October 7 Pages 1-26

Friday, October 7 2011 | Vol. 30, No. 40

www.indoamerican-news.com Published weekly from Houston, TX

7457 Harwin Dr, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036 Ph: 713.789.NEWS (6397) • Fax: 713.789.6399 • indoamericannews@yahoo.com

second location opens with Dhoom Dhamaka Doorbuster

Photo: Krishna Giri

Partnered & Syndicated with Times of India, Sulekha.com, Google, Yahoo & Bing

Vishala’s

Page 12, 14 & 15

Indo American erican News

Circulation Verified by

HOPE ILLUMINATED He embodied truth, simplicity, strength, and a profound love of all humanity. His words and deeds had the power to evoke change, and his messages of non-violence stirred and inspired leaders, statesmen, and a legion of adherents the world over.

This past weekend, millions globally commemorated Gandhi’s birth anniversary as the International Day of Non-Violence. In this city, many miles from his country of birth, hundreds gathered at the Miller Outdoor to pay homage to the Mahatma.

Seen in the picture are (from left) Sam Merchant, representative of Congressman Al Green, Consul General Sanjiv Arora, Dr. Manish Wani and Sanjay Jain.

See Page 5

Turn your Gold / Silver / Platinum into Cash We pay top $ for all the above metal

Diamond Jewelry Store

Maharaja Jewelers

Exclusive Diamond and Gold Jewelry at affordable prices Jewelry repairs and setting done on site

Building relationships one customer at a time

s

ao’ R h s i

Sat

PURE VEGETARIAN INDIAN CUISINE Hillcroft: 5959 Hillcroft, Houston TX 77036 713-334-5555

Krishna Chaat House: 5959 Hillcroft, Houston TX 77036 832-251-9000

Houston: 4632 FM 1960 West Houston TX 77069 281-397-7200

Katy: 557 South Mason Rd, Ste: A, Katy TX 77450 281-829-6100

Dallas: 35 Richardson Heights Village Richardson, TX 75080 469-330-1600

www.udipicafeusa.com • Catering: 281-914-2716

5821 Hillcroft, Houston, TX 77036

713-784-5673 • Serving Delicious North & South Indian Dishes • Catering Events of All Sizes: Corporate | Weddings Birthdays | Anniversaries • Adjudged Best Vegetarian Indian Restaurant 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010 – Houston Press

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

2

October 7, 2011

WEEKDAYS & WEEKEND Lunch Buffet

dia The Taste of In

buy 1 get 1

dandia

FREE

16. Excludes rava Offer starting from Oct 9-dosa platter. Offer dosa, three barrel dosa & nner & dine in only. valid for di

See you at George R. Brown Convention Centre this Fri & Saturday

g n i r e t a C & t e u q n a B s ’ a n h c a R

Now iew V e k a L open Stunning lly

Beautifu

ilities

ac Lots of F

d in e t a r o c De

nd

He

r La a g u S f art o

Perfect for parties & get togethers, conferences & more..

Serving North Indian, South Indian, Chat, Indo-american, Indo-Chinese, Gujarati Cuisine & much more...

281-565-0555 www.sankalpsugarland.com 16338 Kensington Dr, # 160, Sugar Land, TX 77479 INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

Since 1982

IamNEWS

www.indoamerican-news.com

7457 Harwin Drive • Suite 262 • Houston • Texas • 77036 - 713.789.NEWS (6397) • fax: 713.789.6399

October 07, 2011

Steve Jobs Passes Away Apple’s visionary founder, Steve Jobs passes away at the age of 56.

We at Indo American News are ever-indebted to his vision and technology that we have always been dependent on. Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.

The Kalakshetra Explores the Essence of Movement

BY SOWMYA NANDAKUMAR HOUSTON: Exploring the essence of movement, the Director of Kalakshetra, Leela Samson and her team, on the evening of Saturday the 1st of Oct 2011, vitalized the atmosphere inside Cullen Theater at the Wortham Center.

As Leela Samson said, in the 75 years of its life, the Kalakshetra, a distinguished, top-class school of Bharatnatyam, had never performed in the US until then. For bringing them here, for one of the most enlivening performances, the grant endowed by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), and Samskriti, headed

by Rathna Kumar, deserve much praise and thanks from all of us who witnessed the performance that evening.

Spanda, or Vibrations, was the concept of the evening’s program.

In the first part, Spanda Maatrika, pieces of marvelously designed choreography, aptly stage lit, innovatively explored movement of the body through adavus (beat of the foot). Within the confines of the Bharatnatyam technique and yet bold and contemporary in structure, formation of patterns, and in the use of music, these pieces were performed not to typical song and melody but to the reverberations of unconventional rhythmic melody.

The coordination of the dancers in all of their moves, their uniform grace, gait and composure spoke volumes about the amount of thought and practice that must

Spanda, or Vibrations, was the concept of the evening’s program Photo: Navin Mediwala

have gone into these choreographies. The naturalness, with which they formed their patterns on stage, and their extremely subtle interactions with each other in each of those patterns to form new patterns, exemplified the dancers’ spatial energy zones - one’s own space as the dancer and the space around one, being the others’ space.

Any movement created by others around one’s space leads one to feel and respond to that energy and that in turn influences the others’ space forming a cyclical pattern of subliminal interaction, highlighting the concept of Spanda.

The other notable group dance

was the Kaalinga Nardhana segment where Lord Krishna, dances on the hood of the snake King Kaalinga, who has claimed territorial rights over the Yamuna River and poisoned it, making it inaccessible to the people of Brindavan. Lord Krishna dances until Kaalinga yields to him. In this fast paced piece the dancers were coordinated and detailed the scene with precision and sharpness in their body movements.

Three solos, exquisitely choreographed and performed by Leela Samson, based on a wide ranged set of themes, were glorious moments of the evening.

The first was excerpts from Kalidasa’s Kumara Sambhavam, (the story of how Lord Muruga was conceived), depicting a few scenes of the courtship between Shiva and Parvathy. Parvathy intensely desires marrying Shiva who has overcome Kama (desire). Yet Parvathy does not falter and never tires of trying to convince Shiva.

Moved by her pious love for him, despite his overly simplistic adornments, physical appearance and his detachment to earthly affections, Shiva decides to marry Parvathy.

As his entourage travels towards Parvathy’s home, it seems as though the whole of Mount Kailash is moving towards her home. The story was very finely simulated by Leela Samson, and the end of each verse was interspersed with an invigorating combination of Jatis, signifying the end of one verse and the beginning of the next.

The second solo piece was performed to an Ashtapathi, RaaseHari Miha describing the lover’s angst of Radha as she waits for Krishna. She thinks of the music emanating from his flute and of the times Krishna has made her feel emotionally secure. Yet now, as she awaits him she is unable to calm her mind with just the memories of Krishna, and is restless to be with him again. Each of these intense emotions was well portrayed.

The third solo was set to the Dikshitar Krithi, Ardhanaareeshwaram in the ragam Kumudakriya,

Attorney Mukul Kelkar CIVIL LITIGATION EMPLOYMENT LAW IMMIGRATION LAW

3

Former State Prosecutors with over 10 years of experience

Houston - Principle Office 11200 Westheimer Rd, ste 120 Houston, Texas 77042 office 832-767-0339 direct 469-256-8585

praising the embodiment of Lord Shiva in his union of the masculine and the feminine forms of the universe. In this choreography Leela Samson’s facial expressions and body language articulately adapted to the male and female appearances and ended in the portrayal of the unison of these two forms as she struck the elegant Ardhanaareeshwarar pose which brought her splendid solos to an end.

The concept of exploring movement, and the vibrations and energies that such movement can create, was aptly concluded with the exhilarating finale piece titled Charishnu which was representative of planetary movement amongst the constellations. It was executed with complete finesse and expertise by the dancers.

The two concluding pieces, Ardhanaareeshwara and Charishnu remained in my mind as the design and the dance of the universe - the cosmos uniting the male and the female energies, creates infinite patterns and countless life forms, all of which are gifted in their own ways with the universe’s brilliant spirit of creation.

Sowmya Nandakumar has a Masters in Mass Communications from the University of Houston, a product of Stella Maris and Asian College of Journalism, Chennai.

A media person, she has worked as assistant director for three feature films including “Vaaranam Aayiram” under Director Gautham Menon. She enjoys writing and occasionally freelances.

CRIMINAL LAW All Misdemeanors and Felonies DWI Theft/Burglary Assault Juvenile Crimes White Collar Crimes

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

4

October 07, 2011

EN L O O RT TS SA TAR MBE 11 S TE , 20 SEP OBER H T CT 28 HO 28T

PATEL BROTHERS

“Celebrating Our Food....Our Culture”

5815 HILLCROFT AVENUE. HOUSTON, TX 77036 TEL: 713-784-8332 • FAX: 713-784-8341

WEDNESDAY TO MONDAY - 11AM TO 8 PM & TUESDAY 12PM TO 3 PM

SWAD TOOR DAL

3

$ 99

SWAD CHANA DAL

SWAD MASOOR DAL

$

$

SWAD KALA CHANA

99

4 LB.

JAGGERY GUD

5

$ 99 11 LB.

SWAD SOJI

1

SWAD KHAKHRA

79¢

2

1

$ 00 54.6 GMS. SWAD RICE FLOUR

4 LB.

$

26

99

10 LB.

2 LB.

PKT.

CORN

1

4 LB.

99¢

SWAD CORN OIL

SWAD POHA THICK

3

11

SWAD MOONG DAL

$

$

SWAD BASMATI RICE

6

$

30

99

WAGH BAKRI TEA

$

99¢

2

99

$ 99

$ 99

20 LB.

10 LB.

CAN

$

Shop Worry Free....

Now we can ship all over America

Disclaimer: If you no longer wish to receive e-mails from us, please reply with "unsubscribe" in subject line.

$

7

GT WHITE BAG ATTA

10

$

99

SWAD MATHIYA FLOUR

1

SWAD URAD FLOUR

1

$ 99

2 LB.

2 LB.

FROZEN VEGETABLES

4 FOR

1

$ 00

No Rain Checks • We Are Not Responsible For Any Typographical Errors.

We Reserve The Right To Limit The Quantity

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

99

20 LB.

$ 99 PARLE MONACO

69

99

1 OZ.

20 LB.

DIWALI SPARKLERS AVAILABLE

SIGN-UP WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS & GET SALE FLYERS TO SAVE !!!

IF YOU DO NOT GET OUR SALE FLYER? PLEASE LET US KNOW, CALL US OR EMAIL US

GATHERING SAFFRON

99

SWAD CHAKKI ATTA

400 GMS

SWAD SWEETS IN CAN

5

3

99

4 LB.

2 LB.

32.5 LB.

SWAD MAMRA

3

99

4 LB.

4 LB.

32.5 LB.

$ 49

$

9

$ 99

49

$ 99

MATHIYA, CHORA FALI FAFDA

SWAD ALMONDS

SWAD BESAN INDIA

$

3

99

SWAD MOONG DAL

4 LB.

SWAD CANOLA OIL

10 FOR

SWAD SONA MASOORI RICE

$

4 LB.

PKT.

PARLE GLUCOSE

2

SWAD URAD DAL

99

$ 99 SWAD FROZEN

PRINTMEDIAONLINE.COM | 732.993-5043

2

99

4 LB.

4 LB.

2

MONDAY TO SUNDAY - 10AM TO 9PM

GRAND NAVRATRI & DIWALI SALE

PLAIN / OILY

$

16338 KENSINGTON DR., SUGER LAND, TX 77479 TEL: 281-980-1181 • FAX: 281-980-1210

99¢

(NOT FRUITS)

PKT.

WE ACCEPT Visa, MasterCard, Discover & American Express & FOOD COUPONS

COMMUNITY

October 07, 2011

Mahatma Gandhi’s Messages of Peace Continue to Inspire Globally

Indo American News (ISSN 887-5936) is published weekly every Friday (for a subscription of $30 per year) by IndoAmerican News Inc., 7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036, tel: 713-789-6397, fax:713-789-6399, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com.

Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Indo American News, 7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036

1000 Lights for Peace, Hope, Remembrance, and Solidarity Photos: Krishna Giri

BY KALYANI GIRI HOUSTON: “The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problem.” He embodied truth, simplicity, strength, and a profound love of all humanity. His words and deeds had the power to evoke change, and his messages of non-violence stirred and inspired leaders, statesmen, and a legion of adherents the world over. Yet 63 years after Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s savage demise at the hands of an assassin, the memory of the man who would universally be revered as the Mahatma or great soul, lives on, transcending time and place.

This past weekend, millions globally commemorated Gandhi’s birth anniversary, October 2, as the International Day of Non-Violence. In India, Gandhi Jayanti as the day is recognized, is an annual holiday in celebration of the man who freed India from the shackles of British rule. In this city, many miles from his country of birth, at the opening ceremony of the 3rd annual 1000 Lights for Peace program a diverse crowd congregated at the Hermann Park Rose Garden where the life-like statue of the Mahatma stands, dhoti-clad with his signature walking stick. With Gandhi’s favorite bhajans soulfully streaming through discreetly appointed speakers, the Consul General of India Sanjiv Arora garlanded the statue. The crowd, led by Suresh Shah in the guise of Gandhi, marched the 5-mile peace walk along with Grand Marshal Sugar Land City Councilman Harish Jajoo, that ended at the Miller Outdoor Theatre where they were welcomed with a lively recital by the Lamar High School Orchestra.

Convivial weather made for a splendid evening of reminiscences of the Mahatma’s impact on the world and his deep influence on other world leaders in the exalted ilk of American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela, the South African luminary statesman who conciliatorily ended that country’s racist regime.

The event, hosted by the Mahatma Gandhi Library, accorded youth a platform to share their thoughts on Gandhi through speech, essay, and art competitions. The covered seating area, and the extended grassy hillocks under the clear sky, gave gatherees a premium view of the cavernous stage where the cultural program Prayas was presented.

The Mahatma’s messages of love, equality, fearlessness, and non-violence took shape through skits, songs and dances by commu-

5

nity members and young artistes from local schools for Indian performing arts; Prayas was directed by dance teacher Keka Kar, and coordinated by Alpa Shah and Shefali Jhaveri. Radio personality Meena Datt served as the evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies. Event Chair for the 1000 Lights Send your important documents to

INDIA • PAKISTAN BANGLADESH • SRI LANKA

By FedEX for 25% off $39.95 & Packages FedEX Pricing PACK N’SHIP 14601 Bellaire Blvd, Near Hwy 6

Shiv Sagar PURE VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

281-498-9934

event was Sanjay Jain, who delivered the welcome address.

Chief Guest Houston Mayor Annise Parker drew thunderous applause as she lauded Gandhi for his contribution to humane thinking.

“He was a great man who spread the message of peace. True liberation comes from internal harmony and that has to start with

ourselves,” said the mayor. “I want to urge you to be one of those lights for peace by not only practicing non-violence, but by also practicing love, respect, and tolerance.

Greet everyone with a smile,” she added.

Consul General Arora told gatherees that the Mahatma’s teachings would forever be relevant to mankind.

“Gandhiji’s message is all the more relevant for today as he taught of courage, selfsacrifice, endurance, and fearlessness,” said Arora. “Let us salute that great son of India and endeavor to learn from his lessons,” he added.

Flanking the theater, booths displayed a photographic exhibition titled Gandhi Darshan, books, materials, and a collection of stamps from around the world featuring Gandhi. Poignantly, replicas of the simple footwear he favored were also on exhibit.

Children flocked to the face-painting and art activity booths and emerged with colorful facial tattoos and hands speckled with paints. On stage, competition winners Tony Jha and Elizabeth Finnerty held the crowd enthralled as they presented their awardwinning speeches. All winners in the various categories, some as young as 5 years of age, received their awards and certificates from Mayor Parker and CG Arora.

The event culminated in the highlight of the evening that drew audience participation in the waving of bright glow-sticks provided by the organizers; candles, a possible fire hazard, were banned. With the lights in the theater down low and only the moon to illuminate the night, the more-than 1000 glowing wands appeared as beacons of hope, solace, and remembrance. But more than that, they were in their uniformity, a show of solidarity.

“We had more than 200 people participate in the peace march,” said President of the Gandhi Library, Dr. Manish Wani. “This year we’re seeing a lot of diversity especially in the youth events, which means that young people are learning about Gandhiji,” he added.

“It was a wonderful program with lot of efforts from the entire team, kudos to them,” said Ramesh Bhutada, a sponsor of the event.

Awardee Elizabeth Finnerty confided that when she thinks of peace the one person that comes to mind is Gandhi.

“He is my role model,” said Finnerty.

“This was such an awesome evening remembering his messages.”

For more information about Mahatma Gandhi Library or 1000 Lights for Peace, visit www.gandhilibrary.org CONCEPT to COMPLETION • Call 713-789-6397 • 832-368-4012

Now helping businesses design promotional material and build websites

• Great Family Dine-In Atmosphere • Friendly management & waitstaff • Full Service Catering Available • Great Vegetarian food

713-977-0150 Free Wi-Fi Available 6662 SW Fwy, Houston, TX 77074 (at Hillcroft by India Grocers)

We do CATERING for all occasions serving GUJARATI, NORTH & SOUTH INDIAN food.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

6

October 07, 2011

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

Nepalese Association of Houston Celebrates a Vibrant Dussehra

BY JACOB DAVID HOUSTON: Dussehra was celebrated by at the Taj Party Hall on 5615 Savoy Drive by the Nepalese Association of Houston on Saturday, October 1. This was the second time that the NAH held a major celebration at the Taj Hall which can ccomodate the nearly 300 people who attended the function. The gathering was lively and the Durga pooja, children’s dances and talent show were vibrant.

Madhukar Amatya, President of NAH welcomed all the guests in his opening speech. The Nepalese anthem were sung by two small children. Following a few dances, he awarded a plaque to Dr. Rupak Ronyar, on behalf of all the Nepalese community for his tireless service and medical service contributions.

Amatya said that the Nepalese Association holds cultural and philanthropic events throughout the year to benefit even the non-Nepalese living here in Houston.

There are over 5,000 Nepalese living in the Houston area, many of them students but there are a large number of professionals and business people too.

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, signifies the celebration of triumph over evil. Lord Rama, the 8th incarnation of the ten of Lord Vishnu, killed Ravana, the

October 07, 2011

powerful evil king of Sri Lanka, who abducted Sita, Rama’s wife. It is said that the Goddess Durga gave revealed some secret that allowed Rama to kill and destroy Ravana.

According to another legend, Durga slew the wicked demon Mahishasur who had created havoc and tormented the people living on earth. Durga was supported by the other Gods when she went to war for nine days and nine nights. She defeated the demon and killed him on the tenth day.

This victory is symbolized in celebrations as Dussehra and celebrated as a major festival in Nepal. This festival marks the end to the Navaratri festival. It is also known as Durga Utsav, when all the women of Nepal pray to the Goddess Durga to keep their families safe and for the beginning of a prosperous harvesting season.

At Taj Hall local talent performed various Nepali folk and film songs while snacks and dinner were served. The audience was spell bound by the fluid and graceful dancing by children ages 5 to 17 participated.

The evening ended on a joyous note with most of the guests joining in harmonious group dancing. There were singers who sang folk songs along with some Bollywood filmi numbers and the the crowd chanted along.

From left: Dinker and Iren Amatya, Dr. Anjali Jain and Nayna and Madhukar Amatya at the Nepalese Dussehra celebration this past Saturday, October 1. Photos: Jacob David

NAH President Madhukar Amatya presented a plaque to Dr Rupak Ronyar for his medical service to the community.

The Dussehra celebrations featured several dances by children of all ages, a talent show, some rocking music and folk and filmi songs which the guests later danced to.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

7

8

COMMUNITY

October 07, 2011

Sixth Annual HME Conference Held in Columbus

COLUMBUS, OH: Over 280 adult and youth delegates representing nearly 100 Mandirs (Temples) and Hindu organizations, from across the world, participated in the sixth annual Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC), from September 23rd through 25th, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio. The Sixth HMEC was hosted by Bharatiya Hindu Temple (Columbus) and ten other Mandir co-hosts from the Midwest and East Coast. Participants came from Hawaii, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and from all across USA. Delegates ranged in ages from teenagers to those in their eighties and came from a variety of ethnic and career backgrounds.

the broader community through blood drives, health fairs, school supply donations and tutoring projects.

Addressing the conference by video, Swami Dayananda Saraswati of the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam (AVG), emphasized that the Hindu Mandirs need to work together to stand up to external forces. Each Mandir and individual can contribute to projects and ideas that are generated at HMEC. Sadhavi Chaitanya of AVG, gave a rousing keynote address on karma, temples and our responsibilities as devotees, “everything is worshipful, everything is an act of worship, this is what we have to understand.”

Paramacharya Sadasivanatha Palaniswami of ‘Hinduism Today’ spoke on 14 questions

They are already looking forward to 7th HMEC conference in Fremont, California which will be hosted in 2012 by several temples on the west coast. “It was nice to see all the HMEC tote bags at the Columbus airport!”; “HMEC is a train of Sanaatan Dharma in America, let’s hop on!

HMTRAK!” tweeted - energized about the future - Coalition of Hindu Youth (CHY) Network, delegates, on their way back home, HMEC endeavors to assist in the development of networks and relationships between Mandir executives so that a cohesive and focused Hindu-American community can be created with Mandirs as its nucleus. The participants were focused on developing programs to provide leadership to nourish, protect and sustain Hindu Dharma in North America.

There was also an emphasis on service to

people ask about Hinduism while Dr. S. Yegnasubramanian explaining the practice of Vedic tradition in the West urged that, “we need to make Bhagavad Gita the glove compartment text for all Hindus. There is no shortcut to education, even in religion.” Other prominent speakers included Swami Parmatmananda of AVG in Rajkot, Gujarat, Srinandanadana Das, Swami Parmeshanand and Swami Nikhilanand of Radha Madhav Dham, who pointed out in his parting thoughts that, “Sanaatan Dharma is eternal and survives even pralaya. It doesn’t need us, we need it. Sanaatan dharma is going to survive no matter what. Our involvement will just benefit us”. Sri Ashok Singhal, President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, gave an inspiring speech on the need for unity, assertiveness and a collective response in the face of insults and threats facing the Hindus around the world and touched on the unconstitutional ‘Preven-

LAW OFFICES OF ZAINAB K. RIZVI DEDICATED DEPENDABLE & PERSONAL ATTENTION IMMIGRATION LAW Non Immigration and Immigrant Visa, Family & Employment Immigration.

Citizenship/Naturalization, Asylum,VAWA

WILLS/TRUSTS

Power of Attorney, Estate Planning

BUSINESS FORMATION Partnerships, LLC, LLP

WE ALSO SPEAK URDU & HINDI CALL TODAY FOR FREE CONSULTATION

713-297-9131 www.zkrlaw.com

2425 WEST LOOP SOUTH SUITE 200, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77027 Principal office located in Houston, Texas

MITRA / CAMDEN TRAVEL

We have completed 20 successful years 12375 Bissonnet, Ste. B Houston, TX 77099

WHOLESALER FOR S MAJOR AIR CARRIER • Emirates • Gulf Airways • Kingfisher • Singapore Airlines • Jet Airways • Sahara Airlines • Indian Airlines • Eva Airlines We have • Asiana Airlines special low • Qatar Airways • PIA fares on • Air India Jet Airways • Royal Jordanian • China Airlines

Announcement

CONTINUED ON PAGE

281-530-3000 1-888-811-LESS Please call us to get these special fares WHOLESALE CONSOLIDATOR OF EMIRATES & KUWAIT AIRLINES Call us for competitive and confirmed seats on all major cities in Texas to any city in India.Call us for Summer and December seats now

Last minute fares to Mumbai, Chennai,

Delhi, Bangalore, Calcutta and many more...

For December fares please call us now.

Special Student and Teacher discounts www.faregurus.com/ camdentravel@aol.com

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

Indo-American News © 2011

9

COMMUNITY HMEC in Columbus CONTINUED FROM PAGE

8

tion of Communal and Targeted Violence Bill of 2011’ proposed by the National Advisory Council (NAC) of the Government of India.

The national and local volunteers from VHPA and host Mandirs worked shoulder to shoulder for over nine months to organize this conference. Dr. Umesh Shukla, the convener of the conference, remarked that “with the 6th HMEC we have reached a milestone in establishing co-operation among the Hindu Mandirs and Hindu organizations to nourish and sustain Hindu Dharma in North America”.

The outstanding highlight of this HMEC undoubtedly was the spirit of volunteerism of the Columbus Hindu Youth who took great care of the delegates’ needs. Pt Roopnauth Sharma from Ram Mandir, Canada, who gave the inaugural address on Friday evening, was visibly pleased, “It was a wonderful experience being part of the conference. I look forward to future involvement”, he remarked. Dr. Kusum Vyas, from Houston expressed her joy, “The hosts including youth volunteers were exemplary; every day I get up and thank God that I am a Hindu.” Naga Rajan from Ganehsa Temple in Nashville, TN, stated that, “I thoroughly enjoyed and learnt a lot by interacting with knowledgeable people. I can understand the mega effort required to coordinate so many different people and organizations to make it go smoothly without any issues - truly wonderful!”

Sessions included a variety of topics relevant to the Mandirs and Youth – tomorrow’s torchbearers of Sanatana Dharma.

Other topics included ‘Dangers to the Integrity of India (Breaking India)’, ‘Existential Threats to Hindus’ and ‘Plight of Hindu and the Temples in ROW (Rest of the World)’.

Several action-items and projects emerged out of these sessions.

Greater participation by youth speakers was one of the highlights of the HMEC 2011.

Tejas Dave, a high school senior, presented the Yogafy project aiming to curb childhood obesity. Vindya Adapa, first year law student, described the Cornerstones project aimed at compiling a history of the Hindu Temples in North America. Pritika Sharma, Joint General Secretary, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, New Zealand talked about the World Hindu Congress in 2014. Varun Khanna, a graduate of Cambridge University stole everyone’s heart on Friday evening as he stated, “When we bring Sanskrit into our temples and into our lives, then we reclaim our sanskriti!” Shivam Dave, a 10th grader, from Houston, and the youngest delegate at

the conference got a standing ovation as he crisply summarized the youth session proceeding on Sunday morning, Second book in the HMEC samskar series on “Vivaha Samskar” written by Deepak Kotwal and team was released by Sadhvi Chaitanya. An interim report on the Seva Divas: National Blood Drive 9/11 project led by Dr. Rahul Jindal was presented.

The report on HAVAN - Hindu American Vaanaprasthi Network was presented as well. Displays from several suppliers of books (including VHPA), local organizations and temple software management systems, contributed to the benefits offered to the delegates. Several out-of-towners also enjoyed visits to the host Bhartiya Hindu Temple.

In the concluding session of the conference, delegates agreed on five resolutions: 1.Strengthen and Uphold the Traditional Standards of Worship in Mandirs 2.Involve and Integrate Youth in Mandirs 3.Create Leadership Continuity for Annual HMECs to Achieve Hindu Ekta 4.Create a Support Network for All Mandirs 5.Support the Global Hindu Forum World Hindu Congress 2014 in India As a result of the conference deliberations on the evolving social, religious, cultural, spiritual, and next-generational needs of the community, Hindu Mandirs throughout North America, working together, will be better able to meet the needs of the 2.5 million strong, confident, diverse and vibrant members of the Hindu-American community. Already, Hindu Jain temple, Pitt has announced to host HMEC-Priest Conference in Sprint 2012; Durga Temple, Virginia has announced to host Coalition of Hindu Youth (CHY) Bal Vihar network seminar in Spring 2012; and Toledo Hindu Temple has announced to host HMEC-HAVAN (Vanaprasthi) conference in Nov 2011. Abhinav Dwidedi from Hindu University of America expressed the views of many when he wrote, “I know it takes a lot to put together a large, successful conference, which generate new energies. I saw all positive energies all over. Please convey my appreciation to all.”

For more information call Vijay Narang at 954.915.6913

October 07, 2011

New York Life Foundation Grant Supports the United Way of Houston

9

From left: New York Life Agent, Vatsa Kumar; Frank Martinez, relations manager from United Way of Houston; Ramesh Cherivirala, Partner of New York Life’s Houston General Office and Kantu Patel, Agent, New York Life.

HOUSTON: The New York Life Foundation announced a $6,400.00 grant to support the United Way of Houston. The New York Life Foundation awards approximately 138 grants annually to local United Ways nationwide to support community programming.

“We are happy to be supporting our local United Way, which responds to some of the most pressing needs in our community,” said Ramesh Cherivirala, Partner of New York Life’s Houston General Office.

About The New York Life Foundation Inspired by New York Life’s tradition of service and humanity, the New York Life Foundation has, since its founding in 1979, provided more than $140 million in charitable contributions to national and local nonprofit organizations. Through its focus on “Nurturing the Children,” the Foundation supports programs that benefit young people, particularly in the areas of safe places to learn and grow, educational enhancement opportunities and childhood bereavement. For more informaion visit www.newyorklifefoundation.org.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

10 October 07, 2011 Desi Korner Lounge

Hookah & Sport Bar

NOW HIRING WAITRESS

6626 Soutwest Freeway, Houston, TX, 77074 Please call: 281-302-9273

ALEXANDER P. MATHEWS, CPA For Services In:

INDIVIDUAL & BUSINESS TAXES • BUSINESS TAX CONSULTATION INCORPORATION, FORMATION OF LLC CERTIFIED QUICK BOOK ADVISOR AVAILABLE

25 Years in Public Accounting 11104 West Airport, Ste 114, Stafford, TX 77477

(281) 564-9500

GURUCOOL Learning Center

5862 New Territory Blvd, (Randalls Shopping Center)

281-494-MATH (6284) See how we can improve your skills in:

• Math drills and Word problems • Phonics, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, and Grammar • Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Geometry • Algebra II, Pre-Cal, Calculus

Learning Hours: 4PM - 7PM Monday - Thursday

Check our new exciting programs for:

• Elementary GT Preparation • Middle School Math Counts • High School AP Preparation IA News © 2010

University of Houston’s First Navratri Festival

BY BIJAL MEHTA HOUSTON: Navratri, the longest festival in Hinduism, is full of worship and dance. Many dance lovers look forward to this festival every year. In Hinduism, festivals mean celebration. What varies from festival to festival is the form of celebration: Rang in Holi, diyas in Diwali, Rakhi and gifts in Rakshabandhan, and nritya and bhajan in Navtari.

Navratri is attached with legends that honor the Mother Goddess.

Navratri is divided into three-day sets, each devoted to a different aspect of the supreme goddess.

The first three days are devoted to Goddess Durga (Warrior Goddess to destroy all our vices, impurities, and defects) dressed in red and mounted on a lion. The next three day set is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi (the giver of spiritual and material wealth) dressed in gold, and the last set is devoted to Goddess Saraswati (the goddess of wisdom) dressed in milky white and mounted on a pure white swan. In some communities people undergo rigorous fasts during this season that lasts for the nine days of the festival, only to be opened on the tenth day of Dussehra.

With this intent of honoring the mother Goddess, Hindu Students Association enthusiastically welcomed more than 200 attendees on a Friday, Sep 16 at the University of Houston’s Houston Room. The night began with a professional DJ spinning Gujarati folk music, known as Garba. Attendees danced in circle around the centerpiece.

ing in Raas. To visitor Rima Shah, Navratri is somewhat of a tradition in her family. “We’ve had it for years. It goes all the way back. Basically it’s just a very cultural thing with food, dance and all of us enjoying ourselves.

My favorite part of the event is probably Dandiya, which is what most people are familiar with,” she said.

The sponsors of the event were Jugal and Raj Malani, KK Sub LLC group, Hindus of Greater Houston, Sociology Department, and Mr. and Mrs. AgUH Students at the Navratri Celebration garwal.

An idol of Mother Goddess DuThe event continued as the DJ rga was placed on the centerpiece began playing some of the best with small diyas, chunni, and an Bhangra music and the guests offering of fresh fruits. Two tables showed off their enthusiasm in decorated with beautiful Rango- free style Bhangra dance. People li design was made by generous of all ages celebrated on the dance volunteers. A divine atmosphere floor and ended the night with the was all attendees needed to lead recent Bollywood hits. the night into a passionate celebraAlong with the cougars, the guest tion. list included students from various After about an hour of Garba, Houston high schools, University devotional Aarti was performed to of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M honor Maa Durga. Attendees took University, parents of organization turns performing Aarti while sing- members, and prominent commuing the devotional song and clap- nity leaders such as Girish Naik ping to the rhythm. After Aarti was and Vijay Pallod. It was a huge performed, attendees rushed to the milestone for our group, Hindu Dandiya Booth to secure their pair Students Association, as the Housof Dandiya sticks since Raas had ton community came together to started. For few anxious attendees, celebrate the first Navratri ever to it was their first time participat- be held on campus. Go Coogs!

Indian-AmericanHomes Targeted in Rash of Gold thefts in Califaornia WASHINGTON (TOI): Indian Americans, who are “known for owning high-quality gold of 20 and 22 karats”, have become targets in a number of thefts in northern California.

“There has been “a rash of robberies throughout Silicon Valley’s Indian-American communities in recent months,” the New York Times reported citing its partner newspaper the Bay Citizen.

Indian Americans are one of the fastest-growing populations in the Bay Area, and their numbers have nearly doubled to 111,000 in Santa Clara County alone in the past decade.

The exact number of gold thefts is difficult to determine because the crimes have happened in several jurisdictions and victims’ ethnicity is not always made public, the paper said.

But interviews with the police, government and civic leaders, and representatives of the region’s Indian-American community confirmed the trend and growing alarm, it said.

“It increased significantly nine months ago,” Anu Natarajian, a Fremont city councilwoman was quoted as saying. “It’s not a random thing that’s happening. PeoCONTINUED ON PAGE

11

Need help with an Immigration Matter ?

• Green Cards • US Citizenship • Appeals • H-1B, L-1 Visas • Deportation Defense FREE Consultation*

*(Restrictions Apply)

Sharlene Richards

For Your Advertisement Needs

Call 832-368-4012

IA News © 2010

(Attorney at Law)

713-623-8088 • srichardslaw@aol.com 4151 SW Freeway, Ste:600, Houston, TX 77027 *Licensed by the Supreme Court of New York and admitted to practice before the US Court of Appeals.

Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

11

October 07, 2011

Going to Alabama? Take your Passport!

Gold thefts in Califaornia

ple are afraid. People are nervous about it.” Indian-Americans were known for owning high-quality gold of 20 and 22 karats. With the price of gold surging since the recession began ($1,614 per ounce on Thursday), that makes them lucrative targets, Sergeant Jeff Swadener of the Fremont Police Department was quoted as saying. Most of the thefts have happened while residents were not home, and had inadvertently advertised the fact through another tradition: they leave their shoes outside the home on stoops or in racks. “No shoes, no one home,” Sergeant Swadener said. Robberies of gold jewellery have been reported throughout the Bay Area in recent months, including at Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) stations, and a gold dealer in Hayward was shot to death at his home Sep 18, the Times said.

(Professional foot Reflexology)

60 Minutes Foot Reflexology

(Head, Shoulder, Back, Waist & Hand Massage at no extra cost)

Chinese Traditional with Tibtan Medicine

7215 #B Harwin Dr. Houston, TX 77036

Tel: 832-398-5612 Tel: 713-783-1069

Harwin Dr. 7215B

Open 7 Days 10 am- 8 pm

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

Special

$20/hr $100/6 Time

$20

Savoy

10

Grand Opening Special BIG TOE Foot Relax

Regency Sq

CONTINUED FROM PAGE

Mukul Kelkar is an attorney with Nguyen Chen, LLP. He is a former Prosecutor with the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, and now focuses primarily on Immigration, Labor & Employment, and Criminal Law. His practice also includes Family Law and Small Business litigation.

He can be reached via email at mkelkar@nguyen-chen.com or by phone at 832.767.0339

legal resident in this country because they did not carry appropriate paperwork.

Back in our own state, Governor and Presidential hopeful Rick Perry has been hammered in Republican polls recently for what is considered his soft stance on immigration reform. Otherwise a conservative darling, Governor Perry can shore up his standing with the Right by taking a stance more in line with the Alabama law.

While such a law has not yet made its way to our state, expect the Governor’s position to harden as he tries to regain his footing on this sensitive issue.

Above all else, always carry a copy of your resident status on you, even when travelling within the United States, and always work with attorneys that guard against those crucial moments where people inadvertently violate immigration law, and where police officers decide to criminalize it.

Fondren

BY MUKUL KELKAR The new Alabama immigration law, upheld by a federal judge this week, now allows police to detain people they suspect of being illegal aliens and hold them, without bond, until they can prove their legal status.

Federal District Court Judge Sharon Blackburn upheld key portions of House Bill 56, including the provision that requires a police officer who arrests a person without a license to make reasonable efforts to determine that person’s citizenship status. And when the law goes on to say that detention can happen without bond, it means the suspect will stay in jail until someone can provide appropriate documentation.

Statistically and geographically, Latinos in Alabama will be under the most scrutiny by Alabama police, but the South Asian, and particularly the Muslim community should take note. This is a law that allows police officers to arrest a

N Hilcroft

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

12 October 07, 2011

The Extraordinary Life and Times of Mahatma Gandhi Gandhiji’s Story Thus Far… Last week, we read about the birth and youth of the young boy Mohandas who would grow up to be universally revered as the Mahatma. He had an ordinary childhood, went to school, made friends, and got a rude awakening into the dreaded social specter of the caste system. This week, we continue the story of Gandhi ji as journeys to England to study law.

Upon completion of high school, Mohandas enrolled at Samaldas College at Bhavnagar. He was discontent with the classes; they did not stimulate or engage him, so he returned home after the first ten days. At home a huge surprise awaited him. His eldest brother and a family friend suggested that Mohandas should go to England to study and become a barrister. Mohandas was thrilled. It was a great opportunity to see the world. His mother, however, disapproved.

She did not like the idea of her son being so far away from her.

There were also the financial implications. And she was fearful that he would lose his caste if he crossed the oceans, an age-old taboo against overseas travel among the high caste Hindus. The family friend assured her that there would be no such difficulty and all would be well. She had reservations and talked to him about it. She worried that he would eat meat, imbibe alcohol, and fall victim to bad influences. Mohandas vowed to do none of those, and pled with her to be permitted to go. Putlibai at last gave in and allowed him to go to England.

Mohandas was sorrowful when he left Rajkot for Bombay, because he had to leave behind his mother, his wife, and son Harilal, who was only a few months old.

On September 4, 1888, Mohandas left Bombay to set sail for England.

Dressed in western style, he stood on the deck as the ship slowly steamed out of the harbor. Mohandas never forgot his first morning on board. He felt uncomfortable in his black suit and shirt and tie.

He was quite sure that Indian at-

Gandhi Goes to England to Study Law a suite of rooms. He bought well-tailored clothes and a top hat.

He spent a lot of time before the mirror, parting his straight hair and fixing his tie. He took lessons in dancing, but soon gave it up as he had no sense of rhythm.

He tried his hand at playing the violin, but failed. He took lessons in French and elocution, but went to sleep. His attempt to be an Englishman lasted about three months. Then he Gandhi as a law student in London gave up the idea. He converted himself into a tire was more suitable. A glance in serious student. the mirror made him feel proud of “I have changed my way of life,” himself. He thought he looked very he told a friend. “All this foolishimpressive. Mohandas was shy. ness is at an end. I am living in one He rarely left his cabin. He even room and cooking my own food. ate by himself. He was not sure of Hereafter I shall devote all my all those unknown foods served time to study,” he said. on the ship. He thought they might His meals were simple. He contain meat and did not wish to avoided expenditure on transport break his vow to his mother never and went on foot everywhere in to eat meat. So he lived mainly London. He started to keep an on the snacks and sweets he had account of every penny he spent. brought from home.

Mohandas joined the London VegOn landing at Southampton he etarian Society and soon found looked around and saw that all himself in its executive council. the people were in dark clothes, He wrote articles for the magazine, wearing bowler hats and carrying Vegetarian. overcoats. Mohandas was embarThe bar examination did not rassed to find that he was the only require much study and Gandhi one wearing white flannels. In had ample time to spare. Oxford London, he stayed at first at the or Cambridge was not possible as Victoria Hotel. Dr. P. J. Mehta, a study at those institutions would friend of the Gandhi family, was entail long course work and much the first to meet him. Mohandas financial resources. He therefore was impressed with Dr. Mehta’s decided to appear for the Lonsilk top hat. Out of curiosity, he don matriculation examination. It reached out and touched the pile of meant hard work and sacrifice, but the silk. Dr. Mehta then gave him he enjoyed hard work. He passed his first lesson in European man- in French, English, and chemistry ners cautioning him not to touch but failed in Latin. He tried again, other peoples’ things. He advised and this time passed in Latin too.

Mohandas to never ask too many Meanwhile, he progressed in probing questions, and not to talk his study of law and in Novemloudly. ber 1888 was admitted to the InYoung Gandhi found every- ner Temple. It was the tradition of thing around him strange. He was the Inns of Court for the students homesick. He almost starved until to dine together at least six times he discovered a vegetarian restau- each year. The first time Gandhi rant. Struggling to learn western dined with his fellow students, he manners and customs, he rented was nervous. He was sure the boys

would tease him for refusing meat and alcohol. When wine was offered, he refused to have any. He did not touch the meat either, and sat there, quite content with his bread, boiled potatoes and cabbage. He was pleasantly surprised to find that his strange habits did not make him unpopular. The next time he went for the dinner, he had a pile of law books with him. He was taking the books to his room to study. The other students were amazed by his dedication to learning and very surprised to find him reading Roman law in Latin. Some friends suggested he read abbreviated versions of the law instead of bothering unduly over such tomes.

Gandhi explained to his lighthearted friends that he worked so hard for sheer interest in the subject, and that he wanted to acquire

knowledge for its own sake.

After a short trip to France, he prepared for the final law examination. The results were soon declared. He had passed with high marks. On June 10, 1891, Gandhi was called to the bar. He was admitted as a barrister and the next day was formally enrolled in the High Court. The following day, June 12, he sailed for India. Gandhi’s three-year stay in England was eventful. Those were days of great intellectual activity, and there was tolerance for every school of thought. The country as a whole was a living university. As Gandhi sailed for home on the S.S. Assam, he felt that, next to India, he would rather live in England than any other place in the world.

To be continued next week

Vishala Draws Record Crowds at its 2nd Location’s Grand Opening HOUSTON: Growing grocery chain businessmen/owners Ashwin Patel, Virendra Thakkar, and Yomesh Patel celebrated the dhoom-dhamaka grand opening of their contemporary 3500 sq. foot grocery superstore Vishala II in Katy on October 1-2, 2011 at the corner of S. Mason Road and Fry Road. “ The South Asians, particularly the Gujarati population, has exploded in Katy, so there is a need for a large Indian grocer with plans for snack and dinner service,” said Thakkar.

As part of grand opening, Vishala offered reduced rates on all groceries at both locations. The distributor for Swagat Products, Sanjay confided that he had to restock the Vishala locations’ shelves several times over the two days of over-the-top sales. The record sales for both days in Katy store were about $80,000 and about $45,000 in Sugarland.

About 2,500 people or more shopped at both locations. In addition to stocking up groceries for the year, Katy shoppers enjoyed complimentary Biryani, Deep Juice, Fafda, and Jalebi on Saturday.

On Sunday, about 7,500 Pani Puris were served, reminding all of the famous Elco Market Pani Puris! Making merry and keeping the crowd engaged was Masala Radio’s team with live contests and emceeing by Sunil T, DJ Nish mixing live Bollywood hits, and free rickshaw rides. Deep Foods encouraged patrons to try several mouthwatering varieties of juices, including Mango, Gauva, Green Mango, Lychee, and Jamun.

Due to overwhelming response, Vishala has decided to continue the blockbuster sale throughout the month of October at both locations.

Vishala II Katy is located at 5205 S. Mason Rd, Katy, TX 77450, 281-492-2020 and the Vishala Sugar Land store is at 9410 Hwy-6 South, Houston, Texas 77083, 281-498-0220. Call for sale details and store hours.

Looking for a career? We are hiring!!!

Paid Training!

Comprehensive Benefits!

Abha Dwivedi (A.M.) LUTCF, FSS abha.dwivedi@agla.com or Cell: 281-650-3229 http;//myagla.com/abha Call for a quote on a “Life Insurance you don’t have to die to use!”

6300 West Loop South Ste.600, Bellaire, TX, 77401

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

© 2011 All rights reserved.

October 07, 2011

13

Indian NASA Engineer Killed in D.C. in Possible Hate Crime

BY SUNITA SOHRABJI SAN FRANCISCO (TOI): Candlelight vigils were held last weekend on both coasts to commemorate the life of Gaurav Gopalan, a gay aerospace engineer, who was found dead on Sept 10, two blocks away from his Washington, D.C. apartment.

Gopalan, 35, was dressed in women’s clothes, with makeup and carrying a purse when he was found dead, according to police, who initially reported that the NASA contractor had died of natural causes.

But Beverly Fields, a spokeswoman for the Washington, D.C. Chief Medical Examiner’s Office said that Gopalan had died from a “sub-arachnoid hemorrhage due to blunt-impact head trauma.” The manner of death was homicide, he added.

A sub-arachnoid hemmorhage occurs when a blood vessel on the surface of the brain ruptures and bleeds into the space between the brain and the skull, according to the American Heart Association.

Several community organizations have suggested that Gopalan may have been killed in a hate crime directed against a transgendered person. This summer, at least two transgendered women have been attacked in the area, reported local media.

Bob Shaeffer, Gopalan’s fiance and partner of five years, con-

firmed that the Indian American engineer had gone out that evening dressed in women’s clothing, but did not believe his death was a

hate crime. “It seemed more like a crime of opportunity,” Gopalan’s credit card and driver’s license were missing from his

wallet, but more than $130 in cash was found on his body, said Shaeffer. Farish confirmed that Gopalan had no identifying information, but did have cash on his person.

Shaeffer, a 63-year-old florist, and Gopalan initially met on match.com and then ran into each other during the intermission of a local production of Giacomo Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly.”

“It was love at first sight. We were meant to be together,” said Shaeffer, adding that he and Gopalan had planned to marry next year. “Gaurav was the most affectionate, caring and wonderful person I have ever met. Our affection for each other just increased every day,” he said.

Gopalan had begun to dress in women’s clothing only 10 weeks before his death, said Shaeffer, adding that the Delhi native was experimenting with a side of himself, but had not identified as transgender, a term used for people who identify with a gender other than their biological one. “It was out of character for him to be dressed as a woman, and I don’t think it was a life choice for him,” Shaeffer said. At the San Francisco vigil on Sept. 23, Madhuri Anji, co-chair of Trikone, an organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people said, “It’s so sad that you can’t walk alone two blocks away from your home.”

In Washington, D.C., on Sept.

25, more than 200 people gathered at Dupont Circle, and then marched two miles to the spot where Gopalan was killed, passing by the theater where the thespian had performed in several plays by William Shakespeare.

Rep. Eleanor Norton, D-D.C., sent a statement which was read at the vigil. “A multi-talented and brilliant aerospace engineer, Gaurav was the type of scientist our nation seeks to attract because, without them, American science simply would not move forward.”

“This brutal crime is an unbearable truth that Gaurav’s death calls us to confront at last. To fail to engage the fact of the violence that took him from his partner, his friends, his family, and this city is to condone it,” said Norton, adding that she would encourage the U.S. Attorney’s office for the District of Columbia to investigate Gopalan’s death. Washington, D.C. councilmember Jim Graham called on police to intensify their investigation. “We need to find this killer.

This has to be stopped and stopped now,” he asserted, adding that the perpetrator was likely to strike again.

Gopalan moved from Delhi to the U.S. in 1998, and obtained his Ph.D. in engineering from the University of Maryland. He leaves behind his father Gopalan and his mother Urmila, who now live in Nepal.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

14 October 07, 2011 Vishala Grocery & Restaurant #1 9410 HY6 South Houston, Tx 77083 Phone: 281-498-0220 • 281-498-6074

GRAND OPE

Buy $50 Grocery get $10 Saffron Free Buy $100 Grocery get $10 Saffron Free & $25 Restaurant Gift Card Free

Look for next week special in Indo American News & Masala Radio

Fresh Fafda $7.99lb - Jalebi 5.99lb

At Vishala II on 10/15/11 free Upma & Tea for all Customers

VISHALA II Dhoom Dhamaka Doorbuster

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

October 07, 2011

Vishala Grocery & Restaurant #2 5205 South Mason Rd. Katy, Tx 77450 Phone: 281-492-2020

ENING SALE Swagat Plain Toor dal 4 lb

From October 6 to October 10 Almonds 56 oz

$2.99

DALS & BEANS

Swagat Chana Dal Swagat Masoor Dal Swagat Kala Chana Swad Green Vatana Swad Yellow Vatana Swagat Plain Toor Dal Swagat Oily Toor Dal Swagat Moong Dal Swad Kabuli Chana Swagat Moong Whole Swagat Urad Dal Swagat Urad Gota

FLOUR & MIX

MTR Dosa Mix MTR Idli Mix MTR Uttapam Mix Swad Rice Flour Swagat Idli Rava Swad Sooji Corse Swad Besan Swarana Chakki Atta Swad Chakki Atta Laxmi Chapati Atta

RICE

Himalaya Crown Rice (Buy 2 Each) (Buy 4 Each) India Gate Rice Laxmi Basmati Rice Nisha Indian Star Basmati Rice Nisha Gold Basmati Rice Swagat Sona Masoori Rice Swad Sona Masoori Rice Laxmi Sona Masoori Rice

DRY FRUIT Golden Raisins Peanut Raw Almond Cashew Pieces Cashew Whole

4LB 4LB 4LB 4LB 4LB 4LB 4LB 4LB 4LB 4LB 4LB 4LB

$2.69 $2.99 $2.69 $2.99 $2.99 $2.99 $3.49 $3.49 $3.99 $3.99 $3.49 $3.49

500g 500g 500g 4LB 4LB 4LB 4LB 20LB 20LB 20.99

$1.49 $1.49 $1.49 $1.49 $1.89 $1.99 $2.99 $7.99 $8.99 $11.99

10LB 10LB 10 LB 10LB 10LB 20LB 20Lb 20LB

$6.99 $6.49 $5.99 $7.99 $8.99 $8.99 $8.99 $9.99 $12.99 $12.99

28oz 56oz 56oz 28oz 28oz

$3.99 $5.99 $8.99 $9.99 $10.99

READY TO EAT & SNACKS Khakhara MTR Ready to Eat (All RTE) MTR Vermicelli Surti Snacks (All Snacks) Deep Mirch Masala Snacks Swagat Poha Thin & Thick Swagat Murmura Nuterala Soya Chunks Famous Chick Peas (Can)

NOODLES

Maggi Masala

200g

1kg 400g 400g 2LB 400g 200g 3 For

340g each

$0.99 $1.29 $1.89 $1.99 1.99 $1.29 $0.99 $0.99 $1.59 $1.49

Swagat Sona Masoori dal 20 lb

$8.99

Maggi Masala 85g 3 For Chings Hot Garlic Noodle 85g 3 For Chings Manchurian Noodle 85g 3 For Ching Schezwan Noodle 85g 3 For

GHEE & OIL

Gowardhan Ghee Parachute Coconut Oil Parachute Coconut Oil Idhayam Oil Amul Ghee Idhayam Oil Sagar Ghee ENO

COOKIES & BISCUITS Parle G Britania Cookies Anmol Tea Toast Anmol Cake Rusk

100g

$1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00

32 oz 500ml 1Lt 1Lt 1kg 2Lt 1kg 100g

$9.99 $2.29 $4.49 $5.99 $9.99 $9.99 $9.99 $1.99

12 For 2 For 200g 800g

$1.00 $1.00 $1.29 $2.99

TEA, DRINK & PULP

Wagh Bakri Tea 2LB Horlicks Plain 400g Horlicks Plain 800g Complain Chocolate 500g Red Label 900g Frooti 250ml 4 For Spicy World Mango Pulp 800g 6 for Gopi Yogurt 2LB

$5.99 $3.99 $7.49 $5.49 $3.99 $1.00 $6.99 $1.99

SPICES ... wow (100% No-1 Quality) Swagat Chilli Powder Swagat Chilli Powder Dhana Jeera Dhana Jeera Cumin Powder Cumin Powder Garam Masala Curry Powder Coriender Powder Coriender Powder Chille Whole Chille Whole Coriander Seeds Coriander Seeds Mustard Seeds Methee Seeds Swagat Seeme Seed White Swagat Seeme Seed White Swagat Seeme Seed Brown Swagat Seeme Seed Brown Swagat Cumin Seed Swagat Cumin Seed

MDH ONLY 9 ITEMS ON SALE 100gm

400g 800g 400g 800g 400g 800g 400g 400g 400g 800g 100g 200g 400g 800g 200g 200g 400g 800g 400g 800g 400g 800g

$1.49 $2.99 $0.99 $1.99 $1.89 $3.79 $1.99 $1.99 $1.09 $2.19 $0.99 $1.79 $1.49 $2.99 $0.59 $0.59 $1.89 $3.69 $1.69 $3.29 $2.49 $4.89

Amchur Powder, Chana Masala, Chat Masala

Frozen Deep Mathia & Fafda 200gm

$9.99

$0.79

Dal Makhani, Dahi Vada Masala, Fish Masala Pani Puri Masala, Pav Bhaji Masala, Rajma Masala $0.99 Swagat Coconut Slice 200g $1.49 Swagat Coconut Whole 200g $1.49 Swagat Coconut Half 200g $1.49 Swagat Gud 11LB $6.99 Gits Mix 10 Items On Sale Gulab Jamun 100g $0.99 Mendu Vada 200g $0.99 Idli 200g $0.99 Dosa 200g $0.99 Sambhar 100g $0.99 Jalebi with Maker 100g $0.99 Khaman Dhokla 200g $0.99 Dahi Vada 200g $0.99 Upma 200g $0.99 Uttapam 200g $0.99

Fresh Vegetables Dudhi Turia Indian Eggplant Tindora Praval Okra Ginger White Potato Red Onion Yellow Onion Roma Tomato Cilantro Gopi Yogurt Pani puri

$0.99 LB $0.99 LB $0.99 LB $1.29 LB $2.49 LB $1.49 LB $0.79 LB $ 0.49 LB $0.39 LB $0.39 LB $0.49 LB 4 for $1.00 2 LB $ 1.99 Each 4 LB $3.49 Each 50CT $2.89

es In Towen Lowest Pstric omer Servic Best Cu

ank stomers and th We value our cu ort come and visit supp them for their ring for all events. us. We do cate 7 days 10am We are open to 9.30pm. s.

- No rain check for printing errors. le - Not responsib exchange on sale o N s.

- No return items. sts. d while stock la - All prices goo s at low prices. em - Many more it right to refuse e th e - We reserv one. y an service to

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

15

HEALTH CO

16 October 07, 2011

AGLA Launches Innovative New Product Indexed Universal Life now part of the Quality of Life…Insurance® Product Suite

NASHVILLE, TN: American General Life and Accident Insurance Company (AGLA), announces an innovative addition to its highly differentiated Quality of Life…

Insurance® suite of products.

AGLAchoice® Index Plus is permanent universal life insurance that provides protection for a customer’s entire lifetime. Like

interest crediting. Each account has a minimum guaranteed interest crediting rate and the opportunity to earn additional interest.

“Together we are changing the way Americans think about, purchase and use life insurance, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to offer this product to middle income consumers and Main Street small business

surance you don’t have to die to use.

“Because AGLAchoice® Index Plus is part of the Quality of Life…Insurance® suite of products, it can provide our customers with living benefits. If an insured person suffers a covered critical, chronic or terminal illness or condition, such as a major heart attack, invasive cancer or a stroke, Quality of Life…Insurance® allows owners to accelerate their life insurance benefits before their death to pay for critical health care needs or to meet other financial needs

or obligations. AGLAchoice® Index Plus is the latest modern and affordable solution in the Quality of Life Insurance® product suite and we are delighted to be able to offer it to existing and new customers.”

For more information about Quality of Life…Insurance®, visit http:// myagla.com/ abha. Or call Abha at 281.650.3229.

For more information about AGLAchoice® Index Plus, visit AGLA’s YouTube channel at http://bit.ly/aglaiul.

Regular Aerobic Exercises can Keep Dementia at Bay

all life insurance, it’s designed to provide for loved ones in the event of a premature death. Yet AGLAchoice® Index Plus also offers customers the opportunity to grow policy values by using index-linked strategies that are based in part on the movement of a major stock market index.

Many consumers today seek quality longterm protection, competitive interest rates and safety of principal. Indexed universal life can help accomplish all three goals.

AGLAchoice® Index Plus customers can have valuable life insurance protection, a choice of interest-crediting strategies, and the opportunity to grow policy values without downside risk.

AGLAchoice® Index Plus can use any combination of three primary accounts for

owners,” says Jim Mallon, AGLA’s President and CEO. “People want the opportunity for their money to grow, but they also want safe and secure protection. That’s the great thing about AGLAchoice® Index Plus: it gives you downside protection with guaranteed interest rates. So while you take advantage of interest crediting based in part on market growth, you can’t suffer losses solely because of its decline.” Says Mallon, “Those who purchase AGLAchoice® Index Plus coverage can rest assured, knowing that their insurance provides value and protection without exposure to the markets.”

Mallon points out that even though other companies offer some version of Indexed Universal Life, what really makes AGLA’s product stand out is the fact that it’s life in-

WASHINGTON (Hindu): A new study has found that doing regular aerobic exercises like walking, gym workouts and activities at home such as shovelling snow or raking leaves may reduce the risk of dementia and slow its progression once it starts.

Dr. J. Eric Ahlskog, a neurologist at Mayo Clinic, and his colleagues analyzed all the scientific literature on the subject of exercise and cognition, including animal studies and observational studies, and reviewed more than 1,600 papers.

“We concluded that you can make a very compelling argument for exercise as a disease—modifying strategy to prevent dementia and mild cognitive impairment, and for favourably modifying these processes once they have developed,” said Ahlskog.

The researchers said that brain imaging studies have consistently revealed objective evidence of favourable effects of exercise on human brain integrity, while animal research showed exercise generates trophic factors that improve brain functioning, and exercise facilitates brain connections.

“Whether addressing our patients in primary care or neurology clinics, we should continue to encourage exercise for not only general health, but also cognitive health,” Ahlskog concluded.

The findings were published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

See News Happening?

Call 713-789-NEWS

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

October 07, 2011

17

At

Sri Meenakshi Temple

Saturday, 22nd October, 2011 2010

From 9:30 AM to Midnight PROFESSIONAL FIREWORKS DISPLAY 8:45 P.M. (if no burn-ban)

LAXMI POOJA 06:00 PM Rathotsvam 7:00 PM

GARBA WITH LIVE MUSIC

Display of Utsav Murthis 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Temple open till 9:30 PM

FREE HEALTH FAIR Registration: 9:00 PM. to 12:00 PM EKG, Dental, Eye Check, Women’s Wellness Check, General medical advice, Flu shots (free but limited) Blood tests: Complete blood count & chemistry/Lipid profile

For more information contact: Event Coordinator D. Parthiban Pooja/ Booths...

Alternate Health Fair

D. Parthiban T Narasiman

281-286-6210 713-656-3403

Dr. P. Vaduganathan pvnathan2008@gmail.com Rathna Kumar 832-275-9658

(For first 50-100 Cultural Program registrants only.

Kids Art & Overnight fasting Rangoli Competition Priya Chandru recommended for lipid profile) deepavali.bazaar@gmail.com

After Fireworks 9:00 PM.

BOOTHS Clothing, Precious Jewelry, Costume Jewelry, Books, Services, Specialties, Information 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. FOOD COURT Dosa, Idli, Vada & other South Indian specialties

Carnival

Mala Gopal

281-286-9192

Raffle

V.K Dorai

281-639-1893

Volunteers

Dr. Venugopal Menon

713-822-3384

11:00 AM to 10:00 PM

KIDS’ CARNIVAL

Garba

Dhani Kannan

281-778-1994

CULTURAL PROGRAM

Free shuttle service provided all day from additional parking location at Pearland Secondary School campus at McLean (104) and Bailey (101), about half a mile from temple.

COMPETITIONS Rangoli 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Kids Art Competition Closes at 3:00 PM

MAGIC SHOW

3:00 PM 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

RAFFLE GRAND PRIZE Many More Prizes

17130 McLean Road • Pearland, TX 77584 • Tel 281-489-0358 Ext 100 / 110 • Fax: 281-489-3540 www.meenakshi.org • Email: temple@meenakshi.org INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

18 October 07, 2011

Everybody Hurts...

We all live with weltschmerz in these difficult times. There’s no exact translation of this charming word coined by Jean Paul Richter in 1810. What it suggests is a kind of world weariness that has entered our lives. What you can call a universal pain.

Everyone lives with it and yet everyone is in denial of it. That’s why we have this great love affair with the entertainment business. Movies. Broadway. Vegas. The IPL. Formula One. We are living in the greatest era of escapism simply because we live in the greatest era of pain.

This pain is not always personal. It’s not just about you and me and those who we love. You see it in the eyes of the urchin who comes begging to you at a street corner. She has lost her childhood, her innocence. You see it in the eyes of those who work for you at home, cooking, cleaning, washing your clothes, or taking your well groomed dogs out for a walk. Each one of them, however well you may take care of them, dreams that one day they will walk away to be their own master. The long travel to work, the pitiable condition of public transportation, the missing footpaths, the growing pollution, the problems with putting kids through school and college, the frequent confrontations over rent, power, water, tax: everything contributes to this weltschmerz. It’s everywhere.

I see it in parties and film premieres too. There’s something very tragic in watching middle aged men and women dressed in absurd designer togs, their hair dyed and faces botoxed, prancing around like teenagers and pretending to have a great time. There are more sad-eyed drunks and dope heads there than in the dance bars of suburban Mumbai or the glitzy discotheques of five star hotels.

The day we all realise this, that the rich is in as much pain as the poor, that the employer is having as tough a time as the employee, that the cop who asks you for a bribe lives as sad a life as you, the pickpocket you catch has risked being lynched because he has no other alternative means of livelihood, that the movie star you idolise is as lonely as you are, that the one who brutalises you is perhaps as brutalised by life as you are, the less we will seek to blame others for our fate.

We have, all of us, mortgaged our futures to pay for being around. No, I am not saying this. Ask anyone who understands economics or the environment and they will tell you this. Even as most things go wrong, man’s ingenuity to seek hope and happiness keeps improving. The best companies collapse, as do the best marriages, the best rock groups, the most intense relationships because our weltschmerz makes us lonely islands of pain.

That’s why last week, when R.E.M broke up after 31 years, I remembered their most popular song, which became the anthem of our times. Everybody hurts. Yes, everybody hurts. And that is why we hurt each other so much.

- Pritish Nandy

EDITORIAL

Now for Some Inglish

BY KARAN THAPAR English is a delightful language and I never cease to marvel at its richness as well as its winning eccentricities. I’ve often written about the vagaries of its pronunciation, the peculiarities of its spelling and the contortions of its grammar. Today I want to share with you a few fresh insights into how the language is spoken or, in places, distorted. First, are you aware English can be moulded to say significantly different things while using the same words on each occasion?

The credit for what follows goes to my old school chum, Praveen Singh, who’s sent me an email about a certain Professor Ernest Brennecke of Columbia University. The good professor has “invented a sentence that can have multiple meanings” simply by changing the location of a single word. Of course, catching the changed meaning depends critically on how you speak the sentence. Try for yourself: ‘Only I hit him in the eye yesterday’ (that is, no one else did). ‘I only hit him in the eye yesterday’ (that is, I didn’t hit him elsewhere). ‘I hit only him in the eye yesterday’ (that is, I did not hit anyone else in the eye). ‘I hit him in the only eye yesterday’ (that is, he doesn’t have more than one eye). ‘I hit him in the eye only

yesterday’ (that is, either as recently as that or not today).

These five sentences illustrate that your meaning doesn’t simply depend on the words you use but also where in the sentence you place them and, then, when you speak, how you stress the critical word.

Sometimes, however, meaning can be defined by something else: context and the fact that in

English the literal meaning is not what you actually wish to communicate. Here’s a collection of signs from countries where English is a second language and, in each case, what you will understand is not what the author sought to convey.

From a cocktail lounge in Norway: ‘Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar.’ From a hotel in Japan: ‘You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.’ From a Russian orthodox monastery: ‘You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian and Soviet composers, artists and writers are

buried daily except Thursday.’ From an airline desk in Copenhagen: ‘We take your bags and send them in all directions.’

From a restaurant in Nairobi: ‘Customers who find our waitresses rude ought to see the manager.’And, from two laundries in Rome: ‘Ladies leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon having a good time.’ And in Bangkok: ‘Drop your trousers here for the best results.’

And, finally, to a few distortions.

Americans and Americanisms have given words we used to be familiar with altogether new meanings or needlessly devised awkward sounding phrases as substitutes for mellifluous words they no longer wish to use. The BBC website has a whole section on this. So if you want more I suggest www.bbc.co.uk.

But here’s a small start: Instead of ‘double’ and ‘triple’, the Yanks have created ‘two-time’ and ‘three-time’.

In place of the simple and straightforward ‘I’m well’, they all say ‘I’m good’, which, frankly, may or may not be true. Similarly, they’ve coined ‘normalcy’ quite forgetting that ‘normality’ was already available. Worst of all, when they want to say something isn’t a problem they end up asserting it isn’t an issue.

Be warned, the next time I’m feeling frivolous and mischievous I shall explore the gems of Indian English. As they say, I’ll do the needful and oblige

A robust new law to regulate mining in India is overdue. The proposed Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill, 2011 is the central government’s response to a full-blown crisis in the sector. There are several serious issues that the legislation promises to address, such as sharing of profits with project-affected people, environmental sustainability, competitive bidding to improve returns to States, and transparency in grant of permits. A major challenge the law must confront is illegal mining. Under the federal structure, the State governments are the owners of minerals located within their boundaries and issue mining leases under the empowering Central law, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. As recent experience has shown, the law is virtually a dead letter; and illegal extraction, transfer, and export of millions of tonnes of minerals,

including iron ore, has become rampant.

This loot of finite natural resources has gone on despite the powers available to the State governments under Section 23(C) of the 1957 Act to stop the practice.

It is not just that they have failed to act; they have egregiously aided the activity in some cases. The reluctant arrests of influential politicians in Karnataka and Goa point to the rot.

The enquiry by the Justice M.B. Shah Commission instituted by the Centre to go into illegal mining must be unsparing and present the complete truth. It is vital that the Commission unravel the factors that facilitated massive unlawful appropriation of public wealth. There are also pointers to the unethical tactics adopted by mining companies to smother and even co-opt opposition. In some instances, they have ploughed funds into communities, inducting local labour to create a sense

of prosperity. The consequential environmental destruction, loss of agriculture, and harm to public health have been staggering. The State governments have not been serious about constituting State Coordination-and-Empowered Committees, as suggested by the Centre. These panels should include representatives from the Railways, Ports, and Customs to check the movement of minerals.

Many States have formed task forces for enforcement only on paper. The result has been all too predictable. Union Minister Dinsha J. Patel has told Parliament that there were 43,317 illegal mining cases in 2010 up to September compared with 41,578 for the whole of 2009. The new legislation, which provides for speedier and effective prosecution of the guilty through special courts, must be enacted quickly and used by all States to do justice to the people of India. - Hindu

Stopping the Loot

IndoAmerican News FOUNDER: DR. K.L. SINDWANI EDITOR: PRAMOD KULKARNI BUSINESS MANAGER: JAWAHAR MALHOTRA MANAGING PARTNER: KRISHNA GIRI COMMUNITY REPORTER: KALYANI GIRI COMMUNITY EDITOR: MANASI GOKHALE ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER: VANSHIKA VIPIN BUSINESS & RECREATION: JACOB DAVID GRAPHIC DESIGN: SAQIB RANA CORRESPONDENTS CHICAGO: NAND KAPOOR, UK: ASEEM KULKARNI NEW DELHI: RAJ KANWAR ®All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the written consent of the publisher. The deadline for advertising and articles is 5 pm on Monday of each week. Please include self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of all unsolicited material. Published at 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 262, Houston, Texas 77036. Tel: 713-789-NEWS or 6397 Fax: 713-789-6399, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com, website: indoamerican-news.com

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

HEALTH

October 07, 2011

19

AIDS Vaccine: A Ray of Hope

The search for an effective AIDS vaccine began a quarter-century ago and after a series of failures, there finally appears some reason to cheer. The first signs of success are beginning to emerge, ironically, from a trial (RV144) that seemed destined to flop. The two vaccine candidates — ALVAC-HIV and AIDSVAX — used in the prime-boost trial conducted in Thailand from 2003 to 2009 failed in their prime objectives when each vaccine was tested individually.

However, the trial, which involved more than 16,000 healthy volunteers, showed a statistically significant protection rate of 31 per cent in one of the three analyses performed. Further analysis of the trial data has revealed something more interesting. During an AIDS Vaccine Conference held recently in Bangkok, scientists reported the discovery of molecular clues that might have played a crucial role in the vaccine’s performance.

Forty-one volunteers who received the vaccine and contracted HIV, and 205 others who received the vaccine but did not get infected with the virus, were chosen for some detailed investigations.

Much to their surprise, the scientists found distinct antibodies that provided protection against or made the volunteers vulnerable to HIV infection. A Y-shaped immune molecule called an immunoglobulin G (IgG) was found in the blood of those who were not infected. It turned out that this molecule had the ability to recognise a particular portion of HIV’s outer covering and hence was able to confer better protection. On the other hand, another antibody (IgA) that recognised different portions of the HIV’s outer covering made people more susceptible.

According to Nature, these people were 54 per cent more likely to become infected than those who did not have this antibody.

This is the first time a clinical trial has provided interesting leads that hold the promise of advancing AIDS vaccine research. Scientists are already planning animal studies to test the effectiveness of these antibodies. Three human trials using the same vaccines are also likely to start on a small scale in Thailand next year.

The results from such studies may tell us if the antibodies caused the protection against HIV or if other factors played a role. But one thing is certain — the outer covering that conferred protection will become one of the most studied aspects of the virus.

Only further trials in different populations can ascertain if the antibodies will be able to confer the same level of protection when used in other HIV vaccines and against other HIV strains. There is a ray of hope, but the need to temper optimism with caution stands out in a field littered with failures and disappointments.

(Hindu)

IMMIGRATION

H-1B, TN, L and E VISAS, PERM LABOR, EB-2 I-140, Green Card and Appeals

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

Rahul V. Reddy, Attorney at Law rahul@rnlawgroup.com

Emily S. Neumann, Attorney at Law emily@rnlawgroup.com

REDDY & NEUMANN, P.C.

Dallas Office: 15950 North Dallas Houston Office: 11000 Richmond Ave, Parkway, Suite 400 Dallas, Texas 75248 Suite 100 Houston, Texas 77042 Tel 214-281-8900 Tel: 713-953-7787

www.rnlawgroup.com

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

20 October 07, 2011

INDIA

In India, Online Retailers Take a New Tack

BY VIKAS BAJAJ BANGALORE (NYT): Several months ago, when Prabhu Kumar could not find a book he wanted in bookstores here, he found it online at Amazon.com for $10. But he had to pay more than $9 in fees to have Amazon ship it to him.

Kumar, a software programmer, said he would not be doing that again.

He now shops on India’s answer to Amazon — FlipKart.com — which delivers books, phones and other items in as little as 24 hours at no extra cost. Mr. Kumar doesn’t have to pay FlipKart a single rupee until a courier bearing his books arrives at his door. He can then hand over cash or a credit card.

“I think it perfectly fits the Indian mentality,” Mr. Kumar said.

While dozens of electronic commerce firms have recently sprung up to capitalize on India’s growing Internet use, they have a problem.

Indians are not yet comfortable with shopping on the Web. Many of them remain unwilling to use credit cards online. So the Indian retailers have gone to great lengths to gain cus-

Advertise with us

Call 832-368-4012

ed), the founders of FlipKart, have had to do things that their American or European counterparts would never have.

They have set up delivery operations in 13 big Indian Customers of FlipKart may pay their couriers, above, cities like Bangalore, Mumin cash on delivery. Photos: Kainaz Amaria bai and New Delhi because Indian shippers do not between now and March.

“This time it is for real,” said have the delivery and package-trackKishore Biyani, the founder and chief ing abilities that FedEx and U.P.S. executive of the Future Group, refer- provide for its American customring to an earlier wave of e-commerce ers. They plan to expand FlipKart’s euphoria in the early 2000s. “This delivery network to 25 cities within is the biggest thing to happen in a year.

Sachin Bansal, the company’s chief India.”

That rapid growth has drawn the executive, said that by having its own attention of venture capitalists who staff, FlipKart avoids paying courier poured $183 million into 20 e-com- services’ commissions of more than merce firms in the last 12 months, up 2 percent to accept cash on delivery, from $61 million for 13 firms in the which make up about 60 percent of previous 12 months, according to its orders. It can also track packages Venture Intelligence, a more accurately. And because labor costs are relatively low in India, its deresearch firm.

The rapid growth has livery cost is a modest $1 a package.

“More than 90 percent of retail also attracted the notice of American online re- transactions in India are in cash,” tailers. Amazon, which Mr. Bansal said. “People like my dad has a software develop- and my uncle, they are much more ment office in Banga- comfortable with cash. If we have to lore, is now building a increase our customer base, we have warehouse and hiring to accept cash.”

FlipKart is not alone in tweaking employees for an Indian site, according to its model to suit Indian conditions. two industry officials. Myntra, an online retailer of clothes, And earlier this year, has a delivery staff in Bangalore and FlipKart executives, Sachin Bansal, left, and Groupon bought an In- plans to hire couriers in other cities.

Binny Bansal, in their offices dian Web site, SoSasta. SnapDeal offers customers the option of making partial payments online com. tomers. Customers may pay in cash But, like in frothy Silicon Valley, and paying the balance to merchants on delivery, and the company fields some Indian analysts and investors whose products and services it sells, delivery squads to ensure shipments are starting to question the frenzied said Kunal Bahl, a co-founder of the get to customers quickly. deal-making. These skeptics find it service.

Consumers and suppliers laud FlipOne recent afternoon, four FlipKart difficult to justify the high prices vendelivery men loitered at a bungalow ture capitalists are paying to invest Kart’s service and execution. But in the Koramangala section of Ban- in unprofitable Indian e-commerce they expect the company to soon galore where the company started. firms. For instance, VCCircle, a news face greater competition, especially When a small delivery van arrived site, recently reported that FlipKart if Amazon starts an Indian operafrom the company’s warehouse, the may soon raise $150 million, which tion. “Today they are the best,” said men rushed to take out two large duf- would give it a $1 billion valuation. Ananth Padmanabhan, vice president fel bags filled with packages that they (Executives at the company declined for sales at Penguin India. But, he asked, “if Amazon comes here next put onto two tables in the house. to discuss its financial plans.)

After scanning the packages with India has 50 million to 100 million month, and they might, what will hand-held computers, they put the Internet users, according to various FlipKart do?”

An Amazon spokesman, Craig boxes into large backpacks, which analysts, and the number is growing they carried on their backs as they by about 30 percent a year. JuxtCon- Berman, declined to comment on the rode off on motorcycles to deliver sult, a New Delhi-based research company’s plans for India, but Mr. them. firm, estimates that 17 million people Padmanabhan said Amazon officials Online sales still make up a small bought something online this year, up have been holding talks with publishportion of overall retail spending — from 10 million last year. The Indian ers, and another industry official said one estimate pegs it at $10 billion, a government estimates that household the retailer has begun hiring employtiny fraction of India’s $500 billion consumption has increased by more ees for an Indian site.

The Bansals say they are prepared retail market — but they are grow- than two-thirds in the last five years, ing fast. and most of that increase has come in for competition from Amazon. Sachin Bansal, who worked with Binny FlipKart says it had revenue of 500 the purchase of nonfood items. million rupees ($11 million) in its “It seems to be more for real than Bansal as a software developer at last fiscal year, and is now clocking a flash in the pan,” said Kanwaljit Amazon before starting FlipKart, sales of about 10 million rupees a day. Singh, who is a senior managing brushed aside a suggestion that the SnapDeal.com, a coupon and deals director at Helion Advisors, which firm would make for an easy acquisisite similar to Groupon, expects sales has invested in about a half-dozen tion by Amazon.

“We are very keen on going our of 1.5 billion rupees this year, up from Indian e-commerce sites, including own way,” he said. “The opportunity almost nothing the year before. The MakeMyTrip. top executives of the Future Group, But capitalizing on India’s growth is so large that we would want to grow India’s largest retail company, says its online will not be easy. Sachin Bansal it to a much bigger level before we daily online sales are on pace to triple and Binny Bansal (who are not relat- think of anything.”

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

October 07, 2011

10th October till 30th Octber

World Food Warehouse

Happy

Largest Desi Store in USA

Always Lowest Prices to All Our Customers Almond Swad 56 oz Bikano Can Sweets Tea India 2 lb All Ashoka Frz Veg

Deep Frz Naan

79 $ 9.

69 $ 2.

99 $ 5.

99 $ 0.

99 $ 1.

Raw Peanut 56 oz

Neesa Himalyian Basmati

40 lb Tea Wagh Bakri

All Surt Frz Veg Nanak Rasmalai

Diwali Special

Shireen Mahal Sweet

All Sweet

Juilee Juilee

99 $ 5.

99 $24.

99 $ 5.

99 $ 0.

99 $ 7.

Fresh Jalebi

$4.99lb $5.99lb $2.99 lb OPEN 7 DAYS

(HOT HOT)

281-988-4566

Kaju Pieces (A quality)

56 oz

Regal Basmati

20 lb

Swagat Sonamasoor

Ashoka Frz Naan Deep Brand Mathia/ Fafda

99 $14.

99 $14.

99 $10.

79 $ 1.

99 $ 0.

quality e uc od pr r ou ch at m n ca y od Nob

Onion Yellow 50lb $12.99 Onion Purple 25 lb $8.99 Dudhi $0.89 Bitter Melon $1.29lb

Potato 10lb $2.99 Ginger $0.69 Garlic $1.59 Indian Egg Plant $0.89

281-988-4585

14625 Beechnut St. Houston, TX 77083 10 am - 10 pm

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

21

22 October 07, 2011

Happy Diwali & New Year’s Greetings

DIWALI UTSAV Program Highlights Saturday, Oct, 22nd 2011 5:00 PM - Mahaprasad 6:30 PM - Sandhya Arti 7:00 PM - Outdoor Musical Event “Swar Se Ishwar” Performed by Jaydeep Swadia & Group 9:30 PM - Diwali Fireworks

DIWALI EVENTS Nutan Varsh Thursday, Oct 27 th 2011

Children’s diwali celebration Sunday, Oct 16 th 2011

7:30 am - Maha Arti & Sneh Milan 9:00 am - 11:00 am - New Year’s Sabha 11:15 am - 12:00 pm - Annakut Thaal & Arti 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Annakut Darshan 7:00 pm - Sandhya Arti

12:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Children's Diwali Celebration (Ages 4-13 • $10 Registration Fee)

Kali Chaudas Tuesday, Oct 25 th 2011

Shakotsav Sunday, Nov 6 th 2011

7:00 pm - Sandhya Arti 7:30 pm - Hanuman Puja 8:30 pm - Shayan Arti

7:00 pm - Shakotsav Darshan Sandhya Arti 8:30 pm - Shayan Arti

Diwali Wednesday, Oct 26 th 2011 5:30 pm - Sharda Pujan (Chopada Pujan) 7:00 pm - Diwali Arti 8:30 pm - Shayan Arti

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha® Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Houston 1150 Brand Lane • Stafford, TX 77477 baps.org • houston.baps.org Inspirer: Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Avr s[ eÅvr

Swar Se Ishwar Organizer: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha®

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

CULTURAL ARTS

October 07, 2011

Samskriti Bats a Sixer with Fine Presentations

HOUSTON: In cricket lore, a ‘sixer’has always been considered a batsman’s ultimate success. Samskriti has achieved this in the field of arts, with six diverse presentations, all in less than a month!

The entertaining Purusha (JCC) and Bollywood Blast 2011 (Miller Outdoor Theatre) on September 4 were followed by Gowri Ramnarayan’s readings from her trilogy, Water Lilies (Museum of Fine Arts) and Incredible India (Miller Outdoor Theatre) on September 25 and culminated in the international dance conference (India House) and the Kalakshetra Repertory Company in Spanda (Wortham Center) on October 1. Samskriti’s mission is to be a cultural conduit between the East and the West, and its programs thus far have amply fulfilled this mission.

Samskriti is the only Indian arts organization to have presented three dance conferences and four on other art-related topics to date. Its 3rd International Conference – Indian Dance in a Global Context – brought to Houston brilliant speakers from India, Canada and the US. Inaugurated

by Consul General of India Sanjiv Arora, the conference, held at the India House, began with the traditional prayer by Kruthi and Keerthana Bhat, and the lighting of the lamp, by Chhaya Arora. The Aroras were the Honorary Chairpersons for the conference. Anuradha Subramanian, the convener for the conference did an excellent job introducing the individual speakers as well giving a

Consul General Sanjiv Arora addressing the Third International Dance conference.

preview of the conference.

The keynote address, which was excellent in content and very thought provoking, was given by Leela Samson, Director, Kalakshetra Foundation, who was also leading a very talented group of dancers that presented Spanda (Vibration) at the Wortham Center that same evening.

Dr. Anita Ratnam (India) - dancer/ choreographer/ex TV anchor/author, and much more - spoke about her brain-child, Narthaki, which has morphed into narthaki.com, connecting all members of the dance world through cyberspace; Lata Pada, Artistic Director of Sampradaya Dance Creations (Toronto, Canada) enlightened the audience about the status

“MASALA WOK IS HOT. IT’S COOL, IT’S WOW” Dallas Morning News

enjoyed by Indian classical dance in Canada; Dr. Uttara Asha Coorlawala, Rathna Kumar’s fellow NRI Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee for 2010 and adjunct professor of dance at the Barnard College and the Alvin Ailey dance Company, spoke about creativity in dance; Daniel Phoenix Singh, Artistic Director of Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company, shed light on his momentous decision to become a professional dancer and of the formation of Dakshina; Mythili Prakash, the youngest of the speakers, talked about her determination to pursue a dance career in India, though she was born and raised in the US, and of how she straddles two worlds.

In the afternoon session, moderated

Photo: Navin Mediwala

by Rathna Kumar, dance teachers/ choreographers from Texas spoke on the conference topic from their individual perspectives. The participants were Padmini Chari, Indrani Parthasarathy, Lavanya Rajagopalan,

23

Darshi Ramachandra, Venugopal Josyula, Anisha Rajesh, Shipra Mehrotra, Soujanya Madhusudan, Pallavi Kumar, and Kathak guru Akhila Rao from Dallas.

The conference, as well as the Spanda performance, was funded in part by grants from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, the Texas Commission on the Arts, with help from various private sponsors and corporate donations. The Samskriti team, comprising President Thara Narasimhan, Executive Director Vatsa Kumar, Administrator Anil Kumar, Convener Anuradha Subramanian, and Advisors Prabha and Sesh Bala, were lauded in glowing terms by the visiting scholars and artists as well as the audiences for both events.

In spite of the extremely busy, activity-fraught weekend in Houston, both the conference and the evening performance of Spanda were huge successes.

WRITERS ...

TAKE NOTICE Writers are requested to limit their words to 500 The deadline for advertising and articles is 5 pm on Tuesday of each week.

For more information, Call 713-789- NEWS (6397) or email us at: indoamericannews@yahoo.com

“THIS WOK ROCKS WITH INDIAN AND CHINESE FLAVORS” SAYS THE GUIDE

LOCATION

10001 Westheimer Road. Houston, TX 77042 Phone: 713-784-8811 www.MasalaWok.com INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

24 October 07, 2011

SENIOR HEALTH

Understanding your Medicare Choices

Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Supplement with Part D Drug Plan

BY SUDHIR MATHURIA What is a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)?

A Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO or PFFS) is another Medicare health plan choice you may have as part of Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, the plan will provide all of your Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans may offer extra coverage, such as vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs. Most include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). Medicare pays a fixed amount for your care every month to the companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans. These companies must follow rules set by Medicare.

However, each Medicare Advantage Plan can charge different outof-pocket costs and have different rules for how you get services (like whether you need a referral to see a specialist or if you have to go to only doctors, facilities, or suppliers that belong to the plan for non emergency or non-urgent care). These rules can change each year.

What is HMO? Medicare Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plan Atype of MedicareAdvantage Plan (Part C) available in many areas of the country. In most HMOs, you can only go to doctors, specialists, or hospitals on the plan’s list except in an emergency. Most HMOs also require you to get a referral from your primary care physician. Preauthorization is required for many services. HMO with Point of Service feature provides a window to go out of network. Such HMO-POS Plans may allow you to get some services out-of-network for a higher cost. Almost all HMO Plans have $0 premium apart from Part B premium.

How do Medicare Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans work?

•Each plan has a list (called a “network”) of doctors, specialists, hospitals, and other providers that you

may go to• Each plan gives you flexibility to go to doctors, specialists, or hospitals that aren’t on the plan’s list, but it will usually cost more.• You may get care from specialists without a referral or prior authorization from another doctor. If you use plan specialists ,your costs for covered services will usually be lower than if you use non-plan specialists.• Each plan may choose to offer a discount to members if they voluntarily use preauthorization or if they pre-notify the plan when getting out-of-network services.• You get all services covered

before you get services to find out how much you will have to pay and if the service you want is covered.

Generally, you will get more benefits for lower costs than Original Medicare. You may also be able to get extra benefits for an additional premium.

Every Medicare PPO Plan must cover all medically-necessary covered services, but every plan is different in what you must pay. Contact the Medicare PPO Plan you are interested in to find out more. Your costs depend on the following:• Which Medicare PPO Plan you choose• Whether the

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period for the year 2012 Begins Oct 15 and Ends Dec 07, 2011 under Medicare Part A and Part B, although the amount you pay for these services might not be the same as under Original Medicare.• Medicare PPO Plans usually offer extra benefits than Original Medicare but you may have to pay extra for these benefits.• Each plan can charge you a monthly premium amount above and beyond the Medicare Part B premium.• Each plan can charge deductible and coinsurance amounts that are different from those under Original Medicare.• In a Regional PPO Plan, you have an added protection for Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. There is an annual limit on your out-of-pocket costs.

This limit varies depending on the plan.• Medicare PPO Plans operate like Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) with the following two exceptions:–In HMOs, you generally can only go to doctors, hospitals, and specialists that are part of the plan’s network.–Often, HMOs require referrals and pre authorizations.

How do out-of-pocket costs vary?

Medicare PPO Plans differ in the amount they charge for premiums, deductibles, and services. The PPO Plan (rather than Medicare) decides how much you pay for the covered services you get. Contact the plan

plan charges an additional monthly premium• Whether the doctors, hospitals, and other providers you go to are part of or outside of your plan’s network •How much the plan charges per visit •How often and the type of health care you get• Which extra benefits are covered by the plan and how much you pay for them.

What is a Medicare Private Feefor-Service Plan?

AMedicare Private Fee-for-Service Plan is a MedicareAdvantage Plan offered by a private insurance company.

In a Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plan, Medicare pays a set amount of money every month to the private insurance company to provide health care coverage to people with Medicare on a fee-for-service arrangement.

Also, the insurance company, rather than the Medicare Program, decides how much you pay for the services you get.

Note: A Medicare Private Feefor-Service Plan isn’t the same as the Original Medicare Plan which is offered by the Federal government.

It also isn’t the same as a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy, Medicare SELECT, or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

Because insurance companies decide where they will do business,

There are over 50 different Medicare Health Plans in Harris and surrounding counties companies may only offer Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans in some parts of the country. Insurance companies can decide that a plan will be available to everyone with Medicare in a state, or be available only in certain counties. Insurance companies may also offer more than one plan in an area, with different benefits and costs. Each year, insurance companies offering Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans can decide whether to offer such a plan in a given area.

How do Medicare Private Fee-forService Plans work?

Generally, you get care in the United States from any Medicareapproved provider such as a doctor or hospital who, before treating you, agrees to accept the Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plan’s terms and conditions of payment. You must show your plan membership ID card every time you visit a health care provider. There is a telephone number or website on the card for the provider to find out about the plan’s terms and conditions of payment.

This gives your provider the right to choose whether to accept the plan’s terms and conditions of payment.

If you need emergency care, it is covered whether the provider accepts the plan’s payment terms or not. If you join a Medicare Private Fee-forService Plan, not all providers will accept the plan’s payment terms or agree to treat you. Before you get any services, ask your doctor or hospital if they are willing to contact the plan for payment information and accept the plan’s payment terms.

Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs) Medicare Special Needs Plans are a type of Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) for people with certain chronic diseases and conditions or

who have specialized needs (such as people who have both Medicare and Medicaid or people who live in certain institutions). Medicare SNPs provide their members with all Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance), Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) services, and Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). Medicare SNPs were created to give certain groups of people better access to Medicare with plans designed to meet their unique needs.

Who Can Join a Medicare SNP? You can join a Medicare SNP if you have Medicare Part A and Part B, live in the plan’s service area, and meet the plan’s eligibility requirements, such as one of the following: You have one or more specific chronic or disabling conditions (like diabetes, congestive heart failure, a mental health condition, or HIV/AIDS). You live in an institution (like a nursing home), or you require nursing care at home. You have both Medicare and Medicaid. Each Medicare SNP limits its membership to people in one of these groups, or a subset of one of these groups.

(To be continued)

Sudhir Mathuria, a Houstonian for over 30 years, has been an active participant in various community associations.

He is a licensed proffesional for Medicare and Medicaid related health care plans. He can be reached by phone at 713-771-2900 or via email at sudhir@ MyMedicarePlanning.com.

For more information, visit: www.MyMedicarePlanning.com

Medicare Advantage Plan for Medicare/Medicaid member or Suplement Plan with Plan D Do you know your Medicare Choices?

Do you have right plan that serves your need?

Is your Medicare Plan competitive and cost effective?

Review your current Medicare Health Plan.

Call me today for your best 2012 Medicare options

Sudhir Mathuria Mathuria Associates

sudhir@MyMedicarePlanning.com

713-771-2900

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

HOROSCOPE ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20: You’ve always believed that relationships make our lives worthwhile. Strengthen your relationships at work and at home and to handle them with love, care, respect, and diplomacy. Make sure your ego doesn’t become a hurdle in your life. You may have to work a little hard but try to find peaceful solutions whenever a conflict or an argument arises. At work, you’ll be busy planning and delegating responsibilities. You’re lucky to have supportive and skilled colleagues who will help you lay a firm foundation for the future.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Focus on your work and go that extra mile to achieve your goals. Concentrate on determining ways to upsurge your efficiency. Upgrade the machinery in your business and the existing management system. You’re determined to hit the bull’s eye, and you will! Your business related decisions and calculations will yield beneficial results, and production and quality both will improve. You’re wise and you know the value of money. You will focus on raising the standard of living of your family.

GEMINI May 22 - Jun 21: Communication and interactions with people from diverse fields will be prime this week.

You’ll welcome life with open arms and enjoy every bit of it.

You don’t like to spend time in solitude. Now, you will love being a part of group discussions, committees, and social gatherings. Ego clashes, conflicts, misunderstandings may take a toll on your health. Stop worrying about things that are beyond your control. Things will work out in your favour if you help your life along.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 23: Although you desire to succeed and do your best to accomplish your goals, you’ll slow down your pace for a while.

This week, you will hone your skills, plan out strategies, and will not depend on luck for realization of your dreams. Financial planning will be on the top of your mind.

Everything you touch will turn to gold. It’s an opportune period that comes once in a while, make the most of it.

LEO July 24 - Aug 23: You’re now ready to make the commitment of a life time. You may even find someone with whom you may want to spend the rest of your life. If you are already in a relationship, you may take it to the next level, maybe get hitched. Although romance will be the highlight of the week, you will not ignore your professional commitments.

Well, the Lions are know for their confidence and ambitious nature, and you’re no exception.

You’ll successfully strike balance between work and romance. An all-round growth is on the cards.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23: Unfortunately, your plans are not working out and you are not prepared with Plan B. And with no one around to guide you, you may feel utterly confused and disoriented. This will add to the woes. Just when the clouds of confusion begin to clear and you decide to move ahead, you may have second thoughts about your plans and projects. Life has become like a jigsaw puzzle for you. You’re desperately trying to find the right pieces and put them in the right places. The confusion can be overwhelming and may become difficult to deal with. Being calm and composed will help you through these difficult times.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23: As you sow, so shall you reap. And, in your case, it’s time to reap rewards of your hard-work, patience,

October 07, 2011

www.GaneshaSpeaks.com

commitment, and foresight.

Money will pour in from many directions and you will enjoy the comfort and luxury it brings along for you and your family. Having tasted success, you now want to set new targets and achieve the unachievable. You want to increase your bank balance. If you are a businessman, you may consider expansion plans. Health issues of an elderly member in the family may cause concern, but don’t worry, things will be fine soon.

SCORPIO Oct 24 - Nov 22: Tight deadlines are tough to deal with, and unfortunately, you are surrounded by many of them. You sweat blood and try to finish on time. Dynamic and resourceful, you will successfully meet all the deadlines. You display exemplary dedication. There may be a streak of romance during this week, but don’t start fantasizing about it, the week will be more about work. Your achievements are certainly praiseworthy. They will boost your morale, earn you respect at your workplace, and motivate you to aim higher. You can do it!

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 22: You will do everything it takes to hit the bull’s eye. You are determined, focused, and not tensed. This shows your confidence. No mountain is too high for you to climb and no river is too wide to cross.

You will achieve your goals and your confidence will run high. You mean business and are focused on your goals. Your stay-on-it attitude will win you a lot of battles. Naturally, hanging out with friends and social gatherings are a waste of time for you, this season.

CAPRICORN Dec 23 - Jan 20: You are a pillar of strength for your family and friends.

Your children’s education will keep you occupied. You may have to deal with your spouse’s work-related problems. You will actively participate in group activities, share ideas with others, and enjoy being part of a group. Money-making is important, you agree, but not this week. You will take care of your health and improve efficiency, feels Ganesha. Why don’t you cultivate a hobby Painting, music, reading, will help you relax.

You may start to work for a social cause.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19: You know you have to pay attention to certain matters otherwise they may become difficult to handle. You have realized this just in time. Your efforts will restore harmony in your life. Opportunities are knocking on your door. You are excited to embrace them and tread new paths. The determination to make a mark will give the Water Carrier a sense of purpose, confidence to take up challenges head on, and a direction in life. Your perseverance and patience will not go in vain. You will achieve your goals and resolve long-standing issues.

Work hard!

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20: The Fish will no longer be in hot water and will happily swim in the ocean of contentment, accomplishments, happiness, and love. You are charged up to do your best and show your potential to the world.

The challenges of life motivate you to fight against all odds, and come out triumphant. It’s time to bid goodbye to failures, and welcome positive achievements. From now on, your journey will be upwards. Naturally, the bank balance will increase and you’ll lead a comfortable life. You will spend quality time with loved ones and bond well with them.

25

W h at i s t h e s i g n o f a g o o d d e c i s i o n ? ®

It’s a career that fulfills lives – including your own.

Finding satisfaction in your work is a sign of a good decision. MassMutual’s financial stability, comprehensive support and exemplary service for over 160 years can help you build a flourishing career helping people meet their financial goals. Be part of one of the most admired1 companies in America by working with one of our General Agencies. Make sure your next decision is a good one.

MassMutual. We’ll help you get there.® Talk to your local MassMutual Representative today.

George Eapen Sales Manager Strategic Financial Group, LLP 3 Greenway Plaza Suite 1700 Houston, TX 77046 Phone: 713-403-6517 Fax: 713-961-0153 geapen@financialguide.com www.massmutual.com/AsianIndian

Life insurance + retirement/401(k) PLan services + DisabiLity income insurance + Long term care insurance + annuities

MassMutual Financial Group refers to Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), its affiliated companies and sales representatives. Insurance products issued

by MassMutual, Springfield, MA 01111, and its subsidiaries, C.M. Life Insurance and MML Bay State Life Insurance companies, Enfield, CT 06082. 1 Ranked #5 on the list of America’s Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE magazine, 05/03/10; industry category: (Insurance: Life and Health). CRN201303-146567

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

26 October 07, 2011 DIWALI MEGA SALE

OPEN EVERYDAY 9am-9pm 435 Murphy Rd Tel. 281-261-8950

always lower prices.

Parle-G Biscuit

Pure Spanish Gathering

56g

SAFFRON 1g Spanish Delight

10 for

1

$

regularly $0.99

Product of Spain

Tea India Mamri Tea 2lb

Naturally Grown

FRESH Long Squash

5

99

¢

99

$

lb

rregularly ul rly $ $0.99

regularly $6.99

Oakfarms Whole, 2% Milk 1 gal

regular $3.99

2 for

7

$

regularly $4.99

FREE

Ashoka

Frozen Veg lilva, Drumstick, Karela Naturally Grown

when you spend $50 or more Limit 1 per family

Fresh Atlantic Caught

India Gate Basmati Rice

Fresh Whole Amberjack Wild Caught

10 lb

2

$

99

lb

7

$

99

rregularly ul rly $ $8.29

Leg Quarters

400 g

99¢

lb

regularly $1.49

Subject to Availability. Not Responsible for Printing errors.

99

ea

rregularly ul rly $ $8.99

rregularly ul rly $ $1.29

Swad Dals 4lb Toor Dal, Masoor Dal, Moong Dal

3

$

99

rregularly ul rly $ $4.99

Swad Mathia Chorafali

Lily Brand Mamra

Farm Raised

100% Zabiha Halal

99

¢

¢

Swad Almonds 56 oz

4 lb

regularly $3.99

Chicken Grown in Texas

DRY Coconut

200 g

99

¢

rregularly ul rly $9.99

99

¢

rregularly ul rly $ $2.99

9

rregularly ul rly $ $10.99

Swarna Sooji

4 lb *present this ad at counter

1

$

99

rregularly ul rly $ $2.99

Wednesday, September 28th – Tuesday, October 4, 2011

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07 , 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

99

$