Friday, August 28, 2020 | Vol. 39, No. 35
Indo American News
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August 28, 2020
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Published weekly from Houston, TX
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August 28, 2020
Sewa Volunteers Gear-up to Offer Relief as Hurricane Laura Approaches
Sewa International volunteers during Hurricane Harvey relief. Now the organization is preparing to help in relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura about to hit the Gulf coast.
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help with the response. We are working in close coordination with multiple groups to ensure that residents of the 59 counties in Texas and residents in Louisiana are taken care of”. Rashmi Singh, Disaster Case Manager, added, “In the interest of families and the safety of our communities Sewa International has been working closely with officials in multiple counties for preparedness and to alert media with updates.” The Sewa helpline can be reached at 281-909SEWA (281909-7392), and Sewa will be providing regular weather updates on their Facebook page. Those who wish to volunteer or donate can visit https:// sewausa.org/ HoustonChapter
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Houston: Sewa International has activated its volunteer teams to assist with preparedness and relief work as Hurricane Laura was to make a landfall on the Texas / Louisiana coast. The latest weather forecast on the morning of Aug 26th states that the storm will become a Category 4 storm with winds of over 130 mph prior to making landfall early Thursday morning near the Texas-Louisiana state line. The NHC is calling for a 15-20 feet surge in Louisiana, which it describes as an “unsurvivable storm surge. Texas Governor Greg Abbott added 36 more counties to the state disaster declaration on Tuesday, in addition to the 23 counties warned on August 23. Given the gravity and scale of the disaster, Sewa International has set up a helpline to help provide information and support round the clock. The Sewa International help line is inundated with requests for help with evacuation and shelter to escape the hurricane. Sewa disaster response teams have begun disseminating the latest information through a variety of social media channels and via email. Swadesh Katoch, Vice President of Disaster Response, said, “Sewa International has stood up ground response teams in cities and small towns across Texas and Louisiana border, and based on our past experience with other disasters, we are already staged for quick roll out of relief operations post-hurricane ”. Sewa International appealed to people to stay safe and stay indoors as much as possible if they are not in evacuation zones. They have also sent out a call for support and help to local businesses and nonprofits. Arun Kankani, President of Sewa International, said, “We are setting aside $10,000 as a first step to
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Willy, Nanayakkara and Associates remains in full operation during this global health event. Attorneys, legal assistants and support staff will be available via phone and / or video conferencing between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM CST. Thursday free consultations can also be scheduled by phone and video. Please contact us at (281)265-2522 or visit our website at www.grwpc. com for more information. Indo-American News • Friday, AUGUT 28, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com
COMMUNITY
August 28, 2020
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Recognize Those Who Selflessly Care for Others … and Connect Them in Universal Love
Gauba (left) with employees at a team building event.
Duluth, Georgia: Perhaps it was being raised in the inner-city district of Rajinder Nagar in New Delhi that imbibed in him a caring and nurturing attitude. Living within a stone’s throw from the iconic Birla Mandir complex must certainly have been cause for many early morning or evening walks along the tree-lined boulevard that led to marble-faced portals; Inside, the calming inner sanctum naturally allowing the mind to expand and encompass humanity and encircle it in a universal love. Gauba is the CEO and President of Metasys Technologies, a Work-
force Management & staffing firm and GoProcure, a B2B procurement solutions company, both based out of the metro Atlanta area in the state of Georgia. Most recently, Sandeep Gauba was recognized by E&Y as an E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year finalist for the Southeast region – an award that honors entrepreneurial business leaders whose ambitions deliver innovation, growth and prosperity as they build and sustain successful businesses that transform our world. As Sandeep Gauba manages the two globally recognized compa-
Sandeep Gauba (third from right) with his staff at a company event
nies he has founded, he somehow still finds time to nurture the qualities he assimilated on those morning walks in a movement he recently founded (The We Care, We Connect, We Share Movement). A movement to honor those who are leading the noble life of sacrifice and service, and an opportunity to give back and inspire love for others. He sees the essential good in people and wants to recognize them for what they do. Initiated in early April, as COVID-19 erupted in the United States, the We Care, We Connect, We Share movement (WeCCS)
(www.wecareweconnectweshare. com) has awarded $1,000 each to deserving individuals or organizations every week. The 22 honorees so far include healthcare professionals, educators, law enforcement personnel, non-profit organizations, community advocates, spiritual leaders, as well as social justice and equality advocates. Sandeep brings to WeCCS the same passion that he has for his companies in delivering value. He has deep faith in the universal principle of LOVE and believes that when we put the interests of oth-
ers ahead of our own, it makes for better families, communities and nations. He has self-funded the $1000 grants given to the winners selected, and is looking to recognize more individuals and share their stories. Beyond these selfless contributions, Sandeep shows his love for his community in many other ways including passionately serving children and the elderly. He volunteers at a Senior Citizen Program in Atlanta and teaches valuebased living to teenagers over the weekends.
After NRI’s Passing, Wife & Child Face Rapid Deportation from US within Two Weeks HYDERABAD: “The family gets 14 days to sell their assets and leave the US. This is because Narayanan was on a H-1B work visa and his wife and child were dependants,” said Rajni Nalla, a friend who has been helping them. Adding to the trauma of losing their loved ones, the family of H-1B visa holders face an uncertain fate in case of an untimely death. In this case, Narayanan worked for a year after his diagnosis. He continued to work through chemo just so that he could maintain his visa status so that his family would not have to
be deported from the US. Wednesday was the last day Sudha could work as per restrictions on the H4 EAD (dependent
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work visa with work permission). read: “Having lost him, his family the US six years ago.” Narayanan, who lived in HyderaA gofundme page started to help now has an uphill battle and a race the family states: “He (Narayan- against time - with surviving wife bad for eight years before moving an) was a loving father, a caring trying to figure out her next steps: to the US, was originally from husband, a warm, friendly col- and a sophomore whose dreams Tamil Nadu. His funeral service league, and, an immigration activ- are in jeopardy - one of the reasons is scheduled for this Thursday. -ist helping backlogged families.” why his father decided to move to Times of India Narayanan was advocating for o Life Insurance the passage of o Long-‐Term Care Insurance the S386 bill in the senate which o Variable+ and FiUed AnnuiVes removes country o Disability Insurance* caps for getting o Health Insurance* a green card or For More InformaVon Contact Me permanent resiServices: dency. At presDivyendu Singh, Ph.D. ent, work visa • Life Insurance # Financial Services Professional and holders • College funding Licensed Agent have to wait • YeVrement Planning CA Insurance License # 0M30399 for decades be• Estate Planning New Y ork L ife I nsurance C ompany cause they get a 3200 S outhwest F reeway, S uite 1 900 • Planning for Business owners GC, often losing Houston TX 77027 #Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC their jobs and Cell: 812-‐272-‐2911 (member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency and a New York Life Company. even lives first. *Product available through one or more carriers not affiliated with New York Life Insurance Office: 7 12-‐ 4 99-‐ 7 638 The page, startCompany, dependent on carrier authorization and product availability in your state or locality. dsingh06NO.newyorQlife.com +Securities products and services offered through NYLIFE Securities LLC ed by a colleague SMRU 1759568 www.dsinghnyl.com Vidhi Gandhi,
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COMMUNITY
August 28, 2020
ICC’s Independence Day 2020 with Live Streaming
India Culture Center principals, including President Jasmeeta Singh, Manisha Gandhi, Nagraj Eleswarapu, Event Chair VP Kiran Shah, Co-Chair ICC Secretary Santosh Verma.
Houston: India Culture Center (ICC) celebrated India’s 74th Independence Day on Sunday August 23 afternoon at the Capitolio Reception Hall in Sugar Land with limited participants due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions on social gathering, but the Indian community at large was able to join via live Facebook streaming. Special guests included India’s Consul General Aseem Mahajan, Houston Food Bank President & CEO Brian Greene, and Fort Bend County Judge KP George, Mayor Pro Tem Wen Guerra. The charitable beneficiary of the event was the Houston Food Bank. The natonal anthem was performed by Chole Choudhury. Musical performers included Mahalaxmi Krishnan, Uma Mantravadi, Nandini Sarkar, Manisha Gandhi, Krutika Bhat and Rani Paras. Dances were performed
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August 28, 2020
Covid Effect: 61% of Indian College Students Defer Plan for Graduate Study Abroad Nwe Delhi: Covid-19 pandemic has forced Indian students to rethink their higher education choices abroad, with 61 per cent of them deciding to defer their course of study by a year, 8 per cent choosing to study in a different country and another 7 per cent cancelling their plans altogether, a survey by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a British agency that brings out the World University Rankings every year, has found. The findings are part of an ongoing survey by QS of prospective international students and how the Covid crisis has impacted their study plans. As of August 11, the survey had 66,959 responses, of which 11,310 are Indians. According to the segregated data on Indian students that QS shared with The Indian Express, almost half the respondents (49 per cent) plan to study at ‘postgraduate-bycoursework’ level (MBA, Master’s and graduate diploma), another 19 per cent at ‘postgraduate-byresearch’ level (Master’s and PhD) and 29 per cent want to pursue undergraduate studies abroad. The remaining are planning to pursue English language studies, foundation courses, and vocational education and training. The decision to put off higher studies abroad by a year could be attributed to several universities moving their Fall Semester entirely online. Almost half (48%) the
Temporary Relaxation for H1B Spouse Visas Mumbai: Spouses of H-1B workers, several of whom are waiting for a few months to obtain their employment authorisation document (EAD) cards, can now breathe a sigh of relief. Lack of a valid EAD card will not result in a job loss, as US employers can rely on a notice of approval issued to such individuals. Earlier the norms required that employers could only accept the issued EAD card as proof of work authorisation. The notice of approval given for an initial application or an application for renewal of an EAD was not sufficient. However, inordinate printing delays in issue of EAD cards and settlement of a class action lawsuit initiated by an Indian citizen, has led the US immigration agency – United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to introduce this temporary relaxation. “This is a significant accommodation for employers who no longer need to wait many months for the creation of a plastic card to lawfully employ an authorised, critical foreign worker,” points out Mitchell Wexler, California based partner with Fragomen, a global immigration law firm. Nearly a lakh Indian spouses (where the primarily H-1B visa holder is on track for a green card), are currently authorised to work in the US. -- Times of India
Indian students were not keen on studying their programme online due to the pandemic. Only 17% responded by saying they were still ‘extremely’ or ‘very interested’.
The survey found that 82 per cent of students expect foreign universities to reduce their tuition fee if they are expected to study online. About 5 per cent do not have a
problem paying the same tuition fee, and 12 per cent are unsure. A quarter (24%) of the respondents feel universities should offer to reduce the tuition fee by almost
half, 19 per cent want a discount of up to 40 per cent, and 20 per cent want a fee discount of up to 30 per cent until they can start attending face-to-face classes.
Request foR an InvItatIon to BId Abandonment of Bering & San Felipe Lift Stations Vadnais Trenchless Services, Inc. 14455 Primoris Way Houston, TX 77048 Telephone: (858) 550-1460 Fax: (858)-550-1470 Request for an Invitation to Bid REQUEST FOR QUALIFIED MINORITY BUISINESS & WOMAN BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS, VENDORS, AND/OR SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR:
Project Name: Owner: Solicitation No.: Location: Contract Est.: Proposal Due to VTS: Bid Due Date: Contact :
Abandonment of Bering & San Felipe Lift Stations WBS No. R-000536-0026-4 City of Houston WBS No. R-000536-0026-4 Houston, TX $20,575,000 Tuesday, September 8, 2020 5:00PM CT Thursday September 10, 2020 10:30 AM CT Karlie King: Phone: 858-550-1460, Email: kking@prim.com
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Work on the contract is for construction of approximately 2,100 linear feet of 30-inch along San Felipe Drive (between Bering Drive and Fountain View Drive), 210 linear feet of 36-inch (between San Felipe No. 2 Lift Station and Fountain View Drive), 4,400 linear feet of 48-inchalong Fountain View Drive (between San Felipe Street and Westheimer Road) using trenchless construction. Install local collector sewer ranging in size from 8-in to 18-in using trenchless construction along Bering Drive. Also, transfer existing sanitary services along Augusta Drive and Westheimer Drive that are presently connected to the 36-inch monolithic RCP (to be abandoned) to existing sanitary sewers that will remain after construction of this project. The project will connect to a proposed manhole by others located near the intersection of Fountain View Dr. and Westheimer Rd. Decommission San Felipe No. 2 and transfer flow to the proposed 36-inch sanitary sewer to be installed along San Felipe Street. Decommission Bering Lift Station and transfer lateral services to the proposed collector sewer along Bering Drive. Work also includes complete demolition of the existing San Felipe No. 2 Lift Station and the Bering Lift Station, including pumps, electrical equipment, concrete structures to four feet below grade, force mains, post construction survey at the demolished site as shown on the construction drawings, Project Manual and/or instructed by the City Engineer. The existing system will be abandoned at those locations shown on the plans and existing flows diverted to the proposed system. Contractor shall not plug and abandon the existing sanitary sewers and/or lift stations until the proposed sanitary sewers, lift station and force mains are constructed and in service. The contractor shall verify that there is no flow in the sewer prior to capping and plugging. New sewers must be tested and approved by the City’s representative prior to operation. VADNAIS TRENCHLESS SERVICE INC. (VTS) IS ACCEPTING QUOTES FOR THE FOLLOWING WORK (BUT NOT LIMITED TO): Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction, Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction, Flagging, Traffic Control, Highway & Street Construction, Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction, Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors, Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors, Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors, Site Preparation Contractors, All Other Specialty Trade Contractors, Construction Photos, Ready-mix concrete manufacturing and distributing, Concrete, dry mixture, manufacturing, Manufacturing welded, riveted, or seamless pipe and tube from purchased iron or steel, Machine Shops, Fabricated Pipe and Pipe Fitting Manufacturing, Sign Manufacturing, Brick, Stone, and Related Construction Material Merchant Wholesalers, Street sweeping and cleaning equipment merchant wholesalers, Agents and brokers, durable goods, wholesale trade, Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers (except Bulk Stations and Terminals), Fuel Dealers, General Freight Trucking, Local, Specialized Freight, Street Sweeper, Engineering Services, Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical) Services, Pumping station, water and sewage system, construction, Environmental Consulting Services, Commercial Photography, Printing, Reprographic services, Construction Signage, Hydroseeding services & Sod laying services / Tree Removal, All Other Support Services, Locating underground utility lines prior to digging, Solid Waste Collection, Hazardous Waste Collection, Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal, Other Waste Collection
Plan Viewing NO COST: https://upload.prim.com Username: CityofHouston Password: Abandonment
Abandonment of Bering & San Felipe Lift Stations
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Certified MBE and WBE’s are encouraged to participate and will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this solicitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for the award. Vadnais Trenchless Services, Inc., an Equal Opportunity Employer, will assist interested business enterprises in obtaining information regarding bonds, lines of credit and/or insurance requirements if necessary. Performance and payment bonds may be required. VTS listing of a subcontractor is not to be construed as an acceptance of all of the subcontractor’s conditions or exceptions included with the subcontractor’s price quote. VTS requires that subcontractors and suppliers price quotes be provided at a reasonable time prior to the bid deadline to enable a complete evaluation. Indo-American News • Friday, AUGUST 28, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com
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COMMUNITY
August 28, 2020
G.O.D. USA Celebrates Nationwide Janmashtami Utsav from Namadwaar Houston By Nisha Giri
Houston: A 10-day Sri Krishna Janmashtami Utsav was celebrated joyfully by Global Organization for Divinity (GOD) this year, despite the overhanging Covid cloud. The Utsav was conducted primarily at Namadwaar Prayer House in Houston under the guidance of Sri Ramanujamji and Sri Ramaswamyji, disciples of HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji. Hundreds of devotees from all around North America, and other countries too, participated live online enthusiastically. The Utsav events were modeled along the lines of the Janmashtami Brahmotsav that is usually celebrated annually at Sri Swamiji’s Madhurapuri Ashram near Chennai, India during the same time. On Janmashtami night, Aug 11, abhishekam was performed for Namadwaar deities, Sri Premika Varadan-Madhuri Sakhi (Sri Krishna-Radha Devi) while kirtans were sung. Then parayanam of Sri Krishna Jananam chapters from Srimad Bhagavatam was read, followed by more kirtans, anukaranam (enactment) of Vasudeva carrying Krishna to Gokula and Gopis/Gopas rejoicing the next morning while placing baby Krishna on a swing. From the next day onwards, Bhagavan was decorated in various themes and vahanams (divine ‘vehicles’) on each day, and celebrated with kirtans amid glowing
lamps. The alankarams included Sesha Vahanam (Adisesha), Simha Vahanam (lion), Garuda Vahanam on ekadasi day, Yaanai Vahanam (elephant), Kudirai Vahanam (horse), Nikunjam jhoola, and Plavam (boat). Special celebrations were also held on specific days. There was Sri Guru Paduka bhajan on Thursday (Aug 13), Garuda vahanam ekadasi bhajan on Ekadasi day (Aug 14). On Dwadasi day (Aug 15) Govinda Pattabhishekam was celebrated with Govardhana Annakoototsav, anukaranam of Sri Krishna lifting Govardhan Maharaj, and coronation of Krishna as ‘Govinda’. The next evening (Aug 16) Sri Krishna and Radha Devi, decorated beautifully on a swing in Brindavan nikunj, celebrated
Nikunjotsavam by enjoying a classical vocal concert of Sri Swamiji’s Madhurageetham compositions by Madhura Sriram, student of Vidushi Smt. Rajarajeshwary Bhat, accompanied by Mukund Nair on mridangam. On Aug 18 evening, Janavasam (pre-wedding ceremony) was celebrated for the Divine Couple with kirtans and exchanging of garlands. The following morning, Aug 19, a grand Radha Kalyanam (Divine wedding of the Divine Couple) was celebrated with rendition of Ashtapadis (Sri Gita Govindam) in the sampradaya bhajan style. Hundreds of devotees from around the world who attended the event live were blessed by having their names read out to the Divine Couple.
The same evening (Aug 19), a divine and extremely memorable Plavotsavam (boat utsav) was held that will remain etched in devotees’ hearts for a long time to come. Sri Krishna and Radha Devi, accompanied by Radha Devi’s sakhis, boarded a beautiful swan boat on the Yamuna river, that was steered by Sri Swamiji. As the full moon rose above the boat and devotees melodiously sang kirtans describing the boat leelas of the Divine Couple, the sublime ambience was beautifully divine and took all the devotees - the few who were present in person as well as the numerous who were present virtually - to a different plane of joy and love for Bhagavan. The Utsav concluded the following day (Aug 20) with a Prayer
satsang in the morning and an Anjaneya Utsav in the evening, where Hanuman Chalisa and several prayer kirtans were rendered with prayers for more and more such joyful satsangs. As a precursor to the Janmashtami Utsav, complete Srimad Bhagavatam parayanam of 18000 slokas was performed over 27 days culminating on Janmashtami day. Apart from the main Utsav events detailed above, several children and youth from USA and Canada offered kala seva (music and dance) and hari katha to the Divine Couple through online cultural performances every evening. There were also devotional discourses each evening by devotees from different cities. Devotees from around Houston lovingly made beautiful flower garlands, lovely new clothes, sweets and savories for the Divine Couple and performed the service of decorating the sanctum for various events. There is no doubt that Bhagavan was indeed extremely pleased with the devotion-filled Utsav celebrations. The celebrations brought much joy, happiness and blessings into the lives of all who participated in any way. To follow current events and happenings at G.O.D. and Namadwaar, please visit the Facebook pages at Global Organization for Divinity USA and Namadwaar Houston, or call 281-402-6585 or email houston.god@godivinity.org to join our local WhatsApp groups.
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Indo-American News • Friday, AUGUT 28, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com
COMMUNITY
August 28, 2020
7
India House Conducts Census 2020 Webinar, Provides Free COVID-19 Testing
Congressman Al Green and Col. Vipin Kumar, Executive Director, India House with medical staff. Col. Vipin Kumar, Executive Director India House, Sam Patton: US Census Bureau Representative, Alejandra Peimbert : US Census Bureau Representative, Brianna: US Census Bureau Representative City Council Member Edward Pollard.
Houston: On Wednesday, August 19, 2020, a Census 2020 Informational Webinar was organized by City of Houston in association with India House from 2 pm to 3 pm. The panelist included Mayor Sylvester Turner, Council Member Edward Pollard and representatives of Census Bureau of USA. The webinar started with the welcome note from Dr. Manish Rungta, the President of India House followed by the introduction of the guest speakers and the panelists by Co. Vipin Kumar. Mayor Turner educated the attendees about the importance of Census and why it is vitally important to govern-
ments throughout the nation and how Census data determines how more than a trillion dollars in federal funds will be allocated each year for numerous programs such as Medicaid, highway planning and construction, special education grants to states, the National School Lunch Program and many more such programs. In addition, he appealed all attendees to take the census and also inform their family, friends and neighbors to do the same. City Council Member Edward Pollard spoke about the importance of Census and how it affects the infrastructure, various school programs and funding
for employment and training. A question & answer session between Council Member Pollard and Census representatives was highly informative and cleared many doubts. An informative presentation by Sasha Marshall from the City of Houston’s Planning and Development Department must have definitely cleared many misgivings from the mind of the attendees. A Census poll was also launched during the webinar in which the attendees had to answer question related to Census 2020. The webinar was streamed live on India House Facebook page.
Houston: India House continues its efforts to attain its mission to unite cultures, create bridges and serve the community by bringing resources, education and service and Indian culture to Houstonians. In their endeavor to help the community India House, in association with TRS Health, organized a drive-through Free COVID-19 testing on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at India House from 10 am to 2 pm. The testing was available for the first 100 registrants, ranging from the ages 18 years or older. Testing was by appointment and prior registration was required which included filling an online form followed by a confirmation that was sent to the recipients. However, the site organizers also
Indo-American News • Friday, AUGUST 28, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com
allowed and welcomed walk-ins. Two booths were set up outside the facility, one was for the registrants for check in, and in the second booth TRS health staff conducted the PCR test via Nasopharyngeal swab. The results of the test were available to within 48 to 72 hrs. Congressman Al Green visited India House to offer his support for the cause and commended India House for their continued service to the community. He spoke with the TRS Health staff and thanked them for conducting the free service. For more information on India House program and services visit www.indiahouseinc.org or contact 713-929-1900 / Vipin@indiahouseinc.org
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August 28, 2020
“Class of 83” Review: An Entertaining Cop Drama
Cast: Bobby Deol, Joy Sengupta, Vishwajeet Pradhan, Anup Soni, Bhupendra Jadawat, Sameer Paranjape, Ninad Mahajani, Prithvik Pratap, Hitesh Bhojraj, Ravi Singh There’s something to be said about basing a film, featuring rookie cops and their wearied, worn, but still straight-of-spine mentor, on a book of the same name by an author who is thoroughly conversant with the milieu. S Hussain Zaidi has had long years of reporting and writing on real-life crime and gang-warfare in Mumbai. Many of his volumes have been adapted by Bollywood, notably Black Friday, which focussed on the run-up and tumultuous fall-out of the 1993 Bombay blasts, and was made by Anurag Kashyap into India’s best docufeature. This latest, Class of ‘83 goes back a decade, when Bombay was going through a huge churn. Cotton mills and their ‘mazdoors’ were being ground to the dust through a combination of political skulduggery and powerful realestate sharks with an eye on the vast spaces, in the heart of the city, which housed the mills. There was illicit money to be made, an endless stream of it, through smuggling of gold, counterfeit currency, drugs, arms, and property. And fighting over the spoils were the various gangs of Bombay, whose only opposition came from an increasingly shrinking slice of the police force which still believed in law and order. The film opens in 1982, when Vijay Singh (Deol) fetches up on
a punishment posting at Nashik’s police training academy. Smarting from the double blow of a personal tragedy and a professional setback, the reluctant dean’s attention is caught by five ‘back-benchers’, Surve, Jadhav, Shukla, Varde and Aslam, with the requisite degree of smarts, loyalty, and a streak of independence. This class of ’83, moving from being wet-behind-the-ears cadets to quick-on-the-uptake-cops on the ground in Bombay, swiftly earns fame as being honest and hard-hitting. As swiftly, they become thorns in the side of corrupt cops as well as greedy ‘netas’, especially CM Manohar Patkar (Soni), and begin themselves being buffeted by the allure of filthy lucre. Easy money and murk goes hand-in-hand, and even the most righteous cops are human. Though the film is fiction, its thinly-veiled allusions to real-life characters and events make it gritty and realistic, characteristic of Zaidi’s fiction, which is ably translated on screen by Sabharwal. There’s mention of the escalating Punjab terrorism and the AK47s which were finding their way to Mumbai; there’s also mention of Datta Samant and the struggle of the millworkers and the unions. Alongside, we hear of the ‘Naik and the Kalsekar’ gang, and Dubai emerging as a favourite mob hotspot: this is the backdrop in which the class of ‘83 operates, and the treatment—carefully muted background music, smartly executed action, and unshowy acts— makes it hard to separate fact from fiction. This strong sense of realism,
and of time and place, colours the film: the patina is ochre-yellow, of the past, and the shootouts on the streets remind you of the 80s Bombay. The performances match up. Deol gets a hero’s entry, and is shaky in a few places, but on the whole manages to pull off his greying lion role, the unflinching moral centre of the film. Smartly surrounding him is a terrific ensemble cast, toplined by Joy Sengupta as DGP Raghav Desai whose scenes with Deol make the latter look good, Vishwajeet Pradhan as a bull-throated instructor at the academy (hear him chew out hapless recruits after their shooting test, and rejoice), and Anup Soni as the politician who knows how to play the game, and who really should be seen in movies more often. The young cadets turned officers are all credible too, except I wished there was just a little more detail to each of them: one is given a terrific Dirty Harry joke, another a nifty yet not overly-dramatised chase, and they have joint outings where they engage in spiky banter and, occasionally, high-pitched skirmishes. A little more would have filled out this bunch, and the film. Still, Class of ‘83 works both as a well-realised if a trifle sketchy hark-back at an interesting epoch, as well as an entertainer. Though we’ve seen so many iterations of the gangsters vs honest law enforcers in the movies, there’s always room for another. Especially because we need stories of cops who believe in their motto of ‘protect the good and destroy the evil’, today more than ever. Class of ’83 is streaming on Netflix.
CBI Inquiry Ongoing into Sushant Singh’s Death
Mumbai: Since the CBI began investigating Sushant Singh Rajput’s death last week, it has questioned the late star’s flatmate Siddharth Pithani and his house staff multiple times. The agency also recreated the events of June 14, the day Sushant died, at his Bandra residence. The CBI has made repeated visits to the Waterstone Resorts, where Sushant stayed last year
for two months. On Monday, it recorded statements of doctors at Cooper hospital, where Sushant’s postmortem was carried out. The CBI took over the case after the Supreme Court judgement in Sushant Singh Rajput’s girlfriend Rhea Chakarborty’s plea to transfer the FIR in the case from Patna to Mumbai. The Supreme Court also told the Mumbai police to assist the CBI in the probe. The CBI
team arrived in Mumbai a day after the top court’s verdict on August 20. Apart from the CBI case, the Enforcement Directorate has also registered a case against Rhea and her family members. The Mumbai Police has handed over its probe documents to the CBI. It has, said it will continue with the inquiry it was conducting into the accidental death report it had filed.
ENTERTAINMENT
JL50: Thriller of a Missing Airplane
The teaser of SonyLIV’s upcoming web series JL50 is out. The short video introduces us to the basic premise — a plane that went missing 35 years ago crashed a week back. The one-line narrative seems enticing, and so does the setting of the thriller series. JL50 is set in West Bengal’s Lava where we see Abhay Deol and Pankaj Kapur’s characters talking about the missing plane. By the looks of it, Deol is playing an intelligence officer who is
interrogating a potential suspect, portrayed by Kapur. The background score and the way the short scene in the clip plays out has a quiet sense of danger about it. The official synopsis of JL50 reads, “How can a plane crash 35 years after taking off? Presenting an edge-of-the-seat thriller, #JL50 – a #SonyLIVOriginals streaming soon, only on #SonyLIV.” The release date of JL50 is yet to be announced.
Mirzapore: Rustic Crime Thriller
1. Pankaj Tripathi as Kaleen Bhaiya Pankaj Tripathi plays a don, Kaleen Bhaiya, in the Amazon Prime Video series Mirzapur. As much as we have loved Tripathi in his positive, feel-good roles, it was thrilling to watch him in a negative role in this crime thriller. In my opinion, Tripathi is the best thing to have happened to Mirzapur. And we are hoping he will be just as extraordinary in the second season. 2. The pulp-kitsch setting When the first season of the show dropped, it was called the kitsch cousin of Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur. However, over the years, this kitsch setting has become the norm in the OTT space. 3. The cliffhangers The first season of Mirzapur had nine episodes and what we realised pretty early on was that the construction of each episode was very precise. Even though there were large patches of the show where the plot did not move further, the makers had just the perfect way of bringing us on to the next episode, and that was with a cliffhanger. The last 5-7 minutes of every episode were designed like nail-biters which will compel the viewer to watch the next episode. There has been much competition in the OTT space but this trick of planting the
Indo-American News • Friday, AUGUT 28, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com
perfect nail-biter, though obvious, hasn’t been cracked by many. 4. The women of Mirzapur Mirzapur is set amid dense patriarchy, but the female characters are quite well rounded and don’t just exist to facilitate the man’s world. Sweety has a fiery attitude, and Golu is the cliche geek girl, but their stories have them as independent women who have their own agency. But with characters like Beena, Mirzapur reminds us that it exists in a world where men have women under their thumbs. 5. The casting Ali Fazal, Vikrant Massey, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Divyendu Sharma, Rasika Dugal, Rajesh Tailang, Sheeba Chaddha, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and many others form the main cast of the show. Mirzapur might have received some flak for its storyline, but the performances were enjoyed by the audience and critics alike. 6. The simplicity of its story A big thing that works in Mirzapur’s favour is the simplicity of the story. Mirzapur isn’t hard to follow in terms of its plot, and the makers make our viewing experience even simpler. In fact, even if you get distracted for a while, the show’s largely expositional nature gets you back on track within minutes. Mirzapore runs on Amazon Prime.
9 Hindu Heritage Virtual Youth Camp Surpasses All Expectations
COMMUNITY By Manu Shah
Houston: A Hindu Heritage Youth Camp (HHYC) in Houston adapted and evolved to the COVID 19 era by hosting a virtual camp. Probably one of the rare few in the country to do so, the camp surpassed all expectations with parents and happy campers asking for its continuation on a weekly basis. Like many other things, COVID 19 hindered plans for the annual in-person camp but HHYC’s Steering Committee, Directors and Counsellors, all former campers, knew how enriching and positive the experience was. It was also one of those rare opportunities which helped shape their Hindu identity and connected them with their Indian roots and peers. They were not willing to cancel the camp without weighing other options. In the 35 years of its existence, the week-long residential camp has been held every single year. The camp was organized at Camp Lantern Creek – a popular campsite tucked away amidst tall trees and lush greenery in the city of Montgomery, Texas. Apart from other activities, campers, who were in the ages 7-17 years, devoted a few hours a day exploring different Hindu ideologies and learning about Hindu dharma and Indian heritage through group discussions and games. Over the years, the camp had grown so popular that registrations closed within 30 minutes and more than 250 Hindu youth had to be turned away every year. After weeks of brainstorming, the Committee, along with its Camp Directors Abhimanyu Aggarwal and Shamal Shah and Counsellors redirected their ener-
August 28, 2020
gies to making thought that the the camp virtucamp worked so al. The activities well that campand curriculum ers didn’t want were restrucit to end. What tured and tilted stays with its othto create a camper Director is that like experience. camp “is such a Bharat Pallod, strong force that a member of even through the Steering something like Committee and this, it brought a new dad himeveryone togethself, lent hours er.” of his technical On August 6, skills to get the HHYC wrapped virtual camp HHYC coordinators Abhimanyu Aggarwal and Shamal Shah up with a virtual off the ground closing ceremowhile members and how their faith connected to ny that was keylike Namita Pallod and Sonya their modern-day lifestyles. Junior noted by well-known mythologiChanchlani stepped in whenever campers got a guided cooking ac- cal writer Devdutt Pattanaik. needed and ensured that each of tivity with their parents at home. Interweaving examples drawn the 120 campers got their box of Fridays saw Tik Tok dance parties, from European tales, Indian epstudy materials and supplies de- game nights, and movie/documen- ics and Greek characters, Devdutt livered personally. Abhimanyu tary nights. There was even a vir- explained his view of what makes describes it as a “really rapid shift tual Talent show which saw camp- Hinduism unique. Hinduism, he that was possible through the hard ers cheering every performer like said, can be defined as a “dynamic work of the Committee and the they would do in person. and diverse” way of life. Unlike 50 counselors who really stepped The tech savvy generation navi- other world religions, Hinduism’s up to the challenge and even took gated and improvised the virtual plurality and diversity “accepts time off from work to lead the camp as they went along and by differences and is non judgementday’s activities.” Week 2, it was going “flawlessly.” al.” A Hindu can offer raw milk Additionally, the five-day camp All the hard work and commit- to Shiva while another Hindu can experience was converted into ment paid off and in Shamal’s offer sweets to Krishna and they a five week one with one hour words – “was the best part of the would not negate each other. of camp activity each day. Mon- quarantine.” Treasuring the expe“A good and strong Hindu,” he days, for instance, were dedicated rience, camper Aditi Jog said she further clarified, is one who reto yoga/bhajans with a kahoot (a “loved virtual camp because it spects others and their views. Hingame-based learning platform) at felt like everyone could still talk duism teaches you to look at oththe end of each session. Tuesdays and be connected someway even ers (darshan), to give before you centered on different Hindu ide- though we couldn’t go to camp. get (yagya) and is a way of life ologies and scriptures such as the It was nice to see so many of the that doesn’t impose commandMahabharata and the Bhagavad same activities being done that we ments. Do good, he stressed, for Gita. Wednesdays had fun activi- would do in in-person camp and it the sake of doing good, because ties such as mock court cases on felt very similar to normal camp! you care about others and not bethe ethics of bullfighting and gene Not only were the campers soak- cause you “want to get to heaven.” modification, guided paint ses- ing up facts about Indian heritage The Hindu way of life works on sions and trivia games. On Thurs- but counsellors like Shristi Gai- the principle of Samvad or collabdays, counselors challenged senior kaiwari and Esha Ashar found that oration and the world is only now campers by introducing slightly they were learning just as much. beginning to recognize this unique more complex topics in Hinduism Camp Director Aggrawal hugs the concept. The articulate author and
speaker offered plenty of takeaways including a timely message of tolerance and acceptance. Devdutt’s brilliant address was followed by an exciting piece of information. Community leaders had closed the deal on a picturesque 51-acre piece of land in Columbus, Texas for a Hindu Campsite that would cater to the needs of a fast-growing Hindu population in Texas. The campsite, which has beautiful trails and a pond, is an hour away from Sugar Land and will have the distinction of being the first Hindu campsite in the country. This news was shared on the Zoom call by some of the driving forces behind the campsite: Ashok Danda, Saroj and Subhash Gupta and Sushma Pallod who introduced her one-year old grandson as a “future camper.” They called for support from the participants and their parents to help raise the structure and run the camp. Incidentally, the camp comes with a furnished house and can be rented for a weekend getaway. According to President, Hindus of Greater Houston Thara Narasimhan who joined one of their sessions, “ HHYC organized an excellent Virtual Camp. I was thoroughly impressed by how all the participants freely communicated by sharing their thoughts and jointly got involved in all the sessions. They covered Bhajans, Yoga, Pranayam and interactive Quizzes. All the kids joined all the activities that were presented so well by the Camp’s 50 councilors. “The ceremony concluded with the camp song led by Bhavya Kethireddipalli. For more information on HHYC and how to get involved or contribute, visit the website: http://www.hinducamp. net/#about-1.
Indo-American Teens End Racist Logo of “Mahatma Rice” from Houston’s Riviana Foods By Madan Goyal Atlanta: One Friday evening, the family was at the dinner table at their grandparents’ house. Rani Shrivastava, 15, looked down at the table and read aloud the newspaper headline about the Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben’s brands being discontinued due to their racist connotations. Her younger brother Rohan, 13, then looked over to see a bag of Mahatma rice on his grandmother’s counter. For a long time, he stared at the Mahatma Rice mascot, a turban-wearing, white skinned buffoon with a magician’s wand. He said, “Isn’t this the same thing against Indian Americans? That’s racist. That’s cultural appropriation.” Rani added that she felt personally offended by it. “If you feel that way, then maybe you should do something about it”, their father said. That’s all it took to for the teens, joined by their cousin Shivaan Patel, to launch a social media campaign against the use of
dian man” is depicted wearing a turban and kurta pajama pants. This outfit comes from Punjab, a region in India, and is commonly worn. Using the c l o t h i ng Siblings Rohan and Rani Shrivastava took offense to the marketing of Mahatma Rice and to portray the caricature used on the package and started a campaign against it. an Indian, the mascot. racist logo on their Spicy Yellow while still giving the cartoon white That very night, the kids started Seasoned Rice, Pilaf Seasoned skin makes the logo even more creating a change.org petition Rice, and Chicken Seasoned Rice. offensive. The caricature is also and social media pages on Face- This logo is yet another example seen holding a wand. This insinubook (https://www.facebook.com/ of cultural appropriation against a ates that he is a genie or magician. endmahatma.logo.1), Instagram minority. Mahatma Rice is grown Overall, this “Indian man” not only (https://www.instagram.com/ and packaged in the USA, but it is demonstrates cultural appropriathe_racist_rice/) and Twitter that marketed with a caricature of an tion, but also a racial stereotype. “All of these elements create a explained their point of view. Indian man. toxic and comedic image of Indian “The Mahatma Rice brand owned This caricature is solely based people which can be demeaning to by Houston-based Riviana uses a on a racist stereotype. The “InIndo-American News • Friday, AUGUST 28, 2020 • www.indoamerican-news.com
A package of Mahatma Rice with the offensive logo.
those who are proud of their culture. Because of this, it is clear the racist, offensive logo of Mahatma Rice MUST GO!” To their delight, the topic took off on social media and they received more than 500 signatures within days! They later heard from an executive at Raviana who said that the company had been considering stopping using the logo to market Mahatma Rice, which has at least seven different product varieties and will do so once the current packages have been used up. It is not clear if the company will drop the word “Mahatma” which, for most Americans, evokes images of the late Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi
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August 28, 2020
Loss of an Incomparable Genius
EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY Tritiya Ling or the Third Ling
By Brajesh Bhatia
The Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj has died at the age of 90, a man described by one of his senior disciples, Sanjeev Abhyankar, as “an incomparable genius, the kind born once in a century”. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi was among those paying tribute to this hero of his country’s music, saying his death leaves “a deep void in the Indian cultural sphere”. Known for his unique voice which had both depth and softness, Pandit Jasraj was one of a handful of remaining old school musical giants of the Indian classical world, alongside artists like Bhimsen Joshi and Kishori Amonkar. Incredibly, he was performing and teaching online until the end with a remarkably robust, age-defying voice. In the words of Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, “India has lost one of its finest stars.” Jasraj was a pioneering artist well known for his egalitarian approach. He incorporated Indian devotional music such as haveli sangeet and bhajans (devotional songs/hymns) into a classical milieu, transforming them into serious pieces; people loved his devotional music and he maintained mass appeal in a style where bhava (emotion) and devotion were paramount, yet all the while based on a very serious classical foundation. Born in the northern Indian state of Haryana in 1930 into a musical family, Pandit Jasraj began learning tabla at a very early age from his elder brother Pandit Pratap Narayan, and later moved on to vocal music under another older brother, Pandit Maniram. He learned from various musicians in the Mewati and Agra gharanas (schools of music), becoming a regular radio performer and moving to Calcutta in 1947 – a hub of immense artistic activity for musicians at that time. He settled in Mumbai in 1963, and continued on for the next 50-plus years to a prolific international performing, recording and teaching career. He established schools in India, the United States and Canada; Modi’s tribute added that “not only were his renditions outstanding, he also made a mark as an exceptional mentor to several other vocalists”. Over time he evolved the Mewati gharana to its greatest heights of ornamentation and sophistication, and proved himself to be a gifted composer, adding many compositions to the Mewati canon. His path-breaking style, the merging of such classical vocal prowess to render material which had mass appeal, was utterly unique. Ornamentation like meend (sliding from one note to the next), kan swar (the use of grace notes), gamak (oscillation between notes), murkhi (a short cluster of notes) and laykari (rhythmic work), were all facets of the traditional classical way of singing which he emphasised in the Mewati style. -- The Guardian
Most of my early childhood was spent in the pre-independent India in police stations of smaller towns, since my father was serving then in the police department of UP -- United Province of Agra and Oudh – and the shoulder brass tags titled UPP used to adorn the police uniforms then and even now. Perhaps this nomenclature saved a lot of money for the exchequer since this particular State in the Indian Union was the only state which did not change its boundaries after gaining independence and the name – United Province was simply changed to Uttar Pradesh. Usually, the staff quarters at the police stations used to be quite huge and spacious. The place, we used to use for relieving ourselves would usually be located near the back entrance and was easily accessible to bhangis/mahtaranis (sweepers/and their wives), since they were not permitted to enter the main premises in those days. During my first trip on a railway train, I came across smaller structures, located at all railway stations and painted with a male or a female figure and words like mardana or zenana – Hindustani equivalent of male and female written on them. Later on, I came across signs as “Ladies” and “Gentlemen”, etc. to denote as to specify the users of those facilities. At some places, including airports, a third category called by various names, e.g. “fam-
ily” with a baby sign, where both husband and wife can go, relieve themselves as well as change the diapers of their babies. In fact, this is like a preamble to an incident happened at a wellknown industrial establishment in the U.S. a few years, where a male employee, aged 27 years or so, announced one day that he was going on three-months’ leave for a sexchange operation. This was a hot topic then and was extensively discussed during the lunch hour or in common rooms for a few days and then everyone forgot about it in due course. After a few months, the colleague, formerly a male, came to office dressed as a lady and started using toilets – rest rooms – earmarked for female employees. This created a furore in the office and the entire women force was on a kind of war path against the establishment. Their argument was that they could
Indo American News Founder: Dr. K.L. Sindwani Publisher: Jawahar Malhotra Editor: Pramod Kulkarni Correspondent: Sanchali Basu ®All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the written consent of the publisher. Deadline for advertising and articles is 4 pm on Monday of each week. Please include self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of all unsolicited material. Published at 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 212, Houston, Texas 77036.Tel:713-789-6397, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com, website: www. indoamerican-news.com
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not reconcile with this female employee, who was a male until a few months ago, sharing the facilities earmarked specially for “ladies”. Finally, the establishment agreed to the demand raised by the female employees and a special rest room was constructed for this “gender” and the signboard, “special needs” was put up at its entrance and the key to the facility was handed over to this particular employee. A very nice gesture by the establishment! In Karnataka, India, recently a special toilet was inaugurated by the Chief Minister and the nomenclature for this new toilet assigned was “tritiya ling” (the third gender). The day does not seem to be far off when many more such toilets may appear soon all over the world! The writer moved to the US in 2005 and is currently residing in Missouri City. He was recognized by the Asian Journalists’ Association for the training of broadcast journalists.
SUDOKU/RECREATION SUDOKU/CUISINE Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine. Send us the correct answer before September 3, 2020. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
Solution Next Week
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Last Week’s SUDOKU Winners Bhavna Patel
August 28, 2020
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Mama’s Punjabi Recipes
This Punjabi recipe incorporates a special favorite ingredient – wadiyyan (sundried lentil dumplings) – with a vegetable that is seasonal but not often used – arbi (eddoe root). Made with a medium thick sauce, and eaten with hot rotis, the results are delicious! So, for those looking for an unusual recipe, below is a reprint of Mama’s Arbi te Wadi di Turri recipe, with some additional comments and directions.
Arbi te Wadi di Turri
(EDDOE ROOT & LENTIL DUMPLING CURRY) Punjabis eat the root vegetable arbi (eddoe root) in several ways but when made in a curry it gives competition to the aloo wadiyan curry dish that it resembles, but the taste is much better as the arbi is softer on the palette and soaks up the curry flavor well. Arbi (eddoe root) is closely related to the taro root but is smaller and has an acrid taste that requires careful cooking. It grows best in rich soil with good drainage but can also be grown in poorer soils and drier climates than the taro root. Eddoe originated in India and Malaysia, and from China and Japan it migrated to the West Indies and the New World. Among the benefits of arbi are that it reduces fatigue, aids in digestion, controls hypertension, has a low glycemic index making it good for diabetics, has amino acid and Omega-3 oils, builds immunity and slows the aging process. Arbi is high in carbohydrates, the vitamins E and pyridoxine, and potassium and copper. In the US, you usually find two types of arbis: the larger Chinese or Japanese type which are more fibrous and have a flatter taste than the Indian variety, which are smaller and softer. For best results, choose the medium sized roots. Some recipes like arbi chaat require that the arbi be steamed or lightly boiled and then the hairy exterior skin can be pulled off. For this recipe, the arbi must be scrapped with a knife as the skin is thin and soft. This dish requires wadiyan (sun dried lentil dumpling) and though I prefer the Amritsari variety, any large ones that you can find will do. Just remember to brown the wadi so that the wadi will taste cooked otherwise it will give a raw lentil taste. Ingredients: • 1 kg arbi (small to medium eddoe root) • 1 large size Amritsari wadi (sun dried lentil dumpling) • 2 tbsp tael (vegetable or olive oil) • 2 cups pani (water) • 1 large pyaaz (onion) – peeled and chopped • 2 cloves of lasan (garlic) – peeled and chopped • 1 medium adrak (ginger) – peeled and chopped • 1 small tamater (tomato) or 1 tsp tomato paste
• Spices (to taste): namak (salt), mirch (red pepper), dhania (ground coriander), garam masala Directions: 1. Peel the arbi then coat it with salt and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then wash the arbi well and pat dry with a soft cloth. 2. Cut the arbi into half-inch pieces. 3. In a kadai (wok) or skillet, heat the oil, throw in the wadi and brown it on all sides. When lightly brown, take out and keep to the side. 4. In the remaining oil, throw in the onions, ginger and garlic and brown them while stirring. Turn the heat down to extreme low so as not to burn the spices and stir to mix thoroughly. 5. Throw in the cut arbi into the spices and mix to coat. Add the water and cover and cook for 10
minutes. When the water starts to boil, add the wadi and cover and reduce the heat to low and let cook for 10 minutes. In a little while, the wadi will swell up and take on the flavor of the curry. 6. Check to see if the arbi is cooked and soft but firm to the touch: if it gets too soft it will taste mushy. Shakuntla Malhotra is a skilled cook of Punjabi dishes made in the old-fashioned style that she learnt as a young woman in her ancestral home in Lyallpur, India (since renamed Faisalabad) before it became part of Pakistan after the Partition in 1947. People have often admired her cooking for its simplicity and taste that comes with each mouthful. Even in her early-nineties, she continues to cook daily and agreed to share her delectable Punjabi recipes for future generations.
MAMA’S TIP O F THE
WEEK IT’S HALLOWEEN SE A SO N , SO C LEA DRY PUMPKIN SE EDS TO NIBBLE L N AND In North India, w ATER! e call pumpkin’s pe cious ha th
a d we make a lwa (pudding) fro delim it, or a mashean téed vegetable dish ). Ag ra, the city of the d, spicy sabzi (saufor its petha swee Taj Mah with all these usests which is actually crystalized al, is famous pumpkin fo r petha, the one thin the seeds which ca g that is left over . So n be ea te are n. My mother, biji, us ed to wash, clean – cantaloupes, ap all types of them in the sunshiricots, pumpkins to name a few –seeds of fruits and then ne fo r a few days. We w the hours chatting ould then while awdry an d cr ac ay ki ng open and eatin the US, with Hal g the seeds and clealoween just around the corner, trthe seeds! In them in the oven ning and drying them. You can ev y collecting or in a skillet. Th en dry roast en pop them open and chat
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August 28, 2020
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