Beyond Sindh Magazine

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Volume 7 Issue 1: 2010

Features • COVER FEATURE ANJANA SUKHANI

All Photography by Mohit Israni...

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13 Going Under the Knife 16 Help Haiti 18 Fengu Shui: Year of the Tiger 20 Attraction & Passion 21 Enhance your Inner Beauty

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22 Journey to Journey of OM 27 Business fulfills Sindhi Dreams 30 Raj Amarnani, Magician 36 Shobhna Mahtani, Hair expert 38 Malti Bhojwani, Life Coach 42 Illume - Beauty & Health 54 Polaroids from Ganpatipule 56 Mahirwan Mamtani, Artist 56 Travel: Yumthang Valley 68 Pune Bomb Blast

Every Issue • 4 22 26 34 40 46

Letters to the Board Being Cult Jones Health Check Captured Moments The Bottom Line Ask Dr. G

48 52 53 56 59 64

Chef Kaviraj’s Recipes Dee Insight Poetry Delight Artist’s Delight BSM Recommends DJ Loko’s Music

65 The Funnies 66 Insanity Humor 69 Nicky and Neetu 72 Zodiac 74 Bilingual Brainteasers

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from the desk

team Publishing Editor Rachana Mirpuri

Design & Layout Resham Dharamdas

O

n the 1st of January, I held hands with my cousins and it was about eleven of us that stood side by side, perched atop a ledge waist-high. With our parents watching from the trolley tram in Fisherman's Wharf in Macau, we simultaneously let out a happy whoop as we jumped, hands out-stretched and knees bent. 2010 started with such a great feeling and it was evident on the faces of all those close and dear to me - this moment between us was photographed and has been my Desktop wallpaper ever since. It is nothing short of beautiful to me.

What is it that makes something or somebody beautiful? Was it more important to attain inner beauty, or are people in today's age more concerned with maintaining physical beauty, even if it meant changing their god-given features? Having good health, no doubt, is very important and in most if not all cases, having natural beauty is the side-effect in taking good care of oneself. In our special Beauty issue, we enlisted awesome Sindhi experts in the beauty industry to offer our readers invaluable tips on taking care of your hair, skin, and body. Additionally, inner beauty is something that is inherent in each one of us - all we have to do is look within and find that godliness that nests in our hearts. Be true to ourselves, say kind words and live in the moment are some of the advice offered by our writers in this issue. On an interesting in-between note, Kanchan Shazadpuri writes about the rising trend of plastic surgery and the pros and cons of going under the knife (on page 12).

While we are gracing the topic of beauty, our hearts were stolen by the innocent smile of Anjana Sukhani and we were honored to have her on our cover. Bollywood actress and TV princess, Anjana has worked diligently to reach where she is today and despite her stardom status, she remained sweet, kind and down-to-earth. Fully Sindhi and very proud of it, Anjana had much to say on the perceived loss of the Sindhi language among the younger generations - turn to page 6 to read her story.

This issue we have a slew of never-heard before personas to introduce to our dear readers - Mahirwan Mamtani who drew strength from the terrible human conditions he suffered when he migrated to Delhi from Pakistan in the aftermath of the Partition and became a painter of astounding talent and success. Raj Amarnani, a timid and sweet teenager in Hong Kong who discovered his innate talent and passion for magic tricks after being diagnosed with a severe form of arthritis (turn to page 30 to read this delightful interview).

And last, but not least, a great inspiration to women all over the world on page 38; Malti Bhojwani, bona fide life coach. After being shattered with a broken marriage and left to care for her daughter on her own, Malti became resilient and built upon her own strength to discover that the thing that made her most happy was helping other people discover their full potential in achieving dreams of their own.

Feature Editor Pooja Khiani

Copy Editors Kanchan Sakhrani Vineesha Malkani Sheena Mirpuri

Staff Writers/Contributors Ajay Hotchandani Amit Ganglani Amit Jethani Amit Jumani Anjali Kirpalani Anmol Bhagchand Chandru Bhojwani Dina Sabnani Kaviraj Khialani Karuna Sabnani Kumar Mangwani Malti Bhojwani Manju Rughwani Neetu Mirchandani Nicky Ramchandani Pushpa Moorjani Rekha Thadaney Shawn Genomal Ved Uttamchandani Vineesha Malkani

Edited, Designed & Published by Kenash Publishers

Website: www.beyondsindh.com Editorial & Subscription Office HONG KONG RmA, 4/Fl., Hart House 12-14 Hart Avenue,T.S.T, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2366-5986 Fax: (852) 2367-7957 info@beyondsindh.com

And while we're on dreams and Bhojwani, the entire BSM team congratulates our long time columnist Chandru Bhojwani for achieving his dream of becoming a published author.

Turn to page 22 to read about his journey behind his debut novel, 'The Journey of Om' and be sure to show the support and pick up a copy for yourself!

Do drop us a line or two at comments@beyondsindh.com on what your favorite parts were. We hope you will enjoy this magazine and persuade all your friends and relatives to subscribe too!

Much Respect,

Rachana M.

Volume 7, Issue 1 Copyright 2010 All Rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored electronically, photocopied or otherwise without expressed permission of Kenash Publishers.

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If you found the last issue amazing or even not good at all, write in. If you loved a specific article or think you may have better ideas, please write in. If you want to give one of our writers a piece of your mind or a heapful of praise instead, go ahead and write in. If you were touched by a recent incident or event that happened and just need to vent, don’t wait - WRITE TO US! Any feedback, constructive criticism or helpful suggestions you may have, let us know as we would love to hear from you!

Contact us on the website www.beyondsindh.com or write an e-mail to us at bsmteam@beyondsindh.com

“I am really proud of you and your team to come up with such a great magazine for Sindhis.”

Dear Ms. Rachna Mirpuri, Wishing you a very Happy New Year! This was with regards to your edition dated December 2009. I really enjoy reading the magazine and this time I really liked and enjoyed the article on Pankaj Adavni- Billiards Champion. It is very interesting to know that a young boy having difficulties in his childhood came up like a winner. It reminds me of my childhood days too. I really wish to congratulate this young boy personally and would really appreciate if i could have his email id. I am really proud of you and your team to come up with such a great magazine for Sindhis. Please continue with your great work. Thank you once again.

Regards Harshita Tolani.

Jakarta __________________________________________________ Dear BSM, I wonder if there is any archive footage of the actual 1947 partition. Im sure if we search we may find someone who witnessed the exodus as first hand experience.

Sindhis are known for the enterpreneurial spirit & business acumen but not very well known for their contribution in other areas such as politics, medicine, finance, arts & entertainment, information technology to name a few.

This documentary would not only feature the expected stories of Sindhis leaving their homeland and succeeding in their chosen destinations but with also have emphasis on the unexpected contributions to other fields.

Prior to such a production, we would have to communicate with a potential TV Channel like Discovery, National Geographic, Sony, Al Jazeera to get find out their interest in

broadcasting such a documentary. If there's no audience there's no point going through with the project.

Im extremely pleased to be part of such a documentary.

Thanks & Regards Deepak Mohinani Accra, Ghana _____________________________________________________ Dear Editor, Let me know how I can support the incredible work you are doing!! Your talent is writing pieces that are compelling, your gift is unifying a global community through the power of the written word.

With respect, Anand C. USA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear BSM Team, With all the earthquakes that have been happening lately, it was a smart move to do an extensive piece on it as your magazine did in the last issue: Expect the Unexpected. The writer Shawn supplied combined into few pages all the helpful and crucial information that we would need if God forbid, we should ever find ourselves in such a situation. I had not thought of packing a suitcase of emergency stuff and keeping near the exits in the case- I am sure we all like to take things for granted including that of the stability of our homes. Thank you again and keep up the good work.

Regards, Ajeet Mohinani

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Anjana Sukhani: The Bold and Beautiful She’s hot. She’s sexy. Aah! She also relishes her Sai bhaji, Sindhi curry and lolas. After all, she’s our Sindhi chokri; the smart, hard-working and talented Bollywood actress ANJANA SUKHANI. Born in Jaipur and raised in Mumbai, this petite Sindhi girl is creating waves with her gorgeous looks and talent, in Bollywood cinema and TV commercials. Today, in a short span of five years, she has done over 40 TV commercials, 2 regional films and 5-6 commercial full-length feature films with top production houses.

You may know her as the sensual dancer who moved her hips to the tunes of ‘Babuji Dheere Chalne’ in ‘Salaam-E-Ishq’, or the one who played the role of Sara in the film ‘Jashnn: The Music Within’. She has also been casted with Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan in national TV commercials.

Manju Rughwani chats with this Capricorn babe on her tryst with acting, her views on beauty, and of course her Sindhi identity…

Interview by Manju Rughwani Photography by Mohit Israni

BSM\7 BSM: Hi Anjana! It’s nice that you have agreed to share your successful journey with us.

Anjana Sukhani (AS): Oh wow! It’s exciting to know that there is an extraordinary magazine for the Sindhis to preserve our Sindhi culture and language with readers scattered across the globe. It’s great that I have been the lucky one to don the cover page of this ‘beautiful’ issue. Thank you so much.

BSM: How do you define beauty in your own definition?

AS: Beauty is not only skin deep or in the eyes of the beholder. For me, it is a combination of both internal beauty and external appearances. It is a blend of body, mind and soul. You need to cultivate your soul. You need to be good, happy and cheerful. Your heart should be filled with purity. Once that is nourished, others will automatically sense the radiance on your face and the feel-good factor.

BSM: In the business you constantly need to look and feel great at all times.

How do you cope with the pressures of being beautiful?

AS: That’s true. Bollywood is an industry where travails are part and parcel of our profession. The pressure to maintain style and persona is indeed very high but one copes up with it over the years with shootings, launches and celebrity parties. To look gorgeous, you need to develop your physical and mental stamina.

BSM: So, what is your regular beauty regimen like?

AS: To be very honest, I don’t have to work hard on my beauty regime. I’m genetically blessed, especially with my mother, Preeti, having flawless skin till now. I use her homemade beauty tip of scrubbing with besan (gram flour), haldi (turmeric) and dahi (yoghurt).

For my skin, I try to be natural sans makeup and cosmetics and make sure to keep my skin hydrated by drinking two to three litres of water daily. I make sure that I eat a full balanced and healthy nutritional vegetarian diet with glasses of fruits and vegetable juices.

For my tresses and curls, I make sure I oil them regularly. Once in a while, I use beer for a bouncy effect.

Going to a beauty salon on a regular basis is a rarity. I go for a facial cleanup once in 45 days, but a massage at a spa is a must for me to relax.

8\BSM BSM: How do you maintain your sensual figure?

Do you have a strict fitness regime?

AS: Sweating out at the health gym with dumb-bells and cardio machines is not my idea of fitness. Walking and swimming is what I love doing the most. I jog five days a week for nearly six kilometers and go for swims to keep me athletic. I am a die-hard martial arts fan. I practice with my trainer Deepak Das at kickboxing and other forms of martial arts.

BSM: How did you get your start in Bollywood?

AS: Entering into the tinsel world of TV commercials and Bollywood acting was purely by chance. I had never dreamt of an acting career; I do not have any godfathers or godmothers in the industry, and nobody from my maternal or paternal sides was inclined towards acting.

In the early 2000s, I attended the UK-based Cardiff University to acquire a Masters in Business Administration in International Trade. I took up modeling just to earn some pocket money to pay my fees to pursue my MBA degree.

At that time, I had no clue what ramp-walking was all about. My friends coaxed me to walk the ramp and share something about myself. From there, it clicked and opportunities started knocking at my door. I made my debut with the romantic comedy film called ‘Hum-Dum’ directed by Kushan Nandy. Shooting on the first day was a mixed bag of excitement and anxiety. The crew made me comfortable. They taught how to deliver a dialogue and face the arc lights from different angles. My first moment of sitting in a vanity make-up van was very difficult. On one side, you were treated as a princess. On the other side, it was very weird to sense the attraction and attention that the crew members shower on you. Anyway, it was a great learning experience.

Thereafter, I have done all kinds of genres be it comedy, romance or a simple love drama. Some of my films include ‘Sun Zaara’, ‘Jaana: Let’s Fall in Love’, ‘Sunday’, ‘Na Tum Jaano Na Hum’ and ‘Golmaal Returns’– a sequel to popular comedy flick ‘Golmaal’ opposite Tusshar Kapoor.

However, ‘Salaam E Ishq: A Tribute to love’ by Nikhil Advani, ‘Jashnn – the Music Within’ by Mahesh Bhatt’s production house, and ‘Jai Veeru’ opposite Fardeen Khan were some of the films which got me stardom. I am happy that my career is shaping up well.

BSM: ‘Salam-E-Ishq: A Tribute to Love’ was that film that brought you into the limelight for your smooching on-screen scene with Anil Kapoor. How was that?

AS: It was very tough as I was not told by the producers about this lip-locking scene with Anil Kapoor – an actor almost double my age. Oh God! I was shivering. But I must tell you, Anil Kapoor made me feel so comfortable and he handled the scene with ease.

BSM: What brands and products do you endorse?

AS: My most popular TV commercials were a Coke advertisement with Aamir Khan and a Cadburys commercial with Amitabh Bachchan. Some of my popular brands included Spinz talcum powder, Sunsilk shampoo, A-1 cycles, Maruti Esteem car, Johnson Baby lotion, Ponds cream and the like. Honestly, it was a cakewalk into Bollywood because of these commercials.

BSM: Which beauty and cosmetic multinational company would you like to become a brand ambassador for?

AS: My one and only favorite – the Bobbi Brown array of cosmetics, eyeliners, lipsticks and lotions.

BSM: Have your parents been supportive of your career in Bollywood?

AS: Every aspect of success in Bollywood is possible only with the support of my parents and close family members. In the beginning, my businessman dad, Om, was pretty comfortable with my career decision but my mom Preeti was a bit apprehensive.

BSM: How do you feel being a Sindhi?

AS: I feel on the top of the world when I say ‘I am proud to be Sindhi.’ I am a ditto Bhaibhand (a sub-caste in Sindhi community).

If you want I would love to do the entire interview in Sindhi (she laughs). Why not? I feel really sad and disturbed when my Sindhi friends and colleagues do not know how to speak in Sindhi.

BSM: Tell us about your family and upbringing.

AS: Well, I studied in the Sindhi-run Kamala High School in Mumbai. During my schooling days, I took part in all kinds of Sindhi dramas and music. I used to sing ladaas (Sindhi folk songs) very fluently and I used to dance in a typical dance style. I can read and write Sindhi in Devnagiri script but I haven’t learnt the Arabic script. I did my graduation in English Literature from Maharani College in Jaipur.

My maternal side of the family is settled in Mumbai and my paternal side in Jaipur. Like any first generation Sindhis, they migrated from Hyderabad, Sindh after Partition. My grandparents,

BSM\9 that is, both my Dada-Dadi and Nana-Nani, would make sure to communicate only in Sindhi language. If we kids would talk in English or Hindi to them, they would refuse to answer and keep their mouth tight-lipped.

We celebrated all Sindhi festivals and relished the best of Sindhi food.

BSM: What do you feel about Sindhi youngsters across the globe?

AS: Well, the Sindhis are bold and unique when it comes to trying out different vistas in their career. They are full of life and vibrancy. They have the best fashion aesthetics. They know their money’s worth when it comes to spending. They carry themselves in style – hardly overdressed or underdressed at any formal or informal occasions.

But one thing that saddens me today that our Sindhi language is dying. Our youngsters are not bothered to learn the language. It is one of the most beautiful languages having its similar dialects from Punjabi, Kutchis and Gujarathis.

No doubt, we have a widespread Sindhi diaspora across the world. It is the language that will bind us and preserve our Sindhi identity. In the near future, I would like to revive the Sindhi language with my unique set of ideas.

BSM: What is your take on the Sindhi community plunging into Bollywood?

AS: The Sindhis are a bunch of fantastic and intelligent people with sharp business acumen. They have proved themselves to the best in the field of trade and commerce. Films are like any commercial product – it’s nice that they are not confined behind their boardrooms. They are experimenting different facets of glamour and entertainment, whether it’s facing the arch lights, designing clothes, directing shots or making every look feel and look glamorous.

BSM: Which directors would you like to eventually work with?

AS: Well, I would love to work with Raju Hirani, the director behind ‘3 Idiots’ and the ‘Munnabhai’ series fame. I also intend to work with Debankar Banerjee, Ashutosh Gowarikar and Anurag Kashyab.

BSM: If not a Bollywood actress, what would be your alternative career?

AS: I was destined to be lucky in acting. If acting was not working out for me, I would love to become a chef and food critic. I would use my MBA in international trade to delve into entrepreneurship with special focus on exporting of garments.

BSM: What are your upcoming Bollywood projects?

AS: I am waiting for the release of my upcoming movie ‘Tum Milo Toh Sahi’ which is a romantic and dramatic family love story directed by TV star Kabir Sadanand. Then I am filming ‘Allah ke Banday’ – a film based on juvenile crime directed by Farukh Kabir.

BSM: What is your secret to success?

AS: There is no secret or shortcut to success to excel. My instincts of being hardworking, punctual and sincere in my work made me what I am today. I don’t take my acting profession in a cool and casual way. For I know if I miss the buzz, there are already twenty thousand aspiring actors waiting for a big break.

No doubt, I enjoy the money, fame and limelight but money is not everything for me. First, let people appreciate your talents and professionalism. Then of course, luck plays a crucial element.

BSM: Any plans of marriage?

AS: (laughs) Currently, marriage is not on my mind. If it has to happen, it will happen. I don’t sit down to plan with whom and when I tie the knot. My partner could be either from the film industry or even a presentable, humorous and handsome Sindhi guy knocking at my doorstep.

BSM: What is your parting message to our BSM readers?

AS: One message I would to love to say is not to let the language of Sindhi die on its own. Try to preserve and uphold the integrity of this beautiful language to the present for future generations to come. Feel proud to be a Sindhi and live life to the fullest. \ Manju Rughwani is a freelance journalist in India, currently writing for several local newspapers.

For comments, please email manjurughwani@beyondsindh.com

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Dada J.P Vaswani was warmly welcomed at the fourth Sadhana Camp held in Hong Kong at the Gold Coast Hotel on December 26 to 29, 2009. There were about 150 men, women and children who made their way to the camp from Hong Kong, China, Philippines, Taiwan and India to be endowed by Dada’s blessings. Soultouching bhajans beautifully sung by singers such as Seema Ramchandani and Paayal Bathija among others contributed to an atmosphere of divinity and peacefulness. The Walkathon was enjoyed by all on such a gorgeous day, and a fair amount of money was raised to use by the Mission in Pune for charitable ventures. The Sadhu Vaswani Mission of Hong Kong put together a show that entertained and enriched their delegates, including a skit that was cleverly acted out by talented youngsters, as well as a magic show. The second night had a Christmas theme that had all the delegates in such a festive mood that it was a sight to behold. All in all, it was a revitalizing spiritual get-a-way for those who needed to escape the outside world to go within.

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Organized by the Chinmayananda Mission of Hong Kong, the Krishna Mela was a tremendously successful family fun fair. It was held at the Kowloon Cricket Club on the 22nd of January, 2010 and had a turn-out of almost 1700 people. They had entertaining games for children and adults alike - from Krishna Rocks, What’s in a Name?, Butter Theif, Guess Who and many more.

Along with that, there were also counters for Arts & Crafts (dozens of children patiently lined up to make their own flutes and crowns), Photo Corner, and many more. Finally, there were dance shows and skits about Krishna that garnered large crowds of Indians who simultaneously laughed at the actors’ humorous bits.

The vibe and mood of the fun fair was extra-ordinarly as everyone who was working there were volunteering out of pure selfless service. Others were simply enjoying the breezy weather, entertainment and of course, the dozens of food stalls offering Mumbai chaat, pizza, sandwhiches, and homemade cookies and cakes.

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GOING UNDER THE KNIFE

BY Kanchan Shazadpuri

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here was a time when few people would openly admit that they had undergone or were considering a cosmetic procedure. Even celebrities preferred to keep quiet about procedures they have had, in fear of being judged by the public. However, those fears are beginning to change and plastic surgery is now no longer considered taboo.

It is true that people of all ages, young and old, desire to look nice, have attractive features and want to be appreciated by others, but just how much is one willing to do to look perfect? In an era of perfection, where the concept of beauty is determined by air-brushed, size zero models, and the media has a considerable amount of influence over society's perception of beauty, cosmetic surgery has altered our perception of what beauty truly is. As a result, an increasing number of women and men are choosing cosmetic surgery, making it more popular and acceptable with every passing year. In India, a country known for its beautiful women who preferred simple, all natural, tropical ingredients for their beauty recipes, are suddenly going under the knife. Consumer awareness, direct marketing, advertising campaigns and technological advances in surgical and non-surgical procedures has triggered a growth spurt in cosmetic surgery over the last five years.

With the dawn of the 21st century, the demand for cosmetic surgery has grown immensely. Although there is no official data on the number of cosmetic surgery procedures being conducted in India, according to a health expert in a Delhi hospital, the number of people going for cosmetic surgeries has jumped manifold over

the last five years. Initially, cosmetic surgery was costly and limited to celebrities and people of the affluent class but today these surgeries are increasingly being performed on the middle class, both men and women, whose demand for them are based on their needs. ‘Looking Young’ is the new beauty mantra. Everyone has a few flaws that they would love to improve; it may be a bump on your nose, bags under your eyes, flabby arms, or excess weight around the tummy. While nose jobs, liposuction and breast implants are the most sought after surgeries in women, men are opting for male breast reductions, nose jobs and hair transplants.

Why would someone want to go under the knife? The pursuit of happiness is one reason many are willing to put up with the pain, while low self-esteem is another. People believe that having cosmetic surgery will make them happy and they hold on to that belief with a passion. A 37-year-old Sindhi woman in Asia talks of her experience; 'I underwent a tummy tuck because though I had a good body overall, I also had a lot of loose saggy skin and stretch marks around my midsection from three pregnancies. After the operation, I felt much better in my favorite clothes and have since then never regretted my decision.'

BSM\13 Karan*, 34, also talks about his decision of going through liposuction. 'In a superficial world where people are being judged for the way they look, we are constantly being reminded of our own perceived imperfections. I was very unhappy with the way I looked; I was overweight, had bad teeth from all the smoking and people would stare at me when I spoke to them. I could tell what they were thinking and it made me feel very uncomfortable.

I realized then that I had to do something; I consulted with a doctor on the possibility of liposuction as well as teeth whitening.

As soon as I got the go signal, I went for it. Two years have gone by and I feel like a new person – I have more confidence and I don’t shy away from people anymore. Some people tell me that I never should have done it but it was something I needed to boost my self-confidence. I have no regrets whatsoever.'

With the constant pressure to look good, people are knocking at doors of cosmetic or plastic surgeons for an image makeover, but it’s the wedding season that witnesses the maximum influx of people prepared to go under the knife just to acquire that perfect look. According to most doctors, the most popular treatments in India are rhinoplasty (nose jobs), scar removal breast augmentation, breast reduction and liposuction.

Anita, 28, tells of her decision to go under the knife a few months before her wedding. 'I got engaged in 2008 and I had to shop for my wedding trousseau. When I went out shopping, I could never find anything to wear, because there was nothing to put in them, and if that wasn’t bad enough, I was a little overweight too, I decided to remedy it by having surgery. Every bride wants to look fabulous on her wedding day and if surgery was what it took then I was all for it. Six months before my wedding, I had breast enhancement and fat reduction surgeries... it’s made me a much happier person and I must say, I looked good in my wedding pictures. I consider it life-changing.'

According to an article entitled Cosmetic Surgery trends in India

by Dr. Kapoor, 'Up until a few years ago, female patients would dominate cosmetic surgery procedures and the female to male ratio was 90:10. This ratio has now become 75:25. In the next few years, this ratio could reach 60:40' Highly influential elements such as TV shows, magazines, and movies stress the importance of beauty in today’s world. Just because surgery is becoming more common doesn't mean you should think lightly about going under the knife; you do have the choice to make yourself look and feel better but you shouldn't ever be forced into it just to fit in. Although it's understood that one should take advantage of today's technological advances to better themselves for whatever reason they see fit, a person must be aware of the harmful risks that they are taking when doing so.

Think twice, even thrice, before making a decision to go under the knife – if nothing is broken... don't attempt to fix it.\ *names have been changed to protect persons identity.

Careful thought and sensible planning is essential, say the experts: Do your homework • Consult your doctor before making any decision about having cosmetic surgery • Don’t on any account pick your surgeon on the basis of the ads in the back of glossy magazines • If you do decide to take the plunge, is your surgeon professionally qualified?

• Surgery isn’t for everybody, and the decision to have it should be taken very seriously. Will cosmetic surgery really change your life? Have you exhausted all other options- diet and exercise instead of liposuction, non-surgical facelifts or beauty treatments instead of the knife?

• Remember, facelifts, liposuction and other surgery sometimes need up to five months recovery time, and you may need to take other factors into account. You might have to revise your diet before and after surgery, change your exercise regime or avoid sun exposure (for facial surgery patients, particularly), for example • Make sure you’re fully informed about risks and limitations of the procedure – nothing is 100% riskfree • Know your surgeon: Many practitioners purport to be experts, but many are not even surgeons.

Practitioners may boast impressive sounding qualifications, but these can have little meaning • Beware of ‘free’ consultations and booking fees or non-refundable deposits. Nothing is free and if the surgery is right for you then there will be no need for you to be locked into going ahead by any financial cancellation penalties • Remember you can always change your mind – right up until the moment you go into surgery • Make sure you feel comfortable with the organization, surgeon and clinic you have chosen • Don’t rush into it – take your time and make sure you’re completely happy with every aspect of the surgery

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Beauty Tips From Around The World omen have one thing in common – whether they are Indian or Chinese, they all want to look and feel good. Whether it’s the Indians with their thick hair or the Japanese with their fair skin, these are beauty recipes which have been used by locals for years and are more than willing to be shared.

hair with it for the fragrance. There is a powder called sheba which is used as a natural deodorant, while a miswak stick is used like a toothbrush to clean the teeth. Those who wear the burqa concentrate on making their faces as attractive as possible - that is why you would see a lot of Arabic women having deeply beautiful eyes with long thick lashes.

Japan: In Japan, the fairer and smoother the skin is with no marks, especially on the face, the better it is. One of the secrets to milky white smooth skin in this country is drinking or eating collagen. Some Japanese women drink a spoon of powdered collagen mixed with water daily, while others eat foods such as beef tendons which are rich with collagen. The Japanese often consume seaweed, rice and soy germs, which they believe are beneficial for their skin, health and beauty.

Indonesia: Indonesian women get their shape back after giving birth by using a piece of fabric that is 65 feet long, called a stagen, and wrapping it tightly around the waist causing pressure on the womb. The expectation is that, while painful, the pressure will help the body return to prepregnancy shape faster. Indonesian women also have spas that are very inexpensive and can lavishly pamper themselves regularly with whole body scrubs, rose milkbaths, honey paste and so on.

India: In India, it is generally known that the fairer your skin is, the prettier you are. One very common home treatment is mixing rose water with sandalwood paste and applying to the face for a deep pore-cleanse and soft skin. Indian women blend honey with turmeric to spread on their body so they can glow on their wedding days. Another very important feature for Indian beauty is thick, lustrous hair - an important custom here is to regularly oil your hair every week with beneficial oils such as jojoba, almond and coconut oils to name a few. Hot oil treatments are also done regularly. Before you shower, oil your scalp and give yourself a vigorous head massage to stimulate the sebaceous glands, wrap a hot wet towel around your head for 20 minutes and then shampoo.

Singapore: Like other Southeast Asian countries, Singapore has very high humidity, which unfortunately leads to frizzy and dry hair.

To combat this problem, the women in Singapore put coconut oil on the ends of her hair before bed. Meanwhile, for more luminous skin, avocado or papaya are very good to be applied to the face for 15 minutes, and rinsed off. Avocado oil is rich inA,B,D,E which is great for the skin, while papaya is rich in papain, an enzyme that exfoliates dead skin.

W

Oman: Women in Oman generally use natural beauty treatments, such as putting dried roses in boiled water and rinsing their

Philippines: The women here like to use aloe vera to make hair shine. They break a rod of the plant and apply the liquid directly to the scalp, then rinse. For dry skin areas, what Filipino women do is mix a quarter cup of grated ginger and a quarter cup of lime which had been cut, then the mixture is rubbed into the dry skin areas.

Greece: Greek women usually do a body peeling at the beach. Whenever you’re at the beach, you should smear the body oil all over your body and then massage it with the sand. After this is done, you will notice spectacular a much smoother, softer skin as all the dead cells are scrubbed off.

Even cellulite can be reduced this way.

Additionally, Greek women use rosemary plants to get hair shine and volume. They boil rosemary leaves with water and when cooled, they strain out the rosemary that is in the water, and use this water as a hair rinse.

Spain: Women who live in Spain love to add olive oil to the face and body masks.

Olive oil has wonderful properties and is great for the scalp for hair benefits. They also dip their fingers in a bowl of heated olive oil and fresh lemon juice before doing a manicure as this will soften their cuticles and shape their nails easier.

Scandinavian: Scandinavian women place great emphasis on beautiful skin but they have a very simple recipe. They drink at least 1.5 liters of pure spring water every day and splash their faces 15-20 times twice a day with ice cold spring mineral water, which encourages the skin’s own natural functions, and regulates itself without the aid of expensive exfoliating and rejuvenating lotions. The ice cold water also helps to reduce puffiness.

China: We all know the benefits of green tea but apparently, in China the secret to anti-aging is white tea. White Tea comes from the silver tip of the green tea plant and is also known as the emperor’s tea. This plant houses all the antioxidants in the tip which acts as an environmental shield so that free radicals cannot penetrate through.

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Phase 1 (April 15th -19th, 2010): Electronics & Household Electrical Appliances; Lighting Equipment; Vehicles & Spare Parts; Machinery; Hardware & Tools; Building Materials; Chemical Products; International Pavilion Phase 2 (April 23rd -27th, 2010): Consumer Goods; Gifts; Home Decorations Phase 3 (May 1st –5th, 2010): Textiles & Garments; Shoes; Office Supplies, Cases & Bags, and Recreation Products; Medicines, Medical Devices and Health Products; Food & Native Produce Complex: China Import and Export Fair Complex We sincerely welcome your presence to the 107th session of China Import and Export Fair!

For enquiry: E-mail: info@cantonfair.org.cn Tel: 0086-20-26089999 Fax: 0086-20-89138888 China Foreign Trade Centre in Guangzhou, CHINA

16\BSM

The 2010 Haiti earthquake was a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 earthquake, with an epicentre near the town of Léogâne, approximately 25 km (16 miles) west of Portau-Prince – Haiti’s capital. The earthquake occurred at 16:53 local time (21:53 UTC) on Tuesday, 12 January 2010. By 24 January, at least 52 aftershocks measuring 4.5 or greater had been recorded.

As of February 12, an estimated three million people were affected by the quake, the Haitian Government reports that between 217,000 and 230,000 people had been identified as dead, an estimated 300,000 injured, and an estimated 1,000,000 homeless. The death toll is expected to rise. They also estimated that 250,000 residences and 30,000 commercial buildings had collapsed or were severely damaged.

The earthquake caused major damage to Port-au-Prince, Jacmel and other settlements in the region.

Many notable landmark buildings were significantly damaged or destroyed, including the Presidential Palace, the National Assembly building, the Port-au-Prince Cathedral, and the main jail. Among those killed were Archbishop of Portau-Prince Joseph Serge Miot, and opposition leader Micha Gaillard.

The headquarters of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), located in the capital, collapsed, killing many, including the Mission’s Chief, Hédi Annabi.

HELP HAITI

By Resham Dharamdas

Many countries responded to appeals for humanitarian aid, pledging funds and dispatching rescue and medical teams, engineers and support personnel. Communication systems, air, land, and sea transport facilities, hospitals, and electrical networks had been damaged by the earthquake, which hampered rescue and aid efforts; confusion over who was in charge, air traffic congestion, and problems with prioritisation of flights further complicated early relief work.

Port-au-Prince’s morgues were quickly overwhelmed; tens of thousands of bodies were buried in mass graves.

As rescues tailed off, supplies, medical care and sanitation became priorities. Delays in aid distribution led to angry appeals from aid workers and survivors, and some looting and sporadic violence were observed.

On January 22, the United Nations noted that the emergency phase of the relief operation was drawing to a close, and on the following day the Haitian government officially called off the search for survivors.

The earthquake in Haiti has left thousands injured and homeless. The loss of life has been astounding. Because of the shear magnitude of the issue, there is not enough medical help, rescue help, and basic food, clothing, and water for the suffering population. Even sadder, is there is now a great risk for disease to spread, and without adequate medical treatment, more people may die. YOU can help by contributing to any of the following organisations: The Red Cross http://american.redcross.org/ Unicef http://www.unicefusa.org/haitiquake Save The Children https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/ Mercy Corps http://www.mercycorps.org/ Help Haiti Now http://www.helphaitinow.org/ Haiti Children http://www.haitichildren.com/ World Food Bank https://www.wfp.org/donate/haiti Action Against Hunger http://www.actionagainsthunger.org/ Doctors Without Borders https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/ International Medical Corps https://www.imcworldwide.org/

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The Year of the TIGER

by Rekha Thadaney

O

n February 4th of 2010, we entered a new solar Chinese year, the year of the Tiger which ends on February 3rd 2011. Chinese New Year fell earlier this year on February 14th, 2010 (according to the Lunar calendar, on Valentines day). This was the date the Chinese celebrated the ‘Chinese New Year’.

Feng (fung) translate as ”Wind”. Shui (shway) translate as ”Water”. Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese approach to living in harmony with the environment using the laws of both Heaven and Earth (Astronomy and Geography / Environmental Energies) thus improving life by receiving positive energy. There is no such a thing as “The Everlasting Prosperous Feng Shui” because the energies are forever changing. Feng Shui energies change every year, therefore it is necessary to understand which directions have negative & positive energies at the beginning of each year, so that we can harness the energies of the most positive sectors while at the same time minimize the impact of negative energies that happens to arrive at important locations of our home and office.

Fresh and clean energy nourishes our homes and our lives; our relationships, our business, cash flow, creativity, health, and career can prosper. This year the South, Southwest & Northeast will be afflicted with harmful energies. Any disturbance within these afflicted sectors will bring bad luck, sickness

and loss to the residents. By disturbance we mean vibration of the wall or the floor caused by renovation such as hammering, digging, knocking or drilling.

South is one of the worst position in 2010 which easily attract arguments, fights and injuries, and law suits. If possible, avoid sitting in this direction.

Display brown and yellow coloured accessories to reduce the negativity of this direction.

In 2010 if you have your main door or important rooms like bedroom, living room or office in the Southwest or Northeast you could face problems with finances, bad luck, relationships, chest, stomach and also depression and if you were a person who smoked heavily it could cause you chest related problems. You need to place some important cures like saltwater in both directions to suppress or weaken the undesirable influences of the negative energies. It is advisable to hang a 6-rod metal wind-chime in the southwest of your home. These cures are to aid in absorbing the negative sickness energy.

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Be extra cautious in the month of May 2010.

Senior citizens with bad health, young kids and pregnant ladies should try and avoid using a Northeast bedroom as as their health may be affected. But if there is no choice, use the west, north or east sector of the room and place a saltwater cure and white coloured accessories in the Northeast of the room to reduce the negativity of this direction.

Do not sit with your back to North this year, instead, face this direction especially if this is one of your four favourable personal directions as this is a good place for studying and thinking, particularly if you need to make important decisions. Display red, purple and orange coloured accessories.

West is good for studies, wealth and career. Spend more time there. Enhance the west of your office & home with metal artifacts.

If your front door or important rooms like bedroom, living room or office are located in Northwest or West you may find good opportunities coming your way for 2010 to improve your wealth, health and/or relationships.

The East direction is considered one of the best in 2010.

You should sit or sleep in this direction more frequently to help enhance your competitiveness and money luck. Blue, grey and black are good colours for accessories that will help enhances your luck and avoid danger in this particular direction. Main doors or offices in the East direction will benefit politicians, leaders, jewellery business, if this direction is enhanced correctly. However bedroom in the East may attract frequent problems for throat, breathing or legs.

Use shades of grey, blue or black in form of sheets, show pieces, carpets, rugs in the East.

Place a bowl of water in the Southeast of your home, particularly if your main door is located in this direction.

Water is a very powerful enhancer and is the essence of Feng Shui. If you are using water you must make sure that the water is clean and flowing and never allow it to become stagnant. Till 2024, a water feature, swimming pool or a pond is good to be located in the Southwest or East, only if the energies there support it. Water outside in the correct area can really work in your favour. Please do not place water outside or inside your home in the Northeast direction until 2024, unless advised by a professional Practitioner.

Feng Shui tips for 2010 If you want some positive energy to flow into your home, start by clearing the clutter. If you have trash lying around or clothes that need to go to a charity, clear it.

Clear yourself of emotional clutter as well. Try to release any anger, resentment or fear you are holding onto to. Write it all down then burn those feelings away by burning it over a candle flame.

Salt Water Cure – Fill up a plastic bowl with sea salt, at least ½ kg to 1 kg (its available at any grocery store) to about three quarters. Place six Chinese coins on top of the salt in a circle.

Make sure the coins are Yang side up; this is the side with the four Chinese characters. The coins will sink into the salt as you pour the water. Fill the bowl with water leaving one inch from top. The bowl will form crystals on the rim, over time; this shows that it is working to absorb the negative energy. Make sure the water is always topped up. It should be placed on the floor. Try not to touch or move the bowl too much as it stores a lot of negative energy. At the end of each Chinese New Year you should throw your old coins, container, water & salt away, as they store a lot of negative energy.

If you want to keep your home looking bright and fresh, look into how a bamboo and other plants can liven it up. Plants are a great way to freshen up the air. Take good care of them and to trim off any wilted parts immediately.

Attract opportunities: buy a red pen, write nine goals that you would like to see manifest for you in 2010. It is extremely important for you to write these down (no computer please) as this act of writing them down does help them come true.

For 49 days and nights, before you go to sleep and the first thing when you wake up, read this list aloud and then be prepared to seize the opportunities that you are creating for yourself.

Feng Shui is a way of living with a conscious connection between our outside environment and our inner world. Using basic principles, simple and inexpensive changes can be implemented to living and workings environments to improve health, wealth and vitality. \

All The Best To You And Your Family In 2010!

20\BSM

On Affection and Passion

by Ved

Uttamc handani

Affection is the combination of:

comprehension of unspoken words and the abiding by unwritten rules. It manifests itself when logic has no say, and the five senses go astray. Immersed in ignorance and symptoms of incapacity of judgment, you learn to blindly follow the feelings which have reduced your common sense and imprisoned your spirit beyond the realm of practical moderation.

Affection in its essence has no real regrettable consequences as it does not totally refute obligations and common sense (but reduce the impact they have on your judgment), maintaining the slightly boggled mind in check and ensuring the preservation of position in society.

This affection then turns into passion, when the spirit is totally blinded by the light of impracticality, submitting itself to the will of fiery feelings and refusing totally and effectively all thoughts and reflections resulting from reason and moral attachments that might try to sow doubt, about his passion, in his mind.

The consequences of this passion can be disastrous as the overlooking of moral attachments tend to isolate the passionate from society, shoving him beyond the concern of other more “practical” and “clear sighted” humans. This is due to the fact that these “regular” humans, the main component of society, set rules, also known as a code, that define the laws of society. These laws are mainly unwritten moral attachments and guidelines and written statutes considered advantageous

to the human race or necessary to preservation of society and its diverse constituents.

I will present hereunder an example of a moral attachment, a guideline and a statute to facilitate the comprehension of my point of view:

A moral attachment could

for example be an unwritten rule within a community. For instance, having a child when unmarried is considered a breach of a moral attachment in some societies and is considered perfectly acceptable in others.

An unwritten guideline could for example be an unwritten rule based on common sense (usually) or on religion. They tend to help one direct his life in what is considered the “right” direction or the most logical one. For instance: “The best way to make money is to earn it” or “Praise the Lord everyday, you will reap the reward someday”.

A statute

could for example be, a law created by the government stating, for instance that killing a fellow human being is a crime which can lead to a lifetime in prison sentence.

After reading the above posted explanations, it is easy to understand why passion can be the downfall of any human who considers society to be of utmost importance. For passion can ensure the expulsion from society and considering that humans are social creatures (political creatures some would say), unable to live what is considered a “normal” life alone, it is indeed one of the worst punishments

available on the market of penance.

But this does not end here, for what a closed-minded being I would be if I only presented this one aspect of passion!

Yes, it is true that there are other possible interpretations of passion.

For instance, passion “can be considered a stepping stone to creation and a generator of positive impulses”(even though I do not

necessarily share this view – but the fact remains that we are not trying to get my views, but an interpretation of this complex word which is acceptable to most) “though, as we all philosophically know, it is the counterpart of reason, so by definition, not trustworthy”. We can suppose that passion is indeed a source of potential, even though it might not be entirely reliable. For instance, passion, when expressed to the one, or to a master of the art/craft/science that we are passionate about could bring forth the blossoming of love (or its destruction, depending on the receptiveness and characters of the ones concerned) or the attraction of attention and knowledge which complexifies the simple master-student relationship (Note the use of the word “master” due to the fact that a “teacher” could be a person who has no choice but to teach, for financial reasons for example or someone who really enjoys his/her subject whereas a master definitely enjoys his art/craft/science, or at least sees it as worthy enough to give it his time and has extensive knowledge about it). Let's take

Ved Uttamchandani is a 17 year old Indian high school student currently in his last year in the Lycée Français de Lomé in TOGO, West Africa, where he studies Sciences.

Fluent in English and French, he enjoys discovering new languages and learns, Spanish, Hindi and Sindhi. His love for languages is reflected in his poems and articles.

Apart for his love for languages, his passion is Music: he studies theory of music at all levels he can get his hands on and tries to compose, create and play the two instruments he studies (piano and guitar). If you have any feedback, you may contact him at comments@beyondsindh.com

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the example of a person who is passionate about music. This person is capable of generating potential that was not part of him: he can express his emotions through music or prove his worth in the craft, mainly because he is passionate about the art. His passion drives him to his objective, be it creating, playing or orchestrating music. This demonstrates the constructive potential of passion.

We can therefore conclude that...

affection seems to maintain its reputation as a non-virulent feeling even

though it weakens the affectionate during contacts with the one he is affectionate about and during conversations and thoughts about this very same person.

Even though it clouds the affectionate one's mind, it does not seem to claim an unreasonably disproportionate fare. On

the other hand, passion can be viewed as a paradox of its self, it is simultaneously a feeling which encourages progress, while somehow maintaining the passionate in the obscurity of lack of reason, stagnating yet moving, isolated yet progressing, overlooked yet never forgetting the flame of his passion which could some day blossom into something much more beautiful, at the cost of his reason until the transformation from passion to beyond is completed. \

Enhance your Inner Beauty

by Harshita Tolani

‘Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder’ This is absolutely true if you are questioned what beauty is, because the definition of beauty differs from person to person. Beauty in the mind is the most important thing because beauty is skin deep. In order to be beautiful you have to be beautiful from inside and then outside. You cannot achieve a beautiful you in just two sessions in the parlor. This type of beauty will only come from kind words and pure heart and soul.

understand, the way you trust, the way you love, the way you care and the way you share. If you can not find beauty, it is not because beauty does not exist, but because you just close your eyes.

Everyone possesses inner beauty. What is not on the outside is always on the inside. Our bodies and minds are a magical creation.

By knowing ourselves our inner beauty can grow and flourish. If everyone looked for a person’s inner beauty there would be so much love and peace in the world if not within ourselves.

To obtain beauty in the mind, purification of the soul is essential.

Discover yourself, go deep down into your subconscious, ask yourself pertinent questions related to self realization and you will emerge an elevated soul. Let not material things trouble you, try not to covet earthly pleasures, go into the spiritual mode, by meditating and you will explore the real person in you, for happiness is really a state of mind. You may stay contented with the most trivial of things and accept life in a positive way which you only can when your mind undergoes a transformation. For only a beautiful mind thinks positively.

True beauty doesn’t need any kind of ornaments. It is a gift from God to Human beings. The person who gets blessed by nature gets blessed with precious beauty. God is fair because he gives everyone their own unique beauty. So do not think of yourself poorly or wish to be someone else, instead embrace your personal beauty and be happy. Beauty may occur in different form, physical beauty of female, inner beauty of kind man, graceful beauty of grandeur dame and even ordinary beauty of common people.

Beauty lies in good things you do, your nice behavior with others, your honesty and your self- confidence. It also lies in the way you

As the saying goes ‘It’s all in the mind’. Think beautiful and you will have the ability to find beauty in every individual, for beauty is not just apparent but it is a phenomenon that goes beyond all things that you view. Seek beauty and you will find it in all creations round you. A beautiful mind is the essence of a great personality. In fact it is an integral part of one’s personae. The aesthetic aspect of an individual develops in a manner directly proportional to beauty in the mind. So the key to a glowing skin is not just creams, lotions, and facials, packs and scrubs, but a mind is immaculate.

Following are some tips on Beauty: For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, Seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, Share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, Walk with the knowledge you’ll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of your arm. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.\

Harshita Tolani currently lives in Jakarta, Indonesia, and has been a teacher for over 15 years. If you have any comments, please email her at comments@beyondsindh.com

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Being Cult Jones

the

JOURNEY D

uring the month of December, close to Christmas, a monumental event took place. No, no, the other event that occured in 2009 A.D. It was indeed a miracle, but more of a personal one. My first novel, The Journey of Om, was published by Pustak Mahal in India. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a Thursday, which is the day I usually fast. I rolled over and picked up my laptop decided to do a search for my book, as I did every morning, except that morning was different. My book was listed! I wanted to scream it from the rooftops, but at the same time I was scared I was going to snap out of it and discover it was a dream. It truly was a surreal moment, one which Salvador Dali would have been thrilled to capture on canvas. Once my agent confirmed it was a reality, I got ready and hopped into the car with my mother, making our way to the Sindhi Mandir. As we drove down Edgware road, both joyous for different reasons (mum because she was making an unscheduled trip to the house of one of our numerous lords), it began to snow!

The news hit the wire and I was inundated with messages of congrats and inquiries how one could obtain a copy of the book. It was one of the best Thursdays of my life. I sat back and pondered about the winding and unpredictable road that brought me to this juncture in my life.

To answer one of the many questions I have been asked, I never set out to be a writer. In fact, one of my earlier dreams during my teenage years was to be a point guard for the NBA, preferably the Knicks. Lord

To...

knows they’ve needed help in the position for decades. But keeping in mind my height or lack thereof, diminishing vertical leap and ethnicity, that desire would remain a dream. Little did I know that another desire would flourish instead.

I recall as a child writing stories, probably with crayons, expecting to receive rave reviews worthy Vikram Seth. After that unsuccessful venture, my crayons never saw the light of day again till I was 12.

While schooling in the UK, I wrote stories mocking other people (which led to a chuckle or two), until my house-master read them and kicked me out of the lunch room. The crayons went back in the drawer.

By Chandru Bhojwani

...The Journey of Om After years of faithfully writing articles for our magazine, Chandru Bhojwani fulfilled his dream of being a published author. This time, he writes about the journey to his book...

When I was living in New York, the urge to paint with the written word surfaced and I again wrote mock articles about friends which brought them to tears. With no housemaster to punish me, I continued to write and post my work on the YSA (Young Sindhi Adults) group page. The fan base grew as did the encouragement. A friend, after reading a post, even said ‘Chandru, you’ve missed your calling.’ Those words haunted me.

What if that was true? What if I did miss my calling? When did it come? When did I miss it? Was I on call waiting when it called?

Why didn’t anyone tell me my calling was calling?

Little did I know, God, the Universe, Destiny, Tiger Woods and Fate had a plan. True, Tiger had a lot more fun on his Journey, but you can’t knock my end result either. The editor of Beyond Sindh Magazine contacted

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BSM 23 me after reading my posts and offered me a quarterly column in her new publication.

I started to write and hone my skill. Truth is, I never considered myself a writer since I’d never been trained in the art, but with each article, my ability went from strength to strength as my work was well-received by a growing number of people. Still, I was never aware of where this Journey was taking me. I giggled at the absurdity of me having fans.

Years went by, the numbers grew and messages kept coming in about how much my articles were being enjoyed.

People began to forward my articles (without my name), and some even tried to pass it off as their own. Random people approached me and told me they liked my writing, before asking me if I’d like fries with my happy meal. Maybe I was a writer! Many continued referring to me as one. I started to call myself a writer and one day, did so amongst a group of acquaintances. An individual scoffed and remarked; ‘What? You’re a writer becaus you write those Aunty, Uncle and relationship articles?’

His condescending tone and statement was like a kick in the family yakos (jewels). As well received as my article was, it wasn’t as though I was the star journalist for Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair or GQ. Was he right? Was I kidding myself?

I nodded at his statement but promised myself that I would become an accomplished writer by any standard, and I would then ask him: ‘So, am I a writer now?’

But would I ever get there? And how?

A few years prior to that incident, I had written a 12-page short story for a friend.

Over time, I kept adding to it, wanting to see where it would and could go. I passed it around to friends who commended me on my work and effort, after which I left it dormant for months. Time went by and when the spirit moved me, I added to it. During those early months, I decided I wanted to publish it, but never pursued it with much vigour.

In 2007, that changed, and I pushed forward. It was 75% complete and I just needed to make that last push. A friend connected me to an agent who loved the manuscript. So much so that she stated it was worthy of being published overseas, and not to pursue publishing it in India.

Energised, I charged ahead and completed the book.

Months went by and we went back and forth with corrections, selecting the cover, and the whole time very few people knew about it. Years of praying and visualizing was close to becoming a reality and I didn’t want ill feelings, envy, or nazar to ruin it.

In 2008, I sent one of my short stories into a competition. A few months later, I discovered I had won! And even though it was later than planned, I was published in early 2009! But was this my calling, calling? Or was I on course to be a victim of more scoffing and condescending comments.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who have supported me on my journey. Your words, feedback and constant encouragement have been instrumental in making my dream a reality.

On one cold Thursday, The Journey of Om was available for the price of Rs 175 With a complete novel in hand, I and I was a writer! By any and every approached numerous literary agents in standard. I had done it, but this was just the UK, expecting to fight off their the beginning. I knew I could achieve numerous offers. Instead, the rejections more and I intend to. Sure I had disaprolled in, one by one. I got emails from pointments on this road. I had detractors, agents and stared at my inbox, scared of Nay Sayers, and people drunk on Hatoropening them. Maybe this was the one! ade. But I also had believers, supporters, But what if it was another rejecand as strange as it is to say it even tion? I felt the same anxiety today, fans! I had the Universe one feels when they fear and/or God putting people in “I their partner is about to my life that brought me closrecall as a break up with them. er to achieving my dream. I child writing Brrrr!!!! had a path laid out, and its stories, probably destination was my desire. with crayons, Tail between my legs and expecting to book in hand, I went Did I always want to be a receive rave back to the agent who, writer? Maybe I did, but I reviews worthy thankfully, welcomed me just didn’t know it.

Vikram Seth.” with open arms and went -CB about getting me published As for that ‘scoffing acquainin India. She pushed forth, tance’ and finally confronting finding publisher after publisher him? Did I step up to him, chest and pushing my book, but eventually she puffed out like Kevin Garnett did to the crossed off the last one on the list. cameras after winning the NBA Championships and say, ‘What can you The voices echoed in my mind. say now? What, can, you, say, now? I didn’t have to. It so happens that a few ‘You missed your calling.’ months after he made his resounding ‘You’re a writer because you comments, he followed up with; write those Aunty and relationship articles?’’

‘I want to read your articles, I’ve ‘That’s not because of shrinkage!’ heard they’re quite good.’

Mid 2009, my agent called me and informed me a publishing house was interested in The Journey of Om and wanted to sign a contract. In July, I signed and waited anxiously to have it on the shelves. It wasn’t a reality until then.

The Writer Chandru Bhojwani www.chandrubhojwani.com

Chandru Bhojwani is an author and the director of Unico Trading Co (Nig). If you have any questions or comments, please email ChandruBhojwani@gmail.com

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24 BSM

Presenting: ISBN: 9788122310917 Price: Rs. 175.00

Beyond Sindh Magazine is proud to announce the arrival of Chandru Bhojwani's debut novel, "The Journey of Om". Chandru’s talent for writing had caught the eye of Beyond Sindh Magazine’s editor who offered him a regular column in the quarterly publication. He has been a part of BSM’s writing team since May 2004 and had published numerous articles and short stories in the magazine.

The entire team of Beyond Sindh Magazine and all our readers would like to congratulate Chandru Bhojwani for his success and duly wish him many, many more books and articles to come!

The Journey of OM is available at all leading bookstores in Mumbai and on www.pustakmahal.com. If you are the owner of an Amazon Kindle, you can order this book on www.amazon.com. Additionally, the book can be purchased through Flipkart.com

About the Author Born in Africa, Chandru Bhojwani, 34, was raised between Nigeria, India and the UK. His teen years were spent between Bristol and London where he graduated with a Masters in International Business and Management. At the age of 24, he moved to New York where he worked for three years as a Business Development Manager. In 2002, Chandru returned to his birth place of Nigeria where he currently resides and runs a trading company. In addition to the recent publishing of his debut novel, Chandru’s short story entitled ‘The Love Letter’ won the Mirage Book short story competition and was published in an anthology titled ‘Inner Voices’ in January 2009.

For an author interview, book review/feature or any other details, please contact his agent Sherna Khambatta - sherna_khambatta@yahoo.co.uk or Chandru directly on Chandrubhojwani@gmail.com

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BSM 25 Excerpt from the book: The nylon danced as the orange rubber sphere spun through, sending the white net reeling upwards. The basketball bounced on the wooden floor and its sound echoed throughout the desolate gym. I hadn’t been back to the gym in over two months. There was a sole reason why I had stepped away from my weekly game, Ravi. Today was the day I faced one of my demons and I was ready to slay the bastard.

To want what you can’t have, to covet what belongs to another is in the nature of man. Today, rappers and so called R ‘n’ B artists are always singing about possessing another man’s woman. It’s as if there is a shortage of females in the world. To walk away with what belonged to another is the age old tale dating back to when Paris stole Helen. Little did he know that it would lead to the battle of Troy, the destruction of his kingdom and family as well as the death and humiliation of his brother, Hector. Ravi must have felt invincible after coming into my life, stealing what was mine and having me out of the picture. I did nothing that

“If there is a simple, yet compelling way to tell a story about complex human relationships, this is it.

Through effective narration of every day life events, 'The Journey of Om' unfolds an intricate plot and a powerful world of emotions so effortlessly, it feels unintentional. The gentle pace and build of the story is delectable. The authors' ability to empathise is contagious and makes 'The Journey of Om' essentially everyone’s story. With so much to relate to, you’ll be excited about the next chapter before the one you’re on ends." -Deepa Asnani (Dubai) attempt to wonderful f Om is a ilestones to life o y e rn u 'The Jo writajor m handru's of life's m bring one rary visualization. C nd humor, a te through li imagery, emotion, at the charh of ing is full der is left feeling w ep of Om's a st and the re xperiencing. Every ation, cape tu acters are friends' and his si social circle, is s, h ve y, li e n rn w u o jo r ading, it's rtion of ou tures a po eriences. While re udos to Mr. xp K e . st ry a o p is st and relate to h i (USA) hard not to -Kanchan Sakhran " i!

Bhojwan

day. I simply walked out never to return.

He paid no price; there were no repercussions or consequences. He walked in and captured my kingdom without a fight and raised his arms in victory feeling like a God.

I knew no one would be at the court when I left home but I couldn’t stay at home. The guys would start to trickle in soon enough and were going to ask me where I had been but, today wasn’t about catching up; it was about taking back what was mine. It was about waging war. He could keep Preeti, but I needed to salvage a piece of myself by facing him. He entered my life and stole what was mine. By just walking away, I lost something. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I knew something was missing. Perhaps it was self-respect, ego, pride or my masculinity. I just knew I had to face him especially because I was scared.

He would be surprised to see me but then again, I was already nervous. My hands were clammy and left moist hand prints on the ball. Adrenaline pumped

“Chandru Bhojwani's debut novel is well written, witty, charming & thoroughly enjoyable. Although the ma in plot of the novel is focused on the main cha rac difficulties facing his clo ter Om, it is the sest friends that really adds substance to this novel. At first glance, it seems like ano the lost and heartbreak; how r story of love ever there is more to the story than that.

The interaction between Om and his frie nds is very entertaining and the author has done well to keep the book moving along despite the trials and tribulations fac ing characters. The setting a number of the s are well described and easy for any reader to selves as part of the sce imagine themne.

Om, while at times tragic The Journey of , is a captivating novel. The author does a wonderful job of mixing tragedy with wit & humour. A very impressive debut novel and certainly looking forward to the next boo Bhojwani." -Amit Butan k by Chandru i (Jordan)

through my veins. Each time the beige gym door swung open, I held my breath, scared to turn around and yet eager to face him, to face my fear.

Finally he walked through, laughing and joking. He hadn’t seen me at first and continued to smile as he jested with Sean. Raising his head he met my gaze. A cold shudder passed through me. Ravi stood a good three inches taller than me and had a bit of burly build. He slowed down and almost stopped. The last thing he expected to see was me. He probably believed I was out of his life forever.

Anger filled me instantly. I slammed the ball in my hands and was ready at that moment to rip him apart. The rest of the guys stopped shooting around and turned towards Ravi and then towards me. They knew this wasn’t going to be an ordinary game, but they also knew not to get involved.

“Let’s play,” my voice was stone cold.

cles, I ies and arti s short stor or, Chandru hi of y an th ing m “After read anently hooked on au e for his first book im m became per ing waited for somet my hands on it and t Hav rilled to ge Bhojwani. is novel Om, I was th book for all tastes; th ce in a of y ne ur Jo a an is m ro M d an g! JO start readin our, mystery, intrigue d word images so te m contains hu . The author has crea a movie and I ge g neat packa almost like watchin erfect for a is would be p f comit M at JO th d of t vi vi lo el p ys e m th at nd th I fi strongly feel having read the book, , amazed at how rs er te ft A ac . ined with e char movie ngely entw lved with th pletely invo aracters' lives is stra blend into the d ch each of the d how they evolve an but fall in love lp an ' he t rs n' he ot ca JOM the One nate Mona. main plot. flow of the so sweet and affectio was finished, er til it with the ev d I read un am eagerly waiting bed me an d really grab it down. I loved it an at from a writer of ut e th p p t ho n' d ly e!! ul co - one can on y more books to com l ue q se 's an m for it e b ill w there this talent, esham Gupta (India) -R BRAVO!!"

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acne: the basics

By Dr. Ajay Hotchandani

W

hat is acne? Well besides being an annoyance that most of us had to endure during our younger years, it is also a dermatological condition. The condition is a result of the inflammation of the pilosebaceous (oil producing unit of the skin) unit of certain body areas. Oil exits the skin via a tiny opening called a pore. A combination of oil and dead skin creates a clog that plugs up the pore leading to it being red and inflamed. It often affects girls between the ages of 10-17 years old and boys between 14-19 years old.

Causes of acne include endocrine factors, emotional stress, oral contraceptives, and pressure on the skin i.e. leaning face on hands or on a phone. It is important to note that food is NOT a cause of acne.

During the teenage years hormones are a big factor that promotes acne formation.

As the levels of hormones rise in teenagers, the amount of oil being released also increases. This allows for a greater interaction between oil and dead skin cells increasing the number of acne formed. Pus that results is from the interaction of the oil and a bacterium that resides on the skin (Proprionibacterium acnes).

Some of the more common locations for acne formation are face, neck, upper arm, buttocks, back and chest. Acne lesions can be classified as: Comedones – which are the collection of oil and dead skin. This can either be Whiteheads or Blackheads .

Papules and Papulopustules - when the oil and dead skin become infected with bacteria it is called a Pimple. When this pimple ruptures and causes an infection, it then becomes a papule or papulopustule, depending on the size. They do not get bigger that 0.5 cm.

Nodules, Noduloulcerative Lesions, Cyst – is a papulopustular lesion that is 1-4 cm in size and has invaded deeper into a persons skin. Often very painful and results in scars.

The treatment of acne depends on how it is classified. When examining a patient, a doctor will note the type of acne, the area(s) it covers, and quantity.

Mild Acne – topical antibiotics, benzyoyl peroxide gels, and/or topical retinoid. A combination therapy is best.

Moderate Acne – oral antibiotics are added to the “Mild Acne” regimen only if the topical antibiotics have failed. Oral antibiotics should be additive and not the sole or beginning treatment. In females, moderate acne can be controlled with high does estrogen with progesterone or antiandrogen.

Sever Acne – requires high does Vitamin A available only as Isotretinoin (Accutane). This is reserved for severe acne that could result in permanent scarring.

It is important for parents to note that while acne may be something mild for most kids, and causes very little physical scarring, it can however, lead to emotional scarring as teenagers are very conscious about their appearance.

Dr. Ajay Hotchandani currently practices medicine in Belize, Central America. If you have any questions, please contact him at ajay@nachwi.com (www.nachwi.com)

BSM\27

Business fulfills Sindhi dreams

By Coral Cao Huanran and Sherry Zhu Shun, Hong Kong Baptist University Student-Reporters Two months ago, after saying goodbye to his wife, Notan Tolani hurried off to his office in Tsim Sha Tsui. He was leaving home one hour later than usual because of a stomach ache that had been upsetting him for several days. However, he insisted on returning to his office and dealing with clients. “Sometimes your body feels sick, but your mind is not sick“ he said. “Coming to the office and working makes me feel better.”

of India based on the religions of Hindus and Muslims in 1947. Hindu Sindhis did not have their own estate in India anymore after north Indian Sindh became part of Muslim Pakistan. Many Sindhis then emigrated to Hong Kong while their relatives, friends and neighbors settled in other countries across the world such as Africa, Europe and Middle East, providing Hong Kong Sindhis crucial business connections.

With this kind of work ethic, only 13,000 Sindhis have contributed 9% of Hong Kong’s export trade, making their business achievement a leading force in local society, according to the 2007 book Turbans and Traders.

Also, the refugee status and hardships faced by this community in the early years led to some unique characteristics. “I came here without any money, but I knew what I wanted to do. My main purpose was to make money first,” said Tolani.

While that original motivation remains fulfilled, Tolani, managing director of a watch company Solar Time and also president of Sindhi Association of Hong Kong and China, explained his drive along with that of most other Sindhis: “Every community has its own quality; we’re hardworking, honest and very focused.”

According to Mohammad Bashir, a Pakistani businessman who owns an electronic shop in Chungking Mansions, Sindhis were one of the earliest foreign businessmen in Hong Kong. “Sindhis are clever. They speak English and have relatives in other countries so they can do export business successfully.”

Sindhis’ success is often connected with a tight-knit community and an international Sindhi network of importers and exporters.

Moreover, when talking about being one of Hong Kong’s most successful communities, Sindhis themselves believe it’s the work attitude that altogether fills the whole oil tank of their business engine.

“Although Hong Kong is easiest to mix in and make dreams come true, there is no short cut,” Rachana Mirpuri, chief editor of a community publication Beyond Sindh Magazine, said. “We gain more here only because we pay more.”

Sindhis have historically played an important role in business, especially in import and export services for electronics, textiles, etc. According to the book Turbans and Traders, many Sindhis became refugees after the partition

Today the Sindhi community in Hong Kong, according to the 2007 NorthEast Region Conference of ICSE, forms the largest group of Indians and is regarded as the wealthiest among the South Asian communities. They almost cover every kind of business such as export, manufacturing and clothing industry.

Sindhis also have a tendency to be more competitive. “Business is good here. Many people do business with us because our price is better,” M. Micheal, 23, who owns four electronic shops with his brother in Tsim Sha Tsui, said with a smile. Price cutting and independent brand are key factors to many Sindhi wholesalers in Hong Kong.

Micheal and his brother also have their own brand, J-Max, which effectively helps them to reduce cost and make more profit.

Over the past months, Hong Kong made a tough survival and elbowed its way out of

the financial crisis. But Hong Kong Sindhis would never let the “glory days” vanish under the bursting bubbles.

“The financial crisis certainly struck every businessman, but we try to be least affected,” Micheal said. He has reasons to support it because on one hand, Sindhis don’t put all resources in one place such as banking. On the other, being optimistic enables them to take ups and downs naturally. “We know it is temporary, and would eventually recover.”

Facing the current difficulties, he added, exchange rate of currency and visa had great influence on their business, and sometimes because of the visa problem, customers couldn’t come to Hong Kong. “If they can come, see and feel our products directly, they will buy more,” Micheal continued.

Sindhis have melted themselves into this society but they “never forget to keep themselves knitted as one community to preserve the culture,” according to Rachana. They have come to embrace Hong Kong as their own home and strive to lead a more splendid lifestyle compared to previous generations. “As time goes by, the youth are more free. With backup money from their family businesses, they are following their dreams whether as teachers, lawyers, designers and even editors like me,” she added.

A new generation flourishes here on the land of Hong Kong. “Anyway, we shouldn't ever lose values, like our family values,” Tolani says. He holds that Sindhis should always keep their family ties close and mustn’t let wealth go to their heads.

“Future will certainly be better. I believe Sindhis will continue their success not only in business field but in most others too.” .

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Vatsa Shiksha Sanstha FUTURE PLANS

ABOUT US Vatsa Shiksha Sanstha was formed in the year 2004 along with the current members of the Trust. The Sanstha is supporting the needy children to have medical & educational support to maintain sound health and get proper education like other privileged children.

The Sanstha aims at providing regular health check-ups, necessary treatment for those who suffer of any illness, training to handicapped children to be independent, financial support to get regular education and all other supports that are necessary to live a peaceful life.

The current members of the Sanstha identified a village where there is an Ashram known as ‘GOPAL KRISHNA ASHRAM”.

There were 11 children and 3 caretakers.

The members of the Sanstha have taken up the work of upgrading the facility of a primary school up to 4th standard (JILLA PARISHAD PRIMARY SCHOOL) which is the only school in the vicinity and also the only link between the poor villagers and the modern world. They want to help them acquire basic education, necessary medical support and nutritious food which is not possible at the moment as

the facility at the school is sub-standard which cannot support a decent environment for students.

The name of the village is ‘VAKI’, situated in Maharashtra State 50 kilometers away from Ahmednagar Railway Station and three kilometers away from Miraj Gaon.

Currently, there are around 50 children studying in the school and the strength of the employees are increased to 25.

The children who had completed 4th standard have to travel minimum three kilometers either by walk or on cycle to continue their studies. There is no other mode of conveyance available in the village. Some of the students had become drop-outs due to long distance.

To get approval from Maharashtra Board to convert the Primary School into High School, so as to facilitate the children to continue their education in their own village. This would also help the children of another two villages that are adjacent to Vaki village.

The people in the village do not have any medical facility. They have to travel at least 50 kilometers to get any medical assistance. The Sanstha is planning to start a Primary Health Centre in the village where at least one MBBS Doctor will be available 24 x 7 to look after the emergency needs of the people.

Two school buses for the benefit of the school-going children and one Ambulance for immediate medical assistance.

Construction of School building for obtaining permission up to 10th standard.

PROJECT AT VAKI VILLAGE The Sanstha is presently taking care of the school fees, uniform, food and other requirements of 35 Children in Vaki Village.

Sewing machines are provided to the women to promote self-employment and training to stitch clothes also provided.

The fund requirement and manual support required to implement this plan would be in greater amount. Therefore the Sanstha is now registered as Public Charitable Trust to continue their service in a larger scale.

For more details please go to www.vatsashikshasanstha.org

BELIEVING IN MAGIC

30\BSM

AS A YOUNG BOY OF 16...

BORN AND RAISED IN HONG KONG, RAJ AMARNANI FOUND A PASSION UNLIKE ANY OTHER ESPECIALLY FOR A BOY HIS AGE, A PASSION THAT SATIATED HIM FROM DEEP WITHIN: THE ART OF MAGIC. IT ALL STARTED WHEN RAJ WATCHED HIS VERY FIRST MAGIC SHOW AT THE IMPRESSIONABLE AGE OF SEVEN AND AS HE SAT, ENTHRALLED AND AMAZED, HE REALIZED THAT THIS WAS A PATH, AN INTEREST, THAT HE COULD FULLY IMMERSE HIMSELF IN (IN ADDITION TO HIS EDUCATION). HE KNEW HE WOULD ENDLESSLY LEARN FROM IT FOR MANY YEARS TO COME. RAJ BEGAN VISITING MAGIC SHOPS AND HUMBLY PRACTICED THE SMALLEST OF ‘TRICKS’. AS HIS INTEREST MULTIPLIED, HIS TALENT GREW AND SOON HE WAS PERFORMING ONSTAGE FOR SHOWS AT HIS SCHOOL BY THE AGE OF 9. SOON AFTER READING THE AUTO–BIOGRAPHY OF WORLD–FAMOUS CONTROVERSIAL MAGICIAN DAVID BLAINE, RAJ WAS AMAZED AT THE REALIZATION OF HOW DEEP THE ART OF ILLUSION REALLY WAS AND OF ITS POWER TO FASCINATE AND CAPTIVATE THE AUDIENCE – IT LEFT HIM INSPIRED THAT ANYTHING IS TRULY POSSIBLE. HOWEVER, AT A TIME WHEN A BOY OF TEN OR ELEVEN WOULD START PLAYING SOCCER OR BASKETBALL, RAJ DEVELOPED A RARE FORM OF ARTHRITIS KNOWN AS ANKLYOSING SPONDILITIS, WHICH AFFECTED THE LIGAMENTS – THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN BONES IN A BODY. THIS DISEASE LEADS TO INFLAMMATION AND FUSION OF THE LIGAMENTS, RESULTING IN A REDUCED RANGE OF MOTIONS. IN LIMITING HIS FLEXIBILITY, RAJ WAS THEN UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS WHETHER AT SCHOOL OR OUTSIDE, NOR COULD HE DO ANY FORM OF EXERCISE. FORTUNATELY, IT WAS HIS INTEREST IN MAGIC THAT PULLED HIM THROUGH THIS TRYING TIME IN HIS LIFE, AND GAVE HIM THE CONFIDENCE AND OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS HIMSELF IN A WAY THAT WAS NEITHER PHYSICALLY DEMANDING NOR TAXING. HE BEGAN VOLUNTEERING HIS MAGIC PERFORMANCES FOR CHARITABLE REASONS, SUCH AS A SHOW AT THE LOCAL OLD–AGE OR MENTALLY–HANDICAPPED HOMES. RECENTLY, AT A CHRISTMAS PARTY THAT RAJ AND HIS FRIENDS HAD ORGANIZED FOR 200 REFUGEE CHILDREN, HE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM MAGIC FOR THEM AND FELT IT TO BE ONE OF THE MOST INSPIRING AND REWARDING EXPERIENCES IN HIS LIFE. ON A REGULAR BASIS, RAJ ALSO ENJOYS CONDUCTING CLOSE–UP ILLUSIONS FOR ADULTS BY TABLE– HOPPING AT A FEW RESTAURANTS IN HONG KONG, OR PERFORMING AT PRIVATE PARTIES AND EVENTS WHEN HE IS CALLED UPON. RAJ AMARNANI BECAME SO ENGROSSED IN PRACTICING HIS MAGICAL ILLUSIONS THAT IT WAS ALMOST A FORM OF MEDITATION FOR HIM. HE SPEAKS TO RACHANA MIRPURI AND THEIR BEYOND SINDH MAGAZINE READERS OF THIS MYSTICAL ART, ITS CHALLENGES, AND HIS PASSION OF MAGICAL ILLUSIONS WHICH HAS STEADILY GROWN INTO A DEEP LOVE THAT TODAY, HE IS UNABLE TO EVER IMAGINE HIS LIFE WITHOUT.

By Rachana Mirpuri

BSM\31

32\BSM BSM: WHO ARE YOUR ROLE MODELS AND INSPIRATIONS? RA: Within magic, without a doubt, my two havens of inspiration are the legend escapist Harry Houdini and closeup mystifier Juan Tamariz, who I had the extreme privilege of meeting and interacting with recently at a recent event in Beijing. In their own unique ways, these two magicians brought me so much motivation into the passion of magic that I feel sincerely indebted to their wonderful and creative personalities. I wake up every morning to a poster of Houdini in front of me and it is what helps me to start the day; to remain mysterious yet undoubtedly positive in order to bring happiness to others in a way that remains truly unforgettable.

BSM: TELL US ABOUT THIS EVENT THAT YOU ATTENDED, THE FEDERATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF MAGIC CONFERENCE WHICH WAS HELD IN BEIJING IN THE SUMMER OF 2009.

RA: The event was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. It was a gathering of 2,400 magicians from over 66 countries, aggregated together for six days to share, learn and experience ideas and concepts from one another. There were shows, competitions, lectures and huge convention halls all to do with magic; it was literally like a heaven on earth for me! I was extremely privileged to meet some of the greatest names in magic and it definitely was an experience that changed my whole outlook on the art form completely.

BSM: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MAGIC TO PERFORM, AND WHY? RA: Hahaha, well, I would

definitely have to say close-up card routines take preference. It was my first love in magic; seeing absolute miracles happen inches away from your eyes – there definitely cannot be anything more visually stunning. Also what I really love about it is how as a performer you can interact so closely with the audience, how you can play off their emotions and change your routine according to them; it just makes the experience a lot more enjoyable!

BSM: IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN PRESENTING MAGIC IN YOUR SHOWS OR PERFORMANCES? RA: I think the biggest challenge in presenting magic in my

performances is breaking that first barrier into the audience; to turn them from skeptics into believers. I remember when I first started performing a couple of years ago; I was always taken for granted as being merely a ‘kid’ magician. However, as I’d perform for adults, I found that opening with my strongest illusion really captured their attention; it enabled me to question their thinking and from then on, it got enjoyable.

When you open up to your audience and they open up to you, true miracles can happen and the magic actually become real!

BSM: DO YOU EVER PERFORM RANDOMLY ON THE STREETS? WHAT DO YOU FEEL STREET MAGIC CAN OFFER A PERFORMER? RA: Hahaha crazily enough I do, and in my opinion, it is the best experience a starting out performer can get! When I’m travelling, everywhere I go, I carry a deck of cards with

me and whenever things seem to get dull I get them out and perform to anyone, anywhere and at any time. I feel that the streets are the perfect stage for any illusion; it provides natural light, ordinary situations and an always sold–out audience wherever you go! Many people say that magic is only a routine of ‘smoke and mirrors’, yet out on the street this is proven to not be the case; having people on all sides of you makes the experience all the more challenging and ultimately more rewarding!

BSM: HOW DO PEOPLE IN HONG KONG VIEW MAGIC – IS IT MOSTLY A NEGATIVE OR A POSITIVE RESPONSE FROM THEM? RA: In my opinion, the people of Hong Kong on the whole, see

magic in a positive way as being a recognized and respected art form. Yet sadly, at the moment this same view is not shared by the government and is still repressed in the local society to secret societies and secret performances. I believe that if the legislature begins to see Magic as another art form up to the ranks of Chinese opera, singing or theatre, than a real platform could rise for many upcoming magicians all around the city.

BSM: TELL US ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS – HOW DO YOU PREPARE OR COME UP WITH THESE GREAT TRICKS? RA: Hahaha, a tough

question – if I tell you I’d have to kill you. Haha, I’m joking. In all honesty, creative ideas can come from everywhere. I’ve literally even had dreams about entire card routines and have woken up first thing in the morning and performed it. I feel that once you’ve got your mind tuned into imagining miracles that you would like to perform, concepts on how to do so soon follow and voila, an illusion is formed!

BSM: WHAT DOES DAVID BLAINE OR DAVID COPPERFIELD DO THAT YOU WISH YOU COULD ASPIRE TO ACHIEVE? RA: I loved the way David Copperfield entertains young

children and I’ve always been inspired by it. In fact, I personally love performing for kids more than adults sometimes because their innocence and glances of awe which makes the magic even more rewarding. Also, one thing about David Blaine that I really admire is his personality – his calm, cool and wise stature makes his simple illusions all the more fascinating and magical – it’s really a treat to watch!

BSM: DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING STORIES YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE OF YOUR EXPERIENCES IN PERFORMING MAGIC? RA: One of my most fond experiences in performing magic,

that I’ll never forget, was a few years ago when I was in India at a tailor’s market. My parents were shopping so I started performing for a few of the stall owners there. Before I knew it, a crowd had gathered round to see what was happening.

I enjoyed it so much that I even let my parents leave and I continued to stay there for another four hours just performing!

I remember very clearly it was at that moment that I grew the urge to learn more and more. To be able to put a smile on people’s faces is the most amazing feeling I have ever known and it’s what strives me to perform magic until today.

Two years ago I was extremely lucky and privileged to perform some close-up illusions for our beloved Dada J.P Vaswani at his Sadhana Camp in Hong Kong. I remember what he had said to me when I was performing a spoon-bending illusion, and it still makes me smile till today; “Can you also bend and shape me with your mind?”

BSM: WHAT IS THAT “SOMETHING” THAT A MAGICIAN SHOULD HAVE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? RA:

Without a doubt the ‘something’ that every single magician has to have in order to ever be successful is being able to enjoy your own work. I’ve always believed that if you don’t enjoy performing, your audience will never love watching. There must be a passion for it; that desire to learn and learn and learn until you’ve perfected it must be within the repertoire of any magician.

BSM: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNGSTERS WITH AN INTEREST IN MAGIC? RA: For anyone who has an interest in magic, I would say you

must never ever give up! I remember when I first started I was dropping cards all over the place, and I burnt myself quite a few number of times and even cut myself very badly once, yet I never stopped trying. That is the best advice I think I ever received. You should always remain determined and you will fall in love with the art in no time. \

If you live in Hong Kong and are interested in hiring a magician for your children’s birthday parties or corporate/charity events, you can contact Raj Amarnani at ramarnani04@kgv.hk or +852 63033290.

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Visitng Egypt from Dubai are Dhanesha, Sanju, Karina and Vinesh M.

Congratulations to newlyweds - Manish and Kavita Punjabi

Vinesh enjoying the snow in Turkey

Rohit & Jaanat Balani with a snowman

Friends & relatives gather together at a Christmas Party at Menka & Ranjan (Johnny) Mohinani’s place in Taiwan

Vanita Balani, Karishma Budhrani, Mithun Alwani, and Binti Alisha Mohinani celebrating Christmas

Dilip and Hema Wadhwani of Accra celebrates Dilip’s 50th birhday in Dubai

Having fun at the Carnaval: Vicky Mahtani & Anjali Shadadpuri

The Wadhwani family at the Golden Temple in AmritsarL-R - Dinesh, Danny, Dilip, Hema & Neetu.

Enjoying the scenery of Las Palmas Kanchana, Anil and son Amey Shadadpuri

Lunch at Pacifico hosted by Neelam Daryanani (Left) with her mother Janki Nanwani (Centre) and daughter-in-law Renu.

Chintu with his mom Nutan of Accra in New York City

Good friends on a night out in Las Palmas

Renu Daryanani with some of the Las Palmas girls at the Lunch

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Shikha & Gaurav Tuli on a recent trip to Hawaii

Holi Celebrations in Accra: Siblins Khrish & Tryan having fun

Holi Celebrations in Hong Kong: The Dhingreja family Jevon with son Pranay, wife Hansaa and daughter Mansi

Sarina Kundamal with her adorable son Tharan

Proud Poonam Ramchandani with daughter Seema who graduated with Post Graduate Diploma in Education

Chicago girls at Dhandya: Kaajal, Resham & Neha

Rani Ramchandani from Pune enjoying herself in Macau

Chugani Family in Hyderabad, India, celebrating Holi spirit

Jaanesh and his friends at the Progressive Holi event in HK

Ritu Dalwani from India says hi to all BSM readers

Saira Budhrani with her cutie son Vedant

Old friends hanging out in Hong Kong: Reshma Chugh & Michelle Mukhey

Ramesh Paryani celebrates his 60th birthday with his wife, children and grandchildren

Sharan Chugani gives a big cute smile to BSM readers

Rishika Daswani loving a moment with son Maanas

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36 BSM Shobhna Mahtani was born in 1964 and raised in Mumbai. While she studied in Jai Hind College, Shobhna simultaneously did a beauty course under Shenaz Hussein and a diploma in Bakery and Confessionary from Sophia College. When she got married and moved to Malaga (where her husband runs a jewellery shop), she started free-lancing hair and beauty treatments locally and participated in health & beauty business fairs in Spain. Last year in Amsterdam, she did her training and a refresher course in ayurvedic treatments for which she currently markets in Spain (along with hair products of Ziravie, subsequently used for cancer patients). Additionally, Shobhna is the president of Sitara Magazine, a charity publication whose proceeds go towards the physically handicapped children in Mumbai, and also does volunteer work for a spiritual healer and writer Amyn Dahya. Here’s Shobhna offering our Beyond Sindh Magazine readers an understanding of good health for the hair, its significance and what oils to use for your hair...

H

Aunty Says: oil

air has a great social significance for human beings. Soft healthy hair is every one’s dream which can be achieved at any age provided we put our mind and energy towards it through external and internal treatment. The secret is to go back to nature which is good hydration of the scalp, 100% natural products with no chemicals involved, and the combination of tradition, science and nature to provide a mixture of natural nutrients, minerals and vitamins, which can act on the scalp in depth.

External treatment is hydration and nourishment of the scalp and hair with essential oils. The internal treatment is the consumption of fruits and vegetables to provide the required proteins, vitamin A,B 6, B12 and E to prevent hairfall.

There are no miracles existing because you are the miracle.

Internal and external beauty comes with time and nurturing. My advise would be to go for chemical-free creams also with essential oils which will give long-lasting results. Essential oils in a cream give the aromatherapy results and the creams give the external results. Beauty treatments should always provide both curative and preventive measures towards optimal physical, mental and spiritual well-being. In short what we need to do is bring health and beauty into harmony.

Hair is greasy due to your sebaceous glands being overactive. The secret would be after shampoo, your last rinse has to be with cold water and if not, then room temperature. Don’t use hair dryer immediately after bath for at least 15 minutes and once you dry the humidity out of the scalp, dry your hair with cold air. Greasy scalp also represents lack of hydration so 2 litres of water a day would help but it is a slow process of three months but definite.

Additionally, deodorants you use should be free of chemicals because many deodorants contain lead and other chemicals which close the pores and the body is not able to get rid of toxins. Thus, these toxins in the system create imbalance which to a great extent weaken the hair follicles.

your hair!

Some of the most popular and very beneficial oils which are being used for beautiful long hair with indefinite good qualities are: Jojoba Oil - can be used for dry hair as it helps to moisturize your hair properly. It helps to soften your hair and can be used to detangle your hair before shampooing.

Olive Oil - strengthens your hair and nourishes it due to inherent qualities it has. It helps to reduce stress and promotes the idea of healthy hair by providing elasticity to your hair.

Coconut Oil - is one of the oils which helps in the lubrication of the hair. The content in coconut oil like magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron happens to provide the best for your hair. It is very useful for damaged hair due to its ability to strengthen it.

Rosemary Herbal Oil - is very useful for the unwanted and flaky dandruff problems. Warm the oil slightly and apply it with the help of your fingers or cotton. Rub it well on the scalp and wrap with a hot towel.

As for recommended hair products, I have been working with Ziravie now for the last 6 years and have seen results in the form of volume, shine, reduction and elimination of of scalp irritations and dandruff, stimulation of strong, healthy, robust hair growth, strengthening hair roots, and reduction of thinning hair, hair loss , greasiness and baldness. Patients who have undergone chemotherapy have got grown back healthy hair with disciplined use of the Ziravie oils and internal nutrition outlined on the website.

If you would like to know more, please visit www.ziravie.com or contact Shobhna at counik@gmail.com.

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hen I wanted to lose weight, I realized that I had to start behaving the way slim people did. I have read in countless books how we should emulate successful people to become successful. Why re-invent the wheel? We are encouraged to read the books of people like Richard Branson, Bill Gates and George Soros to learn how to become wealthy.

You can’t do what you always did to get a different result. I used to be very over-confident thinking I could eat what I liked and not exercise and still have the body I coveted. Seeing the kilos pile on slowly but surely and my clothes getting tighter to the point of having to go up a size, I realized that I had to change my strategy.

So, I started watching what my slimmer and healthier friends did. I almost started to walk in their shadow. I started to shop for groceries like a slim person did. I dressed and walked the way slim people did, bought track suits and sneakers though I was not sure what exercise I was going to do. I decided I had to act the part. Fake it before I made it. Behave and look like a slim and healthy woman in order to become one myself.

I had always been the biggest couch potato, sitting in front of the TV with a bag of salt and vinegar chips and a glass of wine. Most of my friends from decades ago would be able to tell you how I would feign sickness several times a week just to get away from doing any sports or physical fitness at school. In my school report cards, they declared me “obese”. I was the laziest person ever. I have a parking God that always gets me a parking spot just in front of wherever I needed to go, ensuring that I never had to walk anywhere.

But something happened, I literally made a decision one day that I wanted to drop a size by the summer and I have already met and surpassed my personal goal and so have some of my clients. I think a strong motivation for me was in having to walk the talk. I had to be authentic. I could not coach people into exercising and discipline if I did not practice it myself. I performed an easy NLP technique on myself called “parts-integration” where I was able to establish congruency between all my “parts”. Without meaning to trivialize the issue, I used to feel that I had conflicting parts. A part of me wanted to eat like a glutton and another part of me wanted to be slim. Through NLP, I was able to merge the parts in the knowledge that all parts of me wanted the same thing for me – joy and peace.

Fake it Before You Make It

By Malti Bhojwani

Then came the bigger question, what would give me that peace? In this regard, I was able to establish that the eating was only going to give me momentary gratification or pleasure, while the dropping a dress size was hooked to so many other feelings of well-being and joy. I knew that achieving that would help me feel more confident and look better. I know that a lot of my daily frustration lay in trying to select something to wear twice a day and then looking at myself in the mirror, breathing my tummy in and still feeling extremely upset at the way I looked. I would have to change several times till I found something that looked the least fattening. Just the thought of being able to get rid of this frustration was enough of a motivation for me.

I got to the bottom of WHY I wanted to drop a size – to FEEL good about myself everyday. That was what made it easy to change my lifestyle. The other very important NLP sugestion is to phrase the goal in the positive. The human brain does not want to “lose“ anything, not even weight. So, affirming that I want to lose weight, will not have the same power as saying instead, “I fit in a size 6” or “I am a 46 kgs”. I started to visualise myself in “slim-clothes” and looking great. The vision I had of myself in my mind’s eye was like a magnet for me.

The instant I made the decision, everything that used to seem so difficult and tiresome, became so easy to do. Very soon after, shopping and cooking healthy for myself and committing time everyday to exercise became a habit. I started thinking, acting and being slim. I dropped 1.5 dress sizes or 6 kgs in that time. This feels more like a benchmark of my strength and discipline to me than anything else I have done. Walking on fire, and jumping off a 10-foot-pole was nothing compared to this. Now my affirmation is “If I could do this (drop a size in two months), I can do anything.”

If you would like to take on Malti’s 60-day challenge and lose kilos and inches & sign her up as your coach, you may contact Malti Bhojwani at the following Email: malti@bigpond.net.au ; Sms/call on +919004591119; www.multi-coaching.com.

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By Rachana Mirpuri

I

n a world filled with growing ambition among the youngsters and middleaged, it is easy to become overwhelmed with all your responsibilities, activities, career projects and the like. When this happens, it can be difficult to step back and see the whole picture which can sometimes result in feelings of frustration, inadequacy and disillusionment. We may feel unsatisfied with one or all aspects in our lives and constantly desire for more happiness, peace of mind and passion yet at the same time, feel helpless to do anything about it. Our family and friends have their own goals to attain. In such a complicated time, some of us need all the assistance we can get, a person who will be able to help us figure out our lives and be our sounding boards - anytime, anyplace.

This is where LIFE COACHING comes in handy.

Malti Bhojwani, 38, is one such life coach.

Born in Singapore, raised in Sydney and presently living in Mumbai, Malti has gained many clients, been featured in a Sydney TV show and interviewed for her experience as a life coach. She first became interested in personal development when she had to face the trials of an early divorce, financial troubles and the challenges of being a single mom. These obstacles led her to seek answers for herself, to understand why and what was happening to her.

When Malti heard about life coaching just as it was starting to become known in the States and Australia, she decided to train with The International Coach Academy who are accredited with the ICF (International Coach Federation). After she was certified, she coached and wrote about co-parenting after divorce. (Her now 18-year-old daughter lived in Sydney with her and has just started University in Sydney) and her research article on the same was translated into 12 different languages and was used to help couples in similiar position all over the world.

Rachana Mirpuri interviews Malti Bhojwani about life coaching, how it differentiates from professional therapy, and what some of the responsibilities are...

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BSM 39 How did you know that this was the career for you?

MB: My personal soul searching brought about the realization that when I focused outside of just myself, I felt better, was a better person and mother to be around and I was joyful.

actions are called for, your unconditional support when you take a hit and your wake-up call when you don’t hear your own.

How is it different from being a therapist, shrink or consultant?

months plus a 9 months maintenance program. Certified coaches rates vary from USD 60-500/hour. Malti’s “livetime” coaching costs approximately USD 200/hour but it includes all the call charges and the unlimited support between the calls by email/SMS/BB.

Sindhis are known for being inde-

It was then that I knew what my life had to be about. Inspiring others to have faith, trust the laws of the Universe, take action and go after what they most desire. To look the way they want to, to replace disempowering habits, cultivate strong and intimate connections and relationships, get over phobias that have held them back, to change their career paths. My favourite personal quote inspired by both Ralph Waldo Emerson and Paulo Cuelho is, “Once you decide to take the first step toward your success, the universe magically rearranges everything to make it all start happening for you.”

Can we begin by having you tell us just exactly what a “life coach” is?

MB: A life coach will firstly involve you in an exploration to stop and ask you probing questions to assist you in discovering what you really really want. This person will guide you in identifying the wants, and the underlying desires that drive these wants. She would then work out a realistic time frame by which you want to achieve these “wants” and then work backwards with you to work out strategic steps to get you there. Life coaching can be a very confronting and spiritual experience. Whether you change small or big things, the experience is introspective and will leave you with tools to use all throughout your life.

What are some of your responsibilities to your clients as a life coach?

MB: Cheer them along the way, nagging them with incessant emails and text messages, encouraging them and questioning their excuses, but above all, the most important thing the coach offers you, is that they will hold you accountable to doing what you say you are going to do.

She is your partner in achieving personal goals, your champion during a turnaround, your sounding board when making choices, your motivation when strong

MB: Therapy works from the past and life pendent and self-sufficient - do coaching starts from the present. you coach Sindhi people? What do Counselling, for example, may be needed you feel they would need work on? following a single and clearly identified trauma like bereavement, serious acciMB: In my experience, Sindhis are often dent to self or family, divorce or redunconcerned about the confidentiality dancy. Life coaching however, is based in aspect. I sign an agreement and I am the present and the future. Most coaches bound by my ethics to always maindo not advocate giving advice to tain it. We Sindhis, as you clients, preferring to work pointed out, love to feel as a catalyst in helping that we can do anything “A the client define their and everything ourLife Coach is own way forward. selves without any your champion Life coaching has help. We all could during a turnaround, absolutely no conuse someone who your sounding board nections with dedicates time when making choices, psychiatry. Should every week just to your unconditional supa life coach suslisten to us. port when you take a pect that a client Friends and family hit and your wake-up might have a need buy our bullshit and call when you don’t for such specialist help us make excuhear your own.” attention, they shoses for ourselves and - Malti B. uld firmly and gently other people - a coach tell the client to consult will not. A coach would their doctor to diagnose and spot your excuses and your to recommend psychiatry or limiting beliefs and work ways with other treatment. you to enroll you into effective action. As a community, without stereotyping too What are some of the reasons that much, we hesitate from looking for help people would benefit from life – more of us need to accept and believe coaching? that it is really OK to ask for help and support.

MB: The top three goals or desires are around these areas: Here’s a special for Beyond Sindh 1) Work or money – to earn more, chanMagazine readers: To decide if Malti is ge career, assert self at work, be more the coach for you, contact her to book a productive, be happier.

30-minute trial session for a nominal fee 2) Physical appearance – to lose weight, of USD 45 to try it out first. dress better, gain muscle tone.

3) Love and relationships – to find love or that dream partner, to communicate betIf you would like to get in touch with ter in relationships, to end toxic ones or Malti Bhojwani for life coaching sessions, to be happy in current situation. please email her at malti@bigpond.net.au or SMS her at How are your rates (along with +91-900-459-1119. Her website is those of others) at? www.multi-coaching.com and she has an interactive fanpage on facebook - simply MB: My rates are approximately USD search for ‘multi coaching international’.

1,300 (Rs. 60,000) for 3 months coaching Her twitter handle is MaltiBhojwani. or USD 2,200 (Rs. 100,000) for the 3

The Bottom Line

40\BSM

NEW TOYS for 2010 NEW TOYS

By Shawn Genomal

By Shawn Genomal

Which one of us can honestly say that we could live a lifetime completely without fascinating electronic gadgets? From the original Nintendo Entertainment System we used to play in the 80s to the Wii, one thing for sure is that technlogy is constantly evolving. As we enter into the new year of 2010 and a new decade, there have been new technological advances and some of the products that are currently and impending available are sure to blow your mind. I remember the technology from ten years ago and how cool it had seemed at that time: the Nokia 7100, the slide out banana phone which eventually broke and enabled me to shoot the cover at people half way across the room (unintended fun for all), and the very first mp3 player I ever owned, the Diamond Rio which played music stored on SD cards up to 256mb. I was also the proud owner of a handspring PDA with the fabled expansion slot that supposedly could do anything from control music to talk to satellites orbiting the earth (GPS). Finally, let's not forget about the Xbox and PS2 that became all the rage too. (All gamers must agree that Halo is the greatest game ever made!)

In the years that have passed, technologically, we've come quite a way. The iPod and iTunes has changed the world forever, almost destroying the recording industry and creating a worldwide boom in music listeners. Asus EeePC was the first affordable and tiny netbook to hit the market, which sparked a race to get out the best, fastest and cheapest netbooks available. Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo created ridiculous gaming machines and experiences for those who could afford it while cellphones are quickly turning into omni-use devices that can pretty much do anything. Google has started its bid to take over the world, and movies with more CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) than usual now jump out at us with such realism that we feel we can get lost in them.

iPad The Apple iPad is a brand-spanking-new device that hasn’t even been released yet. Introduced by Apple on January 27th 2010, news of it hit the world with a bang, sparking interest and controversy.

The device is essentially a tablet with a 9.7 inch screen with 1024 x 768 standard computer monitor resolution and multitouch (the ability to control the device

using more than one finger on the screen at a time). It comes with blue tooth, a docking port, 802.11N Wi-Fi, (optional 3g) and between 16-64Gb of space, depending on your desire. This device sparked controversy when it first appeared because most people assumed that it would be an everyday, portable iPhone replacement that did everything that a regular PC could do but Apple style (game changing). What they didn’t count on was the lack of flash, multi-tasking and camera on this tablet; people need to realize that the iPad isn’t a device that you’re meant to take everywhere with you so it can help

you at work or on the go. What it is, is a home laptop replacement, simply put.

The device is an all-in-one newspaper, magazine, book reader, TV guide reader, communications device, email device, web surfing device that sits on your

BSM\41

coffee table where the whole family can have access to it. I assume that quite a few of you at home have laptops in your living room in which one of your family members would surf the web, check mail, do what is needed and then shut it back down again or pass it to someone else in the family. If that’s the case, the iPad basically is for this purpose without the no requirement for computer skills. It won’t give you that blue screen of death (the one you see just before you computer crashes and you lose all your work!) and one doesn’t need to know how to connect to a Wi-Fi network or even have to choose between which browser to use to go online. With the iPad, everything is laid out the same way it is on an iPhone; easy, simple and quite elegant, to tell the truth. I can guarantee that this device will eventually find its way into everyone’s living rooms. I’ve also decided that I want one!

Cellphones While we’re still on the subject of Apple devices, let’s switch over to the Apple’s flagship mobile device - the iPhone.

Admittedly, we’ve all had problems with it and there are quite a few things still wrong with it such as the lack of flash support, multitasking and lack of a backward-facing camera for Video calls. Apparently, Apple claims that they are taking care of that. If rumors are true then the newest iteration of the iPhone which will be released in May of 2010, and it will have a new casing that is slightly larger than the current 3GS. It will also include a backward-facing camera for video calls and 802.11n Wi-Fi. The phone still won’t allow users to use flash on the browser, however, Apple has allowed some form of multitasking on the phone. Conveniently, the iPhone 4G will also have a removable battery so when the old one conks out, we’ll be able to replace it with a new one. The processor and internal memory should also be facing some sort of upgrade, if what we’re told holds any water. This should be a great phone, but let’s see how it competes with its newest enemy: the Android phone!

The Android phone (aka Google Phone, aka iPhone Killer, aka Nexus One) is Google’s answer to the iPhone. Originally, Google decided to go the software route

and create an opensource operating system in order to get everyone else to help in combating the success of the iPhone. This sparked quite a few google phones but they were buggy and carriers didn’t really support it outside of the US. This year Motorolla released the Droid which ruins Google’s Android 2.0 software, while Google came out with their own phone which is essentially an HTC with a Google Monicker on the front and their own OS inside it. The Nexus One is not a phone to be taken lightly; harnessing the backbone of Google’s awesome web presence, the phone seamlessly integrates every product that Google offers as well as quite a few that they don’t. This phone has a 3.7 inch widescreen, 290-hour battery life, 7 hours of video playback, 20 hours of audio playback, a 5mp video and digital camera, and it runs Micro SD cards up to 32 GB so essentially if you keep a few SD Cards with you, you have unlimited space on this phone. Additionally, it has bluetooth, Wi-Fi b/g, gsm, edge, gps, and can pretty much do anything that a smart phone can do.

The advantage to using Android, however, other than the seemless integration with Google, is that because it’s open source, you can do anything you want with it there are no limits to the programs that can be created for this phone.

To further intensify the competition of “most intelligent” phones, Microsoft has just announced the upcoming release of their brand new phone, the Microsoft Phone 7 with an all-new OS. All the specs are still to surface for this OS and phone but suffice to say, it will not have true multi-tasking nor will the OS have Flash support. Apparently Steve Balmer, the

head of Microsoft, has said that Adobe Flash is going to be obsolete very quickly hence they didn’t bother with it in the new OS. Either they know something we don’t or he’s just making excuses. Regardless of what happens, it will be pretty cool to see this phone and its OS compete alongside Google’s Android and Apple’s iPhone.

video-gaming On the subject of Microsoft, their new peripheral for the Xbox 360, the Natal, is also highly anticipated this year. This device seems to be nothing short of spectacular - it features a camera that selects several points of motion on your body such as your hands, elbows, knees etc. and allows you to interact with the system by moving your body. Think back to the movie “Minority Report” with Tom Cruise where he manipulates his computer with hand gestures and voice commands - this device does almost the same thing. This device integrates with Xbox Live and you can communicate with your friends as well as play video games by kicking, jumping, punching - the number of motions that you can use to play video games is endless.

Virtual reality has nothing on full body interaction!

Aside from this, the PS3 Motion controller for Sony Playstation which is set to compete directly with the Nintendo Wii is set to come out sometime this year as well. It’s not full body but it does give the user direct access to a virtual 3D space inside the tv that he/she can interact with in a very similar fashion as the Wii but with much more versatility and detail.

In addition to the above incredible new technologies, others include the Microsoft Courier Tablet, new and improved 3D and CGI software and many more. I personally can’t wait to see what this year and especially this decade holds for us in the field of technological advancements and I, for one, can’t wait to play with all of these incredible toys when they come out for public purchase.\

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trinityrose’s truebeauty “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only.

Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” -Coco Chanel No matter what your race, creed or background, almost everyone wants to look and feel better. And no matter if you are a housewife, celebrity or CEO almost everyone has image concerns. It’s a challenging, stressful world out there and most of us have a hard time keeping up with the demands of career, relationships, health and beauty. Plus with all the bombarding of plastic surgery, quick fixes, fashion opinions, and misinformation out there, it can all be a bit overwhelming. The truth is that everybody is different and there is no one thing that is going to make everyone feel and look fabulous. That’s why in my image consulting I focus on style protocols that are specific to the individual. I help my clients feel and look exceptional by sharing with them the knowledge of the styling trade, and by giving them simple applicable principles to follow.

Beauty on the inside

“It’s and out is a key componot the nent in my image consulting. You can have clothes most amazing she wears; the outfit on and be it’s the way dressed to the hills, she feels but if you don’t feel when she is good in your own skin it won’t be nearwearing ly as effective. How them” you feel is a big piece Yves Saint of the style equation.

Laurent. Being fit and having clear skin are two important aspects of beauty. I can speak from personal experience that Dr. Karuna turned my skin from troubled to glowing.

She did this by putting me on high grade prescription of Antioxidants and Zinc (addressing the inside) and then having me apply some special oils to my skin

Sweaters: Cardigans, wraps, or v-neck pullovers.

Blazer: I love blazers because they diversify easily.

Outerwear: One winter coat that is diverse, I.E. can be worn casual or dressy.

Having the tools and the Black nicely cut wool coats work fairly tricks of the trade is key “Style well. Or a well made black trench coat. in being able to make Shoes: one pair of comfortable comes from conscious choices a place of self- high heels (yes, they do exist!), dress about your image love, knowing who boots, nice flats and a pair of comand what you are casual slip on shoes like you are and letting fortable saying to the world vans or sandals/flip flops. the world see it with your personal Handbag: One everyday handbag style. Understanding rather than hiding is a key accessory that makes an outhow to streamline behind safe, bor- fit. your wardrobe is one ing or trendy.” LBD: A simple diverse black dress of those key tools. aka “little black dress” – Elli Julia That “special” piece that makes you Below is a list of essentials feel good and powerful. This is somethat I think everyone should have in their thing that when you put it on you feel a closet. Think of it as your blank “style” sense of empowerment and support, like canvas. The basics are pieces that you a talisman. For me it is a certain ring. I can use again and again, and that you wear it sometimes when I’m feeling extra can mix and match with your fabulous vulnerable or want to be reminded of my designer pieces i.e. your “key fashion power, plus I love looking at it. It could pieces”. All of these essentials should of be a special piece of jewelry, shoes, shirt course be chosen for your specific body or handbag that reminds you of who you type. It’s usually best to buy the followare and gives you and extra lift. The ing pieces in white, black or nudes. Be action of putting on that special item careful with the nudes and beige basics, moves energy for you and sets intent. depending on your skin tone, they can Undergarments and lounge wear: A wash you out. Black and whites are nice bra, sexy camisole, lounge pants and safest. hoodie. One of the most common mistakes woman make is buying the wrong Jeans: This is one of, if not the most bra size. Next time you go bra shopping important, basic. I suggest starting with get measured; it can make all the differone evening time jean: Darker wash with ence! a dressier finish. And one day time casual The exact style and cut of the items jean; can be a lighter wash. Brand and above really depend on your body type. cut depends on your body type, and budget. I love jeans and there are a ton of good brands out there.

Tanks: I suggest finding ones that are Trinity Rose is a New York City personal stylist and Image consultant whose clients all cotton and have a soft wash to them. range from housewives to celebrities.

Material is very important. topically. It was this combination that has turned my skin around. When someone feels good about his or her body it raises their confidence and it is more fun for them to dress to their potential!

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BSM 43 “Having amazing style has little to do with fashion and everything to do with knowing who you are!” - LH

I love, love, love designer wear,

The most important thing

and I have a closet filled with beautiful top-notch pieces.

However, I am also a big believer in only purchasing the best - pieces that are truly right for the individual and are genuinely well crafted.

Just because it’s Gucci or YSL does not automatically make it fabulous.

The piece still needs to be the right cut for the individual in order to really magnify one’s features and style. Also, not all designer pieces are created equal. Many designer houses have different factories, and some designer pieces are made in the same factories as your low grade retail. This is why “product knowledge” is something I focus on with my clients. Even if you are the wealthiest person in the world you should know what you are truly getting for your buck.

I do not condone excess consumerism; I do condone smart conscious consumerism. That is why I arm my clients with tools and techniques to help them make smart long-lasting choices when shopping. I have written below a list of a few simple questions to ask yourself when shopping that will help you make conscious choices and avoid the crash and burn of impulse shopping.

I can say is always dress with consciousness in order to accurately express your unique self and attitude. Dress for yourself, not for anyone else. Dressing to impress or with the hopes of gaining approval from others comes from a place of insecurity and does not serve. Dressing from a place of self-confidence to show off your best features and accentuating who you are is in my experience what will get you the most compliments.

Is it a flattering cut for your body type?

What is the Cost Value?

Is it in your budget?

How versatile is the piece?

Do you really need it? (I don’t recommend buying something you don’t need or love, just because it is on sale) How often will you wear it and what do you currently have that goes with it? Do you truly LOVE it?

If after answering all the questions above, you are still unclear on whether or not it is a good addition to your wardrobe, my advice is to think about it for at least 24 hours.

Ask yourself these questions when getting dressed and use them as a guide: Where am I going? What function do I need my clothes to play, i.e. will I be walking a lot, what’s the weather, how comfortable do I need to feel? (I’m big on comfort as a general rule, but sometimes a dress a bit tighter around the tummy, or higher sexier heels are worth it).

How do I feel? What’s my mood? If I’m feeling tired and bloated and have an important dinner to go to, I will gear towards something like a fluid draping dress that is flattering and comfortable. If I was going on a hot dinner date and feeling good and lean, I might throw on a pair of skinny jeans, high heels and a sexy tank blouse.

What do I want to say? If I was going to an interview at a PR firm, I would want to say that I am confident, stylish, and professional. Therefore I would choose something like: a suit skirt or dress slacks with a pair of closed-toed high heels and a chiffon blouse. If I was going on a first date I would choose something flirtatious but not too sexy!

Get the idea?

A woman cries for her son after the earthquake

Saddam Hussein discovered by a U.S troop

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illumé - improving style & health Illumé is an image consulting and wellness service that re-interprets the concept of personal styling. It is run by Dr. Karuna Sabnani, N.M.D. who practices naturopathic medicine both in New York City and California and specializes in holistic beauty and integrative health. Her partner is Trinity Rose, a New York City personal stylist and Image consultant whose clients range from housewives to celebrities. Together, they explain how their services help people, what the truth about health food is, and the best methods to lose weight.

Trinity Rose: What do you think is the most important thing about style, health, beauty and their connection to one another?

Dr. Sabnani: Who are you? Most of us do not know, and yet it is the most important question we can ask ourselves.

Beauty and health are about that exploration of who we are, and how we can bring that exploration out as the art of our lives. Living holistically means being able to be yourself completely. Our patterns, behaviors, food preferences, body type, haircut, radiance of our skin and style are all reflections of how we feel inside.

Beauty comes naturally when all of who you are is integrated, from what you eat to what you wear. It’s about congruence; learning who you are and expressing it, inside and out, skin to bones. It’s powerful to feel good and look good. Get this down and you will glow!

TR: You have told me before that the gut and its function is key in beauty and weight loss. Can you talk a bit about what that means?

Dr. Sabnani: When you have strong digestion you feel cleaner and look better. Oftentimes, people feel heavier when they are experiencing bloating, constipation or water retention. These symptoms can easily be resolved when you find out the cause of why you are having these problems and teach them what foods to eat and when to eat them.

Sometimes, it’s really about learning a few simple, specific principles that work for you, and consistently applying them in your daily life. Once that framework is created, you actually enjoy more freedom in your food choices and can get rid of the deprivation and calorie counting diets.

When you are absorbing everything you eat and eliminating everything you don’t need, you are clearing your blood. A natural result of this is an overall radiance, clear skin and a lean body.

TR: You design custom protocols based on an individual’s lifestyle (so it really works for them) and takes into account their whole health history. Can you tell us what the benefits of working that way are in relationship to beauty and weight loss?

Dr. Sabnani: There are many different causes of why a person can be experiencing a symptom, including weight gain and inability to lose weight. When the cause of a problem is found, specific suggestions can be made for the best long term results.

For example, thyroid disease has been on the rise. If your thyroid gland, which runs the metabolism in the body, is sluggish, you will have trouble losing weight and crave more simple sugars to give you energy. This is the first thing to check in unexplained weight gain, as treating the thyroid problem can easily take off your excess weight, give you energy and allow you to eat the same amount of food you usually eat and still stay lean.

When I get the entire health history, one thing I can see are the patterns of what a person’s habits have been their entire life. I get to see what the person likes to eat and what the person does not like to eat. This allows me to include some of their favorite foods into their program, to make their program fit comfortably in their lifestyle. Life is about pleasure, not about deprivation or starving on any level!

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BSM 45 Dr. Sabnani’s Weight Loss Tips:

Exercise: Every little bit counts. Pick a daily exercise you enjoy. Incorporate exercise into your regular work schedule making it a point of parking a few blocks away from your car, walking an extra few blocks to get to your subway, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, etc. Take a short walk before you eat and after you eat to assist digestion. Do Yoga postures that involve spinal twists to work the digestion. Exercise is the MOST beneficial when done 6am-10am.

Times to eat: Eat your biggest meal at lunch time between 12-2pm. Eat a lighter breakfast if eating before 10am. Ideally, try not to eat 3 hours before bed or after dark as often as possible.

Most people think that weight loss is a struggle, hard, temporary and consists of intense restricted diet and over-thetop exercising. While food and exercise will always be key to weight, they are not the only factors to consider. I have seen people making changes in their living situation/space, intimate relationships, and/or spiritual practice and seen dramatic changes in their overall image and weight.

TR: What are the downfalls when nutritionists, trainers or doctors try and cookie-cut people into one mold, and give everyone the same weight-loss protocol?

Dr. Sabnani: There is no such thing as a healthy food; someone’s medicine can be another’s poison. Health and beauty come when you live the life which is right for you. The key is to find what this is and live it.

The downfall with cookie-cutting people is the people have trouble keeping up with their program and often feel defeated and catapult back into old patterns. A person working on Wall Street can have very different needs than a stay-at-home mother. When we are all so different, how can we have one strict program for everyone? It doesn’t make sense and it doesn’t work in the long run.

The MOST IMPORTANT thing is to have ease in your protocol and in your life. When you follow guidelines that fit who you are, the struggle is gone and weight loss is easy.

Dr. Sabnani & Trinity Rose are available for style & health consultations individually or together (they also do phone consultations).Their website is www.illume.me and you may contact them at info@illume.me.

Foods to Reduce or Eliminate: Avoid leftovers, processed foods, pasta, rice, potatoes, cheese, breads, yogurt, butter, deep sea fish, fatty meats, cakes, pastries, cookies, biscuits, milk, nuts, saturated fats and oils, fried foods and other fatty or heavy foods

Drinks: Start your morning with a glass of hot water or herbal tea and drink hot water throughout the day. Do not drink cold liquids generally and especially don’t drink cold liquids during or after exercise to keep your metabolic fire high. REMOVE or reduce: carbonated drinks, juice, beer and keep other drinks besides water to a minimum.

Portion size: Practice eating at less at each meal and always stop eating before you feel stuffed.

Sleep: No lying down for 1 hour after eating during the day or sleeping on a full stomach at any time.

Foods to Include: Foods with fiber. Green vegetables.

Lean meat. Fruit in moderation. Avoid anything that you notice cause you constipation. Pick foods that are in season as much as possible. You can ask your grocers what is fresh. When you are feeling adventurous, try new and unusual vegetables and fruits.

Lifestyle not Diet: Remember that staying lean and fit is a lifestyle and not a ‘fad’ diet. Relaxing into something that works for ‘you’ is key. Find a general regimen that you can stick with easily, or see a professional to design a program that is for you and your body’s unique needs.

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46 BSM

Ask Dr. G… The tooth fixer

DISTRACT

How To

Everyone with your Teeth!

“An Attractive smile can be divided into 2 components: 1. Whiteness of teeth 2. Amount of tooth displayed”

By Dr. Amit Ganglani

W

hen you meet someone for the first time you notice the small details about them. Some people look at hands, others look at the watch. I look at the following in order: Shoes, clothes, the car and finally the teeth (duh).

Now I know that I may come across a tad superficial, but there is a reason behind all of this.

Like any good sindhi boy I started my working life in sales. My first job was a shoe salesman after which I spent 5 years fitting wealthy men for suits. Then I sold cars for a year after which I began my long journey on the path to teethdom.

I have learnt that not a single thing outweighs the impact of a beautiful healthy smile. How you feel about yourself is reflected in your smile and how people feel about you is often dictated by your smile.

You can have shiny shoes, a good fitting suit and an Aston Martin, but if you walk in to a room with missing and yellow teeth from too much daal pakwan then you know she’s only talking to you because of your car.

Whiteness of Teeth: I am revisiting the topic of teeth whitening as it is the simplest, most accessible and affordable enhancement to lift years from your appearence.

Think about it, we perceive someone with a white smile as more attractive, clean, fresh and youthful. Whitening your teeth will immediately improve your appearence and mask small disparities in your teeth.

The following is my recommended regimen for succesful whitening: 1. Make sure your gums and teeth are healthy. Only your dentist can assess that for you.

2. After your cleaning your dentist can perform chair side whitening which is the quickest way to from zero to hero.

3. Follow up in office whitening with athome trays and solution.

4. Brush and floss at least two times a day.

5. There are numerous over-the-counter

products available from whitening pens to strips, the key is to be consistent.

Depending on the strength of the product, results can be achieved from 1hour a day to overnight use.

In order to prevent a quick relapse from exposure to coffee and other coloured drinks, use a straw to avoid soaking your teeth in them. Also rinsing with a mixture of baking soda and water will help neutralize the acids that can breakdown enamel.

The next time you read US weekly or Stardust pay attention to the fact that the stars all have one thing in common: white teeth.

Amount of Tooth Displayed: A painful reality of the ageing process (in addition to the weight gain) is the loss of muscle tone. With the advent of botox and other dermal fillers men and women have been able to appear younger with out the painful and costly face lifts, etc.

Loss of muscle tone is most apparent in the peri-oral area (peri- surrounding). As we age, our lips sag and our lower teeth start to crowd forward.

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BSM 47 These processes then change the appearence of our smile. A youthful smile is one where we see most of our top teeth and less of lower teeth. As we lose tone, we start to see less and less of the top and more of the bottom. Again refer to the entertainment magazines and you will notice that people who appear younger for their age display more of their top teeth.

A painful reality of the ageing process (in addition to the weight gain) is the loss of muscle tone.

Loss of muscle tone is most apparent in the perioral area (peri- surrounding). As we age, our lips sag and our lower teeth start to crowd forward.

Solution: Visit your cosmetic surgeon or dentist for a consult to place dermal fillers in the areas of the lips that are sagging. These fillers can also be used as a non-surgical way to correct too much gum display i.e. a gummy smile.

To succesfully show more of your top teeth you may require a combination of orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry such as veneers and crowns. The effort is worth it.

Secondary to this loss of muslce tone is the shifting forward of our lower teeth.

This is known as mesial drift (mesial is the frontwards direction). It is caused by changes to bone density and is more apparent in women.

Crowding towards the front makes it harder to clean in between the teeth and can cause trauma to the lip.

The least invasive way to correct this is by the use of braces whether metal or clear. Depending on the severity, treatment can range between 6 months to a year.

Patients always comment on how much more confident they feel after having their teeth whitened. Recruiters will always tell you that a confident smile is percieved as warm and inviting.

Who cares about job hunting, we go through great lengths to be more attractive to the fairer sex. Follow these simple tips and watch your shaadi.com inbox explode with interests from boys and girls all the way from Ulhasnagar.

Dr. Amit Ganglani is currently practicing as a dentist in Charlotte, North Carolina.

If you have any questions, you can email Dr. G at amitganglani@beyondsindh.com.

A quick tip for ladies: Your choice of lipstick colour can make your teeth appear whiter. Here’s what you do; place a white paper next to your teeth.

If your teeth appear yellower than the paper, use warmer shades of lipstick such as nudes and peaches. If they appear more blue grey than the paper, wear cooler shades such as pinks and berries.

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48\BSM

! y t u a e B & h t l a e H r o f g n i k Coo ipes

Kaviraj’s Rec

ni iraj Khiala v a K f e h C

Then it is ? t h ig e w sing ed help lo water daily to keep e N ? in k s y f tiful health ignificant amount o f 60% water so we u a e b t n a s W ka up o at you drin dy weight is made ow it can be difficult h t t n a t r o n bo imp dy too. I k erages so here are ated. Our r o d b y r h u o in f k o s your ther bev ctioning o n u d f n r daily diet. a e r , p s u a o o r d y p o o r s t , fo s in r ice need it orate wate ay from ju to stay aw y you should incorp s wh six reason

1

It keeps your skin looking great. Well this is an obvious one, yet we still tend to consume massive amounts of beverages daily. Truth is, if your skin looks tired, so do you. By keeping your skin well-hydrated, your skin can do its part and remove toxins that builds up inside the body. Toxins can come from the environment and from you as well, so it should be removed constantly.

2

Healthy Heart. Drinking a good amount of water can actually decrease your chances of heart problems such as a heart attack. Water thins out the blood in your body which makes it easier to pump blood through the heart. Your heart will do less work and last longer.

3

Water gives you energy. Being dehydrated is no fun and with the summer heat still blazing, you are more likely to suffer from dehydration if you’re not consuming enough or any water. Dehydration takes away all your energy and makes you feel tired. It can also lead to fatigue, dizziness, and weak muscles.

4

Decrease risk in some cancers. Our digestive system needs a significant amount of water so drinking more of it can help cure problems with the digestive system that leads to some cancers. Drinking more water daily has been known to reduce the risk of colon cancer by up to 45%. It can also reduce the risk of bladder cancer by 50% and reduce the risk of breast cancer.

5

Water help to lose weight. Water is the best choice for losing weight and should replace high calorie drinks which contains a lot of sugar and carbs. Drinking water makes you feel less hungry by acting as a stomach suppressant which helps improve fat loss. It’s imperative that you drink water before and after exercising to keep yourself hydrated throughout your workouts. Dehydration can slow down your workouts so make sure to take a bottle of water when heading to the gym.

6

It’s CHEAPER! Why spend a $1 on a 16oz or 20oz soda when you can buy a gallon of water. You can get more with your money and it’s healthier. It’s also been said that tap water is just as clean and safe as bottled water so go buy a filter for your kitchen sink and drink free water from home.

So how much water should you drink a day?

Well that question has been debatable for sometime now. “Eight glasses of water a day” is a lot of water to take a day if you factor in a person’s body weight, if you exercise a lot, or if you’re sick (just to name a few). Your best bet is to come up with a routine. Drink water between and during meals, before and after you exercise, and when you wake up.

Does water help to lose weight? YES! Can I have clearer skin? Absolutely!

So if possible, drink less beverages and more water to maintain your health and beauty.

Chef Kaviraj Khialani is currently the principal of Mumbai College of Hotel Management and Catering Technology. He is Swiss-certified in Hospitality Management and International Culinary Arts and the author of Arabic Cookery. This Hotel & Restaurant consultant can be reached by email at kaviraj21@hotmail.com

BSM\49

What To Eat Each Day For Looks And Health

Apple Cider/Vinegar: Beside having amazing healing properties, apple cider vinegar keeps skin supple. It’s heavy concentration of enzymes helps peel off dead skin cells. It breaks down fat and helps food digest properly.

Carrots: Maintains the outer layer of the skin to prevent premature aging. What you’ll find in a carrot is the same as you’ll get in Retin A. Cheese: To ensure a happy smile, add a slice or two of hard cheese into your diet. Choose Swiss, cheddar, or gouda to block bacteria in the mouth and prevent cavities.

Citrus Fruits: Holds the skin cells together by forming collagen. Collagen cannot be added to the skin topically, which is why fruits and fruit juices are such an important part of the daily diet.

Cranberries: Keeps urinary tract lining healthy.

Garlic: Helps combat wrinkles and restores tissue.

Nonfat Yogurt: High in calcium, which keeps your smile white and your teeth cavity-free.

Sweet Potatoes: Vitamin A is known to be a remarkable anti-wrinkling agent.

Sweet potatoes are full of this important vitamin. The pleasing results is clearer, smoother skin.

Tomatoes: These “love apples” will keep you loving your skin. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Wheat Germ: If you want to get rid of pimples quickly and efficiently, make sure to include two or three tablespoons a day in your diet. Add it to cereal, yogurt, and cottage cheese.

You should choose foods that you enjoy, of course, but you need to include the following: Vegetables: Three to five servings daily.

Try to include one serving of raw, leafy greens.

Meat: Have no more than three threeounce servings a day. Cut off all fat. Try to make two servings of turkey or chicken.

One serving of fish a day is ideal.

Fruits: Two to three servings daily. A 1/2 cup of chopped or sliced fruit (for example, fruit salad) is a serving.

Dairy: At least two servings daily. A serving would be eight ounces of milk or yogurt.

Fats: Salad dressing, cooking oil, butter, and mayonnaise should be limited to two servings a day.

Here are some simple and healthy recipes for the readers of Beyond Sindh Magazine!

Avo-herbal Pasta Salad.

1 cup boiled pasta of your choice 1 peeled and sliced avocado 10-12 fresh mint leaves 4-5 fresh basil leaves 2-3 tbsp lime juice 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp mustard paste 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper Salt to taste 1-2 tsp roasted crushed jeera 1 pinch chaat masala for garnish Boil the pasta, cut the avocado, mix with all the ingredients and toss with the pasta. Serve chilled.

Options - Add some colorful veggies of your choice such as brocolli, snowpeas, baby carrots etc

Beany Baked Fish Tomyum.

2-3 pcs boneless fish chunks Apply a marination of salt, pepper and lime - keep aside for 5 mins For the sauce: 1 cup baked beans in tomato sauce 1 tsp schezuan sauce 2 stalks lemongrass 1 tsp soya sauce 2 tbsp chopped spring onion greens 2 tsp mixed herbs 2 tbsp white wine Salt and pepper to taste Lightly grease a baking tray and place the fish pieces with lemongrass and bake at 150oC for 10 minutes. Remove and keep aside.

For the sauce, combine in a pot the baked beans, schezuan sauce, herbs, wine, spring onions, soya sauce and cook for 4-5 minutes on high flame.

Remove and top it on the fish and serve hot!

50\BSM

Berry Berry Delight.

10-12 strawberries 4-5 quartered blueberries 2 peeled and cleaned fresh lime 1/2 cup pineapple cubes For dressing: 2 tbsp honey 3 tbsp lime juice 1 tsp mixed herbs 10-12 mint leaves 1/4 cup mango pulp Prepare all fruits and keep chilled. Mix together the dressing ingredients and toss with fruits. Serve in chilled pony tumblers or short glasses.

Gingery Melon Lime Punch.

2 cups watermelon pulp 2 tsp ginger juice 2 tbsp lime juice-2 tbsp 10-12 mint leaves 2 tbsp orange squash Crushed ice Mix together the melon puree, ginger, lime juice and orange squash. Add in the mint leaves and stir well. Serve in chilled glasses over a bed of crushed ice.

A refreshing, anytime day drink!

Honey Glazed Carrot Nibbles.

Carrots, peeled and cut into roundells 2 cups stock 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp honey 1 tsp brown sugar 2 tsp lime juice Salt and pepper 10-12 mint leaves cut into small leaves 1/2 tsp crushed cumin

Place the cut carrots in the stock along with all other ingredients and cook on a medium flame for 10-12 minutes. Drain off the excess liquid and enjoy these carrot nibbles as a warm salad.

Marinated Cheese and Leaf tossed Salad.

1 cup assorted lettuce leaves 1 tomato, diced 1/2 cup mango dices 1/2 cup boiled green beans or asparagus 1/2 cup grated or shredded low fat cottage cheese 1/2 cup orange segments For the dressing: 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds 2 tbsp lime juice 1 tbsp honey 1 tsp mustard paste salt and pepper 1/2 cup orange pulp 10-12 mint leaves

Prepare all the veggies of your choice and keep aside. Mix together the ingredients for dressing.

Toss together the salad and serve on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves.

Stuffed Mushroom Cups.

10-12 fresh button mushrooms, stalks removed For the filling: 1 cup brown bread crumbs 1 tbsp garlic, chopped 1 tbsp onion, chopped 1 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup low fat yogurt 1 tsp mixed herbs 1 tsp chili flakes Blanch the mushroom cups in boiling water for 3-4 minutes and remove. Chop the mushroom stalks and keep aside. Heat oil, saute the garlic, onion, add herbs, chili flakes, mushroom stalks, and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Remove and cool. Mix in the bread crumbs and yogurt and stuff into the mushroom cups. Serve chilled as an appetizer.

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ies t def a h t ce ly by d spa p e n e a d e .” so eling a tim oved e f g m ’ n t g i a n cess st bei et ‘th is ac g u j o y t d t n u s you son a “Bea w a o e l r l r ta eo

By Dina Sabnani s tha i rhym t i er v e t wha

52 BSM

I

was told that this issue’s underlying theme was beauty so I enlisted my facebook friends to share with me their perspectives on ‘beauty’. As you’d expect, I had a variety of answers including “beauty is balance”, “what we see outside is just a reflection of what is inside”, “beauty is love, caring, passion”, “beauty is someone that gives more than they take” and they all made sense to me. Each one a nugget of wisdom but the one that gave me my own ‘a-ha’ moment and was what I wasn’t sure how to express was a friend who stated “Beauty creates positive energy”.

So no surprise that I was mulling about this while attempting to sleep and of course at 5 a.m. with a few thoughts swimming around in my head, I woke up to type and you are one of the lucky thousands that get to read my mental regurgitations! It is a simple way to express what I know I ‘knew’ but just was finding it hard to express - that elusive ‘feeling’ that beauty evoked deep within me. The feeling you get when you witness something you know to be beyond the power of words or explanation.

I guess some would call it ‘spiritual beauty’ because it allows us to sense something greater than ourselves. I found a quote by Robert C Fuller that included this line: “We also become spiritual when we become moved by values such as beauty, love, or creativity that seem to reveal a meaning or power beyond our visible world. “ Exactly. It’s this sense of beauty that is a common thread within all of us. Physical beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder (or beer-holder)! We can all have different opinions or perspectives about art, people, images, etc., but all of us at one point in time or another have experienced ‘spiritual beauty’ in its truest essence. That sense of awe and wonderment in all that IS or the sense of BEING IN THE MOMENT, being dazzled by the feeling of a connection to a greater purpose. That feeling of ‘all is good in the world’.

I was on a flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong recently and I was watching Michael Jackson’s “This is it” movie on the plane.

As I was watching Michael (RIP) sing and dance, it truly just overwhelmed me with such a sense of ‘beauty’ that was beyond words. I felt it in my soul – it moved me to tears. I think it was the ‘passion’ behind his singing and dancing, the messages in the song, the sheer talent that man had and the sense of loss all rolled up into one.

Dee Insight

What is

Beautiful?

Have you experienced something like that before?

I mean there are so many more examples – everyone has their own. Beauty is in all creation.

Beauty is what moves you to tears without knowing why. Beauty is believing in the ‘magic of the mundane’. Beauty is within the same way it is without. There is beauty in the truth. Beauty is love. Beauty is found in silence AND in chaos.

Beauty is in joy as it is in sadness.

Go on – take a moment to just think about it.

Think about those moments you’ve witnessed in your life that you just couldn’t explain why you were so moved by it but something stirred deep within your soul. Your world had this luminescent glow around it for that brief moment and you were awed. You wanted to share it with your friends – with everyone around you but words seemed to be so lacking in describing your feelings. You know what I am talking about – am sure you do. For some – these moments come far more frequently because you learn to use all your senses to experience your world around you. You choose to view life as being beautiful and therefore it is!

A sunset. The sound of the ocean. The smile of your lover. Making love. Giving birth to a child, a thought, an idea. Laughter. Listening to music.

Sunshine on your face. Prayer.

Beauty is accessing a time and space that defies rhyme or reason and just being moved so deeply by whatever it is that allows you to get ‘that’ feeling. That, my friends, is ‘spiritual beauty’ and to me a real definition of the word ‘beauty’. It’s realizing that all of life is a miracle and finding that deeper connection to that which is greater than all of us. The more we connect with this ‘divinity’ the more we witness magic in the mundane.

Like Einstein said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is.” Choose wisely.

Dina Sabnani is currently manifesting the life of her dreams.

Feedback? Email her at dina@beyondsindh.com

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BSM 53 Poetry - words that spill from your fingertips of things felt by the heart, seen by the mind, and left unsaid by the lips.

A Day’s Worth of Cricket

by Suraj Samtani, Hong Kong

You came here without a single fear.

Now its time to pack, & take all those memories back.

On your way you brought your return-ticket, but you better not lose your wicket.

Tell them to your friends, In conversations that seem to have no ends.

There is only one match to be played, So just hope there is no disturbance from any raid.

Win the toss, & be the boss.

Or lose the toss, & show off your gloss.

Be a bowler, bowl it slower.

Be a batsman, with a direct hit to heaven.

Disturb the clouds, their anger all so aroused.

Bring on the covers, & become lovers.

Love the match delay, one that you've got without the obligation to pay.

Remember your spouse, who's always watching you from her house.

Take her name, & resume the game.

The target is nearing, & so is the balls remaining.

Score that victorious six, With emotions all so mixed.

With the game now over, The crowd won't get any louder.

A ppreciate them, & place them at your success' strong stem.

Treasure that two-way ticket.

Keep it, conserve it, caress it.

A Promise Fulfilled

by Divya Daryanani-Daswani, India

It came and went ; then came again Building in intensity and life force ; like a baby in the womb A throbbing sensation yet to see the light of day And here it was once more This time threatening to take a leap In the hope that the sky would balloon out And the world’s canvas become larger and more pristine I recognize this emotion, for it has teased me before But it has always retreated hastily on tip toe Just as suddenly as it has come Like a lover in dread of being caught in the dead of the night But today is different. A never-before!

And I almost want to fling my arms up in the air As if to say I knew this would be!

And believe me, I always did…

Love can do many wonders And unravel your deepest emotions Even from the seemingly unreachable abyss of the heart It’s washing away the bleeding bath of hopes, desires, wishes and dreams That had threatened to wrench my heart even more as it seeped out And now here it is; growing in magnitude and effect Lurching towards what all of you called unattainable Making a mockery of every cue that hinted at its futility Almost chiding me to remind me of my flickering hope But at the same time nuzzling me out of my reverie today On love’s tender but strong wings I must ride The determined winds of hope and dreams leading us to the enchanted world Now I can only see his smile, hear his words and wait with bated breath For with this clear vision I await the beauty that lies ahead...

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54 BSM

ganpatipule

polaroids from

by Pushpa Moorjani

Swayambhu Ganapat

i temple

W

e were transported into a different world just 375 km away from Mumbai as we entered a small village, in complete contrast from high-rise, polluted Mumbai. Serene, sedate, unspoiled; here was the magic land of virgin beaches and a 400-year-old land mark - the Swayambhu Ganapati temple.

i Poet mous Marath fa e th of se ou the h lage Malgund Vil Keshavsoot at

dark, red mud glistening in sunshine, passing the roofed houses with clean courtyards that added a quaint touch to the panorama. Finally, we crossed the bridge to arrive at our destination – the calm village of Ganpatipule. Yes, we had arrived, after ten hours of journey by road, just in time for hot breakfast and a cup of coffee.

After breakfast we headed towards the The best time to travel by road is at night ‘Swayambhu Ganapati temple’ time since there is less traffic and the (Swayambhu means ‘self-made’ - this is a ride is smooth, with the curvy roads givtemple of the self-originated idol, ing pleasant swings at regular intervals.

Ganapati). A long queue, winding from We started our journey at 10 p.m after the entrance through narrow bamboo our heavy meal and dozed off barriers, snaked through the curves, to sleep as soon as the bus three-folds and it took us more revved its engine. Our “We than sixty minutes to reach the eyes opened at twiwere so close Ganpati idol. light to watch the to nature, with such beautiful sun rise; scenic rides, such clean Every year in the months of the scenery was February and November the streams and so much beautiful and at sunrays fall directly on the some places we felt greenery and open Ganpati idol, I am told. One like could touch the space, a perfect of the people in our group clouds as they floattransportation to wanted to take a ed in through our bliss.”

“Pradakshina” around the hill windows, blinding our where the temple is located. She lens. We drove through explained that ‘Pradakshina’ is a form the narrow mud-roads, the

of showing obeisance wherein the devotee walks in a circle around the idol of the lord or around the temple, the house of the lord. Interestingly, the 1 km ‘Pradakshina’ is in the shape of Ganapati.

We spent the rest of the evening at the beach watching people dressed in colorful, bright clothes surprise the foreigners, who must be used to seeing people dressed instead in bikinis and bare skin in their hometowns.

The following day, we rented a private transport to tour around. We started our journey (after a heavy breakfast) at 9 a.m. to explore the other areas of the village. The fountain attracted my attention at our first stop at Malgund village, the birthplace of the famous Marathi Poet Keshavsoot. He was born here in 1866 and was termed as a poet who heralded the dawn of modern Marathi poetry. The “Marathi Sahitya Parishad” (Marathi Literature Society) has constructed a beautiful monument called “Keshavsoot Smarak” in the memory of the great sonof-the-soil. The Memorial is a real treat for those who are interested in Marathi literature. There was even an amphithe-

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BSM 55 atre behind the house, where I assume he must have performed his poems in front of large crowd. There is also a museum where you can find information on most of the modern day poets of Marathi language.

eautiful

the b the view of

After lunch we headed towards the Balla Fort that is located on a hill by the sea shore. This fort is constructed in the shape of half-circle like a horseshoe and built on an area of 120 acres, surrounded by sea from three sides. There is a lighthouse constructed on the western end of the fort. The main part of the fort has a Devi Bhagwati temple so we climb up the fort and visit the temple. There is also a small tank and a deep well in the fort premises. During Navratri, a ten day festival is generally organized at the fort.

under the King’s supervision. The five years of their stay at the palace have been immortalized on the walls of their tombs - there were lots of carved artifacts. What I liked was the design and architecture of this palace and the view behind the window was built in such a way to let sunrays filter through the palace evenly. A debate is ongoing between the government and private authorities to convert the h c a e B a y palace into a t Bha regional museum and a heritage hotel.

We continued our drive, passing through Bhatya beach of silver white sand against deep blue waters. Bhatya is a small village sited at a distance of 1 km from Ratnagiri. The village is known for a flat and straight 1.5 km long beach. The scene along the coastal region was amazing and I couldn’t control clicking shots with my camera. Finally, we reached ‘Patit Pawan Mandir’ at Pawas, the first temple that was built for the nonBrahmins by revolutionary leader Swatantryaveer Savarkar.

Our next stop was the house where the freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born, and is now declared and maintained as a national monument. He was born on 26th July, 1856 in this house and stayed until 1866. It was Lokmanya Tilak who gave the slogan that “Self rule is my birthright and I will achieve it.”

Next, we passed through the busy marketplace to stop for lunch. It was 3 p.m., my stomach was complaining and the smell of fresh fish was in the air. Since this is the coastal area, all the restaurants serve fresh fish so it made sense to splurge on fish cuisine.

On our way back, we stopped at the top of the hill before descending to Bhandarpule to watch the sunset.

The next day is reserved for relaxing at the beach, getting to know each other, sharing views over cups of coconut water and playing creative games.

an idol at the Prachin koka n, an open air m useum As the sun was setting over our hotel, Sukh Sagar Palace, we were all reminded to pack our bags and climb aboard the bus. Tired and content, we looked forward to return back home to the rat-race of our beloved Mumbai, back to the heat and dust... back to dreaming of what new place we would visit again.

We were so close to nature, with such scenic rides, such clean streams and so much greenery and open space, a perfect transportation to bliss.

Our next destination was the ‘Thebaw Palace’. Thebaw Palace was constructed in 1910 – 1911 when the king and Queen of Myanmar were dethroned and exiled. They stayed in this palace from 1911 until their deaths in 1916, and the palace was built A woman cries for her son after the earthquake

the histo

rical The

paw Pala

Saddam Hussein discovered by a U.S troop

ce

Pushpa Moorjani is a blogger and writer who currently lives in Mumbai. If you have any comments, please email : pushpamoorjani@beyondsindh.com

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Mahirwan Mamtani

By Rachana Mirpuri The Partition of India in 1947 displaced millions of Hindus and Muslims, including untold numbers of Sindhi-Hindu families from Sindh. Mahirwan Mamtani, who was born in 1935 in Bhiria (Nawab Shah in Sindh), was only 12 years old when he moved to Delhi with his family. From the age of six, he had used charcoal and street walls as a medium to express his inherent passion of painting.

Upon moving to Delhi, he continued to doodle on paper with pencils or pastels. However, circumstances forced Mamtani to earn money doing several jobs and his urge to paint was suppressed due to lack of time and money.

After years of miserable living conditions, loneliness and hard work at self-education, Mamtani started studying for Bachelor of Arts and then he joined the Fine Arts Dept. at Delhi Polytechnic to study painting. When he being exposed to German Art and Culture at the Max Mueller Bhavan at the Goethe Institute in Delhi, he completely immersed himself in art. Mamtani was an illustrator and used to do posters then when he got introduced to Germany’s art master Kandinsky’s works, he was so tremendously impressed that he took him as his guru and started intensively studying his art. He exhibited his works of art and received much good feedback; after a while, Mamtani applied for a scholarship programme of German Academic Exchange Service in 1966 and was chosen for it.

Mamtani has won many awards including the 10th International Print Biennale at Tokyo in 1976, and a National Award by Lalit Kala Akademi New Delhi in 1978.

His artistic journey has triggered interest in the U.S., Australia and also in the museums in Germany; his paintings are being exhibited in many art galleries all over the world, and he has also many publications on Art to his credit.

Bilocation 2003 80x110 cm Acrylic on canvas

Germany became Mamtani’s study centre and home and he has been living in Munich ever since. Not only did he learn many new painting and graphic design techniques (he experimented with wood, masks and videos), he also expressed himself with a palette of diverse and creative motifs, closely following Tantra art in the 1960s. He was very much inspired by the ‘mandala’ part of the Tantra art that literally means a circle. According to Mamtani, in that age Germany’s art was more into ‘Constructivism’ (drawing from geometrical figures/parts of abstract), so he used to combine four circles and called it ‘CentroVision’. These four circles for Mamtani meant elements like four walls, four seasons and so on. As the 1980s approached, Mamtani was included in the New Tantra Art Group by a few of the known followers of the art form such as Profulla Mohanti, Sohan Qadri, G.R Santosh to name a few.

I never smoke 2003 110x110 acrylic on canvas

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Beyond Sindh Magazine is proud to feature Mahirwan Mamtani and his creative works of Art...

Evolution 2008 200x80cm acrylic on canvas

Couple 2003 200x150 acrylic on canvas

Dr. Observer 2009 150x150 cm Acrylic on canvas

Onomatopoeia 2008 80x200 cm acrylic on canvas

BSM: What is it that you love about your artwork/painting?

MM: I love colors, textures, compositions and above all, mystical touch creating feelings from the unknown invisible elements.

BSM: When do you create your art and what do you use mostly?

MM: I do work in my studio every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. My major work is painting but I am also doing graphics, photography, videography, installations etc. For me Art is a whole process of creation. For painting I use acrylic colors on canvas or wood. For graphics, I have done several works with silkscreening (I received the International Award for one of my prints at the Tokyo Biennale in 1976).

BSM: What is your biggest inspiration?

MM: In the first place, my own work which opens the inner dimensions.

I also love music and I play in my studio. I do play the drums too. My surroundings also inspire me – I have my studio in very small place about an hour's drive from Munich, surrounded

by Alps and lakes.

Astronaut 2001 150x110 cm acrylic on canvas

Black Holes 2 2008 80x200cm acrylic on canvas

BSM: I have noticed Tantra motifs among your paintings - what is its signifance?

MM: Here I must clarify that I have chosen the Mandala part of the Tantra Art as philosophy, as an idea for my paintings but I am not following any rituals or dogmas of Tantra. This four-petal form (four circles) represents WHOLENESS. In 1985, I developed further and integrated faces in my figurative works - my abstract circles started showing human emotions. For me now they mean human being’s nature of wearing masks all the time. But in essence I have remained with same concept, i.e. THE EXPANSION OF CONSCIOUSNESS. This essence is in Tantra philosophy and also in our Sindhi Sufis.

BSM: Your favorite artwork that you have created or is special to you?

MM: I have created over 3000 works – they are like my children so I cannot say which one is my favourite!

BSM: Any tips for budding painters and artists?

MM: Do not imitate others but remain true and original to your work, concept and self. \ If you would like to purchase an art piece from Mahirwan Mamtani, you may visit his website at http://www.mahirwanmamtani.com/ or email him at mamtani@hotmail.de

Golden Egg 2003 80x110 cm Acrylic on canvas

Protest 2003 80x110 cm Acrylic on canvas

Bavarian Puff 150x150cm Acrylics on canvas

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BSM 59 Movie : My Name is Khan Grade : B+ Directed by : Karan Johar Starring : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Yuvaan Makaar, Jimmy Shergill, Christopher B. Duncan, Tanay Chheda, Jennifer Echols Inspired by : Forrest Gump Short Story: This is a movie about a Muslim man from India, Rizvan Khan, who moves to San Francisco and lives with his brother and sister-in-law. Rizvan, who has Aspergers, falls in love with Mandira, an Hindu hair stylist. Despite objections from his family due to religious differences, they get married and start a small business together. The couple, along with Mandira’s son from a previous marriage, are happy living together until September 11, 2001 when attitudes towards Muslims undergo a sea-change. When tragedy strikes, Mandira is devastated and they split. Rizvan is confused and very upset that the love of his life has left him. To win her back, he embarks on a touching and inspiring journey across America.

Suspension of Belief : Rizvan Khan, the protagonist of the film played by Shah Rukh Khan, holds out a placard “Repair Almost Anytthin” after he runs out of money during his long and difficult journey across the US to meet the President and tell him just one thing: “My Name Is Khan and I am not a terrorist”.

After the horrifying 9/11 incident, the West began to judge the whole basket by a few bad apples - namely, the whole community of Muslims living and entering the USA were put under extra scrutiny. In the beginning of the movie, Rizvan Khan is detained by the airport Security officers namely because of his surname. This man suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome and cannot stand loud noises and the color yellow; he’s scared of venturing into places he isn’t used to and can barely cross a road without the risk of being hit by a speeding vehicle. This is the kind of character that would take a brilliant man to be able to convincingly act it out for masses of movie-goers. Shah Rukh Khan has possibly given the best acting of his life in this movie, with weeks of research going into Asperger’s Syndrome. He has done an excellent job by little things that make all the difference, such as not maintaining eye contact with anyone or innocently telling the cook that he thinks his chicken doesn’t taste good. Kajol, playing the part of Rizvan’s wife Mandira, made the movie complete with her beautiful and bubblicious personality as well as intense pain that was well-portrayed. Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan finally gave their fans a movie together after a nine-year gap since Khabhi Khushi Khabi Ghum. Smaller roles such as Jimmy Shergill (as SRK’s younger brother) and Sonya Jehan (as Shergill’s wife) come up with fine performances, and the son of Mandira played by Yuvaan Makaar gives a realistic performance as a sweet but stubborn teenage boy.

Kudos to director Karan Johar for making this brave attempt at such a complicated movie. Though the first half was wellwritten and done well cinematographically, a lot of people would agree that the second half was over-played in poignancy and emotional scenes, such as the flood sequence and sub-plot involving Mama Jenny and funny hair Joel in Wilhelmina, Georgia.

Music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy and cinematography by Ravi Chandran is top of the line and worthy of an International release.

What you didn’t know: On 1 February 2010, Khan and Kajol "became the first Indian movie stars to ring the opening bell of the New York stock exchange NASDAQ." They were invited by Fox Searchlight Pictures to do so as part of their promotion for My Name Is Khan.

Working Title: “I’m not a Terrorist!”

M O V I E S T O WAT C H : Alice in Wonderland Adapted from the Lewis Carroll classic, Alice in Wonderland, the director Tim Burton teams up with favorite Johnny Depp for yet another visually exceptional and movie. Stars Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, DEFIANCE’s Mia Wasikowska as Alice, and Anne Hathaway as the White Queen.

Shutter Island From Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese, "Shutter Island" is the story of two U.S. marshals, Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule

(Mark Ruffalo), who are summoned to a remote and barren island off the coast of Massachusetts to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a murderess from the island’s fortress-like hospital for the criminally insane.

Precious This film is directed by Lee Daniels from a screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher based on the novel Push by Sapphire. Set in Harlem in 1987, it is the story of Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a sixteen-year-old AfricanAmerican girl born into a life no one would want. She’s pregnant for the second time by her absent father; at home, she must wait hand and foot on her

mother (Mo’Nique), a poisonously angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret: she can neither read nor write.

Crazy Heart Four-time Academy Award nominee Jeff Bridges stars as the richly comic, semitragic romantic anti-hero Bad Blake in this film from writer-director Scott Cooper. Bad Blake is a broken-down, hard-living country music singer who's had way too many marriages, far too many years on the road and one too many drinks way too many times.

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YUMTHANG VALLEY

By Kumar Mangwani

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Travelers can be fanatical. Just as we, from the plains of urban India redolent of choked streets and clogged lungs, longed for a plunge in the icy streams. Not braving enough is another pretense, but our civilized lot, an extended family of six, endeared the winding roads across the oh-so-many hills of Sikkim to the point beyond which lies the white wilderness - the Himalayas. The 'point' in reference is Yumthang valley at the head waters of the Teesta river beyond which the earthly dominion perhaps ends and ascends into the suspended heavens. This one calling had been intense and long overdue; my mental institution lapped up with images of frothy milk-white waterfalls and postcard perfect mountains. And finally after repeated swearing and butts-shifting, we extolled a sigh of heavy relief on seeing, at an admirable distance, the Lachung valley capped by the majesty of peaks. A stream silently snaked-like, a static silvery ribbon across the terrain making the perfectness superlative. .

The drive, or 'ride' as I shall fancy recounting it, from Gangtok had taken all of seven hours across hills, streams, falls, and those haunting landslides. Nervous is what we were, and preferred to rather warily amble across such earthy red slush lacquering the tar, than get convinced by reckless Nima, a Nepali, who master-minded the steering and convincingly tried our nerves every time: 'Be seated sir, do not worry, this is common in the hills!'. We reminded ourselves every time that 'we belong to the plains'. Two halts, a brief one for tea - dismissing the little Bhutia for missing out on that pinch of ginger, a must-have grandma's spice to ward off the impending sinus assaults - and another one for lunch at Namok. We instinctively called for stuffed momos, only to be answered back with apologetic grins: 'Not available, sir!'. What we hungrily gorged on was the Sikkimese version of the Punjabi menu. 'Makhani Dal' pretentiously was dal, though modestly white, but left unconvinced our taste buds. Nonetheless, the warm food sated our gastronomical claims. Our next stop to absorb the nature's bounty was at Chungthang, about thirty minutes short of Lachung at the confluence of two rivers - Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu. 'Chu' in the local lingo means a river.

Lachung was accomplished in time before the sun could call off its day. A preemptory check in at Apple Valley Resort and a welcoming large helping of spiced tea got us moving to brave the evening cold.

At a stone's throw the untamed 'Big Mountain' falls loomed sky high holding us uncomfortably fascinated.

The apparent distance, we realized later turned out to be deceptive. We craned our necks and could hold for about a few very long minutes looking at the frothy volumes of water gushing down the crags.

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The roar of the fall stirred our eardrums as I initiated a walk through the meandering village. Smoke from hearths squeezed easily through tiny breaches between pinewood panels and tin roofs while little ruddy-cheeked children tugged at their mothers on the raised foreyards. Ever ready for camera-totting tourists, the children burst with radiating smiles posing for pictures, while the elders sneaked in blushing shyness. Further on across a bridge, Tibetan prayer flags spanned the nascent Teesta fluttering in the wind skimmed off the river waters.

Mildly acclimatized to the cold unfamiliar surroundings, we returned back in a cobalt starlit sky to our resort longing for the warmth of the rooms, but not before buying a bottle of cherry brandy.

The cold meanwhile had slithered into the blankets and mattresses, incongruously mixing with the sweet smell of fresh pinewood boarding. The brandy remained untouched as Thapa convincingly assured us about Tomba, the local beer and its excellent aftereffects of keeping the cold at bay. The millet fermented local affair served in a bamboo mug and sipped through, believe it or not, a bamboo straw, topped every few sips with a shot of warm water, was what it promised out to be. With the last topping toasted to the clear-weather-next-day; here I should audaciously add, the dimly lit prospects allowed me opportunity for one more topping of the potent poison, which I seized in haste without a wee knowledge of others; we retired into the pitch dark

night. And as we snuggled under layers of wool the drone of the 'Big Mountain' falls, like a lullaby stilling us into a deserving slumber.

Morning descended and I found myself under-weather. My unsocial topping last night left my head mildly dappled in the hangover. Salvation returned with cupfuls of 'masala chai' - tea spiced as usual in these parts.

No newspapers, no television, life seemed strife of civilization, but not without nature's poetry at its best.

Blue whistling thrushes sang their morning ode while we dined on greasy egg omelets in the kitchen-cum-café.

Cruising uphill past early morning blooms, towards the Yumthang valley, the tar veered through Singba sanctuary abundant with exotic rhododendrons and poppies.

About 24km from Lachung, the alpine meadows of Yumthang, rightfully named as the 'valley of flowers' was luxuriating in colorful ground flora.

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And then the valley opened up. Tall pine trees hemmed the upper ridges silhouetted against the azure sky. In vain, the sun dodged its way through tufts of dense clouds, which seem in no hurry to let its warmth onto the cold expanse. His bourgeois existence was overshadowed by the large masses of impeded clouds, driven by the westerlies to as far and cornered by the high Himalayas.

Against the blue canopy, these tufts lay suspended eternally as the mild wind chiseled them into amorphous amassing.

Children squinted and judged them into delightful shapes Donald Duck's face, a Chef's hat, a hazy steamer. And as they fancied their imaginations, they realized they had one more to cheer on - the fascination of exhaled breath issuing out in crisp white puffs and dispersing into nowhere.

The wilderness felt mystic and disconnected; the pace of the vastness languished under the sun. This was a wonderland, and we felt like little Alices, lost and displaced from existence. The only connections to the sanity of the urban realms were the neat range of four-wheeled-drive jeeps along the road, their fenders ornamented with a large painted 'N', endorsing their North Sikkim permit. Without a care in the world, a pair of yaks lazily grazed on the other side of the stream. The budding tributary of the Teesta flowed in a caressed murmur down the meadow. Distantly north and certainly heavenwards, the stream appeared to be trickling from between two perfected peaks wrapped in water borne clouds.

Along the other bank, Tibetan flags, their colors representing the five elements, fluttered with life. A lone pair of enlightened eyes, Nima pointed out atop the Chorten, indifferently watched

the tranquil spectacle. Chortens containing the Buddhist relics are found all over the Himalayan passes; these are depictions of the Buddha's worldly philosophy to foster harmony and peace in the region. Over the meditative eyes the spire tiered upwards culminating in the union of sun and the crescent, signifying the state of super consciousness, the 'Nirvana', Buddha's ultimatum.

The visit to Yumtang valley is not complete without a cursory stopover at the natural hot water springs. And so, after soaking in the solitude of the Yumthang River, we crossed a weathered and peeling bridge (fluttering with more flags) to experience the curative powers of the sulphur springs. The flags across the bridge, we were told, were to appease the rivers off their destructive powers. On approaching the pine shack, a sharp smell of sulphur tinged our noses. Once inside we were enveloped in warmth, the odor mingled with the rising steam from the murky surface, as we all gently let our cold-smitten legs into the tepid spring. Our pampering complete with the nature's offering, we had lived our moments, preciously recounted as we headed back to Lachung and the urban existence beyond.

Kumar Mangwani has been steeped in photography since 15 years. He has regularly submitted his works for competitions and exhibitions, and his travel articles have been featured in for Discover India magazine, Asian Age newspaper as well as India Today. kmangwani@gmail.com, kmangwani@vsnl.net

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The Truth about Valentine ... The Funnies The Origin of Valentine Day: In spite of what you have been told by everyone, the truth is that Valentine's Day originated hundreds of years ago, in India, and to top it all, in the state of Sindh!!! It is a well known fact that Sindhi men, specially the XYZANIs, continually mistreat and disrespect their wives, Kunwars (Zaloon).

One fine day, it happened to be the 14th day of February, one brave Sindhiyani, having had enough "torture" by her husband, finally chose to rebel by beating him up with a Velan (rolling pin to make chapattis or papads). Yes, the same Velan which she used daily, to make chapattis for him only this time, instead of the dough, it was the husband who was flattened. This was a momentous occasion for all Sindhi women and a revolt soon spread like wildfire, with thousands of housewives beating up their husbands with the Velan. There was an outburst of moaning "chapatti-ed" husbands all over Karachi , Shikarpur and Hyderabad.

The Sindhi menfolk quickly learnt their lesson and started to behave more respectfully with their Sindhiyanis. Thereafter, on 14th February every year, the womenfolk of Sindh would beat up their husbands, to commemorate that eventful day - the wives having the satisfaction of beating up their husbands with the Velan and the men having the supreme joy of submitting to the will of the women they loved. Soon the Sindhi men realized that in order to avoid this ordeal, they needed to present gifts to their wives so they brought flowers and sweets. This is how the tradition – VELAN TIME began.

As Sindh and the rest of India fell under the influence of Western culture, with Sindhis migrating world-

wide, the ritual soon spread to Britain and many other Western countries, specifically the catch words 'Velan time'!!!

In course of time and due to foreign tongues, this got anglicized to 'Velantime' and then finally to 'Valentine'. Thereafter, 14th of February came to be known as Valentine's Day and now you know the truth of how this came to be.

A Sindhi goes to restaurant: A Sindhi man goes to a restaurant to eat a meal as he is very hungry.

At the entrance, he finds two doors.

On the first door, it is labeled “Restaurant” and on the second door it is labeled “Bar”, so he goes through the door marked “Restaurant”.

After he enters, he again finds two doors - one is labeled “Indian food” and the other is labeled “Western Food”. So he chooses to go through the one labeled “Indian food”.

Once again, the man finds two doors, one labeled “Vegetarian” and the other labeled “Non-Veg.” Trying to keep his patience, he goes through the “Vegetarian” door.

AGAIN HE FINDS 2 DOORS - "VEG" AND "NON-VEG", HE GOES THROUGH "VEG" Finally, the man comes to two doors, this time one is labeled “Free Food” and the other is labeled “Paid food”.

Thinking that all his patience paid off, he smiles and goes through the door marked “Free Food”.

He finds himself out on the street through the back of the restaurant.2)

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Lifts the Leg: A Sindhi trucker had an accident and was admitted in the hospital.

The doctor tells him that he’s lost one of his legs which needs to be replaced with a dog’s leg. The Sindhi reluctantly agrees and the dog’s leg is then attached to him during a long surgery After a month the Sindhi comes back to the doctor for a check-up.

The doctor asks: “How’s the leg?”

The Sindhi says: “It’s fine, but for some reason I have an impulsive need to lift my leg every time I see a pole!”

The Smart Get-a-way: Four Sindhi girlfriends spend weeks planning the perfect girls getaway trip shopping, casinos, massages, facials.

Two days before the group is to leave, Shalini’s husband puts his foot down and tells her she isn't going. Shalini’s friends are very upset that she can't go anymore, but what can they do, right?

Two days later, the three get to the hotel and to their big surprise, they find Shalini sitting in the bar drinking a glass of wine.

"Wow! How long have you been here and how did you talk your husband into letting you come??"

"Well, I've been here since last night.

Yesterday evening I was sitting on the couch and my husband came up behind me and put his hands over my eyes and said 'Guess who?’

I pulled his hands off to see him wearing only his birthday suit. He took my hand and led me to our bedroom. The room was scented with perfume, had two dozen candles and rose petals all over. On the bed, he had handcuffs and ropes! He told me to tie and cuff him to the bed, and I did. And then he said, ‘Now, you can do whatever you want.’

Sooo... here I am!”

Insanity Humor

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THE COURT OF MAN LAW Bathroom Time

By Ajay Hotchandani

L

isten up ladies, banging on the bathroom door and yelling like a mad woman for a guy to hurry up has scientifically been proven to NOT increase the rate of peristalsis of the intestines leading to speedy evacuation of the bowels and you accessing the bathroom faster. No matter how much a guy is in love with a girl, he will need his “me time”. Part of that “me time” includes uninterrupted time in the bathroom, watching TV and other manly stuff.

Bathroom time is defined as “uninterrupted and distraction free time allotted for the occupation and use of the bathroom”. Uninterrupted and distraction free means that at no time while he is in the bathroom can she knock on the door, enter the bathroom, ask a question, request that an item be passed to her, occupy the bathroom, or yell at him for not opening the door.

The amount of time which is allotted as bathroom time cannot be less than 15 minutes or exceed 30 minutes.

Whatever needs to be done by most men can be done within a half hour time frame. If an extension of time is required, the proper documents must be filed with The Court of Man Law. As some residence may have more than one bathroom, the bathroom in question to which the time applies to is the bathroom where his hygiene items are located and he normally takes a shower. Relocating his products to another bathroom without his consent is punishable by loss of shopping budget for the month.

The court understands that an occasion may arise that is urgent in nature and that will require the guy to interrupt his designated bathroom time.

The situations that are urgent in nature that will be excused by The Court of Man Law are: • A member of the family needs to be driven to the hospital.

• Recognized medical conditions i.e.

Pregnancy only in 3rd trimester or diarrhea. This will be allowed, assuming there are no other bathrooms in the house or the patient has limited mobility.

PMS is not an acceptable medical condition to disrupt bathroom time.

• Law enforcement is requesting your presence.

• Impending disaster i.e. fire, hurricane, tornado, pizza guy is here and no one can get to the door.

Poor time management on her part does not constitute an emergency on his part.

Every girl is aware of the time they require to get ready for a social event and must plan accordingly.

At no time does he have to justify his actions in the bathroom. If he chooses to read on the toilet for 15 minutes, shower for 2 minutes, stare at himself for 3 minutes, and pick nose hairs while singing ‘the milkshake song’ for 5 minutes

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then he has the right to so as long as he is within the 30 minute time limit. She is not allowed to impose what she feels is a better use of his bathroom time, thereby shortening his bathroom time, and granting herself access to the bathroom faster. Attempting to impose her schedule can result in an additional 5 minutes added to his bathroom time.

Space within the confines of the bathroom will be distributed as follows: • Counter top – The guy cannot have more than 25% counter top space, and no guy should need more than 25% of the counter top.

• Bathtub/shower – A guy is allowed a maximum of four items. These four items can only be shampoo, conditioner (need to apply for permission), soap, and a rag or ‘faloufa’ sponge if you have liquid soap.

• Closet space – A guy will have 10% incase he needs to store extra shaving cream or items of such. Items such as towels and toilet paper are not included in the 10%.

Even if he can access and use the bathroom while she is in there over her time limit it is still considered a violation of Bathroom Time. She is considered to have fully vacated the bathroom when she no longer runs in to get anything or uses any of the facilities.

the 15 minutes and may even be done early. If he can complete seven days of bathroom time under 15 minutes he is off probation, if he doesn’t then his overall bathroom time will be reduced from a maximum of 30 minutes to 25 minutes for six months.

A girl does have the right to file a ‘I Can’t Believe My Man Takes This Long Complaint’ against her man. The ‘I Can’t Believe My Man Takes This Long Complaint’ states that, on average, he occupies the bathroom for a greater period than she does. An additional form ‘He Is Worse Than a Supermodel Complaint’ states that his lengthy grooming process is often the reason they are late to events.

If a ‘He Is Worse Than a Supermodel Complaint’ is filed he will be put on a probationary period. During this probationary period, he will be given only 15 minutes of bathroom time for the ‘3S’. In addition to the 15 minute bathroom limit, he will have 10 minutes to pick his wardrobe and get dressed. If the majority of time is spent on his hair, shave his head! If the majority of time is spent on picking out clothes, he will lose control over that right and the girl retains full control to dress her man! In addition, he will lose his man card for no less than one month.

If an ‘I Can’t Believe My Man Takes This Long Complaint’ is filed against a guy he will be put on Bathroom Time probation.

During this probationary period he will be given only 15 minutes of bathroom time to ‘3S’. Most regular guys will not exceed

As is often the case, when getting ready for an event she will use the bathroom first, so that when she is getting dressed and sticking pencils in her eyes, he can go to the bathroom during that period to use the time more efficiently. If she remains in the bathroom beyond the designated time frame, she will be tried in The Court of Man Law for violation of Bathroom Time.

The penalty issued will depend on the degree of excess time consumed. The list is as follows: Minutes over limit Penalty 5

Serve the guy one meal in bed

10

Foot massage while he eats his meal in bed

15

15 minute body massage after he eats his meal in bed

30

A favor to be determined by him

60

One “Get out of trouble” card (valid for one year)

Razor Clause – a girl is allowed to use his razor/blades only when they are traveling and she forgets her own. Using it any other time without prior consent is frowned upon and repeated offenses will result in a trip to the waxing salon.

Attempt to use the excuse “we shave for you guys” will result in a one month shaving restriction, during which point she will not be allowed to shave so she can come to the realization who she really shaves for. Yes, he may enjoy the benefits of you shaving, but girls shave regardless of whether or not they are in a relationship.\

Ajay Hotchandani currently practices medicine in Belize, Central America. If you have any questions, please contact him at ajay@nachwi.com (www.nachwi.com)

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Contemplated Patriotic

THOUGHTS

By Sachin Ramchandani, Pune

This is a poem I wrote because I'm tired of everyone being so distant in a country that’s supposed to be united. How is today different from when we first won our freedom? I'm sick of the differences people have created and I’m sick of the terror. I want back the days when I was ten years old in school and my best friends were Hussein, Terrance, Umair, Vishal and all the other possible names of people of different backgrounds. Where the difference between us was not whether or not we would grow a beard when we grew up, or where we would be praying or what kind of political party we would join in order to prove ourselves. The only difference used to be 'How much masti we'd do and how much they made me laugh'... This goes out to the victims of the Pune bomb blast.

My name is not Khan, My name is not Chauvan, I'm neither Hindu, Nor am I Musulman.

My family and life.

To be tainted by blood.

For and by some of the reasons, That should not even be heard.

But even in contrast, Must I not be important?

Am I not one out of 1.13 billion, Uniquely gotten?

Ethnic Cleansing is not a decision, To be taken by you!

First, start by being HUMAN!!

Then try by being TRUE!

Why must terms be dictated?

To how I must feel about another.

Why can't they just be the vision I recited in school?

Isn't it so that we're meant to be brothers?

MY RIGHT I REVOKED, TO CHOOSE MY FUTURE SAIL BOAT. AND WHEN THE STORM CAME DOWN, I SANK WITH MY 'VOTE'.

Minus the facial hair, And minus the paint.

The difference between us, is extremely faint.

Today I Wrestle.

With the difference I see!

'Jai Hind'? I think.

To be or not to be.

I love my country as I'm sure everyone else reading this does as well. Did it take only five decades to make us too fickle-minded and selfish? Remember your roots... days when you didn't have to worry about who or what the opposite person was. You were comforted just by knowing he was one of you! BE AN INDIAN IN THE TRUE SENSE OF THE WORD, OR DON'T BE ONE AT ALL!

Bomb Blast in Pune In a major terror strike after the November 26, 2008 carnage in Mumbai, nine persons including four foreigners, all women, were killed and over 40 injured in a bomb blast which ravaged the famous German Bakery on North Main Avenue in Pune’s Koregaon Park near the Osho Ashram around 7.30 p.m. on Saturday.

Unofficial figures put the number of injured at 50.

Initially the police said it was a gas cylinder blast, but the explosion is now suspected to be an improvised explosive device (IED) using an ammonium nitrate fuel oil mix, with RDX as a booster, police sources said. About 7 kg explosives may have been used. The bodies were charred beyond recognition. Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said preliminary reports indicated that it was a bomb blast.

Soon after the blast, an unidentified bag was found in an autorickshaw. It contained 7 kg of explosives.

Source - The Hindu

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Munjhal Aaye?

Ask Nicky & Neetu!

Q:

Dear Nicky and Neetu, I am a 32 year old Sindhi man living in Canada. I have been married now for six months, and it was a love-cum-arranged marriage. Shortly after we got married, my wife and I met a really nice woman who became our common friend. The problem is, I met up with this friend a few times during the day while my wife is at home, and there is chemistry between us so we grew close. I am now in a relationship with this woman. I love my wife very much but I know I am cheating on her.

I don't know what to do - if she were to find out, she won't hesitate to pack her bags and go back to her parents but I want to avoid this because our families are very close friends and this would not be good for them. Now my girlfriend is asking me to leave my wife and marry her instead. I am torn by my heart's desire and what my mind says is correct. Please advise. ~ Torn, Toronto

A:

Dear Cheating Scum Bag,

I don’t even know how to respond to your question, except that you are just plain STUPID. It is your own fault for getting an arranged marriage in the first place. You are 32 years old, you should be grown up enough to make your own decisions. Why did you get married if you were not sure that you would stay with this girl forever? Personally I think that your wife deserves better. It appalls me that you are already cheating on her after 6 months. Again I think you are STUPID if you think you can hide this from your wife. She will find out eventually and trust me it will be a lot worse for both of your families than if you are just upfront about the whole situation. I think you should do both of yourselves a favor and just divorce her now before you have children. Things will only get worse between you and not better. As for your girlfriend, I would also take a look at whether or not you want to be with someone that would cheat with her so called “friend’s” husband. Not to mention that you would be STUPID for jumping into another relationship so fast after leaving your wife. ~ NEETU

Dear Torn, Hahahahaha, I just love how people can be so ridiculously ridiculous and get themselves into situations that just make it so much fun for me to read. Listen, I can tell you that ‘oh it’s ok, go get your groove on,’ but I have a better suggestion.

Instead, why not have your cake and eat it too? Stay with your wife and get jiggy with your friend. Come on! It’s not like you haven’t thought about that already. I’m just saying what’s on your mind. YOU CAN DOOOO IT! Dumb*ss! What the hell ever happened to a man committing to his relationship? You have not one bad thing to say about your wife. You say you love her! I don’t believe that. Be a man, dude. When you commit to something, you should rightly see it through.

Only when everything else is lost and you know there is nothing you can do to fix it is when you call it quits. Till then, stay in your damn marriage. Love your wife like you say you do. Your girlfriend is the kind of person who is instigating you to break something good. Is that the kind of person you want to be with? Stop thinking from your nads! Whatever you decide make sure you do not use your nads to do the thinking for you. ~ Nicky

When you c o m m i t to something, you should rightly see it through. Only when there is n o t h i n g that you can do to f i x it is when you call it q u i t s .

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Q:

Dear Nicky & Neetu, I am 26 years old now and live in Pune. When I was 20 years old, I had a relationship with a guy. I never intended to have sex with him but as I was deeply in love with him, it just happened one day and we did it only once. A year later when I was 21 we broke apart when I got to know he was only with me for dating purposes. Now my family is planning for my marriage, and in our culture the bride and groom must be virgin. I'm not sure whether I am or not but my future husband is a virgin. He loves me alot and he wants every thing after marriage, so I'm very scared, what shall I do now? If I tell him the story I will lose him which I dont want. I want to start my life afresh. I like my future husband too and I want to know if I dont tell him about my past relation, will he get to know in any way whether I'm a virgin or not? Please help me. ~ Purged, Pune

A:

Dear Virgin,

LIE, LIE, AND LIE SOME MORE! Get married and on your wedding night when you do it with your husband, blame his small ‘hakuna matata’ and get him to buy you some ‘fun toys’ instead. Yeah, yeah stop dreaming! All you women think only about sex, sex, and more sex now. HAHAHAHA ok, ok, I’m cracking myself up too much. I don’t think he will find out. Just make it sound like you are in a lot of pain when you’ll do it. Listen, this guy you are getting married to, is your present and your future. He has nothing to do with your past. Take it from a man who listens to a lot of people.

Most Indian men still cannot handle the fact that they were not the first man with their wife. It’s not about what’s right or wrong. This is your life and the only person who is the judge is you! And me of course! ~Nicky

Q:

Dear Like A Virgin, Wow a sex question in Beyond Sindh Magazine, this is a first. Let me answer this as straight forward as I can without shocking any of the “older” readers. This is the year 2010 and as crazy as this may sound, a lot of girls (yes, even Sindhi girls) have sex before they are married. I think you should be honest with your future husband. Somehow the skeletons in the closet have a way of resurfacing when you least expect it and it is better to get things out in the open at the start. If this guy really loves you, then he will understand and still want to be with you. If he doesn’t understand, then maybe it wasn’t meant to be. Additionally, if he has a problem with you having pre-marital sex, tell him to go have sex with someone before you get married, then you both will be equal. But to answer your question, without going into graphic details (if you want details just Google it), since you only had sex one time (or so you say), about 6 years ago, your husband will still think that you are a virgin (especially since he has never had sex) because you will still be tight and will more than likely still have break-through bleeding. Good luck. ~ NEETU

Dear Nicky & Neetu, I have a small online business so I work at home. I have a wife, a lovely 1.5 year old daughter and I love them very much. As our new home is bigger, my wife struggle with house chores all day although I help by feeding and bathing our daughter. Her constant negativity is driving me nuts. She says she's the only one doing all the labor at home and that I don't show any care for her. I already have my business and daughter to worry about, and I only have 2-3 hours to manage my business every day and financially, it's not doing well yet. I have a very independent personality and I expect my wife to be strong during this hardship but she's threatening a divorce and full custody of our daughter. I still love her very much but no matter what I do or say, she does not feel content. If it really comes to a divorce, I don't want to lose my daughter. What should I do? ~ Starting up, San Francisco

A:

Dear Wanna-be Father of the Year,

Let me get this straight, all you do to help your wife with your daughter is “bathe” and “feed” her. Would you like a gold star for helping out? What about all the other things relating to your daughter, like entertaining her for 10 hours a day?

Realistically speaking, bathing and feeding your daughter should take a maximum of 2 hours a day your time (assuming you feed her 3 times a day with one snack). You indicated that you only have 2 to 3 hours a day to manage your business a day. What do you spend the rest of your time doing? It seems like you are using your wife and child as an escape goat for your failing business.

But to answer your question, I do not think that your wife is seriously considering divorce. I am sure the thought might have crossed her mind in anger, but it is more out of frustration then her lack of love. Having an 18 month old is no easy task. Being a stay-at-home mom is a very underrated position. I am sure your wife feels like you don’t understand her. Not to mention, the fact that you are always at home and not helping her out with the chores and daughter must drive her insane (yes, I know you think you do a lot, but you don’t). Maybe you should try and speak to her tell her you understand what she is going through, but also explain to her that the business is failing and that you are also currently preoccupied. Tell her that you will try to help out more. If you are unable to help out, maybe you can hire someone to help with the housework once a week. If that is not a plausible with your current financial situation, then maybe you should not use all the rooms in the house, hence the cleaning will be less. Do not fret – divorce is not a reality at this point. ~ NEETU

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Dear Nicky & Neetu, I'm a freshman in high school who has trouble making friends. My grades are good.

I'm learning how to play a musical instrument, and I think I'm a nice guy. My problem is that I've been noticing that many of my schoolmates judge others by their possessions -- cell phones, iPhone or iPod, laptop, even the type of headphones etc. It matters what brand of clothing you wear and how much money you have. If you don't have those things or your parents aren't rich, you're treated as a loser and not worth their time. Character or talent doesn't matter, apparently -- only money. This has started affecting my self-esteem because my family cannot afford much of these things. What do you advise? ~ Middle-class, Hong Kong

Q: A:

Dear Freshman,

You are never going to be happy if you keep comparing yourself to other people. These kids are just showing off with their Daddy’s money, which is a common with rich brats. I know high school seems like it will go on forever, but just look towards the future. Study hard and try to make something of yourself. Brains matter more than material things. True wealth is not measured with money. Money will come and go (those who are rich today, may be paupers tomorrow). It is intelligence and character that will get you far in life. I know high school can be tough place, but it is only four years. Once you are away at college, high school will be a distant memory. I will let you in on a secret, most rich kids think that they can just get by with money alone (and yes, some do), but most drop out of college and just end up being losers in real life. These people just keep reminiscing about the good ole’ high school days. There is much more to life than high school (honestly speaking…I only vaguely remember high school….college, law school and real life are much more vivid in my mind). Just hang in there. Freshman year is tough for most kids.

In the days to come, you will make friends that are more like yourself and I am sure things will start getting better. ~ NEETU

Do not submit to feeling like a l o s e r just because p e o p l e think it’s more important to live your life feeling rich rather than feeling n i c e .

A:

Dear New Businessman,

Dear Kid, Okay, now it’s imperative that you listen and do exactly as I say. Go to school. Then find the sleaziest guy there with long hair and someone who looks like he has killed a man.

Then try and be his friend. Once he lets you into his friends’ circle, find out who his weed supplier is and start peddling drugs and make so much money that by the time you are 20 you will have all the latest cell phones, cars, laptops, etc. Watch the movie “Scarface” for more info.

Then who will laugh!?! Ok, ok, I do hope you know I am just kidding. I don’t want you in a courtroom a few years down the line showing this to the judge and telling him I told you to do this.

Getting down to real business, these people will always be this way. They make their lives revolve all around the fact that they have money. These people usually have no substance and are no fun to hang out with.

Let them treat you however they want. Do not submit to feeling like a loser just because they think it’s more important to live your life feeling rich rather than feeling nice.

These people will never truly have real friends because everything they do or everyone they meet will be judged on the sole purpose of how much it will cost. That shouldn’t stop you from owning an ipod or a cell phone. Get a part-time job and earn them yourself. I assure you that even if you get one-tenth of what they have, yours will mean 10 times as more. ~Nicky

WHAT THE HELL MAN! You guys are making me soft! I need people who are stupid so that I can be sarcastic and make fun of. Instead, here I am feeling sorry for some sad sap who loves his damn kids. WHERE DID ALL THE DERANGED PEOPLE GO?? About your wife, a whiner will always be a whiner! I know it’s a long shot but you need to step up and tell your wife to shut the hell up. The worst thing is living a life in fear. You have enough to deal with as it is with your struggling business and maintaining this devil woman you call your wife. She has stopped looking at you as a man and started seeing you as a woman she can complain and whine to.

We men should work and come home to a clean house with a hot meal and a naked wife dying to pleasure her man since it’s so hard to find a maid like that (except of course, in Mexico where everyone looks like Salma Hayek or so it seems in my head). Look, you need to explain to your wife nicely but firmly that this is the situation and she needs to learn to deal with it. Tell her you need to get time to work because as a man you want to provide her with the best she can get, be it a larger house or a maid to help her maintain it. You cannot possibly do both. Each person should have their fair share of responsibility. I’m sure you seem like a nice man and would breastfeed your kids if you could. But you can’t, man! She cannot keep this up. You need to reason with her and do your part in the housework as well. You just have to deal with it. Take her out more so she does Nicky & Neetu not feel cramped in the house. Good luck with the breast-feeding Rm 4A Hart House thing. ~Nicky 12-14 Hart Avenue T.S.T, Kowloon, Hong Kong Need advice for your problems? Write to: info@beyondsindh.com

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e s

r u s

Suppress your urges to be selfish, obstinate and impulsive and you will achieve success with the cooperation and support of your workmates and friends. Work is hectic and some events may cause confusion and chaos at workplace. Listen to your higher instincts and intuition and you will sail through unscathed. Your charm and compassion will win friends who will support your financial projects.

Relationships are blissful but you need to get out and about, form new contacts and look out for new horizons and opportunities. Avoid arguments with loved ones: a candle-lit dinner and a box of chocolates will win heart. Safeguard against anxiety and stress.

The cosmos brings out your emotional and philosophical nature and you consider pampering yourself, improving your image and change of lifestyle. Your planetary ruler Venus, the love goddess empowers you with sensuality and magnetism and people will vie with each other for your company. Relationships have caused you anxiety and stress but now with your charm, persuasion and sweet smile you can smooth out the differences. Opportunities for promotion and new job exist at workplace - take advantage of the beneficial planetary configuration. Your inclination to pleasure, social events and outings mean that you are ignoring your workload. Exciting news arrives in the last week of March.

e

l e o

You are in a pleasure and fun mode early in the month and the cold weather or work commitments do not deter you.

Relationships remain stable and if you are sincere, compassionate and considerate, you will be able to muster support for your projects. This is ideal time to reassess and re-evaluate your goals and aspirations. You career is destined to spiral this year, with new opportunities and openings for progress and success.

Financial success and real estate investments cheer you up but if you are buying/selling property, get a second opinion before accepting any offers and signing on the dotted line. Social status, reputation, love and romance make it a memorable period.

i r g 0

r The mist surrounding your career/business and finances is now beginning to clear. You are still on some slippery ground but the confusion will soon give way to brighter future, more cash flow and personal security. Your energy and charisma soar and your charm and diplomacy could conquer many hearts.

Creative, educational, children’s and legal affairs, are best handled after 20 March. Positive opportunities for investments and property arrive now. You have a strong urge to travel change of life style and possibly to relocate. Far travel, long distance friends and unexpected visitors spice up your life. Avoid hasty and impulsive decisions.

n

v july 24-aug 23

c

june 22-july 23

n

i

i

c a

m

may 21-june 21

i

u

e

aug 24-sept 23

r

a

g apr 21-may 20

a

mar 21-apr 20

t

As the New Year dawns, you are having fun and frolic – it is a sign that you are going to have a fun filled 2010 with success and achievements. The mechanical breakdowns, computer glitches or missing e-mails and phone calls have plagued you for past few months but now the tide turns in your favour and all the pieces of jigsaw fall into place. Work remains hectic but be vigilant and concentrate on minor details. Relationships are intense and loved one remains edgy and irritating. Overseas contacts, business contracts and far travel are on your mind. You yearn to relocate to warmer climes.

Your energy and charisma soar now and your charm and magnetism help you to resolve many a relationships and love issues. Others offer you some seemingly lucrative schemes –do not commit your hard earned cash or you will regret later.

The cosmos provides you with heaps of opportunities to further your career, enhance your income but you need to be bold to grab them. Confusion and obstructions in your financial affairs begin to disappear this March. You met someone pretty and seductive in January. 2010 will bring opportunities for marriage (for singles), business partnership and far travel. Watch your diet and avoid junk food.

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r a

o r p i o

This quarter is time to go out and about, to reevaluate, reassess and chalk out a new course of life for you. You have fantastic ideas to enhance your cash flow, but research and consult experts before you take a plunge. March is all about freedom, self expression and taking control of your affairs. Your energy, charisma and optimism empower you to secure new business and financial contracts but read carefully through the small print and consult your partner, before you sign on the dotted line. Some confusion and glitch in the office disappoint you but bosses come to your rescue. Exciting financial news arrives.

You wish for changes in your career, working hours to suit you in domestic responsibilities and child care. Your projects and financial plans have been stalled for last few months but now the benefic planets give you a push forward.

Listen to your inner voice and follow your intuition when dealing with bosses, authorities and trying to clinch a contract. Finances will be in abundance this year and you will have Midas touch. Love life picks up, but you will have to entertain and flatter your loved one, be honest, open and sincere and you will have a pleasurable and blissful life.

a q u a r i u s

2010 is extremely fortunate for you and you get a glimpse of this lucky streak early in January. Your planetary ruler Jupiter is retrograde in your own sign all March causing ups and downs in your professional life. A surge of positive energy keeps you buoyant all the month.

Romantic encounters are aplenty both at the office parties or social gatherings.

The past confusion in family and domestic affairs now disappears and you can safely implement changes. Avoid speculative activities, overindulgence and late nights. Safe guard your valuables and possessions.

Financial situation improves and you may be tempted to invest in real estate.

p jan 21-feb 19

c a p r i c o r n

dec 23-jan 20

You had your fair share of fun, Christmas parties and New Year outings but it is back to work after the festive season.

February and March will be very hectic at work but if you work in cohesion and cooperation of workmates, you should be able to finish off your tasks before schedule. Communicate with oversea relatives but avoid arguments or squabbles with siblings. Your planetary ruler, Venus the love goddess brings love and romance to the fore for all Librans. Changes to personal relationships are imminent. You need to devote more time to your family and loved ones. Travel disruptions occur mid March. Consider general medical checkup.

s a g i t t a r i u s

As the New Year dawns, you feel tired, exhausted and run out. You need rest, relaxation and catch up on your sleep.

Avoid outbursts, rash actions and impatience in professional and personal relationships. It is a very fortunate period for finances, personal possessions, family security and legal affairs. Sweeping changes happen at work place in March.

Tackle finances, legal matters and property issues, make new contacts, communications with authorities to sort out loan/mortgage. Relationships have been intense, tricky and confused but now you are able to win back your partner. Travelling for work, locally and overseas is imminent.

Overall it is a stupendous period.

i s c e

feb 20-mar 20

b

c

oct 23-nov 22

i

sept 24-oct 22

s l

nov 23-dec 22

BSM 73

s Property matters which have been on hold now move forward and if you have been planning to relocate, your wishes will come true this year. Tackle relationships problems in February and all the latent issues can be resolved satisfactorily. March is an excellent time to spread your wings, widen your horizon and push forward with confidence to achieve your goals. Your career prospects and financial situation are destined to improve, from mid-month onwards. A close friend supports and helps you in resolving an outstanding family issue. Romance comes gift wrapped and you are swayed off your feet. Is this the start of a long term relationship?

Acharya Surinder Gautama has been offering Astrology Consultations based on Vedic Astrology also known as Hindu Astrology that evolved in India about 4000 years before. Vedic Astrology helps us to understand life purpose and making right decisions about career, finances, relationships spiritual growth etc. He maintains his own website www.gurukaun.com which is regularly updated with Weekly/Monthly horoscopes. Also a Gem Therapist and Counsellor he writes Horoscopes columns for periodicals. Acharya Surendra Gautama E-mail: guru@gurukaun.com Tel:+44-750981198

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3/9/2010

12:51 AM

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Sindhi Crossword Challenge your vocab power!

batali dabo rumal kuro khandu gulu mainbati photo butu jorab kitabu pairu hatha kana kursi chai lunr Across 4. He has a very big ___ - he was eavesdropping our conversation the whole time.

5. I have the smallest ______ in my family.

6. It is bad luck to spill ____ - to counter it, you need to toss it over your right shoulder.

9. He proposed to me by decorating my living room with rose petals on the floor and _____ all around.

10. Chandru Bhojwani just published a _______.

12. It is freezing outside today - better wear _____ with your shoes.

13. I like to make _____ for my father every morning to start his day.

Name Five Popular Cities in Sindh 1.__________________ 2.__________________ 3.__________________ 4.__________________ 5.__________________

Down 1. One sign that a couple is in love - when they walk and hold ____.

2. Every ______ has a thorn but it doesn’t make it any less beautiful.

3. “Pass me that _____ bottle of Coca Cola, I am very thirsty.”

4. “_____,_____, Pants on Fire!”

7. She was crying so much so a kind gentleman nearby offered her his _____.

8. It is not good to eat too much of this otherwise you will gain weight.

10. Our dining table has six _____ around the table for each member in my family.

11. “I bought some expensive _____ today, it looks fantastic and I can’t wait to wear it for my date tonight!”

Circle the ODD one out!

1. Dadur

Nangu

2. Hathi

Kuto

3. Soof

Naaspati

4. Kanto

Chumcho

5. Kaghar

Karo

Waagoo Bili

Kadu Thailo

Amb Thali Kalamou

Suntro Kapu Kitabou

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