Indo American News • Friday, November 05 , 2010
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Friday, November 05 2010 | Vol. 29, No. 45
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Goddess Lakshmi in procession
story on page 3
President obama’s namaste to India as He Prepares state Visit
Courting India: Obama with Indian-origin Americans at fund raising event.
story on page 27
ram Leela’s enthralling Performances
collage on page 26
nikki, Kamala win; others Lose
COLUMBIA, South Carolina (HT, IANS): The hall for the election night watch for the Republican candidate had been resonating with the rhythm of bhangra, when just before a quarter to 11 at night, the formal announcement came — Indian-American Nikki Haley had been elected the next governor of South Carolina. Haley is the first woman and first person from a minority group to be elected governor of the conservative southern state. The daughter of immigrants from Punjab, Haley is also the second-ever Indian-American elected Governor of an American State, after Bobby Jindal of Louisiana. Born Nimrata Randhawa, Haley acknowledged the influence of her parents from India as she was joined on stage by husband Michael and children, Leena and Nalin. Haley won by nearly five percentage points over her Democratic opponent Vince Sheheen. Kamala Harris, who was the only Indian-American candidate to be publicly endorsed by Obama, defeated Steve Cooley of the Republican Party in a tough fight. Haley attended Clemson University and majored in accounting and then joined the FCR Corporation (a waste management and recycling company) before joining her mother’s business, Exotica International, an upscale clothing firm in 1994. Endorsed by US President Barack Obama, Indian-American Kamala Harris on Wednesday won the election for Attorney General of California. Kamala will be the first woman to hold the office of Attorney General in California, elections for which were held on Tuesday. Daughter of an Indian mother and African-American father, Har-
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Full story on pa
Photo: Krishna Giri
spirited, Festive mTs diwali Bazaar
Republican candidate for South Carolina governor Nikki Haley (second from l.) watches election results come in after the polls closed from a hotel restaurant with her husband Michael, son Nalin and daughter Rena on Nov. 2, in Columbia, S.C.
ris is currently the San Francisco Attorney General. She would replace Democratic Jerry Brown who won the election for Governor of California on Tuesday. Six other Indian-Americans, all Democrats, bit the dust in the face of an anti-establishment vote. A record half-dozen Indian Americans - all Democrats - mounted runs 2010 for the House of Representatives. Five of them lost Tuesday in districts in California, Kansas, Louisiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The sixth, hedge fund lawyer Reshma Saujani lost in her primary challenge to nine-term Representative Carolyn Maloney in New York, but has vowed to run again in 2012. Amerish “Ami” Bera, 45, a physician and medical school administrator was trailing to sitting Republican Congressman Dan Lungren in his California district despite raising more money than his rival. Lawyer and State Representative,
Raj Goyle, 35, of Wichita, Kansas conceded defeat to Republican Mike Pompeo who had received 59 per cent votes to Goyle’s 36 per cent half way through the count. Attorney Ravi Sangisetty, 28, of Houma, Louisiana, lost to Republican Jeff Landry of New Iberia, who won 64 per cent of the vote. So did Manan Trivedi, a former Navy surgeon who served in the Iraq war as an officer in a unit which experienced the first war casualty, after posing a tough challenge to four time Representative Jim Gerlach in Pennsylvania’s 6th District. Surya Yalamanchili, 28, a Procter & Gamble marketing executive in eastern Cincinnati, with just 34 per cent votes failed to dislodge Republican Jean Schmidt (59 per cent) seeking her third full term in Congress. Only a couple of Indian-Americans have been elected to date to US Congress. The first was threeterm Representative Dalip Singh Saund, who won back in 1956.
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spirited, Festive deepavali Bazaar at sri meenakshi Temple
MTS and Pearland officials inaugurate the bazaar. Patrons shopping for decorations.
By Kalyani Giri PEARLAND: In Hindu culture, the temple is the heart of the community. The hallowed grounds offer a sanctuary for communing with the gods, for silent introspection, and for gathering to celebrate festive days with pomp and revelry. As one of the oldest temples in this city, the Sri Meenakshi Temple Society (MTS) in Pearland has grown and evolved over more than three decades in existence, and distinguished itself as the hub of spiritual and cultural traditions. A popular crowd-puller is the annual Deepavali Bazaar. Held this year on October 30, 2010, a week before Deepavali, the all-day event coordinated by MTS Joint Treasurer Parthiban Dhanabalan attracted several thousands of devotees and guests. The day began auspiciously with a special prayer to Goddess Lakshmi at the main temple. At the Kalyana Mandapam, the Mayor
of Pearland Tom Reid and Erin Asprec, CEO of Memorial Herman Hospital, were welcomed by the Chairman of MTS, Dr. Gopalakrishna and MTS Board Members; Mayor Reid inaugurated the 15th Annual Health Fair. Dr. Vaduganathan, Chief of StaffElect at the Memorial Hermann South East hospital system, coordinated with Health Fair units to provide free health check-ups to the community; experts in their fields such as Dr.Vaduganathan, Dr. Jay Patel, Dr. Hema Salvady, Dr. Giridhar Kalamangalam, Bhavani Iyer, Dr. Dorairajan, Ganesh Rajamani, Dr. Nalinakshi Rangala, to name a few, manned the health care booths and conducted blood tests, vision screening, dental and general medical check-ups, yoga and Ayurvedic advice, urology tests, women wellness clinics. Participating institutes included Memorial Herman South East Hospital, Kindred Hospital and
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Cornerstone Hospital. Simultaneously at the MTS Youth Center and multi-purpose hall, vendor booths were set up and offered a plethora of wares, such as sarees, scarves, handbags, art and all manner of wearable art, jewelry, books on philosophy and religion, and CDs of devotional music and discourses. In front of the main temple under a colorful canopy, Roopa Bala and K. R. Thiagarajan headed an ever-changing landscape of volunteers selling pooja items, and the sanctified sarees and dhothis that had previously adorned the resident gods at MTS. At around 4.00pm, the stall had sold over $5000 of merchandise. The food booths lining the outer wall of the temple in the popular ilk of Udipi, Madras Pavilion, Chutneys, Heritage India, Dhakshin, Abhiruchi, Mayuri, and Annam, all did brisk business offering a diverse array of freshly prepared
Brisk Sales at jewelery stall.
and aromatic foods. MTS Food Committee Coordinator Malar Narayanan and volunteer Sheila Sriram manned the MTS booth and doled out delicious buttermilk, rose-flavored milk and pizza. During the afternoon, the MTS Cultural Committee headed by eminent classical dance guru Dr. Rathna Kumar held an art competition for the children. Priya Chandru, one of the teachers of the Vedic Heritage School, coordinated the contest. Other fun events included a magic show by guest magician Bruce Chadwick, a kolam competition, rock climbing, and a dance program. This year, the temple could not secure a permit for the muchanticipated fireworks display. Tupil Narasiman, Vice Chairman of MTS, who has been in charge of the fireworks for many years said that many young kids were disappointed when the fireworks had to be cancelled, as there was a
Photos by Krishna Giri.
burn ban owing to extremely dry weather. To counter that, the MTS officials brought out the Ratham, the ceremonial chariot. Gloriously decorated and bearing the Goddess Lakshmi the Ratham circumambulated the temple in a grand procession to the spirited beat of the Chenda, a cylindrical drum from Kerala. Later in the night, revelers lingered and participated in the garba dance to music rendered by Hemant and Dipti Dave. For more information on MTS, visit www.meenakshi.org. Indo-American News (ISSN 887-5936) is published weekly on every Friday (for a subscription price of $30 per year) by Indo-American News Inc., 7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, Texas 77036, Tel: 713-789-6397, Fax: 713-789-6399, Email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Indo-American News, 7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, Texas 77036.
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Durga Puja Celebrated at Vedanta Society of Greater Houston HOUSTON: Vedanta Society of Greater Houston (VSGH) celebrated Durga Puja on Saturday, October 9 at 14809 Lindita St, (a small street off Hwy 6 between Empanada & Beechnut) on a plot of land where a new temple project is well under way. This is the second year that such an “open-air” Durga Puja has been performed by VSGH, after the success of Bhumi Puja and Durga Puja performed in 2009. Thus, a new trend has been created, giving the local Indian community some nostalgic memories of such worships in India, especially in Calcutta. The puja pandal was filled with over 300 visitors, who enjoyed the puja performed in Belur Math tradition. Each visiting family was welcomed with a gift of the VSGH souvenir, a classic style magazine created by VSGH devotees for this celebration. Keeping the tradition of Belur Math, the puja activities were kept strictly on schedule. With much pomp, Mother Durga’s image arrived at 7:30 AM, to the accompaniment of a “Dhaki” beating on the drum, and the traditional welcoming Agamani songs for the
Mother sung by enthusiastic women devotees. A group of men carried Mother’s image, beautifully sculpted image brought from India last year, to the well-decorated puja dais. The puja started at 9:20 am, as per schedule. Swami Sarvadevanandaji, Asst. Minister of Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood, performed the worship in the Ramakrishna Math Tradition. Dr. Amrit Achariji was the tantradhar or pujari’s helper. Dr. Bishnupada Goswamiji, the head priest of Houston Dur-
gabari did the Chandi Path, or the hymns on Mother Durga A group of singers from VSGH, along with children from Swaralayam Arts Forum, and Houston Durga Bari Society entertained the audience with puja hymns and devotional songs in praise of Mother Durga during the worship. Swami Sarvadevanandaji, with assistance from Dr. Achariji and Dr. Goswamiji, conducted an elaborate 16item worship of Mother Durga after worshipping the holy trinity of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda. Boxed
(fruits & sweets) Prasad was distributed, after the main worship. After the Arati, the flower offering, Pushpanjali, was conducted by all the devotees at around 1 PM. Following this, a sumptuous lunch prasad catered by Gourmet India was served to the devotees. After the main worship, a fire ceremony, Homa , was conducted by Swami Sarvadevanandaji along with Dr. Achariji and Dr Goswamiji, until about 3:30 PM. After conclusion of this ceremony, many devotees and volunteers joined Swami Sarvadevanandaji, who had fasted since the morning for the worship without drinking even a drop of water, for the delicious lunch prasad. This event also helps to raise some funds for VSGH to enable them to complete their planned new temple. This year’s celebration helped to raise about $76,000 in donations and pledges. VSGH still needs additional funds to complete the building by next year. Currently, the detailed drawings for the building construction have been completed and the permitting process is underway. Bids for construction from different builders
are being evaluated. Vedanta Society of Greater Houston is a spiritual non-profit organization founded in 2003. The aim of the society is to spread the message of Vedanta, as practiced and propagated by Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda. With this aim, the society conducts regular weekly classes and arranges retreats and lectures by Swamis of Ramakrishna Math Centers from all over the world. The next major event planned by the society is the worship of Mother Kali by Swami Atmajnanandaji, from Vedanta Society of Washington D.C.. This worship is planned on November 5, 2010 at 5906 Cypress Street. The Swami will speak on “Divine Mother” on November 4 at 7:30 PM, and will hold a retreat on “Dive Deep O, Mind” on November 6 from 10:30 AM to 5 PM, and will also speak on “Focusing the Mind” on November 7 at 10:30 AM. Details of this and other programs can be found on the society’s website at www.houstonvednata.org, or by calling Swapna Chaudhuri at (281) 584-0488.
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IAcA cAn cA An Promotes Breast cancer Awareness in the Indian American community By Mitali Paul HOUSTON: October was breast cancer awareness month. To promote education and awareness in the Indian American community, on Saturday October 23, IACAN invited a panel of speakers to India House for a session on “The Epidemic of Breast Cancer- What Everyone Should Know”. Melanie Fitzpatrick with the Susan G. Ko-
ment options for prevention of recurrence, treatment of disease that has spread to distant organs, and treatment of large tumors to reduce their size. Dr. Bass helped us understand the surgical aspects of managing breast cancer. She walked us through the decision matrix that patients have to go through with their healthcare team in determining the right
Panel of speakers at the Breast Cancer Awareness Session held at India House on October 23
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men Foundation and Dr. Edgardo Rivera Chief of Breast Medical Oncology Section, Dr. Barbara L Bass - Chair of Department of Surgery, and Dr. Bin Teh - Professor and Vice Chair, Radiation Oncology from The Methodist Hospital were the speakers. Gayathri Kongovi, president of IACAN kick started the afternoon by welcoming the attendees. Melanie Fitzpatrick then shared some interesting facts about breast cancer like 1 in 8 women and 1 in 100 men will have breast cancer in their lifetime. She explained the anatomy of the breast, changes it undergoes during a normal life cycle and coached the attendees on how to perform breast self exams and recognize suspicious changes. Her key message was - know your risks, get screened, know what is normal for you, and make healthy lifestyle choices. It was heartening to learn that even though the overall incidence of breast cancer continues to rise, more cases are being diagnosed at earlier stages and hence the chances of accessing appropriate treatment and survival has been increasing. Sunil Krishnan, vice president of IACAN then introduced the physician speakers. Dr. Rivera started his session with talking to us about the diagnosis and medical management of the disease. He shared his insights about denial and inadequate knowledge being the biggest impediments patients face in accessing timely care. He introduced us to the various types and stages of breast cancer, the risk factors, and the increasing treat-
treatment options. She shared with us advances in breast reconstruction surgery and how it can be integrated in the normal treatment process. Dr. Teh then addressed the role of radiation therapy in the management of breast cancer, at early stages, more advanced stages, and when it has spread to distant organs. He shared with us some of the latest technological advances in radiation therapy and treatment protocols. He highlighted the increased use of lumpectomy (removing only the part of the breast containing the tumor) compared to mastectomy (complete removal of the breast) and attributed this to the increasing awareness of breast conservation therapy as a safe and effective option. An unknown author once said “We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails”. Hopefully, listening to all the speakers made the attendees think about their health and realize that knowledge and awareness plays a very important role in our well being. It is one of IACAN’s goals to promote awareness of cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment options in the community and October 23rd was yet another great opportunity to hear from experts in this field. If you would like to learn more about our organization, services we offer, and other upcoming events and activities, please visit our website at www.iacannetwork.org or contact us via email iacannetwork@gmail. com or via our helpline 713/ 370-3489.
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Indo American News • Friday, November 05 , 2010
CRY Walkathon – Sky’s the Limit!
HOUSTON: On Saturday October 23, CRY America’s Houston Action Center hosted a ‘Couch to Ouch’ 5K Walk/Marathon. The walk commenced at 9 AM, with enthusiastic participants donning their CRY t-shirts emblazoned with the slogan: “A time will come… All Children Will Have Equal Opportunities to Learn Grow and Play…We believe it will”. Colorful tables
Café. Chef Sunil Srivastava was present on the location to present his delectable cuisine to volunteers and participants. The walk concluded by a round of group photos of the CRY Team comprised of: Dharam Bali, Minakshi Bali, Aashish Malhotra, Sonal Shukla, Swati Sachdev, Ashok Pruthi, along with regular volunteers to the cause. On behalf of the CRY team we
Seated(from left): Gyan, Shreya, and Sonal Shukla, Lekshmi Radhakrishnan, and Ashok Pruthi. Standing (from left): Dharam Bali, Aashish Malhotra, Swati Sachdev, Minakshi Bali, and Nitin Mehr
were set up for registration, children’s activities, and food along the trail. Friendly volunteers greeted participants at the entrance of the park and at the half way point. In Sugarland’s landmark Oyster Creek Park and Trail - with absolutely gorgeous weather to encourage them, around 125 participants and organizers had the action going for 5 straight hours. DJ Nitin Mehra piped Music from Indian Ocean and other hybrid rhythms flowed through the speakers, providing an entertaining mosaic of sounds. Breakfast and water was provided to the participants at the onset of the walk. Participants who completed the walk had the opportunity to attend lectures on Nutrition and Wellbeing by Doctors’ Kota Reddy and Sangeeta Saikia. Participants were able to ask questions related to their specific nutritional needs and health conditions. The information sessions were followed by lunch sponsored by The Great W’Kana
would like to thank and congratulate all the participants and winners of the various events, donors, families, who supported the CRY cause by walking/running. We are especially grateful to our wonderful team of volunteers, and those members who donated their time and resources to making the event a success. Thank you! The Houston Walkathon brought to a close the National CRY Walkathon season which was heartily supported by ZeeTV. We thank our local businesses – AGLA, India Jewelers, and The Great W’Kana Café, for their generous financial and material support for the event. 2010 was a good start for the proposed annual CRY Walkathon event in Houston. As support and donations grow – Sky’s the limit! For those interested in donating to or volunteering with the Cry America - Houston Action Center, visit our website: www. america.cry.org or add us as a friend on Facebook. Join us and participate in propagating the cause of Child Rights!
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stoRy of MahatMa Gandhi Gandhi Fights British Attempt to divide Hindus
Early in 1932 Gandhi wanted to meet the new Viceroy, Lord Willlingdon, but the Viceroy made it clear that the days of negotiations were over. Gandhi informed the authorities that he was again starting a civil disobedience movement. The Viceroy thought it was a threat and had Gandhi arrested and lodged in Yeravada Central Jail. Several other leaders and many followers of Gandhi were also arrested and jailed. Now read on: At home Gandhi found that the Government had returned to the policy of repression. There were widespread arrests and the Government seized the properties and bank balances of people and organizations who were hostile to their interests. Early in 1932 Gandhi wanted to meet the new Viceroy, Lord Willingdon, but the Viceroy made it clear that the days of negotiation were over. Gandhi informed the authorities that he was again starting a civil disobedience campaign. The Viceroy thought it was a threat. He had Gandhi arrested and imprisoned in Yeravda Central Jail. Several other leaders and many of Gandhi’s followers were also arrested and sent to jail. In March the struggle entered a new phase. Gandhi had always insisted that the untouchables were a part of the Hindus and must be treated as Hindus. Now, however, it was announced that the British proposed to set up separate voting for the untouchables. That meant that untouchables could vote only for members of their own caste. Gandhi regarded the Hindu religion as one and indivisible. He saw the game the British were playing. It was an attempt to weaken Hindu society. “Separate treatment of untouchables cannot be allowed,” Gandhi declared. “Here is an attempt to make untouchability last forever. Unless untouchability is destroyed we can never have selfgovernment.” “But what can you do about this election law now?” asked a friend. “I can die,” was his prompt reply. “I will resist this evil provision with my life.” Gandhi announced that he would soon start a fast unto death unless the plan for separate electorates was changed. The public announcement of his intention threw the country into panic. The Indian leaders were shocked at Gandhi’s decision. Even Jawaharlal Nehru thought that Gandhi was taking a drastic step on a side issue. During the time between the announcement and the day when Gandhi’s fast was to begin, streams of visitors arrived at Yeravada jail. The authorities, anxious to avoid any tragedy, allowed everyone to have free access to Gandhi. But all efforts to dissuade him from fasting unto death were of no avail. The die was cast. Gandhi was go-
tance to the government’s policy of repression. For the next seven years, Gandhi worked hard for the social and spiritual awakening of the people. Many leaders, including Nehru, did not approve of many of Gandhi’s activities. “But,” said Nehru, “how can I presume to advise a magician?” Sabarmati Ashram had been seized by the government during the salt satyagraha. SO Gandhi established a little retreat at Sevagram near Wardha in Maharashtra. This became his headquarters. New reforms sponsored by the government got little support from the people. However, many people, including Congress workers, wanted to try them out as a means of furthering the Swaraj movement. In 1939, the Second World War broke out. England and France declared was on Nazi Germany. Without consulting Indian leaders, Britain declared India also to be at war on the side of the allies. Though Gandhi’s sympathies lay with the British, he believed that all violence was evil and therefore he would have nothing to do with the war effort. The Indian National Congress wanted to help Britain and fight on the side of the allies, but only as a free nation. But to grant India independence seemed ridiculous to Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his government. They had no intention of letting India go by default. Britain refused to accept the cooperation offered by the Congress. As a protest, all the Congress ministries in the provinces resigned. The government took over the administration and they too all measures that would help the was effort. Acting on the goodwill and restraint taught by Gandhi, the Indian leaders showed no reaction. However, events in Europe were having repercussions in India. The Congress Working Committee found itself unable to accept in its entirety Gandhi’s attitude to the war. In particular, they would not accept his view that the defence of India should not depend on the armed forces. Congress leaders met several times in Gandhi’s room at Sevagram and talked of their desire to start some action. Finally a proposal was put forward that all provincial governments should join with the British authorities in the defence of India, but the British rejected the offer.
ing to fast. Rabindranath Tagore sent a telegram: “It is worth sacrificing precious life for the sake of India’s unity and her social integrity. Our sorrowing hearts will follow your sublime penance with reverence and love.” Gandhi started his fast on September 20, 1932. The first day of the fast was observed all over India as a day of prayer and fasting. Many temples were opened to untouchables and meetings were held all over India urging the removal of untouchability. Outside the jail political activity came to a boil. Leaders of upper case Hindus and untouchables met and discussed various measures to try to arrive at a compromise that would satisfy Gandhi. Proposals and counterproposals were made and considered. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the most powerful leader of the untouchables, met Gandhi and assured him that he would try his best to find a just solution. On the third day of the fast, Gandhi’s condition caused anxiety to all his friends. He was very weak and had to be carried to bathroom on a stretcher. His voice was feeble, his blood pressure was rising. The authorities grew panicky. They sent for Kasturba and allowed all his friends and followers to be with him in jail. On the fifth day of the fast, Hindu leaders finally reached an agreement and signed a pact that would do away with the separate electorates. Gandhi, however, would not accept the pact unless it had been ratified by the British rulers. News came that the British had approved the pact; but still Gandhi would not break his fast until he had seen the text of the approval. The official document of the British government’s approval to the pact came and Gandhi accepted it. Gandhi was released from prison in early 1933. ShortWriters are requested to limit their words to ly thereafter he sus500 The deadline for advertising and articles pended the mass civil is 5 pm on Tuesday of each week. For more disobedience moveinformation, Call 713-789-6397 or email us at: ment but sanctioned indoamericannews@yahoo.com individual civil resis-
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Indo American News • Friday, November 05 , 2010
Book on s south Indian Paintings Authoritative, Luminous with Prodigious narratives
By Kalyani Giri HOUSTON: As a young child growing up in Italy, Dr. Anna L. Dallapiccola was quite unintentionally exposed to the vibrancy of India through pictures in a book. Her curiosity was piqued, when ill and confined to bed for a few weeks, she paged through a library book her mother had brought in and saw towering temples hewn intricately of rock, adorned temple elephants, women in richly-hued sarees and gleaming gems, and streets milling with people. So entranced was she by this faraway land, that it became an obsession to see India and to inhale and revel in its venerable culture and ancient traditions. And so began Dr. Dalapiccola’s lifelong romance with India that formed the bedrock of her vocation as a globally renowned art historian, teacher, and author of several groundbreaking books on Indian art. Dr. Dallapiccola’s latest opus, South Indian Paintings – A Catalogue of the British Museum Collection, published and released by the British Museum Press, is not a mere colorful coffee table centerpiece; rather, it is a scholarly and magnificent treatise by an authority in her field, one so enamored with India that it glows luminously through her words. A veritable treasure trove, the British Museum is home to more than 1,000 South Indian paintings in a diverse range of themes, genres, and techniques from the early eighteenth to the twentieth century. Hindu mythology, the gods, temples, nature, castes, occupations, history, painted narratives such as the unusual cotton painted scrolls of Telangana, and all have found purchase in the book. Dr. Dallapiccola’s book is the
first in the history of the British Museum to catalogue the entire collection of South Indian paintings with 250 of the most significant pieces reproduced strikingly in color. Every chapter/ section in the book begins with a short but intensely eloquent discussion about the styles employed, and the visual imagery and its symbolism and interpretation, and every piece of art has been so meticulously studied and described, that the book can be perused and relished by Dr. Anna L. Dallapiccola scholars and students with equal and delight in details that one may ease. Leafing through the pages have missed but for her gentle of this book, one is transported prodding. No stranger to Houston, Dr. Dallapiccola has been convener and facilitator at the annual Indian art conferences held at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston for several years, as the guest of the founder/ director of the conference, Vatsa Kumar. Her ease with South Indian languages and her vast knowledge has garnered her af affection and celebrity locally. A frequent visitor to India on research excursions, Dr. Dallapiccola is based in Edinburgh. She has a Ph.D in Indian Art History, and a Habilitation (D.Litt.) from University of Heidelberg, Germany. Formerly a Professor of Indian Art at the South Asia Institute of Heidelberg, she was appointed Honorary Professor at Edinburgh University in 1991, and has regularly lecback in tured at the School of Oriental and time to the lives of those unknown African Studies, London. She paryet extraordinary artists whose ticipated in the Vijayanagara Relegacy remains indelibly tangible search Project from 1984 to 2001 through the stories they told so writing mainly on sculpture and sumptuously through pigment and iconography. Her monograph The ink. One such outstanding paint- Great Platform at Vijayanagara ing on paper is Shiva, Vishnu and will be released later this year. At Brahma hold court (cat. 12.7), present she is involved in two conpurchased for the museum through current research programs, one in the Brooke Sewell Permanent India regarding the art of the ViFund. The piece, circa 1860-80, jayanagara successor states, and depicts a large palace setting with the cataloguing of the kalamkaris the three gods and their consorts in the Victoria and Albert Museated on thrones beneath three seum. Dr. Dallapiccola’s previous arches. There are dancing girls and books include Indian Art in Detail, musicians and deities; the energy and Indian Love Poetry. in the painting is infectious. Dr. South Indian Paintings is avail availDallapiccola’s prodigious narrative draws the untrained eye to see able at www.amazon.com.
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Darshan Soni Appointed as New VP of Development for SEWA International Darshan Soni from Indianapolis, IN, has been appointed vice president of development for Sewa International in the US, a nonprofit, Hindu faith-based nonprofit service organization. Soni will be based in Washington D.C. and will focus on chapter and volunteer development and liaising with federal relief agencies Soni, completed high school in Elkhart, IN from Elkhart Central High School and then attended Purdue University. After completing his Industrial Engineering degree in 2003 there, he worked in the automotive industry as a Continuous Improvement and Quality Engineer before volunteering full time for one year in 2006 at a community service oriented nonprofit. For the last three years, he has lived in Indianapolis, IN while actively involved in youth and community projects. He is a certified Yoga Instructor as well as has traveled extensively covering 14 states of India to visit Sewa projects focusing on healthcare, education, microfinance and Rural Development. “Darshan Soni is an outstanding and timely addition to the Sewa National Team during a period of unprecedented growth” said Sree Sreenath, President, Sewa International, and a Professor at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. About Sewa International With its mission to help humanity in distress, and serve local communities by promoting volunteerism, Sewa In-
Darshan Soni , VP Development, Sewa USA
ternational is in 15 countries including Australia, Canada, Caribbean, Malaysia, New Zealand, UK, and USA, and manages 165,000 projects worldwide in education, healthcare, environment, child welfare, women empowerment, and disaster relief and rehabilitation. Sewa workers are volunteers who are high-tech/ IT professionals, doctors, scientists, professors, social workers, attorneys, business people, and, students. Sewa chapters in the US are involved in Diwali Food Drives, Thanksgiving soup kitchens, and, MS 150 and Cancer Drives. Sewa International also offers a competitive high visibility summer volunteer internships through community service projects in India, Caribbean, and USA through its Yuva for Sewa program - a unique opportunity for college students and recent college graduates to change the world.
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Point
Win First, Host Later
With only 12 days to go before the Olympic Council of Asia meets to announce the bidders for the 2019 and 2023 Asian Games, it would be extremely unwise for the government to approve an Indian bid. As it is, the recent Commonwealth Games in Delhi, which may have been a success from the point of view of sport, have severely dented India’s image. India has already slipped three places in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index for 2010. Given that the Asian Games is a much larger event with many more sporting disciplines, ramming through a bid at the eleventh hour is a sure recipe for disaster. Going ahead with the bid without doing a proper feasibility study - as is the case - will once again leave the door wide open for shady contractors and middlemen to swoop. It is imperative that we extricate ourselves from the culture of ad hocism, giving approvals first and asking questions later. The assertion by the votaries of a bid that hosting the Asian Games will give a further push to infrastructure development is vacuous. India needs infrastructure development everywhere, not just in one city. It also needs to focus on developing the nation as a sporting power. Despite their exemplary performance in the Commonwealth Games, many of our athletes are still without sponsors and endorsements. These are issues that need greater attention. For that we need to build quality sports facilities at the grassroots, while reforming our sports bodies to make them merit- rather than patronage-oriented. Unless we are able to carry out these reforms, merely hosting international sports events is meaningless. Without denying that the Commonwealth Games has created a positive legacy as well by indicating the emergence of India
Counterpoint
Hosting Leads to Winning It is extremely unfortunate that the IOA’s bid for the 2019 and 2023 Asian Games is being opposed. Sceptics base their argument on corruption and the shoddy preparation in the recently concluded Delhi Commonwealth Games. But, does that justify their opposition? At the heart of such opposition is the failure to view the two issues as separate. Despite all the controversies, the Delhi Games have created world-class sports infrastructure in the capital. With a tally of over a hundred medals including 37 golds, our sportspersons have emerged as the ultimate winners. Given ample proof of the sporting talent available in the country, we need to build on it. And the best way forward is to organise mega sports events like the Asian Games and the Olympics at regular intervals in the country. Times of India
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How to Root Out Corruption By Arvind Kejriwal The prime minister has announced the Shunglu committee to inquire into corruption in Commonwealth Games projects. But the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), income tax department, Enforcement Directorate (ED), CBI and the like are already making inquiries. Has the prime minister lost faith in these agencies? If so, it is not surprising. Let us look at the state of the ongoing inquiries so far. The CVC is looking into just about 18 contracts or so, when there are, in fact, thousands of contracts. With the range of politicians facing allegations, the CBI can hardly be trusted to do an honest investigation as it is directly under the government and takes its orders from the same set of politicians. The ED is looking only into foreign exchangerelated matters such as controversies surrounding the Queen’s baton. One is not sure of the ambit of the CAG’s inquiries but both the CAG and the CVC do not have the jurisdiction or powers to investigate the role of politicians. So, effectively, politicians are not in the ambit of any ongoing inquiries. And so the prime minister has decided to set up the Shunglu committee. But the prescription seems to be worse than the disease. The committee neither has powers nor the jurisdiction to conduct the most basic inquiries. Forget politicians, it does not even have the powers to call for records from a clerk. Agencies like the CVC and CAG draw their powers from various laws. Yet, they find it so difficult to get their orders implemented because of an obdurate and corrupt government machinery. Under what law would the Shunglu committee be able to have its orders implemented? It would be foolhardy to believe that the bureaucracy would oblige just because the committee has been appointed by the prime minister. The committee basically seems an eyewash meant to silence strong criticism in the media and to show that the government is taking action. The money made from the Games
The present anticorruption laws and systems in India suffer from internal contradictions. There is a plethora of anti-corruption agencies. In each of these agencies, the government has deliberately left some critical loophole so as to make it ineffective. is believed to have travelled right to the top. None of the investigating bodies have the mandate to question Sheila Dikshit or Suresh Kalmadi or Jaipal Reddy. All these agencies will merely be concentrating on tenders and papers and questioning up to middle-level officers who were merely conduits and doing the bidding of their political masters. I would sincerely urge V K Shunglu not to tarnish his reputation by colluding with the government in this cover-up operation. The Games and the 2G spectrum allocation have raised the issue of corruption to a pitch that has never happened before. The government is under pressure. However, rather than be fooled by steps such as the appointment of the Shunglu committee, it is time that we demanded comprehensive and effective anti-corruption systems and laws. The present anti-corruption laws and systems in our country suffer from internal contradictions. There is a plethora of anti-corruption agencies. In each of these agencies, the government has deliberately left some critical loophole so as to make it ineffective. For instance, the CVC is an independent body but does not have the power to take any action. It
is merely an advisory body. Plus, it does not have jurisdiction over politicians. The CBI has the power but does not seem independent. It is directly controlled by the government. Also, it needs the government’s permission to initiate investigations and to launch prosecution in any case. The government has announced the setting up of yet another agency called the Lokpal by December. Again, the government is playing dirty. According to its proposal, the Lokpal would have jurisdiction over politicians but not bureaucrats, as if the two indulge in corruption separately. So, almost every case will be investigated by both the CVC and the Lokpal; the former will look into the role of bureaucrats and the latter will look into the role of politicians. The obvious question is, why can’t the same agency investigate both? And the most interesting part is that even the Lokpal is being made an advisory body. It would merely recommend to the government to initiate prosecution against, say, some of its ministers. Is it likely the government would ever do that? It is time that the media focused on the critical issues afflicting our anticorruption systems. Let the media say that unless these deficiencies are addressed, no agency is capable of doing an honest and effective investigation. All of them should be merged into one single agency, the Lokpal. Give it jurisdiction over both bureaucrats and politicians. Give it comprehensive powers to investigate and prosecute the guilty without needing any permission. But the functioning of the Lokpal should be completely transparent so that it does not become a centre of corruption. Lokpal members should also be appointed through a transparent and participatory process, lest it become a tool in the hands of some political party. Let the government first set up such a Lokpal and then hand over the CWG and 2G spectrum cases to it. Only that will yield effective results. Else, these issues will merely cause cacophony in the media with the outcome already known. TOI
IndoAmerican News Founder: Dr. K.L. Sindwani Editor: Pramod Kulkarni Business Manager: Jawahar Malhotra Marketing Manager: Krishna Giri Community Reporter: Kalyani Giri Community Editor: Manasi Gokhale Administrative Manager: Vanshika Vipin Marketing & Food Reporter: Jacob David Production Manager: Hussain Mandviwala correspondents Chicago: Nand Kapoor ®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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Bhangra Empire Headlines Successful IAF Diwali Gala
HOUSTON: Indo American Forum of Fort Bend hosted its seventh annual Diwali Gala on Friday, October 29 at Safari Texas Ranch in the main ballroom. The theme this year was “Celebration of Punjab” and featured performances by awardwinning Bhangra Empire group from California. The sold-out event started with a social hour where the guest mingled, enjoyed drinks and refreshments. A professional studio was set up to take pictures of the guests ready to picked up at the end of the event. A crosssection of the community as well as local guests were seen enjoying the decorations, ambience and fellowship. Guests included US congressman Pete Olson, Fort Bend County Commissioners Patterson and Meyers and many others. The program started off with an invocation dance by Sanjana Jhaveri and lamp (diya) lighting by special guests, Hon. US Congressman Pete Olson and Nancy Olson. The program included a presentation of $10,000 check by IAF Chairman, Harish Jajoo to Child Advocates of Fort Bend. CAFB is a well received charity whose sole mission is to be the voice of abused and neglected children. Jim Shaw from Child Advocates accepted the check and thanked IAF for their support. The key entertainment of the evening, performances by Bhangra Empire rocked the place and, was a big hit with all 500 guests. The performers gave two sizzling performances and thrilled the guests with their passionate and acrobatic moves. Bhangra Empire group, after placing first at seven local and national competitions, they were invited by White House to perform at President Obama’s first state dinner honoring Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur last year. Ear-
Diwali revelers gather for a group picture. Photo: Bijay Dixit
lier this month, First Lady Michelle Obama picked them as one of the top 10 talents in America and invited them back to White House for a photo shoot. The guests danced the night away in the company of Bhangra Empire performers. The evening was underwritten by Vipul and Geeta Anand of Versatile Applications and Jugal and Raj Malani of Unique Industrial Products. The Gala was
chaired and emceed by IAF board member, Rick Pal. About IAF IAF is the premier organization in Fort Bend area that represents the growing Indian community. The focus is to encourage and promote participation in social, cultural and civic affairs to ensure a better future for the next generation of Indo-Americans. For more information, visit www. indoamericanforum.org.
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Sreepadam’s “Rasa Darpanam” Raises Funds for a Haitian Orphanage HOUSTON: On October 23, a full capacity audience at the Stafford Civic Center celebrated the seventh anniversary of Sreepadam School of Arts with “Rasa Darpanam - Reflections of Celestial Emotions.” The proceeds of the program benefitted “Embracing the World,” an Indianbased UN recognized charity providing educational, social, medical, and vocational services towards disaster relief. The acclaimed film & dance artist - Divya Unni - and over 150 students from Sreepadam School of
Photos: Reflection Media
Compassionate Devi blesses Abhirama
“Southern Rhythms” - a Semi-Classical Presentation
Arts, in beautifully colored groups representing India’s rivers, presented a classical dance drama. The drama portrayed the “Navarasas” - or nine human emotions - seen in memorable celestial moments. Each item presented two of the “rasas” as a duality, that represent both the greatest weakness and strength of humanity. Taken as a whole, the drama portrayed how the “Navarasas” define the human experience. The presentation also gave tribute to the richness of India’s cultural diversity, with a versatile range of Indian classical dance styles including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam. Emphasing the guru-shishya relationship, the opening item began by invoking the elephant-headed Ganesha, paying tribute to him as the remover of obstacles and the embodiment of wisdom. The item segued into the Annapurna stotram, which is a prayer to the goddess for food and shelter for all beings. The item concluded with a Shiva thandava
stotram, describing various qualities of the cosmic lord of dance. The item “SRINGARAM & HASYAM” (Love & Sarcasm) focused on events of Sri Krishna’s life. In the “Sringaram” portion, the artists presented moments with Sri Krishna’s beloved Gopis in Vrindavan, where love overflowed in the hearts of his true devotees. In the “Hasyam” portion, the court of the Kauravas from the Mahabharatha - the scene of Draupathi’s attempted humiliation, was recreated. Presenting the divine consequences of sin, the artists demonstrated the divine intervention of Sri Krishna, who overwhelmed and humiliated Dushasanan with neverending cloth. “BHEEBHATSAM & ADBHUTAM” (Disgust & Wonder) portrayed the character of Vasavadatta who possessed wealth and immense beauty, but strayed onto a lustful path of greed as a seductress. After murdering a jealous lover, Vasavadatta is punished by mutilation due to a court order. The
buddhist monk - Upadguptan - comes to her aid at a time when her appearance fills the public with disgust, teaching her the Truth of her divine inner beauty. In “KARUNAM & ROUDRAM” (Compassion & Anger), the artists depicted the story of Abhirama Bhattar, a loyal devotee of Shakthi. Although the King spitefully sentenced the priest to death if the moon does not appear, the Goddess compassionately rewarded her devotee by
removing her earring & sending it into the sky - shining bright as the moon. In the “Roudram” portion, Kali’s destruction of the demon Darika presented the Roudra bhava at its peak. In a fearsome display, Kali defeated the demon by drinking every drop of blood, preventing any from spilling upon the ground. “VEERA & BHAYAANAKAM” (Courage & Fear) presented Jesus Christ as a living example of courage. At the Last Supper, foreseeing his crucification and betrayal by the disciple Judas, Jesus courageously accepted his gruesome fate, a divine sacrifice for mankind. Possessed by guilt for betraying Jesus, Judas realized the depth of his sin. The artists then showed how his immense fear led to his eventual suicide. Finally, “SHAANTAM” (Peace) demonstrated how this bhava brings mankind closest to the divine. Represented by the ocean, the Navarasas (or nine emotions) encompassed a balance of opposites. While seemingly turbulent at the surface, the inner
depth embodied the spiritual calm that is an ultimate human goal. The event concluded with a vibrant second segment - “Rangoli” – a lively & effervescent presentation of a variety of Indian dance styles ranging from semi-classical, folk, to contemporary styles. Items included: “Jalwa,” “Ghoomar,” “Hadippa,” “Southern Rhythms,” “Silambattom,” and “Geethmala.” The medley of memorable songs skillfully incorporated over 150 performers in beautiful costumes and complex formations. With styles of Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, folk, semi-classical, and contemporary choreography, “Rasa Darpanam” gave poignant tribute to the richness and diversity of Indian dance, while serving as a means to bring awareness & support towards the needs of orphaned children in Haiti. Sreepadam is still accepting any contributions towards “Embracing the World.” For more information regarding the charity and the Haitian orphanage, please visit www.embracingtheworld.org.
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Building Bridges of Understanding between East and West at Library
The School Library Book Project gives books that accurately depict Indian Culture to school and public libraries HOUSTON: Hindus have many Gods. Hindu customs and traditions are bizarre. Misunderstandings of Indians and their religious beliefs abound in Western culture. Enter the School Library Book Project—a joint effort between the Indian American Education Foundation (IAEF), Seattle, WA and Atman Press, Columbus, GA. The School Library Book Project’s mission is to present an accurate picture of India’s rich religious and cultural heritage. “Prejudice and bigotry exact a terrible toll on our children and our heritage, but we can change opinions and perceptions for the better with a thoughtful approach,” said Dr. Prem Kumar, Executive Director of IAEF. Giving books that depict India in a favorable light to school and public libraries is the main strategy of the School Library Book Project. Two books have been selected as ambassadors: • India Unveiled by Robert Arnett. India Unveiled has won four national
book awards. • Finders Keepers? by Robert Arnett and illustrated by Smita Turakhia. Winner of five national book awards. In July 2010, Vijay and Marie Goradia of Houston, Texas generously donated India Unveiled and Finders Keepers? to all Greater Houston Metropolitan area public libraries and to many public school libraries. A number of other individuals, organizations, and Indian communities all over US have supported the project. Institutions and individuals can purchase and donate India Unveiled at a special price of $25.00 and Finders Keepers? at $8.00 from Atman Press. Additional discounts from Atman Press are available for quantity donations. Contact Robert Arnett or Smita Turakhia directly at AtmanPress@ gmail.com or at 706-323-6377 to make a donation, or for questions. Visit www.AtmanPress.com for additional information.
Harry Potter Blamed for India’s Owl Crisis NEW DELHI (TOI): Environment minister Jairam Ramesh has blamed fans of Harry Potter for the demise of wild owls in the country as children seek to emulate the boy wizard by taking the birds as pets. The hit b o o k s and films, which are popular in India, feature a snowy owl called Hedwig who is a feathered sidekick for the Potter character and used to deliver mail. “Following Harry Potter, there seems to be a strange fascination even among the urban middle classes for
presenting their children with owls,” Ramesh said on Wednesday, according to comments reported by the BBC. His remarks came as wildlife group Traffic presented a report called “Imperilled Custodians of the Night” which warned about the declining owl population in India. Researchers found that a growing number of owls were being trapped, traded or killed in black magic rituals. Traffic called for tougher measures to protect the bird ahead of Diwali, one of the biggest Hindu festivals, which starts on Friday. It said owls were sometimes sacrificed on auspicious occasions.
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Sri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Celebrates Diwali HOUSTON: The Lakshmi Narayan Mandir of North Houston celebrated Diwali 2010 with a grand cultural show on Saturday night. Amidst the glow of several hundred diyas (clay lamps), and an exquisitely decorated stage, over 250 devotees were entertained with devotional bhajans, instrumental melodies on the harmonium and tabla, classical Indian dances and a reenactment of Shri Ram’s return to Ayodhya. The youth of the Mandir dominated the program with dynamic performances showcasing their talent and knowledge of their culture. Guests were also treated to a traditional Indo-Caribbean dinner consisting of paratha roti, curried chick peas, curried mango, pumpkin, eggplant, spinach, and kheer (sweet rice). The feature address was given by Dr. Kusum Vyas, the founder of the Living Planet Foundationand Gulf of Mannar World Heritage Site campaign. She also serves on the Steering Committee of the Green Pilgrim Cities Initiative. Dr. Vyas commended the West Indian community for preserving and maintaining their traditional Indian culture and beliefs after a 150 year diaspora. She urged the audience to become more environmentally conscious and to recognize the important role that the ecology plays in Hindu scriptures and Indian culture. Dr. Vyas is a frequent visitor to the Mandir, and had previously facilitated the Houston chapter of the worldwide effort “Ringing of Bells for Biodiversity” at the Mandir on September 22nd. The president of the Mandir, Vishnu Ramnarine, distributed tokens of appreciation to the guests, and invited them to participate in the Mandir’s weekly activities. The Lakshmi Narayan Mandir was founded about 20 years ago, and its members are predominantly immigrants of the Indo-Caribbean community from Trinidad & Guyana, although there are also members with roots in India, Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa and Ghana. Devi puja is conducted every Friday night at 7:30pm, and devotional satsang is held every Sunday morning from 10:30am-12:30pm. The Mandir also conducts a monthly Satnarayan Vraat Katha (Full Moon Puja), and observes all major Hindu festivals such as Shiv Raatri, Nav Ratri, Krishna Janamastami, Ganesh
The youth of the mandir dominated the program with dynamic performances showcasing their talent and knowledge of their culture.
Chowth and Hanuman Jayanti. The Mandir is located at 12530 Ann Louise Road, Houston, TX 77086, and can be contacted via email at mandir@lakshminarayan- Devotees were entertained with devotional bhajans, instrumental melodies on the harmonium and tabla, houston.org classical Indian dances and a reenactment of Shri Ram’s return to Ayodhya.
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The Radio Hungama Mela 2010 Celebrates Third Anniversary HOUSTON: Radio Hungama, a popular South Indian telugu radio show celebrated 3rd anniversary with a grand outdoor mela on october 9 on Sri Ashtalakshmi temple grounds. The radio show is on air every sunday 10am to 1pm on KCHNA AM 1050 catering to telugu people everywhere with music, community participation, free give-aways, contests, and games. Both of the previous anniver anniversary celebrations were indoor with more than 900 people attending. This time the team, under the leadership of sridhar dadi, wanted to celebrate an outdoor mela and with a noble cause. Thus took birth “The Hungama Mela 2010” with net proceeds benefiting the Ashtalakshmi temple. More than 2000 people attended the mela. The mela started at 6pm with lamp lighting and puja by Sriman Hanuman Swamy - head priest ofAsthalakshmi temple, Swapan Dhairyawan - President of ICC,Bangar Reddy, Board of Directors of Asthalakshmi temple - Dr.Vijay Sreenarasimhaiah, Dr. Chary Tamirisa and Dr.Renu Tamirisa, Radio Hungama team, Sridhar Dadi, Mani Sastry,Asha Dadi and Advait Dadi. It was a free family event and everyone in the family was occupied. Everybody enjoyed hot tea and yummy mango lassi from Abiruchi, Mayuri and Princess Indian Cuisines. Children had a blast on the moon walks. There were huge queues at the balloon maker arranged by Metlife Insurance. Woman had fun socializing, and flocked to the Roop sarees and Maya’s fashion jewelry booths. Emir Emir-
Dr.Vijay Sreenarasimhaiah,President AsthaLakshmi Temple and Swapan Dhairyawan,ICC President lighting the lamp; Mr.Bangar Reddy, Dr.Chary Tamirisa,Asha Dadi, Lakshmi Medi and Advait Dadi also seen in the picture.
Sridhar Dadi and Mani Sastry introducing Mr. Srinivas, a popular singer to the audience
Crowd enjoying the mela
Sunanda Nair’s group performing a classical dance item
ates airlines was the grand sponsor of the event. Kingfisher airline s gave away two tickets - Delhi-Dubai-Delhi round trip ticket and another ticket to fly anywhere in India and Hema Prasad Maganti of P.Manoharlal Jewelers gave away a beautiful OM diamond pendant.
There were more than 25 vendors of businesses like restaurants, games, clothing, jewelry, insurance and banking catered to attendees interests and kids’ fun activities. Many local dance and music schools gave superb performances during the 6 hour
long evening event. Performers aged between 6 and 25 years enthralled the audience with foot tapping dances and music. The audience enjoyed tollywood, kollywood, bollywood, classical, semi-classical dance per performances from various professional dance groups. The ashtalakshmi temple grounds glimmered with a huge stage, rock concert style sound system, bright
lights and audience seating under stars. This was first outdoor telugu desi event of its kind. The show’s emcees, Sridhar Dadi and Mani Sastry, presented the show in an exciting and pleasant manner. Free entry to the event and free parking were couple of the major reasons for its grand success. Sridhar Dadi and team put on a great event along with the numerous volunteers from Ashtalakshmi temple and community as well. Sridhar thanked the Ashtalakshmi temple board of directors, all the vendors, volunteers and performers for their support of the radio show and the successful mela. For further details contact Sridhar Dadi at 281-217-9736 or houstonradio@yahoo.com.
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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 05 , 2010• ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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Indo American News • Friday, November 05 , 2010
online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
MENU CHANGES DAILY! Seafood • Bar-B-Q • Roast Beef Ribs • Fried Chicken Chicken Fried Steak Enchiladas • Tacos and much more
Vegetarian Menu also available Full Salad Bar and Bakery
Everyday at Dinner Buffet
BUY 2 BUFFET GET 1 FREE* 6200 Bandera San Antonio, TX
T: 210 256 6200
Special Rates for Catering and Office Parties
BUY 1 BUFFET GET 2nd 1/2 OFF* Valid only at Houston and San Antonio Locations
$2 OFF ADULT BUFFET ONLY
9501 S.W Freeway, Houston, TX
T: 713 270 1100
*Not Valid with any other offers • Valid after 4PM • 1 Coupon per person per visit • Expires October 31, 2010 • Drink Purchase Required
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 05 , 2010 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
online edition: www.indoamerican-news.com
Indo American News • Friday, November 05 , 2010
IAPAC at Rick Perry Rally
Members of the Indo American Political Action Committee were at hand to hear Governor Rick Perry deliver a rousing call to vote at the Safari Ranch facility on FM 1464 this past Sunday, October 31.
By Jawahar Malhotra SUGAR LAND: At a rally held by the Fort Bend Republican Party last Sunday, October 31 just two days before the mid-term elections, nearly 20 members of the Indo American Political Action Committee were at hand to hear Governor Rick Perry deliver a rousing call to vote to those gathered. The rally was held at the Safari Ranch facility on FM 1464, just south of West Airport Blvd on the edge of Harris County and was attended by about 150 people who came for a glimpse of the Governor and his wife Anita. Among those in attendance were other candidates running for office
or re-election, like Congressman Pete Olson who introduced. (Since the event, both Perry and Olson were handily re-elected in the Tuesday elections) Prior to coming out to address the audience, Perry met in seclusion with other supporters in a room off to the back of the Lodge. This meeting with Perry was in keeping with the IAPAC’s strategy to develop familiarity with all the political candidates and office-holders in the Greater Houston area. In September, IAPAC also held a similar function for former Houston Mayor Bill White and Democratic Gubernatorial candidate at India House.
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 05 , 2010• ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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Indo American News • Friday, November 05 , 2010
ONLINE EDITION: www.indoamerican-news.com
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 05 , 2010 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM