Indo-American News: October 21, 2022

IACCGH Receives Praise for Strengthening US-India Partnership

By seema HakHu kacHru

Houston: India is America’s ninth larg est trading partner and holds a stock of almost $13 billion in foreign direct invest ment in the US, creat ing more than 70,000 jobs, a leading IndianAmerican internation al trade policy expert has said.

Speaking at the an nual Indo-American Chamber of Com merce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) on Saturday, Arun Venkataraman, Assis tant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, praised the cham ber for its role in strengthening the US-India partnership for 23 years.

Venkataraman was sworn in as the assistant secretary of com merce for global markets and di rector general of the US and For eign Commercial Service for the International Trade Administration in April this year. He was appoint ed by President Joe Biden and con firmed by the US Senate on April 7 to lead the federal government’s efforts to promote exports abroad and attract inward investment.

Citing an example of the cham ber’s role in bringing businesses to the USA, he said Mahindra USA, which made Houston its corporate headquarters for its farm trac tor business, was a direct result of the trade delegation led by the IACCGH and supported by the US Commercial Service.

“For our part of the United States, US companies have invested $42 billion in foreign direct investment and are supporting the media in In dia,” he said.

“We have relaunched the CEO forum and are working to expand our US-India commercial ties, both of which will produce con crete outcomes to support greater

commercial collaboration,” Ven kataraman said.

India is the ninth largest trad ing partner of the US and holds a stock of almost $13 billion in for eign direct investment in America, creating more than 70,000 jobs, he said.

Noting that India has joined the diverse group of countries that are participating in the Indo-Pacific economic framework, he said it will support the even deeper inte gration between the US and India and the rest of the Indo-Pacific re gion.

“Looking ahead, we will con tinue to rely on the Indo-American Chamber to help us expand eco nomic opportunities for all Ameri cans. To deepen collaboration in the energy and tech sector, I will be working closely with CGI Hous ton, Aseem Mahajan, towards cre ating new opportunities for us and Indian firms,” he said.

“Our community can and should play a pivotal role, not only in seiz ing business opportunities over seas but continuing to build the foundation of strong commercial ties for the US-India relationship.

“This relationship will be a defin ing feature of the 21st century and the diaspora community and our commercial economy will be de

cisive in whether that relationship achieved its potential to do good for the world. We’re all counting on you to carry that forward and we look forward to continuing our partnership,” he said.

Twenty-three years of building relationships between Houston’s business community and India were celebrated in great style at the Hilton Americas-Houston dur ing the IACCGH 2022 gala.

The gala was attended by Hous ton’s top industry leaders, elected federal and local officials and their representatives.

Lauding the role of IACCGH in boosting bilateral trade and ad vocacy, Consul General of India in Houston Aseem Mahajan, in his remarks, said, “India and the United States share a comprehen sive global strategic partnership covering almost all areas of hu man endeavour, driven by shared democratic values, convergence of interests on a range of issues and people-to-people contacts”.

He said the bilateral trade and in vestments between both countries have deepened in recent years de spite the challenges of the Covid19 pandemic.

There are over 2,000 US compa nies present in India and over 150 Indian companies in America and

the number is growing rapidly which underlines the immense potential in partnership.

Harris County Mayor Sylves ter Turner referred to the $14 billion trade that currently exists between India and Houston and said IACCGH has been instru mental in promoting economic engagement and facilitation of bilateral trade.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said that IACCGH has evolved into a vehicle of eco nomic empowerment as Cham ber ensures that “our region remains an economic engine of success by strengthening commerce between USA and India.”

Judge K P George, the high est ranking Indian-American in Texas, said, “IACCGH is a strong voice and asset for the Indo-American businesses fa cilitating commerce between the US and India to provide an American market for In dian products and vice versa”.

“Chamber has set a dynamic distinction during the chal lenging economic environment while standing at the forefront of creating opportunities for knowledge exchange collabo ration and maximization of

Jagdeep Ahluwalia - ex ecutive direc tor and a major force behind the Chamber, who was recently recognised for being one of the Houston Busi ness Journal’s 2022 Diversity Championssaid during his welcome speech that the chamber has come a long way since its inception in 1999.

“Now after two decades, it is instru mental in building bridges between India and Houston, boosting bilateral trade, economic growth, job creations and major investments, and is cited among the upper echelons of the US Small Business Administration as a model chamber,” he said.

“As we are hopefully coming out of the pandemic, I believe, we are well positioned to build on our successes and become even more of a force to reckon with in the next decade,” Ahl uwalia said.

President Tarush Anand, whose term ends this year, offered an up date on recent outstanding events and programmess that allow members to overcome challenges and seize op portunities presented by the new nor mal.

He highlighted ‘NOW GEN’ initia tive launched by Chamber this year, which is focused on engaging with empowering young professionals and business leaders.

“I am excited about its potential and look forward to seeing it grow,” Anand said. Incoming President Rajiv Bhavsar was introduced at the gala.

IACCGH Gala is the annual fund raiser for the chamber that attracts over 700 attendees.

Credit: Press Trust of India

IACCGH award winners with special guests and IACCGH officials. VIEW PHOTO COLLAGE ON PAGES 8-9.

resources for your members,” George said.

A massive Diwali-Dussehra celebration festival showcasing the best of Indian culture, heritage, and values in an unparalleled manner attracted a record-breaking crowd of more than 10,000 persons. The 11th Grand International Diwali-Dussehra Festival, depicting the “victory of good over evil”, at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, including US congressmen, judges, mayors, and commissioners last Saturday. -- Business Insider India

BAPS

Organizes 100 Blood Drives

Houston Livestock & Rodeo Scholarships

H ouston : Houston Live stock Show and Rodeo officials announced that 29 graduate-level college students will receive a to tal of $464,590 in educational fund ing through the Rodeo’s Gradu ate Assistantship Program. These funds will support 26 students pur suing master’s degrees and three doctoral students for the 20222023 academic year.

A&M University – Commerce, Texas A&M University –Kingsville, Texas State University, Tex as Tech University and West Texas A&M University. The areas of study for these stu dents include Animal Science, Agricultural Science, Ag ricultural Education, Horticulture and Wildlife Management.

Houston: In a time of great need, the spirit of giving was clearly visible as individuals gathered at BAPS Charities Blood Donation Drives organized throughout USA and Canada. BAPS Charities orga nized a record-breaking 100 blood drives across North America in partnership with local blood banks. These drives helped collect 4,000 pints of blood to potentially save 12,000 lives(one pint can save up to three lives).

The 100 blood donation drives were organized to commemo rate the Centennial Celebrations of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose compassion to wards all inspired the creation of BAPS Charities, the humanitar ian arm of BAPS. He lived by the motto ‘In the joy of other lies our own’ –which was the theme of the drives. BAPS Charities’ nation wide campaign todonate blood was time relief during the worst blood shortage crisis in over a decade due to the COVID-19 pandemic

and Hurricane Ian

Doctors and medical providers are often being forced to make dif ficult decisions impacting patients requiring blood transfusions. As a result, Red Cross issued a callto-action for all potential donors, volunteers, and blood drive orga nizers to help mitigate the crisis.

BAPS Charitiesvolunteers guid ed the blood donors with registra tion and flow. After their blood donation,they also made sure that the donors were relaxed, had a snack and drank liquids until they felt better.

Anna Feltham, Account Man ager, American Red Cross Blood Services in Chicago, IL, said, “The blood collected today will go a long way towards replenish ing blood supplies and, ultimately, saving lives. With the 145 units we collected, up to 435 lives may be saved. Amazing!”Jaymin Patel, a blood donor in Robbinsville, NJ said, “I feel great that I gave some one the gift of life. BAPS Chari

ties is doinga tremendous service by organizing these drives and en couraging people to donate.”

“BAPS Charities has been or ganizing blood drives for years, but I think this year is a record attempt by thousands of donors to save lives,” said Nilkanth Pa tel, President, BAPS Charities. “Our past campaigns helped save 44,000 lives, and with this year’s campaign, we have helped save another 22,500 lives.”

Dr. Subhash Patel, National Co ordinator of Medical Services,said, “BAPS Charities would like to thank all the donors and blood agencies. Without their assistance, we would not have been able to pro vide the services vital to the wellbeing of our community.”Through various activities such as health fairs, bone marrow and blood drives, walkathons, and disaster relief operations, BAPS Charities sincerely serves the world by car ing for individuals, families, and communities.

“Supporting agricultural re search at Texas universities that of fer some of the state’s best agricul tural research programs has been a staple of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s educational support since the 1970s,” said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO.

The Rodeo’s Graduate Assistant ship Program supports 14 grad uate-level programs at 11 Texas universities, including: Angelo State University, Sam Houston State University, Stephen F. Aus tin State University, Sul Ross State University, Tarleton State Univer sity, Texas A&M University, Texas

The Graduate Assistantship Pro gram represents a portion of the Rodeo’s annual commitment to Texas youth and education. The program began in the early 1970s to grow the Rodeo’s involvement with the state’s agricultural schools and to further its commitment to institutions, education and agri culture. Since then, the Rodeo has awarded more than $15 million to Texas institutions in support of ag riculture research.

In 2022, more than $22 million has been committed to scholar ships, junior show exhibitors, edu cational program grants and gradu ate assistantships. Since 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $550 million to the youth of Texas and education.

Houston to Host International Maheshwari Rajasthani Convention:

By trusHa cHandak

Houston: The International Ma heshwari Rajasthani Convention (IMRC 2022), a bi-annual flagship event of the Maheshwari Mahas abha of North America will be held at Marriott Marquis Houston from 24-27 November.

The convention’s overarching goal is to unite Rajasthani families, foster relationships with people from other Chapters, and present and share our rich culture, cuisine, traditions, and art with young people. This goal is particularly important for the sec ond and third generations of Indian Americans who are growing up in the United States. It is also an occa sion to highlight and spread aware ness of MMNA’s efforts, as well as to raise awareness of the issues fac ing the community and work toward overcoming those challenges

The Maheshwari/Rajasthani com munity is recognized as one of the most successful communities both in business and charitable work.

MMNA was established in 1983, and today it has more than 5000 registered members in 10 differ ent Chapters. The MMNA seeks to establish relationships with all Ma heshwaris residing in the USA and to represent the Rajasthani commu nity and its culture. It also sponsors charitable endeavors and plans con ventions.

The MMNA is currently presided

Job Posting

IMRC Host Committee

over by Mrs. Abhilasha Rathi. Ma heshwaris have historically found greater success in the fields of medicine, education, engineering, and politics, and the new generation continues to do so too.MMNA has a youth-focused group called RAYS, or Rajasthani’s Abroad Youth Sa maj. To help Marwari youngsters connect with peers and understand Marwari culture on a meaningful level, RAYS has organized several regional and national events across the nation.

The IMRC team and the Rajast hani Abroad Youth Samaj (RAYS) are working hard to ensure that there are entertaining events for the 200+ enrolled participants in the age groups of 21-35 and 13-20 (RAYJS). Together, they intend to learn more about our culture, expand their pro fessional networks, and, of course,

have fun at IMRC 2022.IMRC 2022 is being held under the guidance of Convenor Sharad Mantri along with co-convenors Sanjay Jajoo and Arch ana Bhakkad and Houston Chapter President Pramesh Maheshwari. Core team members include BOT member Narendra Zamwar, NEC member Swapnil Chandak, Sushma Pallod, Nandkishore Lohiya, Mrs. Triveni Mantri. The theme for this year’s convention is “Ristey, Reeti, Riwaj’’ where the goal is to cherish existing and make new “Ristey” (rela tions), celebrate the “Reeti” (traditions) of rich Rajasthani culture and heritage, and present children and future genera tion with the unique

and colorful Rajasthani “Riwaj” (way of doing things). IMRC 2022 is a simulating 4-day pro gram that will keep each age group engaged and entertained along with some innovative ideas like: MMNA Mahesh Tank (bring your entrepreneur dream to fruition with the help of successful Maheshwaris), Ma hasangram (Kid-Parents-open heart-to-heart conversation), Anand Mela at George Ranch (Fun-Fair), Sajan Ghot and Ghoomar(Rajasthani Dance).

It promises to be an actionpacked event filled with cultural performances, breakout sessions, matrimonial opportunities, educa tion loan opportunities, philanthropy, professional networking, activities for Sakhi, RAYS, seniors, children and more importantly an avenue to collaborate with like-minded Ma heshwari/Rajasthani from across the globe.

Many dignitaries, spiritual and social leaders, artists, and members

Job Posting

Responsibilities

• Editing for

Required Qualifications

• Experience editing on non-linear systems

• Working knowledge of a digital newsroom

• Understanding digital workflows for broadcast news in a deadline-inten sive environment

• Ability to quickly edit in deadline situations while being creative and precise

Ability to take direction

Team player

• Flexibility with work schedule; ability to work any shift/any day includ ing overnights, weekends and holidays

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Adobe Premiere Pro, Dalet Galaxy, and live signal intake and ingest

• Working knowledge of a server-based digital media workflow

Education

• High school diploma

Interested candidates should apply via Disneycareers.com Job ID 10024790

KTRK Television, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, reli gion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. 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.

from India, and other countries will be attending the convention. Among the guests of honor are Dr Ruma Devi who is a symbol of women empowerment, a master artisan, a social activist, a renowned designer, and a recognized craftpreneur.

Shailesh Lodha is a very popular poet, actor, comedian, and writer in India. While he is a regular on In dian Television, he is best known for portraying Taarak Mehta in the Hindi sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Oo ltah Chashmah. Kartikeya Baldwa is the Founder and C.E.O at Ixoreal Biomed Inc, a company based out of Los Angeles and Hyderabad. Bald wa is the recipient of the “Young Entrepreneur Award 2015”

Emphasizing the importance of the event, Convenor Sharad Mantri has this to say: “IMRC 2022 is an essen tial destination where we all gather to celebrate our Rajasthani culture and heritage. It is a place where we renew old friendships, make new ones, and expand our network and horizon.”

SENIOR NEWSCAST PRODUCER

KTRK-TV, the Disney TV station located in Houston, TX is seeking a highly experienced Senior Producer who will oversee all elements of a daily television newscast and help to manage reporter and photographer assignments.

Our senior newscast producer must build complicated, compelling, inter esting newscasts in a highly competitive, high-pressure environment. A successful candidate should be active on social media and understand how to leverage those platforms for stories.

Senior Producers must work well with other managers, anchors, reporters, assignment editors, writers, directors and graphic artists. Candidates for this position should have a passion for management, leadership, collabo ration and producing quality newscasts for all platforms.

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

• Help coach & train less experienced producers and associate producers

• Execute last-minute changes in high pressure situations

Basic Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate must have at least 3 years producing experience in Houston

• Demonstrate the ability work under deadline pressures in a rapid, fastpaced 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.

Required Education:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication or related field

Interested candidates should apply via Disneycareers.com

Job ID 10026975

KTRK Television, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, reli gion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. 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

Have you planned for your future?

Jesal Patel ARPC, CLTC, LUTCF

Financial Adviser*: Eagle Strategies LLC Life Member MDRT Ph: 281-221-5061/713-499-7670 Fax: 832-201-5394 Website: www.jesalzpatel.com

*Financial Adviser offering investment advisory services through Eagle Strategies LLC, A Registered Investment Adviser. Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC-Member FINRA/ SIPC, A Licensed insurance Agency. Agent with New York Life Insurance Company. 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 1900, Houston, TX 77027 (713) 961-4545 California Insurance License # 0F53803 smru#1711530

Have your ever wondered lately where our country and our democ racy are headed? Do you believe in government’s capacity to work for the people? Do you think our democracy has been wounded? Remember January 6 th, 2021. Do you believe that we should do our part to make sure democracy func tions, something for which our Founders fought for?

About 186 years ago, in 1836 Texas declared independence from Mexico. Now Texans get another chance to vote. The right to vote is the most fundamental constitution al right that American citizens en joy. Voting right gives all citizens a voice in shaping the present and future of our county by allowing us to register our opinion on how our government should operate and who should take the lead. This sacred right and duty -not accord ed to citizens of many countries in the world-are not taken seriously by some Americans who fail to recognize how privileged we are to live in this “land of the free and home of the brave”.

Many people have given their

Your Vote Matters: Exercise Your Right to Vote

lives in wars in various parts of the world defending democracy. We cannot ignore the privileges that people have given their lives to preserve.

All citizens must first be regis tered to vote. It is a tool that en sures that a citizen can cast a bal lot for a candidate who can best represent his or her constituents at local, state and national levels.

Registration can be done on-line at Register2vote.org by filling out the required information and re ceive a postage paid form that will have to be signed and returned.

Registration can also be done through the League of Women Voters, the local county offices as well as drives held in public plac es. Voter registration should not be misconstrued as political events or a part of any political campaign.

Voter registration is an apolitical act similar to taking the census.

Citizens who are not registered to vote or do not exercise their right to vote may be unaware of the stakes in a participatory democracy--to elect candidates who will represent their interests.

Those who don’t vote are throw ing away a chance to have real in fluence. The elected officials make decisions regarding the education system, property taxes, healthcare and other issues directly affecting our lives. By ignoring their right to vote, those non-voters for all intents and purposes are delegat ing their rights to people who cast their ballots and are allowing oth ers who have their own interests at heart to influence the outcomes of elections.

Sadly, minorities including Asian Americans do not register and turn out to vote in proportion to their numbers. Less than 60% of Asian Americans voted in the last elec tion. In 2020, Texans ranked 47th in voter turnout in the general elec tion. About 6 million eligible vot ers in Texas did not vote in 2020, a Presidential election year. Some call Texas not a Red state or a Blue state but a Non-voting state.

Early voting in Texas is from October 24 th through November 4th and the election is on November 8th.

Those who register

Col. Raj Bhalla Celebrates 92nd Birthday

By JawaHar malHotra

Houston: When Col. Raj Bhalla and his wife Kanwal moved to the Houston area in 1995, they had no idea that how much they would become the beloved couple of the community. It was a combination of their affection for people and causes as well as willingness to give of their time and money that brought them in touch with many of the movers and shakers of the South Asian community here.

But Raj Bhalla’s enormous in fluence also permeated through the Morton Masonic Lodge No 72 in Richmond that he became at tached to, after having spent most of his life in service as a Free Ma son in India, and New York. He gave generously to the remodel ing of the Lodge and many of its charitable causes.

The philanthropy did not end there. In 2020, Raj and Kanwal Bhalla gave away $1 million to a huge list of charities and non-profits, half of that amount going to the Houston Method ist Hospital Foundation. They made another large donation earlier this year towards the completion of the Memorial Eagle Plaza off University Blvd. in Sugar Land.

So when the Bhallas asked a few dozen of their close friends to celebrate Raj’s 92nd birthday on Wednes day, October 5, it was an invitation not to be turned down. They were able to enjoy his com pany over dinner at the Songkran Thai restaurant in Uptown Park. Never one at a loss for words, Raj acknowledged in a short speech

after October 11 th (the deadline for registering) can vote in future elections after November 8 th.

As the fastest growing minority group in America, it is imperative that our community takes owner ship of its role in shaping our gov ernment and a nation’s direction by electing candidates who will

pursue our agenda. Exercising our right to vote is essential to being a good citizen as well as to ensure that our democratic institutions are protected and passed on to our children.

Our choices are in our ballots. Our voices need to be heard! PLEASE VOTE !!!

Job Posting

MULTI SKILLED

KTRK-TV the Disney Owned station in Houston, TX is seeking a col laborative, ethical and empathetic multi-skilled journalist who loves to dig and enterprise lead stories.

We want a self-starter and storyteller who can work effectively with a wide range of personnel to create compelling high impact content on all platforms. Candidates must have a passion for uncovering and reporting the facts, and with integrity above all else.

The multi-skilled journalist must be a dynamic communicator and strong leader with the ability to authentically engage and connect with a diverse audience. The person will have the ability to move the audience between linear and digital platforms.

The multi-skilled journalist will participate in the editorial decision – making process as it relates to story assignments, sourcing subjects featured in story assignments, sourcing subjects featured in stories and developing community relationships to expand the diversity of voices in our storytelling.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record and generate impact ful content by uncovering stories through investigation and research. We want a team player who can turn visually creative, memorable stories that provide context and perspective.

Responsibilities:

• Ability to shoot visual content, report, write, edit and produce stories on deadline for multiple platforms, such as linear, digital and social plat forms.

• Offer creative and innovative ideas for elevated storytelling

• Superior on-camera presentation

• Excellent writing skills, possess solid news judgement and ethical decision-making skills

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to the community, which includes representing the station and participating at various community events

• Inspires with humility and inclusive behaviors

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a medium sized market

• Proficient with AP style

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

Required Education:

• College degree or equivalent

Interested applicants apply online at disneycareers.com; Req ID: 7024323420220519

of his affection for his close knit group of friends. There were huge sparkler candles on the cake and they felicitated him with song

and a short, warm words by Songkran owner Ashok Rao.

Songkran owner Ashok Rao congratulates Raj and Kanwal Bhalla

14th Indian Film Festival: A Rousing Success

Houston: For the past fourteen years, Sutapa Ghosh, Founder and Executive Director of the Indian Film Festival of Houston (IFFH), has watched the annual event ma ture. What began as an idea to in troduce Houstonians to true Indian cinema has grown both in size and in scope, attracting movie-goers not only from our local diverse communities but from other parts of the country and world.

Ghosh wanted to make this year very special because India is cel ebrating the 75th anniversary of its independence. At the same time, it’s the celebration for Satyajit Ray, considered to be among the “100 Greatest Film Directors Ever,” who was born a century ago this year. He was the inspi ration for many brilliant filmmak ers around the globe. Ray won multiple awards, including ones from Berlin, Tokyo, Cannes, Ven ice, Russia, and Yugoslavia. He also received the French Legion of Honor from the President of France, as well as an Academy Honorary Award here in the Unit ed States.

Master of Ceremonies for the Festival held at the Asia Society Texas Center was Jose Grinan from FOX26 Morning News and Board Member of IFFH. He in troduced Indian Consul Sandeep Choudhury who launched this year’s Indian Film Festival of Houston.

The first film shown was Ray’s Charulata (The Lonely Wife), based on a tale by India’s first Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore. It is the story of a talented woman married to a newspaper publisher so involved in his busi ness that he neglects his wife. She falls in love with his cousin who is helping to develop her literary

talents.

A reception was held between the screenings. Attendees includ ed Consuls General and Deputy Consuls General from countries including India, Korea, Mexico, and Angola. They were treated to Indian delicacies from the Veran dah Restaurant while enjoying the sounds of Moodafaruka, a band that combined Indian instruments (the sitar and tabla) with western ones, creating fusion music.

Returning to the theater, Grinan introduced Houston Councilwom an Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz who gave Founder and Executive Director Ghosh a Proclamation on behalf of Mayor Sylvester Turner declaring October 15, 2022 as Indian Film Festival of Houston Day.

The second film was Shatranj Ke

Indo American News

Founder: dr. k.l. sindwani PuBlisHer: JawaHar malHotra editor: Pramod kulkarni corresPondent: sancHali Basu

Khilari (The Chess Players), based on a true incident in 1856. Chess, a game invented in India, became an obsession among many, includ ing noblemen who are depicted in the film that takes place in 1856. They ignore the historic event tak ing place—the British take-over of the Indian princely state of Awadh whose capital is Lucknow.

Next year the Festival will cel ebrate its fifteenth anniversary. Special plans are being made for the event which will move to Feb ruary 23-25, 2023. It will include film screenings, Q&As, interna tional filmmakers, entertainment, a sit-down dinner, and an awards ceremony.

The Festival is grateful to all of its Board Members, Sponsors, Pa trons, Supporters, and Volunteers.

IFFH Board Members

Indian Consul Sandeep Choudhury (center) with IFFH Founder Sutapa Ghosh and Board Members.

TCC Taped Ball Spring 2022 Championship: Powerstars Win, Gladiators Runners Up

Houston: Powerstars won the third TCC Taped Ball champion ship defeating 8th time finalist Gladiators in the final of the Spring 2022 Premier tournament which is a once in year tournament for the best teams of TCC Taped Ball.

Gladiators won the toss and elected to bat. It was a steady start for the first two overs before Karthik and Eklavya did the dam age in the 3rd and 4th over to re duce Gladiators to 20/2 in 4 overs to mark the end of the powerplay. Then the duo of Dylan and Kaly, who bowled exceptionally well in playoffs continued the bowling.

Gladiators played the bowl ers with caution and steadily marched towards a decent total of 58/2 in 10 overs. Emad Badri ( 46 ) scored some quick runs but regular wickets at other end had Gladiators struggling at 94/5 in 15 overs. Karthik’s strategic bowling changes ensured there were regu lar wickets taken and restricted Gladiators for 127 for 9. Karthik finished with 3 for 28 in 4 overs including a maiden wicket.

Powerstars Openers Money Singh and Navin Negi started the innings at a very brisk pace and never let the bowlers settle into rhythm from ball one. Sreenivas Seelam joined the chase after 1st wicket and Navin Negi scored scorching boundaries back to back in Ninad’s over to take the score to 35/1 in 3 overs. At the end of the powerplay of 4 overs, Powerstars were 38 for one. Sreenivasa See lam joined the party with a beau

tifully crafted lofted drive on the offside to get the boundary of the bowling of the ace spinner Sand eep K.

Powerstars kept the runs flowing from both ends before Sreenivas was out for 13. Prashanth Manne, who joined Navin Negi, looked in complete control to bring Pow erstars total to 78 for two. In the eleventh over, right after the break,

the signs

Navin Negi brought up yet another masterful and classy Half Century. After the 10th over break, Pow erstars upped the ante and scored at will and won the match by six wickets.

Navin Negi dominated the match from Ball one and has made bowl ing look very easy. Navin Negi was adjudged Man of the Match for his unbeaten knock of 79 of

just 53 balls with seven fours and 1 six. The MVP of the series was Karthik Vadlamudi, who took a total of 17 wickets and scored 213 runs.

The stats sheet in the playoff showed Powerstars dominance with the top 3 wicket takers. The trio of Dylan Joseph, Kalyan Chi vukula, and Karthik Vadlamudi each taking eight wickets a piece

to ensure comprehensive victories in the Playoffs.

A special mention to Dinesh Kasliwal for keeping the Gladia tors team cohesively and running a successful season and been award ed Runners up Trophy.

The core unit of Karthik Vad lamudi, Prashanth Manne, Rohit Bade, Sreenivasa Seelam, Kalyan Chivukula, and last but not least, the beast alias Ronnie Ronaldson ensured Powerstars had a great and successful season. Under the able leadership of Karthik Vadlamudi and Kalyan Chivukula, Powerstars has grown from strength to strength and is a force to reckon with.

The game was followed by a well-organized presentation cer emony organized by Jagadish Bi radar. Dinesh Kasliwal of Team Gladiators was thanked for volun tary work on scheduling. Karthik Vadlamudi, the captain of Power stars received the winner’s trophy and the runners up trophy was col lected by Emad Babri, counterpart from Gladiators. Other tournament awards were presented to Amit Pa tel (best batsman with 291 runs), Sajid Khan (best bowler with 16 wickets), Shiva Prasad (best keeper with 23 catches), Jayanth Kalakunt la (best all-rounder with 220 runs and 12 wickets), special century award for Rakesh M Raja, Rush ang Shah, Hiren Patel and Swapnil Chandrate, special hat-trick award for Archit Shah and Yesu Seelam. Online scorecard: https://www. cricclubs.com/3T/viewScorecard. do?matchId=1193&clubId=8675

the patterns

the cycle of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Winners: Powerstars (above), Runners up: Gladiators (below)