'India House' to come up in Houston

HOUSTON: The city of Houston in Texas will soon have its own India centre which will promote Indian-American culture besides providing social, health care and referral services.

The foundation laying ceremony of the 'India House', which will cost between USD 18 million and USD 20 million, was held earlier this month.

The first phase, to be named the OP Jindal Community Center, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The building will include a senior citizens' center, continuing education, immigrant support and other social services.

The second phase will include an 80,000-square-foot building that will house a cultural library and museum, a ballroom and performing arts center, food preparation, child care, recreation and wellness center.

In the third phase, a 50,000-square-foot building will be built which includes retail shops with Indian crafts and products, Indian restaurants, foot court, video game gallery, parking garage and a Houston Police Department store front.

India's consul general to Houston SM Gavai had described the foundation laying ceremony as 'a truly historic occasion.'

"I consider myself luckier than my predecessors because in 11 months, I will be here to see India House. This project is unique as it will bring together all the different communities, religions, and institutions under one roof," he had said.

India House Inc received USD one million donation from real estate developers Chowdary and Angela Yalamanchili. Last year, Jindal Group had donated the same amount for the project.