Friday, October 16, 2026 | Vol. 45, No. 42
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October 16, 2026
Indo American News
Published weekly from Houston, TX
www.indoamerican-news.com
Special Reports Community Briefs Local Politics South Asians in the News
2470 Dairy Ashford, Houston, TX 77077 • 713.789.NEWS (6397) • indoamericannews@yahoo.com
Indo-American News Radio Wins at HCoM Awards
P2 Indo-American News Radio Producer Jawahar Malhotra (center) with Best Podcast for “Women & Menopause with Dr. Anushree Kumar” snd guest host Gautam Sinha.
Desi Support Growing for the Dexter McCoy Campaign
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TCC Summer T10 Tournament Winners: All Stars
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COMMUNITY
Indo-American News Radio Podcast Wins at HCoM Expo & Awards
Speakers at the HCoM conference included Texas state legislators Jawahar Malhotra (right) receives Best Podcast Malhotra and Pramod Kulkarni with Harris County Pct 4 Commisioner Leslie Briones. award from Telemundo’s Antonio Hernandez. Suleman Lalani, Ron Reynolds, and Penny Morales Shaw.
By Pramod Kulkarni Houston: Recognition from your peers provides immense satisfaction after year-after-year of tireless effort. Indo-American News Radio was the recipient of such satisfaction at the Houston Community Media (HCoM) Second Annual Expo, Conference & Awards held Thursday, October 8 at the Alief ISD Center for Talent Development center. HCoM’s vision is to build a sustainable and resilient network of community media in Houston, ensuring that diverse voices are amplified and local stories are told for generations to come. Indo-American News Publisher and radio producer Jawahar Malhotra was among the 16 founding members who believed in the power of local voices and community storytelling. Sandy Close, ACOM Founder and Director Emeritus; Nakia Cooper, HCoM Co-Director, plus Ngyen Lee, Yesenia Razo and Anthony Advincula, who serve as the executives and staff of the Houston Community Media. ACoM has a long history of partnerships on local, state, and national initiatives such as the 2020 Census, the City of Houston, Environmental and Voting Rights, and Immigration. In addition to Malhotra, the Indo-American News and Radio team at the HCoM conference included Editor and Newscaster Pramod Kulkarni, Radio Hosts
Jyoti Kulkarni and Sanchali Basu. Guest Host Gautam Sinha, who participated in the award-winning podcast, could not attend as he was abroad on a business trip. The HCoM conference showcased 50+ ethnic news outlets that cover diverse ethnic communities in the greater Houston region. Keynote speakers for the conference were Elisa Villanueva Beard, President & CEO, Houston Endowment, Inc.; Erica Lee Carter, Harris County Administrator; and Ruth Lopez Turley, Director of the Kinder Institute. HCoM receives substantial support from the Houston Endowment as part of the foundation’s $100 million in annual grantmaking. Beard leads the foundation’s mission to strengthen public education, increase civic engagement, enhance arts and culture, grow greenspaces, and ensure the organization remains responsive to the needs of the community now and in the future. Carter is a dynamic public servant with a distinguished record of advancing innovative inititiatives and shaping legislative priorities at the local, state, and federal levels. She was appointed Harris County
Administrator, the first African American to hold the position. Turley directs the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University. In 2011, she founders the Houston Education Research Consortium (HERC), a researchpratice partnership between the Kinder Institure and 11 Houstonarea school districts, representing over 700,000 students. HERC is working to improve educational equity by connecting research to policy and practice. Elected officials at the conference included Texas State Representative, District 76, Suleman Lalani; Ron Reynolds, Texas State Representative, District 27; and Penny Morales Shaw, Texas State Representative, District 148. Dr. Lalani is serving his second term representating District 76. Elected in 2022, he is the first South Asian and first Muslim member of the Texas Legislature. In the 89th session, he authored
more t han 270 bills, 83 of which became law with no vetoes. Rep. Reynolds is currently serving his seventh term in the Texas House. He is the first African American state representative in Fort Bend County since Reconstruction and was voted the 2021 87th session Legislative of the Year by Fort Bend United and the Young & the Politics. Morales Shaw is an attorney representing the 148th District, which includes parts of Spring Branch, Garden Oaks and Cypress Fairbanks. She is serving on the House Committee on Environmental Regulation and the House Committee on Urban Affairs. Special guest at the conference was Lesley Briones, Commissioner for Harris County, Precinct 4. Briones is a proud Latina, who grew up on the U.S.-Mexico border. She carries her family values forward in her service to the people of one of the most dynamic and diverse regions in the country. Plenary sessins at the conference included Communications Specialists presenting strategies for informing and engaging ethnic audiences. Participants included Juan Alanis, Community Relations,
Indo-American News • Friday, october 16, 2026 • www.indoamerican-news
Walmart; Angie Dupree, Citizenship Manager, National Partnership for New Americans; Cesar Espinosa, Executive Director, FIEL, the largest immigrant-led civil rights organization; Anabeth Guthrie, Arts & Culture Director, Public Content; and Laura FrnkaDavis, Principal, LFD Communications. There were also sessions on tracking federal and state immigration policies, and the next generation of ethnic meida. One of the most well attended sessions was a workshop on how to use AI in the newsroom by Darla Cameron, AI expert, who had served at the Chief Product Officer at the Texas Tribune. The conference concluded with awards presentation hosted by Telemundo presenter Antonio Hernandez. Indo-American News Radio (IANR) won in the category of Best Health & Healthcare Coverage. The podcast was “Women and Menopause with Dr. Anushree Kumar”, presented during an IANR episode on Masala Radio FM 98.7. Dr. Kumar is a certified menopause specialist in Sugar Land. She talked about what happens to women’s bodied during perimenopause and menopause, including research showing South Asian women tend to reach menopause earlier. More than 250 participants at the the HCoM conference and expo are already looking forward to the third annual conference next year.
COMMUNITY
October 16, 2026
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Fundraiser Shows Desi Support Has Grown for Dexter McCoy Campaign By Ruby Thomas Wadhwa Sugar Land: A broad swath of the Indian American community came together on Monday evening, October 12, in support of current Precinct 4 County Commissioner Dexter L. McCoy’s bid to become the next Fort Bend County Judge. Organizers had overlooked that FBISD’s fall break was in full swing, so the turnout was less than organizers expected, but even then, the evening drew a passionate crowd of Indian-American who showed their support for McCoy. The event was held at the Hyatt Place hotel in Sugar Land and was organized by Pankaj Rana, Dr. Sushovan Guha and Shailendra Sinhasane. Ruby Thomas Wadhwa emceed the program and moderated the evening’s Q&A session. The registration and event check-in were managed seamlessly by the McCoy Campaign Team headed by Sheetal Mhatre, Senior Advisor to the Commissioner. Shailendra Sinhasane, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and healthcare pioneer (co-Founder and CEO of Rainbow Health), made opening remarks and introduced McCoy to the guests. Commissioner McCoy shared
his journey from humble beginnings in Louisiana to Sugar Land, which opened his eyes to the diversity of cultures and people. He spoke of his organizing work prior to becoming Commissioner and his comprehensive vision for the future of Fort Bend County. Deeply attuned to Indian culture and traditions, McCoy transitioned into a 15-minute fireside chat where he felt right at home, sipping on his cup of favorite masala chai while connecting with the audience. During the Q&A session where Ruby read questions from the audience, McCoy spoke directly to core issues impacting the IndianAmerican community and addressed topics close to their heart, pledging unwavering commitment to ensuring the county would actively protect local cultural festivals and preserve the security and sanctity of all places of worship. He also spoke about his vision for localized mass transport, like Waymo, and maintaining good services within the County. A unique “Fashion Show and Diversity Parade” was organized and presented by Priyanka Sahai, founder of the brand-building and creative storytelling company SARAS. The evening’s vote of
Commissioner Dexter McCoy poses with supporters at the fundraiser
Emcee Ruby Wadhwa read questions for McCoy to answer at the event.
Indo-American News • Friday, october 16, 2026, 2026 • www.indoamerican-news
thanks was delivered by Dr. Sushovan Guha, a prominent gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and Chief Medical Officer at the Houston Regional Gastroenterology Institute. The main emphasis of the event was a live fundraiser featuring a real-time digital thermometer tracking donor generosity and it netted over $26,700 for the McCoy campaign. The event concluded with a group photo with Commissioner McCoy with the guests and supporters. Pro-bono photography was provided by Dr. Thiru Arumugam with Golden Ray Photography and the buffet appetizers and dinner were donated by Kathmandu Curry & Bar on Hillcroft, whose co-owner Vishnu Nepal was on hand too. Recent polls indicate a strong lead for McCoy’s campaign, as Ruby mentioned early one. She urged everyone to focus on the start of Early Voting on Monday, October 19 through BAPS will proudly serve as a polling location on: Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3rd, 2026.
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SPORTS
October 16, 2026
TCC Summer T10 2026 |Winners: All Stars | Runners-Up: CMHA Houston: All Stars Cricket Club’s relentless bowling attack, electric fielding, and composed chase produced a comprehensive 7-wicket victory over Champions Mortgage Houston Arrows to claim the TCC Summer T10 2026 Professional title. On a bright summer afternoon on July 25th, the finalists of the TCC Summer Professional T10 tournament for Div II teams locked horns in a high-stakes showdown. Champions Mortgage Houston Arrows, perennial contenders, had fought their way through a competitive field to reach another final. Standing in their path were All Stars Cricket Club, a side that had grown in stature throughout the campaign under captain Manoj Warnapura, combining disciplined bowling with sharp fielding and clinical finishing. This was their second successive Professional final for All Stars CC and were champions in 2025. Winning the toss, All Stars opted to bowl first and immediately imposed their will. What followed was a masterclass in restricted T10 bowling and fielding. Thisara Ishan set the tone with a probing spell of 2-0-4-2, his accuracy leaving the Arrows top order struggling. Garv Chaudhary returned 2-0-10-2, while Kusal Fernando claimed 1-0-12-1. Sadesh Chandana (2-0-8-0) and Roshaka Rajapaksha (2-0-9-0) maintained the pressure. Crucially, five of the ten Arrows wickets fell to run-outs, underlining the electric fielding display from the entire All Stars unit. Direct hits, sharp backingup, and aggressive ground fielding
Winners: All Stars Cricket Club
Runners-Up: Champions Mortgage (CM) Houston Arrows
paralysed the batting side and left Champions Mortgage Houston Arrows all out for just 43 inside the full 10 overs. Faced with a modest target of 44, All Stars approached the chase with purpose. Early breakthroughs kept the contest interesting. Ishira Mihiran contributed 7, Sukitha Pallimulla managed 2, and Kusal Fernando provided early impetus with a brisk 11 off 5 balls, including a six. The foundation for victory was laid by Roshaka Rajapaksha.
Unbeaten on 20 from 15 deliveries (one four and one six), he steered the innings with calm authority. Garv Chaudhary remained not out on 3 as All Stars reached the target in just 5.5 overs, sealing the championship with seven wickets and more than four overs to spare. The victory crowned a strong tournament for All Stars. Kusal Fernando’s consistent contributions earned him the much-deserved Man of the Series. In the final, Roshaka Rajapaksha’s mea-
sured yet decisive innings secured him the Man of the Match honor. The post-match presentation captured the significance of the occasion. Tournament organizers oversaw the formalities as both teams and supporters gathered. Dinesh, the co-organizer, was thanked for scheduling for the tournament. All the commentators were thanked for a very active commentary provided in English, Hindi, Telugu and Sinhala. The runners-up trophy was awarded
Indo-American News • Friday, october 16, 2026, 2026 • www.indoamerican-news
to Santana Crasto, captain of the Champions Mortgage Houston Arrows, while the winners’ trophy was handed to All Stars captain Manoj Warnapura amid celebrations that reflected the hard-fought nature of the summer campaign. In Tournament awards, Varun from STYX was the best batsman with 138 runs, Amit from Rodeo CC was best bowler with 12 wickets, Sarvanan from Telge Tigers CM was the best wicketkeeper with 12 dismissals. Vinay from Raptors was best all-rounder with 90 runs and 6 wickets. Vinay from Mavericks got a special award for a Hat-trick. This final showcased the essence of T10 cricket: high pressure, rapid momentum shifts, and the ability of a well-drilled unit to strangle an opponent. All Stars’ bowling unit dismantled a capable Arrows lineup, their fielding produced five run-outs that proved decisive, and their middle-order composure ensured there would be no late drama. The margin of victory—seven wickets with 26 balls remaining— illustrated the gulf created by that early dominance with ball and in the field. As the dust settled on the TCC Summer T10 2026 season, All Stars Cricket Club stood as deserved champions. The link to the score card is https://cricclubs.com/3T/listMatches.do?league=107&teamId =1413&internalClubId=null&yea r=null&clubId=8675 and the link to the YouTube video of the final is https://www.youtube.com/live/ hPew1EGwoRc
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COMMUNITY
ZAH FIRES 26th Annual Series -- Flavors of Faith, Food & Community By Zubin R. Mory
Houston: Parsis have a long and storied history with delicious and sumptuous food and elaborate banquet spreads, from Sunday family Dhansak lunches to elaborate Parsi lagan nu bhonu (wedding feast) on a banana leaf. Any person from South/ Central Mumbai, Surat/ Navsari or Pune will fondly speak of their experience at a Parsi wedding replete with a multi-course sit-down dinner, including mutton, chicken and fish, and daru! Hence, this session which was held at the Zoroastrian Association of Houston (https:// zah.org/) center had a very special ring to it for the Houston Parsis. This two-day event was held on Friday and Saturday, Oct 9 and 10, 2026. The event was hosted by the ZAH Library, home of FIRES, which continues to foster community engagement through literature, culture, heritage, and learning. The FIRES- 26th Annual Speaker Series—The Flavors of Faith, Food, & Community—featured presentations by celebrated chefs and academics: Chef Zal Taleyarkhan (Corporate R&D Chef at Charlie Baggs Culinary Innovations) “A Living Heritage – From Persepolis Rations to Dhunsak: Zoroastrian Foodways Across 2,500 Years” Chef Jehangir Mehta (famous
Chef Jehangir Mehta
Chef Zal Taleyarkhan
Dr. Mariano Errichiello
for East Village restaurant Graffiti, participant in Food Network’s Next Iron Chef Redemption 2012, the runner-up at the Next Iron Chef 2009, and author of the cookbook, Mantra, The Rules of Indulgence) “The Transcendent Graffiti” Dr. Mariano Errichiello (Department of Religions, Executive Director of the Shapoorji Pallonji Institute of Zoroastrian Studies at SOAS University of London) “Zoroastrian Studies Today: From Research to Community”. On Friday, various local Parsi chefs who have served delicious and high-quality food to the community over the years were publicly honored and thanked. This included amateur chefs that cook
for small groups and professionals like Naushad Mehta (owner of Cillie’s Cake Shop) and Chef Lashkari (owner of Himalaya Restaurant). These “amateur cooks” serve a critical function in the community as guardians of famous recipes and an honored culture that needs to be passed on to the next generation, while making them aware of their rich culinary history. The professionals obviously deserve accolades and have their stories told, but it’s the amateurs that form integral links in the chain that passes down intergenerational knowledge. This memorable evening ended with a traditional Parsi dinner of Chicken Pulao Dal and Cutlets.
Saturday morning included presentations from the three featured speakers. There were many dozens of people in attendance at the ZAH center, and a similar number joined the presentations via Zoom. The main crux of Chef Zal’s presentation was about scientifically tracing flavors over a 2,500-year time frame. He discussed how the origins of balancing flavors in our modern cooking, like sweet/sour or spicy/tangy, can be traced back over centuries, and how Persian and Parsi cooking can be documented historically from Achaemenian and Sassanian times to the modern era. Chef Jehangir’s take on food and recipes equates them simply yet
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powerfully with “memories.” His encouraging take on cooking is to be comfortable making changes to age-old recipes to reflect one’s own choices, since in cooking, like in life, change is the essence of moving forward. The last speaker was Dr. Mariano, whose presentation involved academic research on Zoroastrians and Parsis. His work started with the Parsis of India, documenting different religious thoughts and streams. He has researched competition and rituals among these groups in British India and beyond, and currently works with the Zoroastrian diaspora across the USA, UK, and other countries. He also shared his encounter with the last Parsis in Zanzibar and Mombasa. His PowerPoint included a short film segment of an opera song featuring a very important and popular Zoroastrian prayer ‘Manashni, Gavashni, Kunashni’, which captivated the audience. He outlined other ongoing Zoroastrian studies initiatives at SOAS University of London, emphasizing that this proud culture and heritage are in safe hands. The FIRES 26th annual lecture then came to an end, leaving an enchanted audience longing for more and looking forward to the 27th annual lecture. This current session will be tough to top!
COMMUNITY
October 16, 2026
IMAGH Hosts “Communication Across Generations” Symposium
Houston: The Indian Muslim Association of Greater Houston (IMAGH) hosted a Community Wellbeing Symposium titled “Communication Across Generations” on October 3 at Bayland Community Center. The two-hour program brought together grandparents, parents, and young adults for an open and meaningful discussion about the challenges families face when different generations, cultures, expectations, and communication styles intersect. The event reflected IMAGH’s broader goal of making mental health and family wellbeing subjects that can be discussed openly and without stigma. Rafi Ahmed, Chair of IMAGH’s Board of Advisors, served as emcee and set the tone by acknowledging a common family reality: people can deeply love one another yet struggle to understand each other. IMAGH Vice President Saeed Pathan introduced the organization’s mission of fostering amity across cultures, communities, and religions and highlighted its work with seniors, young adults, women, and families. Munir Ibrahim, Chair of the Board of Directors, spoke about IMAGH’s evolving role as a service organization and encouraged community members to provide feedback so future programs can respond to their needs. The heart of the symposium was an interactive conversation among three generations. Dr. Noor Pasha and Fateh Ali Chatur represented seniors; Dr. Shabnam Chaugle and Dr. Tahir Hussain represented the “sandwich generation,” balancing responsibilities toward both aging parents and children; and Saniya Muzumdar and Mohammed Khan represented the younger generation. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Shazia Shaikh, a geriatric and internal medicine physician, and Dr. Aqeel Hashmi, a psychiatrist. Four questions guided the conversation: what each generation
wishes others understood about them; which communication habits cause frustration; how technology helps or hurts family communication; and what makes people feel respected and heard. Audience members were then invited to participate, turning the program into a genuine community conversation rather than a traditional lecture. Several common themes emerged. Seniors described expressing love through providing and caring rather than through words and spoke about rebuilding social connections after leaving family and friends behind. The middle generation discussed the challenge of balancing two cultures while caring for both parents and children. Younger participants emphasized wanting questions rather than judgments and stressed that being able to express emotions should not be considered weakness. Technology was seen as both a bridge and a barrier—helping families stay connected across distances while sometimes prolonging disagreements through messages and group chats. The program concluded with practical reflections, mental-health resources, and an audience survey. Attendees particularly appreciated discussing sensitive issues in a setting that understood their cultural and faith background. The strong response reinforced IMAGH’s commitment to continuing its Community Wellbeing initiative, creating spaces where families can communicate more openly, seek help without stigma, and strengthen relationships across generations.
Record Equity Inflow in Q3 New Delhi: India’s real estate investment market posted its strongest quarter on record in July-September, helped by a sharp revival in overseas capital and a surge in institutional investment, with equity inflows across real estate, data centres and hospitality reaching $9.5 billion, CBRE said.The quarterly inflow was more than twice the $4.4 billion recorded a year earlier and rose from $3.8 billion in the April-June quarter, according to CBRE’s India Market Monitor – Investments for Q3 2026, as cited by ANI.The latest investment surge takes capital deployed across the three segments in the first nine months of 2026 to $18.6 billion, nearly double the corresponding period last year. The nine-month tally has already crossed the $14.2 billion invested during the entire 2025.A key fea-
ture of the quarter was the return of foreign capital. Overseas investors accounted for about 59 per cent of total inflows, with US investors contributing nearly 90 per cent of foreign investment. Canada, Singapore and Japan were the other major sources of overseas capital.Institutional investors were behind nearly 79 per cent of the quarter’s inflows, up sharply from about 28 per cent in Q2. Developers accounted for around 13 per cent of investments.The investment pattern also showed that institutional capital is increasingly moving beyond conventional office and land transactions. Indo-American News • Friday, october 16, 2026, 2026 • www.indoamerican-news
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October 16, 2026
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Guinness Recognizes World’s Longest Biography by a Single Author London: A monumental 13volume biography spanning 8,848 pages and comprising 2,146,447 words on His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the Longest Biography by a Single Author. Authored by Sanskrit scholar Sadhu Adarshjivandas, PhD, Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Vistrut Jivan ane Karya chronicles the extraordinary 94year life and legacy of Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921–2016), the late spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The biography traces Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life from his birth in 1921 through to his passing in 2016, documenting his spiritual leadership, profound humility, selfless service and devotion, as well as his extensive work serving and inspiring individuals and communities around the world. The work was researched and written over an intensive 38-month period between July 2017 and August 2020. The Guinness World Records certificate was presented to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj at OVO Arena Wembley on Sunday 4 October 2026, during celebrations marking his 93rd birth anniversary. The historic presentation was witnessed by 11,000 people at the arena and tens of thousands more watching via a live webcast around the world. Carl Saville, Senior Adjudica-
Sadhu Adarshjivandas, the author who authored the 13 part life biography of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, presents the certificate from His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj
tor who presented the Certificate, said: “Today’s presentation for the Longest Biography by a Single Author, has been a true pleasure, privilege and honour to deliver on behalf of Guinness World Records. “Guinness World Record’s main objective as a brand, is to document the incredible from around the world, to share unique and special achievements which ultimately, no one else on earth has managed to achieve to date, so what a powerful relevance to this specific title which has been documented, over a whole lifetime.”
Reflecting on the achievement, Sadhu Adarshjivandas added: “The subject of this biography is infinitely more important than the author. His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj lived a life defined by deep spirituality, profound humility and an unwavering commitment to global harmony, compassion and empathy. It was an honour and a privilege to chronicle his divine life and enduring legacy.” More than a record of extraordinary literary scale, the biography represents an extensive historical archive of a life dedicated to spiri-
tuality, service and the wellbeing of others, preserving Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life and work for present and future generations. More than 310,000 copies of the volumes have already been sold. The recognition also follows another recent GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title achievement for BAPS. In February 2026, 12,723 children gathered in Vadodara, India, for a simultaneous recital of Sanskrit verses from the Satsang Diksha, establishing the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Largest Simultaneous Hindu Text Recital. More than
Indo-American News • Friday, october 16, 2026, 2026 • www.indoamerican-news
15,000 children had memorised all 315 Sanskrit verses of the scripture as part of the wider initiative. About Sadhu Adarshjivandas Sadhu Adarshjivandas, PhD, is a Sanskrit scholar, author and BAPS swami. Originally a mechanical engineering graduate, he completed postgraduate studies in Sanskrit and holds two doctorates. He has authored 17 books, co-authored a further eight and written more than 300 large-scale dramas. About His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921–2016) was the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was an inspiration to millions worldwide. Personifying his motto, “In the joy of others lies our own”, he dedicated his life to serving and inspiring others for the greater good of humanity. He travelled the world to foster love, peace, harmony, righteousness and faith in God to all members of society irrespective of class, colour, creed or age. Under his leadership, BAPS flourished into an international spiritual and humanitarian organisation with more than one million members, 80,000 volunteers and 5,025 centres across the world. He was loved and respected as one of the world’s great spiritual leaders of our time. To learn more about the life, work and teachings of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, please visit pramukhswami. org.
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HEALTH
Triggers Cricket League Taped Ball
Cricket Tournament
Winter 2026
All matches are played:
• On full pitches and full ground • With a semi-hard ball • Driven by: respect for umpires and opponent players
Tournament starts from
11/7/2026
Contact Jagadish Biradar
(jaggub@hotmail.com) for registration.
Dr. Aditi Kamdar to Speak at Global Congress Hyderabad: Leading hematologists, researchers, and pediatric specialists from around the globe will converge at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre next month for the GANSID Congress 2026. Organized by the Global Action Network for Sickle Cell and Other Inherited Blood Disorders, the three-day international summit running October 23–25 aims to showcase frontline clinical breakthroughs and tackle complex hematologic challenges. Among the headline presenters is Dr. Aditi Kamdar, a distinguished pediatric hematologist from Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Kamdar is scheduled to deliver a clinical briefing on October 24 titled “The Clot Thickens: Recurrent Pulmonary Embolism in a Patient with Sickle Cell Disease and Acute Chest Syndrome.” Her talk addresses the perilous overlap between acute chest crises and severe clotting. Dr. Kamdar currently serves as the Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Her team at the Texas Children’s Hospital works closely with other leading experts throughout Texas Children’s Hospital to optimize care of patients with bleeding and clotting disorders. These collaborative efforts include advanced interven-
tional technologies to treat complicated cases of thrombosis and life-threatening bleeding. In addition, Dr. Kamdar is taking care of really sick children. She and her husband Dr Mudit Gilotra spent a year in Ethiopia helping the poorest of the poor, hundreds of miles from the nearest hospital.
Registration ends 10/24/2026
http://www.triggerscricket.com/index.php/about-tb
Indo American News Founder: Dr. K.L. Sindwani Publisher: Jawahar Malhotra Editor: Pramod Kulkarni Correspondent: Sanchali Basu
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ENTERTAINMENT
October 16, 2026
‘Reporting Live’: A Predictable Investigative Thriller
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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 October 20 , 2026. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
Solution Next Week By Renuka Vyavahare Story: An ambitious reporter Sandhya Yadav (Parineeti Chopra) and her reluctant cameraman Vinod Sharma (Deven Bhojani) pursue a dangerous story, only to uncover an illegal sand-mining racket controlled by a ruthless syndicate, putting their lives at risk. Review: Journalism and crime make for a potent combination, especially when the story being chased threatens powerful people. Reporting Live taps into this familiar territory with an investigative thriller about illegal sand mining, but while its premise has weight, the film struggles to generate the tension and emotional depth needed to make the story truly gripping. After playing a distressed mother in Shaque, Parineeti Chopra returns to the OTT space as ambitious reporter Sandhya Yadav. Her partner is cameraman Vinod Sharma (Deven Bhojani), and the two are eager to get their big break on prime time. Their opportunity arrives when a bridge collapses in the fictional town of Visargaon, sending a bus into the river and killing innocent children. What initially looks like an accident soon points towards a larger conspiracy. Their investigation leads them to Shiva Kaka (Amol Palekar), who reveals the extent of illegal sand mining in the area. As Sandhya and Vinod dig deeper, they find themselves up against a powerful network
that has little intention of letting the truth surface. Director Dhruv Tripathi, making his feature debut, co-writes the film with Mihir Jadhav. The duo keeps the narrative compact and avoids unnecessary detours, which works in the film’s favour. The dark visual palette also complements the murky world of crime, corruption and exploitation. However, Reporting Live is on much safer ground with its subject than with its storytelling. Illegal mining and the nexus between money, crime and power have already been explored in several films, and this one brings little that feels particularly fresh. The film understands the seriousness of its subject but rarely translates that seriousness into sustained suspense. The biggest problem is predict-
ability. Once the investigation begins, the trail becomes fairly easy to follow. The clues don’t lead to many surprises, and by the time the film reaches its climax, the identity of the people behind the racket hardly comes as a shock. A thriller built around journalists taking on a dangerous syndicate needs more twists, uncertainty and escalating danger. Here, the threat remains largely functional rather than genuinely frightening. The characters, too, could have used greater depth. Sandhya is ambitious, fearless and determined to make it to prime time while securing a better life for herself. Chopra plays her with conviction, but the character follows a familiar trajectory and offers few unexpected layers. Vinod provides a more grounded contrast, and Deven Bhojani brings warmth and sincer-
Last Week’s Solution
Recent Winners
Sanchali Basu, Kumud Athavale, Krishna R. Vuddagiri, Prabha Barvalia, Jawahar Khandheria, Yudhveer Bagga, Nihira Ghanta, Harsh Malkan, Soumya Srikanth, Rajesh Pradbhu, Priya Pathak, Mohit Mittal, Ayush Khaple, Rekha Trivedi, Arup Gupta, Pravina Kadakia, Mahak Maheshwari, Mohit Mittal
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