VOICE OF ASIA 5
FRIDAY, July 4, 2014
VOICE OFASIA
4th of July Supplement Friday, July 4, 2014
Page 5
Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com
Publisher’s 4th of July Message
Koshy Thomas, Publisher, VOA
A
s we celebrate our country’s Independence Day this 4th of July, it would behoove us to remember President John F. Kennedy’s charge to us: ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.
United States via Ellis Island. Mr. Saund was elected to the United States House of Representatives from California’s 29th Congressional District in 1957. He was reelected twice and served until 1963. He died in 1973 from complications related to a severe stroke.
us who is willing to work hard and persevere.
How was Congressman Saund able to be elected at a time when the number of Indians in the United States was almost negligible?
It is disconcerting fact that whenever any country faces hard economic issues or economic setbacks, the successful ethnic minority communities become soft targets. The surest way to not become a statistic or a target is to never be seen as the “other.” When we reach out to the hungry, disabled, homeless and helpless who are looking for help, and become a part of the solution, we will never be considered outsiders. When our very lives become a mark of service, no one will dare question our motives, our patriotism or our authenticity.
The answer may not be complicated and may not need political pundits to run voter polls. A heart for selfless service transcends race, religion, gender, class and every other barrier that we choose to impose upon each other. Congressman Saund had that kind of heart. Our history does not stop with Congressman Saund.
Perhaps President Kennedy had the foresight to see that the dark side of becoming a prosperous country, one in which our futures are limited only by our own vision, is that we can become self absorbed.
In 1992 another milestone in our history happened when President Bush appointed Dr. Joy Cherian as the Chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Current Supreme Court Justice, Clarence Thomas, was the Chairman immediately prior to Dr. Cherian’s appointment to the post.
In the midst of abundance, it is easy to become complacent with living the good life, having all of our needs and extravagances being met, without giving any thought to how we can be of service to others. Specifically, we should reflect on how we are serving and giving back to our country.
Unlike the days of Congressman Saund, the current number of Indian Americans in the United States numbers almost 4 million. We have made great strides. We have 2 elected governors, at least one congressman, and numerous state representatives, state senators, city council members, as well as numerous appointed positions.
One way to measure how successful we are in this area is to look back at the accomplishments of other Indian Americans; those who have sacrificed and lived a life of service to our country.
Our ability to assimilate and seamlessly become a part of the fabric of our country demonstrates, in large measure, the strength of the constitution. In our country, you do not have to have a rich uncle to get your admission to colleges or to be selected to the position of CEO’s and CFO’s. These are all within the reach of any one of
Dalip Singh Saund was a Sikh from Punjab who immigrated to the
Tel: 713-774-5140
Houston’s Mayor Hon. Annise Parker’s Message
It has been the courageous sacrifices and pioneering spirit of the Saunds and the Cherians that have allowed us the privilege to be a part of the inside track. However, staying on this track is not a guarantee.
Let us find our modern day Dalip Sing Saund and Joy Cherian and help them to lead us. Let us not pull each other down in the name of communal or political differences. Can we stage another candidate for congress from any of the congressional districts around us? Can we find a candidate for Houston City Council? Absolutely. However, it all rests on one question: can we tolerate another name, another religion or another region? Let us not be silent watchers of our own future. Let us become informed and engaged in the issues affecting our communities. Knowledge is most useful weapon to fight for or against any of the issues that we might confront. We can look to Congressman Saund as a barometer of how to measure our own vision, mission, philosophy, attitude, humanity and values. Happy Independence Day!
“
As the hot dogs sizzle on the grill and the fireworks light up the sky, I urge Houstonians not to forget the real reason for the July 4th holiday. It is our nation’s Independence Day - the day we celebrate that we live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. We should all pause during our celebrations to reflect on the many lives lost preserving the freedoms that we often take for granted.” - Mayor Annise Parker.
Happy July 4th
Happy July 4th Dear Neighbors and Friends, As a Texan and an American, I’m proud to celebrate this 4th of July in the Lone Star State. Happy Independence Day.
– Nandita Berry, 109th Texas Secretary of State
Neeta Sane “The future of our kids and our future generations depend on the sustainability and growth of our adopted home, the United States of America; the country that has blessed many immigrants like us with valuable opportunities and livelihoods regardless of our backgrounds and heritages we belonged to.
Happy July 4th
It is now high time that all of us stand together for this wonderful country that has sustained us and provided us with the luxuries of quality life for not only our generation but for many more generations to come. Let us participate in the civic and electoral duties for the betterment of our society that we are part of today. Let us celebrate the independence day of the United States of America on the 4th of July by standing united for the future of this country and the future of our children and grandchildren!
Let us Celebrate 4th of July: America’s Independence Day with the same zeal, spirit and gusto as we celebrate the 15th of August, India’s Independence Day. Wish you all a Happy July 4th. - Raj & Kanwal Bhalla.
Thanks,
Neeta Chair, HCC Board of Trustees Trustee, HCC District VII
Wish you all a Happy 4th of July!
Col. Raj Bhalla
VOICE OF ASIA 6
FRIDAY, July 4, 2014
4th of July Supplement
Happy July 4th
Happy July 4th Dr. Krishna Dronamraju
“Wishing my fellow Indian Americans a Happy 4th of July! On this Independence Day, let us remember the sacrifice of our heroes, who gave us freedom, liberty and independence to celebrate.”
and
The Foundation for Genetic Research extend hearty good wishes to the community for the July 4th celebration Website: www.geneticresearch.us.com
Dr. Ramesh Cherivirala
Email:kdronamraj@aol.com
Happy July 4th
“I wish you and this nation a Happy Independence Day with a true national spirit of courage, integrity, sacrifice, independence, and liberty.” - Sherly Thomas Philip, Attorney at Law Lam, Lyn & Philip, P.C. 713-981-0900 • sphilip@llppc-law.com
Happy July 4th
Happy July 4th We cannot and will not forget the sacrifice made by the millions of brave souls who died for the freedom of this nation. This is the right time for us to salute them and wish this great nation a Happy 4th of July! Robin Elackatt Mayor, Pro Tem, Missouri City, Texas
Happy July 4th “America for you and me, the land of Equal Opportunity!!!!”
• Front row ( L to R) Lakshmi Naik, Dr. Mangala Prasad, Kanchan Kabad, Neeta Pahwa, Dr. Julie Rani Nangia • Second row (L to R) Dr. Sewa S. Legha, Dr. Snehal Desai, Sarvesh Bhavaraju, Dr. V.K. Dorai
IACAN wishes everyone a Happy July 4th IACAN is a cancer resource network that educates and supports the Indian American community. The Indian American Cancer Network is designed to provide a diverse network of resources that will address the psychosocial and the cultural needs of the community. For more information, visit us online:
iacannetwork@gmail.com • Ph: 713 370-3489 www.iacannetwork.org
Harry Patel EA CFE ATP-TAX
Certified Fraud Examiner I.R.S. Enrolled Agent U. S. Federal Tax Practitioner-ASTPS Member Ph (713) 541-4777 Fax (713) 541-9977 HarryTax@aol.com www.hpps.com or www.IRS-Tax.Pro
VOICE OF ASIA 7
FRIDAY, July 4, 2014
4th of July Supplement
Happy July 4th
K.P George
FortBend ISD Board of Trustees 2427 FM 1092 Road, Missouri City, TX 77459
“As an American of Indian origin, I thank God for the opportunity to live in the United States of America. I salute the great minds of the Founding Fathers and the enormous sacrifices that men and women made for this country in order for us to have this great privilege. Let’s all work together to make America an even better place for the generations to come.” www.kpgeorge.com
Facebook ID: KP George Direct: (713) 589-2256
Happy July 4th “In the true spirit of democracy and as a proud Indian American, I wish Happy 4th of July to the communities which have embraced us all. We are proud to be the citizens of the United States of America where hard work and dreams translate to results and achievements.”
Swapan Dhairyawan, Managing Partner
MD & Associates LLP, CPAs South 713-774-6533 • North 281-251-2205 www.mdassociatescpas.com
Happy July 4th
Happy July 4th Dear Neighbors and Friends,
Wishing you and your family a very special and happy 4th of July.
“On behalf of India Culture Center, I wish you and this nation a Happy Independence Day with a true national spirit of courage, integrity, sacrifice, liberty and independence. Happy 4th of July.”
Charlie Patel ICC President
As we celebrate this patriotic holiday by spending time with family and friends at cookouts and watching the fireworks, it is important that we reflect upon the sacrifices of brave men and women in uniform, past and present, protecting Harish Jajoo our country every single day so that we can enjoy the freedom. We are thankful for the blessings of Councilman, City of our great country. Sugar Land, District 4
Harish Jajoo
Happy July 4th
Happy July 4th
Dr. Thomas Abraham Himesh Gandhi
Sugar Land City Councilman “Let’s unite and wish our country and all its citizens peace and prosperity among the nations, let the sparkle of Independence remain in our nation forever.” Wish you a Happy 4th of July!
President, iRap, Inc., Founder President, GOPIO International and Executive Trustee, GOPIO Foundation National Coordinator, The Indus Nanotechnology Association (TINA)
“America is a nation that makes me proud. It is a nation where the spirit of pride, greatness and honor thrives in every living soul.”
Wishing you all a Happy 4th of July!
VOICE OF ASIA 8
FRIDAY, July 4, 2014
4th of July Supplement
Happy July 4th
“Wishing everyone a Happy July 4th, God bless the United States of America, this great nation we live in.” - Jacob Easo.
1-800-888-0074 713-472-4083 www.telscoequipment.com
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Friday July 18, 6 PM - 9 PM, Saturday July 19, 9 AM - Noon. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 8686 Kirby Drive, Houston, Texas 77054 Please RSVP to: Art Roy, Coin Sales, Texas Laundry Service Company, Call: 330-813-5374 or 713-472-4083 • Email: artroy@mail.com
“We cannot and will not forget the sacrifice made by the millions of brave souls who died for the freedom of this nation. This is the right time for us to salute them and wish this great nation a Happy 4th of July!” 11000 Richmond Avenue, Suite 300 Houston, Texas 77042 (713) 953-7787
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info@rnlawgroup.com www.rnlawgroup.com
Happy July 4th There’s no limit to what free men and free women in a free market with free enterprise can accomplish when people are free to follow their dream.” - Jack Kemp ‘Happy Independence day!’ Best Wishes from
Houston Fostering Entrepreneurship through Mentoring, Networking, and Education.
TiE-Houston Charter Members Barone, Mike Bhaskaran, Vish Burke, Brad Campbell, Kyle Cheema, Sangeeta Chelapurath, Rajesh Curcio, David Day, JB Fakrhuddin, Sabir Farid, Kemal Flichy, Philippe Galindo, Lisette Garaiza, Juliana
Gilani, Aziz Gir, Roopa Glick, William Goradia, Vijay Gupta, Ashish Haroon, Sammy Hinojosa, Mia Holthouse, Michael Iyer, Gary Iyer, Shri Javed, Shahid Joseph, Roy Kabad, Jay
Parmar, Simrit Pasrija, Arun Prochnow, Bob Pryzant, Paul Rao, Ashok Rao, Sanjay Rivera, Paco Robertson, Pat
Sayani, Asif Shah, Ash Steakley, David Thiagarajan, Arvind Thomas, Koshy Tidona, Christian Varadachary, Atul Viswanathan, Aruna
Karnani, Jiten Khan, Ahmad Khan, Badar Khandelwal, Gaurav Kumar, Senthil Landsbaum, John Mahajan, Arjun Malhautra, Sharad Mani, Ravi Martin, Hall McTopy, Sabrina Menon, Prasad Munshi, Imtiaz
Sponsors B A N K S U S TA I N A B LY
Contact for Information & Membership Sehar Javed 832 278 2527• admin@houston.tie.org
Happy July 4th “Wishing all VOICE OF ASIA Readers a Happy Independence Day” Best Wishes from Indian American Friendship Council
www.iafcusa.org
Please Support Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza in Irving, TX to be inaugurated on October 2, 2014. For more information - www.mgmnt.org Dr. Prasad Thotakura
Chairman - Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) TX State & Board of Directors
Visit us online: www.iafcusa.org
VOICE OF ASIA 9
FRIDAY, July 4, 2014
4th of July Supplement
Happy July 4th
“As we celebrate Independence Day, please remember what this holiday really celebrates. Superficially, we celebrate the overthrow of British rule by the American colonists. In a broader sense though, it is a celebration of the many freedoms that arose from the American Revolution. We have the freedom to open businesses in any field we want, regardless of our family’s traditional occupation. We have the freedom to pursue an education in any discipline we desire. We have the freedom to live where we want, based solely on our budget. However, our most important freedom is the freedom to elect our leaders, national or local, while only being accountable to our conscience. We vote without worry of bullets flying over our heads. We vote without fear of attacks from thugs and warlords. Succumbing to the cynicism of money-running-politics is common, but the truth is if we all exercised our right to vote, there is not enough money for the influence peddlers to continue their immense power. We have the ability to change our leaders peacefully and often, and it is our duty to make sure we use this power to ensure that our representatives are responsive to us and not to the moneyed few. Voting is a responsibility that safeguards all of our freedoms. You are not just celebrating American independence this week, you are celebrating YOUR freedom, and you have the honor and duty of celebrating it at every election, not just on the 4th of July.”
- George C. Thomas
Judge, Austin Municipal Court
ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com
Wish you a Happy 4th of July!
Happy July 4th
Ken Mathew
City Council Member Stafford, Texas “As a proud citizen of America, I wish to salute my nation and those brave souls who lost their life in making this nation a great power among the other nations of this world. Allow me to take this opportunity and wish you and your family a very Happy 4th of July!”
Happy July 4th
Pratham Girls School, Rapar, Kutch Photo: Anil Shah
Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom - George Washington Carver
Pratham Houston Upcoming Events “As a proud citizen of America, I wish to salute my nation and the people who lost their life in making the nation a great power among the other nations of this world. Wishing you a very Happy 4th of July!” - Sam Kannappan
Friday, December 5, 2014: Pratham Houston Holiday Luncheon Saturday, April 25, 2015: Pratham Houston Annual Gala 2015 ************
713 774 9599 * info@prathamusa.org www.prathamusa.org Pratham USA, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, aims to raise awareness about educational needs in India and mobilize resources in the US to support Pratham's critical work.