Lee

Giant commercial banks and investment banks are falling like a house of cards, millionaire bank executives are biting the dust, and taxpayers are footing an unprecedented “bailout” plan costing $700 billion or even more. Under these conditions how would smaller, local banks survive is a legitimate concern of ordinary people. {more]

Vijay Narayan is a former student of Swaralayam Arts Forum, Houston

By Vidushi Prema Hariharan

It was a pleasure to listen to Vijay Narayan, a talented young vocal artist from New Jersey. He is a 15-year-old performing in his maiden concert at the Chennai Music Festival. The well attended concert was held under the auspices of Nada Inbam at Raga Sudha Hall on Dec 26. Vijay has a natural flair for classical music which he demonstrated very well. [more]

By SESHADRI KUMAR

India is at critical civilizational crossroads and is bogged down by “identity crisis,” says a scholar and Himalayan monk, Swami Vidyadhishananda Giri.

Contradicting the pacifist approach propounded by some Indian scholars, in the wake of the recent terrrotist attacks in Mumbai, Vidyadhishnananda quotes Vedic scriptures and says “meekness should not be misunderstood for weakness.” [more]

IACF officers with the heads of the charities at the organizations year end meeting held on Dec. 14.

HOUSTON

The Indo-American Charity Foundation has raised funds in excess of $280,000 this year.

This was revealed at the year end meeting of the IACF board of directors.

Considering the economic downturn, market meltdown and hurricane Ike, the generosity of the community is to be applauded, board members said. [more]

Raj Kumar Bhagwan Kamnani, patriarch of the Kamnani family, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, in Houston after a long illness.

Longtime resident of Houston still remember the glittering Best of India arts and crafts store Kamnani operated in the prestigious Galleria mall for several years. He later moved the operations (renamed India Jewelers) to the Hillcroft Indian business hub. [more]