BY DEVIKA C. MEHTA
LOS ANGELES, CA - Daryn Kagan once said “Out of terrible situations always arise stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” Tragedies have a way of bringing to the fore human sensitivities, social responsibilities, and passing on inspiring stories to the generations to come. The recent floods in Houston caused in the deadly...
LOS ANGELES, CA - Daryn Kagan once said “Out of terrible situations always arise stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” Tragedies have a way of bringing to the fore human sensitivities, social responsibilities, and passing on inspiring stories to the generations to come. The recent floods in Houston caused in the deadly...
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path of Hurricane Harvey in the last 10 days, has wreaked havoc in the fourth largest city of the US, which have seen a mix of terrible situations contrasted by heartwarming anecdotes of love and sacrifice. In Houston and other nearby hit areas, many are tirelessly working 24X7 to help those in need and the Indian-American community is no exception. They are helping hundreds affected by giving food, shelter and medical assistance. Indian restaurants have been doing a great job helping by serving food to the affected people, meanwhile also volunteering to help those stuck in the floodwaters. One such restaurant , Curry House in Cypress has been providing free food for 50 to 100 people at a short notice and more as needed. Talking to IJ, owner LK Reddy mentioned, “We started giving food from Monday (Aug 28) to anyone who is in distress, we are also providing shelter. My family was completely affected in 2015 Chennai floods, so we understand the pain and decided to give back to the community. But, it is not sufficient, we need more.”
Another food point in Woodlands, Hyderabad House Biryani Palace is also doing a commendable job and the owners thank God for giving them the opportunity to serve. Owner Chandramouli mentioned, “Houston is suffering badly after the rains because of power cuts. We have been providing food for flood victims since last 10 days. It’s not only to Indian community but to all affected.”
Restaurant owners of virtually all cultural backgrounds have stepped up to distribute food and supplies, using social media to rally delivery drivers. One Indian restaurant has made more than 4,000 deliveries since the initiation of storm, and others have similar untold stories. Dinesh Purohit from Cafe India and Bollywood Chowpatty Chaat, Sugar Land has been inviting people to come to his restaurants every Tuesday for free meals. “Sewa, Shiv Shakti Mandir, Cafe India, Amir Dodhiya, Deep Foods, Women Desi Group - all are coming together for helping 5000 folks in shelters at Port Arthur,” Purohit told IJ on phone.
Vijay Seethepalli of Biryani Pot Group restaurants made a similar appeal and described the horrible situation- “People have been calling to ask if we are providing free food. Student volunteers from UH Clearlake have been helping us out. Luckily our restaurants and commercial kitchens are on high ground so we could keep producing hot meals for 72 hours with rotating shifts of staff. At first we tried to help with evacuations but couldn’t keep up with the flood waters, that rose above 20 inches, at which point we had to abandon one of our food delivery trucks. Soon, we got a major financial boost from the American Telangana Association. We stepped up our efforts to prepare food for Red Cross, George Brown convention centre (shelter) local churches, Fire Department, the Sheriff’s Office in Harris County, NRG stadium shelter and other makeshift shelters.”
“Overall we were able to serve thousands of people (not including walk-ins and temple/church deliveries), and still serving the worst affected, delivering food to women and elderly people in flooded apartments. Still the major challenge remains, we are inundated with calls and are offering free food for those in need around Katy/Fulshear/Richmond/Rosenberg area,” he stated.
Other restaurants that are also helping people are Biryani Express in Pearland, Biryani Pot Restaurant on Westheimer Hillcroft, Bawarchi Houston, Vishala Restaurant, Hyderabad House Katy.
The stories of ordinary people turning extraordinary is not just limited to restaurant owners but also friends and solo runners running the show. Three friends Narender, Raghveer and Shreedhar from Houston and Sugar Land Area, who have different professions, is quite inspiring. Narender Mondal Reddy who is ITServe Houston Chapter President, Sreedhar Reddy Kanchankuntla, Biryani Pot owner and Raghuveer Reddy Chintapally, Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir have come together in times of dire need.
Narendra informed IJ, “We want to help serve food to as many people who are in shelters. Please let us know the address of the shelters and contact person information for delivery. Any officer is welcome to contact us or pick up the food.”
After 10 days of a hell-like situation, the floodwaters are receding, yet the water on roads at several places is making it difficult for people to move out. Only emergency services are on and no one dares to go onto the roads. The schools have been closed for many weeks and offices have given employees the option of working from home. Meanwhile, evacuations are underway with volunteer groups helping those in need. One such group, Masala Radio is on and broadcasting live. They are regularly announcing helpful information for anyone in need. In fact, they have a Hummer that can travel in 3 foot water. “If anyone needs help in evacuations, please let us know. This will probably be the best use of the Masala Hummer yet. Contact us for immediate help,” they expressed.
Then there are others who are playing Good Samaritans in the sion and give their best, Dr. Samadder said, “Our AAPI physicians in Texas will serve the victims at no charge for next 2-4 weeks.”
AAPI also appealed to all the members to contribute to those affected by donating generously. “Please make your check payable to: American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (Harvey Relief Fund); and have the checks mailed to: AAPI Headquarters, 600 Enterprise Dr., Ste 108, Oak Brook, IL 60523. For additional information on AAPI and its Global Healthcare Summit, please visit: www.aapiusa.org; www.aapighsindia.org,” the statement read.
When tragedies occur, some experience disaster while others affect rescue missions in order to to defy boundaries. Though they themselves are affected, many Indian-Americans in Houston have formed numerous volunteer groups by using social media (Whatsapp and Facebook) to communicate details about the families affected in each locality.
Some of the Whatsapp groups which are online every moment include Emergency Houston led by Madhukar Adi, HouHarvey Phase 2 rebuilding admined by Gaurav and Harvey: Beaumont_PtArthur by Kevin Akhani.
Temples, Gurdwaras, Churches and Mosques have also opened their doors to provide shelter to the victims. Other Indian-American organizations like Hindus of Greater Houston, India House, India Culture Center, the Indo American Charity Foundation, Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston and the Indo American Political Action Committee have decided to coordinate the relief efforts of the Indian-American community through SEWA International.
Estimating that one in four Indian-Americans was displaced in the catastrophe, SEWA International Houston Chapter’s President Gitesh Desai took the emergency call and immediately provided relief measures to as many as possible.
Vijay Pallod, an active Houston community member described the post-Harvey destruction- “This time the power of young and dynamic is really visible as first generation Indian-American teenage kids are enthusiastically registering for providing Harvey relief at major shelters and food banks under the banner of SEWA International.” Approximately 150,000 Indian-Americans and Indians live in the greater Houston Area, some of whom have been displaced while others are working for a better tomorrow.
Another food point in Woodlands, Hyderabad House Biryani Palace is also doing a commendable job and the owners thank God for giving them the opportunity to serve. Owner Chandramouli mentioned, “Houston is suffering badly after the rains because of power cuts. We have been providing food for flood victims since last 10 days. It’s not only to Indian community but to all affected.”
Restaurant owners of virtually all cultural backgrounds have stepped up to distribute food and supplies, using social media to rally delivery drivers. One Indian restaurant has made more than 4,000 deliveries since the initiation of storm, and others have similar untold stories. Dinesh Purohit from Cafe India and Bollywood Chowpatty Chaat, Sugar Land has been inviting people to come to his restaurants every Tuesday for free meals. “Sewa, Shiv Shakti Mandir, Cafe India, Amir Dodhiya, Deep Foods, Women Desi Group - all are coming together for helping 5000 folks in shelters at Port Arthur,” Purohit told IJ on phone.
Vijay Seethepalli of Biryani Pot Group restaurants made a similar appeal and described the horrible situation- “People have been calling to ask if we are providing free food. Student volunteers from UH Clearlake have been helping us out. Luckily our restaurants and commercial kitchens are on high ground so we could keep producing hot meals for 72 hours with rotating shifts of staff. At first we tried to help with evacuations but couldn’t keep up with the flood waters, that rose above 20 inches, at which point we had to abandon one of our food delivery trucks. Soon, we got a major financial boost from the American Telangana Association. We stepped up our efforts to prepare food for Red Cross, George Brown convention centre (shelter) local churches, Fire Department, the Sheriff’s Office in Harris County, NRG stadium shelter and other makeshift shelters.”
“Overall we were able to serve thousands of people (not including walk-ins and temple/church deliveries), and still serving the worst affected, delivering food to women and elderly people in flooded apartments. Still the major challenge remains, we are inundated with calls and are offering free food for those in need around Katy/Fulshear/Richmond/Rosenberg area,” he stated.
Other restaurants that are also helping people are Biryani Express in Pearland, Biryani Pot Restaurant on Westheimer Hillcroft, Bawarchi Houston, Vishala Restaurant, Hyderabad House Katy.
The stories of ordinary people turning extraordinary is not just limited to restaurant owners but also friends and solo runners running the show. Three friends Narender, Raghveer and Shreedhar from Houston and Sugar Land Area, who have different professions, is quite inspiring. Narender Mondal Reddy who is ITServe Houston Chapter President, Sreedhar Reddy Kanchankuntla, Biryani Pot owner and Raghuveer Reddy Chintapally, Shirdi Sai Jalaram Mandir have come together in times of dire need.
Narendra informed IJ, “We want to help serve food to as many people who are in shelters. Please let us know the address of the shelters and contact person information for delivery. Any officer is welcome to contact us or pick up the food.”
After 10 days of a hell-like situation, the floodwaters are receding, yet the water on roads at several places is making it difficult for people to move out. Only emergency services are on and no one dares to go onto the roads. The schools have been closed for many weeks and offices have given employees the option of working from home. Meanwhile, evacuations are underway with volunteer groups helping those in need. One such group, Masala Radio is on and broadcasting live. They are regularly announcing helpful information for anyone in need. In fact, they have a Hummer that can travel in 3 foot water. “If anyone needs help in evacuations, please let us know. This will probably be the best use of the Masala Hummer yet. Contact us for immediate help,” they expressed.
Then there are others who are playing Good Samaritans in the sion and give their best, Dr. Samadder said, “Our AAPI physicians in Texas will serve the victims at no charge for next 2-4 weeks.”
AAPI also appealed to all the members to contribute to those affected by donating generously. “Please make your check payable to: American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (Harvey Relief Fund); and have the checks mailed to: AAPI Headquarters, 600 Enterprise Dr., Ste 108, Oak Brook, IL 60523. For additional information on AAPI and its Global Healthcare Summit, please visit: www.aapiusa.org; www.aapighsindia.org,” the statement read.
When tragedies occur, some experience disaster while others affect rescue missions in order to to defy boundaries. Though they themselves are affected, many Indian-Americans in Houston have formed numerous volunteer groups by using social media (Whatsapp and Facebook) to communicate details about the families affected in each locality.
Some of the Whatsapp groups which are online every moment include Emergency Houston led by Madhukar Adi, HouHarvey Phase 2 rebuilding admined by Gaurav and Harvey: Beaumont_PtArthur by Kevin Akhani.
Temples, Gurdwaras, Churches and Mosques have also opened their doors to provide shelter to the victims. Other Indian-American organizations like Hindus of Greater Houston, India House, India Culture Center, the Indo American Charity Foundation, Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston and the Indo American Political Action Committee have decided to coordinate the relief efforts of the Indian-American community through SEWA International.
Estimating that one in four Indian-Americans was displaced in the catastrophe, SEWA International Houston Chapter’s President Gitesh Desai took the emergency call and immediately provided relief measures to as many as possible.
Vijay Pallod, an active Houston community member described the post-Harvey destruction- “This time the power of young and dynamic is really visible as first generation Indian-American teenage kids are enthusiastically registering for providing Harvey relief at major shelters and food banks under the banner of SEWA International.” Approximately 150,000 Indian-Americans and Indians live in the greater Houston Area, some of whom have been displaced while others are working for a better tomorrow.
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