Indo-American News: May 1, 2026

Vaisakhi Khed Mela at SNC Draws Springtime Crowds

By Jawahar Malhotra

houston: The previous two days had seen a steady downpour with localized flooding across the Bayou City, with the rain stopping the afternoon before, so it felt doubtful that the annual Vaisakhi Khed Mela would take place on rain-soaked grounds. Undeterred, the organizers marched on and by the time the crowds started coming in, their optimism was proven right and they had the stalls up!

Some years earlier, realizing that the grounds could be uneven for the races and volleyball matches held every year, the Gurdwara officials had astroturf installed over a large area and this foresight has

saved the day for the Mela before too, as it did on Sunday, April19 for the 11th Annual Vaisakhi Khed Mela at the Sikh National Center on the North Sam Houston Tollway.

For Sikhs, Vaisakhi has a special significance as the day in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh laid down the foundation of the Panth Khalsa and the five K’s which are sacred tenets of the faith. But in the Punjab, it is also a harvest festival coinciding with the Spring equinox and is celebrated with much gusto, especially in villages across the Punjab and North India, with melas, dances and lots of food.

As in previous years, the completely free event was open to

the public and was sponsored by the generosity of so many people who have worked hard to make the SNC a reality. The fun began after the religious ceremonies and acknowledgements of various dignitaries were completed inside the Gurdwara building, which was inaugurated just last year.

An estimated 4,000 people came to the SNC site under bright, blue skies and crisp weather to the completely free event to meet and greet, pray and enjoy food and games. The large concrete parking lots were full and many of the stream of cars parked in the lots of adjoining buildings.

The wide expanse was the site of all the fun games for the younger

children, like the tug-of-war; 50 meter race, 3-legged race, sack race, spoon race and basketball. On the far side of the racing field and volleyball court, a row of spectators watched; while others cooked hot jalebis, pakoras, gol gappe, chaat, dahi bhalla and fresh mango juice for a unending line of people.

Most of the free food in the stalls was donated by those working the stalls, including many sevadars of the SNC, manchurian by Baljeet Singh’s restaurant; pakore from Raahi restaurant; Jalebi by Tandoori Hut restaurant; dosa by Mirch Masala restaurant; sweets by Najjar Singh; milkshake and chat by

Sohanlal Singh and team.

In fact, there were huge lines in front of each stall, which ran out of food by 3pm which showed that the Mela is a victim of its own success! For future meals, a few solutions would be to have more stalls, more pre-prepared and packaged food, more tables for people to sit and eat at and frequent trash pickup crews.

Off to the other side, a carnival atmosphere took care of the whims of the younger tykes with inflatable moon walks and slides and farm animals petting zoo. And a safe distance away, stalls served cotton candy at one end and ice cream. SEE PHOTO COLLAGE ON PAGE 3

Jain Society’s Groundbreaking of New Campus, Community Center

houston: Over a momentous weekend from April 17–19, the Jain Society of Houston (JSH) officially broke ground on a landmark project that promises to redefine the cultural and spiritual landscape of the Jain community in Houston area. The three-day Bhumi Pujan (land sanctification) ceremony drew over 1,000 community members and distinguished guests to celebrate the commencement of a multi-phase campus designed to serve as a permanent home for Jain heritage and education.

A Legacy of Growth

Since its formal establishment in the 1990s with just 100 families, the Jain Society of Houston has experienced remarkable growth, now encompassing more than 1,000 families. This rapid expansion necessitated a modern, expansive facility capable of supporting the community’s diverse religious, educational, and social needs. The new project, situated on a 4.76acre site generously donated by the Bhupat & Jyoti Mehta Family Foundation, represents the culmination of years of vision and collective effort.

A Two-Phase Vision for the Future

The development is structured into two strategic phases to ensure long-term sustainability and utility:

Phase 1: Focused on community and education, this phase features a 30,000+ sq. ft. Community Center. It will house specialized classrooms for students from toddler age through high school, a library, and a modern kitchen for traditional community meals. A centerpiece of this phase is a 1,000-seat auditorium designed for largescale cultural events. Completion is targeted for late 2027.

Phase 2: This phase will see the construction of a 20,000 sq. ft. Temple (Derasar). Drawing inspiration from the intricate and historic stone architecture of India, the sanctuary will provide a dedicated space for deep reflection, prayer, and the preservation of Jain traditions.

Ceremonial Splendor and Civic Unity

The Bhumi Pujan was a vibrant tapestry of tradition and civic partnership. Led by Gurudev Nirmalsagarji and featuring the devotional melodies of renowned artist Anil Gemawat, the event was a sensory celebration of faith. The ceremonial lighting of the lamp saw participation from highprofile dignitaries, including Mr. D.C. Manjunath (Consul General of India in Houston), Fort Bend Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy, and Sugar Land Council Member Sanjay Singhal.

The spirit of Seva (selfless service) was on full display as representatives from numerous Houston organizations—including the Jain Vishwa Bharati, Gujarati Samaj of Houston, Interfaith Ministries, Chinmaya Mission, Vadtal Dham, VPSS Haveli, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Hindus of Greater Houston, Ekal Vidyalay, SEWA Houston and many more joined in solidarity. During the festivities, JSH Leadership also unveiled a new logo. The design features a tree with deep roots symbolizing Jain values, while its five colored leaves represent the core virtues of the faith: Non-Violence, Truth, Non-stealing, Purity, and Nonattachment.

Building a Foundation for Generations

When completed, the new campus will provide a permanent home where Jain traditions, education, and community life can thrive—bringing together ancient heritage and modern facilities for generations to come. The project is a catalyst for support & growth of community members, seniors, children; service projects for those in need, and many other programs for the Greater Houston community. As construction begins, the Jain Society of Houston looks forward to creating a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern community life, ensuring that Jain traditions continue to flourish in Texas for years to come.

CG Manjunath’s Ceremonial Flag Off for LNG Tanker Energy Fidelity

houston: Consul General DC Manjunath participated in the ceremonial flag-off of the LNG vessel Energy Fidelity at the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal on April 20, 2026. The vessel has a carrying capacity of 174,000 cubic meters. it is now enroute to India

The event marks a milestone in India’s global engagement and GAIL (India) Ltd’s long-term LNG shipping portfolio. The stateof-the-art Energy Fidelity strengthens India’s energy logistics toward cleaner and more sustainable fuel sources. The occasion also reflects the growing India-U.S. energy partnership, built on shared priorities of reliability, innovation, and long-term energy security.

Seva Signs Grand Opening: 50,000 Sq. Ft. Signage Manufacturing Facility

houston: A milestone evening bringing together community leaders, family, and clients for an unforgettable Masala-style celebration.

On Wednesday, April 22nd, Seva Signs officially opened their stunning new 50,000 square foot signage manufacturing facility.

The state-of-the-art space is home to a team of 40 designers, fabricators, and installers, specializing in large-scale commercial signage including monument signs, towering pylon signs, illuminated channel letters, and large-format exterior displays for retail, hospitality, fuel and convenience, and commercial real estate clients across the country.

A Ribbon Cutting Fit for Royalty

The ceremony drew more than 20 elected officials and candidates, reflecting Seva Sign’s deep roots across the greater Houston region. Stafford Mayor Ken Mathew, Sugar Land Mayor Carol McCutcheon, City Council Member Sanjay Singhal, Judge Dean Hrbacheck, FBC Pct. 2 Constable Daryl Smith, County Clerk Laura Richard, GOP Chair Greg Barnes, HD76 Republican Nominee Linda Howell, and FB County Commission Community Liaison Nikita Khambe were among some of those on hand.

Mayor Mathew summed up the room’s energy perfectly: “The

City of Stafford welcomes business leaders like Seva Signs — South Asians always go bigger and better!” Mayor McCutcheon added, “Sugar Land would welcome Seva Signs to invest in the city in the near future!

An Evening to Remember Masala Radio curated an elegant affair — opening with a graceful dance performance by DDR, followed by team introductions, bouquet presentations to dignitaries, and the ribbon and cake cutting. Over 150 guests enjoyed Bollywood music, flowing drinks, and a full dinner catered by Mai Colachi.

with Seva Signs

Hamza at 346-810-7925 or visit the new facility between 9 AM – 5 PM, Monday through Friday.

by

Inaugural Dinner Held for South Asians United -- Fort Bend

houston: On Sunday, April 26, 2026, the inaugural dinner event for South Asians United -Fort Bend, a new local organization, welcomed community members, elected officials and candidates. This group formed as South Asian community members saw a need to unite, empower, protect and amplify the voices of the diverse South Asian communities that contribute to the vibrance of Fort Bend County. The organization seeks to educate and mobilize a coalition of Democrats, Independents and Progressives to defend civil rights, voting rights, immigration and other community

concerns through representation in government.

Emcees FBISD Trustee Afshi

Charania and Dr. Maruthi Devarakonda introduced a series of guest speakers, who shared thoughtful insights with the attendees. Notable local South Asian elected officials from diverse backgrounds spoke about their personal stories highlighting their education, struggles and successes, including the Chief Guest of Honor, District Court Judge Surendran Pattel, County Court at Law Judge Juli Mathew and Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Judge Sonia Rash.

Guest speaker Chris Pino discussed the negative impacts from the recent 2026 Fort Bend County mid-decade redistricting due to the recent GOP majority. This raw political action, redistricting, racially gerrymandered the voting power of South Asians and Hispanics. In Precinct 3, South Asian’s voting power was diluted by almost 50% and those voters were packed into Precincts 2 and 4. Hispanic’s voting power was diluted by 30% as well. Mr. Pino explained the best way to correct this injustice is to vote for new officials on the commissioners’ court who pledge fair

maps, such as Commissioner Dexter McCoy, candidate for County Judge and candidate for Precinct 4 Commissioner April Jones, also both in attendance.

The final speaker, Dr. Linda Coleman, President of the NAACP- Missouri City & Vicinity Branch, discussed the historical struggle for the right to vote and other civil rights.

Dr. Coleman reflected on her own parents’ experience with discriminatory poll taxes and literacy tests intended to obstruct their vote. She emphasized that the ballot is precious and we MUST vote!

Dr. Coleman reminded us that it’s important to strengthen our alliances. She cautioned that in every group, there will be differences, but we cannot not let minor differences distract us because what unites us is MAJOR!

The event concluded with a recognition of elected officials and current candidates and a commemorative group photo! Looking forward to more opportunities for community engagement events. For more information, please visit: Facebook: South Asians United and Email: southasiansfbc@ gmail.com

Clinics to Courtrooms: Dr. Pankti Fadia is Bridging Two Worlds

By PraMod KulKarni

houston: Indo-American News is pleased to introduce Dr. Pankti Fadia, who is blazing a unique path in creating an American success story.

Most people pick a lane. Dr. Pankti Fadia picked two.

A practicing chiropractor for eight years, Dr. Fadia is graduating this May from South Texas College of Law Houston, adding a law degree to her credentials and becoming a diversified professional working at the intersection of chiropractic medicine and personal injury law.

While maintaining her practice full time, Dr. Fadia attended law school part time and published original articles in both a peer reviewed chiropractic journal and a law review journal, an uncommon distinction within the profession, particularly given the combination of clinical and legal academic work. Her work has been read by practitioners across the United States and other countries.

She was selected as a featured speaker at Texas Chiropractic College’s Annual Convention, presenting a Texas Chiropractic Board certified continuing education program to her peers across the profession.

Dr. Fadia recognized a medical

legal gap that needed to be filled. Chiropractors and personal injury attorneys work alongside each other every day yet rarely speak the same professional language

She saw her role as twofold: to educate the legal world on the value of evidence based noninvasive chiropractic care for musculoskeletal injuries, and to teach her fellow chiropractors how to navigate the legal landscape when treating car accident patients.

According to Dr. Fadia, the role of chiropractors in personal injury (PI) litigation has expanded significantly over the past two decades. What was once limited to providing treatment records has evolved into comprehensive expert testimony involving causation analysis, damage assessment, and courtroom appearances.

Collision-related injury claims continue to rise nationwide. There were over 494,000 police-reported crashes involving commercial vehicles in 2021 alone. The demand for qualified chiropractic expert witnesses has grown proportionally as the lawsuits against at fault insurance company rises.

Chiropractors treating motor vehicle collision victims encounter a constellation of neuromusculoskeletal injuries that form the basis of most PI litigation. The most common presentations include

cervical sprain/strain (whiplashassociated disorders), thoracic and lumbar sprain/strain, facet syndrome, myofascial pain, radiculopathy, extremity injuries, and post-traumatic headaches. Each of these conditions requires specific documentation to establish both existence and causation.

Chiropractors occupy a unique and vital position in personal injury litigation. As primary treating providers for collision-related neuromusculoskeletal injuries, they generate the clinical evidence upon which causation and damages are established. When documentation is thorough, treatment is evidence-based, and testimony stays within professional bounds, chiropractors serve as powerful advocates for injured patients. Understanding litigation processes such as subpoenas, depositions, trial testimony, is essential to avoiding professional missteps and maintaining credibility.

A familiar face in Houston’s South Asian community for years, Dr. Fadia sees this as just the beginning of her dual-career path.

“I want to keep building, keep teaching, and use everything I know from both sides to fight for patients,” she said.

This July she sits for the Texas Bar Examination. Whatever comes next, Houston will be watching.

Grand Opening for IFS & EFP Draws Many Supporters

houston: Insurance Financial Service Group and Encore Fine Properties proudly celebrated the grand opening of their new office at 7102 Tarrington Ave. in Sugar Land on Thursday, April 23. The event welcomed more than 150 guests, including community members, business leaders, family and friends.

Locally owned by long-time Houstonians Lalit Jallan, Prakash “PK” Chandiramani and Asha Khanpure who have partnered up to open their office six months ago. Between the three of them, they have served the community

for more than 30 years. Insurance Financial Service Group provides trusted insurance and financial services to families and businesses throughout the area. Jallan and his extended family have been in the Houston area for 46 years.

In association with IFS, Encore Fine Properties specializes in helping clients buy, sell, and invest in residential and commercial properties across Texas. Encore also offers white-glove property management services designed to professionally manage investment properties with exceptional care and attention.

The unique collaboration of IFS and Encore Fine Properties under one roof allows clients to access multiple professional services conveniently in one location. IFS can reached 281-643-0644 and the website is www.ifsgroupus.com.

“We are grateful for the incredible support from our community and honored to celebrate this milestone with so many guests,” the companies shared. “We look forward to continuing to serve our community with integrity, professionalism, and personalized service for many years to come.”

Indo American News

Founder: dr. K.l. sindwani

PuBlisher: Jawahar Malhotra

editor: PraMod KulKarni

CorresPondent: sanChali Basu

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Mercy’: Life, Loss, and A Painful Choice

By aBhisheK srivastava

Story: Shekhar is left conflicted when his beloved mother slips into a coma and hope begins to fade. He turns to his wife and brother for guidance, but it is a priest who helps him find clarit

Review: ‘Mercy’ is a gentle film about a son facing a painful choice after his mother slips into a coma with very little hope of recovery. At around 100 minutes, it stays focused on a close family and how their lives change when the mother becomes bedridden.

The story deals with the idea of mercy killing, but it handles the subject with care. It never feels preachy or overly dramatic. The tone remains warm and hopeful for most of its run, which makes it easy to watch.

The modest production values are noticeable, but they do not take away from the experience. At its heart, it is a simple film that holds your attention through its performances and family dynamics.

The story follows Shekhar (Raj Vasudeva), an engineer who returns from the US to Mumbai. He shares a strong bond with his mother Sujata (Aparna Ghoshal) and his younger brother Vihaan (Kunal Bhan). His wife Jia (Niharica Raizada) completes what seems like a happy family.

Things begin to shift when Jia announces her pregnancy and Vihaan asks Shekhar for financial help for his music venture. Shekhar refuses, pointing out past failures, and this creates tension between the brothers.

Soon after, Sujata falls into a coma. After six months, the doctor suggests bringing her home, as recovery seems unlikely. Shekhar is torn, while both Jia and Vihaan feel that keeping her alive in such a state only prolongs her suffering.

A conversation with Father Joel (Adil Hussain) gives Shekhar a new perspective.One of the film’s strengths is its tight runtime, which keeps the story moving. It occasionally leans into heavy messaging but pulls back before it be-

comes too much.

The overall mood stays light despite the serious theme. A sequence where Father Joel shares a story about an old couple is especially moving and fits well into the narrative. The relationships feel real, whether it is between the brothers or between the mother and her sons.

The confrontations carry a sense of truth and are easy to connect with. The film also uses quiet moments to build emotion without forcing it. These stretches allow the viewer to sit with the characters and understand their choices better.

Raj Vasudeva plays Shekhar with sincerity, showing both his caring side and his stubborn nature. Kunal Bhan does well as Vihaan and shines in his scenes with his family. Niharica Raizada as Jia has a limited role and remains average

Aparna Ghoshal stands out as the mother, bringing honesty and

warmth to her part. Adil Hussain appears briefly as Father Joel but leaves a strong impression. The cast works well together and gives the film a grounded and believable feel. Even in simple scenes, their chemistry keeps things engaging. Director Mitul Patel keeps the film simple and controlled. There are moments that could have been handled better, but they do not hurt the film much. Despite a few flaws, ‘Mercy’ presents its theme with clarity and sensitivity. It avoids loud drama and instead opts for a calm and thoughtful approach. The storytelling stays focused and does not drift into unnecessary subplots. This restraint helps the film remain consistent in tone till the end.

In the end, it leaves you with a quiet sense of reflection rather than heavy emotion. It may not aim big, but it stays honest to its core, and that works in its favour.-- ToI

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Send us the correct answer before May 5, 2026. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.

Solution Next Week

Basu, Kumud Athavale, Krishna R. Vuddagiri, Prabha Barvalia, Jawahar Khandheria, Mohit Mittal, Prabha Narumanchi, Arup Gupta, Yudhveer Bagga, Naveen Garg, Bhumija Mittal, Taranjit Singh, Nirmala Devi, Nihira Ghanta, Srikanth Madhavan, Harsh Malkan, Soumya Srikanth, Rajesh Pradbhu