Indo-American News: May 22, 2026

Magic Bus USA Raises Over $1 Million at Houston Gala Supporting

40,000 Young people AcroSS indiA

Houston: Magic Bus USA celebrated a landmark evening of philanthropy, community, and purpose at its 2026 Houston Gala, raising more than $1 million in support of Magic Bus programs across India. The funds raised will enable an additional 40,000 young people to benefit from Magic Bus’ transformative “From Childhood to Livelihood” programs over the coming year.

Held at the elegant Thompson Houston, the evening brought together leaders from business, philanthropy, entertainment, and the Indian diaspora community in support of one shared mission: breaking the cycle of poverty for India’s most vulnerable young people.

The Gala’s Guest of Honour, Anil Agarwal, delivered a deeply personal reflection on philanthropy and responsibility.

“Our company contributes roughly 2% of India’s economy,” said Agarwal. “And I have made a commitment to give away 75% of my wealth. Wealth has meaning only when it improves the lives of others.”

The audience was also delighted by the presence of Aditya Roy Kapur, whose warmth, humour, and support for Magic Bus added tremendous energy to the evening.

Matthew Spacie, who founded Magic Bus in Mumbai in 1999, reflected on the extraordinary growth of the organization from a small sports-based initiative into one of India’s largest poverty alleviation organizations focused on children and youth.

“Magic Bus was built on a sim-

ple idea: that every young person deserves dignity, opportunity, and hope,” said Spacie. “What began with a group of children on a rugby field has now grown into a movement reaching millions of young people across India.”

Amit Bhandari, Chairman of the Board of Magic Bus USA,

emphasized the growing momentum behind the organization in the United States and the importance of building a long-term philanthropic movement around education, livelihoods, and economic empowerment.

“This evening was not simply about fundraising,” said Bhandari.

“It was about building a community of people who believe that talent is universal, even if opportunity is not. The generosity shown tonight will create life-changing opportunities for tens of thousands of young people.”

Marc Nicholson, Executive Director of Magic Bus USA,

thanked the Houston community and highlighted the organization’s ambitions for growth in the United States.

“The response from Houston has been extraordinary,” said Nicholson. “What we witnessed tonight was generosity fused with optimism. Every dollar raised tonight represents futures expanded, confidence built, and young people moving toward meaningful livelihoods.” The evening featured live entertainment, inspiring stories from the field, and a vibrant auction that energized supporters throughout the night.

About Magic Bus

Founded in 1999 by Matthew Spacie, Magic Bus works with children and young people living in poverty across India, helping them move from Childhood to Livelihood through education, life skills, and employability programs.

Today, Magic Bus reaches millions of children and young people across India through programs focused on education completion, gender equity, life skills, and livelihoods. The organization works to ensure that young people are not only educated, but equipped with the confidence, skills, and pathways needed to enter the workforce and build independent futures.

Magic Bus aims to place more than 400,000 young people into jobs annually, creating long-term economic mobility for families and communities across India

SVYASA Houston Concludes Successful 9th Annual Yoga Retreat

Houston: SVYASA Houston Center successfully conducted its 9th Annual Yoga Retreat from April 24–26 at the beautiful Camp Cho-Yeh near Lake Livingston.

With over 50 participants in attendance, the retreat offered a deeply enriching and immersive experience focused on holistic health, self-development, and yogic living.

A major highlight of the retreat was the insightful textual exploration by Prof. Jayaraman Mahadevan on “Charm of the Upanishads – Glimpses from Chandogya and Katha.” The sessions provided participants with profound insights into the Upanishads, which form the philosophical core of yogic wisdom and offer a strong foundation for aspirants to deepen their sadhana.

Participants also enthusiastically engaged in Ayurveda sessions conducted by Dr. Sonal Gupta, which were received with great interest and curiosity.

Special fun and recreational activities were thoughtfully organized for children, alongside yoga sessions, making the retreat a joyful and family-friendly experience for participants of all ages.

Senior teachers of SVYASA Houston, Vishwarupa Nanjundappa and Smitha Mallaiah, guided participants through a harmonious blend of yoga practices, breathing techniques, meditation, relaxation,

and reflective sessions designed to nurture both physical and mental well-being.

Attendees especially appreciated the serene natural setting, meaningful connections, and the overall sense of collective growth and inner transformation experienced throughout the retreat.

SVYASA Houston extends its sincere gratitude to all participants, volunteers, teachers, and sponsors whose support and dedication made the retreat a truly memorable and transformative experience. For more details about SVYASA Yoga activities, Please Visit www. vyasahouston.org

FCCRS 2026 Fundraising Gala: Compassion, Culture, and Community

Houston: The Foundation for Children’s Cancer Research and Support (FCCRS) hosted its highly successful 2026 Fundraising Gala at the prestigious GSH Event Center in an elegant evening that was exceptionally well attended by supporters, physicians, philanthropists, and members of the Houston community. The event proved to be one of the most memorable and successful galas in FCCRS history, raising over $100,000 in support of pediatric cancer research and treatment assistance for underprivileged children.

The evening beautifully combined philanthropy, culture, entertainment, and fine dining in support of a deeply meaningful cause. FCCRS Cultural Director Keka Kar served as the emcee for the evening with remarkable grace and warmth, helping guide the audience through an inspiring and engaging program.

One of the major highlights of the evening was the mesmerizing performance by internationally acclaimed magician Paul Driscoll, who enthralled the audience with his extraordinary talent and generosity. In support of the FCCRS mission, Driscoll graciously waived his customary professional fee and accepted only the minimum necessary to cover his expenses.

The cultural segment featured an electrifying performance by internationally acclaimed Kathak maestro Kumar Sharma and his renowned Kathak Rockers troupe. The performance was further enriched by talented local dancers from various Houston dance schools under the supervision of Keka Kar, who strongly believes in encouraging and involving young local talent in major cultural productions.

A particularly emotional and inspiring moment came through the performance of gifted kathak dancer Arpita Roy, herself a cancer survivor, who traveled from Virginia to perform under the mentorship of Kumar Sharma. Her presence and artistry deeply moved the audience.

The evening opened with an informative address by Dr. Sachin Agarwal, who spoke about the latest advances in pediatric cancer research and the growing impact and future direction of FCCRS.

The fundraising and auction segment generated tremendous enthusiasm among attendees. Acclaimed painter Gopal Seyn contributed beautiful paintings for auction, while additional highlights included a Lake Conroe lake house weekend donated by the Kar family and a Galveston beach house stay donated by the Bhashist family.

Guests also enthusiastically participated in raffles featuring a stunning diamond pendant set generously donated by the renowned Indian jewelry brand Tanishq, along with silver bars donated by the Agarwal and Kar families.

The success of the fundraising effort was spearheaded by the renowned Dr. Subodh Boucher, whose passion and dedication to the cause were evident throughout the evening. Assisting him on stage during the auction and raffle proceedings was Mrs. Ruchi Agarwal, whose support contributed greatly to the lively and successful fundraising atmosphere.

Toward the conclusion of the gala, FCCRS President Dr. Biswajit Kar delivered a heartfelt and emotional speech on compassion, giving, and the urgent need to support children battling cancer. His inspiring words, enriched with quotations from poets and philosophers, resonated deeply with the audience and received tremendous appreciation.

Guests were treated to an exceptional culinary experience featuring gourmet cuisine, elegant hors d’oeuvres, premium wines, beers, soft drinks, and flowing single malt Scotch whisky. Every aspect of the evening reflected sophistication, warmth, and class.

The FCCRS 2026 Gala has firmly established itself as a premier charitable event in the Houston community — one that many attendees now describe as a “mustattend” occasion. Most importantly, the funds raised will directly support critically needed pediatric cancer research and provide treatment assistance to children whose families cannot afford lifesaving care.

The overwhelming success of the evening once again demonstrated the power of community, generosity, and compassion in bringing hope to children fighting cancer.

Southwestern National Bank Introduces New Brand and Trade Name

Houston: Southwestern National Bank introduced a refreshed brand identity and the trade name Southwestern Bank at its Houston corporate headquarters. The announcement comes as the community-focused financial institution approaches its 30th anniversary and continues expanding its presence across Texas and California.

The updated identity includes a refreshed logo, new branch signage, updated marketing materials and an updated website at southwesternbank.com. The bank’s legal name remains Southwestern National Bank.

Founded in 1997, Southwestern National Bank has grown from a single community bank into a financial partner supporting multicultural individuals, families and businesses in Texas and California. The refreshed brand was developed to reflect the bank’s evolution while reinforcing customer relationships, personalized service and community commitment.

“This rebrand reflects how the bank has grown and evolved while preserving the values our customers know and trust,” said Joanne Kim, chief executive officer of Southwestern Bank. “The Southwestern Bank name and refreshed identity give us a more modern, yet recognizable presence in the market, but our commitment to serving our customers will never change.”

The bank said the change is lim-

ited to its brand identity and trade name. Customer accounts, online banking access, routing information, branch teams, bank leadership and shareholder relationships will not change as part of the rebrand. FDIC insurance coverage will continue under the bank’s legal name, Southwestern National Bank.

The refreshed brand will be introduced across customer touchpoints, including branch locations, digital channels, printed materials and customer communications.

Customers may continue using their existing accounts and banking services without interruption.

“Our priority is making sure customers understand what is changing and what is not,” Kim said.

“They will see a new name and visual identity, but they will continue to work with the same people and receive the same personal service they expect from Southwestern National Bank.”

About Southwestern Bank

Southwestern Bank is a trade name of Southwestern National Bank, a community-focused financial institution founded in 1997 and headquartered in Houston.

The bank provides personal and business banking services to customers across Texas and California, with a focus on personalized service, community support and long-term financial relationships. Member FDIC.

YLDP 2026 Graduation: A Celebration with Community Leaders

Houston: The 2026 Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP) was a wonderful celebration with community leader and philanthropist Jugal Malani. His journey and achievements truly inspired the student.

Nat Murthy and Sushma Bhan shared a few leadership tips.

Consul General DC Manjunath and special guest Ashok Mago of Dallas encouraged the grauduates with thoughtful words.

The students have come a long way -- growing in confidence, communication, and leadership skills -- and proudly shared their learnings. This milestone was made possible by the dedication of the YLDP board and the unwavering support of parents.

Sewa Houston Fundraiser Thrills with Bollywood Musical Journey

By Pramod KulKarni

Houston: It was the best of all worlds -- an opportunity to support one of Houston’s leading community organizations and to witness Niche Entertainment’s exciting entertainment presentation of Bollywood’s musical journey through 100 songs encompassing the best compositions between 1913 and 2025.

Sewa International’s Houston Chapter held its annual fundraiser on the evening of Friday, May 15, 2026 at the Immanuel Mar Thoma Church auditorium in southwest Houston. This year’s entertainment featured live dancers and singers performing against the backdrop of video clips of the corresponding cinemas.

Sewa’s Kavita Tewary and Dr. Pranav Loyalka welcomed the audience and gave an overview of the programs under Sewa Houston. Alpana Loyalka and Rajesh Patwari did the vote of thanks.

Over the last several decades, Niche Entertainment has presented more than a dozen shows that present Bollywood or regional movie highlights with live singers and dancers, starting with “Bhairav to Bhairavi”, their first show in the early 1980s. The programs are the creatiions of Director Milind Oak from Pune. The singers are excellent including many of the contestants from Indian Idol and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa contests. The dancers have also been featured in dance contests such as India’s Superstar.

The Bollywood Musical Journey presentation began with India’s first silent movie, Raja Harishchandra, produced by Dadasaheb Phalke in 1913 continued through the Golden decades to include the latest Bollywood hit -- Dhurandhar.

The presenter Nachiket Devasthali presented several nuggets of previously unfamiliar Bollywood trivia and also entertained the au-

Sewa volunteers in a group photo with some of the Niche Entertainment’s singers and dancers. Seen in the center row are Rajesh Patwari at left and Milind Oak at right.

dience with Urdu couplets.

The singers -- Abhilasha Chellam, Jitendra Abhyankar, Chaitanya Kulkarni, and Malvika Dikshit--- were excellent in their renditions of hit songs by famous Bollywood playback artistes -- Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi, Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar, Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal. The audience applauded the staging of songs such as the comedy duet of Mohammad Rafi and Manna Dey in the movie Padosan.

Dancers were Abhishek Havaragi, Rutuja Ingle, Ajay Kanase, and Riya Desai. The audience loved the rendition of “Ek Do Teen” made famous by Madhuri Dixit.

It is difficult to present 100 Bollywood hit songs in a span of just

2.5 hours. As a result, most of the iconic songs had to be truncated to a minute or less clips. Notable misses were actors Waheeda Rehman and Manoj Kumar, and 1965 movies Sangam and Guide.

During the interval, Sewa organized an efficient sale of snacks and tea catered by the Mirch Masala restaurant. The customers especially enjoyed the samosas and wada-pav.

Some of Sewa Houston Chapter’s upcoming events include participatition in the International Day of Yoga and Yoga 5K walk on June 21, Sewa Dancing Stars on August 29, 9/11 days of service commemoration event on September 12. Sewa will also participate in the Viksit Bharat Run with Consel General’s office on September

20. Sewa’s annual garba will be held on September 27. The last major event will be Sewa International’s fundraiser HELP on November 15.

Sewa’s programs are grouped into the following categories: Disaster Resiliency, Education, Family Services, Youth Engagement, S.E.L.F. and Serve.

Excellent examples of Sewa’s Disaster efforts include providing aid to victims of Hurricane Harvey and the Kerr County flooding.

S.E.L.F. (Sleep, Exercise, Living in the Present, Food & Diet) is an initiative to promote physical fitness and a balanced lifestyle. Over the past five years, Sewa has organized 50+ 5k runs in partnership with several local organizations. Sevwa is also active in the Chevron Houston Marathon with 130+ runners and 140+ volunteers.

For more information on the full range of Sewa International Houston Chapter’s activities and support services, visit sewausa.org

Chinmaya Bala Vihar Students Excel at Gita Chanting Competition

By sHalini Konde

Houston: On April 25, Saturday, a record 215 children gathered at Chinmaya Mission Houston to participate in the annual Gita Chanting Competition, reflecting a growing interest among families in preserving spiritual traditions and cultural learning for younger generations.

The event held special significance as part of the Chinmaya Amrut Mahotsav this year, celebrating the timeless legacy of Swami Chinmayananda and 75 years of the Chinmaya Mission. It is part of a global initiative he envisioned in the early 1980s to encourage individuals to “chant, study, know, and live” the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, which has since grown into an international movement involving more than six million participants worldwide.

This year’s Houston chapter saw enthusiastic participation from children across multiple age groups after months of preparation guided by 10 dedicated teachers. Training began in early February and focused on memorization, pronunciation, rhythm, and understanding of meaning. Participants competed in age-based groups: Anagha (KG), Arjuna (Grades 1–2), Bharata (Grades 3–4), Partha (Grades 5–6), Gudakesa (Grades 7–9), and Dhananjaya (Grades 10–12).

The Bhagavad Gita, often described by Swami Chinmayananda as a “handbook for everyday living,” forms the foundation of the competition. Each year, par-

ticipants are assigned a chapter to study and memorize, helping them build familiarity with the text while developing discipline, focus, and confidence. This year, Chapter 12 was selected for chanting. The competition unfolded in a spirit that balanced seriousness with devotion. Participants were evaluated on memory accuracy, pronunciation, posture, and overall presentation, while judges also noted their composure and confidence on stage. Although it carries a competitive element, organizers

emphasized that its purpose goes beyond rankings and awards. The event is designed to help children internalize timeless values and apply them in daily life, with the competition serving only as a framework for that journey.

The Houston event is one of many held globally under the Chinmaya Mission banner. Winners from local chapters typically progress to regional, national, and international levels, creating a shared pathway of spiritual learning across communities world-

wide.

Parents and attendees noted the lasting impact of the program on children. Many begin training at a young age, and over time, the discipline of chanting helps strengthen concentration, confidence, and cultural identity.

The strong turnout this year reflects growing interest among families in integrating traditional teachings with modern upbringing.

More parents are seeking ways to ground their children in values that extend beyond academics and dai-

ly routines. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, events like the Gita Chanting Competition offer a rare space for reflection, focus, and connection to enduring philosophical principles.

On May 10 at Chinmaya Smrti, Pujya Gaurang Uncle, amid applause from the audience, presented certificates and recognized the winners across all categories, as well as all children who learned verses from Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita. Selected participants advanced to represent Chinmaya Mission Houston at the state-level competition. The announcement coincided with the 110th Janma Jayanthi of Swami Chinmayananda, offering a meaningful and fitting conclusion to the event.

Pujya Gaurang Uncle reminded the children that learning is not always easy, but with the guidance of parents and teachers, they can grow into capable and thoughtful individuals. He encouraged them to reflect on the meaning of prayers and pledges and to value these opportunities in the present rather than realizing their importance later in life.

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.

Sewa Intl Launches Disaster Response Vehicle for Community Support

san antonio: Sewa International commissioned its first Disaster Response Vehicle (DRV) on May 2 at Aum Ashram in San Antonio, TX, during Sewa International’s 20th National Conference. The DRV is a purpose-built trailer equipped with emergency response equipment and designed to support rapid deployment during natural disasters and community emergencies.

The DRV is painted with the Sewa banner and the organization’s guiding motto: “Service to Humanity is Service to Divinity”. It is armed with personal protective equipment (PPE), shovels and mucking tools, safety vests, helmets, thermal insulated jackets, solar-powered generators, and other critical tools used in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

Sewa San Antonio chapter leadership, dressed in Sewa’s signature yellow safety vests and hard hats, led the formal unveiling ceremony. Members of Sewa’s national

leadership team and board were also present to commemorate this important milestone.

With this launch, San Antonio becomes the first Sewa chapter in the nation to establish a dedicated Disaster Response Vehicle — creating a scalable model that can now be replicated by chapters in the Bay Area, Florida, Houston, and other regions across the country. The DRV is capable of being deployed anywhere in Texas within just a few hours, enabling faster and more effective disaster relief operations when communities need support the most.

Sewa’s experience responding to the devastating flash floods that struck the Texas Hill Country on July 4, 2025 sparked an organization-wide discussion on how Sewa could prepare and respond to disasters with greater speed and efficiency in the future. That vision culminated in the unveiling of Sewa’s first Disaster Response Vehicle (DRV).

Cricket, Anyone?

Indo American News

Join Wednesday afternoons at Stafford Park for low-stress practice sessions. Recently retired players are welcome. Contact Andy at (281) 8519602 or andyb@infodatinc.com for more information.

Founder: dr. K.l. sindwani

PuBlisHer: JawaHar malHotra

editor: Pramod KulKarni

CorresPondent: sanCHali Basu

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Kartavya’: Socially Conscious Crime Thriller

By renuKa VyaVaHare

Story: When a 16-year-old boy goes missing, small-town cop Pawan Malik (Saif Ali Khan) is pulled into an investigation that gradually unravels disturbing truths involving a powerful spiritual leader, child exploitation, and the deeply entrenched caste prejudices within his own family.

Review: At its core, the film is an earnest, well acted crime drama that places justice and conscience above blind familial loyalty.

Pawan’s inner turmoil as a man torn between duty and love for family has been explored well.

The crime drama tackles heavy societal themes like honour killing, casteism, and abuse with sincerity, but the impact is diluted by an overly predictable screenplay.

The central twist is easy to foresee, leaving very little room for suspense or genuine intrigue. The narrative is thoughtful, but the execution feels underwhelming.

A sharper atmospheric tone and sense of dread would have helped it find its rhythm.In an era where OTT platforms have significantly raised the bar for crime thrillers and police procedurals, this film feels comparatively simplistic and convenient. The investigation

lacks complexity, and the narrative progression often feels too straightforward to remain consistently engaging.

While the film initially creates an illusion of layered storytelling and hidden depth, it ultimately turns out to be underwhelming, rushing through crucial emotional and narrative beats without properly fleshing out its characte

Most supporting characters come across as one-dimensional, and despite its sub-two-hour runtime, the film oddly feels more like an extended episodic drama than a fully realised cinematic experience.Performance wise, Saif Ali Khan delivers a convincing turn as the rugged and morally conflicted Pawan Malik, slipping comfortably into a role far removed from his usual urbane screen persona. Sanjay Mishra provides solid support with his dependable presence, while the immensely talented Rasika Dugal is unfortunately underutilised in a largely passive role. Journalist-turned-actor Saurabh Dwivedi performs effectively as the antagonist, and Zakir Hussain delivers what is expected of him.Kartavya is an earnest and socially relevant crime thriller that is ultimately undone by its predictability. While it may not offer ma-

jor twists or a deeply immersive investigation, it remains a decent one-time watch for viewers who appreciate grounded dramas with strong performances and social commentary.-- ToI

‘Dug Dug’: Faith?

Dug Dug is a satirical comedymystery exploring blind faith, inspired by Rajasthan’s “Bullet Baba temple”, a unique shrine where a 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet is worshipped. Review: The film is a clever and sharply observed satire on the commercialisation of faith and belief. Set in Rajasthan, the film follows the strange aftermath of a local drunkard’s (Thakur sa) death in a road accident, after which his pink and blue moped mysteriously keeps reappearing at the accident site. The mysterious event soon transforms into a wish-granting phenomenon, drawing both the poor and the wealthy in search of miracles and hope. Concept is the hero in this promising directorial debut. The Luna and its dead owner become the central characters, which is rare for a movie. There is no lead actor or known face driving the narrative, just a subject that delightfully resonates.

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