Indo American News • Friday, March 26 , 2010
online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
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Friday, March 26, 2010 | Vol. 29, No. 13
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In IAN this Week
The Gentleman’s Game Takes Off In Canada
Asha Bhosle to Perform in Houston on April 17th Legendary Singer Asha Bhosle comes to Houston for a lifetime performance with Krishna Beura and Sudesh Bhosle at Arena Theater COMMUNITY
Dreams to Reality – India House Annual Gala Celebrates Landmark Project
Story on Pg 12
Coherent Strategy and Execution
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Sen. John Cornyn performs ceremonial ribbon-cutting formalities to officially inaugurate the O.P. Jindal Center, Phase I of the India House project. He is cheered on by, from left, Pritviraj Jindal, Dr. Virendra Mathur, Ashok Dhingra and Dr. Durga Agrawal
By Kalyani Giri HOUSTON: It was in honor of a landmark project nearly thirty years in the making that compelled many from the local community to brave the blustery cold weather March 20, 2010, and attend the India House Fifth Annual Gala, Dreams to Reality. Jointly chaired by Gopal Savjani and Kul Bhushan Uppal, The fundraising event, marked the completion of Phase One of India House, the O. P. Jindal Center. Once all visionary phases of construction are complete, the iconic project promises to be reflective of the diverse and culturally replete ethos of the Indo American community in this city. Dignitaries present included the Consul General of India Sanjiv Arora, United States Senator John Cornyn, Congressman Pete
Olson, and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. During the reception preceding the gala event, Senator John Cornyn inaugurated the edifice by cutting the ceremonial ribbon. Thereafter, the guests were ushered to a large marquee constructed on the grounds, the venue for the evening’s event that would accommodate the gala seating arrangement. The program began with the rendering of the national anthems of India and the USA. President of India House Ashok Dhingra welcomed gatherees and recognized major donors, the Jindal family of India, and Chowdary Yalamanchili, who had each committed a million dollars for the project. As part of the original volunteer-driven team spearheading the India House vision, Dhingra also reminisced about those who continued on page
ENTERTAINMENT
Listen To It or Ticket! Sunil T & Masala Radio Crew Starts New Show Lineup on Weekdays
Houston based author, Ravi Gopaldas Kathuria talks about the captivating tale about management in the upper ranks
Story on Pg 25
SOCIETY
At Attention, In a Turban Capt. Tejdeep Singh Rattan, in a turban and full beard, graduated at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, the first Sikh in a generation allowed to complete Army basic training without sacrificing the articles of his faith. The Army made an exemption to a uniform policy that has effectively prevented Sikhs from enlisting since 1984. “I’m feeling very humbled,” said Captain Rattan, 31, a dentist. “I’m a soldier.” He had to get a waiver from the Army to be allowed to serve without sacrificing the unshorn hair mandated by his faith.
HOUSTON: JAI HO! On the auspicious day of Ram Navmi, at the auspicious birth hour of high noon, Masala Radio signed on a new show, Drive-Time Dhamaal. Beginning April 1, 2010, Houston’s most popular radio show will broadcast Monday – Friday, from 5pm to 8pm on 1320 AM. “I was happy entertaining audiences on the weekends for the past 17 years.” “But Moid Khan of Bollywood Shows 4 U put my focus into perspective, leading the public demand for us to be on in drive time, where almost every adult spends at least 45 minutes in the car,” indicated Sunil Thakkar, host of Masala Radio. “Moid Khan backed me with full support
to promote the Jai Ho! AR Rahman concert, and by the grace of God an excellent station opened with just drive time hours available!” “I have to thank my other sponsors who also encouraged me with advance support for Drive Time, Malik Jamaal with Tara Energy and Kawal Oberoi of Keemat Grocers.” Moid Khan exclaimed “ With Sunil and the crazy Masala Crew’s energy weekdays will never be the same!“ “This will give us so much breathing room, for more comedy, more themed segments, more shers, more Bollywood Buzz, more Masala.” says Preanka, senior co-host. “We were running out of prime time with back to back promotions, star interviews, and grand openings, but now we have an ocean of prime time!” Currently, Masala Radio broadcasts Saturdays and Sundays from 10AM to 5PM on 1480 AM. Now listeners will have to set their dial to 1320 AM weekdays 5-8pm. Masala Radio is busy lining up programming and giveaways for listeners. There is a lot of excitement, a lot of passion in the Masala Radio studios.
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AR Rahman “Jai Ho” Tour, A Spectacle to Watch India’s most celebrated music director, Oscar and Grammy Award winner A R Rahman, is currently on a music tour to salute Bollywood and Indian music. He has reportedly teamed up with producer Deepak Gattani and creative director Amy Tinkham, who is famous for creating live musical concerts for Britney Spears, Back Street Boys and Mariah Carey. According to Rahman’s spokesperson, The A R Rahman Jai Ho Concert: The Journey Home World Tour, will be a modern presentation of traditions of India in a theatrical format. It is said to be a musical as well as visual extravaganza with large images on LED screens and will have a magnificent cast of musicians and dancers from across the globe, making the concert a “theatrical experience utilizing new technologies”, according to a recent press release. Rahman had most recently participated in the 2010 remake of 'We Are The World' to benefit Haiti, and it is important to note that the concert will feature music that Rahman was working on with the late king of pop, Michael Jackson, before his unfortunate death
AR Rahman is a musical genius who has won two oscar and grammy award for his music in the movie Slumdog Millionaire
last summer (2009). Other performances will include songs from Slumdog Millionaire as well as the Indian films Lagaan, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Dil Se, Rang De Basanti and Roja. The tour will come to Houston on July 3, 2010 at Toyota Center.
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