“The Message”
A Newsletter from IndUS of Fox Valley
By Gurumukh Singh Dear Readers,
s Indian immigration into North came back to Canada immediately and others The theme of our current America - the US and Canada - began returned after retirement and sponsored their issue is “Pioneers Across the on the West coast in the last decade of relatives to Canada. In fact, by the first decade Seven Seas”. We bring to the 19th century, almost all early immigrants of the 20th century, the Sikhs had their full- light lives of some were Punjabis from the central Punjab region. fledged village called Paldi - on Vancouver fascinating people who In fact, more than 90 percent of them were Island - in British Columbia. They found work traveled across the globe. Sikhs. Why did they leave their homes and at lumber mills and on road construction sites hearths to make a living in a far-off land? One, and farms. But then a recession from 1907
shrinking landholdings and worsening onwards led to tighter immigration controls by These early migrants not economic conditions. Two, massive Sikh Canada. The same year, Canada banned all new only contributed to the recruitment into the Indian army after the immigration and plans were mooted to send country they adopted, but defeat of the Sikh immigrants to Honduras. So these they struggled to keep their Khalsa Raj by conditions forced Sikh immigrants in Canada native culture intact. Our the British in to sneak into Washington and Oregon and on to lives are easier because of 1849, thus California and swell the ranks of their brethren them. We stand on their opening the in the US. shoulders. outside world to According to Echoes of Freedom: South Asian the opportunity- Pioneers in California by the UC Berkeley, seeking there were about 2,000 Indians in the US in Punjabis. Third, 1899 and their immigration peaked by 1910. In An IndUS of Fox Valley the development California, these illiterate `Hindoos’ or Publication of railway Editors `Orientalists’ - as Sikhs and other Indians were network from Punjab to ports of Bombay and called then - clustered around the San Joaquin Dr. Sandhya Sridhar Calcutta, thus triggering the outflow of (Chief Editor) Valley, El Centro in the Imperial Valley and Punjab’s manpower. Many left for North the Sacramento Valley. They formed `gangs’ of Dr. Sudeep Sodhi America by mortgaging their lands to pay fare (Features Editor) seasonal labour to cater to the needs of local for the steamships from Calcutta to Hong Kong agriculture for as little as 10 cents an hour. Ms. Sonu Pareek and onwards to San Francisco and Vancouver. (News Editor) And the history of early Sikh immigrants in Since the law didn’t allow them ownership of Mr Rajan Subramanian California is deeply intertwined with that of the land, many intermarried women of Mexican (Design and Format) early Sikh immigrants into Canada. and white origin so they could buy land in their Ms. Sonia Baherawala wife’s name. However, these interracial Ms. Viju Sethu Rao Briefly, Sikh immigration into Canada was marriages didn’t solve their problem as such Advisor triggered by the journey of a Hong Kong-based marriages were prohibited under California Sikh regiment through Canada. The regiment Dr. Badri Varma law. But many individual Sikhs saved enough was invited to London for Queen Victoria’s to lease huge tracts of land. During these trying The views expressed in the diamond jubilee celebrations in 1897 and on its articles are not times, the small community - there were very way back to Hong Kong, it travelled from few Sikh women - formed the Pacific Coast necessarily those of the Montreal to Vancouver via train. Coming from Editors or IndUS of Khalsa Diwan Society in 1912 to serve as a Fox Valley agricultural background, these Sikh soldiers focal point for its religious, social and cultural saw huge farming prospects in Canada. So the life. And the same year at the initiative of two news spread in Punjab. Many of these soldiers Sikh farmers - Jawala Singh and reached such absurd levels that in 1922 Berkeley had ignited in him die. He Basakha singh the community raised the US Supreme Court rejected the became a vocal advocate of the rights of money to build the first Sikh temple in citizenship of Bhagat Singh Thind - a Indian immigrants and India’s right to the US at Stockton. As Inder Singh, Sikh who had served in the US army and freedom. In fact, the Sikh Temple in chairman of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin, says, ``Jawala was granted the citizenship by an Oregon Stockton roped this irrepressible Sikh in Singh and Basakha took this initiative. District Court - on the grounds that only to write a rebuttal to Katherine Mayo’s They were initially labourers who later people of the Caucasian race could be book Mother India - which made became potato kings and made lots of granted this privilege and that Thind was derogatory references to India. money. They bought the house on South not Caucasian in ``the common man's Grant Street for the first Sikh gurdwara understanding of the term.’’ And Saund wrote a fitting rebuttal in the in the US.’’ As Singh points out, ``The form of My Mother India in 1930. Years Stockton Sikh Temple served not only as Enter Dalip Singh Saund - the man of later, this early California Sikh settler a religious, cultural and social center for formed the India Association of America the early Sikhs, but also as the venue for Gadarites to hold their important, secret and joined hands with Sikh businessman meetings. Even the late Congressman JJ Singh Walia (of New York-based Dalip Singh Saund was once the Indian League of America) and Mubarak secretary of the Stockton Sikh Temple Ali Khan (India Welfare League) to which played such an important role in lobby Congresswoman Clare Boothe the life of early Sikhs in California.’’ Luce of Connecticut and Congressman The Stockton Sikh Temple was to Emanuel Cellar of New York to remain the center of the Sikh community’s life until the passage of the introduce the Luce-Celler bill in 1946 to Luce-Celler Bill in 1946 and the grant citizenship to the people of Indian construction of another Sikh temple at origin in the US. El Centro in 1948 when the community destiny. This early Sikh settler in started growing around the Sacramento Saund went on to become the first California was to get the Indians in the Valley. On the other hand, the anti- Congressman of Asian origin in US US their citizenship rights and then immigration sentiment had not been far history when he was elected to Congress become the first Asian to get elected to from surface in the US from the days of from the Imperial Valley in 1957. the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 to bar the US Congress in 1957. Born on Meanwhile, as the Luce-Cellar Bill the Chinese and the Gentleman’s September 20, 1899, at Chhajalwadi opened the gates for more Sikhs, the Agreement of 1907 to bar the Japanese. village near Amritsar, this young Sikh growth center of the Sikh community in came to the US in 1920 to study food California started shifting from the preservation in the University of Imperial Valley to the Sacramento California at Berkeley. But a year later, Valley. Today, the thriving Sikh he got disillusioned and switched to community of Yuba City is a symbol of mathematics and received his MA in the continuation of the story that began 1922 and a Ph.D in 1924. From here with early Sikh settlers in California. onwards, his life story was to become the story of the early Sikh - rather Indian - Gurmukh Singh is the author of The Rise of settlers in California and the United Sikhs Abroad and California Dreams. States. Formerly a special correspondent with the Times of India in New Delhi and the Canada As xenophobia rose again, the US passed But midst all his struggles for survival, correspondent for Indo-Asian News Service, the Immigration Act of 1917 followed by the young Saund never let the spark that he currently operates out of Toronto where the Oriental Exclusion Act of 1924 to his association with the Hindustan he also occasionally writes for the ban immigration from Asia, including Association of America at the UC mainstream newspapers. India. In fact, the xenophobic sentiment
If the Wright brothers hadn't put their lives on the line, we would not be flying around the world these days. So we need pioneers. - Felix Baumgartner, Austrian Skydiver By Dr. Sudeep Sodhi ver more people today have the through medical missions of the died. She believed that it was a calling means to live, but no meaning to American Board, later of the Dutch and a challenge set before her by God to live for.” ~ Viktor Frankl Reformed Board. On June 8th, 1819, 26 begin a ministry dedicated to the health Today The Christian Medical College years old Dr. John Scudder boarded the needs of the people of India, particularly and Hospital is ranked among the top ship ‘Indus’ along with his wife Mrs. women and children. Consequently, Ida hospitals in India and is a recent Harriet Scudder, daughter Maria and went back to America, entered medical recipient of a Bill and Melinda Gates their maid Amy from Boston’s Fulton’s training and, in 1899, was one of the grant for expanding their vaccinations St. Dock and embarked on a journey that first women graduates of the Weill program. The first American Medical Medical College of Cornell University. missionaries in India, The Scudder family, laid the foundation of Christian Shortly thereafter, she returned to India Medical College. They devoted more and opened a one-bed clinic in Vellore than 1,100 combined years to Christian in 1900. In 1902, she built a 40-bed medical mission services in India hospital. In 1909, she started the School performed by 42 members and 4 of Nursing and, in 1918, a medical generations of the family. school for women was opened under the name Missionary Medical School for Reverend Dr. John Scudder was one of Women. The medical school was the first American missionaries to India. would significantly alter many lives in upgraded into a university affiliated He founded the Scudder memorial this part of the world. His descendants medical college granting the degree of Hospital and Nursing School in Ranipet, went on to fulfill his dream - their M.B.B.S. in 1942, under the name Vellore, India. Reverend Dr. John and significant mission contributions include Christian Medical College. Men were Harriet Scudder's eight children who CMC Vellore, Scudder Memorial admitted to this college in 1947, ten in a survived to adulthood all returned to Hospital at Ranipet, clinic at Wallaja, class of 35. India as missionaries. They all carried on Arcot Mission, Arcot Seminary, Arcot their parent’s mission to better the Academy (later this became Voorhees The Ida B. Scudder essay competition society by providing more educational College), Industrial Institute at Arni, was instituted to perpetuate her ideals. and medical facilities. Tindivanam High School, formation of The Prize is awarded for the best essay the Church of South India, publishing on any subject related to the care of the scriptural literature in the local sick that illustrates that the fullest languages, translation of scriptures, possible identification with the patient is Ladies Seminary at Chittoor, an the best way to serve him/her and meet elaborate organization of schools etc. his/her needs and educational The most famous of Dr. John and institutions .The Scudder Association, Harriet Scudder's descendants was Dr. incorporated in 1938 in New York State, Ida S. Scudder, in the first graduating is a non-profit corporation. class of women physicians at Cornell Medical College 1899 and the founder They promote and furnish support and of the Vellore Christian Medical Center assistance to Scudder Memorial Hospital in Vellore, India. in Ranipet, India, and the Vellore Christian Medical College and Hospital The idea of starting a hospital came to Rev. Dr. John Scudder, Sr., M.D., D.D., Ida Sophia Scudder in the late 19th in Vellore, India, and support other born in Freehold Township, New Jersey, century, when Ida visited her medical charitable religious and educational September 3, 1793, was the first medical missionary father, John Scudder, Jr., at activities, and research and publish missionary in India. He graduated from his post in Tamil Nadu. One night, Ida Scudder family history and genealogy. Princeton University in 1811, and the was asked to help three women New York college of Physicians and struggling in difficult childbirth. Custom Author Sudeep has been living in Appleton Surgeons in 1813. He practiced prevented their husbands from accepting for 13 years with his family. He has a successfully in New York City. He the help of a male doctor and, being special interest in nutrition and holistic became convinced that he was called to untrained at that time, Ida could do medicine and practices Gastroentrology in be a missionary. He then became nothing. The next morning she was the Fox Valley. thoroughly committed to serving God shocked to learn that the women had By Terry Dawson any Americans have formed short stories by the time he was 22 years that would ever afterwards brand him their impressions of India old. Even his earliest works show an with racism and imperialism. from the writing of Rudyard awareness of the tensions and conflicts “Recessional” may appear to argue Kipling, who only resided in America between the English and native Indian against imperial arrogance, promoting for a few years. Kipling’s writings have cultures. In the early story “Lispeth”, had widespread and enduring influence, included in 1888’s Plain Tales from the awareness that no empire will endure, remaining popular despite varying Hills, he seems to readily attack colonial but the poem mentions both “lesser critical assessments. Film versions of hypocrisy and arrogance. breeds without the Law” and the his stories have extended his reach After leaving his newspaper job, Kipling “heathen heart.” Some critics have beyond readers to a broad audience, decided to return to England to make his argued that these images constitute a even including Disney cartoons. way in the literary profession. After warning against Germany, which did Americans who read Kipling’s many some further travels, he married an not, in dealing with colonies, hold to the popular books -- including the innocent American wife and settled in Vermont, enlightened value Kipling felt children’s stories of the Jungle Books, where he wrote The Jungle Book, The characterized imperial Britain. More the adventures of Kim, and numerous other short stories and the narrative serious was “White Man’s Burden,” poems, might form a picture of an India- written earlier, but revised to advise the which seemed exotic and romantic. But U.S. as it embarked on ruling the the stories came from the skillful pen of Philippines. “White Man’s Burden” may a writer who never entirely transcended be subject to interpretation, but on its his imperialist origins, though his craft, face it appears racist and condescending, humanity and love for India took him justifying imperial conquest as a noble beyond some limitations of his legacy. enterprise for the benefit of the Born in Bombay in 1865, of English conquered, a pure rationalization." parents who identified themselves as Anglo-Indians, he spent happy early Take up the White Man's burden— years in India before being sent to Send forth the best ye breed— England at age five for schooling, as was Go, bind your sons to exile the custom for English children. But he To wait, in heavy harness, returned to India as a teenager to begin Second Jungle Book, Captains On fluttered folk and wild— his writing career. Kipling wrote in his Courageous, and a great deal of poetry. Your new-caught sullen peoples, autobiography that, on his return to Writing in his autobiography years later, Half devil and half child. India, “my English years fell away, nor Kipling does not seem during his ever, I think, came back in full strength.” residence in the U.S. to have had a high The poem was immediately opinion of Americans or American controversial, prompting criticism and society, writing several scathing parody. Reflecting on the brutality of comments in his autobiography, though American attempts to uplift and improve there were tensions between the U.S. Filipinos, Mark Twain remarked: “"The and the British Empire which were a White Man's Burden had been sung. concern to him. He also expressed low Who will sing the Brown Man's?" He opinions of Irish and Germans he continued to travel, visiting South Africa encountered, as well as immigration and becoming concerned about the Boer and the American melting pot. War. In the early years of the 20th Politically very conservative, he did century, he produced several major meet and respect Teddy Roosevelt, works. These included Kim (1901), said even while writing that they argued by some to be his masterpiece, and in ferociously. In 1896, following some some respects a sort of fantasy family disputes with in-laws, the autobiography of an Anglo-Indian child Kiplings moved back to England. straddling two worlds, and a lovingly As a newspaper writer in Lahore, written description of the tapestry of Kipling was hard-working and prolific, Around the time of Queen Victoria’s publishing collections of both poetry and Jubilee in 1897, he published two poems India. Kim’s dilemmas of identity, India, but it also appears that he held a allegiance and life choices mirrored lifelong belief that India should always Kipling’s own. He also published the continue to need the guiding, children’s classic Just So Stories (1902), benevolent, imperial hand of Britain. and the collections Puck of Pook’s Hill Yet his basic decency and his (1906) and Rewards and Fairies (1910). willingness to respect diversity -- albeit This last contained “If –“, still in limited fashion, show him to be a considered one of the most popular complex person and writer. poems in English. In 1907, Kipling was Nevertheless, though he may have been awarded the Noble Prize for Literature. a product of his times, his role as He was the first English language apologist for imperialism is hard to recipient of the prize and was only 41 forget. There is no denying Kipling’s years old. No one younger has since writing skills and ability to fashion a received the honor. Kipling is a study in sense of place for his readers, while contrasts, English and Indian, humanist, creating an exciting adventure or militarist, and imperialist, respectful and satisfying verse. Perhaps this is why his racist. He produced few enduring works children’s stories, more innocent than in his later years, but continued to many of his writings for adults, have advance conservative political views. Edmund Wilson stated that Kipling had endured longer and are easier to accept. He died in 1936, and in 1941, critic "dropped out of modern literature." As Salman Rushdie has written: "There George Orwell went further, saying of will always be plenty in Kipling that I Kipling that "during five literary generations every enlightened person also enough truth in these stories to has despised him" as "morally make them impossible to ignore." insensitive and aesthetically disgusting." Appleton native Terry Dawson studied More than 100 years after publication of English literature and library science at the his best-known works, Kipling can still University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley & UW- inspire both admiration and controversy. Madison. He is retired from the Appleton There seems little doubt that he loved Public Library and volunteers in the community.
By Dr. Sandhya Sridhar
he year was 1883. Anandibai senior. He was a postal clerk and also couple, it added insult to injury by Joshi arrived in United States to her Sanskrit tutor. Gopal considered publishing their correspondence in obtain a medical degree, first mastery over English more important Princeton's Missionary Review. By a Hindu woman to do so. This was a than learning the ancient language. So stroke of luck, Mrs. Carpenter of Ro- time when orthodox Indian society began her studies in English. At 14 selle, New Jersey, picked up the Re- frowned upon women who wished to she gave birth to a baby, unfortunate- view while waiting to see her dentist, pursue education. Some of her neigh- ly the baby lived for only ten days. In read Gopal’s letter. She was so moved bors in Bengal even resorted to spitting her grief, she was convinced that ac- by his hopes for his wife that she wrote and throwing stones at her when she cess to a female doctor might have to him immediately offering to be her walked through the streets carrying her saved the baby. She set her mind on host, if she were to come to United books. She had accomplished a rare becoming a doctor. Gopal supported Sates. Gopal could not accompany feat. She was a mere teenager then, her dream. her. In the nineteenth century, it was born in 1865 with a razor sharp mind He wrote to American missionaries in unusual for a young woman to travel and raised with love in a wealthy Ma- India expressing her interest. Royal alone, but she was determined. So he rathi Brahmin family. She was married Wilder responded asking them to cov- agreed. She made a public speech in at a tender age of 9 to Gopal Vinayak ert to Christianity. Not only was this Calcutta explaining her decision to go Joshi, a widower and twenty years her offer unthinkable for the Brahmin alone and her goal to open a medical college for women on her return to flaw in pronunciation or construction.” that wins confidence and esteem. She India. She added, “"I will go as a Hindu And more …"Her feeling of caste is has talent as an instructor, a clear style and come back to live as a Hindu." uppermost. She receives her guests with of expression. She has great equanimity, Her speech was so inspiring that enjoys the attention of refined people, donations came from all over India, and naturally drifts into the society of including a generous gift of 200 rupees the best, but never shrinks from those from the Viceroy. She sold her gold less fortunate if she can do them good. bangles to make up the difference and She perceives the character of others arrived in the US. Her correspondence readily and is seldom deceived, has a with Mrs. Carpenter shows how two fine memory and good descriptive women from very different backgrounds powers. In traveling nothing escapes became so close that she called her her. I see her in the future as one who aunt. “Then began for me”, writes Mrs. has no superior, living for truth, justice, Carpenter, “ a course in education on and honor.” Hindu manners, customs, religious It is no wonder that Anandibai proved to rites ..” (Dall, Caroline, 1888). Mrs. be a model student. She wrote a thesis Carpenter answered many of her on "Obstetrics among the Aryan questions. She was quite impressed by Hindoos". She graduated with an M.D. her mastery of English. in 1886. Queen Victoria sent her a This is how she saw her newly acquired congratulatory message. She was niece upon her arrival. “She wore three offered a job as a physician-in-charge of neck-laces, three pairs of earrings, her the female ward at Albert Edward nose-ring as a brooch, six pairs of Hospital in Kolhapur, India. (Schuler, bangles, and a saree of crimson and 2006). She always wanted to return and gold. She looks like a stout dumpy serve women of India. In a short time she had developed ties to her newly mulatto girl, not especially interesting, impassive dignity like a true until her face lights up. I cannot describe adopted home. It was not easy for her to Oriental.” (Dall, Caroline, 1888). return home because she was also ailing Couple of months later she made for sometime. Unfortunately she had another entry in her diary, “Last evening contracted tuberculosis. She suffered Mrs. Joshee talked well, about the chills and coughing fits. It worsened in antiquity of her nation, and of her family cold weather and her dietary restrictions record, which she asserts is two didn’t help either. thousand years old. “Tonight, before She returned to India, receiving a hero's quite a large company, she talked in an welcome, but her health did not earnest and excited way about the improve. She died on February 26, religions of the world, showing a 1887, in her mother's arms at her profound intelligence as well as birthplace, and was mourned throughout scholarship.” (Dall, Caroline, 1888). India, celebrated for her courage and Dall captures Anandibai’s personality perseverance. According her last wish, well from Anna Parsons’ impressions of her ashes were sent to Mrs. Carpenter, her from her paper written in 1881. who placed them in her family cemetery ”This is an intellectual well-balanced in Poughkeepsie, New York. She was mind, cultivated with great care. The only 22. lady is of more than ordinary It was a promising life, cut short too brainpower, very independent, but early. She was a blazing star, a true neither egotistical nor intolerant. She is pioneer and a role model for others to not afraid to investigate any subject follow. She continues to inspire the effect. It was magical. She speaks however unpopular. She is analytical generations that followed her. The world seven languages, of which English, and very frank in speaking her mind. today is much smaller. Sanskrit and Mahratta are three. Her She converses fluently and meets English is exquisite. There is hardly a strangers with a cordial, graceful ease
“The land flourished because it was fed from so many sources--because it was nourished by so many cultures and traditions and peoples.” - Lyndon B. Johnson, U. S. President More than a century ago, when people Anandi Gopal Joshi, from Wikipedia, Sandhya Sridhar immigrated to USA in were not at all familiar with other November 12, 2012 http:// 1980 and after completing her doctoral cultures, Anandibai represented the best en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ studies at Ohio State University moved to of India. The Life of Dr. Anandibai Anandi_Gopal_Joshi Wisconsin. She has been a resident of Joshi: A Kinswoman of Pundita Wisconsin since1987. She teaches at the Ron Schuler’s Parlor Tricks, by Ron College of Business, University of Wisconsin Ramabai, by Caroline H. Dall, Robert Schuler, 2006 http:// - Oshkosh Brothers, Boston, March 1888. (Made rsparlourtricks.blogspot.com/2006/03/ available by Library of Congress) anandibai-joshi.html By Shekar Rao
e have enjoyed as kids and British movie mogul Alexander Korda. Very thin and naked save a small lungi even as adults watching with One day he noticed young Sabu working wound round his legs and his head tight- our kids, movies like Ele- with the Maharajah’s large herd of ele- ly covered with a white turban in the typ- phant Boy (1937), The Thief of Bagdad phants and he was enormously impressed ical southern way. (1940), The 11 year old kid from Mysore by the extraordinary skill displayed by who became the graceful actor, Mysore the boy in his handling of the great The manner in which he handled the Sabu captured our hearts as the kid who beasts. Sabu was also blessed with good ponderous, lumbering elephant was befriended tigers and animals in the for- looks and an ingratiating personality and enough to stir one's confidence and trust est, who was adventurous and was al- in him." Later in the same letter, he stat- ways fighting against the “bad guys”. He ed: "Years later, Sabu dined with me in- moved gracefully in the forest swinging formally and alone ... I told him how and from tree branches and running through where I first saw him ... This time he did streams, hills and jungle. not make his appearance on an elephant. He arrived in a luxurious Cadillac. He Whether he was riding thru the jungle was most elegantly clad, not in a tight clinging to the back of the man-eating turban and skimpy lungi, I can assure tiger, Shere-Khan, while trying to kill you. And he spoke with a distinct Ameri- him by stabbing him with his “tooth,” or can accent." leading a herd of elephants to the rescue of Jon Hall or Maria Montez, or combat- The six-year-old Sabu was taken into the ing the evil intentions of Conrad Veidt, service of the Maharajah of Mysore, first or flying on the shoulder of a gigantic as a stable boy, then as a mahout in his genie while holding on to his pigtail, or own right, and it was when riding one of sailing with Sinbad, it was always sure to his beloved elephants that Flaherty first be great fun and exciting action. saw him when looking for someone to The movie sound stages of London and Flaherty, thinking the boy deserved bet- play Rudyard Kipling's Toomai of the Hollywood are a long way from Karapur, ter than a lifetime of shoveling elephant Elephants (from 'The Jungle Book'). Mysore City, India where Sabu Dastagir dung, arranged for him to go to England was born on 27 January 1924. Sabu’s and study acting. It took a while to make Sabu's performance was universally father, who was in the service of the Ma- the jump from the Maharajah’s elephant praised and the film a box-office hit, and harajah of Mysore, died when Sabu was boy to Alexander Korda’s elephant boy, Alexander Korda quickly signed him up a small child. His uncle, Shaik Hussain, but in 1937 thirteen year old Sabu starred to a long-term contract. The first fruit of also worked for the Maharajah as the in a British Films production, in the title this was The Drum (d. Zoltán Korda, caretaker for his herd of two hundred role of “Elephant Boy.” 1938), his first Technicolor production. elephants. He hired young Sabu to help Sabu's winning performance as heroic care for the herd, thus making his later A.K. Sett, honorary personal assistant to young Prince Azim showed that he had screen persona as The Elephant Boy a the prime minister of Mysore, recalled real range as an actor, cemented by his legitimate reality as opposed to hype in- his meeting with Flaherty in a letter to third, best-known role as Abu, The Thief vented by the studio publicity depart- Paul Rotha, Flaherty's biographer, in of Bagdad (1940), a notoriously piece- ment. 1958: "My most treasured memory of meal production shot on both sides of the this day is of Sabu ... he made his ap- Atlantic. No actor ever enjoyed a role In 1936 filmmaker Robert Flaherty was pearance slowly, astride an elephant, and more than Sabu did his in The Thief of in Mysore making a documentary for there they stood in the middle of the very Bagdad, and his enjoyment is infectious. large compound for all the world to see.
In truth, he was a youth, living a fantasy Greensboro, North Carolina. He served named Marilyn Cooper, who had been and knew it, so he reacted, rather than as a tail gunner for the remainder of the called upon without notice to replace an acted. When released on Christmas Day, war, flying over forty missions in the ailing Gail Russell in the female lead. 1940, The Thief of Bagdad was Pacific, and winning the Distinguished On October 19 they were married and deservedly a smash hit, as well as Flying Cross among other decorations. would become the parents of two winning Oscars for color He was mustered out of the army a Staff children, Paul and Jasmine. cinematography, color art direction, and sergeant. visual and sound special effects. Sabu was a practical and realistic person. After completing his work on Tangier, Early on he realized that his appeal The former mahout's final film for Korda Sabu returned to England for his ninth would wane as he grew older. However, was another excursion into Kipling. film, Black Narcissus, the Archer's 1947 he had no intention of becoming a The Jungle Book, released in 1942. Sabu award-winner for color cinematography mahout again, so around 1950 he began was a natural for Mowgli, the feral child a contracting and real estate business, raised by a wolf pack. Animal footage which occupied most of his time when was cleverly integrated with that of the he was not acting. Time proved him to humans so that the beasts seemed took what film work came his way, even the snakes were models. As bibliophiles though jungle and fantasy films had know, there are two Jungle Books, fallen out of favor by the Fifties. The although they are often published as one results were less than satisfying, volume, and together they comprise however. In 1952 he returned to his fifteen tales. This being too many for homeland for a film called Bagdad. this one film, and with "Toomai of the time he did not portray a thief. Toward Elephants" having been treated in (by Jack Cardiff) and directed by the end of that year he was back in Elephant Boy, other stories had to be Michael Powell His role was not major, England, starring in the Harringay chosen selectively. They are: "Mowgli's though, as the son of an Indian general Circus with an exciting Elephant act. Brothers", "How Fear Came", "Tiger! who attempts to improve his knowledge Initially, he appeared in his finery from Tiger!" and "The King's Ankus". by attending a school run by Anglican the conclusion of The Thief of Bagdad, nuns headed by Deborah Kerr, it was an but audience response was low, so he Sabu was also signed by Universal, important one. Set in the Himalayas (but was forced to wear the more traditional where he appeared in four films in shot at Pinewood Studios and Horsham dhoti (loincloth), and consequently support of "The Queen of Technicolor", in Sussex), Black Narcissus tells of the suffered a great deal from the cold. Maria Montez. The first was Arabian various problems the nuns have coping Nights, released in 1942. Sabu received with the environment and the populace, third billing for the first time. However, as well as the inner turmoil caused by He made one last film that was released he did get to lead a cavalry charge at the Sister Ruth's (Kathleen Byron) losing in 1964 after his death, “A Tiger film's conclusion, arriving in time to her religious calling and succumbing to Walks.” He died in 1963 of a heart save the hero and heroine. For the next lust. attack leaving his wife, Marilyn Cooper three pictures, White Savage ('43), and two children, Paul and Jasmine. Cobra Woman ('44) and Tangier (46), Sabu appeared about midway, wearing Sabu, the Elephant Boy and war hero, his role was essentially the same, friend the scent that gives the story its title. He was dead at the age of thirty-nine. of the hero and contributor of mild promptly becomes the object of desire of Incidentally, I have a particular fancy comic relief. The last named movie a young pupil played by Jean Simmons for Sabu as he hails from my state differed only in that the setting was (complete with nose-ring) and shortly Mysore (now called Karnataka) in India, updated to World War II. thereafter runs off with her. He returns and also because of personal stories much later to explain the situation to about him told to me by my dear friend The war years were busy ones for the Sister Clodagh (Kerr), and then is off Ben who fought along side Sabu as young actor. When not cavorting on the again. Sabu returned to the United aerial photographer while Sabu was tail Universal back lot, he participated in the States for his last Universal effort, a gunner during the War when they were Treasury Department's defense bond programmer called Man-Eater of paired for reconnaissance missions over sales campaign. He toured 30 cities and Kumaon ('48), which is best forgotten. Japan. appeared on radio. On January 4, 1944 The actor went over to Columbia for his Selar Shaik Sabu became an American next picture, and another rendezvous Author Shekar Rao is a resident of Fox citizen. Not long after, he entered the with destiny. On the set of Song of India, valley and an IndUS volunteer Army Air Force Basic Training Center at in July, 1948, he met a young actress
By Sonia Beherawala wami Vivekananda was an in- Chicago. That year marked the first Swami Vivekananda truly was an in- fluential, religious leader who is time spiritual leaders from different spirational spiritual leader who revital- credited for raising awareness of faiths congregated in order to evoke ized Hinduism both within India and Hinduism in the Western world. Born interreligious dialogue. When the 30- outside of it. He helped spread its as Narendra Nath Datta to an aristo- year-old Vivekananda stepped up to teachings, as well as the ideas of yoga cratic Bengali family on January 12, the podium in his characteristic saffron and transcendental meditation to the 1863, Vivekananda showed a very ear- robes and began his address with Western world. He was also a power- ly interest in spirituality and religious “Sisters and Brothers of America”, he ful orator and an individual who au- teachings. received a standing ovation from the thored several books both in English His formative years were spent reading crowd of almost 7,000 attendees for and Bengali. several minutes. His speech that day and understanding some of Hinduism’s Quotes of Swami Vivekananda greatest scriptures including the Vedas, and during subsequent sessions served to help others understand the true es- sence of Hinduism as well as to help “We are what our thoughts have made them identify the reasons behind reli- gious differences. His ideas truly voiced the sense of oneness and uni- they travel far..” versality that the organizers of the Par- “Take up one idea. Make that one idea liament were trying to convey. As a your life - think of it, dream of it, live result, Vivekananda was catapulted to on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, international fame and spent many nerves, every part of your body, be full years giving discourses in religion and of that idea, and just leave every other spirituality across the globe. idea alone. This is the way to success.” On his return to India, Vivekananda “You have to grow from the inside out. founded the Ramakrishna mission None can teach you, none can make based on the principles of service and you spiritual. There is no other teacher Karma Yoga. He led a simple life un- but your own soul.” the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, til his death on July 2, 1902. His final the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata. breath was taken while he was medi- He showed similar curiosity when it “The will is not free - it is a phenome- tating and it is said that he fulfilled his non bound by cause and effect - but came to the teachings of great Western own prophecy of not living until the philosophers like Immanuel Kant and there is something behind the will in the idea of evolutionism as present- which is free.” ed by Charles Darwin. He also “If money help a man to do good to showed a keen interest in ascetics and monks and took it upon himself to is simply a mass of evil, and the sooner wander through British India in order it is got rid of, the better.” to better understand the plight of the common man. The turning point in Sonia Baherawala is a business profes- Vivekananda’s life came when he met sional who has been a resident of the Fox the saint Sri Ramakrishna Parama- Valley for 23 years. She currently resides hansa, who eventually became his in Appleton with her family. She graduat- guru. It was from this great man that ed from the University of Wisconsin - Osh- Vivekananda learned and embodied kosh with a degree in Biology and then the idea that service to others was the went on to pursue additonal degrees in Business and Health Care Administration greatest form of worship. from the University of Wisconsin - Mil- In 1893, Vivekananda was invited to waukee. speak at the Parliament of Religions in age of 40.
“We asked for workers. We got people instead.” - Max Frisch. A Swiss Journalist I am not young enough to know everything - Oscar Wilde By Dr. Sandhya Sridhar axine Berntsen whizzes port they don’t receive at home”. Using through narrow lanes of her expertise, she has developed an in- Phaltan, in Maharashtra, in formal, hands-on method to teach them reading. She is a strong proponent of teaching them in the language they speak. The teachers also come from the same community. I was impressed with their level of dedication. They literally have to gather many pre-schoolers from their homes before they start their clas- ses. Once there, they enjoy learning. I met Maxine when she came as a visit- ing professor to Lawrence University in Appleton. She was preparing a group of students to live in India for a semester. cy and Communication. An American born linguist, with roots Of many awards and recognitions, the in Norway and Finland, Maxine first most valued bestowed upon her are by her students when they call her Maxine her very own auto-rickshaw. I rode with went to India for two years in 1960s and taught English in Hyderabad. She re- Mavashi (Aunt Maxine) or Maxine Aaji her and visited two schools she runs. (Grandma Maxine). The first one is for children mostly from turned as a Full Bright Scholar and middle classes. They wear uniforms and earned her Ph.D, from University of Author Sandhya Sridhar immigrated to USA are eager to learn. Another is in poor Pennsylvania with a dissertation on so- in 1980 and after completing her doctoral ciolinguistic study of Phaltan speech. studies at Ohio State University moved to area on the outskirts. Most of these Wisconsin. She has been a resident of Wis- young children are from untouchable She settled there and became an Indian citizen in 1978. She continues to work consin since1987. She teaches at the Col- castes. Maxine says, “They need better lege of Business, University of Wisconsin- teaching materials and the sort of sup- at the Pragat Shikshan Sanstha, and also Oshkosh directs the Center for Language, Litera- andesh Voice of IndUS Fox S. Sridhar, Shekar Rao, Terry Dawson in MLK celebration in Appleton for sev- Valley was started as a newslet- and Dr. Mahesh Subramony for eral years by providing four $25 Barnes ter by Dr. B. S. Sridhar in 2002. their contribution in making Sandesh and Nobel gift certificates to essay win- Under Dr. Badri Varma’s editorship it what it is. Dr. Badri Varma will contin- ners in each of the four age groups. This grew to a theme-based publication. As ue in a new role as an advisor while Dr. was the first time we contributed the you know, each issue is built around a Sandhya Sridhar takes over as the Chief same amount for winners in Green Bay. unique theme. After a decade of service, Editor. many of the original editors are bowing ndUS Fox Valley community do- out to make way for the new. We wel- come aboard Dr. Sudeep Sodhi, nations contributed $100 each to- Rajan Subramanian, Sonia Baherawala, wards the Dr. MLK Jr. Sonu Pareek and Viju Sethu Rao. We Day Celebrations in Appleton and in sincerely thank departing editors, Dr. B. Green Bay. We have been participating
“A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in. And how many want out.” - Tony Blair, British Prime Minister “If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving for- ward.” - Martin Luther King Jr. - George Bernard Shaw The Board of Directors ndUS of Fox Valley president representatives of IndUS volunteers Kamal Varma recognized Seema Kamalpurkar and I Dewa Ketut Ms. Nancy Heykes (Chair) by Toward Community as a Alit Adnya along with guest Ms. Sridevi Buddi volunteer and a diversity educator. She Mr. Terry Dawson received this year's Jane LaChapelle Dr. Mahendra Doshi Dr. Sonja Downing McCarty Unity in Diversity Mr. Tim Higgins Ms. Ruth Mansukhani Dr. B. S. Sridhar Dr. Sandhya Sridhar (ex-officio) Dr. Badri Varma Ms. Chitra Pandya representatives Vicky Rotzel and James (India Association NEW ex-officio) E. King. Wendy Fleury, correspondent
for Channel 5 and Kartik Ravel, a long- The President, Vice President, time member and an IndUS volunteer Secretary, and Treasurer of IndUS Exe. were the emcees. Consistent with the Committee are ex-officio members of culture of giving Kamal Varma, the board.
The Executive Team Ms. Kamal Varma Award. Award winners are those who President have made great strides in bringing
Mr. Yogesh Maheshwari different community members together Vice President in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.
Mr. Sethu Rao th Secretary ndUS-2012 annual banquet (our 14 annual!) was enjoyed by around 325 Ms. Janice Dugal th Treasurer guests on Saturday, November 17 at the Radisson Paper Valley. This President of IndUS of Fox Valley, and year’s theme was The Mysterious World Team Leaders Chitra Pandya, President of N.E.W. India of Indian Mythology. The evening started Dr. B. S. Sridhar Association presented $1000 checks each (Cultural & Art Programs) to United Way of Oshkosh and Fond-du-
Dr. Sandhya Sridhar Lac. Dr. Gaurav Bansal, co-chair of the (Chief Editor, Sandesh & Education event, and Ms. Nancy Heykes, event co- and Outreach) chair and Chair of the IndUS Board
Mr. Rajeev Dugal (Fund Raising)
Mr. Terry Dawson (Publicity & Communication)
Dr. Gaurav Bansal at 5:00 PM with a reception, exhibition (Webmaster & Database and Chair, and a cocktail hour for socialization. IndUS-2012) The reception area had been beautifully Ms. Nancy Heykes ( Co-Chair, decorated with tableaux that became the IndUS-2012) background for many group photos
throughout the evening! welcomed guests, thanked sponsors and Visit our website at Kamal Varma, President of IndUS saluted volunteers. www.indusfoxvalley.org welcomed all the guests. The assembly in the banquet hall then commenced with Chef Peter D’Souza once again created a Contact us at banquet representing both the theme and [email protected] the lamp lighting ceremony. Joining Camille Solberg, a representative of the cuisine from different regions of India. Honorable Senator Ron Johnson, were The first course was Kosambari which children. The cultural program featured was prepared from cucumber salad with mythological imagery beautifully soaked moong dal. Main buffet entrees performed by Kalaanjali School of included dishes from various parts of Dance & Music and Kanopy Dance India such as Avial – a dish from Company both from Madison, southern Indian state of Kerala, Palak Wisconsin. In addition there was Paneer from north India, and Gamelan music from Indonesia, nuts throughout the cuisine makes Indian cuisine unique and similar to its unique mythology,” D’Souza said. The Silent Auction included a wide range of articles and services to lure a broad range of interests and price levels. We appreciate the support of all donors and buyers. Funds raised will be Cauliflower Peas & Carrots from east donated to projects serving the needs of featuring a variety of instruments . It India. Dessert was roasted vermicelli was directed by Gamelan Master of creamed with pistachios and almonds Lawrence University I Dewa Ketut Alit and a touch of cardamom. This last Adnyana. The cultural program was dish was in special tribute to the theme, directed and produced by Dr. B. S. since it was mentioned in famous Indian Sridhar. myths. “The vast array of spices, use of IndUS report compiled by Dr. Gaurav vegetables, lentils, fresh herbs, saffron, Bansal and supported by Sonu Pareek yogurt, milk, chutneys, breads, rice and “Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt, U.S. President
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