October 2023

CLEA LIVING M N

THE

Roma Dua

ISSUE! MEET & The Wonderful Group of Entrepreneurial Elegance

COVER PHOTO BY TATIANA DOVE

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PADAARPAN:

By C. Kamath and Anil Maybhate

On September 9th, a rainy Saturday evening, an audience of a hundred packed into the Baliga Family’s McLean home for “Padaarpan: An Evening of Khayal” - Ashwin Baliga’s Hindustani (North Indian Indian Classical) debut vocal concert. In the spotlight was the main artist of the evening, Ashwin Baliga, cultured and trained under the tutelage of Pandit Milind Chittal for a decade.

Ashwin’s co-artists were two local musical stars, Shreyas Ravi on the Harmonium and Jay Parikh on the Tabla. Shreyas, an award-winning musician, shined on the harmonium, an organ-like instrument played by one hand on the keyboard. Jay Parikh provided the essential rhythmic support with his lightning-like finger movements on the Indian hand drums. Hindustani classical music is largely played in a Jazz-like style - using Rāag-based structures with constant extempore improvisation. Ashwin, Shreyas and Jay, appeared musically bound together in every detail, right down to their coincidentally coordinated blue attires.

The audience ranged from young children to seniors and from family friends to local community members who discovered the event through word-ofmouth. The artists particularly took into consideration the diversity of the crowd and found creative ways to please both, the long-time enthusiasts as well as absolute newcomers. One of the most stand-out and appreciated aspects of the evening was the thoughtful and inclusive use of a digital display to support the music with historical notes, captions, and translations of ongoing compositions. The singer paused between pieces to provide succinct context for each piece as well. These novel and incredibly e ective additions fully opened Hindustani classical music to listeners from all walks of life, assuring a meaningful and enjoyable experience.

Ashwin started the concert with a rare vocal introduction called NomThom in Rāag Shuddh Kalyan and then followed with a bandish (fixed composition) in

Vilambit taal (slow tempo), followed by a couple of increasingly fast tempo-ed Drut bandishes . Then, a beautiful bandish in the Raga Jaijaivanti emerged, appended by a faster-paced series of notes (known as a taranaa).

Later, Ashwin broke from the traditional Brij Bhasha (an ancient Indian language) and surprised the audience with a soul-stirring bhajan (religious song) in Rāag Darbari sung in the language Kannada, paying homage to his upbringing in Bangalore, India.

The artist, with his own creative departures from the norms, continued the evening with a complex performance of a Rāagmala. Translating to a garland of ragas, the Rāagmala chained together many di erent Rāags flowing one after the other. Finally, the trio presented Rāag Bhairavi, which conventionally marks the end of a HIndustani concert. Here, Ashwin presented a uniquely creative idea with his choice of composition by picking “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara'' - a very popular TV song from the 1980s highlighting India’s unity in diversity.

While the trio was strong, if you measure by applause and reactions, the real stars of the concert were the Baligas’ young twin boys, who delivered flawless introductions to begin the show and a heartfelt thank you note as the concert ended.

The concert closed with a long applause from a smiling audience. The evening will undoubtedly be cherished in many hearts and lead to an expanded circle of Hindustani classical music fans in the community.

By the time the artists stepped down to greet the audience, the storm may have ceased outdoors, but the audience was just getting started with requests for Ashwin Baliga to encore at larger and more varied venues. Local music enthusiasts look forward to the Baligas continuing to host Hindustani concerts and amplify the positive presence of Hindustani Classical music. Please send all inquiries to abaliga@gmail.com

PHOTOS BY MAHERA RANA AND ARVIND PRABHU

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Bollywood Entrepreneurs of McLean:

Elevating Community, Empowering Women

By Dani Banegas

Selecting Profitable Investment Properties Essential Factors in Real Estate Investment

By Tracy Williams, Realtor®

When it comes to real estate investing, choosing the right investment property is critical for success. Here’s are key factors for success.

• Define Your Goals. Start by clearly stating your investment objectives. Determine if you aim for long-term rental income, short-term capital gains, or a mix of both. Your goals will shape your property choice.

• Market Research. Conduct thorough market research. Collaborate with a Realtor to analyze local market dynamics, including supply and demand, vacancy rates, and economic trends. This will help you identify growth potential and established rental markets.

• Property Type. Align your property type with your objectives. Whether it’s single-family homes, multi-family units, commercial properties, or vacation rentals, each has distinct considerations such as management demands and risk levels.

• Location and Neighborhood. Remember the golden rule of real estate - location matters. Evaluate proximity to amenities, schools, and transportation. Prime locations attract quality tenants and offer higher rental rates.

• Property Condition. Consider the property’s condition. Decide if you want a fixer-upper or a move-in-ready property. Assess renovation costs and include them in your budget and return calculations.

• Financial Analysis. Perform a comprehensive financial assessment. Estimate rental income, factor in expenses like taxes, insurance, maintenance, and management fees, and project potential cash flow.

• Return on Investment (ROI). Analyze the expected ROI. Calculate cap rate, cash-on-cash return, and potential appreciation. Realistic expectations are crucial for success.

• Risk Assessment. Evaluate associated risks, including market volatility, property management challenges, and interest rate fluctuations. Diversifying your portfolio can help mitigate risks.

• Exit Strategy. Develop a clear exit plan, whether it’s holding longterm, selling after a specific period, or repurposing the property. A well-defined strategy is essential for long-term success.

Investing in real estate demands a meticulous approach, combining financial knowledge, market awareness, and a clear understanding of your investment goals. Informed decisions at this stage significantly impact the long-term success and profitability of your real estate ventures.

About the Author

Tracy Williams, Senior Vice President at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, and her team, The Alliance Group, are conveniently located in the McLean, VA office. If you’d like to book a private consultation with Tracy and her team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call 703-867-4309 or email twilliams@ttrsir.com.

Unveiling the Multifaceted Life of Roma Dua

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Kiran Chopra:

Bridging Science, Serenity, and Family

Laila Rahman

Crafting Dreams and Giving Back

Meena Krishnan: Forging a Brighter Tomorrow

... a source of inspiration, a bridge to community integration, and a beacon of hope for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Charu

Dhumne:

Crafting a Home, a Career, and a Beautiful Life

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Shama Rajan:

Balancing Law, Love, and Life's Grand Adventures

Pa abi Saboo: A Life of Leadership, Philanthropy, and Unparalleled Achievement

Sonia Makheja

Leading Ventures, Philanthropy, and Family Legacy

Dr. Kalpna Bansal:

Healing, Entrepreneurship, and Exploring Life

THE HISTORY OF VINSON HALL

By Michelle Crone - Senior Director of Philanthropy and Engagement

By Gloria Fonseca

PHOT

TYSONS REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2023 SUMMER SOIRÉE

By Charlie Gallegos

This soirée was more than just an evening; it was a celebration of unity, collaboration, and the vibrant spirit that defines our community. With open arms, they welcomed businesses, individuals, and changemakers from near and far, all coming together to shape a brighter future.

C2reallyknowshowtotailortheirteaching tosuiteachindividualstudent’sneeds.Every timeIwenttosomeoneatC2forhelp,theydid theirabsolutebesttogivemeadditionalstudy materialsandguidance.”

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A Day of Thrilling Rallies:

McLean Racquet & Health Club's Pickleball Tournament

By Nancy Brough

McLean Racquet and Health Club, in collaboration with Baroody Camps, recently hosted an exhilarating indoor pickleball tournament, marking a significant first in the club's history. With over 150 enthusiastic participants and a multitude of pickleball fans in attendance, the club buzzed with boundless energy and excitement throughout the event.

The club transformed three tennis courts into six indoor pickleball courts, meticulously preparing for the day's festivities. From ensuring the nets were taut to arranging seating for both participants and spectators, every detail was thoughtfully attended to. The anticipation was palpable as players eagerly checked in and readied themselves for the action-packed day ahead.

ROOTS WELLNESS:

PHOTO BY NANCY BROUGH

PHOTO BY SHARON GRACE

By Sharon Grace

Too many of today’s college students struggle to meet their basic needs, and the young parent Scholars at Washington, DC-based Generation Hope are no exception. The statistics reveal the challenges student parents face: 1 in 5 undergraduate college students today is a parent, and yet they're 10 times less likely to graduate. Fewer than 2% of teen mothers who have a baby before age 18 earn a college degree before age 30.

Generation Hope is changing these statistics one family and community at a time. They work with education and policy partners to drive systemic change and provide direct support to young parents in college as well as their children through holistic, twogeneration programming.

Generation Hope’s Scholar Program focuses on providing wrap-around services for young parents and their children through college completion support and their early childhood program, Next Generation Academy. Parents enrolled in the Scholar Program receive a multitude of resources and services including tuition assistance, crisis assistance and emergency funding, mentoring, mental health and career support, training, social events and more.

The organization has changed the trajectory of many families in our area. Their Scholars graduate at a rate that is double that of low-income college students and almost eight times the rate of single mothers nationwide. Sixty-one percent of Generation Hope Scholars earn a degree within six years, and 89% of their Scholar graduates are

employed full time and/or enrolled in a graduate studies program within six months of graduating

Social4Good (S4G) members and guests gathered on August 22 for a Sunshine, Sangria and Scholars Social to learn more about Generation Hope and show their support for young parent Scholars. Generation Hope’s Career & Alumni Services Manager, Sanah Jivani, framed the challenges teen parents face in completing college and outlined the program that Nicole Lynn Lewis, founder, created based on her own experience.

Carolyn “Cici” Felton, a Generation Hope Scholar Alumna and now Family Program Coordinator for the group provided further insight: “Professors don’t know what it took just to get through the door of the classroom for our Scholars. Childcare, transportation,

Generation Hope provides a comprehensive support system with people who want to see our Scholars succeed.

and finances are a reality that others don’t take seriously until they’re directly impacted. Plus, the pressure to make a better path for their family while defying the odds is an unfortunate circumstance this invisible population of students is forced to endure. They deserve to be seen.”

She added, “Generation Hope provides a comprehensive support system with people who want to see our Scholars succeed, social and education events where kids are welcome, and resources

like those provided by Social4Good to help Scholars focus on our studies."

S4G members raised more than $5,400 in financial and in-kind donations for Generation Hope, including more than 50 Barbie dolls for the Scholars’ children. The gift will be used for Generation Hope's October event which offers each Scholar the opportunity to pick out items they and their family need to succeed, from cleaning products to diapers and computers.

S4G is an all-volunteer, grassroots organization that brings together engaged women who want to meet new people and support the organizations that make our community strong. Each month, this column will highlight S4G’s monthly project to raise awareness on critical needs in our community and local nonprofits making a difference.

For more information or to support local nonprofits, visit https://www.social4good.community/