Desi Express Magazine November 2014

PUBLISHER Shamroze Enterprises Inc.

CEO / EDITOR‐IN‐CHIEF S. Lalani, (404-246-3256) sblalani@yahoo.com

DESIGN / LAYOUT Rozina Gadhiya

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Afzal Mithwani Akbar Kassam Chugh Firm Renuka Deshpande Smita Daftardar Indo-Asian News Service

CONTRIBUTING IMAGES/PHOTOGRAPHS Photography By Vinod Shutterstock

DISCLAIMER Shamroze Enterprises Inc and/or Desi Express, reserves the right to refuse advertisements for any reason. All prices of advertisement are subject to change and on availability. The publishers of this magazine assume no responsibility for statements made by their advertisers, nor do they assume responsibility for statements/opinions expressed or implied in the columns/articles of the magazine.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the permission from Shamroze Enterprises Inc, Advertising copy, logos, photos, and artwork appearing in the advertisements are the sole responsibility of individual advertisers, not of Shamroze Enterprises Inc/Desi Express Magazine. All editorial photos are licensed under their respective owners.

DESI EXPRESS MAGAZINE For Advertising in Desi Express

Call : (404) 246‐3256; (404) 644‐5893

Fax: (866) 635‐5804 Email : desiexpress@ymail.com www.desiexpressusa.com

P.O. Box 930531, Norcross, GA 30093 06

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contents Health & Fitness: Stay‐ ing Fit a Necessity … 12

The Traveler: Drive through Melbourne … 14

Immigration News : Chugh Law Firm … 18

PERSONAL FINANCE: Health Care … 20

FINANCIAL NEWS: Right Time to Retire … 28

The Foodie: Eat berries to live merry … 30

AROUND TOWN: Global Mall Mela 2014 … 34

AROUND TOWN: VHPA Diwali celebration … 40

AROUND TOWN: Wholesale Xpress … 42

CHAI LOUNGE: Obama celebrates Diwali … 46

ADVERTISE WITH US ASK FOR MATCH / BEAT PRICE 404-246-3256 DISCLAIMER

MOVIE BUZZ: releasing Nov 7, 2014 … 52

ASTROLOGY: KNOW YOUR FORCASTS … 56

The “DESI EXPRESS” name and logo are registered trademarks and properties of Shamroze Enterprises Inc. Unless we’ve given you prior written consent, you can’t use any of the logos any where on your project, website, advertising material, community events, video or any other publications. Even after written consent of usage of our logo on your project does not mean that we endorse your Project. Logos cannot be changed or altered under any circumstances.

HEALTH & FITNESS YOGA, gym, aerobics, dance people are now going beyond the ‘usual’ to keep themselves mentally and physically fit.

Well, every woman wants to stay fit, healthy and look sexy. But many don’t understand the right work out routine for their age.

Read on to know more..

By Shilpa Bansal

Be it a college student, working professional or a home-maker; there is no doubt that women today are becoming very health conscious and understand that they have to workout regularly to stay fit. But women in different age groups need to follow a routine that is specific to them says Chandra Gopalan, director, Contours Fitness Studio. “Exercise is an activity that gets your heart pumping, expands your lungs and burns calories.

Exercises for teens

Exercise can be divided into light, moderate and vigorous. Light exercise is any activity that does not get you out of breath. Moderate exercise are activities like brisk walking, moderate cycling or jogging that makes you feel slightly out of breath, but you can still carry on a conversation. There are a few people who may not be able to do it comfortably. Vigorous exercise burns the most calories and is the most strenuous.

Vigorous activities include running or weight training.

Hence, every women in any age group can perform some level of exercise,” says Chandra, who also suggests a few workout routines for these women.

Women in this group are more focused on fitness and health. Circuit training is a great form of exercise as it combines strength training with cardio activities. As we age, we lose muscle mass, hence strength training is very essential to restore the lean muscle mass. This is instrumental in boosting the slowing metabolism.

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Teens have to focus on body shaping and body sculpting exercises. These exercises are done after 20-30 minutes of cardio activity on cardio machines like tread mills, cross trainers and stationery bikes. Body shaping exercises isolate a muscle and work on it.

This not only strengthens the muscle but also reduces inches in the area to give it a great shape.

Exercises for middle-aged women

Exercises for older women Women here need to focus on health. Exercise helps normalize blood pressure, sugar levels, helps overcome arthritis and osteoporosis. It is a great stress buster and helps them overcome depression, which is prevalent at an older age. Light cardio and strength training are recommended.

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THE TRAVELER

Start your Australian holiday in Melbourne, a city surrounded by nature and a Mecca for sports fans, foodies and art lovers alike. Explore this vibrant city before you hit the road to experience Victoria’s vast and diverse natural attractions.

Drive down the stunning Great Ocean Road, experience Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade, relax at the Healesville Sanctuary in the Yarra Valley, ride aboard the Puffing Billy Steam Railway as it travels across the Dandenong Ranges From thrilling world class events and renowned architecture, to café-lined streetscapes and verdant parklands, there’s always something new and magical to discover in Melbourne.

Victoria’s capital, Melbourne, sits on the Yarra River and around the shores of Port Phillip Bay. Known as the capital of fashion and coffee, the home of art and culture, and the sports hub of Australia, there is little that Melbourne doesn’t do.

Melbourne is a natural starting and finishing point for your self-drive journey through some of Victoria’s unique, enchanting and varied landscapes. Experience the romance and exhilaration of a drive down the

Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives boasting of a breathtaking stretch of astonishing seascapes, magical forest and sprawling farmlands. Take in highlights like the spectacular Otway Ranges, famous Bells Beach, the dramatic rock formation of the Twelve Apostles on the Shipwreck Coast, and the excitement and heritage of the gold rush in Ballarat.

From world famous wines to fabulously fresh food and breathtaking scenery, the hills of Yarra Valley are a charming experience. Catch the sunrise on a Hot Air Balloon ride floating gently above rolling vineyards for that top of the world feeling. The Puffing Billy Steam Railway, Australia’s favorite steam train and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world operating since 1900, winds through the beautiful Dandenongs and offers a unique travel and dining experience.

Just 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island is renowned for its penguin parade, wildlife, surf beaches and motorcycle racing. Each night at sunset see the world’s smallest penguins waddle ashore to their sand dune burrows at Summerland Beach. From the Nobbies, see thousands of fur seals, see koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre, or tour the Grand Prix circuit.

At Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolates, see a chocolate waterfall or create your own chocolate bar!

Drive along the coastline with cliff top mansions, Mediterranean jewel-like bays, rugged surf beaches and lush bush land. It offers fabulous winery experiences, golfing, wildlife and adventure opportunities. Victoria offers you the best of Australia’s natural attractions, coastal scenery, history and heritage – all in a flexible, compact touring package.

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IMMIGRATION NEWS

Chugh Firm Attorneys At Law 1-800-248-4485 info@chugh.com www.chugh.com Be Aware! Abandonment of Adjustment of Status (I-485) Applications due to travel during the period of pending application

Fees that will decrease are not refundable. If you paid a visa fee before September 12, 2014 and that fee decreased, you will not get a refund.

Adjustment applicants should be aware that certain actions taken during the period that their applications are pending may lead USCIS to believe that they have abandoned their applications and lead to a denial. One such activity involves traveling outside of the United States before obtaining Advance Parole, but there are certain exceptions for H-1B L-1 visa holders. The same applies to the dependents of these visa holders. An H or L visa status holder who travels outside of the United States during the pendency of his Adjustment of Status application without seeking Advance Parole is not deemed to have abandoned the Adjustment application if all of the following conditions are met:  The person is in a valid H or L visa status at the time of applying for AOS and at the time of leaving the United States;  The person is returning to the U.S. to resume employment with the same authorized (H or L visa) petitioning employer; and The person is in possession of a valid H or L visa at the time of entering into the U.S.

Fees that will increase (non-immigrant fees only): Visa fees paid will be accepted 90 days after the new fees go into effect, as follows:

CHANGES IN U.S. CONSULAR FEES Non-immigrant and immigrant visa application fees for certain visa categories have changed effective September 12, 2014. The fees for most non-immigrant visa applications and Border Crossing Cards have increased, while all immigrant visa application fees have decreased. All visa applicants must pay the fee amounts in effect on the day they pay, with the exception of Immigrant Visa application processing fees paid domestically to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will be effective as of the date of billing.

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

If you paid your visa fee before September 12, 2014, and your visa interview is on or before December 11, 2014, you do not have to pay the difference between the new and old fee amounts.



If you paid your visa fee before September 12, 2014, and your visa interview is on or after December 12, 2014, you will be required to pay the difference between the old and new fee amounts - no exceptions.

H-1B and L-1 visa fees will not be affected.

NEWS FROM CONSULATE GENERAL, INDIA Starting May 21, 2014, Applications related to OCI, PIO, Visa and Renunciation Certificate application processing will be handled by Cox & Kings Global Services (CKGS).

Processing of Indian Passport applications are still handled

by M/S BLS International.

Please contact BLS International Services Ltd. Atlanta, GA at: http://www.passport.blsindia-usa.com/ or Email: atlanta@blsgroup.in Passport Helpline #: +1-7733-581-742.

Please contact Cox & Kings Global Services at: www.in.ckgs.us Or Email: postal.atl@ckgs.com; enquiriesusa@ckgs.com Phone #: 516-206-1483 / 646-589-0088

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PERSONAL FINANCE

If you have fewer than 25 employees, you may qualify for the Small Business Tax Credit (see next section). Non-profit organizations may be eligible for the tax credit as well.

Health Care Tax Credit

Whether you're self-employed or run a small business, here's a quick look at what you need to know about the Affordable Care Act.

Self-Employed If you run an income-generating business with no employees, then you're considered self-employed.

You can get coverage through the Healthcare Marketplace and use it to find coverage that fits your needs.

Note: You are still considered selfemployed even if you hire independent contractors to do work for you.

If you currently have individual insurance--a plan you bought yourself and not the kind you get through an employer--you may be able to change to a Marketplace plan.

Note: You can't be denied coverage or charged more because you have a pre-existing health condition.

Small Businesses (50 or Fewer Employees) If you have 50 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) AFZAL MITHWANI CPA, EA, PFS (P) 770-817-7000

Small businesses and tax-exempt organization that employ 25 or fewer, full-time equivalent workers with txking / Shutterstock.com average incomes of $51,000 or less (adjusted annually for inflation), and that pay at least half (50 percent) of the employees (generally, workers whose premiums for employee health insurance income you report on a W-2 at the end coverage are eligible for the Small of the year) you are considered a small Business Health Care Tax Credit. business under the health care law.

As a small business, you may get insurance for yourself and your employees through the SHOP (Small Business Health Options Programs) Marketplace. This applies to non-profit organizations as well.

Note: Beginning in 2016, the SHOP Marketplace will be open to employers with 100 or fewer FTEs. As an employer, you must provide notification to your employees of coverage options available through the Marketplace and are required to provide this notice to all current employees and to each new employee regardless of plan enrollment status or full or part-time employment. The Department of Labor has sample notices that employers can use to comply with this regulation. One notice is for employers who do not offer a health care plan and the second for employers who offer a health care plan.

Starting in 2014, the tax credit is worth up to 50 percent of your contribution toward employees' premium costs (up to 3 percent for tax-exempt employers). The tax credit is highest for companies with fewer than 10 employees who are paid an average of $25,000 or less. The smaller the business, the bigger the credit is.

For tax years 2010 through 2013, the maximum credit was 35 percent for small business employers and 25 percent for small tax-exempt employers such as charities. Businesses that have already filed and later find that they qualified in 2013 or an earlier year can still claim the credit by filing an amended return for the affected years. A three-year statute of limitations normally applies to these refund claims.

Note: The credit is available only if you get coverage through the SHOP Marketplace and is available to eligible employers for two consecutive taxable years. * Read complete article on www.desiexpressusa.com

No Rendering of Advice : The information contained within this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for obtaining accounting, tax, or financial advice from a professional accountant. Information presented does not intended to create, and does not constitute, an accountant-client relationship. Readers are advised not to act upon this information without seeking the service of a professional accountant. Any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this article is not intended to be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties under U.S. federal tax law.

Accuracy of Information : While we use reasonable efforts to furnish accurate and up-to-date information, we do not warrant that any information contained in or made available through this article is accurate, complete, reliable, current or error-free. We assume no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content of this article.

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ONE ON ONE Music Director, Composer and Singer Salim Merchant was interviewed live on DESI RADIO at 1100 AM by none other than the Editor-In-Chief and founder of Desi Express Magazine, he is also the founder of Desi Radio Mr. Shamsuddin Lalani. They both discussed the upcoming USACanada Diwali concert of the musical duo Salim-Sulaiman, also known as the Sufi Merchants.

LIVE Concert USA‐Canada Diwali Tour ‐ November 15, 2014 In Atlanta (Interview) We are very excited to see you perform live in Atlanta this festive season, please tell us more about your USACanada Diwali Tour?

Thank you Shamsubhai, I think this is a very special occasion, the timing is very perfect, being the Diwali celebrations, its a very festive period, special times for us, since our songs, films like Band baaja araat, Ladies versus Ricky Behl, Ishq wala love, Chakde India, Aaja nachle and so many movies, which we have done in the past, people still listen to those songs and enjoy them.

When we were here in 2012, we did perform on all these

songs specially for the north American audience in Atlanta, but this time we have also brought in a lot more new concepts for the 2014 tour.

We have listened to such beautiful romantic songs by both you and Sulaimanbhai, so what additional will we get to hear in this live concert?

In this tour, along with all the other songs we also have a devotional songs section, songs like Allah-hu-Akbar, Shukran Allah, Ali Mowla, some beautiful devotional songs which are really timeless in terms of their composition and devotional quality.

And also I am very excited about, we are doing a little tribute, we have plans to do a small section of the concert as a tribute, a homage to legends of Indian cinema like Rajesh Khanna, Dev Anand Sahab, Shammi Kapoor, Yash Chopraji, their music, their iconic songs, we plan to present them in a very different way, so its like a beautiful combination of all these amazing songs from different times, from the past to the now.

was like wow this is a beautiful opening to the song! and literally the song starts with the same lyrics. In fact Google has made this song as an official song. We have 50 million women from India who come online next year, it's so important to bring women online, I mean women who cook food, who do odd jobs, who don't have access to information, the motive is to get these 50 million women to come online, to work towards women empowerment.

You have performed on various platforms, visited various countries, you must have many special moments, any such special which you will never forget, any such moment that you would like to share with our listeners / readers?

Please tell us something about your latest album Choole Aasmaan, composed along with Farhan Akhtar?

This song is composed along with Farhan Akhtar for an organization called MARD (Men Against Rape and Discrimination), its and organization which is very actively involved in protecting women's rights. Not only in India but also in countries like America, women are not treated with equality, when we started composing this song and were discussing it, Farhan just came up with that you know these old myth's that 'Pad likh ker tum kya karongee, tumhe to kisi ka ghar basana hai' and I

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ONE ON ONE Music is a very powerful thing, very few people in the world have the power of music, I really value the music I have inside me and its a much stronger art form then any acting. I genuinely feel, with all due respects to art forms. I feel music is a much stronger and its a fine art as compared to acting. Music is an ocean, where you just don't swim but dive you into it, there's a lot to do with music, the happiness I get from music when I compose songs like Shukran Allah, Ali Mowla even songs like Aivi aivi loot gaya, Ish wala love, there's a tremendous joy, maybe acting will not give me that happiness.

In 2010 we performed at the FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg, 90,000 people were there on the grounds. I still remember when we entered the stage and performed the song, 'Africa your the Star', specially composed for FIFA 2010, the expressions that I saw on the faces of people assembled them, I can never forget that, that euphoria, that ambience in the opening ceremony, I will never be able to forget that euphoria of those 90,000 people.

You have performed on so many songs, so much of experience, I have one special question for you, can you share with us your experience when you performed in the front of His Highness the Agakhan?

Of course, I'd love to, when we performed in front of His Highness Prince Agakhan, firstly this was a very important, a very precious moment, when this performance started, I had already decided with myself that I will not open my eyes, because if I open my eyes, then I will not be able to sing, fortunately when I finally opened my eyes and looked at his face, He was looking at me and tears started flowing down my eyes, I was so emotional and then at the end of the concert when I got the chance to personally meet him, and He said that 'I am very happy that you are making devotional music', because devotional music has been practiced for centuries and He said that 'I am happy that you continue the tradition of devotional songs' and I will always remember that and I cherish that.

With so much of travelling, how do you balance your family life with your professional life?

But I am open, if I have Mani Ratnam, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Imtiaz Ali, Farhan Akhtar approach me for a film, then obviously it will be very difficult for me to say 'NO', but if I myself am producing a film, in which I am myself acting, myself singling then I am not ready for that kind of work.

How do you feel performing for a concert organized by Angel Eyez Entertainment (Atlanta) that is going to donate the proceeds to charity?

It feels wonderful, I personally would like to thank Angel Eyes Entertainment, Salmaan Ajani and his group, who have been so supportive and are passionately doing this show, without any kind of monetary gains and that by itself inspires me more to do something spectacular and special in Atlanta.

Shamsuddin Lalani thanked the team of Angel Eyez Entertainment: Salmaan Ajani, Malik Charania, Malik Sawja, Rizwan Sawja, Mumtaz Alli, Nadeem Ali who are working so hard to make this show successful in Atlanta, working for such a good cause.

My life is very simple, when we go to perform shows to another city, we go, we perform, we catch a flight and are back home.

Fortunately most shows are on weekends, so for rest of the week we have time for the family, even when in town, I work at the studio and then with my family, it's a very simple life.

I have seen few of your commercials, you look awesome, wonderful, dashing, handsome on the screen. We are aware of Himesh Reshamiya, Yo Yo Honey Singh and the latest Mika Singh, all are seen on the nig screen, the movies, when are we going to see you on the big screen, any plans?

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FINANCIAL NEWS

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THE FOODIE

Berries are long known to have positive effects on a person’s health.

Let’s find out why these fruity wonders They’re lush, delicious and colorful and that’s what makes berries a favorite dessert fruit. It is a little known fact that berries make excellent consumption for good health.

Namrata Desai, nutritionist at Abs Fitness & Wellness Club, says the common function of all berries is that they are excellent antioxidants which help in delaying the ageing of tissues and some berries are great at improving memory. She adds, “Blueberries are a rich source of vitamin K, strawberries are rich in vitamin C and cranberries help in treating urinary and gastrointestinal tract infections. Their consumption can prevent food-borne diseases as they are anti-bacterial agents.

Berries also increase the production of HDL, which is good cholesterol, and bring about the oxidation of bad cholesterol, and hence are good for the heart.”

She advices to eat berries as a snack and also have them with plain yoghurt. “Crushed berries combined with flax seeds and plain yoghurt make for good protein and fiber intake. However, one must limit consumption of berries to the daytime, as their sugar/ glycemic index 30

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may cause people to gain weight if regularly consumed during the evenings, when the physical activity slows down,” Desai says.

Another nutritionist, Vrushali Bani of Endurance Fitness Club, says, “Blueberries are a nutrition powerhouse. Apart from their anti-oxidation properties, they also improve night vision.

Raspberries are healthy as they have low calories and low fat, are cholesterol free and high in fibre. They help fight cancer and are effective in weight loss supplements and for weight management.”

— By Renuka Deshpande

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AROUND TOWN

GLOBAL MALL CELEBRATES 13TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY GLOBAL MELA Thousands attended the 13th Annual Global Mela at the Global Mall. Almost, sixteen thousand community members attended the Global Mela on October 4th and 5th, 2014. The 2-day event was kicked off with a Lord Ganesh puja and a lamp lighting ceremony by dignitaries, Shiv Aggarwal and his family. The puja ceremony was performed by the pandit Acharya Ved Joshi from Sadhana Mandir.

The event was graced by Consulate General of India in Atlanta, H.E. Ajit Kumar, Norcross Mayor Bucky Johnson, Executive Director of Gwinnett Village C.ID. Chuck Warbington, GA House of Representatives Candidate Ms. Amreeta Regmi as well as the Head of Atlanta Chapter of the Sant Nirankari Mission for North America, Mr. Kapil and Sunita Bhandari.

Global Mall owner Shiv Aggarwal accompanied by his family greeted the community members attending the mela, DJ services were provided by Xtrahot DJS. Together the guest, Mr. Aggarwal, his wife Anushi, son Vishal, and daughters Aarti and Vandana lighted 34

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the auspicious diya.

After the ceremony Mr. Aggarwal quoted “I feel very happy and honored to welcome you all to the Global Mela. Please enjoy the Mela.”

“I feel honored and happy to attend one of the biggest Mela in the South East. The Festive season is ahead and I would like to wish a Happy Dussehra and incoming Happy Diwali to you all. Please enjoy the Mela!”

-- H.E. Ajit Kumar “I feel honored to be here. My family settled here way back in 1826 and I represent a 7th generation Norcross resident. I congratulate Aggarwal and his family for hosting this mammoth Mela which attracts people from across five States, and continues to grow in popularity. I am very impressed with the energy and enthusiasm of the people present here.”

-- Norcross Mayor Bucky Johnson Nepal born Amreeta Regmi, who is a resident of Peachtree Corners since 1993, informed that she is running for Georgia Legislature for House District 95.

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AROUND TOWN

Amreeta Regmi, who is a democrat, with an impressive academic, professional and social activism track record appealed for a vote to the audience, so that she can bring positive change to her district and inspire other officials follow suit.

Students of Nritya Natya Kala Bharati performed the welcome dance, Swenyi Kania performed a classical Kathak dance and then a Rajhastani Ghoomar dance with Nisha Patel. Rishi Gowda provided entertainment with energetic, fast-paced moves to a remix of three vibrant Bollywood songs.

Mega Prizes of 32� HD flat-screen television sponsored by Global Mall and Legacy Jewels, along with 2 Google Chromecasts, etc. Ladlee Clothing Boutique sponsored over 25 gifts on Sunday alone, ranging from elegant kurtis, salwar kameez and jewelry for all ages. At the entrance of the mall, inflatable obstacle courses, slides and a bounce house were set up for the children to play on the perfectly breezy October weekend. Ashiana Restaurant served delectable chat, samosas and pav bhaji downstairs.

A Jewelry show was presented by Ladlee Clothing Boutique and Kiian Jewelers. Many beautiful ladies displayed the latest clothing and jewelry designs. Many models showcased the festive, bridal, other designer collection. The models including Nikita Jain, Shaveta Jain, Louai Drissi, Anita medepalli ,to name a few, did a fabulous job showcasing the outfits and accessories with confidence, grace and style.

Free popcorn was sponsored by Global Mall and Legacy Jewels, many fun activities for kids were arranged. There were dholis performing, non-stop music 36

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and latest bollywood beats were vibrated round the clock. Several booth and stores were selling Indian apparel, jewelry, toys, arts, handicrafts, home decor items and services like insurance, education, home-entertainment, health and medicine, and not-forprofits like Ekal Vidyalaya, Art of Living Foundation, Radha Madhav Society, Gaudiya Vaishnav Association, etc. provided complete information of their operations.

Mr. Aggarwal commented "Global Mela is our way of thanking the community for supporting Global Mall and our Indian cultural center. It is my passion, my vision and my goal to makeeveryone aware of our rich Indian Culture and heritage through such Melas.

He thanked all the dignitaries, tenants, vendors, sponsors, various South Asian Media representatives, photographers, special thanks to Vinod Devlia of Photography by Vinod, for his photography services in recording the entire event.

He thanked Mayoor Patel, Lynn Rich, Kelsey Gore, Doc McAlpine, Aarti Aggarwal, Vandana Aggarwal, and Vishal Aggarwal for ensuring smooth running of the Mela.

He thanked the security team for attending the mela and for being the support system in the smooth running of the event. He thanked his entire family for their unbounding help and support in organizing this event.

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AROUND TOWN

VHPA DIWALI CELEBRATION - ATLANTA COMMUNITY AT CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK

Every year that the beautiful Centennial Olympic Park, on a crisp Autumn Sunday gets transformed into a pretty kaleidoscope of colors, with the Indian community gathered together to celebrate "Diwali Festival of Lights," an event organized by World Hindu Council of America (VHPA), Atlanta Chapter.

This was the 9th annual celebration and, like every year, it presented the music and dances of India performed by the talented artists from the Atlanta Indian community. The event was free and open to public, with free snacks, tea and lunch for the entire crowd. The attendance this year was about a thousand people, much less compared to the past, in part due to the inclement weather in and around Atlanta, not to mention the traffic and parking challenges posed by the Falcons game in downtown. The performing artists- about 20 different groups/ individuals- braved all these challenges, made it to the venue and gave an outstanding performance. They were greatly appreciated by the audience, who cheered, clapped and at times broke into impromptu dances on the green lawns of the amphitheater.

The program was opened with the traditional Ganesh and Saraswati Vandana by the students of Balvihar and all the kids present in the audience. Kusum Khuranaji, President of VHPA, Atlanta chapter gave the welcome address. The traditional lamp was lit by the chief guest for the occasion, Deputy Consul in the Consulate of India, Atlanta, Hon'ble R.Srinivasji and his wife Anaghaji. The audience was informed regularly, making sure they knew about the food, mehandi, face painting and the raffle drawing.

Among the raffle prizes were gift certificates from Madras Chettinad, Boba Moca and Venky's India Bhavan. There was a Nexus 7 table from an anonymous donor to be only left behind by the grand prize Kindle Fire HD sponsored by Expedite Technology Solutions The major sponsors for the VHPA "Festival of Lights" were Ambaji Shakti Mandir, Global Mall, House of Spices, Pratap Singh Chauhan, Chandra Tiwari, Neera Bahl and Drs. Swati and Abhishek

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Gaur. Ajay Houde from HSS and Milind Bavadekar from Maharashtra Mandal of Atlanta, along with their team of volunteers provided valuable support in the planning and execution of the event.

The Mehandi and face painting booths were run by our talented adult volunteers Indu Goel and Chandra Chandora, and not to be left behind by energetic youngsters Shreya Dube, Anushka Shivram, Yasmen Khoramabadi and Shreya Mishra. A group of GaTech student volunteers from Sigma Phi Epsilon helped throughout the day, from set-up to clean-up. The DJ for the event was Bally from DJ Bally International.

The youngest volunteers were the students of Balvihar who sold the raffle tickets all day long. Last, but not the least, the artists who performed at the event was the largest group of volunteers - students, working professionals, moms & dads who took time from their busy schedules to make this event a great success.

The volunteers from VHPA, Atlanta Chapter could not have pulled off a challenge like this without the active support of the Indian community, especially since it is resolved to keep the event free and open to public.

With the growing success of this event, with each passing year, the team at VHPA, Atlanta Chapter is committed to present outstanding programs in future and continue its efforts to bring the community together.

— By Smita Daftardar

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AROUND TOWN

WHOLESALE XPRESS CELEBRATES ITS FIRST ANNIVERSARY AND TRADE EXPO

On October 19, 2014 Wholesale Xpress, organized its very first grand Expo on its first anniversary for its customers and vendors. It was a beneficial event to improve the existing customer-vendor relationship to promote growth.

The entire Wholesale Xpress team welcomed the customers, vendors and guest to its first anniversary. The event was a huge success even before it officially began! With 100's of customers, vendor booths and incredible prices. This was the first time customers could personally meet vendors in person, get better prices on products and benefit from the huge discounted pricing offers being given out. Customers were able view a huge display of products as well as educate their partners, managers and employees too as to what Wholesale Xpress deals are and how they can benefit from them.

Many vendors and customers shared their views on the products, pricing and success associated to better purchase decisions. Many customers also reflected on the benefits of being an Wholesale Xpress customer. Many vendors also expressed their thoughts on the Wholesale Xpress, praising the professionalism and dedication to the customers interests by the company.

Customers enjoyed lots of free products and raffle prizes like two LG TVs, a charcoal grill, Sony home theater system and lots of gift cards.

Delicious Indian lunch was served. Many compliments like “Excellent job”, “Way to go”, “Congrats Wholesale Xpress”, “Very good”, “Awesome deals and pricing”, “Good job done”, “please continue”, “Keep up the good work” and “proud to be an Wholesale Xpress customer.” were received by the team.

It was great to see such enthusiasm and active participation from the customers and vendors. The Wholesale Xpress team would like to thank everyone who played a role in the event’s success and is very grateful to all its customers, managers, employees, vendors and to the family members and friends for coming to this event, for participating, for their support, their loving wishes and informed that it was indeed a very successful anniversary and expo celebration.

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CHAI LOUNGE 'MODI EXPRESS' TO TAKE PM'S FANS FROM MELBOURNE TO SYDNEY New Delhi (IANS) In appreciation of Narendra Modi's humble beginnings, over 200 fans of the Indian prime minister will travel 870 km by a special train dubbed "Modi Express" from Melbourne to Sydney for a diaspora event Nov 17.

Carrying 220 Modi fans, the four-carriage train decorated with tricolour balloons will depart from Melbourne's Southern Cross station for Sydney at 8.30 p.m. Nov 16, spokesperson Balesh Singh Dhankhar of the Indian Australian Community Foundation (IACF) told IANS over phone from Sydney. About 1,000 such fans are expected to arrive from Melbourne to Sydney.

As the train's capacity is just 220, only that many will travel, he said.

According to the 2011 Australian census, around 295,300 people in Australia were born in India while around 390,900 had Indian ancestry. Modi will reach Brisbane to take part in the two-day G20 summit starting Nov 15. It will be followed by a community reception in Sydney Nov 17 during which Modi will address the Indian Diaspora. He will also address a joint parliamentary session in Canberra the next day. Event organizers in Sydney said more than 21,000 people have registered through their local community organizations to attend the event, which can accommodate only 16,000. Another 20,000 people are expected to register.

PRESIDENT OBAMA WISHES ALL HAPPY DIWALI & SAAL MUBARAK Washington (IANS) President Barack Obama has in video message wished a Happy Diwali and "Saal Mubarak" to all those who celebrate the festival of lights saying it was a reminder that light will ultimately prevail.

Obama, who in 2009 became the first US president to celebrate Diwali at the White House, recalled the "wonderful time" he and his wife Michelle had celebrating the festival in Mumbai during his 2010 visit to India.

“I was proud to host the first Diwali celebration at the White House back in 2009. Since then, we’ve continued to mark this holiday to honour the rich traditions that define the American family,” he said.

And I know Michelle and I will never forget the wonderful time we had celebrating Diwali in Mumbai with food, dancing, and the company of friends,” Obama said.

“So, to all the families gathering together this Diwali to reflect on all the blessings of the past year, I wish you a joyous celebration and Saal Mubarak,” he said.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State John Kerry will host the Obama Administration’s annual Diwali celebration at the State Department and light a traditional Diwali oil lamp.

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CHAI LOUNGE INDIAN-ORIGIN STUDENT NAMED AMERICA'S TOP YOUNG SCIENTIST Washington (IANS) Sahil Doshi, a 14-year-old Indian-American student has won the 2014 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge for his innovative, eco-friendly battery design that could help lower harmful greenhouse gases. A ninth grader from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Doshi was awarded the title of "America's Top Young Scientist", $25,000 and a student adventure trip to a destination such as Costa Rica, according to a media release. His prototype -- the PolluCell - converts carbon dioxide into electricity, ingeniously helping to reduce the Earth's carbon footprint while offering power for household uses and developing nations.

KERRY HOSTS FIRST DIWALI CELEBRATIONS, HAILS DIASPORA Washington (IANS) As Diwali becomes an important marker in the American festival calendar, Secretary of State John Kerry hosted Diwali celebrations at the State Department for the first time, saying PM Narendra Modi's recent visit to the US provided an "unforgettable chance to build on the already deep ties between America and India."

Kerry and the Indian Ambassador to the US, S. Jaishankar, together lighted a traditional Diwali oil lamp. Local Hindu Priest Narayanachar L. Digalakote from the Sri Siva Vishnu temple presided over the ceremonial lighting and draped Kerry with a traditional shawl.

INDIAN-AMERICAN DOCTORS TO HOST HEALTH SUMMIT IN MUMBAI Washington (IANS) A leading body of Indian-American physicians plans to hold its 9th annual Global Healthcare Summit aimed at bringing accessible, affordable and quality world-class healthcare to India in Mumbai from Jan 2-4. The Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), one of the largest ethnic professional bodies, is organizing the summit at Trident Oberoi Hotel in collaboration with the Indian Ministries of Health and Family Welfare and Overseas Indian Affairs.

The summit, which is expected to have participation from some of the world's most well-known physicians and industry leaders, will focus on prevention, diagnosis, treatment options and share ways to truly improve healthcare transcending global boundaries.

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MOVIE BUZZ

Kill Dil RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 14, 2014 STARRING: RANVEER SINGH, ALI ZAFAR, PARINEETI CHOPRA, GOVINDA Mumbai (IANS) Normally, there are actors who lose weight for parts. But Ali went into reverse gear as he had to put on seven to eight. Explaining his decision to bulk up, Ali said: “I had actually lost a lot of weight for 'Chashme Baddoor' to look like a college student. For 'Kill Dil', I needed a more mature and more beefy look. I am now 73 kg. ” “It was great fun. But it is Govinda that I most enjoyed working with. I’ve been his fan since I was in college. It was a dream come true to work with him. It is wrongly believed that Govinda excels at comedy only, watch him in 'Kill Dil' and... well, get your fill," Ali said.

Ungli RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 28, 2014 STARRING: EMRAAN HASHMI, KANGANA RANAUT, RANDEEP HOODA, SANJAY DUTT The movie is about a gang of five youngsters Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, Randeep Hooda, Neil Bhoopalam and Angad Bedi which has taken on itself to fight against the widespread corruption. They show their ‘middle finger’ to every person who resorts to corruption. As understood, the cop who fights them back is Sanjay Dutt.

Adorned with an interesting star cast and some quirky one liners, the movie promises to be a fun ride.

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The Shaukeens RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 07, 2014 STARRING: AKSHAY KUMAR, LISA HAYDON, ANUPAM KHER, PARESH RAWAL, ANNU KAPOOR New Delhi (IANS) After playing a top notch actress in Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Om Shaanti Om", actress Yuvika Chaudhary will be seen playing a star again in the forthcoming film "The Shaukeens". Also credited for movies like "Naughty @ 40" and "Enemmy", Yuvika will now be seen in one of the highly anticipated comedies of the year starring Anupam Kher, Annu Kapoor, Piyush Mishra, Lisa Haydon and Akshay Kumar in his most special appearance.

Though she has a guest appearance in the movie, she was delighted that she was approached for the part and was more than pleased to work with director Abhishek Sharma. "The Shaukeens" is a remake of the 1982 Basu Chatterjee movie titled "Shaukeen", which starred Ashok Kumar, A.K. Hangal, Utpal Dutt, Mithun Chakraborty and Rati Agnihotri in prominent roles.

Happy Ending RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 21, 2014 STARRING: SAIF ALI KHAN, GOVINDA, PREITY ZINTA, KALKI KOECHLIN Mumbai (IANS) "It's a very funny film.

Post 'Go Goa Gone', we (Raj, Krishna and I) wanted to work together, and this script came up. It's a spoof on romantic comedies. I have done romantic comedies earlier, and this is an interesting spoof on the genre," Saif told reporters at the event.

The movie also stars Ileana D'Cruz, Ranvir Shorey and Kalki Koechlin.

Talking about the cast, Raj said: "We have got a great star cast for this film. Saif was apt for the role, while Govinda was the only choice for (his role in) this film."

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BOLLYWOOD BUZZ

FRIENDSHIP NOT A REAL DEAL IN SHOWBIZ: MOHIT CHAUHAN

I'M NOT SUPERSTITIOUS: SRK ON DIWALI RELEASES

New Delhi (IANS) Since the 1990s, Shah Rukh Khan’s movies have been creating fireworks at the box office during Diwali festival. And the superstar’s latest “Happy New Year” (HNY) continued the trend by turning out a money-spinner. But King Khan rules out any superstition associated with the release date of his films.

Movies like “Baazigar” (1993), “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (1995), “Dil To Pagal Hai” (1997), “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” (1998) and “Om Shanti Om” (2006) all released during Diwali and all were runaway hits. Riding high on the success of “Happy New Year", the 48-year-old is not certain about how much generous Goddess Lakshmi will be this time too. Shah Rukh's HNY released a day after the festival of lights and he says superstition has got nothing to do with it. "It is good to release films on a holiday, You get that extra benefit of a day off… " he adds.

CELEBS GO ON SELFIE SPREE WITH PM NARENDRAMODI Mumbai (IANS) Bollywood celebrities like Sonam Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor recently went on a selfie spree when they got a chance to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

New Delhi (IANS) There are quite a few stories about new friendships blossoming or relationship turning sour in Bollywood every now and then. Singer Mohit Chauhan, who dedicated his new song "Aisee waisee dosti nahin" to friendship, feels such bonding is "not the real deal" in showbiz.

"Friendship formed in the glamour industry comes with mutual benefits, which is nice, but it is not the real deal, It is a kind of professional friendship to a certain extent," says Mohit So what's the dealmaker for him?

"The real deal is when you are friends with someone said since ninth standard or college days. The person who has been with you through your struggle and stayed with you through thick and thin," said the 48-year-old singer. The "Masakali" singer feels lucky to be still in touch with his special friends from school and college. There are so many memories. I grew up in Himachal Pradesh and still have school as well as my college friends there.

Sonam, who met Modi at the inauguration of the revamped Sir Hurkisondas Nurrotumdas Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre here, tweeted Saturday.

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WE ARE HUMAN, WE SEEK HUMANENESS: BIG B ON STARDOM

'HAIDER' WINS AWARD IN ROME; WOW MOMENT FOR SHAHID, BHARDWAJ

Mumbai (IANS) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has been given the tag of 'Shahenshah' of Bollywood by his fans from across the globe, is humbled by the love and respect he received, but says stars are just human, "not some divinity ... we seek humaneness".

Rome (IANS) Vishal Bhardwaj’s “Haider ” a modern-day adaptation of “Hamlet" won the People’s Choice Award in the Mondo Genre (world genre) at the ninth edition of Rome Film Festival here.

"And so we exist … and so we perish … much like most others ... We are human, not some divinity ... we seek humaneness," posted the 72-year-old who stays connected with his fans via blog and Twitter, where he amassed 11 million followers.

"It truly affirms our belief that good cinema can transcend boundaries and this award puts ‘Haider’ on the global map,” Amrita Pandey, vice president and head of marketing and distribution - Studios, Disney India, said in a statement.

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WHAT’S YOUR RASHI? Aries: March 21 to April 20.

You seem to have two main topics on your mind. One is a debate with yourself or some “expert” about your religious, political, cultural, and/or academic views. This debate has been a reoccurring issue lately and you are not enjoying it.

The other topic is more enjoyable. You are coming up with all kinds of ideas to help you with your financial, professional, and leadership goals and finding it easier than usual to put those plans into action.

Taurus: April 21 to May 20.

Your romantic and financial relationships are receiving a lot of attention lately. You are in the mood to launch financial goals and to invest time in romance. The only catch is that you need to keep your money and your love life completely separate from your social life and/or the Internet. Someone is not being completely honest with you or they are misinformed and passing along faulty information.

Either way, you need to avoid mixing your social life with your finances and/or your love life.

Gemini: May 21 to June 20.

Despite quite a few miscommunications and drama events at work, you are still managing to impress your boss or another authority figure and you are able to make some progress towards increasing profits too. You could find this is a good time for bonus checks or commissions. You also get to launch some kind of fresh start or new beginning involving a romantic, social, or business partner, but then they immediately upset your father, boss, or some other authority figure. You may find yourself having to defend your decision to partner with this person.

Cancer: June 21 to July 22.

Maybe it is just everyone trying to schedule time off for the upcoming holidays but you have plenty of stress brewing at work. The good news is that after another batch of financial issues concerning your playtime and holiday budget, things are finally resolved and you are able to start having some fun and being more generous later in the month.

Leo: July 23 to August 22.

You have two very different dynamics happening in your home at that same time. On the one hand, you are ticked off about something or someone in your private life.

It could be a home-improvement project, holiday planning, chores, rental contract, or mortgage. You keep getting really ticked off about it. But on the other hand, you have a very productive energy happening too that helps you to get all kinds of work done, so it is a little tricky trying to figure out why you are so upset. Maybe you just hate housework, chores, remodeling projects, etc. even if they are getting done on time.

Virgo: August 23 to September 22.

There are plenty of opportunities this month to find awesome sales, bargains, and great deals on holiday shopping and gift ideas. It is also a great time for all kinds of local gatherings. Your partner may get annoyed about something or someone at home, but overall, the two of you are having a lot of fun hanging out together and socializing with people in your local community.

NOVEMBER 2014 Libra: September 23 to October 22.

Office gossip, daily commutes, local transportation, tough contract negotiations, ineffective sales presentations, faulty product pricing, misunderstandings, miscommunications, defective computers or telecommunication systems, etc. are causing all kinds of delays and productivity problems at work. They holiday shopping, vacation scheduling, winter weather transportation, and overall distractedness could be playing a role in why things are getting rather hectic. Still, your home life is quite pleasant and financially stable, so you are not having too much trouble shaking off the daily stress after leaving the office each day.

Scorpio: October 23 to November 22.

You have some of the all-time best opportunities for bargain hunting and finding excellent sales on the various items you might want to purchase for the holiday season.

And yet your budget is not where you would like it to be.

You normally like to be pretty generous, but this year’s tight budget is really annoying you. Luckily, you are amazingly good at finding incredible deals this month.

I think you might actually find yourself entertained by the challenge.

Capricorn: December 22 to January 19.

This is a bad time for allowing your friends, teammates, colleagues, and/or Internet entities to get involved in your financial or romantic activities. Things will turn out badly. You are also dealing with a lot of dysfunction within your local community. And yet, you are in a lovely social mood. You are still enjoying spending time with your friends and colleagues. And they are genuinely fond of you.

Aquarius: January 20 to February 20.

Your partner is unhappy about how much time you are spending focused on your career. Or your competitor is ticked off because you are doing so well. Either way, your career is bursting with positive energy. This is a great time to take on leadership roles and to work towards achieving your professional goals. During the second half of the month, you will need to be really careful when mixing your finances with friends, teams, clubs, committees, group activities, and/or the Internet. These social activities could easily end up draining your bank account.

Pisces: February 19 to March 20.

You have had such a great couple of months professionally and yet here you are getting upset about a boss or your reputation, professional path, or the level of success you have achieved so far. Perhaps after coming so far, it is time to reevaluate things and see if you are indeed ready for something else. Maybe you have earned the right to a job promotion but your boss is giving it to someone else.

Or maybe you are just now realizing that you do not want to work in this industry anymore and you are ready for a completely new path. Whatever it is, be careful not to burn any bridges. If your boss is just grumpy, smile and try to see things from his or her point of view. Next month, you will have a lot of positive things happening in your career again.

* All astrological predictions are to be considered friendly advice based on the author’s personal opinions and used for entertainment purposes only.

These are not to be considered as promises, guarantees, or psychic predictions. They are simply potentials to be used at the reader’s own discretion.

For important decisions, consult your personal intuition, doctor, accountant, lawyer, educator, or clergy as needed. It is best to be informed on all levels.

Sagittarius: November 23 to December 21.

You are able to brainstorm creative ideas for earning more money through activities involving bureaucracies, charities, and mental health industries. You could also find this is a good time to make sure that you are not doing anything self-destructive that would stop you from achieving your financial goals. This is also a good time for healing old emotional wounds and for building your self-confidence.

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