Austin South Asian. April 2018

Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 11 No. 04

HC4A Donates $36,000 Indie Meme Film Festival @ Austin - YEAR 3!!

For Vocational Education Awarded the “Best International Alka Bhanot Scholarships In March ByStarted in 2016 IMFF@austin is Passport -2016” by The Austin

By Aashi Morales

Austin-area schools and organi-

Indie Meme’s signature event. The 3rd Annual South Asian Film Festi-

Chronicle, the Indie Meme Film Festival continues to grow as the

inside

April 2018

Bollywood Meets..........02 GAACC........................04 Time To Take Charge....05 AARP Foundation.........06 Arun’s Scribblings.........06 Sijo Wins.....................07 Home Furnishings........07

May 2018

Hindu Charities for America (HC4A) continued its long tradition to “Live Here, Give Here” by giving $36,000 this March to four

zations for vocational education scholarships.

(Coninued On Page 25)

val is scheduled April 19-22, 2018 at the Regal Arbor, Great Hills.

“Hidden Figures” London (Rohit Dhamankar, a cyber security expert, in conversation with

Physicists: Dr. Bhamathi Sudarshan, Dr. Radha Gourishankar and Amba Raghavan in Austin, TX, Feb 25, 2018)

Mayor in Austin

SXSW

By Sumaiya Malik

By Sumaiya Malik Sadiq Khan, the mayor of Great-

Early 1950s. Presidency College, Chennai.

Three young women, draped in sarees covering their body except face and feet, no make-up, nothing that attracts attention to their womanhood, wait patiently outside their Physics and Math lecture halls.

(Continued On Page 10)

‘go to’ destination for unique, powerful stories from South Asia.

(Continued On Page 13)

er London Authority, is the first (Continued On Page 12)

On March 11 at the SXSW Interactive 2018 Katie Couric and Brian Goldsmith, co-hosts of the new National Geographic Channel show, America Inside Out, interviewed New York Times writer, lawyer and playwright, (Continued On Page 12)

Summer Special

512-828-6709 SouthWestern National Bank Scholarship..........08 Buying Tires For Your....09 Shiksha Update............11 Common Myths............13 Eating Grilled Meats.....16 Five Best Excercises.....16 Children’s Page...17,22,23 How To Give Back To Your Community..................19 Make A Difference........19 Local Teen Refugees.....19 Maliks Page.............12,21 Community Calendar....21 5 Creative Ideas..........23 Recipe Of The Month....25 Entertainment.........26,27

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Austin South Asian | April 2018

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www.CharlesMaundToyota.com HURRY IN NOW! Bollywood Meets Borscht Belt 2018

By Cynthia Aashi Morales

the sights and sounds of diverse

HC4A was founded on the princi-

It’s time again for “Bollywood Meets Borscht Belt,” the fun, family-friendly, multicultural event sponsored by Hindu Charities for America (HC4A), partnering with Shalom Austin for the sixth time, to raise funds for school supplies for homeless and economically disadvantaged children in the Austin area.

Come join us on Sunday, April 29, 2018, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center on the Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, Texas, for an evening of music, food, dance, and networking.

This year’s theme is “World Dance Showdown” and will feature dances from across the globe.

Enjoy a vegetarian/dairy Indian dinner graciously donated by Indian restaurants across Austin, chai and desserts donated by The Steeping Room and local bakeries, and

ebrating our own culture and sharing it with others.

Our cross-cultural event with Shalom Austin and our annual gala, which raises money for vocational educational scholarships, are open to all in the Austin community and are truly a celebration of the cultural diversity of this land.

The selfless volunteers, sponsors,

donors, and volunteer visual and performing artists at our HC4A events, along with all our attendees, are helping build a strong, successful, educated community of diverse cultures!

Come join us in showing our support for the community in which we live and for our local students, all while showing our pride in being an important part of our local community.

For ticket information, or to be a sponsor, donor, or volunteer, visit our website at hc4a.org.

world music and dances, all while helping homeless and disadvantaged students in the Austin area.

Last year we provided school supplies to over 1000 students from the Austin, Del Valle, and Manor school districts—about 20% of the local homeless student population.

This year we hope to raise $25,000 to be able to help even more!

ple of “Live Here, Give Here!” and provides a vehicle for Indian communities to give back to the communities that have embraced them and provided them opportunities for success.

We help economically disadvantaged students advance their education so they too can live the American dream, all while cel-

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Austin South Asian | April 2018

Don't let your "eventually" turn into your loved ones' "if only"

Buying life insurance may sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Let us start a need analysis and find you a policy that fits your budget.

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4

Austin South Asian | April 2018

The Greater Austin Asian Chamber Of Commerce (GAACC)

By Marina Ong Bhargava

The Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce (GAACC) hosted its annual reception for international guests from Asia in town for SXSW on Saturday, March 10 at the Central Public Library.

This event is called Asia House and it was the fourth annual event

The event was attended by 164 international and local guests.

and advocates for APA businesses.

It also supports the region’s economic ties to Asia.

There were startups and attendees from several Asian countries including China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Visit their website www.AustinAsianChamber.org for details about its mission and programs.

The event provides an opportunity

about Austin and how GAACC can help support businesses who are interested in expanding to Austin.

It also allows local service providers to network with potential clients.

Understanding Your Risk For Deep Vein Thrombosis Anything that keeps the blood from circulating properly can cause a clot, including injury, illness, lack of movement, certain inherited conditions

Local government officials such as Senator John Cornyn’s director for Central Texas, Sandy Edwards were in attendance, along with several staff from the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department.

hosted by GAACC.

for GAACC to share information

The new Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk also attended the reception and addressed the audience.

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The international startups had the opportunity to introduce themselves.

There were some very innovative enterprises including ATX+PAK participant, Neurostic and an Indonesian company that makes construction materials from mushrooms.

GAACC is the leading voice for the Asian Pacific American (APA) business community in Central Texas.

It educates, connects people to

and lifestyle factors. Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a large blood clot that forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body. Knowing the symptoms of DVT could help save your life. For more information, visit clearingtheclot.com.

During the month of March, DVT Awareness Month, take control of your health to help decrease your chances of developing DVT by understanding the risks and treatment options available.

(StatePoint)

CHILDREN ARTICLES Children Email Us Your Articles To See It In Print info@Austin SouthAsian.com

5

Austin South Asian | April 2018

Time To Take Charge: Tips For Women To Advance Their Careers As more women feel emboldened to raise their voices and fight for workplace issues that matter most to them -- from equal pay and development opportunities to sexual harassment on the job -- it’s important to both reflect on progress made and recognize there are many more milestones to be attained.

port system, whether it’s providing encouragement to pursue growth opportunities or identifying blind spots and areas of improvement.

Coming from experience, mentors can bring a wealth of knowledge to

tion or misstep to ruin your day, and don’t let fear prevent you from moving forward.

• Step outside your comfort zone.

Taking risks can lead to great rewards.

However, you should briefly reflect to learn from failures: What made you miss that project deadline?

While certain scenarios, such as initiating a conversation with your boss, can be daunting, it can also lead to stronger trust and a better relationship.

Only one-third of women feel they have as many or more opportunities than men at their current companies, according to a recent survey by Randstad US.

In uneasy moments, such as public speaking, you have the opportunity to build self-esteem and strengthen underused skills. Every uncomfortable situation elicits something gained.

And, 58 percent cited the lack of promotion to leadership roles as a top reason for gender inequality in the workplace.

If you are a working woman looking to advance, expand your responsibilities, or launch a new career, here are four tips that can help you achieve success.

• Pursue mentorship opportunities.

Having a mentor can create lasting value when working to become a leader. Mentors can be your sup-

move you in the right direction.

• Embrace failures. In your professional life, there will be successes and failures, good days and bad.

Don’t allow one negative interac-

Why did a presentation fall flat?

Use these moments as opportunities to develop short- and longterm goals to overcome any potential barriers.

• Own your professional growth.

Ask your manager to assign you to projects in which you’ll have the opportunity to learn something new -- whether it’s on your own through research, or through interaction with other team members and departments.

Go beyond what’s asked of you by taking online courses and reading books (hint: your mentor can likely give you some recommendations).

Lastly, make it apparent to your manager and colleagues that you are willing to contribute or lend a hand when needed.

The bottom line: own your development. Don’t leave it in the hands of your employer.

If you’re a working woman, more tips and advice can be found at randstadusa.com.

“Invest in a plan and know where you want to go. Take steps toward people who will help you on your journey,” says Kristin Kelley, chief marketing officer, Randstad North America.

“Meet as many people of influence as you can and stay top of mind with them.

Ask for help when you need it -- whether it be from managers, peers, sponsors or mentors -- and drive those personal connections.”

(StatePoint)

Diet vs. Exercise: Which is Better for Weight Loss?

What’s more important: diet or exercise? Anyone who’s tried to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle has likely asked this question.

Sixty-eight percent of people want to lose 10 pounds or more, according to a recent Harris Poll on behalf of Nutrisystem.

scale move.” To achieve a healthier lifestyle and shed weight, consider these quick tips that combine both diet and exercise.

index, and ate more nutrient-rich foods than those who didn’t eat at least six times a day. Eating smaller meals every three hours keeps you

March is National Nutrition Month, and a good time to get started on your goals. So, should you focus on diet, exercise or both? When it comes to weight loss, the split should be roughly 80 percent focus on what you eat and 20 percent on exercise. The logic is simple, say experts.

“It’s all about calories in and calories out. If you’re eating less and exercising, you’re going to burn more calories,” says Courtney McCormick, corporate dietitian at Nutrisystem. “However, exercise often makes us hungrier, which is why many people who only change their exercise habits don’t see the

• Eat more often: A 2015 study from the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that on average, people who ate six times or more daily consumed fewer calories, had a lower body mass

feeling full, controls blood sugar and helps boost metabolism.

• Watch portions: American portions have become too big; and those used to dining out may con-

sider restaurant portions to be correct, when they’re often four times as large as what’s recommended.

Learning portion control is key to losing weight. When eating out, ask for a to-go box and save half for later. You can also turn to plans, like Nutrisystem, which deliver portion-controlled meals to your home.

• Veg out: Vegetables are low in calories, high in filling fiber and loaded with nutrients. For breakfast, add spinach to an omelet; at lunch, pile your sandwich high with fixings like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, or use lettuce as a wrap instead of bread. During snack time, munch on carrots dipped in hummus or blend kale into a fruit smoothie.

• Drink more water: A study found that when people drank six cups (48 ounces) of cold water, they increased their resting calorie burn by up to 50 calories each day. An-

other study found that dieters who drank two eight-ounce glasses of water before meals lost 36 percent more weight over three months than those who didn’t sip before sitting down to eat. So, fill up that water bottle!

• Get moving: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend 150 minutes of aerobic activity weekly, but research suggests that it doesn’t matter if you exercise for two-and-a-half hours straight or break it up into 10-minute chunks. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day then build up to 60 minutes when you’re ready.

More diet and exercise tips can be found at leaf.nutrisystem.com. Remember the key to meeting your weight loss and health goals is to make sustainable lifestyle changes.

Focus on eating better and moving more and you’ll be on the right track.

(StatePoint)

6

Austin South Asian | April 2018

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Scribblings By Arun TRUE LOVERS

Kids with parents, make rumpus for their wants.

Grown up even fight, for the love of their choice.

To keep them happy, letting them always win , The parents give up, expectations their own .

Things of past are weddings, arranged by elders.

Youngsters choose partners for them, themselves these days.

Parents if concur, it is well and better.

If not, they just don’t care and pro-

ceed further.

First sight or infatuation, love just happens.

The real battle starts, challenges when life poses.

Despite obstacles, those stubborn never give up.

Complete their journey though of pains and hardship.

AARP FOUNDATION TAX-AIDE AVAILABLE NOW THROUGH APRIL 17 Free tax preparation service celebrates 50 years and 50 million served Now through April 17, AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, cele-

nior centers nationwide.

Tax Code.

There’s no fee, and AARP membership is not required. Some locations offer assistance in additional languages.

In 2017, the program’s volunteers helped 2.5 million people navigate complicated tax codes, ensure proper credits and deductions, and file their federal and state tax returns.

Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure they know about and under-

Confident and adamant, the true lovers, Make their living pleasant, face all challenges.

Taxpayers who used Tax-Aide received $1.37 billion in income tax refunds and more than $222 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).

They also avoided tax preparation fees and pitches for high-interest tax credit or refund loans.

Austin South Asian Editor: Bala Kumar Marketing: Jayachitra Vijay -512-828-6709 Production: Jyothi Mariswaran Admin: Sharada Dayanidhi stand the latest changes to the U.S.

To find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site or more information, including which documents to bring to the tax site, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-2277669). AARP Foundation TaxAide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.

Publisher: Vidya Kumar Circulation: Vasooda Kumar info@austinsouthasian.com I ©All rights reserved.

brating its 50th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service.

No material herein or portions thereof be published without the wirtten consent of the publisher.

Since its inception, the program has served more than 50 million taxpayers.

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

Tax-Aide started in 1968 with just four volunteers working at one site.

Children Email Us Your Articles To See It In Print

512-828-670I info@austinsouthasian.com www.austinsouthasian.com

Today, nearly 35,000 volunteers serve low- to moderate-income taxpayers at 5,000 locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers and se-

info@austinsouth asian.com

CHILDREN ARTICLES

7

Austin South Asian | April 2018

Sijo Vadakkan wins Award are the mantras for success, says Sijo Vadakkan.

Texas: Trinity Texas Realty, headed

by Sijo Vadakkan has been chosen for the prestigious Austin Business Journal Award 2018.

Word of mouth publicity works wonders as every satisfied customer becomes the brand ambassador of our Company Sijo added.

Austin, the fast growing City with lots of IT enterprises is the new hope for Indians.

Trinity Group has ventured in to Real Estate development and construction along with Management and also into Trading and Travel Services.

Sijo Vadakkan established his business a decade ago, has achieved consistent growth over the years.

The Company has been offering various services in the field of Realty, making the dream of owning a home come true for many Indians.

Maintaining utmost transparency in every deal, offering value for

money and sheer commitment towards satisfaction of every Client

Hard work and commitment towards relentless service have helped Sijo Vadakkan to establish himself as a successful business man in 14 years.

FREE CLASSIFIED

info@Austin South Asian.com

To Advertise In ASA 512-828-6709

Are Your Home Furnishings Good For The Planet And Your Family?

More consumers are interested in selecting products that are good for the planet and their families, than ever before. While many understand what organic food is, confu-

able, it’s important to know what to look for when furnishing your home.

Here are some considerations to

Concern List and the Living Future Institute’s Red List. Remember that while some degree of chemical treatment may be needed to make fabrics fire-retardant or stainrepellent, in many instances, green manufacturers employ minimal chemistry or have found natural solutions to achieve these results.

• Am I considering all the options?

Fortunately, top fabric and furniture manufacturers have developed more sustainable alternatives.

For example, Milliken & Company recently launched Breathe by Milliken, an eco-elegant collection of fluorine-free performance fabrics available in both natural and recycled polyester fibers.

sion still exists when it comes to home furnishings.

Simply put, what you bring into your home directly impacts the health and welfare of your family in terms of exposure to chemicals of concern, indoor air quality and comfort.

With the deluge of products claiming to be environmentally sustain-

bear in mind.

• Does it contain harmful chemicals? While the EPA has phased out the use of some of the most potentially harmful chemicals, some chemical variations continue to be used in upholstery and fabrics.

To get a sense of what’s good and what may be bad, consult resources like the U.S. EPA’s Chemicals of

Furniture retailers are offering sustainably-sourced, locally-made, and organic furniture and fabric options, while big box retailers like Target have developed sustainability scoring requirements on products to help educate and empower consumers.

• Where does it come from? A sofa made from natural materials may not be a truly green choice. Consider the supply chain, too.

Are natural raw materials sustainably grown and harvested? Are they made by companies with reputations for environmental stewardship according to green manufacturing principles?

ed? “Greenwashing,” or making untrue or inaccurate sustainability claims, is a pervasive problem across a range of industries. Opt for brands with third-party certifications.

• What’s it made of? Select natural fibers or materials like cotton or wood whenever possible.

For example, products achieving GREENGUARD Gold certification have been screened to ensure they don’t contain any of the more than 10,000 chemicals commonly known to pollute the air we breathe.

However, if you prefer man-made fibers, ask about items made from recycled or post-consumer materials.

For example, Breathe by Milliken polyester fabrics are made from recycled plastic, and each sofa upholstered in this fabric diverts 90150 plastic bottles from landfills.

• How long will it last? Durability is sustainability. Whether wood, molded plastic or fabric, quality household items will remain in use, rather than in the landfill.

Earning this certification means these fabrics meet the world’s most rigorous chemical emission standards, improving indoor air quality and overall health.

The Sustainable Furnishings Council is another excellent consumer resource.

For more information on sustainable interiors, visit breathebymilliken.com.

• What happens when I’m done with it? Opt for materials that consist of recycled or reused materials and/or those that biodegrade or can be easily recycled.

Your home is your refuge. Knowing the facts about what you choose to put into it can allow you to feel better -- literally and in terms of your environmental impact.

• Have green claims been validat-

(StatePoint)

8

Austin South Asian | April 2018

Southwestern National Bank Scholarship 2018 $1,000 Scholarship Awards

About The Southwestern National Bank Scholarship Program

2. U.S. high school graduating seniors

college full-time for the entire academic year 2018/2019

mendation from a teacher, counselor, and/or other advisors

Southwestern National Bank Scholarship Program is funded

by Southwestern National Bank (Member FDIC) to recognize and assist outstanding high school graduates reduce the financial burden for college.

3. Has a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (un-weighted)

Documents Required (To be considered, all of the following documents must be submitted)

5. A two-page typed essay stating why you should be awarded a scholarship.

4. Will enroll in an accredited U.S.

Southwestern National Bank Scholars are selected on the basis of their financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement. Each year a total of $5,000.00 will be awarded to five selected scholars. Each scholar will be awarded $1,000.00.

Eligibility 1. Demonstrates financial need for college tuition, book & supplies and expenses

1. A completed Southwestern National Bank Scholarship Application Form

Please include:

2. An official high school transcript

• Personal and academic achievements. Give specific examples.

3. Copies of the most recent document(s) demonstrating the financial need (Family’s 1040 Federal Income Tax Return Form, qualification for School Free/Reduced Lunch Program, etc.)

• Academic plans and career goals.

Give specific examples.

4. Two letters of recom-

• Financial need for this scholarship for educational purposes

• Past and current involvement, as well as future plans, towards making a difference in your community Application Process & Award Announcement

1. Please send your application package to Southwestern National Bank, Attention Scholarship Program-Ling Chuang, 6901 Corporate Drive, Houston, Texas 77036.

2. Applications and all supporting documents must be received by April 30, 2018 for application to be considered.

3. An interview may be part of the application process for all semifinalists.

4. Scholarships for the 2018 Scholarship program will be announced by mail in May 2018.

Please Contact Us For scholarship application and information, please contact the Scholarship Coordinator by e-mail at ling.chuang@swnbk.com

Family-Friendly Ideas For Getting Out And About This Spring Spring is the best time of year to get outdoors and spend some quality time with the family. Here are three ideas to shake off winter’s cabin fever and the most of the season.

home.

Community Events

tival each spring attracting over 15,000 people from across the country.

Whether you stay local or travel afar, many local communities of-

The festival makes for a great girlfriends’ getaway, guys’ trip or fam-

Take a Hike Visit a state or national park and hit the hiking trails. Most parks have a variety of trails of varying difficulty and length.

From Glacier National Park in the west to Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area in the east, check out options that offer nature and wildlife areas, hiking trails, parks and family fun.

Brookhaven Mayor, John Ernst.

Enjoy Your Own Backyard

The totally free event takes place at Blackburn Park on March 24-25 and features something for all age groups, including great food, an arts and crafts festival, a classic car show, a 5k road race, a dog show, a Kidz Zone, and big-name musical acts, like country music stars Craig Morgan and Keith Anderson, as well the LA-based indie rock band, Transviolet, and the rock act, Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones.

Kick off the backyard season by firing up the grill and playing lawn games, like horseshoes, croquet, and bean bag toss.

For more information about the 2018 Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival, visit brookcherryfest.org,

If hiking, do your research and select a route that’s right for your group, pack some snacks and sandwiches before hitting the trail.

Just be sure to stay hydrated, wear good footwear, and apply sunscreen and bug spray. As the weather warms, you’ll want to take these important precautions.

fer music, food and fun-filled spring events and outdoor festivals. How about an epic road trip to Brookhaven, GA?

To reward your efforts, plan a fun ice cream excursion for the way

The city hosts their annual Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Fes-

ily adventure. And, pets are welcome too!

“This music and art extravaganza is our marquee event of the year, and we hope to kick off the Atlantaarea festival season in style,” says

Create a warm-weather playlist to set the party mood and ask friends and neighbors over and turn it into a potluck.

After a long winter, welcome spring with fun outdoor activities at home and out in the community that the whole family can enjoy.

(StatePoint)

Austin South Asian Invites Contributions From Readers And Community

9

Austin South Asian | April 2018

Buying Tires For Your Car? What To Consider Purchasing new tires for your car can be frustrating: an average of two hours is spent researching tires and 89 percent of all consumers experience some sort of buyer’s remorse, according to a consumer study by Cooper Tires.

Even before tread is worn, regularly inspect tires for cuts, cracks, splits, punctures, bulges and un-

that are 10 or more years older than their date of manufacture, or follow the vehicle manufacturer’s

To help, the experts at Cooper Tires are offering easy ways to identify when you need new tires, as well as tips on what to consider in the tire buying process.

The Penny Test Tire tread should be more than 2/32 of an inch deep. Check by inserting a U.S. penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If the top of Lincoln’s head is covered by tread, there’s at least a minimum acceptable amount of tread. If the top of his head is visible at any point, it’s time to replace your tires.

even wear patterns. Also, replace all tires, (including full-size spares)

recommendations.

Know the Right Size Like with shoes, buying the proper tire size is critical. Consult the information placard found on the driver’s side doorjamb, glove box, fuel door or vehicle manufacturer’s manual, which also contains technical specifications relating to your tire, including load carrying capacity, speed rating and recommended inflation pressures. For maximum safety and performance, follow these recommendations carefully.

If you don’t have this information handy, consult a tire professional to have all your questions answered, and check out the threestep tire guide from Cooper Tires, which can help you narrow down the choices by car/minivan, SUV/ CUV or truck. You can find this guide at us.coopertire.com.

Other Considerations

Seafood: Food for Thought During National Nutrition Month

We hear a lot about the important nutrients in vegetables and fruits, but the health benefits of eating seafood regularly aren’t always in the spotlight. It should be a nobrainer when it comes to seafood,

which is packed with omega-3s.

Yet, most Americans only eat one serving of seafood a week.

Here are some evidence-based facts to help set the record straight during National Nutrition Month.

1. How much seafood should I be eating?

Studies show that seafood benefits your heart, eyes and brain, and may also help you fight chronic diseases and memory loss. The 2015 Dietary Guidelines encourage all Americans to eat at least two servings of seafood each week.

That’s double the amount most people currently eat. To reap the range of nutrients found in seafood, try to get a variety of fish in your diet, including shrimp, salmon, canned/pouched tuna, tilapia and pollock.

2. What if you’re pregnant?

Seafood is especially important for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young children, since it is one of the only natural food sources rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. EPA

and DHA are critical for brain and eye development, supporting the old adage that fish really is “brainfood.” One recent study shows that moms-to-be who ate fish two to three times each week had babies that reached milestones -- such as imitating sounds, recognizing family members and drinking from a cup -- more quickly than children born to mothers who didn’t eat fish regularly during pregnancy. Another recent study found that pregnant women who ate at least two seafood meals each week helped boost their child’s IQ up three points by age 9.

Learn more about the best fish to eat during pregnancy at aboutseafood.com/seafood-pregnancy.

3. How to get more seafood.

Incorporating more seafood into your diet doesn’t need to be a challenge. It’s easy to get the recommended two to three servings each week by simply swapping out the protein from your favorite dishes with seafood. For example, chicken tacos become fish tacos, and grilled steak salad becomes

grilled shrimp salad. What’s more, seafood is just as healthy whether it’s fresh, frozen or canned, making it a convenient item to stock up on when shopping, and ultimately helping you eliminate wasted food in your household.

4. Start the day right.

Nutrition experts recommend incorporating protein into your breakfast as a way to boost metabolism and balance your blood sugar levels for the entire day. Kicking off the morning with tuna avocado toast or salmon on a bagel will help keep you feeling fuller for longer, prevent cravings before lunchtime and help you reach your weekly seafood goals.

More nutrition facts, recipes and other resources can be found at AboutSeafood.com. This National Nutrition Month, give your health a boost by eating a variety of seafood at least twice a week.

(StatePoint)

There are many factors to consider when selecting tires to fit your needs, including the following: • Do you need dedicated winter tires, dedicated summer tires or allseason tires? Think about where you travel over the course of the year.

• Do you have a long commute or take long road trips? Consider expected mileage, ride comfort, fuel efficiency and if the tires are quiet.

• Do you have a sports car or do a lot of spirited driving? You may need tires that focus on handling and are developed for high-performance cars.

• Do you drive in rain? Consider the tires’ wet braking distance.

• Do you drive off-road? If you spend a significant amount of time on mud tackling adventures, dedicated off-road tires may be your best bet.

At the Store Be sure to ask what services are included in the quoted price. And remember, if your selected tires are not immediately available, you can often have them ordered.

It may be helpful to call ahead if you know what you need. To find a retailer near you, visit us.coopertire.com/find-a-store.

Final Thoughts Not all tire damage that can lead to tire failure is outwardly visible.

Used tires, should be considered dangerous. Buy and install only new tires.

Whenever possible, replace all tires at the same time. However, if you can only purchase two, the new pair should always be installed on the rear axle.

Your tires are the only parts of your car that connect to the road. Select tires carefully, then properly maintain and inspect them over time.

(StatePoint)

10

My “Hidden Figures”: Three Octogenarian Indian Women With Particle Physics, Python Programming And Music

Bhamathi’s and Radha’s orbits in life after post doctoral studies spun around differently.

They wait for their Professors to accompany Radha found her love in an Indian professor of Engineering in a Canadian university.

(Continued From Page 01)

She continued her career in Physics in a diminished capacity. I almost fell off my chair, when Radha said that she taught herself how to program in Python to help her grandkids design video games a few years back. She was recognized with “Woman of Distinction” award from YWCA, Edmonton, Canada for her work.

Bhamathi returned to India after her multiple postdocs, and became a Professor of Physics in Madras university.

She has many firsts to her credit including being featured as a woman achiever in Femina magazine and the Hindu newspaper.

them inside every class they attend.

Years later, she found her love in another well renowned physicist that brought her to Austin.

Trained in an Indian classical style of music They don’t go alone as they could be subject- under a well renowned lineage, she became ed to pranks the “only” women students in a active in organizing a music festival and teaching students in Austin. class could be subjected to.

Amba, Bhamathi and Radha describe it as Amba, on the other hand, decided to honour her family’s wishes of seeing her settled their “destiny” to be lifelong friends. down.

Bhamathi and Radha went on to acquire a At some point, she began teaching Physics in Ph.D. in Particle Physics. schools, and won respect from her colleagues They must have faced an uphill battle with for her knowledge and thoroughness. their families when they expressed their desire to come to the US for their postdoctoral She counts her successes by the number of calls she continues to receive on “guru paustudies as single women then. rnima” day.

Radha did her postdocs in Stanford and PrincShe relocated to USA from India to live with eton whereas Bhamathi came to Boulder. her son in her 60s. That did not deter her from Between the two of them, they covered many learning to drive in the US! prestigious institutions where they have taught and delivered seminars in the US, Ja- (Continued On Page 19) pan, Australia, UK and Chile.

Austin South Asian | April 2018

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Austin South Asian | April 2018

SPRING SHIKSHA UPDATE

By Pranoti Kale (for SHIKSHA)

Spring is in the air! At Radha Madhav Dham, spring happiness was certainly felt, as Holi colors spread across the temple grounds and the slowly reviving wildflower fields.

The spring 2018 semester at “SHIKSHA”, the Indian Cultural school at RMD, has been very eventful so far.

The year started off with Indian Republic Day Celebrations in which kids participated in flag making and performed a beautiful rendition of the “Vande Mataram” song.

The school presence was also felt in the celebrations of the MahaShivratri festival which also included dance performance by Shiksha’s very own BharatNatyam teacher- Vidyut Gharpure-Page.

This semester has also seen a quite a few free adult classes like an eggless baking class (by David Pelton), Reiki/yoga class (by Radha Patel), class about DOTERRA healing oils (by health expert Martha Sanders) and an ongoing art class by Nishi Kumar.

Shiksha’s Marathi teacher, Pramod Patil has also been offering free a Sun Salutations class.

“Social Competency Workshop for Leaders of Tomorrow”, which addresses bullying, creation of safe spaces for students and promotion of cultural competency have been held for students and parents.

These classes were led by Deepak Singh and Anu Reddy and have been very helpful to all Shiksha families. Over twenty Shiksha students participated in the STEM Fair held in San Marcos on February 9th.

The event participation and co-

ordination was led by Hands on Science teacher, Akhila Gamble.

In keeping with the cultural emphasis, Marathi class students celebrated Shiv Jayanti on Feb 18th in honor of King Shivaji Maharaj’s birthday.

The next few weeks promise to very exciting ones too.

The highly fun Sports Day will be held on March 18th. March 18th will also see Marathi shala students and families celebrate Maharashtrian Gudi Padwa (New Year).

The Earth Day Celebrations are to be held on April 22nd. This event, organized and coordinated by the “Green Team”, is very popular and draws huge crowds from the surrounding community.

It aims to bring a “Green Awareness” to the Austin community by instilling a love and appreciation for our environment. The event is FREE and OPEN to all and in-

cludes face painting, Petting zoo, Austin Reptile Show, Home Depot Workshop, Lady Bug Release and lots more!

At this event, The Austin Community College will host a SCIENCE FAIR with more than 70 interactive projects. More than 30 different vendors will also be showcasing their products, provide hands on activities for the whole family and giving out free samples as well.

On April 29th, Shiksha students and their families will enjoy a field trip to the Austin Nature and Science Center. The semester will end with a grand Performance Day to be held on May 6th. Shiksha staff and families are calling out to all South Austin Indian community to support the school and enroll for the Fall Semester.

Let’s help keep our culture alive and vibrant! For more information, please log onto www.shikshausa. org or log on the Shiksha FB page.

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Austin South Asian | April 2018

Wajahat Ali & Mona Haydar Are Muslim Next Door At SXSW 2018

(Continued from page 1)

Wajahat Ali and Muslim rapper Mona Haydar. The foursome discussed what Muslims are like in front of an engrossed audience of 2000 guests in Ballroom D at the Convention Center.

Musli,ms in the news who were making a difference in acting like cultural ambassadors for the Muslims in the Trump era.

tion to the wrong thing…. By 2044 there will be a minority/majority population in this country. There is a misunderstanding [about what

Some background: Journalist and author, Katie Couric, decided to host a 6-episode podcast about subjects that matter to the American people. She looked at the Pew survey and found out that 65% of the American population had no idea what Muslims were like as they had never come across even a single one. Brian Goldsmith , had worked with her at Yahoo and is also an investor joined Ms. Couric to co-host the show.

On stage at SXSW:

She spoke to her comedian friend, Aasif Mandvi, who guided her and helped her reach out to American

Ms. Couric stated, “President Trump gives us plenty to talk about and I feel that we are paying atten-

people are like]... People should have opinions but I want to help people form their own opinion. “ That is why she chose Muslims as a subject of one of the episodes.

Mayor Of London, Sadiq Khan, Friendly & Approachable At SXSW (Continued from page 1) political personality from UK to deliver a keynote speech at SXSW. On March 12, Khan talked to an audience of 2500 at the Convention Center about the responsibility

US. Khan’s popularity shot to fame as the first Muslim mayor of London elected with the largest single mandate. He is popular in the US for taking a stand against the tweets of President Trump and policies that divide.

Before the keynote address, Sadiq Khan, seemed relaxed walked around the SXSW area to meet people and take selfies with star struck locals and visitor attendees.

He was willing to answer on the spot questions too.

Take away from his keynote speech:

of Social Media and the checks and balances that need to be even stronger to protect the privacy of people using it. He praised the Americans for their tolerance and respect for liberty, talking also about the best friendship between the two nations. He was quick to hint at the Trump administration to be on a different page regarding opinions against people than the rest of the

1. Social media is being used to invite hatred. There is a need to regulate fake news on Facebook (50% of the US is a member) is damaging to an educated electorate. Tech companies have a social responsibility.

2. Khan said, “The US is a beacon of tolerance and liberty. We enjoy your music. On relations of being best friends, we stand shoulder to shoulder with [the US]. One con-

sequence of best friendship is that when you disagree with them, you have to call them out. You have to tell them you are wrong and here is why… “ He regretted that the president of the US does not seem to speak for the larger masses.

3. Austin is “full of good things.”

4. London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, 300 languages. As a nation United Kingdom is becoming polarized. In the US and in countries across Europe it is the same. And this is evident in the rise of populism. There are undeniable common threats.

5. Twitter and You tube have made it easier to remain in touch with those we love, but understandably there are growing concerns how they have impacted the wellbeing in society. The platforms have been used to exacerbate and deepen a crack in our society.

6. Khan shared hate mails received by him: “Deport all Muslims.

Make London white again.” Such tweets only cause harm. Capable individuals might refrains from coming into the limelight.

Questions asked:

What are the Muslims like?

Why do Muslim women cover their hair?

How was the perception of Muslims before 9/11? After 9/11?

What do Muslims think about the anti-Semitic comments of Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam?

How should the media perceive Muslims?

Arab American rapper Mona Haydar, “Its great to be here as a Muslim American woman.” Haydar who is getting her masters in Christian Theology is a mother of two and a rapper. Her first video, ”Wrap,u Hijab”, ”went public when she was 8 months pregnant.

Mona: A lot of women [cover their head] for modesty. For me it is religious reason… recognition that I am not a body. I am not using my hair to invite people to know me.

Covering my hair [Hijab] is an act of resistance. My body is not up for consumption. Hijab is a tool for liberation. But non-Muslim friends still thought that her hijab was a sign of suppression. Some asked if she needed liberation.

Mona: Look at Muslims as friends, neighbors, partners, co-protagonists of American narrative. Let me carry your water and you carry mine.

Wajahat Ali called himself the walking and talking Muslim explainer. He put on the funny accent and called himself the Muslim next door. He was twenty when 9/11 happened. He said that before 9/11 if anyone wanted to compare him with anyone else, it was Gandhi (which is a compliment).

After 9/11, people became anxious about Muslims. Without realizing it, he became a cultural ambassador of Islam when “our history was questioned by a nameless judge.”

He also felt that he had to answer heavy questions for the Muslim community at large, something he was not prepared for. But the responsibility came his way because he knew how to deal with the subject with humor.

When answering questions about Farrakhan, Mona Haydar found herself incapable of taking sides.

She felt that there is no need to judge anyone especially when that person was doing good work for people in distress. Let those who have knowledge about the subject judge while she who does not will refrain from it.

On the other hand, Wajahat Ali said he was seriously offended by the anti-Semitic comments. He criticized Farrakhan, but added that if people raise their voice against anti-Semitic comments, they should also raise their voice against derogatory comments against African Americans and Islamophobia.

Ali spent much time about why the media is sympathetic towards a white male terrorist as compared to a Muslim or an Africa American one. He said that no one is questioning whites when they commit a crime. Brian Goldsmith added that there are three times more white extremist crimes than colored ones since 9/11.

The more the conversation progressed, the more light-hearted and friendly it got. Mr. Ali joked about how food is of great importance to Muslims and if you want to eat well, it is only the best idea to befriend a Muslim. “Let us eat together and make American delicious!” said Ali amid loud cheering.

Couric who seemed at ease with the Muslims called them her friends, to which Mr. Ali joked that if Katie can make friends with Muslims, so can everyone else in the US. Twitter handles: @KatieCouric @WajahatAli @SXSW @goldsmithB @MonaHaydar

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Austin South Asian | April 2018

Are Common Myths Holding You Back from Buying a Home?

Aspirations of home ownership is strong for America’s families, yet findings from the fifth annual America at Home survey from NeighborWorks America indicate several perceived barriers to homeownership among the majority of consumers.

• Seventy percent of adults feel they don’t have enough money saved for a down payment.

Experts believe that confusion

tance programs are holding back many people from pursuing homeownership.

“Before deciding if owning a home is right for you, take time to under-

says Freddie Mac Vice President, Danny Gardner.

For example, the average down payment among first-time homebuyers in 2016 was just 6 percent and, for repeat buyers, just 14 percent.

Findings from the survey, which consisted of 1,000 U.S. adults and 500 millennials include many misconceptions about what it takes to buy a home:

What’s more, mortgage options, such as Freddie Mac’s Home Possible Mortgages, make it possible for qualified borrowers to put down as little as 3 percent.

• The average millennial mistakenly thinks the minimum required down payment is 21.6 percent.

If your down payment is less than 20 percent with a conventional loan, you’ll have to pay private mortgage insurance, an added insurance policy that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage.

• Approximately 73 percent of all consumers and 62 percent of millennials said they were not aware of or are unsure about down payment assistance programs in their communities for middle-income homebuyers.

about down payment requirements and lack of awareness about assis-

stand your down payment options, and separate myths from facts,”

However, mortgage rates -- despite their rise in recent years -- remain at historic lows, providing you

with a significant advantage.

There are also millions of dollars available for down payment assistance. A great place to start is right where you live.

Many state, county, and city governments provide financial assistance for people in their communities who are well qualified and ready for homeownership.

To help demystify down payments and the homebuying process, free tools and resources are available at myhome.freddiemac.com.

Don’t let misconceptions hold you back from pursuing homeownership. Check out the facts to learn how much home you can afford.

(StatePoint)

Indie Meme Film Festival@Austin - YEAR 3!!

(Continued From Page 01) Over the years cinema enthusiasts come to watch the carefully curated programming to experience

IMFF aims to entertain and engage the community by showcasing different perspectives through the lens and provide a platform for post screening audience & film-

skype, member mixers, audience discussions, networking events and parties.

IMFF2018 will host over 15 critically acclaimed, thought-provoking films and post-screening discussions from multiple South Asian countries.

The multitude of languages you will hear over the weekend include Hindi, Punjabi, Malayalam, Urdu, Gujarati, Marathi, Rajasthani,Tibetian, Nepalese & English!

The NEW and exciting addition to IMFF2018 is the Indie Meme Youth Initiative, a platform for Texas high school and college students to proudly showcase their short films!

slices of life from countries like India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afganistan, Iran & more and to mix n mingle with the filmmakers in attendance & be a part of the Indie Meme community.

maker discussions.

This year, the festival will be buzzing with film premieres, including 3 US premieres, red carpet events with 8 local, national & international filmmakers in person & via

Indie Meme has been screening new age cinema with unique and fresh themes, bringing to light remarkable social issues.

Get ready to be intrigued by 86 new actors battling youth challenges in

critically acclaimed Malayalam action thriller ‘Angamaly Diaries’.

Urban couples’ concerns are brought to the big screen by Kalki Koechlin in ‘Ribbon’ - Parenting is tough!

‘Turup’ has endearing, real women characters who are clearly focused on the path forward, and nonchalant about it.

And the father son relationship in ‘Bhasmasur’ is tender, the gorgeous backdrop of the desserts Rajasthan adding to the quiet of the story of the boy & his donkey.

‘Lock & Key’ makes you sense and feel the pain of the recovering addicts, it’s a rare look at strong men baring their souls and talking about their darkest hours ‘Ask the sexpert’ provides a hilarious look at how talk about sex is taboo in India...though with a population of almost 2 billion surely everyone is indulging in it!

Coming of age is hard, coming out of the closet is harder and doing this as a new immigrant from Pakistan to Canada is super tough, ‘Abu’ is this journey by the filmmaker.

In ‘Dhh’ the magician Naseerudin Shah leads the kids to believe anything is possible with magic, even getting through exams in school.

By the end of the film you just might believe that too!! -this is special kids programming in the festival.

Since its inception, IMFF@Austin has been funded in part by a grant from the City of Austin.

This year too IMFF2018 is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin, Economic Development Department.

AUSTIN is a super cool city and so supportive to the arts community.

And IMFF@Austin adds to the diverse cultural landscape of the city.

14

Austin South Asian | April 2018

15

Austin South Asian | April 2018

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VISHU Vishu is the astronomical new year Hindu festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala, Tulunadu region of Karnataka and their diaspora communities. The festival follows the solar cycle of the lunisolar as the first day of month called Medam. It therefore always falls in the middle of April in the Gregorian calendar on or about 14 April every year.

Vishu literally means equal, and in the festival context it connotes the completion of spring equinox. The festival is notable for its solemnity and the general lack of pomp.

The festival is marked by family time, preparing colorful auspicious items and viewing these as the first thing on the Vishu day.

In particular, Malayali seek to view the golden blossoms of the Indian laburnum (Kani Konna), money or silver items (Vishukkaineetam), and rice. The day also attracts firework play by children, wearing new clothes (Puthukodi) and the eating a special meal called Sadya,

which is a mix of salty, sweet, sour and bitter items.

The Vishu arrangement typically includes an image of Vishnu, typically as Krishna. People also visit

temples like Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple or Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple or Kulathupuzha Sree BaalaShastha Temple to have a ‘Vishukkani Kazhcha’ (viewing) in the early hours of the day.

Vishukkani The Malayalam word “kani” literally means “that which is seen

first” and in Tulu it means “auspicious”, so “Vishukkani” or “Bisukani” means “that which is seen first on Vishu”. The traditional belief is that one’s future is a function of what one experiences, that the new year will be better if one views auspicious joyful things as the first thing on Vishu.

Theref o r e , Malayali Hindu women spend the day before preparing a setting, usually a tray, of auspicious items. This setting is the first thing they see when they wake up on the Vishu day.

The Vishukkani setting consists of items such as rice, golden lemon, golden cucumber, coconut cut open, jack fruit, kanmashi Kajal,

betel leaves, arecanut, metal mirror (Vaalkannadi), golden yellow Konna flowers (Cassia fistula) which bloom in the season of Vishu, holy Hindu texts, coins or currency notes, oil lamp (nilavilakku), and an image of the Hindu god Vishnu.

The tradition has been that one of the members of the house, typically the mom or elderly person lights up the lamps at dawn, then goes to each member of her family one by one, blindfolds and wakes each one up, walks them to the front of the setting. She then releases the blindfold so one can see the setting, and then greets the Vishu day.

Vishu Sadya The Sadhya (feast) is a major part of all Kerala festivals. However, special dishes called Vishu Kanji, Thoran and Vishu katta are more important on the new year day. The Kanji is made of rice, coconut milk and spices.

Vishu katta is a delicacy prepared

from freshly harvested rice powder and coconut milk served with jaggery. For Thoran, the side dish, there are also mandatory ingredients. Other important Vishu delicacies include Veppampoorasam (a bitter preparation of neem) and Mampazhappulissery (a sour mango soup). Even temple offerings called bewu bella, include a mix of sweet jaggery, bitter neem, and other flavors.

The mixing of sweet, salty, sour, bitter and astringent flavors for the new year Vishu meal is similar to the pacchadi food prepared on new year day such as Ugadi by Hindus elsewhere in the peninsular regions of the Indian subcontinent.

These traditional festive recipes, that combine different flavors, are a symbolic reminder that one must expect all flavors of experiences in the coming new year, that no event or episode is wholly sweet or bitter, experiences are transitory and ephemeral, and to make the most from them.

16

Austin South Asian | April 2018

Love Eating Grilled Meats? They May Make Your Blood Pressure Rise, Warns Study Eating a grilled chicken sandwich more often, might not be as ‘healthy’ as you earlier thought it to be.

A new research conducted by

in well-cooked meats including chicken and fish, may up your risk of developing high blood pressure.

The three ways of cooking that were highlighted as culprits by the

and roasting.

The results were presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention, Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2018 in New Orleans.

The study showed that people who grilled, roasted or broiled their chicken, beef or fish more than 15 times a month, had 17 per cent more chances of having high blood pressure than those who restricted their well-cooked meat intake to less than four times a month.

study included grilling, broiling

New Delhi: Belly fat, also known as visceral fat, is not something that just makes your clothes feel tighter. They expose you to chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, making you susceptible to heart and kidney related ailments. Although BMI has been used by various health organisations over the years to calculate weight, the rate of metabolism and how susceptible one is to diseases, it is known to be quite misleading.

People with belly fat are known to have a higher risk of certain health conditions, no matter how they look on the outside.

mat.

Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor. You can also raise your legs so that they make a 90-degree angle with your torso.

Place your hands behind your

Increased blood pressure is often a precursor to many cardiovascular diseases.

The study looked at the cooking methods of 103,941 men and women, who regularly ate chicken, beef and fish and analysed the development of high blood pressure in their bodies.

sure.”

Atherosclerosis or hardening of arterial walls is the underlying process for a lot of heart diseases and its causes include oxidative stress, insulin resistance and inflammation.

Liu said: “Our findings suggest that it may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure if you don’t eat these foods cooked well done and avoid the use of open-flame and/ or high-temperature cooking methods, including grilling/barbequing and broiling.”

The reason behind this was the fact that High-temperature cooking re-

Lead author of the study, Gang Liu, who is a postdoctoral research student at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston said, “The chemicals produced by cooking meats at high temperatures induce oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance in animal studies, and these pathways may also lead to an elevated risk of developing high blood pres-

are the answer.

3 sets for optimum results.

fastest way possible.

How to do it:

Planks

How to do it:

Stand up with your legs as wide apart as your hips with your knees

Nothing strengthens your core and back like a plank. On the onus, it is known to reduce back and spine related problems and help enhance metabolism.

Lie down on your back with your hands placed aside or stand on your feet with hands on your hips.

Exhale all the air out of your lungs and diaphragm.

How to do it:

Suck in your belly and hold it for as long as you can while holding your breath. However, if you have a problem holding your breath, breathe normally.

Repeat 3 sets of 12-15 stomach vacuums for optimum results.

Running The good old Running is always one of the best ways to lose belly fat. Run for a while early in the morning with an empty stomach for at least half-an-hour. The results will be visible in a few weeks.

Overall, for people who preferred their meals well-done, the risk was 15 per cent higher than for those who preferred to eat rarer meats.

Harvard has shown that tucking

leases chemicals that may raise your blood pressure levels.

The study is still a preliminary one since it hasn’t been published in any peer-reviewed journal yet and hence, must be taken with a pinch of salt.

(Courtesy: NDTV)

Five Best Exercises To Lose Weight And Burn Belly Fat

So here we have enlisted some of the best exercising tips to lose belly fat: Crunches Crunches occupy the numero uno position when it comes to exercises that makes one lose belly fat.

Trainers around the world vouch for its effectiveness. Read - Weight loss: Three kitchen ingredients that can help you burn belly fat quickly How to do it: Lie down flat on your back on a

head.

Inhale deeply and as you bring your knees closer to the chest exhale deeply.

Repeat 3 sets of 12-15 crunches for optimum results.

Lunges For beginners that wish to lose belly fat as quickly as possible, lunges

slightly bent.

Lift your hands and align them with your shoulders and keep them parallel to the ground.

Take a big step forward and sit as if sitting on a chair with your right foot aligned perpendicularly to the floor and your left leg lunging backwards supported by the toes.

Repeat 12-15 lunges in each set, do

Place your elbows on the floor aligned with your shoulders so that your elbows and forearms take the weight of your upper body.

Now raise your body to push up position so that your body appears to be in a straight line from your head to toe.

Constantly squeeze your abs while holding the position as long as you can while breathing normally.

Do three sets of 15 planks for optimum results.

Stomach vacuum The current favourite of dieticians all over the world, stomach vacuum has taken the fitness world by storm, quite literally. Also known as Kapal Bharti, this one seems to knock off stubborn belly fat in the

Note: While exercise in all forms benefits your body and mind, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or a healthcare provider before starting an exercise programme because all exercises are not considered appropriate for everyone.

(Courtesy: TimesNowNews.com)

17

Austin South Asian | April 2018

Konark Sun Temple

The name Konark derives from the combination of the Sanskrit words Kona (corner or angle) and Arka (the sun). The context of the term Kona is unclear, but probably

traditional elements of a Hindu temple set on a square plan. According to Kapila Vatsyayan, the ground plan, as well the layout of sculptures and reliefs, follow the

refers to the southeast location of this temple either within a larger temple complex or in relation to other sun temples on the subcontinent. The Arka refers to the Hindu sun god Surya.

square and circle geometry, forms found in Odisha temple design texts such as the Silpasarini. This mandala structure informs the plans of other Hindu temples in Odisha and elsewhere.

The Konark Sun Temple was built from stone in the form of a giant ornamented chariot dedicated to the Sun god, Surya. In Hindu Vedic iconography Surya is represented as rising in the east and traveling rapidly across the sky in a chariot drawn by seven horses. He is described typically as a resplendent standing person holding a lotus flower in both his hands, riding the chariot marshaled by the charioteer Aruna.

The main temple at Konark, locally called the deul, no longer exists.

It was surrounded by subsidiary shrines containing niches depicting Hindu deities, particularly Surya in many of his aspects.

The seven horses are named after the seven meters of Sanskrit prosody: Gayatri, Brihati, Ushnih, Jagati, Trishtubha, Anushtubha, and Pankti. Typically seen flanking Surya are two females who represent the dawn goddesses, Usha and Pratyusha. The goddesses are shown to be shooting arrows, a symbol of their initiative in challenging darkness. The architecture is also symbolic, with the chariot’s twelve pairs of wheels corresponding to the 12 months of the Hindu calendar, each month paired into two cycles (Shukla and Krishna).

The temple plan includes all the

The deul was built on a high terrace. The temple was originally a complex consisting of the main sanctuary, called the rekha deul, or bada deul (lit. big sanctum). In front of it was the bhadra deul (lit. small sanctum), or jagamohana (lit. assembly hall of the people) (called a mandapa in other parts of India.).

The attached platform was called the pida deul, which consisted of a square mandapa with a pyramidal roof.

All of these structures were square at their core, and each was overlain with the pancharatha plan containing a variegated exterior. The central projection, called the raha, is more pronounced than the side projections, called kanika-paga, a style that aims for an interplay of sunlight and shade and adds to the visual appeal of the structure throughout the day. The design

manual for this style is found in the Silpa Sastra of ancient Odisha.

The Konark temple presents this iconography on a grand scale. It has 24 elaborately carved stone wheels which are nearly 12 feet (3.7 m) in diameter and are pulled by a set of seven horses. When viewed from inland during the dawn and sunrise, the chariot-shaped temple appears to emerge from the depths of the blue sea carrying the sun.

The main temple at Konark, locally called the deul, no longer exists.

It was surrounded by subsidiary shrines containing niches depicting Hindu deities, particularly Surya in many of his aspects. The deul was built on a high terrace. The temple was originally a complex consisting of the main sanctuary, called the rekha deul, or bada deul (lit. big sanctum).

In front of it was the bhadra deul (lit. small sanctum), or jagamohana (lit. assembly hall of the people) (called a mandapa in other parts of India.). The attached platform was called the pida deul, which consisted of a square mandapa with a pyramidal roof.

All of these structures were square at their core, and each was overlain with the pancharatha plan containing a variegated exterior. The central projection, called the raha, is more pronounced than the side projections, called kanika-paga, a style that aims for an interplay of sunlight and shade and adds to the visual appeal of the structure throughout the day. The design manual for this style is found in the Silpa Sastra of ancient Odisha.

Twice as wide as they were high, the walls of the jagamohana are 100 feet (30 m) tall. The surviving structure has three tiers of six pidas each. These diminish incrementally and repeat the lower patterns.

The pidas are divided into terraces.

On each of these terraces stand statues of musician figures.

The main temple and the jagamohana porch consist of four main zones: the platform, the wall, the trunk, and the crowning head called a mastaka. The first three

are square while the mastaka is circular. The main temple and the jagamohana differed in size, decorative themes, and design. It was the main temple’s trunk, called the gandhi in medieval Hindu architecture texts, that was ruined long ago.

The sanctum of the main temple is now without a roof and most of the original parts.

stroyed. None of these stones occur naturally nearby, and the architects and artisans must have procured and moved the stones from distant sources, probably using the rivers and water channels near the site.

The masons then created ashlar, wherein the stones were polished and finished so as to make joints hardly visible.

The stone temple was made from three types of stone. Chlorite was used for the door lintel and frames as well as some sculptures. Laterite was used for the core of the platform and staircases near the foundation. Khondalite was used for other parts of the temple.

The original temple had a main sanctum sanctorum (vimana), which is estimated to have been 229 feet (70 m) tall. The main vimana fell in 1837. The main mandapa audience hall (jagamohana), which is about 128 feet (39 m) tall, still stands and is the principal structure in the surviving ruins.

Among the structures that have survived to the current day are the dance hall (Nata mandira) and the dining hall (Bhoga mandapa).

According to Mitra, the Khondalite stone weathers faster over time, and this may have contributed to erosion and accelerated the damage when parts of the temples were de-

Akbar And Birbal

Crows In The Kingdom

One day Emperor Akbar and Birbal were taking a walk in the palace gardens. It was a nice summer morning and there were plenty of crows happily playing around the

pond. While watching the crows, a question came into Akbar’s head.

He wondered how many crows were there in his kingdom.

Since Birbal was accompanying him, he asked Birbal this question.

After a moment’s thought, Birbal replied, “There are ninety-five thousand four hundred and sixtythree crows in the Kingdom”.

Amazed by his quick response, Akbar tried to test him again, “What if there are more crows than you answered?” Without hesitating, Birbal replied, “If there are more crows than my answer, then some crows are visiting from oth-

er neighboring kingdoms”. “And what if there are less crows”, Akbar asked.

“Then some crows from our kingdom have gone on holidays to other places”.

Moral: There is always a way if you think with ease.

18

Austin South Asian | April 2018

19

Austin South Asian | April 2018

How To Give Back To Your Community This National Volunteer Month April is National Volunteer Month and a great time of year to roll up your sleeves and get active in your community.

Here are a few ways to do your part.

• Donate blood. You don’t have to wait until the next blood drive to donate, as many hospitals and non-profits collect blood at centers year-round. Call ahead to ensure you meet the requirements and take some time out of your day to potentially save a life with your donation.

• Collect Books: Local libraries can always use more books and

most households have at least a few they don’t need or want anymore.

Make it easy for friends, family and coworkers to donate their used books to a good cause by organizing a book drive at your workplace, church or community center.

• Take a walk: Did you know that many animal shelters are in need of volunteers to spend time with pets?

From walking dogs to feeding newborn kittens to manning mobile adoption events, you can help improve the lives of animals that have not yet been adopted.

(SPM Wire)

My “Hidden Figures”: Three Octogenarian Indian Women With Particle Physics, Python Programming And Music

(Continued From Page 10)

as I expected, they have no regrets.

In the times, where I see “feminism” sometimes interpreted as not doing anything that a traditional Indian woman does, it is refreshing to see these women, who have defied many traditions in their times, indulge and enjoy the cultural aspects they were brought up with.

They took the life as it came, and tried to make it better for them, and people around them.

The Physics seamlessly blends in with doing a Varalakshmi puja (Bhamathi, Radha), or everyday stotra recitation (Amba).

Radha, in fact, chants thousand names of Vishnu while on a treadmill everyday.

When asked about if they would change anything from their past,

Their general guidance to the coming generation is to have good work ethics making the best use of what opportunities come by the way, and not taking any reward or privilege for granted.

Most importantly, they believe the secret to happiness lies in making and keeping good friends for life!

As I left these mentally young friends to chat more through the night, I was most inspired by their continued spark to be creative, thinking and ever learning souls.

READ AUSTIN SOUTH ASIAN

Make A Difference - Seeking Opinion Is A Privilege

By Vidya Kumar I feel that when one seeks an opinion however trivial it is then the person to whom it is sought needs to respond with positive attitude rather than brushing it aside.

We sometimes miss the small picture and respond to a conversation without thinking.

Think how many times we have brushed aside when a spouse asks what you would like to eat.

Is it because the person feels it is too much work to think and inform or because lazy not to think and respond to the query.

Or there may be a third reason that you want the person who is do-

ing the cooking to have it easy so would bounce it back to that person.

In my case both me and my husband are always putting the other person first with the result sometimes it hits back at us.

Take for example whenever I ask what he wants for breakfast he would not make a suggestion.

The conversation would be whatever is easy for you please do it.

Even when I give an option like Upma or Poha he would say whatever is easy.

When I tell him that I am giving the option because both are easy he would not pick but revert back to me saying whatever is easy.

I sometimes wish he would tell me what he wants to eat so that I will have interest in preparing thus improving my cooking skills.

The day I stop asking him may be he will realize that all the time when I was seeking an opinion it was a privilege and now he no longer enjoys it.

So my suggestion to all the readers when someone asks an opinion please take time to think it through and give your best opinion as it is always a privilege you are getting and every privilege comes with the responsibility.

Your responsibility is to give your esteemed opinion.

Local Teen Refugees Collaborate To Move For Social Action

Anuradha Naimpally, of Austin Dance India, in collaboration with the City of Austin’s Asian American Resource Center, present “Dance for Global Goals: See us move. Hear our story” A dynamically innovative performance featuring compelling stories from Asian teenagers and senior refugees & immigrants (Austin, TX) March 20, 2018 – Austin based dancer and choreographer, Anuradha Naimpally (Austin Dance India) and the City of Austin’s Asian American Resource Center (AARC), present “Dance for Global Goals,” a socially focused, intergenerational dance production that aims to bring awareness to Asian refugees and immigrants by sharing individually empowering stories.

Through dance, spoken word and original live music, the astounding journeys of these first-time performers debut at the AARC on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 3:00pm.

The AARC is located at 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, Texas 78754.

Known as Austin’s leading performer in Baharata Natyam, Naim-

pally presents a new narrative through classical Indian dance; one that expresses real-life stories and transcends traditional storytelling through movement.

In response to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which covers a global range of social and economic development concerns, Naimpally’s performance brings these universal social justice challenges to the local stage.

Harnessing that local perspective, the production amplifies gender inequality and empowers women from underprivileged Asian countries to raise awareness of their challenges through a creative medium.

The performance is accompanied by singer/songwriter/composer, Nagavalli, and guitarist/percussionist, Oliver Rajamani.

“The performance allows us a platform for art for social practice and takes larger global challenges and expresses them through individual journeys to raise awareness and give voice to these stories that may not have been heard otherwise,” said Naimpally.

Local & global impact Prior to the performance, a reception will be held by locally based, non-profit beneficiary, Whole Planet Foundation, whose mission is to alleviate poverty in Austin and worldwide.

During the reception, guests will also have access to “Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation,” a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition, hosted by the AARC and South Asian Austin Moms (SAAM).

This exhibit showcases the Indian American experience and their diverse contributions to the United States from the 1700s to the present.

The evening will conclude with a post-performance talk back with the artists and participants.

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors.

To purchase tickets, please visit danceforglobalgoals.eventbrite. com.

(Continued On Page 21)

20

Austin South Asian | April 2018

How Much Home Can You Afford This Spring? Factors To Consider The chicken or the egg? Which came first continues to fuel philosophical debates.

But when it comes to buying a home, experts are pretty clear about the proper order of things -- agreeing you should fit your mortgage to your finances, not to a house.

“Before you even start your search for a home this spring, it’s crucial to know how much you can afford to pay each month,” says Freddie Mac Senior Vice President, Christina Boyle, who stresses that there are a few important things to keep in mind as you calculate this figure.

Start by getting a handle on your finances. What do you earn? What do you spend? How much do you have in savings?

much home you can afford.

Make a budget and use free online tools and calculators to determine how much you can afford.

Your lifestyle can also help you assess whether a particular home is

what you can afford. Some points to consider are whether you want

These factors can affect the cost of a home and you should determine your priorities in advance of home and mortgage hunting.

Remember that your monthly expenses go beyond mortgage payments, so leave some room in your budget.

Remember, getting pre–approved can help you act fast and make a confident offer, so talk to your lender now before you start shopping.

Whether it’s a new roof or a leaking faucet, homeownership can mean unexpected expenses.

A full rundown on all things homebuying, including free tools and resources, is available at myhome. freddiemac.com.

Be prepared to pay for such items, as needed. General maintenance, combined with utilities (an expense that can vary by home depending on its size and other factors), are added expenses to consider.

Answering these questions will help you better understand how

Some neighborhoods also have homeowners’ association fees to cover the cost of upkeep of common spaces.

Science, art and math are becoming increasingly important school subjects to embrace.

strates for children of all ages how important these subjects really are in life.

portation, and the potential length of your commute.

right for you and your budget.

Location is key in determining

to live in a suburban or urban setting, whether you need to be near specific schools and public trans-

This spring, be sure to prepare yourself for the homebuying experience by being well-informed and aware of what you can afford.

(StatePoint)

Getting Girls Interested in STEAM Subjects will help keep kids engaged.

3. Provide intuitive tools.

Here are five ways to ensure your girls get interested and stay interested in these critical subjects through the years.

1. Get involved early.

2. Find practical applications.

Science, art and math are an integral part of everyday life.

Finding the practical applications as you go about your day, demon-

and enjoyable. Kids won’t even realize they are learning if they are having a good time while doing so.

Plus, its brand new 3D Graph Drawing and improved catalog function allows for greater engagement and real-life application in the mathematics classroom.

For example, music students can try out the LK-265 keyboard from Casio, which includes a Dance Music Mode, letting musicians create and remix electronic dance music quickly and easily.

4. Encourage group and club participation.

Setting a foundation of math, science and the arts is essential to getting young children, especially girls, interested in continued learning.

Encourage them from a young age to participate in hands-on science, arts and math activities, and those with an interest or aptitude in these subjects will continue to pursue these paths as they learn and grow.

and an intuitive icon-based menu, students will find the calculator easy-to-use.

Use the weather report as an opportunity to discuss meteorology.

Bake with your daughter and work on figuring out measurements for doubling recipes.

Intuitive learning tools can foster a better understanding of a subject and make learning easier, encouraging students to continue their studies with enthusiasm.

On the road? Have your daughter calculate the distance from your current location to your destination, as well as the amount of gasoline you’ll need to get there. Seeing math, science, and art in the world

For example, Casio’s fx-CG50 PRIZM Graphing Calculator will support students and educators of math through middle school and high school, and into college.

With Natural Textbook Display

From outdoor education clubs that focus on environmental science to math competition leagues, support and encourage girls and young women to join special groups that focus on math, science and art -both in and out of school.

For example, robotics clubs have been growing in communities across the nation and foster an understanding of key math and science functions.

5. Make it fun.

Get girls interested in science, math and the arts by making it fun

Select from 50 styles of EDM, and use the lower keys to choose different variations of drum beats, bass lines, and synth parts. Its lighted keys show you how to play your favorite songs which users can download from MIDI files.

Or, connect your device’s headphone output to the LK-265’s audio input, and explore an endless library of music.

By starting early and making it fun to integrate these key subjects into their daily lives, you can help girls develop a lifelong love of science, art and math, which can help them in school and, later, in the workplace.(StatePoint)

21

Austin South Asian | April 2018

April 2018 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:

11:00 AM,

April 01, Sunday, 04:30 PM,

17th Annual South Asian New Year Festival is at Zilker Hillside Theater, 2206 William Barton Dr Texas, Austin, TX 78746. This event is organised by South Asian New Year Festival.

OSCAR NOMINEE BOMBAY JAYASRI IN AUSTIN is at St. Michaels Catholic Acdemy, 3000 Barton Creek Blvd, Austin, TX 78735. For more information, contact 512 918 1351.

April 07, Saturday,

April 28, Saturday, 02:00 PM, MUSICAL RAMANAVAMI FES-

TIVAL is at C.D. Fulkes Middle School, 300 W Anderson Ave, Round Rock, TX 78664. For more information, contact IFA at (512918-1351) or indiafinearts@hotmail.com April 29, Sunday, 08:00 PM - 12:00 PM, BAPS Charities Walk Green 2018 in Austin, TX is an event to raise funds for The Nature Conservancy

Local Teen Refugees Collaborate To Move For Social Action

(Continued From Page 19)

About “Dance for Global Goals”: This project is a collaboration with the Asian American Resource Center, which is housed within the City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department, Museums and Cultural Programs Division.

This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department and is generously funded by Mid-America Arts Alliance and the National Endowment for the Arts, The Windgate Charitable Foundation, Inc., The Texas Commission on the Arts and arts state agencies of Arkansas,

Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.

About Anuradha Naimpally

Creative director, Anuradha Naimpally, has been teaching and performing for more than 30 years.

She teaches all dance classes personally, carrying on the guru-sishya (teacher-disciple) tradition that she herself experienced throughout her own training.

As a performer, Naimpally has accumulated a number of prestigious awards and titles, including the Jacqueline LeMieux Prize from the Canada Council and Best Dancer and Best Dance Production

awards by the Austin Area Critics’ Circle. She was bestowed the title of Sringar Mani, “Artistic Jewel”, in Bombay after her performance at the Kal-Ke-Kalakaar Festival in 1990.

As a passionate arts educator, Naimpally conducts assembly performances and workshops on Indian dance and culture throughout Central Texas schools and libraries.

She is also a selected artist with the Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster and Mid-America Arts Alliance. Naimpally holds a B.A. in philosophy and an M.F.A. in dance.

New Website To Buy Hijab – By El Turk And Idrissi

By Sumaiya Malik Melanie EL-Turk, the founder of online retail Hautehijab.com conversed with Mariah Idrissi, the first Hijab wearing Muslim to be a part of an advertising campaign.

El-Turk talked about their journey creating new spaces, new styles, and imagery for a global audience of passionate fashionistas.

Idrissi gave credit to accidental circumstances that put in the limelight in the GAP campaign. Then came her TED Teen talk.

El-Turk manufactures the most ornate Hijab, her company carries while Idrissi talked about how it felt to wear hijab on the cat walk.

and other charitable activities organized by BAPS Charities.The event is at Old Settlers Park, Lakeview Pavilion, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, TX 78665.

For more information, contact 512731-4378 or visit http://www.bapscharities.org/Walk18Austin/ April 29, Sunday, 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM, 6th Annual Bollywood Meets Borscht Belt is at Dell Jewish Community Center, 7300 Hart Ln, Austin, TX 78731. For more information, contact (512) 994-4638.

To reserve tickets or for sponsorship, visit hc4a.0rg.

Tickets: Ages 13 and up Ages 6 to 18 years Children under 6

$30 $10 Free

Indie Meme Events April 19, Thursday,

Meme-er & Badgeholders Night - A FREE SCREENING for all INDIE MEME 2018 MEMBERS plus Festival Badge Holders.

Registration required. (become a member/ renew membership at Indimeme.org) 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM - Mixer at the theater - Regal Arbor

07:00 PM- 08:00 PM - Youth Initiative -- a platform encouraging young local Texas filmmakers to show their talent in movie making and storytelling through short films.

08:00 PM - 09:45 PM - Shorts followed by a feature Hakla (US/English/Fiction) Five O’Clock Shadow (US/English/Fiction April 20, Friday, Opening Party

Night

Screening

&

Formal Opening Night of IMFF2018 to which the press is

invited and all filmmakers are in attendance. It is followed by the Opening night after party (for Badge Holders).

05:45 PM - 06:45 PM - Red Carpet at the theatre 07:00PM - 09:00 PM - Turup (Checkmate) (India/Feature/Hindi/ Fiction) 09:15 PM - 11:30 PM - Opening Night Party @Brio April 21, Saturday,

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Jaalgedi (The Curious Girl) (NEPAL/Short/ Nepalese/Fiction) Barley fields On The Other Side Of The Mountain (TIBET/Feature/Tibetan/Fiction) 01:30 PM - 03:45 PM - Shorts followed by a Documentary Khujli (INDIA/Hindi/Fiction) Counterfeit Kunkoo (INDIA/ Short/Hindi/Fiction) 04:15 PM - 07:30 PM - Angamaly Diaries (INDIA/ Feature/Malayalam/Fiction) 08:30 PM - 10:00 PM - TBD FEATURE April 22, Sunday,

10:00 AM - 12:15 PM SPECIAL CHILDRENS’ PROGRAMMING DHH (INDIA/Feature/Gujrati / Fiction) 01:30 PM - 03:15 PM Lock & Key (INDIA/Feature/Punjabi & Hindi /Documentary) 07:15 PM - 09:45 PM Chumbak(The Lottery) (INDIA/ Feature/Marathi/Fiction) 10:00 PM - 11:45 PM AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT & Closing Night Party at the lounge 77 degrees @Domain

22

Austin South Asian | April 2018 THEME: PERSONAL FITNESS

DOWN

ACROSS

1. *Swim, swam, ____ 2. Not to be mentioned 3. Prima donnas’ problems 4. Catfish’s cousin 5. Deciduous horn 6. UPS competitor 7. *Yoga turf 8. There’s none like home?

9. Office communique 10. Month before Nisan 11. Balthasar and Gaspar 12. Plant-derived home remedy 15. “Paradise Lost” poet 20. Be 22. Mandela’s org.

24. Sentimental books and movies 25. *Isometric strength training prop 26. Mountaineer’s tool 27. Baggins of the Shire 29. *Type of aerobics 31. Genesis skipper 32. Maraud 33. Like a feeble old woman 34. *Dumb____ and kettle____ 36. Two of a kind 38. Wedding cake layer 42. Funny 45. Ankara country 49. Greek letters on campus 51. *____Sneakers, senior workout programs 54. Freshwater diving bird 56. Rive Droite and Rive Gauche separator 57. T in SAT 58. *Resting heart ____ 59. Site of Taj Mahal 60. Chowder mollusc 61. Def Leppard’s “Rock of ____” 62. Singer Stewart and actor Steiger 63. Overabundance 64. Puppy barks 67. *Fitness venue

1. Inscribed pillar 6. Strike caller 9. MADD member, colloquially 13. Conestoga vehicle 14. Salt in cocina 15. Caldecott award 16. Lusitania destroyer 17. School org.

18. Idealized image 19. *Glutes, e.g.

21. *Burnable unit 23. Witch’s work 24. What little piggy did 25. Overall part 28. “____ and shine!”

30. Chew the fat 35. *Lactic ____, cause of sore muscles 37. Editor’s mark 39. Nary a soul 40. Be dependent 41. Sort of warm 43. Seed cover 44. Capital near Casablanca 46. Embarkation location 47. Oates’ singing partner 48. Second book of Old Testament 50. Aphrodite’s son 52. Nod 53. Opposite of riches 55. Fleur-de-____ 57. *Wearable device 61. Rhinitis or dermatitis 65. Top scout 66. Grade A item in grocery store 68. Actress Davis 69. Alley tom 70. Ciao in the U.S. 71. Finish 72. *Competitive group 73. Ambulance crew 74. *Time between sets, pl.

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 April 2018 issue.

To Advertise In ASA Call 512-828-6709

23

Austin South Asian | April 2018

5 Creative Gift Ideas For Someone You Love Looking to surprise a loved one?

Check out these five creative gift ideas that will help make a birthday or any special occasion great.

nothing new, but kick it up a notch with an “Around the World” theme.

1. Take a trip around the world with your taste buds.

Pick some destinations you’d love to travel to and get into the kitchen together to create their signature dishes.

Cooking dinner for your partner

For extra points, track down drinks

to pair with your food.

You’ll have fun experiencing new cuisine, and it may even ignite a spark to book a trip!

2. Make more time together.

Use some creativity to show your loved one that you want to spend more time together Pair a new timepiece with roses for a unique presentation.

Consider classic fashion choices with Casio’s Vintage timepieces, which feature stainless steel bands in different metallic color combinations, a daily alarm, hourly time signal and an auto-calendar, ensuring you are never late for a date.

3.Commission a custom family portrait.

to celebrate a special occasion is

specifically found in those regions

Whether you have kids, pets or it is just the two of you, a custom family portrait is a sweet gift and a great piece of artwork for your home.

Find an independent portrait artist on a site like Etsy or put your own artistic abilities to the test and create the portrait yourself.

Enhance your performance with a portable keyboard that makes learning easy, such as Casio’s CTK-2550.

4. Create an at-home spa day.

It features 61 full-size keys, 400 high-quality tones and 150 built-in rhythms to ensure you have all the tools you need to create a beautiful song for the one you love.

Get pampered without leaving the house. Book a traveling masseuse or create DIY bath products like bath bombs or scrubs with essential oils.

Create a spa-like atmosphere with low lights, candles and flower arrangements.

Order dinner in afterwards and enjoy the special time together as relaxed as can be.

5. Write a love song.

Whether you write it yourself or pick a favorite that’s personal to you, performing a love song is a touching way to show you cherish someone.

Or, connect to your iOS or Android device to use the free Chordana Play app, which uses the keyboard’s display to show you how to play your favorite songs.

Just download your favorite MIDI files, connect your device’s headphone output to the keyboard’s audio input, and explore an endless library of music.

(StatePoint)

Austin South Asian Invites Contributions From Readers And Community March 2018 Sudoku Answer Mr. Yudhveer Bagga

Ms. Prema Raghavan

Mr. Rajnish

Ms.Riya chauha

24 TAMIL NEW YEAR. Tamil Puthandu also known as Puthuvarusham or Tamil New Year, is the first day of year on the Tamil calendar.

The festival date is set with the solar cycle of the lunisolar Hindu calendar, as the first day of the Tamil month Chithirai.

It therefore almost always falls on or about 14 April every year on the Gregorian calendar.

The same day is observed by Hindus elsewhere as the traditional new year, but is known by other names such as Vishu in Kerala, and Vaisakhi in central and north India.

On this day, Tamil people greet each other by saying “Puttāṇṭu vāḻttukkaḷ!” or “Iṉiya puttāṇṭu nalvāḻttukkaḷ!”, which is equivalent to “Happy new year”.

The day is observed as a family time. Households clean up the house, prepare a tray with fruits, flowers and auspicious items, light up the family Puja altar and visit their local temples.

People wear new clothes and youngster go to elders to pay respects and seek their blessings, then the family sits down to a vegetarian feast.

Austin South Asian | April 2018

My dad – Admiral Mansur ul Haque – 1937 to 2018

When I hear the word ‘Betaji’, my eyes will well up… dad called me that too.

When I walk, I will look at the steps and the uneven ground as I used to when he walked

My father passed away on February 21, 2018 unexpectedly after a short illness. He had always prayed that when it was time to go, he would depart up-and-about without being a burden on anyone. God granted him his wish on February 21, 2018, surrounded by his wife and all three of his children.

Dad was a husband, father, grandfather, statesman, humanitarian and an inspiration. He gave 44 years of his life to Pakistan Navy and did a lot of humanitarian work for the sailors and officers alike. After retirement, he lived part of his life in Austin, TX, where I live with my husband and two children. Dad was loved and respected by all my friends and his own friends in Austin. Many looked up to him for love and advice. The vacuum in our lives is great and will always be. We thank the Austin community for all the prayers, condolences, cherished memories, fatheha, phone calls, visits. Thank you! Abuji loved you like his own.

I will use my dad’s memory as an inspiration.

When I am down, what he said will lift me.

When I am up, his smile will add to my laughter.

When I cry, I will hear, Chamji (what he called me lovingly)

back and look at the bigger picture.

When I hear of a brave man, I will be filled with pride.

When I can brag, I will be humble.

When I talk to people, I will look at them in the eyes. Dad loved that.

When I greet someone older, I will always rise as dad taught me.

When I talk to my children, I will listen to them and hear them…. my dad asked me.

When I see a white uniform, I’ll know that it’s the man inside who makes it.

When I think of Abuji, I will be at peace.

Until we meet again. InshaAllah!

We love you, dad.

Sumaiya

beside me.

When little things bother me, I will step

Bombay Express Authenitic Indian Cafe 100% Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm 13000 N IH35 Building #12, Unit # 216 Austin, Texas - 78753

512-491-5055

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

25

Austin South Asian | April 2018

RECIPE OF THE MONTH Palak Paneer

By Bharathi Bande Method :

cook for 2 minutes and keep it aside.

toes. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.

In a pan add 2 tablespoons of oil, when it is hot add cumin seeds, when they splutter add diced onions sauté for a minute then add green chilies.

Add 2 teaspoons of sour cream (op-

turn off the gas. Let it cool.

when it comes to boil, add paneer (if you want you can shallow fry the paneer and add it)

Fry it till the onions are translucent.

Now add ginger garlic paste, again sauté for a minute.

Add turmeric powder, chillipowder, coriander powder, jeera powder and garam masala powder.

Clean, wash spinach (palak) and

Give it a good mix then add toma-

paste and add water according to your thickness.

Gently grind the mixture in pulse mode (prese button once or twice). tional) mix again, now add cooked spinach. Add required amount of salt cook for 1 or 2 minutes and

Add the ghee to a pan. Add all the tempering ingredients.

When they splutter, add the ground

Mix well but don’t cook too long after adding paneer.

Finally add kassuri methi and optionally cream.

Serve hot with puri, roti, naan or chapathi

HC4A Donates $36,000 For Vocational Education Scholarships In March (Continued From Page 01) Using funds raised at its annual fall gala though the generosity of attendees and sponsors, HC4A carried out its mission to bridge

On March 1, 2018, HC4A presented $3000.00 to Sargent Will Williams for the Round Rock-area “Share the Will” fund.

This donation will be used to pro-

HC4A has assisted Manor ISD students.

HC4A will be making more donations in the near future and plans

them the opportunity to succeed, HC4A believes in giving a hand to

to donate a total of $78,000 for vocational education scholarships this year.

help others also live the American dream.

Since 2014, HC4A has given $39,000.00 to Manor ISD, funding scholarships for 78 students. In 2015, HC4A was the recipient of Manor ISD’s Community Partner of the Year award.

On March 9, 2018, HC4A provided Round Rock ISD’s Partners in Education Foundation with $5000.00 to fund five $1000.00 scholarships.

In the past two years, HC4A has provided a total of $10,000.00 to Round Rock PIEF for vocational education scholarships.

HC4A’s largest donation in March was to Capital Idea on March 18, 2018.

income disparity through education by giving funds to Manor ISD, Round Rock Partners in Education Foundation, Capital Idea, and the Share the Will fund.

HC4A was proud to expand its impact in the community this year by making its first donation to assist military veterans.

vide vocational education scholarships to veterans and their children.

Manor ISD was the recipient of $8000.00 from HC4A on March 7, 2018, for vocational education scholarships for 16 Manor ISD students.

This is the fifth year in a row that

HC4A presented a $20,000.00 to Capital Idea to provide vocational education scholarship to non-traditional students.

HC4A is committed to helping provide vocational scholarships to economically disadvantaged students in a variety of life situations and is proud to partner with Capital Idea to serve this population.

About Hindu Charities for America (HC4A): HC4A is a non-religious, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to helping economically disadvantaged students in our local communities.

Founded in 2010 to provide a vehicle by which Indian-American communities could give back to the local communities that provided

HC4A invites everyone to join in its mission to help create stronger, more educated, and more prosperous local communities by bridging income disparity through education.

HC4A lives out this mission by providing school supplies to homeless and economically disadvantaged students and by providing vocational education scholarships.

26

Austin South Asian | April 2018

Abhishek Bachchan Not R. Madhavan Was Reportedly The First Choice To Play Villain In Ranveer Singh’s Simmba

Rohit Shetty and Karan Johar have combined their forces for the first time for what seems like a masala entertainer, titled Simmba. Ditching his favourite muse Ajay Devgn, Rohit picked the star of the season, Ranveer Singh for his upcoming project.

approaching Madhavan, Rohit Shetty had first offered Abhishek Bachchan to play the baddie.

Much to the director’s and even

ports Spotboye.

Rohit Shetty and Abhishek Bachchan have earlier collaborated during Bol Bachchan in 2012.

is currently filming for Anurag Kashyap’s Manmarziyaan and also has Sajid Nadiadwala’s Housefull 4 in his kitty. The exact reason for Abhishek turning down the role is

n fact, even after Sara was announced as the lead actress, reports were that Amrita Singh’s daughter had ditched Abhishek Kapoor and Sushant Singh Rajput’s Kedarnath to be a part of Ranveer-Rohit’s movie that has blockbuster written all over.

However, Saif Ali Khan’s daughter Sara Ali Khan walked away with the role opposite Ranveer.

After the protagonists, the makers are now reportedly scouting for an antagonist for the film.

Another trouble facing Simmba is a probable date clash with Salman Khan’s Dabangg 3.

Karan Johar’s surprise, Junior Bachchan sent him packing, re-

The Bluffmaster star returned to sets after a break of two years. He

GV Prakash Kumar Wraps Up ‘Sarvam Thaala Mayam’ With back-to-back projects lined up for release, music composer turned actor GV Prakash Kumar is certainly on a roll.

Menon. So far, Rajiv has directed two films- ‘Minsara Kanavu’ and ‘Kandukondain Kandukondain’, which received critical acclaim and

revolve around an aspiring musician.

It also stars veteran actor Nedumudi Venu, Aparna Balamurali, Vineeth and Divyadarshini in important roles.

If reports are to be believed, ‘Sarvam Thaala Mayam’ is expected to hit the screens later this year.

On the work front, GV Prakash is teaming up with director Adhik Ravichandran for a fantasy romantic film, which is expected to go on the floors in summer. Bollywood actress Amyra Dastur is reported to be playing the female lead.

Whilst still basking in the success of his recent ‘Naachiyar’, Prakash wrapped up the shooting of his much-awaited ‘Sarvam Thaala Mayam’ in Meghalaya recently.

The film marks the comeback of the cinematographer-filmmaker Rajiv

Moreover, the next leg of shoot for Kedarnath goes on floors in April, the same time around Simmba.

Guess, Sara might be juggling two big projects and buzz is that she might have to make some tough calls. I

Soon after the Bajirao Mastani actor’s name was announced, it was reported that Deepika Padukone, Janhvi Kapoor and even Malayalam sensation Priya Prakash Varrier were in the running for the female lead.

According to Spotboye, R. Madhavan is likely to play the villain in the cop drama. However, before

screens on December 21. However, Simmba is scheduled to release on December 28.

commercial success.

Tipped to be a musical drama, ‘Sarvam Thaala Mayam’ has music by Academy Award winner AR Rahman.

Reports suggest that the film would

not clear yet.

Meanwhile, Ajay Devgn shall be making a cameo appearance in Simmba, reports DNA. “Rohit wanted someone to play a special character, so he decided to approach Ajay, who will have an interesting part in Simmba’s climax.

Every time Rohit plans a film, Ajay is the first one he bounces off his ideas to. In fact, he was the one who felt Ranveer would be ideal for this movie,” DNA quoted their sources as saying.

Besides, Sara Ali Khan might end up with two releases in a span of one week in December. The starkid is slated to make her Bollywood debut with Abhishek Kapoor’s Kedarnath which hits the

While the makers have not yet confirmed the release dat, Arbaaz did hint that they might come out with the movie by the end of this year.

He even mentioned that he would promote the film on Salman-hosted reality show Bigg Boss.

Does this mean Salman Khan and Ranveer Singh shall arrive in cinemas with their respective cop avatars around the same time?

After avoiding a date clash with Shah Rukh Khan’s Zero and ditching the initial December 21 release date, will Simmba see a change of plan again?

All we can say is, December is going to be one crazy month for Bollywood this year. Zero, Kedarnath, Simmba and Dabangg 3 - who makes it to the winning post yet.

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Austin South Asian | April 2018

Vijay Sethupathi Heads To Portugal For ‘Junga’ Despite Film Industry Strike

Vijay Sethupathi is one of the few actors who shares a good rapport with almost everyone in the industry.

However, it looks like Vijay Sethupathi is re-

ers’ Council (TFPC) for allowing the shoot of certain films like ‘Thalapathy 62’ among others despite the ongoing strike in the industry.

In fact, actors Siddharth and Karunakaran were trolled on social media for talking about the hypocrisy of the industry.

After facing severe criticism for its decision, the TFPC later issued a statement clarifying its stance regarding the shooting of certain films.

According to reports, Vijay Sethupathi has left for Portugal to wrap up the remaining portions of his forthcoming film ‘Junga’.

the banner Vijay Sethupathi Productions, ka Chivantha Vaanam’ and Chiranjeevi-starrer ‘Junga’ stars Sayesha and Madonna Sebas- ‘Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy’. tian in pivotal roles.

Vijay Sethupathi is teaming up with ThyagaApart from ‘Junga’, Vijay Sethupathi has raja Kumarraja for ‘Super Deluxe’, in which many projects this year. he will be playing a transgender character called Shilpa.

He has two biggies -- Mani Ratnam’s ‘Chek-

Superstar Khesari Lal Yadav Completes Shooting For His Bhojpuri Film ‘Dabangg Sarkar’ Bhojpuri Superstar Khesari Lal Yadav Has Reportedly Completed Shooting For ‘Dabangg Sarkar’ And Is Now Moving Towards

He Allegedly Revealed That This Khesari Lal Starrer Is The Most Expensive Film That Has Been Made In The Bhojpuri Industry.

Touted to be a gangster comedy, the film is being directed by Gokul of ‘Rowthiram’ fame. portedly miffed with the Tamil Film Produc-

Produced by Vijay Sethupathi himself under

The Post-Production Work Of The Film.

The Makers Have Apparently Decided To Release The Teaser And First Poster After The Post-Production.

According To Reports, The Director Of The Film, Yogesh Raj Mishra Believes That The Film Will Be A Blockbuster Hit And People Will Really Like The Film.

The Story Of The Movie Is Reportedly Based On Corruption And Khesari Will Be Seen Playing The Character Of A Policeman.

In The Movie, Khesari Lal Will Be Paired Opposite Actress Akanksha Awasthi And The Film Is Slated To Release Later This Year.

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Austin South Asian | April 2018