Indo-American News: June 19, 2026

ISKCON of Houston Celebrates 60th Anniversary Gala

Houston: ISKCON of Houston marked a significant milestone on Saturday, June 13, 2026, hosting ISKCON’s 60th Anniversary Gala at the beautiful ISKCON of Houston temple complex. The celebratory event drew more than 275 guests, including Honorable Consul General of India Mr. D. C. Manjunath, His Holiness Giriraj Swami and His Holiness Hanumat Presaka Swami, prominent community and organization leaders, government officials, and ISKCON wellwishers.

The evening began with a warm reception and hors d’oeuvres in the extended temple hall, allowing attendees to network and tour the facilities and learn more about ISKCON’s mission.

The main program, held in the elegantly decorated cultural hall,

opened with an invocation prayer featuring devotional music performed by the local ISKCON youth group, followed by a traditional Diya (lamp) lighting ceremony symbolizing spiritual awakening and divine blessings. Honorable Consul General of India Mr. D.C. Manjunath and Houston Temple President Saranga Thakur Das delivered special remarks. A video presentation honoring the life and legacy of ISKCON’s founder, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, was a highlight of the program.

A Global Movement Rooted in 1966

This year marks 60 years since Srila Prabhupada, then a 70-yearold monk from India, incorporated the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in New York City in July 1966.

Arriving in the United States in 1965 with minimal resources, Swami Prabhupada dedicated the remainder of his life to sharing the ancient teachings of bhakti-yoga (devotional service) and the chanting of the Hare Krishna mahamantra.

Over the following decade, he circled the globe 14 times, authored dozens of books, and established more than 100 temples. Today, ISKCON continues to flourish as a vibrant, non-sectarian spiritual movement with over 800+ temples, preaching centers, and rural communities across more than 200 countries. The organization operates schools, ecovillages, vegetarian restaurants, and large-scale humanitarian initiatives, including the Food for Life program, which distributes millions of free meals annually to

those in need. ISKCON’s global humanitarian efforts are centered on the principle of compassionate service (seva), rooted in the teachings of Bhagavad-Gita. ISKCON engages in a broader range of services: Education (traditional schools, colleges, and youth programs), Healthcare (hospitals, clinics, and medical camps in rural areas), Eco-Villages that promote organic agriculture, environmental stewardship, and self-sufficiency.

ISKCON’s humanitarian work demonstrates how a spiritual movement can translate philosophy into tangible, large-scale service for humanity.

His Holiness Giriraj Swami and His Holiness Hanumat Presaka Swami, both disciples of Srila Prabhupada, shared personal reflections and insights from their time with their spiritual master.

Several official resolutions and proclamations recognizing the occasion were presented from the offices of the Texas State Senate, the Mayors of Sugar Land and League City, Harris County Precinct 4, and Fort Bend County Precinct 4. Guests enjoyed an elaborate vegetarian feast sponsored by Govinda’s Vegetarian Restaurant, along with special desserts provided by Falooda Fiesta. The evening concluded with each attendee receiving a commemorative Prabhupada coin and books as mementos. Organizers and participants described the event as a joyful success and expressed anticipation for ISKCON’s 70th anniversary celebrations in 2036.

ISKCON of Houston is extremely grateful for everyone who attended this event to honor Swami Prabhupada.

FIS Partners with Rice to Preserve Houston’s Indian-American History

By JuHi Varma

Houston: The Foundation for India Studies (FIS) has launched a landmark collaboration with Rice University’s Woodson Research Center to preserve and document the rich history of Houston’s Indian American community through archival collections and oral histories.

“For more than 15 years, we’ve been building collections related to Houston’s Asian American communities, but we do not yet have a significant representation of the Indian American community,” said Amanda Focke, Head of the Woodson Research Center at Rice University. “Today’s event marks our intention to build the collection in that direction.”

Community leaders, scholars, and university officials gathered at Rice University on June 1 for a ceremonial “setting of intentions” event marking the beginning of the partnership. Fourteen representatives from FIS and Rice University participated in discussions focused on documenting the history, experiences, and contributions of Indian Americans in the Greater Houston area.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by Krishna Vavilala, Founder and Chairman of FIS, and Amanda Focke, a certified archivist and Head of Special Collections at Rice University.

“It was a great beginning for this important project,” Vavilala said following the meeting. “The Foundation for India Studies

looks forward to a productive and long-term collaboration with Rice University.”

Vavilala noted that Rice University was an ideal partner because of its nationally recognized archival and research infrastructure.

The project will help preserve photographs, documents, audio recordings, videos, organizational records, and personal papers for future researchers, students, and generations of Indian Americans.

The Woodson Research Center, located on the first floor of Fondren Library, is home to numerous collections documenting Houston’s diverse communities. Among its holdings are the stories of the pioneering Gee Chinese American family, Vietnamese refugees who rebuilt their lives after the Vietnam War, and Japanese American families who persevered after internment during World War II. The center also houses the Houston Asian American Archive, which preserves the experiences of Asian American communities across the region.

“You may be wondering why we do not already have extensive collections relating to the Indian community,” Focke said. “The truth is that we do have some materials. We simply want much more.”

Under the new initiative, the Woodson Research Center will collect archival materials, photographs, documents, and oral histories from Houston’s Indian American community and from nonprofit organizations serving the community. These materials will be professionally preserved, cataloged, and made accessible

to researchers, students, and community members interested in understanding the history and contributions of Indian Americans in Houston.

The center itself reflects its archival mission. Visitors are greeted by historical artifacts, including an antique printing press, traditional card catalog cabinets, and other displays that celebrate the preservation of history and knowledge.

Dr. Anne Chao, Associate Director of the Chao Center for Asian Studies at Rice University, thanked FIS for bringing together many of Houston’s prominent Indian American community leaders.

“I have been contacted by journalists from across the country who want to better understand Houston’s Asian American communities,” she said.

Dr. Chao, the founder and driving force behind the Houston Asian American Archive (HAAA), has dedicated years to preserving the lived experiences of Asian and Asian American communities in one of the nation’s most diverse cities. Her work seeks to document community histories before they are lost to time.

“We found that Houston has one of the largest Asian American populations in the United States, yet there was no major repository dedicated to preserving these stories,” Chao explained. “We started modestly by interviewing a Chinese American newspaper publisher who donated his papers to us. Word spread throughout the community, and our goal has always been to create a truly panAsian archive.”

Consul General of India in Houston D.C. Manjunath, who served as chief guest at the signing ceremony, welcomed the initiative.

“From the Government of India’s perspective, also, we are looking at the diaspora’s success stories,” he said. “From the consulate, we would be more than happy to support and participate, and as from our side, we are also doing an oral history (contribution) from the government’s perspective.”

Vavilala highlighted the Indian American community’s contributions to Houston in fields such as engineering, medicine, technology, business, education, and culture. He noted that younger generations often know little about how temples, monuments, community institutions, and nonprofit organizations were established.

“This archive can become a central repository where future generations can learn about the people and organizations that helped build our community,” he said.

Rice University’s Department of Transnational Asian Studies works closely with the Chao Center for Asian Studies, which was established in 2008 through the support of the T.T. and W.F. Chao Family Foundation. The center serves as a major research hub for faculty, students, and postdoctoral scholars and publishes the online journal Transnational Asia. Over the years, it has received support from organizations such as the Henry Luce Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Academy of Korean Studies.

“Once materials are received by the Woodson Research Center,

Amanda’s team will process, preserve, and make them available for research,” Chao said.

She added that Rice University will work closely with community organizations and individuals to identify and acquire materials suitable for inclusion in the collection. Focke emphasized that the partnership is intended to create a lasting archive documenting the growth, achievements, and evolving story of Houston’s Indian American community.

“Thank you for your many efforts in bringing the Indian American community together and for helping launch this collaboration,” she told the gathering. “We should begin with the archives of the Foundation for India Studies itself and build from there.”

Following the signing ceremony, Focke and Chao hosted a Mediterranean lunch for attendees to celebrate the occasion. Guests also received commemorative swag bags as a memento of the event.

The initiative represents an important step toward ensuring that the history of Houston’s Indian American community is preserved for future generations. Through this partnership, personal stories, organizational records, and community achievements will become part of the historical record, providing scholars and the public with a deeper understanding of the community’s role in shaping Houston’s cultural, educational, and economic landscape.

Are you interested in sharing your story? Please call Krishna Vavilala 713-201-3383 for any further queries.

EDUCATION

DAV Sanskriti School Celebrates Annual Day, Honors Graduating AYM Class

Houston: Students, parents, teachers, and members and wellwishers of DAV Sanskriti School (DAVSS) and Arya Samaj Greater Houston (ASGH) gathered on Sunday, May 24, to celebrate DAVSS Annual Day and honor the graduating Arya Yuva Mandal (AYM) Class of 2026.

The program began with Yajna (Havan) led by Acharya Surya Nanda Ji, followed by the DAV Gaan (anthem), Vedic mantras, and shlokas under the guidance of Acharya Bramdeo Mokoonlall Ji. The celebration featured an engaging lineup of performances including Bhangra, Tabla, Dance, Yoga demonstrations, Bhajans, and presentations by students.

Students from the Hindi 4 class shared how learning Hindi has strengthened communication with relatives and deepened their cultural connections. Pre-AYM students from Grades 7 and 8 presented reflections on how Heritage Classes, particularly Yoga Philosophy, have helped them become more responsible at home, school, and within their communities.

Sanjay Ahuja Ji highlighted over two decades of DAVSS service and its lasting community impact, noting how alumni continue to excel professionally while remaining rooted in the values learned at the school. The event also recognized out-

standing attendance, volunteer service achievements, President’s Volunteer Service Award recipients, and graduating seniors.

In a thoughtful address, alumnus Ashish Jain Ji reflected on how DAVSS helped shape him into “a better worker, colleague, parent, and community member.”

Serving as emcee, Acharya Bramdeo Ji emphasized the importance of connecting children with their cultural roots and universal values, noting that the past year had been transformational with the introduction of newly developed in-house lesson plans designed to enhance both teaching effectiveness and student learning. He also expressed gratitude to the ASGH management team for their continued support and encouragement.

The program concluded with blessings, a vote of thanks, and Shaanti Paatha. Admission for 2026-27 is now open. Register online: https://davss.aryasamajhouston.org/registration/

TCC Spring 2026 Pro Div Winners : Thunderbolts | Runners-Up : CMHA

Houston: Thunderbolts’ tactical precision and individual brilliance culminated in a clinical and dominant 6 wicket victory over the Champions Mortgage Houston Arrows at Matzke Park West to claim the TCC Taped Ball Spring Professional 2026 title (Championship exclusively for Divn II teams). The tournament is driven by core value of respect for umpires and players of the opponent team.

On a warm breezy afternoon of May 16th, 2026, the finalists of the TCC Taped Ball Spring Professional division locked horns.

Champions Mortgage Houston Arrows, ranked 8th at the end of league stage, former champions and perennial playoff contenders, toppling top-ranked teams in every preceding round. They were up against the Thunderbolts, formerly known as Big12, currently sponsored by EleFit, , their second final in this division, marking a significant milestone in the club’s history.

Winning the toss, Thunderbolts’ captain Adriraj Chakraborty, backed his bowling unit and opted to bowl first. And they delivered a clinical performance, effectively paralyzing the Arrows’ top order. Arun Indugula was the disruptorin-chief, claiming the crucial wicket of Sreeji Sreenivasan, highest run getter of the season.

Well supported by Sunny Teli and Tarun Pareek, Arrows were reduced to a 19/3 by end of powerplay. Tarun Pareek’s maidenwicket over, a rarity in modern T20 cricket, effectively dominating the contest. Aneesh Raveendranathan and Ravi Bobburi (3/16) arrived with their technical precision and variations preventing any attempt of late-overs recovery. However, the unsung hero: Rex Yalavarthi, was brilliant behind the stumps with five dismissals: four catches and a crucial run-out.

Amidst the wreckage, Amit Rathod found some composure and emerged as the sole beacon of resistance for the Arrows, with 44 runs, to get to a total of 114 all out (19.4 ov). An under par score that required an exceptional defensive effort against Thunderbolts’ disciplined lineup.

The chase for 115 required a risk-averse approach from the Thunderbolts, to avoid the pitfalls

often seen in low-target championship matches. However, Adriraj Chakraborty started aggressively, as he always does, sending a towering six to Grant Rd. Although he fell early, the primary architect of the victory, Neeraj Gopishetty, later named Man of the Match, composed a match winning knock of 54 runs (49 balls, 5 boundaries). His vital 50 run partnership with Gopikrishna Chava neutralized any pressure and consolidated a firm grip on the game, while paving the way for Prabaharan Devadoss’ finishing touch, striking an unbeaten 28 off 16 (SR 175.00), he finished the chase at 16.4 overs, with a colossal sixer. This served as a cherry on top for a dominating campaign for the Thunderbolts.

The Spring Pro tournament provides an exclusive platform to recognize players of this division, who maintain a standard of excellence throughout the season. The post-match presentation ceremony was hosted by tournament organizers Jagadish Biradar, in typical fashion, celebrations with family and friends gathered for the grand occasion.

Respective captains were called upon to say a few words, and it was time for the trophy presentation. The runners up trophy was awarded to Santana Crasto, captain of the CM Houston Arrows, while the Winners’ trophy was handed out to Adriraj Chakraborty. Aneesh Raveendranathan was the obvious choice for Man of the Tournament, for his consistent brilliance throughout the season: 18 wickets, economy rate of 5.83 RPO, making him the top-ranked performer of the series.

For his anchoring performance in the final, Neeraj Gopishetty was deservedly named Man of the Match. Individual honors were also extended to the Arrows’ Sreeji Sreenivasan, awarded the Best Batsman for a total of 267 runs, which included a spectacular unbeaten century. Best Wicketkeeper was awarded to Miten Patel (Patel 11): 24 Dismissals, Best All Rounder was bagged by Sandeep Stanley (Telge Tigers CM): 152 Runs and 10 Wickets and finally a Special Award for Century & Hattrick was awarded to Sreeji Sreenivasan (CM Houston Arrows) 101 HS & Hattrick.

Former Fort Bend County Judge KP George Sentenced to Jail, Probation

By Claire Goodman

riCHmond: Former Fort Bend County Judge KP George was sentenced Tuesday to 180 days in jail, five years of probation and fined $5,000 following his felony money laundering conviction.

The judge also ordered George officially removed from office. George was taken into custody following the hearing and said he plans to appeal.

George was convicted in March after prosecutors argued he funneled campaign money through personal bank accounts and used the funds for personal expenses, including a down payment on a house.

At trial, prosecutors presented evidence showing George moved roughly $46,500 from campaign accounts, routed the money through personal accounts and spent portions of it on personal expenses.

“This man lied repeatedly,” prosecutor Katie Peterson told jurors during closing arguments. “Crimes have consequences. Lies have consequences.”

George’s attorneys argued the money belonged to him and that the transactions amounted to transfers between accounts he controlled rather than criminal conduct.

Jurors rejected that argument, finding him guilty after several hours of deliberation.

The conviction carried a punishment range of two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

During sentencing, the court assessed a 10-year prison sentence but suspended the term in favor of five years of probation. Under Texas law, George could be ordered to serve the prison sentence if he violates the terms of probation.

In the days before sentencing, George’s attorneys sought to postpone the hearing, arguing that evidence tied to a pending misdemeanor case could improperly influence the punishment phase.

Prosecutors opposed the request, arguing the motion was intended to delay sentencing and that the

evidence was admissible under Texas law.

The conviction has already transformed county government.

In April, a visiting judge suspended George from office and appointed Daniel Wong as interim county judge while a separate civil removal case remained pending.

The move marked the first known suspension of a sitting Fort Bend County judge in modern county history.

George, who lost his reelection bid in the March Republican primary, had been expected to remain in office until 2027 despite his

electoral defeat.

The suspension stemmed from a civil removal petition filed by Fort Bend County resident Sarah Roberts, who argued George’s criminal conviction and other alleged misconduct made him unfit to continue serving. George denied the allegations through his attorney.

George also faces a separate misdemeanor charge alleging misrepresentation of identity in connection with an alleged fake social media account used to attack a political opponent.

-- The Houston Chronicle

Mosquito Emergency

riCHmond: Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong has issued a declaration of local public health emergency in response to extraordinary mosquito populations affecting large portions of Fort Bend County.

In a statement, officials said health officials report mosquito activity well above normal seasonal levels, creating significant impacts on residents across the county. From May 1 through June 2, Fort Bend County Health & Human Services received 1,505 mosquito-related complaints — more than twice the number received following Hurricane Beryl.

Surveillance efforts have also documented mosquito trap counts reaching as high as 5,000 mosquitoes in a single collection period, far exceeding typical high-season levels, officials stated.

“Protecting the health, safety, and quality of life of Fort Bend County residents is one of our highest responsibilities,” said Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong. “Our Health & Human Services team has documented mosquito activity at levels that require immediate action. This declaration allows us to utilize every available tool to address the problem and provide relief to our communities.”

“When experts bring forward clear data and sound recommendations, government must respond,” said Wong.

-- Fox 26

http://www.triggerscricket.com/index.php/about-tb

Neelam Vij: 1951-2026

A Rich Life of Calm Perseverance and Unrelenting Fortitude

Houston: Neelam was born on May 21, 1951, the first girl in five generations. She grew up in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, until her marriage to Rakesh.

You’d always find her with a huge smile and a giggle never far behind. She was the glue of her family and the steady center of the community.

Neelam loved fiercely, and of all the roles she had in her life -- daughter, sister, wife -- it was that of mother and grandmother -- playing cards, board games, making slime, sharing Wordles, knitting, working on jigsaw puzzles, doing yoga, taking countless trips to the mall, and falling asleep at the movies -- all the simple, little things -- that she cherished the most. Let us not forget -- Neelam was the family ringer, always leaving the rodeo with the biggest stuffed animal, often two! Carnival games were no match for her!

Neelam had the biggest sweet tooth, but rarely made deserts! Instead, she made the best bharta, paneer, rajma, black-eyed peas, and bhindi. She loved to travel -- sailed over 20 cruises, and was specially fond of fall foliages and leaf color changes.

Her hubsand Rakesh was drawn to her from their first meeting -- her expressive eyes and the nonchalant, unaffected way she carried herself. She accepted him exactly as he was, believed in his potential, kept him accountable, and was in his words, the best partner he could have asked for.

Upon arriving in Houston, Neelam earned a degree in accounting and worked for Texaco while Rakesh set up his kitchen and bath hardware business. Together, they raised two children -- Rishi and Priya. As her family grew, Neelam brought a sense of calm, being the peacekeeper, and always accepting people as they were.

First diagnosed with cancer in 1996, she lived with the disease for over 30 years, never complaining, never allowing it to define her, and never letting it diminish her love for life, until it finally claimed her on June 3, 2026.

Irreplaceable. Forever loved. Neelam will be deeply missed. She is survived by her husband Rakesh, children Rishi and Priya, son-in-law Alex, and her grandchildren Valentina and Luca.

Indo American News

Founder: dr. K.l. sindwani

PuBlisHer: JawaHar malHotra

editor: Pramod KulKarni

CorresPondent: sanCHali Basu

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Bandar’: Bobby Deol Shines in Prison Drama

By renuKa VyaVaHare

Story: Samar Mehra (Bobby Deol), a washed-out actor in his 50s, makes a living performing his lone hit song at weddings. Struggling financially and clinging to faded fame, his world comes crashing down when he is arrested on rape charges. The complainant is Gayatri (Sapna Pabbi), a woman he once hooked up with through a dating app.

Review: Samar insists he is the real victim, claiming Gayatri is a psychotic stalker seeking revenge after he ghosted and blocked her. The police counter his version by reading out their explicit text exchanges and inform him that he is accused not only of rape, but also extortion and blackmail.

Soon, Samar finds himself trapped in judicial custody, with his bail hearing repeatedly delayed and eventually denied owing to the gravity of the allegations. The prison is overcrowded, filthy and hostile, with sexually frustrated rival camps eyeing the “hero” as easy prey. It takes Samar time to realise that this is not a temporary nightmare, he is in for a long and brutal ordeal.

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 June 23, 2026. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.

Solution Next Week

Co-directed by Anurag Kashyap, Sakshi Mehta and co-written by Sudip Sharma and Abhishek Banerjee, the story appears loosely inspired by the much-publicised case of a television actor-singer accused of rape in 2019.

Despite its premise, the film avoids the conventional route. It is neither a whodunit nor a thriller obsessed with uncovering the truth. Instead, it examines a flawed system that often forgets the principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” especially when a celebrity is involved. More importantly, it scrutinises how society, the media, the judiciary and even ordinary people transform an ongoing investigation into a public spectacle.

It is striking that even people accused of murder can be deeply

judgmental of those accused of rape within the prison system. Nobody seeks the truth; we seek entertainment. What happens to the accused while the process unfolds? This story chooses to explore that question through Samar’s eyes.Casting Bobby Deol is the film’s masterstroke. He looks and feels broken in what is arguably his finest and most demanding performance in years. The narrative pushes him to the edge, stripping away every shred of dignity, respect and self-worth. Rarely has Deol appeared this vulnerable and helpless on screen. Kashyap relentlessly unsettles his protagonist and, in doing so, leaves the audience equally shaken.The film also highlights how prolonged undertrial detention violates a person’s right to a fair trial. Beyond exposing the appalling conditions inside overcrowded prisons and the routine denial of basic constitutional rights, the drama observes how the endless pursuit of justice

can become more punishing than the punishment itself. Credit to the writers for resisting the temptation to whitewash Samar or others who claim innocence while in custody. The film acknowledges that allegations against men are often viewed through a particular lens, but it never reduces its argument to a simplistic gender debate. Sanya Malhotra, Saba Azad and Sapna Pabbi are excellent in their respective roles, while the ensemble of actors playing police officers, including Jitendra Joshi and Nagesh Bhosle, deliver uniformly strong performances. This is not an easy film to watch. It is disturbing, repulsive and occasionally repetitive. Think of horror sensation ‘obsession’ in an Anurag Kashyap universe. But that discomfort is precisely the point. The film succeeds because it refuses to offer easy answers or emotional relief. It is not meant to make you feel better, it is meant to leave you unsettled..-- ToI

Last Week’s Solution

Recent Winners

Sanchali Basu, Kumud Athavale, Krishna R. Vuddagiri, Prabha Barvalia, Jawahar Khandheria, Prabha Narumanchi, Yudhveer Bagga, Naveen Garg, Nihira Ghanta, Srikanth Madhavan, Harsh Malkan, Soumya Srikanth, Rajesh Pradbhu, Priya Pathak, Mohit Mittal, Ayush Khaple, Rekha Trivedi, Arup Gupta