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PhiladelPhia: The International Maheshwari and Rajasthani Convention (IMRC) 2024, held over Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia, was a vibrant celebration of Sanskriti (culture), Pragati (progress), and Samriddhi (prosperity). Hosted by the Northeast Chapter of the Maheshwari Mahasabha of North America (MMNA), the event seamlessly bridged tradition with modernity, uniting nearly 1,200 Maheshwaris from around the globe. This convention was a testament to the community’s rich heritage and its commitment to fostering relationships and networking across generations.
The four-day convention was made possible by a dedicated 14-member core team, led by Convener Tarun Mandhania, who worked for over 18 months alongside more than 150 volunteers. The leadership team, including Co-Conveners Anita Ajmera, Vaibhav Gagrani, and Aditya Vikram Daga, NEC VP Mukul Rathi, and Trustee Jitendra Muchhal, was supported by national leaders such as NEC President Abhilasha Rathi and Trustee Chair Pradeep Tapadiya.
The event commenced on Friday, the 30th Aug, with a warm welcome featuring garland, the beat of the dhol, a traditional Marwari tilak, and a sweet treat. The festivities began with an ice-breaker event organized
by RAYS (Rajasthani Abroad Youth Samaj), followed by “Band Baaja Baraat,” a 90-minute showcase of a traditional Marwari wedding. The evening continued with lively activities, including dancing, karaoke, and Antakshari.
Saturday morning’s formal Opening Ceremony featured distinguished guests including Consul General of India Binaya Pradhan, Consul Manish Kulhary (Trade), philanthropist Chandrika Tandon, and Naveen Maheshwari from the Allen Coaching Institute in Kota, Rajasthan. A notable moment was Naveen Maheshwari’s display of a shila (stone) from which the Ram Lalla murti in Ayodhya was made, symbolizing the convention’s success.
The Sajjangot-style lunch that followed was a highlight, featuring authentic Daal Baati Churma prepared by a renowned chef from Jaipur and served in traditional “pangat” style.
This groundbreaking achievement of serving over 1,000 people in a seated format garnered widespread praise.
The evening’s Inter-Chapter cultural extravaganza included 10-minute skits from each MMNA chapter, reflecting the convention’s themes.
The standout performance was a Ramayana-based MIME act by the North East Chapter children, which received a standing ovation. Senior members were honored, with Smt. Lata Maheshwari receiving the Life-
time Achievement Award.
Sunday’s visit to the Akshardham temple in Robbinsville, NJ, featured an inspiring discourse by Swami Yoginath, a guided tour, and a sumptuous lunch. The round trip was flawlessly organized with the help of over 100 volunteers in 20 air-conditioned school buses.
Philanthropy is an integral part of MMNA’s philosophy. Sunday evening, there was a fund raising session philanthropic causes followed by the “Gala Night” – Electrifying live performance from the band Dhwani, which energized the audience and led to an enthusiastic dance session that lasted into the early hours.
Monday’s closing ceremony included lively performances by children in hand-painted t-shirts, brief MIME acts, and more from Dhwani. The event concluded with a heartfelt appreciation of the 150+ volunteers and recognition of outstanding vendors. Convener Tarun Mandhania highlighted the blessings of Ram Lalla, and MMNA President Abhilasha Rathi delivered the vote of thanks. Food was a central highlight, setting new benchmarks for flavor and variety. The menu included traditional dishes like Dal Baati Churma and Kair/Sangri, alongside international favorites and an array of desserts. Colorful costumes and theme-based attire added an extra layer of fun to the convention.
A 30-minute fireside chat with Chandrika Tandon was a standout moment, where she shared her life story and praised the Maheshwari community’s values. Her spirited participation in singing and dancing with attendees was a heartwarming highlight.
The convention offered a rich array of programs, including arts and crafts, painting, block printing and other activities for kids and youth, fruit carving, yoga, naturopathy, Reiki, meditation, a seniors’ initiative, and a series on Sanskriti in Science. Other activities included the Sakhi session, a Business Mela, sessions for budding entrepreneurs, and professional networking across 25+ breakout sessions. A speed dating session was a notable highlight, drawing significant participation.
Innovations such as family IDbased registrations, virtual support desk and digital displays enhanced the overall experience while reducing the paper footprint.
IMRC 2024 was praised for its successful organization, meticulous planning, and flawless execution, blending mindful practices with global traditions. It celebrated Maheshwari culture and reaffirmed the community’s strength, connection, and unity.
Tarun Mandhania, Convener of the IMRC 2024 said “ our convention was honored to have Billionaire Chandrika ji Tandon, who is also a
philanthropist (donated $100m to NYU school) , Grammy nominee and a businesswoman. Chandrika ji was impressed by the rich culture of Maheshwaris and complimented on the deeply rooted values of Maheshwaris. It was impressive to see her spend time with RAYS youth in a fireside chat and also sing and dance with Sakhis.”
He also added “Naveen ji Maheshwari of Allen Institute Kota Rajasthan blessed the convention with a shila ( stone ) from which Ram Lalla murti in Ayodhya was made. Everyone went smoothly in convention due to Ram Lallas’ blessings”
Founded in 1983, MMNA (www. mmna.org) was established to preserve and promote the community’s rich culture and heritage in America, while also fostering community engagement through philanthropic activities.
MRC brought us closer with our extended Parivar across North America, showcasing remarkable creativity, energy, and meaningful connections. The infectious enthusiasm of the youth re-energized us all. It was a proud moment to represent and lead the Southwest chapter on such a prestigious platform. Our group built lasting bonds and supported one another every step of the way. We’re left with cherished memories that will stay with us forever. --
By Bo SiNgh
houStoN: On the night of September 08, 2024; I attended a program as part of Houston – JLF (Jaipur Literary Festival), which featured Navdeep Suri, grandson of Nanak Singh reading from the book Khooni Vaisakhi, originally written in Punjabi and now with its English translation by him. The book originally published in May 1920, was banned by the British rulers in India soon after its publication, considered as seditious literature for gory depiction of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919. On that fateful day of April 13, 1919, General Dyer opened fire on a peaceful crowd estimated to be 20,000 inside a community park known as Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, which killed almost a thousand unarmed civilians. Young Nanak Singh, 22-year-old attended that event with his two friends who lost their lives there. He was lucky to have witnessed, survived the bloodshed and had written a searing ballad titled, Khooni Vaisakhi. All the printed copies were confiscated and destroyed, as the book was banned. In the year 2019, on the occasion of the centenary of the massacre, it was published again by his grandson with English rendering by him. What an interesting turn of events. A poetry book by a young
budding Punjabi writer Nanak Singh was banished by the draconian rules of the rulers of the times. A century later it is in the market with a new twist. Now, it has English rendering along with original Punjabi from his own grandson. What a unique revival for a book which did not get a chance to reach the masses at the height of nationalistic fever. Now a century later, it is not only available to Punjabi readers alone, but it has become available to a worldwide audience. The bloody Vaisakhi of 1919 has finally revealed the effects of its crimson colors a century later. Not sure how many emotional chords it will touch a century later, but for every heart it touches, the haunting words of Nanak Singh will keep echoing in
their ears:
Bhukhe baaj nu aaj rajaan chale ... Aaj khun ki nadi vahaan chale
Translation (by me and not by Suri): Today we are going (on a mission) to satiate the hungry hawk…. Today we are going (to make a river of) blood flow (with our blood).
The pain and the anguish that he felt in his tender heart is expressed by him in these words:
Nanak Singh ki khol ke haal dase, Juddeh dukh Punjab te aun lag paye
Translation (by Suri in poetry): Says Nanak Singh, Ah! The pain of Punjab! Words choke as I speak, they suffocate.
The session was at the Eternal Gandhi Museum, Houston where Navdeep Suri was in a conversa-
tion with Sanjoy Roy. The discussion was very stimulating and nostalgic as the writer being a grandson was privy to a lot of family lore. The conversation was paused for singing of songs from the book by Balkar Singh, accompanied by Biplab Samadder, Raja Banga and Avanti Priyadarshani on instruments. Balkar Singh had just two days to prepare but his rendering of the pain and agony of the brutality in classical ragas was astounding. The program was called Songs of Punjab: Narrative of Resilience was truly a bleeding testimony of the torture that commoners were subjected to, on the holiest day of Vaisakhi, where Nanak Singh lamented on their fate in these words:
Nanak Singh par unnhan nuu kaun rok(h)ae, jaehre mulkh par hoan kurbaan chalae.
Translation (by Suri in poetry): Says Nanak Singh, can’t stop them now for nation’s sake to die they go.
only suggestion will be the program could have been very emotionally bonding for the audience if Naveen Suri would have shared some pictures of Nanak Singh, as it would have left a lasting imprint. The receptive audience would have appreciated the works and penmanship of Nanak Singh. References: Suri, Navdeep & Singh, 1. Nanak. Khooni Vaisakhi. https://www.google.com/ books/edition/Khooni_ Vaisakhi/41-MDwAAQBA J?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec =frontcover Suri, Navdeep Singh. 2. Nanak Singh’s Khooni Vaisakhi: The Poet and the Poem. https://sikhresearchjournal.org/index.php/srj/ article/view/60/42
Now that was the spirit of resilience. It felt good to see the grandson providing a new fillip, new life to the legacy of his grandfather and the author. Even this is a form of resiliency to lasting legacy of Nanak Singh, as now his name will be known beyond Punjab. My Book cover
By AnikA ShArdA
Carpe Diem - seize the day. If you win the morning you win the day.
I lie on my soft mattress on the top bunk, look out from my window and see the vivid warm colors melting with the dawn sky. I race to the bathroom to wash my teeth, clean my face and change into my clothes, before heading out of our Sita Left cabin with my fellow campers, while munching on Nutri Grain biscuits.
Hindu Heritage Youth Camp is the best part of Summer for many adolescents and children. A total of 150 Hindu campers, and 40 counsellors take part in this five day camp only to leave with cherished memories, learn hinduism, play games, participate in cultural activities, and make long lasting friendships that will stay till their Sannyasa age.
Established in 1984, HHYC, youth wing of Hindus of Greater Houston, proudly celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2024. After years of hunting for camp sites and difficulty in finding suitable places to host it, they finally bought their 6 million dollar Walden in Columbus with tremendous contribution from Donors. A shout out to Subhash ji Gupta family who contributed a whopping 1.75 million dollars.
We head to the newly furnished basketball court to do the early morning Shakha. The chatter and noise of students talking quiets down as we are called over to assemble in our groups named on planets - Mangala, Surya, Budh, Shukra, Shani etc. Facing the sun we perform the Surya Namaskar, yoga and meditate. We are split by gender and age to play games like Kho Kho, and Kabaddi.
The eagerly awaited breakfast is cooked by the volunteers and head chief - Sushma Pallod. Cereals, donuts, muffins and fruits are displayed on an assorted rack.
Once breakfast is done, we head back to the cabin to take showers and wash off our sweat. Time is limited and the stop watch is on for three minutes. Counselors monitor the bunks and campers relish talking and laughing with them. I ask them to braid my hair. They’re more than happy to help.
HHYC challenges the immense task of educating students about Hinduism. Lessons are interactive, social, and fun. Counselors discuss topics ranging from Astrology to Ayurveda.
We learn that Hinduism is a way of life. We listen, enthralled and horrified, as we hear the terrible truth about the magnificent Taj Mahal. Though the caste system existed, it was not rigid till the British made the divisions. We thought the worst was over after August 15th 1947, but then the Bengali Genocide occurred. In 1971, 3 million Hindus were massacred. Analysts say that in the
next two decades there won’t be a Hindu population in Bangladesh. Campers are moved to tears imagining these tales.
Further, education sessions delineate the eight immortal gods (Chiranjeevi) or Shiva’s third eye.
Learning about shruti and smriti, moksh, dharma and karma is the real understanding of hinduism. Intriguing and mind-boggling is the theory behind dreams.
The counselors are not just imparting loaded information but passing on some life nuggets in cool ways - a counselor says ‘Comparison is the thief of joy’, and it stays with me.
A highlight from the week is meeting a celebrity: Alok Kanojia - a previous camper himself who is currently a psychiatrist, entrepreneur and influencer.
For lunch, tacos and nachos are served to us and I love every bite of my meal. Over the week my stomach is happy being fed pizza, pasta, sandwiches, burritos, pav bhaji and varied Indian meals. It’s not just the food that’s scrumptious, the drinks keep me refreshed too. Shrek’s beverage, director’s sweat and purple holi poli water (don’t worry - they are only names) quickly run out.
During the afternoon, arts and crafts are held. We make beautiful designs on bricks which are to be incorporated on the campsite. I draw a diya, and around me watch my friends’ paint lotuses, mandalas, sunsets and Oms. We make lanterns, construct roller coasters with recyclables, and color canvases.
One of the best parts of the day for me comes in the afternoon: free recreation. Sports mean the world to me. I am either swimming in the pool, shooting baskets on the court, setting the volleyball or kicking soccer goals in the net. Moreover there are countless other activities on the site. Gaga ball, pickleball, spike ball, baseball and American football. If you are too hot for sports, you can chill and chat under the canopy, or stay in the hall play-
ing cards or board games.
Sweaty and stinky? Go for another shower! Rest and relax some before you head out in the evening. It’s time for Bhajans and aarti. We compete to see who sings louderboys or girls, JV or Varsity?
The aroma of dinner fills the air as we recite the Bhojan Mantra before every meal. We sit together, laugh and argue. Every minute we spend together, the bond gets stronger. Counselors sit with us and this brings us closer to them too. Thinking about leaving is the worst part. Camp is home.
The night events are super fun. Dodgeball is hard but if you can dodge and throw you’ll rule it. Talent show brings to light varied acts Rubix cube, arm wrestling, story telling, singing, dancing and instrumental performances (tabla, guitar, keyboard). All of them keep you at the edge of your seats and wowed in awe. Getting dressed for Garba in your Salwar Kameez, Kurta pajamas, and Lehengas makes us feel glamorous. Dandiya and disco bring the evening to an end. The vibe and spirit is loud, thrilling and exhilarating. To add to all these activities
we have the colorful and vibrant holi. Magenta hair, rainbow faces/ bodies can be spotted everywhere. A cornucopia of holi colors and a stock of baby powder is provided. Soon we are bombed with water balloons. Next we jump into the pool and turn the water purple.
Counselors save us a treat for bed time - cookies and milk.
It’s late, campers head back to their cabins, where they whisper, clean up, and get to bed with a bedtime story.
My legs ache with all the run-
ning around, my throat is sore, and in no time I am asleep. When I wake up, I am refreshed and full of energy to start a new day.
I question my fellow campers on what they like about camp best, and they quip - ‘I love the food’, ‘Always my friends’, ‘Dancing in Garba’, ‘Sports’, ‘Holi is mine’, with huge smiles across their faces.
For me, though, it is knowing what being a Real Hindu means. I am not embarrassed to say I am Hindu when asked about my religion.
HHYC’s new forever home at Texas Hindu Campsite is the dream of many families in the Houston community. Funds from people across the country makes HHYC thrive even during difficult times, it was run even during Covid.
HHYC welcomes students from Grade 4 to 12; Junior camp was from July 23rd to 27th and Senior camp from July 30th to August 4th. The summer camp is for Hindus to blend in and feel oneness, living in America where Hindus are a minority.
Make a donation today and let future hindus strive in Texas. For further information and registration, visit www.texashinducampsite.org
Anika Sharda lives in Kuwait, student of Year 9, who encountered her first camp experience at Houston, in 2024.
houStoN: Chitra Banerjee’s new novel, Independence, has won the presitigious American Book Award. In fact, Chitra may be the only South Asian author to win the award for the second time (first time was for her collection Arranged Marriage).
Set during the partition of British India in 1947, a time when neighbor was pitted against neighbor and families were torn apart, award-winning author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s novel brings to life the sweeping story of three sisters caught up in events beyond their control, their unbreakable bond, and their incredible struggle against powerful odds.
Synopsis: India, 1947. In a rural village in Bengal live three sisters, daughters of a well-respected doctor.
Priya: intelligent and idealistic, resolved to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a doctor, though society frowns on it.
Deepa: the beauty, determined to make a marriage that will bring her family joy and status.
Jamini: devout, sharp-eyed, and a talented quiltmaker, with deeper passions than she reveals.
Theirs is a home of love and safety, a refuge from the violent events taking shape in the nation.
Then their father is killed during a
riot, and even their neighbors turn against them, bringing the events of their country closer to home.
As Priya determinedly pursues her career goal, Deepa falls deeply in love with a Muslim, causing her to break with her family. And Jamini attempts to hold her family together, even as she secretly longs for her sister’s fiancè
When the partition of India is officially decided, a drastic—and dangerous— change is in the air. India is now for Hindus, Pakistan for Muslims. The sisters find themselves separated from one another, each on different paths. They fear for what will happen to not just themselves, but each other.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni outdoes herself with this deeply moving story of sisterhood and friendship, painting an account of India’s independence simultaneously exhilarating and devastating, that will make any reader—new or old—a devoted fan.
waShiNgtoN dC: The State Department, working in close collaboration with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, has announced the issuance of all available visas in the EmploymentBased Second Preference (EB-2) category for fiscal year (FY) 2024. Maximizing these visas facilitates legitimate travel for individuals with exceptional ability and professionals holding advanced
degrees. These individuals bring contributions across many industries that greatly benefit the U.S. economy.
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) limits the number of employment-based preference immigrant visas that may be issued within a fiscal year. Specifically, INA 203(b)(2) provides that the annual limit for EB-2 visas is 28.6 percent of the worldwide
employment limit. Since all available EB-2 visas for FY 2024 have been used, embassies and consulates may not issue visas in this category for the remainder of the fiscal year. The annual limit will reset with the start of the new fiscal year (FY 2025) on October 1, 2024. At that point, embassies and consulates may resume issuing immigrant visas in this category to qualified applicants.
Texas House District 26 Democratic candidate Daniel Lee (wife Vanessa beside him); Colin Allred; Texas House representative Suleman Lalani; fast food franchisee Ricki Oberoi and Alings owner Irfan Motiwala.
By Jawahar Malhotra
Sugar laNd: During an election stop in the Houston area last Thursday, September 5, US Senate candidate, Democrat Colin Allred met with student leaders from the University of Houston and host a roundtable discussion with Asian small business leaders in Sugar Land.
Allred is currently serving his third term representing the 32nd Congressional District of Texas which covers a suburban area of northeastern Dallas County and a sliver of Collin and Denton counties. The district was created after the 2000 United States census, when Texas went from 30 seats to
32 seats.
Allred is hoping to unseat twoterm Republican Senator Ted Cruz in the November election. In Sugar Land, on Thursday afternoon, he met with a few Asian small business owners to listen to their concerns about the challenges facing them. During the hour-long informal meeting held at Aling’s Chinese Bistro, Allred heard from fast food franchisee Ricki Oberoi; Texas House representative Suleman Lalani; Alings owner Irfan Motiwala; and attorney and Texas House District 26 Democratic candidate Daniel Lee, as well as three members of the local media.
aBu dhaBi: Celebrating the Vibrant Legacy and Diversity of South Indian Cinema in the Remarkable City of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, is gearing up for an unforgettable cinematic celebration as some of the most iconic names in South Indian cinema descend on its shores for IIFA Utsavam 2024.
On September 27th, 2024, the stars of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema will take the stage to celebrate their industry’s extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema and its global impact. IIFA Utsavam promises to be an unmissable spectacle, honouring the diversity, creativity, and brilliance of the South Indian film industry. The evening will be a grand showcase of talent and cinematic excellence, featuring the luminaries of South Indian cinema, who have brought to life some of the most iconic films in recent memory. Representing not just regional cinema, but also the rich cultural tapestry that has captivated audiences across the globe.
In addition to the impressive roster of hosts and performers https:// www.iifa.com/iifa-utsavam-2024
poised to electrify the global stage with their dynamic presence and captivating performances at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, IIFA Utsavam will showcase an illustrious assembly of South Indian cinema’s finest talents:
Leading this monumental celebration will be Megastar Chiranjeevi, recipient of the prestigious civilian honour bestowed by the Government of India, Padma Vibhushan, the extraordinaire supreme hero and Megastar of South Indian Cinema, Chiranjeevi to be honoured with IIFA Utsavam Special Honor for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema’.
The “Mega Power Star” Ram Charan is set to attend IIFA Utsavam, adding star power and excitement to the prestigious celebration of South Indian cinema. Known for his phenomenal performances and massive fan following, his presence will undoubtedly elevate the event’s grandeur, making it an unforgettable occasion for fans and industry alike.
Global superstar Aishwarya Rai
Bachchan is set to grace IIFA Utsavam with her unrivaled charm and international acclaim. Celebrated for her extraordinary beauty, exceptional acting prowess, and influential presence both in Indian cinema and on the world stage, her attendance brings unparalleled prestige to the event. As a global icon renowned for her stellar roles across Indian and international films, Aishwarya’s presence promises to el-
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:
evate the occasion to new heights, making it a highly anticipated and unforgettable highlight for fans and the film industry alike.
Joining the stellar lineup at IIFA Utsavam is the sensational Samantha Ruth Prabhu, one of South Indian cinema’s most beloved and versatile actresses. Known for her powerful performances across Telugu and Tamil films, Samantha has captivated audiences with her exceptional talent, charm, and grace. From winning multiple prestigious awards to delivering iconic roles, she has firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. Her presence at IIFA Utsavam promises to elevate the event further, making it an grand occasion for fans and cinema lovers alike.
Suhasini Maniratnam, another prominent figure, and a celebrated actress and director, whose work has consistently championed women’s empowerment and innovative storytelling, will be attending IIFA Utsavam.
The visionary filmmaker, Mani Ratnam, whose work has redefined Indian cinema time and
again. Known for his masterful storytelling and ability to bring out deeply nuanced performances, Mani Ratnam is a legend in his own right. From Roja to Ponniyin Selvan, his films have transcended boundaries, both geographically and thematically, and have become milestones in the history of cinema. His presence at IIFA Utsavam 2024, alongside the cast and crew of Ponniyin Selvan, will be a powerful testament to his enduring influence.
Veteran actor and Telugu cinema icon Nandamuri Balakrishna will grace IIFA Utsavam, lending prestige to the celebration of South Indian cinema. With his illustrious career and rich legacy in the industry, Balakrishna’s presence adds a touch of grandeur to the event.
Legendary actor Kamal Haasan will grace IIFA Utsavam with his presence, adding immense significance to the celebration of South Indian cinema. With a career spanning six decades and a lasting impact on the industry, his participation is sure to inspire and elevate the event’s grandeur.
By PraNavi SharMa
dallaS: Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Indian Parliament urged the Indian diaspora, whom he dubbed as “ambassadors” for India to act as a vital bridge between the country and the U.S.
Addressing the diaspora in Dallas, Texas, on Sep. 8, Gandhi emphasized the crucial role of the diaspora in forming stronger ties between the two democracies, highlighting several shared values of respect, humility, and love.
“Inside your heart is respect, is love, humility, and you are our ambassadors in one way. You are the bridge between these two unionsthe United States of America and the Union of States (India), which is written in our constitution,” Gandhi said, stressing the significant role that the diaspora plays in forming mutual understanding and collaboration between India and the U.S.
Gandhi, who was welcomed at Dallas International Airport on Sep.8, began his speech by extending greetings for Onam and Ganesh Chaturthi. He reflected on the values of love, respect, and humility, which he believes are essential in Indian politics. “My role is broader and bigger than just opposing the government. It is about injecting these values into our political system,” he said, outlining
his vision for a more inclusive and compassionate India.
He drew parallels between the Indian and American constitutions, both of which, he pointed out, are built on the idea of a union of states where no state, religion, or language is superior to another.
“We share another very important fact: that we are both unions of states. The United States, whose National Anthem we also played,
and in our constitution, it’s clearly stated, India that is Bharat is a union of states,” Gandhi stated, highlighting the fundamental principles of equality and unity.
At the University of Texas in Dallas, which has over 2500 Indian students enrolled, Gandhi said that the youth have an important role to play in shaping India’s future. -- New India Abroad
Sugar
laNd
: In a tense and charged meeting to discuss the effects of Gas Power Plant in Sugar Land, more than 300 residents told city mayor Joe Zimmerman that they don’t want the plant to be constructed close to their homes. Telfair HOA had organized the meeting on 5th September in Sugar Land Museum to let residents speak with the City Mayor & Councilors. The prime reason for the residents to oppose the plant is the detrimental effect on their health due to pollution from the plant.
plant. He requested the City Council to stop the project now or put it on ballot for Sugar Land residents to determine the way forward. Some experts from medical field who spoke at the plant highlighted the increased chances of Cancer and other diseases due to the pollution from the plant. Many residents expressed the concerns that the city is prioritizing profit over people and appealed to the City council to listen to people’s demand and stop the project.
Mayor Joe Zimmerman said that the plant was being considered to tackle the power shortages and will only operate 30% of the time to supply power at time of peak power demand. He also said that the plans are in the initial stage and most of the environmental studies are yet to be done. However, an overwhelming majority of the residents didn’t want the polluting power plant and suggested many alternative ways to deal with the issue.
Telfair HOA President, Sanjay Singhal who moderated the session told mayor that a polling of Telfair residents showed that over 86% of the Telfair residents oppose the
The meeting was marked by frequent clapping and booing. As the meeting progressed, the chanting to stop the plant grew louder, resulting in the Mayor Joe Zimmerman and the Council member abruptly leaving the room with police escort. Residents expressed their disappointment on how the City leaders walked out on the residents. A similar meeting in New Territory 2 weeks ago witnessed the same feeling by the residents and City staff walked out of that meeting also abruptly. It is yet to be seen if the City will listen to the residents and stop the plans for the power plant or will move ahead with their plans. -- Sanjay Singhal, President, Telfair HOA.
By aBhiShek SrivaStav
Story: Story: After Prakash loses his job when the hotel closes, he receives an offer to work in Mumbai with the same chain. But his children set out on a mission to stop him from leaving their hill town.
Review: ‘Tikdam’ arrives like a breath of fresh air in an era dominated by superhero spectacles, hyper-masculinity, and profanity. Its simple plot, combined with heartfelt performances, strikes a chord and makes you reflect on the beauty of a simpler life. The story, centered on an impoverished father and his two children, evokes a sense of nostalgia, transporting you to a time when life felt uncorrupted. Though primarily aimed at children, ‘Tikdam’ has enough depth to appeal to adults as well, poignantly portraying the bond between a father and his kids. It’s a charming film that stands out and leaves you with a smile.
Set in the hilly town of Sukhtaal, the story follows Prakash (Amit Sial), a widower and low-level employee at a hotel chain. The town’s declining tourism and ecological changes have taken a toll on the hotel’s business, leading its owner, Rose (Jennifer Piccinato), to shut it down permanently. How-
ever, due to Prakash’s dedication, he is offered a position in another branch in Mumbai. When his children, Samay (Arisht Jain) and Cheeni (Aarohi Saud), learn of this, the idea of their father leaving their ancestral home deeply saddens them. Unable to accept his departure, the kids, with the help of their close friend Bhanu (Divyansh Dwivedi), hatch plans to keep their father from moving to Mumbai.
The film touches on the subjects of migration from small towns to big cities and the ecological crises these towns face. Just as the plot seems to drift into a preachy tone, with school kids led by Samay and Bhanu taking steps to halt deforestation, ban plastic use, and reduce noise pollution, the screenplay shifts and stays grounded.
Its greatest strength lies in its simplicity, often reflecting realism. The actions of the schoolchildren feel authentic, never exaggerated. The film is a slice-of-life portrayal of a below-middle-class family content with small-town life, despite its challenges. A particularly poignant scene occurs when Prakash’s mother confronts his elder brother after he loses a card game on Diwali, encapsulating the film’s core message with great impact. Watch out for the
hilarious moment when Prakash humorously explains and defines the meaning of “chudail” to Rose, the hotel owner.
The film’s strong performances elevate the viewing experience. Amit Sial shines as Prakash, a widower and simple man who would do anything to bring joy to his children. His connection with the kids feels genuine and deeply moving. Some scenes are emotional, and they may bring tears to your eyes, making you truly empathize with Sial’s character.
Nayan Bhatt, as the lively grandmother, adds energy with her clever antics, while Ajit Sarwottam Kelkar as the grandfather, brings a touch of humour to lighten the mood. However, it’s the children who form the heart of the film, with Samay (Arisht Jain), Bhanu (Divyansh Dwivedi), and Cheeni (Aarohi Saud) all delivering authentic and captivating performances. Divyansh Dwivedi, in particular, steals the show with his ‘wise-beyond-his-years’ dialogue. Films like ‘Tikdam’ have become rare, and director Vivek Anchalia deserves full credit for taking on such a daring and unique subject. If you’re weary of life’s daily grind, this film offers a soothing escape.. -- TNN
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New delhi: Amazon Inc expects to help Indian exporters sell about $5 billion worth of small-ticket items through its platform this year in markets such as the United States and Britain, up from nearly $3 billion in 2023, a company official said.
Under the Amazon Global Selling programme, launched in 2015, nearly 150,000 small exporters across India are expected to sell their products directly to overseas consumers using the company’s ecommerce platform.
“We are investing significantly in tools and technologies to help sellers optimise their reach, enhance product discovery, and increase sales,” Bhupen Wakankar, director of global trade at Amazon, told Reuters in an interview on Thursday, ahead of an exporters’ meeting in New Delhi.
Amazon is on track to help tens of thousands of Indian businesses to surpass a cumulative $13 billion in e-commerce exports by the end of 2024, a company statement said.
The move by one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies underscores India’s growing role in the global supply chain and reflects a broader trend among multinational corporations to diversify supplies away from China.
Walmart Inc, opens new tab(WMT.N), opens new tab said in 2020 it planned to hike its supplies from India to $10 billion a
year by 2027, up from about $3 billion at that time.
Wakankar said Amazon had partnered with the India’s commerce ministry and trade associations to connect with small manufacturers across the country offering products from textiles and jewellery to household items and Ayurveda products.
Such items are usually easy to post directly to customers abroad and less affected by import taxes than costlier products.
Amazon and Walmart’s Flipkart have reshaped India’s retail landscape in recent years, investing billions of dollars to source supplies from small businesses and attracting consumers through hefty discounts.
But they face criticism from trading and political groups.
India’s commerce minister has accused Amazon and other ecommerce companies of predatory pricing practices and said the sector’s rapid rise should not disrupt millions of brick-and-mortar stores operating in the country.
Last June, Amazon announced plans to increase its investments in India to $26 billion by 2030, including funds for its cloud business.
The company aims to facilitate $20 billion in cumulative e-commerce exports from India by 2025, Wakankar added.
India is one of the world’s leading countries in producing, exporting and consuming gemstones and
jewelry. This industry plays an important role because of the role of foreign currency collection and job security in the country.
U.A.E, USA, Russia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Latin America, and China are the main countries importing this kind of goods from India. America, Hong Kong, and U.A.E are accounting for 75%.
The export value of gemstones and jewelry is USD 35.51 billion in 2016-2017.
Currently, India has become the largest tractor manufacturer in the world with 13 tractor manufacturing units, providing one-third of global tractor production. In 2006-2007, manufactured and sold 263,146 tractors of the size of 25 – 45 horsepower. In con-
trast, 2017-2018 more than 600 000 tractors were sold on the local market only.
Tractors manufactured by India have been exported to many countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, South America, etc. In India 2 new tractor manufacturing factories will be established per year.
The Indian mechanical industry is also producing self-propelled combined harvesters and tractordriven harvesters. At the same time, the country also makes all kinds of diesel engines, electric motors, and most agricultural machines and equipment.
The Indian pharmaceutical industry ranks third in the world in size and 14th in value. Sales of all drugs were about US $ 19.22 billion in 2012.
Currently, Indian pharmaceuticals are exported to over 200 countries around the world, but mainly the US, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and China markets. The industry employs about 340,000 workers along with about 400,000 doctors and 300,000 pharmacists.
The total number of drug production facilities is about 10,500, of which there are over 8,100 drug production facilities and nearly 2,400 drug production facilities.
Current export products from India include pharmaceutical materials, active ingredients (APIs), finished drugs, drug dosage formulations (FDFs).
