Austin South Asian. September 2019

Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 12 No. 09

SAIVA In the beginning of August, SAIVA got to participate in IBM’s Take your Child to Work Day.

Volunteers from the nonprofit organization SAIVA gathered to collaborate with volunteers from IBM

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka

on an ongoing volunteer project the SAIVA seniors have been working on that is organized by Dipty Desai

and her team.

(Continued On Page 15)

Onam

Onam is an annual Harvest festival in the state of Kerala in India. It

Howdy Modi!

Howdy Modi is a community summit hosted by Texas India Forum

(TIF) for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, September 22nd at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas at 10 am. Over 50,000 attendees have registered in three weeks for the sold-out event though online registration, waitlist registration for free passes is still open. The live audience will be

In The Spotlight BAGA

By Sumaiya Malik

falls on the 22nd nakshatra Thiruvonam in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam, which in Gregorian calendar overlaps with August–September.

Chavithi is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Ganesha. It falls in the months of August or September of the Gregorian calendar. The festival is marked with the installation of Ganesha clay idols privately in homes, or publicly on elaborate pandals(temporary stages). (Continued On Page 17)

According to legends, the festival is celebrated to commemorate King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.

Onam is a major annual event for Malayali people in and outside Kerala.

(Continued On Page 21)

Also known as BAGA, Bangladeshi Association of Greater Austin is a registered 501- c(3) run by eleven board members who are elected by the Bangladeshi community for a period of one year.

(Continued On Page 14)

the largest gathering for an invited foreign leader visiting the United States other than the Pope.

The “Howdy Modi” summit has been organized with the support of more than 1,000 volunteers and 650 Texas-based Welcome Partner organizations.

“It was an honor to meet Prime Minister Modi on my trip to India last year, and I look forward to his visit to Texas which will further build upon our strong economic and cultural partnership.” Greg Abbot, Governor of Texas.

Navratri

Navaratri is a Hindu festival that spans nine nights (and ten days) and is celebrated every year in the autumn.

It is observed for different reasons

and celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian subcontinent. Navratri celebrates either Durga or Rama victory over an evil demon, depending on the region.

Navaratri will begin on Sunday, 29 September and ends on Monday, 7 October.

inside

September 2019

3 Ways To Make The....02 The Picture Book World..4 Applying For A Loan.....05 Arun’s Scribblings.........06 5 Cool Ideas................06 Readiness checcklists...07 Fun Ways To Develop...08 Safe Drinking Water?....08

October 2019 Home Special 512-828-6709

A Crazy Buggy Summer..9 Question Your Teen’s Pediatrician May Ask........09 Have A Plan To Pay For Your College................10 Great Pet Pis................11 Ultimate Overachiever...11 Malik’s Page........12,13,14 Financial Planning Jobs.15 Tips To Stay In Shape...16 HC4A Provides.............17 Make A Differene.........17 Weight Loss Blunders...18 HVAC Tips...................19 3 Ways To Save Time...20 Community Calendar....21 Children’s Page...22,23,25 Tailgating Season.........24 Entertainment.........26,27

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Austin South Asian | September 2019

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3 Ways To Make The Most Of Summer Produce Summer can be all too fleeting, but one of the best ways to ensure you make the most of the season is by enjoying the generous harvest of fruits and vegetables it brings.

Here are three simple ways to make the most of summer produce: Get Produce at Its Peak Produce tastes best when enjoyed during its peak season. Before shopping, check produce guides to see what’s at its peak near you.

A few easy ways to be sure you’re getting the cream of the crop are to join a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) group, visit a farmer’s market and to simply look for the local label at your supermarket. In a culinary rut? Because CSA members don’t always have the option of selecting the exact items they receive, a subscription is a particularly good idea for those with adventurous spirits looking to expand their horizons.

Be Safe

Use it Up

• Fruit or veggie kebabs:

In your efforts to feed your family nutritious produce this summer, be mindful that many fruits and vegetables contain contaminants like pesticides, wax and soil on their outer layer. While independent studies show that washing produce with water or bleach solution still leaves behind large traces of pesticides, there is now a better way to protect your family.

Don’t let any produce go to waste.

Here are five fun uses for fruit and vegetables:

The grill is not just for burgers and dogs. Make veggie skewers using mushrooms, zucchini, green peppers and onions. For a light dessert, grill pears and peaches to be eaten on their own or topped with a bit of ice cream.

With just a spray and rinse, Arm & Hammer’s Fruit & Vegetable Wash safely eliminates more than 90 percent of residue from the commonly used pesticide thiabendazole, when used as directed -- four times better than water alone. Made with pure and simple ingredients like Arm & Hammer baking soda, water, salt and lemon oil; and free of harsh chemicals, it’s easy to stock your kitchen with it and make it a part of meal prep. For more information, as well as cleaning tips, visit armandhammercleans.com.

• Fruit popsicles: Chop fruit into small chunks and mix with juice and even a bit of honey. Pour the mixture into a popsicle mold and freeze. You’ll have a delicious, healthful snack for later.

• Pesto: Go beyond the classic basil recipe to get creative with your pesto

sauces. From cilantro to spinach to mint, many of summer’s richest green herbs and vegetables make great stand-ins.

• Cold soups: The weather may be hot, but that doesn’t mean you need to put soup on the back burner -- or any burner at all. From gazpacho to borscht served chilled, you can cool down with soup this summer.

• Preserves: Certain fruits -- such as strawberries -- can technically be found any time of year, but are absolutely unparalleled in summer. Capture that magic for the months ahead by turning your favorite fruits into jams.

With a bit of planning, you can thoroughly enjoy the vast array of fruits and vegetables harvested during the summer months.

(StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | September 2019

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month Protect Your Family Financially - It's Not For You. It's For Them.

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Varsha Grogan, FLMI Independent Life Insurance Agent

4

Austin South Asian | September 2019

Picture Book World

Picture books are not limited to a particular age group but are for everyone. They are an essential source of a new language, concepts, culture, and lessons for young children.

Ganesha is upset, but with the help of the wise poet Vyasa, he learns that what seems broken can be quite useful after all. He helps Vyasa write the epic Mahabharata.

The beautiful illustrations are powerful, just like the words. They open children’s imagination to think visually.

This book is available at the Round Rock Public Library.

in this book.

Meena is excited about the class play, a new and improved version of Red Riding Hood.

When she learns that she is too clumsy to be a quiet and steady to become a tree in the play, Meena’s excitement vanishes.

Here are this month’s picture book that you can read.

One day when Meena sees a yoga class in progress, she is convinced to join it. This book is sure to spark the interest of the little ones in yoga.

Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth– by Sanjay Patel (Author), Emily Haynes (Author)

This book is available at the Round Rock Public Library.

All Around Us by Xelena Gonzalez (Author), Adriana M. Garcia (Illustrator) A young girl learns about the circles in nature from her grandpa. They begin to walk around their neighborhood, taking in the world, looking for circles. As grandpa shows that circles are all around us, they share and create family traditions. This book will give your child to think and explore circles around them.

This book is available at the Round Rock Public Library.

As we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, i.e., God Ganesha’s birthday. A sweet book to discuss God Ganesha and a classic Hindu tale.

In this book, children can learn a few facts of God Ganesha like he has the head of an elephant, rides around on a magical mouse and he loves sweets.

One day when Ganesha insists on biting into a super jumbo jawbreaker laddoo, his tusk breaks off!

The Happiest Tree: A Yoga Story by Uma Krishmaswami (Author), Ruth Jeyaveeran (Illustrator) Introducing children to yoga can have all sorts of positive results. Meena reflects that

How To Prepare For And Tackle Unexpected College Costs Smart financial decisions can help your family make good college investment decisions.

Unfortunately, unexpected costs throw many families for a loop. To plan realistically, consider the following:

• Stretch Book Budgets: The cost of textbooks and supplies often surprise families. While the exact amount is unpredictable, the College Board reports that

• Pad Your Budget: Many college expenses are variable -- from fun stuff, like entertainment and trips, to the serious, like books, supplies and other educational fees. Pad your budget in case these costs are larger than anticipated.

• Look Beyond the Letter: Those receiving financial aid from their school should look beyond their Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Forty-three percent of parents of college students nationwide report paying more than their EFC, according to a recent survey by College Ave Student Loans and conducted by Barnes & Noble College Insights.

The bright side? Of those families that received financial aid award letters, 17 percent appealed, with 58 percent of those parents successful in receiving more aid from the school.

whether a child helps pay for the cost of college -- 49 percent said yes, 51 percent said no. Having a child kick in can teach responsibility and grow your overall budget, whether that contribution comes in the form of a parttime job or a work-study program. Another substantial way a student can help is by reducing or even eliminating housing costs and becoming a resident advisor.

• Borrow Strategically:

don’t cover you fully, determine whether private student loans or private parent loans may be right for you and your family. Those from College Ave Student Loans, for example, are available at competitive rates and feature a wide range of repayment options.

Its customer-friendly experience -- from application through repayment -- takes some of the stress out of the equation.

• Control Loan Costs: You can reduce the overall cost of a loan by starting to make payments while in school, even if it’s only a small amount. To see the impact that various repayment options have on total loan costs, use the student loan calculator available at collegeavestudentloans. com.

• Grow Your Budget:

If you need to borrow to pay for college, first take out federal loans in the student’s name, which carries special benefits, such as public service forgiveness and income driven repayment options not typically available on private loans.

“Whether parents are advocating for more financial aid, helping create a budget or helping pay off loans, their support serves as a cornerstone in many student’s financial plans,” says financial industry veteran Joe DePaulo, CEO and co-founder of College Ave Student Loans. “Being realistic and having a plan can help families face both the expected and unexpected costs of college.”

Families surveyed were nearly split on

When federal loans in the student’s name

(StatePoint)

the average student spends $1,240 each year on course materials. Purchasing used, renting or downloading textbooks electronically are all smart strategies for reducing costs.

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Austin South Asian | September 2019

What To Think About Before Applying For A Loan Whether you’re applying for a new credit card, refinancing a loan or buying a house, lenders consider many factors when making their decision. One of those many factors is

What You Can Do

your credit score, which helps paint a picture of your credit usage and behaviors over time.

ready been given by lowering how much of your total available credit you’re using. This is called your credit utilization rate.

Take control of your credit health to put yourself in the best position when thinking about a loan. To get started, consider the following: What Lenders Look For • Payment history: Lenders want to understand how reliable you are at paying your bills. Your recent payment history may have the most impact, but lenders will likely look at your entire payment history.

• Proof of income: Having a steady income is something most lending institutions look for when making a decision. Before they extend a loan, lenders want assurances that you can afford to pay back what you borrow.

Your pay stubs or bank statements may be enough proof, but each lending institution maintains its own criteria regarding acceptable documentation.

• Age of open accounts: Older credit accounts show how much experience you have managing credit, so a longer history works in your favor. Some lenders look at the average age of all your credit accounts, and others look at how old your oldest open account is.

It’s a good idea to avoid opening or closing any credit accounts before you apply for a loan, as new accounts can shorten the average age of your credit history, and that old account may be extending your average.

• Use less available credit: Show lenders you’re responsible with the credit you’ve al-

For example, if you have a credit limit of $5,000 and you have a balance of $2,500, your credit utilization rate is 50 percent. Try to keep a utilization rate of 30 percent or lower -- usually, the lower, the better.

• Own your path to better credit: Products are available to help you better understand the steps you need to take to achieve your credit health goals. For example, the new CreditCompass, included in a TransUnion Credit Monitoring subscription, gives you clear recommendations to achieve your target credit score.

These recommendations are based on proven examples from millions of real credit experiences of people who successfully improved their credit health in similar situations over a 24-month period.

For more information, visit TransUnion. com/compass. Note that the credit score you receive and the one used for CreditCompass is based on the VantageScore 3.0 model and may not be the credit score model used by your lender.

When you’re thinking about getting a loan, take control of your credit health. New products can help you get on the path to your credit goals.

(StatePoint)

6

Austin South Asian | September 2019

How Learning About Wine Can Improve The Way You Drink The world of wine can sometimes feel intimidating to the uninitiated, but a bit of knowledge about wine from experts can help anyone navigate everyday situations.

“Once the basics are demystified, you’ll not only impress friends with your newfound knowledge of wine, you’ll better appreciate what

of the drink: 1. Happier Hosting: Smart pairings make both food and wine taste better, and the wrong pairing will do quite the opposite. If you enjoy hosting dinner parties or any gettogether, it is helpful to know basic pairings that will impress your guests!

So where to turn for instruction?

While there are many programs available geared toward those who work in the industry or are looking for professional certification, there are also programs designed by those same education providers targeted at everyday wine enthusiasts and novices.

“Learning basic things like what you do or don’t like in a particular wine can change how you drink and teach you to drink better!”

Whether you are starting from scratch or have some experience with the subject already, there’s always more to learn, points out Petras, who is sharing three ways that a deeper understanding of wine will increase your enjoyment

2. Better Gifting: A bottle of wine makes a good gift when you’re attending a party and don’t know what to bring. By learning more about wine, you will be able to better choose a bottle to bring that is certain to be a crowd pleaser.

3. Confident Ordering: A lengthy wine list can be tricky to navigate, and many people shy away from being the one to order. A wine education can transform you from someone who hides behind the menu to being the go-to friend everyone relies on to make the right selection.

Over the week, 46 participating countries, including throughout the U.S., are playing host to more than 450 fun, educational events designed for novices and the knowledgeable alike on such topics as perfect pairings and deciphering wine labels. To learn more about events in your area, visit wsetglobal.com.

“Don’t let the idea of learning more about wine intimidate you,” says Petras, who is supporting the event as a brand ambassador. “A wine education is for anyone who enjoys and is interested in wine.”

(StatePoint)

Scribblings - TOMATOES

The farming and its maladies The sufferings of the farmers Were truly ambiguous to me Being brought up in metro city.

But the oscillating prices Of the daily need farm products Especially of vegetables By heaps and bounds exasperates.

Accuse the unseasonable rain Adverse climatic condition Or curse the mean greedy middle-

men It affected poor common man.

Though does not belong to our Home Still so plentiful we consume That without the nice tomatoes Our cooking would be incomplete.

Sometimes tomatoes have been bought Priced at a buck a kilogram.

The prices at times skyrocket

There’s no good reason to wait until the new year to focus on selfimprovement.

There’s also no excuse. September

• Set a reading goal: You don’t have to be a student to complete a reading challenge.

Whether it’s to read 5 non-fiction

One upcoming opportunity to consider is the first-ever global Wine Education Week Sept. 9-15, 2019 organized by WSET, the world’s largest provider of wine and spirits qualifications.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, WSET originally was only accessible to wine professionals but has since opened its courses to everyday enthusiasts who want to learn more about wine. The week begins with a continuous 24hour global wine and food tasting that will start in Auckland, New Zealand and end in California.

you are drinking,” says wine influencer and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Wine Education Week ambassador, Chelsie Petras of ChelLovesWine.

5 Cool Ideas For Self-Improvement Month

For fifty bucks, the same quantum.

Once when it was so highly priced To grow them myself I opted; To teach all a moral lesson That we can survive on our own.

Near the compound of my small house In the available vacant place Removed the existing nice plants Against the wishes of my spouse. (arunsunderraj@gmail.com)

is Self-Improvement Month, and a fine time to learn a new skill, take up an old hobby or set a goal.

Here are five cool ideas to try out over the course of the month: • Start coding: Whether you want to switch careers and become a software or web developer or simply take up a new hobby, learning to code can open up a world of possibilities, while keeping your mind active and vital.

And these days, free online tutorials available in dozens of programming languages, can help you get started without any tools required but time and dedication.

• Learn to play piano: Learning a musical instrument can improve focus, enhance memory and reduce stress.

For a fast-track to playing songs skillfully, check out the Casio CT-X700, which features a StepUp Lesson system to easily learn songs from the keyboard’s built-in library.

The display shows proper fingering and notation, and a six-track recorder allows you to quickly capture your inspiration.

books over the course of the month or get through that classic tome that’s been sitting on your bookshelf for years, give yourself a reading goal to achieve this month.

• Get outdoors: Spending time exercising in nature has powerful physical and mental health benefits. Give yourself the motivation needed to get outdoors with a wearable device, such as the WSD-F30 Pro Trek Smart Outdoor Watch, which includes a built-in compass, altimeter and barometer, as well as a slew of fitness and nature apps designed to promote wellness and help you better appreciate your surroundings.

• Start saving: If you don’t have a savings account, think about opening one during the month of September.

Make it painless by having the fund draw automated monthly payments from your checking account.

Then sit back and watch your savings grow.

Long before writing up resolutions, celebrate Self-Improvement Month, a perfect mid-year motivation for change and growth.

(StatePoint)

7

Austin South Asian | September 2019

Readiness Checklist: 5 Steps To Prep For Buying A Home For many Americans, making the jump to buying that first house is a significant achievement that allows them to put their mark on their own space, while creating room for family and pets.

know where to start,” says Liz Bryant, Wells Fargo Home Lending’s national retail sales leader. “We

you on your way.”

start the conversation.

of gross monthly income.

Here are some steps to consider:

• Know your goal.

• Think beyond the down payment.

Consider setting aside 1-2 percent of the purchase price of your home each year for maintenance projects. If that seems like too much, start with less and work your way up.

Your mortgage consultant can help, and so can a financial health banker or a housing counselor. A discussion about spending, saving, debt and credit will help you make decisions about what you can afford, how much you need to save and whether you need to do work to improve your credit score.

But how do you know you’re ready?

Americans see homeownership as an investment in their future, yet they are concerned about the steps they need to take to put themselves into a position to buy, according to the “How Americans View Homeownership” survey conducted by The Harris Poll April 17–29, 2019, among 1,004 U.S. adults 21 and older on behalf of Wells Fargo.

The study showed that 44 percent of non-homeowners identified saving for a down payment as a top barrier to buying, more so than any other obstacle.

“Homeownership is very much a part of the American Dream, yet too many first-time buyers don’t

• Get your down payment ready.

find that a great way to get moving down the path to homeownership is with a conversation.

By reaching out to your mortgage lender, your banker or even a housing counselor, you can start putting together a plan that will help get

• Research lenders and loan options.

Identify a lender who has a breadth of home loan options, including low down payment mortgages, and who is willing to provide you with personalized guidance. Then just

If you don’t already have one, create a budget for your monthly spending, so you can identify areas where you can save. Set aside unexpected windfalls, such as tax refunds, to grow savings.

• Keep an eye on overall debt.

While there’s room for student loans and credit card debt, a good rule of thumb is to keep your overall debt level -- including your new mortgage -- at or below 36 percent

More readiness tips can be found at wellsfargo.com/financial-education/homeownership/.

“Too many first-time buyers get intimidated by the down payment or the work they might need to do around credit,” says Bryant.

“Many don’t realize that there are lending options available for homebuyers with a range of credit scores, and programs that require buyers to put as little as three percent down. It’s important to explore your options, take it step by step and work toward your homeownership goals.”

(StatePoint)

How To Update Home Lighting To Be Easy On The Eyes If you ever experience eyestrain, tired itchy eyes, blurry vision or headaches, it may be time to give your home a lighting makeover.

Problems caused by bad lighting can be intensified by using it for longer, something most households should keep in mind, as 74 percent of Americans in a recent survey, commissioned by lighting manufacturer, Signify, say they spend eight hours or more a day under artificial light.

The World Health Organization predicts that 50 percent of people will be short sighted by 2050.

Unfortunately, there’s a disconnect between people’s concerns about eye health and the steps they are taking to support eye comfort at home.

While 80 percent of U.S. consumers in the same Signify survey say they believe good lighting is beneficial for eye health, a 2017 Signify study found only 21 percent take that into account when purchasing light bulbs, and only 29 percent consider light quality.

For many consumers, the disconnect may stem from overwhelming choice when it comes to home lighting and from not having enough information to make an informed decision. Luckily, manufacturers are taking steps to improve lighting quality and help guide consumers in their search for comfortable light that’s easy on the eyes.

For example, Signify has defined specific lighting quality parameters, which take into account factors such as flicker, strobe, glare and dimming effects that can affect one’s eye comfort.

Consumers can look for an EyeComfort label on product packaging to identify the Philips LED light bulbs that meet the standards for quality lighting that’s easy on the eyes.

(Continued On Page 14)

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Austin South Asian | September 2019

Fun Ways To Develop Your Children’s Interests The games children play can inform the way they see the world.

Here are some fun ways to make playtime an opportunity to help young kids explore new ideas and develop their interests:

play food items on an interactive skewer. Utensil hooks keep the tongs and spatula at the ready to serve steak, fish, green peppers and more.

With sizzling and cooking sounds, as well as safety messages, grilling suggestions, melodies and phrases, this interactive grill is a fun way to get kids interested in cooking and

• Art: Dedicate a little corner of a room to kid-friendly arts and crafts projects. Stock the space with finger paints, watercolors, play-dough, crayons and construction paper to encourage kids to refine their skills and gain a deeper appreciation for art. Have kids draw and paint from their imagination or take them on trips to a local park to capture what they see.

tar, or press the whammy-bar music button to select from dozens of different tunes.

Having an opportunity to practice sports in a fun, pressure-free environment will help kids develop athletic skills on their own time, while building their confidence and opening the door for a deeper interest in the future.

The same line of toys also features the Learn & Groove Shakin’ Colors Maracas. One maraca includes colorful shaker beads and the other features a light-up dome that changes colors and plays maraca sound effects.

• Music:

Little ones can add rattling sounds to the songs that play, count from 1-10 with every shake, and press the six light-up buttons to hear color and instrument names. Switching between English and Spanish mode lets kids explore all of the content in both languages.

It’s never too early to develop a sense of rhythm and gain knowledge of musical genres and instruments. New toys like the Learn & Groove Dancing Panda will inspire kids to get up and move.

• Food: Inspire kids’ interest in the culinary world with fun toys that let them be the chef. With the LeapFrog Smart Sizzlin’ BBQ Grill, for example, little grill masters can pretend to grill by placing eight different

an interest in sports. Instead, get the ball rolling by going outside to catch, kick and dribble.

The smart grill recognizes the food’s name and color and knows if the heat is too high. Kids can twist the skewer to count along with the grill, then turn the temperature dial from 1 to 10.

food.

• Sports: You don’t have to enroll kids in a formal, competitive team to spark

The panda shakes, dances and spins around to the music and his guitar lights up with shapes, letters and numbers. Kids can play Freeze Dance and other games, press the musical instrument buttons on the panda’s light-up shoes to hear a saxophone, trumpet, drum and gui-

Young children are absorbing everything they see and hear, so be sure to introduce them to a range of hobbies through games, toys and activities.

(StatePoint)

Does Your Child’s School Have Safe Drinking Water?

As millions of kids around the country trade swimsuits and popsicle sticks for backpacks and pencils, parents should be advised that current research shows that contaminants in school drinking water can pose a threat to student health.

problem or that test results may not always be public knowledge.

while at school, one of which is using a filtered water bottle.

At a time when environmental health advocates are calling for the proactive removal of lead-bearing parts from schools’ drinking water systems, parents can start protecting their children’s health today with filtered water bottles.

Municipal water, which is not always optimal quality, may contain chemicals, bacteria, lead or microplastics -- all contaminants which have been found in tap and fountain water in schools nationwide.

An option designed specifically with children in mind is the LifeStraw Play featuring a twostage filter that protects against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, some chemicals and heavy metals like lead.

Lead, in particular, is a major concern due to old metal pipelines and systems that carry water into schools. According to a Harvard study published in 2019, 44 percent of the nearly 11,000 schools tested nationwide had one or more water samples with a lead concentration at or above their state’s action level.

What’s more, a lack of federal quality standards and statewide requirements for testing school water sources and pipelines means that schools may have an undiscovered

says Tara Lundy, a mother of three and head of brand at LifeStraw, who arms her own children with a bottle that can filter fountain water on-the-go.

While students who use school water can be at risk of consuming unsafe contaminants, there are practical steps families can take to help ensure kids are hydrating safely

“Sending my children to school with a water bottle that filters out contaminants is an easy way to ensure my kids can always access clean and safe water at school,”

Using a filtered water bottle with this level of protection means that kids can safely and conveniently access water from any tap or public water fountain. The bottle is also great for use while camping or hiking and even traveling internationally, since it can remove bacteria and parasites.

And because it removes bad tastes and odors from water, it is also a useful item for kids with sensory defensiveness who smell or taste water. The brand carries options well-suited for older children, teens and college students, too.

Benefitting not only the user, but children around the world, each LifeStraw water bottle provides a school child in need with safe drinking water for an entire school year. Their programs are implemented in places like Kenya, Mexico and India. More information can be found at lifestraw.com.

Parents can learn more about policies affecting the safety of drinking water in their child’s school, as well as access a Healthy Schools Checklist, by visiting the Environmental Protection Agency’s website at: www.epa.gov/schools.

For a safer, healthier school year, don’t forget to put a filtered water bottle on your family’s back-toschool shopping list.

(StatePoint)

9

Austin South Asian | September 2019

A Crazy Buggy Summer: Tips For Dealing With Home Insect Invasions

Spotting more bugs than usual around the house? While a pest problem can cause embarrassment and concern, this summer you can take comfort in the fact that not only are you not alone, there are new ways of dealing with insects that can help you manage the problem without harsh chemicals.

Finding a roach in the home ranked number one in terms of “Grossness,” beating out cleaning the toilet, cleaning the gutters and remov-

“A warm winter and a humid, wet spring set the stage for insect populations to thrive this summer, and that is what people are experiencing right now,” says Dr. Josh Benoit, an entomologist at the University of Cincinnati Department of Biological Sciences.

pest problems for health and safety reasons.

“Cockroaches and filth flies can serve as mechanical vectors for diseases,” points out Dr. Benoit.

“And ticks, mosquitoes, and kissing bugs can transmit pathogens that cause diseases.”

So, what are some smart, safe ways to prevent bug infestations and manage existing ones? Consider these tips to keep bugs in check this summer and beyond:

Seconding this sentiment is the National Pest Management Association, which early on, projected that termites, cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes and other insects would thrive in regions nationwide this season.

ing hair from the shower drain, in a recent survey conducted by Zevo, a maker of bug killer sprays and traps that are safe for use around people and pets when used as directed. But beyond the “ew” factor, households will want to manage

Routine check-ups are essential for adolescents and young adults. As health risks and concerns are rapidly changing during the teen years, these preventive services can help keep your teens healthy and safe.

veloped by the Adolescent Health Consortium, a collaboration among the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Society for

• Keep food sealed and stored properly. Get rid of crumbs around the kitchen or anywhere else you eat around the house. Regularly sweeping and wiping down counters can help.

• Prevent buildup of moisture on surfaces and remove standing water to prevent mosquito (and other

bug) breeding around the home.

• Never bring in unwashed, used furniture and other objects. Before introducing such items into your home, inspect them carefully.

• Over 90 percent of people are concerned with having bugs in their home, but almost an equal amount are concerned with using traditional insecticide products, according to a Zevo survey, making sprays that don’t contain harsh chemicals a household essential.

Made from friendly ingredients, Zevo Instant Action Spray, for example, features essential oils that target nerve receptors active only in insects, not people or pets.

• Bugs often enter homes through garages and open doors. Set up a line of defense by keeping windows, doors and garages closed as much as possible, and by placing

chemical-free traps, such as Zevo flying insect traps, in your garage or other areas that get high bug traffic.

The traps plug into outlets around the home and use multi-spectrum light technology and a body heat attractant to lure pesky flying bugs to their doom.

Though they work 24/7, they are especially effective at night when there are fewer competing light sources. For more information, visit www.zevoinsect.com.

Summers are an especially challenging time of year to keep homes insect-free and this year is no exception. Arming yourself with information and effective solutions can help prevent and combat infestations.

(StatePoint)

Questions Your Teen’s Pediatrician May Ask gauge their emotional development, their ability to cope with stress, and assess their risk for depression, anxiety, or other concerns.

Experts say that conversations between doctors, patients and their families during these visits are very important.

“Habits formed in adolescence often continue into adulthood, making this a key period for encouraging behaviors that promote health and reduce risk,” says Dr. Elizabeth Alderman, chair of American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Adolescence.

“Routine check-ups are a great time to encourage adolescents to actively participate in their own health, and for parents play an important role in this process.”

To help families prepare for their teen’s next appointment, here are some questions doctors may ask and some tips for making the most of these visits. These tips were de-

teen’s well-being.

• Your teen’s doctor will likely ask your teen about their sexual activity, contraceptive methods, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and pregnancy prevention, as well as about their use of tobacco, ecigarettes, alcohol, and prescription and street drugs. You may be asked about the kind of conversations you’re having at home about avoiding risky behaviors.

• Routine check-ups are also a good time to see whether a patient is at risk of developing eating disorders, so the doctor may ask your teen about their diet, exercise routine, and feelings about their body with questions like, “how do you feel about the way you look?” and “do you ever skip meals?”

Adolescent Health and Medicine, and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

• Your teen’s doctor may ask them questions like “What are your responsibilities at home?” and “What are you good at?” in an effort to

• You may be asked general questions about your home, neighborhood, and your teen’s school environments in order to help the doctor determine whether your child is eating enough, feels safe, and is getting enough sleep. This can offer an overall picture of your

• Your teen’s doctor may start discussions on topics like puberty, sexual development, gender identity, sexual attraction and sexuality.

Teens should feel safe discussing these topics with their doctor and with you.

“There is a gap between what adolescents and young adults want to discuss and what they actually talk about during doctor’s visits,” says Dr. Alderman, who points out that doctors are more likely to gather accurate information about a teen’s health when parents are supportive of confidential, one-on-one time between teens and their doctors.

“Confidentiality is essential to adolescent health care, empowering teens to get the information they need to stay healthy.

Teens and parents, separately, should make a list of questions and discussion topics to address with the teen’s doctor.”

For more resources, visit HealthyChildren.org.

When teenagers and parents know what to expect in advance, they can get a lot more out of doctor’s visits. Remember, confidential care is good for their health.

(StatePoint)

10

Austin South Asian | September 2019

More Families Have A Plan To Pay For College College may be getting more expensive, but new research suggests that more families are preparing to meet those costs one way or another.

year 2018-19, with a sizeable portion of costs -- 43 percent -- covered out-of-pocket through income and savings.

whole.

ing proactive in other ways, too.

The study also found that while borrowing covered 24 percent of

Seventy-seven percent of families completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2018-19 academic year.

Eighty percent of families say they are confident in how they paid for college last year, and nearly half have a plan to pay for all years of college, according to “How America Pays for College 2019,” a recent study from Sallie Mae and Ipsos, an independent global market research company.

Completing the FAFSA is the first step in receiving a financial aid award letter from schools.

Of those who filed for the 2019-20 academic year, 25 percent did so in October, the first month the application is available.

All this preparation could be attributed to the fact that the overwhelming majority of families recognize the value of higher education, with 90 percent of families agreeing college is an investment.

“The individual and socio-economic benefits of a college education are clear, so it’s particularly gratifying to see that families continue to view college as a worthwhile investment,” says Raymond J. Quinlan, chairman and CEO, Sallie Mae. On average, families report spending $26,226 on college in academic

On the other hand, the majority of families waited until January or later to file, potenScholarships, grants, and gifts -- used by 82 percent of families -- covered 33 percent of costs, and that “free money” can be especially important, both logistically and psychologically, opening doors to opportunities that would be otherwise unavailable and even making a difference in the way students view the college experience as a

overall college costs, 57 percent of the families who borrowed to pay for college say they had always planned to do so as part of their paying-for-college strategy.

What’s more, many families are getting a head start on paying their loans back, with 41 percent making payments on student loans while the student is in school.

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Families are be-

tially missing out on free money for college.

For the complete report and a related infographic, visit SallieMae. com/HowAmericaPays.

For new tools and educational resources that promote college planning, visit salliemae.com/collegeplanning.

“While more families are planning for college costs, we’d like to see that number continue to grow because we know those with a plan are better prepared to meet the costs, and typically have a better understanding of the financial aid process,” says Quinlan.

(StatePoint)

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11

Austin South Asian | September 2019

Tips To Take Great Pet Pics

Whether you’re hoping to make your dog an Instagram sensation or you just want a nice portrait for the mantle, you’ve likely discovered pets, in general, can be elusive around cameras.

member to photograph the most endearing parts of your pet. Often overlooked, paws and ears can be some of the most expressive and

sible. This will get your pet’s gaze right where you want it to be. For capturing selfies, try the Sniff & Snap, a debut phone accessory

• Most cameras and camera phones have a “burst mode” that takes many pictures in a row. Later you can select the perfect frame.

Check out these tips and tricks for getting your fur baby to sit for the camera and look picture perfect, from e-tailer Zulily, creative photographer, Taylor Graham: • After choosing a great location for your shoot, give your pet a few minutes to get comfortable with the new setting.

• If you’re shooting outside, situate your pet in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can make your pet look greasy, and distracting shadows can obscure important features.

A flat, overcast day makes for the most flattering pet photos.

• Get low to your pet’s level and frame the face tightly, focusing on eyes for maximum impact. Re-

Available for only $7.99 on Zulily, the online retailer also invites pet parents to tag @zulily and share their #smelfie.

adorable features of your furry friend.

• Treats and squeaky toys are a given for getting pets to focus, but make sure you’re using them to your advantage. Hold the toy or treat as close to the lens as pos-

which snaps onto the back of any mobile phone and features a slobber- and dishwasher-safe compartment for your pet’s favorite treat -- making it easier to attract a dog, cat or any pet’s attention through the power of smell long enough for totally Insta-worthy portraits.

• Don’t just pose your dog against a white wall. Add flair with accessories that fit your pet’s personality. For unique pet products at great prices, shop apps like Zulily.

To celebrate the “dog days of summer” in September, the app launches two-month long sales (breaking from its traditional 72-hour sales) for pet parents that will help you capture lasting memories of your pooch.

In addition to the Sniff & Snap phone accessory, are exclusive sets of day-in-the-life dog accessories curated in five distinct dog personality types, including: the Hiking Hound, the Pampered Pup,

the Glamour Pooch, the Hipster Hound and the Dapper Dog. For only $29.99, these exclusive sets represent some of the best deals in retail, and include a special treat (from Bark Brew to Dog Champagne), stylish accessories (from bandanas to bowties), feeding must-haves (like zippered travel or millennial pink bowls), engaging toys (pineapples, avocados, hiking boots) and pampering products (from sunscreen to hydrating butter to cologne).

• With easy-to-use smartphone apps like VSCO and Photoshop: Express, you can adjust brightness, color and sharpness to bring a professional quality to images in seconds.

With a few tricks up your sleeve, you can take better pet snapshots, and what better way to celebrate the dog days of summer than by capturing some amazing memories of your furry friend?

(StatePoint)

How To Take On The New School Year Like The Ultimate Overachiever

A new school year is a clean slate.

How are you going to make your mark?

To help students everywhere gear up for a successful school year, celebrated actor, author, humanitarian and G2 Overachiever, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is sharing tips for making more happen.

You can get inspired by Ian McKenna, winner of the 2018 G2 Overachievers Student Grant, which recognizes young scholars (age 13-19, in middle or high school) who are making a real difference in others’ lives in and outside of the

winter break and founded Ian’s Giving Garden, a series of community gardens that donates 100 percent of their crops to hungry families. To-date, McKenna’s charity has helped feed over 700 families by growing and donating an esti-

Tip 1: Set specific goals: Writing down goals and aspirations can get you started on the right note. In a recent survey conducted by Pilot Pen, more than 94 percent of people stated that writing down goals makes you more likely to achieve them, whether that means getting straight As, making your favorite sports team, or making a difference in your community.

Tip 2: Get involved: Find something that you are passionate about this school year, whether that means joining an existing club or taking on a totally new project.

classroom.

A native of Austin, Texas, 14-yearold McKenna was inspired to help feed his hungry classmates during

mated 18,300 pounds of fresh produce.

McKenna’s inspiring story was selected by Chopra Jonas from a

pool of highly qualified nominees.

Together with Pilot, she’ll award McKenna and his school a combined $15,000 grant.

He plans to use his $12,500 portion for college tuition, to gain the skills needed to make an even greater impact on social issues like hunger. The remaining $2,500 will go to his school to help continue fostering overachievement among its students.

fundraiser for an afterschool club, the right pen in your hand can make all the difference. A preferred pen of overachievers, the G2 gel ink pen by Pilot is smooth-writing, long-lasting and the number one selling pen in America. Its smaller counterpart, the G2 Mini, offers the same smooth-writing ink and comfortable grip of full-sized G2s in 10 great color options, and funds the G2 Overachievers Student Grant.

Do you know someone going above and beyond their daily responsibilities to better their community? Whether they’re a student or adult, visit G2Overachievers. com to learn more and submit a handwritten nomination.

Tip 4: Try something new: Make this the year you step outside your comfort zone and try something totally new to you. Audition for the school play. Join or start a new club. You never know where a hidden talent lies and there’s only one way to find out.

Tip 3: Be prepared: Overachievers of all ages know that you have to have the right tools on-hand so that you’re always prepared when inspiration strikes. Whether you’re taking notes in class, outlining a science experiment or planning a

When taking on new challenges this school year, no matter your goals, remember that with smart planning, perseverance and the best tools, you too can be an overachiever.

(StatePoint)

12

Austin South Asian | September 2019

Pakistani Food Truck ATIA’s Kitchen Gets Top Mention In Austin Chronicle!

By Sumaiya Malik

sugar.”

able with what he was preparing.

Atia’s Kitchen, a food truck serving modern Pakistani food, has bagged a place in Austin Chronicle’s list of 100 RESTAURANTS DEFINING AUSTIN DINING NOW, a list inspired by Anthony Bourdain’s The World On a Plate.

Kazmi’s inspiration is his mother.

Hailing from a Pakistani American family that resides in Deleware, Kazmi saw his mother, Atia, cook delicious Pakistani meals from scratch for her family.

By modernizing the recipes, he felt free to do what he wanted.

It was always his mother’s idea to open a restaurant, but raising four kids kept her busy. Kazmi went on to share the story behind the truck.

The truck has also been mentioned

by Ali Khan, host of Cheap Eats on Food Network, in his episode on Austin’s Halal Food Trucks with Sameer Eats on YouTube.

While the young entrepreneur was getting his MBA 2014 – 2015, he left his corporate job and travelled.

For a food truck that is only two years old, this Halal restaurant is on a fast track!

That is when Sajjad Kazmi learned cooking from his mother.

Situated in Kenny Dorham’s Backyard on E 11th Street, the food truck caters to “thirty to forty orders an hour” during lunch breaks.

He would buy the groceries and got into learning his mother’s recipes.

This helped him decide to open a food truck.

Nearby companies and online orders are already waiting when the truck opens for business Wednesday through Fridays during lunch and all day on Saturday.

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

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His business background helped him.

The food truck stands for its quality ingredients.

“Our vision was a restaurant with quality in a truck. All ingredients are higher end.

We make everything from scratch.

We [even] make samosay in house,” explained Sajjad Kazmi, the owner and chef at Atia’s Kitchen.

To learn the ropes, he travelled to see where he could set up his food truck.

“I fell in love with the culture of Austin,” reminisces Kazmi.

It was a good decision, he thought, “Now [Austin] is the biggest market!”

Two years ago, when Kazmi set up the food truck, he chose South Austin location.

The young entrepreneur was a delight to chat with. This is Kazmi’s full time business.

Later he moved it to East side on 11th and IH-35 in Kenny Dorham’s Backyard.

The truck is recognized for its use of halal meat. Seafood is wild caught.

sInitial menu was authentic Pakistani with karhai, beef keema, lamb kabab and alu gobi “because I wanted to represent Pakistan on purpose,” explained the quality chef.

“The whole idea was to show bigger restaurants that we use better ingredients,” said Kazmi proudly.

“In Asian food, they typically don’t emphasize quality ingredients,” he explained and went on, “Our garam masala, is in-house.

We use sea salt, spring water in cooking, organic milk and pure can

To allow for seasonal changes and modern twists to the traditional food, Kazmi made it ‘modern Pakistani cuisine.’

The twist worked! “People do seek us out,” he smiled.

With time, Kazmi became comfort-

“The food changes from city to city between Karachi and Lahore so I added the word ‘modern’ to add my twist,” said Kazmi and added, “we have vegan dishes with my own touch,” catering to the modern palate.

Sajjad has collaborated with other businesses.

“We collaborated with Leroy and Lewis, a new school barbecue with an old school touch.

“We did a barbecue with them last year on Eid with Halal meat,” said Sajjad proudly.

The truck has even done a vegan event. When asked how we can find out about special offers, Kazmi suggested we follow him on Instagram @atiaskitchenatx and on Facebook at Atia’s Kitchen.

The business is going places because of its health-meets-flavor concept that is trending these days.

Ali Khan of Food summed it up well.

Network

He said, “Seducing folks with his samosas (grass-fed halal beef or turmeric potato), magical green sauce, and daily scratch tea and lemonade, chef Sajjad of Atia’s Kitchen is setting a new standard for food truck hospitality.

Anybody, including vegans, can find something comforting and aromatic on the unpretentious Pakistani menu.” http://atiaskitchenatx.com Kenny Dorham’s Backyard 1106 E 11th St Austin, Texas (512) 900-0615

13

Austin South Asian | September 2019

Point To Ponder On Labor Day: Why Is It Necessary To Give Gratuity?

By Sumaiya Malik

bill at a restaurant?

washes. While tipping is not usually mandatory, it is the prevailing practice to leave a tip in the service industry in the United States.

For the vast majority of servers and bartenders in America, tips make up a substantial part of their income. (PBS.org) 2019 Minimum Wage in Texas is $7.25. Texas mostly stays in line with the federal minimum wage.

According to an article in the Texas Tribune written by Allison R. Waller in 2018, Texas has not increased the minimum wage since 2009 even though 18 states including Arkansas and Missouri have raised their minimum wage. “ While Texas prohibits local jurisdictions from raising the minimum wage for private employees, three major Texas cities — San Antonio, Austin and Dallas — have pledged to raise the minimum wage for their public employees and private employees under public contract to $15 an hour,” says Waller.

Ever wonder why one is obligated to leave a gratuity when paying a

It’s also considered the done thing at hair salons, nail salons, and car

Waller adds, that in San Antonio, the minimum wage for city work-

ers has increased over the past three years, from $11.47 to $14.25 an hour, and the city council has pledged to hit the $15 an hour mark by 2019.

sole provider and are working fulltime (2080 hours per year).

The City of Austin raised the minimum wage for full-time city employees from $13.84 to $15 an hour this year.

For example, if there are two adults and two children in a household and only one member in the family is working, the adult must earn $26.73 to make ends meet.

In the service industry, many workers look at tips to make ends meet.

While many businesses pledge to meet the $15 per hour wage (what they offer plus customer gratuity), some actually compensate and meet the difference at the end of the day in case their employees who serve the customers make short of that.

This actually reduces turnover and keeps a business more stable.

According to the Living Wage Calculator, an adult must earn at least $12.56 per hour to support him/ herself in the household.

The living wage is the hourly rate that an individual must earn to support their family, if they are the

The wage goes up if the number of people in the household goes up.

Facts like these help us understand the obligation of gratuity on the part of a customer.

People usually tip 15% of the bill in a restaurant. In a hair salon, it can be as high as 20%.

Many hotels have opted for adding a service charge to room service to make sure their staff is fairly compensated.

So on this Labor Day (it’s the 125th official one) or any day for that matter, remember to leave a gratuity when you go out to eat and honor the American Work force of which you are a part.

Advice For Freshmen Year At A University

By Sumaiya Malik Classes began at UT Austin on August 28, but incoming students started preparing for coming to campus much earlier.

Those who were freshmen last year hopefully planned for this year keeping in mind any lessons they learned from the first.

And hopefully those who are freshmen this year will read up on advice on how to breeze through their first.

No first year is easy, but here’s some advice we put together with the help of a UT student who is now going to be a sophomore.

1. Stay accountable – take care of yourself. People will not run after

you to help you. You have to stand

on your own feet.

2. Study a lot and pay attention in class.

3. Get out of your comfort zone try new things.

4. There nothing special to say about dorm life. It’s fine to live with a roommate. Have a good relationship. Delegate responsibilities and share the cleaning.

Do it right and do it well.

5. Freshman 15 isn’t really a thing work out and eat healthy. No need to keep food in the refrigerator in your room as you will be out most of the time.

6. Stay on campus in the dorm if you can because it cuts commute time and allows you to explore the university to the fullest.

7. Try to join some clubs to socialize.

8. Attend orientation. You could learn helpful information that you would have missed had you skipped out.

9. Don’t ever think you are alone.

Even those who seem to have their act together are feeling the same inside.

10. Enjoy walking!

To Advertise In ASA 512-828-6709

14

Austin South Asian | September 2019

Still Time To Buy Tickets For The Affair: An UNGALA Supporting SA Arts

By Sumaiya Malik Agni Foundation for the Arts has organized an “Ungala” on Saturday, September 7, at Asian American Resource Center on Cameron Road.

There is still time to buy last minute tickets with dinner and entertainment.

The foundation based out of Austin is a Non-profit (501c3 pending) focusing on Arts education, events supporting and giving exposure to South Asian Artists and Arts based philanthropy.

It was set up early January of 2018.

The Affair 2019 (as the invitation on Facebook says) will be the first South Asian arts focused un-gala that is meant to honor, recognize and connect local South Asian artists and supporters of the Arts.

It also aims at raising awareness and contributions that help support our wonderful artists as well as help educate and empower the next generation of South Asian artists.

This event will be unique and entertaining while being the largest congregation of South Asian artists and its supporters in Austin.

The foundation will honor around 30 artists and arts managers in four categories: South Asian Distinguished Artist Hall of Fame, Special Contribution to South Asian Arts, Youth Artist and Parent Honoree.

Prakash Mohandas, the founder said in his Facebook post, “This recognition is now long due in the South Asian Arts space... so come out and join us in celebrating these amazing artists.”

General tickets start at $39 and VIP with added benefits at $69.

The event starts at 7 p.m. More details at the Agni Foundation for the Arts Facebook page or at: h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / events/312656012698727/permalink/409892529641741/

To Advertise In ASA Call 512-828-6709

In The Spotlight - Bangladeshi Association Of Greater Austin (Continued From Page 01) According to Mr. Nizam Uddin, a previous board member and president and who works for Dell, the

ors by the Mayors office for betterment of the community and gives back through community work.

Park cleaning and donation to food

bers.

It is assumed that each membership is a household and the number of Bangladeshis in Austin would be around 5000+.

A community of educated individuals ranging from the tech industry, to businessmen, PhDs and physicians, the group is established and giving back to the city in all walks of life.

The association does several events per year.

Victory Day, Freedom Day, and Bengali New Year Festival in third week of April is a city sponsored event.

BAGA gets all the fundraising and corporate sponsors make it happen.

HEB, and Silicon Labs are regular sponsors.

association proves to be a good place to learn leadership skills, and social welfare.

The association supports endeav-

banks is regular on its agenda.

Mr. Nizam Uddin said that membership is free and currently there are around 700 registered mem-

Next year’s event will be on April 18 at Fiesta Garden. BAGA was instrumental in sponsoring the Citywide Iftaar with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota

in Austin this year.

One of the ex-presidents of BAGA, Rashad Islam, was also the presi-

dent of the Asian Chamber of Commerce. Current president is Jashim Chowdhry.

How To Update Home Lighting To Be Easy On The Eyes (Continued From Page 07) To further protect your eyes and avoid discomfort, try the following: • If you are in front of screens (computers, smartphones, televisions) for extended periods of time, close your eyes for 20 seconds or more, every 20 minutes, to allow them to relax.

• If outdoors, wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection to help protect your eyes from the sun. It’s helpful to keep a pair in your bag or car, so they are always nearby. Also consider spending a bit more time in natural light and less in artificial light.

• Exercise and strengthen your eyes by incorporating simple, yet effective eye yoga exercises into your daily routine for a few minutes daily.

• Schedule regular check-ups with an eye specialist, who will be able to detect the first signs of any eye condition or disease.

While certain eye conditions are beyond one’s control, why not do what’s in your power to protect your family from eyestrain and related discomfort? The simple DIY project of upgrading your home lighting can mean happier, healthier eyes and better quality of life.

(StatePoint)

15

Austin South Asian | September 2019

More Women And Minorities Needed For Financial Planning Jobs

Americans’ need for competent and ethical financial advice continues to grow, but the population of professionals who can provide such advice is shrinking.

Less than one-fourth of the more than 84,000 Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professionals are women, and only 3.6 percent are Black or Latino.

At the same time, the demographics of wealth in the U.S. are shifting.

The gap between the current state

“We need more financial planners,” says Brittney Castro, a Los Angeles-based Latina CFP professional.

“It’s such a great career. You’re helping people with their money,

The average net worth of African American families increased by 30 percent from 2013 to 2016, according to the Federal Reserve.

of the financial planning profession and what is needed in this shifting landscape presents big career opportunities for aspiring CFP professionals, particularly female and minority candidates.

you make good money, and you have ultimate freedom over your time. That’s a win-win-win.”

(Continued From Page 01)

niors how to make the dolls.

changed while giving back.

They make dolls from simple fabric and cotton stuffing to give to patients at Dell Children’s Hospital.

Everyone enjoyed the event together and put forth their effort to

After putting in their hard work, the volunteers snacked on Kathi

Not reflecting these changes, however, are the demographics of today’s financial planning workforce.

This means CFP professionals can enjoy lucrative careers with longterm opportunity and room for growth, all while helping others.

The ways in which diverse financial professionals benefit their communities is multifaceted, according to Justin Sullivan, CFP, an African American investment advisor for a wealth management company in Atlanta.

Women now control more than one-third of wealth in the country, according to The Boston Consulting Group.

And an “InvestmentNews” report found the top-fifth of Latinos, or more than 2.1 million households, have an average wealth of more than $400,000.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, which also projects that job opportunities within the financial advisory industry are expected to grow by 15 percent between 2016 and 2026.

Financial planners earn a median pay of $89,000, according to the

Giving back is a central part of the work, he says, whether through formal financial planning services or simple conversations with people in the community.

“I think we take for granted what people know, especially when you talk about groups that have not historically been exposed to wealth.”

Becoming a CFP professional also provides opportunities to serve as a mentor for future generations of financial planners and encourage even greater diversity in the profession.

“There are not many of us -- women of color -- who are financial planners, so I have a responsibility,” says Rianka Dorsainvil, a CFP professional in Washington, D.C. “I have to volunteer and raise my hand for leadership positions so other women of color can say, ‘I see her in me, so I can do that too.’”

To learn more about financial planning careers, visit cfp.net/becomea-cfp-professional.

Today’s CFP professionals take pride in meeting the growing need for financial advice, helping people in their community achieve their financial goals, and making a positive difference in their clients’ lives.

(StatePoint)

SAIVA In The Community Janani, helped organize this event so that IBM volunteers could also contribute to the project along with the SAIVA seniors and we are so appreciative of it.

We’d especially like to thank all our volunteer and employed drivers for doing a very great and im-

By interacting and working together on a common goal, they learn about each others cultures and customs and developing a wider world view.

There were even some children who sat down to learn from the se-

We’d like to thank the organizers for putting together the venue so that we could enjoy this event.

We thank our volunteers for the amazing job they are doing to help out.

SAIVA believes that intergenerational activities, such as this, helps foster growth in both younger generations and older.

In this event many people of all ages gathered together to make the dolls.

making this event a success and hope to have more events like this in the future.

make the dolls.

It was beautiful to see how fast the kids bonded with the seniors and what hugs and smiles were ex-

rolls and other delicious Indian snacks graciously brought by our volunteers.

We thank everyone involved in

portant job in getting our seniors to and from the IBM campus.

SAIVA is always looking to collaborate with other volunteer organizations and looking for volunteers.

If you are interested in bringing this program to your campus or if you or anyone you know enjoys working as a team to help the elderly make the best of their lives, please email us at saivacommunications@gmail.com.

Children Email Us Your Articles info@AustinSouth Asian.com

16

Austin South Asian | September 2019

Tips To Stay In Shape All Summer There’s nothing more humbling than putting on a bathing suit. If you’ve been living life to the fullest, there’s no hiding the evidence.

day.

“Eating five or six times a day is

designed to be a low-carb, highfat dietary pattern consistent with a keto diet.

On the other hand, if you’ve been exercising and watching your diet, there’s nothing more gratifying than seeing a slimmer, toner you in the mirror.

When it comes to getting the proper nutrition, counting calories and reading food labels can be daunting tasks.

For example, The South Beach Diet is a convenient, simple, easyto-follow program that focuses on a high-protein, low-carb, low-sugar approach.

“It’s all laid out for you. There’s not a lot you have to think about,” says Jessie James Decker, brand ambassador for the South Beach Diet.

Remember, feeling deprived isn’t going to be sustainable. So be sure you stay satiated throughout the

In addition to dedicated exercise time, focus on other ways to be active throughout the day, such as taking a walk on your lunch break.

Not only can a 15-minute walk during your lunch hour give you energy to power through the afternoon, but walking can also increase your focus and overall mood, according to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology.

So how do you get to that happy place this summer? You start today.

However, certain diet plans eliminate the guesswork for you, making it easier to stick to the program and see results.

really good, and get my heart rate up. That’s the key for me.”

There’s also evidence that the effects of an afternoon walk may last into evening, giving you focus to make dinner, help children with homework and perform other tasks that require energy and concentration.

This summer, stay focused on healthy eating and exercise habits by using the season itself as motivation.

(StatePoint)

CHILDREN ARTICLES

a great way to keep energy levels up, prevent hunger and discourage overeating during the main meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner,” says Courtney McCormick, manager of Clinical Research & Nutrition for South Beach Diet.

“By taking a stash of healthy snacks with you to work like nuts or veggies, you’re fighting off hunger and also getting beneficial nutrients into your diet.”

For those looking for an on-trend way to see quick results, The South Beach Diet also offers a keto-friendly program, which is

In addition to focusing on nutrition, exercise plays a fundamental role when it comes to getting in shape for the summer.

From taking a fitness class such as spin or boxing to going on a run, there are countless ways to get moving and burn calories, and they don’t have to take all day.

“High intensity workouts are my go-to,” says Decker. “You knock it out, you do it fast. Get in and get out is my motto.

I don’t have time to be in the gym for two hours. But I do have to feel

Email Us Your Articles To Print

info@austinsouthasian.com We Welcome Articles From Readers Info@Austinsouthasian.Com

The Adventures Of Randy & Square Kid

Abhiveer Annoji

17

Austin South Asian | September 2019

HC4A Provides School Supplies To Over 1300 Students

By Aashi Morales Almost 200 people, from children to grandparents, gathered for Hindu Charities for America (HC4A)’s Eighth Annual School Supply Packing Event on Sunday, August 11, 2019, at Dell Jewish Community Center.

teacher, gushed “I love it!” In addition to individual volunteers, area organizations such as the Blue Action Democrats and Austin Al-

Erika Nowlin from Austin Allies who is supplying Refugees Services of Texas was “very impressed with how well organized” the event was and exclaimed, “it’s awesome!”

In assembly-line efficiency, with volunteers assigned to supplying, packing, restocking, quality control, line supervision, supply, supervision, and more, 1328 sets of school supplies were packed in about two hours.

Samarath added that giving installed a feeling of selflessness which was “very cool.”

Belt event each spring, done in coordination with the Jewish community.

Honored this year at the event with “Selfless Service Awards” were Julie Thomas of Educational Products, Inc., and Aaron Herbster of

For more information about HC4A and its efforts to “bridge income disparity through education,” as well as its upcoming gala on Oc-

JCC for helping with the supplies and setup for the event.

tober 12, 2019, visit hc4a.org or follow HC4A on Facebook at HinduCharities.

The event impacted younger participants as well. For the first time, HC4A held an essay contest for children under 14 about what giving meant to them.

Austin ISD, Manor ISD, Share the Will, Greater Love Baptist Church, Austin Asian Families Support, and Refugee Services of Texas all received school supplies for needy children.

First-time volunteer Fay Sterling learned about the event at her church and came because she felt it is important for children to have what they need when they go back to school.

lies brought numerous volunteers.

Siva Manikanteswaran, participating for the second year with his wife and two sons, felt that it was good for children to introduce them to empathy.

Becky Lovett of Manor ISD explained that HC4A didn’t “just talk, they walk it. They follow through with care and compassion.

Third-time participant, Joy Goldfin, JCC member and substitute

the backpacks provided would go to two hundred children at Fort Hood, helping the families of soldiers in need.

School and non-profit officials receiving supplies expressed gratitude for everyone’s efforts and HC4A’s initiative.

Everyone here has touched the hearts of our district.” Will Williams of “Share the Will” said that

First prize went to Rohan Satija of Cedar Valley Middle School, second prize to Laika Patel of Bee Caves Middle School, and third prize to Samarth Margasahayam of Grisham Middle School.

When asked why they participated in the contest, Rohan expressed that giving meant a lot to him and he wanted to express that; Liaka said that her grandmother was a great model for her and she felt that people needed to hear more about giving; and Samarath said that because people were given so much, it was important to give back.

Make A Difference – Protect Your Valuables

By Vidya Kumar We have a small locker in the bank with the result we are unable to keep important documents inside the locker.

Also passports and other important travel documents we do not want to keep it in the bank locker since it will disrupt any emergency travel plans.

At the same time we do not want to keep such documents openly at home where it may be spoilt or damaged due to water or fire accidents.

If you are lucky you can have a built-in-safe at the time of building your new home by asking the builder to provide one. In our case we do not have a built-in-safe so we started looking for a fire proof and water proof safe.

When we went shopping we were surprised to find that Walmart, office depot, office Max or Costco carries such safes and with various capacities as well as online stores carries them. Some safes come with audible alarm that alerts one to attempted break ins.

The safes can be used for storing digital media also. Protecting what is most valuable is very important and one does not have to spend a fortune to get some peace of mind.

The funds to provide the school supplies are raised by HC4A at its annual Bollywood Meets Borscht

The pictures of the event are found at smugmug HC4A.

Ganesh Chaturthi (Continued From Page 01) Observations include chanting of Vedic hymns and Hindu texts such as, prayers and vrata (fasting). Offerings and prasadam from the daily prayers, that is distributed from the pandal to the community, include sweets such as modaka as it is believed to be a favorite of Lord Ganesh.

The festival ends on the tenth day after start, but we end it by one and a half day where the idol is carried in a public procession with music and group chanting, then immersed in a nearby body of water such as a river or sea.

In Mumbai alone, around 150,000 statues are immersed annually. Thereafter the clay idol dissolves and Ganesha is believed to return to Mount Kailash to Parvati and Shiva.

The festival celebrates Lord Ganesha as the God of New Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles as well as the god of wisdom and intelligence and is observed throughout India, especially in the states such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, and is usually celebrated privately at home in states such as Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

Ganesh Chaturthi is also observed in Nepal and by the Hindu diaspora elsewhere such as in Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, other parts of the Caribbean, Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, United States, and in Europe. At public venues, along with the reading of texts and group feasting, athletic and martial arts competitions are also held.

18

Austin South Asian | September 2019

5 Warm Weather Weight Loss Blunders To Avoid

Along with warm weather comes picnics, cookouts and other parties that can take a toll on your healthy lifestyle.

To help you stay on track while you’re enjoying the sunshine and good times, Courtney McCormick, manager, Clinical Research and Nutrition at Nutrisystem, is sharing the top five weight loss blunders people tend to make this time of year and simple tips for avoiding them.

style year-round. Have a bad day?

That’s okay. Vow to get back on track the next day.

ing unsweetened or lightly sweetened iced coffee or tea or opt for a protein shake.

• Blunder 2:

“Being from the south, I love my sweet tea.

To be sure I don’t overdo it on the sugar, I will use a little bit of honey as a sweetener instead,” said Julie Chrisley, Nutrisystem ambassador.

• Blunder 1: Crash dieting: The thought of putting on a swimsuit may entice you to crash diet. Crash diets are not only unhealthy, they tend to slow metabolism, making it difficult for you to drop more than just a few pounds.

Also, any weight you lose shortterm will be regained as soon as you resume eating normally. It’s best to stick with your healthy life-

Ordering smoothies and frapps: When the weather turns hot, a blended drink can seem like an ideal morning or afternoon pickme-up. However, those from coffee shops and convenience stores tend to be loaded with sugar and fat. A 16-ounce serving may have more than 200 calories and 50 grams of sugar. Quench cravings by order-

• Blunder 3: Not watching alcohol intake: Alcoholic beverages can be very refreshing in warm weather, but even a light beer or white wine is more than 100 calories, and today’s popular sweet drinks like hard cider and wine coolers have as many

180 calories each. To avoid overindulging, alternate one or two drinks with fizzy seltzer over ice and a lime wedge.

Loading plates with BBQ favorites: Backyard barbecues bring out many favorite classics, like potato salad and coleslaw.

• Blunder 4:

While those dishes start with healthful vegetables, they get weighed down with excessive saturated fats from mayonnaise and sour cream. What’s more, the loads of sugar in popular barbecue sauces can heap calories on a lean chicken breast. To manage intake, avoid creamy salads and dip chicken in BBQ sauce instead of slathering it on before grilling.

Perspiring to lose: When you exercise in the heat, you may think you can feel the pounds melting off with each bead of sweat. And if you weigh yourself right before and after a workout, you may see a difference.

The problem is as soon as you replace the fluids you’ve sweated out, you’ll see on the scale that you’ve lost little, if any, weight. Your best bet is to maintain a steady activity level every day so that you get at least 150 minutes of movement a week. Regular activity keeps your metabolism burning continually, even if you’re just walking inside an air-conditioned mall.

• Blunder 5:

For more tips and tricks for staying on track with weight loss and healthy lifestyle goals, visit leaf. nutrisystem.com.

To overcome the most common warm weather weight loss blunders, it’s best to know what they are, as well has have go-to strategies to avoid them.

(StatePoint)

How To Look Polished On Any Budget You don’t need to spend a fortune to look like you own a fortune.

Use these shopping and wardrobe maintenance tips to look amazing on a limited budget:

full-length mirror on-hand!

At-Home Care Ever shied away from purchas-

Home Dry Cleaner, which comes with cloths similar to dryer sheets that are infused with cleaners and are used to steam clean clothes in the dryer.

Clothing Exchange By hosting a clothing exchange, you won’t need to spend a dime updating your wardrobe. How does it work? Invite fashionable friends to bring their unwanted, gently used items to your home (or another location with a lot of space). Once all your guests arrive, you’ll have a huge pile of clothing, shoes and accessories for everyone to assess.

That awesome skirt that didn’t quite flatter your best friend? It may look just right on you. Your handbag that no longer goes with anything? It may be a friend of a friend’s newfound treasure. Clothing exchanges are not only fun, they’re an excellent way to walk away with new-to-you items that you love. Don’t forget to have a

ing a particular garment because the label said “Dry Clean Only”?

There’s an easy way to avoid the steep cost and inconvenience of the dry cleaners without avoiding the high-quality garment itself. Treat items at home using Dryel At-

“At a cost of just 25 cents per item washed, it’s a great money-saving alternative for maintaining your best looks,” says Betsy Appleton, a fashion blogger.

Go Thrifting

You’ll never know what treasures you’ll find while thrifting. Bear in mind that many items -- including designer fashions -- may be on sale in nearly mint condition, with just one spot or other imperfection. Experts say it may still be worth the risk to buy those with the dreaded Dry Clean Only tag.

Appleton, whose Goldwill Digger blog details her thrifting missions says, “I used to be deterred from thrifting dry clean only items because the cost of professional dry cleaning outweighed the bargain of the garment. With Dryel, I can easily and affordably clean these delicate pieces at home.”

Another common thrift store woe?

Finding the perfect item with a

missing buttons or tear along a seam. Learning a few basic sewing skills is critical for any serious thrifter.

Whereas others may pass over a treasure for a small imperfection, you’ll have the know-how to restore it to mint condition.

Re-Sell Whether you visit a consignment shop or use an online platform such as thredUP, reselling items you no longer want or need is a great way to infuse your clothing budget with some quick extra cash and is totally on-trend -- 56 million women bought secondhand products in 2018, up from 44 million in 2017, according to thredUP’s Annual Resale Report.

By applying a few new strategies to your shopping and clothing care routine, a polished look can be yours, no matter your budget.

(StatePoint)

19

Austin South Asian | September 2019

HVAC Tips For Homeowners Having a home cooling system that is working optimally is crucial to keeping your family comfortable.

To ensure your air conditioner (AC) continues to function properly, here are some tips for your heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) units:

Your outdoor unit’s ability to pull in air affects its efficiency. At least twice a month, check for weeds, debris, and potential obstructions.

Keep vegetation at least two feet away from the unit.

turn your system off.

It is a common mistake for homeowners to think that turning it off will save them money, however, it costs more money because your

er, which does not change the rate at which your AC cools the space.

Consider seeking an expert’s opinion on smart thermostats, which automate temperature adjustments.

• Inspect condensation lines.

Your AC unit removes moisture as it runs, and sends that water through a drainage pipe. A clogged line will prevent it from running smoothly and could result in costly water damage. Bleach can be used to help prevent algae and mildew buildup.

• Replace air filters.

Ideally, homeowners should replace filters every three months (more often if you have pets) to ensure that air can flow efficiently.

When air filters become clogged, your AC becomes less effective at lowering indoor temperatures.

• Schedule preventative maintenance.

Additionally, prolonged use of a dirty or clogged air filter can prevent enough return air from entering and can damage the system.

At least once a year, have an HVAC professional diagnose your unit to ensure it is running optimally.

Keeping them clean can also lower your energy consumption by up to 15 percent, ultimately saving you money on energy bills.

• Pay attention to your thermostat.

• Check your outdoor unit.

If you are leaving the house, turn the thermostat down, but do not

Inspect your thermostat to ensure that it is running properly.

system works much harder in order to completely re-heat or re-cool the entire house.

Another common mistake is setting the thermostat to a very low temperature to cool the house fast-

Technicians can check for damaged insulation around refrigerant lines or ducts with poor seals, all of which can cause your system to lose efficiency and increase your energy bill.

A professional can also clean the AC unit by checking for and removing dirt or debris that may clog filters and coils.

Call a NATE-certified professional. Technicians certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE) have proven their knowledge and expertise in HVACR by passing specialized certification exams.

Electrical issues, compressor failure and frozen coils are a few common causes of unit failure, and finding a trained, qualified technician to resolve your issue is crucial.

Visit the NATE website, www. natex.org to find more helpful HVACR resources and a local contractor that employs NATE-certified technicians.

By taking a few DIY maintenance measures, and by knowing when to get professional assistance, you can help keep your home cool and bills low.

(StatePoint)

Make A Statement: 4 Back-To-School Trends To Try Fashion trends are cyclical and those in the know love it!

blue, purple or yellow. Vans’ retro styles come in a variety of vibrant

From chunky soles to bold colors and oversized brand logos, this back-to-school season, 90s-inspired sneakers are all the rage.

Here are some tips on how to stay comfortable and on-trend this school year from Laryssa Grant, a young adult buyer for national family footwear retailer, Rack Room Shoes.

When it comes to clothing and shoe choices this school year, there’s no need for subtlety.

Patterned shoes are no longer treated as a statement shoe, but rather as a neutral that can be mixed and paired with any item in the closet.

Bigger is better. Bolder is better. Top brands are embracing this concept in their logo designs.

Shoes to try:

A variety of brands such as Nike, Adidas, Fila and Converse offer styles this season that kick it up a notch with brighter and more pronounced logo choices.

Fashion is a form of expression, and right now shoes are doing all the talking.

Shoes to Try: Vans sneakers in red,

it’s now encouraged.

Shoes to try:

Jewel Tones, Pops of Color

Simple clothing choices paired with bold, jewel-toned shoes make getting dressed easy and fun.

Big Logos

colors and patterns with sizes for school-aged girls and boys -- and parents, too.

Prints and Patterns In the past, mixing patterns has been taboo, but according to Grant,

Converse has put a fun twist on its classic style with floral and rainbow patterns.

Paired with a swing dress or jeans and a t-shirt, these styles make even the most standard outfit unique.

Chunky Remember when mom jeans became a fashion must-have? A style better known as “chunky dad shoes” are just as hot this year.

For men, women and kids of all ages, sneakers with extra thick

soles take a casual look to the next level and provide comfort for even the most active little feet.

Shoes to try: Fila is nailing the chunky sole trend and has sneakers in sizes for the whole family.

For one-stop-shopping during the back-to-school season, parents can visit the Kids Club at Rack Room Shoes in stores or online at rackroomshoes.com.

“Back-to-school shopping is always an exciting time for families,” says Grant.

“And this year parents can revisit the styles they loved while helping their children express their individualities.”

(StatePoint)

20

Austin South Asian | September 2019

3 Ways To Save Time And Money On Back-To-School Shopping

New grade levels and new routines mean it’s time to purchase backto-school essentials that will help make this year a success.

and planners, you can enjoy hundreds of deals on the products most

chaotic than laid-back summer days, especially when it comes to

Making the switch to private brand items, like the Clover Valley brand at Dollar General can help you save on snacks and treats you already love.

Save More on School Supplies School supplies are often the top priority for parents and students when shopping for back-to-school season.

Check to see if your state offers a tax-free weekend incentive to save even more. From pencils and paper to binders, markers, calculators

dollargeneral.com/

Shop ahead for easy snacks for your family to eat between activities, like nuts, pretzels and trail mix.

Though this time of year can be stressful for parents, a few tips below will go a long way to helping you navigate a new school year.

Start by referencing your students’ school supply list given by the school and determining if you have leftover items from the previous school year that can be reused.

available at easy-meals.

With the right amount of preparation, you can easily knock meal and snack planning off your list in no time!

Take Advantage of Discounts purchased during back-to-school season.

Meal Prep Made Simple The new school year is often more

preparing meals for your family.

De-stress meal planning by taking one day a week to search ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner with resources like DG Easy Meals,

Buying back-to-school items for one or more students can get pricey.

While shopping for necessities, look to save even more through

coupons and digital coupons.

Download Dollar General Digital Coupons and check out deals before you shop.

Now through September 7, all customers can save $5 on a $15 purchase of school supplies, and teachers can save 20 percent on stationery items every time they shop with a valid ID. Downloading savings before you shop saves you time in-store and ensures you are getting the best possible deals on back-to-school items. For deals, visit dg.coupons. com/coupons.

This season, don’t be overwhelmed as you take on your back-to-school shopping. With a bit of preparation, you can save time and money getting ready for the new academic year.

(StatePoint)

6 Play Activities That Can Help Manage ‘Bad Behavior’ When children misbehave, there’s often a reason for it, according to experts, who point out that understanding the behaviors can help you manage them more effectively, especially during play time.

may get agitated and retreat from sensory stimulation by crawling under tables.

of Play, an initiative whose mission is to raise awareness about the importance of play and help parents

• Have a dance party.

Games like freeze dance and musical chairs add structure and auditory processing to play. Children receive feedback from their muscles and joints with every step they take.

“Our bodies want to be in balance and, ideally, we seek out what we need when we need it. When we are hungry, we eat. When we are thirsty, we drink.

But when it comes to children whose sensory and nervous systems don’t process efficiently or effectively, this restorative balance may simply look like bad or undesired behavior,” says Ellen Metrick, a toy design consultant and an expert contributor to TheGeniusofPlay.org, who has a background in special education.

to the brain and help organize the nervous system.

• Pop some bubbles.

During play time, children who are under-stimulated may seek out sensory stimulation by spinning around repeatedly or intentionally banging into walls or even other children.

While playtime is when some of these behaviors may be exhibited, it’s also a chance for parents and caretakers to help children regulate their sensory system,” says Metrick. “Remember that every individual is different, and if something isn’t working for your child, you can tweak the activity to fit his or her needs.”

Children who are over-stimulated

To help, Metrick and The Genius

make play a critical part of raising their kids, are offering three ideas for activities that will give a needed boost to children who are understimulated and crave more sensory stimulation:

distracting stimuli and improve the child’s focus and engagement in the activity.

• Play at a table.

Using a placemat or cookie sheet under the toy or activity at an empty table provides visual boundaries for focused play. It helps to have feet firmly planted on the ground, rather than dangling, so consider using a child-sized play table.

Jumping up and down on a sheet of bubble wrap can be great fun and the deep pressure will trigger sensory receptors, telling the brain how to control movement and postural balance.

• Create a quiet area.

For children who are over-stimulated and need a bit less distraction, consider these three ideas for helping kids focus, from Metrick and The Genius of Play:

Parents searching for more play ideas and expert tips like these can visit TheGeniusofPlay.org.

• Climb on a jungle gym.

• Tone down the sound.

Hanging on monkey bars and climbing ladders use a child’s own body as resistance to send signals

Removing extraneous sounds, like music, television and the whirring of a washing machine, may lessen

Adding soft pillows and blankets to a cozy corner gives children a space to seek respite from environmental stimuli.

Whether your child requires more noise and excitement to satisfy energy needs or less to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, there are ways to tailor playtime to cater to those individual needs.

(StatePoint)

21

Austin South Asian | September 2019

September 2019 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:

Foundation for the Arts.

September 07, Saturday, 07:00 PM,

September 08, Sunday, 11:00 AM,

The Affair : An un-gala supporting South Asian Arts is at Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, TX 78754.

The event is organised by Agni

AMM Ganeshotsav is at Vista Ridge High School Cafeteria, 200 South Vista Ridge Boulevard, Cedar Park, TX 78613.

September 21, Saturday, 06:30 PM, SEF Dandia Dhamaka 2019 is at Round Rok Sports center, 2400 Chisholm Trail, Round Rock, TX. For tickets, visit www.giftofvision. org/events September 21, Saturday,

3 Great Ways To Get Kids Motivated To Move More Getting regular physical activity helps children meet developmental milestones and promotes mental and physical wellness.

or bike to the picnic site and bring along frisbees, balls and other toys and games that keep people moving.

However, forming this healthy

• Put on your dancing shoes:

a star.

Play four motion games or create music through movement by playing 14 different effects, including drums and magical fairy sounds.

Give the second band to a friend and challenge them to a game or dance-off.

Connect your own MP3 player or load songs using a microSD card to add more music so kids never get bored.

• Take evening walks: Instead of heading straight for the couch in the evenings, make a ritual of taking a short walk first.

This is a great chance to chitchat, get some fresh air and even promote better sleep.

habit works best when you get started early.

It’s easy to get kids moving and grooving with fun dance games.

To motivate your kids to move more, consider the following ideas:

Especially those that incorporate innovative and interactive tech such as the new VTech Kidi Star Dance.

• Go on an outing: At least some of the time, be sure to select active outings.

This way, physical activity will become a natural part of your family’s lifestyle.

For example, go skating or rock climbing instead of to the movies.

If you’re going on a picnic, hike

By wearing motion-activated bands, kids can learn 20 cool dance moves step-by-step by following the animated dance instructor.

Once kids learn the moves, they can put them together and dance along to the included music.

Color-changing lights flash along to the music to make kids feel like

Kids may not be able to travel too far at first, so start with a brief walk around the block.

As they begin to build endurance, extend it a bit farther or consider turning the ritual into a friendly race.

Physical activity is not only great for you, but it’s also a lot of fun.

By incorporating games and activities into evenings and weekends, parents can play an active role in getting kids motivated to move more.

(StatePoint)

06:00 PM,

08:00 PM,

Taste of India 2019 is at St Thomas More Parish Activity Center, 10205 FM 620 N, Austin, TX 78726.

A beautiful Mehfil of amazing Bollywood Melodies is at TBD, Austin, TX 78701

September 27, Friday,

Onam

(Continued From Page 01) It is a harvest festival, one of three major annual Hindu celebrations along with Vishu and Thiruvathira, and it is observed with numerous festivities.

Onam celebrations include Vallam Kali(boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), Pookkalam (flower arrangement), Onathappan (worship), Onam Kali, Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal (women’s dance), Kummattikali (mask dance), Onathallu (martial arts), Onavillu (music), Kazhchakkula (plantain offerings), Onapottan (costumes), Atthachamayam (folk songs and dance), and other celebrations.

Onam is the official state festival of Kerala with public holidays that start four days from Uthradom (Onam eve). Major festivities take places across 30 venues in Thiruvananthapuram, capital of Kerala.

It is also celebrated by Malayali diaspora around the world. Though a Hindu festival, non-Hindu communities of Kerala participate in Onam celebrations considering it as a cultural festival.

People buy and wear new clothes for the occasion of Onam, and this tradition is called the Onakkodi.

During the Onam, Keralite Hindus install an image of Thrikkakara Appan or Onatthappan (Vishnu in the form of Vamana) in their home just as Hindus install images or

murtis of Lord Ganesha on the Ganesha Chaturthi festival elsewhere.

Many lamps are lit in Hindu temples of Kerala during this celebration.

A palmyra tree is erected in front of temples and surrounded with a wooden balustrade and covered with dry palmyra leaves.

It is lit with a torch and burned to ashes to signify that King Mahabali went to Patala as a sacrifice.

The swing is another integral part of Onam, especially in the rural areas.

Young men and women, decked in their best, sing Onappaatt, or Onam songs, and rock one another on swings slung from high branches.

Onam season is often associated with creativity as weavers and potters go for excess production to cater to increased demands for their products during the season, especially in North Kerala regions of Kannur and Kasargod.

Handloom fairs are an integral part of the spirit of Onam festivities these days. In some parts of Kerala, people indulge in various games and dances during and postThiruvonam. These are known as Onakkalikal.

These include competitions such as Ox races (Maramadimatsaram), Uriyady, food-eating competitions, Pookalam competitions etc.

To Advertise In ASA 512-828-6709

22

THEME: THE BEATLES ACROSS 1. Patsy, e.g.

6. Olden-day aerosol can propellant, acr.

9. Between generations 13. Reduction/oxidation portmanteau 14. ____ Tsu 15. Page or Grable 16. Out in the open 17. Legal org.

18. Often-missed humor 19. *”Nowhere man, the world is at your ____” 21. *”...love was such an easy game ____ ____” 23. *”____ time at all, all you gotta do is call...”

24. *One more than The Beatles 25. 2019, Year of the ____ 28. Shell and its contents 30. Showing on TV 35. Mars, to the Greeks 37. “On a ____” or carefree 39. Rock bottom 40. Asian weight unit 41. Gladiator venue 43. Site of Leaning Tower 44. Zero calorie sweetener 46. Arab ruler 47. Zac Brown Band’s 2008 hit 48. Tight-____ 50. H or O in H2O, e.g.

52. ____ the season!

53. Word type 55. Booking photograph 57. *”...take a sad song and make it ____” 60. *”...____, it’s been a long cold lonely winter” 64. 2 halves of a diameter 65. Sis’ sibling 67. Sign of a saint, pl.

68. Financial backer 69. Summer mo.

70. *”..., but you can ____ how to play the game” 71. Pressure inducer 72. Born, in society pages 73. Synchronizes, for short

Austin South Asian | September 2019

DOWN 1. Gator’s cousin 2. To the left, prefix 3. Footnote word 4. Norman Bates’ Mother 5. Opposite of extinct 6. Decked out 7. *Like The Four 8. Raccoon’s South American cousin 9. *”...listen to my story all about the ____ who came to stay?”

10. Dwarf buffalo 11. Small and weak 12. Stratego piece S 15. Deliver via Keystone 20. Spiral-horned African antelope 22. Spermatozoa counterpart 24. Supervisor 25. *”Yesterday” star 26. Baghdad resident 27. “Faster!” to a horse 29. *”...and if she’s beside me I know I need never ____” 31. Wholly engrossed 32. “The ____,” Dostoyevsky’s novel 33. One born to Japanese immigrants 34. *”Jojo left his home in Tucson, Arizona for some California ____” 36. Dueler’s blow 38. Opposite of purl 42. Something in the air 45. Dal seed 49. Anonymous John 51. Street artist’s masterpiece 54. City-like 56. Sticky 57. Misery cause 58. U2 guitarist 59. Wedding cake part 60. Venetian magistrate 61. A Flock of Seagulls’ 1982 hit 62. Narcotics agent 63. Singular of gentes64. Drake’s genre 66. Parisian way

SUDOKU Sudoku

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

Name and photo of the inviduvidual with first correct answer will be published in October 2019 issue.

To Advertise In ASA Call 512-828-6709

23

Austin South Asian | September 2019

What Money Tips Would You Tell Your Younger Self?

As we age, we sometimes regret those life lessons that might have served us better when we were younger. If you could roll back the years, what would you tell your younger self about money?

“what else do I need to be happy?”

Prioritize and plan.

Hill Harper, star of ABC’s “The Good Doctor,” is on a mission to help consumers of all ages take charge of their credit scores and financial futures. Author of The New York Times Best Seller, “The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in its Place,” he is dedicated to teaching financial inclusion and literacy.

He’s also a spokesperson for Experian Boost, a free, innovative financial tool that empowers consumers to add positive utility and mobile phone bill payment history to their Experian credit files, potentially improving their credit scores instantly.

• Understand the Importance of

Knowing what he knows now, Harper is revealing the top financial lessons he would teach his younger self.

• Create a Blueprint for Wealth: If you have enough money to meet your basic needs -- ask yourself,

“You need to be the architect of your life and create a blueprint for true wealth,” he adds.

you money with higher interest rates, or limit your ability to secure loans, sign leases or even land jobs.

“People often overlook the impact credit has on their opportunities.

I’m aiming to encourage people to proactively manage their credit,

bills on time, paying down debt and using financial tools that can possibly impact your score immediately, like Experian Boost. Also, Harper stresses you should keep your usage of credit low, and only make purchases you can afford.

“Everyone deserves a fair shot at achieving their financial dreams, and access to capital is a part of that, but it should be done wisely,” says Harper. “Understanding how your credit score is calculated and what you can do to maintain it will position you for financial success.”

• Be Truly Wealthy: Harper believes that money is simply a resource that helps people build the lives and communities they want, and that true “wealth” means being healthy, happy and

Credit Scores: Many people don’t understand money’s impact on their future, for example, a high score can mean access to better financial loan products and the best rates on those loans, while a low score can cost

and use it to manifest their destinies,” says Harper.

• Take Small Steps: You can increase your credit score by taking several steps, such as establishing a track record of paying

“Some of the most important financial concepts for young people to understand are the power of savings, the time value of money, and compounded interest. If you start saving just a little bit early on, compound interest will work on your behalf. It can transform your life and the financial wellbeing of your family,” says Harper.

To learn more about Harper and Experian Boost, visit Experian. com/BoostAmerica.

Wisdom can be a game changer when it comes to finances. Consider the financial lessons those inthe-know would tell themselves if they could turn back the clock.

(StatePoint)

FREE CLASSIFIED info@AustinSouthAsian.com 512-828-6709

August 2019 Sudoku Answer Mr.Yudhveer Bagga

having a positive relationship with money.

Mrs. Prema Raghavan

MEN CAN COOK! Email your recipe with your photos and see yourself in print Info@ AustinSouth Asian.com

24

Austin South Asian | September 2019

Are You Ready For Tailgating Season?

Firing up the grill is a year-round pastime for many, especially in fall, when tailgating takes over stadium parking lots nationwide.

quickly after staking out space and pack it all up just in time for kick-off. With fast setup and no messy cleanup, a portable wood

Grilling for a tailgate crowd can be just as high stakes as the game itself,” says The Pit Crew of Pit Boss Grills. “Being prepared sets you up for an easy victory on the grill and in the lot.”

Whether it’s your first time hosting a parking lot party, or you just want to master your technique, use these tips from the experts at Pit Boss to keep your favorite football fans fed: • Bring more than you think you’ll need.

Once you’re parked, you’re there to stay.

Be sure to have more supplies -- particularly fuel -- than you think you’ll need, so there are no surprises.

• Do the prep work before you go. Doctoring your food can be tricky in the heat of the moment. Cut out the onsite prep and go for surefire flavor by pre-seasoning and premarinating your meats.

• Use a portable grill. When it comes to grill choice, it’s all about efficiency. You want to be able to start feeding friends and family

the lid when doing slower cooked meats, like ribs and pork shoulder.

• Keep your crowd full. Food is the best part of tailgating. Keep your crowd full with lots of finger foods like burgers, dogs, homemade chips and dips, or this recipe for Sticky Bourbon Chicken Wings: Ingredients:

pellet grill, like the Pit Boss Tailgater, gives bold, smoky-hardwood flavor, and makes a solid choice for tailgates, camping trips, picnics or any outdoor adventure.

• Satisfy all taste buds. Bring an assortment of barbecuing and dipping sauces. From sweet and spicy to tangy and mild, everyone wins with a little of what they want.

• Kick back. Just because you’re manning the grill doesn’t mean you can’t kick back and enjoy the party. Use a remote thermometer to monitor your food while you step away from the cooking site. This is especially helpful to prevent babysitting or lifting

• 20 chicken wings, patted dry • 1 cup ketchup • 1/2 cup honey • 1/3 cup brown sugar • 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar • 2 tablespoons bourbon • 2 tablespoons hot sauce • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • 1 teaspoon Pit Boss Sweet Rib Rub Seasoning Instructions: The day or morning before the game, create you marinade by combining the ketchup, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, bourbon, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Sweet Rib Rub in a bowl. Whisk well to combine.

Next, add the chicken wings to the marinade

and toss them until they are well coated.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.

When it’s time to cook, fire up your wood pellet grill and set the temperature to 350 degrees F. If using a gas or charcoal grill, set it up for medium heat.

Let the marinade drip off the chicken wings, and place them directly on the grill grates to cook for 10 minutes. Turn them over and grill for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and dark golden brown.

Remove the chicken wings from the grill and enjoy them while they’re nice and hot!

For an extra kick of flavor, set aside some of your marinade before adding the chicken to coat the wings with later as a finishing sauce.

More tailgating grilling recipes and ideas can be found by visiting pitboss-grills.com/ recipes.

With the right tools on hand and a bit of prep, you’re ready to become a master tailgater this season.

(StatePoint)

Signs Your Aging Parents May Need More Help At Home Every day, roughly 10,000 baby boomers nationwide turn 65, according to the Pew Research Center, which means that a growing number of Americans are dealing with the many challenges associated with aging parents or relatives. Among them is determining when parents may need assistance they aren’t currently receiving.

“Asking for help and depending on others for care may make an individual feel like a burden to family or friends. The goal of home care should be to strengthen the mind and the body, lift spirits and support loved ones in a way that makes life worth living,” says Jennifer Sheets, president and chief executive officer of Caring Brands International and Interim HealthCare Inc. “This whole person and individualized approach allows caregivers to look for ways to empower people at home.”

Unfortunately, when seniors struggle with basic tasks such as self-care, transportation or household chores, they don’t always talk about it. They may be embarrassed or afraid of losing their independence or homes. Still others may not even realize anything is

amiss, particularly if they’re in the beginning stages of dementia.

Interim HealthCare shares some warning

can be signs of joint, muscle or neurological problems, and increase the likelihood of falls.

• Bruises, cuts or scrapes are sometimes evidence of falls or kitchen mishaps, and a potential indication of declining physical agility.

• Piles of bills, un-watered plants and overflowing hampers -- these are just a few of the many signs that basic tasks are being neglected.

signs that an aging loved one may be in need of senior care: • A change in mood, such as depression, anxiety or a loss of interest in social activities and hobbies.

• New dents or dings on your parents’ vehicle. These could be signs that safe driving has become an issue.

• Stains, missing buttons and untrimmed nails, are signs of neglected personal hygiene.

• Significant weight loss, which can happen for a variety of reasons, including serious physical and mental disorders.

• No food in the house, or moldy, stale or spoiled food, might mean a parent is struggling to grocery shop or cook, or may have even lost interest in eating.

• Issues with mobility and balance. These

• A prescription stockpile could indicate

your parent is forgetting to take critical pills.

• Stacks of unopened bills, late payment notices, unbalanced checkbooks and wads of cash stashed in odd places, are all signs of mismanaged money.

If a parent requires extra care, consider all your options, including in-home assistance, which allows older adults to continue living at home, while getting needed help. Look for care that offers a whole-person approach, such as Interim HealthCare’s HomeLife Enrichment standard of care, which looks beyond basic needs to encompass mind, body, spirit and family to develop specific protocols and interactive activities that stimulate the brain, improve motor functions and help seniors feel in control of their days. To learn more, visit interimhealthcare.com.

If your parents are displaying signs of needed care, getting them this support is crucial -both for their immediate health and safety, as well as their overall happiness and wellness.

(StatePoint)

25

Austin South Asian | September 2019

Amar Jawan Jyoti

Amar Jawan Jyoti is an Indian memorial constructed after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 to commemorate the martyred and unknown soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who died during the war.

dia during which many Indian soldiers lost their lives.

In December 1971, after the Indo-Pakistani

The memorial was constructed in December 1971 and inaugurated by Indira Gandhi in 1972.

Amar Jawan Jyoti is located under India Gate at Rajpath in New Delhi and consists of a marble pedestal on which a cenotaph is situated.

Since 1972, every-year on the Republic Day (before the Republic Day parade), it has been customary for the President, Prime Minister, Chief of the Air Staff, Chief of the Naval Staff, Chief of the Army Staff and dignitaries to place wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti and pay homage to the dead and unknown soldiers.

The main structure (India Gate) was originally constructed in 1921 by Edwin Lutyens.

“Amar Jawan” (Immortal Soldier) is scripted in gold on all four sides of the cenotaph and on top, a L1A1 self-loading rifle stands on its barrel with a helmet of the Unknown Soldier on top.

The pedestal is bound by four urns, one of which holds a continuously burning flame.

From 3 December 1971 to 16 December 1971 (Fall of Dhaka), India had a military confrontation with Pakistan (Indo-Pakistani War of 1971) during the liberation war in East Pakistan.

Creation of Bangladesh was assisted by In-

War of 1971, Indira Gandhi (then Prime Minister of India) helped pay to construct the Amar Jawan Jyoti under the India Gate to commemorate the dead and unknown soldiers who died invading Pakistan.

On 26 January 1972 (23rd Republic Day of India), the monument was officially inaugurated by Indira Gandhi.

India Gate in 1971.

Amar Jawan Jyoti was added under the

Amar Jawan Jyoti is located under India Gate at Rajpath in New Delhi. It consists of a marble pedestal on which a cenotaph is situated.

“Amar Jawan” (Immortal Soldier) is scripted in gold on all four sides of the cenotaph and on top, a L1A1 self-loading rifle is placed on

its barrel and is capped by a helmet of the Unknown Soldier.

The pedestal is bound by four urns, in one of which a flame has been burning continuously (using CNG) since 1971.

The person responsible for keeping the flame burning lives in a room under the arch, next to the perpetually burning flame.

From 1971 to 2006, LPG was used as fuel source and from 2006, CNG is used as source.

Each of the four urns has a flame but only one of the four flames burns throughout the year; on Indian Independence and Republic Days, all flames are lit simultaneously.

The Amar Jawan Jyoti is manned 24/7 by soldiers from the Army, Air Force and the Indian Navy.

Constructed after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the Amar Jawan Jyoti commemorates the dead and unknown soldiers who lost their lives in the conflict, that resulted in the creation of independent Bangladesh The burning flame is considered immortal.

Akbar And Birbal The Farmer’s Well Once upon a time, a clever man sold his well to a farmer.

The next day, when the farmer went to the well to fetch some water, the man refused him saying that he only sold the well and not its water.

The farmer did not know what to do, and with a sad heart, he went to Akbar’s court. Birbal was told to take care of the case.

The following day, the man who sold the well along with the farmer was called to the court.

The clever man made the same statement – he had sold his well, not the water in it.

On learning this, Birbal said, “My friend, in that case, you either re-

move your water from the well or pay tax for your water because it is the farmer’s well”.

The man realised his mistake and asked for forgiveness as he felt helpless and outwitted.

Moral: If you cheat, you will pay for your deeds.

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Austin South Asian | September 2019

Rashmika Mandanna Accidentally Revealed The Title Of Her Next With Karthi?

We had earlier reported that Rashmika Mandanna was making her Tamil acting debut opposite Karthi, in a film directed by Bakkiyaraj

the hashtag Sultan.

alised.

Apparently, this has disappointed the cast and crew that had planned

Produced by SR Prabhu der Dream Warrior Pictures, Karthi-starrer Yogi Babu in an portant role.

unthe has im-

The technical crew comprises of music director VivekMervin, cinematographer Sathyan Sooryan and editor Ruben.

Kannan of Remo fame.

to announce the name later.

Recently, the Geetha Govindam girl, in her Instagram story, had revealed the title of the film as Sultan.

We need to wait and watch if the makers retain the same title or come up with a new one.

The Dear Comrade actor had posted a video from the sets and used

Soundarya Rajinikanth was supposed to direct an animated film called Sultan, which never materi-

Vivek Oberoi Will Now Produce A Movie On The Balakot Air Strikes Actor Vivek Oberoi, who last played Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a film, will now produce a movie based on the Balakot air strikes to salute the valour of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Titled “Balakot”, the film will be

Rashmika, on the other hand, has Sarileru Neekevvaru, opposite Mahesh Babu.

Also, she’s rumoured to be a part of Vijay’s 64th film with Lokesh Kanagaraj of Maanagaram fame.

Director Karthick Naren is currently busy filming his upcoming film ‘Mafia’ starring Arun Vijay and Priya Bhavani Shankar in the lead along with Prasanna.

are currently camping in Thailand for the last leg of shoot.

Subashkaran is producing the film under the banner Lyca Productions.

It is said that some action sequences are planned to be shot.

While Priya Bhavani Shankar has

The story is set in the backdrop of

Gokul Benoy of ‘Monster’ fame is cranking the camera and Jakes Bejoy is composing music while editing is being taken care by Sreejith Sarang.

The first look poster of the film, which was released earlier, showed three chic Arun Vijays wielding guns and a ‘hitlist’ poster.

The film is being planned for a December release.

based on the air strikes as well as the capture and subsequent release of IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in the aftermath of the terror attack in Kashmir’s Pulwama district on February 14.

“As a proud Indian, a patriot, and a member of the film fraternity, it’s my duty to highlight what our Armed Forces are truly capable of.

In the form of a trilingual, this film is a powerful tool to underline the achievements of brave officers like Wing Commander Abhinandan, who went behind the enemy lines and did what makes every Indian proud of them,” said Vivek.

“The Balakot air strike were one of the most well-planned attacks by the IAF. I have followed everything in the news right from the

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Chennai anf the film will be a highoctane gangster drama.

There was a lot that was speculated and spoken about back then; this film will put all of that to rest, once and for all. I thank the IAF for trusting us with this story and we

Touted to be a film high on comedy and action, this film marks the first collaboration between Karthi and Bakkiyaraj Kannan.

Arun Vijay And Prasanna Off To Thailand For Mafia Shoot

already wrapped up her portions, the latest update is that Arun Vijay and the film’s antagonist Prasanna

attack in Pulwama to the air strikes in Balakot.

info@austinsouthasian.com

hope to do justice to it,” he added.

To be shot in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, the film will feature established actors from these industries in pivotal roles, including that of Wing Commander Abhinandan, who was later awarded Vir Chakra, and Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal, who guided the IAF’s interception mission launched to stop Pakistan’s fighter jets. She has become the first woman to receive Yudh Seva Medal.

“I am delighted to receive the requisite permission from the IAF a day before Independence Day. Hollywood filmmakers applaud their Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, industries and leaders.

Why should Indian filmmakers shy away from doing that for India?

“As a nation, with one of the strongest Armed Forces on the globe, we have achieved a lot, and it’s time to start reiterating it to the world at large,” said Vivek.

The film will go on floors this year and is expected to release in 2020.

It will be shot in the backdrop of Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Agra.

27

Austin South Asian | September 2019

The REAL REASON Why Mission Mangal is A Hit

Mission Mangal adds to Akshay Kumar’s hit list but the actor claims he did not quite expect this response.

His co-star Vidya Balan, who has

Now, a lot of films will be made on this genre.

Mars, are people living there, what kind of life exists there...

Vidya: The moment I heard the film, I had a feeling it would do well.

I believe that at least she knows something about our universe and that there is a planet called Mars.

Mission Mangal has been simplified for the common people. Did you put in some extra effort for that?

Akshay: Our only motive was to make this film is a very simple manner.

To be honest, even I didn’t know about India’s struggle to send a satellite to Mars. But when I heard the story, I understood it easily because it was very systematic.

been getting a lot of praise for her work, says she had a feeling it would do well, and then adds with a laughs, “After a long time, I had a ‘U’-rated film.”

The actors are happy with the response their film is getting, and they tell Rediff.com Contributor Divya Solgama all about it.

Akshay, Mission Mangal is getting good numbers at the box office.

Did you expect this response?

Akshay: To be honest, no.

This is a new genre in the Indian film industry.

The Indian film industry has been around for more than 80 years but I still believe this genre has not been tried earlier.

People have liked the movie; they have accepted this science-fiction genre.

In Hollywood, they make at least 14-15 science-based films in a year.

Just recently, I was approached with another science-based film.

That’s when I thought Mission Mangal has worked.

To be honest, I don’t understand numbers, so I did not know how it would do on the first or second day.

It has been observed that more than adults, children are watching Mission Mangal and loving it.

What is your favourite scene in the film?

Even the common people, who are not so educated, are getting to know a lot of things from this movie.

For instance, when one of my maids watched Mission Mangal, I asked her if she understood the film. She said yes; some intelligent people went to Mars to take pictures and videos.

Then, she asked how we would benefit, and I explained that we will get to know about many things. Like, if there is water on

Akshay: Well, I wanted her in twothree other films of mine but she told me then that she was getting married and occupied in her marital life.

Akshay, what’s your secret mantra for fitness?

Vidya: (Laughs) Actually, we didn’t get films offered to us in the past 12 years.

Do you think Mission Mangal will inspire more actors to let women take the lead?

Akshay: The only mantra is to eat good, sleep on time, wake up on time, work hard and not waste time on drugs, smoking and drinking.

A lot of people are shocked when I say I sleep at 9 pm and wake up at 4:30 am.

They call me mad.

Akshay: Yes, let’s hope so!

But I call them that for sleeping at

I still remember that there was one actor, who did such films -- Jeetuji (Jeetendra).

1 am and waking up at 10-11 am.

Children are loving it because the movie is very simple.

After a long time, I had a ‘U’-rated film (laughs).

We have actually made the film for children and intellectual people.

film was called Jyoti. He has done many such films like Jyoti Bane Jwala and Aasha.

Vidya: I thought that if I understood the movie, the audience will definitely understand it because I am very scared of science.

But there was a positive energy, which made me feel it would work.

Akshay: Yes. They are dragging their parents to watch the film, and after watching it, they (the adults) are realising that they too did not know so many things about India’s struggle to send a satellite to Mars.

the two of you, after Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Heyy Babyy. Why don’t we see more of you together?

Vidya: Mission Mangal was beautifully written, and there are many beautiful scenes. But if I talk about my own scenes, there’s one where I tell my son, ‘Don’t pray to the picture, pray to the power.’ It’s such a beautiful scene put in a very simple way.

Jagan Shakti is the kind of director, who does not spoon-feed his actors. He trusts his actors and lets them do it in their own way.

Akshay: All of us cried in the last scene when we saw Mars. That scene came very naturally.

Vidya: And that song, Shabashiyan, does something to me.

When people react to it and say that it stirs something new, I think that sense of pride is such a big achievement.

Mission Mangal is a hat-trick for

He used to do films like Jyoti, where he was the hero but the

Tomorrow, anything can happen to me but the least I can do is take care of myself and maintain my health in the best possible way.

Austin South Asian Invites Contributions From Readers And Community

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Austin South Asian | September 2019