Friday, September 11, 2020 | Vol. 39, No. 37
Indo American News
September 11, 2020
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Published weekly from Houston, TX
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Dr. Virendra Mathur, Trustee India House, addressing the virtual audience at the 17th Annual Gala.
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COMMUNITY
September 11, 2020
Hindus of Greater Houston E-Janmashtami 2020 Online Parade By Thara Narasimhan
GEOR
Y ILL
Houston: Hindus of Greater Houston celebrated E- Janmashtami 2020 Photo and Video parade online this year, that was an outstanding success. Thanks to the parents enthusiasm to register on our website and submit a lovely array of most charming kids with their photos and some with videos. A total of 197 participants were in age groups ranging from 4.5 months till about 12 years old. This was indeed a spectacular collection of multi-various forms Ram, Krishna, Vasudev, Yashoda, Radha Rani and Some of the winners: Group 1:0-3 Years -- Rohan Soni, Gangisetty Bharat and Avani Bhat. Group 2: 3-6 Years -- Yatharth Sarda. Meera Bai. The theme selected for this year was highlighted by the massive changes in our world happening right now. We titled the theme as “Krishna Kanhaiya Korona Maaro” and reflect the recent sensational renovation of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya titled “Ayodhyapati Ram Punar Agaman”. This idea and execution were planned in exactly five days with extensive publicity on newspaper ads, email, PRACTICING IMMIGRATION LAW SINCE 1985 Facebook and radio announcements. The registration came in promptly on our website entry in about five INTEGRITY KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS days also and the response was huge. The Age groups were divided from 0-3 years, 4-6yrs. and 7& up. Once entries were sorted and files arranged, the most challenging job was given to five judges. We are very grateful to the elite panel of Judges SuniATTORNEYS ta Zamwar, Lakshmi Venkat, Hemant Jadhav, Manisha Gandhi and Rajan Radhakrishnan. They meticulously accomplished their task but each one added one comment uniformly, “it was the hardest and toughest work we have ever done”. Our task would never been accomplished, but for one person who has taken keen interest for over 10 years, Shital Rathi, our Costume Contest Coordinator. Her expertise to conduct the Costume Parade was systematically approached and much appreciated by Hindus of Greater Houston, Board of Directors. We specially thank her for a fantastic outcome of this year J20 Online Costume Contest. Every picture and Video submitted were a winner true to the saying “Every child is a special kind of flower, and all together, make this world a beautiful garden.” ROGER PIPER PAULINE APPELBAUM JUDGE JIMMIE BENTON THOMAS P. FISCHER THOMAS R. HUTSON FORMER DISTRICT This year, the 31st Annual Janmashtami festival was FORMER USCIS FORMER IMMIGRATION FORMER DISTRICT FORMER CONSUL ASSOCIATE REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF JUDGE DIRECTOR OF GENERAL COUNSEL IMMIGRATION to be held at the Vallabh Priti Seva Samaj temple,but IMMIGRATION Covid-19 forced festivities to go virtual. We are grateful that technology made the celebration possible in R. W GE ANDHRA MIRCHI HUM FM MASALA RADIO RADIO MIRCHI spite of the pandemic 107.5 FM - HD-3 106.1 FM 1050 AM 98.7 FM The tradition of Celebration of Lord Krishna’s birthTUESDAYS THURSDAYS EVERY 2ND SUNDAY TUESDAYS 4:00 - 4:20 PM 4:00 - 4:30 PM 3:10 - 3:40 PM 1:00- 1:30 PM day was started by Raj Syal and team in 1990. Hindus of Greater Houston held a massive free event every CENTRAL TIME year at George R. Brown Convention Center, comLIVE plete with music, dance and Indian cuisine. Former District Director of Immigration Thomas Investment VISAS This year the Online Photo and Video Parade was Fischer and Roger Piper and Former Consul General first of its kind, the photos have been uploaded on our Thomas Hutson serve as Special advisors to the �rm Employment Based VISAS FREE website www.hindusofhouston.org and the videos can Former Immigration Judge Jimmie Benton is CONSULTATIONS be accessed on YouTube link: �Of Counsel� to the �rm Family Based VISAS Group A: https://www.youtube.com/ Former USCIS Regional Counsel for Texas Pauline THURSDAYS Applebaum is �Of Counsel� to the �rm watch?v=A72jSB42TwU&t=1s SUGAR LAND, TX Naturalization Member of American Immigration Lawyer Association Group B: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ MONDAYS (AILA) since 1989 Oon4t4WB14 Deportation ATLANTA, GA Providing representation for Canadian Immigration Group C: https://www.youtube.com/ through our a�liate in Canada Boarder Assistance watch?v=6l7dgJ9WAUc&t=1s Over 1� Languages spo�en by the �rm�s sta�
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COMMUNITY
September 11, 2020
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International Panelists Reflect on 50 Years of the Hindu-American Contributions
The international panelists for the Reflections webinar are Vyomesh Joshi, Vandana Tilak, Dr. Raj Vedam and Benny Tillman.
By Shobhana Muratee Houston: REFLECTIONS@50: WALKING IN DHARMA is a power packed virtual conference to be held on Sept 19-20, 2020 as a community outreach effort toward deeper understanding of the contribution of Hindus in America in the past five decades. Organized by the World Hindu Council of America (VHPA), the 2-day conference is commemorative of VHPA’s 50 years of fostering the Hindu socio-culturalspiritual movement in Americas. REFLECTIONS@50: WALKING IN DHARMA chronicles inspiring narratives on the work of pioneers and leaders, their struggles, and accomplishments in upholding the ancient Hindu philosophy in America. Internationally acclaimed key-
note speakers include: Vyomesh Joshi, CEO,3D Systems; Vandana Tilak, CEO & Director, Akshaya Patra USA; Dr. Raj Vedam, Scholar, Indian History and Benny Tillman, President, Vedic Friends Association. They will share their experience in the areas of leadership, service, identity and impact of traditions and their relevance in today’s world. Among the highlights are the 8 enlightening panel discussions with awe-inspiring, national, and international speakers from various specialized fields: entrepreneurs, heads of organizations, religious leaders, academicians, dignitaries, and youth leaders who would cover wide range of topics. The eight panels are planned for something for everyone. Interactive talks and discussions on women, children, youth, seniors,
religion, advocacy, and volunteerism. Engaging youth in community service is a corner stone of the VHPA’s mission. Two panels: “Hindu Youth – Being the Change Today for Better Tomorrow” and “Evolving Nature of Seva (service) in North America” are dedicated to youth and volunteerism to focusing on their current relevance. Other topics like, “The Hindu Woman as Sustainer of our Timeless Tradition,” “Influence of Hindu Heritage on Life Choices and Decisions” and on early teaching, “Learning Through play,” “The Role of Dharmic Houses of Worship - Challenges and Opportunities,” “The Power of Dharma in Action” and “The Legacy of the Hindus in North America,” are equally enriching. Information about each of the panels, panelists
and speakers is available at www. reflections-50.org World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) had earlier planned Swarna Jayanti gala event to mark its jubilee milestone, however, the occasion had to be moved to September 2021 due to Covid-19 crisis. The virtual community conference is a glimpse into the jubilee event planned next year. “I invite you to come, join us and learn what this vibrant com-
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munity has accomplished in the last 50 years and how it sees itself evolving in the next 50 years and beyond,” Dr. Abhaya Asthana, President The conference is open to all on a first come first serve basis. Registration is free but mandatory. Please register at www.reflections-50.org Contact: Dr. Jai G. Bansal, email: info@reflections-50.org; (M) 908-803-3523
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INDIA
September 11, 2020
Biden’s Indian Connection Goes Back in History By Tim Willasey-Wilsey Chennai: Kamala Harris spoke movingly of her discussions with her grandfather P.V.Gopalan as they walked along the beach at Chennai. It now appears that her running-mate Joe Biden may also have ancestors who strolled along the same stretch of sand two centuries before. Joe Biden first made the claim of an Indian connection in 2013. Two years later he elaborated that he was descended from George Biden, his “great, great, great, great, great grandfather” who was a Captain in the East India Company. After retirement, George Biden settled in India and married an Indian woman. There are no records of a George Biden in India, but there were two Bidens, who became Captains of East India Company armed merchant ships (known as Indiamen). They were brothers. Both started out as humble Third and Fourth Mates in their early teens on the arduous route between London and India via the Cape of Good Hope. William Henry Biden started out in the Midas (414 tons). Eventually he would command the ships Anna Robertson, Ganges and Thalia (570 tons) before he died of “apoplexy” (a stroke) at Rangoon on March 25, 1843 aged 51. His were relatively minor cargo ships, which traded mainly in Asian waters. His older brother Christopher Biden, by contrast, became a well-known figure in Madras (modern Chennai) for many years and he did settle in India. Christopher began as a Fourth Mate. By 1807, he was sailing in the 1,333-ton Royal George, which made seven return voyages to India before 1818. By 1815, he had become its Chief Mate. In 1821, he became Captain of the Princess
Charlotte of Wales (978 tons) and made four return journeys between England and Calcutta (modern Kolkata). He also captained the new Royal George (1,426 tons) on one voyage. In 1830, he retired from the Princess Charlotte and settled down in Blackheath, near London. Biden had married Harriott Freeth in his native Derbyshire (unlike many of his colleagues who were Scottish, the Bidens were from England) in 1819 and had a son and two daughters. Perhaps Biden felt he was too young to retire aged 41. So he bought a Chittagong-built teak ship of 712 tons, the Victory and sailed her on two trips to Colombo and Bombay in 1832 and 1834. On the second trip, he discovered Nelson Island in the Chagos Archipelago. We do not know how financially successful the Victory venture proved; but it was innately hazardous to own a ship without sharing the risk with other investors. He may have lost money which was why in 1839 he set off to India aboard the Marquis Camden with his wife and daughter to become Master Attendant and Marine Storekeeper at Madras; in charge of shipping. On the voyage to India, his daughter died and was doubtless buried at sea.
During his 19 years in Madras, Biden gained a reputation for diligence; for example placing lights along the coast to prevent maritime disasters. He was highly imaginative; constantly suggesting improvements for maritime safety. He was also actively involved in charities for widows and orphans of mariners of all nationalities, including Indians. His son, Horatio, joined him in Madras in 1846 and went on to become a Colonel in the Madras Artillery. There were also a few other Bidens in India; one of whom was headmaster of La Martiniere College in Calcutta (Kolkata). In 1858, Christopher Biden died in Madras and is commemorated by a plaque in the Cathedral there. Apart from the memorial tablet in the Cathedral, there is also a portrait of Biden by George Chinnery seated with his dog, Hector. His wife Harriott lived on in London until 1880. Some of her papers are kept at Cambridge University and testify to her husband’s kindness and their mutual love. Nowhere is there mention of an Indian wife, but Christopher seems the most likely candidate if Joe Biden indeed had an ancestor in India. -- Gateway House
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5 India House Hosts 2020 Gala -- Virtually due to the Pandemic
COMMUNITY
Zoom screen shot of the virtual India House Gala.
Houston: India House 17th Annual Gala was held virtually on, Saturday, August 29, 2020 from 7 pm to 9 pm. A very illustrious list of invitees joined the Gala which was hosted online. Few of these prominent invitees were- Padma Shree Awardee, Anup Jalota, Consul General of India, Aseem Mahajan, keynote speaker Bhavesh (Bob) Patel, CEO, LyondellBasell Industries, India House Trustees, Executive Committee, Sponsors, and Volunteers. While selected invitees joined the Zoom Webinar from their respective places, the Gala was streamed live on India House Facebook page, YouTube page and Instagram page. The Gala was viewed by 2,600 people on Facebook alone. Exactly at 7 pm the Mistress of Ceremony, ABC News correspondent Pooja Lodhia welcomed everyone, and in a true Indian tradition invited the students of Sunanda’s Performing Art to commence the program with Ganesh Vandana in the form of a mesmerizing dance recital. Pooja very proudly mentioned that this was her 7th time hosting the India House gala. She then invited Manish Rungta, President India House to give the opening remarks. Manish Rungta illustrated the mission of India House and
September 11, 2020
Dr. Manish Rungta, President India House, while addressing the virtual audience.
rary artist, who created a then played the video gorgeous live painting in message of Senator John a virtual Jugalbandi with Cornyn, a big supporter Anup Jalota’s mellifluous of India House. Durga songs being sung across Agrawal, Trustee India the seven seas. House, then Invited ConThe thematic content of sul General of India, Jalota’s songs were the Aseem Mahajan for his kind associated with the remarks. He spoke about Raas Leela of Shri Krishthe contribution of India na & Radha, which was House in community skillfully depicted in the service over the years painting. The progress of and how India House has the painting was focused stepped up to help the time and again during the needy in these difficult Gopal Seyn’s painting: Lord Krishna and Radha connected performance. times. with the Flute of love was auctioned to raise funds for India A big surprise for the Pooja Lodhia then in- House. evening was a donation troduced the man behind today’s show, Col. Vipin Kumar, speaker for the evening Bhavesh of $10,000.00 from India House Executive Director India House. (Bob) Patel, CEO, LyondellBa- Trustee Virendra and Nalini Through videos and Power Point sell. Mr. Patel, emphasized Indo- Mathur and donation of $5,000.00 presentation, he showcased India Americans’ contribution in the each from Paul & Stephanie House activities and programs be- upliftment of people in the com- Madan and Arun & Vinny Verma. ing done over the years to support munity irrespective of race, caste, Throughout Jalota’s singing online the community and reiterated the ethnicity, financial status etc. He donations kept coming in. Hari Agarwal, India House commitment of India House of lauded India House’s effort in helpgiving back to the community dur- ing the community over the years Trustee appealed all to support Ining this difficult time of pandemic and also in the current scenario of dia House and then requested the He also introduced volunteers, social distancing amidst Corona chief Guest Anup Jalota to take evtechnical team of Namaste Ra- virus pandemic. He appealed to eryone to the melodious journey of dio and India House staff whose everyone to support India House about an hour. With his orchestra in tandem, he contribution had been enormous programs and services. Chief Guest Anup Jalota then sang for close to an hour his very in organizing this gala. This followed by a very melodious song joined and was introduced one- popular songs Aisi Lagi Lagan, by a rising singing star from India, on-one to all Gala sponsors by Rang De Chunariya and many Col. Vipin Kumar. Last to be in- more. On requests he also sang Bhanu Pandit. Bal Sareen, Trustee India House troduced was Gopaal Seyn, an ac- few popular Hindi movie songs. then introduced the Keynote complished American contempo- Virendra Mathur thanked Anup
Jalota for being part of our Gala even though it was early Sunday morning in India. Anup Jalota mentioned that he looked forward to coming to Houston when the situation becomes normal. He also mentioned that he is very impressed with the work India House is doing for the community and extended all his support to raise funds for India House. The beautiful painting of Lord Krishna by Gopaal Seyn was auctioned, and after an exciting bidding session, was sold to the highest bidder Hari Agrawal, India House Trustee for $3000.00. Col. Vipin Kumar gave full credit of a successful Gala to the entire team, consisting of India House staff (Pallavi, Bhumi, Vanshika and Vincent), Rungta Siblings (Manav, Manasi and Manya Rungta), Vanshika and Sandeep of Namaste Radio for their technical support, Bijay Dixit for photography, Darshak Thacker for light effects and Emcee Pooja Lodhia. He also thanked Bombay Brasserie for delivering food to the houses of every sponsors of the Gala. Amidst thunderous applause the evening came to an end and the attendees got a view of the board room from where the entire team was functioning in making this gala successful.
OBITUARY
A Tribute to University of Texas Professor Chandragiri Dinaker Rao (1938-2020)
Austin: There are some people who bring a light so bright to this world, that even after they are gone the glow remains. Chandragiri Dinaker Rao of Austin, Texas was one of them! Dinaker left for his heavenly abode on September 5, 2020. He was truly a Konkani icon of Austin. He led an exemplary life full of love, compassion, tolerance and service. His passing marks the end of an important chapter for a large circle of friends, family and a host of folks to whom he was a mentor. Dinaker was born on October 30, 1938, and brought up in South Canara. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering
from Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. He worked for DCM in Kotah and later with Engineers India, Ltd in Delhi. He came to the University of Texas in Austin in 1972 to pursue his doctoral studies in chemical engineering. Upon completing Ph.D., he worked as a post-doctoral fellow prior to joining the State of Texas in their Radiation Control group. Dinaker enjoyed teaching and mentoring. He taught for several years at the University of Texas (Austin) as well as at Austin Community college in his retirement years. Austin being a university town, lots of new students and young couples arrive there every year
just like Dinaker and Jyostna (D&J) did nearly five decades ago. D&J were always there to host and guide many new arrivals to this city For almost 25 years, Dinaker would book the Bastrop or Fort State Parker state park, the first day the reservations were open, for the Good Friday weekend gettogether of Konkanis in Southern States (aka KISS). D&J were among the founding members and the anchors of KISS community by working tirelessly to make these get-togethers successful and enjoyable. Dinaker was also one of the founding members of the Indian Classical Music Circle of
Indo-American News • Friday SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com
Austin. Over the years, Dinaker and Jyotsna had hosted several musicians from India. They were always on hand to support the community functions and celebrations in Austin. Taking care of the needy was D&J’s credo. They often helped by picking medicines, delivering food and sometimes bringing the sick to their home and taking care of them. In his later years, although afflicted with severe respiratory issues, Dinaker never complained about the illness, and maintained a cheerful composure. Dinaker has left a beautiful legacy for the future generations. -- Radha Golikeri
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OBITUARY
September 11, 2020
Mahesh Vyas Passes, Founded 1st Desi Grocery: “Jay Store” with Wife Rupa
Mahesh Vyas portrait (left) and a family photo with his wife Rupa, and son Sanjay (left) and Jatin (with goatee) and their families.
Houston: The Indian community lost one of its founding members on Friday, August 14. After Mahesh Vyas had finished exercising, acute IPF flared up suddenly and quickly spread through his lungs. He was admitted to Memorial Hermann Hospital at Memorial City, but quickly succumbed to the disease. Mahesh Prataprai Vyas, 83, a geophysicist, was the founder of Interra Technologies, a multinational oil services company and, with his wife Rupa who managed it, also was co-founder of Jay Store, the first Indian grocery store in the Houston area. Mahesh was born in Talaja (across the Gulf of Khambhat
from Surat), Gujarat, India on September 2, 1937. Guided by the belief that the key to prosperity and happiness came through a solid foundation built on education, he left Baroda College in 1959 to advance his studies in West Germany only 10 years after the end of World War II. His focus on geophysics led him to continue his studies in Montreal, Canada. After the birth of two sons, he and his wife, Rupa Vyas, moved to Houston in 1969 with their young family, $200 in his pocket and a vision for a better life for his family. He also sought to have a major impact at work and his community. He was a pioneer in so many
ways. After working for Seiscom Delta for a few years, he ventured out to form his own company, Interra Technologies, an oil services company which led the effort to digitize seismic data for oil exploration. His company developed industry-leading technical innovations, which leveraged offices in India and close collaborations in Venezuela and Germany. When the Vyas’ moved to Houston, there were only 30 to 50 Indian families. They saw that the growing South Asian population needed a connection back to India so they decided to open the community’s first desi grocery store – Jay Store -- that brought essential Indian foods to Houston. Jay Store first
opened in 1972 in the Rice Village on the northeast corner of Times and Kelvin. Ten years later, it was the first store to populate the Hillcroft and Highway 59 area, which has since become better known as Little India (and is also referred to as the Mahatma Gandhi District), a cultural hub for Indians locally and recognized nationally. In the United States, Mahesh Vyas lived his entire life in Houston, mostly in the family home near Kirkwood and Memorial. He loved the local sports scene, and was an avid fan of any team which could win. He was deeply interested in travel: spending time in Europe and Asia for both business and personal travel. Exposing
his family to the diverse and wonderful cultures of the world was his passion. In retirement, he loved spending time with his family and friends. An avid Canasta player, he led his social group of friends in organizing matches. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Rupa, who is in infirm health and whom he was taking care of. He is also survived by his two sons, Jatin Vyas of Boston, and Sanjay Vyas of Cleveland, his daughters-in-law, Tammy Vyas and Neha Vyas; his grandsons, Austin, Ryan, Amar, and Ishan Vyas; his siblings, Vandana Khatodia, Mridu Vyas, and Jayesh Vyas; many beloved relatives; and his many dear friends.
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SPIRITUALITY
September 11, 2020
7
Mind Management Challenge: 21 Days, 21 Videos, 21 Steps to #PerfectYourMind
Houston: Mind Management Challenge starting Sep. 11, 2020 on YouTube by Swami Mukundananda, world-renowned mind management expert and bestselling author is a set of FREE 21 Videos, 21 Tools and 21 Steps to #PerfectYourMind! Read to know how it can help you! Swami Mukundananda, global spiritual leader is a senior disciple of Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj and Vedic scholar. In this challenge, Swamiji highlights with characteristic lucidity and razorsharp insight, the ancient wisdom of the Vedic scriptures to utilize the most powerful instrument in our possession to accomplish any goal - our own mind. The beauty of the power of mindset is that it is an internal resource we all possess. If we can train our mind and intellect, their immense potential will get unlocked. - says Swamiji, bestselling author of the 7 Mindsets for Success, Happiness and Fulfillment. Mind Management Challenge: 4 Ways It Can Help You One who rules their mind, rules the world –Shankaracharya 1. Develop Focus and Self Control for Success Why should you do this challenge? Our success in life depends on the extent to which we can focus and control the mind. It takes practice and determination to control the mind - an entity that a warrior as determined and focused as Arjun describes to
Shree Krishna as being “even more difficult to control than the wind” - and channel it for the highest good in every situation. 2. Master the Art of Positive Thinking We have all experienced how anything from spilled coffee to a botched-up presentation can set the tone for the day and bring up painful subconscious wounds that lead to self-sabotage and unfulfilled potential. Remaining chained to our negative emotions, and desperate for relief we gloss over them with material distractions such as food, television, or socializing, while the root of the problem - our mind - takes a backseat. That’s where the Mind Management Challenge steps in - to help us address the very emotions we fear and transform them positively - to help our powerful mind work perfectly for us and not against us. 3. Cultivate Empathy for Better Relationships Being aware of our own emotions can help us to empathize with others, and thus help us to extend understanding and encouragement even if people act negatively with us. Those with empathy strive to not
hurt others either by judging or by way of their actions and thus act with integrity, accountability, and kindness. Not being selfish, they promote trust and cooperation everywhere they go, and people love to work with them. 4. Facing Crises With Boldness and Compassion Emotional Intelligence is a highly valued skill in today’s day that determines effective leadership. Founders of the theory, Peter Salovey and John Mayer described it as, “The ability to perceive emotion, integrate emotion to facilitate thought, un-
derstand emotions and to regulate emotions to promote personal growth.” In times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, heads of state, business leaders and managers are measured on their ability to marshal their team, keep morale high and thus get things done, despite prevailing negative sentiments. People with high emotional intelligence can regulate their emotions flexibly to remain productive and are emotionally resilient in the face of setbacks - they are internally motivated. They are experts at managing themselves and are therefore effective in managing teams, especially resolving conflicts amicably. Free Registeration: www.jkyog. org/MMC; Contact: 281-6305982, 713-330-5033
Swami Mukundananda, received his degrees in Engineering and Management from two world famous institutes in India- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) respectively. However, the call of God was so strong that a short while after landing a top corporate job, he renounced his professional career to take Sanyas, at age 23 in quest for Godrealization. Since the last two decades, Swamiji has been travelling to various states of USA, India, Nepal and Singapore awakening thousands of seekers He is the senior disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and founder of JKYog. JKYog is a non-profit organization dedicated to the spiritual, mental and physical wellness of Humankind, through true Yoga and Spirituality. Swamiji has been an invited speaker at various Fortune 500 companies like Google, Oracle etc., and prestigious universities such as Princeton, Stanford, Kellogg, MIT, and Duke University.
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8 September 11, 2020 ENTERTAINMENT JL50 review: Abhay Deol Web Series has a Wobbly Landing By Shubhra Gupta L50 opens on an ambitious, intriguing note. Somewhere in the hilly reaches of the North East, a plane crashes, and as the news starts trickling in, several puzzles begin to grow. Is there more than one plane that’s gone missing? Why is a flight manifest 35 years old? Why is everything connected to that ill-fated plane so hushhush? Such a relief to find an Indian web series which has nothing to do with hinterland violence, foulmouthed goons, and sexual acts bunged in strictly for shock value. The characters here belong to the terrain, and picturesque Kolkata is a perfect location for what begins as a classic mystery. A CBI officer (Abhay Deol) and his colleague (Rajesh Sharma) are informed that the case of the mysterious crash is ‘sensitive’. As the trail gets ever twisted, we come across a shifty professor (Pankaj Kapur) and a crash survivor (Piyush Mishra), both of whom have something to hide. What is their connection with the disoriented woman (Ritika Anand) who wakes up in a room and cannot recognise anything? And why does everything lead back to that plane? The set-up took me in, and I was
Ex Ms. India USA Will Decide Netflix Content
all set to have fun with the rest of it. It’s always nice to have performers who can get the job done, and some. Atmosphere always helps deepen mysteries, and while some of the action takes place in the lanes and distinctive houses, we also keep getting lovely panoramic views of the city. But soon enough, the plot starts to unravel and while we are ready to swallow many implausibilities which come with a story which involves time travel (yes, that’s right), they need
to be done just so. Also, some strands are left hanging. Deol’s Shantanu is given a damaged relationship, which is never referred to again, through the four episodes it takes for the series to wrap. Mishra’s miraculously healthy survivor develops vampire-red eyes, and an eye-roll of a meltdown. Kapur makes the most of his part, though, as does Sharma. And the climax, which involves a large empty shed and characters dodging bullets, re-
minds you of bad Hindi movies that are wisely no longer being made. The ‘mad scientist cooking up time-warp instruments while spouting gobbledygook’ is a genre by itself, and many enjoyable yarns have come out of it. JL50, directed by Shailender Vyas, needs to be commended for its attempt to construct a back-to-the-future vibe, and some nice flourishes; you just wish it was better done overall. -- Indian Express JL50 is streaming on SonyLIV.
Los Angeles: Top Netflix executive Bela Bajaria has been promoted to the newly-created role of Vice President Global Television, amidst a major leadership overhaul aimed at streamlining the OTT platform’s creative team. Bajaria is a former Miss India USA, having won the crown 1991. Bajaria, who earlier served as VP Local Language Originals, will now be overseeing all of Netflix’s English and vernacular Original content, the Wall Street Journal reported. Her promotion also marks the end of an era at Netflix, as it coincides with the departure of veteran executive Cindy Holland, who was in charge of the streaming platform’s English-language programming until now.
Register Register now now at: at: www.reflections-50.org www.reflections-50.org Registration is free but mandatory | Limited Capacity; First Come First Served
World WorldHindu HinduCouncil Councilof ofAmerica America(VHPA) (VHPA)invites invitesyou youto: to:
Virtual(Online) (Online)Conference: Conference:September September19 19&&20, 20,2020 2020 Virtual
The year 2020 represents a major milestone in the history of the World Hindu Council of America (VHPA). It has just completed 50 years of selfless service for the Hindu American community. However, the Swarna Jayanti gala event to celebrate this special occasion had to be moved to September 2021 due to the Covid-19 crisis. In its place, we are announcing an intermediate milepost, “REFLECTIONS@50: WALKING IN DHARMA”, a virtual conference to be held on September 19-20, 2020.
REFLECTIONS@50 is a pathbreaking virtual community conference to reflect on how the Hindu socio-cultural-spiritual movement has flourished in Americas for the past five decades. Together with pioneers who tenaciously and steadfastly nurtured its growth, we seek to celebrate the historic accomplishments, inspire the youth and explore the future of Hindus in Americas. Spread over two days, the event brings captivating keynote speakers and 8 enlightening panel discussions with eminent thought leaders across Americas.
Keynote Speakers
Vyomesh Joshi CEO – 3D System; Former Exec VP – HP Imaging and Printing
Ms. Vandana Tilak CEO & Director – Akshaya Patra USA; Founder – Almex USA
Dr. Raj Vedam Scholar – Indian History, President – Americas Indology Foundation
Panel Discussions on Past, Present and Future of the Hindu Movement in America Benny J. Tillman (Balabhadra Bhattacarya Dasa) President – Vedic Friends Association (VFA)
Website: www.Reflections-50.org
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Youth Advocacy Women Children
Email: info@Reflections-50.org
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Lightning Talks Service Elderly Dharmic Institutions
SOUTH ASIA
September 11, 2020
Bloody Partition of India: An Eyewitness Account
By Manu Shah PART 2 Bloomfield Hills, Michigan: The constant fear of being butchered also hung heavily. In one instance, the train taking them from Sialkot to India suddenly came to a standstill on the outskirts of Jasar, a city in Pakistan. Outside, the silence was broken only by the piercing sound of the train’s whistle. As they peered through the windows, the overpowering stench of dead bodies was the first to hit them. Yash still remembers the bile rising in his throat as he saw flies feasting on hundreds of rotting corpses, hacked limbs strewn around, bodies slashed with swords and stabbed with knives, crusted splotches of blood, an open suitcase, a copper utensil, a shoe, and clothes littered on both sides of the tracks. The previous train had been slaughtered by the nearby Muslim villages and the whistle was a signal for them. As the minutes slowly ticked by, everyone feverishly began reciting their prayers. A few agonizing minutes later, the train lurched and inched forward. The relief was dizzying as it was nothing short of a miracle. Their savior was an English guard who had cocked his gun at the driver to restart the train. The passage to India was filled with more ordeals. It was the monsoon season and the rivers were swollen with rain. The train clattered its way over a bridge across the river Ravi and stopped right in the middle of the bridge. An Indian flag and a Pakistan flag marked the borders and the passengers had to disembark here. There was no station, no platform – just the railroad bridge fenced by metal columns
Yash Lakra’s father Niranjan Das and mother Shanti Devi. Recent photo of Yash Pal Lakra (right).
and a flooded river beneath them. Solid ground was half a mile away. The lashing rains made the bridge slippery and dangerous and gaps of one and a half foot between the slippers on the bridge compounded the danger. A misstep would plunge them to their deaths in the swirling waters below. Yash eased down the steps and held his mother’s hand tightly as they both jumped from one slipper to the other bracing themselves with the bridge’s columns. His mother was carrying his baby sister in her other arm and they were all soaked to their skin. His teeth chattered from the cold until a kind neighbor wrapped him in a blanket that became soaked in minutes. In the chaos, they were separated from their father. Wearily, they made it to the bank of the river and spent the whole night in the open - stranded, wet and hungry. The next morning, they walked for nine miles to the Dera Baba Nanak railway station to catch the train to
Amritsar, but every step was pure torture. Yash recollects his mother crying and begging for scraps of food for her children. In the September first week, the Lakras reached Amritsar where the famished family was fed some dal (lentils), roti and kheer or rice pudding. They were eating after three days and to this day, Yash can relive the taste of that kheer. In one sense, the Lakras were fortunate that they had all made it safely to India including the grandparents but the task of starting from scratch was just beginning. The family made their way to Ludhiana hoping to stay with an aunt but were clearly unwelcome there. They left after a day for Naini Allahabad to seek help from another aunt. By this time, their money had dwindled to nothing. The family found shelter in Naini Allahabad but it meant living in the cow shed with the animals for several months. Niranjan Das’s attempts to run a
provision store did not fare well. A much-needed break came in the form of an uncle who worked for the Steel Authority of India. He helped Yash’s father obtain a permit to manufacture steel and the family moved back to Ludhiana. Despite starting their own business, the Lakras struggled to make ends meet for years. They lived in cramped housing, food was carefully rationed, and Yash says he and his siblings ran around in tattered clothes and grimy faces. In the process, he contracted every infectious disease possible. The children were enrolled in a government school and struggled to cope in an alien culture, language and surroundings. There was little money and Yash remembers wearing cheap footwear that did little to protect his feet from the scorching pavements in summer. The stress of providing for the family of twelve also took its toll on his father’s health. The one thing that pulled the
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family out of the mire of poverty, Yash believes, was his father’s insistence on education for all his children. Each one of his siblings did well in their respective careers and Yash himself went on to become a surgeon. He made his way to the United States in 1968 and established a thriving medical practice in Pontiac, Michigan for 45 years before retiring in 2010. At 81, what angers Yash the most is the futility of the suffering that millions of people had to endure on both sides of the border. He holds leaders like Gandhi and Nehru responsible for not foreseeing the consequences of the partition and the scale of the tragedy. Their naïve belief that people would leave on amicable terms was fundamentally flawed. The trauma, he believes, could have been easily avoided, had they taken timely and decisive action by mobilizing the army early and making adequate arrangements for an orderly evacuation. In his more pensive moods, the memories of deprivation weigh him down, but one hurts more than others: the day Yash showed his father his fifteen business suits. Overwhelmed with emotion, his father clung to him and cried for a long time. In 2012, Yash Pal Lakra took a trip back to Bopalwala in Pakistan. His grandfather’s imposing house had been divided into four sections. He met its current occupants who were warm and hospitable. The house he grew up in was in a dilapidated state as the owner lives in Saudi Arabia. The name of the house “Ram Bhavan” had been completely obliterated, much like their lives when they left their ancestral village in 1947.
. Coronavirus, Hurting Jobs and Loans, Has Indians Selling the Family Gold Mumbai: Investors across the globe are hoarding gold in the Covid-19 pandemic. In normally gold-obsessed India, there’s a glut, as struggling families stop buying and start hocking jewelry. International investors have lifted the price of gold to all-time highs this year, trying to get their hands on more gold coins, bars and exchange-traded funds. Many are seeking shelter in the commodity from the storm of coronavirus and geopolitical concerns, such as the U.S.-China relationship and November’s U.S. presidential election. At the same time, jewelry demand in India, the world’s secondlargest consumer of gold behind China, plunged by 74% in the three months through June, according to the World Gold Council. That’s 124 metric tons less gold jewelry than a year earlier—about as much gold as the U.S. buys in a year. A nationwide lockdown and fear of the pandemic has meant fewer Indians are visiting jewelry stores and holding weddings, which are the main sources of gold demand,
say industry officials and jewelry store owners. The coronavirus crisis has also squeezed employment, incomes and small businesses, forcing many Indians to sell gold or borrow against it. In July, Delhi resident Jasmine Nair had to sell her family gold—including the gold bangles her mother gave her for her wedding—when the family’s cash ran out at the same time as they had to pay for the construction of their new home. “There was no other way to arrange the quick cash, which we really needed,” she said. With loans hard to obtain since Covid-19 hit, “Gold remains our last hope for survival,” she said. Jewelry chain owner B. Govindan says business is still only half of what it used to be before the virus arrived, and about one in five customers who come to his shops are selling jewelry rather than buying. “We are hoping people will come back to buy gold from September-October when the wedding season begins,” he said. Fear of the pandemic has seen fewer Indians visiting jewelry
stores. A saleswoman arranges gold bangles at a showroom in Kolkata in May. The imbalance of supply and demand is showing up in Indian gold prices, which have been significantly lower than global prices. India’s prices have been as much as $70 an ounce less than the global benchmark. The companies that lend against gold have had people lining up to put the yellow metal down as collateral for short-term loans. Businesses and consumers have seen their incomes plummet and at the same time are unable to get new loans from their regular lenders who have become more cautious because the Indian economy has been hit so hard by the virus. On Monday, India reported the worst impact from the coronavirus pandemic of any of the world’s major economies. The country recorded a 23.9% drop in gross domestic product in the three months ending in June, compared with the same period a year earlier. Manappuram Finance, one of the biggest lenders specializing
in gold loans, expanded a doorstep service nationwide this summer. Its agents show up on motorcycles to pick up, weigh and estimate the value of gold jewelry and approve loans at borrowers’ homes so they don’t have to risk going out and being exposed to Covid-19. “From time immemorial gold has been the savings and insurance policies for India’s poor,” said George Alexander Muthoot, managing director of Muthoot Finance, another lender specializing in gold-backed loans. “They need funding, and this is quick, easy financing.” The World Gold Council said this year is too unpredictable to make full-year projections, but the last quarter had the largest dive in demand it had ever recorded. Meanwhile, annual sales in India of recycled gold, or used gold jewelry, could jump to a new record of more than 120 metric tons, said P.R. Somasundaram, managing director for India at the World Gold Council. “There is going to be a lot of pain in many categories of people particularly lower down the social pyramid,” he said. “Our expecta-
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tion is this year [gold recycling] could be very high.” India has the world’s biggest reservoir of gold in the form of bracelets, nose rings and other ornaments. It has more than 25,000 tons of it as jewelry, not only because it looks nice but it has always been the most important way Indians store wealth. Buying shiny things is even a part of regular religious ceremonies, for celebrations as well as for offerings to gods. The family gold is usually the last thing the average Indian will consider selling, so the rise in gold sales and borrowing against jewelry shows the pain many are going through. The pandemic has forced tens of millions back into poverty in India, economists say. Padmavati Haripuri, who manages a Muthoot Finance branch in Hyderabad, says there are people lined up outside her branch every day. “They need to pay school fees, they need to pay medical expenses,” she said. “People are in need of money because they have no incomes and no business.” -WSJ
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September 11, 2020
Vaccine for All
EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY
Trump or Biden: India’s Options
By Sriram Sundar Chaulia
The race to a vaccine is a relay — at every stage, there are people passing on the baton, and it’s the government’s responsibility to grasp it at the last mile. Whether or not a vaccine for Covid-19 is around the corner, it is imperative that a vaccine policy is formulated for India, ensuring parity of access for all. As several vaccine efforts are progressing at varying paces, globally, concerns about access to a vaccine in the future have crept into the narrative. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently spoke of the need to use a vaccine, when it becomes available, effectively. He also indicated the need to prioritise vaccination for some in the initial stages, while in time, as production increases, people everywhere should get it. In the initial stages, global health leaders have been advancing the vaccine for essential workers and those at risk including senior citizens and those with co-morbidities. As Dr. Tedros said, “some people in all countries, rather than all people in some countries”, should have access to the vaccine in the early phase. Even in this initial stage, the government should make the vaccine available free of cost to those who cannot pay, or at affordable rates. As production kicks off, initial production costs are likely to be high, even astronomical, and it is the duty of governments to cushion the cost. Once the economies of scale begin to kick in, it is likely that the prices are driven down and become more affordable. Besides being a moral and ethical imperative, it will also make economic sense to make sure the vaccine is eventually available to all. Leaving gaps in the delivery of the vaccine will only serve to allow the virus to survive, and continue to wreak further damage. India has a fairly reliable vaccine delivery system for children, as part of the universal immunisation programme. It may be assumed that the knowledge and wherewithal to run a fullscale vaccination programme rests with the health administration — both at the central and the State level. However, in terms of scope, this is far wider; in fact, a mammoth task. All people in the country must have access to the vaccine, and, if necessary, periodic doses of it. Indeed, the mobilisation for this task in India should be nothing short of heroic, as and when the vaccine is available here. Meanwhile, the government must get its act together on developing a policy specific to the Covid-19 vaccine; from preparing resources — both material and human — for the manufacture, storage, distribution and delivery. This includes taking sensitive, but firm, decisions guided by evidence, on who will receive the vaccine, how, when and where. Putting down a standard operating protocol for every stage of the vaccine will serve the government well when the baton is finally passed on to it. -- The Hindu
We are at a crucial quadrennial juncture where the world’s oldest democracy, the United States, heads into a presidential election and the world’s largest democracy, India, prepares for continuity or change in Washington. Even though there’s bipartisan support in the US for advancing the ‘Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership’ with India, significant differences in foreign policy style and priorities exist between President Donald Trump and his challenger, former vicepresident Joe Biden. India has strained to adjust to Trump’s transactional diplomacy in the past four years. He abandoned classic American liberal internationalism underpinned by ‘strategic altruism’ towards foreign allies and partners like India. Through the lens of ‘America First’, no partner was a real friend and every country was an economic competitor. India was among dozens of countries which bore the brunt of Trump’s trade and immigration wars. It’s a supreme irony of Trump’s first term that he signed a ‘Phase I’ trade agreement with the most predatory economic power in the world, China, but hasn’t yet agreed to ink even a ‘mini deal’ with India. Geopolitically, Trump’s policies brought mixed results for India. He initially took a hard line against Pakistan for its sponsorship of Islamist terrorism and cut off military aid. But later, he relented on Islamabad in exchange for its facilitation of a deal with Taliban in Afghanistan. Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ campaign against Iran put India on the spot and endangered New Delhi’s geostrategic counter to Islamabad on its western flank via the Chabahar project. On the positive side for India, Trump did mount a belated but ferocious offensive against China by labelling it a ‘strategic competitor’ and subjecting it to a variety of sanctions and punitive measures. Trump’s push for decoupling the US and Chinese economies is still work in progress and riddled with contradictions, but he has upped the ante so much since the ‘China virus’ pandemic broke that Biden has been forced to adopt a tougher-than-thou
Neither Trump nor Biden is an unmitigated blessing for India. But we should be crystal clear about our top goal and takeaway from the US-India strategic partnership, which is to keep China under check. anti-China line to look muscular to American voters. For India, a key ponderable is how would a Biden administration confront China. Unlike Trump, Biden is sure to emphasise liberal values like human rights and democracy more and use those sticks to attack China. Biden’s vow to stand with India in confronting “new threats it faces in its own region and along its own border” is an assurance that New Delhi will gladly take, in light of its growing competition and conflict with China along the land border and in the Indo-Pacific. As a seasoned internationalist, Biden will also look to build multilateral coalitions in the Indo-Pacific to roll back Chinese expansionism. The altruism vis-à-vis allies and partners that Trump dumped will return, giving India greater leeway to execute its economic and geopolitical interests. The downside for India from a Biden administration lies in the liberal ideology of Democrats. The far-Left faction in Biden’s party has pushed him to believe that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is worryingly illiberal and intolerant towards religious minorities. Trump was happy to take at face value Modi’s assurance that “religion is freedom”. Biden might bring up the alleged decline in religious freedom in India, rankling Indian national-
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ists and conservatives. Biden’s running mate Kamala Harris is of half Indian ancestry, but both of them have taken digs at issues sacred to the Modi government such as the status of Kashmir and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Even if a Biden administration doesn’t walk the talk by downgrading the strategic partnership over value differences, it will talk the talk of multiculturalism and potentially spread negative stereotypes about Modi’s India in the international arena. Neither Trump nor Biden is an unmitigated blessing for India. But we should be crystal clear about our top goal and takeaway from the USIndia strategic partnership, which is to keep China under check. Our approach should be to ensure that whether it is four more years of Trump or a shift to Biden, China remains the foremost factor binding the US and India. Where there are conflicts of interest in other aspects of US-India interaction, we must simply accept them as the cost of ensuring the ultimate objective of pushback against China. This singular focus will sustain the strategic partnership, irrespective of who occupies the White House. -- Times of India Sreeram Sundar Chaulia is dean, Jindal School of International Affairs.
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September 11, 2020
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