Friday, September 25, 2026 | Vol. 45, No. 39
September 25, 2026
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Indo American News
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Published weekly from Houston, TX
www.indoamerican-news.com
Special Reports Community Briefs Local Politics South Asians in the News
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India House Celebrates Its 22nd Annual Gala
Article on P2, Photo Collage on P8-P9 First Day of Chinmaya Mission Bala Vihar
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‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ Suitable for Only Fans
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2 September 25, 2026 COMMUNITY India House Celebrates 22nd Annual Gala with Ravi Kishan Houston: India House celebrated its 22nd Annual Gala on September 6th at the Marriott Sugar Land welcoming a full house of community leaders, elected officials, business leaders, supporters, families and friends. Hon. Ravi Kishan, celebrated Indian actor, film producer and Member of Parliament of India, was the Guest of Honor, while Hon. D. C. Manjunath, Consul General of India in Houston, served as the Chief Guest. The evening began with lively social hour at 6:00 p.m., giving some of the guests an opportunity to connect with Guest of Honor Ravi Kishan, while a live violinist performed popular Bollywood songs, creating an elegant and vibrant atmosphere as guests arrived. The formal program opened with the National Anthems of India and the United States, sung by Uma Mantravadi and Ananthan Nair. India House President Rahul Agrawal welcomed the guests, followed by a presentation by the Executive Director, Col. Vipin Kumar (Retd.), highlighting India House’s continued commitment to serving the Greater Houston community through its wide range of free programs and services. In his remarks, the Consul General of India in Houston, spoke about the important role India House plays in bringing people together and serving the community. The evening’s Emcee, Puja Agarwal then introduced the vibrant dance performance by Desi Dance Revolution. A major highlight of the Gala was the spotlight on Guest of Honor Ravi Kishan who following his speech brought the celebration to the next level, dancing on stage to the popular “Gucci” song and inviting guests to come up and join him. His spontaneous interaction with the audience created one of the liveliest and most memorable moments of the evening, with guests joining him on stage and celebrating together. The Gala honored three young community volunteers—Manav Rungta, Manasi Rungta and Manya Rungta—with the Young Volunteer Award for their contributions to education and community engagement.
India House President Rahul Agrawal welcomed the guests.
Guest of Honor Ravi Kishen dancing the popular ‘Gucci’ with gala guests.
Community Service award winner Dr. Arusha Bavare (left) and CG D.C. Manjunath
Community volunteer award winners Manav, Manasi and Manya Rungta
Dr. Arusha Bavare, a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, received the Community Service Award. One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Col. Vipin Kumar (Retd.), Executive Director of India House, recognizing his longstanding leadership and service
to India House and the Greater Houston community. Col. Kumar has served as Executive Director of India House for more than 12 years. The leadership of India House was also celebrated as all Trustees and Executive Committee members of India House were invited on the stage for a special photograph with the Guest of Honor,
the Chief Guest and the awardees, The live auction generated additional excitement and community support where Bali getaway and EVA Airline’s introductory Houston- Delhi flight was auctioned among other items. Another unique feature of the evening was a live painting of Ravi Kishan by young artist Nihal Kochoth. The artwork was auc-
Indo-American News • Friday, september 25, 2026 • www.indoamerican-news
tioned during the evening, with Danny Desai making the winning bid of $2,000. The Gala highlighted the broad range of FREE programs and services offered by India House. These include the Virendra Mathur Community Clinic, Citizenship Service Center, food distribution, legal and immigration consultations, yoga and meditation, wellness programs, children’s art, chess and soccer programs, English learning, technology classes for seniors, cricket and other educational, cultural and community activities. The Gala showcased numerous recent India House initiatives, including informative seminars/ webinars, health and nutrition programs, cultural celebrations, youth programs, community outreach and collaborations with other organizations throughout the Greater Houston area. The evening reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to its mission of uniting cultures, creating bridges and serving the Greater Houston community. As the evening moved toward dinner, the atmosphere came alive once again with a special live musical performance. Dibyaraj Bose, Kiran Nayak and Neha Shahi captivated the audience with their singing, accompanied on the keyboard by Shrikant Pabrekar. The impromptu musical interlude was warmly received by the guests and provided a fitting finale to the evening’s entertainment while the dinner was being served. Information about India House’s free programs and services can be found through www.indiahouseinc. org, vipin@indihouseinc.org, 713929-1900.
EDUCATION
September 25, 2026
Excitement, Learning Mark the First Day of Chinmaya Bala Vihar By Sweety Trivedi
Houston: Chinmaya Mission Houston marked the beginning of its new Bala Vihar year on August 23, 2026, with renewed enthusiasm, devotion and excitement. The occasion carries special significance as the Mission continues to honor the enduring vision of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, who founded Chinmaya Mission in 1951 and went on to establish hundreds of centers worldwide dedicated to spiritual learning and the study of Vedanta. This year also aligns with Chinmaya Mission’s Amrit Mahotsav, a celebration marking 75 years of the Mission’s spiritual service and Gurudev’s global vision. Families, teachers, devotees and Chinmaya Sevaks gathered with joy as they returned for another year of Bala Vihar. In Saraswati Nilayam, Acharya Pujya Gaurang Uncle welcomed the children with his characteristic warmth and affection, reminding them of Bala Vihar’s purpose and the role its values play in shaping an integrated personality. The morning began with the invocation of Maa Saraswati’s blessings. Children chanted a special prayer seeking the Goddess of Knowledge’s grace as they embarked on a new year of spiritual
Bala Vihar teachers and volunters with Acharya Pujya Gaurang.
learning. In a touching moment, the youngest group—Pre‑K children—offered flowers at the feet of Maa Saraswati on behalf of the entire Bala Vihar family. As children immersed themselves in learning under the care of dedicated Bala Vihar teachers, parents began their morning with an enriching satsang. Poojya Gau-
rang Uncle introduced the adults to Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita— Karma Yoga, offering thoughtful insights that set a meaningful foundation for deeper reflection in Smriti Hall. Registrations for both children and adults overflowed this year, reflecting the community’s growing commitment to spiritual learning. The Mission’s
teachers—who devote their weekends to preparing lessons, guiding students and nurturing values— stood as a testament to the selfless service that sustains this vibrant program. This year, Pujya Gaurang Uncle shared a thoughtful message with the seekers, emphasizing that although each Bala Vihar year feels
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new, the core learning remains rooted in the same Vedantic instruments—B‑M‑I (Body, Mind, Intellect). He explained that spiritual growth emerges through steady practice and repetition: listening to the Guru through scripture, daily reflection, and continuous contemplation. Drawing a parallel to yoga, he noted that while we breathe the same air and repeat the same exercises, the practice strengthens the body over time. In the same way, revisiting Bala Vihar teachings year after year refines the mind, deepens understanding and gradually transforms one’s life. This year’s opening also followed closely after India’s Independence Day—80 years of celebrating freedom. The timing, together with the ongoing Amrit Mahotsav, offered a reflective reminder; an inner question to oneself, does this conceptualized freedom apply to our consciousness or only to the perceivable reality surrounding us? For more information about Chinmaya Mission Houston, Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya, and its activities, please visit www. chinmayahouston.org, www. saumyakasi.org or call temple 281 568 1690 or Jay Deshmukh 832 541 0059 or Bharati Sutaria 281933-0233; Photo by Bharath Rao
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September 25, 2026
NJ Sen. Andy Kim Attends Local AAPI Events
Houston: AAPI Victory Fund brought New Jersey Democratic Sen. Andy Kim to Houston for a weekend of events on September 12 and 13 to highlight culture, civic participation and the political influence of Asian American and Pacific Islander voters across Texas. Kim, who is 44, won the 2024 general election to become the first Korean-American in the Senate and the first Asian-American U.S. senator from New Jersey. A former diplomat, Kim is a progressive Democrat, who served from 2019 to 2024 as the U.S. representative from New Jersey’s 3rd congressional district. Kim worked as a civilian advisor at the United States Department of State in Afghanistan during the Obama administration. He was elected to the House of
Representatives in 2018, defeating incumbent Tom MacArthur. His swing through Houston took him to Chinatown and Little Saigon on the west side to taste Vietnamese barbecue, hear immigrant stories and to a gathering of local digital voices and a Sharpstown blockwalk focused on issues affecting working families. On Sunday, September 13, Kim had a Creator Matcha Meetup at Êmm Café, 6795 Wilcrest Dr. with Houston-area creators. He then went on a Listening Tour and met with state Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons, Harris County Judge candidate Dr. Letitia Plummer at ROOSTAR Roostar Vietnamese Grill at 5551 Richmond. He later met Fort Bend County Commissioner Dexter McCoy at FRESSO COFFEE & TEA at 4899 Hwy 6 in Missouri City.
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Photo Collage on P6-P7 Indo-American News • Friday, september 25, 2026 • www.indoamerican-news
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“Voted #2 of Top 100 Houston Podcasts” -- Feedspot.com
Flute concert Indo-American News • Friday, september 25, 2026 • www.indoamerican-news
ENTERTAINMENT
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MB Foundation Presents “Tribute to R.D. Burman” Concert
Houston: MB Foundation, in association with Strategic Financial Group and Lion Strategic Financial Services and supported by Tara Capital proudly presents the “Tribute to R.D. Burman” Concert, featuring renowned Bollywood trumpet maestro Kishore Sodha, with versatile singers Trijoy Dey and Ujjayinee Roy. The concert will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 8:30 p.m. at the Stafford Civic Center. The evening will celebrate the timeless music of legendary composer R.D. Burman with a special presentation of classic Bollywood songs, live trumpet performances, and nostalgic melodies. Kishore Sodha began playing trumpet at the age of 18 and went on to become one of Bollywood’s prominent trumpet players. He was invited by R.D. Burman to perform on the title track of Shalimar (1978) and subsequently became part of Burman’s team of musicians. Sodha has performed on more than 6000 songs and has also worked with leading composers including Bappi Lahiri, Anu Malik, Anand-Milind, and Laxmikant-Pyarelal. “We are excited to bring this special tribute to the Houston community,” said Mousumi Banerjee, President of MB Foundation. “I encourage everyone to attend and experience this special
tribute to R.D. Burman. Kishore Sodha, the king of trumpet, together with Trijoy and Ujjayinee, will present an exciting amalgamation of classic Bollywood music and create a retro, elegant, and enjoyable experience for audiences of all generations.” Founded by Mousumi Banerjee in 2019, MB Foundation is a Texasbased 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Indo-American cultural arts and supporting artists and communities through talent promotion, community concerts, workforce development, women’s empowerment, and activities for seniors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MB Foundation also hosted global online concerts to support artists affected by the loss of performance opportunities and provide cultural engagement to the community. About MB Foundation: MB Foundation is working towards the
SPORTS
overall betterment of the IndoAmerican community. This foundation builds through developing deeper relationships among our community while exposing those in our target cities to the deep culture Indo-Americans must share. Mousumi Banerjee has already succeeded in Houston because of all the public services she has been doing. We will win the community’s hearts in the next few years by indulging in these shows and entertainment. For more information about Mb Foundation, visit: https://mbfoundation.net , email: info@mbfoundation.net or call 832-841-5727.
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CGI Houston Hosts Viksit Bharat Run 2026 with Local Organizations Houston: Viksit Bharat Run 2026, organized by the Consulate General of India in Houston, in partnership with Indo American diaspora organizations, brought together 800+ participants on 20 September 2026 at John Paul Landing Park, Cypress, Texas. The second annual edition of the Run transformed the morning into a powerful celebration of unity, service, and shared community spirit. In his address, Consul General Mr. D. C. Manjunath underscored that the Run symbolizes the collective strength of the Indo American community. He highlighted how families, youth, seniors, cultural groups, and volunteers came together with remarkable enthusiasm, reflecting a community deeply committed to service, sustainability, and India’s vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047. This year’s Run carried special significance as the United States celebrates 250 years of Independence and India marks 80th anniversary of Independence. These historic milestones highlight the shared democratic values that unite the world’s two largest democracies — freedom, civic responsibility, respect for diversity, and active community participation
CG D.C. Manjunath
The Run became a tribute to this enduring friendship, reaffirming the shared commitment to progress, partnership, and democratic ideals. The Consulate expressed deep appreciation to all Indian diaspora organizations whose support made the event possible As the Run concluded, the community carried forward a renewed sense of pride and unity — running not just for fitness, but for friendship, service, and the shared vision of a Viksit Bharat. Indo-American News • Friday, september 25, 2026, 2026 • www.indoamerican-news
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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
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‘Mirzapur: The Movie’: Watch If You Love the Series
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 Abhishek Srivastava Story: A Jaisalmer drug lord’s scheme to lure Kaleen Bhaiya into the desert threatens his hold on Mirzapur, even as Guddu and Munna’s old rivalry refuses to die. Review: ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ drops you back into the same rough, lawless world that hooked viewers across three seasons of the show, and for a while, it works. At just under 200 minutes, the film keeps you engaged thanks to its odd, familiar characters, backroom scheming, gang rivalries, and the political dirt everyone loves this show for. Then the story leaves Mirzapur for the deserts of Jaisalmer, and things fall apart. The second half drags, and there just isn’t enough that’s interesting happening to hold your attention. The climax stretches on forever, with a car chase between Guddu and Munna, an item number, and mindless violence that doesn’t really go anywhere. The film also jumps straight into its world without stopping to explain the characters, clearly counting on the audience already knowing them from the show. After a strong start, it runs out of steam. The film pulls you in fast, helped by characters audiences already know well. The power struggles, political scheming, and hushed conversations all sit naturally in the world of Purvanchal. The film opens with Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi) sitting pretty as the unchallenged king of Mirzapur, his illegal business ticking along nicely. Trouble shows up when Babban Yadav (Ravi Kishan), a drug lord from Jaisalmer, double-crosses his partner Bhairav Singh (Sushant Singh) and heads home. Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rasika Duggal, Abhishek Banerjee, and Sheeba Chaddha all slip back into their roles and do solid work despite limited screen time. But it’s Ravi Kishan who steals the spotlight. Kishan is the standout new addition as Babban Yadav, bringing a streak of dark humour to a character who’s otherwise a pure menace. ’Mirzapur: The Movie’ loses the charm it builds in the first half, and whatever charm survives fades fast after the interval. Its grip on the setting is shaky, but the cast keeps things watchable even when the story doesn’t. The film touches on political corruption involving the chief minister’s brother without ever really digging into how ugly that world gets. At 197 minutes, it overstays its welcome, and chopping thirty minutes of its runtime would have helped a lot. This one exists mainly to cash in on the show’s popularity, and it never quite matches it. This is a film that serves primarily the fans of the series. -- ToI
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