Friday, October 24, 2025 | Vol. 44, No. 43
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October 24, 2025
Indo American News
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Published weekly from Houston, TX
Special Reports Community Briefs Local Politics South Asians in the News
www.indoamerican-news.com
2470 Dairy Ashford, Houston, TX 77077 • 713.789.NEWS (6397) • indoamericannews@yahoo.com
Masala Radio Diwali Fest 2025: Lasers & Lights Fill Hearts
P2-P3 Diwali at White House, Austin
EMGH ‘Swing for Peace’ Golf
President Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott helped Eternal Gandhi Museum’s Atul Kothari with one of the winners Ashok Rao and host Manish Wani -- PAGE 5 light the Diwali diyas. -- PAGE 4
CRY America Walk Series
CRY America is conducting its 5K Walk Series on Nov. 2 at the Lost Creek Park in Sugar Land. -- PAGE 6.
W E D D I N G S , S P E C I A L E V E N T S , T E N T E D E V E N T S , O U T D O O R C O U R T YA R D
3 3 3 0 F M 1 4 6 3 | Ka t y, T X 7 7 4 9 4 | 8 3 2 . 8 5 5 . 5 5 2 0 | p a l m r o y a l v i l l a . c o m Indo-American News • Friday, october 24, 2025 • www.indoamerican-news
2 October 24, 2025 COMMUNITY Masala Radio Diwali Fest 2025: Lasers & Lights Fill Hearts Houston: Masala Radio’s 13th Annual Houston Diwali Fest 2025 filled hearts young and old with light. In a changing world of work from home isolation, this free community celebration of Diwali welcomed all to meet & mingle under the stars with live music & dance entertainment, Indian vegetarian street foods, bazaar, free giveaways, generous kids play area, and traditional fuljari sparklers. Upper Kirby’s Levy Park came alive with light balls, festival lights, and strings of genda phool (marigolds), lanterns, colorful zari drapes & neon signs wishing all Happy Diwali. “It felt like walking into a dream — lights, laughter, music, and that unmistakable Diwali energy. For a few hours, it was like being back home in India, right here in Houston.” said Nikita Khambe. This ancient festival of Good conquers Evil was made free to the public thanks to the generosity of over 80 sponsors, led by title sponsors Santhosh Cividi of Majestic Developers, Arshad Ramji of Ramji Law Group, and laser & concert sponsor Amir Dodiya of Wealth Preservation Strategies. Fireworks were sponsored by Top Dog Fireworks in celebration of the five-year extension permitting firework sales in Fort Bend & Harris Counties. As the featured artist Ashwariya Pandit was denied entry into the US at last minute, Masala Radio arranged a medley of US based live musicians and singers: Rash-
Indo-American News • Friday, october 24, 2025 • www.indoamerican-news
mi, Payel, Kashmira, Amardeep and Heera & Neha who rocked the stage with decades of the most popular Bollywood hits in chorus. Just before the jam session, Arunita Kanjilal from the Pritam a Musical Tour made a surprise guest appearance with some of her popular songs from Indian Idol. The highlight of stage entertainment was the Arius Laser Show, two lit up dancers “playing” with laser lights, seemingly bending them at will, and even emitting lasers from their hands. The dancers said “Houston was one of our best audiences – so warm and callping throughout!” Karthik of OBU creations present the first fashion show romanticizing the change of fashions from ancient to present times. Zakia directed the second enchanting fashion show featuring the couture collection of Veenu Gabba in a Rainy Diwali theme with dreamy decorated umbrellas and hues of water. The stage was bedazzled with lights, fog and screens enhancing top local dance productions in order of appearance: Sandya Dance Studio, Synergy Indian Dance, Dhadak School of Performing Arts, Bollywood Beats, Let's Bollywood, Dil Se Dance Company, Desi Beats, Katy Bollywood Beats Dance Academy, Kathak Nritya Kala Kendra, Chilanka Dance School, Etherea Studios, Aditi's Bollywood Dance Sensation, Naach Houston, Houston Bhangra Academy. Once again, the astute Amitabh Bachchan played Kaun Banega Ras-
COMMUNITY
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trapathi with Narendra Modi and Donald Trump in a hilarious nonsensical comedy show. Fashions, jewelry and henna filled the brimming Bazaar featuring: Anjum Henna, House of Zari, Henna by Anju, Pitara, Elegant Jewery, Toys Unlimited, Kirrenlisha Boutique, Munch Craft, Handicraft Heaven, Sachi Jewels, Clutchcity Clutches, Universal Meditation Center, Deepa Beauty, Rani Ruche, Aditam Essetials, Styled by Aysha, VR Art Galleries, Mirzaan Jewelry, Desi Inspire Collection, Veera and Toys, Sai Collections. Décor featured an Instagram-able entrance display of a nostalgic collections 80s, 90s & early 2000s CDs, neon Happy Diwali Signs, and and a strew of Masala vehicles including Mumbai Rikshaw, Mumbai Patrol Maruti, 98.7 FM Hummer, Sholay Motorcycle, and open aired Rikshaws from Auto Wallah. Deco Arts created a grand Ganesh round mandap inner entrance and the backstage featured lit up royal red tents; indeed, festival string lights graced every corner of the park. The most densely packed area had to be the Street Foods Festival. Honest Indian Restaurant moved in lighting speed feeding a record crowd with their famous Pav Bhaji & Bahulbali Paneer sandwiches. They also served the VIP Lounge backstage with lie Pani Puri’s / Paneer Wraps / Fresh Lime & Watermelon Coolers. Madhuram Mirch Masala served varieties of chat custom made on the spot. Owner Chirag said “I am the first one to book a booth at the Houston Diwali festival every year, but this year we were sold out with the longest lines we have ever seen.” Jay Bhavani lit tongues on fire with their Surti spicy Vada Pavs and grilled snacks. Desi District’s live pani puri filled with warm Mumbai style ragada, and even live sugar cane juice. Deepti quoted “ We had an hourlong line that just seem never ending – it was a phenomenal success”. Masala Radio was overwhelmed with the love expressed for Levy Park - a new home for this magnificent Houston Diwali Fest. Sandhya Thakkar said "We saw a wonderful mix of younger families—people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s—celebrating together, along with diverse couples and families. The crowd reflected a beautiful blend of South Asian and mainstream communities, all coming together to celebrate the festival of lights." Masala Radio’s Sunil & Sandhya Thakkar would like to thank its incredible Crazy Masala Crew without whom the event wouldn’t have achieved its radiant success. Office: Rinku, Jigisha, Suji, Nilesha, Aahil, Vyoma, Vidya, Benaifer. Festival: Badal, Ruchir, Sahil, Santhosh, Rishita, Bharadwaj, Parnita, Drumi. Stage: Dilip, Preanka, Vinay, Rajoo, Nikhil, Sandeep. and the yearlong Radio Jockeys: Dilip, Ina, Swati, Anees, Amit, Kiran, Shweta, Grishma & Trisha. Photos & Video by SMB Photo. . More amazing pictures on FB / IG HoustonDiwali & MasalaRadio98.7FM & houstondiwali.com. Indo-American News • Friday, october 24, 2025 • www.indoamerican-news
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COMMUNITY RELIGION
Diwali 2025 Celebration with Trump in White House, Abbott at Texas Capitol
Washington DC: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on early Wednesday thanked US President Donald Trump for his phone call and warm Diwali greetings. PM Modi also described India and the United States as “great democracies” and emphasised the need to remain united in the fight against terrorism.PM Modi confirmed their conversation on X, writing, “Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings. On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope and stand united against terrorism in all its forms.” Earlier, President Trump marked Diwali celebrations at the White House, extending his greetings to the people of India and mentioning his “great conversation” with PM Modi. He said the two leaders discussed trade and the situation with Pakistan.”Let me extend our warmest wishes to the people of India. I just spoke to your Prime Minister today. Had a great conversation. We talked about trade... He’s very interested in that. Although we did talk a little while ago about let’s have no wars with Pakistan. The fact that trade was involved, I was able to talk about that. And we have no war with Pakistan and India. -- ToI That was a very, very good thing. He’s a great person, and he’s become a great friend of mine over the years,” Trump said. -- ToI
President Trump lights the Diwali diya in the White House.
CG Manjunath and Governor Greg Abbott light the Diwali diya.
Indo-American News • Friday, october 24, 2025 • www.indoamerican-news
COMMUNITY
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Eternal Gandhi Museum Hosts 4th Annual “Swing for Peace” Golf Tournament Houston: Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston (EGMH), the first museum in the Americas devoted to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, hosted its 4th Annual Golf Tournament, Swing for Peace, on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Willowfork Country Club in Katy, Texas. The event brought together supporters, golfers, and community members for a day of friendly competition, camaraderie, and purpose, all in support of the museum’s mission to promote peace, nonviolence, and civic responsibility. The tournament served as a fundraiser for the museum, helping advance EGMH’s educational programs and community outreach efforts. This year’s event raised over $40,000 to further the museum’s initiatives and ensure continued access to its exhibits and learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. The tournament hosted 22 teams with 87 players, making it one of the museum’s most successful tournaments to date. The day featured fun contests including: Longest Drive, won by John Cunningham; Closest to the Pin, won by Shiva Kumar; Putting Contest, won by Ashok Rao. Team awards included: 1st Place – Team Arnold Oudit; 2nd Place – Team Ashok Rao; 3rd Place – Team Texas Capital Bank. A new highlight this year was the Silent Auction, introduced for the first time at the golf tournament, featuring an array of items donated by local businesses and supporters. “Everyone had a fantastic time and there was a great turnout,” said Dr. Manish Wani, Co-founder and Trustee of Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston. “The silent auction was a wonderful
Players at the putting contest. The tournament took place at Willow Fork Country Club in Katy.
addition this year, and we hope to expand on that next year.” Following an afternoon of golf and good-spirited competition, guests gathered in the clubhouse ballroom for dinner, awards, and closing remarks. The event’s success was made possible through the dedication of volunteers, the generosity of sponsors, and the enthusiasm of the players who contributed to this meaningful cause. EGMH extends heartfelt thanks to its sponsors, silent auction donors, volunteers, and golfers for their ongoing support and commitment to the museum’s mission. About Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston is the first museum in the Americas dedicated to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. Through exhibits, educational programs, and community events, the museum promotes the universal values of truth, nonviolence, peace, and service. Visit www. egmh.org to learn more.
G V Krishnan (left), Atul Kothari, Ashok Rao and Team Texas Capital Bank came in third. John Manish Wani. Rao won the putting contest and his Cunningham (second from left) won the longest team placed 2nd in the tournament. drive contest
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Indo-American News • Friday, october 24, 2025 • www.indoamerican-news
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COMMUNITY
Walk Towards a Better Tomorrow with CRY America Walk Series Sugar Land: Child Rights and You America (CRY America), a 501(c)3 non-profit, is conducting its annual CRY Walk series across multiple locations throughout the country. This Walk is an opportunity for people to show their support for children’s rights by advocating for disadvantaged children to have opportunities to live, learn, grow and play. The CRY Walk in Houston will take place on Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Lost Creek Park in Sugar Land. The event consists of a 5k walk at Lost Creek Park, fun activities for students, CRY Walk t-shirts for registered participants and snacks for everyone! Speaking about the event, Shefali Sunderlal, President, CRY America said, “We invite everyone - children, parents and grandparents - to join our local city walks to ensure that underprivileged children realize their dreams. If we all come together and address children’s issues with a sense of urgency, then no child will remain illiterate, malnourished or exploited.” We are grateful to our event sponsors, fundraisers, walkers, donors and volunteers for being the bridge between lost dreams and new beginnings for underprivileged children. A special round of applause to high school students who have played a key role in ensuring successful CRY Walk events across the US. CRY Walk 2025 events were recently organized by CRY volunteer chapters in Los Angeles &
501(c)3 non-profit driven by its vision of a just world in which all children have equal opportunities to develop to their full potential and realize their dreams. With the support of over 35,000 donors and 2,000 volunteers, CRY America has impacted the lives of more than 800,000 children through support to 111 Projects in India & the USA. For more information: contact Shweta Arora at (346) 290-6847; visit http://cryamerica.org or write to shweta.arora@cryamerica.org Photo from a recent CRY annual walk at Lost Creek Park in Sugar Land
Seattle. The New Jersey & Boston events were held in September, while Houston and San Diego events will be in early November. “Volunteering with CRY has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I truly believe each of us, volunteers and donors, has the power to make a difference, and together, we can help children thrive”, says Manisha Dahiya, CRY America, New Jersey volunteer. To join the CRY Walk in your city or to become a fundraiser or sponsor, please visit https://events. cryamerica.org/event-category/ crywalk/ or write to volunteers@ cryamerica.org About CRY America CRY, Child Rights and You America Inc (CRY America) is a
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