NRI Pulse April 2019 Print Issue

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NRI Pulse

April 2019

Atlanta’s Premier South Asian Newspaper April 2019

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NRI Pulse

April 2019

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NRI Pulse

April 2019

Atlanta’s Premier South Asian Newspaper April 2019

Atlanta-Based Indian Gets 16 Months For Call Center Scam

Atlanta, GA: Mehboob Mansurali Charania of Tucker, GA has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for his involvement in a transnational criminal organization that victimized over 340 people in the United States through a fraudulent India-based call-center scheme, resulting in over $200,000 in losses.

Charania, a citizen of India moved to Tucker in 2014. His prison sentence will be followed by three years supervised release. He has also been ordered to pay restitution of $203,958.02 to victims of the scheme.

Charania was convicted on January 17, 2019, after he pleaded guilty to engaging in an unlicensed money transfer business.

According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: The defendant took part in a sophisticated scheme organized in India, that included a network of call centers. Call center operators called U.S. residents over the telephone and misled the potential victims into sending money utilizing a number of different confidence scams.

The scams included impersonation scams where the callers pretended to be Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) employees demanding payment of taxes and fees. Other scams included grant scams where callers directed victims to pay upfront fees for fictitious grants, student loan scams where callers threatened victims if they did not pay fictitious taxes and fees associated with student loans, and hacking scams where callers would gain remote access to the victim’s computer, lock the victim out of the computer, and deny access to the computer until the victim provided payment.

If the victims agreed to pay, the call centers would have the victims send the funds to the attention of fictitious names used by Charania through wire transfers, including through MoneyGram and Western Union. Charania also would conduct hawala money transfers by transferring proceeds to bank accounts as directed by an individual in India.

Police investigations identified 140 scammers who, like Charania, have or are, facing federal criminal proceedings.”

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Atlanta Healthcare Executives Sentenced For Fraud

Atlanta, GA: Atlanta chiropractor Shailesh (“Shue”) Kothari, the former owner and CEO of Primera Medical Group, Inc., and Timothy McMenamin, Primera’s former Chief Operating Officer have been sentenced for conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: Primera Medical Group, claimed to focus its practice on preventative wellness, specifically corporate wellness, concierge care, and allergy testing. Kothari is a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine who has been licensed to practice in Georgia since January 2009.

Primera hired market research companies across the United States in order to recruit patients to participate in allergy testing. Patients were told that there would be no out-of-pocket expenses and that their insurance would cover the cost of the testing in addition to being paid an amount between $65 to $100 for participating.

Patients were tested for allergies regardless of whether they had any symptoms, and without any determination of medical necessity for the testing.

During the allergy testing, patients’ blood was drawn, purportedly so that it could be sent to a laboratory for allergy and other testing.

Primera Medical Group billed the patients’

tests that were not completed, McMenamin created false laboratory results for those patients. In one specific case, Kothari and McMenamin prepared false lab reports for a fiveyear-old who was suffering from an unknown reaction.

In total, Primera Medical Group submitted more than 4,500 fraudulent claims using the NPI numbers of unknowing doctors. These claims sought more than $8.5 million in insurance payments.

Shailesh Kothari Kothari, 45, was sentenced to private insurers for multiple procedures, including six years, nine months in prison to be blood tests using the National Provider Identifier followed by three years of supervised release, numbers of multiple doctors, without their knowledge and ordered to pay restitution in the amount and without those doctors having performed the ser- of $1,506,181.32. Kothari was convicted on vices that were billed. The doctors also did not order these charges on October 29, 2018, after he the laboratory tests or the allergy immunotherapy in- pleaded guilty. jections billed for virtually every patient.

Timothy McMenamin, 32, of Atlanta, Primera Medical Group also billed for blood tests Georgia, was sentenced to seven years, ten that were never done. When an insurance company re- months in prison to be followed by three years quested medical records to support some of the billed of supervised release, and ordered to pay resservices, Kothari asked McMenamin to create false titution in the amount of $1,506,181.32. Mclaboratory reports to submit to the insurance company. Menamin was convicted on these charges on When a patient asked for results for laboratory November 16, 2018, after he pleaded guilty.

Teens Removed From Flight Over Peanut Allergy Atlanta, GA: Two Indian-American teens who were traveling from Atlanta to Manila, were forced to get off their Delta partner flight, Korean Air, after a dispute over one of the boys’ severe peanut allergies, reports Channel 2 Action News.

Rakesh Patel’s 15 and 16-year-old sons were traveling by themselves on Delta and its partner airline to visit him in Manila, where he is temporarily based.

The Patel family told Channel 2 they informed Delta Airlines ahead of time about the allergy. Delta made sure that no peanuts were served in the first leg of the flight, from Atlanta to Seoul.

The problem arose on the second leg of their flight, from Seoul to Manila on Delta partner Korean Air. The boys’ mother told No Nut Traveler that her son had explained to the gate agent that he had a severe peanut and tree nuts allergy, which can be triggered if people are eating nuts around him.

The boy requested the airline to board the plane early so that he could clean his seat. He also asked the airline not to serve nuts, and to

request the other passengers not to eat nuts. stay on the plane while they serve peanuts to The boys reportedly boarded early and had al- other passengers or get off the flight. ready settled down when the flight attendant told The boys tried to provide different options like wearing a mask, or not serving it around them or moving them to an empty section of the plane. But Korean Air told them they had to get off the plane.

They were then allegedly grabbed by the crew, and physically removed from the plane.

The boys then returned to Atlanta. Their father said he filed a complaint with the airline and asked for a refund.

In a statement, Delta apologized to the Patel family for the ordeal. “Delta and our partner Korean Air are communicating with the family and examining them the airline would be serving peanuts. the processes surrounding this incident; we The boys tried to make the crew understand that will use our findings in our work to create serving peanuts around him could put his life at risk a consistent experience for customers flying because he could go into anaphylactic shock.

Delta and our partner airlines,” the stateThe boys were given only two options; to either ment said.

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P.O. Box 191124 Atlanta GA 31119 Tel: 404-380-1031

Email: NRIPulse@gmail.com www.NRIPulse.com Publisher NRI Pulse Media Inc. Editor-in-Chief Veena Rao editor@nripulse.com Community News Editor Jyothsna Hegde Video News Anchor Namita D. Sudan Reports/Features Mahadev Desai Supriya D.G.

April 2019

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T.A.T. Awards: Sushmita Sen Adds Glitz To Gala

BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE

Atlanta, GA, “Women don’t need to be empowered. They need to be supported and appreciated. We all know the best appreciation come from the men in our lives and the best allies to women are women themselves,” said the gorgeous and gracious Sushmita Sen. The Bollywood actress and former Miss Universe was in Atlanta to present the T.A.T awards to seven accomplished Atlanta women. The red-carpet gala event, organized by Bhavana Vishal Anand, Lakshmi Thesam, and Prabha Raghava in association with 27th Investments, was held on March 24, 2019 at the Signature Ballroom in Atlanta.

The glitzy evening anchored by Archith Seshadri and Movina Nagarajan, brimmed in vibrancy with flashing audio visuals, elaborate stage setting and glamorously clad ladies. “I’m traveling six cities. But I was told to wait for Atlanta. I just wanted to feel this energy and love,” said an enthusiastic Sen. The ballroom bristled with a variety of programs including a Fashion show by Simran’s Studio and performances by Garima, Sagarika Thesam, Sa-

Columnists Dr. Jagdish Sheth Rani Sharma P.S. Lakshmi Rao Dr. Panchajanya Paul Kristen Moon Marketing Manager Raju Kotak 404-786-5392 raju@nripulse.com Advertising 404-664-2805 ads@nripulse.com ________________________ NRI Pulse Newspaper is a free monthly news and features publication of NRI Pulse Media Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, duplicated, reprinted or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.

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Emcees Archith Seshadri and Movina Nagarajan. gnika Mukherji, Nrithya Academy and Prem Dance Studio. Ritesh Desai was on stage to extend a warm welcome to Sen. Consul General of India, Atlanta Dr. Swati Kulkarni, spoke about various women’s empowerment schemes in India including Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, One Stop Center, Women Helpline, Ujjwala Photos by Vinod Devlia, Photography , Swadhar, Working Women’s Hostel, Samruddhi Sukanya Yojana, and Mahila E-Haat.

In an interactive session with national promoter Bindu Kohli, Sen spoke from her heart about her journey and what the award ceremonies such as these mean to her. “I don’t want to look good because I look good, I want to look good because I feel good.” Pointing to the importance of women supporting each other, she added “The world needs and appreciates a great example and if we can create that on platforms like this, we have someone each day to look up to and get inspired. You guys are amazing.”

NRI Pulse editor Veena Rao was among the seven distinguished women from varied fields of work to be recognized with a T.A.T Award.

Entrepreneur Sangeeta Agarwal, at- L to R: Bindu Kohli, Prabha Raghava, Bhavana Anand, torney Neera Bahl, internist Dr. KaLakshmi Thesam with Sushmita Sen. lai Chellam, Isha Damani of 27th in-

by Vinod.

vestments, designer Sushma Patel, and dentist Dr. Sangita Venkatesh were the recipients.

Sen was grace personified as she acknowledged the accomplishments of each of the women, as their AVs played on the large screen. She also thanked the three women responsible for the show and 27th investments.

“I’m 43. And in appreciating every stage of my life, fitness has come to be the physical interpretation of my strength. So, when I feel strong inside and I don’t look it outside, I know something’s amiss. So, if you feel strong inside you must live that life externally, just the same way,” she said, when asked how she stays fit.

Sen spoke about her biggest supporter, her father who stood by her in her decision to adopt a child, at 24, unmarried.

“There is a yin and a yang. There is a provider and a nurturer. That gives a balance that exists because we do. I believe in empowering lives and I do not think of it as being gender centric. But I will tell you from my own experience that my greatest supporter, my backbone through some of most trying times of my life has been my father. If it wasn’t for him, I could not have become a mother. Because the Indian laws were so dead against a single woman at 24 adopting and they wanted not just my father to say yes but for him to sign away half of his assets, his net worth to show allegiance. So, my father said I’m not a very rich man. This is all that I have.

Please take it all. Just give us Renee.”

Sushmita Sen’s endearing interaction with the winners and the audience and her tales of success and failure, and taking the roads less traveled stand testament to her modesty in victory and courage in defeat, a symbol of true empowerment.

“Aap ki limitations kya hain (what are your limitations). Women go past that and you aim for the stars. You might end up getting the universe,” said Sen. She sure knows how to win the universe.

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Mallika Sarabhai Inspires; NSS Presents Shakti Awards To 22 Women

BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE

Atlanta, GA: Narayan Seva Sansthan (NSS), an Udaipur based NGO known for rehabilitating differently abled people from the underprivileged segments, women in particular, celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, 2019 by recognizing 22 Atlanta women with Shakti (Feminine Energy) awards.

Held at Berkmar High School, the event also featured a breathtaking production by Padmabhushan Dr. Mallika Sarabhai, Colours of Her Heart, that showcased the pain, travails and victories of women across all nations. “Unstoppable Women Fashion Show”, dedicated to differently abled fashion show artists in India highlighted the resilience of women who pursue their dreams despite their disabilities.

Award presenters included Consul General Dr. Swati Vijay Kulkarni, Nadia Theodore, Consul General of Canada in Atlanta, Alicia Philipp, Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta and Madhu Sheth, The Sheth Family Foundation along with guest panel of Mustafa Ajmeri, Dr. Paddy Sharma, Dr. Jag Sheth, and Alex Patel of Sai Peace Center.

Manoj Barot, Executive Director of NSS was joined by the women guests for the traditional lighting of the lamp. Emcees Kim Yang and Christina Porter anchored the proceedings with grace and smile.

Predominantly themed to showcase the strength of women within, the inaugural awards opened with a unique fashion show that was a representation of ten differently abled girls in India who make the outfit themselves and display it and have participated in one of the many fashion shows hosted by NSS. Conceptualized and choreographed by Swati Thakur and co-coordinated

by Hetal Mehta, the show featured ten Atlanta women representing each of the girls in India, holding a picture board.

“I’m very pleased that more than 450 people showed up in support of these women who are performing well professionally and contributing to the community immensely,” said Dr. Jag Sheth.

“When we decided to launch the very first NSS ‘Shakti’ awards 2019 in Atlanta, we knew it was important to recognize women who energize our world,” said Prashant Aggarwal, Global Pres-

The award winners with Manoj Barot. Photo by Krish Photography tiative for women’s health and wellness,” said Barot.

AVs of awardees played along as the awards were handed out, with each receiving a booklet listing the inaugural Shakti award recipients and their accomplishments.

Award winners included Aparna Bhattacharyya, Raksha, Asha Chaudhary, Jaipur Living for Women Empowerment, Kumud Savla, NNKB, Divya Srivastava, Geet Rung School of Dance & Music, Dinaben Sheth, Kruti Dance Photo by Magic Dust Photography.

Academy, Rifka Mayani, Kennesaw University ident, NSS in a video presentation congratulating Sasikala Penumarthi, Academy of Kuchipudi all awardees.

Dance for Culture/Performing Arts, Vibha Rustagi, “For Narayan Seva Sansthan, ‘SHAKTI’ (Feminine Energy) is always at the heart of their Itaas, Lata Chinnan, Entrepreneur/First Women’s efforts as they work to transform the futures of World Cup, Lakshmi Thesam, IFA, Sheetal Desai, young girls and women through no cost surgeries, The Trusted Lawyers, Sucheta Rawal, Go Eat Give vocational trainings and educational programs. in the Trailblazers category, Asha Parikh, MD GA The idea was to recognize women who are dedi- Clinic/Emory Hospital, K.Sujatha Reddy, MD SAI cated and involved in women empowerment activ- Health Fair, Sujatha Reddy, MD Premier Care For ities, trail blazers and seek careers beyond routine Women, Susmita Parashar, MD Emory University, careers, dedicated in imparting culture/performing Annapurna Bhat, MD Piedmont Henry Hospital for arts alive for the future generations or taking ini- Women’s Health/Medical, Suzanne Sen, Khabar,

Jyothsna Hegde (right) with Consul General Nadia Theodore. Photo by Magic Dust Photography.

Jyothsna Hegde, NRI Pulse and Anjali Chhabria, TV Asia for Media, Ami Patwa, Gokuldham in the Great supporters category and Navya Sarikonda, Author in Young Achievers category.

An apt show perfectly complimenting the occasion was Sarabhai’s Colours Of Her Heart rooted in classical but cleverly adopted to modern day issues in contemporary costumes, lighting and choreography. The dance-theatre multimedia amalgamation of emotive segments, monologues, solo and synchronized group performances with bilingual live music by talented England-based singer Samia Malik and story creating skills of Yadavan Chandran emerged beautifully to create a six-women show that highlights the process of healing by not concealing but confronting one’s darkest fears.

The production touched upon ways women are shackled in social norms of good and bad girls, or when a girl is alone at night, or told to adjust, or keep silent in Ek Shaher, Raat Me Akele Mein, Adjust Kar Le, Chup, and Sheher. Sarabhai also presented actual cases of harassment including her own along with Surbhi, Mehraj, Sonal and Pooja.

“It’s not the color of her heart, It’s the color of her face. It’s not the whisper of her dreams, it’s the roar of her race,” concluded the powerful piece.

ALLATRA IPM To Host Timely World Event In Atlanta

Join hundreds of thousands around the globe for this compelling discussion!

Atlanta, GA: ALLATRA IPM, a global public movement to revive spiritual and moral values will be hosting its discussion, “The Universal Grain. Game of Professionals. Society.

The Last Chance” at the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta on May 11, 2019.

A free event, attendance nonetheless is by invitation only. Register here: allatra.tv/universalgrain This historic event will be attended by hundreds of thousands of people of diverse cultures, religions, and ethnic groups representing communities from around the world, said a press release issued by ALLATRA. “People themselves are initiating this momentous event with the goal to raise vital questions that concern topics of peace, humanness, and empathy. We will touch

on the question as to why we and mass media representahave such world problems as tives will also be present in wars, international conflicts, many countries. racial and religious discrim“We invite all people of ination, misinterpretation of goodwill to join us in Atlanta, information by mass media, USA or via live broadcast,” consumer-oriented society, the release said. etc. This is a pivotal opporSee registration link tunity on such a significant for a growing list of parscale for humanity to look ticipating countries and into the eyes of each other and locations. https://allatra.tv/ unite, not only in words, but in universalgrain/ deeds,” the statement said.

ALLATRA InternaPeople will gather in tional Public Movement is a Atlanta as well as conferformat of interaction outside ence halls around the world and connect to the At- of politics and religion. This global Movement, lanta event via live internet broadcast. Journalists already joined by millions of people from over

140 countries, is open to all people of good will regardless of their place of residence, nationality, social status, religion or political affiliation.

The activities of this volunteer, all people's movement, are aimed at reviving spiritual and moral values in the world community and establishing a peaceful dialogue around cultural, social, spiritual and moral conditions of life within society. This is a unique, peaceful global movement in which people, in their spare time, successfully implement an entirely new form of communication, an interaction which results in the unification of people around the world based on the principles of honesty, kindness, and justice.

Please visit https://allatra.org to learn more about ALLATRA International Public Movement and its activities.

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12 Credit Hours Of CME Offered To Participants At AAPI’s 37th Annual Convention In Atlanta Atlanta, GA: The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) that represents more than 100,000 Indian American physicians, reflects the range of physician specialties seen in the physician community at large with 61% in Primary Care, 33% in Medical sub-specialties and 6% in surgical sub-specialties. Medical specialty representation includes pediatrics, psychiatry, anesthesiology/pain management, cardiology, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, gastroenterology pathology, endocrinology, nephrology, rheumatology along with many other fields.

Dr. Naresh Parikh, President of AAPI, says, “The 37th Annual AAPI Convention & Scientific Assembly to be held from July 3rd to July 7th, 2019 at the fabulous and world famous Omni Atlanta at CNN Center and Georgia World Congress Center, will afford an intimate setting that will facilitate our ability to convey cutting-edge research and CME, promote business relationships, and display ethnic items. Atlanta is one of the world's favorite destinations for families and conventions and so we are expecting a record crowd to attend this convention.”

It’s a well-known fact that physicians of Indian origin excel in their respective areas of work and continue to play key roles in patient care, administration, academics and medical research. In order to cater to its diversity of medical specialties, AAPI continues to use a multi-disciplinary conference format. “The essence of AAPI is educational,” Dr. Naresh Parikh, president of AAPI, while describing the purpose of CME said.

According to Dr. Parikh, “That translates into numerous Continuing Medical Education and non-CME seminars by experts in their fields.

CME will provide comprehensive and current reviews and guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of various disease states to reduce morbidity and mortality and achieve cost effective quality care outcomes. At the end of the activity, it is expected that attendees will gain an understanding of the causation, diagnosis and the best clinical practices for the management of the diverse group of diseases discussed during this program.”

The annual convention this year is being organized by AAPI’s Atlanta Chapter, headed by Dr. Sreeni Gangasani. “The convention team is working incredibly hard to provide a delightful 4 days of events packed with educational CME credits, world-class entertainment, leadership seminars, networking opportunities, exhibits, and more,” Dr. Gangasani added. “This meeting offers a rich educational program featuring the latest scientific research and advances in clinical practice. In addition, physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country will convene to develop health policy agendas and encourage legislative priorities for the upcoming year.”

As though responding to the growing need: “Physician, heal thyself,” especially when there are growing signs of burn out among physicians, AAPI is focusing on themes such as how to take care of self and find satisfaction and happiness in the challenging situations they are in, while serv-

“The 37th Annual AAPI Convention & Scientific Assembly to be held from July 3rd to July 7th, 2019 at the fabulous Omni Atlanta at CNN Center and Georgia World Congress Center, will afford an intimate setting that will facilitate our ability to convey cutting-edge research and CME, promote business relationships, and display ethnic items...” ing hundreds of patients everyday of their dedicated and noble profession.

Accordingly, some of the major themes as part of the CME sessions include: Pursuit of Happiness In Medicine; Burnout Prevention and Wellness in Physicians; Easy Life of a Hospitalist: An Illusion; and, Meditation and Mindfulness.

Other themes at the CME include: Combining Ancient Sciences and Modern Medicine in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases; Mysteries of Type 2 Diabetes in South Asians - the Unresolved Questions; and, Cardio-oncology: Clinical Practice and Echocardiography.

“Many of the physicians who will attend this convention have excelled in different special-

ties and subspecialties and occupy high positions as faculty members of medical schools, heads of departments, and executives of hospital staff. The AAPI Convention offers an opportunity to meet directly with these physicians who are leaders in their fields and play an integral part in the decision-making process regarding new products and services,” Dr. Suresh Reddy, President-Elect of AAPI, added.

The 37th annual AAPI Convention, while providing physicians of Indian origin an opportunity to come together in an atmosphere of collegiality, it will enable them to retrace and appreciate their common roots, culture and the bond that unites them as members of this large professional community. Giving them a platform to celebrate

their accomplishments, the annual convention to be attended by nearly 2,000 physicians of Indian origin, it will also provide a forum to renew their professional commitment through continuing medical educations activities.

“The 2019 AAPI Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly offers an exciting venue to interact with leading physicians, health professionals, academicians, and scientists of Indian origin,” says Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, Vice President of AAPI. “Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country will convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year.”

The AAPI convention will offer 8-12 hours of CME credits. Scientific presentations, exhibits, and product theater presentations will highlight the newest advances in patient care, medical technology, and practice management issues across multiple medical specialties. The multidisciplinary CME conference during the convention allows specialists and primary care physicians to interact in an academic forum. World-renowned speakers will discuss gaps between current and best practice of wide-ranging topics of CME sessions, says Hemant Yagnick, MD, Academic Chair for the Convention.

Dr. Manoj Shah, Convention Treasurer says, Guests will be treated to true Southern hospitality in one of the country’s fastest growing cities— bustling with restaurants, night life, shopping and more. We look forward to welcoming you and your family and thank you for your support in making this convention a great success.”

AAPI organization is a dynamic body, spearheading legislative agendas and influencing the advancement of medical care not only in the US, but internationally. AAPI’s impact is seen in areas such as advocating for the increasing physician work force, participating in national health initiatives such as obesity prevention, and investing in global health education. Whether practicing in medically underserved areas such as inner cities and rural communities or participating in cutting edge research & academics, Indian physicians form an impressive group.

Almost 10%-12% of medical students entering US schools are of Indian origin. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, AAPI represents the interests of over nearly 100,000 physicians, medical students and residents of Indian heritage in the United States. It is the largest ethnic medical organization in the nation.

“The 2019 AAPI Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly offers an exciting venue to interact with leading physicians, health professionals, academicians, and scientists of Indian origin.

Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country will convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year. We look forward to seeing you in Atlanta, GA!” says Dr. Naresh Parekh. For more details and registration for the convention, please visit: www.aapiconvention.org and www.aapiusa.org.

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Shiv’s Institute Of Dance Students Showcase Dancing Talent

Photos by Vakiti Creations | Watch coverage on our YouTube Channel

BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE Atlanta, GA: Shiv’s Institute of Dance presented Sensation 2019, a biennial event that showcases its students’ performances, at Lassiter High School auditorium on March 17,2019. Designed and choreographed by its founder, Shiva Turlapati and his team, well over 300 students of the institute, with ages as young as four, danced the night away as the packed hall boomed to Bollywood/Tollywood and even Hollywood beats.

Anchor for the evening, Ayshwarya Sridha-

ran ensured smooth flow of well over 30 performances, with a smile. The large-scale production involved well over seven hundred costumes, plenty of volunteers, and customized graphics for special effects.

Kalpesh Patel, owner Patel Brothers presided as the chief guest of the night.

“Outstanding. The best of all Sensations we organized so far,” said a proud Turlapati thanking parents, sponsors, volunteers and the performers.

Turlapati recognized a few students who were graduating from high school and had been

with the institute since they were toddlers. The tears in their eyes and pride in Turlapti’s voice stood testament to the dedication and love shared among students and the teacher.

Bringing dance to life, as per their motto, various acts themed around Aladdin, The greatest showman, Alice In Wonderland, Om Shanti Om, Oceans 8, Dangal Girls, Robo, Bhaagmati, to name a few, stayed true to their titles with performers enacting sometimes an entire movie in one straight act.

The varied array of performances featured

numerous dance forms including Bollywood, hip hop, contemporary, jazz, latin, femme hip-hop, classical and Indian folk tuned to Indian movie music and beats.

Several other performances presented dance in diverse forms with the grand finale, featuring Turlapati ended the show on a high note.

Shiv’s institute of dance offers classes in three locations including Marietta, Cumming and Alpharetta.

You may check http://www.sidbollywood. com/ for more information.

Dr Raktim Sen Keeps Bengali Theater Alive In Atlanta With 2 Plays

BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE

Atlanta, GA: With sold out labels all over flyers, it is not surprising that Atlanta is the city of choice for so many popular entertainment shows. In an era of electronics and Imax movies, it is heartening to know that traditional art forms such as theatre, even in regional languages like Bengali, with its niche audience, finds its patrons and turns out to be a sold-out show.

Dr. Raktim Sen, through his Atlanta Theater Workshop, Inc, strives to present his productions with creativity and dedication. On March 17, a houseful audience enjoyed two popular Bengali plays: DenaPoana (Dowry) and Chor (The Thief) presented by Dr Sen at the Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry in Duluth.

Richa Sarkar, who used to be a TV and Radio host in Kolkata introduced the storylines of the plays with wit and vigor.

DenaPoana, based on a short story by Nobel laureate ‪Rabindranath Tagore,‬ sets a modern day parallel to the age-old dowry system and its evils. The modern day would-be-bride finds herself in a situation not too different from Tagore’s protagonist bride Nirupama, who would not allow her father to pay the dowry he “owed”. The cleaver usage of a simple screen for Nirupama to reflect her own thoughts as the play progresses gave way to clear interpretations of the narrative. ‬‬ Chor, a short play based on a story by Swapnamoy Chakraborty featured a thief who is forced to come out of retirement just to prove that he still has the Midas touch! The Thief, mistaken for a

vant in current times but took the plunge anyway.

“We needed another play to go with this and Chor fit the bill perfectly. It is out and out a comedy of high quality,” he added.

The ensemble cast and crew of Atlanta Theater Work-

Photos by Shankar Sengupta. businessman, is kidnapped and the ploy to extract ransom from an upset wife, leads to hilarious consequences.

After pondering each year about the next play, Dr. Sen decided to stage two short plays instead of a full length one.

“Out of the ten plays we had staged, seven are full-length and three short one-act plays. We needed to change that,” said Dr. Sen. Having read the script of DenaPaona several years ago, Dr. Sen says he was not sure if the serious note of the play would appeal to the audience or be rele-

shop brilliantly adapted by eminent playwright Soumitra Basu and directed by Dr. Sen backed by apt background score and props with heartfelt performances enhanced the theatrical experience.

You may check www.atltw.net for complete cast and credits.

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Unique Ceremony Celebrates Wedding Of Lord Venkateshwara

BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE Atlanta, GA: A unique ceremony celebrating the wedding of Lord Venkateshwara, Sri Srinivasa Kalyanotsava, organized by Sri Krishna Vrindavana (SKV) Temple of Atlanta attracted well over 700 devotees from Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee on May 24, 2019 at the Gurukul in Duluth.

Along the lines of a traditional south Indian wedding, the ceremony included a decked hall.

Wedding preparations began the previous day with Tarakari Shastra, where vegetables are ar-

ranged in decorative patterns and later cut to size by devotees.

Rituals included Battha Kuttida Shastra, that involves pounding of grains and pulses, Dibbana, welcoming the groom, Lord Venkateshwara and his brides Goddesses Lakshmi and Bhudevi in grand processions. In a grand finale moment, garlands were exchanged and Mangalya Dharane concluded the grand proceedings. Devotional Bhajans accompanied by instruments and traditional dance performances throughout the rituals enhanced the experience.

Traditionally, south Indian devotees visit

Tirumala to be blessed in abundance of money, Udupi to be blessed with food, and Panduranga to seek blessings in music. Puttige Mata, through the Kalyanotsava endeavors to combine the experience of visiting all these places of pilgrimage on one auspicious occasion.

Priests Yogeendra Bhat Uli and Jayaprasad Acharya presided over the wedding rituals along with lavish preparations including ornate decorations and elaborate food preparation with a menu that included puran poli, mysore pak, rava laddoo, boondi laddoo, (prasad) and kheer apart from at least 10 other different dishes. “Being far away

from home, we are blessed to be part of such an event” said Veena Madwesh, volunteer.

SKV Temple of Atlanta was established by the Puthige Matha in Udupi, Karnataka, for the devotees of South East region of USA in 2018.

With several locations across the world, Atlanta is the fourth location in the US. SKV houses Idols of Sri Krishna, Lord Hanuman and Sri Raghavendra Mruthika Brindavana and performs daily poojas and all religious events throughout the year.

You can find more details at https://skvatlanta.org/

TAMA Chess Tournament Attracts Record Participation Atlanta, GA: Biannual chess tournaments, rated and unrated, have become a part of Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta (TAMA)'s sports events for the past five years. Chess being a game where kids of all ages can play each other with passion irrespective of age and only talent matters. The first chess event of the 2019 year was conducted on March 16th, 2019 at Big Creek Elementary School in Cumming, GA. This event sponsored by Park N' Fly Atlanta Airport Parking attracted a record number of 130 participants.

With a 4 round Swiss system in all four sections (U1200, U800, U400 and Unrated) and time control of G30 + 5 sec delay, kids came to play in a serious yet fun environment. The goal of the tournament to get more kids interested in chess at a very young age and sustain that enthusiasm motivates the entire TAMA executive membership and volunteers associated with the tournament. Learning and adapting from earlier misses in coordinating an event, this event started like clockwork, with all the volunteers working like a well-oiled machine to get the tournament started sharp at 10:30 am and the following rounds at 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm respectively.

Parents of participants were accommodated in the gym next door where they could relax and kids had a fun time in gym playing to their heart's content. They were exercising their mind and body while having fun. Another unique feature was the free pizza for lunch to all the participants and the parents. Apart from pizza, bananas and water bottles were provided and the parents enjoyed hot tea to warm them during the slightly cold weather. This gesture has been appreciated by one and all as they would not have to think about planning for lunch and snacks all day long.

One more gesture that was wildly applauded

by kids was the monstrous size of the trophies.

Top five place trophies in each section as well as plus score trophies meant as many as 60 kids went home with a trophy, as well as certificates for all the participants. Mr. Chuck Rose from our sponsor Park N' Fly, TAMA Executive committee and Board Members handed out trophies. Everyone appreciated TAMA for providing a platform for competitive tournaments and bringing the best in kids and that too right before State’s chess qualifiers.

TAMA sports secretary Rupendra Vemulapalli with able guidance and support from past chairmen Rajesh Jampala, Srinivas Lavu, current chairman Vinay Maddineni, Board Secretary Rajasekhar Chunduri, President Venky Gadde and excellent coordination with seasoned tournament director Mr. Parnell Watkins managed to finish the tournament without a hitch. TAMA Board of Directors Nagesh Doddaka, Srinivas Uppu, Manoj Tatikonda and Executive Committee members Bharat Maddineni, Innaiah Yenumula, Priya Balusu, Subbarao Maddali, Sairam Karumanchi, Aditya Gali, Ravi Kalli, Bharat Avirneni and many more volunteers were there to support the entire day.

TAMA would like to thank each and every one of our sponsors, volunteers, participants and parents who made this fun, educational and entertaining event a grand success.

We will be having our second chess tournament in the second half of the year and hope to surpass these numbers and want to make this a premier chess event in the state of Georgia with your active and willing support.

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NRI Pulse

..... City News .....

April 2019

Mesmerizing Program Raises $40K For Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE

Atlanta, GA: A captivating Taalavaadyam and Bharatanatyam presentation, part of Samarpanam, a 2019 Student of the Year campaign

by Walton High School students Anant Rajan and Emma Mason and their teachers Santosh Chandru and Bhavini Rajan, successfully raised $40K at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta on March 10, 2019.

“Students of the Year, sponsored by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, is a philanthropic leadership organization aimed at fundraising and raising awareness for leukemia and lymphoma. The money raised during our seven-week campaign goes directly to LLS, where it will be used to fund research to find cures, promote advocacy for the disease, and help financially support families with a member fighting against the disease,” said Anant Rajan.

Thaalavadyam, a repertoire of Carnatic songs and accompaniments as an ensemble, including question-answer, blended with individual Tani avarthanams, a segment where artists shine in their own light to show mastery of their respective instruments, as anchor Shipa Iyer described it later, was simply exhilarating. The ensemble featured Mridangam, the Tavil, and the Konnakol played by Guru Santosh Chandru, Violin by Tejas Manjunath, Mridangam by Aravind Narayan, Vajrang Kamat, Anant Rajan and Siddharth Poyappakam, Ghatam by Tejas Veedhulur and Morsing by Gopi Venkatasubbu. The musical gem was a treat to Carnatic music aficionados.

ic verses. In Ashtapadi, she danced to enticement of Lord Krishna to the gopikas in Brindavana.

Keerthanai, performed by Mriganayani Rajan, Krisha Gelli, Haarika Palacharla, Bhavana Chandramouli, Shreya Gelli, Ashwini Balaganesh, and Janavi Ramesh praised Lord Nataraja. Ashtalakshmi featuring Ananya Ganesh Achari and Shobana Santhanam brought alive eightfold Sri Lakshmi, Sri Ashta Lakshmi.

Thillana, a piece dominated by the rhythmic syllables over lyrics was performed by performed by Mriganayani Rajan, Krisha Gelli, Haarika Palacharla, Bhavana Chandramouli, Shreya Gelli, Ashwini Balaganesh, Bhavini Rajan, who had not performed on Janavi Ramesh, Anant Rajan, and stage for a quite some time now, took to stage for Bhavini Rajan. A sweet Diya Dance perfomed by the cause. Bhavini’s myriad layers of emotions 6-year olds Dikshita Mohan, Neha Bala, Sarah, Anu, portraying a lovelorn heroine or a hero rendered Mahathi and Aaradhya wrapped up the presentation. in slow tempo completely justified Padam, the Janavi Ramesh, in her vote of thanks talked pure Abhinaya item composed of lyrics and poet-

about the disease striking very close to home, her mother, a survivor and her journey through diagnosis and treatment, making a heartfelt appeal for the cause.

1.2 Million people in the United States are living with or are in remission from a blood cancer.

Team Cambiamondo which translates to Change the World in Italian, sure did their part justify their title.

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NRI Pulse

..... Features .....

April 2019

Freedom Is The Courage To Be Myself: Mallika Sarabhai

BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE

that we let not the human spirit, but “Freedom is about understanding vested interests rule and accepting all the contradictions us. It is a quest for a and quirkiness that make me, ME. It is different tomorrow the freedom to have the courage to be in a spirit of searchmyself,” said Padmabhushan Mallika ing for a more huSarabhai, in her exclusive interview mane world we can with NRI Pulse. She, along with British find.” musician of Pakistani descent, Samia Sarabhai said Malik, spoke to this writer after a meetshe had amazing the-press event held at Ashiana Banquet parents, who never in Global Mall recently. pressured her to exSarabhai and Malika were in Atcel, rather encourlanta to kick off their production ‘Coaging her to find Mallika Sarabhai (center) and Samia Malik (left) with Jyothsna Hegde. lours Of Her Heart’, on International herself. “As parents Women’s Day, March 8, 2019, which doing much better, the fact remains that women they believed that was showcased after Narayan Seva Sansthan’s own less than 10% of the resources.” that they needed to lay the soil and give the right Shakti Awards presented to 22 Atlanta women.

Malik added to the conversation on women’s amount of water and sunlight and then have the One of India’s leading choreographers and empowerment. “To me, freedom is to be able to trust that we would grow into the people that we dancers, multifaceted Mallika Sarabhai is an ac- find the shape that you are from yourself which needed to. From the entire family, came the DNA tress, writer, and social activist known for promo- might not be the shape that anybody else around to be articulate, educated and have a personal idetion of the arts as a vehicle for social change. She you is, but it is your own personal shape,” she ology and the need to fight for others.” holds a PhD in organizational behavior and has said.

Sarabhai feels social media can be transforbeen the co-director of the prestigious Darpana “We are delighted to be starting this new mative. “It’s like fire - it can burn, and it can puAcademy of Performing Arts, for nearly 30 years. production here in Atlanta, the home of Martin rify. It is like a sharp knife; a surgeon can use it “Women’s empowerment is work in prog- Luther King. If there was ever a person who emto heal you and someone else can use it to behead ress. For every step we take, we take a step back bodied the breaking of shackles of the mind, it you. In India it has led to mass lynching of people, and with technology there are new ways of en- was him,” observed Sarabhai, adding, “Colours repeated communal conflicts, vigilante behavior slaving women,” said Sarabhai, pointing to the of her Heart is about the shackles we have put on against innocent people that is very frightening. growth in the pornography market. “While eco- our minds, spirit, and our dreams to be reduced But it can also be progressive. Like in the case of nomically, in some parts of the world women are to something so small, so frightened, so insecure, Kerala floods, it can help people be saved, have

volunteers come in to set up a network to save and help hundreds of people.”

“We were at Gokuldham and Samia and I lit the Gokuldham lamp together and I thought this is how it should be,” she said, extending warm hugs with Malik, when asked about current India-Pakistan relations.

Being in as many spaces as she does, what gives Sarabhai the most peace? “Going inwards,” was the calm reply. “Meditation,” said Malik.

Sarabhai said, for her, dance is meditation.

“I dance when I’m angry, depressed, or happy.”

At Darpana, she encourages mothers waiting for their students to learn dance. “In the last few years, in our first-year class, we have age ranges 7 to 65. There is an amazing interaction between the older and younger students. It’s a delight to unleash that energy through dance and for me, it’s a huge joy.”

So, what is the audience take away from Sarabhai’s productions. “I would like people to get out of the mundaneness of what is on their grocery list, and for a little while, be transported into the realm of possibility. The production has to be entertaining but not entertainment,” she said.

“A humanity that is humane. A world of people who glow inside. A world where people treat each other with dignity, equality, compassion, love,” Sarabhai believes is the ultimate goal.

“I would like a world where I don’t have to do what I do,” said Malik, adding “You may say, we are dreamers.”

US-Returned Techie Activist To Take On PM Modi In Varanasi

BY SUPRIYA D G

Atlanta, GA: A former software engineer from Seattle, Washington has decided to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Claiming to be “a man with passion to serve his homeland”, Jalagam Sudheer, a native of Kodad, Suryapet district of Telangana will contest the polls in Varanasi, UP. “I was born and brought up here and was provided everything. I went abroad for livelihood, but my heart always beats for my motherland,” says Sudheer Kumar Jalagam. “Morally and financially I will provide support and am always with the people who work for the betterment of society. I wish to see a healthy and happy society around me and strive for the same. I feel happy and contended when I see light in everyone’s eyes.”

Sudheer is among the emerging entrants in the political arena who are not content with personal achievements but aim to serve by transforming ideas into reality. Sudheer who until recently lived in Seattle, was aware of civic activism there that included several of his friends.

Agreeing that he followed a similar ideology, Jalagam Sudheer’s engagement with civic activism covers a range of social work.

The nearly 250 crores valued land surrounding Kodad lake was saved from encroachment. Jalagam Sudheer gathered a 300-page information and submitted it to then Irrigation Minister Mr. Harish Rao and was successful in the allotment of Mini Tank Bund.

“To highlight the fluorosis issue and negligence from the central government, I have decided to contest from Varanasi, “ he says, adding that it was his struggle to pursue the delay in allocating funds for RFMRC (Regional Fluorosis Mitigation and Research Centre) in Nalgonda despite the allocation of eight acres of land by the Telangana government that led him to take the political plunge.

But how does one face the challenge of the competition, especially when it happens to be the current prime minister? According to Sudheer, “We are taking local organizations’ support. We are also planning to meet SP, BSP, Congress and other parties to support us. We need 10 local proposers to sign on the nomination papers. We have over 100 volunteers to sign on the nomination papers,” he continues with confidence. The last date for filing nominations is April 23rd.

Seeking to broaden his outreach, Sudheer’s campaigning involves seeking media support to spread foremost, the word about fluorosis. He is working with Vadde Srinivasalu from Andhra Pradesh who is also contesting from Varanasi to highlight the similar issue.

Varanasi is taking the centre stage in the Jalagam Sudheer’s fight against the harmful effects of fluoride coming election as media stories abound with poisoning has become his mission and motivation to contest the several nominations that have come to resemble protest movements aimed at highlighting the 2019 elections. plight of citizens in different parts of the country.

Based on Sudheer’s request, the government parents in voluntary services.

More than the question of victory, one may of Telangana introduced Tea with Principal proIt is Sudheer’s fight against the harmful effects see the ushering of a new era of activist politics gram in more than 142 government schools. The of fluoride poisoning that has become the mission where the electoral landscape is dynamic and main objective of this program was to involve and motivation to contest the 2019 elections. diverse.

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NRI Pulse

San Francisco, New Jersey Top Idli Ordering Cities

New Delhi (IANS) Idli is the most ordered food item in Bengaluru, followed by Mumbai and Chennai, finds a study by food delivery app Uber Eats. Globally, San Francisco, London and New Jersey have been found to be the top idli ordering cities.

Idli is often eaten for breakfast along with piping hot sambhar and a variety of chutneys.

“Idli has been a top breakfast item that consumers love… It appeals to people of varied food preferences and is a popular comfort food for many,” Deepak Reddy, Head of Central Operations, Uber Eats India, said in a statement on Thursday.

Data from restaurants across 38 cities that specialise in idli and are known for unique variations of the dish show that Bengaluru consumes idli the most, followed by Mumbai, Chennai, Pune and Hyderabad.

For the last three years, March 30 has been celebrated as World Idli Day. It is said to be the brainchild of Eniyavan, a popular idli-only caterer from Chennai.

Uber Eats ran special idli offers and combos across idli loving cities on World Idli Day.

Kansas Man Wins $50 Million Jackpot Lottery Atlanta, GA (NRI Pulse Staff): An Indian-American from Shawnee, Kansas has claimed a $50 million jackpot Missouri Lottery prize in a March 12 drawing.

Hira Singh bought the winning ticket at a QuikTrip in Kansas City, and matched all six numbers drawn – 10, 12, 16, 49 and 57 with a Mega Ball of 18.

Singh didn’t realize he had the winning ticket for several days following the Tuesday drawing.

“That’s where I get gas,” Singh said in a news release Thursday from the Missouri Lottery.

Singh told the lottery that he didn’t realize he had the winning ticket until several days had passed.

On Saturday, he used a Check-A-Ticket machine at retail to check his Missouri tickets.

“I prayed upon my God and then scanned it,” he said, adding that he then checked it three more times.

He was still thinking about how best to use the prize money when he went to collect it.

Because the Mega Millions win happened in Missouri, the state will collect approximately $1.2 million in state income tax on his lump-sum prize. QuikTrip will also receive a $50,000 bonus check for selling the jackpot ticket.

.....NRI News .....

Couple Convicted Of Human Trafficking Charges

Atlanta, GA (NRI Pulse Staff): After an 11-day trial, a federal jury found Satish Kartan, 45, and his wife, Sharmistha Barai, 40, guilty on March 14 of physically abusing, exploiting and threatening workers they hired from India and Nepal under false pretenses.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between February 2014 and October 2016, Kartan and Barai hired workers from India and Nepal to perform domestic labor in their home in Stockton. In advertisements seeking workers on the internet and India-based newspapers, the defendants made false claims regarding the wages and the duties of employment. Then, once the workers arrived at the defendants’ Stockton residence, Kartan and Barai forced them to work 18 hours a day with limited rest and nourishment. Few of them were paid any wage. The defendants kept their domestic workers from leaving and induced them to keep working for them by threatening them, by creating an atmosphere of fear, control, and disempowerment, and at times by physically hitting or burning them. When a victim pushed back or said she wanted to leave, it got worse.

Kartan and Barai are scheduled to be sentenced on June 6. Each defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a

$250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

“Human trafficking is a disgraceful and unacceptable crime. The defendants in this case took advantage of overseas workers, forcing them to work without pay, physically abusing them, and threatening negative repercussions if they tried to leave,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Justice Department will continue to investigate and vigorously prosecute human traffickers in order to bring justice to victims.”

“These defendants exploited one victim after another, using them to labor in their home, failing to pay wages and depriving them of basic human rights,” said U.S. Attorney Scott. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues its commitment to protect and defend vulnerable members of our society from human trafficking.”

“Kartan and Barai did not simply fail to pay victims for their work,” said Sean Ragan, Special Agent in Charge of the Sacramento FBI Field Office.

“They deprived them of their dignity and robbed them of their federally protected civil rights. The FBI will work with partner agencies to protect victims of human trafficking wherever that crime occurs.”

April 2019

Actor Among 3 Held In Businessman’s Murder Case

Hyderabad: (IANS) Three more persons, including Telugu film comedian Surya Prasad, were arrested in March in the murder case of Florida-based NRI businessman Dr. Jayaram Chigurupati, police said.

Besides Prasad, the police also took Kishore and Anji Reddy into custody.

Deputy Commissioner of Police A.R. Srinivas told reporters that they have almost completed the investigations into the case.

He said the investigations revealed that Jayaram’s niece Shikha Chowdary had no role in the murder.

According to police, main accused Rakesh Reddy had hatched a conspiracy to extort money from Jayaram. Surya Prasad and Kishore brought Jayaram to his house in posh Jubilee Hills and it was here that the businessman was murdered. Anji Reddy reached Rakesh Reddy’s house after the murder but did not inform police.

Widow Of Lion Air’s Indian Pilot Blasts Boeing

Washington/New Delhi: (IANS) Garima Sethi, the widow of Indian pilot on Lion Air flight that plunged into the sea in October claiming 189 lives, has accused Boeing of “playing with lives” and said the second Ethiopian Airline crash involving the same model could have been prevented if appeals to ground the 737 Max 8 fleet were given more weight by the airline and others.

Sethi, wife of 31-yearold Bhavye Suneja, told the Washington Post that January wasn’t the first time when she pleaded with Lion Air and Indonesian authorities to ground the model which was later blamed for the Ethiopian Airlines crash that killed all 157 people on March 10.

She said that Lion Air officials told her in January — two months before the Ethiopia crash — that they needed more information on the Boeing model to take such a step. In addition, the officials told Garima Sethi that Boeing had reassured them that the aircraft was safe.

The October 29 crash near Jakarta opened global probes into potential problems with an an-

ti-stall system on the popular Boeing plane.

Sethi, 31, said that a second crash of a Boeing Max jet in Ethiopia could have been prevented if the appeals by the victims’ families were given more weight by Lion Air and others.

“We tried to do our part, but nobody heard us.”

Talking about the Ethiopia crash, Sethi said: “It was altogether the same story. I don’t have any words.”

She said she was distressed to learn that the Ethiopian Airlines jet that crashed had been delivered by Boeing in mid-November, after the Lion Air disaster.

“They were playing with lives.”

A spokesman for Lion Air and Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee declined to comment on Sethi’s views.

Boeing had repeatedly assured that the 737 Max was safe but it was grounded globally after the Ethio¬pian Airlines crash.

A preliminary report from Indonesian experts released in November focused on possible flawed readings by an anti-stall feature on the 737 Max.

Investigators believe the system redirected the nose of the plane downward, leaving the cockpit crew unable to override the autopilot commands.

A similar scenario is being investigated as the potential cause for the Ethio¬pian crash, the Washington Post said.

Sethi’s husband Suneja was a methodical pilot and a stickler for pre-flight inspections, she said. On October 29, the plane he was about to pilot had experienced mechanical issues on its previous flight.

Sethi said that after the October crash, Suneja’s colleagues told her that Lion Air’s pilots had received no training on the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), the anti-stall software.

Indonesian officials said last year that Boeing’s manual for the new plane did not fully describe the system or how to disable it, according to the report.

During a meeting with Lion Air officials, Sethi said she urged them to ground the Max planes. “We suggested if it was a software glitch, why not ground it for a while?”

“I’m just looking for justice,” Sethi said, adding that whoever was at fault “should claim their mistakes”.

Some of the families of Lion Air victims have filed lawsuits against Boeing, but Sethi said she has not decided whether to pursue a legal claim.

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NRI Pulse

US Physician Among Ethiopian Plane Crash Victims

An Indian-American physician from Tennessee was among the 157 killed in the Ethiopian Airlines plane crash in March.

Dr. Manisha Nukavarapu was on her way to Nairobi to see her sister who had delivered three baby boys a few days ago.

She was also looking to visit her parents Venkateshwar Rao and Bharathi, who were with their elder daughter.

A relative of Manisha tweeted to Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj that her parents were waiting to receive the body in Nairobi. The Minister replied that she had asked Rahul Chhabra, the Indian High Commissioner in Nairobi, to provide all help and assistance.

Four Indians were among those who died in the Boeing 737 jet crash on Sunday which occurred shortly after it took off from the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

After doing medicine from Guntur Medical College, Manisha went to the US for higher studies and was settled in Tennessee.

Dr. Nukavarapu is listed as one of the resident physicians of the Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University. She was in her second year of residency at the Johnson City school.

“Those who knew her described her as a fine resident, a delightful person and dedicated physician,” a press release issued by the East Tennessee State University states. “She will be greatly missed by her colleagues and patients.”

.....NRI News .....

Catholic Priest Sentenced To 6 Years For Sex Crime

Atlanta, GA: John Praveen, a former Catholic priest was sentenced to six years in the South Dakota State Penitentiary after he pleaded guilty to sexual contact with a 13-year-old girl.

He is eligible for parole after half of the time is served. He is expected to be deported back to India.

Praveen admitted in court to touching the girl's breasts over her clothing. However, State's Attorney Mark Vargo took offense to the term "over the clothes", because the girl was wearing a leotard under her sweater. Vargo said Praveen reached under the girl's sweater, reports Black Hills Fox. In a plea agreement, both sides agreed to asked the court for a single year in local jail with credit for Praveen's 178 days he has already spent behind bars. The single year request with consent from the victim's family, knowing that as soon as Praveen is done with his sentence he will be deported back to India.

In a plea deal, both prosecution and defense asked the court for a single year in local jail with credit for the 178 days already spent behind bars. However, Judge Robert Mandel sentenced Praveen to six years.

"I do not believe the penalty in the plea agreement is adequate," Judge Mandel said.

Praveen still gets credit for his time served

and will be up for parole in a little more than two and a half years. He is then expected to be deported back to India.

A letter written by the victim’s mother details the ordeal the child went through.

She says Praveen solicited her daughter in the Confessional. According to her, Praveen kissed the child on her neck and face and described his body as "erect". “I struggle to sleep due to so many memories of her descriptions of how she got away from him, ran and hid, only to have him hunt her down, finding her hiding spot and bringing her back for more," the letter says.

“We suffered a profound sense of abandonment by our Church for several months due to lack of outreach, lack of response to our expressed needs for her, lack of fervor in solving the problems and improving procedures. We looked to our Church for comfort, correction of the lies his actions taught her and direct care of her soul.

Unfortunately, despite nice public statements of ministering and care, that was not her experience … His superiors and local church leaders have not indicated any will to remove him from the priesthood and have not indicated to us that they will advocate remotely for his removal.”

Indian Man Pleads Guilty To Fixing 80 Sham Marriages Atlanta, GA, (NRI Pulse Staff): Ravi Babu Kolla, 47, an Indian foreign national residing in Panama City, Florida pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit marriage and visa fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering that included more than 80 phony marriages in Alabama.

Between February 2017 and August 2018, Kolla operated an immigration marriage fraud business in Bay County that recruited U.S. citizens to marry Indian foreign nationals to gain immigration benefits, said a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida.

The majority of the Indian foreign nationals allegedly overstayed their visas or Student Exchange Visitor Program requirements and were unlawfully residing in the United States. The investigation identified over 80 fraudulent marriages that were performed in Alabama as part of Kolla’s scheme.

Kolla is being detained. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 22 in Tallahassee.

Kolla faces a maximum of 5 years in prison for conspiracy to commit marriage and visa fraud and a maximum of 20 years in prison for money laundering conspiracy.

Indian Sentenced To 8 Years For Call Center Fraud

New York: (IANS) An Indian national has been sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison for participating in an India-based call centre fraud in which operators impersonated US tax officials to extort money from Americans.

Federal Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington, who sentenced Nishitkumar Patel on Monday in Tampa, Florida, also fined him $200,000 and ordered the forfeiture of cash and his Land Rover.

He and four others – two of them Indians – Internal Revenue Service and claiming that they had earlier admitted their guilt in court.

Patel and his accomplices used the In- owed taxes, threatened the victims with arrest, acdia-based call centre to make calls to people in cording to court filings.

They ordered the victims to buy prepaid cash the US pretending to be tax officials from the

Teen’s Mom Accused Of Drowning Newborn To Prevent Shame

Atlanta, GA, (NRI Pulse Staff): In another heartbreaking chapter in the death of a newborn whose body was found buried in a Bakersfield (California) backyard, the grandfather, Jagsir Singh took his own life recently.

The grandmother, 43-year-old Beant Dhillon has been accused of drowning her newborn grandson in November 2018. She attended her husband’s funeral under police escort.

Court documents say Dhillon found her then 15-year-old daughter in the bathroom giving birth. She allegedly admitted to drowning the baby in the bathtub “to prevent family shame.”

Dhillon then called her husband 47-year-old Jagsir Singh home from work, and showed him the baby, which she had placed in a bag inside of a bucket.

Singh then gave the baby to Dhillon’s neph-

April 2019

ew, 23-year-old Bakshinderpal Singh Mann who buried the baby in the backyard.

Police say the teen was told the baby was put up for adoption. However, she later found out through her minor brother that the baby was buried in the backyard of their home. She notified school officials on Tuesday. The school in turn, notified police.

Dhillon pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder. She’s next due in court April 17.

Dhillon’s husband was also arrested. He hanged himself at their home after getting out on bail. The teenage daughter remains in protective custody along with another sibling.

Bakhshinderpal Singh, Dhillon’s nephew allegedly responsible for burying the baby is still wanted in this case.

The case has sent shockwaves in the local Sikh community.

“The community wanted to be here today, not showing support, but to learn that what happened is sad and do something within the community so it doesn’t happen again,” Gurinder Singh Basra, who attended the funeral told the local CNBC news channel.

cards to pay what they claimed were back taxes and sent people to collect the cards, deposit the payments into bank accounts they opened and turn over the money after deducting a commission, court papers said.

One of the co-conspirators, Alejandro Juarez, was earlier sentenced to 15 months in prison, while Hemalkumar Shah, Sharvil Patel and Brenda Dozier are awaiting sentencing.

When they were charged in November, officials said that law enforcement officers executed a search warrant Nishitkumar Patel’s home and seized $50,000 in cash, hundreds of bank and wire transfer receipts, and 20 electronic devices.

The charges filed in court described Nishitkumar Patel, 31, Sharvil Patel, 22, and Hemalkumar Shah, 27, as “domestic managers” for the fraud who hired people to collect the payment cards.

India-linked fraudulent tax extortion through threatening phone calls are rampant. In October 2016, five Indian companies and 56 people, most of them of Indian descent, were charged in a Texas federal court with involvement in a similar racket.

Last October, 21 people – at least 20 of them of Indian origin – received sentences ranging between four years and 13 years, with orders of deportation for most of them and revocation of US citizenship of one.

Jeff Sessions, who was the attorney general at that time, had said: “The stiff sentences imposed this week represent the culmination of the first-ever large scale, multi-jurisdiction prosecution targeting the India call centre scam industry.”

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NRI Pulse

.....NRI News .....

April 2019

7000 People In US And India Run To Beat 7,000 Rare Diseases

BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE

Atlanta, GA: Over 7000 people across U.S states including Washington DC, South Carolina, Texas and California and nine locations in India including Kolkata, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Chennai, Mumbai, Mysuru, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and New Delhi joined together in the Racefor7 event held by Organization For Rare Disease India (ORDI) and ORDIUSA on February 24, 2019 to bring visibility to more than 7000 disorders collectively known as rare diseases.

Racefor7, an awareness run/walk in USA extended an international chain of approximately 7000 participants in India. Racefor7 symbolizes the 7000 rare diseases with 7000 people running/walking for 7000 meters. The average time to diagnose a rare disease patient is 7 years and Orphan Drug Act provides a 7-year market exclusivity for orphan drugs approved by FDA. The event emphasizes the urgency of diagnosing patients with undiagnosed conditions and the need to bring new medicines for 95% of the rare diseases with no approved treatment.

“What a great event and what a way to bring the rare disease communities of the U.S. and India together,” said Marshall Summar, MD,

Director of the Rare Disease Institute, Children’s National Medical Center and Chairman of the Board at the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), who kicked off the race in DC. Washington race also featured Rajesh Gooty, Founder and President of United National Diversity Coalition of America (UNDCA). Stephen Groft, Pharm.D., of ICORD, Frank Sasinowski, MS, MPH, JD, Vice Chair of EveryLife Foundation and Monica Weldon, President, CEO and Founder of Bridge the Gap - SYNGAP Education and Research Foundation, as a prolific patient advocate.

Traveling from Birmingham, Ala. to D.C., Swapna Kakani, battling a rare disease called short bowel syndrome also joined the event. BV

Jagadeesh, serial entrepreneur, angel investor and philanthropist, was Summar’s counterpart in San Francisco Bay Area.

“I am truly humbled by the growing support for the cause in the U.S. Next year, we’re hoping to have 7,000 people to walk for each of the seven thousand individual diseases we had bibs for coast-to-coast. We can do it but only with community engagement and participation. The race will continue in Boston area in summer,” summed up event host Dr. Harsha Rajasimha, Co-Founder and board director of ORDI, ORDIUSA and co-director of the Rare Diseases Systems Biology

Research Initiative at George Mason University.

Rajasimha co-founded race-organizer ORDI (Organization for Rare Diseases India) to bring together scientists, policymakers, patients, and those in the pharmaceutical industry to connect across borders. The goal is to increase the number of clinical trials for rare diseases worldwide by adding the population of India to the candidate pool. The nonprofit will act as a catalyst to accelerate clinical research and bring about more timely diagnosis and treatment in India, where millions of people live with one of the more than 7,000 currently identified rare diseases.

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NRI Pulse

Why Whatsapp Won't Trace Message Origin

New Delhi: (IANS) As experts demand Facebook-owned WhatsApp to disclose information about where a message in question has originated from, the company has reiterated that such proposed changes are not consistent with the strong privacy protections important to people.

WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption by default which means only the sender and the recipient can see the messages in circulation -- not even WhatsApp. In a recent media workshop, WhatsApp categorically said that tracing the origin of message is not possible given the end-to-end encryption that it provides and it would require the company to re-architect WhatsApp, leading us to a different product, one that would not be fundamentally private.

"Imagine if every message you sent was kept with a record of the fact that you sent it and with a record of your phone number. That would not be a place for private communications," said a WhatsApp spokesperson.

WhatsApp is removing over two million accounts per month for bulk or automated behaviour -- over 75 per cent without a recent user report.

"These efforts are particularly important during elections where certain groups may attempt to send messages at scale," said the company.

WhatsApp said its service is not a broadcast platform.

"We place limits on group sizes and how users send messages. Approximately 90 per cent of the messages sent on WhatsApp are from one person to another, and a majority of groups have fewer than 10 people. WhatsApp requires the message sender to know the phone number of the recipient," said the company.

.....Tech Pulse .....

Facebook Dumps White Nationalism, Separatism

San Francisco/Wellington: (IANS) Abandoning a long-standing policy of allowing white supremacy to thrive on its platform as nations criticised it for promoting hate propaganda in the wake of New Zealand terror attacks, Facebook has banned praise, support and representation of white nationalism and white separatism on its platform and Instagram.

"It's clear that these concepts are deeply linked to organised hate groups and have no place on our services," Facebook said in a blog post on Wednesday.

The ban will come into force next week.

The social networking giant came under pressure after a white man livestreamed a terror attack on two mosques in New Zealand on Facebook Live. The Facebook Live video of the terror attack in which 50 people were killed was viewed over 4,000 times before it was removed.

Besides streaming the 17-minute attack on the first mosque on Facebook, the attacker, Australian national Brenton Tarrant, had also posted a 70-page manifesto detailing his extreme rightwing ideology and hatred for Muslims.

Facebook said it allowed the expressions of white nationalism and white separatism on

its platforms because "we were thinking about broader concepts of nationalism and separatism -- things like American pride and Basque separatism, which are important part of people's identity".

Facebook users searching for terms associated with white supremacy will be directed to Life After Hate, an organisation set up by former violent extremists, which provides crisis intervention, education, support groups and outreach.

Facebook indicated last year that it would review its policy on white nationalism and white separatism.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday Facebook needed to do a lot more to curb hate propaganda. "In the wake of the terrorist attack, there is much to do," she said, referring to Facebook, where the attacker had livestreamed the mosque shooting.

Ardern said these measures "should But over the past three months, said Face- always have fallen within their community guidebook, its conversations with members of civ- lines of hate speech", and that the solution needed il society and academics have confirmed that to be a global one given the global outreach of white nationalism and white separatism cannot social networks. be meaningfully separated from white supremacy Apart from Facebook, online video streaming and organised hate groups. site YouTube -- owned by Alphabet, Google's par"Going forward, while people will still be ent company -- also reported removing tens of thouable to demonstrate pride in their ethnic heritage, sands of videos of the attack from its platform and we will not tolerate praise or support for white na- said what happened was unprecedented for them tionalism and white separatism," Facebook said. regarding the scale and speed of dissemination.

Tech Future As Seen By Microsoft CEO Nadella

Las Vegas: (IANS) Streaming Xbox through 5G networks to phones, ability to machine learning at a scale and recognizing instinctual human experience like touch, speech and gestures on multiple devices will be the new frontiers of technology, said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella talking about future tech trends.

Technology titans Nadella and Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, the two schoolmates from Hyderabad, also gave a glimpse of the data initiative that was announced in 2018 by Microsoft with Adobe and SAP as the next big thing.

"I am very excited about ODI (Open Data Initiative)," said Nadella highlighting at the Adobe Summit here how close the project is to his heart and how 5G streaming and mixed reality with touch, gaze and speech functions across all platforms is the most significant technology enhancements in the future.

"The most important asset that everyone in this room has is data, which is yours. Except it is locked up in silos. The partnership we formed with SAP was to unlock this data and help each of you enrich it," said Nadella in conversation with Narayen at the summit attended by 16,000 par-

Desi Content, Easy Pricing Apple's Ticket To India

New Delhi: (IANS) The new Apple TV+ video streaming service can make its mark in the crowded over-the-top (OTT) market in India only with original desi content, disrupting pricing and strategic alliances with industry stakeholders, emphasize experts.

There are over 32 online content and video streaming platforms in the country and the market is expected to hit $5 billion by 2023, according to a recent report by the global management consulting firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

The growth is being driven by rising affluence, increase in penetration of data into rural markets and adoption across demographic segments including women and older generations.

Apple's on-demand subscription service will start in over 100 countries this Fall with a brand new programming from the world's celebrated artists, including Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Octa-

April 2019

strategic collaborations with industry players and storytellers and, most importantly, the pricing," said Tarun Pathak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research.

Today, the Indian OTT users have multiple choices and would spend money only if the content and pricing is really disrupting.

"Apple has an ecosystem in place in India that will help in the initial run but everything boils down to making original, compelling content where the market leaders like Netflix is spending massively," Pathak told IANS. Netflix spent nearly $12 billion on content last year and is projected to spend over $15 billion this year. Apple has reportedly spent over $1 bilvia Spencer, J.J. Abrams, Jason Momoa, M. Night lion in making original content so far.

Shyamalan and Jon M. Chu. The Apple TV app will be available on Sam"There is a huge young population in India sung smart TVs, beginning this Spring and on that loves to watch Hollywood originals. Howev- Amazon Fire TV, LG, Roku, Sony and VIZIO er, the key will be producing original desi content, platforms in the future.

ticipants.

ODI is aimed at allowing customers to exploit data in a more comprehensive manner.

The three companies intend to create a data lake chosen by the customers enabling the companies to provide real time solutions.

Adobe Experience Cloud, Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Office 365 and SAP C/4HANA form this data bank is enriched by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

Unilever, one of the first big companies to go on ODI announced at the summit it will get rid of plastic packaging and shift to recycled products completely by 2025 with the help of AI driven processing.

Based on Nadella's vision, Microsoft's HoloLens2 makes mixed reality experience more instinctual and human combining touch, gaze and voice, showing mark improvement from HoloLens1, which was more of an experiment.

Telegram Now Lets Users Delete Chat History

Giving tough competition to WhatsApp that lets its users delete messages "for everyone" within a time limit, private instant messaging and voice over IP service Telegram has expanded its similar feature that allows users to unsend messages that come from either them or the person who sent the message, without any time limit.

"You can now choose to delete any message you have sent or received from both sides in any private chat. The messages will disappear for both you and the other person -- without leaving a trace," the company wrote in a blog post.

"When this setting is enabled, your forwarded messages will no longer lead back to your account -- they'll just display an unclickable name in the 'from' field. This way people you chat with will have no verifiable proof you ever sent them anything," the company added. Telegram has over 200 million monthly active users.

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NRI Pulse

April 2019

..... Biz Pulse.....

How The New Generation Will Re-Define India

In the 2019 general elections in India, there will be 100 million first time voters between the ages of 18-24. Just as they will make a difference in JAG’S the outcome of THOUGHTS* elections, they will also make a difference in defining New India and its future across all walks of life.

Just as the political independence of 1947 and the economic reforms of 1991 transformed India into one of the world's largest democracies and business entrepreneurship respectively, the rise of this New Age Generation, will transform India's family structure, consumption and workplace as we know them today.

Why is this New Age Generation the symbol of New India and how will it influence markets, work and family? The New Age Generation is a young family where both husband and wife have college education but both have to work to economically survive and achieve their aspirations.

Neither wants to live with their parents. They believe parents will deprive their freedom and independence, and possibly interfere in their new lifestyle. What matters to this new age generation is personal independence and freedom. In the US, we often refer to them as DINKS (Dual Income, No Kids). Time has become a scarce resource, and since both work, there is permanent time shift and time poverty for daily activities of shopping, worship, sleep and recreation.

The New Age Generation cannot live without a smart phone and they constantly communicate by text messages to each other. Just like in the Western society, nobody will be home between 8am to 8pm on Mondays through Friday.

And the New Age Generation has a hard time catching up with what they want to or need to do over the weekend. Sundays become very precious and the couple resents any intrusion from the boss or from other family members. To cope with life, both are desperately latching on to spirituality (but devoid of religious rituals) and to a "holistic" life style with yoga and meditation.

The New Age Generation is everywhere and transcends the traditional metro vs. non-metro market definitions as they also transcend religion and subcultures of India. In fact, while the percentage may be greater in the metro markets, the absolute numbers are much bigger in non-metro markets.

The most common language both at work and at home is English (or more accurately Hinglish) even though both the husband and the wife may come from the same linguistic and cultural heritage.

In my view, the rise of this New Age Generation is a one way and a permanent discontinuity from the past. In other words, it is a non-linear change in values, opinions and activities from the

will not be able to pass them on to the next generation. Succession stops here.

I have observed that when the society gives up an activity, it always comes back as a hobby. For example, hunting, fishing, gardening, and baking breads. Today, cooking has now emerged as a hobby in America and in India. The Food channel is very popular; it is making ordinary chefs into celebrities just as we do with the show business actors and professional sports players.

2. Goodbye to the Neighborhood Provision Store: The New Generation cannot relate to the age old neighborhood provision store owner who had a multi-generation relationship with the family, or with the delivery boy who came every day to replace the daily necessities. Similarly, the milk man, the laundry man, and the recyclable newspaper waste collector are welcome anymore because Why is this New Age Generation the symbol of not there is nobody at home during the New India and how will it influence markets, working hours.

Even more importantwork and family? ly, this generation wants to buy previous generations. The generation gap is no only branded products which are ready to conlonger twenty-five years but as short as eight to sume. It has no time to do the value add to unten years. Often, the younger sister or brother is branded grains (lentils and cereals) or fresh vegeunable to relate to their older siblings within the tables from the market. They prefer shopping at a same family if they are eight to ten years apart. modern, self-service supermarket or hypermarket The joint family or even the extended family tra- such as the Big Bazaar and the Metro. Branding dition will give way to a nuclear family structure matters a lot to this generation; they are both qualwhere the definition of family itself will be nar- ity conscious and value conscious simultaneously. rowed to husband, wife and any children. It will not include parents, grandparents, brothers and 3. When Wants Become Needs: What were sisters or uncles, aunts and cousins. wants, desires and dreams of the past generations How will this generation discontinuity affect are all at once becoming necessities of this New consumption, family values and the workplace? Age Generation. They cannot live without smart Here are some thoughts: phones, the internet, credit cards, flat screen televisions and a motorized vehicle, such as, a mo1. Outsourcing Comes Home: The New Age torcycle (or a scooter) but preferably a car. Of Generation has neither the time nor the inclina- course, this generation does not have the means tion (or the competency) to make things at home. to satisfy all these new needs.

They will buy products and services instead of Furthermore, as a starter family, the real making them at home. And this goes for laundry, needs of child rearing and child education as well house cleaning and child care. The good news as taking care of aging parents will just begin. is that when consumers make things at home, it Therefore, affordability and ability to pay will is not calculated in the gross domestic product put even more stress on the New Age Generation, (GDP) of a nation but when they buy it from the resulting in highly stressed workers at the workmarket place, it is. The bad news is that this gen- place. The Indian employers of tomorrow will eration will, over time, become incompetent in have to understand and intervene in this homehome making activities and skills and therefore, work blurring of boundaries and the family-work

balance. The need to do financial planning, making a will and trust, balancing the short term vs. the long term financial stability and building a healthy balance sheet will become not just a "good" thing to do but a necessity.

4. Blurring Roles and Responsibilities: This New Age couple will be different from their parents in roles and responsibilities. The traditional role of the husband as the bread winner (Mr. Outside), wife as the homemaker (Mrs. Inside) and mission of marriage to procreate and nurture the next generation is likely to go away. The New Age family will be more egalitarian in the relationship between the husband and the wife. The husband will be encouraged to contribute toward household chores, including cleaning, cooking and child care and the wife working outside the home will not be discretionary but a permanent necessity.

5. Friendship Replaces Kinship: Friendship will replace kinship for socialization and support as the New Age Generation embraces new values, beliefs and activities. In other words, there will be less in common with family members, especially the older generation and more in common with friends from the college, the workplace or the neighborhoods. This has enormous implications for marketers with respect to their messages and the media they use. The New Age Generation and their friendship cohorts are perfect targets for social networking and social media for communicating about brands, stores and products.

6. Spiritualism Coexists with Materialism: As this generation disassociates with heritage and embraces contemporary values and life styles, it will increasingly struggle with self-identity. Greater the materialism driven by wants becoming needs and as friendship replaces kinship as a social anchor, it will search for meaning of life by turning to spiritualism, yoga and meditation. In other words, spiritualism will coexist with materialism unlike past generations where spiritualism followed successful materialism at different stages of a family life cycle.

Whether all this is good or bad for the future of India is for the historians to debate and judge.

My view is that it is inevitable and most likely irreversible at least in the short run. However, most demographic shifts are not linear and often they reverse back to old, familiar ways, albeit in a more contemporary context.

*Jagdish N Sheth, Ph.D. is the Charles H Kellstadt Professor of Business at the Goizueta Business School at Emory University.

Disney Now Owns Star India After $71bn Fox Deal

San Francisco: (IANS) With the closing of the $71 billion deal with 21st Century Fox, The Walt Disney Company now owns Indian TV giant Star, a Mumbai-based media company with dozens of sports and entertainment channels.

The deal became effective recently.

Besides Star India, the acquisition has most of Rupert Murdoch’s former empire including 21st Century Fox’s film production businesses, including Twentieth Century Fox, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Family and Fox Animation; Fox’s television creative

units, Twentieth Century Fox Television, FX Productions and Fox21; FX Networks; National Geographic Partners; Fox Networks Group International.

The deal also makes Disney the owner of Tata Sky and Endemol Shine Group.

The acquisition would give a huge boost to the entertainment giant’s content as it aims to take on streaming services providers such as Netflix, Hulu and Apple’s own TV service that is slated to be unveiled next week.

“This is an extraordinary and historic mo-

ment for us — one that will create significant long-term value for our company and our shareholders,” Bob Iger, Chairman-CEO, Disney, said in a statement.

“Combining Disney’s and 21st Century Fox’s wealth of creative content and proven talent creates the pre-eminent global entertainment company, well positioned to lead in an incredibly dynamic and transformative era.”

Despite the acquisition, Murdoch’s Fox Corp would retain its independence and entities like Fox News and Fox Sports in the US.

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NRI Pulse

..... Features .....

One Hour A Day Can Change Your Life: Robin Sharma

Private lessons that leadership and elite performance expert Robin Sharma has been imparting to billionaires and celebrities have now found their way into his new book "The 5 AM Club", which the globally renowned author of "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari", says can change the life of its readers.

Sharma, whose books have sold over 15 million copies and have been translated into at least 92 languages, spoke to IANS here, during his ongoing book tour in the country.

He said that the twilight period in the morning is of utmost "peace and tranquility", and tranquility being a "luxury" in our times, should not be missed.

"People are very attracted to the idea of an hour for themselves before the day gets busy. It is almost like a retreat to the simpler times. I have been teaching the 5 AM club method for above 20 years. The book is not just about waking up at 5 a.m., but there is a specific morning routine -20: 20: 20 -- which I urge the readers to follow. I have been teaching that to my high-profile clients like billionaires, sports superstars and celebrities, CEOs. It has brought tremendous change in their lives," Sharma told IANS in his characteristic inspirational tone.

He said that upon realizing the "magic" that the 5 AM Formula had done for the successful people, he wrapped it around a story, like he did in "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari", and published it in the form of a book.

He has divided the first hour of the day into three equal segments of 20 minutes each. The first sequence is for sweating -- to do some physical activity. The second, he says, is for reflection, through prayer, meditation or writing a journal.

And finally the last 20 minutes before the day gets busy, says Sharma, is for growing by reading, watching a useful video or listening to a podcast.

"There are a lot of people with a lot of mon-

ey but money is all they have. It's very inspiring to see how many people want to be the heroes of their lives, how many people want to grow and rise above their circumstances. One of the keys to my longevity is that I want to help people, I don't just write books but I am putting down the information that is not superficial but really creates change," he said, pointing out that one hour a day, if utilised in the manner that he has put forth in his new book, can change lives.

He said he wrote "The 5 AM Club" for over four years because he wanted it to be a beautiful and powerful book. "I wanted every line to be hand crafted and so I put my heart and soul into it."

Although a phenomenon today, Sharma had

Sharma has divided the first hour of the day into three equal segments of 20 minutes each. The first sequence is for sweating -- to do some physical activity. The second, he says, is for reflection, through prayer, meditation or writing a journal. And finally the last 20 minutes before the day gets busy, says Sharma, is for growing by reading, watching a useful video or listening to a podcast. self-published "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari", and at a bookshop met a publisher from HarperCollins, who then acquired the book and published it globally.

That changed his life and Sharma said that it is love that keeps him going; the more he works with love, the more he is able to connect with people.

April 2019

Junior Year Checklist

BY KRISTEN MOON*

There are four policies regarding Subject Tests: Junior year is a turning point for many fam- required, recommended, considered, and alterilies because it marks the year when college plan- native. If it is financially feasible for you to take ning activities begin to consume your free time. It the SAT Subject Tests, and schools on your list helps to go into your senior year with a plan, so either require or recommend it, you can sign up start now to ensure that you are not falling behind. and prepare for them in the spring and summer.

A small number of colleges have the policy that Subject Tests can act as an alternative Spring Of Your Junior Year to standardized testing; they allow an applicant to submit Subject EDUCATION Meet With Your Counselor Test scores in lieu of ACT and SAT Make sure you will comscores. plete all the requisites for your diploma. Take full FAFSA advantage of the classOnce you narrow es offered by your high down your college list, go school and schedule a to their websites to find rigorous course load. out how much it costs per year to go there. Get Check on your class to know the Free Applirank and your current cation for Federal StuGPA dent Aid (FAFSA). Even If you haven’t perthough you can’t fill out formed as well as you the FAFSA until October had hoped the first two 1 of your senior year, you years of high school, it is not too late to change can start to gather the necessary materials. that. An upward trend in grades is something colleges like to see.

Standardized Tests During the beginning of the semester, look up testing dates and locations for the SAT and or ACT. The tests are typically offered about once a month during the school year. Signing up for both can give you an advantage because you can decide which one highlights your strengths.

The Summer After Your Junior Year The summer should be your time to get a headstart on your application process. Check out the Common Application to see their selection of essays and begin working on them as soon as possible.

Resume and LinkedIn The Common Application has a limited character count for extracurricular descriptions, therefore, your resume can be used to expand on your accomplishments.

Your LinkedIn profile should be your online portfolio that adds another dimension to your application. You want to include videos, pictures, research papers, and anything else that Letter of Recommendations can help to humanize you to the admissions Most schools require you to submit at least staff. one or two Letters of Recommendations (LOR) The second semester of your junior year is from a teacher or guidance counselor. Addition- an essential time for preparing for college. By al letters can be written by a manager, a club starting early, you can put together a stronger leader, coach, or anyone you have formed a application that might help you get into your close relationship with recently. Begin to gather dream college. the material you will give each person to help About the author: Kristen Moon is them write the best LOR possible.

College Visits Begin to narrow down your college selection and schedule visits to your top choices for the summer. Make sure those colleges fit the most important qualifications to you - size, location, cost, majors, or any special programs that are of interest.

an independent college counselor and founder of MoonPrep.com. Moon Prep SAT Subject Tests Start to do more research about what they provides one-on-one coaching services require for admission, such as SAT Subject Tests. catered to university admissions.

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NRI Pulse

..... Review.....

April 2019

Netlix Drama ‘Delhi Crime’: Chilling In Its Atmospheric Pressure It isn't easy being on the right side of the law when all you get for your efforts is brickbats and insults from fence sitters.

To say that this disturbing but finally redundant real-life crime drama whitewashes the khaki uniform would be frivolous and irresponsible to the extreme. What it does do is to humanise the police force by showing a cluster of fiercely committed police persons (the two main Khaki persona in the story are women) driving themselves over the edge to nap the perpetrators of the crime.

Did the cops on the case really show this level of commitment? Does it matter? Heroism on a level where it heals society is unquestionable.

Recreating in vivid vicious colors, the events before, during and after the life-changing ‘Nirbhaya' gang rape in Delhi, this seven-part series spares us the brutality of watching the rape but protects from none of the trauma and horrific aftermath of a crime that shook the conscience of the nation.

As we hear our drama's hero Vartika Chaturvedi say, this crime was different, the savagery was unprecedented. She got it right.

I will never forget the sequence where the ravaged girl is rolled into the hospital bloodied, brutalised beyond all human explanation, in pain beyond all endurance she tells her father, "I will be fine".

We do that all the time. We keep saying things will be fine when we know they will only get worse.

Series: "Delhi Crime" (Netflix); Cast: Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal; Director: Richie Mehta; Rating: *** ½ (3 and a half stars)

two female officers in "Soni" is echoed here in the rapport that grows between the two cops played

by Shefali Shah and Rasika Dugal, both in fine form imbuing the contours of crime with an im-

Recreating in vivid vicious colors, the events before, during and after the life-changing ‘Nirbhaya' gang rape in Delhi, this seven-part series spares us the brutality of watching the rape but protects from none of the trauma and horrific aftermath of a crime that shook the conscience of the nation.

Director Richie Mehta negotiates with powerful hands the many hurdles that a crime investigation so complex must face. This is a very professionally handled crime drama, superior to some of the real-life crime dramas on television (some of which are not bad at all) mainly for the level of performance director Mehta gets out of the cast especially Shefali Shah.

But it doesn't achieve that level of emotional impact that I expected from the product considering the fine talent that's gone into it.

There are two reasons why "Delhi Crime"

stops short of being a masterpiece on real-life crime. For one, it holds back way too much of the angst probably to appeal to a global audience.

The attempt to subdue the sheer insanity of the crime is admirable but eventually a fatal error of judgment.

A more immediate crisis of efficacy emerges from the fact that "Delhi Crime" resembles a very recent Netflix film "Soni" which was in every way a superior work.

The domestic disarray in the life of the female cops and the professional dynamics between

plosive reined-in anger at a system that fosters inequality and brutality.

Shefali Shah is specially powerful. She is compelling because her anger is internalised, palpable. She not only anchors the series with her persuasive presence, she also diminishes and decimates the rather disturbing feeling we get that this sort of stark recreation of India's most well-known sex crime serves no purpose except to remind us that the change we hoped to see in the number of rapes in our country never happened.

Nirbhaya lives, and dies, again. Long live Nirbhaya.

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NRI Pulse

Malaika, Arjun Set To Get Hitched In April?

Mumbai: (IANS) Actors Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora will reportedly tie the knot on April 19.

According to the buzz, the rumored couple will have a Christian wedding and the guest list include celebrities like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh.

Arjun and Malaika, spotted together multiple times, had kept mum on their relationship.

Talking about the rumors, Arjun had told IANS: "When there is something to talk about, you will all know."

Malaika, ex-wife of actor-producer Arbaaz Khan, had denied the marriage rumors in one of the interviews saying it is all "media made".

She never said that she was dating Arjun, but often spoke about the concept of finding love after divorce.

"Everyone wants to be in love again, to be in a relationship. Nobody wants to be alone and single for the rest of their life,” Malaika had said in an interview. “Irrespective of what everyone said around me, I am glad that I made this choice on my own.”

Dev Patel Faces Criticism For ‘Stealing’ Roles From ‘Real Indians’

Los Angeles: (IANS) “Slumdog Millionaire” actor Dev Patel says he often gets criticised for stealing roles from “real Indian” actors.

In an interview to San Francisco Chronicle, Dev, who was born and raised in the UK and has Gujarati parents, opened about the racist remarks he has been receiving in the film industry.

He said: “I get flak sometimes because people will say, ‘Why aren’t they giving these roles to a real Indian?’ I wonder, what does that even mean?

The only way I can converse with my grandparents is in Gujarati. Does that make me real enough?”

Raising more questions, the 28-year-old said: “Or am I only allowed to witness the moments of prejudice and racism going through airports? Is that the only bit that I’m allowed of the culture?

“The truth is I’m trying to understand myself better and my heritage, to figure things out, in the movie choices I make. That has been the greatest thing for me in going to India repeatedly.”

Dev is currently gearing up for the release of his film “Hotel Mumbai”, which also stars veteran actor Anupam Kher.

..... Bollywood Pulse .....

Emory Alum Jim Sarbh Looks Forward To Diverse Roles

After returning to Mumbai from Atlanta in 2012, actor Jim Sarbh has created a niche for himself in Bollywood playing gray characters in films like “Neerja”, “Raabta” and “Padmaavat”. He is back with the Amazon Prime web series “Made In Heaven”.

After graduating from the Emory University, Sarbh worked with the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta for a year as a literary intern. He performed around Atlanta in the 2009 productions of such plays as The Show!, The Breakup, Tennis in Nablus, and Ice Glen; the last of the roles won him a Major Supporting Role Metropolitan Atlanta Theatre Award.

“There are plenty of projects in my hand right now. I am looking forward to play characters that I have not played so far. It is important for an actor to play different roles,” Jim told IANS in recorded responses.

The 31-year-old is currently enjoying praise for portraying Adil Khanna in web series “Made in Heaven”, which he says explores reality of society.

“The show is like a great juxtaposition of all

those that go on behind beautiful facades. It removes the curtains and make you see the reality of backstage. It shows what actually goes on in a wedding, not just looking perfect from outside. It reflects the integration of modernism and traditionalism,” said Jim. The actor is also on board for other web shows like “House Arrest and “Flip”.

To a question whether a web series give more depth to an actor, he said: “It totally depends upon the writing. Be it films or shows or plays, it’s the content that matters the most.

Good writing is the key.

“Many people make blanket statements that theatre gives you more depth…web shows, films and plays are different. They can give you depth or not depends upon writing,” he said.

Jim was recently showstopper for designer Siddartha Tytler at Lotus Make-up India Fashion Week Autumn Winter Week 2019 and walked the ramp in an all-black ensemble.

April 2019

Alia Bags Her First Film With Bhansali Opposite Salman

Mumbai: (IANS) Actress Alia Bhatt has teamed up with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the film titled “Inshallah”. She will star opposite superstar Salman Khan in the film.

Alia took to Instagram on Tuesday to share the news. She wrote: “I was nine when I first walked into Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s office, all nervous and hoping and praying that I would be in his next film. It’s been a long wait.”

For Alia, getting the role in Bhansali’s film is like a dream come true.

“Dream with your eyes wide open they say and I did. I can’t wait to join on this beautiful journey called ‘Inshallah’.”

“Sanjay Sir and Salman Khan are magical together,” added the “Student of the Year” actress.

First Quarter Of 2019 Marks Great Start For Bollywood New Delhi: (IANS) The first quarter of 2019 marks a great start for Bollywood projects with diverse content being backed by successful box office stories, and the business signaling the co-existence of big as well as small budget movies.

From rags-to-riches themes to films running high on patriotic sentiment to movies taking notes from Indian history to real life incident getting cinematic adaptation -- there was something for everyone.

"The first quarter has been very good. We have given back-to-back box office biggies... Technically, we are up by 15-20 per cent in terms of box office cumulative figures vis-A-vis last quarter," film and trade expert Girish Johar told IANS. "If the content is good, both big and small are working. It is a boon for filmmakers and boon for cinema loving people as well," Johar added.

The year started with Vicky Kaushal-starrer "Uri: The Surgical Strike" tracing the real-life events of the 2016 Uri attack and its aftermath, taking the Indian box office by storm. It released on January 11. Though the film opened with first day box office of Rs 8 crore, it has already crossed the Rs 250-crore mark.

It was followed by the return of 'queen' Kangana Ranaut with "Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi", which brought the story of Rani Laxmibai alive on the silver screen. Released on January 25, the film collected Rs 52.40 crore at the domestic box-office in five days. It has crossed the Rs 100 crore mark.

Then the box office got a new wave of energy with Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in "Gully Boy", a film on street rappers of Mumbai. With standing total of over Rs 140 crore, the Zoya Akhtar direc-

torial, which opened on February 14, managed to mint over Rs 100 crore in first week itself.

Actors like Ajay Devgn, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Anil Kapoor and Boman Irani then took the audience on a fun ride with "Total Dhamaal",

which has raked in over Rs 150 crore at the box office.

"We had complete 'dhamaal' through and through. When you have so much fun working on something, it shows in the final product. The joy and fun are visible on screen, and I think that's why audiences too have enjoyed the film," Anil Kapoor told IANS while talking about the success of "Total Dhamaal".

Bollywood's action star Akshay Kumar's "Kesari" is currently enjoying a golden run at the box office, with the film scoring the biggest opening weekend collection for a Bollywood film in 2019 in India by raking in Rs 78.07 crore in four days since its release on March 21.

According to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, "Kesari", based on the historic Battle of Saragarhi, will soon cross the Rs 100 crore mark in India.

The movie depicts the bravery of 21 Sikhs of the 36th Sikh Regiment (now the 4th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment) of British India defending an army post against more than 10,000 Afghan and Orakzai tribesmen.

Apart from the movie buffs falling in love with the real life-inspired stories of national heroes, audiences loved the thrill of "Badla", which featured Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu. The film, opened on March 8, is inching close to entering the Rs 100 crore club with gross box office collection standing at Rs 90.49 crore.

Kartik Aaryan's light-hearted entertainer "Luka Chuppi", has registered business of Rs 90.17 crore in India. Sonam A Kapoor's lesbian drama "Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga" collected Rs 13.53 crore during its first weekend.

There were some misses as well. Films like "Battalion 609", "72 Hours: Martyr Who Never Died" failed to evoke sense of patriotism, and went unnoticed.

Anupam Kher's "The Accidental Prime Minister" (minted over Rs 17 crore in opening week), Emraan Hashmi's "Why Cheat India" (collected Rs 8.50 crore in opening week) and Nawazuddin Siddiqui's "Thackeraya (over Rs 15 crore in opening week) failed to impress audiences. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's "Mere Pyare Prime Minister", Radhika Apte's "Bombairiya", horror film "Amavas", Sooraj Barjatya's "Hum Chaar", "Hamid" and Nawazuddin's "Photograph" turned out to be duds. There were other flops like "Fraud Saiyaana, "Sonchiriya" and "Milan Talkies".

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Measles Outbreak: Emergency Declared In Several US States

New York: (IANS) A county in New York state has declared a state of emergency following a severe outbreak of measles.

The announcement followed other outbreaks of the disease in Washington, California, Texas and Illinois.

Rockland County, on the Hudson River north of New York City, has barred unvaccinated children from public spaces after 153 cases were confirmed, CNN reported.

Officials said the order, which bans unvaccinated children from places such as schools, shopping centres, restaurants and places of worship, would last 30 days.

Violating the order would be punishable by a fine of $500 and up to six months in prison.

Vaccination rates have dropped steadily in the US with many parents objecting for philosophical or religious reasons, or because they believe misleading information that vaccines cause autism in children, the BBC reported.

"We will not sit idly by while children in our community are at risk," Rockland County Executive Ed Day said in a statement. "This is a public health crisis and it is time to sound the alarm."

The outbreak in Rockland County was largely concentrated in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, the New York Times reported.

It is believed it could have spread from other predominantly ultra-Orthodox areas around New York which have already seen outbreaks of measles.

Measles is a highly infectious disease and can cause serious health complications, including damage to the lungs and brain. The World Health Organization has declared the anti-vaccine movement to be one of the top global health threats for 2019.

..... Health Pulse .....

April 2019

Work-Life Balance Doesn't Have To Be Stressful

Working round-the-clock in today's technologically connected world, striking a work-life balance seems almost impossible. However, finding the right balance in this fast-paced world is essential. With more people experiencing workplace anxiety and depression now than ever before, managing work-related stress is the need of the hour.

Dr. Shruthi M Hegde, Ayurveda Expert at The Himalaya Drug Company, says stress can bring down your productivity and have an adverse effect on your efficiency, leading to fatigue.

Small changes in your busy and fast-paced life could help relieve stress to a great extent and manage your work-life balance.

At times, when you feel stressed out, it's important to stay calm and rejuvenated to keep yourself going. You could use various ways to rejuvenate yourself. It could be as simple as taking time out and listening to your favorite music, taking a stroll, speaking to someone you like, getting enough sleep, or having the right health regimen.

In fact, including the right herbs in your

health regimen could help you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

On this note, it's important to maintain a healthy balance between the nervous system, endocrine glands and the immune system to reduce the harmful effects of long-term stress on

Traditionally referred to as an adaptogen, Ashvagandha helps in uplifting the mood, reducing anxiety, improving energy levels and reducing the stress hormone which are required to tackle stressful times.

Ashvagandha is a well-known herb for reducing stress and anxiety in humans. According to a scientific study, the Ashvagandha root extract has beneficial effects on the body under chronic stress. Even Ayurveda texts and modern research indicate that Ashvagandha is known for its adaptogen properties, which help bring about a healthy balance between the nervous and immune system. This results in reducing the harmful effects of long-term stress the body. One must practice comprehensive re- on the body. It is one of the best natural alternalaxation techniques for the mind and body, and tives to treat stress and anxiety-related problems. include fitness activities like dance, yoga, mediThis simple addition of Ashvagandha to your tation in their routine. daily health regimen can help you stay stress-free, Rejuvenation and relaxation are the most im- thereby improving your work-life balance. This portant factors to combat stress. Additionally, one will ultimately boost productivity and efficiency can add herbs like Ashvagandha to their health at the workplace, as well as the world outside to supplements to manage stress more effectively. pursue personal interests.

Breast Implant Safety Put Under Scanner By FDA

Washington: (IANS) After thousands of women reported that breast implants had caused them problems, like debilitating joint pain and fatigue, the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and researchers have started re-examining its safety.

The FDA has begun to re-examine questions about implant safety that have long been disputed by doctors and implant manufacturers, and that most consumers thought had been resolved a decade or so ago, reported The New York Times.

This may be a long-awaited moment of validation for tens of thousands of women who were brushed off as neurotic, looking to cash in on lawsuits or just victims of chance who coincidentally became ill while having implants.

Millions of women used implants, which are silicone sacs filled with either salt water or silicone gel, to enlarge the breasts cosmetically or to rebuild them after a mastectomy for breast cancer.

The agency warned two makers of breast implants that they had failed to conduct adequate long-term studies of implants' effects on women's

health. sponses to certain types of materials in implantThose studies were mandated as a condition able or insertable devices," the agency said. of approving the implants, and the agency cauThose effects can include "inflammatory retioned devices could be taken off the market if the actions and tissue changes causing pain and other symptoms that may interfere with their quality of life."

The FDA said it was gathering data to fill information gaps in the science "to further our understanding of medical device materials and improve the safety of devices for patients."

Silicone, used in implants, is one of the materials under scrutiny.

The agency will hold a two-day meeting next week about breast implants, hearing from researchers, patient advocacy groups and manufacturers. research wasn't properly carried out.

About 400,000 women in the US get breast The agency also issued a statement on Fri- implants every year, including 300,000 for cosday, which applied to a broad array of medical metic reasons and 100,000 for reconstruction devices, acknowledging implanted devices may after mastectomies to treat or prevent breast canmake some people sick. cer.

"A growing body of evidence suggests a Worldwide, about 10 million women have small number of patients may have biological re- breast implants.

Piping Hot Tea Raises Esophageal Cancer Risk

New York: (IANS) Love to drink your tea higher temperature (60 degrees piping hot? Beware, it could raise the risk of Celsius or higher) was associesophageal cancer, finds a study. ated with a 90 per cent higher The study showed that risk of esophageal risk of esophageal cancer, the cancer more than doubled among those who regresearchers said. ularly drank tea at 75 degrees Celsius The results could also be However, waiting for at least four minutes extended to coffee, hot chocobefore drinking a cup of freshly boiled tea can late or other hot beverages. reduce the risk of the cancer arising from the oeEsophageal cancer is the sophagus -- the food pipe that runs between the sixth most common cancer in Inthroat and the stomach. dia and eighth most globally. It af"Many people enjoy drinking tea, coffee, or fects more men than women. other hot beverages. However, according to our In 2016, the World Health report, drinking very hot tea can increase the risk Organization (WHO) had of esophageal cancer, and it is therefore adviswarned of the cancer risk asable to wait until hot beverages cool down before sociated with drinks above 65 drinking," said lead author Farhad Islami of the Journal of Cancer, involved 50,045 individuals degrees Celsius. Scalding water American Cancer Society. irritates the lining of the mouth and throat which aged 40 to 75 years.

The study, published in the International Drinking 700 ml per day of tea or more at a can fuel tumors, scientists believe.

Artificial Pancreas To Boost Diabetes Treatment Australian researchers have created the world's first machine intelligent artificial pancreas that could improve insulin dosing for diabetics.

The artificial intelligence-based (AI) technique can also transform the way aeroplane engine's wear & tear is monitored.

The researchers also applied the same AI technique to aviation turbine engines and their related systems to predict engine component degradation and plan services to improve performance.

The AI "allows us to evolve computational models of aviation engines as if they were organisms and it can explain explicitly what it thinks is happening inside the engine", said Ingo Jahn, mechanical engineer at UQ. Researchers said the AI system learns by forcing mathematical models to evolve, quite literally by using simulated chromosomes, to fit known information.

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April 2019

..... What’s Cooking? .....

spoon of the rice flour dough, make it into a ball and flatten it into three inches diameter patty on an oily banana leaf or plastic paper. Dip appalu patty into sesame seed (if using). Drop the patty 1 cup water 1 and 1/4 cup slowly into the hot oil and fry on both sides until jaggery or brown appalu becomes light brown. Rice flour dough is already cooked in hot water, so there is no need sugar to fry appalu for too long. Appalu might become 1 cup rice flour P.S. LAKSHMI RAO 1/4 cup wheat hard if they are fried for too long. Repeat with rest of the dough. flour Makes 20 appalu.

2 teaspoons ghee Note: If the dough is too thin to make balls add a 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional) little rice flour.

I would like to thank Mrs. Sasikala Pen3 tablespoons white sesame seeds (optional) umarthi for sharing this recipe.

Oil for deep frying.

Apple Crisp

1 Teaspoon sugar ¼ Teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

6- Apples (golden delicious, gala apples, granny smith apples peeled and cut into two inch pieces (remove center parts). You can mix these one of a kind or 2 each of what ever you have on hand.

1-Cup sugar Juice from one orange 1 Tablespoon finely chopped orange peel 1 Tablespoon lemon juice 1 Teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional) ¼ Teaspoon ground clove (optional) ¼ Teaspoon ground ginger (optional) 2 Teaspoons all purpose flour ½ Teaspoon cornstarch (optional) 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter cut into pieces

Mix all the above ingredients and sprinkle this flour mixture on top of apples evenly. Bake for 45 minutes to 50 minutes or until the topping gets light brown. Keep checking after 30 minutes.

Keep a sheet of aluminum foil or a cookie sheet under the apple crisp dish to catch if any juice drips down.

Appalu

In a bowl mix rice flour, wheat flour, ghee and cardamom powder.

In a 3-quart sauce pan boil one cup water. Add jaggery or brown sugar and mix until sugar is dissolved. Turn the heat off and add rice flour mixture to the hot water. Mix well and keep it covered for ten minutes.

Heat oil in a frying pan on medium heat.

Take a table-

You can bake this apple crisp in small stainless steel bowls or in small Pyrex bowls for individual servings. Tastes good when eaten warm in winter and refreshing in summer when eaten cold.

You can serve with ice cream or whipping cream.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all the above ingredients in a large bowl.

Transfer them in to one 8x8 or 8x12 Pyrex dish greased.

Topping 1 Cup all purpose flour or Bisquick ½ Stick cold butter cut in to small pieces (4 tablespoons) ¼ Teaspoon salt (don’t use salt if you are using Bisquick)

..... InVogue ..... blouse, jacket, skirt or dress.

Peplum is a tricky trend to wear because it emphasizes on the hip area. But if pulled off right, it can look amazing on your special day. love. What makes your wedding planning even If you love peplum, then you will surely love more special are the outfits for various occasions. its desi version, the peplum choli. Peplum is beThe unique and out of the box wedding outfits ing incorporated a lot into ethnic outfit these days. have to be flaunted by the bride!

So, let us give you a few tips to rock the peplum There are a number of new styles that are in choli at your wedding. vogue right now. The peplum trend for instance, is a huge hit!

Choose according to your body type: Peplum is a short, gathered, slightly flared If you have a heavy bottom with a well-destrip of fabric attached at the waist of a woman's fined waistline, then you have a pear-shaped body.

Lehenga With Peplum Trend

BY RANI SHARMA Your wedding is one beautiful day, and there are so many memories to take forward! This is a day every girl dreams about, and has a well -thought plan of each and every detail about it.

We all know how we feel during our wedding days-- excited, ecstatic and incredibly in

For more info, contact Rani Sharma of Raneez Boutique at 404-386-2062

Balance your curves by wearing peplum cholis that have both detailing and volume .Take advantage of your slim waist by wearing a low -waist lehenga or Draping your saree just below navel.

Avoid wearing fishtail silhouettes, which will only -highlight your bottom.

If you are fuller on the top and bottom,

with a less defined waistline, then you have an Apple -shaped body: Empire length style with deep/ low necklines will enhance your look.

Even long cholis with U or V Cut neckline will give a balance to your attire. Go for soft fabrics like chiffon, georgette or crepe, which will help to bring out the feminine side of you .

A peplum choli with an embellished lehenga is an out of the box and classy option for the wedding. Pick out rich fabrics like velvet for the choli, and team it up with a raw silk lehenga. If you are going easy on embroidery, choose a color that complements your skin tone.

Sharara and palazzo pants are some of the hot favorites this season for several other occasions like sangeet and haldi . Team the peplum in any playful color like orange, pink, or yellow with a crushed skirt .It will work well for the functions held during the day time.

Jewelry: Only long earnings go with peplum trend Hair-style: Updos looks stunning Makeup: Bright blush on with smoky eyes Clutch: Match with your attire

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