Indo-American News: March 22, 2024

‘Murder Mubarak’: Will Keep You Guessing

By ronAK KotechA

Story: A murder at a posh club in Delhi pins the needle of suspicion on its affluent guests. As the police start probing deeper, they realise it’s a maze full of greed, vanity and complex human relationships.

Review: Welcome to The Royal Delhi Club known for its high profile guests, lavish parties and unmatched hospitality. It’s a club founded by the Angrez but now frequented by those who continue to perpetuate the classist, discriminatory, and raciallycharged behaviors reminiscent of pre-independence society. A cold-blooded murder takes place within the club and all hell breaks loose when ACP Bhavani Singh (Pankaj Tripathi) takes charge with his casual approach to unravel each and every facet of this murder most foul. He goes about grilling each and every guest for whom the club is a lavish escapade from their mundane life outside.

What really works in favour of ‘Murder Mubarak’ is its unpredictability. Director Homi Adajania and his team of writers (Anuja Chauhan, Gazal Dhaliwal, Suprotim Sengupta) throw every

possible twist to confuse the audience and they succeed for most part. From the motives of these flawed individuals to dropping subtle hints, Adajania ensures the suspense remains tightly guarded for long. While it also reeks of desperation with just so many characters, Adajania and his writers somehow manage to do justice to each one, by giving them enough screen time and quirks. The character introduction at the start and the way the screenplay moves forward is entertaining. It keeps you invested.

Modeled after Agatha Christie’s Hercules Poirot, Pankaj Tripathi’s character leads this slightly uneven whodunnit in his trademark style. The actor tries hard to differentiate his character from what he has done before but it is still slightly repetitive. At times, it’s frustrating to see him be so calm and casual with a bunch of obnoxious and snooty uptowners with too much love for a club. Sara Ali Khan looks gorgeous and fits well into her character of a goofy yet beautiful young woman Bambi Todi. Her chemistry with Vijay Varma seems somewhat forced. Varma himself doesn’t have much to work with for his own character

Aakash Dogra, who can’t be figured out. Karisma Kapoor makes a decent comeback as a has-been B-grade actress Shehnaz Noorani and stands out amongst a cacophony of loud and goofy characters. Tisca Chopra overdoes it as the offensive upper class Delhite Roshni Batra. Dimple Kapadia as a colourful rich woman Cookie Katoch is good but Sanjay Kapoor as the cheapskate royal Hukum Rannvijay Singh is a hoot. He is hands down the most entertaining amongst all. While the abundance of characters threatens to overwhelm the main plotline, Adajania adeptly balances each one, ensuring they receive adequate screentime and development. Despite just a handful of songs, the film is longer than desired.

Overall, ‘Murder Mubarak’ is an engaging whodunit with broad appeal. The film effectively sustains its suspenseful atmosphere, keeping us hooked as they unravel the mystery behind a coldblooded murder. While the investigation may not be flawlessly executed, the film delivers on its promise to keep audiences guessing until the very end.

-- Times of India

Over 2,000 Pack Mayor’s 25th Annual Ramadan Iftar

By A SpeciAl correSpondent

HOUSTON: A mammoth gathering of over 2,000 persons on Sunday, March 17, at the Bayou City Center made it again the largest Iftar Dinner event in the US.

The Silver Jubilee of America’s largest Annual Houston Iftar Dinner has been organized for the past many years by the Muslim Sister Cities of Houston, namely Abu Dhabi, Baku, Basrah, Istanbul, and Karachi; along with 40 collaborating community organizations including the Ismaili Council for the Southwest US.

Event emcee attorney Lema Mousilli welcomed the guests and opened the occasion which began with the National Anthem sung by Shama Tajani. Iftar dinner chief coordinator for the past fourteen years, Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, warmly recognized many distinguished guests and expressed his gratitude to Chief Patron Syed Javaid Anwar and Tanweer Ahmed for being the major sponsors of the event. He paid tribute to the organizing committee, collaborating organizations and media. Faisal Momin, President of Ismaili Council then introduced newly elected Mayor John Whitmire.

Mayor Whitmire received a warm welcome from the

community, but soon after he strode to the podium, protestors from both sides of the hall rushed forward, shouting “you have blood on your hands” and brandishing their palms which were dabbed in red coloring. Organizers had been concerned that this might happen so extra Houston police detail security had been positioned. HPD Chief Troy Finner jumped up and motioned them to clear the protestors out.

Keeping his composure, Whitmire said he felt the pain of the people of Gaza, but that his priority was the affairs of Houston, and he did not involve himself in international affairs. He recalled how he first met Muslims when he was a student in college and his commitment to keep the Muslim community feel safe.

He was followed by prominent Arab American Community leader Ahmed Alyasin who spoke of the suffering of humanity around the world, especially in Gaza. Congressman Al Green called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for the recognition of Palestine as an independent state. (Later in the week, Green placed a full page ad in the Houston Chronicle asking President Biden for billions in humanitarian aid for Palestine). Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was unable to attend as she had to unexpectedly go to Washington, DC. Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent a video message of Ramadan greetings.

In conclusion, a powerful message was delivered by Islamic scholar Kemal Civelek of the Islamic Institute highlighting the “Significance of Ramadan” as a month about inculcating self-control to achieve God consciousness. He spoke about societies losing their moral campus and supplicated for the whole world as it is suffering difficulties on Muslims, especially in Gaza. Fatih Bayar closed the presentations with the aadhan or call to prayer with which people broke their fast and many rushed over to the dinner buffet tables on both sides of the hall.

Also in attendance were several City Council members including Edward Pollard; diplomats of several countries including Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim of Azerbaijan; and representatives of the Sister Cities of Houston including Houston President Susan Young; President of Abu Dhabi Sister City Jamal Bafagih, Orhan Osman of Houston Istanbul Sister City Association. Community leaders from several nationalities from around the world attended the Iftar dinner.

Stage management was coordinated by Shah Haleem, Siraj Narsi and Donya ZItaksari. Dinner was catered by Fadi’s restaurant and Tempura restaurant and Sweet Factory.

Mahasivaratri Prayers at Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya

HOUSTON: On the auspicious festival of Mahasivaratri 2024, Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya of Chinmaya Mission Houston (CMH) organized two different events - Laghunyasa and Mahanyasa Rudrabhisekam followed by Maha Mrtyunjaya Homa, in an electric atmosphere amidst chants of powerful mantras that purified every devotee’s heart. Attended by almost 3000 people, the worship on March 8, 2024, was led by the Saumyakasi Sivalaya priest, Sri Ganesh Satyanarayana, with the aid of other priests in the presence of Acarya Pujya Gaurang Uncle, Bala Vihar teachers, enthusiastic CMH volunteers, and devoted families of Houston. Orange flags around the Sivalinga atop the temple was a sight to behold on such an auspicious night, and it seemed as if omnipresent Bhagavan Siva was present in His formless avatar to bestow His blessings upon all of us.

Pandit Sri Ganeshji conducted the ceremony with utmost devotion and expertise with the mantras and rituals. The entire Rudrabhisekam ceremony in the morning and evening was a sacred, inter-

mittent series of pouring of ghee, milk, turmeric, water, chandan, vibhuti, kumkum, yellow rice, rose petals, bilva leaves, and fragrant oil; it created a divine ambience, and every step of the rituals made us feel closer to Bhagavan Siva with our prayers. The Sivalinga, adorned with yellow turmeric, red Kumkum, and chandan made a deep impression and conveyed the auspicious vibrant nature of Bhagavan Siva.

The powerful chanting of mantras along with constant influx of devotees who entered the Sivalaya with utmost devotion in their eyes showed how each one was immersed, body and soul, in their worship. The arrangements for darshan were well thought out with tents set up in the Sivalaya courtyard. The line of devotees who came from all parts of Houston was long but orderly.

Between the main feature of the Rudrabhisekams, the intermittent chanting of “Om Namah Sivaya” and the energetic bhajans maintained the positive and holy vibrations and echoed through the day and night. The sight of hundreds of diyas lit around the altar of the

smiling murti of Bhagavan Siva and the glowing Sivalinga was a sight to behold during the Mahasivaratri evening.

On March 9th morning, the Maha Mrtyunjaya Homa was conducted to purify and protect the world. The Homa is conducted to pray for the wellbeing of devotees, their families, friends, and in fact seek the blessings for the world.

All devotees participated in the Homa offering poha mixed with sesame seeds in a plate inscribed with a special yantra. This offering was offered as Ahuti in the Mrtyunjaya Homa during conclusion as devotees, with folded hands, expressed their gratitude. Pujya Gaurang Uncle’s participation in the Homa added to the significance of the worship. The special celebrations at Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya

during Mahasivaratri is an annual worship that the young and old at Chinmaya Mission Houston await every year.

For more information about Chinmaya Mission Houston, Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya and its activities please visit www.chinmayahouston.org, www.saumyakasi. org or call temple 281 568 1690 or Jay Deshmukh 832 541 0059 or Bharati Sutaria 281-933-023. Pho-

Pujya Gaurang Uncle’s participation in the Homa added to the significance of the worship. The special celebrations at Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya during Mahasivaratri is an annual worship that the young and old at Chinmaya Mission Houston await every year.

Job Posting

Disney Entertainment’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. For over 70 years, ABC13 has been Houston’s news and weather leader, and the station remains the dominant #1 choice for Houstonians today. ABC13 provides live local news and weather coverage 24/7 through its linear and streaming newscasts, as well as its website, apps and social media platforms.

ABC13 is deeply engrained in the Houston community, the most diverse city in the nation. ABC13 Localish stories celebrate the good people and places that make Houston so unique.

The station is the community leader, giving back through tentpole events throughout the year, including Share Your Holidays food drive, E-Cycle Earth Day electronics recycling event, and Pick Your Pet adoption drive.

The biggest events in Houston all happen on ABC13! The station is the proud media partner for the Houston Marathon, Galveston Mardi Gras, the Houston Rodeo Parade and the Houston Pride Parade, and the Freedom Over Texas July 4th celebration.

KTRK-TV, the Disney TV station located in Houston, TX is seeking a highly organized and motivated Planning Editor who will identify and cultivate compelling news stories that impact our communities. The ideal candidate must be able to sift through a high volume of news tips and story ideas to shape our daily news coverage. They are driven by curiosity and thrive on holding those in power accountable. They must be a problem solver, with great attention to detail who will lead news editorial meeting and oversee long-term planning for news stories.

Responsibilities and Duties of the Role:

Lead News Editorial Meetings

Plan daily and long-term news coverage

Work closely with Reporters, Photographers, Managers, Producers and Assignment Editors

Handle logistics and resources required to cover day-of news

Execute coverage of breaking news Communicate effectively in a fast paced environment

Required Education, Experience/Skills/Training:

Minimum 3 years’ experience working in a newsroom

High school diploma with 4 years’ experience or college degree. Interested candidates apply via Disneycareers.com reference JOB ID # 10083382

About Disney Entertainment:

At Disney Corporate you can see how the businesses behind the Company’s powerful brands come together to create the most innovative, far-reaching and admired entertainment company in the world. As a member of a corporate team, you’ll work with world-class leaders driving the strategies that keep The Walt Disney Company at the leading edge of entertainment. See and be seen by other innovative thinkers as you enable the greatest storytellers in the world to create memories for millions of families around the globe.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, Disney Parks, and Experiences and Products. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with KTRK Television, Inc, which is part of a business we call Disney Entertainment.

KTRK Television, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Job Posting

KTRK

Disney Entertainment’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. For over 70 years, ABC13 has been Houston’s news and weather leader, and the station remains the dominant #1 choice for Houstonians today. ABC13 provides live local news and weather coverage 24/7 through its linear and streaming newscasts, as well as its website, apps and social media platforms.

ABC13 is deeply engrained in the Houston community, the most diverse city in the nation. ABC13 Localish stories celebrate the good people and places that make Houston so unique.

The station is the community leader, giving back through tentpole events throughout the year, including Share Your Holidays food drive, E-Cycle Earth Day electronics recycling event, and Pick Your Pet adoption drive.

The biggest events in Houston all happen on ABC13! The station is the proud media partner for the Houston Marathon, Galveston Mardi Gras, the Houston Rodeo Parade and the Houston Pride Parade, and the Freedom Over Texas July 4th celebration.

A successful candidate should have a passion for producing and for telling impactful stories. Attention to detail is a must. Producers must know how to make decisions quickly and lead the team during live newscasts and during live breaking news coverage on the abc13 Streaming Channel. Producers must work well with everyone on the team including anchors, reporters, assignment editors, directors and graphic artists.

Responsibilities:

Craft daily newscasts and manage all aspects of the broadcast Pitch story ideas on a daily basis

Communicate well with others in the newsroom when building shows

Collaborate with digital team members throughout the day

Write clear and compelling broadcast copy

Execute last-minute changes in high pressure situations

Basic Qualifications:

Minimum of three years experience producing at a local news station

Demonstrated ability to work under deadline pressures and work in a rapid, fast-paced environment.

Detail-oriented with strong editorial and production skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Must be flexible with working hours (late nights, overnights. Weekends and holidays) and adaptable to change.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience producing in a top market

Required Education:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication or related field Interested candidates apply via Disneycareers.com reference JOB ID # 10082417

About Disney Entertainment:

At Disney Corporate you can see how the businesses behind the Company’s powerful brands come together to create the most innovative, far-reaching and admired entertainment company in the world. As a member of a corporate team, you’ll work with world-class leaders driving the strategies that keep The Walt Disney Company at the leading edge of entertainment. See and be seen by other innovative thinkers as you enable the greatest storytellers in the world to create memories for millions of families around the globe.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, Disney Parks, and Experiences and Products. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with KTRK Television, Inc, which is part of a business we call Disney Entertainment.

KTRK Television, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Two Talks This weekend by a world-class speaker

Dharma for an American Hindu & Empowering NextGen Youth

At a time when there is a rejuvenated interest in Hindu Dharma around the world, there is a clear need for Hindus themselves as well as those interested in Hinduism, in America, to gain clarity about the different, multilayered aspects of Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma). What does it mean to be an ‘American Hindu’? What does the word Dharma really mean? How does it matter in today’s world? Why are there various philosophies within Sanatana Dharma itself? How can Sanatana Dharma be truly effective and significant in our current age and lifestyle? This is an opportunity to find answers to these questions and more through an interactive session with renowned, world-class, extremely astute, discerning, and knowledgeable speaker, Sri MK Ramanujam, disciple of HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji, from India.

This special Townhall Q&Atype session on “Dharma & Wellbeing for a well-informed American Hindu” is on Sunday, March 24, in the Katy area, at the Irene Stern Community Center. It’s a free event from 10 am to 12 noon, followed by lunch. Please RSVP and also optionally pre-submit questions at this link https://bit.ly/ dharma-2024.

Sri Ramanujam ji will also con-

duct another session on Empowering NextGen Youth through Communication and Building Connections on Saturday March 23, 4-6 pm at Sri Meenakshi Temple (Ganesh Temple Hall) in the Pearland area. This is also a free event, with dinner included. It is open to all youth, parents, and caregivers. Register at this link:

https://tr.ee/K8CnO_JQYc.

Sri Ramanujam ji has visited Houston frequently since 2007, and is returning now for the first time since 2020. Sri Ramanujam ji, also known as Ramuji or simply as Ram, is an excellent speaker who can connect with and inspire listeners of all ages and backgrounds through his lucid and insightful talks on spirituality, philosophy, as

well as self-improvement and intelligent living.

An engineering gold medalist from Delhi University, and former General Manager of Visteon India, a Ford Motor Co. subsidiary, Ramanujamji relinquished a successful corporate career to devote his life to service in line with his master’s guiding light that ‘Humanity and Divinity are inseparable.’

Over the past two decades, Ramanujamji has presented innumerable discourses and talks on several Sanatana Dharma topics, mindfulness & meditation retreats, workshops at educational institutions, corporate programs and more. He was also given the opportunity to speak on the rich diversity of our Dharma in the House of Commons, UK, and on India’s Spirit of Oneness at the Indian High Commission, New Zealand.

Over the past two decades, his divine service has taken him to all corners of the world, from remote villages to metropolises across India, to North America, Europe, Africa, Gulf Countries, South-east Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

During his visit to Houston this time, there are also other events planned including a Mahamantra Mahayagna with soulful kirtan for Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Jayanthi (Mar 23 morning) and a 3-day Utsav celebrating Lord Sri Venkateshwara (Mar 29-31), both at Sri Aishwarya Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Namadwaar Houston (Pearland area).

For more information about Sri Ramanujamji’s programs in Houston, or around North America over the next few months, please call or whatsapp 281-402-6585 or email houston.god@godivinity.org.

March

Attending A Virtual Summer Camp: Is It Right For You?

The pandemic brought about many changes to how students learn, including having more access to digital learning platforms.

Virtual summer programs have continued to be popular amongst busy high school students as a way to engage in enriching experiences, even if they don’t have time to attend in person.

Virtual summer programs can be a good compromise for students— they typically require a few hours of commitment per day, meaning students can juggle multiple activities and still build their resumes. However, while these programs do have their advantages, they also have some drawbacks.

Pros Of Attending A Virtual Summer Program

More flexible. Attending a virtual summer program often requires less time commitment on the student’s part. Many in-person summer programs have the entire day planned out, from waking up at 8 am to lights out at 10 pm. Conversely, most virtual programs typically have a few hours of class time each day, but then require participants to do homework on their schedule. That means students can also be volunteering, working a summer job or other activities while also attending the virtual summer program.

Since the programs are virtual, students can also participate all

over the country, giving them greater freedom in choosing a program that truly interests them, and not just picking from the ones that are offered close by. International students might also be able to attend virtual programs.

Diverse course offerings. Virtual programs will cover a variety of different topics from business to research to writing. Students can explore areas potentially not covered in their high school curricu-

lum. Even though the programs are virtual, it is still possible for students to get practical experiences in a subject area they are interested in.

Lower costs. Without the cost of room and board, many virtual programs are less expensive than in-person programs. In addition, students will also save on travel, meals, and other fees associated with in-person programs.

Cons Of Attending A Virtual Summer Program

Fewer interactions with peers and instructors. Compared to inperson programs, virtual programs offer fewer opportunities for networking due to the lack of faceto-face interactions. While some virtual programs emphasize group work or discussions, it might not feel the same compared to students who attended an in-person camp.

Technology Issues. With anything related to online learning, there might be technology challenges that occur. Fast internet is essential when joining a virtual program.

Student accountability. Because there is less interaction between the instructor and the participants, the students will need to hold themselves accountable to complete the homework assignments. They also will need to

prioritize learning in a distractionfree environment so they can remain focused on the coursework.

Virtual summer programs can be a good alternative for students who already have a packed summer schedule, but still want to get a learning experience beyond what their typical high school curriculum might offer. For example, Rising Researchers helps students to use AI and ML algorithms to study human diseases while also teaching them how to write a research paper.

However, before committing to a virtual summer program, make sure to take into account the students’ learning style, preferences and overall goals. While there are some potential drawbacks to virtual programs, in many cases, the pros outweigh the cons, leading to a productive summer at a virtual summer program.