?
• What time will I go? • How will I get there?
• What do I need to bring? • Have I reviewed the ballot?
Find Your Polling Place: riseaapi.org/votinginfo
VOTE
Senjuti Das, Trijoy Concert Friday, Nov. 1 COMMUNITY
Houston: After the Grand success of BISMIL KI MEHFIL
LIVE IN CONCERT on FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023, JAVED ALI
LIVE In Concert, Richa Sharma Live in Concert, the Samir Dipalee Live in Concert, and the DIWALI NITE 2018 with Soumen and Chandrika, Mousumi Banerjee has launched MB Foundation in August 2019 a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
MB Foundation is a Texas-based organization promoting IndoAmerican cultural arts in the US through programs that include Talent Promotion, Community Concerts, Workforce Development, Women Empowerment, and Activities for the Elderly.
During COVID-19, the MB Foundation hosted several online concerts to help the artists deprived of work and to support the mental health of the community in distress due to the pandemic.
MB Foundation, in association with Strategic Financial Group and Powered by PARVEZ JASANI, CEO at CELLPAY (Fintech) and Tara Capital – Real Estate Investment Firm, proudly announces the sensational Indian Idol Finalist -Season 13 SENJUTI DAS and Versatile TRIJOY LIVE IN CONCERT on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, at 8:30 pm on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.
Senjuti Das, an Indian Idol season 13 finalist, is a Professional Playback Singer. She is wellknown for her Bollywood cover songs. She was nominated for best female playback singer at Ambernath Marathi Film Festival (AMFF) for her song Tula Kay Sangu. She performed the most well-known song from Radha
Electoral College
Cont’d from page 9
Anomalies due to the Electoral College System:
In the past, there have been five anomalies, thrice in the 1800s and twice in recent times, when a candidate who had won a majority of the popular vote but lost the election because of not securing a majority of Electoral votes.
In the 2000 election, George Bush (Republican) lost the popular vote to Al Gore (Democrat) by just over half a million votes but won the presidency with 271 electoral votes to Gore’s 266.
In 2016, Donald Trump (Republican) also lost the popular vote by a significant margin of 3.1 million votes to Hillary Clinton (Democrat) but won the presidency with 304 electoral votes to Clinton’s 227.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
least 38 individual states.
2. Everyone must vote if they are eligible. It is our civic duty and an opportunity to be heard about what we think of a party and a leader.
3. Besides the presidential election, the down-ballot elections are also very important. Most experienced people say that all politics is local. Everyone must try and get familiar with the candidates and their programs and choose a candidate to vote for.
The writer, Dr. Barkat Charania is a polymath; a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, a Lawyer, an Author, an Entrepreneur, a Certified mediator, a Teacher, a Volunteer, a Master Gardener, and a keen student of history and comparative religion.
Krishna by star Bharat Milke Tumhe Aisha Laga. She has also performed in several well-known serials, including Tera Kya Hoga Alia Saath Nibhana Saathiya 2 Sa sural Simar Ka 2 Choti Sarrdaarni Imlie and Udaariyaan. Through determination and perseverance she has achieved this pinnacle of success.
Mousumi Banerjee, the MB Foundation President, says, “I am very enthusiastic about hosting this Concert for our senior citizens, and I am sure it will be a grand success. The community should attend this Concert with Bollywood Music to
give the audience, especially our senior citizens, an enjoyable experience that fulfills the soul.”
About MB Foundation
MB Foundation is working towards the overall betterment of the Indo-American community by hosting concerts for our senior citizens to improve their mental health. MBF hopes to win the community’s hearts and get their support and of sponsors to fulfill our objective.
For more information about MB Foundation, visit: https://mbfoundation.net , email: info@mbfoundation.net or call 832-841-5727.
1. The anomalies mentioned above have caused a lot of discussion about the need to reform the Electoral College System. However, any reform will need to be an amendment to the constitution and will have to be ratified by at
He is also a trustee of the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston, Founding director of SIUT North America, a Member of the Advisory Board of North American University, and a past consultant to UNICEF, WHO, and the International Council for Iodine Deficiency Disorders.
Indo American News
Founder: dr. K.l. sindwani
PuBlisHer: JawaHar malHotra editor: Pramod KulKarni
CorresPondent: sanCHali Basu
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Rutvi Chauhan’s
Remarkable Journey to Mrs. Universe ENTERTAINMENT
Katy, TX: Rutvi Chauhan, a physical therapist by profession and an inspiring advocate for women, has captured international attention after her stunning victory as Mrs. Universe USA 2024. Born and raised in a small town in Gujarat, India, Rutvi moved to the United States in 2010, where she built a successful career while fulfilling a childhood passion for pageantry. Rutvi’s journey to the crown wasn’t easy.
After meeting her husband in Texas, she embraced his encouragement to participate in her first pageant, where she earned the title of first runner-up. That initial success opened new doors, including a flourishing career in modeling, where she worked with international fashion designers and made her mark in Houston’s fashion industry.
In 2023, following the birth of their second child, Rutvi’s pageant dream reignited with the opportunity to compete in the prestigious Mrs. Universe USA pageant. Despite the demands of a full-time job, raising two children, and managing the household while her husband pursued his MBA, Rutvi trained tirelessly, balancing her many roles with dedication and determination.
With the support of her family, she triumphed and won the title of Mrs. Universe USA 2024, a feat that earned her the honor of representing the United States on the world stage at the Mrs. Universe competition in South Korea.
Competing against nearly 100 women from around the globe, Rutvi achieved a 6th-place finish and was bestowed with the coveted Mrs. Magnificent title.
Her accomplishments were further amplified when she received the Lifetime Presidential Achievement Award, personally honored by President Joe Biden, and was selected to walk in Paris Fashion Week, solidifying her impact in the fashion and pageantry worlds.
Reflecting on her success, Rutvi said, “This journey has been one of hard work, a little luck, and the unwavering support of my family, sponsors, and community. I carry with me the memory of my late grandmother, who inspired me to pursue this dream.” Beyond the glitz and glamour, Rutvi’s mission has been one of giving back.
Over the past 10 months, she has made over 100 public appearances, advocating for causes close to her heart, including domestic violence awareness and cancer support.
She hopes to continue representing every girl from India who dreams big and every individual determined to reach their full potential. Rutvi Chauhan’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, proving that no matter where you begin, with dedication and support, anything is possible.
Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.
Send us the correct answer before October 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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