Friday, December 29, 2023 | Vol. 42, No. 52
December 29, 2023
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Indo American News
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HGH to Light 2024 Diyas to Celebrate Ayodhya Temple Inaugural Honor for BAPS, Pichai
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SB4: Safety vs. Freedom
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It is with great jubilation and excitement Hindus of Greater Houston invite all to join us on the historic occasion of “Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya Mandir Prana Pratishtha Celebrations” at GSH on Saturday, June 21, 2024, 3:00 to 5:30 pm.
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WEDDINGS, SPECIAL EVENTS, TENTED EVENTS, OUTDOOR COURTYARD
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December 29, 2023
COMMUNITY
Hindus of Greater Houston to Light 2024 Diyas in Celebration of Lord Shri Ram Mandir’s ‘Pran Prathishtha’ in Ayodhya, India By Thara Narasimhan
Houston: The glittering lights of Diyas and a spectacular rangoli portraying Ram in celebration of Shri Ram’s return back to Ayodhya Ram mandir, will be the highlight of Houston’s celebration. Sangita Bhutada’s outstanding Rangoli will welcome all at this historic celebration in Houston on January 21st 2024. It is with great jubilation and excitement Hindus of Greater Houston, along with many other partner organizations, invite all to join us on the historic occasion of “Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya Mandir Prana Pratishtha Celebrations”. The ritual of sanctifying the newly built Temple and evoking life into the idol for worship with Vedic mantras and chants is “Pran Prathishtha’. This is manifestation of life Prana in an object perceivable to the senses. The newly-built temple in the legendary city of Ayodhya, portrays the deep connection between God and his devotees and the power of devotion. India’s rich religious and cultural heritage is epitomized by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. Ayodhya, and is the birthplace of Bhagwan Shri Ram referred as Ram Janma Bhoomi.. The epic Ramayana is interwoven with places all over India that are evidenced by Shri Ram travel across the entire subcontinent, even after thousands of years. The different parts of India still have testimony with reminiscence that reverberates with stories of Ram’s visit as he traveled way down to peninsular South India. This is after 500 years of long struggle after the temple was ruthlessly destroyed by the Moghul rulers in the 15th century. The story of Ramayana is not only a religious scripture for Hindus but also a source of moral guidance and cultural inspiration for all humanity. HGH Event Details: Date: 21st January 2024 from 3 pm to 5-30 pm. Venue - Gujarati Samaj of Houston. All are welcome and must register to attend, see link below: https:// www.hindusofhouston.org This celebration will commence with a parade of “Ram Pariwar Deities Vigraha” on Garuda Vahana, decked with flowers, ”Pushpa Vahana”, from Sri Meenakshi Temple. The parade will begin sharp at 3 pm.with Instrumental & Band ensemble. We request all to assemble by 2:30 pm at Gujarati Samaj Houston. All the forty temples in the greater Houston area will join and attend this celebration. Hindu Temple priests will be recognized and honored. Arya Samaj youth will present invocation prayers. There will be youth speakers who will talk on topics, Bhagwan Ram- “Epitome of Dharma” and “Shri Ram arrives in Ayodhya and in our hearts”. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir youth will present a cultural program on Lord Ram. Ram Bhajans and Hanuman Chalisa will be chanted in chorus by all the attendees. A display of Ram’s story in a special exhibit from VHPA will be on display. A preview and informational movie of 500 years of struggle to rebuild Ayodhya Ram Mandir will be screened. BAPS Mandir will present spectacular lights on display as part of new Shri Ram Mandir opening day in Ayodhya. HGH will recognize 16 countries who worship Ram and their historical connection with Bhagwan Shri Ram. A few prominent dignitaries and individuals who contributed to Ram Janmabhoomi movement will be honored for their contribution to the cause. HGH will conclude with MahaAarti, a prayer for blessings of Lord Shri Ram. A car rally is planned on Sunday 7th January 2024, from Sri Meenakshi Temple, Pearland 9-30 am. Joint efforts by all the organizations in Greater Houston area will join the parade and rally through 11 temples. Shri Vallabh Priti Sewa Samaj (VPSS Shrinath ji Mandir) and Sringeri Sharadambal Temple and few other organizations will open their doors from 8 pm to 11-30 pm to livestream Ayodhya Mandir Rituals in large screen as it happens in India on January 22nd 2024 for anyone to join. Notes to all attendees for HGH event: On 21st at GSH. Please collect your Diya for lighting and flag for the Parade and Ram scarf from front desk at GSH. Must Arrive early to receive these items.
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi mandir under construction. The temple will be consecrated on January 22.
Indo-American News • Friday, DECEMBER 29, 2023 • www.indoamerican-news
December 29, 2023
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December 29, 2023
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COMMUNITY
December 29, 2023
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Honors for Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami, Sundar Pichai Kharagpur, India: In a significant event celebrating academic and professional excellence, the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) has conferred honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degrees upon four distinguished individuals: Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Mr. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc., Mr. Ajit Jain, Vice Chairman, Insurance Operations at Berkshire Hathaway, USA, and Dr. Ravinder Nath Khanna, Chairman & Managing Director of Controls and Switchgear Contactors Limited, Delhi. The Doctor of Science (D.Sc.), was conferred by the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur as part of its 69th convocation ceremony. Director Prof. Virendra Kumar Tewari, Dean Shri Kamal Lochan Panigrahi, and Registrar Shri Biswajit Bhattacharya presented the certificate to Bhadreshdas Swami on behalf of IIT Kharagpur. Prof. Tewari highlighted the meticulous selection process, stating that Bhadreshdas Swami was chosen from a pool of nominees and the decision had been ratified by more than 800 faculty members and 300 senate members, and approved by the Union Education Ministry and the President’s office. The honor recognizes Bhadreshdas Swami’s exceptional insights into Hindu philosophy,
Doctor of Letters (D.Litt. Honoris Causa) certificate of Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadresh Swami, a Sanskrit scholar of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
beliefs, and culture, as well as his role as a global Sanskrit scholar contributing to India’s progress. Sardar Patel University’s Honorary Doctorate to Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami In a separate but equally prestigious event, Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degree by Sardar Patel University, Gujarat during the 66th Annual Convocation Ceremony by the Union Home Minister of India, Shri Amitbhai Shah and the Governor of Gujarat, Shri Devvrat Acharya. Dr. Niranjanbhai Patel, Vice Chancellor of Sardar Patel University acknowledged Bhadresh-
das Swami’s role in reviving the centuries-old commentary tradition, describing it as a special contribution to Sanskrit and Indian culture. Expressing his gratitude, Pujya Bhadreshdas Swami attributed the honors to the grace and blessings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, who founded the Sanatan Vedic Akshar-Purushottam Darshan, as elucidated in the sacred text Vachanamrut. He also acknowledged the Swaminarayan guru tradition for disseminating this knowledge and expressed his gratitude to guru His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and guru His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj for nurturing and encouraging him.
These honors recognize not only his individual accomplishments but also celebrate the rich heritage of Sanskrit and the enduring legacy of the Akshar-Purushottam doctrine.
Indo-American News • Friday, december 29, 2023• www.indoamerican-news.com
BAPS is a spiritual, volunteerdriven fellowship dedicated to improving society through individual growth, by fostering values of faith, service, and global harmony. BAPS runs on the dedication and commitment of tens of thousands of full-time and part-time volunteers from diverse professional and social backgrounds who contribute millions of volunteer hours annually. In more than 100 communities in North America and 3,500 communities worldwide, BAPS plays a pivotal role in preserving and nurturing Indian traditions and values of Hindu culture while addressing the spiritual, moral, and social challenges in the world. Under the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS’ current spiritual leader, the organization works to promote spiritual equality, advocate for social reform, and empower marginalized voices regardless of their class, race, gender, or religion.
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IMMIGRATION
December 29, 2023
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Do you have experience managing, routing, and transmitting multiple live feeds seamlessly? Houston’s ABC13 is hiring a Transmission Engineer. The Transmission Engineer will ensure the seamless tuning of live broadcast signals through microwave, satellite, and broadband technologies. This job requires working nights, weekends, overnights, and holidays.
Responsibilities: • Work efficiently under tight deadlines, demonstrating the ability to multitask and prioritize assignments effectively. • Possess a deep understanding of the digital newsroom and the digital workflow for broadcast and streaming newscasts, including serverbased digital media workflow. • Collaborate with field crews and producers to fulfill live needs for newscasts, ensuring smooth communication and coordination. • Communicate effectively with network partners to address incoming/ outgoing video needs, fostering strong partnerships. • Handle the importing, exporting, intake, and organization of video content within a server-based digital media workflow. Required Qualifications: • At least 5 years of experience working in a live news transmission operation. • Ability to multi-task and handle multiple live signals and crews simultaneously. • Demonstrate good news judgment. • Flexibility to work any shift/any day including weekends and holidays and as business dictates in extended breaking news scenarios. • Ability to succeed in a fast-paced live broadcast environment. • Strong communication skills with multiple managers per shift Education: High School Diploma Interested candidates apply via disneycareers.com. Job ID: 10073914 About ABC Owned TV Stations: The Disney Entertainment Television group creates original entertainment and news content for the Company’s streaming platforms and its cable and broadcast networks. 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: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. 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.
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This position is with KTRK Television, Inc, which is part of a business we call ABC Owned TV Stations. The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email Candidate.Accommodations@Disney. com with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability. Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
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December 29, 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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December 29, 2023
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IMMIGRATION
December 29, 2023
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Abbott: ‘SB4 Will Keep Texans Safe’. HPD Union: ‘We’re Not Immigration Police’ By Anna-Catherine Brigida Houston: As the Houston Police Department chief from 2010 to 2016, Charles McClelland worked to make sure immigrant communities felt safe coming forward to speak to police and report crime. Now he’s watching Gov. Greg Abbott undo much of this work by signing Senate Bill 4, a new law that makes it a state crime to cross into Texas illegally from Mexico. “I think about the consequences it’s gonna have on public safety,” McClelland said. “If I’m a person that’s here legally and my mom and dad came over illegally. My grandparents came over illegally. If they become a victim of crime, I don’t want them to report that. Because they’re putting themselves in jeopardy and harm’s way that they could get deported.” Although proponents of the bill say it is meant to deal with the increase in border crossings, it applies across the state, so law enforcement in cities like Houston
with large imEvidence can take migrant populasix months to two tions will have years to be anato decide how lyzed in the crime to enforce the lab. law. Days after “To have local Abbott signed law enforcement SB 4, which playing as immithe governor gration officers and supporters — a role they’re say will keep not trained for — Texans safe, is probably the local Houston worst thing right law enforce- Gov. Greg Abbott signs three bills into law at a border wall construction now for the crimiment say the site in Brownsville that will broaden his border security plans and add nal justice system law risks hav- funding for more infrastructure to deter illegal immigration. (Associated as a whole here in ing the oppo- Press photo / Valerie Gonzalez) Harris County,” rests and deportations, comes at site effect by straining resources said Harris County Judge Lina Hia time when resources are already and breaking down trust with imdalgo in a press conference, stressstretched. Harris County Jail is migrant communities. ing that taxpayers would have to notoriously overcrowded, and at “We’re here to help victims of foot the bill for the additional jail least 62 people have died in custocrime. We’re not here to be the costs. dy from unnatural causes between immigration police. It’s not our Griffith agreed that SB 4 is a re2012 and 2022. The jail remained job,” said Doug Griffith, president source issue. “As far as Houston, out of compliance with Texas of the Houston Police Officers’ we don’t have the manpower or minimum safety standards as of Union. the time to be able to do anything August. Cases snaking their way SB 4, which greatly expands like that,” he said. through the Harris County court the role of state and local law When new state laws such as SB system face a two-year backlog. enforcement in immigration ar4 are passed, HPD’s legal departAppeals can languish for years.
Indo-American News • Friday, december 29, 2023• www.indoamerican-news.com
ment reviews the law and then issues guidance, Griffith explained. Although those guidelines have not yet been issued publicly, immigration enforcement, which falls to the federal government, is not a priority for the department’s already strained resources, said Griffith. “This department is not going to produce a task force to go after illegal aliens. It’s just not gonna happen,” he said. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office could also be overwhelmed by the new law, since the office would need to prosecute the cases. However, the district attorney’s office could decide not to accept charges for illegal entry, classified as a class B misdemeanor under SB 4. This would mean police in Harris County could not arrest anyone for the crime because they need the DA’s office to accept charges first, explained Griffith. The district attorney’s office declined to comment while it is reviewing the law. -- Houston Landing
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