Friday, December 22, 2023 | Vol. 42, No. 51
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December 22, 2023
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Indo American News
Published weekly from Houston, TX
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MTS Inaugurals: Mahadwaram, Suryashakti & Soundaryam
Arya Samaj Diwali
P3
GSSWH Kids Sewa
P9 P10
‘Kastoori’: Social Escape
P11 Young Bharat Natyam dancers welcomed the rath yatra with Sri Meenakshi deity through the newly-built Mahadwaram (Great Archway). The inaugurals took place on Sunday, December 10 at the Meenakshi temple in Pearland.
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WEDDINGS, SPECIAL EVENTS, TENTED EVENTS, OUTDOOR COURTYARD
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December 22, 2023
COMMUNITY
Sri Meenakshi Temple Inaugurates Mahadwaram, Other Projects
Ribbon-cutting at the Mahadwaram with MTS priest and President Sockalingam The Sri Meenakshi deity was escorted on a procession for the first time in MTS history. MTS Executive Committee member Tupil Narasiman (center) guided the rath yatra. Kannappan (center left), joined by official dignitaries and other MTS officials.
By Pramod Kulkarni Pearland: Since its inception in 1982, the Meenakshi Temple Society has carried out an extensive program of new construction and capital improvements. The latest in this series was the inauguration of three projects: Mahadwaram (grand archway), Suryashakti (Go Green solar farm) and Soundarya (beautification through fencing, sprinkler system, and flower beds). The inauguration took place on Sunday, Dec. 10. A highlight of the inauguration was the rath yatra (chariot procession) through the Mahadwaram and around the temple. This was the first time in MTS history that the Sri Meenakshi deity was taken out in a procession. Several dignitaries attended the inauguration, including Pearland Mayor Kevin Cole, Consul General of India DC Manjunath, and Fort Bend County Judge KP George. More than 500 MTS devotees and guests attended the inaugural and were treated to a traditional South Indian lunch on a banana leaf. The MTS executive board presented placques of appreciation to all the sculptors and vendors who worked tirelessly on all three projects. Ashok Munjara is the architect of the Mahadwaram. In a related development, MTS has acquired 5.5 acres of land behind the temple at a cost of 1 million. The construction of the solar farm was made feasible through a 30% tax credit from the Federal government and a $40,000 credit from Centerpoint for promoting alternative energy sources. The 672 solar panels have an annual production of 500 KWH. MTS expects an annual savings of $50K to $60K.
Suryasharkti, the Go-Green solar energy project at MTS. About 672 panels will be installed. Indo-American News • Friday, DECEMBER 22, 2023 • www.indoamerican-news
December 22, 2023
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December 22, 2023
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COMMUNITY
December 22, 2023
Arya Samaj of Greater Houston Celebrates Diwali the Vedic Way
Houston: Diwali, one of the most celebrated festivals among the Indian Diaspora worldwide was an occasion to connect Arya Samaj Greater Houston (ASGH) well-wishers, students, and parents of the two schools DAV Montessori & Elementary School (DAVMES) and DAV Sanskriti School (DAVSS). The program started with the Yajna-Havan, Acharya Ji’s Divali message and wishes, followed by an hour full of bright and colorful programs by DAVMES and DAVSS students. The youth Emcees seamlessly led the audience through a much-applauded cultural program: a mosaic of dances by grade 1 students around the theme of light and enlightenment through the dissemination of knowledge, poems, and speech by winners of the Divali competitions as well as kids dressed up as different personalities of the Ramayana. Thereafter all had good bonding time in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam …all as one family, around the various food stalls and fireworks. The 4-day Yajna was the second year of regrouping members, well-wishers, students, and their parents around prayer sessions under the guidance of our two eminent Acharyas. It was indeed a blend of the Eastern and Western way to express gratitude. The annual Yajna-Havan at Arya Samaj Greater Houston during the
Thanksgiving weekend was time to enjoin the Indian Diaspora in North America in celebrations like the celebrations of Vasant Panchamee, Holi, Divali in India - a combo of spiritual moments, prayers, rejoicing, and sharing of meals and sweets. It was highly charged spiritual moments to express our gratitude to (i) Eeshvar (God) for the bounty of nature and the blessings in our life, (ii) our parents for the nurturing, upbringing and sanskaars, (iii) the gurus, teachers, and mentors for the gift of knowledge, and (iv) all who had a positive bearing in our lives. Participants from all walks of life had the opportunity to offer their ahutis (oblations) during the Yajna-Havan, and thereaf-
ter shared some prime friendship time around Prasad (lunch) served by ladies “with a smile and a sense of gratitude” exhibiting gratitude through “Sewa”. Hats off to the ASGH team of volunteers for arranging the set up and welcome as well as the kitchen team at the backend and to Acharya Suryananda ji and Bramdeo ji who gave a glimpse of the profound knowledge of the Ved mantras and their applications in real life situations after every 10 mantras recited during the 4-Day Chatur-Ved Shatak Yajna. A hundred plus mantras were read from Rigveda on Thursday, Yajurveda on Friday, Samveda on Saturday, and Atharvaveda during the Poornahuti, concluding session on Sunday. We also had the oppor-
tunity to daily listen to children from DAV Elementary & Montessori School and DAV Sanskriti School speaking about the Vedas. The bahukundiya (multi-Kund) Yajna was performed in nine ecofriendly Havan Kunds (fire pits) constructed from bricks and red
Indo-American News • Friday, december 22, 2023• www.indoamerican-news.com
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clay on site, on the floor of the tent, which was erected specifically for program. Lady volunteers stepped in to decorate the Havan Kund. The rising Agni, fire from the Havan Kunds with the continuous oblations of ghee and samagri (mixture of medicinal, fragrant, nutritious & sweet herbs) was a silent way of engaging the audience with the sense of gratitude not only for a day …rather rise in life by being grateful on a 24 x 7 basis, all year round. The calm and smiling faces of the Yajmaans, elderly, young and well as young children after a two hours fully engaged in the YajnaHavan lit the environment with “gratitude.” Sunday evening, the eco-friendly Havan Kunds were dismantled and safely kept for reassembly and use during the next 2024 “Chatur Veda Shatak Yajna”, the would-be third annual celebrations of Thanksgiving, the Vedic way.
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December 22, 2023
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COMMUNITY
December 22, 2023
Motorcycle Accident Kills Kiran Sharma Live Oak County: According to the Texas Department of Public Safety on December 17th, at 9:40 p.m., a man driving a 1999 Ford Crown Victoria struck a woman riding a 2007 Harley Davidson Motorcycle on southbound Interstate-37 near mile marker 56, North of the US 59 Interchange in Live Oak County. According to DPS troopers, the motorcyclist, who’s been identified as 25-year-old Kiran Olivia Sharma from Austin, became lodged in front of the Crown Victoria which weaved from the outside lane to the inside lane and then back towards the outside lane. Sharma fell off the bike onto the roadway where she was struck by at least three other
vehicles, a passenger car and two truck tractor semi-trailers. The Crown Victoria with the motorcycle came to a stop near the 56 southbound exit ramp. The 28-year-old male driver, from Sandia, was not injured. Sharma was pronounced dead at the scene. IH 37 was shut down until 4:30 a.m., while investigators worked to clear the scene. There is no information on what caused the deadly crash. “It’s a very active investigation.”Sgt. Harold Mallory with Texas DPS said. -Veronica Flores-Herrera, KRIS TV
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COMMUNITY
December 22, 2023
Young Hearts, Big Impact: GSSWH Kids Serve at Local Food Bank
Houston: In a heartening demonstration of empathy and community spirit, a group of enthusiastic school kids from Gurudwara Sahib of Southwest Houston (GSSWH) actively volunteered their time at the Houston Food Bank, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to making a positive impact on the lives of others. This was an embodiment of “Sewa” (selfless service), one of the core beliefs of Sikhism. The event was organized by a long time GSSWH member, Mr. Harvinder Singh and his 12-yr old son Karanveer Singh. A Lesson Beyond the Classroom: GSSWH Students Take Action The young minds at GSSWH School are learning a different kind of lesson – one that goes beyond the classroom walls. Led by their compassionate teachers and parents, these students have embraced the value of giving back to the community through handson volunteering at the local food bank. One in five southeast Texas chil-
dren is considered food insecure, which means they don’t have consistent access to enough nutritious food. Many of these children rely on school meals to provide breakfast and lunch during the school year. During breaks, such as weekends and holidays, many of these children go home to little or no meals. The HFB’s Backpack Buddy program provides nutritious, childfriendly food for under privileged school children to take home over the weekend. Little Hands, Big Hearts: School Kids Make a Difference With an eagerness to help, the
school kids from GSSWH can be found diligently sorting and packing food items at the Houston Food Bank. Their small but mighty contributions made an impact on the organization’s ability to provide for those facing food insecurity in the community. “GSSWH Punjabi School believes in instilling values that go beyond academics. Volunteering at the food bank is a tangible way for our students to understand the
importance of Sewa, the selfless service fostering love, compassion and empathy for others including social responsibility,” says Mrs. Manmeet Likhari, the school Director. Fostering a Sense of Responsibility: Students Shine as Community Leaders The volunteering initiative has not only provided practical assistance to the food bank but has also nurtured a sense of responsibility and leadership among the students. As they work side by side with their parents and fellow volunteers, the young volunteers are discovering the power they hold to effect positive change in the lives
Indo-American News • Friday, december 22, 2023• www.indoamerican-news.com
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of others. “Our students are not just learning about the world; they are actively shaping it. Volunteering at the food bank allows them to see the direct impact of their efforts and reinforces the idea that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference,” adds Mr. Harvinder Singh. A Call for Unity: How You Can Support GSSWH School’s Volunteering Efforts As GSSWH School continues to nurture these young hearts, they extend an open invitation to the broader community to support their volunteering initiatives. Whether through donations, mentorship, or joining in volunteer activities, there are numerous ways for individuals and businesses to contribute to the cause. For more information on how to get involved with GSSWH School’s community service initiatives, please contact Punjabi School of GSSWH at punjabischoolgsswh@ gmail.com.
10 December 22, 2023 COMMENTARY How to Achieve a Post Fossil Fuel Energy World By Bhupinder Singh COP28, which has just concluded in Dubai at the very last minute came to an agreement on to “transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems”. Though a major breakthrough, the deal doesn’t compel countries to take any concrete action, nor any timescale is specified. Phasing out of fossil fuels causing drastic changes in the weather is essential, but a question remains are we adequately prepared to transition? Just by looking at our ever growing consumption patterns, we get a complete opposite picture. We have to think in terms curtailing consumption and replacement sources for energy needs. Reduce demand for energy through conservation and education – We are taking energy availability for granted, as a result we are leaving our rooms, homes, and buildings with lights on, devices and TVs on resulting in unnecessary energy wastage. We have become too dependent on our personal vehicles, driving those even when not essential. Their easy availability has resulted in picking the low hanging option of driving,
over walking or biking, contributing to a sedentary lifestyle. We need to start energy conservation education at grassroots level, not a mere celebration of World Environment Day. The primary source of power generation is fossil fuel and coal; both are big contributors
in global warming so the share of other sources of power generation like wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear needs to be enhanced. Reducing Power generation, transmission, and distribution losses – Some of the power generation plants are very old, based on
technologies of the past, not very efficient by today’s emission and efficiency standards. Similar is the condition of power transmission and distribution systems, which coupled with increased loads are very stress prone and in need of urgent upgrades.
Public transportation over personal automobiles – All new roads including redevelopment should be designed with pedestrian and bike lanes, plus tolls for single person vehicles to discourage its use. This can also play a significant role in abetting global warming. The public transportation vehicles should get dedicated high occupancy lanes that can move faster than the regular bumper to bumper traffic moving at snail’s pace. Use of alternative fuels for automobiles such as hybrids, and electric vehicles (EV), the impact of global warming can be slowed. The issues related to charging, range, availability of working public charging stations, time required for recharging are some other challenges that need to be worked out for EVs. Blaming fossil fuel industry for the precarious situation that we find ourselves in, while increasing fossil fuel demand will not work. So, the need of the day is not just energy conservation, curtailing our ever ballooning demand for energy, together with promoting alternatives can make the transition less chaotic.
Sewa International Promotes Handwashing in Schools in India Houston: In collaboration with Oracle India, Sewa International has launched the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program to promote handwashing among students in the Indian states of Karnataka, Delhi, and Maharashtra, benefiting over 8,300 children in the first year. Under the WASH program, Sewa has restored toilets and installed handwash units and water filters in 25 schools across the South Indian state of Karnataka. Several grade 6 to 10 students participated in a school- level painting competition on "Significance of WASH." Sewa also conducted information sessions on the importance of water, sanitation, and menstrual hygiene. Sewa’s Sanitation, Hygiene, and Empowerment Project for the Girl Child (SHE) and COVID-Affected Families (CAF) initiatives have benefited over 6,800 people across seven Indian states. Sewa constructed 132 toilets in 2023 in rural schools with support from a corporate grant from Google and money raised by Sewa's US chapters. Through the Menstrual Awareness Program, the SHE Project has conducted awareness sessions and distributed reusable cloth sanitary napkins, benefiting over 3,155 girls. The program aims to prevent girls from dropping out of school. To promote healthy living among students, Sewa conducted a fourteen-day yoga and self-defense program in multiple schools benefiting more than 3,370 students.
About Sewa International Sewa International (www. sewausa.org) is a 501 (c)(3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 43 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.
Children participating in a painting competition on the WASH program
Sugar Land: On the morning of December 12, Sewa team donated groceries for 100 foster families, served by Child Advocates of Fort Bend. In addition to providing essential provisions, we also had the pleasure of distributing backpacks for kids and families, adding a touch of joy to their day. A heartfelt thank you to Tarvinder Taneja and Anuradha Nigam for their unwavering support.The commitment and enthusiasm displayed were truly inspiring. Special gratitude goes to Judge Chad Bridges for gracing us with his presence and supporting our cause.
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Children looking at the WASH competition artwork Indo-American News • Friday, DECEMBER 22, 2023 • www.indoamerican-news
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December 22, 2023 11
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Kastoori’: Story of Social Change & Escape
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.
By Renuka Vyavahare
Send us the correct answer before December 25, 2023. 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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Recent Winners
Indo-American News • Friday, december 22, 2023• www.indoamerican-news.com
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Local help with your Medicare questions.
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Story: Story: Gopi, a 13-yearold boy exuding wisdom beyond his years and his best friend Adim, find escape in attar (aromatic essential oils) that offers them momentary escape from their poverty-ridden grim world plagued by death and dirt. After watching his dreams being crushed by everyone around him, it dawns upon Gopi that his real escape is not the fragrance of Kastoori (musk) but his right to education and a better life. Review: Nadine Labaki’s poignant Lebanese drama ‘Capernaum’ sees a young boy suing his abusive parents for giving him a life riddled with misery and despair. Even if one overlooks the lack of basic needs, care, and respect, why would adults bring children into the world if they can’t even make them smile or allow them a moment of peace? Cowritten by Shivaji Karde, director Vinod Kamble’s heartbreaking yet uplifting film on the intricacies of class and caste disparity treads a similar path. Gopi is a Dalit and belongs to a family of sweepers and manual scavengers. The sight of his drunk father burying rotten unclaimed bodies, performing PM (post-mor- ‘Mast Mein Rehne ...’: Poignant but Fun Ride tem) as directed by a local doctor Two senior widowed people or mother cleaning drained toilets makes his stomach churn. The dealing with loneliness find comprivilege of choice is not for the panionship in each other. As they navigate life, their paths cross needy. Adim is the son of a butcher. with an immigrant tailor who has Rotten flesh, blood and waste is his own challenges to face. Thus all the two friends are subjected to. emerges a story of second chancThey find solace in the fragrance es, forgiveness, and redemption. Neena Gupta plays a firebrand of an attar, that transports them to and full-of-life Punjabi woman a happy place. Despite being one of the bright- who strikes an equation with a est talents in his class, Gopi’s 75-year-old socially awkward Kamother reminds him that books math (Jackie Shroff). Their frienddon’t satiate hunger and like his ship has a deeper meaning — they family, he too needs to follow the support each other emotionally. -- A story of second chances, Available on Amazon. forgiveness, and redemption. role assigned to him by society. The topic is not for the faint-hearted and can be triggering if you too went through a similar trauma. What stays with you is Gopi’s resilience, optimism and heartening friendship with Adil. Kamble keeps the hope alive and reminds you that you are the captain of your ship, you define your destiny. Kastoori salutes this human spirit. Lead performances by Samarth Sonawane (as Gopi) and Shravan Upalkar (as Adim) are powerful and heart Kaushika Shah wrenching. They give Licensed Sales Agent the film everything it needs – innocence, little 832-282-3515, TTY 711 joys and hope for a better tomorrow. Kastoori is great filmmaking that demands social change without begging for it. Y0066_23SPRJ55188_C -- Times of India
12 December 22, 2023
Indo-American News • Friday, DECEMBER 22, 2023 • www.indoamerican-news