Indo-American News: August 29, 2025

ICC Celebrates “Vijayee Bharat - Victorious India” with Huge Crowds

Stafford: The Indian Culture Center, under the leadership of President Parul Fernandes, proudly hosted a vibrant celebration of India’s 79th Independence Day on Sunday, August 17, at the Stafford Center. The six-hour event, from 1 to 7pm, brought tin large crowds of the local community to honor India’s rich heritage and indomitable spirit of freedom.

The event was chaired by Dr. Divyendu Singh, and showcased an elaborate cultural program meticulously coordinated by Cultural Program Chair, Jasmeeta Singh.

The Consul General of India, D.C. Manjunath, was the chief guest, and several mayors and elected officials from across the Greater Houston area, as well as representatives from government agencies and the judiciary, joined in the celebration, an acknowledgement of the strong presence of Indo-Americans in Texas.

A solemn moment of silence was observed in memory of the victims of the Pahalgam attack in India.

The theme “Vijayee Bharat – Victorious India” of the event paid tribute to the valor of India’s armed forces in the annihilation of terrorists in the Sindoor Operation and the resilience, achievements,

and leadership of Indian women across society. The stage décor and other displays reflected this dual theme in striking ways: an LED backdrop with images of sindoor highlighted ‘Operation Sindoor’; side drapes adorned with bindis; and a photo booth, featuring aircraft imagery.

The venue offered a true festival experience with over 51 booths showcasing traditional Indian clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts and Indian street food stalls served favorites such as chaats, badapawa and samosas, kulfi and ice cream treats

Patriotism was in the air from the moment one entered the Stafford Center. The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ photo booth caught one’s eye and a grand display of 21 photos provided by the Consulate of India, noted the origin and history of Tiranga (the Indian Flag) was informative. ICC’s complete team did an amazing job in putting all this together. Naeem Vahveria, the Cultural Co-Chair; Raghvender Sengar, the Food and Volunteer Chair; Phani Kondapi the Booth chair; VP K.D. Upadhaya and Hemant Patel in charge of Sponsorships; Sangeeta Dargan in charge of Decorations and Gifts; Gaurav

Javeri in charge of Awards and Scholarships; Bharat Patel in-charge of inviting dignitaries; Santosh Verma and Manoj Nair helped with the backdrop slides and, overall supervision was conducted by the President Parul Fernandes. Superkind Trustee Praful Gandhi held the fort by volunteering and welcoming the guests.

The car park was overfull, and people parked in the HCC compound to come to ICC’s I-Fest because they wanted to relive the happy and unique experiences of India long ago etched in their minds. The event began with Patriotic Songs sung by the Joshi group, Shyam Sunder, Parasi Sarayu, Anuradha, Rashmi Pande, our very own Jasmeeta Singh, and Soma Ghosh.

The cultural program filled the hall with color and energy, with a wide array of performances, from classical dances to vibrant Bollywood sequences. Dance presentations from various Indian states highlighted the nation’s diversity, while friendly competitions across multiple age groups added excitement, with winners recognized on stage.

ICC Vice President Dr. KD Up-

adhaya welcomed Chief Guest M.C. Manjunath who emphasized the progress India has made and that it is now ranked fourth in the economic scale. A video from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s encouraged every Indian to observe a minute of silence for those soldiers who laid down their lives defending their Motherland.

A surprise appearance of mechanical robot with LED lights gave gifts to Manjunath and all the dignitaries.

Scholarships were given to high schoolers entering the world of college education. ICC Scholarship Donors Col. Raj Bhalla and Lachmandas have donated $100,000 each for school kids entering college. A new scholarship from IACFF has been added to give two more scholarships, thanks to the committee chaired by Swapan Dhairyawan, Trustee Charlie Patel, Chief Trustee Hasu Patel, Director Raghvender Senger and Parul Fernandes. Gaurav Jhaveri also participated along with the team for Lachmandas scholarship.

This year, the Bhalla Outstanding Student Scholarship of $5,000 went to Shawn Ray and the Lalitha Das Outstanding Female candidates for the STEP program went

to two young girls, Ananya Pathak and Eesha Kondavatikanti. Two more scholarships were given by IACCF to Anay Gupta and Tapisar Singh.

The cultural program began with a special presentation by the ICC group showcasing the celebration of “Vijayee Bharat” from Kashmir to Kerala. Jasmeeta Singh performed on stage a zestful Punjabi Bhangda. Naaem Vehvaria also joined in the finale with the entire group giving patriotic vibes on Vande Mataram.

This was followed by ICC Elite Dance competition exhibiting versatility and diversity of different forms across India. Eighteen schools participated and Kathak to Bollywood styles were magnificently performed. The Winners Trophy went to“ Dil Se”, Story Tellers, Pardesi Pulse, Bollywood Dancing Stars, andThangaat. The audience voted through a QR Code with prizes going to Basant Rituraj and SPARK -Rasadhara. A diamond ring and trophies were awarded to competition sponsored by Karat 22, Alings Restaurant, Pooja Agarwal and Dipika Contractor.

Bharat Rangildas Gandhi (1955 – 2025)

HouSton: Bharat Rangildas Gandhi, age 69, of Kadod, Gujarat, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025. Bharat was born on September 23, 1955, in Kadod, Gujarat, and grew to embody a spirit of perseverance, compassion, and excellence throughout his life.

Bharat is survived by his beloved wife, Falguni; devoted daughters, Priya and Puja; loving son-in-law Victoriano Valdez and cherished grandson, Avi. He leaves behind not just a loving family but an extended community blessed by his kindness and generosity.

Dedicated to medicine and healing, Bharat started his career as a pathologist in India before moving to the USA, where he excelled as a medical doctor and internist. He was the founder and medical director of several acclaimed medical clinics and spent over 45 years healing patients as a respected, popular, and sought-after physician. Bharat was known for his humility, politeness, generosity, and caring nature—a loving husband, father, and grandfather who always wore a bright smile.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bharat was passionate about music, dance, and sports,

especially cricket, tennis, table tennis, and physical fitness. His ability to inspire others stemmed not only from his medical expertise but from the hardships he overcame to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor. Along the way, he trained and mentored many colleagues and aspiring physicians, never hesitating to share his knowledge and soulful presence.

Bharat’s spirituality was manifest in how he cared for everyone around him. He taught that true wealth is found not in possessions, but in the legacy of kindness, integrity, and love left behind. Every person who knew Bharat carries forward a piece of that legacy, ensuring his light continues to shine. His daughters, who are following in his footsteps, embody the values he cherished.

Bharat’s memory will continue to inspire family, friends, col-

leagues, and all those fortunate enough to have crossed his path. He leaves a legacy far greater than words can describe—a legacy of healing, compassion, and joy. May his soul rest peacefully, and may those who loved him honor his life by carrying forward his spirit of generosity, wisdom, and love.

David Shayne Garvin (1962 - 2025)

HouSton: David Shayne Garvin passed away surrounded by his family and friends in the hospital on 08/25/2025 at the age of 63. David was born in Temple, TX, to Louis Garvin Sr. and Beatrice Jean. David resided in the Greater Houston area for most of his life, where he met his beloved wife of 26 years, Shobana Muratee, and loving son, Dhruva Rao.

David’s career span of over 40 years included Barnes and Noble, Texas Instruments, Voice of Asia and more recently, Shell, where he served as Chemical Analyst.

A vegan of 40 plus years, David’s compassion and love for animals remained undeterred till the end. Though otherwise softspoken and genial, David did not shy away from voicing his opinion on human rights and equality. He was a formidable force and an advocate for civil, equal, and animal rights.

David’s passion for several expressions of artistic mediums led him to obtain a BA from the University of Houston. David was also a celebrated music enthusiast whose range spanned many eclectic genres, including: Jazz, Punk Rock, New Wave, Progressive & Experimental Rock, and World Music. His impressive vinyl collection from over 30 years is a testament to his love for music.

Perhaps David can best be described as a seeker, who devoted significant portions of his life to immersing himself in different faiths. He pursued the path of Buddhism and was ordained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand. He

continued his pursuit of learning the “The Noble Truths of Suffering,” through his travels in the Indian subcontinent and other Asian countries. He later followed and served ISKCON for nearly 10 years where he was ordained and given the name, Dayal Nitāi dās. David was also an avid reader and bibliophile, who amassed a collection tantamount to a library. Of his many loves were cars and bikes. His eagerness to share his knowledge of them was childlike.

David left a lasting impression on all who had the golden opportunity to get to know him. For his kindness, selflessness and tender heart, David Garvin will be dearly missed and forever loved.

David is survived by his wife, Shobana Muratee, and their only son, Dhruva Rao.

Funeral Services was held on Thursday, August 28,2025 from 10 am-12 noon at Winford Funeral Homes located at 8514 Tybor Dr. Houston, TX 77074.

Indo American News

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August 29, 2025

Award for Muhammad Saeed Sheikh

HouSton: On Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, the President of Pakistan conferred the Sitara-i-Khidmat (Star of Excellence) upon Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, honoring his 45 years of service to Pakistan and its diaspora communities.

From his early days as a youth volunteer in the 1980s to his current role as President of the Houston-Karachi Sister City Association, Mr. Sheikh has consistently championed humanitarian relief, interfaith cooperation, and cultural diplomacy.

Through the Alliance for Disaster Relief, which he pioneered in 2011, Mr. Sheikh coordinated millions of dollars in aid by uniting 40 organizations. His efforts supported communities during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 Pakistan floods, the Thar drought, Hurricane Harvey, and the Houston Freeze. These initiatives have touched the lives of more than 100,000 people worldwide, including the delivery of medical supplies, grocery distributions, and the construction of permanent homes for families in need. He has also played a pioneering role in bringing communities together through cultural and interfaith initiatives. His leadership in the Annual Houston Iftar with the Mayor has created the largest Muslim interfaith gathering in the United States, serving as a model of unity and cooperation.

His many accolades include the U.S. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2018), the Volunteer of the Year Award from Sister Cities International (2021), and multiple international humanitarian awards, including the Global Leader of Influence Award (2022) by World Affairs Council, the Global Seven Outstanding Humanitarian Award (2023), and the One World Award (2024).

The Sitara-i-Khidmat (Star of Excellence) is a prestigious civil award, recognizing individuals who embody exceptional commitment to public welfare, development, and service beyond self-interest. This award reflects not only Mr. Sheikh’s lifelong dedication but also the pride of the PakistaniAmerican community in Houston, which celebrates his achievement as a shared victory for Pakistanis worldwide.

JLF Houston 2025: Confluence of Words, Ideas & Thinkers

HouSton: As JLF International makes its way to the city of Houston, Texas, we prepare ourselves for yet another unmatched celebration of books, art, and the people behind them. Sessions shall be running from September 5th till September 7th, 2025.

Presented by Teamwork Arts in partnership with the Consulate General of India, Houston, Asia Society Texas, Inprint, Rothko Chapel, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston, JLF Houston stands as a luminous celebration of literature and the arts.

that lie at the heart of renowned novelist Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s oeuvre, and the intersection of neurological machinery and cultural narratives as detailed by Dr. Pria Anand.

The Festival will see artists, performers, writers, and thinkers engage with the latticed complexities of the creative process, as they chart the course of geopolitical movement in the current decade, interrogate notions of spiritual enlightenment, uncover new interpretations of mythological figures, and more. Attendees shall be given indispensable insight into the storytelling praxis of celebrated filmmaker Shekhar Kaur, the politics

Ragini Tharoor Srinivasan, Chi Rainer Bornfree, and Amit Majmudar shall be dissecting the epistemological framework that informs ideas of normalcy in the 21st century, while Guru Madhavan and Jay Lemery contend with volatility of a world on the brink of climate catastrophe.

Andrew Quintman will draw from his experience across the realms of biography in order to conceptualize spiritual landscapes

with relation to the life of the Buddha, while Liara Tamani explores the interplay found between personal identity and young adult fiction.

As a truly multifarious confluence of stories, ideas, and creative endeavors, JLF Houston 2025 invites all lovers of books to be a part of this marvelous Festival, as we bring some of the most radical and important voices of our time to the forefront of literary discourse. With each passing iteration, JLF International continues to amplify those cultural and artistic dialogues that are most emblematic of the world of today.

ARTS & CULTURE

Honor for Tamil Prof. T. Vijayalakshmi

HouSton: Tamil Studies Chair (HTSC) at the University of Houston honored Dr. T. Vijayalakshmi, Thiruvalluvar Chair of Tamil Studies and Visiting Professor from August 2023 to August 2025 on August 21st at Indian Summer, Sugar Land.

Dr. Vijalakshmi taught Tamil language and culture for the past two years. Tupil Narasiman, VP Finance was emcee. Sockalingam Sam Kannappan, President welcomed the gathering.

UH Dean Dan O’Connor, Honorable DC Manujunath, Consul General of India at Houston spoke

of Vijayalakshmi’s service at UH. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Dr, AK Subramanian and Dr. Naa Ganesan spoke about the interaction they had during past two years. Anitha Kumaran, President of BKM and Mala Gopal, President, Kural Kudal spoke of participation by Dr. Vijayalakshmi with their organizations. Perumal Annamalai proposed vote of thanks. HTSC is a 501©(3) Texas Tax exempt non-profit corporation, phone +1 908-516-3069, https:// houstontamilchair.org

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Tehran’: A Tense and Timely Spy Thriller

by ronaK KoteCHa

Story: Based on true events, Tehran follows a resolute Indian special officer who, after a deadly 2012 bomb blast in Delhi, embarks on a covert mission in Iran. With Iran hunting him and India turning its back, he must untangle a web of deception linking three nations — before it’s too late.

Review: Tehran is a tense spy thriller that takes a real, littleknown 2012 incident and turns it into a high-stakes cross-border drama. The film opens with a car bomb outside the Iranian embassy in Delhi — What seems like a sporadic incident — a car bomb outside the Iranian embassy claiming a child’s life, is in fact the tip of a complex geo-political iceberg involving Iran, Israel, and India

Debutant director Arun Gopalan sets the tone with a concise, impactful voice-over on the historic rift between Israel and Iran, swiftly segueing into an explosive opening. Gopalan keeps the film tightly paced, rarely letting the tension drop.

The story follows Special Officer Rajeev Kumar (John Abraham), who is pulled into a covert mission that takes him to Tehran. John Abraham gives a steady, controlled performance: he’s intense and focused, the kind of hero, who shows more through action than speech. Manushi Chhillar (S.I. Divya) provides a strong supporting presence as a no-nonsense officer, while Neeru Bajwa (Shailja) brings depth to a character that could easily have been one-dimensional. Together, they make the human side of the story believable.

Writers Ritesh Shah and Ashish P. Verma build a complex plot that demands close attention. The film doesn’t spoon-feed you information — you have to follow the threads. That makes it satisfying for viewers who like smart, detailed thrillers, but it can be confusing for anyone expecting a simpler, lighter ride. There are many characters and political layers, and a fair bit of dialogue in Farsi with subtitles, which could put off

viewers, who find such attentiondemanding scenes frustrating and overwhelming.

Where Tehran really shines is its look and feel. Cinematographers Ievgen Gubrebko and Andre Menezes capture Tehran’s narrow lanes, busy markets and shadowy corners with realism. The action scenes (choreographed by Doug Coleman and Amritpal Singh) — chases, gunfights and close encounters — are well-staged and maintain a thorough, grounded tone. The background score by Ketan Sodha keeps the tension taut, and while Tanishk Bagchi’s single track Ishq Bukhaar (sung by Shreya Ghoshal and B Praak) is

catchy, it is absent from the film

The movie’s strength is its authenticity: real locations, convincing production values and a sense of urgency that never lets up. Its weakness is the sheer density of the plot. At times the film feels overloaded with detail and characters, which can dilute emotional impact.

Overall, Tehran is a worthwhile watch for fans of geopolitical thrillers who are willing to pay attention and follow a layered narrative. It doesn’t always clarify every thread, but its realism, strong performances and relentless pace make it an engaging spy drama..-- ToI

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