Events: 1000 Lights For Peace-Oct. 1, 2006 Houston paid homage to the life of Mahatma Gandhi with a candle light vigil in the heart of Downtown Houston. Thousands showed, including dignitaries such as Mayor Bill White and Sheila Jackson Lee.  It was a true testament to the life and message that he conveyed. "In the midst of darkness, light persists"---Gandhi AADA- Masquerade Ball S2Productions Mission DVD This event is AADA's annual fundraiser to support Asian women in the community that are victims of domestic violence.  We were there for the presentation of a DVD that S2Productions put together outlining the organizations mission and its services. International Festival in Houston, TX  April 2006 Even though this year's festival was focused on Jamaica, the Indian vibe continued from last year.   An Indian cultural zone consisted of food, dances, fashion shows, and local organizations representing the Indian community. Daya "Hope Through Harmony"--February 25th, 2006 Celebrating Daya's 10 year anniversary, the organization hosted their annual fund raiser featuring music by Penn Masala. The group is comprised of University of Pennsylvania students that sing without instruments and mix South Asian with pop, rock, etc. They rocked the house with their renditions of U2  and Peter Gabriel's "Your eyes."     Money raised at this event will go towards the targeted budget of $145,000 for 2006.  It was a packed house, as people enjoyed the evening and helped to raise funds and awareness for the cause. Daya was created in 1996 to serve South Asian families in crisis.  The mission is to increase awareness through education and outreach, as well as serve as a hub for women seeking help through their helpline. They serve women that have been victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other issues.  South Asian women feel more comfortable dealing with Daya, as there are many cultural and language barriers involved. One of the most important goals of the organization is to establish a shelter for those in emergency crisis situations and to make others aware through programs and seminars. Support of Daya will continue to make a difference in the lives of South Asian women affected and their families. www.dayahouston.org                          Penn Masala                           Registration             Daya Board Members International Festival of Houston-April 2005 In the 32 years that Houston has hosted Ifest, this was the premier year for India to be spotlighted. The event was one of the top ten in attendance and featured food, traditional artifacts, fashions, as well as Bollywood dances and fashion shows We were there to get feedback from the crowd and business owners, as well as soak up a little India in the heart of Downtown Houston. The Dalai Lama visits the University of Texas, Austin-September 2005 His holiness, The Dalai Lama,  visited UT Austin on September 20, 2005.   The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism spoke on "The Meaning of Compassion in Everyday Life" and on "Tolerance and Universal Responsibility."  His visit was very much welcomed during these troubled times. News:Our World Today Mumbai Bombings On Tuesday, July 11th, the city of Mumbai dealt with shock and horror as seven bombs exploded within 15 minutes of each other on the railways during rush hour. Responsibility for the terrorist attacks are still being investigated.  Estimated fatalities nearing 200 and injured nearing 1000, although the exact numbers are still pending. PM Singh will meet with the G8 Summit in St. Petersburg for greater cooperation in fighting terrorism in South Asia. The blasts come at a time when the peace process between India-Pakistan are very fragile, as talks with Islamabad were set to take place in the coming week. AIDS crisis in India Epidemic reaching epic proportions in India.  Estimated that between 20 to 25 million people will be infected with HIV by 2010, one in six people.   The key to prevention lies in education.  Get involved...this effects all of us!    www.gerefoundation.org www.healingthedivide.org   www.pedaids.org Hurricane Katrina/Hurricane Rita Recovery Effort After a series of powerful hurricanes displace thousands of our neighbors on the Gulf Coast, Houstonians are opening their hearts and their wallets to help.   Pakistan/India Earthquake Devastation affected thousands.  The magnitude of the quake destroyed houses, took lives and caused mass destruction.  Aid is coming slowly and in many areas still needed. To find out how you can help, contact the red cross. www.redcross.org