The Jain Vishwa Bharati Preksha Meditation Center (JVB Houston) hosted a vibrant and peaceful celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga today, attracting participants from various communities across the city. The event, which celebrated the global tradition of yoga, was supported by prominent local organizations including the Indian Cultural Center (ICC), IMAGH, BANA, IHA, ISCA, and Deep Foods.
The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from JVB Houston Chairman, Swatantra Jain, and President, Gaurav Jhaveri, who welcomed the 100+ participants to the event and expressed their gratitude for the diverse organizations and individuals who made the event possible. They were honored by the presence of Mrs. Anju Malik, Consul (Consular Affairs) at CGI Houston, who delivered an inspiring message, reinforcing the importance of cultural exchange and global unity.
The event continued with an invocation led by Samani Aarjav Pragyaji and Samani Swati Pragyaji, spiritual leaders from the Jain community, who offered prayers for peace and well-being. Their presence imbued the event with a spiritual dimension that resonated deeply with all attendees.
One of the highlights of the event was the yoga session led by Mrs. Rita Jain, a renowned yoga instructor & yoga therapist. Harshad Para-
kh, the Secretary of JVB Houston, introduced Mrs. Rita Jain, emphasizing her dedication to promoting wellness through yoga. Her guidance helped attendees embrace the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga, providing a rejuvenating experience for everyone involved.This was reflected in the feedback from participants, one of which came from Umang Mehta of Deep Foods -”I attend many yoga events, however the one organized by Jain Vishwa Bharati Houston is the best planned, love the efforts and keep it up”.
In his vote of thanks, Pramod Bengani, Director of JVB Houston, acknowledged the collaborative efforts of all supporting organizations, noting that this event was a testament to the strength of community unity and shared goals. The gathering culminated with a ‘Mangal paath’ by Samani Aarjav Pragyaji blessing participants of all ages and backgrounds, promoting health, mindfulness, and harmony.
This year’s celebration of the International Day of Yoga not only honored the tradition of yoga but also served as a reminder of the power of collective efforts in creating a more connected and peaceful world.
For more information on future events and yoga sessions, visit the Jain Vishwa Bharati Preksha Meditation Center’s website or follow them on social media.
Sugar Land: Congratulations to Carol McCutcheon on making history as Sugar Land’s first female mayor.
Mahesh’s Kitchen hosted a dinner reception earlier this week in her honor along with Masala Radio 98.7 FM and Majestic Developers.
There are so many Gurus from differenT secTs ThaT iT becomes confusinG To choose one Guru.
by SwaMi MuKundananda
Sugar Land: There is a saying in Hindi:
“Pani piyo chhanake, guru banao janake”
“Drink water only after filtering it; make a Guru only after carefully knowing him.” We must not accept anyone as our Guru, merely because of a suggestion; we must ourselves recognize someone as a true Guru, and only then should we surrender to him.
However, just as it is not possible for an elementary school student to evaluate the capability of a college teacher, it is not easy to recognize a Guru, who is a Divine Personality, while we are only beginning the path of spirituality. Yet, there are certain characteristics that provide helpful indications:
1.The true Guru’s words are very impacting. Although we may have heard and read the same knowledge many times without being moved, when we hear it from the mouth of a God-realized Saint, the words change us from within. The reason for this is that the Sadguru does not merely elucidate what he has read in books; he explains from the depths of personal realization.
2. Whatever doubts we have on the spiritual path, if we place them before the Guru, he or she can easily dispel our confusions. A mere theoretical scholar of the scriptures cannot do this. However, the guru possesses realized knowledge, for he or she has seen the Truth, and is able to reveal it with the benefit of experience to sincere seekers.
3. A true Guru does not give his or her disciple material allurements. Rather, he teaches his
followers that the world is not the goal. Nowadays, many so-called saints claim to have a magic formula for removing all the material misery and bestowing money, wealth etc. Allured by such false statements, people flock to them. We must beware of such imposters who have not yet even understood that detachment from the world, and not material attainments, is the goal of spiritual life.
4. If we associate with a true Guru, we will naturally find ourselves getting attached to God and detached from the world.
5. The above points are all helpful in recognizing a Saint, but the strongest indication will come from God Himself. The Lord is seated in our hearts, and when He sees that we have a sincere desire to meet Him, He will guide us to a true Guru and create faith in Him. And when the inspiration comes from God, we will know it by its intensity; our heart will urge us that we have found the Guru we were looking for.
Swami Mukundananda ji will be visiting Houston to conduct the Life Transformation Program (LTP) starting from July 19th through August 1st. Don’t miss this chance to meet him in person
Founder: dr. K.L. Sindwani
PubLiSher: Jawahar MaLhotra
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and receive his guidance.
Swami Mukundananda is a world-renowned spiritual teacher from India. He earned his degrees from prestigious IIT Delhi and IIM Kolkata. He was employed by a multinational firm for a short while, then renounced a promising career to embrace monkhood at the age of 23. He studied Vedic Scriptures under the tutelage of Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj for several years. For almost four
decades now, Swami Mukundananda has been sharing his vast knowledge through his books, lectures, life transformation programs and Retreats. Join the transformative experience of Swamiji’s Program!
Week 1 Topic: Yog Sutras of Patanjali, Date: July 19th to July 25th, 2025. Time 6:45 PM to 9:00 PM, Venue: Sri Sharadamba Temple, SVBF South 10315 Clodine
Rod, Richmond TX 77407
Week 2 Topic: 7 Divine Laws to Awaken your Best Self, Date: July 26th to August 1st. Time 6:45 PM to 9:00 PM, Venue: India House 8888 W Belfort Avenue Houston TX 77031.
The program is FREE, and dinner Prasadam is served. Free Registration at www.JKYog.org/ Houston. Contacts: 281-630-5982, 281-780-4877
by debaShiSh SenguPta
London: In a momentous event that echoed the legacy of Indian cricket, my co-authored memoir of legendary wicketkeeper-batsman Syed Kirmani, titled “Stumped: Life Behind and Beyond Twenty Two Yards” (Penguin Random House), was launched at the prestigious House of Lords, Palace of
Westminster, London.
The occasion coincided with the 42nd anniversary of India’s firstever Cricket World Cup victory on June 25, 1983 — a landmark moment in Indian sporting history in which Kirmani played a crucial role.
Lord Bhiku Parekh presided over the launch. Former England
captain Mike Brearley, Lord Brennan, HE Syed Lufti Hasan Honarary Counsel General of Guyana and South USA, Ambassador of Guyana, Jonathan Sandling, campus principal of eminent orthopedic Dr. Ashok Pathak, Lords, my co-author Portsmouth London colleagues, my dear wife Rfamilies and friends were in attendance.
On April 20th, 2025, the city of Houston was swept up in a wave of nostalgia, melody, and cultural celebration as AN-joy Entertainment, a BABAY Company founded by Archana Nigam and Raghvendra Sengar, hosted the much-anticipated NRI Antakshari – Ka Suhana Safar with Annu Kapoor at the Ayva Center. The event brought together nearly 400 attendees, all eager to relive the golden era of Bollywood through the timeless game of Antakshari, led by none other than the legendary Dr. Annu Kapoor.
Known for his iconic presence on Indian television and his encyclopedic knowledge of Hindi cinema, Annu Kapoor brought his signature charm, wit, and musical mastery to the stage. From the moment he stepped into the spotlight, the audience was transported into a world of classic melodies, playful banter, and spirited competition. His storytelling, peppered with anecdotes from the film industry, added a rich layer of nostalgia that resonated with every generation in the room.
The evening’s format paid homage to the traditional Antakshari game show, with a creative twist. Contestants were grouped into four lively teams—Deewane, Parwane, Mastane, and Afsaane— each bringing their own energy and flair to the musical face-off. The competition was fierce yet friendly, with participants showcasing their knowledge of Bollywood songs, lyrical memory, and quick thinking. Audience members were also invited to join in, making the event highly interactive and inclusive.
What truly set this event apart was its mission. AN-joy Entertainment, under the umbrella of BABAY Company, is deeply committed to bringing talent to the community and creating platforms that celebrate cultural heritage while empowering local voices. This event was a shining
example of that vision in action. From the carefully curated format to the seamless execution, every detail reflected the organizers’ passion for community engagement and artistic excellence.
The Ayva Center provided the perfect backdrop for the evening, with its elegant ambiance and acoustics enhancing the musical experience. Families, friends, and music lovers of all ages gathered not just to watch a show, but to be part of a shared cultural moment. The joy was palpable—people sang along, clapped in rhythm, and cheered for their favorite teams, creating an atmosphere that was both electric and heartwarming.
In a time when digital entertainment often overshadows live community events, NRI Antakshari
– Ka Suhana Safar stood out as a reminder of the magic that happens when people come together to celebrate music, memory, and identity. It wasn’t just a show— it was a celebration of the Indian diaspora’s enduring love for Bollywood and the power of music to unite across generations.
As the final notes faded and the applause echoed through the hall, one thing was clear: AN-joy Entertainment had not only delivered an unforgettable evening but had also strengthened the cultural fabric of Houston’s vibrant South Asian community.
Stay tuned for more unforgettable cultural experiences and community celebrations under the vibrant banner of AN-joy Entertainment—a BABAY Company committed to spotlighting talent and creating moments that resonate.
by renuKa VyaVahare
Story: When it comes to matters of the heart, one shoe doesn’t fit all. Multiple people across ages and cities discover this the hard way, as they grapple with evolving relationships in times of modern love and its unsurety.
Review: Falling out of love is normal. How you manage to fall back in love with the same person over and over again, defines a relationship’s longevity. Modern love can label this as toxic; traditional love can see this as a significant compromise to stay committed. There are no rights and wrongs in love, or are there?
Anurag Basu’s 2007 ensemble film ‘Life in a Metro’ was an ode to love and survival in Mumbai. The film comprised great actors, riveting stories while letting Mumbai rain be the main character. 18 years later, he takes his fascination for changing relationship dynamics and perception of love in the digital age a notch ahead.The spiritual sequel expands its story from Mumbai to other metropolises of the country – Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi and Kolkata. More cities come with more everything -- chaos, characters, songs and a massive duration of 2 hours, 42 minutes.
Raghav Chaitanya stay constant as sutradhars through their music, so expect a plethora of songs, making this a true-blue romantic musica Interestingly, Basu doesn’t tell us the names of his characters and their stories upfront. You discover them sporadically and organically. This withholding and release strategy helps in breaking clutter and adding an element of mystery to the story.
Barring a few loose ends, Basu pulls it off even when it looks like he’s winging it. His conversational storytelling keeps things light and breezy even in times of sorrow and distress. Have more options ruined everlasting romance? Has excess information and availability killed the mystery around love? Basu tries to address these issues while ensuring humour finds its way through the loss and longing. The treatment bears a slight resemblance to the tragicomedy tone of Barfi, with actors breaking into impromptu songs to take the story ahead. When the actors are not miming, Pritam, Papon and
Parth (Aditya Roy Kapur) is a philandering manchild-travel blogger, who finds HR consultant Chumki’s (Sara Ali Khan) faith in marriage and commitment strange. Sex overrides love for him but not for her.
Kajol (Konkona SenSharma) and Monty (Pankaj Tripathi) are happily married until an incident blows the lid off that narrative.
Shruti (Fatima Sana Shaikh) is drawn to responsible men but is unable to cut ties with her longtime struggling singer boyfriend Akash (Ali Fazal).
Shivani (Neena Gupta) wants to live for herself for once and fulfils her desire when she reunites with her college sweetheart Parimal (Anupam Kher). Some characters are related and some cross paths at
some point. The navigation between these tracks and differing emotion feels seamless. The songs don’t overpower the dialogues and it’s this blend that works in the film’s favour.While they are distinct as actors, Pankaj Tripathi does for this film what Irrfan did for the prequel. His character stands out the most for his flawless repartee with Konkona. He looks great too. Ali Fazal internalises Akash’s trauma of being a failure and does it with utmost nuance, proving what a fine performer he is despite being largely untapped. Aditya delivers a nonchalant, liberating performance, making him ideal for the part that has a bizarre character arc. Konkona’s Kajol is spirited and broken. Who better than the actress to portray this turmoil.
Neena Gupta and Anupam Kher deserved better parts. Sara Ali Khan lacks depth in her performance which makes it tough for you to relate to her character. The fringed wig feels out of place and unnecessary. Rohan Gurbaxani brings an easy charm to his extended cameo. Last but not least, Fatima Sana Shaikh is riveting as a woman torn between emotion and reason.
Despite being largely pleasant, some tracks don’t quite add up, feel uneven and don’t know where to end. After an engaging build up, the second half feels a tad stretched. You also wish the story scratched the surface a little more, especially for Konkona-Neena Gupta track, where the actors have the potential and gravitas to dig deeper.There has been a scarcity of love stories in Bollywood and Metro In Dino, elevated by some fine performances, fills that gap perfectly. It is a breezy, intimate watch tailor-made for a rainy day. -- ToI
Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.
Send us the correct answer before July 11, 2025. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
Kumud Athavale, Krishna R. Vuddagiri, Sanchali Basu, Prabha Barvalia, Ramana Vadrevu, Yudhveer Bagga, Jawahar Khandheria, Arup Gupta, Mohit Mittal, Naveen Garg, Taranjit Singh, Pravina Kadakia, Tia Arora, Ramesh Ratneshvar
