Friday, July 31, 2020 | Vol. 39, No. 31
Indo American News
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July 31, 2020
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Published weekly from Houston, TX
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COMMUNITY
July 31, 2020
Drive-through Food Distribution Performed at India House
India House food distribution volunteers gathered for a group photo. CG Aseem Mahajan (left0, Col. Vipin Kumar and a volunteer help load food bags into a car.
please visit: www.indiahouseinc. org or contact 713-929-1900, email: vipin@indiahouseinc.org
PRACTICING IMMIGRATION LAW SINCE 1985
INTEGRITY
KNOWLEDGE
SOLUTIONS
ATTORNEYS
THOMAS P. FISCHER
THOMAS R. HUTSON
FORMER DISTRICT DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION
GEOR
House was giving away food items twice a month, serving 400 needy families monthly. In the month of March, the service was put on hold because of the COVID-19 Pandemic but considering the need of the hour and for the benefit of the community, the service was resumed from July 20th. Next distributions are scheduled for August 12 and 26. D u r i n g these difficult times of social distancing India House has been doing their bit and actively offering free programs and services online throughout the week. The online programs include Yoga & Meditation Classes, Technology Classes for Seniors, Line Dance Classes, Zumba Classes and BollyX fitness classes. Additionally, the services that are currently being offered free are Telephonic Medical Consultation, Family Law consultation, Immigration consultation, and Computer
hospitals and conducted COVID-19 related informative seminar. For further information and updates
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Richmond: True to their mission of serving the community, India House resumed their free food distribution program for needy families on Monday, July 20, 2020 from 10:00 am to 11:30 pm. Worth a weeks supply of food items (Fresh produce and groceries) were distributed to approximately 175 needy families by a contactless drive-through distribution following all COVID-19 related guidelines issued by the CDC, State, County and City. The distribution was organized in association with Houston Food Bank who provided a truckload of supplies for the distribution. The mobile unit from Houston Food Bank arrived at India House at 7:40 am. About thirty volunteers from remarkably diverse sections of the community were briefed about the Safety Protocol that had to be followed, by Col. Vipin Kumar, Executive Director of India House. India House staff and the volunteers then joined hands to unload the food items from the truck to the assembly lines which was divided in 10 stations, each carrying one type of item. Volunteers then helped in organizing the assorted items in to bags for distribution to the families. The recipients’ cars had started lining up in the vast open ground of India House where they were very well controlled and regulated by three Police Officers of Houston Police Department who had offered their services voluntarily. Starting on schedule 10 am, the families started driving in a very orderly fashion, to a clearly marked distribution point with their car trunk opened, where volunteers loaded the food items into their vehicles. The recipient families were seen expressing their appreciation and gratitude to India House, Houston Food Bank and the volunteers. Consul General of India, Aseem Mahajan and Houston City Council Member, Edward Pollard very enthusiastically participated in the volunteer work and helped in loading food supplies in recipients’ vehicles. Kul Bhushan Uppal, one of the Board of Directors of India House offered his volunteer services and sponsored the distribution of the day. Since September 2017 India
Support consultation. India House also distributed Lunches and Dinners to the healthcare workers in the
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COMMUNITY
3
July 31, 2020
In Hour of Need, the Ekal Foundation” Stands by the Community By Prakash Washmare Houston: When the ‘Covid-19’ pandemic brought the worldwide life to a grinding halt, it posed a grave economic concern to Ekal movement. Currently, it has presence in over 102,000 villages and reach to 300,000 such pockets of humanity. In absence of usual stage performances for fundraising, the future of its numerous projects was in jeopardy. Concerts or no-concerts, Ekal has always enjoyed generosity of its loyal donors to shoulder a portion of movement’s annual tab but that wasn’t enough in this critical phase. Moreover, as a brand name in North America, ‘Ekal’ was part of the Indian community’s social consciousness - an institution - for classy entertainment, everywhere. The community longed for Ekal to provide refreshing relief - even in this ‘new world order’. Therefore, ‘Ekal-USA’ launched a series of virtual concerts across North America, with groups of Ekal chapters as focal points for each of them. In essence, Ekal, was obligated to preserve the heightened enthusiasm and expectations of the countless volunteers, well-wishers and the supporters. The two troupes engaged for virtual concerts had, not only, the huge fan following, but also, had the proven record of success for fund-raising. One of the troupes was headed by Sa, Re, Ga, Ma contest winner ‘Sanjeevani Bhelande’ and another was headlined by Milind Oak’s ‘Niche’ banner. ‘Event committee’, in consultation with ‘Technology-Team’ provided significant support to the chapters in strategic transatlantic hook ups while the Artistes performed live in the Indian studios. The Chaptergroups assigned for each concert did a remarkable job in marketing their concert by engaging the community and social organizations around them. Chapters beyond the spheres of the concert-regions also helped out in propagating these events. Between May 23 and July 25, Sanjeevani’s troupe had four virtual concerts and Milind Oak had two. All concerts were interactive and the donations were realized ‘live’ in ‘real time’. The montage of Video-clips and narration about
Over 500 have already benefited from these workshops which are open to people of all ages and approx. $10,000 have been raised through these efforts. For more details on activities and forthcoming events, kindly visit www. ekal.org. “Ekal V. Foundation” (“EVF”) is in 10 countries and is tax-exempt in several of them, including U.S & Canada. It renders all services free-of-cost, irrespective of caste, faith and gender. For this reason and specifically for its enormous work in empowering the ruraltribal folks, the Government of India honored “EVF” with Iconic “Gandhi Peace Prize”, two years back. ‘Present day’s Ekal’ prepared by ‘Media-Teams’ were very helpful. The Concert on May 23 for Midwest Regions by Sanjeevani raised $162,510; Concert on June 20 for Central Regions by Sanjeevani raised $367,830; Concert on June 28 for Northeast Regions by Milind Oak raised $239,800; Concert on July 11 for Washington DC by Sanjeevani raised $381,290 and the Concert on July 18 for Central Regions by Milind Oak raised $177,100. In this endeavor, Ekal-Canada has also come a long way in last 5 years. With their Concert for Canada-East on July 25 by Sanjeevani it has raised CA $420,000 for the year, so far. Essentially in two months, ‘Ekal’ has managed to raise approx. $1.65 Million during virtual concerts. There are still couple of more concerts yet to follow - e.g. on Aug 1, there is concert for Southwest region by ‘Hemant Kumar Group’ and on Aug 8 for Canada-West by Milind Oak’s group. Before the official ‘clamp-down’ in late-March, Ekal in fact, had started the year by hosting 10 fund-raising stage-events that highlighted fascinating rural-tribal artistry and their unique culture. These events took place basically in sunshine and southern states and raised $650,000. According to Arun Gupta, Chairman of ‘BOD’ of Ekal-USA, “this is a splendid testament to donor’s trust in Ekal movement”. During ‘Covid-19’ pandemic, the schools were closed and virtual tutoring & home assignments for the students had come to an
end. Outdoor group-activities were not available either. Therefore, Ekal undertook a creative approach to channelize youth’s pent-up energy and brain-power for their mutual benefit. It was the need of the hour. Numerous ‘Do-it-yourself’ (DIY) projects - where youths provided virtual tutoring to other youths - were floated on Ekal platform. Since the youths opted to tutor subjects that touched with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math, this campaign was headlined with ‘STEAM’ as its acronym. This is an on-going effort till the schools open. As of this moment, in 17 such active series youths from 7 states have been enrolled, raising sizable amount for Ekal. Swetha Mulukutla, Isabelle Bodkhe & Spandana Gandhi raised $4130 by tutoring PSAT classes to support ‘skill-training’ for migrant workers in EKAL villages while Ritvik Shah raised more than $3314 by tutoring Python classes to equip few Ekal schools with tablets. In New England area, Jharna Madan and Parveen Minocha (Ekal volunteers) are spearheading another effort to bring light-hearted fun to people of all ages during the current Corona crisis. ‘Indi Art’ is national art competition organized in collaboration with “Khula Asmaan”, an art portal in India. On their behalf 30 art teachers acting as ‘Ekal Indi Art’ ambassadors are offering free workshops in various artforms like MadhuBani, Warli, Watercolors, Acrylic, Textured Art, Tanjore Painting, 3D Art, Digital Art etc.
Listen to Nick’s Call-In “Cleantime Economic Forecast” on Indo American News Radio, each Saturday, 4-6pm on FM 98.7
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Indo-American News • Friday, JUly 31, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com
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INDIA
July 31, 2020
Beautification of Chandni Chowk by November
New Delhi: The newly revamped Chandni Chowk will be ready for public use by the first week of November, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday. The project, which began in December 2018, was supposed to be completed by May, with Kejriwal attributing the delay to the Covid-19 lockdown. “Road reconstruction could not be completed by May due to the Covid lockdown, the area is expected to be reopened by the first week of November,” the CM said. Work on the 1.3-km stretch between Red Fort and Fatehpuri Masjid restarted by May-end, but gathered steam in the last two weeks. However, officials said they had to grapple with labour shortage while trying to make up
for lost time. The Delhi Jal Board has done rehabilitation work of the ancient sewer line that runs underground. The stretch will be accessible to the differently-abled as well. Work on the central verge, adorned with planters, sandstone seats and bollards which feature Mughal motifs, has been completed till Fountain Chowk — 30% of the total stretch. Once completed, it will have a 5.4-metre-wide footpath, a 5.5-metre-wide carriageway next to it for cycle rickshaws, followed by a 3.5-metre-wide central verge with planters and bollards. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and state Health Minister Satyendra Jain during their visit to inspect ongoing renovation work.
The refurbished area of Chandni Chowk will be open to the public from the first week of November as a non-motorized zone during the day, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who visited the area on Thursday, said. A 1.3 km stretch has been under redevelopment since December 2018. The initial deadline for the Chandni Chowk pedestrianization and beautification project was March 21, 2020, but later it was extended till May. Now the Delhi Chief Minister has announced that the area will be opened to the public in November. This area will be declared a nonmotorized zone from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The budget for the whole project is around Rs 90 crore.
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Indo-American News • Friday, JUly 31, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com
COMMUNITY
July 31, 2020
5
9th Annual Vedic Fair: Amazing Eight Hours of Facebook Live Performance Houston: Ninth Annual Vedic Fair, the first ever LIVE Virtual celebrations of India, happened in Houston on Saturday July 25th. It was an amazing 8 hours non-stop LIVE program that kept audience glued to their screens from start to finish. The Fair featured Yoga showcase by World renowned Yogini Kaliji and various diverse aspects of India About 170+ artists and presenters safely participated virtually. Fort Bend County Judge Mr. KP George, US Congressman from 9th district of Texas Congressman Al Green and Congressional Candidate for TX District 22 Sri Preston Kulkarni addressed about the pandemic and the importance of following CDC guidelines. Special thanks to DJ AJ for all his help. Vedic Fair 9 started off with Lighting of the Lamp while Hanuman Swamiji of Sri Rama Jaya Niketan Temple (SRJN) recited Veda Mantras, followed by SRJN kids chanted Hanuman Chalisa. Costume contest was a treat to audience eyes, 65 participants presented various Gods, Goddesses and devotees of ancient India. Costumes and the backdrop decorations were vibrant and devotional. In 1 – 5 age category Yatharth Sarda (winner), Akshaj Yempati (1st runner up), Vibha Setty & Dhruvan Setty (2nd runner up). In 6 – 10 age category Manssiga Manigandan (winner), Anshi Putcha & Nakshatra Jandhyam (1st runner up), Anvi Putcha (2nd runner up). In 11- 15 age category Gitali Yempati (winner). All 65 participants will receive trophies for their participation. Virtual Anagha Lakshmi Vrat that was prescribed by Sri Ganapathy Sachithananda Swamiji for protection from COVID19 was performed by Hanuman Swamiji of SRJN and Ramakrishna ji of Datta Yoga Center, Houston. Pooja added serene atmosphere to the fair. Commonality of the Divine was celebrated by Interfaith Presentations from 5 different faiths. Christianity was presented by Sam Philip of Telugu Christian Fellowship, Jainism by Tanvi Jain and Adi Vora of JVB Preksha Meditation Center, Hinduism by Geetha Ravula of Ashirwad A Blessing, Islam by Syed Hamid Hussaini of Islamic Society of Greater Houston, Sikhism by Bhupinder Singh and Mr Dilip Amin introduced his book Interfaith Marriage. World famous Bhakti Artist Syamarani Didi highlighted the commonality in all faiths and presented Bhakti Yoga, Yoga Through Devotion. She is the first female devotee of Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON. She gave life to 200+ paintings that can be seen at BhaktiArt.net. Fair featured workshops on Ayurveda by Smt Usha Devi Pillai, Homeopathy by Ms. Anusha Thiagarajan, Rangoli by Smt. Hema Sarda.
Yogini Kaliji
Shiva Parvati
Winner of Ramayan Exhibit Presentation.
Shiva with trident.
SEE PAGE 12 FOR THE VEDIC FAIR 9 PHOTO COLLAGE Dance Talent Competition featured 9 Finalists, who wowed the audience by their classical, fusion, Bhangra styles of dance. Winners of Dance Talen Competition
are Ms. Nitya Kodali (Winner), Ms. Veda Suresh (1st runner up & People Choice Award) and Ms. Nikhita (2nd runner up). Ramayan Exhibits Competi-
tion based on Indian History epic Ramayan, featured 11 topics by Ashirwad Indian Lifestyle Class Kids who are 9 years and above. Sai Pardhu Aki with his presenta-
Indo-American News • Friday, JUly 31, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com
tion on Yuddha Kand was declared VEDIC FAIR 2020 Champion. Aviv Gupta is the runner up for his presentation on Ayodhya Kand. Highlight of the program was the Yoga segment. ShriRam Sarvotham ji of Ekashri Schools of Yoga shared breathing techniques and demonstrated yoga asanas. Demonstration included various Asanas (Poses) including Seershasan (Head-Stand), the flexibility of his body was phenomenal that kept audience thrilled and inspired. Yoga segment also showcased a modern AcroYoga presentation by young couple Shravani & Parvesh and Kids yoga presentation by Ashirwad Indian Lifestyle Kids. World renowned Yogini Kaliji mesmerized viewers with her Divine energy and shared TriYoga flow. Her mudra formations were excellent. With about 2000+ volunteers in 68 locations, TriYoga has its presence in 40 different countries. Yogini Kali was enlightened with Kundalini Yoga by Divine grace when she was 24 years old. She was not aware of Hinduism or Kundalini practices then and she didn’t have a Guru in physical form. Kaliji received many poses and mudras from the Universe in a natural way. Vedic Fair Event Chair Smt Geetha Ravula met Yogini Kaliji in June 2019 when they co-hosted Ganapathy Sachidananda’s Music for Meditation and Healing Music Concert. When they both started speaking, the conversation led to Mrs Ravula discovering Yogini Kaliji’s spiritual journey. Meeting that was supposed to be for 10 min exceeded over an hour sharing their spiritual journeys. Both involuntarily thought they would do something together for the community. Before her presentation Yogini Kaliji referred to this meeting and acknowledged the same being executed by Divine grace now. The finale of the evening was 2020 Show “11 Rudras and 9 Durgas”, directed by Smt Geetha Ravula. The play portrayed Warrior forms of Universal Energy Adi Shakthi’s and the Redeemer of the universe Lord Shiva’s. These warrior forms of Durga and Rudra are the powers to overcome the darkness and fight & annihilate the evil forces. The play was phenomenal and was a delight to watch. Vedic Fair 9 concluded with wonderful Hanuman Chalisa Dance performance by Ms Lakshmi Peter and Smt Geetha Rvaula and melodious Arti by Singer DJ AJ Ajay Kumar. Special Thanks to Hanuman Swamiji, Arun & Vinnie Verma, Sri Ravula, Shoba Joshi, Vanshika Vipin, Asa Jyothi Devaki, DJ AJ, Divena Donthi, Sailaja Grandhi, Hariesh Rayakantti, Judges and volunteers, participants, sponsors for celebrating India in an outstanding manner. Vedic Fair 9 video can be still viewed at facebook.com/VedicFair
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COMMUNITY
July 31, 2020
Akshaya Patra Texas Cities Raise $950,000 with Tech for Change Gala By Ankita Narula
Austin: The Akshaya Patra Foundation held its Virtual Gala - Technology for Change on Saturday, July 25th, and raised $950,000 for feeding mid day meals to school children in India. The Texas gala was hosted by the cities of Austin, Dallas and Houston. Close to 1,000 businesses, non-profits, government officials, philanthropic leaders, and fans from around the world attended and supported the organization’s dual mission of addressing childhood hunger and promoting education for underserved children in India. The evening was eloquently led in a scintillating conversation with Mr. Narayana Murthy, Chairman Emeritus of Infosys by Siva Sivaram, President of Western Digital. Mr. Sivaram was recently appointed Chairman of Akshaya Patra Foundation USA with Srivatsan Rajan, Partner at Bain & Company, as Vice Chairman. Desh Deshpande will continue to serve on the board as Chairman Emeritus. Mr. Murthy touched on many aspects of giving, success, and individual responsibilities throughout the conversation. He stressed the importance of making a living by giving what you can and the sanctity of Indian values when it comes to helping others. As he addressed the Indian diaspora in the U.S. and across the globe, he gave sound advice on how important it is to integrate
Mr. Narayana Murthy, Chairman Emeritus of Infosys by Siva Sivaram, President of Western Digital. Mr. Sivaram was recently appointed Chairman of Akshaya Patra Foundation USA.
into the country one immigrates to by embracing its values, laws, and civic responsibilities. When asked about technology, Mr. Murthy explained how technology is a great liberalizer and creates extraordinary opportunities, something he himself has experienced first hand. As a long time Akshaya Patra supporter, Mr. Murthy stressed the importance of contributing, no matter how big or small, to bring a smile on a child’s face who otherwise would have slept hungry or skipped school. His formula for success remains the same throughout his life: to be successful is to bring a smile onto another person’s face. Coming from a family of eleven children and growing up in a lowermiddle-class family that survived on a high school teacher’s salary, Mr. Murthy fondly remembered
special dinner guests in his home. His family would host a child from a lower economic status for dinner every night of the week. It was evident that Mr. Murthy’s passion for helping children started at a young age. Along with insightful conversations between the two technology pioneers including an active audience who had the opportunity to ask questions, the evening consisted of a talented musical offering by Smt. Bombay Jayashri Ramnath, one of the best known Carnatic musicians today. She opened the show with the Dhanvantari shloka and continued to amaze guests with her quiet composure and serene vocals throughout the event. The techthemed evening celebrated the, volunteers, chapter teams from Austin, Dallas, and Houston who continue to work towards alleviat-
ing classroom hunger. The chapter teams are continuing to accept donations after the event at apusa. org. Established in 2000, Akshaya Patra is the largest NGO-run school meal program in the world, according to Time Magazine, and serves 1.8 million children daily in over 19,257 schools through 55 kitchens in 12 states and two Union Territories in India. It costs only $20 to feed a child for an entire school year. For more information, contact Ankita Narula at ankita@apusa. org or Geeta Kulkarni at geeta@ apusa.org.
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Indo-American News • Friday, JUly 31, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com
COMMUNITY
July 31, 2020
7
Student Selected for UT Space Research Internship Vijay Goradia Joins Baylor Board Cypress: Vedaant Kaura, a student from Cypress Ranch High School in Cypress, Texas has been selected for the prestigious Student Enhancement in Earth and Space Science (SEES) summer internship hosted by The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research. This nationally competitive program sponsored by NASA’s Texas Space Grant Consortium selects students to conduct authentic research using NASA data. Investigations are being conducted as part of Mosquito Mappers, a SEES team co-sponsored by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) under the NASA Earth Science Education Collaborative project. Mosquito Mappers receive training from NASA scientists, led by GLOBE Observer scientist Dr. Russanne Low, IGES, on safety procedures, mosquito ecology and habitat, larva identification, land cover classification and satellite data analysis. Each intern devotes 10-15 hours a week in June and July participating in weekly data explorations, developing and implementing a research design, and collaborating with NASA subject matter experts. Mosquitoes cause millions of cases of disease in humans every year but seasonal habitat monitoring can provide early warning of potential disease outbreaks. Using the GLOBE Observer citizen sci-
ence app and a microscope that clips onto their mobile device, student scientists can report actual and potential mosquito habitats they identify on the landscape. Paired with satellite observations of temperature, water and vegetation, these data can support scientists forecasting a community’s risk of mosquito-borne disease. SEES high school interns work with scientists and engineers to conduct authentic research using NASA data and analysis tools. Teams are organized around an aerospace or space science theme drawn from NASA’s diverse engineering and scientific research programs. SEES sponsored several team challenges this summer, including designing Mars habitats, exploring lunar environments, tracing COVID-19 using NASA technologies, and examining the relationship of observed mosquito habitats to land cover and environ-
mental data obtained from satellites. The SEES internship provides an outlet for the excitement many students feel about Earth and space science. Interns are offered a unique opportunity to work with professional scientists and engineers at the cutting edge of NASA science, experience being part of a science team, and explore STEM career options firsthand. GLOBE Observer is part of the International GLOBE Program. Using this free mobile app, anyone in one of the 123 GLOBE countries can take observations and contribute data. GLOBE Observer Mosquito Habitat Mapper and Land Cover observations from the public provide additional data for student research projects and help to make a difference. Download GLOBE Observer from the App Store or Google Play and learn more at observer.globe.gov/
Houston: Prominent Houston businessman and philanthropist Vijay Goradia has joined the Baylor College of Medicine Board of Trustees. Goradia is the first South Asian board member in the College’s history. “We’re thrilled to have Mr. Goradia join our Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Paul Klotman, president, CEO and executive dean of Baylor. “His role as an active member of the community will provide a valuable and diverse perspective for Baylor’s mission areas of healthcare, community outreach, research and education.” Goradia is the founder and chairman of Vinmar International, a global distributor of chemicals and polymers. He also serves as founder and chairman of the Vinmar Group and Lion Copolymer. He is the founder and past chairman of Pratham USA, a grassroots organization providing preschool and remedial education to millions of children in India each year. Goradia has been a longtime advisor to the Indo-American Chamber
of Commerce of Greater Houston and is passionate about entrepreneurship and education. He also serves on the Board of Visitors at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. “I’m honored and very excited to join the Board of Trustees of this legendary institution,” Goradia said. “I’m looking forward to working with fellow board members and Dr. Paul Klotman, who have set 21st century goals on how medicine is taught, researched and pra
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Indo-American News • Friday, JUly 31, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com
8
ENTERTAINMENT
July 31, 2020
“Dil Bechara”: Sushant Singh-starrer is Equal Parts Dirge and Catharsis
on screen, as his Manny heads towards his destiny. But will we ever have closure on Sushant Singh Rajput’s tragic end? Dil Bechara is not just a film. It is equal parts dirge, and catharsis. You see Sushant, and the film recedes, and you want to reach out and freeze the frame. He was there, and he isn’t here. I brush back a tear. -- Indian Express
By Shubhra Gupta Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Sanjana Sanghi, Saif Ali Khan, Sahil Vaid, Swastika Mukherjee, Saswata Chatterjee, Sunit Tandon Director: Mukesh Chhabra Rating: 2.5 stars Can a film be a prophecy? A character in Dil Bechara, talking about the emptiness caused by a loved one’s death, mentions the word suicide, and you freeze. Because it’s been just over a month, and many of us are still struggling to make sense of the death by suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput, the leading man of the movie, which has turned out to be, sadly, his last. Dil Bechara is adapted from John Green’s The Fault In Our Stars, a Young Adult (YA) romance about two young people in very challenging circumstances. Those who have read the book, and seen the movie, know exactly what happens. Plot-wise, there are no surprises in Dil Bechara. We know that Kizie Basu (Kizie, because she was born in Zambia, and it’s a Zambian name which means someone who never lets go) and Immanuel Rajkumar Junior aka Manny, will forever be star-crossed. Both have cancer, she of the thyroid, and he of bone; both have experienced the disease for long years; both know just how fragile their lives are. A life-threatening disease plus
Kum Kum Passes Away
sparkling young lives plus romance is a ready-made recipe for winsome smiles plus tugging-atthe-heart-strings plus tears. But the film is beset by choppiness, and that colours the characters of the Rajinikanth-loving, very filmi Manny and the sweet Kizie, who adores an obscure singer, him more than her. Manny is much older than Kizie, and the film makes a faint stab at an explanation, and then forgets about it; the film-within-a-film thread is more laughable than anything else. A trip to Paris, where the reclusive singer (Khan, in a what-wasthat cameo) is holed up, is part of
S L CENSUS TX 2020
the plot. It also includes Kizzie’s loving parents (Mukherjee and Chatterjee, both good), her wellmeaning doctor (Tandon). There’s Manny’s cancer-survivor bestie (Vaid), who is losing his sight. There’s his grandma, and parents, who are seen very briefly: why? Why so little detailing of the leading man? No good reasons are given. Choppy and lopsided aren’t great ways to give us a complete, soul-satisfying young love story, which switches on only sporadically. It is the occasional sweetness that Rajput and Sanghi manage to rustle up that carries the film. Dil Bechara should have released
much earlier. One of the major delays was caused by the suspension of Chhabra, whose debut directorial this is, in a MeToo allegation. He was cleared and returned to the film, which was supposed to have come out last November. But fate, as they say, willed otherwise. Just over a month ago, Sushant Singh Rajput died by suicide, and plunged us into a maelstrom of feeling: shock, horror, anger, sadness. No one knows what happened; no one may ever know. His passing is so recent, with so many troubling consequences, that you cannot divest that feeling of a life lost too soon, from watching him
Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood actor Kumkum, who featured in over 100 films and popular songs such as “Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar” and “Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi”, passed away on Tuesday at her residence in Bandra. She was 86. Naved Jafri shared the news on Twitter. He tweeted, “We have lost another gem.” Kumkum was best known for her roles in movies like Mr. X in Bombay, Mother India, Son Of India, Kohinoor, Ujala, Naya Daur, Shreeman Funtoosh, Ek Sapera Ek Lutera, Ganga Ki Laharen, Raja Aur Runk, Aankhen, Lalkaar, and Geet.
Ev e r y o n e c o m p l e t e y o u r Census…Before it’s too late!
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COMMUNITY
July 31, 2020
How Houston Muslims Will Mark Eid al-Adha during the Pandemic By Lindsay Peyton
Houston: Alief resident Susan Barrientos became a Muslim 20 years ago. But this year’s celebration of Eid al-Adha, one of the holiest days of the year in Islam, will look totally different for Barrientos and her family. “Normally, we put lights up and decorate,” Barrientos said. “The day of Eid, we get everybody ready. We have breakfast; we pray. It’s toys for the kids and tons of visits.” For a time, she held onto hope that this year would be the same as the past. “We thought things would be OK by Eid,” Barrientos said. “We told our kids it would be normal.” But as coronavirus cases continue to surge in Houston, Eid al-Adha will look completely different this July, much like Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr did earlier this year. For Barrientos, this year’s holiday will be even more poignant. She overcame COVID-19 herself in June. “Thankfully, I didn’t have to be hospitalized,” she said. “But it was definitely very scary because there are so many unknowns.” Barrientos suffered from shortness of breath, chest pains and body aches. “Sometimes, it was such an intense pain that I couldn’t walk up the stairs,” she said. She now tests negative for the coronavirus but remains especially cautious. Her six children and husband wear masks whenever they leave the house. Barrientos explained that her family has dealt with so much, including facing the virus in their own home. The children had to completely change their school routines. Her high school senior missed prom and barely had a graduation ceremony. “Everything has been on a lower scale,” Barrientos said. “With this upcoming Eid, we want to make the most of it. And we’re healthy now.” Ketam Hamdan, a psychologist who lives in the Galleria area, also recovered from COVID-19 in June. Her husband is an ER doctor, and her family, including three young children, quarantined until everyone felt better. Hamdan suffered body aches but felt better after a couple of weeks. Her husband was worse, struggling with upper respiratory problems. Usually, Hamdan visits family on the East Coast for Eid al-Adha. This will be the first time in the seven years she has lived in Houston that they will not be traveling anywhere. For Eid, she plans to decorate her home and wrap presents for the children, to spend time remembering their pilgrimage as a family to Mecca before the world shut down. “We wanted to reinforce that this is Eid, even though nothing in the
Erum Chishty, right, says the pandemic has prepared her family to look for new ways to celebrate Eid alAdha. She poses with Ibrahim, from left, Mujtaba, Sarah, Sophia and Aliyah Ali-Khan.
world reflects it,” Hamdan said. “It’s forcing creativity.” Sacrifice and faith Barrientos does know that the story of Eid — a tale of sacrifice and absolute faith — is speaking to her now more than ever. Eid al-Adha pays homage to Abraham or Ibrahim, a religious leader central to the Jewish, Muslim and Christian faiths. Muslims believe he and his son built the Kaaba, a square shrine in Mecca. All Muslims, if they are able, visit the Kaaba on their pilgrimage or “hajj” to the holy city. Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the end of the month when the hajj takes place. Since Islam follows a lunar calendar, the dates change each year. This year, the celebration begins Thursday evening, July 30. The hajj was canceled this year because of the pandemic. The annual pilgrimage has been canceled before, for plague and cholera. Still, all Muslims celebrate the spirit of going on the hajj during Eid al-Adha. They also focus on the story of Ibrahim, who was asked to sacrifice his son at God’s direction. Muslims believe Ishmael was the son involved in the ritual; it’s Isaac in the Judeo-Christian tradition. When Ibrahim carries out God’s commandment, he finds Ishmael replaced with a ram instead. Part of Ibrahim’s story focuses on his wife Hajar or Hagar, who was left alone with her newborn in a barren valley, searching for water for her son. Like Ibrahim, she trusted God to help her find her way. “You’re at the mercy of God,” Barrientos said. “That definitely rings true for me — feeling this helplessness with the virus, where even the doctors did not have answers, and feeling this fear for my kids.” In addition to putting trust in
God, Barrientos explained that Islam teaches followers to “tie your own camel.” “Being responsible and having faith go hand in hand,” she said. “That’s something that has to be in the minds of Muslims.” Creativity and Eid Erum Chishty, who lives in The Woodlands, usually enjoys services hosted by mosques on the north side that come together to celebrate Eid at the nearby Waterway Marriott Hotel. The rest of the day is usually spent house-hopping, visiting friends and family. “We meet with friends; we go to our in-laws in Sugar Land,” Chishty said. “We spend the day eating and exchanging gifts. It’s just a big holiday. We decorate, put up lights. It’s exciting.” This year will be different, but Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr have prepared her family to look for new ways to celebrate. For example, during Ramadan, they created a designated space in their home to pray. Sometimes, they left meals at the door for a friend — and other times, they were surprised with gifts of food themselves. “We were being more creative — and more conscientious,” Chishty said. Online resources for spirituality and the use of technology to connect with family have been gamechangers during social distancing. Chishty is even finding ways to continue to practice charity, a key aspect of Eid al-Adha. The 10 days leading up to Eid, or Dhu al-Hijjah, are meant to be dedicated to good deeds and prayer. Chishty is asking her four children to find ways to keep giving during lockdown. “You can give just $10 for 10 days,” she said. “Or give $3. It’s never too little to give. It adds up.” Chishty also works with the nonprofit Olive Branch Muslim Fam-
ily Services, which provides for those in need during COVID-19. Generally, as part of Eid al-Adha, Muslim families will sacrifice a goat or sheep in observance of the holiday. One part is meant for the family, another part for a neighbor and the other for those in need. Now, Chishty said, many families, including hers, are donating all of the meat to those in need. And though praying in isolation may feel new, it isn’t really. “They preferred to worship in isolation — the monks, Moses on the mountaintop, and our prophet even went to a cave to meditate,” she said. “Individuals can really gain strength in this moment of self-reflection and prayer.” IslamInSpanish produced online programs specifically for the holiday. The nonprofit has used media production as an educational tool since it began in 2001. During the pandemic, the organization’s founder, Imam Mujahid Fletcher, said more people are turning to the online platforms that he and other members of the nonprofit’s staff have created. For instance, during Ramadan, IslamInSpanish served millions of people around the world by offering 17 online programs. There were even iftars, or evening meals to break the fast, on Zoom. For the 10 days leading up to Eid al-Adha, IslamInSpanish created short videos on various topics. They will cover honoring parents, increasing charity and practicing acts of kindness. The videos are in English and Spanish. All of the services the organization offers are at no cost. “Eid is the culmination of these 10 days,” IslamInSpanish operation director Alex Gutierrez said. “Obviously, we’re not getting together physically, but we’re still connecting online.” There will also be a virtual iftar. “We’ll all gather on Zoom, break bread virtually and still have that
Indo-American News • Friday, JUly 31, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com
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community vibe,” Fletcher added. Since the pandemic started, IslamInSpanish has hosted weekly live question and answer sessions. “People come from all over the world to ask questions,” Fletcher said. An expression of love Imam Abdullah Rasheed, with southeast Houston’s Masjid Warithuddeen Mohammed, said that Eid al-Adha is an expression of love, a willingness to always sacrifice for the sake of God. “This is definitely an unprecedented time,” he said. At the mosque, Rasheed is planning a virtual lecture and prayer, as well as a possible drive-thru event for Eid. “At home, we will still say a prayer and dress up,” he said. “We will keep up the festivities for the children. We’ve been restricted, but we’ve become creative. Rasheed fields calls from the congregation asking how to honor Eid during COVID-19. He sees members posting photos on social media as they decorate their homes and hang lights to get in the spirit. Hamdan said a number of her clients are facing increased anxiety and depression. As a therapist, she sees value in finding wisdom during a trying time. For instance, the pandemic has caused families to spend more time together. Individuals are scaling back on material consumption and focusing on what matters. “This is a form of trauma,” she said. “If you find wisdom in what’s happened, you’ll come out a better person.” There’s a term for this — posttraumatic growth, a transformation that can follow adversity, Hamdan added. Rasheed said there are several ways to learn and grow during this time. He points to what the Quran says about the sacrifice: “Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you.” “We usually take meat to those in need,” Rasheed said. “But that’s just a symbol, a symbol of service to God.” At this time, he asks members to focus on those who have lost their jobs or who may be isolated without family. “Reach out to these people,” he said. “Sacrifice some of your time. Sacrifice some of your finances.” Spend more time in devotion, prayer and learning the Quran, Rasheed added. “It’s an opportunity for self-reflection and introspection.’ Eid is all about community — joining together in the spirit of faith. “During this time, faith is needed more than ever because there’s so much uncertainty,” Rasheed said. “We have to depend on faith right now and rely on God to get us through this time.” -- Houston Chronicle
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July 31, 2020
Fewer Species, More Disease
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted human life and the economy in an unprecedented way. Across countries, lockdowns have kept people indoors and provided opportunities for wild animals to roam around spaces they otherwise don’t venture into. Scientists believe that the loss of biodiversity, and wildlife trade, have strong linkages with the emergence of epidemics. The pandemic is an opportunity for the global community to explore the consequences of its unscientific actions on nature and prepare for behavioural change. Dangerous infectious diseases (Ebola, Bird flu, MERS, SARS, Nipah, etc.) have been transferred from wild animals to humans. In order to clear land for agriculture and development, forests and habitats have been destroyed. In the process, we have lost several species. Human-induced environmental changes reduce biodiversity resulting in new conditions that host vectors and/or pathogens. It is not yet fully understood which species have contributed to the transmission of COVID-19 and how. However, according to experts, there is strong evidence that it spread from a wildlife market in Wuhan, China. Two hypothesis have been discussed: (a) the virus jumped from bats directly to humans; and (b) from bats to pangolins and then to humans. Apart from wildlife markets, illegal trade of wildlife is part of the growing problem. Trafficking in wild plants and animals and wildlife products has become one of the largest and most lucrative forms of organised crime. By deliberately pursuing and hunting certain species or by establishing monocultures, habitats and ecosystems are being damaged, fragmented or destroyed. Illegal wildlife smuggling is an emerging threat to India’s unique wildlife heritage. According to an NGO based in Guwahati, which works for the protection of Eastern Himalayan biodiversity, India shelters a number of vulnerable and threatened species. Body parts of animals including pangolins, Asiatic black bears and rhinos are being traded illegally to countries such as China, Vietnam, and Laos. Another study has found that there was a significant increase in the poaching of wild animals in India even during the lockdown. Species are being wiped out by organised trade networks, with new poaching techniques, for manufacturing traditional Chinese medicines. By disturbing the delicate balance of nature, we have created ideal conditions for the spread of viruses from animals to humans. We should realise that we live in a world where biodiversity is our common heritage and natural capital. We need to revisit our relationship with nature and rebuild an environmentally responsible world. Nations should work towards realising the 2050 vision for biodiversity, ‘Living in Harmony with Nature’. We must follow a ‘one health’ approach which considers the health of people, wild and domesticated animals, and the environment. We need to strictly regulate high-risk wildlife markets, promote green jobs and work towards achieving carbon-neutral economies. -- The Hindu
EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY
Ayodhya Shri Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pooja Utsav By Purnima Mehta With God’s grace, a number of Houstonians are going to be joining devotees all over the world on 5th August, 2020 to celebrate the newest temple of Lord Ram at the place of His Birth, Ayodhya ; symbolizing peace and harmony on Earth. The Bhoomi pooja (the ground breaking ceremony) for this new temple is scheduled on the 5th Aug. in Ayodhya, which is expected to be attended by the Prime Minister of India . He will be joined by a limited number of dignitaries and priests at this ceremony, in light of the COVID 19 pandemic. This ceremony will be held in India from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on 5th August ( Houston time 1:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.) The event is expected to be covered live by all Indian TV News channels. The first brick is expected to be laid by the Honorable Prime Minister around 12:15 p.m. To symbolize peace, harmony, unity and well being of the world; soil from several religious places and water from holy rivers across India is being brought in for this ceremony in Ayodhya. A number of devotees in Houston, US and the world will be
joining in this celebration to Glorify Lord Ram. In Houston, virtual prayers are expected to be held at several places of worship and homes on the morning of 5th August. In conjunction with the celebrations in India, people are requested to light earthen Ghee lamps at 9:00 p.m. in front of their homes on the night of 4th August to Glorify the Lord. Virtual prayers ( via Zoom/ You tube) in Houston will be led by Sri Hanuman Swami ji of Sri Ram Jaya Niketan from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on 5th August . Sri Ram Jaya Niketan will be joined by Shri Sita Ram Foundation and other devotees, several temples and organizations in Houston & elsewhere
to offer prayers. Attempt is also being made to have one of the attendees of the ceremony in India to speak to the devotees in Houston for a few minutes to convey the joyous , blissful feeling and devotional environment of this ceremony in India. Information on Zoom /You tube links shall be provided through social media and on websites of Sri Rama Jaya Niketan and Shri Sita Ram Foundation. Further details may also be obtained from 281-750-9199 or 281248-7007 “Raamaaya Raamabhadraaya Raamachandraaya Vedasey Raghunaathaaya Naathaaya Seethaayaah Pathaye Namaha!”
Tulsidas: Catalyst for Ram Janmabhoomi Movement As Ayodhya gets ready for the ‘bhoomi pujan’ for Ram Mandir on 5 August, ending centuries of wait, the day almost coincides with the birth anniversary of the person who can be called the original catalyst for the ‘Ram Janmabhoomi’ movement. It is Hindu saint and poet Goswami Tulsidas’s epochal work, ‘Ramcharitmanas’, which is credited with taking the story of Lord Ram to every household in north and central India, creating an emotional connect between an average Hindu household and Lord Ram. That ultimately proved to be the key factor in building a movement for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the birth place of Ram, after over four centuries. The movement gained momentum
when the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) took over the mantle to build a nationwide movement. Before he wrote Ramcharitmanas in the local Hindi dialect called ‘Awadhi’ around 400 years ago, the story of Lord Rama was largely recited in Sanskrit in northern and central India through Valmiki’s Ramayana. But Tulsidas, despite being a Sanskrit scholar, chose Awadhi. He began writing it in Ayodhya and finished it in Kashi (Varanasi). The birth anniversary of Goswami Tulsidas is on Monday, 27 July, this year, just a week before the construction work for the Ram Temple is set to begin formally. Philip Lutgendorf, an American Indologist and professor of Hindi and Modern Indian Studies in the
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 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 212, Houston, Texas 77036.Tel:713-789-6397, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com, website: www. indoamerican-news.com
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US, says in his seminal work, The Life of a Text Performing the Ramcaritmanas of Tulsidas, that anyone interested in the religion and culture of Northern India invariably encounters a reference to Ramcharitmanas. “This sixteenth-century retelling of the legend of Ram by the poet Tulsidas has been hailed not merely as the greatest modern Indian epic, but as something like a living sum of Indian culture,” wrote Lutgendorf, who is considered to be one of the foremost experts on the Ramcharitmanas. There are different versions about the place and year of birth of Tulsidas, from 1497 to 1532. But there is unanimity that he was born in Uttara Pradesh during the month of Shravana.
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July 31, 2020
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Mama’s Punjabi Recipes
It is that time of year when Fall colors and festivals – Diwali, Hanukah, Thanksgiving, Christmas - fill up all our days. There are parties big and small everywhere and lots of little things to snack on and this dish is a perfect fit and so easy to make. Below is a reprint of Mama’s Coconut de Pede recipe, which is a perfect little finger dessert for Diwali. It is reprinted with some additional information and directions.
Coconut de Pede
(CONDENSED MILK COCONUT DISKS)
There is no shortage of sweet confections in India as they are made of various types of base ingredients. Very few are actually made of flour dough and many use milk, either condensed, coagulated, reduced or separated for its whey and cheese. Most of these “sweetmeats” (as Indian are fond of calling them) are very rich in sugar calories and deep frying and adding nuts make them even more fattening. All the same, they are extremely delicious and hard to pass up. Some sweets – like laddus (balls made of various ingredients), burfi (reduced milk squares), boondi (sweet fried gram flour drops) and pede (dough disks), apart from being eaten as a dessert, are often used as offerings to the deities in temples and then distributed to others as prasad (blessed food). But not all sweets are used in temples as offerings. They are often sold at the stalls and shops that line the way to the temple. Pede is a sweet that is made with khoya (reduced milk), sugar and traditional flavorings like illachi (cardamom), piste (pistachio) and kesar (saffron) and can come in creamy white to a caramel color. Pede originated in the holy city of Mathura (associated with Lord Krishna) and these – along with petha (caramelized white pumpkin or winter melon) – is what the city is also famous for all over the country. The traditional way halwais (confectioners) make pede is to first boil whole milk on a stove till it has evaporated down to a thick paste. They then make small disks of them. It’s a time consuming process that requires patience, a lot of supervision to stir the milk so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom and burn, and the ability to stand over a hot stove for long hours. But there is a much simpler way too. This recipe allows the average home cook to cut back the work and still make tasty pede that can match the store made ones. It is quick and easy to make - in about 30 minutes – and those who eat it will never know the difference Ingredients: • 1 cup non-fat milk powder • 1 cup bariq narrial powder (fine coconut powder) • 7 oz (200 gm) condensed milk
• Condiments to taste: crushed piste (pistachioes); illachi (cardamom) powder Directions: 1. Pour all the non-fat milk powder and coconut powder in a bowl and mix together. 2. Pour in the condensed milk and mix thoroughly. 3. Coat your hands with some vegetable oil so that the ball will not stick. Now knead the mixture till it forms into a ball. 4. Coat a clean dinner plate with a thin film of vegetable oil so that the pedde will not stick. 5. Take a small amount of dough and roll between your palms of till it forms into a small ball. 6. Place the ball on a serving plate and then press down with your palm to form a half-inch thick disk, about 1.25 inches in diameter. 7. Continue to make more disks
with the remaining mixture. 8. To the top of each disk, place some crushed piste. Then sprinkle the entire plate lightly with the illachi powder. 9. Cover with some wrapping paper and place the plate in the fridge for an hour. Shakuntla Malhotra is a skilled cook of Punjabi dishes made in the old-fashioned style that she learnt as a young woman in her ancestral home in Lyallpur, India (since renamed Faisalabad) before it became part of Pakistan after the Partition in 1947. People have often admired her cooking for its simplicity and taste that comes with each mouthful. Even in her early-nineties, she continues to cook daily and agreed to share her delectable Punjabi recipes for future generations.
MAMA’S TIP O F THE
WEE
K TO ADD SOME C OLOR TO BURFI AND PEDE, USE SOME TURMERIC
Most people thin with that gives of k of haldi (turmeric) as just anothe haldi is an effectivf a deep yellow color. Some may r spice to cook proven facts. But me antiseptic and skin lightener, boeven know that is fairly difficult to ost people do realize that haldi stath scientifically in get out if left unto uched for awhile. s on clothing But what many often used as a copeople may not understand is th sweets like burfi loring agent to make different foat haldi is also want a slightly crand pede. If no other color is avai ods, especially eamy color, just ad la the dough and it wi d a little haldi whble, or if you ll ile kneadi gi ve a nice, pleasing colo taste to the sweets. r without adding anng y
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July 31, 2020
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