India Herald
Web: www.india-herald.com •
[email protected] • Tel: 281-799-9459
16 Pages
VOL. 28 • NO. 48 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022 • P.O. BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487 • PERIODICAL PERMIT USPS 017699 • 25 cents
USCIRF says religious freedom in India under threat
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has released a new report on religious freedom in India.: This report provides a broad overview of religious freedom conditions in India in 2021 and 2022. It examines how various policies adopted and implemented by the Indian government “have cultivated an environment that is increasingly hostile toward religious minority communities. This trajectory, alongside an escalating government crackdown on civil society and dissent, is deeply alarming in a diverse, secular, and democratic country whose constitution is intended to protect religious freedom.” According to the commission, “In 2022, religious freedom conditions in India remained poor. During the year, the Indian government at the national, state, and local levels continued to promote and enforce policies, including laws
targeting religious conversion, interfaith relationships, and cow slaughter, that negatively affect Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, and Adivasis (indigenous and scheduled tribal people). “The national government also continued to suppress critical voices—particularly religious minorities and those advocating on their behalf— including through surveillance, harassment, demolition of property, arbitrary travel bans, and detention under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and by targeting nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) under the Financial Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). “The pilot implementation of the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state of Assam continued to exacerbate fears of losing citizenship among Muslims, who lack protection under the 2019 Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). “Taken together, the manner See RELIGION, Page 3
Guddi Shah
Your realtor for life 2% cash back on new homes 1% cash back on used homes
713 396 2066
HAR.com//GuddiShah
www.Guddishah.com
AWAKE TO LIFE FULL OF ENERGY AND SAVINGS.
Get your own solar system and get 26% federal tax credit.
Rajasthan lands in Houston at Maheshwari convention
Sangeeta and Bhagwan Bhutada pose at the specially decorated entrance to the convention hall at Marriot Marquis in Houston during the International Maheshwari and Rajasthani Convention. The Maheshwari community of Rajasthan in the U.S. gathered during Thanksgiving weekend to relive their culture and connect with each other at the 11th International Maheshwari and Rajasthani Convention, hosted by the Southwest chapter of Maheshwari Mahasabha of North America at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Houston. The convention was kicked off
by Convenor Sharad Mantri and Co-convenors Archana Bhakkad and Sanjay Jajoo. Guests of Honor included Shailesh Lodha, Dr Ruma Devi, Kartikeya Baldwa, Dr. Renu Khator and the Consul General Aseem Mahajan. Renowned Hindi poet, writer, and TV star, Shailesh Lodha is best known for portraying Taarak Mehta in the sitcom Taarak
Kirti Jewelers & K.V. Diamonds
Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. In his address, he emphasized the importance of using one’s Matrubhasha (mother tongue) and communicating with children in that language. Dr. Ruma Devi an icon of women empowerment who has helped uplift rural and tribal women of India, sharing her own story, said that basic education See IMRC, Page 8
Come see our large collection of gold, diamond, ruby, pearl and emerald jewelry in latest, attractive designs. All of this in our spacious showroom 6655 Harwin Dr Ste A101 • Houston, TX 77036 713-789-GOLD (4653)
PAGE 2 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY,NOVEMBER 30, 2022
EK NAYE KANOON KE KAARAN AB HEALTH PLANS HO GAYE HAIN AUR BHI AFFORDABLE APNE PARIVAAR KE SEHAT KO SURAKSHIT RAKHIYE 4 out of 5 customers can find a health plan for $10 a month or less with financial help. Enroll by December 15th.
NAYA KANOON. KAM DAAM. MORE PEOPLE QUALIFY.
1-800-318-2596
TODAY TO SIGN UP
Paid for by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
KIRTI JEWELERS KV DIAMONDS
&
Visit our showroom today for the latest in 22 Karat Gold and Diamond jewelry!
jewelry for generations…
6655 HARWIN DRIVE, SUITE A101 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77036 (713) 789-4653 www.mykirti.com
NEWS Religion From Page 1
“Taken together, the manner in which government officials have enforced these policies has enabled intolerance of religious minorities and exacerbated communal divides, resulting in violence, deaths, injuries, sexual assault, destruction of property including houses of worship, arbitrary detentions, harassment including online harassment, and social boycotting of religious, scheduled caste, and tribal communities. The BJP-led government and leaders at the national, state, and local level have advocated, instituted, and enforced sectarian policies seeking to establish India as an overtly Hindu state, contrary to India’s secular foundation and at grave danger to India’s religious minorities. Such actions have eroded the secular principles of the Indian constitution and India’s pluralistic democracy by promoting and implementing its Hindutva ideology through government policy. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an organization closely affiliated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, aggressively advocates for a pure Hindu state. As noted in USCIRF’s event on Democracy and Religious Freedom in December 2021, the RSS is a paramilitary force that acts in support of the current government’s Hindunationalist policies. In 2022, the Indian government continued to
INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022 • PAGE 3
repress critics of its policies and ideologies. Officials surveilled, harassed, detained, and prosecuted a number of journalists, lawyers, rights activists, academics, political leaders, religious minorities, and others critical of its policies through the use of various laws, including the UAPA and other statutes. USCIRF has noted a pattern of Indian prisons delaying and at times denying access to medical treatment to religious minority rights defenders, particularly those with preexisting health conditions. Numerous organizations that document religious freedom violations in India or aid marginalized religious communities have been forced to shut down their operations in the country under the FCRA, legislation that regulates access to foreign funds and prohibits their receipt for any activities purportedly “detrimental to the national interest.” Over the past two years the Indian government reportedly suspended the funding of several Christian and Islamic organizations under the FCRA due to alleged conversion activity. In June 2021, the operations of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, an NGO in New Delhi reporting on the arbitrary use of laws and security force on ethnic and religious minorities in northeast Indian states, such as Assam and Tripura, was suspended under the FCRA, and in April 2022 the government canceled the organization’s license. State policies such as anti-conversion laws isproportionately impact
1
religious minorities. These laws enable and encourage Hindu nationalists to target and discriminate against religious minorities under the guise of protecting the Hindu faith and upholding state laws. The application and advocacy of these policies by government officials has created a culture of impunity for nationwide campaigns of harassment and violence particularly towards Muslims and Christians, exacerbating communal divides in various Indian states such as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh (MP), and Uttar Pradesh (UP), resulting in violence, arrests, deaths, and social boycotting of religious, scheduled caste, and tribal communities. Anti-conversion laws are increasingly targeting interfaith marriages or interfaith couples. Under the Special Marriage Act, interfaith marriages require a 30-day notice period essentially allowing the
opportunity for individuals to object to the solemnization of the marriage In Hinduism, the cow is considered sacred. Article 48 of India’s constitution directs the state to “take steps . .. prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves.” Twenty of the country’s 28 states criminalize cow slaughter in various forms through meat policies banning the import/ export and sale of cattle. These laws are often applied against religious minorities, including Christian, Muslim, Dalit, and other indigenous communities whose religious beliefs do not prohibit the eating of beef. Government officials and nonstate actors continue to use social media platforms and other forms of communication to intimidate and spread hatred and disinformation against minority communities. The quick spread of misinformation online has at T:6"
times led to violent attacks. The commission’s report concludes: Religious freedom and related human rights in India are under ongoing threat for a variety of reasons, including various government policies that do not protect religious minorities. USCIRF recommended in its 2022 Annual Report that the U.S. Department of State designate India as a “country of particular concern,” or CPC, for engaging in or tolerating systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations, as set forth by the International Religious Freedom Act. Such a designation would reinforce the United States’ concern regarding the conditions discussed in this country update and would encourage the Indian government to diverge from policies that violate religious freedom and promote communal divides.”
LEGAL NOTICE These Texas Lottery Commission scratch ticket games will be closing soon: Game #
Game Name / Odds
$
Official Close of Game
End Validations Date
2343
Million Dollar Loteria Overall Odds are 1 in 3.27
$20
12/16/22
6/14/23
2392
777 Slots Overall Odds are 1 in 4.06
$2
12/28/22
6/26/23
2316
Triple $$$ Overall Odds are 1 in 4.30
$2
12/28/22
6/26/23
2409
50X Speedway Riches Overall Odds are 1 in 3.99
$5
12/28/22
6/26/23
2380
Cash Celebration Overall Odds are 1 in 3.92
$10
12/28/22
6/26/23
Texaslottery.com is the official source for all pertinent game information. Game closing procedures may be initiated for documented business reasons. These games may have prizes unclaimed, including top prizes. In addition, game closing procedures will be initiated when all top prizes have been claimed. During closing, games may be sold even after all top prizes have been claimed. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. For help with a gambling problem, ncpgambling.org. © 2022 Texas Lottery Commission. PLAY RESPONSIBLY.
16940_FY23_DEC_EOG_W28338_6x3.5.indd
job info job # client headline/tag trim bleed live color setup vendor/pub media type die cut
approvals W28338 TEXAS LOTTERY DEC EOG AD 6" x 3.5" None None BW NEWSPAPER None
fonts & images creative dir None art director None copywriter None account mgr
notes
Fonts Helvetica Neue LT Std (95 Black, 77 Bold Condensed, 57 Condensed), Times (Regular) Images None Inks Black
PAGE 4 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022
VIEWS
Jay Maddock and Samba Reddy named Regents Professors by Texas A&M Health faculty Award recognize their extraordinary contributions to the university and the people of Texas
Texas A&M System Regents last week named two Texas A&M Health faculty members as Regents Professors for 2022–2023: Jay Maddock, PhD, FAAHB, and Samba Reddy, PhD, RPh. The Texas A&M University System Regents established the Regents Professor Awards program in 1996 to recognize faculty who have made extraordinary contributions to their university or agency, as well as to the people of Texas. Maddock and Reddy are two of 12 Texas A&M University System faculty members and 11 agency service, extension or research professionals named as Regents Professors and Regents Fellows for 2022–2023. Maddock joined Texas A&M in 2015 and served as dean of the School of Public Health from 2015–2019. Prior to that he served as chair of the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Hawaii at Manoa from 2006–2014. Maddock has served in a variety of national and international leadership roles throughout his career including chair of the Hawaii Board of Health,
president of the American Academy of Health Behavior and secretary of the Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health. Maddock is an internationally recognized expert in socioecological approaches to improving health. From 2000–2015, he led the research and evaluation arm of the Healthy Hawaii Initiative, a multicomponent, statewide effort to increase physical activity, improve nutrition and reduce smoking among the people of Hawaii. Currently, he serves as the director of the Center for Health & Nature a collaborative effort between Texas A&M, Houston Methodist and Texan by Nature. Maddock has been recognized by numerous awards throughout his career including the Award of Excellence from the American Public Health Associate Council on Affiliates, Bank of Hawaii Community Leader of the Year, 40 under 40 in Hawaii and the Chancellor’s Citation for Meritorious Teaching. Maddock has authored over 140 peer reviewed publications and received over $18 million
India Herald
Established in 1995 by Rajeev Gadgil, Seshadri Kumar & Salim Sindhi India Herald (USPS Periodical 017-699) is published every Wednesday by India Herald, Inc. for a subscription rate of $25 per year. Periodical postage paid at Houston and Sugar Land, Texas. POST MASTER: Send address changes to India Herald, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Texas 77487 Publisher & Editor: Seshadri Kumar www.india-herald.com; email:
[email protected] India Herald assumes no liability resulting from action taken based on information included herein. ©India Herald. All rights reserved.
Jay Maddock and Samba Reddy in extramural funding as principal investigator. His work is highly cited with 18 papers that have been cited over 100 times each. Reddy is a professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics at the School of Medicine. Dr. Reddy, a native of Cherlappally village in Warangal in Telangana State, India, earned pharmacy degree from Kakatiya University, masters and doctoral degrees from Panjab University. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Reddy joined Texas A&M in 2008, where he pioneered the field of neurosteroids by researching epilepsy neurotherapeutics. His seminal contributions include discovery of a neurocode for treating epilepsy and
a novel neurosteroid-replacement therapy to treat epilepsy, women’s health and brain disorders. Reddy’s transformational contributions led to the development of two new medicines: ganaxolone (Ztalmy), the first neurosteroid for epilepsy, and brexanolone (Zulresso), the first FDA-approved drug for postpartum depression, which are now used in clinics worldwide. He also discovered that neurosteroids can terminate hard-to-treat seizures, called status epilepticus, and his product was selected by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority for phase 3 clinical trials in patients. Reddy is a prolific inventor, holding several patents and inventions and 150 invited/keynote talks. Named one of the world’s top 2 percent of scientists by the Stanford University sur-
vey, he has published more than 220 papers/chapters and five popular textbooks, mentored and trained around 100 students and postdocs, and authored/co-authored around 450 presentations. He has received awards from top scientific organizations in the United States, India and Europe, and is an elected fellow in three major organizations: the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), and the American Epilepsy Society. He is an associate/guest editor of Experimental Neurology, Current Protocols, Epilepsy Currents, and Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience journals. In 2020, Reddy received the AAPS Global Leader Award, a pivotal distinction for his stellar research contributions with an outstanding impact on public health worldwide.
CENTRAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL
REGISTRATION
NOW OPEN TIME
School Program - 100% Christian Montessori
A loving, respectful and prepared environment suited to meet the needs of each develpmental stage Montessori didactic materials designed to help children: - Develop fine sensory-motor coordination - Discover the fun in achieving and "doing it myself" - Sharpen the ability to perceive, observe, and judge more accurately - Acquire habits of prolonged concentration and a positive self-image
Daily hour: 9:00am-2:30pm Early drop off: 8am-9am After school: 2:30pm-5pm
KIDS AGES
15 Months - 5 years
MORE INFO WWW.CENTRALMONTESSORISCHOOL.ORG Tell: 281-254-9020 email:
[email protected]
INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022 • PAGE 5
ABOUT US For the past 34 years, IACF has grown into becoming a multi-faceted philanthropic organization addressing the needs of the Greater Houston Community in the areas of Education, Family, Healthcare, and General Giving. Following IACF’s motto of “We live here, we give here,” IACF has been providing scholarships to college bound students in need of financial assistance, supporting local charities, engaged in improving STEM education for students in inner city schools, assisting abused women and children, feeding the homeless and needy and providing free medical clinics and vaccinations. Our organization is an entirely volunteer-based organization led by a Board of Directors consisting of top talent from various fields of expertise.
IACF Activities
OUR MISSION The Indo-American Charity Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization that helps the under-privileged and needy with monetary contributions and volunteer work with established and emerging non-profit [501(c)3] organizations in the Greater Houston Area. OUR VISION Foster a local community whose basic needs are met and where everyone can lead enriched lives through better health, education and growth opportunities. OUR CHARTER As a leading charitable organization representing the local Indo-American Community, IACF charter is to serve the Greater Houston area by accomplishing the following objectives:
IACF has four key areas of focus E: Education, F: Family Welfare, G: General Giving, H: Healthcare
l Support emerging charities that focus on providing social services to the local community.
SPONSORSHIP LEVEL
The Indo-American Charity Foundation
l Devote and volunteer time to uplift the needy and support social causes Cordially invites you to join us through IACF Volunteer Corps.
Together We Can Sparkle Lives
at our Annual Gala - Community’s 2022 l Create visibility and recognition of the Indo- American philanthropic efforts.
Diamond Level • • • •
l Encourage and collect contributions from the community and businesses, and channel these donations to local charities. Live dj
open doors 6:30 pm
Live music
$25,000
Sapphire Level
Two premium tables/twenty guests Naming rights and speaking time at gala Recognition in all multimedia presentations Full page ad in gala brouchure
• • • •
$15,000
Two premium tables/twenty guests Stage time at gala Recognition in all multimedia presentations Full page ad in gala brochure
Walk-a-thon 2022
Ruby Level
Friday Dec 2, 2022 VENUE: Houston Knanaya Community Center 2210 Staffordshire Road, Missouri City TX 77489
$10,000
Emerald Level
$4,000
• One premium table/nine guests • Recognition in all multimedia presentations • Full page ad in gala brouchure
• One premium table/nine guests • Recognition in all multimedia presentations • Half page ad in gala brouchure
Amethyst Level
Citrine Level
$2,000
• One table/nine guests • Quarter page ad in gala brouchure
$750
• Two premium tickets • Name mention in gala brouchure
Pearl Level $300 • One General Ticket
ABOUT US For the past 34 years, IACF has grown into becoming a multi-faceted philanthropic organization addressing the needs of the Greater Houston Community in the areas of Education, Family, Healthcare, and General Giving. Following IACF’s motto of “We live here, we give here,” IACF has been providing scholarships to college bound students in need of financial assistance, supporting local charities, engaged in improving STEM education for students in inner city schools, assisting abused women and children, feeding the homeless and needy and providing free medical clinics and vaccinations. Our organization is an entirely volunteer-based organization led by a Board of Directors consisting of top talent from various fields of expertise.
IACF Activities IACF Activities
OUR MISSION The Indo-American Charity Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization that helps the under-privileged and needy with monetary contributions and volunteer work with established and emerging non-profit [501(c)3] organizations in the Greater Houston Area. OUR VISION Foster a local community whose basic needs are met and where everyone can lead enriched lives through better health, education and growth opportunities. OUR CHARTER As a leading charitable organization representing the local Indo-American Community, IACF charter is to serve the Greater Houston area by accomplishing the following objectives: l Support emerging charities that focus on providing social services to the local community.
Covid Community Respond Fund-2021
Non-Profit Funded • Asians Against Domestic Abuse • Naomi House • AVANCE-Houston • Ovarcome IACF has four key areas of focus • Child Advocates of Fort Bend • PAIR • DayaE:Inc Education, F: Family Welfare, G: •General PEACEGiving, H: Healthcare • Family to Family Network • Reach Unlimited • Fort Bend Women’s Center • Richmond State School • Friends Helping Friends • Search Homeless Services • iEducate USA Together We Can Sparkle Lives • SEWA International • Indian Ameriacan Cancer Network • St. Mary’s of the Purification Catholic School • Indian Doctor’s Charity Clinic • Sapphire The Faces of Village Diamond Level $15,000 • IndianLevel Seniorr $25,000 Citizens Association • Turning Point Center Autism •• TwoKnow premium tables/twenty guests • Two premium tables/twenty guests • • Stage YMCA:time Camp Cullen • Naming Literacy Advance of Houston rights and speaking time at gala at gala MahatmainGandhi Library presentations Inc • • Recognition YLDP • Recognition all multimedia in all multimedia presentations
SPONSORSHIP LEVEL
l Devote and volunteer time to uplift the needy and support social causes through IACF Volunteer Corps. l Create visibility and recognition of the Indo- American Community’s philanthropic efforts. l Encourage and collect contributions from the community and businesses, and channel these donations to local charities.
• Full page ad in gala brouchure
• Full page ad in gala brochure
Ruby Level
Emerald Level
Walk-a-thon 2022
$10,000
• One premium table/nine guests • Recognition in all multimedia presentations • Full page ad in gala brouchure We live here Amethyst Level
We give here $2,000
• One table/nine guests • Quarter page ad in gala brouchure
$4,000
• One premium table/nine guests & SPONSORSHIP: • TICKETS Recognition in all multimedia presentations www.iacfhouston.com • Half page ad in gala brouchure Email:
[email protected] IACF President: Joseph “Zenith” Ellankil Citrine Level $750 Mobile: +1 832-282-3032 • Two premium tickets • Name mention in gala brouchure
facebook.com/indoamericancharityfoundation
P.O. Box: Sugar• Land, TexasTicket 77496-8184 Pearl18184 Level $300 One General
PAGE 6 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022
FREE CONSULTATIONS - SUGAR LAND, TX - THURSDAYS -
(281)265-2522
PRACTICING IMMIGRATION LAW SINCE 1985
INTEGRITY
KNOWLEDGE
SOLUTIONS
ATTORNEYS
Roshni Patel
Associate Attorney
James Parker Senior Attorney Partner
Chiranjyaya Nanayakkarra Managing Attorney Partner
George R. Willy Principal Attorney
SPECIAL ADVISORS & OF COUNSEL
Madiha Rizvi
Associate Attorney
GE
THOMAS R. HUTSON FORMER COUNSUL GENERAL
R. W
LIVE
Investment VISAS Employment Based VISAS
LIVE BI-MONTHLY
Family Based VISAS
ZOOM WEBINARS FRIDAY 10:30 AM CST
Naturalization Deportation
JUDGE JIMMIE BENTON FORMER IMMIGRATION JUDGE
HUM FM RADIO 103.5 FM TUESDAYS 3:10 PM
LY IL
GEOR
THOMAS P. FISCHER FORMER USCIS DISTRICT DIRECTOR
www.grwpc.com
Boarder Assistance
PAULINE APPLEBAUME FORMER USCIS TEXAS REGIONAL COUNSEL
MASALA RADIO 98.7 FM THURSDA YS 9:30 AM
Former USCIS District Director Thomas P. Fischer and Former Consul General Thomas Hutson serve as Special advisors to the �rm Former Immigration Judge Jimmie Benton is �Of Counsel� to the �rm Former USCIS Regional Counsel for Texas Pauline Appelbaum is �Of Counsel� to the �rm Member of American Immigration Lawyer Association (AILA) since 1989 Providing representation for Canadian Immigration Fluent in over 16 languages
Asylum Litigation SHIVANTI T. WILLY ATLANTA MANAGER WEBINAR HOST
Canadian Immigration
devesh pathak cpa OL AD 11-2-15.pdf
4
11/2/15
12:07 PM
FREE CONSULTATIONS THURSDAYS
14141 Southwest Fwy, Suite 110 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.265.2522 | TEL 888.529.5990 | TOLL FREE 281.265.2544 | FAX
INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022 • PAGE 7
ENDS JANUARY 3
NX F SPORT
ALL-NEW RX
ES F SPORT
KHUSHI JO SIRF SEASON NAHIN, SAALON CHALE Sometimes the best gifts are the experiences that keep on giving, season after season. ©2022 Lexus, a Division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022 • PAGE 9
PAGE 8 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022
International Maheshwari and Rajasthani Convention 2022, Houston.
Release of the convention souvenir. Sanjay Jajoo, Swati Lodha, Shailesh Lodha, Dr. Ruma Devi, Raj Malani, Jugal Malani, Sharad Mantri Opening ceremony, with lighting of the lamps. Dr. Renu Devi, Ghanshyam Heda, Raj Malani, Jugal Malani, Abhilasha Rathi, Dr. Swati Lodha, Shailesh Lodha, Sharad Mantri, Kartikeya Baldwa, Ramesh Bhutada, Kiran Bhutada
Photos by VIJAY PRAJAPATI.
Rajasthani Ghoomer performed by more than 40 women at the opening ceremony of International Maheshwari Rajasthani Convention, directed by Radhika Soni . Ghoomar is a traditional folk dance of Rajasthan. Ghoomar is of Bhil tribe performed to worship goddess Sarasvati which was later embraced by other Rajasthani communities. Ghoomar is often performed on special occasions, such as weddings, festivals and religious occasions, w and may last for hours.
From Page 1
At the opening ceremony, Ashok Bhakkad, Sarika Malani, Narendra Zamwar, Sanjay Jajoo, Uma Jajoo, Archana Bhakkad, Ghanshyam Heda, Kartikaye Baldwa, Abhilasha Rathi, Swati Lodha, Shailesh Lodha, Dr. Ruma Devi, Raj Malani, Ramesh Bhutada, Kiran Bhutada, Jugal Malani, Sharad Mantri, Swapnil Chandak, Pramesh Maheshwari
Maheshwari Mahasabha of North America South West Chapter team.
and training are vital in helping an individual become self-reliant. Yet another pointer was to tap every opportunity – small or big. Kartikeya Baldwa, Founder and CEO at Ixoreal Biomed Inc, a company based out of Los Angeles and Hyderabad was immensely impressed by the work MMNA was doing in preserving the rich Marwari culture while thousands of miles away from home. Dr. Renu Khator, who made history with her appointment as first woman chancellor and president of University of Houston, expressed her pride in her heritage and stated “As Maheshwari Rajasthanis, we share a common bond. Each one of us has a story of unparalleled passion and unwavering determination that propelled us to new heights, where we stand today. It takes a village to write a successful chapter in anyone’s life and we are fortunate to be a part of this community.” Consul General Aseem Mahajan appreciated the relevance and timing of the convention theme - “Rishtey-Reet-Reewaj”, the contribution of the Maheshwari community worldwide and the efforts of the community in engaging and empowering the youth. He also extended his office’s support for entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. The convention was packed with several highlights such as a trip to the ranch, Ghoomer dances, creative breakout sessions, musical night, Mahasangram, Mahesh Tank, professional networking, Children’s Talent show, Matrimony sessions, Diet
Planning and Yoga sessions. This was the effort of nearly 150 volunteers who worked tirelessly for the last six months to prepare for the event. Thanksgiving Eve, November 24, marked the beginning of the celebration. A cultural show by the southwest chapter featured more than 115 people who performed several Rajasthani festivals through drama and dance. “Ristey-Reet-Riwaj” was the theme of the performance. The opening ceremony was kicked off by a graceful Ghoomer dance performed by over 40 ladies. MMNA National President Abhilasha Rathi welcomed the guests and appreciated the volunteers by saying “Kuch samay pahle aisa laga keh hum sab thodi der ke liye Rajasthan pahuch gaye hai, itna sundar ghoomar IMRC ki opening ceremony meh pehli baar hi dekha hai. I feel fortunate to be part of the MMNA pariwar and proud to be a Rajasthani Maheshwari!” (It felt like I was in Rajasthan. Rarely has such a beautiful Ghoomer dance been performed) Convenor Sharad Mantri expressed his delight at the event’s success with over 900+ attendees from all over the world. This convention, he revealed, “made history by involving every age group from toddlers to seniors, created positive vibes in the youth for IMRC and also saw a recordbreaking education fundraiser.” “Mahasangram” - the conflict between generations generated a great deal of interest and dealt with issues such as family values and the relations between parents and children. Mahesh Tank saw
entrepreneurs making business was a unique and fun experience A live musical concert by a presentations to a panel of four for all. The Rajasthanis Abroad team of 14 performers from Niche PAGE HERALD JANUARY 29,2020 PAGE144 • •INDIA INDIA HERALD• WEDNESDAY, • WEDNESDAY, 19, 2020Entertainment, India regaled the investors. Youth Samaj FEBRUARY (RAYS) was equally The edcuation foundation of involved and took the lead as attendees on the Grand Gala Nite. of MMNA also raised $115,000. emcees, coordinators, and wel- The event concluded on Sunday The MMNA Matrimonial Ses- coming the attendees. RAYS with the closing ceremony, annual sion announced the launch of a President Sarika Malani noted awards, and volunteer appreciamobile app to help Maheshwaris that around 200 youth members tions. The Lifetime Achievement and Rajasthanis find their spe- joined the activities which ranged Award was presented to Sushma cial someone. A silent auction from professional networking Pallod for her selfless work and was also held for the Rajasthani to card making for the Texas dedication to the community. artwork submitted by the partici- Children’s Hospital. This event At the conclusion of the pants. A Rajasthani theme photo re-invigorated the youth, and they convention, Sharad Mantri said booth, professional networking, were excited at being a part of the “This grand event would not Interchapter and Sakhi Cultural convention.” A RAYS member have been possible without the programs were held on Friday shared this comment “RAYS has generous support of the donors. evening. given me a connection to Ma- And dedicated volunteers.” On Saturday, the entire con- heshwari culture and roots that Authentic Rajasthani delicavention moved from the hotel to no other platform has been able cies like Dal Batti and Churma a ranch. It was a picturesque day to provide in my life. Our RAYS were on the menu and catered with everyone decked in cowboy group chat of youth members has by Maharaja Bhog in Houston. attire 10 showcasing Texan culture been flooded with messages from The decorators did apt justice to PAGE • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2022 coupled with TexMex cuisine. new attendees all over the country the theme and created a lively The trip to the ranch with 770 talking about how incredible their Rajasthani ambience in the hotel. plus attendees on 14 school buses first experience was!” —By TRUSHA CHANDAK
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Punar Nirman
NEWS
Raam Naam chanting and devotional songs purified the air and filled all the hearts with peace and joy as Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Punar Nirman celebration came to Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha (SGGM) of Houston on Sunday, January 12th. The occasion had a double significance as it marked the Indian Supreme Court’s unanimous verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi case seen by Hindus as the joyous victory of
Ayodhya Pati Raja Ram. The impending Ram Mandir construction in Ayodhya is a major milestone in the lives of many devotees. The program included beautiful Ram bhajans, Hanuman Chalisa, Ram Katha & Maha Aarti followed by dinner Prasad. Several hundred devotees thronged the Mandir. The singing and chanting were spirited and full of bhakti and love. The evening’s program also featured talks and a scholarly
PowerPoint presentation by devotees. Interesting and captivating spiritual discourses signifying the birth and life of Shree Ram were given by Shripad Ramchandra Prabhu and Siddhanti Maharaj Ji. One of the noteworthy aspects of the celebration was the presence of the young students of Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha Vedic School. Signifying a glowing tribute to Founder Acharya Srila Narayana Goswami Maharaja, the students, some as young as six, were not only attentive and their conduct exemplary, but they were active participants in the chanting and appeared absorbed in the entire experience with keen devotion. The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks by Tarun Krishna Das, President of Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha. For more information, contact Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha at 832-464-4686
INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022 • PAGE 9
PAGE 8 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022
International Maheshwari and Rajasthani Convention 2022, Houston.
Release of the convention souvenir. Sanjay Jajoo, Swati Lodha, Shailesh Lodha, Dr. Ruma Devi, Raj Malani, Jugal Malani, Sharad Mantri Opening ceremony, with lighting of the lamps. Dr. Renu Devi, Ghanshyam Heda, Raj Malani, Jugal Malani, Abhilasha Rathi, Dr. Swati Lodha, Shailesh Lodha, Sharad Mantri, Kartikeya Baldwa, Ramesh Bhutada, Kiran Bhutada
Photos by VIJAY PRAJAPATI.
Rajasthani Ghoomer performed by more than 40 women at the opening ceremony of International Maheshwari Rajasthani Convention, directed by Radhika Soni . Ghoomar is a traditional folk dance of Rajasthan. Ghoomar is of Bhil tribe performed to worship goddess Sarasvati which was later embraced by other Rajasthani communities. Ghoomar is often performed on special occasions, such as weddings, festivals and religious occasions, w and may last for hours.
From Page 1
At the opening ceremony, Ashok Bhakkad, Sarika Malani, Narendra Zamwar, Sanjay Jajoo, Uma Jajoo, Archana Bhakkad, Ghanshyam Heda, Kartikaye Baldwa, Abhilasha Rathi, Swati Lodha, Shailesh Lodha, Dr. Ruma Devi, Raj Malani, Ramesh Bhutada, Kiran Bhutada, Jugal Malani, Sharad Mantri, Swapnil Chandak, Pramesh Maheshwari
Maheshwari Mahasabha of North America South West Chapter team.
and training are vital in helping an individual become self-reliant. Yet another pointer was to tap every opportunity – small or big. Kartikeya Baldwa, Founder and CEO at Ixoreal Biomed Inc, a company based out of Los Angeles and Hyderabad was immensely impressed by the work MMNA was doing in preserving the rich Marwari culture while thousands of miles away from home. Dr. Renu Khator, who made history with her appointment as first woman chancellor and president of University of Houston, expressed her pride in her heritage and stated “As Maheshwari Rajasthanis, we share a common bond. Each one of us has a story of unparalleled passion and unwavering determination that propelled us to new heights, where we stand today. It takes a village to write a successful chapter in anyone’s life and we are fortunate to be a part of this community.” Consul General Aseem Mahajan appreciated the relevance and timing of the convention theme - “Rishtey-Reet-Reewaj”, the contribution of the Maheshwari community worldwide and the efforts of the community in engaging and empowering the youth. He also extended his office’s support for entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. The convention was packed with several highlights such as a trip to the ranch, Ghoomer dances, creative breakout sessions, musical night, Mahasangram, Mahesh Tank, professional networking, Children’s Talent show, Matrimony sessions, Diet
Planning and Yoga sessions. This was the effort of nearly 150 volunteers who worked tirelessly for the last six months to prepare for the event. Thanksgiving Eve, November 24, marked the beginning of the celebration. A cultural show by the southwest chapter featured more than 115 people who performed several Rajasthani festivals through drama and dance. “Ristey-Reet-Riwaj” was the theme of the performance. The opening ceremony was kicked off by a graceful Ghoomer dance performed by over 40 ladies. MMNA National President Abhilasha Rathi welcomed the guests and appreciated the volunteers by saying “Kuch samay pahle aisa laga keh hum sab thodi der ke liye Rajasthan pahuch gaye hai, itna sundar ghoomar IMRC ki opening ceremony meh pehli baar hi dekha hai. I feel fortunate to be part of the MMNA pariwar and proud to be a Rajasthani Maheshwari!” (It felt like I was in Rajasthan. Rarely has such a beautiful Ghoomer dance been performed) Convenor Sharad Mantri expressed his delight at the event’s success with over 900+ attendees from all over the world. This convention, he revealed, “made history by involving every age group from toddlers to seniors, created positive vibes in the youth for IMRC and also saw a recordbreaking education fundraiser.” “Mahasangram” - the conflict between generations generated a great deal of interest and dealt with issues such as family values and the relations between parents and children. Mahesh Tank saw
entrepreneurs making business was a unique and fun experience A live musical concert by a presentations to a panel of four for all. The Rajasthanis Abroad team of 14 performers from Niche PAGE HERALD JANUARY 29,2020 PAGE144 • •INDIA INDIA HERALD• WEDNESDAY, • WEDNESDAY, 19, 2020Entertainment, India regaled the investors. Youth Samaj FEBRUARY (RAYS) was equally The edcuation foundation of involved and took the lead as attendees on the Grand Gala Nite. of MMNA also raised $115,000. emcees, coordinators, and wel- The event concluded on Sunday The MMNA Matrimonial Ses- coming the attendees. RAYS with the closing ceremony, annual sion announced the launch of a President Sarika Malani noted awards, and volunteer appreciamobile app to help Maheshwaris that around 200 youth members tions. The Lifetime Achievement and Rajasthanis find their spe- joined the activities which ranged Award was presented to Sushma cial someone. A silent auction from professional networking Pallod for her selfless work and was also held for the Rajasthani to card making for the Texas dedication to the community. artwork submitted by the partici- Children’s Hospital. This event At the conclusion of the pants. A Rajasthani theme photo re-invigorated the youth, and they convention, Sharad Mantri said booth, professional networking, were excited at being a part of the “This grand event would not Interchapter and Sakhi Cultural convention.” A RAYS member have been possible without the programs were held on Friday shared this comment “RAYS has generous support of the donors. evening. given me a connection to Ma- And dedicated volunteers.” On Saturday, the entire con- heshwari culture and roots that Authentic Rajasthani delicavention moved from the hotel to no other platform has been able cies like Dal Batti and Churma a ranch. It was a picturesque day to provide in my life. Our RAYS were on the menu and catered with everyone decked in cowboy group chat of youth members has by Maharaja Bhog in Houston. attire 10 showcasing Texan culture been flooded with messages from The decorators did apt justice to PAGE • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2022 coupled with TexMex cuisine. new attendees all over the country the theme and created a lively The trip to the ranch with 770 talking about how incredible their Rajasthani ambience in the hotel. plus attendees on 14 school buses first experience was!” —By TRUSHA CHANDAK
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Punar Nirman
NEWS
Raam Naam chanting and devotional songs purified the air and filled all the hearts with peace and joy as Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Punar Nirman celebration came to Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha (SGGM) of Houston on Sunday, January 12th. The occasion had a double significance as it marked the Indian Supreme Court’s unanimous verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi case seen by Hindus as the joyous victory of
Ayodhya Pati Raja Ram. The impending Ram Mandir construction in Ayodhya is a major milestone in the lives of many devotees. The program included beautiful Ram bhajans, Hanuman Chalisa, Ram Katha & Maha Aarti followed by dinner Prasad. Several hundred devotees thronged the Mandir. The singing and chanting were spirited and full of bhakti and love. The evening’s program also featured talks and a scholarly
PowerPoint presentation by devotees. Interesting and captivating spiritual discourses signifying the birth and life of Shree Ram were given by Shripad Ramchandra Prabhu and Siddhanti Maharaj Ji. One of the noteworthy aspects of the celebration was the presence of the young students of Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha Vedic School. Signifying a glowing tribute to Founder Acharya Srila Narayana Goswami Maharaja, the students, some as young as six, were not only attentive and their conduct exemplary, but they were active participants in the chanting and appeared absorbed in the entire experience with keen devotion. The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks by Tarun Krishna Das, President of Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha. For more information, contact Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha at 832-464-4686
PAGE 10 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022
COMMUNITY
The Fort Bend Interfaith Council was proud to host close to 500 people at this year’s Interfaith Thanksgiving Service held last week. Representatives from 13 different area faith communities offered prayers, readings, songs, and a play centered on this year’s theme: “Thankful to be together”. Held at St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land, this was the first year the annual event was held in person again after doing a couple years of virtual services during the covid pandemic. The Fort Bend Interfaith Community is made up of representatives from any faith group that agrees with the principle of learning to appreciate our diverse religions through working together for the community,.
Indian Music Society presents second session of local artists In keeping up with our mission of promoting and preserving Indian Classical Music and providing a platform for younger and upcoming artists, IMS is pleased to announce details of the “Second Session” of Concert By Local Artists who are Paid Members of IMS, and who are trained in Hindustani Classical Music. This is the second year in a row that we are happy to present our Local Talents - both vocal and instrumental and both children and adults. Each participant is given 45 minute slot to perform vocal khayal followed by dhrut and and a short bhajan/tumri, etc; Instrumental player will present alaap, jod, jhalla and gat... All accompaniments, such as harmonium and tabla are provided by IMS from the pool of Paid Members who are all trained in their respective instruments. The Second Session is scheduled for December 3 (Saturday) from 2 PM to 5 PM at Krishna Vrandavan Auditorium, 10251 Synott Road, Sugar Land, Tx 77478. December 3 participants Anjali Pandit: Student of PT. Vijay Koparkar (disciple of Late PT. Vasantrao Deshpande and Late PT. Jitendra Abhisheki JI). She is also a music teacher in Katy area and Bhajan teacher at Chinmaya Mission. She is in IT industry working as a CRM / salesforce / integration specialist with US Med Equip. Sujata Desai: Currently learning from Shruti Sample Ji who is a disciple of Pandita Padmavati Shaligram Gokhale - a Legend of Jaipur Attrauali Gharana. Prior to Shruti JI, she took lessons from PT Suman Ghosh. She has completed her MD with specialization in Anesthesiology and Pharmacology Shane Monds: Shane Monds is both a composer and researcher of Indian and Western music. He has a Doctorate in Musical Arts from Rice University and is a sitar student of renowned New York based sitarist, Sri Abhik Mukherjee. He did a post-doctorate in Indian classical music under Rice University and the Foundation for Fine Arts (Mumbai) under guru Pt. Arvind Parikh and Deepak Raja. Along with sitar, he has also studied Hindustani vocal and tabla under Chandrakantha and David Courtney. Accompanying on Harmonium are: Shruti Sample Ji and Tejas Rode, and on Tabla: Govind Shetty, Nishad Kanhare and PT. Shantilal Ji Shah At conclusion, tea/coffee and delicious temple prepared snacks will be provided for all attendees- sponsored by Mr. Jagdish Desai. This is a free concert, but donations are welcome. For more information, please call 713-922-2501
Subscribe to the Digital Edition of India Herald. Visit india-herald.com
NEWS
Israeli filmmaker criticizes ‘The Kashmir Files’; Israel’s Ambassador calls it a shame
Israel’s ambassador to India Naor Gilon has slammed his fellow countryman and filmmaker Nadav Lapid for dissing ‘The Kashmir Files’ as a ‘vulgur’ and ‘propaganda’ film. While speaking at the closing ceremony of the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Lapid, who has no love lost for his own country, said the jury was “disturbed and shocked” by the film and it “felt like propaganda, vulgar movie”, and deemed it “inappropriate for an artistic competitive section of such a prestigious film festival”, reports Hindustan Times. The Anupam Kher-starrer ‘The Kashmir Files’ depicts the plight of the Kashmiri Hindus who were forced to leave their homes following systemic killings of the people of the community by Pakistan-backed local terrorists in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The film was screened on 22 November as a part of the Indian Panorama Section at IFFI. The IFFI is conducted jointly by the National Film Development Corporation of India under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Goa government. In an open letter to Lapid, Israeli ambassador to India Gilon said that he should be ashamed for abusing “in the worst way the Indian invitation to chair the panel of judges at IFFI as well as the trust, respect and warm hospitality they have bestowed on you”. He also slammed the filmmaker for dissing the movie without “deeply studying” the historical events, which are an “open wound in India because many of the involved are still around and still paying a price”. He suggested that the filmmaker should “feel free to use the liberty to sound your criticism of what you dislike in Israel but no need to reflect your frustration on other countries”. “I’m not sure that you have enough factual basis to make such comparisons. I know I don’t,” he said. The 47-year-old Israeli filmmaker is known for his love-hate relationship with his homeland which played out in his competition entry, Ahed’s Knee, at Cannes Film Festival last year. Lapid was also among a group of 250 Israeli filmmakers that signed an open letter to protest against the launch of the Shomron (Samaria/West Bank) Film Fund. The Shomron Film Fund’s official mandate is to “distribute grants to Jewish settlers who reside in the West Bank (“Judea and Samaria”) and to productions by Israeli citizens filmed in the West Bank.” While talking about his film ‘Synonymes’ in one of his interviews, Lapid had said that “the Israeli collective soul is a sick soul”.
India-US military exercise Yudh Abhyas underway
The eighteenth edition of India-US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas is currently underway in Uttarakhand, around 100 kilometres from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The nearly two-week exercise, which comes at a time of heightened tensions between India and China along the LAC, began earlier this month. The exercise started just days before the 60th anniversary of the end of the India-China war of 1962. The fact that the exercise is taking place close to India’s frontier with China is being seen as a message to Beijing about the increasingly close military ties between New Delhi and Washington. The exercise is conducted annually between India and the US to exchange best practices, tactics, techniques and procedures between the two nations’ armies. The previous edition of the exercise was conducted at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska, in October 2021. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Defence said that US Army soldiers of the 2nd Brigade of the 11th Airborne Division and Indian Army soldiers from the Assam Regiment would be participating in the exercise. It said the training schedule for the exercise focuses on the employment of an integrated battle group under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate. “With around 350 soldiers from each side, Yudh Abhyas will witness employment of integrated battle groups in mountains and extreme cold climate, along with heliborne elements and an integrated surveillance grid,” a report in the Times of India quoted an officer as saying. Earlier this year, China opposed the exercise, calling it an “interference in the bilateral boundary issue and a violation of agreements between New Delhi and Beijing that no military drill will be held near the LAC”. “I don’t understand the reference to third-party interference. India-US exercise is totally different and I don’t know what colour has been given to that,” the spokesperson of India’s External Affairs Ministry said in response.
INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022 • PAGE 11
SRI DURGAMATA ASTROLOGY CENTER
PSYCHIC READER & SPIRITUAL HEALER Unique Spiritualist From Indian Generation
Master Balakrishna Pandith Expert In: Palm Reading, Horoscope, Face Reading,
Numerology, Photo Reading & Past, Present, Future etc...
Specialized In Bringing Back Loved Ones
[email protected] www.astrobalakrishna.com
346-766-9637
Fifth generation astrologer - 25 years of experience
Can speak Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu & Kannada For Every Problem There is a “Solution”
346-766-9637 2666 Marilee Ln., A-24, Houston, Tx 77057
PAGE 12 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022
For more family celebrations, get your updated COVID vaccine. Updated vaccines now protect against both the original COVID virus and Omicron, just in time for the holidays to protect yourself and those you love. Schedule your free updated vaccine today. Find updated COVID vaccines for everyone 5+ at vaccines.gov
Paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022 • PAGE 13
NEWS
PAGE 10 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2022
NEWS
PowerPoint presentation by devotees. Interesting and captivating spiritual discourses signifying the birth and life of Shree Ram were given by Shripad Ramchandra Prabhu and Siddhanti Maharaj Ji. One of the noteworthy aspects of the celebration was the presence of the young students of Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha Vedic School. SignifyAyodhya Pati Raja Ram. The ing a glowing tribute to FoundRaam Naam chanting and impending Ram Mandir con- er Acharya Srila Narayana Godevotional songs purified the struction in Ayodhya is a major swami Maharaja, the students, air and filled all the hearts with milestone in the lives of many some as young as six, were not peace and joy as Shree Ram devotees. only attentive and their conduct Janmabhoomi Mandir Punar The program included exemplary, but they were active Nirman celebration came to beautiful Ram bhajans, Hanu- participants in the chanting and Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha man Chalisa, Ram Katha & appeared absorbed in the entire (SGGM) of Houston on Sun- Maha Aarti followed by din- experience with keen devotion. day, January 12th. ner Prasad. Several hundred The celebration concluded The occasion had a double devotees thronged the Mandir. with a vote of thanks by Tarun Youth Leadership Development Program. Lastchanting Saturday, YLDPKrishna HoustonDas, members had of an Sri insignificance as it marked the The singing and were President teractive sessionCourt’s with Harris District Civil K. Sandill on Nov. 19. For Indian Supreme unani-County spirited and full ofCourt bhaktiJudge and Ravi Govindaji Gaudiya Matha. last 11 years,inJudge RaviJanK. Sandill with young mous verdict the Ram love. had sessions on leadership with Forvarious more topics information, conleaders of YLDP and encouraging them. He also offered YLDP high school mabhoomi case seen by HinThe evening’s program also Students tact Sri Govindajiinternships Gaudiya andvictory later some them became practicing lawyers at hisatcourt. dus as the joyous of of featured talks and a scholarly Matha 832-464-4686
IMMIGRATION
on KCHN 1050AM
LAW OFFICES OF
DAKSHINI R. SEN, P.C. Attorneys at Law Texas Location: 6200 Savoy Dr, Ste. #270 Houston, TX 77036 Tel: 713-278-1677 / Fax: 713-278-1656 New York Location: 1123 Broadway, Ste. #909 New York, NY 10010 Tel: 212-242-1677 / Fax: 212-
Stay Tuned for Shoba & Hiren Joshi’s Geetanjali Radio on AM 1050 KCHN every Saturday and Sunday From 2 PM- 6 PM. Steam Live on ShobaJoshi.com For Advertising Opportunities: Cell: 832-878-4338 / 832-646-2116”
Dakshini R. Senanayake, B.S., LL.M. Licensed by the Supreme Court of New York
242-1688
H-1B, L1, P3, TN, O1, R1, E1/E2 and other nonimmigrant visas Employment & Family based Green Cards, PERM / I-140, I-130/I-485 & Citizenship
Web: www.dakshinisen.com
devesh pathak cpa OL AD 11-2-15.pdf
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
4
11/2/15
Email:
[email protected]
12:07 PM
PAGE 14 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022
MUSIC Song and substance: An evening in concert with Sikkil Gurucharan
By Partha Krishnamurthy The Classical Arts Society of Houston presented an outstanding concert called “Thenisai Tamizh” (Honey of Tamil music), on Nov. 18, featuring Vocal Vidwan Sikkil Gurucharan, Violin Vidwan Sanjeev, and Mridanga Vidwan Delhi Sairam. They expertly plied their craft, and held the audience in their thrall for almost 3 hours. The concert was held at the Kalyana Mantapam of Sri Meenakshi Devasthanam. On the platform were the three artistes attired in colors that were elegant without screaming for at-
tention. The visual presence was simultaneously simple yet grand. As the concert was set to begin, as if to highlight the lovely stage, the house lights were turned down. Gurucharan immediately remarked that they had been singing alone in the darkness in the studio for the two years thanks to the virus and requested the house lights be turned back on. The lights came on, and so did the magic. Typically, artistes pick wellknown pieces to get the audience in tune in the early going. Instead, the opening volley by Gurucharan
was a rare but breezy and pleasant thamizh varnam in the raga Saranga. It was a composition of a 19th century spiritual tour de force, Ramalinga Adigalar. The next stop was the set of simple yet powerful guidance by the celebrated poet, Avvayyaar. Gurucharan presented one of her finest works, the aathichoodi, which comprise 108 pithy two- or three-word phrases. The first of these lovely sayings, aram seyya
Mobile & Personal Banking
anytime anywhere
Visit us soon at Southwestern National Bank 713-771-9700
virumbu, loosely translates the dictat, “choose to do good”. Although these are typically shared with children, many of them are universals, and some both prophetic and poignant, “take care of parents’ being one such. Gurucharan presented this simple yet profound teachings in the majestic Mayamalava Gowla raga with all of its classical trappings. The presentation then moved to the work of another celebrated thamizh composer, Gopalakrishna Bharathi. The song, hara hara siva sankara, in Gambeera Naattai raga, began with an alapana that was presented in the tone and tenor of the king of all classical instruments, the nadaswaram. Of particular note in the alapana was Sri Sanjeev’s violin essay which took a viswaroopa in the solo portions. This was followed by a soulful Neelakanta Sivan composition, endraikku siva kripai varumo (when will the grace of Siva come) in ragha Mukhari. In this the composer draws an allusion to how the mother cow responds to the call of the calf when seeking the grace of Siva. Delhi Sairam’s mridangam was speaking its own language of assent, with delicate phrasings on the tenor side and a gentle low-pitched growl on the bass side. This was followed by Periazhwar thirumozhi as a prelude to Oothukadu Venkatakavi’s pullai piravi tharavenum in the raga Senjurutti. The concert reached a crescendo with an elaborate ragam, thaanam and pallavi presentation in the raga Pavani (the one who purifies). The pallavi was an exhortation to the universal mother, seeking her kindness and guidance in the conduct of daily life. Gurucharan indicated that he was inspired to essay this rare raga thanks to the beautiful composition by Ilayaraja in the thamizh movie Guna which features this raga (song, “paartha vizhi paartha padi”). As a raga, Pavani presents two faces, a cheerful one and a deep contemplative one. The presentation of this complex piece was made to look relatively effortless by Gurucharan and Sanjeev. What was equally remarkable was the thani avarthanam by Del-
hi Sriram who managed to extract the signature frequencies from the raga. It is not entirely surprising that he did so on the tenor side of the mridangam, but it was absolutely stunning to watch him extract tones from the atonic side of the instrument, the bass side. Following this, Gurucharan presented a lilting melody in raga Brindavani by Madura G S Mani’s thorana pandalile, as a nod to the reigning deity of Sri Meenakshi Temple. The lyrics present vivid description of the divine wedding between Meenakshi and Sundareswara, presided over by Lakshmi and Narayana! This was followed by a song in the immortal lines of Subrahmanya Bharathi, manadil urudi vendum, which catalogs a list of “asks” by the revolutionary poet which includes, conviction of the mind, sweetness of speech, fruition of desires, culminating in freedom for women. This was set in the raga Behag. The concert then moved to yet another rare piece by Dhandapani Desikar, nalvaazhkaye vendum, in the raga Kokila, that seeks a good life filled with charity, kindness of speech, company of good people, gratitude, learning, and divine thought. The concert then concluded with a brisk thillana in the raga Kaapi followed by a Papanasam Sivan Mangalam, sri rama jeya mangalam, in the raga Surutti. Musically, this concert was presented in a format that is as classical and sumptuous as it gets. Lyrically, Gurucharan’s concert showcased exquisite ancient and recent poetry drawn from the deep well of bhakthi tradition and thought. Linguistically, it relied entirely on the world’s most beautiful language, thamizh, which has been the instrument of many an author to plumb the intricacies of human thoughts, feelings and actions. This program was the grand finale of the three in-person ticketed event (for the Fall Series). It was most gratifying to see a full house of rasikas. This lovely experience was made possible, including the artistes, the poets, the composers, the organizers, the volunteers, and the Hariharan Foundation which underwrote the event.
INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022 • PAGE 15
PAGE 16 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022 PAGE 2016 PAGE24 24•• INDIA INDIA HERALD HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH JULY 1, 30, 2015
Spring Branch Family Dentistry,P.A. 1111, Gessner, Suite B Houston, Texas 77055 (713) 461-8050 (713) 461-4747 WeWe Speak English, Hindi & Gujarati speak English & Gujarati CONVENIENT HOURS Monday: 9 am – 6 pm Tuesday: 9 am – 7 pm Wednesday: 9 am – 6 pm Thursday: 9 am – 7 pm Friday: 9 am – 4 pm Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm (Closed one Saturday a month) ' %
$ !#$
#/6/7385$+( '-+
:::645/2-(5'2).*+27/675;)31
'
+1(+53,
('+-%, ,$(' !(* * +
" 4 BITEWINGS % & !$ " ! ! !
#" FLUORIDE TREATMENT (A $125 VALUE) $210 Value
& #
#
! !
$85 $ 65
65 $115
$
!$! %&#' ! $+39+./0*5+2 361+7/)$./7+2/2- !337.3035+*/00/2-6 5'0 85-+5; +2785+6 '57/'06 32685-/)'0 85-/)'075+'71+27 3,81/6+'6+ 5+9+27/9++27/675; 337'2'0 53)+*85+ 3rd Molar (Wisdom Teeth) Extraction $+"6+'8-./2-'6
Sanjeev Khosla, D.D.S
$! "
Exp. 09/30/2011 Exp. 09/30/2015 %
Expires DECEMBER ([S Exp. May 31, 201631, 2022
352+:4'7/+276320;384326237-33* :/7.'2;37.+53,,+53540'26
Darshani Patel, D.D.S
$! "
Exp. May 31, 2016 Expires DECEMBER 31, 2022 Exp. 09/30/2011 Exp. 09/30/2015 ([S %
352+:4'7/+276320;384326237-33* :/7.'2;37.+53,,+53540'26
% % % %
! ! # ! ! ! " ! ! !$ $ ! ! $
Expires DECEMBER 31, 2022 Exp. March 31, 2016 Exp. 09/30/2015 Exp. 09/30/2011 ([S $! " &%
352+:4'7/+276320;384326237-33* :/7.'2;37.+53,,+53540'26