Friday, December 15, 2023 | Vol. 42, No. 50
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December 15, 2023
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Indo American News
Published weekly from Houston, TX
www.indoamerican-news.com
Special Reports Community Briefs Local Politics South Asians in the News
2470 Dairy Ashford, Houston, TX 77077 • 713.789.NEWS (6397) • indoamericannews@yahoo.com
Sewa International Hosts Vibrant, Successful Annual Gala IAA’s 2024 Arts Season
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IACCGH Holiday Party
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‘Archies’: Teen Musical
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The Houston Chapter of Sewa International celebrated its annual gala on December 10, highlighting its achievements and raising funds for various humanitarian projects.
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WEDDINGS, SPECIAL EVENTS, TENTED EVENTS, OUTDOOR COURTYARD
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Indo-American News • Friday, december 15, 2023• www.indoamerican-news.com
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December 15, 2023
COMMUNITY
Sewa Houston Hosts Vibrant, Successful Annual Fundraising Gala
Houston: The Houston Chapter of Sewa International celebrated its annual gala on December 10th, highlighting its achievements and raising funds for various humanitarian projects. The event, named “H.E.L.P. 2023” (Help Every Life Prosper), concluded the year embodied in Selfless Service to the local community. The Gala held at the GSH event center was sold-out and attended by 525 guests. The evening’s Emcee, Dr Subodh Bhuchar, was welcomed by Sewa Houston Chapter Executive Director, Kavita Tewary. The event started with a graceful dance tribute to Lord Ganesha by the students of the ‘Shivangini Academy of Performing Arts’ (Guru Shiva Mathur). Nikhil Jain, Houston Chapter Coordinator of Sewa International, thanked the audience for their support and shared the impactful achievements of the past year. He urged the community to continue with their generous contributions. Several videos were shown to showcase the work of the Sewa Houston chapter, including work by the ‘AmeriCorps’ team and of the ‘Family Services’ team. Chris Osentowski, the CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center, delivered an enthralling keynote speech highlighting the value of the collaboration between HCA and Sewa. He encouraged everyone to support Sewa’s community service efforts with their donations. Consul General of India, D C Manjunath, was the chief guest for the evening. He addressed the audience and emphasized the need for collaboration and cooperation. One of the memorable moments of the event was listening to the stories of some of the people who have been helped by Sewa, such as Ms. Misti Bass, Jesus Torres, Kids from the 3 education centers (ASPIRE), that Sewa operates in SouthWest Houston) and a few others who shared their experiences through video messages about the help they received from Sewa’s Family Services team. The PVSA award ceremony was a proud moment for the 42 youth volunteers from Sewa International who had dedicated their time and energy to serve the community. Kelly Waterman, representing Senator Ted Cruz, handed out the certificates to the awardees during the PVSA award ceremony that
Photo Credits - Navin Mediwala and Dr Nik Nikam
Indo-American News • Friday, DECEMBER 15, 2023 • www.indoamerican-news
was held before the Gala event. The PVSA award is a national honor that recognizes volunteer commitment and service. The 9 Sewa High School Ambassadors were also acknowledged for their leadership and contribution. The Gala was attended by more than 20 elected officials, including US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Fort Bend County Judge K P George and State Representative Gene Wu, who delivered proclamations from their offices. A proclamation was also received from Congressman Al Green’s Office. A donation supporting Sewa’s cause was made by the Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers. Dr Subodh Bhuchar made the pledge announcement and held an inspiring on-stage interaction with well known Houston philanthropist Swatantra Jain about the joy of giving back to the community. The audience were spellbound by the melodies renditioned by ‘Rhythm of Dreams’, who presented ‘The Sound of Fusion - a musical journey’ featuring Bollywood songs. The singers, Salil Bhadekar and Payal Mitra, delivered soulful performances with the support of three talented musicians - Shrikant Pabrekar, Atif Ali and Darshak Thacker. The event also showcased “Dhun”, an A cappella group from The University of Houston, who impressed everyone with their vocal skills. The evening ended with a vote of thanks from Houston Chapter Jt. Coordinator, Anup Bhasin, who acknowledged the contributions of the donors, organization partners, media partners, performers, volunteers, Sewa’s core team and the elected officials who attended the event. The guests enjoyed a delicious multi course dinner catered by ‘Indian Summer’. The ‘Rhythm of Dreams’ artists kept the entertainment going during and after the dinner, forcing the audience to join them on the dance floor. Pramod Bengani, Chief Trustee, ICC said - “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on another successful year of service, which beautifully culminated in today’s fund-raising gala. The program was excellently organized. Thank you for your continuous efforts in service and community building. Your dedication is truly commendable.”
ARTS
December 15, 2023 IAA Receives Award as “A Houston Cultural Treasure”
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Indo-American Association Announces 2024 Performing Arts Season
L-R Atul Bhatia, Alpana Loyalka, CGI Manjunath, Sheetal Bedi, Veena Kaul, Aparna Sheetal Bedi and Radhika Day with Commissioner Lesley Briones (center) and other Asthana, Leela Krishnamurthi, Radhika J Day, Mrs. Manjunath (in white salwar). Indo-American community leaders.
Houston: Indo-American Association (IAA) proudly presents its 2024 Season celebrating three decades of performing arts and cultural dialogue. For thirty years, IAA, a 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization, has worked relentlessly to promote Indian arts and culture in Greater Houston as well as nationally. The organization is now recognized widely as a leader in the community, dedicated to the mission of furthering the art forms of India in North America. Not only did IAA complete a fantastic season in 2023 that was loved and appreciated by its patrons and supporters, the organization is also ending the year on a high note having been designated a Houston Cultural Treasure by BIPOC Arts Network & Fund. IAA was also proud to be invited to “Accept a Diwali Resolution from Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones” at the Commissioner’s Court. These accolades were followed by recognition and a celebratory dinner hosted by Consul General D.C. Manjunath and Mrs. Arpana Manjunath, which was attended by the IAA Board. IAA’s exciting 2024 Season includes a slew of diverse performances by exceptional artists that will take Houstonians on a captivating journey through song, dance and passionate storytelling. IAA’s Executive Director, Sheetal Bedi, says, “We are thrilled to announce our 2024 season, of carefully curated and immersive events. Your continued support will empower us to expand our efforts to reach new generations, and our fellow Houstonians of all faiths, colors and leaning.” The season kicks off on January 27, 2024, with a scintillating performance Ballimaaraan by the Piyush Mishra Project, which the Rolling Stone magazine describes as “playful, thought-provoking and folk-fusion driven.” Subscribe to the new season at iaahouston.org
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December 15, 2023
Indo-American News • Friday, DECEMBER 15, 2023 • www.indoamerican-news
BUSINESS
December 15, 2023
IACCGH Recognizes Mainstream Local Officials at Holiday Party
By Pramod Kulkarni Houston: The Indo-American Chamber of Greater Houston (IACCGH) presented mementos to three officials who are leaving their positions: Houston City Mayor Sylvester Turner, retiring Small Business Administration (SBA) District Director Tim Jeffcoat, and former Houston Minority Supplier Diversity Council (HMSDC) President Richard “Dick” Huebner. Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia said all three officials have been instrumental in helping IACCGH make inroads into the mainstream business community. More than 150 IACCGH members and their guests gathered at the Houston Junior League ballroom for the annual holiday party to socialize, network, and congratulate the retiring officials. Consul General D.C. Manjunath was the special guest at the holiday event. In his welcoming remarks, IACCGH Rajiv Bhavsar said of the holiday seasons, “This is a joyous occasion to visit friends and families and create lasting memories.” CG Manjunath spoke of the attendants. “Your presence here reflects the strength and vibrancy of the Indo-American business community in Houston as well as that of the local business community and its diversity. IACCGH Board Member Sanjay Rambhadran introduced Mayor
IACCGH Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia (left), board member Sanjay Rambhadran, President Rajiv Bhavsar, Mayor Sylvester Turner, and Secretary Ashok Garg.
Turner as a person with a tremendously successful legal career, as a state legislator, and now for the part eight years, as Mayor at Houston City Hall, but one who has never forgotten his roots. “Mayor Turner has always put Houston first,” said Rambhadran. “When it comes to the elusive pension reform, he put Houston’s financial future first. When it comes to climate action plans,
he put the entire future of the city as the energy capital of the world first. When it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion, he has put all Houstonians first. When it comes to asking for a paradigm shift in transportation, he put the mobility of all Houstonians first. These and so so many other initiatives will continue to pay dividends for decades to come.” On a note of interest to IACCGH
Indo-American News • Friday, december 15, 2023• www.indoamerican-news.com
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members, Rambhadran said the Mayor has attended every single IACCGH gala -- sometime coming directly from the airport and sometimes delaying trips. “Whether it is during the good times, during the Super Bowl, global conferences in Houston, the booming economy, hosting the Indian PM or celebrating the world champion Astros, but also during the tough times, guiding the city through seven Federally declared disasters, you could always count on Sylvester Turner,” lauded Rambhadran. Ahluwalia recognized SBA District Director Tim Jeffcoat as being always there for the community whether before or after the pandemic. Ahluwalia also praised HMSDC President Richart Huebner as a tireless advocate for the minority communities, who is passionate about connecting large companies with up-and-coming minorityowned suppliers.
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INDIA
December 15, 2023
Article 370 Verdict: SC Calls for Restoration of J&K Statehood
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday said Article 370 of the Constitution was only temporary and President’s power to revoke it still exists. A 5-bench constitution bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai and Surya Kant was pronouncing its verdict on a batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370. The apex court upheld the Modi government’s decision to abrogate Article 370, which bestowed special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and said steps should be taken to conduct elections in the assembly by September 30 next year. “Article 370 of the Constitution was an interim arrangement due to war conditions in state. Constituent assembly of J&K was never intended to be permanent body,” CJI Chandrachud said. Reading out the verdict, the chief justice of India said that Jammu and Kashmir did not retain element of sovereignty after joining India. “J&K became an integral part of India as reflected in Articles 1 and 370 of the Constitution,” he said while mentioning that there are three judgments by the 5-judge bench on the issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Supreme Court verdict on the abrogation of Article 370 and termed it historic. “The Court, in its profound wisdom, has fortified the very essence of unity that we, as Indians, hold dear and cherish above all else,” he said in a post on X. Rejecting the petitioners’ arguments that no irreversible action can be taken by Centre during President’s rule, the top court said, “Every decision taken by the Centre on behalf of state during presidential rule can’t be challenged”. Disappointed with the Supreme Court verdict, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that BJP, in the coming days, will try to make the Union territories of Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and others.
“We are not satisfied with this decision. Kashmir has always been an integral part of India. Today you made one state into 3 UTs. Parliament is speaking for them, not their assembly. Supreme Court also upheld the reorganisation of Ladakh as a Union territory. So this can be done with anyone now. Now in the coming days, BJP will try to make the Union territories of Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai and no one will be able to stop it,” he said. Owaisi added that the abrogation of Article 370 is a violation of constitutional morality and division of state into 3 UTs is a huge betrayal to the people of Kashmir. PM Modi assured the resilient people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh that the government’s commitment to fulfilling their dreams remains unwavering. “We are determined to ensure that the fruits of progress not only reach you but also extend their benefits to the most vulnerable and marginalised sections of our society who suffered due to Article 370,” he wrote. “The verdict today is not just a legal judgment; it is a beacon of hope, a promise of a brighter future and a testament to our collective resolve to build a stronger, more united India,” the Prime Minister added, ending the post with a hashtag #NayaJammuKashmir. Reacting to the top court verdict on Article 370, National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah said he is disappointed but has not lost hope. “Disappointed but not disheartened. The struggle will continue. It took the BJP decades to reach here. We are also prepared for the long haul. #WeShallOvercome #Article370,” Abdullah posted on X, formerly Twitter. The apex court directed the Election Commission (EC) to ensure that J&K assembly election is conducted by September 30, 2024. -- Times of India
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December 15, 2023
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Indo American News Founder: Dr. K.L. Sindwani Publisher: Jawahar Malhotra Editor: Pramod Kulkarni Correspondent: Sanchali Basu ®All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the written consent of the publisher. Deadline for advertising and articles is 4 pm on Monday of each week. Please include self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of all unsolicited material. Published at 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 212, Houston, Texas 77036.Tel:713-789-6397, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com, website: www.indoamerican-news.com
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COMMUNITY
December 15, 2023
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9 Gopaal Seyn’s Art Students Put Up an Impressive Performance
ARTS
December 15, 2023
By Sanchali Basu Sugar Land: It was a privilege to be invited by artist friend Indranil Sen (whose artist signature is Gopaal Seyn) to speak and honor his students at their RedBlueArts Gallery in Sugar Land the evening of December 3. The RedBlueArts Academy and Gallery has been around since 2021 and I feel fortunate to have been a part of its inauguration ceremony as well. Having known Gopaal Seyn for a long time, what fascinated me the most is his transition from being a part of the hospitality industry to his successful journey over the years from a budding artist to a well sought after eminent contemporary artist. His mantra is, ‘Abstract expressionism…. All about brushwork.’ Some of his famous artworks include a portrait of George HW Bush, a silent tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, a permanent resident at the Indian Consulate in Houston, his portrait of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed for the Howdy Modi event held in Houston in 2019. Seyn started training students while he still had a full-time job in the hospitality business, since this was his passion. He finally realized that he wanted to follow
Gopaal Seyn (center) with guests of honor Sanchali Basu and Rick Pal.
Gopal Seyn lighting the inagural diya.
his passion and spend his entire energy in it full time. That’s when his school started to blossom, and his number of students started to skyrocket. What is most impressive about Seyn is how he interacts with his students and makes them part of his family. He cries when they must move on and leave. He imparts his all to them, leading to wonderful pieces of art, nudging their creative spirit and helping
Students’ award-winning artwork
develop the student’s character and personality. He provides a quiet refuge for students to express their emotions through art. He offers several formats of education – in person, online, summer camps for different levels of proficiencies. The exhibition held on December 3rd, highlighted the work done by his intermediate level students. They each had submit-
ted 3 of their paintings earlier for judging and an external judge had been invited to the gallery to judge. The evening was abuzz with students and their families thronging the gallery to find out which paintings had won. Light refreshments were available for the guests. Rick Pal and I had been invited as the guests of honor to recognize and award the students. Emcee Shefali got the evening
Indo-American News • Friday, december 15, 2023• www.indoamerican-news.com
going by inviting the guests of honor to light the ceremonial lamp with Gopaal. Rick Pal, a successful entrepreneur, global executive, TEDx speaker spoke of his long-term friendship with Seyn and expressed his pride and joy to see his amazing journey as an artist and teacher and wished him continued success. Sanchali Basu was introduced as a pharmacist with a passion for the arts like classical dance and teaching Bengali to children. She echoed Rick’s sentiments and lauded the students for making time out of their busy schedules to allow their creative minds to create original work and congratulated all of them for their wonderful display on exhibition. Certificates and medals were then handed out by the guests of honor to all students and pictures taken. The top 3 and Special Mention honorees were given Amazon gift cards. The guests of honor were presented with flower bouquets. An announcement was made by the artist about the near completion of his specially commissioned artwork opposite Gate D15 at the International Terminal of the Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston. For more information about the Academy and Gallery, please visit www.redbluearts.com.
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Indo-American News • Friday, DECEMBER 15, 2023 • www.indoamerican-news
December 15, 2023 11
ENTERTAINMENT
‘The Archies’: Retro Teen Musical Charms
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 December 18, 2023. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
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Local help with your Medicare questions.
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Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal’ has been roaring at the box office ever since its release. The Ranbir Kapoorstarrer recently crossed the Rs 700 crore mark at the global box office. In its initial 10 days of release, Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s action film ‘Animal’ has amassed an impressive Rs 717.46 crore in global box office earnings. ‘Animal’ has secured its position as the third highest-grossing Indian film globally in the current year. Surpassing the lifetime worldwide collection of Rs 686 crore for Sunny Deol’s ‘Gadar 2’.
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‘Animal’: Rs 700 Crore
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Story: Set in 1964 in a fictional hill station called Riverdale in India, the coming-of-age story follows Archie and his friends navigating friendship, romance, and social responsibility as their cherished park faces a threat from developers demolishing it to build a hotel. Review: Director Zoya Akhtar adapts the adolescent-favourite Archies Comics for the big screen and ensures the Bollywood outing is colourful, youthful, and sweet. But above all, she creates it as a teen musical comedy. This is where her latest venture stands apart. There have been few high-school musical dramas in Hindi cinema before. Add to that the nostalgia value - the film’s cast have a unique canvas. Right enough, the screen is splashed with a dreampop-like sequences and an endearing retro look and feel. And at its heart are the 90’s kids’ favourite teenagers — Archie Andrews (Agastya Nanda), Veronica Lodge (Suhana Khan), Betty Cooper (Khushi Kapoor), Jughead (Mihir Ahuja), Reggie Mantle (Vedang Raina), Ethel Muggs (Dot), and Dilton Doiley (Yuvraj Menda). While the comics are all about the group’s goofy shenanigans, the movie falls short of being as irreverent. The characters are almost adulting and making tough choices between passion and practicality or progress. The theme of wholesome friendship is infused with activism, as the gang tries to save the cultural hub, Green Park, from being Kaushika Shah torn down to make way Licensed Sales Agent for a grand hotel. The movie works well and 832-282-3515, TTY 711 charms as a musical. The tracks by ShankarEhsaan-Loy, Ankur Tewari, The Islanders, and Dot (Aditi Saigal) Y0066_23SPRJ55188_C are foot-tapping and fun, especially ‘Dhishoom
second half and could have been more engaging as the conflict escalates. Solutions are convenient, and the resolution is trifling. Overall, while the era, the look and feel have been created well, the movie ends up a tad underwhelming. What is delightful is watching a bunch of fresh new faces put their best food forward - whether for emoting on screen or doing some rock n roll the 60s tunes.-- Times of India
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Dhishoom,’ ‘Sunoh,’ and ‘Va Va Voom.’ Gautam Hegde’s choreography in the songs is another highlight that adds to the film’s visual appeal. The Archie world’s adorable characters are its strongest point, and it’s the same with the posse of fresh faces here. Suhana Khan, as the rich and spoilt Veronica Lodge, pulls off the sweet and sassy girl act torn between her businessman father’s shrewdness and loyalty to her friends. Agastya Nanda is charming as the confused Archie, who lives life just for the kicks but must understand that ‘everything is politics’ and can’t choose between Veronica and Betty. Khushi Kapoor impresses as Betty, and has scope to perform with her emotional scenes, which she pulls off with aplomb. While Vedang Raina as Reggie and Dot as Ethel are impressive, Mihir Ahuja as the adorable Jughead is good, too. Yuvraj Menda as Dilton, as the nerdy and cute teenager, deserves special mention. All the newcomers get their moment to shine. The movie loses steam in the
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By Dhaval Roy
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Solution Next Week
12 December 15, 2023
Indo-American News • Friday, DECEMBER 15, 2023 • www.indoamerican-news