Indo-American News: April 24, 2026

Pratham Houston Gala 2026 : Learning Without Limits

Houston: The Pratham Houston Gala 2026 lit up the city on April 18 at the Thompson Houston Hotel, bringing together a remarkable gathering of changemakers, philanthropists, and community leaders for an evening where elegance met impact. Widely regarded as one of Houston’s premier social and philanthropic events, the gala was more than a night of celebration—it was a powerful testament to what a united community can achieve when driven by purpose. With over 400 guests in attendance and a shared commitment to transforming education, the room pulsed with energy, generosity, and hope for a more equitable future.

At the heart of the evening was

Pratham’s bold vision of “Learning Without Limits”, a belief that no child’s future should be defined by where they are born, their gender, or their circumstances. This vision came alive through moving stories, powerful visuals, and firsthand accounts of lives changed through access to education. Guests were taken on a journey across communities in India and beyond, where Pratham’s programs are helping millions of children gain foundational learning skills, empowering young people with employable training, and giving women a second chance at completing their education. Today, Pratham’s impact spans over 7.4 million children through government partnerships and hun-

dreds of thousands more through direct engagement, reflecting both the scale and depth of its work. The evening seamlessly blended inspiration with action. A compelling keynote from global business leader Marie Myers offered insights on leadership, innovation, and the importance of investing in human potential, while a moving beneficiary story reminded guests of the real lives behind the mission. As the program unfolded, what began as reflection quickly transformed into momentum. A defining highlight of the evening was the address by Meenakshi Ramesh, CEO Designate of the Pratham Education Foundation, whose presence underscored the global momentum behind the or-

ganization’s work. Speaking with both humility and conviction, she reflected on Pratham’s evolution from a grassroots reading initiative in Mumbai to a global movement reaching millions of learners across more than 25 countries.

The room came alive during the high-energy pledge drive and auctions, where generosity took center stage and every raised paddle became a step toward changing a child’s future.

Beyond the fundraising, the gala celebrated the collective spirit of Houston - a city that continues to show up with heart and intention.

Corporate partners, volunteers, and board members were recognized not just for their contributions, but for their unwavering be-

lief in education as a catalyst for change. From curated experiences to meaningful conversations, every detail of the evening reinforced a singular message: that lasting impact is built together. As the night drew to a close with vibrant musical performances by Indian Idol Winners - Rishi Singh and Anjana Padmanabhan. There was a sense of shared accomplishment and one thing was clear - the Pratham Houston Gala is not just an event; it is a movement. A movement that bridges continents, empowers communities, and proves that when people come together with purpose, the possibilities are truly limitless.

Joyful, Gusty Grand Vaisakhi Night Mela Entertains

Houston: The Grand Vaisakhi Night Mela 2026, presented by the Punjabi Society of Greater Houston, was held on Saturday, April 18 at the GSH Event Center and proved to be an overwhelming success, despite the sometimes heavy rainfall. Organized by the PSGH, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting Punjabi culture, the event brought together the community in a vibrant and memorable way.

With a full house of nearly a thousand people, the event was completely sold out well in advance - yet the excitement was so high that many were still hoping to secure tickets even at the last moment. All vendor booths were also fully booked a week prior, highlighting the tremendous anticipation and community support.

This year’s event introduced a thoughtfully enhanced layout, elevating the experience for both sponsors and guests. Sponsors were given exclusive front-row round table seating, creating a premium and comfortable environment, while general admission guests enjoyed a well-organized, theater-style arrangement. Vendor booths were placed both inside the hall and outside in the two lobbies, allowing for seamless interaction, shopping, and dining throughout the evening.

Guests were treated to a delight-

ful variety of offerings, including rare tea by Reet, faluda kulfi was sponsored by Fareeda Mohd, and complimentary food coupons from the popular Hashtag India food booths. Behind the scenes, participants were well taken care of with food sponsorship generously provided by Umang Mehta from Deep Foods.

The stage came alive with an impressive lineup of over 23 performances, showcasing the richness

Punjabi culture through Bhangra, Gidha, music, and dance.

Adding to the excitement was a laughter-filled performance by Indian standup comedian Manpreet Singh from Ludhiana, Punjab, popularly known as “The Comic Singh,” who kept the audience thoroughly entertained.

What truly stood out was the audience’s enthusiasm - despite a long and packed program, the venue remained at full capacity until

10 PM, a testament to the quality and engagement of the event.

This grand celebration is the result of months of dedicated planning and teamwork. Jasmeeta Singh, along with the team, has been organizing Grand Vaisakhi celebrations since 2006, and has continued this legacy with the Punjabi Society of Greater Houston. The event received support from Grand Sponsors Nasruddin Rupani of Rupani Foundation and

Aviceena Foundation and our Diamond Sponsors Gurmit and Seema Bhatia, Dass Atma Singh and Supreet Manchanda from Sikhnet, Jasmeeta and Bobby Singh and Jasleen and Harindar Singh, Platinum Sponsors Darshan from Tanishq Jewelers and many Gold Sponsors.

The success of the event was made possible by several key contributors working tirelessly behind the scenes. Program coordination was led by Jasmeeta Singh, with Jasleen Kaur managing booths. Backstage operations were expertly organized by Dalvir Kaur from All About Events, supported by Japraj Singh, Navreena Kaur, Raman Kaur, and Supreet Kaur. The “super jodi” of Gagan and Kavneet played an important role in ticketing and décor arrangements, alongside contributions from Rupy and Gurmeet Singh, Ekta and Harmeet Singh, and Dr. Hina Azam with her daughter Amina. The beautiful décor that elevated the ambiance of the evening was designed by Creating Memories.

The Grand Vaisakhi Night Mela 2026 was not just an event - it was a celebration of culture, unity, and community spirit. With its resounding success, it has once again set a high benchmark, leaving everyone eagerly looking forward to what’s next.

Dilip Mehta Remembered as Tireless Force in Hindu Community

By JuHi Varma

Houston: Dilip ji Mehta was a pillar of Houston’s Hindu community, a firebrand deeply devoted to advancing Sanatan Dharma.

Fondly called Bhishma Pitashree, he was a true leader and patriarch of the ‘found family’ he built in the city of Houston.

Dilip Mehta left the world on April 6, 2026 at the age of 86. His found family came to the prayer meeting on Tuesday to, vowing to carry forward the work he set in motion.

Dilip Mehta moved to US in 1965 to study physics at the University of Kansas and started a Hindu Club in 1966. Dilip ji eventually moved to Houston, where he and his wife Kusum raised two daughters, Sneha and Nutan.

Both daughters spoke at the prayer meeting, remembering a loving and energetic father who instilled in them Hindu values and taught them the Gayatri Mantra—traditions they are now passing on to their own children. Nutan thanked everyone who had reached out, noting the outpouring of support and condolence messages received by the family following news of Dilip ji’s passing.

Community leader Achalesh Amar served as emcee for the evening, introducing Dilip ji and the speakers while guiding the audience through a narrative that spanned from the 1960s to the present, tracing both Dilip ji’s life

and the evolution of Houston’s Hindu community.

Dr. Meenakshi Parekh, whose family has known Dilip Metha and his family for 45 years, described him as an ‘angry young man’ with fire burning in every cell of his body for the Hindu cause.

“Dilip bhai was passionate about welfare of Hindus, not just in India or the USA, but all over the world, including Bangladesh and Nigeria,” she said. “He was in touch with a lot of people. He was communicating with them all the time.”

He was deeply troubled by the apathy and lack of solidarity within the community and by religious leaders who emphasized moksha and vairagya—spiritual detachment—even as Hindus elsewhere were facing persecution, Meena ji said.

Tireless and multifaceted, Dilip ji played a key role in advancing the work the Janmashtami committee, which became Hindus of Greater Houston. He was among the co-founders of the Chinmaya Mission-US, and hosted Swami Chinmayananda at his home in Boston in the sixties.

So energetic was he that he continued mowing his lawn until the age of 82. He remained in good health until the end, passing away at his computer, still engaged in work.

This same passion was evident in his professional life. At 86, Dilip Mehta was teaching at Houston

Community College, and three of his colleagues attended the prayer meeting to pay tribute: Dr. Gholam Pahlavan, Dr. Cyril Anoka and Dr. Kumela Tafa.

“I knew right away (Mehta) was exceptional,” Dr. Pahalvan said.

Pahlavan said he had been wearing black in mourning for the situation in his native Iran but chose a bright tie for Tuesday evening— red and blue, printed with the periodic table.

“The tie I’m wearing today—he gave it to me during his second year at the college. I wear it in his memory,” Pahalvan said.

“Professor Mehta had a calm, welcoming presence and helped others feel comfortable through his work ethic and his ability to connect with people, he helped strengthen the learning community at Houston City College,” said Dr. Anoka. “His legacy will live on the value they represented.”

Sharad Amin, who had known Dilip ji since 1976, used a line from the popular film Dhurandar: “Ghayal hoon isliye ghaatak hoon (It is because I am wounded that I am lethal).” He described Dilip ji as “intellectually lethal,” someone who knew how to persuade and respond decisively when, in his view, dharma or the community was challenged.

Sharad ji said that witnessing the construction of the Ram Mandir was a crowning moment in Dilip ji’s life.

Suresh Patel, who met Dilip ji in

1980, recalled the early efforts to establish the Hindu Heritage Youth Camp. He said Dilip ji would arrive in his famous van carrying 20 to 30 gallons of milk along with large quantities of groceries to keep up with the children’s appetites. His daughter Nutan has twice served as camp director.

Suresh ji also recalled an occasion when Dilip ji brought Major General G. D. Bakshi to the United States. He said Dilip ji traveled to India, sought out the decorated army officer, and persuaded him to visit the US, hosting him during his stay.

Dr. Siddeswar Gubba said, “If you have to come back, Dilip ji, please choose Telangana this time, not Gujarat.”

Gajanan Gaikwad, representing the Hindu Mahasabha, said he first met Dilip ji in 2012 at the age of 25, recalling that Dilip ji quickly recognized in him the same drive to work for the Hindu cause.

Gaikwad ji said that many community leaders are engaged in faith-based service, organizing festivals, and passing traditions on to the next generation. However, Dilip ji was the only person to formally observe Hindu Memorial Day. He commemorated it on August 14, marking the period of the Partition of India when countless Hindus were brutally killed.

“In Marathi, there is a saying: ‘Let another Shivaji be born — but not in my house,’” Gaikwad ji said.

It reflects a common sentiment: people yearn for a courageous leader like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and while they are ready to admire and support such a figure from afar, they want their own children to lead safe lives rather than face the risks that come with leadership.

“We often talk about what needs to be done to improve India,” Gaikwad ji said, “but Dilip ji took action.” Dilip ji traveled to West Bengal to serve on the ground. Instead of pursuing visiting Indian celebrities, he brought activist Tapan Ghosh to the US to engage directly with the community. Dilip ji raised Rs. 5 Lakhs for a gorakshak in Mangalore, who was killed while protecting cows.

“Our community has many Krishnas,” Gaikwad ji said, “Intellectuals who can analyze and argue, and that is valuable. But there are not enough Arjunas--warriors willing to act and fight on the ground. We called him Bhishma, but Dilip ji was an Arjuna.” Community invited to contribute to documentary on Dilip Mehta

An effort is underway to produce a documentary on Dilip Mehta, and community members are being asked to contribute any photos or videos they may have, Vijay Pallod of HGH said at the gathering. Equally valuable are personal memories and accounts of key moments in his life that helped shape Houston’s Hindu community.

Club65 Coastal Escape: A Galveston Day to Remember

GalVeston: Club65 was all set—bright-eyed and bushy-tailed—despite forecasts of rain, but the day surprised us with beautiful weather. Our first stop at Buc-ee’s gave everyone a chance to stretch, refresh, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this iconic Texas stop. Back on the bus, the energy stayed high with the music. Singing along, sharing jokes, and chatting made the ride to the Galveston Ferry enjoyable. The ferry ride was the highlight of the trip. Cool winds and the sight of dolphins swimming alongside created a magical experience that left everyone smiling and excited.

A short stop near Stewart Beach lifted spirits again, especially when Rahat surprised everyone with Blue Bell ice cream cups—a sweet ending to the outing. We also celebrated the birthdays, adding a warm and personal touch to the day. Mother Nature stayed kind, holding off the rain until we were nearing Houston on our return, when we finally encountered heavy showers.

By the end of the trip, everyone left with joyful hearts, laughter, and a stronger sense of friendship, making it a truly memorable day.

YLDP Class of 2026 : Why is Leadership Important to You?

By arCHana BHaradwaJ

Houston: Leadership has never been a distant ideal to me; it has always felt like a responsibility waiting to be claimed. Through YLDP, that responsibility has taken on a sharper meaning. Listening to leaders such as Dr. Hardeep Singh, Judge Monica Singh, and Bob Patel expanded my understanding of what leadership demands and what it makes possible. Their insights echoed many of the principles emphasized in Harvard Business Review: that leadership is less about authority and more about influence, self-awareness, and the courage to act with purpose.

Dr. Hardeep Singh’s work in

patient safety revealed a dimension of leadership I had never fully considered: the moral weight of accountability. He spoke about the importance of systems thinking, humility, and the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

That perspective reshaped how I view my own roles, whether in STEM classrooms or community projects. Leadership, I realized, begins with the discipline to question your assumptions and the integrity to own your decisions.

Judge Monica Singh offered a different kind of lesson, one rooted in resilience and identity. Her story of rebuilding her life after unimaginable adversity, and still choosing public service, reframed leadership as an act of courage.

She reminded us that influence is not granted; it is earned through empathy, conviction, and the refusal to let hardship define your trajectory. Her message aligned with HBR’s emphasis on emotional intelligence as a core leadership competency, not an optional trait.

Bob Patel, with his experience leading at a global scale, emphasized clarity, long-term thinking, and the responsibility leaders have to create environments where others can thrive. What struck me most was his insistence that leadership is ultimately about enabling people, not directing them. That idea mirrors HBR’s belief that the most effective leaders cultivate trust, empower teams, and build cultures that outlast them.

Together, these lessons shaped why leadership matters to me. It is not a title I hope to acquire someday; it is a practice I am choosing to develop now. I want to lead in a way that is thoughtful, principled, and community-minded someone who listens deeply, learns continu-

ously, and lifts others as I grow.

YLDP has shown me that leadership is not about being extraordinary; it is about choosing, again and again, to make a meaningful difference.

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SPORTS

TCC WINTER 2025 | WINNERS: POWERSTARS | RUNNERS-UP: SLCC

Houston: On Feb 21, 2026, Powerstars secured their remarkable sixth TCC Taped Ball Championship in their 7th final, defeating a spirited SLCC squad in their 12th final by 23 runs in an action-packed Winter 2025 final. A sensational middle-order batting display followed by a clinical deathbowling masterclass sealed the historic victory for the champions.

Taking the crease first, Powerstars amassed a commanding 165 for 8 in their 20 overs. The offensive charge was spearheaded by Kusal Fernando, who unleashed a dazzling 64 off just 44 balls, featuring four boundaries and four massive sixes. Captain Prashanth Manne played a vital stabilizing role alongside him, building the innings with a well-paced 35 off 33 deliveries. Despite the offensive onslaught, SLCC’s Kalanka Jayalath fought back brilliantly, claiming 4 wickets for 38 runs to keep the target within a chaseable range.

SLCC’s pursuit began fiercely, putting the Powerstars on the defensive early. Janith Ilangasiri anchored the chase with an aggressive 47, while Dushan Sylvester contributed a steady 39. Cruising at 108 for 2 by the 13th over, SLCC looked perfectly poised for an upset. However, the momentum violently shifted as the Powerstars’ bowling attack clamped down in the final stretch. Dylan Joseph delivered a spectacular, highly economical spell of 3 for 17, and Aarin Nadkarni matched his intensity, taking 3 for 24. Together, they engineered a devastating late-game collapse, suffocating the SLCC batters and restricting them to 142 for 9.

The combined vision and strategic leadership of Owner Kalyan Chivukula, Captain Prashanth Manne, and Vice-Captain Karthik Vadlamudi proved instrumental in navigating their squad through the high-pressure moments to claim the title. Additionally, Ronald Robinson, Navin Negi, Giridhar Gutha, Rohit Bade, and Dinesh Annapareddy played vital roles throughout the tournament to help secure the championship. Following the thrilling finale, the traditional presentation ceremony was hosted by tournament organizers Jagadish Biradar and Dinesh Kasliwal. For their match-defining heroics with the ball, Aarin Nadkarni and Dylan Joseph were rightfully crowned Players of the Match, while Kusal Fernando was named Player of the Tournament. Captain Prashant received the Winners’ Trophy for Powerstars, while the Runners-up Trophy was collected by SLCC’s captain Dushan. Tournament award winners were. Sreeji from CMHA got best batsman with 296 runs, Prudhvi from Javelinas-Genx and Sarvanakumar from CSK got best bowler with 17 wickets. Darshan from Gladiators got the best wicketkeeper with 24 dismissals. Yesu from CFCC got Best All Rounder with 150 runs and 10 wickets. Adriraj from Big12, Hamza from CSK (2 centuries) got special awards for centuries. Wasula from Tuskers, Jyothi Krishna from WOMCC, Prudhvi from Javelinas-Genx and Shashikar from RSCC got special awards for Hat-trick

The game had live YouTube feed made super exciting by analytical commentary by Dinesh, the joint organizer and Goutham from Javelinas-Genx. This was matched by a very witty commentary by Subodh from Hindu Cricket Woodlands in a Haryanvi Tadka style. TCC thanks the commentators and also Umpire Keith for the logistics support of audio system and tent for the commentators.

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa’: A Whodunit

By ronaK KoteCHa

Story: At a holiday villa, a man among a group of friends, family and business partners is found dead, and suddenly everyone’s a suspect. As the night progresses, more secrets and interpersonal issues are revealed, each just as mysterious as the killing itself.

Review: A house full of guests and a murder — it’s a classic whodunit setup that has stood the test of time. Naturally, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Familiarity can often lead to predictability, and overcrowded narratives can dilute tension. Rajat Kapoor’s ‘Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa’ walks right into this territory. While it doesn’t completely escape the genre’s inherent pitfalls, it does enough to keep you invested, largely thanks to its writing and performances.

At the center of it all is Sohrab Handa, played with effortless conviction by Vinay Pathak. He’s loud, abrasive, politically incorrect and unapologetically blunt –basically, an equal opportunity offender. So, when he is found dead with his throat slit during a house party celebrating the wedding anniversary of his business partner Raman (Neil Bhoopalam) and his wife Jayanthi (Palomi Ghosh), everyone present becomes a suspect The narrative unfolds through a non-linear structure, gradually peeling back layers of who Sohrab really was and how deeply complicated his relationships were with each guest. This approach works well in parts, especially when the film takes its time to let individual backstories breathe.

However, like many ensembledriven mysteries, the film often struggles under the weight of its own ambition. Too many characters competing for attention means certain arcs feel rushed, while others verge on repetitive. There are moments when the intrigue dips simply because the film tries to juggle too many threads at once. That said, the writing ensures that no character feels entirely redun-

dant. Each one is given just enough space to register, and as the pieces slowly come together, the larger picture becomes clearer and more engaging. The real strength of the film lies in how convincingly it captures the dynamics of an urban, upper-class social circle, where conversations are laced with passive aggression, friendships are transactional, and politeness often masks deep-seated resentment. The interactions feel relatable, sometimes uncomfortably so, which adds authenticity to the drama unfolding on screen.On the performance front, the film is consistently solid. Koel Purie stands out as Isha, Sohrab’s emotionally volatile, pill-dependent wife, bringing a certain unpredictability to her role. Palomi Ghosh and Waluscha De Sousa lend credible support, staying true to the tonal requirements of their characters. It’s also refreshing to see Sadiya Siddiqui back on screen, adding a touch of nostalgia for those who remember her Priya from Zee TV’s extremely popular 90’s youth drama ‘Banegi Apni Baat’.Among the male cast, Rajat Kapoor himself,

all slip comfortably into their roles, contributing to the ensemble without trying to overshadow one another. However, Saurabh Shukla as sub-inspector Afzal Qureshi feels underutilised. Visually, the old hill-station villa provides the right kind of eerie, slightly claustrophobic backdrop that a story like this demands. The pacing, however, remains one of the film’s stronger aspects. It moves briskly and doesn’t overstay its welcome, which is crucial for a narrative packed with multiple perspectives and shifting timelines.In the end, ‘Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa’ may not redefine the whodunit genre, nor does it consistently maintain edge-of-the-seat suspense. But it finds its footing in the messiness of human relationships and the performances that bring them to life. It’s less about the shock of “who did it” and more about understanding why it could have been anyone. Imperfect but engaging, the film works best when you invest into its characters rather than just its mystery.-- ToI

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Solution Next Week

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