AUSTIN SOUTH ASIAN. NOV. 2017

Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 10 No. 11

Austin Desi Christmas Austin Christian Fellowship of India www.acfi.cc Christmas is a joyous celebration when Christians around the world remember the birth of Jesus Christ.

people from their sins. He is “Immanuel” which means “God with us”. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes

BAPS Charities

By Ashish Patel BAPS Charities supported The Na-

October 7, 2017, BAPS Charities presented TNC executives and pro-

inside

November 2017

Thoughtful Holiday Gift.02 IACT............................04 Facts And Myths...........05 Differences For Children.6 Arun’s Scribblings.........06 Buying/Leasing Vehicle.07 College More Affordable.8

Christians believe what the Bible teaches that Jesus is the Son of God who was born to save His

in Him should not perish but have everlasting life - John 3:16. (Continued On Page 13)

By Ashwin Ghatalia Advisory Board Member IACT

This mid-term election is important for Central Texas since it entails voting for several city council members in Austin and surrounding cities, governor, senator , state representatives and county officials who affect our lives more directly and tangibly.

ture Conservancy (TNC) through Walk Green 2017, a series of walkathons hosted by BAPS Charities in centers across the country. On

gram leadership with a check for $165,000. (Continued On Page 19)

December Christmas Special

Election 2017- 2018 $75K for Children YOUR VOTE COUNTS Education in Pakistan 512-828-6709

Forum Election 2018 Bracing for election 2018, I A C T a l o n g w i t h A PA PA (Asian a n d Pacificislander American Public Affairs) invite you to an information session, All are invited to this free forum.

(Continued On Page 21)

By Sumaiya Malik Sunday, October 15 marked the annual fundraiser of The Citizens

Foundation-USA to raise awareness and funds for the education of un-

derprivileged children in Pakistan. Hosted as a kite festival and picnic at Milburn Park in Cedar Park,

Tips For Garage Storage.8 Ways To Cut Sugar.......09 Haunted House............09 5 Game Day Tips..........10 Healthy Holiday Season10 Avoid Scams................11 Malik’s Page........12,14,15 Austin DESI Christmas..13 Child’s Daily Routine.....16 Unexpexted Health.......16 Children’s Page...17,22,23 BAPS Charity Donates...19 1.1b Invisible People....19 Americans Dying Soon..20 Community Calendar....21 Get More Out Of Your...23 Voice Control Security...24 TCF-Austin raised more than $75K Recipe Of The Month....25 (Continued on page Entertainment.........25,26

LOWEST PRICES OF THE YEAR!

2

Austin South Asian | November 2017

AUSTIN’S BEST PRICES! ALL NEW 2017

CAMRY

ALL NEW 2017

COROLLA

ONLY AT

866-797-4354

HURRY IN NOW!

www.CharlesMaundToyota.com

Thoughtful Holiday Gift Ideas For Babies And Toddlers

When planning your holiday gifts for babies and toddlers, why not consider toys and experiences that will encourage them to meet their developmental milestones in the coming years?

the scoop bucket and back again.

“Playtime is not only fun, it’s the ideal opportunity for children to pick up new information and skills, from numbers, language and vocabulary to hand-eye coordination,” says Dr. Clement Chau, director of learning at VTech, a world leader in age-appropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children.

Kids can also sit and play with the

Load the balls into the bulldozer, start pushing the handle and watch the bulldozer come to life with popping balls and fun sounds.

• You can also opt for experiential gifts. Seek out great experiences for babies and young children. From swimming lessons that help a baby get accustomed to the water and feel safe, to classes that expose children to singing and music, in

Great for ages 12-36 months, this toy features colorful balls that pop up through the smoke stack, into

• Help young ones learn about animals with VTech’s GearZooz Roll & Roar Animal Train, which lets them mix and match the 15 included gears, all while strengthening their fine motor skills and problemsolving techniques. Children 1-5 years old can learn about animals when they place the Smart Gear animals on the pegs and press the buttons on the train to explore more. • Encourage story time at home by starting a young one’s little library.

With a focus on making the most of playtime, consider the following gift ideas. • Encourage movement and motor skills with the Pop-a-Balls Push & Pop Bulldozer by VTech.

can use when they and their baby are ready to get started.

Remember, books for babies should be easy to hold, include

bulldozer by pressing the four colorful number buttons to learn colors, numbers, construction objects and listen to music.

many cases, it’s never too early to introduce babies to these skills. Look for local classes offering gift certificates for families that parents

bright bold colors and illustrations, and introduce children to animals, shapes, letters and more. • Foster creativity with the Zoo Jamz Stompin’ Fun Drums by VTech, which let little rockers tap out beats and create their own sounds. Children will practice counting and develop coordination as they follow along with the melodies and sing-along songs. This holiday season, remember that the most thoughtful gifts are those that will help children learn and grow over time. (StatePoint)

FREE CLASSIFIED

info@AustinSouthAsian.com

3

Austin South Asian | November 2017

November is Long Term Care Insurance Awareness Month Health Insurance & Medicare Will NOT Cover Extended LTC Services.

66% of Americans say LTC planning is important

BUT

only 20% have discussed the topic with a financial advisor Please Call Me Today To Start The Discussion

Life Insurance College Planning Travel Insurance Annuities Retirement Planning Critical Illness Long Term Care Disability Income

Varsha Grogan FLMI Independent Life Insurance Agent

Office (512) 989-2223 Cell (512) 569-2032 Email: vgrogan@gain1776.com

1003 Adventure Lane, Suite D, Cedar Park, TX 78613

4

Austin South Asian | November 2017

Elections 2017 And 2018

(Continued from page 1) This first of the series of the meeting will cover governmental organizations at city, county, state and federal levels. Speakers will talk about how our community is organized to get our voice heard and be active participants to ensure good governance. Date: 2nd Dec 2017 venue: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central texas 1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd Austin Tx 78723 Meeting Time: 2:30pm - 4:30 PM Agenda 2:30 Meet and Greet Snacks 3:00 Speakers covering topics such as Federal and State governmentOrganizations Demographics, County and City organizations, 2018 primaries and elections, Our Community organizations 4:00 Q&A 4:30 Adjourn

Candidate for US congress District 25 - Election 2018 Mr. Chetan Panda an energetic accomplished intelligent and highly motivated Indian-American is running for US congress, Texas District 25. Mr. Chetan Panda is graduate of Georgetown University and London School of Economics has has managed a major Mutual fund with responsibility to grow retirement saving of teacher, police and hardworking Americans. Needless to say that he has developed great sensitivity to the needs of our nation and communities atlarge I have found him to be savvy, motivated and with great vision. Considering the needs of our nation we need to send to US congress young, energetic and visionary leaders.

This can happen with community support. The first hurdle he has to cross is to become his party nominee and for that I appeal to all to vote in the upcoming primaries in March 2018. A crucial step in selecting the candidates we want us to represent in the US congress. For more information please visit www.panda2018.com Election 2017 Nov. 7 2017 ( Early Voting Oct 23rd to 3rd Nov.) School Bond election

The project will have technology upgrades, modernization of several school especially those in east side and several rejuvenation programs.

For more information please visit 2017 Bond (https://www.austinisd. org/bond) Travis County general Obligation Bond - 2017 This is a $185 Million bond. nearly half of the money will be spent to improve roadway capacity, drainage, bridge and safety of Pedestrians and bycyclists.

This is crucial as these roads that lie outside the city needs to be improved as an investment in future as our population increases and shifts to outlying areas. The other half of the money will be used for Parks and conservation easements. This is important for not only our quality of life but also to increase appeal of Austin as tourism destination. It might be noted that tourism contributes nearly $6.3 Billion and employs about 52,000 jobs. Please vote your conscience but vote. Your positive vote will enhance city’s future.

For residents of Travis County and City of Austin there are two Bonds up for Voter Approval City of Austin had a $1.05 Billion bond. The bond though large has no implication to your property taxes but caters to a major need for investment in the future of our children.

IACT (Indian American Coalition of Texas)

By Ashwin Ghatalia

IACT Austin has established close connections with the Mayor, Austin City Council members and elected members in the State Legislature - our presence is being recognized! We need to have a strong roster of Indian Americans as active, due paying members to enhance our clout with elected and public officials.

BEE CAVE

English

ACT/SAT-Test Prep

Math

Life Time Membership is only $50. IACT membership is open to any resident in Texas. We need your support and your involvement to empower Indian Americans and make our voices heard in Austin and Texas governance.

leadership programs. Visit www.iactaustin.org and become a member today!

We encourage & support youth

Small Group Setting - Active Teaching - Critical Thinking Emphasizing Confidence & Understanding - PreK to 12th Grade

www.BestInClassEducation.com/Bee-Cave

(737) 484-1370

12400 Hwy 71 #505, Bee Cave, TX (next to HEB) - beecave@bicedu.com

5

Austin South Asian | November 2017

Great Ways To Let Your Style Shine One of the best parts of fall is the chance to sample exciting new styles. From more versatile ensemble choices courtesy of the warmer weather to colorful accessory options – fall fashion is all about trying different things and having some fun with your look.

leria Of Jewelry, where specialists help guests embrace the trend in a way that best fits each individual’s style. There are a few general tips, however.

with some added presence for the longest option to frame the other necklaces.

bolo bracelet.

When pairing different bracelets,

To really make your style shine, try experimenting with color. One easy way to achieve this is to add a bold touch or two with stylish accessories, such as scarves or jewelry.

Here are a few trends to keep in mind as you style yourself. Love to Layer

Integrating jewelry with stunning gemstones can add a sophisticated pop of color to any ensemble.

Layering is a fun and especially convenient style for fall. Whether dressing up a camisole with a light sweater for a professional setting, or going with a trendier style for a night out with a denim or fringe vest, layering helps you to stay cool and still look amazing. The trend isn’t just for clothing, either. Layering is popular in jewelry as well, and the trend is embraced at top retailers like Jared The Gal-

Embrace the Shades of Fall

Those looking for a treat will find just that with collections such as Le Vian, which offers a mix of vibrant gemstones, including the impressive Denim Ombre collection.

When layering necklaces, it’s often best to start with a more petite style at the top and select a piece

ground the selection with a more understated option, and integrate some dimension with a fashionable

-- and, in some schools, they often switch classrooms and share desks

99.9 percent effective at killing germs, some only last for a few

Another popular collection great for summer styling, found exclusively at Jared, is Earthly Treasures Smithsonian. Featuring one-of-akind natural gemstones, such as

London Blue Topaz and Rhodolite Garnet, in heirloom quality settings, the collection offers an elegant way to stand out, no matter where the season takes you. Go for Gold Fall is a great time of year to complement with a fashionable accessory, and nothing stands out quite like gold. When thinking of gold accessories, jewelry is obviously a natural place to start. In addition to embracing the different shades of gold, many are gravitating toward mixed metals. When featuring the different shades of gold, white is often a good choice for the foundation, offering flexibility for pairing yellow or rose gold pieces. During these final warm days of the season, let your style shine. (StatePoint)

Facts And Myths About Germs At School

Everybody seems to have an opinion about germs -- what causes them, where they’re located, how to avoid them -- especially when it comes to children. Experts say that American children miss 22 million days of school annually due to colds, flu and other infections.

“Avoiding germs at schools isn’t as simple as just washing your hands in the bathroom or sneezing into your sleeve,” says Charles Gerba, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and environmental sciences at the University of Arizona. “Germs are on everything kids touch in the classroom, as well as around the hallways, cafeteria and playground.” With this in mind, it is important to separate facts from myths about germs in schools. • Fact: Desks Are Among the Most Germ-Prone Items. It’s true! Students spend most of the day at their desks -- sneezes, coughs and all

• Fact: Germs Can Affect Kids Outside the Classroom. Germs in schools aren’t just isolated to classrooms. They are everywhere, including cafeteria trays, playground jungle gyms and sports equipment.

• Fact: Backpacks Carry More Than Just Books. Backpacks go everywhere -- to classrooms, inside lockers, in the cafeteria, in locker rooms -- and collect various germs throughout the day.

In fact, the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine found 63 percent of gym equipment is contaminated with rhinovirus, which causes the common cold.

Periodically clean backpacks inside and out. And make sure lunches and other food items, as well as gym clothes, are packed in separate bags to avoid cross-contamination of germs.

Reminding children to wash their hands before and after using these items (and wiping them down) will go a long way toward preventing sickness.

with others. At the end of the day, students bring home that cocktail of germs to their families. • Myth: Any Hand Sanitizer Will Do. According to research from the University of Colorado at Boulder, people carry an average of 3,200 bacteria on their hands. While most hand sanitizers are

minutes or until the application dries on the skin. Therefore, parents should consider applying hand sanitizers for their children that last throughout the day, such as Zoono’s GermFree24, which is proven to last for 24 hours on skin and is available as both a foam and a spray.

• Myth: Sticking Things in Your Mouth is Child’s Play. Sure, curiosity might drive preschoolers to stick items in their mouths that don’t belong. However, older students who nervously chew on pen caps, especially ones they borrow from classmates, or on their own fingernails during tough tests, are susceptible to picking up the germs that are traversing through school.

• Myth: Sharing is Always Caring. Just about every school supply -- from pens and pencils to headphones to sport jerseys -- can be a vehicle for harmful bacteria. Make sure children are armed with their own items, including mechanical pencils to avoid using the classroom’s pencil sharpener, and avoid sharing their supplies with classmates. When it comes to germs, separating myths from facts can help you have a happier, healthier school year. (StatePoint)

6

Austin South Asian | November 2017

HOME LOANS * * * * *

No Cost Refinance Low Interest Rates Purchase or Refinance Excellent Customer Service Free Pre - Approval

Ajay Kamboj

Austin First Mortgage 13284 Pond Springs Rd STE 203, Austin, TX 78729

(512) 934-0512

Loan Officer License # 84989

ajay@austinfirstmortgage.biz

Scribblings By Arun BE LUCKY AND BE WISE

Ordinary People Making Extraordinary Differences For Children With Cancer

Have to be in life,twice at least, Be real lucky, be fortunate. First at birth to whom we are born, Next in marrying the chosen one.

In first instance we have no choice If not lucky can blame many. In the second, we have a choice If not lucky can’t blame any.

more than $118 million to the cause and is making strides to help increase awareness to encourage others to get involved.

We are fortunate and lucky If parents are good and wealthy. We are fortunate and lucky If the spouse is Wise and Healthy.

At least in this let us be wise , Suffering in life, otherwise

Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus or New York. Since 2013, the company has donated $2 to The Aflac Foundation for every use of the hashtag

FREE CLASSIFIED

info@AustinSouthAsian.com

Austin South Asian Editor: Bala Kumar Marketing: Jayachitra Vijay -512-828-6709 Production: Jyothi Mariswaran Admin: Sharada Dayanidhi Publisher: Vidya Kumar Circulation: Vasooda Kumar info@austinsouthasian.com I ©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. 512-828-670I I info@austinsouthasian.com www.austinsouthasian.com

#Duckprints across social media, up to $1.5 million per year. To learn more about how you can help, visit aflacchildhoodcancer. org. With more support and increased funding, more children can get the care they need. (StatePoint)

CHILDREN ARTICLES When it comes to helping children with cancer, amazing new things are possible -- as long as there is funding. And it’s not just doctors and researchers who can make a difference, it can be anyone volunteering at their local hospital, planning fundraisers, or simply just spreading the word – all paving the way for a brighter future for children with cancer. Luckily, efforts are being made to help by both private businesses and individuals across the country. For example, Aflac has raised and contributed

Children Email Us Your Articles To See It In Print

info@austinsouth asian.com

7

Austin South Asian | November 2017

What You Should Know Before Buying Or Leasing A Vehicle This Fall Fall is a popular time to purchase a new vehicle, with new models hitting dealer lots, and significant savings on current model year cars and trucks.

views or “first drives” on YouTube can help give you a detailed view on vehicles before heading into a showroom.

maintenance costs. As a general guide, transportation expenses should be less than 20 percent of your monthly budget.

Whether this is your first purchase or you’ve done this before, there are more choices than ever when it comes to makes and models of vehicles, and financing options for securing one.

This information will also come in handy when it comes time to negotiate. Consult reputable independent sources beforehand, like Consumer Reports and Edmunds, to compare vehicles you’re considering. While not as impartial, video re-

• Decide whether to buy or lease: Consider your lifestyle and budget when exploring financing or leasing options. Be sure to review your credit report, as your score can affect whether you’re approved for financing and the rate you’ll receive. Also, consider new options, such as leasing used vehicles, which are now being offered through institutions like Ally Financial.

Before heading to the dealership, follow these tips to prepare. • Do your research: Online reviews and safety ratings can be helpful in choosing the car that fits your needs and lifestyle.

when deciding on trade-in options.

This research can also help you identify questions for your dealer or make you aware of features you can experience while on a test drive, like lane departure warnings or self-parking technology. • Know your budget: Automotive expenses include monthly payments, car insurance, fuel and

Use free resources, such as Ally’s online car payment calculator, to help determine what is realistic for your budget; it’s available at allywalletwise.com/calculator. If you have a vehicle that you will be trading in or selling, estimate its value using tools like Kelly Blue Book. This will come in handy

Whatever option you choose, be sure to know the details of your agreement, whether leasing or financing your car. • Test drive: Don’t forget to do some hands-on research, as well. Test drive each of your top choices to determine your favorite. You should feel comfortable, confident and safe behind the wheel of the car you select.

The longer the test drive, the better. Give yourself as much time as possible to notice the details and get a feel for the vehicle. Most dealers have a predetermined test route, but if you drive a variety of roads, this may not be enough. Ask your salesperson to go for a longer drive that includes highways and backroads. Before or after your test drive, explore the vehicle, touch every button, program the navigation, climb into the backseat, open the trunk or hatch. More tips for owning or leasing a car can be found at allywalletwise. com. Remember that purchasing or leasing a car is a major financial step. Do your research to ensure you’re making the best decision for you. (StatePoint)

Six Ways To Bring Warmth Into Your Home This Fall With the shorter days and cooler nights of fall can come the urge to hibernate. But first prepare yourself and your home for the season with these cozy and warm accents that will make time spent indoors cozier.

wash for a look that will instantly revive brick and brighten the space. Before you get started, prep the

3. Layer, Layer, Layer. Bare floors can make your home feel chilly. Warm up a space by layering area

1. Incorporate Metallic Décor. While you’re breaking out the pumpkins, cornstalks and cornucopias, take a different approach this season and incorporate copper or brass accents. These metallic items will elevate décor, and the orange and yellow tones will complement the changing leaves outside. Try picking out a unique candelabra or vase or small decorative pieces to style the room. 2. Makeover the Fireplace. Fireplace season is on the horizon, so start thinking about new ways to make it the focal point of a room. Try painting it with a subtle white-

4. Update the Guest Bedroom. With the holidays on the horizon, there’s no better time to give your guest bedroom a cozy update.

pletely transform a room. Start by filling in any imperfections, sanding and cleaning the surfaces to be painted.

Surprise overnight guests by painting the room a moody green or blue that is on trend and sets a relaxing tone. Don’t forget to incorporate little touches like books or a plant on the nightstand to make them feel at home.

Then, you’ll want to tape off the wall next to the trim so your handiwork looks like that of a professional.

5. Update Window Coverings. Heavy drapes keep out drafts and make a room feel luxurious. Switch out summer sheers for curtains with a heavier weight, or layer drapes for an elegant look. fireplace by scrubbing brick with a wire brush to remove any residue.

rugs on hardwood floors or to an already carpeted area.

Then, tape off any areas you don’t want painted with a quality painter’s tape like FrogTape brand painter’s tape, to prevent paint bleed and achieve professionallooking results.

Not only will this add color and texture to a room, the extra cushioning will ensure feet avoid the cold, so you can keep your slippers tucked away.

6. Don’t Underestimate the Power of White Paint. Vibrant doesn’t always have to mean using bold colors. Make a space feel brand new again by repainting wood trim a crisp white color. It may seem like a tedious task, but with a little effort, you can com-

For this job you’ll want a quality product like FrogTape painter’s tape, treated with patented PaintBlock Technology, to help ensure your work looks professional and allows you to achieve the sharpest paint lines possible. When painting trim, opt for a semigloss paint to make elements stand out. For different project inspirations, visit FrogTape.com. Grab your pumpkin spice latte and start adding little touches like these to your home, for a cozy and stylish season. (StatePoint)

8

Austin South Asian | November 2017

8 Tips For Maximizing Garage Storage

Most people are pressed for garage space, regardless of the size of their house, from DIYers overwhelmed with tools to moms searching for places to store holiday decorations.

Toter, a leading manufacturer of carts, cans and containers for use in a wide range of home and work waste management and storage solutions, is offering the following tips for making more of precious garage space. • Keep trash in its place: To keep trash and odors contained, select a mobile trash cart with a tightfitting lid that’s compatible with your haulers’ pickup requirements and comes with a warranty. Some manufacturers also offer cart and can liners and deodorizers to keep your garage smelling fresh. • Invest in a multi-purpose job box. Most people tend to have the wrong size toolbox for their needs. Consider the shape, capacity and

compartments needed for your tools.

Rolling options are great for work done only at home, while a job box may be better for those who

strength, durability and security of a large metal box with enhanced maneuverability. • Build up, not out: Ceiling storage racks are an excellent way to

• Choose multipurpose storage: Needs can change over time, so invest in storage that can be used for a variety of items in multiple ways. For example, large, durable totes can hold lawn gear, tools or camping equipment. • Think mobility: Being able to move containers within the garage is important. However, the ability to move them into your vehicle and hit the road quickly also makes life a lot easier.

do work elsewhere. If portability is important, look at lighter-weight options. New plastic job boxes, such as the Toter HardHead, combine the

use what would otherwise be dead space. Many racks are designed to fit directly above the area where an automatic door goes up and down. Peg boards for tools and stackable totes are also good choices.

According to Jeniffer Coates, director of product development and warranty for Toter, “Heavy metal containers are difficult to move, and cheap plastic bins are often too flimsy to stand up to long-term or outdoor use. Consumers will get the most mileage from durable, impact-resistant plastic containers.” These can cost a bit more upfront, but will stand the test of time.

• Protect items: Moisture and pests cause problems in even the cleanest garage. Look for durable storage containers with tight-fitting, critter-resistant lids. • Categorize: Assign and colorcode dedicated areas for each type of item -- tools, decorations, lawn equipment, etc. -- to avoid the hassle of searching. • Allow room to grow. While it can be tempting to stuff every square inch, try to leave room for future additions. To ensure everything deserves the space it’s occupying, do a yearly purge of unneeded or unused items. For more information on finding the right storage solutions for your needs, visit toter.com/storage-solutions.Keeping the garage in order is a necessary evil, but with a solid game plan and the right equipment, it’s easier than you think. (StatePoint)

Alternative Ways To Make College More Affordable A college education is one of the largest expenses you’re likely to have in your lifetime, second only to buying a home. Unfortunately, the cost has increased dramatically in recent years.

• The average cost of a typical undergraduate college course is $1,782.

50-year-old credit-by-examination program accepted by more than 2,900 schools and universities.

In high school, take as many Ad-

Check to see if the colleges you are

Students can use Modern States’ 40+ tuition-free online courses -all taught by top college professors -- to prepare for the AP and CLEP exams.

Tuition plus fees at four-year public colleges jumped 71 percent over the last decade, forcing many would-be degree seekers to delay or even forgo attending college.

• One advantage of CLEP tests is that they are offered every day at thousands of testing centers. AP exams can only be taken in high schools in May.

For others, it’s meant heading to school while taking on large amounts of debt. Today, however, new solutions are popping up to address the college affordability crisis. Most people know about grants and scholarships. Students can now also consider alternate paths to college credit, helping them graduate faster and more affordably, say experts. Here’s what you need to know:

tiative developed by Modern States Education Alliance, a charity dedicated to making a college degree more affordable and attainable for everyone.

vanced Placement (AP) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) courses as you can handle, increasing your opportunity to earn college credit and save money on tuition.

considering accept CLEP credit, and then work hard to succeed on one or more of the 32 CLEP exams. CLEP courses and exams are rigorous, but shorter and not as challenging as AP.

• The College Board’s CLEP, while not as well-known as AP, is a

• Consider new programs such as “Freshman Year for Free,” an ini-

Modern States is paying the AP and CLEP exam fees for the first 10,000 test-takers, making the program, which also includes free textbooks and practice questions, totally free. “This is a great on-ramp to college and an opportunity to save both time and up to 25 percent of the rising cost of a degree,” says Steve Klinsky, founder and CEO of Modern States Education Alliance.

To learn more, visit modernstates. org. • Attending community college for the first two years and then transferring to a four-year institution offers another opportunity to cut costs. Dual-enrollment programs, whereby students take college courses at a city or community college while still in high school, are another great way to head to college with some credits under your belt. More than one-third of Americans ages 30 and younger who haven’t attended college attribute their decision to the high cost, according to a Federal Reserve survey. In fact, U.S. student loan debt stands at an all-time high of $1.34 trillion. Don’t miss out on an education or let it saddle you with debt. Seek out alternative methods for earning college credits. (StatePoint)

9

Austin South Asian | November 2017

Easy Ways To Cut Back On Sugar

Nationwide, 30 million children and adults have diabetes, and 86 million are prediabetic, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

no other nutritional benefit, and at excessive levels, disrupting your metabolism, and potentially posing

Cormick, Corporate Dietitian at Nutrisystem offers the following tips:

November is National Diabetes Month, and an excellent opportunity to take steps to decrease your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

• Flavor Your Water. A 12-ounce can of soda has as much as 40 grams of added sugar. Skip the soda and drink water sweetened with fresh fruit and herbs, like strawberries and basil or lime and mint.

A leading risk factor for Type 2 diabetes is being overweight. But the good news is, according to the ADA, losing just seven percent of your body weight can decrease that risk by 58 percent. One way to manage your weight is to cut back on sugar, which can often be a sneaky source of weight gain. Before getting started, it’s important to remember that many healthy foods naturally contain sugar, a carbohydrate your body burns for energy. Processed sugars are different, adding calories that provide

• Sweeten with Spices. Replace sugar from coffee, hot cereal and other foods with spices that have a naturally sweet taste, such as vanilla, cinnamon and cardamom, instead.

serious health risks. The USDA’s dietary guidelines recommend that added sugar account for less than ten percent of your daily calories -- that’s a maximum of 50 grams a day for average women and 62.5 grams for men. To keep your sugar consumption in the healthy range, Courtney Mc-

• Hold the Ketchup. You know baked goods and candy are loaded with added sugar, but so are many foods you may not think of as especially sweet. A tablespoon of ketchup, for instance, has four grams of sugar. Salsa, barbecue sauce, spaghetti sauce and even bread are hidden sources of sugar.

• Start with Plain. The fruit in the bottom of your yogurt can come with 25 or more grams of added sugar. Buy plain yogurt and add your own fresh or dried fruit. • Snack on Fruit. One cup of blueberries, for example, has seven grams of natural sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth, but the fruit also comes with fiber to help you feel full and slow the breakdown of the sugars, so you don’t crave more calories soon after eating it.

• Bake with Applesauce. Eating fewer baked goods is sure to reduce your sugar intake, but when the occasion calls for you to make a cake, replace a third of the sugar in the recipe with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce. For a delicious no-sugar added applesauce recipe, visit leaf.nutrisystem.com/recipes. • Eat Right and Often. When you’re hungry, you crave calories and that too often leads to sugary snacking. Reduce between-meal munching by eating healthy, filling foods four to six times a day. Programs like Nutrisystem provide portion-controlled meals and snacks throughout the day, giving you the structure you need to eat right. This National Diabetes Month, make small swaps to reduce your sugar intake and more easily manage your weight. (StatePoint)

Haunted House And Halloween Industry Now A $10 Billion Industry

Halloween is big business. The commerce of Halloween in the U.S. should exceed $10 billion during the 2017 season, according to Hauntworld.com, the industry’s leading website. That’s a lot of candy, costumes, decorations and tickets to haunted attractions.

hayrides.

Haunted attractions strive to make guests feel like they’re experienc-

es, haunted hayrides and escape rooms. This season, families have many

One of the largest growth areas in the Halloween trade is the explosion in number and quality of commercial haunted house attractions, haunted farms, corn mazes, hayrides and other spooky venues. More than $1 billion of the $10 billion spending on Halloween is attributed to ticket purchases at themed haunted sites. “Visiting a haunted attraction is now the single most popular way to celebrate the holiday,” says Larry Kirchner, founder of Hauntworld.com, which directs consumers to find and review Halloween attractions around the globe. The site provides locations and information about all major haunts, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and

out the scariest haunted house near them. Families with younger children should head to local farms. Professional Halloween attractions are now often based at family farms, which typically offer traditional pumpkin patches, corn mazes and hayrides to appeal to younger guests.

However, many of these farms transform into spooky attractions by night, featuring actors portraying frightening characters, creepy lighting and elaborate décor to provide fear-based fun.

ing a real-life horror movie, some going so far as to use computer animation, giant monsters and even virtual reality to provide scares guests enjoy. Many haunts now feature new attractions, such as zombie paintball, zombie laser tag, corn maz-

options. Haunted houses have become more realistic, but at the same time, more family-friendly to appeal to larger crowds. So, what is the best way for your family to experience the Halloween haunt craze? Those with teenagers should seek

You can find the best haunted attraction for your family by visiting Hauntworld.com. According to Hauntworld.com, these attractions are rated as 2017’s scariest in the U.S. 1. Netherworld - Atlanta - fearworld.com 2. The 13th Gate - Baton Rouge, La. - 13thgate.com 3. The Dent Schoolhouse - Cincinnati - frightsite.com

4. Erebus - Pontiac, Mich. - hauntedpontiac.com 5. Headless Horseman’s Hayrides and Haunted Houses - Ulster Park, N.Y. - headlesshorseman.com 6. Haunted Overload - Lee, N.H. – hauntedoverload.com 7. Nashville Nightmare - Nashville, Tenn. - nashvillenightmare. com 8. Bennett’s Curse - Baltimore – bennettscurse.com 9. The Darkness - St. Louis – scarefest.com 10. Field of Screams - Mountville, Pa. – fieldofscreams.com 11. Factory of Terror - Canton, Ohio - FOTOhio.com 12. Nightmare on 13th - Salt Lake City - nightmareon13th.com 13. USS Nightmare - Newport, Ky. - ussnightmare.com The complete list of the “Best of” scary to not-so-scary attractions is available at: hauntworld.com. There are many ways to give your family an age-appropriate scare this season, no matter where you live. (StatePoint)

10

Austin South Asian | November 2017

Immune Boosting Tips For A Healthy Holiday Season The hectic holidays and chill in the air can take a toll on the immune system and make one more susceptible to cold weather challenges. Stay healthy and vital all season by taking the following steps.

Robinson, PhD, vice president of scientific affairs at Embria Health Sciences, a manufacturer of natural, science-based ingredients that support wellness and vital-

tamin C tablet. Those that contains Embria’s ingredient EpiCor, a whole food fermentate made through a proprie-

Be Balanced From eggnog and cookies to champagne toasts at midnight, you may be more likely to over indulge during the holiday season than at other times of the year. Be mindful of what you are eating and drinking at parties and on a day-to-day basis, and then balance out these extravagances with plenty of rest, regular exercise, healthy hydration and an otherwise nutrition-filled diet.

For example, NOW EpiCor Plus Immunity contains Zinc, Selenium, and vitamins D-3 and C, and can give you the nutrition you need to help you make it through the holidays healthfully. To learn more, visit nowfoods.com.

stressful.

While all these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and this supplement is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease, many experts believe they can help maintain your daily health

Use at least some of that time you may have off from work to truly relax, scheduling some down time for yourself -- whether it’s curling up with a glass of green tea and a paperback, taking a bubble bath or doing yoga.

Relax

For a happy holiday season, take steps to treat your body right and to prioritize health and wellness. (StatePoint)

The holiday season is meant to be joyful. Unfortunately, it can also be

Get Some Support

ity. “Good immune health requires more than just getting enough vitamin C.”

“We are learning more each day about what weakens the immune system and how we can strengthen it for better health,” says Larry

For some extra support this season and beyond, consider taking an immune-supporting supplement that goes further than a standard vi-

tary process using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a common single-celled microorganism, have been shown in scientific studies to support the body’s ability to initiate the proper immune response at the appropriate time.

From navigating a shopping mall parking lot on the busiest day of the year to dealing with the extended family, stress can compromise your immune response.

FREE CLASSIFIED info@AustinSouthAsian.com

5 Game Day Tips For The Ultimate Tailgate Whether you’re tailgating at the stadium or a viewing party at home, a true football fan is always prepared for game day fun.

steel scissor legs and a low-profile design that offers portable, porcelain-coated cast iron grilling.

cooler to keep your guests hydrated and happy. The retro designed Coleman 54 Quart Steel Belted

3. Set the mood: A tailgate is not complete without a game day playlist and fun lawn games. Don’t forget portable Bluetooth speakers for music, as well as cornhole boards and ladder ball to heat up the competition.

Cooler holds up to 85 cans with an ice retention rate of four days, allowing your tailgate to continue well after the game ends.

Start with these five game day tips that will take you well into playoff season, even if your team doesn’t: 1. Claim your territory: The early bird gets the worm, so be sure to research potential tailgating spots early, then set up camp as soon as possible on game day. Don’t forget to consider things like shade and flat ground space. Whatever the weather, bring a pop-up tent or canopy for some cover. 2. Fire up the grill: One thing rival fans agree on is the importance of a good burger. The grill is the center of the tailgate, so make sure you’re equipped with one that’s easy to take on the road and set up quickly. Rule the parking lot with the Coleman RoadTrip X-cursion Propane Grill, which features collapsible

4. Libation station: If you plan to crack open a cold beverage with friends, you need a strong, reliable

5. Relax and enjoy: Most importantly, have fun. Regardless of whether your team wins or loses, enjoy spending the time outdoors, making memories with family and friends. (StatePoint)

11

Austin South Asian | November 2017

Tips To Avoid Scams After Storms and Natural Disasters

As if the damage from a natural disaster isn’t enough, consumers trying to rebuild after a natural disaster often face a different danger: a flood of fly-by-night contractors -ultimately raising the risks of subpar repair work and outright scams.

counsel and repair to the thousands of homeowners and businesses hard hit by recent storms, but consumers need to watch out for those providing misleading quotes and services.

Preferred Contractors have joined together to offer tips and advice. • Know the basics. Understanding the basics of the damage to your home will help you avoid the worst

“Unfortunately, there are bad apples who blow into storm damaged areas and natural disaster locations with intentions to cheat and steal from consumers, making it harder for honest businesses and contractors to serve their communities the right way,” says Eric Miller, Owens Corning Roofing and Asphalt. “It is more important than ever for buyers to beware and fully educate themselves before engaging with any contractor.” According to many reports, hundreds of criminal cases are still pending due to fraudulent work in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. Many properly licensed and insured contractors are providing

To help educate consumers on how to identify the right contractors to help them recover, while avoiding scammers and other potential pitfalls, Owens Corning Roofing and their network of independent

cheaters and make you a better, more informed consumer. For example, if someone says your entire roof needs to be replaced but you are unsure, get a second opin-

ion, especially on a newer roof. • Make sure potential contractors are fully insured. Reduce your potential insurance risk by only working with insured contractors and make sure you get proof of Liability Insurance.

state and local licenses; holding at least $1,000,000 in general liability insurance; and going above and beyond local code, with things like proper product usage and nailing patterns.

• Ensure proper licensing. To make sure the job is done right, ensure contractors carry the right licenses and know all the state and local codes and rules.

• Check with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure potential contractors have a good reputation. Check to make sure they have no bankruptcy or leans on the business. You can find out through the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org.

• Confirm potential contractors’ affiliations. A reputable contractor will take additional classes and earn certifications to be affiliated with a major national manufacturer.

Looking for a trustworthy and reliable contractor in your area, but don’t know where to start? Visit owenscorning.com for a list of reliable, vetted independent contractors in your area.

For example, those affiliated with Owens Corning, work to meet high standards and satisfy strict requirements, including a commitment to customer service, business stability and quality; carrying all required

Don’t let a bad situation get worse. As you pick up the pieces after a storm or natural disaster, be sure to work with only reputable contractors who will do the job properly. (StatePoint)

Need New Glasses? Don’t Overlook These Ways To Enhance Your Lenses When it comes to buying new eyeglasses, many people focus on frames, spending hours trying on multiple shapes and colors.

and smudges, and repel dust and water. Additionally, AR coatings can reduce eyestrain caused by

• Light-reactive lenses: Also known as photochromic lenses, these lenses quickly darken in sun-

With so many styles to choose from, it’s easy to forget that glasses are used for a medical purpose and they need to do more than just look good -- they need to work.

Here are some lens enhancements you’ll want to consider “musthaves” for your next pair of glasses.

The coatings can be applied to the front and back of your lenses to help protect them from scratches

• Blue light reduction: Blue light is a high-energy light emitted by digital devices, LED lights, and the sun. Blue light exposure has been linked to digital eye strain. And with screen time continuing to soar, it’s not surprising that digital eye strain has surpassed carpal tunnel syndrome as the leading computer-related workplace complaint in America, according to the Vision Council’s digital ye strain report.

Remember, there are many lenses and enhancements that can be customized to fit your lifestyle and everyday needs.

• Anti-reflective (AR) coating: A good AR or anti-reflective coating can enhance your vision and make your glasses look better by minimizing those annoying reflections.

even reduce exposure to blue light from sunlight and devices.

glare and reflections, and prevent the “halos” you might see from oncoming cars at night. The coating also reduces the reflection of light, allowing others to better see your eyes through the lenses.

light and return to clear indoors, combining the benefits of regular prescription glasses and sunglasses in one convenient package. Light-reactive lenses also reduce light sensitivity, protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and many

Adding a blue light coating to your lenses can reduce your exposure and offer relief from sore, irritated, tired eyes while working, cramming, e-reading, or binge-watching. • Progressive lenses: Lens enhancements aren’t the only way to upgrade your vision experience. For those who have graduated to the sometimes-dreaded presbyopia club, the age-related loss of

the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects, there is new technology that makes adapting to progressive lenses much easier. Additionally, gone are the days of the bifocal, so you won’t have to endure the line in the middle of the lens. Instead, you can enjoy a cosmetically- pleasing lens that allows you to see near, far, and in between effortlessly. To learn more about finding the right lens enhancements, visit vsp. com/eyeglasses-lenses.html. For better vision and protection against eye strain and damage, don’t overlook your lens options. When it’s time to get your next pair of glasses, think beyond fashion and take some time to think through your lenses, considering options that can offer you better vision as well as protection against eye strain and damage. (StatePoint)

12

Austin South Asian | November 2017

Congressman Beto O’Rouke Meets Supporters At The Home Of South Asian American Austinite Muna Hussaini

By Sumaiya Malik

If Congressman Beto O’Rouke has to talk to every Texan in Texas to explain the importance of the up coming senate election on Nov. 6, 2018 when he stands as the Democratic nominee against the incumbent Republican senator Ted Cruz, he will. S uch is the passion of the “Kennedyesque” O’Rouke, elected representative of people of the 16th District of Texas in native El Paso (since 2012). O’Rouke is on tour around Texas stopping in every town he can think of even though most of them have voted Republican in the past elections. He wants to talk to everyone and hear his or her story.

He is looking for human contact where democrats have never gone before in Texas.

This was exactly his plan when he stopped at the home of Austinite Muna Hussaini on Saturday, September 23, to meet his supporters and Texans who were intrigued by him.

nominee.

Hussaini has followed O’Rouke’s campaign for a few years and was trying to raise awareness towards the upcoming elections.

The tall and lean Congressman from El Paso mingled with the attendees with boy-next-door ease. Muna Hussaini, a professional Muslim woman, and community activist who serves on the City of Austin/Travis County Hate Crimes Task force, and speaks for the Anti- Defamation League opened her home to a well organized information giving session/fundraiser for the campaign of the democratic

Austin South Asian saw very few South Asians at ACL. Some turned

When they found out the Jay-Z was coming, they decided to give Austin a try. Thomas confessed that the whole idea of tight immigration and unfriendly welcome made them worry, but they decided to at least try. Atre said that the warmth of the people and the delicious taste of Austin’s food so pleasantly surprised them. They had no trouble with immigration either! Shyna, Brina and Shailesh Patel happily agreed to pose for the Austin South Asian. They were also at the ACL for the first time although they went to UT Austin for Undergraduate Studies.

out to be Hispanic when this journalist asked them of their origin. Here are two sets of attendees who were not only friendly, but also agreed readily for some pictures. Benjamin Thomas and Tapan Atre were spotted having good fun listening to Big Wild and Jackson Stell, an electronic DJ, producer, composer, and engineer at ACL. They came from Toronto, Canada, for the first time to ACL and to Austin to listen to Jay-Z. They said they have attended many festivals in Canada, but never in the US.

Usually a Red State, these elections may have a surprise in store. Atif Sayed came to hear Beto O’Rouke at the Hussaini house.

Born in the US, Hussaini felt caught in the surge of Islamophobia after 9/11. From then on, she started speaking against hate crimes and began taking part in civic engagement to raise awareness to the suffering of innocent people. She tied this up with political awareness and has continuously educated herself and others with what is going on at government levels to suppress hate. She also calls out without hesitation when elected representatives go against their own constituents and promote division in communities.

They were a good sport and helped spot more South Asians for the magazine. We thank them and wish them many happy returns to the festival.

There are two senators representing the whole state of Texas in the US Senate each elected for a period of six years. Republicans John Cornyn (Senior) and Ted Cruz (Junior) hold those seats. Ted Cruz finishes his term in 2018 and has to face election against Beto O’Rouke.

Spotted At ACL

By Sumaiya Malik

in November of 2012, in the upcoming senate elections in 2018, one needs to take a quick lesson in civics.

That being her passion, she invited Beto O’Rouke to her home, in the hope that people understand up close how important it is to give this representative a chance. To understand the role of Beto O’Rouke, elected to represent the people of the 16th District of Texas

He said, “O’Rouke needs to let people know he has a chance.” That will help people sit up. According to Dallas Morning News (April 2017) Ted Cruz was tied at 30 percent with Rep. Beto O’Rourke, an El Paso Democrat who launched his campaign to challenge Cruz this March, in an early poll of the race conducted by the nonpartisan Texas Lyceum. According to the survey 37 percent — responded that they have not yet thought about the race, which is still 12 months away. Politifact (September 17) seconds what O’Rourke said, “the latest polls show us tied neck-and-neck” with Cruz. This election has a chance that a democratic senator might come to the house and the seat will become blue if the undecided voters pay attention to what O’Rouke and Cruz are all about. Hussaini is creating the awareness in a positive way. Hussaini invited o’Rouke to the

mike after the initial meet and greet. She asked her friends to “follow him [O’Rouke] – he is moving.” Here is what O’Rouke said at Muna Hussaini’s home: 1. Wall: “He [Trump] wants to stop refugees and entire group of people based on religion.” “ I am convinced in six months of campaign that we are more than a match for this moment.” 2. It’s been 30 years since democrats won a senate seat in Texas.” When we are in parts of Texas… we are meeting people who care as much as you here today. 3. We will ensure dignity of the people. He said, “We diminish security by marginalizing people.” 4. Everyone should be able to see a doctor. He wants physicians focused on their patients. O’Rouke is fond of Bernie Sanders plan, but will do what he hears from the people of Texas. 5. He stands by dignity of citizenship to those who toiled. When asked about immigration, O’Rouke said, “Texas is a defining border state… making the decision to leave home country to start over again and contribute to American dream.” 6. “My campaign has no corporate cash, no special interest group. We have outraised Ted Cruz by ½ a million dollars.” 7. Here is how to help: Donate up to $2700 at Betofortexas.com. Talk to your neighbors about Beto O’Rouke. 8. Islamophobia: “I am talking to people,” said O’Rouke about hearing the stories first hand. 9. Climate Change: Texas continues to make US energy independent. Texas leads the country in Wind Turbine Technology. High value jobs are connected to it.

13

Austin South Asian | November 2017

Austin Desi Christmas - Christmas With Indian Flavor (Continued From Page 01) That is the reason we celebrate! Jesus was born to die for our sins and do for us that which we cannot do for ourselves - forgiveness of sins, salvation and eternal life. Just as the angels praised God over 2,000 years ago at the birth of Jesus, Christians celebrate by prais-

From its beginning in 2001, Austin Christian Fellowship of India (ACFI) has been a place for Christians from various states of India to come together to worship in their vernaculars and have fellowship with oneness in Christ. ACFI now has over 100 families from various states in India, that

ship and have special programs throughout the year for Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas and New Year’s watch night service.

The Austin Christian Fellowship of India Church has special Christmas programs to celebrate Christmas with an Indian flavor.

include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal We meet every Sunday for wor-

You can find more details at http:// www.austidesichristmas.org. You can also contact Josh David or Vinod Emmanuel at joshua.da-

In addition to being mission-minded to help ministries in India to uplift the downtrodden, ACFI is also active in the Austin community with programs to engage with UT students and serve with local organizations. You can learn more about ACFI, its vision and mission and many ministries at www.acfi.cc

ing God “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” - Luke 2:14.

ACFI is starting a new tradition this year - ACFI’s Austin Desi Christmas!

Christmas season is a special time of the year at ACFI with many special programs to celebrate and to share the joy Christmas with the community, such as Carol Service, Caroling where we visit friends and family’s home to sing carols, assembling care packets to distribute in the community, with the highlight being a special Christmas Day worship with fellowship lunch.

There will be many activities for adults and children. We will have Christmas songs in English and in various Indian regional languages, have plays by children and adults - including a nativity scene - dances from various regions for India, games and crafts for children, family pictures by the Christmas tree and of course Indian snacks.

vid@acfi.cc or vinod.emmanuel@ acfi.cc All are invited to this free event, irrespective of religion or country of origin! Come and celebrate the Christmas season with us! ACFI’s Austin Desi Christmas is on December 2nd at 6 pm at Promiseland Church, 1504 E51st St, Austin 78723. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him - Romans 15:13

14

Austin South Asian | November 2017

Halal Pakistani KaBaBeQue And Lambas Royal Indian Foods Popular At ACL 2017

By Sumaiya Malik

Food truck restaurant KaBaBeQue and Farmers Market restaurant

stall Lambas may be the trailblazer for South Asians at the Austin Eats during Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park this year…

the Chicken Tikka wrap (a recipe closely guarded as the family secret) was in the top twenty eats of Food trucks Austin. Soon COTA (Circuit of the Americas) asked them to become official vendors at Formula 1. “They came to us!” said G o h a r Ta r e e n . Q u i c k l y, one truck multiplied into three and now a fourth one is coming to Steiner Ranch. “ACL is great!” said Gohar. Aus-

By Sumaiya Malik

The owners of both restaurants had festival fans buying meals at all times and both agreed that business was good at ACL. They also noticed the absence of South Asians at the festival. Each business owner had different thoughts about it:

The documentary film, Song of Lahore, directed by Sharmeen ObaidChinoy and Andy Schocken, follows Sachal Ensemble, a group of musicians from Lahore, Pakistan, as they travel from their home in Pakistan to New York City to perform at the Lincoln Center.

KaBaBeQue – the ACL experience @kababequetx

It was released in 2015 and nominated for Tribeca Film festival awards. The film came back in the news when the same Sachal Ensemble on which the documentary is made flew on the 70th birthday of Pakistan to perform at the United Nations this August.

The couple started Kababeque food trailer in 2012 at New Years Eve on 5th Street in downtown Austin. Their location brought many a different customer and by February, the word was out at SXSW that

According to Gohar, 90% of food businesses collapse. Not his! He admitted that the first three months were hard with juggling two jobs and a newborn son, but they really loved the business and Nida, his wife, was a big support. Nida was quite determined as she had a family background in business. Hard work paid off and the business is thriving! Gohar Tareen is disappointed that fewer South Asians come to enjoy the music at ACL, but he would

like South Asians to know that ACL is about good food, good music and family time in a fun way. Moreover, “they should come as Kababique is here!” For more information, visit www.kababequetx. com

Lambas Royal Indian Foods – Farmers Market booth to separate vendor at ACL Garrima Singh Lamba and her husband Gurpreet Lamba started their business with a small booth at Farmers Markets. They would prepare fusion foods from Delhi and Haryana and combine it to the American palate every weekend. They would hit about four or five farmers markets on the weekends and travel from Houston to Austin often. The Lambas provide for vegan,

gluten free and meat options in their menu. They started six years ago at ACL at the farmers market. Now they are a separate vendor since the past two years. When asked if they have seen South Asians at the ACL, Garimma reasoned that the festival ticket is expensive and there is the assumption that this is not a family event. That is not true… Lambas has grown with ACL. They even offer employment to college students giving them the opportunity to work at the business and listen to the ACL music. Lambas now has a commercial kitchen in Leander. Their most popular item is Chicken Vindaloo Curry with mustard seeds. Lambas has been featured in Edible Austin Magazine. You can reach them at 512-351-2980.

Song Of Lahore - A Conversation With Andy Schocken

While South Asians at ACL were few and difficult to spot in the largely white and Hispanic fans of music at ACL, the two South Asian food businesses seemed to be doing well.

First time at ACL, Gohar Tareen and his wife Nida, owners of the food truck business, talked about their excitement at being at the music festival for the first time. They were also the only Halal meat vendor at the festival. This was a big step and so well received!

tin food magazine rated their food wrap as top choice. People love their chicken rice bowl. Their food is fusion from Lahore, Pakistan, where Gohar grew up and Texas where he has lived since the time he turned 16. Gohar, a former call center supervisor at Apple, said, “You have to love what you sell. Only then will it work.”

October 3, 2017

The ensemble is now travelling all over the United States to perform and share the cultural heritage of Pakistan through their classical and fusion renditions of old and modern music. No music lover could fail to be moved by the inspiring story of

The Sachal Ensemble, the subject of Song of Lahore. The musicians come from the

aged. Esteemed musicians were soon out of work, having to hide their in-

The group recreated their old music, but with the changing times started producing jazz music and releasing it on Youtube. The Sachal Jazz Ensemble’s angle on Paul Desmond’s “Take Five” went viral, earning them worldwide recognition and an invitation from Wynton Marsalis to perform at Lincoln Center. The Austin South Asian spoke to Andy Schocken, a cinematographer, co-director and producer of Song of Lahore on the phone when he was filming in Florida.

Pakistani city of Lahore, which for hundreds of years was a thriving center of the arts on the Indian subcontinent. But in 1977, with the establishment of a conservative Islamic regime and Sharia law in Pakistan, most non-religious music was discour-

struments away and to take jobs in coffee shops or driving rickshaws. Izzat Majeed, a producer and cofounder of Sachal Studios rounded up the musicians and with the help of Riaz Hussain, a conductor of great repute, and got the ensemble going.

He talked fondly about his time in Pakistan when he was filming the documentary and also talked about his impression of the country before and after his visit. Andy Schocken said that Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy reached out to him when she needed help in filming Song of Lahore, a documentary she had started on her own. (Continued On Page 15)

15

Austin South Asian | November 2017

TCF-USA Fundraiser Picnic Raises Awareness To Education For The Underprivileged

(Cotntinued from page 1) for the education and infrastructure of schools. More than 200 people attended the picnic in colorful attire. It was a breezy afternoon at the park with blue skies with the community gathering for a good cause.

in funds”. The final numbers are still coming. Athar Sattar (Dell), another lead in the chapter, brought attention to the fund raising from time to time at

needs met and feel obligated to give back. Organizations like TCF-USA have brought communities on a constructive platform and also taught

The Austin Chapter of TCF-USA has been at work raising funds every year for the past five years. They usually host a banquet style dinner/fundraiser, but this was a complete shift to a family style picnic with high school students taking part in community work, the team coordinating the whole setup with registration, donation and kite counters at the entrance. Aside from regular donors, the picnic brought many new attendees who were drawn towards the cause. Attendees flew colorful kites from Pakistan and chatted with friends while enjoying sack lunches with bun kabab, keema rolls, and the ever-popular laddos. Kids had pizza and cookies along with cotton candy. Maheen Baqai (Linda Welsh Realty) who is a key volunteer of the TCF Austin Chapter said that the picnic has raised “more than 75K

During filming, the Sachal Ensemble was invited to the USA. That is when Obaid-Chinoy realized there would be a dramatic development in the script with filming in New York City. “I never considered [going to] Pakistan or [it’s] music so when Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy said she had started a project on he own she needed help with and called me out of the blue… a week later I was there,” said Schocken as he reminisced about how he started working on Song of Lahore.

One could see her work silently and tirelessly throughout the five hours gently guiding the high school students to continue with the sack race, face painting, and bouncy castle duties.

Committed donors Seema Shah (RR ISD) and her friends Yasmeen Siddiqui, Ayesha Faisal (UT Austin) and Faryal Sattar were quite the experts in doling out the kites.

High schoolers Fiza Baqai and Iqra Khurram took pictures of the picnic while having fun. Faizan Dossani did face painting patiently throughout the picnic.

College students were helping out as well. Anam Baqai (freshman at Texas State) made the cotton candy and Tasmeen Ahsanullah, a sophomore at UT Austin managed the water bottles.

the podium. It takes a community to build a community and the Austin Chapter has done just that. A very large part of the Pakistani American community is involved in TCF fundraising because they feel that education is key to removing poverty. They feel lucky to have all their

volunteers how to organize in their endeavors outside the cause. The Austin Chapter worked through months of preparation and divided the tasks. Farooq Husain (Oracle) and Sidra Hussain (PayPal) managed the donation booth with the expertise of Khurram Waheed (Nxp). Ayesha Khurram, Maheen Haidri,

Song Of Lahore - A Conversation With Andy Schocken (Continued From Page 14)

Sumaiya Malik (AADI) and Imran Baqai (Broadcom) were at registration making sure that all attendees had wristbands and coupons for the sack lunch, pizza and cookies for kids and Austin Chaiwala tea.

When asked about his impression of Pakistan, Schocken said, “I was just in Karachi and Lahore for a total of one month. I knew about Pakistan… In my mind I pictured a place of violence and sectarian conflict. I had security concerns.” Andy talked to a few people he knew and they encouraged him. So Andy decided to go ahead with the plan. “When I got there my concerns melted away. Filming issues were just about excitement. I got a warm welcome,” said Schocken.

He added that Sharmeen ObaidChinoy has made a virtual reality film series called Look but with Love in which she has filmed classical dance. He thinks that would be like a follow-up to Song of Lahore. Song of Lahore was recently shown in Dallas. Sachal Ensemble is touring the US and their music is available on itunes under Sachal Studios Orchestra. The documentary is now available on DVD, VOD and Digital HD.

There were many other volunteer without whose dedication this picnic would not have been possible. The team rushed to each other’s help as everyone was there for the cause.

Ashraf Ahsanullah (Advanced Consulting Engineers), another pillar of TCF-USA Austin, helped at this desk.

Even the attendees were quick to jump in when needed. In the guests, volunteers of the Aga Khan Foundation and Childlife Foundation Pakistan, ICLT and Austin Arts and Drama Initiative and GAMA were also present and giving support where needed.

Tazeen Hussain (CPA) managed the lunch and water booth long with her husband Farhan Hussain (International Gaming Technology).

Austin donors have built two schools, Austin Campus of Knowledge, a primary school in GagarPhatak, Karachi Sindh and Diyar-e Roshan in Kemari, Karachi.

Lubna Ashraf (Advanced Consulting Engineers) managed the Moon Bounce. Sahar Soomro of TCFUSA, helped throughout the organization and setup of the event.

The community has also supported the operations of TCF schools in each of the four provinces.

The event would not have been a success without the unflinching dedication of Ayesha Khurram, of the TCF Austin team whose commitment to the cause is commendable. She managed the volunteers and their schedules.

After completing the goal of building and providing lifetime support to the Austin Campus of Knowledge, the Austin Community is providing operational support for TCF’s government school project. For more information please contact Farri Khan (UCSF Health) and Imran Baqai (Broadcom)

To Advertise In ASA

512-828-6709

16

Austin South Asian | November 2017

Will You Be Able To Afford An Unexpected Health Crisis? Young people may not give much thought to the cost of an unexpected crisis, particularly when it

and have to cut back on other essentials or miss out on those special experiences that bring a smile

1. Know what your insurance covers. As the cost of health care continues to shift to employees, it’s important for young adults to understand what their health coverage does and doesn’t cover. Keep in mind that major medical may not cover everything, so read the terms of your policy to get a better understanding and help prevent surprises down the road. 2. Consider your expenses. Today, many Americans rely heavily on technology to manage and enjoy their day-to-day lives.

comes to serious accidents or illnesses. Should an emergency occur, you don’t want to be caught off guard

to your face. Here are three things from Aflac that everyone, but particularly young adults, should consider:

This is especially true of younger generations that use cellphones for everything from entertainment and navigation to maintaining their health and wellness with fitness and recipe apps.

Many people are caught by surprise after a serious accident or illness and end up using their “digital fund” to help pay for bills that would otherwise set them back financially – meaning they may cancel TV subscriptions, smartphone data plans, cable, internet and music-streaming subscriptions. Being prepared for these situations can help you stay connected, no matter what comes your way. That said, it is helpful to know which of these services are most meaningful to you so that you will know where to cut the cord if need be. 3. Be extra protected. Even if you have standard health insurance, you may want to consider adding an additional level of financial protection by opting for voluntary in-

surance. Such benefits options can help foot the bills associated with an illness or accident. For example, the supplemental insurance offered by Aflac can pay policyholders cash on eligible claims. Coverage for this insurance, available nationwide, is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus or New York. Having supplemental insurance can make it easier to stay on top of payments for subscription services, memberships and experiences that help you live life to the fullest. (StatePoint)

How To Incorporate Learning Into Your Child’s Daily Routine Young children don’t need to be in a classroom to learn important skills. And the earlier you get started, the better.

Consider innovative learning toys

For example, their new Scoop &

Here are some great ways to incorporate fun learning experiences into your child’s day.

“Toys should provide a range of experiences that build a strong foundation of learning.”

Bath Time

Dr. Chau also recommends Step & Learn Scout, a pet pup that teaches kids letters and counting while they develop gross motor skills and get some exercise, as well as the Stack & Tumble Elephant, for building hand-eye coordination while learning songs, numbers and phrases.

Don’t miss the opportunity to make bath time a fun and engaging experience. Count rubber duckies together, sing “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes,” complete with corresponding choreography, and read books -- just be sure they are of the waterproof variety! Even just talking to your children during this time can be educational, helping them pick up new vocabulary and develop language skills. Play Time With careful consideration, your play area can serve double-duty, being a station for fun while encouraging a child’s curiosity and love of learning.

“Childhood is a time of discovery, so seek out toys designed to foster children’s natural curiosity,” says Dr. Clement Chau, director of learning for LeapFrog.

Mealtime

that actively teach important skills, such as counting, shapes, colors and the alphabet, while introducing the problem-solving, creativity and social skills children will need to thrive as they grow. Certain toy brands, such as LeapFrog, have created a variety of learning tools that are also fun to play with for young kids.

Learn Ice Cream Cart can help children build memory and sequencing skills while they create ice cream cones with a scooper that recognizes colors and flavors. The brand also has a combination laptop and touch screen tablet called the 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch, which is designed to help kids learn letters, numbers and music.

Mealtime is the perfect time of day to teach kids about their health, as well as good nutrition habits. You can teach kids about the five food groups, as well as vitamin ba-

sics, so they learn that what they put into their body can have a positive impact on their growth and wellness. Kids can also develop motor skills by helping you in the kitchen. From pouring to mixing to measuring, there are many kitchen tasks perfect for little hands. Bedtime Help kids wind down before bed with some great books. Read to your children until they can read to themselves. You’ll be forming a lifelong habit of learning. The right tools and habits can make it easy to seamlessly incorporate education into your child’s daily routine. (StatePoint)

FREE CLASSIFIED

info@AustinSouthAsian.com

17

Gol Gumbaz

The skyline of Bijapur, a small town in north Karnataka, is dominated by the India’s largest antiquated dome that is called the Gol Gumbaz. The name finds its roots from the words Gola Gummata meaning circular dome. The majestic structure is a mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur and the seventh ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty. The

grey basalt structure sits proudly in a beautiful and well-maintained complex about 2 Km from the city of Bijapur, the erstwhile capital of the Adil Shahi rulers. One of the most striking and grand royal tombs to be built in India, it is aptly known as the Taj Mahal of South India. Mohammed Adil shah started construction of his own tomb to bury his mortal remains right after his ascent to the throne in 1626. Mohammed Adil shah intended to build for himself a mausoleum comparable and possibly grander in scale than the Ibrahim Rauza, the tomb of his father, Ibrahim Adil Shah II. The composition and ornamentation of the Ibrahim Rauza is exceptionally intricate and beautiful. Going for size, the Gol Gumbaz was planned as a mammoth single chamber structure and remains one of the biggest in the world till date. The construction of the tomb continued throughout Mohammed Adil Shah’s regime but could not be executed to full extent due to the sudden demise of the Sultan in 1656. Buried along with the Sultan are his two wives, Taj Jahan Begum and Aroos Bibi,

his mistress Rambha, his daughter and his grandson. Design, Architecture & Structure

The Gol Gumbaz, also known as Gol Gumbadh, was designed by an architect named Yaqut of Dabul. Dabul, also known as Dabhol, is a small seaport town in Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra, India. The mausoleum has been built in dark

grey Basalt stone and the facade is decorated with plaster. It is cohabited in a complex with other structures like a dharamshala (a simple inn), a mosque and other buildings along with a beautiful, well-maintained garden. The architectural style of the building is Deccan Indo-Islamic which is a perfect confluence of Indo-Islamic and Dravidian architecture. Deccan rulers produced an independent style of their own, largely ignoring the locally predominant architectural styles and, were primarily influenced by the Persian and Mughal architectural nuances. The tomb is a giant cube topped with a hemispherical dome. The entire structure is fitted on a 600 feet podium. The dome is the second largest in the world, with a diameter of almost 600 feet, next only to St. Peter’s Basillica in Rome. It is one of the largest single structure chambers in the world, and the space it encloses (almost 1700 sq.meters) is the largest in the world covered by a single dome. Beautiful petals covering the drum are carved at its base. Staircases in the walls of the main building

lead to the seven-story octagonal tower at each of the four corners. Each story has seven arched windows and all are capped by smaller domes. The seven floors of the towers are demarcated by a projecting cornice and a row of arched openings marking each level. A broad eighth story gallery, accessible by winding staircases in the four towers, circles the dome and hangs out at around 3.3 m. This gallery is an acoustic marvel and is called the “Whispering Gallery”. A commendable piece of civil engineering, this amazing echo system reflects any sound for over eleven times. It has been designed in such a way that one can even hear the faintest tick of a watch across a distance of about 37 meters within the vast dome. The foundation of the tomb is constructed to rest on the bedrock which was presumed to prevent any unequal settlement. Unique architectural characteristic of the structure is the use of pendentives (groined compartments) to counteract the outer thrust of the dome and has not been used anywhere else in India. Use of such ingenious structures indicates the sophistication of the architecture of the period. The pendentives have a large central arch, topped by a cornice of grey basalt further crowned by a row of small arches carrying a second line of plain work holding a balustrade of 1.8 mheight over it. The inscriptions over the south and main archway mention the date of Muhammad Adil Shah’s death as 4 November 1656. A ‘bijlipathar’ hangs over the main entrance. It is a meteorite that had fallen during the Sultan’s rule and is believed to protect the stone from lightning. The main mausoleum hall houses a square podium with steps on all four sides. In the middle is the cenotaph, marked by an elaborate wooden baldachin, the exact location of the grave of the Sultan is indicated. A Nakkar Khana or the music gallery lies to the south side, unfinished, as the minars were never extended above the roofline. It is now houses a museum.

Austin South Asian | November 2017

Akbar And Birbal Farmer’s Well & Witty Birbal

Once a man sold his well to a farmer. Next day when a farmer went to draw the water from that well, the man did not allow him to draw the water from it. He said, “I have sold you the well, not the water, so you cannot draw the water from the well.”

The farmer became very sad and came to the Emperor’s court. He described everything to the Emperor and asked for the justice. The Emperor called Birbal and handed over this case to him. Birbal called the man who sold the well to the farmer. Birbal asked, “Why don’t you let him use the water of the well. You have sold the well to the farmer.” The man replied, “Birbal, I have sold the well to the farmer, not the water. He has no right to draw the water from the well.” Then Birbal smiled and said to him, “Good, but look, since you have sold the well to this farmer, and you claim that water is yours, then you have no right to keep your water in the farmer’s well. Either you pay rent to the farmer to keep your water in his well, or you take that out of his well immediately.” The man understood, that his trick has failed. Birbal has outwitted him. Moral: Don’t Try to Cheat. You will end up paying for it regardless of how smart you think you are.

Birbal’s Wisdom One fine day, Akbar lost his ring. When Birbal arrived in the court, Akbar told him “I have lost my ring. My father had given it to me as a gift. Please help me find it.” Birbal said, ‘do not worry your Majesty, I

will find your ring right now.’ He said, ”Your Majesty the ring is here in this court itself, it is with one of the courtiers. The courtier who has a straw in his beard has your ring.” The courtier who had the emperors ring was shocked and immediately moved his hand over his beard. Birbal noticed this act of the courtier. He immediately pointed towards the courtier and said, ”Please search this man. He has the emperors ring.” Akbar could not understand how Birbal had Managed to find the ring. Birbal then told Akbar that a guilty person is always scared. Moral: There is Always a Way.

18

Austin South Asian | November 2017

Looking to buy or sell your home? Want to invest in residential or commercial real estate? Call an expert you can trust. Hem Ramachandran Local expertise, professional results Certified negotiation expert

512.970.6336

hem@indusrealty.com Broker, Real Estate Lic #513913, NMLS # 296907

A successful real estate career awaits you at Indus No recurring monthly fees Free email, color flyers & startup training Generous commission structure Pair of car magnets

Call or email us to find out how we can help you excel

512.970.6336

hem@indusrealty.com

19

Austin South Asian | November 2017

More Than 1.1b ‘Invisible People’ Lack Identification Washington: More than 1.1 billion people worldwide officially don’t exist — they go about their daily lives without proof of identity. The issue leaves a significant fraction of the global population deprived of health-care and education services.

Many families are also simply not informed about the importance of birth registration — and the consequences of non-registration, which

the administration only once they reach school age. But “birth certificates are often needed to enrol in school” or take national exams,

Among these “invisible people” — many of whom live primarily in Africa and Asia — more than onethird are children susceptible to violence whose births have not been registered, the World Bank’s Identification for Development (ID4D) programme recently warned. The problem is particularly acute in geographical areas whose residents face poverty, discrimination, epidemics or armed conflicts. Vyjayanti Desai, who manages the ID4D programme, said the issue arises from a number of factors, but cited the distance between people and government services in developing areas as major. For populations near the Peruvian Amazon, for example, travelling to an administrative service can take some five days of transit by boat, according to Carolina Trivelli, Peru’s former development minister.

can include the denial of basic rights and benefits, or an increased likelihood of marrying or entering into the labour force underage.

Lois said. The political climate also discourages many families from allowing themselves to be officially identified.

And even if parents are aware of the need to declare a birth, costs can be crippling, said Anne-Sophie Lois, representative at the United Nations in Geneva and director of the children’s aid organisation Plan International.

“People fear to be identified from one ethnic group or from one nationality,” said Trivelli. “The government has sometimes — sadly — preferences for some groups rather than another.”

As a result, millions of children in Africa and Asia first encounter

And in many countries, births of children born out of wedlock or as a result of rape are sometimes

deliberately concealed for fear of discrimination. In China, avoiding birth registration was also deliberate for years for fear of repercussions due to the one-child policy. Beyond being barred from attending school, these children can fall prey to violence ranging from forced labour for boys to early marriage for girls, denounced by UNICEF in a 2013 report. These children can also fall victim to human trafficking. “The legal invisibility of unregistered children makes it more likely that their disappearance and exploitation will go unnoticed by authorities,” Lois said. To combat this immense problem, organisations are patiently working on the ground to identify these “invisible” people. Digital technologies have provided a tremendous boost, Lois said, as a way to “increase registration, provide legal documentation of vital events and produce statistics that are complete and accurate.” Trivelli said it also helps that “technology is getting lighter —

you can go to the people with very small devices” to gather biometric data on the ground. Plan International, which launched the campaign Every Child Counts in 2005, has contributed to the registration of more than 40 million children in 32 countries. The organisation developed a digital strategy: Village leaders can download a mobile app capable of notifying the government of births and deaths in their villages. “Digital birth registration systems not only provide children with a legal identity but also provide governments with a continuous source of information through the collection of data,” Lois said. “This allows them to plan effectively for all services that a child needs, including vaccination programmes and education.” The World Bank recognises, however, that centralised identification systems could expose vulnerable groups to risks linked to misuse of their personal data. “We are very cautious,” Desai of ID4D emphasised. “To have a legal framework in place that protects privacy and personal data is key.”

BAPS Charities Donates $165,000 To Plant 100,000 Trees (Continued From Page 01) The donation will help to plant 100,000 trees in 2017 and supports the Plant a Billion Trees Initiative. BAPS Charities volunteers and Board members presented The Nature Conservancy’s Troy Ettel, Director of Forest Conservation; Myriam Dormer, Urban Conservation Director; Rachel Holmes, Urban Forester; Maria Fisher, Donor Stewardship Officer; and Erin Daly, Donor Relations Manager with the check which was followed by a tree-planting ceremony. Over the last six months, BAPS Charities hosted their annual walkathons across North America. This year’s national partner and beneficiary, the Nature Conservancy, continues a partnership between BAPS Charities and the Conservancy from 2016. This year, over 22,000 individuals participated in the walks. These annual Walks

have grown to 63 centers participating this year nationally. The Nature Conservancy’s efforts focus on protecting habitats and preserving biodiversity across the world. In addition to targeted conservation efforts, The Nature Conservancy also invests in research related to conservation and climate change to drive their international efforts. “Participating in the BAPS Charities Walkathon is a tradition for my family. Every year we come together and use the opportunity to support the causes that BAPS Charities carefully selects.” said 16-year-old Aayush Patel. With a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, the continued partnership between The Nature Conservancy and BAPS Charities is only natural. Last year, BAPS Charities organized Walkathons nationally,

helping plant a total of 70,000 trees across the country to contribute to a broader goal of planting a billion trees by 2020. “BAPS Charities activities reinforce the importance of serving others, raising awareness about important causes, and this year, protecting the planet through practice is important to my family and me,” said Anand Mehta, a participant in the day’s activities. BAPS Charities uses these opportunities to instill a spirit of service and commitment to preservation and environmental responsibility in community members. Through participation in events and fundraising activities like Walkathons, participants are actively engaged in conversations and action around sustainability and conservation, becoming owners rather than bystanders. More widely in its operations,

BAPS Charities participates in energy efficiency planning through prioritizing the use of solar power, efficient fiber optics, and efficient lighting fixtures. This culture of environmental responsibility is at the core of BAPS Charities’ work and culture in promoting natural harmony. More details on http://www.bapscharities.org/usa/atlanta/165000tnc-donation/ ### Side Bar: Walks in 63 cities | Over 22,000 walkers | Over 50,000 miles walked 100,000 trees planted About BAPS Charities BAPS Charities is a global charity active in nine countries across five continents. Volunteers drive its efforts, dedicating a portion of their lives in selfless service of others, both in their local neighborhoods

as well as globally. Working in five key areas, BAPS Charities aims to express a spirit of selfless service through Health Awareness, Educational Services, Humanitarian Relief, Environmental Protection & Preservation and Community Empowerment. From organizing Walkathons that raise funds for local and global needs, to supporting humanitarian relief in times of urgent need; from hosting community health fairs to sustaining hospitals and schools in developing countries, BAPS Charities provides an opportunity for individuals wishing to serve locally and globally. CONTACT: BAPS Charities Phone: 732-777-1414 ex 140 Email: media@na.bapscharities. org SOURCE: BAPS Charities

20

Austin South Asian | November 2017

Americans Are Retiring Later, Dying Sooner and Sicker In-Between

The U.S. retirement age is rising, as the government pushes it higher and workers stay in careers longer.

their parents enjoyed. Here are the stats: The U.S. age-

crease since 2005, and only the second rise greater than 1 percent since 1980. At the same time that Americans’ life expectancy is stalling, public policy and career tracks mean millions of U.S. workers are waiting longer to call it quits. The age at which people can claim their full Social Security benefits is gradually moving up, from 65 for those retiring in 2002 to 67 in 2027.

But lifespans aren’t necessarily extending to offer equal time on the beach. Data released last week suggest Americans’ health is declining and millions of middle-age workers face the prospect of shorter, and less active, retirements than

adjusted mortality rate—a measure of the number of deaths per year—rose 1.2 percent from 2014 to 2015, according to the Society of Actuaries. That’s the first year-over-year in-

an advance that may help prepare for natural disasters and potentially save lives. The study, published in the journal Geophysical Review Letters, identified a hidden signal leading up to earthquakes, and used this ‘fingerprint’ to train a machine learning algorithm to predict future earthquakes. Researchers from University of Cambridge in the UK and Boston

University in the US studied the interactions among earthquakes, precursor quakes and faults, with the hope of developing a method to predict earthquakes. Using a labbased system that mimics real earthquakes, they used machine learning techniques to analyse the acoustic signals coming from the ‘fault’ as it moved and search for patterns. Researchers used steel blocks to closely mimic the physical forces at work in a real earthquake, and also records the seismic signals and sounds that are emitted. Machine learning was then used to find the relationship between the acoustic signal coming from the fault and how close it is ..

and 66.

to 15 years ago, according to the journal Health Affairs.

research showing the health of Americans deteriorating.

University of Michigan economists HwaJung Choi and Robert Schoeni used survey data to compare middle-age Americans’ health.

Researchers have offered many theories for why Americans’ health is getting worse. Princeton University economists Anne Case and Angus Deaton, a Nobel Prize winner, have argued that an epidemic of suicide, drug overdoses and alcohol abuse have caused a spike in death rates among middle-age whites.

While death rates can be volatile from year to year, Choi and Schoeni’s study is part of a raft of other

Almost one in three Americans age 65 to 69 is still working, along with almost one in five in their early 70s. Postponing retirement can make financial sense, because extended careers can make it possible to afford retirements that last past age 90 or even 100. But a study out this

New Artificial Intelligence System Can Predict Earthquakes Scientists have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system to successfully predict earthquakes,

month adds some caution to that calculation. Americans in their late 50s already have more serious health problems than people at the same ages did 10

The machine learning algorithm was able to identify a particular pattern in the sound, previously thought to be nothing more than noise, which occurs long before an earthquake, researchers said. The characteristics of this sound pattern can be used to give a precise estimate of the stress on the fault and to estimate the time remaining before failure, which gets more and more precise as failure approaches, they said. “This is the first time that machine learning has been used to analyse acoustic data to predict when an earthquake will occur, long before it does, so that plenty of warning time can be given - it is incredible what machine learning can do,” said Colin Humphreys of Cambridge University. Machine learning enables the analysis of datasets too large to handle manually and looks at data in an unbiased way that enables discoveries to be made, researchers said. (Courtesy: EconomicTimes)

A key measure is whether people have trouble with an “activity of daily living,” or ADL, such as walking across a room, dressing and bathing themselves, eating, or getting in or out of bed. The study showed the number of middle-age Americans with ADL limitations has jumped: 12.5 percent of Americans at the current retirement age of 66 had an ADL limitation in their late 50s, up from 8.8 percent for people with a retirement age of 65. At the current retirement age of 66, a quarter of Americans age 58 to 60 rated themselves in “poor” or “fair” health. That’s up 2.6 points from the group who could retire with full benefits at 65, the Michigan researchers found. Cognitive skills have also declined over time. For those with a retirement age of 66, 11 percent already had some kind of dementia or other cognitive decline at age 58 to 60, according to the study. That’s up from 9.5 percent of Americans just a few years older, with a retirement age between 65

Higher rates of obesity may also be taking their toll. And Americans may have already seen most of the benefits from previous positive developments that cut the death rate, such as a decline in smoking and medical advances like statins that fight cardiovascular disease. Declining health and life expectancy are good news for one constituency: Pension plans, which must send a monthly check to retirees for as long as they live. According to the latest figures from the Society of Actuaries, life expectancy for pension participants has dropped since its last calculation by 0.2 years. A 65-year-old man can expect to live to 85.6 years, and a woman can expect to make it to 87.6. As a result, the group calculates a typical pension plan’s obligations could fall by 0.7 percent to 1 percent. (Courtesy: bloomberg.com)

21

Austin South Asian | November 2017

November 2017 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:

592-0065.

November 06, Monday, 07:30 PM,

November 11 And 12, Saturday And Sunday,

Free Raja Yoga Meditation Course is at 2511 Echo Wood Place, Round Rock, TX 78681. This event is organized by Brahma Kumaris. For more information, contact 512-

BAPS Shri Swaminārāyan Mandir, one of the first Hindu Mandirs providing spiritual and community service to the greater Austin area, is celebrating its 10-year anniver-

Washington Plastic Surgery (WPS) WASHINGTON DC, Oct. 18, 2017 – Washingtonian Plastic Surgery (WPS) announces the promising results of a long-term silicone implant safety study, co-written by WPS CEO and founder Dr. Navin Singh, M.D., M.B.A. (lead author) and published in the most recent issue of the peer-reviewed journal “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery,” the official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The study follows 55,279 female patients receiving primary augmentation, revisionaugmentation, primary reconstruction or revision-reconstruction using Natrelle round silicone breast implants. Over a five-year period, researchers compared these women’s results with national norms and outcomes for patients with saline implants, including any adverse effects that may have been found during postoperative follow-up care. Although silicone implants were approved by the FDA in 2006, concerns about their safety have persisted among patients after a scare in the 1990s that proved to be scientifically unsound, according to Dr. Singh. His report marks the halfway point of a planned ten-year follow-up evaluation of the patient sample. The FDA equires each manufac-

turer of breast implant products to conduct such studies. Dr. Singh is the head of the data safety monitoring board (DSMB) that contributed to the design of the study. The longitudinal, thorough evaluation is intended to find complications, including exceedingly rare complications, making it necessary for researchers to follow a large sample of women who had breast implantation surgery for a variety of reasons. The results at the five-year point are optimistic. “None of the targeted adverse outcomes, including cancers, connective tissue diseases, neurologic diseases or suicides and suicide attempts occurred at significantly higher rates in women with silicone implants compared with national norms and women with saline implants,” the authors state. “These findings add to the growing body of evidence confirming the positive long-term safety profile of silicone breast implants.” “Patients can now feel confident of the safety record behind silicone implants when making the decision on which implant is best for them,” said Dr. Singh. “With the results of this study, I can say wholeheartedly that scientific evidence establishes that these implants we’ve always felt to be safe, are indeed very, very safe.”

sary. To commemorate this exciting and momentous milestone for the greater Austin area’s Hindu culture, a two-day celebration called Dashābdi Mahotsav, will take place

Tickets:

Association at 512-751-9567.

VIP Ticket: $75 + $3 (Servicefee) Regular Ticket: $25 + $1 (Servicefee)

The ticket range is $25 - $250.

November 12, Sunday, 03:00 PM, Bollywood Pageant USA South is at Hyatt Regency Downtown, 208 Barton, Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704. The event is organized by Bollywood Shake.For more information, call Bollywood Shake at 512-529-2482.

November 19, Sunday, 05:30 PM, Neha Kakkar - Live In Concert Austin is at Travis Expo Center, 7311 Decker Lane, Austin, TX 78724. This event is organized by Austin Bollywood Cultural Association. For more information, contact Austin Bollywood Cultural

November 30, Thursday, 06:30 PM, Inner Engineering (yoga & Meditation Workshop) is at TCEA, 3100 Alvin Devane Boulevard, Austin, TX 78741. This event is organized by Isha Foundation. For more information, contact 512-655-9589 or mail at austin@ ishausa.org

15 Public Schools To Offer All-Veggie Lunches On ‘Meatless Mondays’ Brooklyn school kids, meet Meatless Mondays. Fifteen public schools in the borough will ditch meat on their Mon-

eat meat, his children, Chiara and Dante, are “strict vegetarians” and have been since middle school. And the school de Blasio visited is

In the lunchroom, kids enthusiastically greeted the mayor while digging in to a school lunch meal of bagels with toasted cheese and tomato and sides of potato wedges. De Blasio said he took a poll of their favorite veggies and was surprised to find that broccoli came out on top. “Even if you had a bacon egg and cheese this morning, you still should want to see more and more of our diets go to a plant-based approach,” de Blasio said, citing benefits to the environment. “It’s good for everyone.”

day menus starting this spring, Mayor de Blasio announced during a visit to P.S. 1 in Sunset Park. And what’s good for the students is good for the mayor, he said. “At Gracie Mansion we are now going to be instituting Meatless Mondays as well – and that will be for our family meals and for the events we have at Gracie Mansion and when we have guests over for dinner,” de Blasio said. De Blasio noted that while he does

already way ahead of the curve – it is one of five schools in the city serving vegetarian lunches every day of the week. “I am very proud of all the students, I’m proud of everyone here for their decision,” de Blasio said. “They made a decision based on their own experience and their own values that they wanted to live healthier and they wanted to do something that they thought would be good for the earth as well.”

Borough President Eric Adams – who de Blasio noted is a bit more svelte than he has been in the past – had plenty to say about the benefits of healthy eating, both to himself and to the wider world. He recalled being technically blind in April of last year due to complications of diabetes – conditions that reversed themselves when he started eating better and getting fit. “We are digging our graves with our knives and forks,” he said, but food can also be the cure. (Courtesy: nydailynews.com)

22

Austin South Asian | November 2017 THEME: HOLLYWOOD

ACROSS 1. *Stars of “The Waltons” and “Roseanne,” e.g. 6. Equinox mo. 9. Don’t do this to the messenger 13. Whitman’s dooryard bloomer 14. *Logo of “All in the Family” network 15. Beyond normal limits 16. *Where to hear Frasier Crane 17. Workout segment 18. Nary a soul 19. *TV’s largest family 21. *Flintstones’ best friends 23. Before now 24. Catch some Z’s 25. Car nut 28. “Brave New World” drug 30. “Can’t stop! I’m ____ a ____!” 35. Big Bang’s original matter 37. Sheep’s milk cheese 39. “So You Think You Can ____” 40. Knowing about 41. *Sansa, Arya, or Robb 43. Narcotics agent 44. Nymph of lakes and springs 46. Most populous continent 47. Major bike maker 48. “____ ____ the Clowns,” past tense 50. “Me and ____ and the Dying Girl” 52. “Da” to a Russian 53. Source of protein 55. More, in Madrid 57. *”Blackish” family 61. *”Fuller House” family 65. “So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, ____...” 66. Skeleton in a lock 68. Part of gastro-intestinal system 69. Modulator-demodulator, for short 70. Proper place for a napkin 71. Inspiration for poets and musicians 72. Born and ____ 73. Before of yore 74. Sign up again

DOWN 1. Simpleton 2. Hokkaido native 3. Smeltery refuse 4. a.k.a. boreal forest 5. Scrawny ones 6. Army ____ hall 7. Pirate’s affirmative 8. Old but in 9. Door opener 10. Adored one 11. Half-moon shaped object 12. Tommy and Spike, e.g. 15. Straighten a paperclip, e.g. 20. Abode toppers 22. Israeli submachine gun 24. Computer program input 25. *Lucious and Cookie 26. Arm bones 27. “___ __ on the ground floor” 29. Of higher order 31. Deliver a tirade 32. Opposite of binary 33. Rocks at mountain base 34. *Family in “The Middle” 36. Castle’s line of defense 38. “Mi chiamano Mimi,” e.g. 42. Deserved consequence 45. Chinese tapas 49. What’s old is new again, prefix 51. Jousting match participant 54. Bracelet-wearing part 56. Sleep sound 57. Doorframe part 58. Airy emanation 59. Sweep under the rug 60. Financial aid criterion 61. Done on a Smith Corona 62. Joie de vivre 63. One way to memorize 64. *”Game of Thrones” bastard 67. Inner, middle or outer, on one’s head

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 November 2017 issue.

To Advertise In ASA Call 512-828-6709

23

Austin South Asian | November 2017

How To Get More Out Of Your Smartphone You could have the swankiest smartphone with all the latest features, but without some strategizing, it could feel like you’re carrying around a very expensive brick.

Your phone can also become your greatest teacher when you download language apps such as Duol-

Is your mobile network up to snuff? Check out the results from the latest “State of Mobile Networks” re-

Boost Functionality Familiarize yourself with the scope of your phone’s functionality. You can find detailed instructions about your model online, as well as online tutorials that can teach you hacks and shortcuts for getting more out of your phone’s camera, word processing software and more. Also, be sure to install free apps that can make life better. For example, you can turn your phone into a fundraising fitness coach with Charity Miles, an app partnered with corporate sponsors that donate a few cents for every mile you log on bike or foot. You may just find yourself off the couch and moving more as you start to rack up miles.

ingo, which provides free language instruction to help you build vocabulary, master grammar and prepare for your next big trip abroad. The app helps you stay true to your goal, sending push notifications reminding you to practice. Research Your Mobile Network

port from OpenSignal. Rather than basing results on the simulations used in older network testing methods on only one phone model, OpenSignal gathers data directly from wireless customers who have downloaded the app onto their smartphones.

Performance measurements are taken wherever customers happen to be, at home, at work, or on the go -- indoors and out -- resulting in a representation of customers’ actual wireless data experience. TMobile placed number one in every category that the OpenSignal report measures. In more than five billion tests from actual wireless customers in the second quarter, T-Mobile’s network was not only deemed to be the fastest, but also the most responsive, and T-Mobile customers get an LTE signal more often than customers of any other major wireless company do, according to the report. With plans to further broaden its LTE footprint for customers this year with its newly acquired 600 MHz spectrum, those looking for a reliable network may want to consider a T-Mobile plan. To learn more about T-Mobile’s

network, visit t-mobile.com/coverage. Extend its Life Treat your device with care to extend its life. Never leave your phone exposed to the elements. To protect yourself financially from loss, theft or damage, check with your mobile network about warranty options. Read the terms carefully to understand what’s covered. Also, be sure to protect your phone with a well-fitting, drop-resistant, waterresistant case. Retain your style by checking out Shutterfly, where you can upload a photo to use as the case design, or Etsy, which offers designs created by independent artists. Getting more out of your smartphone requires a combination of protecting your device, understanding its various functions and using it on a fast network. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian Invites Contributions From Readers And Community October 2017 Sudoku Answer Mr. Yudhveer Bagga

Mr.Rajnish

Ms. Prema Raghvan

Ms.Riya chauhan

Master.Pratyush Aduri

24

Austin South Asian | November 2017

Essential Science: Improving Voice Control Security

University of Michigan researchers have devised new means for enhancing the security of voice activated software. The aim is to eliminate the vulnerabilities associated with voice authentication. The idea of voice activated commands is appealing and systems like Google Home and Amazon Echo are potentially the mere beginnings of a series of technological functions that will be controlled by human voice instructions. The premise is simple - by removing the need to use buttons, dials and switches, consumers can easily operate appliances with their hands full or while doing other tasks. Providing a glimpse of this emerging future,

Security risks

These sound waves are then paired up with the sound of that person’s voice, and this conjugation creates a unique and secure signature.

Voice activated systems are vulnerable to hacking. This is because sound is regarded as an “open channel”; and this inlet can be be easily spoofed by impersonators.

The wearable device (accelerometer) that assesses the sound vibrations is in the form of the necklace, ear buds or as a small attachment to eyeglasses.

In many cases the impersonation does not have to be particularly good for while the technology that does things when instructed to by voice is getting better, the actual software that recognizes the voice remains less sophisticated and hence more open to being ‘tricked’.

Protoype

In parallel with improvements to technology, security also needs to be tightened.

Moreover, it is also relatively simple for a more equipped hacker to record someone’s

To test out how the VAuth might work in practice, the U.S. scientists developed a prototype based on a standard accelerom-

eter that measures motion, together with a Bluetooth transmitter. The Bluetooth component transmits the vibration signal to the microphone housed in the user’s chosen device. For the study, the researchers tested out VAuth with eighteen users and thirty voice commands. With these experiments VAuth achieved a 97 percent detection accuracy plus a less than 0.1 percent false positive rate. This is captured in a white paper titled “Continuous Authentication for Voice Assistants.”

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

the website Hongkiat provides 15 new types of technology that run on voice commands.

voice and then use a voice recording to access a security system.

Smart homes and smart cars

This all makes for the voice biometric to be a generally weak form of cybersecurity.

Voice activated technology is already being used to access a range of services. This includes financial products; for instance Barclays bank has started to pilot technology that uses voice recognition to verify the identity of call-in center customers. While such technology remains in its infancy, it’s easy to speculate about the possibilities for the future smart home and smart cars. Self-driving cars in particular are set to have a plethora of voice activated devices, perhaps centralized in the form of a software that resembles Siri, but for cars.

How might the security risks associated with voice activated devices be overcome? The approach taken by the University of Michigan researchers comes in the form of a security-token necklace, ear buds or eyeglasses. This approach is based on having a second channel to authenticate the owner of the voice. For this the researchers developed VAuth. This is a wearable device that continuously registers speech-induced vibrations on the user’s body.

512-491-5055

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

25

Austin South Asian | November 2017

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Maddur Vade (Snack named after a place Maddur in Karnataka)

Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a pan and pour hot oil onto the flour mixture, mix thoroughly by hand.

By Bharathi Bande

Mix everything flour, onions, chilles, curry leave together.

Ingredients: Rice flour - 2 cups Coarse rava or upma rava - 1 cup All purpose flour - 4 tablespoons Onion - 1 big finely chopped Green chillies 6 to 8 finely chopped (extra spice add more)

Meanwhile, cut onions, green chillies and curry leaves.

Add salt and hingu.

Curry leaves - handful finely chopped Hingu(asafetida) - 1/4 teaspoon Salt to taste Oil to mix - 3 tablespoons Oil for frying - around 2 cups

Add little water and make the mixture into tough dough

Method: Mix all purpose flour, rice flour and rava together.

Set aside for 5 minutes.

(Caution: onion tend to bleed water). Heat oil for frying, make lemon

sized dough, pat it on the palm/ plastic sheet into r o u n d shape, fry on medium high flame. Fry both the sides to golden brown. Repeat the process. Eat with coconut chutney or just maddur vade. You can store it for 2 to 3 days (for longer storage, make them thin & fry crispy).

NYC Could See Bad Flooding Every Five Years, Study Says New York (AP) -- Within the next three decades, floods that used to strike the New York City area only once every 500 years could occur every five years, according to a new scientific study released just days before the fifth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy.

heights aren’t likely to increase substantially through 2030.

people making those kinds of decisions can use,” Garner said.

However, rising sea levels could

“We know that when Sandy hit in

The study expects about 5 inches to 11 inches (12.7 centimeters to 27.9 centimeters) of sea-level rise likely in New York City between 2000 and 2030.

“This is kind of a warning,” said Andra Garner, a Rutgers University scientist and study co-author.

The researchers based their analysis on multiple models that factored in predictions for sea level rise and possible changes in the path of future hurricanes. Many of the models had a dose of good news for the nation’s largest city: Climate changes may mean that storms are more violent, but are also likely to swing further off-shore, meaning storm surge

The researchers said there is scientific consensus that global sea level will rise in the coming centuries, although it is not certain how high. They cautioned that sea-level rise at New York City could exceed 8 feet by the end of the century if, in a high-emissions future, the West Antarctic ice sheet rapidly melts.

The study, performed by researchers at several universities and published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, primarily blames the predicted change on sea-level rise caused by global warming.

“How are we going to protect our coastal infrastructure?”

tution.

The study examined sea level rise through the year 2030. mean that floods of 7.4 feet (2.25 meters) or more that struck the New York city area roughly once every 500 years before 1800, and which occur roughly every 25 years now, could happen once every five years between 2030 and 2045. Researchers made no recommendations on what public officials or others should do to prepare. “The idea is this kind of study we hope will provide information that

2012, of course, subways, tunnels flooded, power was knocked out, parts of the city were just really devastated so studies like this provide some warning.” Other researchers included scientists from Penn State University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Insti-

“I think the study is valid, but year 2300 is a long way off,” said Billy Sweet, an oceanographer for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who was not involved in it.

“What is more certain is the amount of sea level rise likely to occur in the next 50 to 100 years or so and that storm surges from nor’easters and hurricanes will continue to pose a risk for New York City.” Hurricane Sandy merged with two other weather systems into an unusual storm that devastated the oceanfront coastline and caused catastrophic flooding in New York and cities in New Jersey on Oct. 29, 2012. It was blamed for at least 182 deaths and $65 billion in damage in the U.S. State and city officials in New York say they are planning numerous projects to guard against future flooding, including fortifying utilities and transit facilities, and note other projects are still in the design stage. (Courtesy: bloomberg.com)

Austin South Asian Invites Contributions From Readers And Community

26

Austin South Asian | November 2017

Golmaal Again Box Office Day 4 Trisha Walks Out Of Saamy Square

Golmaal Again box office collection day 4: This film’s weekend collection must have left everybody including producers and distributors mystified.

Its weekend collection must have left everybody including producers and distributors mystified. Its earnings currently stand at Rs 87.60 crore.

Parineeti Chopra, Tabu, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Kemmu, Prakash Raj, Sirshak Shrestha and Neil Nitin Mukesh.

Its earnings currently stand at Rs

A Rohit Shetty directorial, ‘Gol-

Till now, the movie certainly has had a great time, but what about the weekdays?

Trisha and Keerthy Suresh were roped in to play the female leads in Vikram’s Saamy Square directed by Hari.

That is when, as trade analyst Taran Adarsh says, the real test of ‘Golmaal Again’ and its only competition is Aamir Khan and Zaira Wasim starrer ‘Secret Superstar’ which, incidentally, is also doing well at the box office despite being against a multi-starrer masala comedy like ‘Golmaal Again’.

87.60 crore. A Rohit Shetty directorial, ‘Golmaal Again’ is the fourth iteration in the ‘Golmaal’ franchise.

maal Again’ is the fourth iteration in the ‘Golmaal’ franchise that started with ‘Golmaal: Fun Unlimited’ in 2006.

‘Golmaal Again’ is having an absolutely superb time at the box office.

It has a large ensemble star cast with names like Ajay Devgn,

Taran Adarsh in a series of tweets summed up the competition between ‘Golmaal Again’ and ‘Secret Superstar’. “Diwali weekend has brought abundant cheer and spread sunshine. (Courtesy: IndianExpress)

Trisha just made a breaking statement that she has walked out of Saamy Square due to some creative differences with the team.

“Due to creative differences,I have chosen to opt out of Saamy 2 . Wishing the team goodluck.” - Trisha. It must be noted that Trisha had a significant role to play in the first edition of Saamy franchise. She played Vi k r a m ’s wife and now that she has opted out of the film, would the team be making any changes to the actual script is something we will have to wait and see. (Courtesy: BehindWoods.com)

27

Austin South Asian | November 2017

For BJP, Another Row Over Film ‘Mersal’ After Leader Says He Saw It Online

Actor Vishal, known for his strong anti-piracy stand, wondered “how a political leader like you (H Raja) could watch a pirated version of a film (online)” and added that it “sets a bad example”

CHENNAI: The controversy over Vijaystarrer “Mersal” continued today, with actor Vishal taking exception to senior BJP leader H Raja’s reported remarks that he had watched the movie online. Referring to Raja’s remarks, reported in a section of the media, Vishal, head of the Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) and general secretary of the South Indian Artistes’ Association (SIAA), demanded an

apology from him. The BJP has sought dele- BJP taking exception to references on the tion of a scene in which actor Vijay is seen central government’s Goods and Services explaining the GST. Tax (GST) in the movie. “Dear Mr H Raja, as a leader and prominent personality, you are advocating piracy and blatantly agreeing to it,” Vishal said in a statement. The actor said he wondered “how a political leader like you could watch a pirated version of a film (online)” and added that it “sets a bad example”.

BJP leaders, including Raja, a national secretary in the party, state president Tamilisai Soundarajan and Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan, have been demanding that the “incorrect” references be deleted from the big-budget flick.

However, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, his senior colleague P Chidambaram, DMK working president MK Stalin, This was “totally insensitive and veteran star Kamal Haasan and a host of uncalled for,” said Vishal, who is Tamil cinema industry representatives had known for his strong anti-piracy supported the film crew on the issue. stand and activities. Demanding an apology from Raja on the mat- In Puducherry, Chief Minister V Narayanater, Vishal also pressed the government to samy came to the defence of the film, saying enact more stringent anti-piracy laws. questions have been “justifiably” raised on the GST and the Digital India initiatives in Piracy is one of the major issues being faced the movie and there could be no objection by the multi-crore Tamil cinema industry, to expression of one’s views in a democratic with films being uploaded on certain internet set up. websites soon after their release. “I am a member of the GST council and I The availability of pirated CDs and DVDs of have expressed my strong criticism of the new films is also an issue. Vijay’s Diwali re- abnormal levy of GST on medicines and on lease “Mersal” has kicked up a row with the hotels at the council meeting,” he told re-

porters.

“Will those unable to tolerate criticism made by actor Vijay in the movie against the GST seek action against me as well for objecting to the abnormal levy of taxes at the council meeting?” the chief minister asked. Stating that movies, television and newspapers had every right to express views and criticise policies and decisions of authorities, he claimed that there was no political motive, whatsoever, in the movie’s dialogues. “Let not BJP leaders labour under the mistake that they should always be lauded for anything and everything of the NDA regime even if the decisions of the Centre are injurious to the people,” Narayanasamy said. The BJP had on October 20 objected to what it termed as “untruths” regarding the GST in just-released “Mersal”, and wanted dialogues on the central taxation to be deleted. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) (Courtesy: ndtv.com)

28

Austin South Asian | November 2017

BEE CAVE

English

ACT/SAT-Test Prep

Math

Small Group Setting - Active Teaching - Critical Thinking Emphasizing Confidence & Understanding - PreK to 12th Grade

www.BestInClassEducation.com/Bee-Cave

(737) 484-1370

12400 Hwy 71 #505, Bee Cave, TX (next to HEB) - beecave@bicedu.com