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Friday, July 24, 2026 | Vol. 45, No. 30

July 24, 2026

Indo American News

Published weekly from Houston, TX

www.indoamerican-news.com

Special Reports Community Briefs Local Politics South Asians in the News

“Voted #2 of Top 100 Houston Podcasts”

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HINDU HERITAGE YOUTH CAMP Five Days Device Free and a Lifetime of Harmony

P2 India House Elects New Executive Committee

ZAH Gymkhana & Casino Club 24 Plus at Houston Food Bank

W E D D I N G S , S P E C I A L E V E N T S , T E N T E D E V E N T S , O U T D O O R C O U R T YA R D

3 3 3 0 F M 1 4 6 3 | Ka t y, T X 7 7 4 9 4 | 8 3 2 . 8 5 5 . 5 5 2 0 | p a l m r o y a l v i l l a . c o m Indo-American News • Friday, july 24. 2026, 2026 • www.indoamerican-news

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COMMUNITY

Hindu Heritage Youth Camp: Five Days Device Free, Lifetime of Harmony By Aarini Mehta, Shreya Thakekar Columbus, TX: HHYC began in 1985 as a six hour day camp at Bayland Park in Houston. Families in the Hindu community wanted to create a place where young people could learn about their heritage while building friendships and having fun. After the success of the first gathering, HHYC held its first overnight residential camp in 1986. What began with a small group of families grew into a beloved five day tradition supported by generations of campers, counselors, directors, parents, and volunteers. Campers return as counselors, counselors become coordinators and directors, and former participants continue serving as volunteers and mentors. The people who once looked up to their counselors eventually become the role models guiding the next generation. HHYC operates under Hindus of Greater Houston. HGH supports programs that preserve Hindu culture, encourage service, promote unity, and help young people remain connected to their heritage and community. For many years, HHYC rented campsites and adjusted its program to facilities that were not designed for its traditions or growing community. When its longtime campsite was sold in 2014, organizers contacted more than 30 locations before finding another temporary home. Even that location soon reached capacity, creating long waitlists and limiting HHYC’s ability to expand. The creation of the Texas Hindu Campsite in Columbus changed that. In 2024, HHYC celebrated its fortieth camp at a permanent home created with Hindu youth, families, and traditions in mind. Having its own campsite is more than a major milestone. It is a legacy built through decades of seva, fundraising, planning, and faith in the future. The campsite gives today’s campers a place where they can feel that they belong while ensuring that future generations will have a home where they can celebrate their heritage. Every cabin conversation, bhajan, activity, friendship, and lesson adds another chapter to the story that began with a small camp in 1985. This year, HHYC is expanding to three camps because of overwhelming enthusiasm and demand. Junior Camp 1 will welcome 130 campers, Junior Camp 2 will welcome

Director Photo in Order (Left to Right): Aman Patel (Junior Camp 2 Director) - Son of Brijesh and Sital Patel; Geeta Kadakia (In House Director) - Daughter of Amrit and Veena Gupta; Veda Javalagi (Junior Camp 1 Director) - Daughter of Mohan and Vidya Javalagi, Smit Shah (Senior Camp Director) - Son of Akshay and Tejal Shah

Photo Taken by Anuja Pendse. List of Counselors in Order (Left to Right): 1st Row: Geeta Kadakia, Bhavya Kesaria, Tanvi Chinnahalli, Krupa Rathi, Anuva Mundra, Ira Nadkarni, Aanya Malik, Suhani Shah, Trisha Gurnani, Medha Koniki, Radhika Patwardhan, Prisha Menon, Maya Neti, Veda Javalagi. 2nd Row: Pooja Shah, Harini Ganesh, Shreya Thakekar, Anvi Bawiskar, Aadya Jain, Sahana Karkare, Srija Sureddi, Diti Kulkarni, Rama Patwardhan, Arya Patel, Emma Patel, Sanika Havalimane, Sanjana Mittal, Shraddha Guha, Rishabh Ashar 3rd Row: Viraj Parmar, Sidd Gokhale, Neil Bhattacharya, Krissh Medepalli, Akhil Vaidya, Suhani Bhattad, Bhavya Kansal, Aditya Dhiman, Aditya Tirlotkar, Aryan Dighe, Yug Shah, Aneesh Deshmukh, Siddhi Bavare, Navya Surya, Archana Arangil, Riti Patel, Amshu Naglikar, Aman Patel, Smeet Parekh 4th Row: Naga Dasari, Raj Patel, Khush Desai, Shivam Gaikaiwari, Bhavya Kansal, Arnav Devani, Arnav Agrawal, Sumer Bansal, Rishi Randeep, Hemish Shah, Saahas Ganesh, Aryan Shah, Niranjan Vintha, Rishabh Raaj, Keshav Shah, Smit Shah Not Pictured: Aarini Mehta, Keeya Hegde, Meera Borle, Kunj Bhagat, Anushka Prabhu, Shyam Patel, Aarav Shah, Ashkin Mehta, Shrey Parekh, Dhruv Parekh, Kriti Sapkota, Payal Mehta, Suraj Vadapalli, Adi Meenakshisundaram, Rahil Choksey, Kaushik Kallur, Anshumi Jhaveri, Harshada Krishnakumar, Aditi Joglekar, Mahika Dawar, Hemangi Swaroop, Nitika Veludandi, Parth Dargan, Abhishek Pratap, Rajit Shah, Rithvik Sai, Shakti Dash, Shaan Parekh, Arnav Garyali, Mehul Mittal

another 130 campers, and Senior Camp will welcome 174 campers. With more than 100 campers still on the waitlist, the continued interest in HHYC is clear. None of this would be possible without the 95 counselors and the many volunteers who dedicate part of their summers to camp. Doctors help protect everyone’s health and safety. Organizers and members of the steering committee spend months preparing every detail. Part time volunteers assist with activities, supplies, medical needs, cleaning, and countless responsibilities behind the scenes. The kitchen team also plays an es-

sential role by preparing vegetarian meals, snacks, drinks, and nightly milk and cookies for campers, counselors, and volunteers. Their hard work keeps everyone energized while bringing comfort and culture to the camp experience. Together, these volunteers embody the spirit of seva that makes HHYC possible. This year, Geeta Kadakia joins the HHYC family as the In House Director. The daughter of Amrit and Veena Gupta and an experienced teacher at a Hindu faith based school, Geeta will help manage camp operations and support educational programming during all three camps. She shares, “I am really ex-

cited to build connections and hope that every interaction I have leaves a positive impact.” HHYC’s three directors also represent the lasting impact of camp. Smit Shah, son of Akshay and Tejal Shah, returns for his second year as a director after 15 years as a camper, counselor, and leader. He values seeing former campers grow into counselors and continue the traditions that shaped them. Veda Javalagi, daughter of Mohan and Vidya Javalagi, begins her first year as a director after nine years as a camper and five years as a counselor. Camp introduced her to some of her closest friends, helped her find a

Indo-American News • Friday, july 24, 2026 • www.indoamerican-news

strong community, and inspired her to provide that same experience for younger campers. Aman Patel, son of Brijesh and Sital Patel, also begins his first year as a director. A longtime camper and graduate of the University of Houston, Aman is motivated by a desire to give back to the community that shaped him. He wants every camper to leave feeling the same joy and connection he has experienced since he was 12 years old. Their journeys demonstrate what makes HHYC so special. Camp Nothing compares to the laughter and joy Hindu Heritage Youth Camp provides. For five days each summer, HHYC becomes a sacred home away from home where campers put away their devices and become fully present with one another. The unforgettable memories come from games, evening bhajan competitions, cultural activities, and our personal favorite, milk and cookies while watching skits that make us laugh until our stomachs hurt. Every summer, hundreds of new and returning campers experience something that may initially seem shocking: five full days without screens. Instead of missing their devices, campers spend their days laughing, learning, making friends, and growing more confident in their culture and identities. This year, Shreya returns as an elementary coordinator. Moving from counselor to coordinator is more than accepting a new role. It is an opportunity to give back to the community that helped shape her and create the same welcoming experience for younger campers. As Aarini prepares for her seventh summer at HHYC, this time as a counselor, she has realized that camp’s greatest gift is not simply a collection of memories or friendships. It is a stronger understanding of who she is and a deeper connection to her heritage. is not only a place where children spend five days without their devices. It is where they begin to understand their heritage, strengthen their values, form lifelong friendships, and discover how they can serve others. From a one day gathering in 1985 to a permanent campsite filled with hundreds of campers, HHYC’s story is one of community, growth, harmony, and service. Each generation receives something meaningful from camp and then returns to pass it forward.

COMMUNITY

July 24, 2026

India House Elects New Executive Committee for 2026-2028

Houston: India House has elected its new Executive Committee during the Board of Directors meeting held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the O.P. Jindal Center, India House. The Executive Committee was elected unanimously and brings together accomplished business, medical, and community leaders committed to advancing the organization’s mission of serving the Greater Houston community. During the meeting, the Board also re-elected four Trustees to another four-year term: Bal Sareen, Chowdary Yalamanchili, Durga Agrawal, and Hari Agrawal. In addition, Attorney Uma Mantravadi was nominated as the organization’s General Counsel. The newly elected Executive Committee will serve a two-year term beginning July 18, 2026. The committee comprises: Rahul Agrawal – President Ashok Bhambhani – Vice President Dr. Namrata Sharma Goel – Treasurer Mahesh Wadhwa – Secretary Pankaj Malani – Immediate Past President Col. Vipin Kumar (Retd.) – Executive Director Rahul Agrawal, Co-Founder, CEO, and President of GSR Group, the franchise operator of Wingstop restaurants, brings entrepreneurial leadership, strategic vision, and a collaborative ap-

proach to India House. Under his leadership, the Executive Committee is committed to building on the organization’s strong foundation while expanding its impact through innovative programs, community engagement, and cultural initiatives. Vice President Ashok Bhambhani brings decades of experience in real estate development and business leadership, providing strategic insight and operational expertise to support the organiza-

tion’s continued growth. Treasurer Dr. Namrata Sharma Goel, a board-certified nephrologist with more than two decades of clinical experience, offers financial stewardship, professional excellence, and a longstanding commitment to community service. Secretary Mahesh Wadhwa, an architect by profession, contributes organizational leadership and a deep understanding of India House’s mission and operations,

helping ensure effective governance and successful execution of the committee’s initiatives. The new leadership team combines continuity with fresh perspectives. Immediate Past President Pankaj Malani will continue to provide guidance and institutional knowledge, while Executive Director Col. Vipin Kumar (Retd.) brings distinguished leadership and more than a four decades of administrative experience in ex-

Indo-American News • Friday, july 24. 2026, 2026 • www.indoamerican-news

panding India House into one of the nation’s leading Indo-American community organizations. The Board expressed confidence that the newly elected Executive Committee will continue advancing India House’s mission of promoting Indian culture, education, health, senior services, youth engagement, and community service while further strengthening the organization’s role as a premier community institution in the Greater Houston area. The Board also extended its sincere appreciation to the outgoing Executive Committee for its dedicated service, visionary leadership, and invaluable contributions in strengthening India House and enhancing its reputation as a premier center for community engagement. Founded to preserve and promote Indian culture while serving the diverse needs of the community, India House has become a cornerstone institution for the Greater Houston area. Today, the organization serves more than 15,000 individuals annually through 17 free community programs, including health, education, citizenship assistance, senior services, youth initiatives, cultural events, and food assistance, enriching the lives of thousands of families each year. For more information on India House programs and activities visit/ contact: www.indiahouseinc. org,vipin@indiahouseinc.org, 713929-1900.

4 July 24, 2026 COMMUNITY Jnana Yajna on Bhaja Govindam by Pujya Acharya Gaurang Uncle By Rimi Bhawal Houston: From July 7 to July 12, Chinmaya Mission Houston hosted a transformative Jnana Yajna on Bhaja Govindam, conducted by Pujya Acharya Gaurang Uncle. A Jnana Yajna, or “sacrifice in the pursuit of knowledge,” is a sacred tradition in which seekers gather to systematically study the scriptures, offering their time, attention, and sincere inquiry as an offering in the quest for Self-knowledge. Over several evenings, devotees and spiritual seekers immersed themselves in the timeless wisdom of Sri Adi Sankaracharya’s treasured composition, discovering its profound relevance to the challenges and aspirations of modern life. Composed by Sri Adi Sankaracharya, Bhaja Govindam is a heartfelt call to awaken from the endless pursuit of worldly accomplishments and turn instead toward lasting fulfillment through devotion and Self-knowledge. Its verses gently remind us of the fleeting nature of wealth, youth, status, and possessions, urging us to seek that which is permanent the Divine. The recurring refrain, Bhaja Govindam - “Worship Govinda”, serves as both a reminder and an invitation to anchor life in wisdom and devotion.

Each session began with soulful bhajans, creating an atmosphere of spiritual bliss and devotion that beautifully prepared participants to receive the teachings. Pujya Gaurang Uncle then brought the verses of Bhaja Govindam to life through his distinctive style of teaching—effortlessly weaving together everyday experiences, relatable stories, simple illustrations, and moments of humor to illuminate profound spiritual truths. His lively delivery, thoughtful insights, and well-timed wit kept audiences engaged, while each anecdote un-

folded into a deeper reflection on life, values, and the pursuit of lasting happiness. Ancient Vedantic wisdom, presented with remarkable clarity and practicality, inspired participants to look within and discover meaningful ways to apply these timeless teachings in their daily lives. The Jnana Yajna welcomed not only the Chinmaya Mission family but also members of the wider community, bringing together adults and youth aged fifteen and above in a shared spirit of learning and contemplation. Each session

offered an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the deeper purpose of life, fostering meaningful discussions long after the talks had concluded. The concluding session was marked by the traditional offering of Guru Dakshina, where participants expressed their gratitude to the Guru through a humble token of appreciation—a cherished tradition that symbolizes reverence for the teacher and the invaluable gift of knowledge. As a parting blessing, each participant also received a collection of Swami Chinma-

yananda’s wise sayings, a thoughtful gift to inspire continued reflection and spiritual growth long after the Jnana Yajna had concluded. Beyond the study of a sacred text, the week served as a reminder of the enduring relevance of Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s vision— to make the wisdom of Vedanta accessible, practical, and transformative for all. As participants reflected on the teachings of Bhaja Govindam, many left inspired to continue their spiritual journey with renewed conviction, carrying forward the timeless message that true happiness lies not in the impermanent, but in the discovery of one’s own divine nature. Chinmaya Mission Houston offers its heartfelt gratitude to Pujya Acharya Gaurang Uncle for illuminating the profound teachings of Bhaja Govindam with such clarity, compassion, and insight. May the wisdom shared during this Jnana Yajna continue to inspire seekers to live with greater devotion, discrimination, and inner joy. For more information about Chinmaya Mission Houston, Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya, and its activities, please visit www.chinmayahouston.org, www.saumyakasi. org or call temple 281 5681690 or Jay Deshmukh 832 541 0059 or Bharati Sutaria 281-933-0233 Photo by Bharat Rao

ZAH Youth Group Hosts “Gymkhana & Casino Night” for Noble Cause By Zubin Mory Houston: The Zoroastrian Association of Houston (https://zah. org) celebrated its Annual Youth Fundraiser on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at its West Airport Blvd center (“the home of Parsis from India/Pakistan”). The main draw and specialty of this event is that it’s planned, managed, and executed by ZAH Youth. The parents of the kids and teachers participating in the monthly Sunday school classes for a “current academic year” help and mentor with the fundraiser, as needed. This event raised money for charitable foundations that work with the Zoroastrian community or with the general population. These are noble causes and the community bands together year after year to help folks across all walks of life. This is a direct extension of the Parsi ethos of charity, as a “founding principle and guiding light” of our existence in India and Pakistan. In the past years, it was an entertainment-focused event with drama, music or dance performances. This year, the young organizers decided on a fresh idea. The party had a “Gymkhana Night” theme, a throwback to the fun, parties and activities of gymkhanas in Bombay! People turned out smartly in “Country Club Chic” attire that would fit in perfectly in the ban-

“Gymkhana & Casino Night: hosted by the ZAH Youth.

quet rooms of high-end country clubs of Houston or elite gymkhanas/clubs of Bombay. The one change—this event included a CASINO! The casino evoked high anticipation from guests. The evening started with a short community prayer which fulfilled spiritual needs. And then, the festivities started, with the MCs, the articulate and well-dressed office bearers of the Youth group, informing the audience to be generous and charitable. Folks were reminded that there was a higher and nobler cause behind all this fun and frolic! The festivities started with appetizers, wine, and cocktails. Then the first game kicked off, the Trivia contest, which was ably run by 3 elegantly and fashionably dressed, well-spoken young ladies from the Youth group. Their performance in conducting the Trivia was com-

parable to established game-show host(s) while delivering questions related to “landmark Bollywood items”, leading Parsi industrialists, athletes, entertainment figures etc. There was good natured and high intensity participation among audience members. This fun event ended and the much-anticipated Casino was thrown open, operated by ihostpoker Casino parties. In spite of this Casino not being a “real” casino with real money exchanged, the enthusiasm shown by participants was totally real and authentic. A person in the casino room that night, at the blackjack, roulette or craps tables, would feel that one was transported to the loud, enthusiastic and full-oflife floor of a Vegas or a sophisticated Monte Carlo casino. But, the banter in apru Parsi Gujrati interspersed with some spicy and love-filled words would bring one

back to the ZAH center. There was loud whooping and yelling when someone landed a blackjack or when some person placed an outlandish bet on the tables and won. There were loud groans accompanying losses with all sorts of “real or superstitious explanations” rationalizing the loss. One must give a shout-out to the dealers that ably and effectively ran the tables for the “players”, they made the evening enjoyable and created a “real-casino atmosphere” with their smart dealer attire and professional outlook. There were events such as passing the parcel and ball in cups geared towards the youngest among us. The little kiddos had a great time running around while their parents/grandparents were breathlessly trying to guide them and herd them. Lastly there was a fun Bingo Event which included

Indo-American News • Friday, july 24, 2026 • www.indoamerican-news

playing multiple Bingo games. Prizes were won and some cutthroat, but good-spirited, competition was on display among the “regular bingo crowd”. All good things come to an end, as did that evening. A Thai dinner was served and as all good/true Parsis do there was “commenting on the food”, aye majenu hatu and aye majenu nahi hatu etc. And the dessert from Cillie’s Cakes lipsmackingly delicious hatu!! The key thing is that multiple people came together to make this a successful, fun-filled reality with a real and noble purpose. Thanks to the 15+ children from the Youth, Middle and Elementary School Groups and their teachers and parents who worked tirelessly for months. Thank you to the generous donors who made material cash donations for the benefiting charities as well as the donations in terms of ticket purchases, raffle purchases, donated gifts for various games and other disparate donations in kind such as food, time, effort, and miscellaneous items. Thanks to the group that decorated the center to set up the environment and the serving and clean-up crew that worked tirelessly to restore the center back to its original state. Thanks to the Members and guests that attended! Until next year when we hope to do this again!

5 Club 24 Plus Celebrates 713 Day with Nearly $95,500 for Food Bank

COMMUNITY

July 24, 2026

By Juhi Varma Houston: Houston-based Indo American organization Club 24 Plus marked 713 Day by bringing the community together to support one of the city’s most important causes: fighting hunger. Led by Ashok Garg, Club 24 Plus has made philanthropy a defining part of its mission. Traditionally held on July 13, this year’s celebration was rescheduled to July 18. It took place once again at the 308,000 squarefoot Houston Food Bank on Portwall Street, where Club 24 Plus members and community leaders gathered for lunch, networking and presentations. “The Houston Food Bank, what does it do?,” Garg said. “It provides food to the less advantaged. That’s critical.” Each year, Club 24 Plus partners with HFB to raise money for hunger relief. Donations made through the campaign are matched by other donors, significantly increasing the impact of each contribution. Organizers announced that this year’s effort generated $95,491 for the Houston Food Bank. “We are able to turn that into more than 286,000 meals that are supporting children and families in our 18-county service area of Southeast Texas,” said David Chaney from HFB. That’s more than 286,000 meals provided to children and families across Southeast Texas. The fundraising partnership began when Garg approached HFB three years ago. Although the inaugural fundraiser was disrupted by a hurricane and the proceeds were redirected to disaster relief, the collaboration continued.

From left are: David Chaney, Chris Schneider, Zarir Sethna, Prince Kumar, Mansukh Vaghela, Sheila W Franklin, Rashmi Kumar, Shephali Kadia, Sameera Mahendru, Jyoti Malhan, Prabha Garg, Paul Wo. Front row: Leo Aguirre, Ashok Garg, Rita Singh, Gisela Vo

Club 24 Plus frequently works alongside other civic organizations to maximize fundraising efforts and community impact, including Indian Doctors Charity Clinic and the Houston Rotary Club. “I have to give a big shout out to Club 24,” said Christopher Schneider from Rotary District 5890. “Every year we raise anywhere between $25,000 and $30,000 for scholarship programs. We give 10 students from the Memorial Spring Branch area scholarships to help them get through college. I have to give a shout out to Ashok and to Club 24 for supporting us in that endeavor.” Representatives from the Houston Food Bank spoke about the continuing challenge of food insecurity in one of America’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions.

Food insecurity is not exactly the absence of food, but the lack of nutritious meals. To address this need, the Houston Food Bank operates a variety of programs, including Kid’s Cafe, which provides free meals and snacks to children through afterschool and community programs. Sameera and Ashish Mahendru donated $5,000 once again. Sameera Mahendru said her family has long supported the Houston Food Bank and was pleased to participate in Club 24 Plus’ annual fundraising effort, describing the organization as an important resource for families facing food insecurity. Expansion plans HFB has evolved significantly since its founding in 1982, shifting from distributing basic canned

goods to providing healthier, more nutritious food, including medically tailored meals for people with conditions such as diabetes, Chaney said. Over the past year, it distributed 143 million meals— more than any other food bank in the world—with nearly half of its food consisting of fresh produce. Chaney said demand continues to rise as Southeast Texas’ population grows, noting that many of the families served have at least one employed adult but still struggle to afford food after paying rent and utilities. To meet the increasing need, the Houston Food Bank works with about 1,600 partner organizations across 18 counties and is expanding its facilities after outgrowing its current warehouse. “I worked for the food bank from

Attendees were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the Houston Food Bank. Indo-American News • Friday, july 24. 2026, 2026 • www.indoamerican-news

2009 to 2012, I helped raise the funds for this facility, and when we moved in in 2011 into this facility we thought we’ll never need any additional space,” Chaney said. “When Hurricane Beryl came through, we had really challenging issues. We did not have space to handle all the food product coming in, so a decision was made a few years ago that we needed to expand.” A new, larger facility is expected to open in 2028. The new location will help the organization keep pace with the growing demand for food assistance as Harris County’s population continues to increase. The new facility is being built on a 53-acre site at 2121 West Mount Houston Road in northwest Houston, on land that was donated by Chevron. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026 and continue through 2027. What is Club 24 Plus? Founded in 2006, Club 24 Plus is known for blending social networking, cultural exchange, and philanthropy. Over the years, it has raised more than $1.2 million for more than 10 charitable organizations including UNICEF, Save-AMother, and Ekal Vidyalaya. What is 713 Day? 713 Day is an annual celebration of Houston that honors the city’s historic 713 telephone area code while encouraging residents to take pride in their community, support one another, and celebrate Houston’s diversity. “Basically, it’s a celebration of the city itself,” said Leo Aguirre from HFB. “It’s recognizing the area code that we’ve had for Houston since 1947.”

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Indo-American News • Friday, july 24, 2026 • www.indoamerican-news

COMMENTARY

July 24, 2026

Metamorphosis Nobody Expected from Young Cockroaches

Don’t dismiss CJP as a joke. There’s potentially something serious about the words of young, angry, intelligent people. At the very least, it’s clear that taking their silence for consent was a mistake By Siddharth Dhanvant In Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, protagonist Gregor Samsa wakes up one morning as a cockroach. His family is horrified not by the transformation, but the prospect of his sheer unemployability. In India, cockroaches – the higher judicial term for India’s young and jobless – woke up and discovered that they had been transformed: Into people. Dissent, the right to organise, the ability to speak truth to power had, overnight, made them human. This revelation was not to themselves – they always were human to themselves – but to a higher power that had renamed them as vermin. The cockroach is not a casual insult. Frantz Fanon, watching colonial Algeria from inside its asylums, observed how the colonizer’s vocabulary for the colonized resorted to “zoological” terms, with the native described as swarm, as breeder, as a thing that crawls. The propaganda of Nazi Germany described Jews as vermin, parasites, bacilli. Ungeziefer, creatures to be cleansed, rather than persons to be murdered. Often, before power injures a people, it renames them. The extraordinary thing about Cockroach Janta Party is its decision to own the language that defiles it. A movement largely of the young has proved that language is not merely expression, but authorship. And where narratives are corrupted, they must be reclaimed, rinsed, recast, reworked. In Excitable Speech, Judith Butler shows that what is named finds a way to band together. The word bitch was recovered by feminists. Queer, once spat, is now an entire field of study. Language, likewise, has given the young the power to file RTI after RTI, to gather information on India’s supreme powers. It is what makes for their clear-minded, calm articulations. They have stockpiled evidence long before going into battle. They may be prepared for a long war. Memes, too, have become a clarion call. Young people from all over India have proudly carried witty, honest placards as they made their way to Jantar Mantar. Slogans have been turned into a way to show authorities that distress can be sung into dissent. While Faiz Ahmed Faiz is celebrated for Hum dekhenge (we will bear witness), it was a simpler word that made him iconic: Bol. Speak. Language also peels back bias. There is a video in which CJP’s founder is seen confronting a television journalist, who accuses the movement of fostering offensive sloganeering. He asks her to give him an example. She replies: Inquilab Zindabad. The very call of India’s freedom

struggle against the British is perceived by some of this nation’s media as offensive. One could argue that the journalist was not biased but only silly, although she might be applauded for heroically multitasking. The suited, AI-rendered cockroach that now fronts the movement has a bloodline. Kabir mocked priests and mullahs alike. Gandhi knew that a fistful of salt, held up at the right moment, was more effective than any manifesto. For half a century, on the front page of this newspaper, RK Laxman’s Common Man – checked coat, spectacles, silent – watched the republic’s grandees make fools of themselves. The cockroach in a suit is something of an heir to the Common Man – mute, ubiquitous, unkillable, present in every household, and ever watching. That is why Cockroach Janta Party is significant. It is not a political party. It is a sea of young, angry, intelligent people speaking. “Words,” says the dying patient in Michael Ondaatje’s novel, “have a power.” Bol, as Faiz would have called out from the podium. To write this movement off as a joke that got out of hand is a disservice. In fact, the young people protesting today can be understood in terms of a post-modern Gandhian satyagraha. Heinrich Zimmer in Philosophies of India writes that satyagraha succeeded because it was a battle

of truth. Gandhi was able to prove that colonialism was nothing more than a huge asatya. A giant untruth. A lie. His truth cancelled their lie. And only the truth can surmount the lies that we are told, as if these were the dictum of a family patriarch whose word must be honored, not because he is wise but because he is old. The patriarch may have watched the dance at Jantar Mantar, but he has not understood that he himself is the true addressee of this political rave. The passionate, literate rage loosed from our youth’s bow is for every of-

Indo-American News • Friday, july 24. 2026, 2026 • www.indoamerican-news

fice that mistook the silence of the young for consent. Gregor Samsa died alone in his room, and he was swept out with the rubbish. His Indian descendants have declined that ending. They are writing their own. -- ToI Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi is an Indian author. His debut novel The Last Song of Dusk won the Betty Trask Award, the Premio Grinzane Cavour in Italy, and was nominated for the IMPAC Prize in Ireland. Translated into 16 languages, The Last Song of Dusk was an international bestseller.

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“Voted #2 of Top 100 Houston Podcasts” -- Feedspot.com

Indo-American News • Friday, july 24, 2026 • www.indoamerican-news

SPORTS

July 24, 2026

Sooryavanshi, Mayank End T20I Losing Streak Harare: (Cricinfo): India 126 for 3 (Sooryavanshi 50, Kishan 35, Muzarabani 2-26) beat Zimbabwe 125 for 7 (Madhevere 39, Mayank 2-18, Prince 2-19) by seven wickets India won their first T20I since lifting the T20 World Cup in March and their teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed his first international half-century, off 18 balls, in a successful start to their short series against Zimbabwe. Sooryanvanshi was back at the scene of his 80-ball 175 in the 2026 Under-19 World Cup final and put on a dazzling display to make light work of a modest chase. Against an inexperienced Indian attack, whose quicks other than Shivam Dube had only seven T20Is between them before this game, Zimbabwe could only muster 125 for 7. Their top order was blown away by Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav and they needed middle and lower contributions to give their bowlers something to work with. In the end, it wasn’t that much as all India’s bowlers maintained an economy rate of eight runs per over or less. In front of a boisterous home crowd, India put on a show as Sooryavanshi broke the back of the chase in a blazing start. Sooryavanshi took on the Zimbabwean seamers and raced to 48 off 17 balls in the powerplay before getting to fifty off the next ball he faced. He did not bat to the end and it was up to Shreyas Iyer to finish things off. India won with 40 balls to spare to leave Zimbabwe, sporting retro jerseys in the same design as their 1992 ODI World Cup kit, with plenty of work to do

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi celebrates his maiden T20I fifty in style

ahead of the weekend. The next two matches will be played on Saturday and Sunday, in front of sell out crowds.\ Brian Bennett made his name at the T20 World Cup earlier this year and scored a memorable 97 against India in Chennai but there was to be no repeat. He was dismissed first ball by beautiful Mayank delivery, that seamed away, squared him up and took the edge. India had to review to confirm the dismissal but saw the back of Bennett early. Mayank’s next two deliveries were just as good, sent down at speeds of 149 and 146kph respectively and beat Dion Myers’ bat successive times. Zimbabwe’s first boundary came off an edge, off the penultimate ball of that over. India kept pressure on Zimbabwe through the powerplay and made two more incisions. Prince had debutant Ben Curran caught at midwicket and it was only a matter of time before Mayank got Myers when he tried to pull a delivery that was not short enough and chipped it to mid-on. Zimbabwe were 26 for 3 after the first six overs. At 15-years old, Sooryavanshi is

bound to have a lot of new experiences and today’s was facing some of the world’s tallest. With India in pursuit of 126, he fronted up to Blessing Muzarabani, who immediately laid down the gauntlet. Muzarabani welcomed the teenager with a bouncer on leg stump but Sooryavanshi had the perfect response. He tried to ramp it over the wicket-keeper but did not connect. He got off the mark off Muzarabani so if there were any nerves, they were settled. Then he had to face the even taller Richard Ngarava. Zimbabwe’s Test and ODI captain started with a Test-match style delivery that teased the outside edge as it swung away. Pressure was soon reversed. Ngarava’s next ball was wide and that was what Sooryavanshi needed to see. He moved inside the line of the next ball and hit Ngarava over backward square for six, then through extra cover for four and then off the back foot over longoff for six more. Ngarava was replaced by Brad Evans, whose first two balls to Sooryavanshi cost 10 runs but he saved his best for Muzarabani. In the fifth over, Sooryavanshi played the shot of the innings when he sent Muzarabani over long-on for six, in-between two fours. Sooryavanshi raced to 48 off 17 balls in the first five overs and reached fifty off 18 balls shortly afterwards. There was no more fun for the young man though as he reached for a wide Ngarava ball immediately after reaching the milestone and was caught at deep third. India were 68 for 2 at that point, and needed only 58 more to win.

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10 July 24, 2026

LETTERS

Congratulations to Skyroot Space Launch Dear Editor, As an IndianAmerican who has watched India’s scientific and technological progress over many decades, I wish to congratulate the young engineers, scientists, founders, and employees of Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace on their historic achievement in successfully designing, building, and launching India’s first privately developed orbital rocket. Founded only eight years ago in 2018 by two former ISRO engineers, Skyroot has demonstrated that vision, determination, and innovation can transform a startup into a world-class aerospace company. The successful maiden launch of the Vikram-1 rocket, incorporating cutting-edge technologies including 3D-printed rocket engine components, represents a defining moment in India’s technological history. What makes this accomplishment especially remarkable is that the average age of Skyroot’s engineering team is reportedly under thirty,many of them new to the space industry. These talented young Indians have shown the world that innovation knows no age when supported by education, confidence, and opportunity. The success of Skyroot also reflects the tremendous impact of India’s policy of encouraging Public-Private Partnership in the space sector under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The liberalization of the space industry has unleashed the entrepreneurial energy of India’s youth, allowing private enterprise to complement the remarkable achievements of ISRO. According to Skyroot’s CEO, Mr. Pawan Kumar Chandana, India had only a few hundred startups when Skyroot was founded in

2018. Today, the country boasts more than 200,000 startups spanning numerous sectors, including thousands engaged in defence and advanced technologies. This extraordinary growth reflects the confidence of a new generation of Indian entrepreneurs in building globally competitive companies. History reminds us that every pioneering space program encounters challenges. Even companies such as SpaceX experienced multiple unsuccessful launch attempts before achieving today’s remarkable success. Skyroot’s successful maiden orbital mission therefore deserves special recognition as a tribute to meticulous engineering, disciplined execution, and years of dedicated preparation. Skyroot’s achievement belongs not only to India but also inspires millions of young people around the world who dream of pursuing careers in science, engineering, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Heartiest congratulations to Mr. Pawan Kumar Chandana, Mr. Naga Bharath Daka, the entire Skyroot team, ISRO, IN-SPACe, and everyone who contributed to this historic milestone. May this be only the beginning of many greater accomplishments for India’s growing private space industry. Sincerely, Krishna S. Vavilala Founder & Chairman Foundation for India Studies Inc. Former President of the American Society of Indian Engineers (ASIE-1997) Houston, Texas.

Indo American News Founder: Dr. K.L. Sindwani Publisher: Jawahar Malhotra Editor: Pramod Kulkarni Correspondent: Sanchali Basu ®All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the written consent of the publisher. Deadline for advertising and articles is 4 pm on Monday of each week. Please include self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of all unsolicited material. Published at 2470 S. Dairy Ashford #175, Houston, Texas 77077. Tel:713-789-6397, email: indoamericannews@

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ENTERTAINMENT

July 24, 2026

‘Narmada Story’: Realistic Social Crime Drama

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 28, 2026. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.

Solution Next Week By S. Sudarshan Story: When a tribal woma is threatened with the kidnapping of her daughter, she, along with a strong woman police officer, finds a way to fight the powerful criminal forces running a human trafficking racket. Review: Crime dramas have always been the flavour of the season, especially on OTT. However, writer-director Zaigham Imam (Nakkash, Dozakh: In Search of Heaven, Alif), whose latest is a theatrical release, takes the bold approach of telling the story of a tribal woman, Agni (Ashwini Kalsekar), caught in the crosshairs of a major organised crime syndicate in Narmadapuram in rural Madhya Pradesh. But when the system lets her down, she finds an unsuspecting ally in sub-inspector Narmada Raikwar (Simala Prasad), whose life is torn between her ailing father Nandkishore (Raghubir Yadav) and memories of her feisty, rebellious mother Sudha (Zarina Wahab). At the centre of this racket is the disappearance of police inspector Purshottam Bhadoria (Sharad Singh), and a criminal syndicate headed by a vicious eunuch, Nisha (Ishteyak Khan) and her Guru Maa (Sadanand Patil). It’s a simple story with a social message and it flows effortlessly,

putting the focus squarely on just how easily justice is manipulated and how serious crimes like murder and child trafficking, operate seamlessly in rural India with the support of a few locally powerful goons and the police. The film’s fabric is rooted in rural Madhya Pradesh, where the story takes shape. Featuring some talented actors, most of whom are National School of Drama pass-outs, ‘The Narmada Story’ gets its strength from its performances. The actors lift a story that has few layers and is quite one-dimensional to make it an engaging watch for the most part. While the pace is consistent, it isn’t until very late that the layers peel away and the suspenseful twists are revealed with a deeper connection to Narmada — the largest river in the state of Madhya Pradesh, and the central character, Narmada, the police inspector investigating a fellow cop’s disappearance.At the core of this crime drama are two women — a tribal woman and a cop, whose paths cross to bring the culprits to justice in their own way. Both Ashwini Kalsekar and Simala Prasad are the strongest elements of the film. While Kalsekar brings a vocal fire to her portrayal of a tribal woman determined to protect her daughter, Prasad, who plays the title role, brings a quiet and understated approach to her cop character, which is strong and be-

lievable. Her constant flashbacks with her mother Sudha, played by Zarina Wahab, add some weight to her vulnerability. Raghubir Yadav is impactful as usual in a brief role, while Mukesh Tiwari could have had more to do. The most compelling character, though, is the film’s villain, Nisha, played with the necessary dread by Ishteyak Khan. The narrative is at its interesting best when he’s on screen, playing the terrifying lady boss, whose clout in the business makes her fearless of law and order. But if the film’s writing and execution had more layers and nuance, these gifted actors could have been even more effective. Thankfully, the film has few unrequired detours in the story and no unnecessary songs. The setting of rural Madhya Pradesh is well captured by cinematographer Sethu Sriram. The background score by Satya-Manik complements the proceedings on screen.Overall, ‘The Narmada Story’, not to be confused with the story of the river Narmada, shines a light on women, who refuse to surrender to a broken system. While the writing remains fairly straightforward and could have benefited from more layers, the sincerity of its intent and the strength of its performances ensure that this crime drama remains engaging and emotionally invested in its characters till the very end..-- ToI

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