This is our First July 04 supplement. This supplement carries messages from prominent members of the society, including the Houston Mayor, Annise Parker and Voice of Asia publisher, Koshy Thomas. To reach us : 713-774-5140 [email protected]
VOICE OF ASIA 5 FRIDAY, July 4, 2014 Friday, July 4, 2014 Page 5 Email: [email protected]Tel: 713-774-5140 4th of July Supplement OICE OF SIA V A Happy July 4th Dear Neighbors and Friends, As a Texan and an American, I’m proud to celebrate this 4th of July in the Lone Star State. Happy Independence Day. – Nandita Berry, 109th Texas Secretary of State “The future of our kids and our future generations depend on the sustainability and growth of our adopted home, the United States of America; the country that has blessed many immigrants like us with valuable opportunities and livelihoods regardless of our backgrounds and heritages we belonged to. It is now high time that all of us stand together for this wonderful country that has sustained us and provided us with the luxuries of quality life for not only our generation but for many more genera- tions to come. Let us participate in the civic and electoral duties for the better- ment of our society that we are part of today. Let us celebrate the independence day of the United States of America on the 4th of July by standing united for the future of this country and the future of our children and grandchildren! Thanks, Neeta Chair, HCC Board of Trustees Trustee, HCC District VII Neeta Sane Wish you all a Happy 4th of July! Happy July 4th Let us Celebrate 4th of July: America’s Independence Day with the same zeal, spirit and gusto as we celebrate the 15th of August, India’s Inde- pendence Day. Wish you all a Happy July 4th. - Raj & Kanwal Bhalla. Col. Raj Bhalla Happy July 4th “ As the hot dogs sizzle on the grill and the fireworks light up the sky, I urge Houstonians not to forget the real reason for the July 4th holiday. It is our nation’s Independence Day - the day we celebrate that we live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. We should all pause during our cel- ebrations to reflect on the many lives lost preserving the free- doms that we often take for granted.” - Mayor Annise Parker. Houston’s Mayor Hon. Annise Parker’s Message A s we celebrate our coun- try’s Independence Day this 4th of July, it would behoove us to remember President John F. Kennedy’s charge to us: ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. Perhaps President Kennedy had the foresight to see that the dark side of becoming a prosperous country, one in which our futures are limited only by our own vision, is that we can become self absorbed. In the midst of abundance, it is easy to become complacent with liv- ing the good life, having all of our needs and extravagances being met, without giving any thought to how we can be of service to others. Spe- cifically, we should reflect on how we are serving and giving back to our country. One way to measure how success- ful we are in this area is to look back at the accomplishments of other Indian Americans; those who have sacrificed and lived a life of service to our country. Dalip Singh Saund was a Sikh from Punjab who immigrated to the United States via Ellis Island. Mr. Saund was elected to the United States House of Representatives from Cali- fornia’s 29th Congressional District in 1957. He was reelected twice and served until 1963. He died in 1973 from complications related to a severe stroke. How was Congressman Saund able to be elected at a time when the num- ber of Indians in the United States was almost negligible? The answer may not be complicated and may not need political pundits to run voter polls. A heart for selfless service transcends race, religion, gen- der, class and every other barrier that we choose to impose upon each other. Congressman Saund had that kind of heart. Our history does not stop with Con- gressman Saund. In 1992 another milestone in our history happened when President Bush appointed Dr. Joy Cherian as the Chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Current Supreme Court Justice, Clar- ence Thomas, was the Chairman im- mediately prior to Dr. Cherian’s ap- pointment to the post. Unlike the days of Congressman Saund, the current number of Indian Americans in the United States num- bers almost 4 million. We have made great strides. We have 2 elected gov- ernors, at least one congressman, and numerous state representatives, state senators, city council members, as well as numerous appointed positions. Our ability to assimilate and seam- lessly become a part of the fabric of our country demonstrates, in large measure, the strength of the constitu- tion. In our country, you do not have to have a rich uncle to get your admis- sion to colleges or to be selected to the position of CEO’s and CFO’s. These are all within the reach of any one of us who is willing to work hard and persevere. It has been the courageous sac- rifices and pioneering spirit of the Saunds and the Cherians that have allowed us the privilege to be a part of the inside track. However, staying on this track is not a guarantee. It is disconcerting fact that when- ever any country faces hard econom- ic issues or economic setbacks, the successful ethnic minority commu- nities become soft targets. The surest way to not become a statistic or a tar- get is to never be seen as the “other.” When we reach out to the hungry, disabled, homeless and helpless who are looking for help, and become a part of the solution, we will never be considered outsiders. When our very lives become a mark of service, no one will dare question our motives, our patriotism or our authenticity. Let us find our modern day Dalip Sing Saund and Joy Cherian and help them to lead us. Let us not pull each other down in the name of com- munal or political differences. Can we stage another candidate for congress from any of the congressio- nal districts around us? Can we find a candidate for Houston City Coun- cil? Absolutely. However, it all rests on one ques- tion: can we tolerate another name, another religion or another region? Let us not be silent watchers of our own future. Let us become informed and engaged in the issues affect- ing our communities. Knowledge is most useful weapon to fight for or against any of the issues that we might confront. We can look to Congressman Saund as a barometer of how to mea- sure our own vision, mission, philos- ophy, attitude, humanity and values. Happy Independence Day! Publisher’s 4th of July Message Koshy Thomas, Publisher, VOA
Dear Neighbors and Friends,As a Texan and an American, I’m proud to
celebrate this 4th of July in the Lone Star State. Happy Independence Day.
– Nandita Berry, 109th Texas Secretary of State
“The future of our kids and our future generations depend on the sustainability and growth of our adopted home, the United States of America; the country that has blessed many immigrants like us with valuable opportunities and livelihoods regardless of our backgrounds and heritages we belonged to.
It is now high time that all of us stand together for this wonderful country that has sustained us and provided us with the luxuries of quality life for not only our generation but for many more genera-tions to come.
Let us participate in the civic and electoral duties for the better-ment of our society that we are part of today.
Let us celebrate the independence day of the United States of America on the 4th of July by standing united for the future of this country and the future of our children and grandchildren!
Thanks,
Neeta
Chair, HCC Board of TrusteesTrustee, HCC District VII
Neeta Sane
Wish you all a Happy 4th of July!
HappyJuly 4th
Let us Celebrate 4th of July: America’s Independence Day with the same zeal, spirit and gusto as we celebrate the 15th of August, India’s Inde-pendence Day. Wish you all a Happy July 4th.
- Raj & Kanwal Bhalla.Col. Raj Bhalla
HappyJuly 4th
“As the hot dogs sizzle on the grill and the fireworks light up the sky, I urge Houstonians not to forget the real reason for the July 4th holiday. It is our nation’s Independence
Day - the day we celebrate that we live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. We should all pause during our cel-ebrations to reflect on the many lives lost preserving the free-doms that we often take for granted.” - Mayor Annise Parker.
Houston’s Mayor Hon. Annise Parker’s Message
As we celebrate our coun-try’s Independence Day this 4th of July, it would
behoove us to remember President John F. Kennedy’s charge to us: ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.
Perhaps President Kennedy had the foresight to see that the dark side of becoming a prosperous country, one in which our futures are limited only by our own vision, is that we can become self absorbed.
In the midst of abundance, it is easy to become complacent with liv-ing the good life, having all of our needs and extravagances being met, without giving any thought to how we can be of service to others. Spe-cifically, we should reflect on how we are serving and giving back to our country.
One way to measure how success-ful we are in this area is to look back at the accomplishments of other Indian Americans; those who have sacrificed and lived a life of service to our country.
Dalip Singh Saund was a Sikh from Punjab who immigrated to the
United States via Ellis Island. Mr. Saund was elected to the United States House of Representatives from Cali-fornia’s 29th Congressional District in 1957. He was reelected twice and served until 1963. He died in 1973 from complications related to a severe stroke.
How was Congressman Saund able to be elected at a time when the num-ber of Indians in the United States was almost negligible?
The answer may not be complicated and may not need political pundits to run voter polls. A heart for selfless service transcends race, religion, gen-der, class and every other barrier that we choose to impose upon each other. Congressman Saund had that kind of heart.
Our history does not stop with Con-gressman Saund.
In 1992 another milestone in our history happened when President Bush appointed Dr. Joy Cherian as the Chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Current Supreme Court Justice, Clar-ence Thomas, was the Chairman im-mediately prior to Dr. Cherian’s ap-pointment to the post.
Unlike the days of Congressman Saund, the current number of Indian Americans in the United States num-bers almost 4 million. We have made great strides. We have 2 elected gov-ernors, at least one congressman, and numerous state representatives, state senators, city council members, as well as numerous appointed positions.
Our ability to assimilate and seam-lessly become a part of the fabric of our country demonstrates, in large measure, the strength of the constitu-tion. In our country, you do not have to have a rich uncle to get your admis-sion to colleges or to be selected to the position of CEO’s and CFO’s. These are all within the reach of any one of
us who is willing to work hard and persevere.
It has been the courageous sac-rifices and pioneering spirit of the Saunds and the Cherians that have allowed us the privilege to be a part of the inside track. However, staying on this track is not a guarantee.
It is disconcerting fact that when-ever any country faces hard econom-ic issues or economic setbacks, the successful ethnic minority commu-nities become soft targets. The surest way to not become a statistic or a tar-get is to never be seen as the “other.” When we reach out to the hungry, disabled, homeless and helpless who are looking for help, and become a part of the solution, we will never be considered outsiders. When our very lives become a mark of service, no one will dare question our motives, our patriotism or our authenticity.
Let us find our modern day Dalip Sing Saund and Joy Cherian and help them to lead us. Let us not pull each other down in the name of com-munal or political differences.
Can we stage another candidate for congress from any of the congressio-nal districts around us? Can we find a candidate for Houston City Coun-cil? Absolutely.
However, it all rests on one ques-tion: can we tolerate another name, another religion or another region?
Let us not be silent watchers of our own future. Let us become informed and engaged in the issues affect-ing our communities. Knowledge is most useful weapon to fight for or against any of the issues that we might confront.
We can look to Congressman Saund as a barometer of how to mea-sure our own vision, mission, philos-ophy, attitude, humanity and values.
IACAN is a cancer resource network that educates and supports the Indian American community. The Indian American Cancer Network is designed to provide a diverse network of resources that will address the psychosocial and the cultural needs of the community. For more information, visit us online:
• Front row ( L to R) Lakshmi Naik, Dr. Mangala Prasad, Kanchan Kabad, Neeta Pahwa, Dr. Julie Rani Nangia
• Second row (L to R) Dr. Sewa S. Legha, Dr. Snehal Desai, Sarvesh Bhavaraju, Dr. V.K. Dorai
www.iacannetwork.org
HappyJuly 4th
We cannot and will not forget the sacrifice made by the mil-lions of brave souls who died for the freedom of this nation. This is the right time for us to salute them and wish this great nation a Happy 4th of July!
Robin ElackattMayor, Pro Tem,
Missouri City, Texas
HappyJuly 4th
“I wish you and this nation a Happy Independence Day with a true national spirit of courage, integrity, sacrifice, independence, and liberty.”
- Sherly Thomas Philip, Attorney at LawLam, Lyn & Philip, P.C.
“Wishing my fellow Indian Americans a Happy 4th of July! On this Independence Day, let us remember the sacrifice of our heroes, who gave us freedom, liberty and independence to celebrate.”
Dr. RameshCherivirala
4th of July Supplement
VOICE OF ASIA 7 FRIDAY, July 4, 2014
“America is a nation that makes me proud. It is a nation where the spirit of pride, greatness and honor thrives in every living soul.”
Dr. Thomas AbrahamPresident, iRap, Inc.,
Founder President, GOPIO International and Executive Trustee, GOPIO Foundation
National Coordinator, The Indus Nanotechnology Association (TINA)
Wishing you all a Happy 4th of July!
HappyJuly 4th
HappyJuly 4th
“Let’s unite and wish our country and all its citizens peace and prosperity among the nations, let the sparkle of Independence remain in our nation forever.”
Wish you a Happy 4th of July!
Himesh Gandhi
Sugar Land City Councilman
“On behalf of India Culture Center, I wish you and this nation a Happy Independence Day with a true national spirit of courage, integrity, sacrifice, liberty and independence. Happy 4th of July.”
HappyJuly 4th
Charlie PatelICC President
“In the true spirit of democracy and as a proud Indian American, I wish Happy 4th of July to the communities which have embraced us all. We are proud to be the citizens of the United States of America where hard work and dreams translate to results and achievements.”
“As an American of Indian origin, I thank God for the opportunity to live in the United States of America. I salute the great minds of the Founding Fathers and the enormous sacrifices that men and women made for this country in order for us to have this great privilege. Let’s all work together to make America an even better place for the generations to come.”
K.P GeorgeFortBend ISD
Board of Trustees
HappyJuly 4th
2427 FM 1092 Road, Missouri City, TX 77459
www.kpgeorge.comFacebook ID: KP George Direct: (713) 589-2256
HappyJuly 4th
Harish JajooCouncilman, City of
Sugar Land, District 4
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
Wishing you and your family a very special and happy 4th of July.
As we celebrate this patriotic holiday by spend-ing time with family and friends at cookouts and watching the fireworks, it is important that we reflect upon the sacrifices of brave men and women in uniform, past and present, protecting our country every single day so that we can enjoy the freedom. We are thankful for the blessings of our great country.
Harish Jajoo
4th of July Supplement
VOICE OF ASIA 8 FRIDAY, July 4, 2014
HappyJuly 4th
“Wishing all VOICE OF ASIA Readers a Happy Independence Day”
Best Wishes fromIndian American Friendship Council
Please Support Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza in Irving, TX to be inaugurated on October 2, 2014.
For more information - www.mgmnt.org
Visit us online: www.iafcusa.org
www.iafcusa.org
Dr. Prasad ThotakuraChairman - Indian American Friendship Council
(IAFC) TX State & Board of Directors
“Wishing everyone a Happy July 4th, God bless the United States of America, this great nation we live in.”
- Jacob Easo.
HappyJuly 4th
“We cannot and will not forget the sacrifice made by the millions of brave souls who died for the freedom of this nation. This is the right time for us to salute them and wish this great nation a Happy 4th of July!”
11000 Richmond Avenue, Suite 300Houston, Texas 77042 (713) 953-7787
15950 North Dallas Parkway, Suite 400Dallas, TX 75248(214) 281-8900
Texas Laundry Service Company is hosting a laundromat Investment Seminar on Friday, July 18th and Saturday, July 19th. This will be an opportunity to learn about the laun-dromat industry and the steps to be-coming an independent owner.
This is a Free Event !!!
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• Recession Resistant• No Inventory • Low Labor Costs Financing Available to qualified Investors
VOICE OF ASIA 9 FRIDAY, July 4, 2014
HappyJuly 4th
“As we celebrate Independence Day, please remember what this holiday really celebrates. Superficially, we celebrate the over-throw of British rule by the American colonists. In a broader sense though, it is a celebration of the many freedoms that arose from the American Revolution. We have the freedom to open businesses in any field we want, regardless of our family’s tradi-tional occupation. We have the freedom to pursue an education in any discipline we desire. We have the freedom to live where we want, based solely on our budget. However, our most im-portant freedom is the freedom to elect our leaders, national or local, while only being accountable to our conscience. We vote without worry of bullets flying over our heads. We vote without fear of attacks from thugs and warlords. Succumbing to the cyni-cism of money-running-politics is common, but the truth is if we all exercised our right to vote, there is not enough money for the influence peddlers to continue their immense power. We have the ability to change our leaders peacefully and often, and it is our duty to make sure we use this power to ensure that our rep-resentatives are responsive to us and not to the moneyed few. Voting is a responsibility that safeguards all of our freedoms. You are not just celebrating American independence this week, you are celebrating YOUR freedom, and you have the honor and duty of celebrating it at every election, not just on the 4th of July.”
- George C. ThomasJudge, Austin Municipal Court
Wish you a Happy 4th of July!
Pratham Girls School, Rapar, Kutch Photo: Anil Shah
Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom - George Washington Carver
Pratham Houston Upcoming Events
Friday, December 5, 2014: Pratham Houston Holiday Luncheon Saturday, April 25, 2015: Pratham Houston Annual Gala 2015
Pratham USA, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, aims to raise awareness about educational needs in India and mobilize resources in the US to
support Pratham's critical work.
4th of July Supplement
HappyJuly 4th
Ken MathewCity Council Member
Stafford, Texas
“As a proud citizen of America, I wish to salute my nation and those brave souls who lost their life in making this nation a great power among the other nations of this world. Allow me to take thisopportunity and wish you and your family a very Happy 4th of July!”
HappyJuly 4th
“As a proud citizen of America, I wish to salute my nation and the people who lost their life in making the nation a great power among the other nations of this world. Wishing you a very Happy 4th of July!”
