September 9 Pages 1-26

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Friday, September 9 2011 | Vol. 30, No. 36

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Narahari Bharadwaj

Enthusiastic Ganesh Utsav Celebration in Heart of Little India

By Kalyani Giri HOUSTON: He sat regally atop a rolling chariot, ten feet tall, and with orange elephant-face aglow.

Devotees surrounded Him, caught up in the momentous magic of the arrival of the god Ganesh at His new abode in the heart of Hillcroft’s Little India. The procession lurched its way to the new Sanatan Shiv Shakti Mandir (SSSM) where the god took residence, welcomed with sacred chants and flower garlands. For the first time in this city, Lord Ganesh is being adulated with festivity over 11 days from August 31 - September 10, and has brought the community together through prayer, music, and dance in a way quite reminiscent of the grand celebrations honoring Him in India.

On a recent afternoon, there was a continuous stream of devotees visiting the cavernous temple hall to witness the miracle of the God of Good Beginnings, who was draped in a turquoise dhoti and adorned with flowers of every hue. With the West Park Tollway visible through the high windows, and cars rushing by, the temple was a surreal oasis of peace in that bustle. The air was scented with incense and soft shlokas, and to one side were large bowls of sweets, Lord Ganesh’s favorites, for offering at the evenings’ prayer. Flanking the god were two eco-friendly icons of Ganesh, one of which shall be ceremonially immersed in water on the last day of the utsav.

“We really needed this temple in this location as it is centrally located in the business hub of the Indian community, and is also very close to residential areas,” said Ashok Bhambhani, a trustee for the temple. The land was purchased 2.5 years ago; the temple building sitting on 11,600 sq. ft. is incomplete.

An additional 1,200 sq. ft. sanc-

tum sanctorum when constructed will house Lord Ganesh and the other deities. Adding uniqueness to the skyline of Hillcroft will be three fiberglass domes that will be installed above the sacred inner shrine of the temple. The architect for the estimated $1.5 million project is Jatin Desai of Maverick Engineering.

For founder member and chief priest at the SSSM, Virat Mehta,

“Everyday, we have crowds averaging 400 to 800 people.

Lord Ganesh is widely and universally worshiped and I believe that he brings devotees immediate answers to their prayers” - Virat Mehta founder/chief priest at SSSM

Top: Virat Mehta, Chief priest addresses devotees Center (from left): SSSM Trustees, Ashok Bhambhani and C.V. Patel with Padmakant Khambati Bottom: Sunil Thakkar (center) and family offer aarti Photos: Krishna Giri

the utsav is a dream realized. For many years, he envisioned a festival that would draw the community together. When he was in Baroda last, he commissioned the creation of the Ganesh icon and the other deities destined to reside at the SSSM, but when they arrived, the shipment was held back by customs officials and released a mere 18 hours before the festival began.

“We couldn’t make any plans or announcements formally until they released the gods,” said Mehta, a former Sanskrit professor. “But everyday we have crowds averaging 400 to 800 people. Lord Ganesh is widely and universally worshiped

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and I believe that he brings devotees immediate answers to their prayers,” added Mehta. Was there any significance to the orange color of Lord Ganesh’s face, I asked?

“Orange is the color of sowbhagya, the color of sindoor, which is very auspicious and is a sign of a good future,” said Mehta.

The utsav’s cultural coordinator Ramesh Anand gave much thought to the program and selected different languages and genres of music and dance ranging from bhajans to classical music, dandiya raas, garba, for wider appeal every evening.

“One of the concepts of Ganesh Utsav in Maharashtra and other parts of north India is that it’s called Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav, a community Ganesh festival.

Ganesh is not limited to any one part of the country, He is the great equalizer worshiped by the rich and poor, by all,” said Anand. He added that Lok Manya Tilak, a pillar of India’s freedom movement, created the Ganesh utsav concept during British rule to get the community together.

Dhirendra Kotak and C.V. Patel, trustees at SSSM, urged the community to support the temple.

“We want the utsav to be an annual event to be celebrated on a grand scale,” said Kotak.

Celebrations at the temple are ongoing with cultural programs taking place every evening. The Visarjan procession bearing the smaller Ganesh icon will leave the temple at 6pm for Madras Pavilion in Sugar Land on September 10, where it will be immersed in the lake to the rear of the restaurant.

For more information, call Virat Mehta at 713-784-5500, Chhaya Thakar at 281-208-3390, or Ramesh Anand at 832-731-6133.

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dreams came True with Bollywood Blast 2011 at miller outdoor

HOUSTON: Music, Masti and Magic were used to create an unbelievable show Once Upon A Time at Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre on Sunday, September 4. Indian Performing Arts - Samskriti presented Bollywood Blast 2011 – Once Upon a Time in a place not so far away, a new musical began its journey. The journey for Bollywood Blast actually began 6 years ago as a concept by Anil Kumar of Anjali Center for the Performing Arts, and this year Mahesh Mahbubani, the director of the show for the 4th year turned it into a musical theatre extravaganza.

“It is a very special year to me. The show was inspired by fairytales- a world in which everything ends happily after, a world seen through the eyes of a child, and the power of dreams becoming a reality. Well it has been my dream to co-create with the youth of today, the new generation of talented and energetic artistes and with this show, the dream came true. The show is an amazing manifestation of teamwork. Under my guidance, Hasina Sadiwala helped with creative choreography, Star Gilani kept up with communications, and Shahbaz Rajabali bestowed his playful energy and choreography with the kids. The reason this show worked so well was due to the teamwork – Together Everything Amounts to Magic!” said Mahesh.

As the title suggests, the show explored traditional fairy tales with a Bollywood twist- Little Red Riding Hood with cowboys, Beauty and the Geek, Weeping Beauty and of course, Cinderella. The show demonstrated the power of love with the magic of the imagination can make dreams come true. The two hour musical theatre combined songs, dialogue and dance. The emotional content of the show – humor, pathos, love, and anger – as well as the story itself was communicated through the words, music, and movement. The musical was a mega entertainer with over 75 dazzling dancers that include all emotions of human

Photos: Navin Mediwala

life in larger than life renditions of dramatic song and dance scenes. Dr Subodh Bhuchar returned for the 4th year as the father, with Samyukta Hari playing his daughter. Without a doubt this was a major event at Miller Outdoor Theatre where over 8000 people were in attendance.

This entertaining evening for the entire family was presented by Indian Performing Arts - Samskriti for the 6th year in a row.

Samskriti is a nonprofit Texas organization committed to making the traditional performing arts of India, primarily classical music and dance, more accessible to the community presenting them in superior quality performances and imparting the education required to practice, appreciate and experience them. Through this show and others, like Incredible India (a multimedia extravaganza and cultural show featuring over 100 musicians and dancers) which will be presented on September 25 at 8pm at Miller Outdoor Theater - Indian Performing Arts – Samskriti can reach its goal.

For more information, contact Anjali Center for Performing Arts at 281-265-ARTS or visit www.anjalicenter.org. For information about Indian Performing Arts- Samskriti, visit http://www.samskritihouston.org or call Dr. Rathna Kumar at 832-275-9658.

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Oberois Renew Vows on Their 50th Anniversary

By Jawahar Malhotra HOUSTON: They were childhood sweethearts thrown together against the turbulent events of the Partition of India. Mahesh’s family fled from Rawalpindi to Jamunanagar and later to Ambala to study; Rupa’s family fled her birthplace of Lahore and settled in Delhi. The met in the Old City where both families lived, in Daryagunj – she was 12 and he was 16 and they would play cards together with other friends.

“We were attracted to each other even then,” recalled Rupa fondly of that time in 1953 after a chance meeting at a relative’s wedding.

And the feelings grew so that when Mahesh went overseas in 1957, across the Black Waters, to study in Birmingham, England, Rupa was determined to follow.

Four years later, the 20-year old Rupa did, arriving on September 2, 1961. “The next day we got married, in a small Gurudwara, with no family around, just the two of us,” Rupa remembered.

Fifty years later, Mahesh, 74 and Rupa Oberoi, 70 made sure they were not alone as they renewed their vows last Saturday, September 3, surrounded by 28 members of their family. “It was the wedding that we could not have in Birmingham,” said an elated Rupa, dressed in the finery of a bride, with menhdi on her hands as she stood next to Mahesh, who wore a colorful kurta, with a chooni wrapped around his neck. Their

Mahesh and Rupa Oberoi after they renewed their wedding vows (right) last Saturday, September 3, which was their 50th anniversary, at their restaurant, Mantra, in Katy. A day later they celebrated with a reception at the Renaissance Hotel in Greenway Plaza with some close friends and 28 members of their family in the US. They posed with their daughter (second left) Gita and her husband Vijay Singh (left) and son Ricki and his wife Asra. Photos: Krishna Giri

two children, Ricki and Gita and their spouses, grand children, siblings, nieces, nephews and inlaws – some from Canada, California and India – came to attend the occasion.

The Oberois stayed on in Birmingham opening and running two restaurants – La Boheme, one French, the other English – and Rupa worked as a school teacher and even as a Justice of the Peace, officiating at people’s weddings and other civil ceremonies. Then in 1983, they decided to move again, this time to Houston, where

Now

Rupa had an older sister, Pushpa Arya (who passed away in 1993), who also had gone into the restaurant business.

They opened up a restaurant called Natraj on Fondren north of Richmond and a couple of years later moved it to South Shepherd north of West Alabama, where they stayed till they lost their lease.

They reopened as Shiva in the Rice Village, selling it later to open up Clay Oven in College Station before returning to Houston to open Shivani (now Nirvana) on Memorial and Diary Ashford, which they

sold a couple of years later.

The anniversary wedding and party was held in their Katy area restaurant Mantra on Mason Road with a select crowd of about 60 who watched as the couple sat on chairs under a small mandap and renewed their vows, as pandit Rajinder Sharma officiated and they took their phere – seven circles around the sacred fire. The mostly Punjabi crowd sang folk songs and some women danced a few steps to the beat of the dhol.

The grandkids beamed and hung together. It was Gita and Vijay’s

wedding anniversary too, and they cut a cake to celebrate. “Pandit Sharma did our wedding too,” exclaimed Gita, “as well as my brother Ricki and Asra’s. Now, he has married our parents too!” she added excitedly. The day after the family held an anniversary bash at the Renaissance Hotel in Greenway Plaza. At the end of the Labor Day weekend, a tired, but happy Rupa gave away the secret to her long and successful marriage. “We have the same spark directed to each other 50 years later,” she said.

“The fire is still there.”

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Indo American News • Friday, Sep 9, 2011

Houston’s Vedanta Society to Consecrate New Temple

HOUSTON: Many years after a group of ardent followers met for prayer, meditation and shared experience in a small house on Cypress Street that Indo American News founder and publisher Dr. K. L. Sindwani and his wife Mohini donated to the cause, the Vedanta Society of Greater Houston has finally constructed its own temple off Highway 6 and Lindita Drive, next to the Gurudwara of the Southwest.

The consecration and dedication ceremony will be held from 9:30 am through lunch at 1pm on Saturday, September 24, with worship and religious rituals performed in the morning by Swami Kripamayananda, the Head Minister of the Vedanta Society of Toronto, Canada, and assisted by Swami

zation that spreads the idea of harmony of religions and unity of fellow human beings based on Sri Ramakrishna’s (the 19th century saint from West Bengal, India) experience. It was formed in 2003 by the amalgamation of two smaller organizations, the Ramakrishna Vedanta Center and the Vivekananda Vedanta Society.

Following and practicing the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, His Divine Consort Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and his foremost disciple Swami Vivekananda, who incidentally was the first person to make an impression about the Hindu religion in the West, the VSGH promotes harmony of religions, practices forbearance; calmness and simplicity in daily life; considers all work

Sarvadevananda, the Assistant Minister of the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood.

An evening celebration will start at 5pm with a light dinner and a program that will feature entertainment by Rathna Kumar, Pandit Suman Ghosh and Pandit Shantilal Shah and their students. In attendance will be senior monks of the order as well as Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and City of Houston Mayor Annise Parker. The next day, at 9:30am on Sunday, September 25, the VSGH will celebrate its annual Durga Puja, with worship performed by the two Swamis and lunch served at 1pm.

VSGH is a volunteer, non-profit organi-

as worship and any service to humanity as service to God; and believes that moksha (freedom from the cycle or rebirth) is a universal experience common to all humanity.

One of the most significant contributions of Swami Vivekananda to the modern world is his interpretation of religion as a universal experience of transcendent Reality, common to all humanity.

The new temple is located at 14809 Lindita Drive, Houston, Texas 77082. Visit www. houstonvedanta.org or call 281-Swapana Chaudhuri at 584-0488 or Ashok Dasgupta at 979-421-0957 for more information.

Sampat Prakash Rises at Deloitte Sampat Prakash has been named national managing director for Energy & Resources at Deloitte Consulting. He has over 20 years of experience in oil and gas consulting including leading over 200 engagements across the globe. Prior to his new role, he successfully led the US Oil & Gas sector at Deloitte Consulting LLP. Prakash has lived and worked in Europe and the Middle East and has also executed projects in Canada, China, AsiaPacific and Latin America.

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shijimon enchanattu Appointed as FoKAnA convention youth chairman

Shijimon Enchanattu

HOUSTON: Shijimon Enchanattu, a young, energetic and vibrant young man, a member of the Malayalee Association of Greater Houston is appointed as the youth chairman of FOKANA (Federation of Ker-

ala Association in North America) national convention slated to be held in Houston in 2012. He is an accomplished youth organizer and coordinator.

G.K. Pillai, president of the FOKANA said “in this convention we have laid down high priorities for youth and will take all efforts to bring youth in the main stream of the Malayalee community. It is my understanding that Shijimon is an able and established youth organizer hence, he is very well suitable to take the leadership role in this convention and his expertise will greatly help to achieve the focal goal.” Bobby Jacob (secretary) and Shaji John (treasurer) also supported Shijimon’s selection.

Before Shijimon’s immigration to Houston he took leading rolls in organizing youth in Kerala and London through different social and cultural organizations. In Houston, he served as the executive committee member of the Malayalee Association of Greater Houston and became its youth president. He also worked for the youth in the Kananaya community and also served for the youth in the Malayalee community through different level. .

earthquake Jolts delhi and Adjoining Towns NEW DELHI (TOI): An earthquake of medium intensity jolted Delhi and its satellite towns late on Wednesday night, pulling panic-stricken people out of their homes.

The tremors, measuring 4.2 on Richter

Scale with Haryana’s Sonipat as epicentre, were felt across Delhi and its adjoining satellite towns of Ghaziabad and Noida in Uttar Pradesh and Gurgaon in Haryana at 11:28pm.

The tremors were felt for less than ten seconds. “The intensity was 4.2 and the epicentre was Sonepat,” Shailesh Nayak, secretary in ministry of earth sciences, and IMD director general Ajit Tyagi, said.

The quake sent shivers among citizens who ran out of the high-rise buildings.

There were no immediate reports of any casualty. The fire brigade and police said they have not received any immediate calls of casualty or damage.

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Rekha Agarwal Inauguration of Pratham young Professionals Realtor

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HOUSTON: As the sun over Houston was setting, Pratham Young Professionals (PYP), a new team under the banner of Pratham Houston, dawned with convergence of spirit and hard work.

This organization was formed to instill the passion of Pratham in the hearts of the young professionals in Houston. To provide an opportunity to give back to those less fortunate in India, which was so easily given to them. Education is a right of every child and Pratham Young Professionals wants to ensure that every child in India gets a primary education.

India has 100 million illiterate

to promote education of children in India through our activities and events PYP organized their “Inauguration Event” on Thursday Aug 25th at Hudson Lounge (Rice Village).

The zestful event saw more than 150 attendees and was executed with perfection and passion.

The event was organized to launch PYP in Houston and to explain the purpose and objectives of the organization. The main objective of PYP is to bridge the gap between Pratham Houston and working professionals and to get the young professionals more involved in the fund raising ac-

focus of his presentation was to illustrate the significance of Pratham in the daily life of India.

Announcement by the Goradia Foundation and Swatantra Jain that they will each match upto $5000 in donations, elated PYP members and crowd alike, who generously made donations. PYP President Darel D’Souza thanked Yogi Patel, mentors, sponsors and guests on behalf of his team.

The event was also attended by Pratham@UH members, committed to spread awareness on the Univ. of Houston campus.

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Pratham Houston Young Professionals Core group with mentors Marie Goradia, Madhukar Prasad, Vibhu Sharma and Yogi Patel.

Photo: Bijay Dixit

children. All it takes is just $20 per year to educate a child and 96% of the contribution going directly to Pratham programs. To date Pratham has been successful in reaching 34 million children.

To meet Pratham’s goal of ‘Every Child in School and Learning well’ the Pratham Young Professionals encourages the new generation to take that step forward to help a child. To be part of our team that has various committees like Marketing, Events, Volunteers etc where ideas are shared and put into action. Where the talents, education, network and enthusiasm of young professionals are utilized

tivities while providing leadership and personal development opportunities.

Inaugural event saw more than 150 guests from myriad professional background mingling with each other while supporting an outstanding cause. Guests included PYP mentors – Marie Goradia, Vibhu Sharma and Madhukar Prasad along with Pratham Houston president Swatantra and Bimla Jain. The evening started off with refreshments and drinks being served to all the attendees.

Pratham Ambassador Yogi Patel made a fabulous presentation that touched the hearts of several. The

bers of Commerce (Shell), Hudson Lounge and Chakrabarti family.

Sara Appliances and Maharani Music Store sponsored gifts for the attendees. All the sponsors received a certificate of appreciation for their support and encouragement.

As the evening became cooler, guests posed for Bijoy Dixit’s camera while some were engrossed in putting together the Pratham puzzles. The atmosphere became increasingly vibrant and was filled with sounds of laughter and air of excitement. Darel D’Souza was interviewed by renowned TV Asia CONTINUED ON PAGE

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Pratham young Professionals CONTINUED FROM PAGE

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as one of the supreme powers of the world. Pratham is leading the way and it is the time to make it a people’s movement by supporting it through which ever means one can. So we urge young professionals to be motivated and give a little of their time to make a difference in the life of a Pratham Child.

Join Pratham Young Professionals to get involved and be updated about future events - www.facebook.com/prathamyoungprofessionals/ For more information, call Darel D’Souza at 713-478-3919 or email Darel.DSouza@gmail.com

journalist Ruchi Mukherjee who also runs the blog - Light, Camera and Action.

Introduction of PYP officers followed in the later half of the evening acknowledging Sapna Singh, Hatel Rana Moonat, Prithwiraj Ghoshroy, Indy Chakrabarti, Keith Faria, Ankita Gandhi, Abhijit Mohod, Divya Brown, Sabrina Gilmore, Harsh Singh, Manish Jain and many other volunteers who made this event a success.

There are millions of kids in India with big dreams but no opportunity. It is absolutely essential to support them and nurture their talents if India wants to emerge

FIs seeks oral History committee

HOUSTON : The Foundation for Indian Studies is seeking volunteers interested to join a soon to be formed Working Committee to manage the affairs of the IndoAmerican Oral History Project.

The Working Committee shall establish a selection criterion, create a data base of all eligible interviewees, schedule appointments and deliver the video recordings and transcripts to the Houston Public Library.

The purpose of the project is to

record the life stories and experiences on video tape of the first generation Indian immigrants who came and settled in Houston in the early years of the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Their interviews will be individually videotaped and digitally archived in HPL’s servers for access over the Internet by future historians, academicians, researchers and, most importantly, by the future generations of IndoAmericans.

The Indo-American Oral His-

tory Project, a new initiative of the Foundation for India studies, was formally announced by Houston ’s Mayor Annise Parker on 8 August at City Hall and inaugurated at the Junior League on August 19 during the 5th Anniversary celebration of the FIS. For further information, call Krishna Vavilala 713-795-5169, Parul Fernandes 713-743-4689, Vatsa Kumar 979-240-9496.

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Can You Spell “Schindylesis”?

The Winning Word for Spelling Bee Champion Narahari Bharadwaj

By Kalyani Giri HOUSTON: The word “schindylesis” spelt victory for 13-year-old Narahari Bharadwaj who took home top honors as National Champion at the 2011 South Asian Spelling Bee Finals. Narahari, formerly of Plano, Texas, along with 19 top spellers from 10 different regional centers competed for the title and a $10,000 prize at the Rutgers College Auditorium in New Jersey. The event, taped live for broadcast in over 119 countries worldwide on Sony Entertainment Television, was organized by leading South Asian advertising firm, Touchdown Media Inc., and sponsored by MetLife, a leading provider of insurance, employee benefits and other financial services. Narahari impressed the panel of judges as he effortlessly spelt words such as “logaoedic” and “phthirophagous” with consummate ease. For the high-achieving teen, who has taken courses in French, Japanese, Greek, and Latin, etymology is his passion.

The event was open to youngsters up to 14 years of age and was held in 10 regional centers across the United States. These areas included, New Jersey, DC Metro area, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, New York, Boston, Los Angeles and the Bay Area. The contest was conducted in written and oral format at the regional levels, which served as the elimination as well as selection process for the finalists.

“Its heartwarming to see such talent year after year. Heartiest congratulations to Narahari and all the spellers”, said Rahul Walia, CEO, Touchdown Media Inc. and founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee. Stuti Mishra

Narahari Bharadwaj

from West Melbourne, Florida, was the first runner-up and Chetan Reddy from Plano, Texas, was the second runner-up.

“Over the past four years, South Asian Spelling Bee has been consistently making a positive impact amongst the youth across the US. Sony Entertainment Television Asia is pleased to have been associated with this initiative from the beginning and to be able to broadcast this exciting event to all its viewers around the globe,” said Jaideep Janakiram, Head of SETelevision, North America.

Narahari is the son of Vyjayanthi and Bhagavan Bharadwaj, both in the IT industry. The family relocated to Devon, Pennsylvania recently their older daughter Vybhavi joined as a freshman at the Wharton School of Business. Narahari is a ninth grader at the prestigious Conestoga At Berwyn High

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School located in Tredyffrin Township, Pennsylvania; the school graduates advance 96% of students, many into Ivy League schools. The young man who will turn 14 soon, will not be eligible to participate in spelling bees in future, a fact that saddens him; instead, he is working on a book that will help other aspiring spellers. Comprehensive and in several categories of words, the book will trace the roots of words and connect them to their languages of origin.

A longtime competitor at spelling bees, Narahari enjoyed another victory this past weekend, when he placed second at North South Foundation Spelling Bee. An allrounder, he has also been participating in

Math Competitions and Science Fairs, Science Olympiads and has made it to State Math Counts, State Science Fair, and also won the silver medal twice at International Science Project Olympiad at Houston; he plays basketball and tennis, and is a keen chess player. What was Narahari’s reaction when he first heard the word that determined his victory?

“It was a familiar word,” said Narahari, who hasn’t quite decided on a possible future career as yet. “I was pretty happy as I knew the language roots. Winning felt like a dream come true!”

He intends splurging a little with the prize money and saving the rest.

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IA News News © © 2011 2011 IA

Mini Timmaraju – 832-452-7038 or Sanjay Ram – 832-877-0307 India House 8888 West Bellfort. Houston, TX 77031

From left: Rahul Walia, Founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee; MetLife brand icon Snoopy with National Champion Narahari Bharadwaj; John Derbick, Assistant Vice President of Advertising and Brand Management at MetLife & Laurel Daring, Assistant Vice President of Marketing at MetLife.

Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

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nikita Pangarkar shows Promise as a Hindustani classical Vocalist

By Mithila BhaDBhaDE HOUSTON: On July 31, the Hindustani Classical Music lovers of Houston were introduced to a young and upcoming vocal performer, Nikita Pangarkar, who is learning this performing art under the able tutelage of Guru Pandit Suman Ghosh. Her debut performance in the traditional classical sense captivated the audience of over 300 people.

Manch Pravesh is the formal, concert in front of family, friends, music connoisseurs and lovers, which marks the student’s beginning in his/her musical journey.

The disciple goes through a painstaking and committed process of talim (learning) and riyaz (practice) before undertaking such a commitment and the colossal task of performing in public. The Guru then evaluates the readiness of the shishya to undertake such a huge step, which not only entails the readiness of the student but also the potential to carry on the Gharana’s tradition. Nikita earned this privilege of becoming a fullfledged dedicated student and representative of the Mewati Gharana for the rest of her life.

Nikita started the evening in the classical Mewati style by invoking the almighty before rendering her first raag, Shyam Kalyan, a typically evening raag. She sang her first composition, Kahe Mana Naam, in Vilambit Ektaal (slow tempo of 12 beat cycle) followed by a Chaturang composition, Italaare Deem, in Drut Teentaal (fast

Nikita started the evening in the classical Mewati style by invoking the almighty before rendering her first raag, Shyam Kalyan, a typically evening raag.

tempo of 16 beat cycle). Her rendition of the raag brought out its finer nuances which not only delighted the audience, but also made them look ahead to the rest of the concert.

The popular Raag, Ramkali was next on the agenda for Nikita to sing. Nikita did total justice to the composition Tum Par Vari Jaun Mein in Drut Teentaal. She brought out the delightful yet difficult mood of the raag with passion, which truly mesmerized the audience. She then effortlessly

sang her drut taans at a fast pace with ease and poise.

Nikita continued her performance with Raag Puriya, which denotes completeness. She handled the alaap and vistaar through the composition Bhayi Shaam Nahi Aaye in Drut Ektaal in a crafty manner that was appreciated by the audience. She hit each note with its complexities and rhythmic variations which exhibited the raag in its entirety.

To complete her well rounded performance, she rendered 2

Bhajans, one based on the popular Raag Yaman and the second on Raag Bhairavi, which traditionally concludes a Hindustani classical vocal music concert. In raag Yaman, she sang the bhajan Rani Tero Chir Jeeyo Gopal and in raag Bhairavi, she sang the bhajan, Main Dwar Khol Kar Baitha Hun. Both bhajans were beautifully rendered in the traditional devotional style to an 8 beats cycle. The Bhajans concluded her performance, although the audience was not yet ready to leave their seats.

The Guru-Shishya Parampara (teacher-student tradition) was in full evidence on the part of both Guru and Shishya.

Certainly, creativity, passion, and love for the art were evident throughout Nikita’s performance.

She had stellar accompaniment on the harmonium by none other than the Guru himself, Pandit Suman Ghosh and on the tabla by Shri Shankachur Lahiri.

The performance revealed the character and proficiency of her Guru, Pandit Suman Ghosh, himself a disciple of Pandit Jasraj-ji, who has made Hindustani Classical Music an integral part of the diaspora of Houston’s performing arts scenario. His dedication towards his students is gratifying and noteworthy in the true tradition of the Mewati Gharana.

Smt. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, the well-known author, was the Master of Ceremonies of the evening and handled the proceedings with grace and poise. Smt. Archna

Tripathi introduced the artist of the evening and spoke briefly on the significance of Manch Pravesh.

Heartfelt speeches were also given

by Nikita’s grandmother Smt. Sudha Pangarkar, her proud parents, Shri. Sunil and Smt. Varsha Pangarkar, sister, Deepika Pangarkar, and fellow gurubandhus, Mithila Bhadbhade and Mayank Aranke, which lent a homely touch to the evening event.

Due to her love for music, perseverance, dedication and hard work, Nikita was able to juggle her busy college schedule, commuting back and forth from San Antonio at the time to fulfill this dream. At Trinity University, Nikita is double majoring in Psychology and Spanish, with a minor in Linguistics, as well as being involved in the psychology club, Trinity Chapter of Honor Society, on the Dean’s List, and a secretary of the Hindu Student Union at Trinity University. Nikita has not only made her Guru and Parents proud but also the community at large.

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Did You Know? each part of Ganesh symbolizes something

Indo American News • Friday, Sep 9, 2011

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

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

Ganesha - The Lord of Beginnings Lord Ganesha, popularly known and easily recognized as the Elephant-God, is one of the most important deities of the Hindu patheon. Before every undertaking, be it laying of the foundation of a house, or opening of a store or beginning any other work, Lord Ganesha is first worshipped so at to invoke his blessings.

Ganesha has many names. The main ones are Ganapati (lord of the ganas, or attendants), Vighneshwara (controller of all obstacles), Vinayaka (the prominent leader), Gajaanana (elephant-faced), Lambodara (pendant-bellied), and Ekdanta (having one tusk).

Lord Ganesha, also called Ganapati or Vinayaka, is presented in the form of a human body with the head of an elephant. This blend of human and animal parts is a symbolic representation of a perfect human being, as conceived by Hindu sages. His head symbolizes wisdom, understanding, and a discriminating intellect that one must possess to attain perfection in life. By worshipping Ganesha, a Hindu seeks God’s blessings for achieving success in one’s endeavors in the physical world and for attaining perfection thereafter.

Hence, Hindus worship Ganesha to seek God’s blessings before beginning such activities. - Hinduwisdom

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JVB Preksha Celebrates Festival of Soul Purification

HOUSTON: The Jain festival of Paryushan was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm at JVB Preksha Meditation Houston center between August 26 and September 3.

Festivals add color and meaning to Indian heritage, and are celebrated in various ways all over India. Some festivals welcome seasons of the year, such as the harvest, the monsoon, the full moon, or the new year.

Others celebrate religious occasions such as birth dates of divine beings, saints or gurus (revered teachers). Most of these festivals celebrate the “outer world”. In the Jain tradition, Paryushan, which literally means “to dwell within your inner self”, is a celebration of the inner world and the purification of the soul.

Under the spiritual guidance of Samani Akshya Pragya Ji and Samani Parimal Pragya Ji, disciples of Acharya Mahashraman, community members learned the true meaning of the eight-day period of soulpurification and reflection celebrated by Jains worldwide. As Samani Akshya Pragya Ji explained, Paryushan is a festival of nonviolence (ahimsa), resolution, self-purification, calming of negative emotions, forgiveness and social harmony. To achieve this “cleansing” of the atman (soul), Jain followers perform tapasya (fasting and other austerities), meditation, and chanting of special mantras, in addition to studying Bhagwan Mahavir’s life-story and Jain philosophy.

sins, and vow to minimize such activities in the future.

The concept of “Michammi Dukkadam” is central, which means to humbly and wholeheartedly ask forgiveness for whatever misdeeds or harms we have caused knowingly or unknowingly to all living beings through thoughts, words and deeds. Likewise, we freely seek forgiveness from all living beings for the same.

Daily Paryushan activities at JVB included twice-daily discourses, chanting, meditation, and Pratrikraman. To encourage study of religious Samani Akshya Pragya ji (left) and Samani Parimal topics, the respected SaminiPragya ji. jis devised fun activities such as “Kaun Banega Pragyawan” (Who wants One main aspect of Paryushan is perform- to become spiritually knowledgeable?). Paring “Pratikraman” (literal meaning: ‘to turn ticipants young and old learned facts about back’). The purpose of Pratikraman is to Jain traditions and then answered questions reflect on one’s actions, ask forgiveness for in the style of the popular game show.

Another challenge to enable self-study and reflection was an assignment for team presentations on four important concepts of Jain philosophy, including Dharma, Samyak Darshan (right perception), Purusharth (selfeffort), and Anand(bliss). Team members sincerely and thoughtfully discussed how these subjects are commonly perceived versus how they are discussed in the scriptures, followed by lively debate.

Overall, the vibrations of inner peace and spiritual cleansing were felt by all during the Paryushan festival at JVB Preksha Center .

Regular activities of the Center include biweekly Gyanshala classes for children, coed and ladies-only yoga, meditation, study groups and discourses. Every Tuesday, from 10am to 2pm, a program specifically designed for those seeking to dive deeper into spirituality is held, which includes mantra chanting, meditation, relaxation (kayotsarg), lunch, religious discourses, and discussions.

On the 2nd Saturday of every month there is a free half -day Preksha Meditation workshop led by the respected Samanijis.

This month it will be on September 10th. The next big event will be the Annual Day Celebration on October 16.

Indo American News • Friday, SEPTEMBER 9 , 2011 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

For more information visit www.jvbhouston. org or call Samanijis at 281-596-9642 The JVB Preksha Meditation Center is located at 14102 Shiller Road, Houston, TX 77082.

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Indo American News • Friday, Sep 9, 2011

India in Houston At one point in time, Indians who came to the US were determined to go back to their motherland ... once they saved $X,000.

Years and decades passed and they never reached their savings goal or went past it, but decided going back was never to be. First, one got married to a college sweetheart (rare) or went back for an arranged marriage (common). Now children have grown up and are creating a new generation of grandchildren.

Around us in urban centers have come Little Indias that have become bigger and more complex. Now you have a tremendous range of desi food to eat and ethnic clothes to wear. Just like people in India, we have also created innumerable organizations with substantial scope for politics and infighting. Is there any city in Gujarat that celebrates Navratri with greater gusto than our bhais and bens in Houston? The latest example is Ganesh Chaturthi that is being celebrated in Hillcroft with as much enthusiasm as Shivaji Park in Mumbai. When the time comes, we can also die according to our very specific religious rites.

Mainstream Americans have gotten used to our funny names and respect our technology acumen. If there is any discriminating to be done, we probably dish out more than we receive.

Our relatives and friends have learned to live their lives quite well without us. If we do go back and take up residence amongst them, they are likely to be quite annoyed at our ‘undeserved’ NRI lifestyle. Seems like it is better to lie in the comfortable bed we’ve created here than to disturb the already crowded environs in the old country.

Pramod Kulkarni

Troubled Waters At a time India is trying to take ties with its eastern neighbour to the next level, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s high-profile Bangladesh visit could’ve done without this unseemly controversy. Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee pulled out of the trip at the eleventh hour, saying the Teesta water-sharing pact will give far more water to Bangladesh than she’d agreed to. This, she felt, would hurt north Bengal’s interests. Not wanting to alienate an important ally like the Trinamool with its 19 MPs, the government backtracked. It said India would ink the deal only if accepted by all stakeholders. This may placate Mamata. But what about sensitivities across the border?

The spat has derailed - at least for now - a crucial treaty that was to be the centrepiece of Singh’s visit. If signed, it has the potential to boost connectivity and prosperity in the region besides putting a long-standing bilateral issue to rest. Little wonder the Sheikh Hasina dispensation has urged Singh to reassure Bangladeshis that the delay is temporary. The last-minute hitch can’t but discomfit Sheikh Hasina, who needs substantial takeaways from Bangladesh’s engagement with India to place before a combative opposition. Times of India

editorial

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Devil in the Details

By Samar Halarnkar I get it that people are angry at politicians, our honourable elected representatives, whose latest concern is punishing actors Om Puri, for calling them ganwaar (rustic dimwits) and naalayak (incompetent).

I get it that it’s a bit rich to call the Anna protestors anti-democratic when democratic institutions, including and especially Parliament, are failing our expectations. The latest example: how a cabal Cabinetministers-cum-sport-overlords has stopped a law to make sport more accountable. Like Team Anna, I too am distrustful of government (not just this one but any), and I agree that if it were not for the extreme passions generated, an Indian Parliament may not have been willing to listen.

I get it that whatever reservations you may have had with Anna’s “second freedom movement” - as I do - it has humbled politicians, at least a bit, and reminded them that earning the trust of India’s growing, impatient middle class will not be easy from here on.

What I don’t get is this: if we distrust one authority so much, why are we now prepared to trust a powerful institution staffed by other authoritiesbureaucrats and judges?

It cannot be anyone’s case that Indian bureaucrats and judges are any cleaner than its politicians. For that matter, it is hard to argue that any of us is cleaner than the men and women who administer India. We are all cut from the same cloth.

As some of the passions of restive August die down, this is the time to calmly reflect on the long, bumpy road ahead. Apart from our personal failings, there are two institutional signposts to consider.

First, corruption always rises in a rising nation. Countries like the US and South Korea suffered major periods of institutionalised corruption before their institutions became strong enough to survive fickle, corrupt officials and politicians.

Two, this overhaul of institutions is never easy. A corrupt system requires many energizing jolts before it starts to reform. The Anna effect is one

“Slogans and street battles are no substitute for systemic change, something the impatient “Anna is India” army should also understand.”

of those jolts, a loud, public burst of energy. But national renovation cannot be pushed through only on the streets.

If the middle class suddenly feels empowered or involved in the affairs of the nation, it must now be interested in the details of governance, which is where future devils lie.

For instance, do we really need a Lokpal of the type Team Anna envisages, overlapping with existing authorities and holding out prospects of an unelected super regulator?

The Karnataka Lokayukta shows us how existing institutions can attack corruption at the highest level. The state’s biggest corruption industry, mining, is at a standstill after a Lokayukta investigation. Chief minister BS Yeddyurappa has resigned and is now fighting to stay out of jail. All this has happened without the Lokayukta getting the powers envisaged for the lokpal.

The idea of five Lokpals, proposed by the National Campaign for the People’s Right to Information, to fight different types of corruption so one body is not overloaded and underqualified is sensible. So, too, is the idea to keep the judiciary out of the Lokpal’s purview. This will help preserve the independence of the judiciary at a time when India needs its institutions to be strong and act as checks and balances on one another.

Parliament, which is presently considering the Judicial Accountability

and Standards Bill, may need to send it back to the drawing board.

None of this will happen unless Team Anna and others like them expand their one-point agenda and educate both the media and politicians.

Instead of empty “game-changing” boasts, such as the one Rahul Gandhi made in Parliament, he could persuade his party to deliver independent Lokayuktas with police and judicial wings to Congress-ruled states.

That’s better than making pledges he cannot deliver; remember the promise he made last year to tribals, “I will be your soldier in Delhi”? Slogans and street battles are no substitute for systemic change, something the impatient “Anna is India” army should also understand.

Their impatience is good and bad.

Bad, because the impatient middle class often encourages corruption by hiring touts and pays bribes when it is does not want to stand in line. So, it is blind to improvements. In 1996, determined not to hire a tout or pay a bribe, I took 16 days of leave over six months to get the registration of my motorcycle transferred from one state to another. Today, many flaws remain, but the experience in most Road Transport Offices has improved dramatically, thanks to technology and stricter vigilance. There are other examples, from the Election Commission to the Delhi Metro.

The impatience is good because younger India clearly does not share my patience or perspective. Change must come faster. Aspirations in what will soon be the world’s youngest nation have risen at a rate inversely proportional to the delivery of services by state institutions. But impatience cannot replace knowledge and common sense.

It is hard, if not impossible, to police corruption. The key is to prevent it, and that can only come from reform, more reform, better governance and even better governance. That, in turn, can only come from sensible, sustained public pressure. The weeks ahead will indicate if restive August was a harbinger of change or a flash of public petulance.

Hindustan Times

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

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mPs Armed with iPads: Is This a new Beginning?

By Binu Paul BANGALORE (SI): Days are not far away when you will see our parliamentarians using highly advanced technological devices like iPad in the parliament that will eliminate the foot-dragging in the functioning of India’s law making body. In a specially announced budget, each elected member of the upper house of Parliament has been granted 50,000 rupees to buy either an Apple iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab to chuck out the paper clutter and red-tapism in the administrative process. The remarkable move by Rajya Sabha made it mandatory for all the MP’s to own a tablet and increased their computer allowance to 200,000 rupees.

Nearly 50 percent of the MPs in the upper house have already got their iPads and by next session, everyone is expected to own one. Lokh Sabha is said to follow the same steps shortly.

Most of the MPs, regardless of their age, bring their iPads to the house daily.

They are allowed to use it in their chamber to make notes; however, internet access is not available.

The heaps of paperwork and the dragging administrative process is said to be the reason behind this idea.

Anil Madhav Dave, a Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Madhya Pradesh says, “Technologically advanced devices such as Apple iPad will reduce the use of paper which in turn will reduce the laborious red tape.” The MP who uses the wonder product from Apple to organize his personal tour planning, managing parliament works and news reading, feels it will reduce the paper work by 89-90 percent and will put an end to the delay in administrative process.

A prominent leader of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazagham Dr. V. Maitreyan says, “It’s an effort to minimize if not eliminate the use of

paper. Various reports from the parliament including debates, question lists and similar programs are compacted in iPad and I can access every program of parliament in this device. It’s easier to handle and is very user friendly.”

It’s an undisputable fact that buying technology alone does not help improve the system, rather i t

should be appropriately used. Although the National Informatics Centre of India has reportedly designed many apps to speed up the functioning of the house, not many MPs are accustomed to them. More than 50 MPs are said to have attended the first orientation session in which they were being familiarized with the technology.

“MPs need not have to go into the technological details. Be familiar with its basic operations and rest of the job will be done by the supporting staff. The best part is that we are able to read, write, sent letters etc our own,” says Anil Madhav Dave.

“The advanced technology is not a big issue as this was the same challenge a decade ago in the case of

cell phones. By practice and usage over a period of time, you will get accustomed to it,” says the MP from Tamil Nadu V. Maitreyan.

Ashk Ali Tak, a Congress MP from Rajasthan says the idea is good but the technological complexity makes it difficult to use it to the maximum.

Tak depends on his private secretary to handle the device as of now and hopes he gets familiar with its operation after a few sessions of training. “MPs are finding it hard to attend orientation classes due to the ongoing parliament session,” he said.

Dave feels it’s quite hard to get used to the iPad system as it doesn’t support Microsoft OS. “Nearly half of the works are on Microsoft, so its little difficult to manage them on iPad,” he said. However, he said the thought process have already began on how can this device be used to improve the parliamentary works, arrange individual task, and organize activities in the constituencies.

This revolutionary decision has also been welcomed by harsh criticisms as many feel it’s wastage of money. Can iPads improve the productivity of MPs? Some also questions the logic behind going for the expensive foreign device than an desi product such as Notion Ink. Dave firmly believes solving the paperwork and speeding up the administrative processes will result in a healthy law-making atmosphere.

“The outfall or the side effect of this technological advancement will result in less corruption,” he says.

“I do not look at this as a waste of money. It’s a technological advancement. It will reduce the amount of paper used to a great extent ones all the MPs start using it. It provides faster accessibility for everyone,” said AIADMK’s Maitreyan.

We need to wait and watch the iPad impact on the functioning of India’s law making houses. Over the course of time, we look forward for the answers of many a questions such as; How adaptive are our legislators to new technologies? Are they ready to leave behind our age old addiction to paperwork? Can technology break down the labyrinthine bureaucracy in our administrative system?

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Indo American News • Friday, Sep 9, 2011

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Another deadly Bomb Blast in new delhi

By jyOTi THOTTam NEW DELHI (Time): Ten people were killed and 61 injured by a bomb blast inside the Delhi High Court Complex in the capital on Wednesday morning. The militant group Harkat ul Jihad al Islami (HuJI) took responsibility for the blasts in an email sent to several Indian news organizations. The attack seemed to have been calculated to maximize the loss of life and to take advantage of gaps in the security screening process for this busy public building. “It

the Subcontinent. Indian authorities have not, however, connected it to the 2001 Parliament attacks, which it blamed on two other Pakistan-based groups, Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaishe-Muhammed.

The blast occurred at about 10:15 a.m. in a temporary structure near the main gate of the High Court, where people stand in line to get passes to enter the building, according to a lawyer in the capital. On Wednesdays, public-interest litigation cases are filed, so the number

assured.

Opposition parties slammed the government for its failure to secure the High Court building despite having been a previous target. Communist Party of India leader D. Raja told CNN-IBN: “We’ll have to probe how such a thing could happen again and again. The government should probe whether it was a failure of intelligence or failure of policy. I find this as a failure of the Home Ministry. The Home Ministry should come clean and explain.”

The reception area of the Delhi High Court complex soon after a blast on Wednesday. (Right) A sketch of the suspects released by the police. Photo: Special Arrangement

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had all the makings of an improvised explosive device set up by a terror group,” said India’s Home Secretary, R.K. Singh. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is in Bangladesh on a state visit, called the blast a “cowardly” act. “We will never succumb to the pressure of terrorism,” he said to reporters in Dhaka. “This is a long war in which all political parties, all the people of India, have to stand united so that this scourge of terrorism is crushed.”

Delhi police spokesman Rajan Bhagat confirmed the death toll to TIME, although other reports gave varying figures. Special Commissioner Dharmendra Kumar, who was at the site of the blast, told reporters there that the bomb was kept in a briefcase. Home Minister P. Chidambaram called the blasts an attempt to “destabilize” the country.

“It is not possible to say who is behind the blast at this point,” he said in a statement in Parliament. “The group has not been tracked.”

After Chidambaram’s statement, the following message was sent by email from the address, harkatuljihadi2011@gmail.com: “We owe the responsibility of todays blasts at high court delhi..... our demand is that Afzal Guru’s death sentence should be repealed immediately else we would target major high courts & The Supreme Court of India.”

Afzal Guru, or Mohammad Afzal, was convicted by Indian authorities for his role in the December 2001 commando attack on India’s Parliament building, in which several security personnel and five attackers were killed. Mobile phone records linked Afzal to the attackers, and he was sentenced to death in 2004. According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal, HuJI is a Pakistan-based militan group with wide links throughout

of ordinary citizens attending the High Court is particularly high. By 10:15 am, there are often as many as 100 people waiting to have their passes issued. (Lawyers and other staff enter separately.) On May 25, also a Wednesday, the same building was the target of another bomb attack. That incident, reportedly using an explosive left inside a plastic bag, occurred in the parking lot and caused no fatalities. Officials at the time dismissed it as “minor,” but the High Court did tighten up its security procedures afterward. Ajay Mehrotra, a lawyer who was in the building during this morning’s blast, said that after the May incident, guards began checking lawyers’ identity cards and automobile tags in addition to those of the public. But a gap remained: people and packages are not searched until after they are issued passes, and today’s blast occurred in that unsecured area.

Indian authorities are taking this incident much more seriously. The Home Ministry immediately assigned the National Investigation Agency to take charge of the probe.

So far, they have little evidence to work with. It is not clear yet whether the explosion was set off remotely, using an improvised explosive device, or whether it may have been a suicide bomber blending into the queueing crowd. As with the coordinated triple bomb blast in Mumbai on July 13, the attack displays some level of planning but little technical sophistication. There is no physical evidence yet to link this blast, or the July 13 blast, to jihadi networks operating in the region, but these attacks do share some characteristics with other attacks linked to jihadists—the victims are ordinary Indians, and the incidents occur in highly visible public places where saturation media coverage is all but

Whatever the failings of India’s security apparatus, today’s attack is a telling example of why India is so vulnerable to the loosely organized terror networks operating in a postOsama bin Laden world. It has neither the law-enforcement capacity nor the intelligence-gathering capability to provide the kind of security available to people in the West. Jason Burke of the Guardian, in an excerpt from his new book, The 9/11 wars, explains: “The power of terrorism lies in its ability to create a sense of fear far in excess of the actual threat posed to an individual.

Here, governments have largely protected their citizens, and few inhabitants of western democracies today pass their lives genuinely concerned about being harmed in a radical militant attack.” Indian citizens do not enjoy that same freedom from fear. And yet India is just as tempting a target: it is a close strategic ally of the United States and Europe, a freemarket, pluralistic society, and it is within close striking distance of jihadi networks operating throughout South Asia and the Persian Gulf.

The precise origins of this attack, like so many before it, may remain murky. As with other attacks, speculation hovers around whether it might have been the work of “homegrown” terrorists, Indians linked to handlers across the border, Pakistan-based militants, or some other group entirely. But unless it is clearly linked to al-Qaeda or its affiliates, the rest of the world is unlikely to take much notice, and India will continue to be one of the world’s largest, softest targets.

— DWith reporting by Nilanjana Bhowmick/New Delhi Helpline numbers: Safdarjung Hospital - 011-26707444, RML Hospital - 011-23744721.

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IamHealthNews

Can You Confuse your Body into Losing Weight?

By Anjum Dhir Kulkarni (Femina) What sets the 17 Day Diet apart from other diets is that every 17 days, the fitness and diet regime changes, leading to metabolic or body confusion. According to Dr Mike, this confusion triggers off a weight loss that is both effective and healthy.

Accelerate, stabilise and achieve The diet is split into 4 different 17 day meal plan cycles. The first stage ‘Acceleration’ leads to burning of fat and cleansing of the body with a restrictive calorie intake of 1200 calories per day, resulting in rapid weight loss. The second stage ‘Activate’ resets the metabolism and the third stage ‘Achieve’develops good eating habits, including the re-introduction of carbohydrates into the diet. The fourth and final stage ‘Arrive’ is a combination of all the stages, where weekends allow the enjoyment of favourite foods.

Eat, but remember to walk it off!

Dr Moreno’s diet is the world’s first viral diet and suggests a 17 minute exercise regime everyday to accompany the food plans. In the first two stages, exercises are restricted to walking since the calorie intake is limited. In the next stages, exercises vary between 150-300 minutes per week in order to sustain a healthy weight. The doctor also provides various tricks to avoid falling back

Dr Mike Moreno is taking the US by a storm with his 17 Day Diet that promises a leaner, healthier you. Does the diet’s ‘metabolic confusion’ really get rid of plateau and boredom and lead to a healthy loss of weight? into old eating habits that lead to unhealthy weight gain.

Unlike other diets, the 17 Day Diet doesn’t completely cut out any major source of nutrition. The constantly shifting meal plans include fruits, vegetables, protein rich meats and healthy carbohydrates in different cycles so that the body is never completely deprived of one thing.

Expert Speak Even though Dr Moreno’s diet sounds relatively well balanced and easy to follow, experts warn against its imperfections. Says Medical Doctor and Wellness Consultant Dr Shikha

Sharma, “The diet is not scientifically accurate as a well balanced diet is essential to keep the metabolism high.” Adds Dr Jennifer Evola, Registered Dietician in Chicago, “The diet presents a 10 lbs weight loss per week, which is very unhealthy. An individual should lose only 1-2 pounds of weight per week.”

Dr Shikha Sharma appreciates the fact that Dr Mike’s diet encourages the intake of a variety of unprocessed, natural foods that are nutritionally healthy. However, she doesn’t recommend the diet for sustainable and permanent weight loss. She says, “I don’t think it’s safe enough to continue with such a dieting schedule as it doesn’t concentrate on a balanced diet.” She warns, “The calorie intake may be too low for physically active dieters and irregular eating patterns have the potential to trigger disordered eating in susceptible individuals. Moreover, such diets are not suitable for diabetics.”

Dr Jennifer Evola feels that the diet doesn’t address an individual’s life style patterns. According to her, “An individual needs to be educated on how to incorporate their favourite foods in moderation to balanced meals and snacks throughout the day for long term results.”

Though the world’s first viral diet appears to be more wholesome than other fad diets, if you are thinking of adopting it in order to lose weight and keep it off, it is advisable to go for it only after a consultation with your doctor.

Indo American News • Friday, Sep 9, 2011

21

Masala Brown Rice

This recipe takes left-over basic brown rice to a flavor high point. It is delicious enough to make brown rice from scratch just to taste this fabulous makeover.

Prep Time: 5 minutes, Cook Time: 7 minutes, Serves: 2-3 Ingredients: Cooked brown rice – 3 cups Canola oil – 1 tbsp Mustard seeds – ½ tsp Asafetida – ⅛ tsp Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp Raw peanuts – 3 tbsp Curry leaves – a sprig Green chilies – to taste, finely chopped Garam masala – 2 tsp or to taste Salt – to taste Cilantro – for garnish Method: 1. Warm leftover brown rice in microwave to room temperature.

2. Add garam masala and salt to brown rice and mix well. Keep aside.

3. Heat oil in a medium pan on medium heat.

4. Add mustard seeds and allow them to pop.

5. Add asafetida and turmeric powder.

6. Add peanuts and allow them to cook until golden in color. (Tip: use roasted peanuts to reduce cooking time.)

7. Add curry leaves, green chilies and brown rice.

8. Mix well and allow brown rice to heat all the way through.

9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

- By Niraj “Raj” Patel, M.D.

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Indo American News • Friday, Sep 9, 2011

IameNteRtaINMeNtNews

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Kareena Kapoor’s High on Bodyguard’s success The Salman Khan-Kareena Kapoor film Bodyguard has broken the record of the Salman-Sonakshi Sinha movie Dabangg in just five days after its release.

Kareena is in seventh heaven. Back in the saddle as the No 1 Bollywood diva, she says, I have three films on the list of the six highest grossing films in Hindi cinema. Bodyguard,

3-Idiots and Golmaal-3. I’m ecstatic.’’

Kareena says Bodyguard has crossed 82 cr in just five days making it a mammoth hit and her biggest one. Trade sources say Bodyguard will not succeed in breaking the 3 Idiots overall record.

But of course at this stageeverything

we speak on the subject is a conjecture.

As for Salman Khan, he is the No 1 Khan and the No 1 hero because he has Bodyguard, Dabangg and Ready on the list of the highest grossers. Aamir has 3 Idiots and Ghajini, while Ajay Devgn has Golmaal-3.

Gauri Khan ignores Priyanka chopra

‘sanjay dutt, Ajay devgn are Big Pranksters’

A birdie from Shah Rukh Khan’s Eid party reports how Priyanka Chopra was royally ignored by the hostess Gauri Khan and all her friends.

Says the insider, “At one point, when Hrithik went to greet her, Gauri came and pulled him away to join another group.

PC was pointedly left alone.” When asked why she was invited for the party if she was to be treated badly, the source says, “It would’ve been too obvious to suddenly drop her from the guest list. But the point was made, and now may be Priyanka will stay away from Mannat even if she is invited.” Dost, dost na raha?

“I wasn’t an extra in yuvvraaj”: Zarine Khan As a college girl who weighed almost 100 kilos Zarine Khan would hardly have had any Bollywood dreams. But Mumbai introduced her to a fairy tale life she didn’t even imagine.

Of course, some help came from Salman Khan, who spotted her during the shooting of Yuvvraaj. Dismissing stories that say she was an extra in Yuvvraaj when Salman noticed her, Zarine smiles amused, “I don’t know how these stories have been circulated.

I was just one big Salman fan and had gone to meet him on the sets.

To top my excitement, I also got an opportunity to chat with him. He must have noticed something which helped me land directly in Veer as a lead. It was completely like a dream. I still find it hard to believe.”

So hadn’t she ever dreamed of becoming an actress? She laughs saying, “No, never. In fact I was a bright student and had dreamed of becoming a doctor.

I wasn’t even conscious about being over-weight, because medicine was going to be the chosen field.

It was after I joined glambiz that I became conscious of my looks and truly disciplined myself to get in shape.”

Salman

was looking for a Katrina lookalike and that’s where Zarine’s looks came to her help. On asking how it has been with Salman all these years, she gushes, “It has been incredible to know someone like him. Salman is my friend, philosopher and guide.

He is the only one I know in Bollywood and so I look up to him for anything and everything. I consult him for smallest of my decisions and I have always said that I owe every bit of my career to him”. Has she been able to catch up with Salman post his recent surgery?

She says, “Actually he is not supposed to talk much, so we have exchanged sms-es. I’ve been talking to his family members who are there with him. He is recovering well.”

After Veer, she is back in limelight with the song Character Dheela Hai. She says, “Veer was a period film so it had a specific audience and even I had a different look. The song in Ready had a commercial appeal which helped me connect with masses in a big way.” So is she open to more item songs? Zarine shrugs, “I won’t call Character Dheela an item number.

But yes, if it’s a decent song and shot in an aesthetic manner, I’ll definitely do an item number. Item songs are ‘good and entertaining’, as long they don’t become vulgar.”

With a couple of anticipated Bollywood projects like Partner-2 already in her kitty, Zarine is now also set to work in the south with her upcoming movie with southern superstar Vikram.

The king of comedy, David Dhawan is ecstatic about his new laugh riot Rascals, starring Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn and Kangna Ranaut.

He says he had a blast shooting with the talented Sanjay and Ajay, except for their “food problem”. Food problem? Calling Dutt a big rascal, David says, “Sanju and Ajay are big pranksters. I was cautious around them, especially if they were together, because they were always conspiring against me! In fact, Sanju made my life miserable on the sets. Everyday during lunch break, I would find a quiet corner to have my food, when Sanju would come and say, ‘You can’t eat this!

How can you eat this? Look at your size...you are putting on weight!

No rice, no chapati for you!’ He would then order boiled food for me!” says David.

“Sanju would even spy on me!” the director exclaims, saying that whenever he was eating he would get a call from Sanju demanding, ‘Kya kha raha hai tu?’ Dhawan says he actually developed a phobia and would look around to see if somebody was watching every time he ate something on the sets!

“So much so, that even when I’m eating at home I am scared Sanju might appear from somewhere and stop me! Even when I visit his place, he serves me diet food,” rues David. David and Sanjay’s relationship goes back a long time as they’ve known each other for 25 years. David began his career as a film editor and worked on quite a few of Sanjay’s films, including Naam and Jaan Ki Baazi. And when David expressed his desire to direct, Sanjay got him to do his film Taaqatwar in 1987. David then directed Sanjay in Jodi No. 1, Ek Aur Ek Gyarah, Haseena Maan Jayegi, Hum Kissise Kum Nahin and Shaadi No.1. “I don’t have a professional relationship with Sanju. He is more like family.

But he is also quite a rascal! An amazing and loveable rascal, but a rascal nonetheless,” smiles David.

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Indo American News • Friday, Sep 9, 2011

do our Teachers Prepare students for Life?

By j.EDEn alEXanDEr CHENAI (Hindu): Teachers’ Day observed on September 5 every year in India is being celebrated in about 70 countries, but on different dates.

The birthday of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, second President, who started his career as a teacher, was chosen as Teachers’ day in India as he preferred to be remembered as a teacher always. Teaching is known as the noblest profession because every teacher functions as a ladder for his/ her pupils to go up in life while he/she stays at the same place. Teachers are the real nation builders and function as the pivot on which the entire nation revolves. They spread the light of knowledge all over as a candle does and a day to remember their contribution to society is a fitting tribute that the nation can do for them.

William A. Ward said: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”

When our class teacher wrote something on the blackboard in English about 55 years ago, on the first day of my entry in to IV form (present IX Std) all 40 of us, who belonged to the Tamil medium, were sitting blissfully ignorant of what he wrote and what it meant. But, that famous quotation from Thomas Alva Edison, “Genius is one per cent inspiration; 99 per cent perspiration” became my motto in life later.

Explaining the quotation, he spoke for one full hour, quoting examples

because of their deep involvement in the subject. Such teachers achieve unattainable recognition and everlasting respect from the entire student community.

Teachers cannot enjoy unending rapport with their students just by teaching the subject given to them alone. They should also instil morals and discipline in the minds of students to help them lead a successful and happy life later. Classic examples of teachers of precepts and preachers of morals are King Solomon and the Buddha. Nowadays teachers prepare the students for the exams no doubt; but it is doubtful if they prepare them for their life too. Incidentally, there used to be one full period al-

lotted for ‘Moral Instructions’ in all schools those days. Now it has been conveniently removed for reasons not known.

Alexander the Great once said: “I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well.”

The whole society is concerned with the future of children which is in the hands of teachers because the teacher is the one and only person capable of influencing the thoughts and deeds of the future generation.

Every eminent teacher, dead or alive, stays in the minds of the students forever and his/her degree of distinction very much depends on how efficiently the sacred job is handled.

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from the life of Edison to imprint in our minds what hard work could do for students like us. Teachers should aim at making sustained and sustentative influence on the intellect of students and inspire them, encouraging creative thinking and positive questioning. Ancient teachers Confucius, Socrates and Aristotle followed this method. I am not sure how many of the teachers today are capable of enchanting and carrying their students with them as these great teachers did.

Involvement A teacher is considered venerable

next only to the parents. He should have a genuine interest and cent per cent involvement in the job. Pythagoras, the mathematician, and Sir Isaac Newton, the scientist, were celebrated teachers who exhibited this quality. I cannot forget my English professor who taught us Shakespeare’s King Lear more than five decades ago when I was in my UG class. While teaching the famous tragedy, he would become King Lear himself, making everyone in the class shed tears so that we could forget neither Shakespeare nor our professor.

The teachers become illustrious and everlasting characters in our memory

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Read all about it inside.

BollywoodSh ows4U Brings EXPLOSION 200 9 to Houston HOUSTON: Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan and Hard to make a stunning Kaur are set the Explosions eventappearance in Bollywood Shows organized by 4

by Moid Khan. The U conducted event is set to be held at the Reliant Arena on August 7, 2009.

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making Houstonians dreams organizing “Explosion come true, by 2009” Concert.

“Explosion 2009 will Houston residents be giving a night non-stop session of long rocking Bollywood melodies, promising one of the most memorable musical treats like never witnessed before.

For tickets log on to www.bollywoodshows4u.com or call 281-2354711.

Moid Khan informed that Houston residents have been waiting for a long time to see the live performance of Sonu Nigam. Bollywoodshows4u is bringing the perform-

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Band HUN (Hariyudan Naan) An enchanting evening of heart warming lilting tunes from Indian movies, Colonial Cousins, fusion, folk, and Ghazals!

Amazing young performers!

Finalists in world famous TV reality show which ran over one year with Music Legend “Padmashree”

Hariharan!!

Scintillating tunes from 1960’s to now!!!

Crossing all language boundaries through music...

Checks payable to Udavum Karangal of USA

The Queen is Dead

Maharani Gayatr i Devi passes away at the age of 90

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india in pictures

Indo American News • Friday, Sep 9, 2011

Kerala women perform the traditional ‘Thiruvathira Kali’ as part of Onam celebrations at India Gate in New Delhi.

Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

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A Ganesha idol is dipped in Hussainsagar lake before immersion, on the third day of Vinayaka Chathurti festival in Hyderabad.

Photo: Mohammed Yousuf

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina escorts Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after he arrived in Dhaka on a two-day visit. Photo: AP Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad arrives to take part in a rally to protest against power crisis in Bhagalpur, Bihar.

Photo: PTI

People and forest officials rescue a wild elephent, who fell into a pond at Bengdubi army area in Bagdogra forest near Siliguri.

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Nritya

( Artistic Director Padmini Chari )

Celebrates 30 years of Dancing in Houston

Aaradhana ( Bharatanatyam Recital ) Followed by

Naatya Presentation

Ragaspandana (Vibrations of Love)

(Students and Alumni of Nritya School of Dance) September 24th, 2011 at 3:00 pm Kaplan Theatre, Jewish Community Centre 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX.77096

Individual Tickets: $25, $15

For Information call 832-656-7496 or 281-537-1044 Indo American News • Friday, SEPTEMBER 9 , 2011 • Online Edition: www.indoamerican-news.com

IamHOROsCOPe

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Indo American News • Friday, Sep 9, 2011

25

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

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ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20: Your productivity will shoot up to amazing heights. Your systems are so well-oiled that you will hardly have to put in extra efforts for the increased output. It will leave you much more time to devote to your family life.

You will spend some happy moments with your dear ones without compromising on your work efficiency. You will be able to handle multiple tasks with supreme ease. You may be called upon, though, to attend outstation meetings, seminars, or conduct negotiations and work out the finer details of new tie-ups.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 You will be overloaded with a number of tasks to be completed within a given timeframe. You could be called upon to attend official meetings, seminars and exhibitions.

Your man-management skills and command over your business matters will make you the key person in all negotiations for new projects and tie-ups. You are highly regarded by the top management of your firm, and your superiors even lend you a helping hand. You will explore opportunities for further studies to augment your qualifications.

GEMINI May 22 - Jun 21: Your achievements will not be restricted just to your professional sphere. You will spend some quality time with your spouse and family. You are ready to take on new projects.

You will slog it out to implement all your plans, and that too within the scheduled time-frame. You will associate yourself with huge projects, possibly even at the international level, and your zest in executing them will be greatly appreciated.

You will be blessed with financial benefits and recognition. Your family will be proud of your accomplishments and you will be happy.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 23: You will be re-discovering yourself during this phase. You will be the centre of attraction wherever you go. Juniors, seniors, friends, relatives, will be craving for your attention, leaving you with practically no time for your own family members.

You are not the kind of person who can insensitively say ‘no’. You don’t take kindly to injustice and are always the first one to raise your voice against injustice to anyone, especially the underdog.

LEO July 24 - Aug 23: You are preoccupied with making elaborate plans for the future, and after much postponing have taken up the job of refurbishing your house. You are very generous, and your house is always full of guests, not only because you entertain them wholeheartedly but also because you make them feel at home. You now put work on the back-burner and devote more time to household chores and giving quality time to your spouse and children. This will be much appreciated by your family. Health will be good, and there is no greater wealth.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23: Your house and life are both more organized now. With a changed attitude you feel more comfortable and relaxed and happy now. You look back with satisfaction at the changes you have effected merely by making minor changes in your inner self. You feel now that you deserve to enjoy all the goodies that life has to offer. Now that you give your relationships the due importance, you will in turn be rewarded with love and affection from them. You have experienced material success, but now realize that the happiness that true love brings has a much longer shelf life.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23: The time is now right to expand your outlook on life and the world. New areas to concentrate your attention on will emerge in your life. You are likely to become more inclined towards spirituality and your aims become more lofty. You devote more time to justice for all, general law and order, and to a search for a higher consciousness. Even other people will experience a greater warmth and depth in your association with them. Your mind will become more intense and focus will become sharper.

SCORPIO Oct 24 - Nov 22: Your life is like a roller-coaster ride, and you feel like a puppet being made to dance to the tunes of some higher power.

Just when you begin to think that you have gained some security and self-faith, you seem to swing like a pendulum right back into the thick of selfdoubts and all the accompanying anxieties and worries. You will be completely confused and wonder what exactly is going on. Your energy levels rise and brings some clarity to your mind.

You will also manage your affairs effortlessly.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 22: As the year draws towards the last quarter, this phase is highly beneficial for you. You are very likely to get a promotion in your company and your work be appreciated and you will be highly esteemed by all.

If you are self-employed, your business will flourish like never before and you will make waves. There is a lot of travelling on the cards, and during your trips you will sign up lucrative projects. Your position, popularity and power will all rise steeply. You will courageously take challenges head-on. Nothing can stop your rapid progress.

CAPRICORN Dec 23 - Jan 20: After the hectic pace of the last few months, you now feel empowered and your perspective on life and general attitude undergo a sea change. You are now more affectionate and accommodating, mentally sharp and full of energy. All this may do you a world of good, but be careful and avoid any tiffs with friends, family or colleagues. Make sure you stay on the right side of the law. There is a possibility of your success going to your head, and your strong ego could pose obstacles in your path despite the positive changes you’ve made to your personality.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19: Your interactions with people will improve during this phase. You will relate better to others’ expectations and aspirations. Journeys, meetings and socializing are all on the cards. These things will give a big boost to your career. You will get together and party with your business associates. On the flip side, your expenses will spiral out of control, and you may be plagued by your own ill-health or the ill-health of someone in your family. Avoid getting involved in pointless arguments.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20: Too many things demand your attention. Your priorities are mixed up. Don’t wear your heart on your sleeve, because if you expose your emotions or vulnerabilities, some people around you could take unfair advantage of it. Too many pressures at work, keep you unable to decide to swim against the tide or to flow along with it.

This hampers your progress. You ought to take to meditation or yoga, or even hunt for a spiritual master who can guide you properly.

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Indo American News • Friday, Sep 9, 2011

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