Austin South Asian. Oct. 2016

Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 9 No. 10

BAPS Charities Donates $100,000 to TNC

By Ashish Patel Robbinsville, NJ – Vishnu (age 8) along with his younger brother Brahma (age 6) had their laces tied

and were ready to go on an early Sunday morning.

PRATHAM GALA

By Vijay Ganju The Pratham Gala, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Austin on Sep-

gala, $130,000 was raised. (The target was $100,000.) This helped the Austin Pratham Chapter exceed

inside

October 2016

3 Ways To Smooth Up..05 Scribblings By Arun......06 Classrooms Changing...06 Tips To Save Money And Time Running Your.......07 Neighbourhood Safe.....08 Gear And Tools To Motivate Students..............08 Talk To Aging Parents...09

(Continued On Page 11)

November 2016

Shivaay

By Sneha Praksh Seema Govil Cosmo City Media

Hijri New Year

The Hijri New Year, also known as Islamic New Year is the day that marks the beginning of a new Is-

tember 17, was an astounding success, exceeding expectations. Over 535 persons attended (breaking last year’s record of 450), and thanks to the auctions and donations at the

its target of $300,000 which will be used to promote and implement literacy programs in India.

(Continued On Page 10)

Navaratri

Texas rolled out the red carpet this week to welcome the Bollywood power couple, Ajay Devgn and Kajol who were on their tour in the United States to promote Devgn’s upcoming action thriller “Shivaay”. Produced by Ajay Devgn FFilms, Pen India Limited and NH Studioz, “Shivaay” will be distributed overseas by Reliance Entertainment.

The press and public tours are presented by Reliance Entertainment and powered by Wells Fargo, Prria Haider Productions, Dembi Productions, Sahil, Desi Junction, Cine Grand and DFW South Asian Film Festival. (Continued On Page 13)

lamic calendar year, and is the day on which the year count is incremented.

(Continued On Page 10)

Navaratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga. The word Navaratri means ‘nine nights’ in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning

nights. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Devi are worshipped. (Continued On Page 19)

Food & Restaurant Special

512-828-6709 HC4A Awards BAPS......11 Malik’s Page........12,14,15 Obama Shares Tribute For Pramukh Swami Maharaj..............................16 5 Health And Wellness..17 Gani’s Page..................18 Navaratri.....................19 Anti-Aging...................19 Seema Govil................20 Paying For College........20 Community Calendar....21 Children’s Page........22,23 Indian American Scientists Beat Doctors........24 Entertainment.........26,27

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Austin South Asian | October 2016

10 Tips For Freshening Up Your Family’s Routine

Running a household can be stressful, so finding a way to streamline your routine is a must.

proprietary formula for streak-free cleaning of both dashboards and windows.

While you may have short-cuts and tricks already in place, stocking your home with the best supplies and most innovative products will help to make each day even easier.

• Don’t cover laundry odors, neu-

your family are each day.

• With the right tools, you can skip the prices and the lines of the salon.

Buff away thick and stubborn skin,

• Simplify family dinners on busy days with easy side dishes like Ore-Ida Bold & Crispy Fries. They are easy to prep and add great flavor to any meal.

How can you find the best products for your family? “Product of the Year,” the world’s largest consumer-voted award for product innovation backed by the votes of 40,000 consumers, is a great source for learning about great products introduced each year.

• Pack an extra dose of nutrition into your dog’s daily diet. The new Purina Beyond Purées are easy to serve with your dog’s everyday food. Different varieties target a healthy immune system, digestive system or skin and coat.

The list of winners can serve as a helpful guide when navigating store aisles, and here are some of this year’s highlights: • Keep your car looking great for the daily commute with a multitasking cleaner.

• Pack a protein punch on the fly with a healthy grab-and-go snack.

The Gold Emblem Abound Unsalted Pistachio & Almond Blend meets the American Heart Association’s criteria for heart-healthy food and tastes delicious.

The Turtle Wax Dash & Glass, the Car Care category winner, uses a

tralize and prevent them. The new Downy Fresh Protect helps you get more out of each load by infusing fabrics with motion-activated technology to keep clothes smelling fresh no matter how active you and

extending the life of pedicures with the Amopé Pedi Perfect Extra Coarse Electronic Foot File with Diamond Crystals, which exfoliates to reveal beautiful feet.

Fanny Pack is a comedy about a young Indian-American woman

airport hoping that she will follow his.

“Young and Old” on October 14th at 9:45 pm and October 17th at 9:00 pm.

• Want to indulge without the guilt? The Skinny Cow Dipped Ice Cream Bars fulfill ice cream cravings for only 190 calories each.

• Satisfy your family’s sweet tooth with a new twist on a classic. The SweeTARTS Soft and Chewy Ropes are bendable and chewy with a fruit-punch filling, combining sweet and tart flavors.

• Stay well-rested with EmergenZzzz, an innovative dietary supplement that includes melatonin, vitamin C and key antioxidants and helps you fall asleep naturally.

Take it approximately 30 minutes before bedtime to fall asleep and stay asleep.

• Maintain an active lifestyle each day. The Playtex Sport Collection, winner of the Feminine Care category, is designed to move with the body so women feel confident and protected while exercising and onthe-go.

Visit productoftheyearusa.com for more information about this year’s winners.

When you’re brown, airports are a fun family activity. The story of Fanny Pack is inspired by my own father, who loves the convenience of wearing a fanny pack.

a strong accent, I deal with race, identity, and cultural difference on a daily basis.

When the going gets tough, seek out the supplies you need to make life easier.

Fanny Pack This Indian girl is coming to town with her short film: Uttera is an MFA graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

She is the recipient of the Ryan Murphy Diversity Fellowship and just finished directing her thesis film “Fanny Pack” starring Brian George from Big Bang Theory and Seinfeld.

Uttera was chosen as one of the directors on the USC/James Franco feature film “Mad Whale” starring Camilla Belle, Dominic Rains, Summer Phoenix and James Franco.

who wants to follow her dreams, and her fanny pack clad Indian father who chases her through an

Fanny Pack is a short film playing at the prestigious “Austin Film Festival” in the Shorts Program- 4

A little about the inspiration for the film:

He’s the gentlest man you’ll ever meet, but his outdated accessory paired with his brown skin and blue eyes, make him a suspicious character at airports.

Thanks to my father’s experience, my family has been stopped at the airport more frequently than I can remember.

Over time, I started seeing the humor in our awkward encounters with the aviation authorities.

As a recently made citizen of the United States, I’m excited about everything American.

However, as an Indian woman with

In Fanny Pack, I wanted to explore the humor faced by immigrants in these highly dramatic situations.

At a time when there is so much hate around us, I wanted to use humor to change perception and create a sense of unity —we’re all in this craziness together.

We all dream of co-existing in love and freedom, in a safe world.

That’s why I decided to make Fanny Pack. It’s a story that embraces the universal emotion of our moment in culture.

Please follow our facebook page for updates about the film: www.facebook.com/fannypackthemovie

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Austin South Asian | October 2016

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Austin South Asian | October 2016

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5

Austin South Asian | October 2016

Three Ways To Smooth Up Your Fall Fall can be full of stress between social engagements, work outings, and the frenzy of the school year. Here are some

ways to navigate the season with confidence and style.

Smooth Style Combat those final warm days by adding linen to your life, which will help you look cool and stay cool. It’s perfect for work or an outdoor wedding. When shopping, don’t forget it’s a very rigid fabric -- you might need to try on one size-up.

“Linen is a key and underrated fabric for both men and women -- it’s not just for the beach,” says Sabir Peele, creator and editor of men’s fashion blog “Men’s Style Pro,” who is partnering with BIC Razors to share his perspective on confidence and style.

“For women, solid color linen pants can make other elements of your outfit pop.

For guys, try out a linen shirt next time you have to wear a suit jacket. It’ll help you stay cool at formal outdoor events like work parties or weddings.”

Guys, remember, fashion and style is for the face, too. According to a recent national “Modern Manners” survey from BIC Razors conducted by Survata, 72 percent of millennial men asked agree that “being well-groomed” is an important part of being a gentleman.

Whether it’s clean-shaven, a beard, moustache or goatee, Peele suggests trying out the BIC Flex 5 razor to create or maintain your signature look. Its precision edging blade is useful for shaping your unique facial hair style. For more information and style tips, visit BICFlexRazors.com.

Smooth Dating Moves Dating creates occasions for both smooth -and unsmooth moves. One of the most telling moments during a relationship can be how you ask someone out on that first date. Even in the age of millennials tied to their smartphones, the importance of human contact is undeniable.

When millennial men were surveyed and asked about the politest way to ask someone out on a date, 92 percent indicated they preferred a face-to-face conversation, listing dating apps as one of the least polite ways.

This season, take the classic dinner date in a different, but thoughtful, direction. Prepare food in advance and go on a picnic, which is a great opportunity for one-on-one conversation and showcasing your cooking skills.

“Set the scene with music by packing your smartphone, Bluetooth or speakers. Although you’re in your neighborhood park, some Spanish tunes can whisk you both away to a ‘Piazza of Seville,’” Peele suggests.

If those cooking skills or time are lacking, don’t worry -- grab prepared dishes from a local fresh market. And if you’re feeling exceptionally smooth, bringing your date to a movie or music in the park will lead to a few bonus points in your favor.

Create a Smooth Workout In fall, many runners take a break from mundane indoor gyms to hit the streets. Pounding the pavement can exaggerate stress on muscles and joints. Don’t be sidelined with an injury. Try different outdoor workouts like running and hiking grassy hills, or biking a trail. Peele recommends moving your workout off land for a swim or kayaking adventure. With these smooth moves, you can enjoy the fall season with confidence.

(Statepoint)

6

Austin South Asian | October 2016

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Scribblings How Classrooms Are Changing To Better Teach ‘STEAM’ Subjects

By Arun The D.N.P.

The U.S. may be short as many as three million high-skilled workers by 2018, according to National Math + Science Initiative predictions. In response, more educators and

Unlike the Sun that rise and set, Remaining the same everyday, Night you are born to live by day, To appear different the next day.

We like your smell your looks.

We love to hold you in the hands.

Our beverages tastes awesome, Glancing at you top to bottom.

To inform happenings all around, Good or bad, you never mind, Also about changing weather, The past, present and future.

Though many ways you are used, A pity you live only a day, Treated as old and discarded, The immediate next day.

To update again, you do reappear, Everyday, as fresh as any other.

You are everyone’s, darling dear, Called,”The daily News Paper”.

Your arrival morning daily, we keep awaiting eagerly, Please do not delay, To Make us anxious needlessly.

From art projects that incorporate math concepts to science projects that require an artistic hand, students today can expect their teachers to use games, hands-on learning stations and interactive digital technology to go beyond recitation in order to invent, create and discover.

Projecting the Future

Proficient hands transforms, Your look more presentable, Here and there with tattoos, Making you more colourful.

Many a times from burning sun, You cover our face in protection.

At times we happen to sit on you, Sometimes even lie on you.

greater cohesion.

schools are embracing the idea that today’s curriculum must include Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), in order to adequately prepare children for the future.

With this shift comes the need for new educational tools. Here are three big ways that classrooms are changing to keep up with this year’s curriculum.

Cohesive Lesson Plans You may remember shuffling from one class to another during your school days, learning subjects in a siloed style. After you graduated, you probably realized that’s not how the real world works.

Luckily, schools that are focused on STEAMrelated subjects appreciate this fact and, as a result, many teachers today are synthesizing the principles of multiple subjects at once for

Today’s teachers are saying goodbye to the old school projectors you may remember from your own childhood, and with good reason. New projectors are designed to bring lesson plans to life within seconds.

For example, Casio’s line of Ultra Short Throw projectors offers teachers the ability to present interactive multimedia content directly from a mobile device, USB stick, laptop or even the internal memory of the machine itself. Plus, no time is lost in getting the lesson set up once the bell rings, as an image can be displayed at full brightness in a matter of seconds.

The icing on the cake is that these new projectors are environmentally-friendly and can be easy on a school’s budget, reducing power consumption by up to 40 percent and offering an operating life of 20,000 hours. Savvy schools can use the saved money on other STEAM-related programming needs.

Add it Up

Math class is more important than ever, and students and teachers are gearing up accordingly with up-todate graphing calculators that can enhance understanding of mathematic principles. New calculators, such as the PRIZM fx-CG10 from Casio, are allowing students to create their own graphs over pictures of real-life scenes to better understand the functions from the graphs.

Additionally, today’s calculators feature color LCD with a full textbook-style display to make classroom learning, as well as homework, easier to digest. To learn more, visit Casio.com.

As the world changes, so does the classroom. New tools are helping educators prepare students for tomorrow and for challenges solvable by better STEAM knowledge.

(Statepoint)

Austin South Asian

Editor: Bala Kumar Marketing: Jayachitra Vijay -512-828-6709 info@austinsouthasian.com Production: Jyothi Mariswaran Admin: Sharada Dayanidhi Publisher: Vidya Kumar Circulation: Vasooda Kumar ©All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof be published without the wirtten consent of the publisher.

The deadline for advertisement and article is 20th of every month.

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7

Austin South Asian | October 2016

Tips To Save Money And Time Running Your Small Business

Being at the helm of a small business can be overwhelming. Wheth-

er you’re already your own boss or are thinking of making the leap, these tips from small business owners can help you get organized and boost productivity.

Make it Official “If you’re thinking of starting a business, the simple act of making business cards will make you feel so much more official,” says Laura Essl, owner of “Blue Eye Brown Eye,” a calligraphy and design service.

Essl, who recently partnered with Staples as part of their #MakeMoreHappen campaign to help small business owners learn about resources to help them get things done, suggests the Staples Copy & Print Center as a go-to destination for business cards, note pads and other customized supplies.

Like others too busy to go to the store, she calls their online ordering system and takes advantage of free delivery for orders over $49.99 as “the cherry on top.”

Make the Effort If you are newly taking a crack

at operating a business, you may quickly notice the little things you took for granted as an employee.

ground was just not a professional look,” says Shannon Peterson, lifestyle blogger behind “Much Most Darling.”

No longer relying on someone else to provide basics like pens, paper and file folders, it’s important to supply your office cost-efficiently.

When upgrading your office, Peterson suggests stretching dollars by taking advantage of resources like the Staples Rewards program, which offers rewards on purchases,

Buying supplies haphazardly while you happen to be grocery shopping, for example, as interior designer Anissa Zajac, owner of House Seven was doing at first, is neither a good strategy for staying organized or on-budget.

cash back on recycled ink cartridges and special coupons and deals.

She also points out that you can enjoy further cost-savings when opting for the generic store brand, which, in most cases, is as high quality as name brand alternatives.

More cost and time efficient ideas

When money and time is tight, as it often is when running a small business, turn to smart strategies to take your business further with fewer resources. (Statepoint)

Eye Exams And Clear Vision Empower Students To Learn More

Every child deserves the opportunity to excel in the classroom, and clear vision empowers students to perform up to twice as well in

eye care professional.

“An eye exam should be part of every family’s back-to-school check

in with children to ask how school is going and if they are having any trouble seeing the board.

Many kids don’t share their vision struggles with parents or teachers and lose interest in the classroom.

Families can also help all students see better and succeed in school by providing eye care to children in need.

“I spend most of my time visiting clients and so I don’t need a lot of supplies, but I’ve discovered that making a special trip to an office supplies retailer is well worth it for the money I will save in the long run,” says Zajac.

OneSight works with local communities to provide vision care to students during their school day.

Get Professional When working from home, it can be tempting to let things lapse into chaos.

for small businesses can be found by visiting Staples.com and by following #MakeMoreHappen on social media.

school, according to research from the Rural Education Action Program.

But if you video conference, meet with clients or just want to get serious, it’s important to differentiate your home office from your home, at least mentally.

In fact, experts at The Vision Council confirm that 80 percent of children’s learning occurs through visual processing.

“What I previously called my office was a makeshift desk in my son’s playroom.

Unfortunately, many kids are missing out by not getting proper eye care.

It worked fine for me, as my requirements and hours were flexible, but now that my husband is working from home and conducting online business meetings and conference calls, we quickly discovered that toys in the back-

Thirty-five percent of children have never seen a vision care professional, according to The Vision Care Institute.

And of those that do take and fail a vision screening, a large portion don’t receive follow-up from an

list to help ensure children reach their full potential in the classroom,” says Lisa Curcuruto, Focus on Sight program manager at OneSight, an independent nonprofit that provides underserved students and communities worldwide with comprehensive eye exams and glasses.

“Through the OneSight Focus on Sight program, we are committed to helping students in need and their families have access to vision care and glasses.

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to excel.”

Throughout the school year, parents should also periodically check

Consider making a donation to OneSight, which works with school-based health centers to integrate vision care into their healthcare offerings.

The OneSight school-based vision centers provide students in need and their families access to comprehensive eye exams, quality glasses and repair of glasses.

In addition, the vision centers can provide referrals to ophthalmologists for complicated eye issues and education on the importance of eye health and wellness. To learn more, visit onesight.org.

The importance of clear vision can’t be overstated. Help kids make the most of school by ensuring they are headed back to the classroom with the vision care they need to succeed. (Statepoint)

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Austin South Asian | October 2016

Great Gear And Tools To Motivate Tips To Keep Your Neighborhood Safe Students This Back-To-School Season

Amid recent headlines, which include mass shootings, terrorist attacks and typical everyday crime, it can be easy to feel unsafe. But

blend in with their neighbors.

But Mumuni offers hope in his more recent book, “Demand by

While some students are eager to return to the classroom, others may need a little motivation and inspiration.

Add a bit of excitement to the new school year by gearing up with the

For example, the latest addition to Casio’s well-known Privia line of digital pianos, the PX-160, features the sound of a 9-foot concert grand with speakers that project towards both the player and audience.

student and teacher can play simultaneously.

The model also features left and right 1/4” audio outputs, making it easy for musicians to connect to other devices for external amplification or recording purposes, as well as simulated ebony and ivorytextured keys for a realistic piano touch. More information can be found at CasioMusicGear.com.

Study Aid

individual citizens can take steps to make their homes and communities safer from many types of threats.

At Home Does your family have a plan in the event of emergency? The Department of Homeland Security offers every day tips for creating an action plan. Visit Ready.gov to learn more. Then, be sure everyone in your family understands the plan.It may also be a good idea for adults and teens to learn CPR and to teach young people basic concepts like “if you see something, say something.”

On the News Recent domestic terror attacks making headlines remind us that nobody should be complacent to the threat of terrorism or extremism. “Terrorism has occurred throughout history, but today it affects the entire world,” says Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, a global terror expert and author of “Global Terrorism and its Effects on Humanity,” an overview of the origins and types of terrorism.

He notes that terrorism and extremism can develop anywhere, and that identifying terrorists in your own community can be difficult as they tend to do their best to

Terror,” laying out ways that a diplomatic response to terrorism may be successful. “No nation wants to look vulnerable or weak and give in to terrorist demands, but the way to resolve some of the violence will not come from military actions alone,” he says. “Diplomacy should be an important tool, too.”

Local citizens can get informed about the varied nature of terrorism and become vocal advocates for government responses that offer fewer risks and more chances of success. Average citizens can voice their opinions through a number of channels at the local, state and national level, including voting for candidates whose policies they support.

In the Community Be involved in your community, whether that means attending city council meetings and having your voice heard on security issues or getting trained to be a volunteer emergency responder. Many communities offer an opportunity to participate in “neighborhood watch,” or other crime deterring organizations.Grassroots-level action matters. Take steps at home and in your community at-large to build bridges between neighbors and promote safer streets and neighborhoods.

(Statepoint)

Ease the pain of cramming for an exam with a high-quality music system that allows users to stream their favorite tracks via Bluetooth from a computer or mobile device and is paired with an excellent set of speakers.

latest and greatest educational tools and school accessories.

A New Set of Wheels

It provides split and layer capability allowing students to play bass with the left hand and have two layered tones for the right.

Make getting out the door more appealing by giving students a way to get to school and other activities in style.

A great feature for the student learning to play is duet mode, which allows the keyboard to be split into two equal ranges, so the

A new set of wheels -- bicycle wheels that is -- encourages exercise and fosters independence.

There are many set-ups that are perfect for portability and small rooms -- ideal for high schoolers, college students and others on-thego.

Send your student to school in style.

Great new tools and accessories can give the new school year a bit of extra appeal, while encouraging students to get active, get creative and hit the books. (Statepoint)

CHILDREN ARTICLES

Just be sure you opt for a model that has the latest safety and durability features.

Children Email

Any great bike is not complete without a helmet.

Us Your Articles To

With so many cool designs and styles available today, finding one that fits properly and looks great should not be a challenge.

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Innovative Music Equipment Help inspire young musicians with space-saving equipment that doesn’t compromise sound or quality.

info@austin southasian.com

9

Austin South Asian | October 2016

National Preparedness Month: Tips To Get Your Family Ready

While most people don’t like to think about worst case scenarios, giving them their proper consider-

September is National Preparedness Month and it is a great time to get your home and family ready

Stock Up Every home should contain a supply kit that includes a surplus of nonperishable food items, as well as fresh bottled water.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends one gallon per person in your household per day for three days.

ation can ultimately offer peace of mind.

for a range of emergencies. Here are three steps to take.

FEMA also recommends that the kit include prescription medications for everyone in the family, personal hygiene items, a flashlight, extra batteries and matches, amongst other items. For a complete list, visit fema.gov.

Free Yourself of Your Phone

While we all know that smartphone technology and other mobile devices offer us useful information, in an emergency scenario these devices may lose their signal or their battery life.

Stay prepared and informed no matter what happens with wearable technology that is not at the mercy of a cellphone tower or a battery that needs to be recharged every few hours.

For example Casio’s PRO TREK PRG300 timepieces feature functions like an altimeter, compass and barometer (great for staying aware of changes in temperature or air pressure).

They also deliver this information hands-free, which can be useful

any day of the week but extra valuable in an emergency.

Get Insured Is your home and property properly insured? Know what your homeowners insurance covers and determine whether it is sufficient to meet your needs.

For example, homeowners insurance policies do not typically cover flooding, which requires separate coverage. Learn more about your home’s primary risks and get covered now, before it’s too late.

No one has a crystal ball that can see into the future, so to best protect your family and your home, get prepared for everything.

(Statepoint)

How To Talk To Aging Parents About The Future Parents care for and guide children into adulthood. But as parents age, sometimes the roles are reversed.

ed floor plans can make everyday living difficult and dangerous for seniors.

Establishing a plan will help ev-

However, convincing parents to

Focus on the Road

get to all their activities.

Driving can be a sensitive topic because for many, it’s a key part of remaining independent.

Update Important Documents

Take 90-year-old Vivian Cash who started driving in 1949.

While always priding herself on her safe driving -- in fact, she’s never had an accident -- she recently pulled into her driveway and stopped too close to a telephone pole, ultimately needing help moving her car.

That was when she decided it was time to stop driving.

“If I’m driving and I had a problem, I could hurt someone or myself. It just isn’t worth it,” explained Cash. eryone feel more at ease about the years ahead.

Here are four common concerns you may face with aging parents and tips to manage each conversation.

Plan Living Arrangements Multi-level homes and complicat-

move into a more manageable home or assisted living may be tough.

Suggest the transition early, while parents are still active to help them ease into the idea. If they insist on staying put, consider homecare and installing assistive equipment, like handrails.

Of course, not everyone will be willing to hang up their keys, so approach the topic before noticeable problems surface, such as with vision or dexterity, and agree to certain warning signs that might indicate it’s time to rethink transportation.

When it is time for parents to stop driving, help them map out ways to

Most people don’t like discussing wills and life insurance. As a result, they’re often written and not revisited.

However, both need to be updated periodically, especially when major life changes take place, like marriage, death or divorce.

Ensure your parents have a will that’s been updated in the past five years.

If not, it should be revised to reflect their current wishes. Establish who will be in charge of executing the details, and determine where documents will be stored.

Any updates to wills need to be reflected in life insurance policies, since beneficiaries take precedence over whatever the will specifies.

Consider working with a trusted advisor who offers both life insurance and retirement planning, such as an Erie Family Life insurance agent, to ensure parents and family

members are covered for the future every step of the way.

Gather Financials Finances need to be discussed -- from retirement planning, debt consolidation and payment to logistics like where important documents are placed (digital and hard copies).

Even if parents don’t want to divulge all their information, getting a general sense of the situation will make things easier when decisions need to be made.

Help your parents create a list of bank, benefits, pension and other accounts, as well as usernames and passwords.

Keep this information in a safe place, such as a fire-resistant safe.

Know where items like tax files, car titles and the key to the safe are kept.

Aging isn’t easy. Address everything now to leave your family at ease for the changes ahead.

(Statepoint)

10

Austin South Asian | October 2016

Hijri New Year

(Continued From Page 01) The first day of the year is observed on the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar.

The first Islamic year begins in 622 AD with the emigration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra.

All religious duties, such as prayer, fasting in the month of Ramadan, and pilgrimage, and the dates of significant events, such as celebration of holy nights and festivals, are calculated according to the lunar calendar While some Islamic organizations prefer determining the new month (and hence the new year) by local sightings of the moon, most Islamic institutions and countries, including Saudi Arabia, follow

astronomical calculations to determine future dates of the Islamic calendar.

was defined to correspond to 7 or 8 December 2010 in official calendars (depending on the country).

There are various schema for calculating the tabular Islamic calendar (i.e. not based on observation), which results in differences of typically one or even two days between countries using such schema and those that use lunar sightings.

For example, the The Umm alQura Calendar used in Saudi Arabia was reformed several times in recent years.

For an observation-based calendar, a sighting of the new moon at sunset of 6 December would mean that 1 Muharram lasted from the moment of sunset of 6 December to the moment of sunset of 7 December, while in places where the new moon was not sighted on 6 December, 1 Muharram would last from the moment of sunset of 7 December to the moment of sunset of 8 December.

The current scheme has been introduced in 1423 AH (15 March 2002).

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and a time of remembrance or mourning.

A day in the Islamic calendar is defined as beginning at sunset.

Muharram (Muslim New Year) 2016 - Monday, October 3, 2016.

For example, 1 Muharram 1432

PRATHAM GALA: An Astounding Success…

And Fun! (Continued From Page 01) Besides the commitment to the organization’s mission, the gala was also a lot of fun, with a variety of events that reinforced the value and contribution that Austin Pratham is making. Events at the gala included a cocktail reception with snacks and appetizers provided by some local restaurants, a keynote speaker from the Harvard Business School, a sumptuous dinner, a voice contest, and silent and live auctions.

Dr. Srikant Datar, Professor, Harvard Business School, the keynote speaker, teaches MBA and executive education classes in design thinking, innovation, big data and

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strategy implementation. In addition, his class did a case study on Pratham and found the organization to be one of the most efficient charities making significant impact for low cost.

To reiterate this point, Isha Paul, the current co-President, and Ashish Gupta, the ex-President, explained why they give to and work for Pratham.

Both of them have visited programs funded by Pratham in India and they have seen the difference that the program is making. Their rationale for giving to Pratham: • The problem is big and the cause is worthy • Solutions being implemented are low cost, scalable and innovative • There is high transparency and the leadership can be trusted • Over 90% of the funds go directly to programs • The Austin Chapter alone has transformed over 50,000 lives The silent auction included vacations, hotel stays, bags, jewelry and objects of art.

The highlights of the live auction were a Nataraj made by Lladro and a trip to the Houston Space Center that included a space travel simulation experience.

The ten voice contestants were a talented bunch, ranging in age from a 5th grader to a grandfather. All the performances were exceptional – duets, Bollywood, classical and folk renditions – and enjoyed enthusiastically by all.

The goal of the Austin Chapter is to hit the $500,000 mark by 2018.

And YOU can help! Either by volunteering or by donating: your investment in terms of time and contributions can make a huge difference.

More information on Pratham is available at www.prathamusa.org.

11

Austin South Asian | October 2016

BAPS Charities Donates $100,000 To TNC To Help Plant A Billion Trees (Continued From Page 01) Vishnu was to participate in BAPS Charities’ Walk Green 2016 to fundraise for a cause close to his heart: saving the environment.

Vishnu raised $851.59 by going door to door in his neighborhood.

Over 17,000 BAPS Charities volunteers similar to Vishnu in 53 cities across USA were determined to take action for reversing the impact of global warming.

Their collective effort supported The Nature Conservancy’s efforts to plant one billion trees by 2025 through their Plant a

Billion Trees initiative.

The effort will help plant 70,000 trees in 2016.

On September 10, 2016, BAPS Charities presented The Nature Conservancy (TNC) with a donation of $100,000 in Robbinsville, NJ. BAPS Charities youth, Board members, presented The Nature Conservancy’s Maria Fisher, Annual Giving & Stewardship Officer; John Stapleton, Legacy Club Donor Relations Manager; and Erin Daly, Donor Relations Manager (New Jersey) with the gift followed by a treeplanting ceremony.

“It means a lot to us that your support is made possible by the thousands of BAPS Charities volunteers who believe, like we do, that a healthy planet is critical to building healthy communities where both nature and people can thrive,” said Mark Tercek, President and CEO of The Nature Conservancy.

“BAPS Charities has shown that serving as good stewards of the planet is the collective responsibility that you take seriously.

We also appreciate how you bring awareness to environmental issues and environmental opportunities on occasions like Earth Day and by supporting

initiatives like planting trees, promoting water conservation and renewable energy sources.”

Speaking on the occasion, Erin Daly, Donor Relations Manager said, “Thank you to BAPS Charities for your incredibly generous contribution to The Nature Conversancy’s plant a billion initiate in North America.

I was especially inspired to see so many children and teenagers participating, not just in the walk but also in the opening ceremonies, and management of the walk.

Engaging the next generation of stewards for our planet is ex-

tremely crucial, and I am glad BAPS Charities shares that commitment.”

John Stapleton, The Nature Conservancy’s Legacy Club Donor Relations Manager, said, “The leadership, support and successful promotion of conversation through the BAPS Charities nationwide walkathons, has raised awareness and support for the restoration of forests in United States.

(Continued On Page 20)

12

Austin South Asian | October 2016

Madurai Based Kumar’s In Pflugerville worth The Drive

15803 Windermere Pflugerville TX78660

Dr

#206

sine’.

You will find people of Austin and “No artificial, prepackaged ingredients, no food color, no MSG!”

We went there on a weekday for lunch and found the restaurant packed to capacity.

The restaurant is proud to use only organic ingredients and serves the meals on neatly cut banana leaves set in square metal pans.

By Sumaiya Malik It takes half an hour car ride from Austin to Kumar’s in Pflugerville and one sip of Badaam Paal to transport you to Madurai in South India.

Such is the magic of the cuisine of Kumar’s, a Madurai based Indian restaurant that serves ‘village’ cui-

surrounding areas, of all colors, race and back ground enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of the restaurant.

The manager took our large order and patiently guided us through different options.

He suggested meat and vegetarian dishes and explained the different flavors.

Tucked in a strip mall between Bridge Community Church and Islamic Center of Pflugerville off of Wells Branch exit on IH-35, Kumar’s is a bridge between communities.

He added that the restaurant is a Texas-based chain with two other locations in Plano and Irving.

It appeals to all palettes with its dosas, puri bhaji, idli, sambar, vadai and even goat dosas.

I had checked out Yelp before going and was

all set with advice. A Yelper had called the restaurant Indian Fogo De Chao.

So I had made sue to have a light breakfast. Another Yelper had talked of the Jigarthanda, (thirst quencher or literally something that makes your heart cool down), but I did not realize that requires extra work and is offered only twice a week on the menu.

The Badaam Paal lived up to it’s name. I would definitely go back for the vegetarian Thali and the Gulab Jaman and Kulfi.

The restaurant boasts to be a ‘Mess Hall’, a place where a group of people eat and socialize.

The term also refers to the dining hall of soldiers and military. Whatever the term, Kumars is a feast for all to enjoy and keep going back.

So What Happened On Eid In Austin – A Sequel

By Sumaiya Malik The Sweetest Chaand Raat Maheen Haideri of Austin orga-

ry. Every guest brought something to share and the girls got henna put on their hands.

stalls we open to the public and was well attended by people from all over Austin.

They all took part in traditional dances with steps and most of the teenagers had perfected their steps.

One could see women outside the South Asian community take part in Bollywood dances and stand in line for Henna.

The children did not forget charity on this special occasion and Maheen encouraged them to donate a dollar from their Eidi money to The Citizens Foundation with provides world class education to the poorest neighborhoods of Pakistan for free. nized the sweetest Chaand Raat for girls and their moms where everyone was dressed up with fancy traditional clothes and fashion jewel-

erbend Church

Henna Night at Riv-

Jiaa Jabbar’s grand Henna Night with food, clothing and jewelry

Food was catered by Inchin and Tempura. The Chai Wala was a new entry in the Austin scene!

Eid Namaz and Brunch It was great to see a unified arrangement between mosques for Namaz.

One location was Round Rock and the other Soccer Zone in the south.

People went for brunches in restaurants after namaz.

Mirchi and Tempura lead the list of most popular hangouts with the South crowd heading towards the Omni for a formal sit-down brunch.

Best Eid Party at PTerrys!

happy and done in an hour!

One mom whose son had to be in school on Eid day made a plan that is likely to become a tradition! She group messaged moms with kids to stop at the PTerrys on 360 for a kids snack time right after school to give the kids a sense of Eid.

Qurbani meat

What started as an idea for kids on 360, became a citywide invitation for kids to come.

While rush hour restricted many, about twenty kids and moms showed up for the fun!

Some moms called as they had heard from friends and wanted to join. Everyone was welcome and

Those who ordered Qurbani meat at World Food and Halal Market got a call the day after Eid to pick up already packed meat.

The store encouraged the people to leave the one-third for charity at the store as this is a year when more and more refugees have arrived in Austin.

The less fortunate pick up the meat donation from the store. 2/3 of the meat is brought home and packed in smaller portions for friends.

Well, that’s all, folks! Eid will now come next year!

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Austin South Asian | October 2016

Shivaay (Continued From Page 01) The duo made a quick stop in Dallas on the way to Chicago and San Fransisco from New York with an intimate affair at the W Hotel &

Residencies, Dallas, Texas on the 23rd September 2016 hosted by Dr. Bharat and Smita Sangani

‘Shivaay’ is a family drama about a mountaineer who lives in his world but also turns into a destroyer, when it comes to his family. The trailer of the film is very intriguing and has already broken all records.

It shows Ajay doing stunts on the snow-clad mountains with intense fight scenes. At the same time, highly romantic and emotional side

can also be seen.

The conference unveiled the second song from the movie titled ‘Darkhast’ and everything about the icy song; from music to lyrics, from cinematography to Ajay and Erika’s chemistry completely melted our hearts.

Erika Kaar, a Polish actress, who made her Bollywood debut with the action-thriller, is currently the talk of the town and we just couldn’t get our eyes off her during the entire song as she has done a marvelous job.

Talking about the music, Kajol describes the title song, as “one of the best songs with outstandingly written lyrics that makes it easier for everyone to understand what it means to be Shivaay”.

During the conference, Ajay talks about the connection of his character whose name is Shivaay to Lord

Shiva. He states, “As Lord Shiva is almost human and got all the imperfections, can be fooled, is detrimental, is a destroyer. Similarly, Shivaay also has all elements of the imperfections that is channelized in the right way and becomes a superhero in extraordinary situations”.

When asked about the cast of the film, Ajay responded, “Since the script demanded actors from all over the world and lots of characters are not supposed to be Indian, I took 6-8 months to cast characters from US, UK, Portland and Germany and it is a performance oriented film so I took time and got lucky to find actors who are amazing”.

While, the entire team did an outstanding job getting the film together; the couple talks about the physical challenges that they had concerning the weather condi-

tions, wherein they had to shoot in -25 degrees. Kajol supported Ajay throughout and appreciated the way he directed, produced and acted at the same time, which was the biggest challenge of all.

When asked if Kajol would ever direct a film, she responded, “I love being the captain of my family and wouldn’t want to be a director ever.” They have not left any stone unturned to promote the film and we are already excited to see the much-anticipated role of Ajay in this intense film.

Jitin Hingorani, JINGO Media, DFW South Asian Film Festival and O¹Harani Luxe Experiences made the entire press conference a bhuge success. The film is set to release this Diwali, and fans of the Indian Cinema all over the United States are looking forward to the perfect combo of drama, thriller and romance.

India Fine Arts Announces “Masters of Percussion”

Amidst 21st Concert Season, India Fine Arts Announces “Masters of Percussion” Concert feat. Grammy Winning Percussionist - Musicians known for collaborations with Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart, jazz guitarist John McLaughlin, bring music and technique 900 years in the making

AUSTIN, Texas – As Austin assumes its place as an international city of culture and discovery; India Fine Arts announces a fascinating event for fans of uncommon instrumentation, the classical arts, percussion, meditation, and Indian culture. The “Amazing Masters of Percussion” concert on October 15th at the Westlake Performing Arts Center, will bring traditional Southern Indian “Carnatic music,” to Austin thanks to Grammy Award winning percussionist Vikku Vinayakaram—supported by his sons, also percussion wizards Selvaganesh and Umashankar, and grandson Swaminathan.

The performance will be preceded by a healing “Swara Yoga” meditation concert, by acclaimed violin-

ist and vocalist Ganesh Rajagopalan. Mrs. Janaki Nagarajan, board president for India Fine Arts, comments on the auspicious concert, “Music is a way to come together, to heal and discover, to travel and to transcend. We are so humbled to be able to bring these great masters of their instruments and the sacred Carnatic music tradition to the people of Central Texas.”

Unconventional Instruments, Extraordinary Sounds The hypnotic and transcendental “Masters of Percussion” will display the ensembles’ masterful skills in traditional Indian instruments and techniques ranging from the Ghatam, Kanjira, Morsing, the Indian classical violin, and Konnakol - the art of vocalizing percussion syllables.

Audiences less familiar with the structure of traditional Indian music or Carnatic repertoire in particular will have see numerous references in the work of many Western artists, such as noted jazz guitarist John McLaughlin, who incorpo-

rated the style into many of his acts and pieces such as “Shakti” which featured prominent Indian musicians including Vinayakaram.

The Artists

Ganesh Rajagopalan who has been commended for his performances and compositions over the past four decades will be opening the concert with a violin and vocalization performance for a participatory “Swara Yoga” meditation concert. Having toured the world, performing with a wide array of classical, jazz and world music artists, he is renowned for composing numerous ragas, varnams and thillanas, as well as music for ballets, theatre, and films, which have been performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, Chicago Symphony Center, Walt Disney Center and others world wide.

Vikku Vinayakram, is a celebrated Grammy Award–winning Indian percussionist credited with popularizing the ghatam instrument.

He was awarded the Padma Shri —the fourth highest civilian award

in the Republic of India—and later the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, the highest honor. He is the first South Indian musician to be awarded the Grammy for Best World Music Album for his participation in musician and musicologist Mickey Hart’s “Planet Drum” (1991). Vinayakram will be backed by his “G3” band, which stands for three generations. A featured player is V. Selvaganesh, a master percussionist, the son of Vikku and is considered to be one of the great khanjira players of his generation.

He is also known as the guardian of the konnakol tradition of percussive vocal patterns.

About India Fine Arts India Fine Arts was founded in 1995 by a group of artistically and culturally minded citizens in Austin. The main objective was to promote greater understanding and appreciation for the performing arts of the Indian subcontinent in Texas. With the burgeoning population of South East Asians in the city (estimated at 40,000 and counting), there was a need to provide a cul-

tural understanding to the secondgeneration Indian children and to provide a forum of entertainment for the locals.

The organization provides high caliber teachers to the area schools with world music programs, publishes articles and literature as part of education on the meaning and cultural aspects of its activities, and has produced more than 50 master classes on various aspects of Indian music and has trained scores of community members.

India Fine Arts is also focusing on developing relationships with underserved sections of the community like the blind and visually impaired and the deaf and seniors and mentally challenged.

Masters of Percussion will be preformed at the Westlake Performing Arts Center, on October 15th. Tickets are available now at www.austinifa.org and 512-918-1351. Tickets are $25 and $15 for students, seniors, and children 5+.

Limited interviews, in-studio performance and media tickets are available.

14

ADVICE TO PARENTS FOR ACL

By Sumaiya Malik Dear Parents, You have taken the big step to send your kids to ACL this year.

I have some advice for you. Fear not, your kids will remember it as an adventure of fun.

In fact, keep driving slowly as close to the gate as possible until the checkpoint of drop off.

For pickup the kids should walk to the same intersection and cross the bridge towards 1st Street rather than heading south into more traffic.

Their wristbands should be secure and

Austin South Asian | October 2016

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Now you must be thinking what have I gotten into.

Before you ruin their excitement, let me give you advice.

Exposing your kids to the Austin Music scene is a good decision.

This is the live music capital of the world, and guess what? That was officially declared in 2011.

What else could you want than to give your teen kids the freedom to make their own decisions on their home turf rather than when they go off to college?

Always remember you are a text away.

Help you r kids get excited by looking at the lineup. One-day tickets might be the way to go for some.

This year there is Willie Nelson, LCD Soundsystem,, Kendrick Lamar, Band of Horses, Cage the Elephant and many more.

Fast forward to the day of: The best place to drop off is Barton Springs and Lamar.

should not fall off.

Cashless might be the way to go but you can have a conversation about setting limits.

Refillable water bottles, light back packs, cap and sunscreen will help.

ACL is kid friendly and all kinds of restaurant stalls ranging from Hudson on the Bend to PTerrys is available on the ACL grounds.

ACL is smoke free. While this means people are not allowed to smoke, I see people smoke every year (near the sides).

Conversations with kids to stay with their buddies are always helpful.

My children have only benefitted from the ACL experience. Get excited with your kids and let them go.

Many parents use the opportunity to buy tickets for themselves, enter ACL grounds together and split keeping in mind the time and place of meeting.

Make sure you look trendy and comfy. Now go have the fun!

15

Austin South Asian | October 2016

Texas Book Festival on October 5 and 6

By Sumaiya Malik One of the largest and most prestigious literary festivals in the coun-

venues including the State Capitol, 80+ exhibitors, live music, local food trucks, family activities, and countless opportunities to meet au-

Laura Bush, the Festival has hosted thousands of notable and awardwinning authors over the years, including Margaret Atwood, Robert Caro, Sandra Cisneros, Salman Rushdie, Cheryl Strayed, Walter Mosley, Molly Shannon, Frank McCourt, Ziggy Marley, Liz Carpenter, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and many, many others.

The 2016 Texas Book Festival will be held November 5-6, 2016.

try, the annual Texas Book Festival features 250+ nationally and critically recognized authors, 20+

thors and fellow book lovers.

Founded in 1995 by First Lady

The Festival runs from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The Texas Book Festival Weekend is free and open to the public and

takes place in Austin, Texas, at the State Capitol and surrounding grounds.

Arun Gandhi, Varsha Bajaj and Priyamvada Natarajan are three writers of Indian origin coming to the annual book festival.

Natarajan is a physicist at Yale and talks abou the black hole. Bajaj authored the book, Abby spencer woes to Hollywood.

Arun Manilal Gandhi is an IndianAmerican socio-political activist, and the fifth grandson of Mohandas Gandhi through his second son Manilal.

He has authored many books including The Morarji Papers and Be the Change. Mindy Kaling is coming to the Teen Book Festival in St. Edwards University.

For more information, please visit www.texasbookfestival.org

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16

Austin South Asian | October 2016

President Barack Obama Shares Tribute For Pramukh Swami Maharaj

By Ashish Patel Over 90 BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha mandirs across the United States held tribute assemblies honoring the life and work of their late Hindu spiritual leader, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Community leaders, diverse religious figures, and public officials

lives rooted in devotion that would transform their character, attitudes, and outcomes to provide greater happiness for both themselves and their families.

“May the memory of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj continue to guide you, and may his legacy give us the courage to be our best

parts of the world, of different religions and languages, taking the time to understand their concerns and offering them solutions that would improve their personal and emotional well-being.

From addiction, to illness, and even loss, Pramukh Swami Maharaj would guide, console and pray for their well-being.

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi addressed devotees before Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s final rites, saying, “His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a stalwart among humans who embodied compassion and humility…

Today you have lost a Guru, but I have lost a father.”

joined BAPS devotees in mourning this loss.

selves”, concluded the President’s personal message.

President Barack Obama shared a personal message with BAPS tribute assemblies, “By paying tribute to a man who believed in the worth of all people and dedicated himself to serving those in need, we are reminded of the ways our common humanity will always bind us together.”

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Former U.S. President Bill Clinton also shared their thoughts on the late leader’s legacy, “Pramukh Swami didn’t just teach virtues – he lived them every day…

President Obama lauded the late spiritual leader of BAPS by noting that Pramukh Swami Maharaj “was a trusted ear and revered voice for countless people, and the lessons of his humility stirred not only the hearts of his followers, but also of men and women across the globe who were fortunate enough to have crossed his path.”

President Obama’s statement reflected Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s role as a father, teacher, mentor, friend, advisor, and ally – he was a spiritual guide who empowered people to live morally upright

His example helped his followers find more harmony – both with others, and within themselves.

And we hope that humanity will build upon his legacy for generations to come.”

Pramukh Swami Maharaj lived by his simple but profound message, “In the joy of others lies our own.”

This principle served as the core of his spiritual leadership.

He had a tremendous capacity to extend his concern and support to those who sought his guidance and refuge.

He counseled persons from all

schools as well as hospitals, and mobilizing volunteers in response to natural disasters. Most recently, through community walkathons, volunteers helped The Nature Conservancy plant 70,000 trees throughout North America.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life and spirituality has left an indelible mark on countless devotees, who will continue living his life’s message under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj (Keshavjivandas Swami), the sixth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

More details on

Born on December 7, 1921, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was initiated as a swami (Hindu ascetic) on January 10, 1940. In 1950, at the age of 28, he became the administrator and President of BAPS.

http://pramukhswami.org, www. baps.org https://www.youtube.com/user/ BAPSChannel

Upon the passing of his guru His Holiness Yogiji Maharaj in 1971, Pramukh Swami became the spiritual leader and steadfastly led the organization for the next 45 years, expanding BAPS throughout the world. His legacy of over 1,100 mandirs is matched only by his extensive humanitarian work, including building numerous charitable

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide socio-spiritual organization in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, is dedicated to community service, peace and harmony.

About BAPS

Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world

by caring for societies, families and individuals. Through a number of social and spiritual activities, BAPS endeavors to produce better citizens of tomorrow who have a high esteem for their roots - their rich Hindu culture. ts 3,300 international centers out of which over support these activities of character-building.

BAPS aspires to build a community that is morally, ethically and spiritually pure, and free of addictions.

BAPS North America Since 1970, BAPS has been serving families and individuals across USA and Canada through various spiritual and cultural activities.

Its 150 centers, including over 90 mandirs, form the hub of its various initiatives.

With over 65 dedicated swamis giving spiritual guidance, the organization hosts over 630 weekly satsang assemblies for children, youth and adults. More details on http:// www.baps.org/Global-Network/ North-America.aspx Contact: BAPS North American Headquarters Phone: 732-777-1414 ext 140 Email: media@na.baps.org Source: BAPS

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17

Austin South Asian | October 2016

5 Health And Wellness Rules To Live By This School Year And Beyond

At school, kids are exposed to an influx of germs that can cause a number of preventable sicknesses, including cold and flu. The top germiest school-based culprits include water fountains, plastic reusable cafeteria trays, keyboards, toilets and…students’ hands.

To keep your family free from the sniffles all year long, here are five easy-to-follow tips to ensure a healthy, happy and absent-free school year.

1. Teach Kids to Wash Hands the Right Way. It seems simple enough, but research shows that only 5 percent of people wash their hands properly.

The CDC recommends following five simple steps: wet, lather, scrub (for at least 20 seconds), rinse and dry. Don’t forget backs of hands, between fingers and under the nails. Handwashing is the best defense against germs, but if soap

and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer is a good alternative.

2. Sanitize School Supplies.

Sanitize school supplies, lunch

boxes, bottoms of backpacks, etc., weekly. These items are exposed to a variety of germs lurking in places like gym lockers, on desks and in bathrooms. Use disinfecting wipes on plastic objects, and throw items like lunch boxes and backpacks in the washing machine. Send kids to school with disposable wipes so they can clean surfaces like desks, cafeteria trays and other surfaces throughout the day.

3. Set a Sleep Schedule.

A regular bedtime and an alert morning go hand-inhand. The National Sleep Foundation recommends a calming nighttime routine like reading a book or taking a bath to signal the brain that it’s bedtime, and leave technology like tablets, laptops and cell phones out of the bedroom. If you’re

wondering how much sleep your child needs each night, it’s recommended that toddlers receive 11 to 14 hours, preschoolers 10 to 13 hours, school-aged children nine to 11 hours, and teenagers eight to 10 hours.

Germs are lurking everywhere -school, preschool and daycare, so be prepared if sickness does strike.

Tools like TempTraq come in handy for unexpected fevers, giving parents peace of mind and children the rest they need to get better.

4. Keep Healthy Snacks and Meals on Hand.

This wearable, Bluetooth temperature monitor continuously senses, records and transmits body temperature for up to 24-hours. It can even send alerts to your smartphone via its free mobile app to notify you immediately if your child’s fever reaches an unsafe level. Visit Target or CVS to stock your medicine cabinet with this useful must-have, or order online at TempTraq.com.

A healthy, balanced diet has been proven to keep kids mentally sharp and focused, but fast-paced schedules during the school year can sometimes result in quick-fix, and often unhealthy, food choices.

Keep nutritious grab-and-go snacks like trail mix and fruit at the ready. And don’t skip breakfast. It can mean decreased cognitive performance in areas like alertness, attention, memory and problem solving.

5. Nurse Kids Back to Health.

From hectic schedules to germridden classrooms, the stress and environment of school can take a toll on kids’ health. Keep them healthier with a few simple strategies and you’ll be headed to a perfect attendance record.

18

Austin South Asian | October 2016

Bottle Gourds ( Dudhi / Lauki )

By Venkappa Gani

plant will spread over whole arch.

Last month introduced growing viney vegetables like cucumbers and gourds on arches.

These are fast fast growing plants after germinating within one week spread over the whole arch.

Three simple recipes described below:

and mustard seeds,curry leaves, chopped onions, garlic.

Making Juice: Use one tender fruit remove the green Skin, cut white part into cubes place them in the blender and grind it for few minute add any flavouring material to your taste and enjoy the cool drink for the summer heat.

Cook for few minutes then add salt and curry powder.

2) Lauki Curry: Like cooking indian curry with other vegetables cut the gourd with skin into small pieces.

Take medium size pot add vegetable oil start stove add cumin

Add chopped gourd pieces by stirring for few minutes cook for until gourd pieces are soft at low heat with covering lid. It ready to eat with rice.

3) Lauki Halwa: It is similar to making carrot halwa using grated dudhi by adding condensed milk and brown sugar to your taste.

Health Benefits:

Lauki is used for weight loss, High BP, high Cholesterol and other applications You will enjoy the food made from backyard grown by you and picked and cooked to your taste.

Happy Gardening this is fall time, get started growing your cool weather crops during the winter for harvesting in spring.

Cool weather crops for central texas area:peas,onoins,garlic,beets,kal e,braccoli,cauliflower, Radish etc.

Austin Asian American Film Festival

Today writing about bottle gourd growing and health benefits and couple of simple receipe commonly used and easy to prepare.

Noticed male and female white flowers on main branch and saw three small fruits, what a great JOY!!

Bottle Gourd is one of the original plant grown many century ago.

In the first picture see three gourds started growing and later more spread on the arch.

It is grown throughout the world in tropical and subtropical climate.

This is annual plant grown by seeds directly sown in the ground during spring.

It can be grown in pots. It requires lot of space better use trellis to climb otherwise if let it climb the tree it can go all over the tree but it very hard to pick fruits.

Growing with arches as described last month worked very well.

It requires rich soil with organic nutrients and needs bees for pollination.

I only planted two gourd seeds at the bottom of the arch knowing one

Other pictures show well grown gourd light green and very tender.

Harvested these gourds and weighed and measured length 2024 inches with diameter around 1012 inches weighing 3-5 lbs.

This is my success story.

The bottle gourds are known by various names in each state by different names and same in other countries.

These contain lot of vitamins.

Bottle Gourds are good for health.

Variety of dishes and juices can be made using this gourd.

Austin Asian American Film Festival, Nov. 3-6, announces headliners

from November 3-6 at its new Blanton Auditorium venue, centrally located on the UT campus

With Centerpiece Film BREATHIN’: THE EDDY ZHENG STORY, Opening Film TYRUS, Closing Film AFTER THE STORM and first-ever cash prize for best narrative and documentary shorts.

at 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin, TX, 78701. Early bird badges and passes go on sale on September 21, while individual tickets will be available in October with the announcement of the full lineup.

Austin, TX - A pioneering Chinese American artist behind one of Disney’s great animated classics, the extraordinary life journey of a teenaged convict turned activist, and the latest film from a world-renowned Japanese filmmaker headline the 2016 Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF), now in its ninth year of showcasing the best in Asian and Asian American cinema!

The 2016 headliners are:

This year’s festival will be held

TYRUS (Opening Film) - Tyrus Wong went from the notorious immigrant holding center on Angel Island as a ten-year-old boy to the drawing boards of Walt Disney Studios, where his concept art became the key but unacknowledged visual influence on “Bambi.” Still active at age 105, Wong has lived long enough to receive his due credit—not least from Pamela Wong’s wide-ranging documentary, which

celebrates Wong’s achievements in animation and far beyond.

BREATHIN’: THE EDDY ZHENG STORY (Centerpiece) A 16-year-old immigrant receives a seven-years-to-life sentence for kidnapping and armed robbery.

Where some might give in to anger or despair, Eddy Zheng educated himself and organized courses for his fellow inmates, earning support from the public and enmity from prison officials. This portrait by Ben Wang captures Zheng in all his complexity, tracing his remarkable journey from an adolescent criminal to a respected advocate for prison reform and youth violence prevention.

AFTER THE STORM (Closing Film) - Japan’s most acclaimed living filmmaker returns with his latest feature, hailed by audiences in Cannes and Toronto as well as its home country. Hirokazu Koreeda follows last year’s “Our Little Sister” with another sensitive take on a divided family, in which a typhoon forces a sudden reunion between a wastrel private eye, his elderly mother, his ex-wife, and his unfamiliar son. Starring Hiroshi Abe (“Still Walking”), Yōko Maki (“Like Father, Like Son”), and Kirin Kiki (“Our Little Sister”), AFTER THE STORM confirms Koreeda’s place alongside Ozu as a preeminent chronicler of family life, Japanese or otherwise. (Continued On Page 20)

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Austin South Asian | October 2016

Navaratri

(Continued From Page 01) The tenth day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or “Dussehra” (also spelled Dasera). Navaratri is

worship of the Divine Mother Durga. The dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar. Each woman wears traditional three coloured dress during Navaratri.

Navaratri represents a celebration of the Goddess Amba, (the Power).

an important major festival and is celebrated all over India and Nepal. Diwali the festival of lights is celebrated twenty days after Dasera.

Though there are in total five types of Navaratri that come in a year, Sharad Navaratri is the most popular one. Hence, the term Navaratri is being used for Sharada Navaratri here.

The beginning of spring and the beginning of autumn are considered to be important junctions of climatic and solar influences.

These two periods are taken as sacred opportunities for the

Navaratri or Navadurga Parva happens to be the most auspicious and unique period of devotional sadhanas and worship of Shakti (the sublime, ultimate, absolute creative energy) of the Divine conceptualized as the Mother Goddess-Durga.

A whole chapter in the tenth mandal of the Rigveda addresses the devotional sadhanas of Shakti.

The “Devi Sukta” and “Isha Sukta” of the Rigveda and “Ratri Sukta” of the Samveda similarly sing paeans of praise of sadhanas of Shakti.

In fact, before the beginning of the legendary war between the Pandavas and Kauravas in the Mahabharata – a foundational Sanskrit epic in the Hindu tradition – Lord Krishna worshipped Durga, the Goddess of Shakti, for the victory of the Pandvas.

Lord Brahma is cited in the Markandey Purana as mentioning to Rishi Markandey that the first incarnation of Shakti was as Shailputri.

Further incarnations of the Divine Mother are: Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri in that order. These nine manifestations of Shakti, are worshipped as “NavaDurga”. The fifth chapter of the Rudra Samhita of Shiva Purana also vividly describes the various Divine Emanations of Durga.

paramount in the higher level spiritual endeavors of the yogis and tapaswis.

Gayatri Mantra was the corefocus of daily practice of sandhyavandan (meditation and devotional worship) for everyone. As guided by the rishis, specific sadhanas and upasanas of the Gayatri Mantra were sincerely practiced during the festival period of Navaratri by every aspirant of spiritual enlightenment.This is mostly celebrated in ashoj or karthik.

Traditions of Navaratri

Since the Vedic Age of the Rishies, the devotional practices recommended during Navaratri are primarily those of Gayatri Anushthana.

Navaratri is celebrated five times a year. They are Vasanta Navaratri, Ashadha Navaratri, the Sharad Navaratri, the Paush/Magha Navaratri and the Magha Navaratri.

In the Vedic Age of the Indian Culture, the religious philosophy and devotional practices were focused towards true knowledge and ultimate realization of the supreme power of Gayatri (Bram Shakti).

Of these, the Sharad Navaratri of the month of Puratashi and the Vasanta Navaratri of the Vasanta kala are the most important. The other two are observed by shaktas only.

The Hindu Vedas were the basis of all streams of spirituality and science those days. Gayatri has been the source of the divine powers of the gods and goddesses in the heavens and their angelic manifestations and incarnations.

Gayatri sadhana was also

Vasanta Navaratri: Vasanta Navaratri, it’s nine days are dedicated to the nine forms of Shakti (Mother Goddess) in the month of Chaitra (March–April) and is observed during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Chaitra.

The beginning of this Navaratri also marks the start of the new year as per the Hindu mythological lunar calendar (Vikrami Samvat).

Ashad Navaratri : Ashad Navaratri, also referred to as Gupta, Gayatri or Shakambhari Navaratri, is nine days dedicated to the nine forms of Shakti (Mother Goddess) in the month of Ashadha (June–July).

It is observed during the Ashadha Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon). This is mostly observed by shaktas only Sharad Navaratri: This is the most important of the Navaratris. It is simply called Maha Navaratri (the Great Navaratri) and is celebrated in the ‘pratipada’ (first day) of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Ashvin. Also known as Sharad Navaratri, as it is celebrated during Sharad (beginning of winter, September–October).

Pausha Navaratri: Paush Navaratri is observed during the Pausha Shukla Paksha, the waxing phase of moon, in the month of December– January.

Magha Navaratri: The Magha Navaratri is also a kind of Gupta Navaratri. The waxing phase of moon in January–February marks the beginning of Magha Navaratri.

ANTI-AGEING - BREATHE IT RIGHT

By Yogi Ashwini

If you trace a person from being

an infant to a full grown adult, you will notice, in most cases, a progressive decline in the skin texture and complexion. A baby is glowing pink whereas most adults, even in their prime youth, are plagued with a diseased skin and dull complexion. This is because, in the process of growing up, one is exposed to certain unnatural practices and stimuli from which it was kept protected in the womb.

Take for example, the simple act of breathing. If you observe a baby breathing, you would notice a pronounced abdominal movement.

The stomach inflates as it breathes in and deflates as it breathes out.

If you observe your own breath-

ing patterns, most likely, you will find it to be the opposite and with little or no abdominal movement… this breathing pattern of yours, holds the key to the way you look and your present state of health.

Abdominal breathing maximizes the up and down movement of the diaphragm and ensures that lungs function at their optimal level, that is, they throw out spent air completely and also adequately replenish the body with fresh air from the environment. A decreased lung activity causes toxic residue to stay put in the body manifesting as disease and loss of natural radiance.

Our physical body, formed of the five elements, is a grosser reflection of the next layer, commonly

known as the aura, which comprises of various energy centers and channels, called chakras and nadis respectively.

The physical lungs and respiratory system, for example, are a reflection of the functioning of the anahat chakra in the etheric body.

These chakras interpenetrate the physical and etheric layers, spiraling three and a half times in clockwise, and three and a half times in the anti-clockwise direction. When a chakra moves clockwise it is pulling fresh prana in, and while in reverse motion, it is throwing out heavy prana. Our hyperactive lifestyle and artificial environment, results in decreased activ-

ity of the chakras hampering the proper exchange of prana. As a result, there is a congestion of prana in the pranic layer and the physical body being a reflection of the pranic body, shows symptoms of old age and disease. The book ‘the ageless dimension’ details specific practices from the Sanatan Kriya to stimulate and ensure optimal functioning of the various chakral points to prolong youth and radiance. For the specific example of the act of breathing, one may practice the Ujjai pranayam.

Yogi Ashwini is the Spiritual Head of Dhyan Ashram and can be reached atwww.dhyanfoundation. com.

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Austin South Asian | October 2016

BAPS Charities Austin Asian American Donates $100,000 To TNC To Film Festival Help Plant A Billion Trees (Continued From Page 18)

(Continued From Page 11) I would like to command BAPS Charities and its unique civil mobilization that transcends nations, states, and ages harnesses a deep sense of volunteerism and inspires and as w e l l

Sandy, also doing relief work globally not just locally, and they are visionaries in this kind of work.”

In addition to the annual Walkathon, BAPS Charities actively supports environmental sustain-

BAPS Charities is a well-respected and trusted name.

It has amassed over 50 years of firsthand experience in initiating, managing, and sustaining 160 humanitarian operations throughout the world in such

The full festival lineup will include a cross-section of feature films from Asian and Asian American filmmakers, and the extensive shorts program will be accompanied for the first time by a cash prize for best narrative and documentary shorts, to be awarded by a jury of local community figures and film professionals. For details and updates, visit the AAAFF website at aaafilmfest.com.

CALENDAR LISTING Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF) Thursday to Sunday, November 3-6 Blanton Auditorium, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin, TX, 78701

A selection of Asian and Asian American films from established masters and exciting newcomers alike, including the documentary TYRUS (about famed ex-Disney artist Tyrus Wong) and Hirokazu Koreeda’s AFTER THE STORM. Early bird badges and passes go on sale Sept. 21 and regular tickets in October. For details and tickets, visit aaafilmfest.com.

ABOUT AAAFF The Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF) promotes Asian and Asian American cultures and experiences through the media arts by showcasing top quality cinema and supporting the creative talents of Asian American artists. www. aaafilmfest.com

APPEAL TO NON PROFITS Please help us in updating the contact information.

Please email correct information if you think the published information needs update. empowers us to step up the environmental challenges of our times.

You are our true partner in conservation. Thank you.”

TNC staff joined BAPS Charities at 28 of the walk locations around the country to participate as walkers alongside BAPS Charities volunteers, and also provided regional and national updates of their work.

Across all Walk Green 2016 events, The Nature Conservancy staff commended the strong support of young people interested in environmental preservation.

Jane Miller, Deputy Director of Philanthropy at The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey commented after visiting the Walk Green 2016 in Robbinsville, “I am blown away that an all-volunteer organization can put together something that is this huge and does so much good and involve so many young people.

I understand that BAPS Charities has helped in disaster relief after

ability efforts throughout the year through recycling projects and utilizing solar power.

BAPS Charities is also involved with tree planting and water conservation efforts as well as promoting effective management practices in activities to ensure optimal and efficient energy consumption.

diverse fields as: medical services, environmental services, community services, tribal services, and disaster relief services.

For additional information on BAPS Charities and its international and local philanthropic activities, please visit www.bapscharities.org.

About BAPS Charities

Contact:

BAPS Charities is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit international charity organization committed to sincerely serving the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities.

BAPS Charities

It is affiliated with BAPS as an independent charity and social services arm.

The 55,000 BAPS volunteers networked in over 3,300 centers around the world provide over 12 million volunteer-hours of service annually.

Among social service charities,

Phone: 732-777-1414 ex 140 Email: media@na. bapscharities. org

We appreciate if you can also provide a contact number so that your members / community can reach you. We will also carry this on our website and keep it updated for the benefit of community.

email: info@austinsouthasian.com 512-828-6709

21

Austin South Asian | October 2016

October 2016 Community Calendar We have compiled this event listing based on the information available on the web site (where ever possible) of the community/organization as of third Friday. Please check with the organizers to confirm its accuracy. We request all South Asian organizations to email us (info@austinsouthasian.com) their community calendar on or before 20th of every month, for the events happening next month. We will carry listing of all South Asian non-profit organizations in Austin. If the Name, Contact info is not correct or has changed email us (info@ austinsouthasian.com) the changes you want to see. E&OE.

SCHEDULE: October 01, Saturday, 09:00 AM, Annual Vocal Music Contest - Music Contest for Dussehra Mela at Austin Hindu Temple.

of “Conscious Transformation.”

Nine-week series, led by facilitator Preetam Alluri, through Dec. 14. FREE. RSVP preetam.alluri@ gmail.com. Oct. 5 and 26: Community Room 1, AARC and Oct. 19: Classroom 2, AARC.

the Texas Comptroller and Department of Public Safety, plus roundtable networking session and meet with public agencies and prime contractors. FREE, but please register online. Ballroom, Conference Room, AARC Collaboration.

October 01, Saturday, 06:00 AM, Devi Navarathri - Day 1 D e v i Navarathri Begins - Deeksha Dharana at Austin Hindu Temple. For registration, http://www. austinhindutemple.org/?page_ id=594&event_id=1855

October 06, 20, Thursday, 07:30 PM - 08:30 PM, Qigong and Stress Management Class - Learn how to apply basic qigong principles to everyday activities to let the chi flow. With Dr. Mei Hillhouse. FREE. Community Room 8, AARC.

October 01, Saturday, 07:00 PM, Sonu Nigam and Atif Aslam Live Concert Austin is at Cedar Park Center, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park, TX 78613. For more information, contact Dhoom Production at 512-751-9567.

Tickets: Level 14 - $50.00 Level 13 - $70.00 Level 12 - $80.00 Level 11 - $85.00 Level 10 - $90.00 Level9 balcony with bar - $95.00 Level 8 - $100.00 Level 7 - $115.00 Level 6 - $125.00 Level 5 - $135.00 Level 4 - $150.00 Level 3 - $200.00 Level 2 VIP - $400.00 Level 1 VVIP - $500.00

October 08, 22, Saturday, 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM, Longevitology Practice - Longevitology Practice is offered to those who are interested in maintaining health without medical intervention. FREE. Community Room 8, AARC.

October 15, Saturday, 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM, Fall Holidays Fair - Explore Fall & Winter festivals celebrated in Asia and Beyond! Learn about these celebrations through hands-on activities, demonstrations and cultural performances. Festivals include Yunlin International Puppets Arts Festival, Dussehra, International Day of Peace, Mid-Autumn Festival, Crop Over, National Batik Day and more. Food and beverages available for purchase. FREE. Ballroom. AARC Produced.

October 04, Tuesday, 08:00 AM, Get Motivated! Austin is at The Expo Center, 7311 Decker Lane, Austin, TX 78724. For more information, contact Get Motivated!

Seminars at 800-905-7780. For Tickets & Information visit http:// bit.ly/get-motivated-austin October 05, 19 and 26, Wednesday, 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM, The Inner Matrix Book Club - Explore author Joey Klein’s proven approach to living a truly rich and meaningful life using his core teachings and the practices

October 08, Saturday, 05:30 PM, Bathukamma Festival is at Austin Hindu Temple.

October 08, Saturday, 09:00 AM, Saraswathi puja is at Austin Hindu Temple.

03:00 PM, Matha Ki Chouki is at Austin Hindu Temple.

06:30 PM, DurgAshtami is at Austin Hindu Temple.

October 10, Monday, 06:00 PM, Vijaya Dasami - Deeksha Viramana is at Austin Hindu Temple.

October 10, Monday, 06:30 PM, Sri Saibaba Maha Samadhi Day is at Austin Hindu Temple.

October 12, Wednesday, 01:30 PM - 05:00 PM, GAACC Connect Forum for Minority Business - Are you a minority business and not HUB certified?

Attend the certification capabilities statement workshop conducted by

October 15, Saturday, 12:00 PM, Dussehra Mela and Ravan Dahan - The only place to watch Ravan Dahan - Fun-filled activities with delicious Indian Food, cultural programs, business stalls, kids entertainment, Live DJ, and Ravan Dahan is at Austin Hindu Temple.

October 16, Sunday, 06:00 PM, Falguni Pathak Live Concert DANDIYA 2016 is at Travis County Exposition Center, 7311 Decker Lane, Austin, TX 78724. For more information, contact Dhoom Production at 512-751-9567.

Admisison: Tickets are available at $20, $30 & $35 October 18, Tuesday, 07:00 PM, Karwa Chaudh is at Austin Hindu Temple.

October 20, Thursday, 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM, AARC Nonprofit Community Resource Fair - Get the latest information on health-related resources and services for children, women, elderly and families. Learn about signing up for Obamacare, Medicare, Medicaid, affordable health

clinics, food banks, and healthy living. Interpretation in Burmese, Korean and Vietnamese provided.

Free food and kids activities available. FREE. AARC Ballroom.

ebrated in different regions in India. With music, performances, food and more. Presented by South Asian Austin Moms. Tickets available online. AARC Ballroom.

October 21, Friday, 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM, Contemporary Art from Vietnam Exhibit Opening Reception - Featuring contemporary Vietnamese paintings from the International Modern Art Gallery (Houston) including works by internationally acclaimed Vietnamese artists Pham An Hai, Thanh Chuong, Ha Tri Hieu, Hong Viet Dung, Doan Xuan Tang, and Doan Hoang Lam. Also featuring The Austin History Center’s “Vietnam to Austin: Restoring Community,” which includes powerful personal stories from Vietnamese Americans in Austin. Light refreshments provided. FREE. Ballroom, Hallways, Foyer. AARC Produced.

October 27, Thursday, 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM, Truth Be Told Dinner & Fundraiser - Celebrate and witness stories of women who, through vulnerability and self-awareness, have transformed their lives. Truth Be Told is a non-profit organization providing transformational tools and skills for women behind and beyond bars. Event includes buffet dinner with performance by Sarah Hickman. Details and tickets, $100, online. AARC Ballroom.

October 27, Thursday, Ribbon Cutting for Alliance Abroad Group is at Alliance Abroad Group 1645 E 6th Street, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78702. The event is hosted by Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce.

Free event. For more information, contact, Emily Burdette at 512407-8240.\

October 22, Saturday, 06:30 PM, Super Singer Evening with Arjun & Pragathi at HOGG Auditorium, 501 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701. This event is organized by Indian Student Association. Buy tickets @ austintamilsangam.com Tickets: VIP: $50 General: $20 Child/ Student: $10 October 22, Saturday, 06:30 PM - 10:00 PM, Taste of India - An evening filled with scrumptious food, amazing cultural performances and music organized by India Catholic Association (ICA) of Central Texas as a fundraiser to support Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Inc. (MLF), a local Austin charity and Society of Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, a charitable organization in India.

Tickets, $26, available online.

Ballroom, Foyer.

October 23, Sunday, 02:00 PM - 06:00 PM, Diwali Kids Fest - Kids will learn about Diwali and how it is cel-

October 29, Saturday, 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM, Captivate the Room – Vocal Impact Workshop - Learn valuable voice techniques that set you apart from the competition. Hosted by Tracy Goodwin, author and vocal coach/trainer. $97, register online.

AARC Conference Room.

October 29, Saturday, 10:00 AM, Naraka Chathurdasi is at Austin Hindu Temple.

October 29, Saturday, 12:00 PM, Diwali Mela and Fireworks is at Austin Hindu Temple.

October 30, Sunday, 10:00 AM, Diwali is at Austin Hindu Temple.

October 31, Monday, 06:00 AM, Karthika Masam Puja Begins is at Austin Hindu Temple.

22

Austin South Asian | October 2016

THEME: HORROR MOVIES ACROSS 1. Necklace lock 6. Put into service 9. Slovenly one 13. Center of iris 14. “Platoon” setting 15. Ben Franklin’s invention 16. Naked protozoa 17. First prime number 18. Trail follower 19. *Norman Bates/Janet Leigh movie 21. *2002 horror flick starring Naomi Watts 23. Actress ____ Michele 24. Potato’s soup mate 25. Not hook or cross 28. Fodder holder 30. Before Reuse and Recycle 35. Reunion attendee 37. Baptism or shiva 39. Enter user name and password 40. Delhi wrap 41. Abominable snowmen 43. Swine and avian diseases 44. Signs of things to come 46. “Will be,” according to Doris Day 47. Cohen brothers’ “Barton ____” 48. Public announcement 50. Bit attachment 52. #9 Across’ digs 53. Like pinkish cheeks 55. Boston ____ Party 57. Go off on a ____, or deviate 61. *Jeff Goldblum’s unfortunate teleportation experiment 64. La ____ opera house 65. Freudian topic 67. Sag 69. Per ____, or yearly 70. Black and white sea bird 71. “Number the Stars” author 72. None of this for the weary 73. Soap-making ingredient

74. English county

DOWN

1. Number cruncher 2. Coal in a stocking 3. *Killer ones attacked in 1995’s “Congo” 4. Female oracle 5. “Oh, The ____ You’ll go!”

6. “Do ____ others as...”

7. *Movie featuring the killer Jigsaw 8. Be theatrical 9. Recipe command 10. Mischievous Scandinavian god 11. Baker’s baker 12. Shipping hazard 15. Israeli money 20. *Like “The Wolf Man” 22. Of a female 24. 50-50 draw, e.g.

25. *Avenger in a hockey mask 26. Remember this battle site?

27. Chemistry lab glass device 29. *”What ____ Beneath” with Michelle Pfeiffer 31. Remove, as a hat 32. a.k.a. tangelos 33. *Dracula’s title 34. Glorify 36. Short skirt 38. Michael Collins’ country 42. Says, archaic 45. *Neve Campbell vs. Ghostface flick 49. Long period of time 51. Found in a haystack?

54. Diamond datum 56. 1970s big dos 57. Russia’s 1917 abdicator 58. High school breakout 59. Grannies 60. Pig out 61. Puff of marijuana 62. Blues 63. Bygone era 66. Laroche or de Maupassant 68. Eucharist vessel

SUDOKU

Sudoku

Please email your sudoku answers to info@austinsouthasian.com.

Name and photo of the inviduvidual with first correct answer will be published in October 2016 issue.

To Advertise In ASA Call 512-828-6709

23

Austin South Asian | October 2016

Smoking leaves 30-year Legacy On your DNA

Smokers have a “footprint” of their addiction on their genes that could be used to identify, and develop treatments for, smoking-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, according to a new study published Tuesday.

An analysis of almost 16,000 blood samples from smokers, former smokers and nonsmokers found that tobacco smoke leaves a lasting legacy of people’s addiction on the surface of their DNA. Some changes were still seen in participants who had kicked the habit 30 years ago.

and influences whether genes are active or silent.

Studies have showed that smoking can cause these surface changes to DNA and that these changes could be used to measure the risk of particular diseases, such as cancer.

But the new study, published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics, identified the diversity of the affected genes, the strength of the association with smoking and what genes are involved in someone’s risk of disease.

This legacy occurs in the form of chemical changes to the surface of DNA that, in turn, affect how particular genes function, known as epigenetic changes.

“We had a very large sample, which gave us a lot of power ... and found sites in the genome where smoking leads to a difference in methylation,” said Dr. Stephanie London, deputy chief of the epidemiology branch of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, who led the study.

The modification identified in this study was DNA methylation, in which a molecule called a methyl group sits on the surface of DNA

“The genes we found to be impacted were ones associated with smoking-related diseases,” she said.

Genetic legacy

Analyzing the genome

ter quitting.

To determine the difference in gene changes between smokers and nonsmokers, the researchers analyzed 15,907 blood samples from 16 groups of participants and searched across their genomes for sites that had these methyl groups attached.

When comparing former smokers with nonsmokers, 185 of the more than 2,600 sites identified as different in smokers continued to harbor these chemical changes.

The team found more than 2,600 sites that were statistically different between smokers and nonsmokers.

These mapped to more than 7,000 genes, equaling one-third of known human genes.

“There were a large number of methylation signals” in smokers, London said.

Among people who had quit smoking, within five years, the majority of these sites had returned to levels similar to those in people who had never smoked.

However, some of the surface gene changes even persisted 30 years af-

“Our study has found compelling evidence that smoking has a longlasting impact on our molecular machinery, an impact that can last more than 30 years,” said Dr. Roby Joehanes of the Institute for Aging Research, a co-author of the study.

“The encouraging news is that once you stop smoking, the majority of DNA methylation signals return to never-smoker levels after five years, which means your body is trying to heal itself of the harmful impacts of tobacco smoking.”

Preventing disease Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. Despite a decline in recent decades, almost 17% of US adults over the age of 18 reported that they

smoked in 2014 -- equating to 40 million adults.

Globally, more than 1.1 billion people smoked tobacco in 2015, with 80% of them living in lowand middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization.

Once someone quits, they remain at risk of developing some cancers, obstructive pulmonary disease and stroke.

The team believes their new insight means DNA could be used to reveal a person’s smoking history in detail, to better inform studies that explore risk factors for diseases like heart disease and lung cancer.

“These would be useful to identify the effects of smoking in (other) studies,” said London.

Understanding these gene changes also provides opportunity to develop -- and target -- new therapies.

(Continued On Page 24)

September 2016 Sudoku Answer Correct Answer: Mr. Yudhveer Bagga

Ms. Ketika Tyagi

24

Austin South Asian | October 2016

Computer Program Led By Indian American Scientists Beats Doctorsat Spotting Brain Cancer A computer program developed by a team of researchers led by an Indian American scientist has out-

cells caused by radiation, called radiation necrosis, or if brain cancer had returned, reported a study pub-

said Pallavi Tiwari, an assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

“On an MRI, they look very similar,” she said.

With further confirmation of its accuracy, radiologists using their expertise and the program may eliminate unnecessary and costly biopsies Tiwari said.

Brain biopsies are currently the only definitive test but are highly invasive and risky, causing considerable morbidity and mortality.

performed physicians in diagnosing brain cancer.

lished online in the American Journal of Neuroradiology Sept. 15.

The program was nearly twice as accurate as two neuroradiologists in determining whether abnormal tissue seen on magnetic resonance images were dead brain

“One of the biggest challenges with the evaluation of brain tumor treatment is distinguishing between the confounding effects of radiation and cancer recurrence,”

recurrence,” Tiwari said.

In the direct comparison, two physicians and the computer programs analyzed MRI scans from 15 patients from University of Texas Southwest Medical Center.

One neuroradiologist diagnosed seven patients correctly, and the second physician correctly diagnosed eight patients.

The computer program was correct on 12 of the 15, the study said.

Smoking leaves 30-year Legacy On your DNA (Continued From Page 23) “We identified many genes affected by smoking,” London said, add-

“This large and well-performed study ... (shows) that while many of these changes are reversible, some are very long-lasting and

To develop the program, the researchers employed machine learning algorithms in conjunction with radiomics, the term used for features extracted from images using computer algorithms.

The team trained the computer to identify radiomic features that discriminate between brain cancer and radiation necrosis, using routine follow-up MRI scans from 43 patients.

Bombay Express Authenitic Indian Cafe 100% Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm 1300 N IH35 Building #12, Unit # 216 Austin, Texas - 78753

512-491-5055 (Take-Away is possible on all items on the menu)

The team then developed algorithms to find the most discriminating radiomic features, in this case, textures that cannot be seen by simply eyeballing the images.

“What the algorithms see that the radiologists don’t are the subtle differences in quantitative measurements of tumour heterogeneity and breakdown in microarchitecture on MRI, which are higher for tumour

ing that new therapies could target these genes to prevent smokingrelated diseases. “(If) we understand what smoking does, we can potentially intervene.”

Some experts hope the findings will remind people of how harmful smoking can be.

may affect risk of future disease even though the person has stopped smoking,” said Jeremy Pearson, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation.

“It further emphasizes the point that while giving up smoking is a very important way to reduce risk of serious disease, it is even better to not start at all,” he said.

CHILDREN ARTICLES

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25

Austin South Asian | October 2016

Australian Gallery Returns Two Sculptures To India Worth $840,000 CANBERRA — Australia’s prestigious art gallery Sept. 19 returned

can art dealer Subhash Kapoor in 2005. Kapoor is currently lodged

new photographic evidence that indicates the sculpture was in India as late as the 1990s.

“This new evidence means the NGA cannot legally or ethically retain these works, and returning them to India is unquestionably the right thing to do,” Gerard Vaughan, NGA director said, adding, “We have been working closely with the Archaeological Survey of India and the Indian High Commissioner in Australia to find the best outcome.”

Sharma said that the gesture of returning art pieces has taken the relationship to a new level as the artworks carried an emotional value for India.

Sharma will be taking another piece of artwork called “seated Buddha.”

He thanked the Australian government for the gesture and lauded the role of Suri on working towards building the bilateral relation.

Sharma said the artworks will now be placed in National Museum in India.

to India two sculptures, including a third century rock carving, worth $840,000 bought from an illegal Indian art dealer in 2005.

Australian Arts Minister Mitch Fifield handed over a 900-year-old stone statue of Goddess Pratyangira and a third century rock carving of worshippers of the Buddha to Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma at Canberra-based National Gallery of Australia.

The ceremony was also attended

by Indian High Commissioner Navdeep Suri.

The ceremony took place in the gallery which houses almost 5,000 pieces of Asian art.

The NGA had bought the two pieces from disgraced Indian Ameri-

in Trichy Central Prison.

Last year, the NGA research team examined new photographic evidence from the French Institute of Pondicherry that indicated a sculpture of Goddess Pratyangira which was bought for $247,500 was in India in 1974.

This contradicts the dealer-supplied provenance, suggesting the NGA was supplied with false documentation and it was likely to have been illegally exported from India.

It is believed that the work has now been reported missing to the Idol Wing of the Tamil Nadu Police, NGA said.

The Buddha carving was bought for $595,000 and the NGA was provided with and had verified

The Australian minister said that the important decision to remove the artworks from the gallery was taken after the findings of the NGA. Fifield said there were at least seven more objects in questions which the NGA is currently investigating.

In 2014, former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott handed over to Prime Minister Narendra Modi two antique statues of Hindu deities which were stolen from temples in Tamil Nadu before being bought by art galleries in Australia.

Selected Best Handwriting Name: Prakriti malla Class:8th Country: Nepal

26

Priyanka Chopra’s Red Hot Look Wins Her A Best Dressed Spot at The 2016 Emmys

Every time Bollywood actress and “Quantico” star Priyanka Chopra makes an award show appearance, she leaves everyone stunned. And the 68th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, where she was one of the

The 34-year-old paired the flowing chiffon outfit with Brian Atwood heels, a pair of diamond studs and a sleek ponytail. Her glamorous look was capped off with a red lip look. Channeling her inner diva, a radiant Chopra twirled, blew kisses and pretty much slayed on the red carpet, earning the honor of one of the best dressed celebs on the red carpet.

presenters, were no exception.

When a reporter asked if she was nervous before the Emmy red carpet, Chopra said, “No nerves, only for the heat outside, can’t wait to get inside air-conditioning. I am conserving my energy.”

When asked about Season 2 of “Quantico,” she said, “It’s an explosive first episode.

At the end of the first episode, people are going to say ‘wait, what?’ But that’s what we like. Guys, it is ‘Quantico.’”

Chopra, who is fast becoming a style icon in the west, amped up the glam as she glided down the red carpet in a one-shoulder cutout crimson Jason Wu gown Sept. 18 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, and the paparazzi could not have enough of her.

Chopra and Tom Hiddleston (“Thor”) presented the ‘Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special’ award to “The Night Manager” director Susanne Bier.

But what grabbed eyeballs was their palpable chemistry on stage.

As the pair made their way to the microphone, Chopra repeated her twirl on stage and Hiddleston lent her a hand.

But if reports are to be believed, their camaraderie continued beyond the award ceremony. According to a report by E! News, the two were possibly “flirting” at the Governor’s Ball. The pair was “openly flirting with each other” at the Emmys after-party in between snapping selfies and mingling with guests, said the report.

The duo met superstar Rajinikanth at his residence for an extended conversation and his blessings.

Dhoni posted the video of meeting with the superstar on Facebook. Rajinikanth’s wife Latha can be seen updating the actor with details of the film.

Earlier at an even to promote the film, MS Dhoni said, “Tamilnadu is one of my favorite places in India

Dhanush’s ‘Visaranai’ Vies For Best Foreign Film At Oscars 2017 Actor Dhanush is elated over his production and critically acclaimed Tamil drama “Visaranai” becoming India’s official pick for the Oscars 2017 in the Foreign Language Film category.

He has thanked everyone for believing in him and supporting his

to Oscars from India. Proud moment for Wunderbar Films and Vetrimaaran. Dream big.”

It is the ninth Tamil film to have been chosen as a hopeful to bring the Oscar statuette to India. Kamal Haasan’s “Hey Ram” (released in 2000) was the last film in the lan-

“Tom had his arm around her and held her close. Afterwards, Tom and Priyanka talked closely and were holding hands at one point for a few moments,” a source told the entertainment Web site. “Priyanka fixed Tom’s bow-tie and then the two kissed on both cheeks.”

Hiddleston is currently single after his whirlwind romance with Taylor Swift ended less than two weeks ago. They reportedly exchanged phone numbers before embracing in a “long hug” and “several kisses on the cheek.” “Priyanka and Tom said goodbye and she told him that she will see him later,” added E! News. “They left the event about a minute after each other.”

MS Dhoni To Meets Superstar Rajinikanth Indian limited overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and actor Sushant Singh Rajput are in Chennai to promote the cricketer’s biopic, ‘M S Dhoni: The Untold Story’.

Austin South Asian | October 2016

and this was the main reason I took up the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings.

I have experiences of having food in various parts of India but I can say that Chennai’s Biryani is the best I had and its difficult to find Biryani with such a taste in any part of the country. I have great respect for the dressing sense of Tamilnadu ladies.”

When fans asked Dhoni about his favorite actor, Dhoni proudly says that he is a big fan and follower of Superstar Rajinikanth and he imitated the actor with the famous Superstar dialogue “En vazhi Thani Vazhi” .

vision. The announcement was made Sept. 22.

Based on the novel “Lock Up” by auto-rickshaw driver-turnedwriter M. Chandrakumar, the film is about organized crime within the police force.

It also throws the spotlight on police brutality. “Visaranai,” helmed by filmmaker Vetrimaaran, stars Dinesh, Samuthirakani, Ajay Ghosh and Kishore.

“Visaranai” was produced by Dhanush, who had released the film under his home banner Wunderbar Films.

The film earned critical acclaim earlier last year when it had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival. It also won National Film Awards.

Dhanush released a statement after the announcement, expressing his gratitude.

The statement read: “Good evening everybody. This is just turning out to be a glorious day. After the super positive initial reports for ‘Thodari,’ now ‘Visaranai’ has been selected as the official entry

guage to compete.

Last year, India put Marathi film “Court” in the Oscar race. “Mother India,” “Salaam Bombay!” and “Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India” are the only Indian films that made it to the top five in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Academy Awards.

Dhanush added: “My sincere thanks to all those who believed in me and my production house.

I would like to thank the fantastic cast of ‘Visaranai,’ Dinesh, Samuthirakani and Kishore.

And I would also like to thank the pillar of Wunderbar Films, my executive producer S. Vinod.

“My thanks to the crew, press, media, well-wishers, my fans and cinema lovers, each and every one of you who watch movies in theaters from the bottom of my heart. It’s a joyous moment for all of us. God bless, spread love.”

The film is expected to release soon as “Vicharana” in Telugu.

27

Austin South Asian | October 2016

Banjo Review: Promising Idea, But The Script is Too Simplistic

Director: Ravi Jadhav Cast: Ritesh Deshmukh, Nargis Fakhri

original music.

It’s a promising idea, but the script

Ever cast even a cursory glance at the fellows who pound their drums in Ganpati processions? Or those that play at navratri pandals? Probably not.

The men in the group all have day jobs: one is a car mechanic, another a newspaper delivery boy, the third plays alongside his father’s shehnai at weddings.

With “Banjo”, Ravi Jadhav, director of celebrated Marathi hits “Natrang, Balak Palak” and “Timepass”, makes a strong case for recognizing small-time street musicians as bonafide artistes who have the potential to create vibrant,

Tarat, meanwhile, is an extortionist working for the local corporator, taking care of his dirty business.

Actor Pravesh Lal Yadav Is All Set To Shine In Bhojpuri Cinema With ‘Ram Lakhan’ A celebrated actor of Bhojpuri cinema, Pravesh Lal Yadav is all set to shine on the screen again. The actor returns to the screen after three long years with a film made under

Lakhan will be played by Pravesh.

Shubhi Sharma is also cast opposite Pravesh in the film.

In a recent interview, Pravesh said

(written by Jadhav and Kapil Sawant) is too simplistic and steeped in cliche.

‘Ram Lakhan’ is a story of two brothers in which the character of

But the group lands the opportunity to show the world what they’ve really got when Chris, a singer from New York, seeks them out to form a band and compose songs

Vir Das Becomes First Indian Comedian To Have Own Netflix Special!

Vir Das is not only the most influential comedian India has today, he is joining a very select list of the top comedians in the world.

After having conducted two back to back successful tours in Amer-

his home banner Nirhua Entertainment ‘Ram Lakhan’.

Tarat (Ritesh Deshmukh) is the leader of a ragtag group of musicians from a Mumbai slum who perform at local events and religious celebrations.

world. This list includes the likes of Kevin Hart, Louis CK, Aziz Ansari, Chris Tucker, Bo Burnham, Bill Burr, Russel Peters to name a few.

The Special will soon be filmed in India in his hometown of Delhi.

Vir’s comedy special will be streamed on the Netflix across the globe in over 100 countries.

that ‘Ram Lakhan’ is a family entertainer with a lot of dance songs and brilliant action scenes.

The film is directed by Satish Jain.

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ica, Das is continuing to break several barriers. Vir Das is now the first ever Indian comedian to have a Netflix Original Comedy Special.

Netflix has, in the past, produced a select number of wildly popular ‘Netflix Original’ comedy specials with the top comedians in the

cuit.

Speaking on it, Vir said, “It’s a gigantic opportunity! Netflix produces Comedy Specials with the biggest comedians out there. I look forward to being an authentic, Indian voice on that world cir-

Plus, it’s a multi-city, multi-country Comedy Special that’s meant for all audiences. We’ve been planning this for a while and I’m honoured they have that kind of faith in me. I’ve put a lot of thought into the things I want to say.”

for a US-based music competition.

To be fair, the film touches upon interesting themes like the power of performing from one’s heart over performing for one’s supper.

There is also the group’s desperate need to feel respected.

But these ideas are only briefly flirted with, even as the script takes familiar and formulaic turns.

There is wit in the dialogue, especially in scenes depicting the musicians as fish out of water in posh places.

And there’s genuine feeling in those bits where we learn about the simple dreams that these men are nursing. But alas the film’s weaknesses far outnumber its strengths.

There is literally nothing original or unpredictable about how the story unfolds. Jadhav knows his characters and their world but fails to set It up dramatically.

The acting is serviceable at best, but watching Nargis Fakhri on screen, you still feel like she’s in the wrong profession.

There isn’t a moment on screen not one that she looks or sounds convincing.

Part of the reason you stay in your seat nevertheless is the entirely hummable music score that VishalShekhar have come up with.

And a word for Riteish Deshmukh, who appears to be the only one here making any effort.

From the body language to the cockiness, his Tarat may be the single interesting character in this ordinary film.

In the end, the notion of a film about an undervalued genre of musicians is more compelling than “Banjo” itself.

It starts out from a promising place, but fails to make any leaps or strides.

I’m going with a generous two out of five.

28

Austin South Asian | October 2016

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