Friday, October 2, 2026 | Vol. 45, No. 40
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October 2, 2026
Indo American News
Published weekly from Houston, TX
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Special Reports Community Briefs Local Politics South Asians in the News
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Swami Mukundananda’s Inspiring Stories of Saints Program
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TCC Summer T10 2026 Tournament
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COMMUNITY Draws Large Houston-Area Audience
Swami Mukundananda’s Inspiring Stories of Saints Program Houston: Strong community participation marked a three-day spiritual program at India House, where large audiences from the Houston-area Indian-American community gathered from September 22–24 for the discourse series on “Inspiring Stories from Saints,” by renowned spiritual teacher Swami Mukundananda. The program brought together families and individuals across generations to explore India’s spiritual heritage and its relevance to contemporary life. A central theme of the discourses was drawing inspiration from the lives of great saints to cultivate humility, devotion, selfless service and gratitude in everyday life. Through their stories and examples, Swami Mukundananda highlighted how these timeless values can help individuals develop greater inner strength, perspective and spiritual awareness while navigating the demands of modern life. The stories provided participants with an opportunity to reflect on how these qualities can be cultivated in everyday life and applied to the challenges of modern society. The discourses also addressed the nature of the mind and the importance of understanding its tendencies. Swami Mukundananda discussed practical approaches to responding to thoughts and emotions with greater clarity and balance, while emphasizing that spiritual development can be pursued alongside family life, professional responsibilities and service to the community. For many families, the program provided an opportunity to introduce younger generations to the stories and teachings of Indian saints. The strong attendance throughout the three days reflected continued interest among Houstonians in India’s philosophical, cultural and spiritual traditions. The program was free to the public, making it accessible to a broad cross-section of the community. In addition to the evening discourses, attendees had opportunities to interact with Swami Mukundananda during morning walks & morning Satsang as well.
Swami Mukundananda is the founder of Jagadguru Kripaluji Yog (JKYog), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. A spiritual teacher, Vedic scholar and author, he teaches yoga, meditation, spirituality and mind management. He has spent more than three decades studying and sharing spiritual and mind-management principles through in-person programs, retreats, online discourses and digital platforms. His academic background includes degrees in Engineering and Management from two of India’s premier institutions, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). At the age of 23, he chose to leave a promising professional career to pursue a life dedicated to spiritual study and service. He is a senior disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and founded JKYog with a focus on the spiritual, mental and physical well-being of individuals and communities. JKYog has conducted thousands of spiritual programs across India and the United States. Its U.S. headquarters is the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas in Allen, Texas. In the Houston area, JKYog also conducts regular satsangs every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, providing opportunities for community members to learn, participate and connect with others interested in Indian philosophy and spirituality. For information about Swami Mukundananda’s upcoming Houston programs and Houston-area satsangs, volunteer opportunities or sponsorship opportunities, community members can contact 281630-5982 or 281-780-4877.
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CGI NEWS
October 2, 2026
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Consulate Promotes India Energy Week Lord Nataraj Statue at MFAH
Consul General D.C. Manjunath joined the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston for a special event marking the addition of the Lord Nataraja statue at the Arts of India Gallery in the Museum.
Maha-Gujarat Din @ CGI Houston Houston: The India Energy Opportunity Roadshow 2026 was successfully held in Houston on 24 September 2026, showcasing India’s bold upstream reforms, Samudra Manthan, and investment opportunities under OALP X & XI. Secretary Mr. Neeraj Mittal, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, delivered the Keynote Address, highlighting India’s accelerated upstream strategy, transparent policy reforms, and new incentives shaping the petroleum & natural gas ecosystem.
Senior officials from MoPNG, DGH, IOCL and ONGC joined the delegation and had detailed technical sessions on India’s evolving E&P landscape, deepwater exploration initiatives, data acquisition progress, and collaboration opportunities with global partners. Consul General Mr. D.C. Manjunath delivered the Welcome Address, emphasizing “India Rising — And Why It Matters Now” and Houston’s pivotal role as a global hub for energy innovation and technology. Participants were also invited
to join India Energy Week 2027, India’s premier global energy platform bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and innovators.: The Consulate is encouraging industry partners, technology leaders, and investors to participate in India Energy Week 2027 and explore the vast opportunities across India’s upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. India welcomes collaboration with global partners in advancing India’s growth story in the energy domain.
Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day were celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Consulate General of India, Houston. Houston Maharashtra Mandal proudly represented Maharashtra and the Marathi diaspora through beautiful cultural performances by everyone from Marathi Shala kids to adult performers.
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BUSINESS
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SPORTS
TCC Summer T10 2026 Winner: The Legends, Runners-up: WOMCC
Houston: The Legends’ tactical precision, disciplined bowling, and individual brilliance in their first T10 Premier Final culminated in a clinical victory over WOMCC (who were in their third consecutive PremierT10 final and have been champions once in the past) at JPL North Ground, securing the TCC Taped Ball Summer T10 2026 Premier Division Championship. On a warm and humid afternoon on July 24, 2026, the two finalists of the TCC Taped Ball Summer T10 Premier Division locked horns in a highly anticipated championship clash. Winning the toss, The Legends captain Adnan Hasan elected to bat first, trusting his talented group of all-rounders to post a competitive total. The Legends made a positive start, maintaining a run rate above ten despite losing early wickets. Ariful and Khurram counterattacked aggressively and kept the scoreboard moving. Ariful, one of the tournament’s most consistent performers, looked in fine touch but unfortunately lost his wicket earlier than expected. Khurram continued the assault on the WOMCC bowlers before being run out following a very close call. After the dismissals of Ariful and Khurram, the WOMCC bowling attack tightened its grip on the innings, preventing any significant late surge. The Legends eventually finished on 79/9 in their allotted 10 overs, a competitive total that would require a disciplined bowling effort to defend. WOMCC’s chase got off to a difficult start against The Legends’ pace attack. Faisal and Dost Shinwari bowled exceptionally well during the powerplay, restricting the flow of runs and putting the batting side under immediate pressure. The momentum was maintained by Khurram, Huzefa, and Ariful, who delivered crucial spells and consistently challenged the WOMCC batting lineup. The Legends complemented their bowling performance with outstanding
Winners: The Legends
Runners-up: WOMCC
fielding, taking several difficult catches and saving valuable runs in the field. Apart from Viswatej, who fought hard and offered resistance, none of the WOMCC batters were able to settle at the crease for long. The consistent pressure applied by The
Legends ensured that WOMCC never gained momentum in the chase, eventually finishing on 64/7 in 10 overs. The Summer Premier T10 tournament once again provided an excellent platform to recognize and celebrate players who main-
tained high standards of performance throughout the season. The post-match presentation ceremony was hosted by tournament organizer Jagadish Biradar, with players, family members, and supporters joining the celebrations. Both captains were invited
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to share a few words before the trophy presentation. Dinesh, the co-organizer, was thanked for his efforts on the scheduling for the tournament and Goutham from Javelinas-GenX was thanked for a wonderful analytical commentary delivery. The umpires for the game Rajesh, and Goutham and Raj, TCC Technology lead gave the awards. The Runners-up Trophy was presented to Harsha, captain of WOMCC, while Adnan Hasan proudly received the Champions Trophy on behalf of The Legends. Individual Awards Man of the Tournament: Ariful Ariful was the unanimous choice for the award after delivering outstanding performances throughout the tournament. His consistent contributions with both bat and ball established him as the topranked all-rounder and one of the most influential players of the season. ManoftheMatch(Final):Khurram Khurram’s impactful all-round performance in the championship match, combined with his consistency throughout the tournament, earned him the Man of the Match award. The 2026 Summer T10 Premier Division concluded with a deserving champion in The Legends, whose teamwork, determination, and all-round excellence throughout the season were fittingly rewarded with the title. Congratulations to both finalists for an outstanding tournament and a memorable season of cricket. In Tournament awards, Ronald from Powerstars was the best batsman with 132 runs. Romesh from Tuskers was the best bowler with 9 wickets. Abhishek from Rangers was the best bowler with 13 dismissals. Srikanth from Rangers was the best Allrounder with 99 runs and 7 wickets. The link to scorecard is https://cricclubs.com/3T/viewScorecard. do?matchId=3215&clubId=8675 and the YouTube link is https:// www.youtube.com/live/WXBeel GpVRs?si=lw12m2wvNla43Wur
IMMIGRATION
October 2, 2026
US Tightens H-1B Rules Again: New Fees and Layoff Scrutiny
By Trisha Bhattacharya Washington DC: The US H-1B visa programme is facing another round of changes, with higher costs for employers, closer scrutiny of layoffs and tougher checks that could affect Indian technology workers seeking to work in the country. US government tightens H-1B visa rules all over again President Donald Trump signed an executive order on 18 September directing the Departments of State, Labour, and Homeland Security to consider whether an H-1B sponsoring employer has laid off similarly situated US workers in the previous year, or is planning layoffs that could affect them. The agencies have also been directed to coordinate with the Departments of Commerce and Education and the Small Business Administration for information on wages, employment and industry conditions. For Indian professionals, one of the most significant changes is the continuation of a $100,000 payment for certain new H-1B workers entering the US from abroad. The 18 September proclamation extends the restriction for another year, until 21 September 2027. It applies to covered workers outside the US, with exceptions possible where the Department of Home-
land Security determines that hiring is in the national interest. The payment remains subject to legal challenges. Reuters reported that a federal judge had previously blocked implementation and that the government’s appeal was pending, meaning the practical position can change as litigation
continues. What other changes have been made? Another proposed measure could add a $103,265 fee to H-1B cap-subject petitions. The Department of Homeland Security says the proposed fee would apply to 85,000 cap-subject petitions annu-
ally. It is a proposal, rather than a final rule, and is separate from the $100,000 entry payment. There is also a new biometric-fee requirement. From 9 September, covered employers - those with at least 50 US employees, with more than half in H-1B or L-1 status must pay a $4,000 9-11 biometric
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fee for covered H-1B extension petitions, including some extensions involving the same employer. The corresponding L-1 fee is $4,500. The administration has separately proposed removing or changing the existing 60-day grace period that allows certain non-immigrant workers who lose their jobs to remain in the US while seeking new employment. Reuters reported that the proposal would require affected workers to leave sooner if they cannot secure another status or employment. Enforcement is also becoming more intensive. The Department of Labour’s Project Firewall focuses on investigations involving suspected displacement of US workers, inadequate recruitment and other H-1B violations. Penalties can include back wages, civil fines and debarment from the programme. For Indian tech workers, the combined effect is not simply a higher visa bill. Employers may face greater scrutiny before sponsoring workers, while employees could have less flexibility after job losses. The exact impact will depend on which measures become final and how ongoing legal challenges are resolved. -- Live Mint
ENTERTAINMENT
Sugar Land Resident Sanatan Kadakia Launches Hollywood Film Sugar Land: After building a successful career in technology, Sanatan Kadakia has quietly emerged as one of the South Asian community’s most active supporters of independent film. On October 2, followed by a North American VOD release November 13, Kadakia celebrates the release of Séance, the latest feature film in a growing portfolio of productions that have earned attention across Hollywood, streaming platforms, film festivals, and Broadway. As Executive Producer and founder of Hidden Ridge Productions, Kadakia has helped bring a diverse range of projects to audiences worldwide, spanning drama, documentary, thriller, horror, and theatrical productions. Since launching his production company in 2018, he has established himself as a respected investor and creative partner in the independent entertainment space. Séance, a Gothic horror mystery written and directed by Vivian Kerr, is set in 1892 California, the film explores themes of grief, betrayal, and the supernatural, following a Victorian woman who seeks refuge from a violent storm only to encounter disturbing secrets and a family haunted by tragedy. The film stars Jilon VanOver,
around the world. Séance is a beautifully crafted film, and I am excited for viewers to experience it this October.” As South Asian representation within the entertainment industry continues to grow, Kadakia’s success demonstrates the increasing influence of Indian American entrepreneurs beyond traditional business sectors. By bridging entrepreneurship and entertainment, he is creating opportunities for filmmakers while helping elevate independent cinema on a global stage. With the upcoming release of Séance, Kadakia adds another noteworthy chapter to a career defined by innovation, creativity, and a commitment to supporting compelling storytelling.
Executive Producer Sanatan Kadakia
Scottie Thompson, Connor Paolo, and Vivian Kerr. For Kadakia, the release represents more than another production credit. It reflects a decade-long journey that began with a lifelong passion for cinema. Through Hidden Ridge Productions, Kadakia
has contributed to projects including Murder Among the Mormons on Netflix, the acclaimed drama Scrap, the thriller Control, the horror films Spithood, Winter Island, and The Baby in the Basket, as well as the Broadway production of The Last Five Years starring
Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren. “Independent filmmakers often have extraordinary stories to tell but need partners who believe in their vision,” said Kadakia. “My goal has always been to support talented creators and help bring meaningful stories to audiences
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Indo American News Founder: Dr. K.L. Sindwani Publisher: Jawahar Malhotra Editor: Pramod Kulkarni Correspondent: Sanchali Basu
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ENTERTAINMENT
October 2, 2026
‘The Paradise’: Striking World that Loses Its Way
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.
By Sanjana Pulugartha Story: Set in 1980s Secunderabad, the film enters the world of the Savari community, a marginalised group fighting for identity, dignity and recognition. Jadal (Nani), who returns from prison, finds himself back in a society controlled by Malik (Mohan Babu), a powerful figure whose influence extends over the community and its people. As resentment against this oppressive order grows, Jadal is gradually pulled into a rebellion that is as much personal as it is collective.What begins as one man finding his place in a familiar but changed world eventually grows into a larger fight for the community. Review: In a place where survival has its own rules, power is rarely announced; it is simply understood. A glance can be a warning, a name can carry weight, and stepping out of line can come at a price. That is the world Srikanth Odela builds around the Savari community in 1980s Secunderabad, and it is easily the film’s strongest asset. Jadal’s return becomes a way of entering this world rather than simply a device to launch the plot. The first half benefits from this patience. It keeps the larger conflict just out of reach for long enough to make you curious about what is coming.Odela also understands how to create tension without constantly announcing it. The atmosphere, the power dynamics and Jadal’s increasingly complicated position within the community do much of the work Even his aggression has a contained quality to it. When that restraint finally gives way, the violence feels like an eruption rather than a performance of anger. It is a carefully controlled turn from an actor who has spent much of his career playing characters with a very different screen presence. Kayadu Lohar brings warmth to Subbu, and her portions with Nani provide some of the film’s quieter human moments. Sonali Kulkarni brings emotional weight to the mother-son relationship, while Mohan Babu has the imposing presence required of Malik. Raghav Juyal brings menace and unpredictability to his role, and Sampoornesh Babu makes an impression despite having limited space. The action in the first half is particularly effective because it feels connected to the world rather than inserted into it. The violence is raw, physical and often uncomfortable to watch. Nani’s physicality adds considerably to these sequences, and Odela has a clear instinct for staging action with a sense of weight rather than the polished choreography of conventional commercial cinema. Sai’s cinematography complements this approach. The period
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Send us the correct answer before October 6, 2026. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
Solution Next Week setting has a weathered, earthy quality, while the production design gives the Savari community a convincing physical identity. The locations, costumes and crowded spaces contribute to the feeling that this is a place that existed long before the story began. The first half allowed moments to build; the second increasingly rushes from one escalation to another. The result is a film that becomes louder without becoming more compelling. The action may be technically elaborate, but rep-
etition eventually dulls its impact. Instead of deepening the characters, the screenplay often uses escalating violence as a substitute for emotional progression. What makes The Paradise frustrating is that the first half has already shown us the better film hiding within it. the promise of its opening half unrealised. What begins as an intriguing, atmospheric period action drama eventually becomes an overextended succession of violent confrontations. -- ToI
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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