Indo-American News: June 5, 2026

ASIE Gala Highlights Talented Engineering Firms and Scholars

Houston: The American Society of Indian Engineers and Architects (ASIE) held its Scholarship Gala on Thursday, May 14, at the Omni Galleria Hotel, bringing together civic leaders, dignitaries from local, state, and federal organizations, engineering professionals, architects, sponsors, students, and community supporters for an evening dedicated to education, service, and professional excellence.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire was the keynote speaker, highlighting the importance of leadership, community engagement, and investment in the next generation. His presence, along with the participation of other distinguished guests and public-sector representatives, added special significance to the evening and reinforced the

strong connection between Houston’s civic leadership and the technical professionals who help shape the city’s infrastructure.

The evening opened with the American national anthem presented by the Boy Scouts of America Troop 507. The Indian national anthem was performed by the Los Angeles based nationally acclaimed flutist Anis Chandani, who also performed musical numbers and songs as he walked through the ballroom. Anis also serenaded guests during the social hour in the ballroom lobby.

Gala Chair Karthik Balasubramanian, President of ABAM Engineers and President-Elect of ASIE, welcomed the guests and emphasized that the purpose of the gala was to support scholar-

ships, encourage mentorship, and strengthen professional development opportunities for students pursuing engineering, architecture, and related fields.

ASIE President Alok Shah (lead engineer at AUC Group), gave a short synopsis of the ASIE, a nonprofit organization, founded in 1994. He described how the ASIE has grown over the years and continues to focus on providing education and networking opportunities for the member engineers and architects in the greater Houston area. He added that the, over the past decade, ASIE’s scholarship program has provided over $250,000 in scholarship funds to deserving students as they prepare to enter demanding careers. Video clips of this year’s awardees were

played.

After dinner served at the table, Avinash Mehta, President of Pivotal Engineering, the underwriter for the event, introduced Mayor Whitmire who won many people over when he said he “wanted to go to India and see what produces such fine engineers”. He admitted that infrastructure, public safety, leaky water pipes, water distribution, wastewater needed to be improved. He challenged others to present their ideas if they didn’t like his plans, but was disappointed that there was very little State assistance for urban areas.

After he finished, Balasubramanian, Shah, Amit Sengupta and other ASIE Board members presented the Mayor with a special felicitation for his leadership and

service to the City of Houston and the State of Texas.

The evening also included a silent auction, with winners announced by Suresh Kalaga, ASIE Board member. The event concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks by Saritha Padhirae, ASIE Executive Board member.

The 2026 ASIE Board Alok Shah (President), Karthik Balasubramanian (President-Elect), Saritha Padhirae (Secretary), Kunal Tanwani (Treasurer); Board Directors Vidula Bhadkamkar, Madhu Narayanswamy, Dheeraj Jamgadhe, Suresh Kalaga, Vraj Chauhan and Advisory Council Aravind Nimma, Amit Sengupta, Varenya Mehta, Naresh Kolli, Srinivas Chintalapati ensured that the gala went off well for the over 350 guests who attended.

ENGINEERING

BAPS Charities Walk-Run 2026

IrvIng, texas: Consul General D.C. Manjunath attended the BAPS Charities Walk | Run 2026 held at the Levi Event Plaza, Irving, Texas.

The walk supported local organizations and brought together community leaders, elected representatives, volunteers, families, and participants in support of charitable and community welfare initiatives. The event also commemorated 250 years of U.S. independence, as part of a nationwide initiative by BAPS Charities being observed across the United States to mark this historic milestone.

TCC SPRING 2026 TOURNAMENT | WINNERS: ACG | RUNNERS-UP: BULLS SPORTS

Houston: Artha Cougars Gladiators (ACG) sealed a 14-run victory over Bulls to complete their unbeaten run in the tournament and win the premier division (Championship exclusively for Divn I teams) of Spring 2026 TCC Taped Ball tournament which is driven by core value of respect for umpires and players of the opponent team. Winning the toss, ACG decided to bat first, and the decision was immediately validated by Neil who scored a brisk 36 in the powerplay. However, after his departure, ACG batsman found it difficult to time the ball and maintain the same momentum. Despite Bulls bowlers applying pressure, ACG middle order did not crumble and with some good contributions from Moksh (27), Ashwin (13), Naveen (20) and quick 16 from Aradhya, ACG posted a competitive total of 133 from 20 overs. Just like ACG, Bulls started positively in the powerplay scoring 33 runs and putting ACG on the backfoot. Naveen then picked up the wicket of Hamza, caught by Rajesh and khatwani soon followed it up with the wicket of Kiran, caught by Sanman to pull the game back. At 48 for 2 after 8 overs, Bulls were still the favorites to win the game. However, ACG bowlers Vishal, Subbu, Prashant, Rajesh, Naveen and Khatwani, then started choking the flow of

runs and made life difficult for the batsman. Between the 8th and 14th over only 28 runs were allowed to be scored, which raised the required run rate above 9 causing panic amongst the batsmen to follow. ACG Captain Darshan was in his element, making clever changes in the bowling and setting the right fields giving nothing away. ACG fielding was also very sharp cutting down 2’s and supporting the bowlers. Vishal’s direct hit for a run out, Sanman’s two difficult catches at long on, Sai’s ground fielding and sprinting across the field to save runs, Prashant’s catch to dismiss Rajesh were some of the highlights. In the end, Bulls managed to score only 119 runs for the loss of 8 wickets, falling short by 14 runs.

It was a complete team effort by ACG where everyone did their job and helped the team win the championship. Special mention for Aswad and Amit who were unlucky to miss out in the finals but were instrumental throughout the tournament and helped the team achieve this feat.

This was the first time ACG came together as a team (merging previous champions gladiators and cougars along with Artha tech), and their experience in playing some tough games in the league phase helped them navigate through the playoffs successfully.

Runners-Up: Bulls

Following the finale, the traditional presentation ceremony was hosted by tournament organizers Jagadish Biradar and Dinesh Kasliwal (who got special accolades for scheduling of the tournament). Captain Darshan received the Winners’ Trophy for ACG, while the Runners-up Trophy was collected by Bulls’s captain Jagadish. Vishal and Aradhya were the joint man of the series for their bowling heroics finishing top wicket takers in the tournament. On a day where batsman from both sides struggled, Neil Armstrong’s fiery 34 of 16 balls earned him the man of the match for the Finals. Tournament award winners were; Khurram(The Legends) best batsman with 432 runs and all-rounder (432 runs and 10 wickets) and special award for century, Romesh (Tuskers) best bowler with 17 wickets,

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Secret to Batting Success

MuMbaI: Few players have captured the imagination of the cricketing world quite like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. At just 15 years of age, the Rajasthan Royals opener has emerged as one of the biggest sensations in the game after producing a breathtaking IPL 2026 campaign that shattered records and earned admiration from some of cricket’s most respected voices.The teenager from Samastipur finished the season as the tournament’s leading runscorer, amassing a remarkable 776 runs

His explosive performances played a major role in Rajasthan Royals’ campaign and sparked widespread calls for an India debut, particularly after his pair of scores in the nineties during the playoffs.

Former England captain, Michael Vaughan, shared an amusing encounter with the teenage star during the tournament.

“I was in the pool last week in Mum-

bai. Rajasthan playing Mumbai - a must-win game to go through to the playoffs. Yashasvi Jaiswal comes and has a chat, and then the kid (Sooryavanshi) arrives and I start off:

‘It’s a pleasure to meet you. Full admiration for the way you play. How do you prepare for the matches?’

He went: ‘Watching cartoons.’

I was like... alright. I said, ‘Are you training?’

He went, ‘No.’ I said, ‘What do you eat?’

He went, ‘Everything.’ I said - there’s the modern player. Watch a cartoon, eat what you want, smack it out of the ground,” he said.

Following his record-breaking IPL season, Sooryavanshi is set for another important chapter in his young career.

The teenage sensation will next feature for India A in the upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka and is also in contention for a place on India’s tour of Ireland.

Pavan (Jaevlinas-Genx) best wicketkeeper with 30 dismissals (Javelinas-GenX). Sukitha(Tuskers), Moksh(ACG) and Bernard(SLCC) got special awards for centuries. Saravana(CSK) and Kavindu(Tuskers) got special awards for Hat-trick

The game had live YouTube feed made super exciting witty commentary by Subodh from Hindu Cricket Woodlands in a Haryanvi Tadka style. TCC is very thankful

for the volunteer effort. YouTube Feed – Spring 2026 https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=H8aEmJ8cmYQ and https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=EqhLH4KkED0 Scorecard - https://cricclubs.com/3T/viewScorecard. do?matchId=3089&clubId=8675 CricClubs Article – https:// cricclubs.com/3T/viewArticle. do?clubId=8675&articleId=4

Indian Consulate in Houston Hosts Information Session on OCIs

Houston: The Consulate General of India in Houston continues its ongoing efforts to reach out to the Indian diaspora and provide timely, accurate, and accessible consular information. As part of these continuous initiatives, the Consulate hosted a Special Consular Information Session on Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) applications on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Consulate. The session provided detailed guidance on OCI application forms, documentation requirements, and common queries, and offered participants an opportunity to seek clarifications directly from consular officials. The Consulate

sincerely thanks the community leaders who attended and helped strengthen this important outreach effort. For those who missed the session, the updated OCI instructions are available in the attached flyer. It includes important information, such as the requirement for OCI card reissue upon turning 20, online update provisions for other age groups, and the timeline for linking OCI with a new passport. If any further clarification is needed, participants may scan the QR code in the flyer and submit their question. Looking forward to serve better.

Indo-Canadian Convicted of Sextortion

WasHIngton DC: Ramanan Pathmanathan, 40, of Toronto, Canada, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 33 years in federal prison in connection with a prolific sextortion scheme that targeted more than 100 children across the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

Pathmanathan pleaded guilty on Jan. 30, 2026, before Chief Judge James E. Boasberg to one count of production of child pornography and one count of coercion and enticement of a minor.

“This defendant spent years methodically hunting children online. He targeted more than 145 victims, some as young as six, and subjected them to horrors no child should ever experience,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “The United States will not allow international borders to serve as a refuge for those who prey on children, and I am grateful to our Canadian partners for ensuring this predator faced justice on both sides of the border.”

In addition to the 396-month

prison term, Chief Judge Boasberg ordered Pathmanathan to serve 10 years of supervised release and register as a sex offender. The prison term will run consecutively to the 12-year sentence that Pathmanathan is serving in Canada. Pathmanathan used multiple social media accounts, primarily Instagram and Facebook Messenger, to establish contact with at least 145 young girls and boys. Between at least March 2014 up until the day of his arrest on March 10, 2021, Pathmanathan posed as a teenage boy from New Jersey.

Chinmaya Mission Hosts Graduation Ceremony for Class of 2026

Houston: Chinmaya Mission Houston (CMH), founded in 1982 by resident Acaryas Shri Gaurang Nanavaty and Smt. Darshana Nanavaty, is a vibrant branch of Chinmaya Mission dedicated to sharing the wisdom of Vedanta and supporting individuals of all backgrounds in their spiritual and personal growth as positive contributors to society. For over four decades, it has provided Hindu value-based education to children from Pre-K through Grade 12 through structured Bala Vihar classes.

Saturday, May 16th, was a very special day. It was a celebration of learning for the graduating Class of 2026, who have been coming to Chinmaya Mission week after week to learn about their culture and Hindu scriptures, instil respect for their heritage, make them comfortable in their own skin and guide them as they grow up amidst diverse cultures and an ever-changing society.

The ceremony began with the Graduating Class of 2026 and their teachers gathering at the Chinmaya Smrti foyer to offer flowers at the Prathima of Pujya Swami Chinmayananda. They then proceeded

to Saumyakasi Sivalaya for a puja and divine blessings. After the puja, the graduates walked to Smrti Hall, led by their teacher and priest carrying a Purnakumbha while chanting the Sikshavalli of the Taittiriya Upanishad.

As the beautiful music from the orchestra team filled the air, the graduating students entered Smrti Hall. It was a heartwarming moment for the parents of all 51 graduates, their families, teachers, and well-wishers to witness these young graduates, as they walked to their seats in an organized manner, reflecting the discipline and grace upheld at Chinmaya Mission Houston.

The emcee commenced the program by welcoming everyone and inviting Acarya Gaurang Uncle to the stage to light the lamp. Acarya Gaurang Uncle then lit the lamp and, seated on the vyas peet, delivered the convocation address. His discourse highlighted the ancient Vedic graduation milestone known as ‘Samavartana,’ as described in the Taittiriya Upanishad, where the acharya (teacher) instructs graduating students on a core set of principles to follow in life.

“Never err from Truth, never err

from Dharma; never neglect your well-being and your prosperity; never neglect Svadhyaya (Selfstudy) and Pravachan (listening to discourses).”

He reminded them of the Chinmaya pledge to give more to society than they take, and to become positive contributors through meaningful choices while staying grounded in a world increasingly driven by appearance and superficiality.

The emcee then introduced the chief guest, Dr. Milan Vaishnav, Director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a Chinmaya Mission Houston alumnus.

A noted scholar of India’s political economy and public policy, his journey reflects the impact of value-based education. His presence inspired the graduating Class of 2026, showing how cultural roots and professional excellence can go hand in hand.

Dr. Milan shared four simple lessons for graduates: read widely and go beyond what feels comfortable, stay humble by remembering no one has all the answers, serve others without expecting anything in return, and always value the

support and sacrifices of parents and teachers. He shared personal stories, anecdotes making his message practical and easy for the graduating students to connect with as they move forward in life.

The graduation commenced with each student receiving a trophy engraved with a quote from Pujya Swami Chinmayananda: “Always learn to put your mind where your hands are working.” As names were called, graduates stepped forward and lit ceremonial lamps, symbolizing commitment to spiritual values and lifelong learning.

A presentation in the background highlighted student achievements, college plans, CMH experiences, and favorite quotes of Swami Chinmayananda.

In keeping with ancient Vedic tradition, the graduating class offered “Guru Dakshina” to their teachers through Gaurang Uncle as a symbol of gratitude and respect. The orchestra then played the melodious congratulatory song “Abhinandanam,” creating an emotional and joyful moment for families and guests.

The graduates followed this by reaffirming their commitment to service and respect through the

Chinmaya Mission Pledge, bringing the ceremony to a meaningful close. The teachers, guests, and families were then treated to a sumptuous lunch hosted by the graduating families.

The graduation ceremony was the result of weeks of careful preparation by volunteers, making it a beautiful and memorable experience for the graduating families, including mine.

As a parent of a graduate, I am deeply grateful to Chinmaya Mission Houston for its role in our family’s journey after moving from India to the United States. It was important for us that our children stay connected to their culture and values, and CMH made this possible. Through the weekly classes, they learned Hindu traditions and values while growing up in a new environment, helping them stay grounded, culturally aware, and confident in their identity.

For more information about Chinmaya Mission Houston, Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya, and its activities, please visit www.chinmayahouston.org, www.saumyakasi. org or call temple 281 568 1690 or Jay Deshmukh 832 541 0059 or Bharati Sutaria 281-933-0233

IACF Hosts Scholarship Awards Ceremony for 51 Students

Houston: Consul General D.C. Manjunath attended the IACF Scholarship Awards Ceremony 2026 hosted by the Indo-American Charity Foundation on May 29, 2026 at India House, Houston.

The event celebrated the achievements of 51 outstanding students of diverse ethnic backgrounds from five school districts across the Greater Houston Area—FBISD, Lamar CISD, Stafford MSD, Alief ISD, and Katy ISD—who were awarded scholarships in the presence of their families, donors, community leaders, and dignitaries.

Consul General D.C. Manjunath appreciated IACF’s continued commitment towards empowering students and supporting higher education opportunities for the next generation.

He commended IACF’s motto, “We live here, we give here,” as a reflection of the Indo-American diaspora’s spirit of responsibility, compassion, and community engagement.

The Consulate stands ready to support all initiatives by IndoAmerican organizations that promote education, compassion, and community welfare.

Indo American News

FounDer: Dr. K.L. sInDWanI

PubLIsHer: JaWaHar MaLHotra

eDItor: PraMoD KuLKarnI

CorresPonDent: sanCHaLI basu

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Cricket, Anyone?

Join Wednesday afternoons at Stafford Park for low-stress practice sessions. Recently retired players are welcome. Contact Andy at (281) 851-9602 or andyb@infodatinc.com for more information.

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Shape of Momo’: Poignant Drama in the Hills

by arCHIKa KHurana

Story: Shape of Momo is a poignant semi-autobiographical drama set in the hills of Sikkim that quietly examines patriarchy, migration, and the painful process of outgrowing a home you still deeply love. Through a metaphorical title, the film explores how women are constantly “shaped” by societal expectations and inherited conditioning.

Review: At its centre is Bishnu, a 32-year-old woman who resists conformity in subtle yet powerful ways. Her quiet rebellion becomes the emotional core of the story. The narrative follows four women across three generations of a maleless household, each negotiating a society that views such a family as vulnerable, unsafe, and incomplete. Bishnu’s mother survives through caution and strategy, her sister embraces the conventional route of marriage and motherhood, while the grandmother clings to pride in her sons — one deceased, the other living abroad in Dubai, forever postponing his promise to take her with him.

In the absence of a male figure, the women endure prejudice, threats to their safety, and constant undermining by workers and tenants at their orange orchard. Ironically, the film highlights how society conditions women to believe they need the presence of men for protection often from men themselves.

Writers Kislay and Tribeny Rai portray patriarchy not merely as a system upheld by men, but as something deeply internalised by women themselves. One of the film’s most striking moments comes when the family fears an intruder in their isolated home and Bishnu’s mother shouts, “Your father will wake up,” hoping the mere suggestion of a man’s presence will scare him away. She even hangs her late husband’s clothes outside to create the illusion that a man still lives there — a heartbreaking reminder of how safety is often tied to masculinity.

Archana Ghangrekar’s cinematography beautifully captures Bishnu’s emotional isolation, whether she is sitting alone by the river or jogging through the misty hills. While outsiders often romanticise the mountains as places of peace, Bishnu experiences them as claustrophobic, filled with watchful eyes and unspoken judgement.

The immersive sound design by Akita Purkayastha and production design by Uttam Mondal vividly bring rural Sikkim to life, grounding the film in the textures of everyday existence rather than postcard beauty. What makes Shape of Momo especially affecting is what it leaves unsaid. Its emotional power lies in pauses, silences, restrained heartbreak, and the quiet bond between women.

The film trusts its audience enough to sit with discomfort and loneliness instead of overexplaining them. It’s a tender exploration

of womanhood, belonging, and the invisible weight of patriarchy set against the breathtaking landscapes of Sikkim, where home is both sanctuary and a cage. It observes the quiet resilience of women living without men.

If you appreciate slow-burn, deeply personal stories rooted in atmosphere and emotional nuance, Shape of Momo is absolutely worth watching..-- ToI

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