NRI Pulse February 2019 Issue

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NRI Pulse

February 2019

Atlanta’s Premier South Asian Newspaper February 2019

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NRI Pulse

February 2019

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NRI Pulse

February 2019

Atlanta’s Premier South Asian Newspaper February 2019

404-664-2805

www.NRIPulse.com

Free Copy

Following Tragic Wreck, Community Initiates Efforts To Increase Safety At Cherian’s Intersection

BY VEENA RAO

Atlanta, GA: Following the tragic death of a young IT executive in a car wreck near Cherian’s grocery store in Suwanee on January 17, the community has initiated efforts to put up a traffic light at the busy intersection.

Sriram Sundaram, 42, who was in the US on a work visa, and his wife Sarnya Sekar were heading to Cherian’s, when their car was t-boned by a pick-up truck at the Callaway Ct & Peachtree Parkway intersection. Sriram suffered serious injuries to his head. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he died during surgery that night. His wife sustained minor injuries.

Sriram is survived by his wife and two daughters aged 12 and 7. While the death shocked the community, it has also led to efforts to prevent such a tragedy from reoc-

curring.

A group of community members met with Forsyth County and Georgia Department of

Transportation (GDOT) officials on January 25 to discuss safety measures at the intersection. The group included Tommy Cherian of Cherian’s, Dr. Nazeera Dawood, Ponni Chinnamuthu who started an online petition to address safety concerns at

the intersection, Nathan Danapalan, HOA president of Greystone community which is located behind the shopping strip at Callaway Ct , Sai Krishna Natesan, a close friend of Sriram, among others.

Several safety measures including setting up of a traffic light and opening of another exit/ entrance on the other side of the shopping complex were discussed. The GDOT team said it needed two weeks to gather data, during which time, a video camera would be placed at the intersection. The data would then be shared with the safety enhancement coordinator to make recommendations. Several alternative safety measures were discussed. The Sheriff’s office said it would come to the communities to educate drivers on when and when not to use the median etc. The GDOT team said it would work at creating a series of short educational road safety videos.

A second, broader community meeting with county and GDOT officials is scheduled for February 7.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe account set up to help Sriram’s family resettle in India and help with the children’s education raised $372,683, surpassing its $300,000 goal. The money will be managed by investing in several low risk investments, according to an update on the GoFundMe page.

“The maturity periods for the investments will be timed to match primarily with the kids’ education needs. Smaller portions of the raised money will be used to help the family handle any current and near future expenses and also help Saranya, Sriram’s wife get job related training,” the update added.

Atlanta Recruiter Among Five Arraigned In Fake ICE University Case Atlanta, GA: Aswanth Nune, 26, of Atlanta was among the five defendants who appeared in shackles and a prisoner’s jumpsuit in a U.S. District Court in Detroit, arraigned on charges of conspiracy to commit visa fraud and harboring aliens for profit as a recruiter for a fake university in Farmington Hills created by ICE. The five defendants are among eight foreign nationals charged with visa fraud, six in Michigan.

A not-guilty plea was entered for the five defendants by Magistrate Judge R. Steven Whalen recently.

According to Nune’s attorney Michael Rataj, the Atlanta resident had moved to the U.S. in 2017 on a student visa. He had worked for Samsung and Sprint.

The students enrolled at the fake university with the intent to obtain jobs under a student visa program called CPT (Curricular Practical Training) that allows students to work in the U.S., prosecutors said.

The 130 students arrested so far in the “payto-stay” sting operation face only civil immigration charges.

“We have arrested 130 foreign nationals on civil immigration charges,” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesperson Carissa Cutrell was quoted as telling the Detroit Free

Press on Thursday. documents from the fake university to enable them Those students who knowingly participated to stay on in a student visa without attending classes. in scam knowing it was not a genuine academic Court documents show that the recruiters were program face deportation. paid between $5,000 and $20,000 at meetings with Homeland Security Investigations agents involved in the university for recruiting the students.

Meanwhile, the Indian government said on Tuesday that it is in touch with the US authorities to ensure humane and dignified treatment of Indian students detained. The Indian embassy and consulates have obtained consular access to 117 of 129 of them.

An External Affairs Ministry release said the government is closely Documents filed in court by federal prosecu- monitoring and taking proactive measures to deal tors said as many as 600 students were enrolled at with the detention of Indian students. the fake institution, University of Farmington, set "According to US Government statistics, 129 Inup by immigration officials for the sting operation dian nationals had been administratively arrested as to catch student visa fraud. on January 31 in connection with their enrollment at Prosecutors called it a “pay-to-stay” scam the 'university'. As on date, our embassy and consulbecause the students paid the recruiters to get ates have obtained consular access to the 117 of them,

by proactively visiting 36 different detention sites through the length and breadth of the country," the release said.

It said consular access to the remaining students, around a dozen, was continuing, including through the 24/7 helpline set up by the Embassy and outreach to the community.

The ministry said that the students were also being extended assistance in obtaining legal advice and connecting them to community support services.

"We remain in touch with the US authorities, both at the federal and local level, to ensure and satisfy ourselves about humane and dignified treatment of the Indian students and custom-sensitive dietary and living arrangement for them during the period of their detention," it said.

The ministry said the government continues to attach high priority to the well-being of the detained students and will remain constantly engaged with the US authorities and other stakeholders to address the issue.

India had recently issued a demarche to the US asking it to release at the earliest Indian students detained in connection with their enrolment in a fraudulent university and not to deport them against their will.

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February 2019

Ambassador Shringla Visits Atlanta; Highlights Importance Of Southeast Region

BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE

Atlanta, GA: Consul General Dr. Swati Kulkarni and her team hosted a reception for the newly appointed Indian Ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, at her residence on January 30.

Ambassador Shringla assumed his diplomatic position in Washington three weeks earlier, on January 11th.

Ambassador Shringla is possibly the first Indian envoy to visit Atlanta within weeks of assuming charge. “The Ambassador was supposed to visit New York first, but we got him to Atlanta,” said Dr. Kulkarni, smiling.

Freezing temperatures notwithstanding, Amb. Shringla and the Atlanta Consulate team had a packed day that began with a visit to the Gandhi statue at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic site and concluded with the reception.

The Consul General’s efforts did not go unappreciated. “I would like to thank Dr. Swati and her team for organizing all these events. She is a very capable, able and most affable person and so is her team,” Amb. Shringla said.

“The community is a big source of strength for us,” he said, in his address at the reception. Attributing the growing India-US relations to the community, Amb. Shringla observed that they serve as a positive reservoir of goodwill and support of India. “Our relations with the USA has made a huge amount of progress in the last few years. We are two countries that have recognized that we share values and principles, that we are vibrant democracies, sharing partnerships not just on the bilateral front. The perception of India in the United States has changed significantly. One of the reasons is the growth of the Indian economy, and the success of the Indian community in the US. Our community has shown tremendous growth in the fields of entrepreneurship, technology, medicine, engineering and every field they are part of.”

Commending Indian Prime Minister Modi and his government, Amb. Shringla said, “All over the world, the Indian diaspora was an untapped resource until the Modi government looked at it.” He cited flagship programs such as Skill India, Gyan, and Smart Cities that have contributed to India’s success.

Amb. Shringla highlighted various contributing factors in the Southeast region that add remarkable value to growing relations between India and USA. “The Southeast is a very important area for us. We have about 80 companies from India who have invested 8 billion dollars in the area. We should also look at utilizing Atlanta’s status as an international aviation hub to establish direct connections between Atlanta and India. There are plans to update ports of Savannah significantly, which will increase trade between USA and India.”

Speaking about his meeting with Governor Kemp earlier in the day, Amb. Shringla said he, on behalf of the Consul General, had proposed for Georgia to set up an office in India.

Highlighting India’s economic growth in the past few years, Amb. Shringla noted that India’s buying power and contributions to the US economy had increased significantly. “In the last two years, bilateral trade has increased from $119 billion to $ 140 billion. We have reduced trade deficit from 26 billion two years ago to 19 billion. We are buying $5

Amb. Shringla at the Gandhi Statue. Photos by Vinod Sharma, SFA Productions

Amb. Shringla with Governor Brian Kemp, Consul General Dr. Swati Kulkarni and community members. advice, guidance and help in taking this relationship forward. There are some roadblocks that we must avoid, but I believe we can go a long way,” the Ambassador added.

Amb. Shringla’s eventful day began with a homage to Mahatma Gandhi at MLK Center, which he described as a moving experience for him. He also met with Governor Kemp, visited the Senate and the House, and the Atlanta Council on International Relations, where he spoke about India-US relations. After a press meet with various news agencies, he headed to the CNN headquarters for an interview with CNN International. He later visited the Consulate General, which he said was a proud representation of India.

Amb. Shringla with Governor Kemp.

His day concluded with the reception.

The top envoy commended the billion oil and gas, $18 billion of defense equipment, Consulate general of Atlanta which 300 civilian aircrafts worth 40 billion dollars,” he stat- has issued 160,000 visas, 66,000 passports. 55,000 ed. Having met students at GA Tech, Amb. Shringla OCI cards since its inception. said some of the best Indian students who study at Amb. Shringla’s next stop was to PhiladelAmerican universities contribute $6.5 billion to the US phia, where he, along with the Indian Air Force economy. accepted the first of the Chinook Helicopters de“All of you are catalysts in this effort in every livered by Boeing. “This is a momentous occasion way possible, not just economical, but through social where we have become the largest repository of links and people to people contacts. You are all top rep- US military aircraft in the world with a very wide resentatives in every sector possible. We look for your range of aircraft of world categories,” he said.

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February 2019

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February 2019

Consulate Celebrates India’s 70th Republic Day With Patriotic Fervor

BY MAHADEV DESAI

Atlanta, GA: India’s 70th Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic fervor and national pride at the Consulate General of India – Atlanta, on Saturday morning, January 26, 2019, followed with a grand Republic Day reception in the evening at the Studio Theatre, Sandy Springs New

City Hall, Sandy Springs.

Despite biting cold, the morning celebration was well attended by over 250 members of the Indian community and media representatives. The Consulate's smartly attired officers and their families included Consul General Dr. Swati Kulkarni, Consul and Head of Chancery Shailesh Lakhtakia, Consul L. T. Ngaihte, Consul Asim Kumar, Vice Consul P. Jeya Pazham, Bikash Kumar,

will mark the 150th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who led us—and who inspired oppressed societies in Asia, Africa, and elsewhere—to freedom from colonial rule.

Gandhiji remains the moral compass of our Republic….”

The President urged all the voters to cast their vote in the upcoming general and Lok Sabha elections in which he noted the continuing progress by India in economy, infrastructure, universal and equitable healthcare, housing, gender equity to every girl child and every woman, in education, and connectivity through mobile phones and data access. Leapfrogging technologies and leapfrogging enlightenment are empowering our farmers and equipping Pradeep Kumar, Sethuour soldiers.

Photos by Raj, Digital Touch Intl. lakshmi R, Deepak KuShe continued reading, “The human mar and other members. experience is built on partnerships. PartIt was heartening nerships are the thread knitting together to see many children family, nation, and world—and leading to seeing the Tiranga bethe treatment of the World as a family: Vaing unfurled at the brief sudhaiva Kutumbakam.” And she concludceremony, after which ed, “India’s global approach—whether in the gathering sang the peace-keeping, climate change mitigation, Indian national anthem, development of partnerships, or humanitarclapped, and joyfully ian assistance and disaster relief are earnshouted “Bharat mata ing India a new respect in the international ki Jai.”, as flower petsystem.” als floated gently down Dr. Kulkarni and Consul Lakhtakia on the Consulate lawn. wished all a very Happy Republic Day. All moved inside the The cheerful wives of the Consulate offiConsulate, where the cers, Consulate’s ladies staff and also from Consul General warmly the community dressed in colorful saris, welcomed all and said salwar kameez, kurtis etc., conversed, took ing address to the nation given on the eve of Inshe was heartened to see pictures, posed for selfies, and relished the delian impressive turnout including children and se- dia’s 70th Republic Day. All listened intently and cious refreshments accompanied with evergreen could follow along in a handout of the speech. niors, despite it being a very cold morning. and memorable patriotic songs “Aye mere watan “Every Republic Day is precious, but this She proceeded to read from the President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind’s rousing and inspir- year is a little extra special. On October 2, we ke logon” and more.

Over 500 Attend TAMA Republic Day Celebrations In Alpharetta

dinator Vijay Ravilla and other teachers with flower bouquets. Ravilla took the honor and hoisted the tri-color flag high with patriotic fervor. Everyone recited patriotic songs of devotion along with national anthem, saluted the Indian flag with respect and love towards the motherland, India.

Atlanta, GA: Telugu Association of Metro more than 500 kids, adults and teachers joined the On this occasion, Ravilla spoke about Atlanta (TAMA) celebrated India’s 70th Repub- celebrations along with TAMA Executive Com- the importance and reason for celebrating India’s lic day in a grand way. This event was held on mittee and Board of Directors.

Republic day. He also said, it is very laudable to The event was kicked off with a welcome see more than 500 Telugu people participating in January 26th, Saturday at DeSana Middle School in Alpharetta, where the weekly Telugu Manaba- note by TAMA President Venky Gadde. Chair- this patriotic event. Many people opined that this di classess are conducted. Despite cold weather, man Vinay Maddineni greeted Manabadi coor- event reminded them of their childhood, and sim-

ilar celebrations in their schools. Everyone felt happy that TAMA is continuing the tradition of Republic Day celebrations and making kids part of it.

Kids were gifted with goody bags and snacks were served for adults. In his closing remarks and vote of thanks, president Venky Gadde thanked Atlanta Food Distributors for sponsoring snacks, fellow TAMA Executive Committee & Board Members, Manabadi coordinators, teachers and volunteers who helped in the event coordination and lastly attendees for making it a very successful and memorable event in TAMA history.

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February 2019

Early Bird Registration For AAPI's 37th Annual Convention In Atlanta Ends On April 1st

Convention To Be Held at Omni Atlanta at CNN Center & Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in Atlanta from July 3 to 7, 2019 The Early Bird Special Registration for AAPI’s 37th annual convention to be held at the Omni Atlanta at CNN Center and Georgia World Congress Centre (GWCC) in Atlanta from July 3 to 7, 2019, will end on April 1st.” Dr. Naresh Parikh, President of AAPI, declared here today.

“We are expecting to have a record attendance of more than 2,000 delegates including Physicians, Academicians, Researchers and Medical students at the convention. The annual convention offers extensive academic presentations, recognition of achievements and achievers, and professional networking at the alumni and evening social events,” he added.

The annual convention this year is being organized by Georgia Chapter of AAPI. Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, Vice Chair of AAPI BOT and Convention Chair, said, “We have been working hard to put together an attractive program for our annual get together, educational activity and family enjoyment. I and the Co-Chairs are fortunate to have a dedicated team of convention committee members from the region helping us. We are expecting a record turnout and hence I would encourage early registration to avoid later disappointment.”

Registration for the 37th annual AAPI Convention will begin on February 1st. Early Bird

Registration fee for the delegates will be $100 less than the regular rates, said, Dr. Gangasani.

Also, you get to pick your own choice of seats at the galas as soon as you register for the convention. The sooner you register the better the chances for getting the seats of your own choice with the ability to sit closer to the podium and with your friends/families.

A pool of dedicated AAPI leaders are working hard to make the Convention a unique event for all the participants, he said. Among them are: Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, Vice President, AAPI; Dr. Syamala Erramilli, President of GAPI; Dr. Asha Parikh, Chair of GAPI BOT; Conven-

Alumni meetings for networking, also an AAPI-India Strategic Engagement Forum to showcase the AAPI initiatives in India like Trauma Brain Injury Guidelines, MoU on TB Eradication in India and recognition of AAPI Award winners will make this Convention unique,” Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda said.

“AAPI members represent a variety of important medical specialties.

Sponsors will be able to take advantage of the many sponsorship packages at the 37th annual convention, creating high-powered exposure to the highly coveted demographic of AAPI's membership,” Dr. Dr. Raghu Lolabattu said.

“The 37th AAPI Atlanta Convention is where you can reach your target audience of several thousand under one roof.

Register now and aggrandize your marketing plans,” Dr. Piyush Patel added.

Representing the interests of the over 100,000 physicians of Indian origin, leaders of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the largest ethnic organization of physicians, for 37 years, AAPI Convention has provided a venue for medical

tion Co-chairs: Dr. Raghu Lolabattu, Dr. Piyush Patel, Dr. Subodh Agrawal and several Convention Team members.

In addition to offering over 12 hours of cutting edge CMEs to the physicians, the event will have more than 12 hours of product theaters/promotional opportunities, plenary sessions, CEOs Forum, and a women’s leadership forum. The convention will be addressed by senior world leaders, and celebrities from the Hollywood and Bollywood world.

“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 prod-

ucts and services,” Dr. Asha Parikh, Women’s Forum Chair, said.

Dr. Syamala Erramilli, President of GAPI says, in addition to the exhibition hall featuring large exhibit booth spaces in which the healthcare industry will have the opportunity to engage, inform and educate the physicians directly through one on one, hands on product demonstrations and discussions, and special exhibition area for new innovations by young physicians.

“The 37th AAPI Atlanta Convention is where you can reach your target audience of several thousand under one roof," said Dr. Suresh Reddy, President-Elect of AAPI. "Some of the major attractions include

education programs and symposia with world renowned physicians on the cutting edge of medicine, says Dr. Subodh Agrawal.

“Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country and internationally 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. Do not miss on the Early Bird Special. We look forward to seeing you in Atlanta!” said Dr. Naresh Parekh.

For more details, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.aapiconvention.org and www.aapiusa.org

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February 2019

Kalaivani Dance Academy Celebrates 15th Anniversary

BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE

Atlanta, GA: Kalaivani Dance Academy celebrated its 15th year with a thematic presentation “Shri Krishnam” with much splendor and fanfare to a houseful audience at the Infinite Energy Performing arts Center on January 20, 2019. Students of the academy, under the tutelage of gurus Padmaja Kelam and Siddarth Kelam embraced the concept in all its vibrant glory, presenting Krishna and his mythological stories at its classical best.

Emcees Anusha Gopali and Sanjana Kuthyar ensured smooth flow of transition between various forms and pieces with crisp and clear descriptions.

Kicking off with the national anthems of US and India, the evening began with a special performance by Swaminathan Ramamoorthy and his team. Ramamoorthy, a visually impaired person has been involved in the welfare and services of people with disabilities through several organizations. The USA tour, dedicated to his father, a ten-member team from India including eight visually impaired and two caregivers, was an attempt to portray the message that given an opportunity, these especially abled individuals could also shine in their own right and lead a life of self-reliance and justice without any prejudice.

Known for his mischief, Krishna’s magic and mysticism are inescapable. His exploits, be it as a butter thief or an exuberant imp sporting a peacock feather are delightful, just as the music of the flute he plays. An epitome of love, the various feats and layers of Krishna presented through the medium of classical music and dance was a visual treat to the viewer.

The Nrityamala (garland of dances) opened with dancers seeking blessings from the Divine with an offering of flowers, Pushpanjali, set in Ragam Vaasanthi and Adi Talam. The youngest tots of the academy were welcomed on stage.

Padmaja Kelam (center), Siddarth Kelam (left) with the students of Kalaivani. Photos by Bytegraph.com. mand Kummi, a celebratory expression of joyous abandon. Shabdam, a Madurai Muralidharan composition featuring Krishna Swaminathan Ramamoorthy and his team. as the supreme Illusionist who Kasthuri Tilakam, a shlokam describing the beautiful appearance and adornment of lord Krishna stood bearing the Govardhana mountain enrapset in Ragam arabhi was followed by Muralidhara tured the audience. Krishna’s playful interactions Kauthuvam, a fast paced lyrical poem set to Rag- with the gopis came alive in Kummi.

Sirisha, a visually impaired member of am Arabhi and Talam Adi, that showcased Krishna’s mischievous tricks and heroic exploits on the Raamamoorthy's troupe presented Krishna Leela Tarangam, the entire act, a balancing act on a banks of the River Yamuna.

Younger students presented Krishnam platter. As one of the emcees commented, Sirisha Kalayasakhi, to rhythmic music of Kollaatta- was amazingly spatially aware and carried the act

to a gracious end.

The piece Swara Jathi depicted derision of the nayika as she laments about how conveniently he has forgotten her. Swagatham Krishna presented to the melodious composition of Oothukaadu Venkata Subbaiyer welcomed Krishna. A Narayana Teerthar composition Madhava Mamava, set to Ragam Neelambari and Adi Talam portrayed Krishna’s beauty as the Gopikas enlightened by Sri Krishna sing about the spiritual qualities of the Lord in great devotion, entreating him for protection.

Tisram mayura Alaripu, inspired by the movements of a peacock, a splendid confluence of grace, beauty and precision enchanted the audience. Asainthaadum, set to Ragam Simhendra madhyamam and Adi thalam, a piece highlighting gentle movements of the peacock to announce the arrival of supreme whose feet step high with tinkling anklets in rhythmic synchronization to the swaying of the peacocks. Dancers invoked Lord Padmanabha in the rapturous Thillana, set to Raagam Dhanashri and Adithaalam.

The grand finale featured Krishna caught in the coils of serpent Kaliya in Kalinga Nartana, Set to Ragam Punnagavarali and Adi Talam where Krishna dances with abandon with his twinkling feet as he overcomes the dreaded multihooded snake Kaliya and dances on his hood, liberating the people of Vrindavan.

Gurus Padmaja and Siddarth Kelam thanked volunteers and students who put in months of efforts towards the event. Kalaivani Dance Academy is a nationally renowned dance academy, founded

by Padmaja Kelam in 2004 with the vision of engaging students in the fine art, technique, and love of one of the most ancient and graceful art forms of India that is Bharatanatyam. You may visit http://kalaivaniacademy.com/ for details.

Purbasha Appoints All-Women’s Working Committee For 2019 Atlanta, GA: We are all familiar with ladies day out, group lunches, and girls’ movie night. But how many of us are aware of women actively participating in and contributing to organizational amelioration? For the year 2019, the Bengali organization Purbasha has adopted a unique approach - an all-women’s working committee. This endeavor includes women in all levels of decision making starting with the president to managing finances, secretarial work, website maintenance, logistics, volunteer activities, and public relations. This youngest and fastest growing Bengali organization in Atlanta is encouraging women engagement.

Empowering women to participate fully across all facets of the organization is essential to building stronger relations, nourishing thoughtful ideas and achieving agreed on goals for development and improvement of the organization. We believe instead of expecting the trend to change overnight one should take small steps towards improvement and try to contribute even if in a minor way. In the words of MK Gandhi "You must be the change you want to see in the world".

Purbasha is the perfect forum to demon-

strate that participation is fun and rewarding.

These amazing women are already contributing to the economy in the fields of information technology, K12, higher education, hospitality, business, and homemaking to name a few. We believe

that they can bring a completely unique and fresh perspective to an organization.

Purbasha's theme and spirit of providing empowerment for women involve more support and participation for women in the organization and

inspiring the next generation of women leaders in their communities to step in and take part in inventing the future. In the words of former first lady Michelle Obama “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish".

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February 2019

TAMA Sankranti Event Breaks Some Records, Sets Some Atlanta, GA: In what can be called the best TAMA event in years, three records were set. The program started on time, over 1200 people attended and about 250 kids participated in contests.

What a great way to start the new year. Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta (TAMA) Sankranthi Sambaralu was celebrated on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Norcross High School. The event was sponsored by Shoora EB5 Fund, My Tax Filer and Sankranti Restaurant & Social Event Plaza.

The event was kicked off with two simultaneous contests for kids of all ages from 2 pm.

A public speaking contest by The Young Leaders Academy (TYLA) and art competition by Global Art on Pongal-O-Pongal theme. For women, there was a Sankranthi themed rangoli competition and free mehndi. Face Painting attracted a lot of kids. Several local vendor booths were set up at the venue offering clothes, jewelry, snack stalls, financial services etc.

The onstage event started at 4:30 pm with a welcome note by Cultural Secretary Subbarao Maddali. Officers of the executive committee and board were present at the ‘Jyothi Prajwalana’. The very first item was a musical program by five visually disabled artists singing and playing their instruments which was well received by the audience. Several mixed cultural activities were performed by young kids, teens and adults with

Hilarious anchoring by emcee Sridhar Potabattula entertained all ages.

TAMA president Venky Gadde invited the Guest of Honor Angelika Kausche, Johns Creek, District 50 House Representative, and gave an overview of TAMA and Sankranti festival. The Treasurer Priya Balusu felicitated her with a shawl. Kausche said she has learned about the diverse Telugu culture and wished the audience on Sankranthi.

The team also felicitated Sheela classical and movie medley dances. Telugu story Lingam, Seetha Valluripalli and Kris readings, mono acting with famous NTR movie Gadde who served TAMA in the past in various Daana Veera Soora Karna dialogues, and humor- capacities and Manabadi teachers & coordinators ous skits thoroughly entertained the audience. who have been teaching Telugu to kids every Sat-

urday.

There were many raffle prizes drawn in between local talent programs including Godavari restaurant gift vouchers, Vijaya Collections & Native Trenz sarees, ABC Party Hall Gift Voucher and a diamond ring by KB Zaveree. In the prime time, well-known singers Shilpa Rao and Prasad Simhadri entertained the audience with many old, new, class, mass and fast beat songs. Kids and adults danced e with joy on the stage.

Traditional dress competition was one of the attractions. Many kids as well as adults participated and won prizes. Winners of the art competition, Rangoli competition and public speaking contest received their prizes on the stage. Everyone enjoyed delicious food provided by Sankranthi restaurant. TAMA team recognized the sponsors of the event Shoora EB5 Fund, My Tax Filer and Sankranti restaurant with a shawl and a plaque.

In his closing remarks and vote of thanks, Gadde thanked the Sankranthi theme decoration by Sujatha Ponnada of Maarigold Events, A/V Support & Photography by ByteGraph Prashant, Srinivas Nimmagadda owner of Sankranthi Restaurant, sponsors, volunteers, officers of the committees, emcee Sridhar, Norcross High School and the wonderful audience.

Chai & Just Chat Panel Reflects Sai World Peace Center To On MLK’s Peace-Making Legacy Open In Locust Grove Next Year

BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE

BY PONCHO WILSON

Atlanta, GA: If anyone could convince a group of thought leaders from across metro Atlanta to navigate north metro Atlanta traffic on a late January Saturday afternoon, it's Dr. Nazeera Dawood.

“This was, without doubt, one of the most unique panel presentations I have ever experienced,” said panelist Heather Gray of the Justice Initiative and WRFG radio personality. “I was so appreciative of the audience from Ukraine.”

International momentum is building with Dr. Dawood’s Chai & Just Chat public video forum series following December’s focus on targeted gold thefts throughout metro Atlanta’s Indian community that was prominently featured on WSBTV’s Channel 2 Action News.

On January 26, however, the focus shifted to reflecting on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s peace-making legacy and how women leaders especially are doing just that.

"Panelists shared history and herstory and were invariably united in a personal and professional struggle against violence in all forms at home

and abroad," Dr. Dawood said. "We reflected upon Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, and women leaders' life and legacy towards a just and equal society free of racism, poverty, slavery, militarism and hatred."

January's panel also included: Antony Thaliath, Executive Director - Gandhi Foundation of USA; Alicia Michael – Past District Governor, Rotary International, Domestic Public Health; Becky Rafter - Development Lead, Georgia Women's Action for New Directions (WAND); Geeta Mehrotra - CEO, Sadhu Vaswani Center; John Naugle - Founder & President, Atlanta: City of Peace; Marina Ovtsynova - Allatra International Peace Movement; Rev. Gerald Durley Veteran, Civil Rights Movement; Rony Delgarde - Founder & President, The Global Paint for Charity; Soumaya Khalifa- Founder & President, Islamic Speakers Bureau (ISB).

Registration is underway for February's forum, 'Perspectives and Potential: Adults of Yesterday & Children of Tomorrow' on February 23 from 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in collaboration with Winning Feathers. To RSVP visit: https:// mailchi.mp/nazeera.net/peacefollowup

Atlanta, GA: Sai World Peace Center (SAI-WPC) USA, a humanity and retreat center on 60 acres of donated land in Locust Grove GA is scheduled to open in the summer of 2020.

“There is nothing greater than humanity, spiritual and religious harmony locally, nationally and internationally. We are very excited to announce opening of our SAI-World Peace Center in summer of 2020 in Locust Grove, Georgia on 60 acres of donated land by three devotees of our organization,” said Pravin Patel, President-SAI Parivar, USA Inc. a non-profit organization.

SAI-WPC aims to promote humanity, peace and unity worldwide by bringing every culture, ethnicity, and religion together with a mission to preserve traditions, promote humanity and unity worldwide. The organization provides support, guidance, and encouragement to the destitute, disabled and people facing life-threatening illness. SAI-WPC helps underprivileged maintain their dignity, by educating their family and friends while it continues to support and provide much needed services.

The organization actively aids many local mainstream organizations feed the hungry, provide shelter for the homeless, promote health and wellbeing and human rights for under-represented members of global communities.

Since 2010 SAI-WPC sevaks (volunteers) help feed the hungry/homeless in Atlanta, GA every week. Some of the key organizations SAIWPC has partnered with include: Sai Health Fair, where volunteers provide free medical checkup for community. Regalando Sonrisas, Honduras to provide books, school supplies, shoes, clothes, groceries, renovate houses and built toilets for schools. Vicharta Samudaay Samarthan Manch(VSSM), adoption of 250 children from underprivileged tribes and laborers for their education, health care, housing and training for livelihood. SAI Seva Charitable Trust, Surat, to feed hungry, support and motivate slum children for education, provide school books and supplies and provide medical treatment. Noor E Sai, Lucknow to Feed hungry and homeless, elderly assistance, senior care home for underprivileged seniors, Naryan Seva Santhan, blanket distribution for homeless in Atlanta, blood donation camps, sponsoring corrective surgeries for underprivileged and disabled. Got Blanket? blanket distribution for homeless in Atlanta and Federation of Indian Association, GA blood donation camp.

The project for World Peace Center is inspired by Shree Shirdi Sai Baba, who is among the most influential spiritual gurus of India. His teachings concentrate on moral code of love, forgiveness, helping others, humanity, contentment, inner peace, and devotion to God and guru. You may visit www.saiwpc.org for more information.

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February 2019 Celebrate Women’s Day With Mallika Sarabhai

Atlanta, GA: One of India’s most tireless advocates for achieving social change through the arts will be bringing her latest creation to Atlanta. ‘Colors of Her Heart’, a dance-musical theatre piece, developed by dancer, actress and choreographer Mallika Sarabhai and British-Pakistani composer, writer and singer Samia Malik, will be performed at Berkmar High School Auditorium in Lilburn on Friday, March 8th, 2019.

Mallika Sarabhai is one of India’s leading choreographers and dancers. Mallika has won many accolades during her long career, the – Golden Star Award being one of them, which she won for the Best Dance Soloist, at Theatre De Champs Elysees, Paris in1977.

The multi-faceted Mallika runs her own dance company “Darpana” creating and performing both classical and contemporary works. where and has experience in acting, film-making, editing, and television anchoring. She first made a name for herself in India as a film actress.

Always an activist for social change and women’s empowerment, Mallika has been consistently using her work for change. In 1989 she created the first of her hard-hitting solo theatrical works, “Shakti: The Power of Women.” Since then Mallika has created and produced numerous stage productions which have raised awareness, highlighted crucial issues and advocated change.

Her theatre group, Darpana has launched several successful projects to spread social awareness and empowerment through the media of performing arts. Several of these are funded by national and international agencies. In 1992, Dr. Mallika Sarabhai founded the Centre for Non-Violence through the Arts, which encourages artists from all fields of literature, the performing and visual arts to come together and share thoughts and ideas about non-violence, and to express themselves on the issue through their individual form of artistic creation. Her organization, Darpana also hosts a Festival of Non-violence Through the Arts which commences on Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary every year.

The organization’s Darpana Communications produces audio and video material, CDs, VCDs and CD Roms for sale, education or for broadcast. The unit specializes in using innovative television to talk of issues of development, the environment, women’s rights, human rights, corruption, corporate responsibility, governance and much else.

Her project “Unsuni” is a movement to encourage volunteerism in India. This is done through a website which urges and facilitates individuals to offer their time and specific skills for numerous worthy causes.

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

February 2019

Passport, Visa Processes Being Eased For Diaspora Indians: Modi Varanasi: (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi told overseas Indians that his government is making efforts to ease the processes concerning their social security, passport, visa and PIO and OCI cards and that work is on to issue chip-based e-passports.

Inaugurating this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), the Indian diaspora conclave, he said that the government’s endeavor was that overseas Indians should stay “happy and safe wherever they are”.

“The government is trying to ease the entire processes concerning your social security, passport, visa, Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cards. We have taken a new step a few months back concerning overseas Indians. Our embassies and consulates are being connected to the Passport Seva Project worldwide,” he said.

This, he said, will prepare a centralized system connected to the passport service for all of them. “Going one step ahead, work is on for issuing of the chip-based e-passport.”

The Prime Minister said that along with passport, the rules related to visa were being simplified.

“With the convenience of e-visa, you are

also saving time and problems are also getting “In this changing India, you can play a big reduced. role in research and development and innovation.

“Many of you will also be familiar with the “The government is also trying to bring Infact that our government has made the process of dian start-ups and NRI mentors together on one converting PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cards platform. Defence manufacturing can also be an important sector for you.”

Modi urged Indians living abroad to motivate at least five families around them to come to India. “Your efforts will play an important role in enhancing tourism in the country.”

He said that in the last four years, India had taken a major step towards achieving its natural position in the world.

“People used to say that India cannot change,” he said. “We have changed this thinking. We have made changes.”

Stating that today India led the world in many fields, he said the International Solar Alliance was one such example.

“It is also part of our goal of preparing into OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards.” solutions to India’s problems, that can also solve the Modi also urged Indians or people of Indi- problems of other countries. We are working with an living abroad to contribute to the building of the application of local solution, global application.” a new India and said that the changes that were Modi added: “In the last four-and-a-half coming in India were becoming new opportuni- years, more than two lakh Indians stranded in ties. crisis situations abroad have been helped by the

government and its efforts.”

Ahead of this year’s general elections, Modi also launched an attack on the Congress over the issue of corruption citing a quote by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

“He said that only 15 percent of the money that the central government sends from Delhi reach the people.”

Modi said no attempt was made by the Congress to stop this loot. “The country’s middle class continued to pay taxes honestly, and 85 per cent of this loot continued.”

But his government was using technology to eliminate this loot.

Modi’s Mauritius counterpart Pravind Jugnauth, the chief guest at the event, commended India’s efforts in reaching out to the diaspora.

Organised by the External Affairs Ministry and the Uttar Pradesh government, the Indian diaspora conclave this year has over 5,000 delegates registered.

This year’s theme of the convention is “Role of Indian diaspora in building a new India”.

Modi called this year’s PBD the “most successful” event saying the people of Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency, have taken ownership of the three-day jamboree.

11-Year-Old Boy Saves Drowning Man From Pool

Kamala Harris Kicks Off 2020 Presidential Campaign

Doctor Accused Of $500 Million Opioid Fraud

An 11-year-old Indian-American boy is being praised for pulling an unconscious 34-yearold man from the bottom of the deep-end of a pool and saving his life.

Advaik Nandikotkur was with his uncle and mother at an indoor pool in the family’s apartment complex in Eagan, Minnesota recently when the man wandered into the deep end and became unresponsive. Despite being in a room full of adults, Nandikotkur was the only person present who knew how to swim, reports People.com.

Police told People the man weighs about 170 lbs., so they were shocked that the boy, who weighs just 70 lbs., managed to save the man’s life.

After Nandikotkur pulled the man to the pool’s edge, his uncle and other adults administered CPR to the man even though they lacked training.

The rescue meant nothing more than a brief hospital visit for Srinivasa R. Yalavarthi, a 34-year-old man from Chicago who was in the Twin Cities seeing relatives.

“This kid is pretty amazing. He pulled an unconscious man from a pool on Sunday. He along with his uncle have been nominate for the Eagan Police Department’s ‘Life Saving Award’,” said a twitter post by Eagan Police Department.

Washington: (IANS) Indian American Senator Kamala Harris has officially kicked off her campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination at a rally where she warned that the US and the world were at “an inflection point” in history and called on all Americans to “speak the truth

about what’s happening”.

Harris announced her official bid to run for President in 2020 on January 21.

Before a crowd of more than 20,000 people in her hometown Oakland, Harris on Sunday threaded together a biography from her years in the Bay Area with her work as a prosecutor and a senator, and set those details against a broader populist vision about “running to be President of the people, by the people and for all people”, reports The New York Times.

“We are at an inflection point in the history of our world,” she said at the rally.

“We are at an inflection point in the history of our nation. We are here because the American dream and our American democracy are under attack and on the line like never before… When we have leaders who bully and attack a free press and undermine our democratic institutions, that’s not our America.”

Harris, 54, who became the first Indian American and the second black woman to serve in the US Senate when she took office in 2017, has joined the most diverse field of Democratic candidates in history for the presidential bid.

During her 35-minute speech, she also discussed racism, police shootings and the impact of police brutality, The Washington Post reported.

“Too many unarmed black men and women are killed in America. Too many black and brown Americans are being locked up,” the Senator said.

“Our criminal justice system needs drastic repair. Let’s speak that truth.”

Harris framed her campaign as a response to President Donald Trump, highlighting how he has divided the country and attempting to make the case that she would unite it.

“People in power are trying to convince us that the villain in our American story is each other,” she said.

“But that is not our story. That is not who we are. That’s not our America. You see, our United States of America is not about us versus them. It’s about ‘we, the people’.”

She mocked Trump’s foreign policy, saying: “We have foreign powers infecting the White House like malware.”

The Senator pledged that if she is elected President, she “will always speak with decency and moral clarity and treat all people with dignity and respect. I will lead with integrity. And I will tell the truth.”

Harris will have to first win the Democratic Party nomination next year battling several candidates, including Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu elected to Congress, Senator Elizabeth Warren and former Housing Secretary Julian Castro.

A Padmashri award winning Detroit physician, the accused mastermind of a nearly $500 million opioid and healthcare fraud, left jail after being released on a record $7 million bond.

U.S. District Judge Stephen Murphy granted the bond for Dr. Rajendra Bothra, 77 despite the government’s concern that he is a flight risk, and may escape to India.

Bothra was released on home confinement and will be tracked by a GPS tether and must identify all assets under penalty of perjury. His wife and daughter, who were present at the Tuesday hearing, will also surrender their passports to alleviate concerns that the family might flee while Bothra awaits trial in July.

A grand jury had returned an indictment in December 2018 that charged Bothra and five other doctors as part of an investigation into a scheme that involved over 13 million unlawfully prescribed opioid prescription drugs. The 56-count indictment charged that Bothra owned and operated a pain clinic in Warren, Michigan that sought to bill insurance companies for the maximum number of services and procedures possible with no regard to the patients’ needs.

Bothra’s lawyer portrayed the pain clinic owner as a respected doctor and benevolent man who adopted a daughter from Mother Teresa’s orphanage in India. Bothra received the Padmashri in 1999.

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

February 2019

Tulsi Gabbard Officially Launches 2020 Presidential Election Campaign

Man Wanted In Wife’s Killing Turns Himself In To Police

said Gabbard, who is not of Indian descent but comes from a Hindu family in Hawaii.

The official launch of the 37-year-old fourterm Democratic congresswoman’s campaign gives her presidential bid a chance at a reset after weeks of discord heading into the announcement.

Gabbard, an Iraq War veteran who gained national prominence in 2016 as an outspoken supporter of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign, will run for President as an anti-interventionalist Democrat who supports a populist

An Indian-American man wanted in the murder of his wife is now in police custody after he turned himself in.

On January 13, 2019, 39 year-old Amit Kumar of Baltimore turned himself in to authorities in DeWitt, New York, said Baltimore Police.

Amit Kumar will be extradited back to Baltimore City where he will be formally charged with 1st degree murder for allegedly stabbing his 29 year-old wife, Ankita Verma, to death.

Baltimore, in an earlier statement had considered Kumar as armed and dangerous.

Amit Kumar is also wanted on an unrelated felony theft warrant.

Honolulu: (IANS) Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu US Congresswoman, has officially launched her 2020 presidential campaign in Hawaii.

“It is this principle of service above self that is at the heart of every soldier, at the heart of every service member, and it is in this spirit that today I announce my candidacy for President of the United States of America,” CNN quoted Gabbard as saying said at an event here.

“I will bring this soldier’s principles to the White House, restoring the values of dignity, honor and respect to the presidency and above all else, love for our people and love for our country.

“I ask you to join me, join me in putting this spirit, this spirit of service above self at the forefront and to stand up against the forces of greed and corruption.

“The road ahead will not be easy. The battles will be tough. The obstacles great, but I know when we stand united by our love for our people and for our country, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. There is no battle we cannot win,”

Doctor Sentenced For Sexually Abusing Women At Clinic

An Indian-American doctor from St. Louis County in Missouri admitted to sexually abusing women at pain clinics in 2017 and was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years of probation, reports St. Louis Dispatch. The sentence was part of a plea deal.

Abhishek Jain. 40, was charged with groping two women who came to him for medical treatment. He pleaded guilty to two felony counts of second-degree sodomy and two misdemeanor charges of sexual abuse. Jain will surrender his medical license and voluntarily leave the US after serving his sentence.

Jain worked at Interventional Pain Management Services, with offices at 5000 Cedar Plaza Parkway in unincorporated St. Louis County and at 261 Dunn Road in Florissant.

According to a statement issues by the St. Louis County police department in December 2017, a 60-year-old female, who was a patient at the pain clinic, reported to police that Jain groped her breasts and genitals with his hands during an examination. A 61-year-old female reported to police that the defendant groped her breasts and genitals even though she was being treated for hip and back pain. The two women do not know each other.

economic agenda.

While the Congresswoman has highlighted health care access, criminal justice reform and climate change as key platform issues for her presidential run, her tenure in Congress has been defined by her anti-interventionist foreign policy positions.

Gabbard, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, is the only military veteran to declare her candidacy and could be relying on her two tours in the Middle East to differentiate her from many Democratic presidential candidates, including Indian and African-Jamaican descent Senator Kamala Harris, Senator Elizabeth Warren and former Housing Secretary Julian Castro.

She is popular for some progressive policies, though she received flak even within her own party over a 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and past positions opposed to LGBTQ rights.

India Hailed For Giving Refuge To Jews Fleeing Nazis United Nations: (IANS) India has been hailed for giving refuge to Jews fleeing the Nazi genocide, keeping with its tradition of being a haven for those escaping religious persecution around the world as the UN observed the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The president of B’nai B’rith International, Charles Kaufman, said here on Monday that India lived up to the tradition of a nation of righteousness when thousands of Jews found safety and were welcomed when they fled the Holocaust carried out by Nazis in Europe.

This was a uniquely overlooked episode that needs to be recognised, he said while speaking at a meeting here on “India: A Distant Haven During the Holocaust” that was organised by India’s UN Mission and the B’nai B’rith, a global Jewish service organisation.

India’s Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin said that India receiving refugees fleeing the Holocaust was in tradition of welcoming Jews that goes back thousands of years.

Anti-Semitism was a rare phenomenon in India and it occurred in 2008 in Mumbai when the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists attacked the Chabad centre, he said.

While Jews received refuge, they in turn have contributed to India in the arts, culture and economy, he said.

Some served in the armed forces and are treasured as national heroes, he added.

As the Nazis began their genocidal persecution of Jewish people in Europe, India was engaged in its freedom struggle, yet managed to welcome the refugees, he said.

While anti-Semitism and intolerance again show signs of re-emerging, the examples of compassion in the midst of tragedy must be beacons of tolerance, he said.

An author and expert on Jews and minorities in India, Kenneth Robbins, said that not only for

the Jews, but for many others India was a place where minorities were able to flourish.

He gave the example of the Sidis, who came to India as slaves and rose to be rulers – the only instance of Africans ruling non-Africans, he said.

The several thousand Jews who fled Nazi persecution to India in the 1930s, came in several waves starting with the German Jews. They were followed by others from Italy; Austria, East and Central Europe; North Africa, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Poland, Robbins said.

There were also those who married Indians studying in Germany and elsewhere who came with their spouses to India.

Yusuf Khwaja Hamied, the chairman of Cipla, brought down the price of AIDS medications to $6 making to affordable to millions in Africa, saving their lives, he said.

His mother was Luba Derczanska, a Lithuanian Jew who married his father Khwaja Abdul Hamied when he was a student in Berlin, he said.

Among the thousands of Jewish children who came India was Tom Stoppard, the award-winning British playwright and screenwriter. Born Tomas Straussler, he went to school in India in India after his family fled Czechoslavakia.

Stephen Tauber came to India as a child in 1937 when his physician father was offered a job by Ganga Singh, the Maharaja of Bikaner, and received a visa to leave Austria escaping the Nazis.

During his time in Bikaner, he witnessed religious harmony among Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Jews, who respected each other’s religions.

Two Maharajas, Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja of Nawanagar and Rajaram III of Kolhapur, established camps for Polish child refugees.

Speaking at a Holocaust memorial ceremony earlier on Monday, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that not only was anti-Semitism still strong, it was getting worse and we must “reaffirm our resolve to fight the hatred that still plagues our world today”.

“Inevitably, where there is anti-Semitism, no one else is safe,” he warned.

“Across the world, we are seeing a disturbing rise in other forms of bigotry.

“Intolerance today spreads at lightning speed across the Internet and social media and most disturbingly, hate is moving into the mainstream – in liberal democracies and authoritarian systems alike,” Guterres added.

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.....Books .....

February 2019

‘Unmarriageable’: Fresh Perspectives On Austen’s Timeless Characters

BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE

Mrs. Binat’s wishes would seem to come true when the family is invited to wedding of It is a truth universally acknowledged that the year, the arena to fish grooms. The maiden some stories like Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejmeeting of Valentine Darcee (Darcy), the dashing udice’ are truly timeless and deserve to be treabachelor, swimming in inheritance, the catch of sured and retold. Atlanta author Soniah Kamal’s ‘Unmarriageable’ sets Austen’s evergreen classic in contemporary Pakistan, yet manages to remain faithful to the original.

Kamal’s love for Jane Austen is quite evident. Ubiquitous mentions of Austen and Pride and Prejudice throughout the narrative almost feature them as additional characters. Kamal stays very close to the original plot with even similar sounding character names – with Bennets being Binats, sisters Elizabeth, Jane, Kitty, Mary, and Lydia being Alysba, Jena, Qitty, Mari, Lady and so on. Such proximity to its roots also leads to inescapable comparisons with the classic.

A sudden fall from grace and money compels the Binats to relinquish their luxuries and settle down in a small town in Pakistan with sisters Alysba and Jena earning for the family as lit teachers at the British School of Dilipabad. No shrinking violet, Alysba battles established traditions of marrying girls off early to ensure their futures, with no identities for themselves. Mr. Binat is indifferent and chooses to remain silent. The girls are way past their “marriageable” age, with no prospects in sight, a matter of major concern for Mrs. Binat. Her desperate pursuit of eligible prospects often leads her to transform her daughters into “marriageable material” in any way or form that would impress a prospective groom.

the century, so to speak, and Alys ends on a bitter note when Alys overhears Valentine mocking her reading Reader’s Digest and Good Housekeeping and also thinks she is average looking. The pride of Alys- who offers broader perspectives of life

Soniah Kamal’s ‘Unmarriageable’ sets Austen’s evergreen classic in contemporary Pakistan, yet manages to remain faithful to the original. to her students than only envisaging themselves as exemplary wives- is hurt. She chooses to nurture the hurt. So, when she is told about an inheritance that Valentine wrongly usurped, she is more than willing to believe it. Alys and Valentine eventually battle their pride and prejudice to find love.

“That's the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet,” says Jhumpa Lahiri about books. Unmarriageable, rooted in culture and brimming with ornate descriptions of clothing, food, and local viewpoints, organically transports the reader to small town Pakistan. Kamal’s detailing of food is so vivid that you can almost smell the chai and taste the kebabs. I certainly sipped my hot fix till the end.

And then there is the food for thought.

“Can any amount of good ever merit interference of the empire? Not read literature? Erasing history is not the answer. Not

deny it but not unnecessarily celebrate it.” Alys ponders over how a country can place lasting effects of the empire in proper context. Kamal’s profound insights about the effects of colonization and the identity crisis that stems from it are well expressed. Case in point is the part where Darsee tells Alys, “That book made me believe I could have a Pakistani identity inclusive of an English-speaking tongue. We’ve been forced to seek ourselves in the literature of others for too long.”

Kamal’s rich references to works in English and Urdu, skillfully incorporated into the narrative, enriches the reading experience. The author also weaves her love of books into the story, as when Alys reads from ‘Sunlight on a Broken Column’, given to her by Valentine, symbolically revealing her feelings for him.

A tour of the attractions in Pakistan helmed into the script, especially the closing of border gates ceremony at the Wagah Atari border, adds a nice touch.

While the vivacity of Unmarriageable proves to be its strength, human emotions unravel in a more layered way in the original. The romance that blooms between the lead pair seems a bit sudden. I quite enjoyed the banter between the sisters, and the mother and daughters, except in places when Lady seems unreasonably mean to Qitty.

Minor flaws aside, Unmarriageable, stewed with Kamal’s insights into culture and class distinctions, race and colonization, and a generous measure of sisterhood, love and marriage, simmers quite a succulent dish. Watch out for the spices!

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February 2019

Trump Nominee Rao Faces Scrutiny Over Past Writing About Rape Washington: (IANS) The judicial wars returned to Washington as the Senate Judiciary Committee met to consider Neomi Rao, President Donald Trump's nominee for newest Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's now-vacant seat on a powerful appellate court in Washington.

Indian-American woman, Rao, who serves as Trump's "czar" overseeing regulatory rollbacks, faced fierce questioning from Democrats not just for her work in the Trump administration but for commentary she wrote decades ago as a Yale University student suggesting women should change their behavior to avoid date rape.

"I cringe" at some of the language, Rao told the senators during her testimony on Tuesday. As most every Democratic senator on the dais mentioned her early writings, Rao stressed that they occurred nearly "two decades" ago at a "time of exploration" in college.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who recently publicly disclosed she had been a victim of sexual assault, said Rao's columns gave her "pause", CNN

reported. even if I drank a lot, I would still be responsible In one piece for the Yale Herald written in for my actions."

1994 titled "Shades of Gray," Rao responded to She added: "A man who rapes a drunk girl an alleged date rape incident on campus by writ- should be prosecuted. At the same time, a good way to avoid a potential date rape is to stay reasonably sober."

Rao said that when she was writing about the incident she emphasized that rape is a crime and no one should "blame the victim" but that she had attempted to make a "common-sense observation" that there were some actions a woman could take so it would be less likely she would become a victim. Rao said she hoped she has "matured" as a writer and a person. ing: "It has always seemed self-evident to me that Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont

Indian-American To Run For State Senate

Realtor Arrested For Florida Businessman's Murder

Washington: (IANS) Indian American Representative Niraj Antani will run for the Ohio state Senate in 2020.

The Republican, who is currently serving his third term in the Ohio House of Representatives, is the youngest Indian American and Hindu American elected official in the US at age 27, the American Bazaar reported.

He also holds the distinction of being the second Indian American elected official in Ohio's history and also the first Indian American elected Republican.

Antani, who represents the 42nd district, will run for the open State Senate District 6, currently represented by Senator Peggy Lehner, who is term-limited and retiring.

The 6th district, which consists of Dayton suburbs, has been a Republican stronghold since 1985.

In a tweet on Thursday, Antani said: "I just knocked on the first door of my campaign for state Senator! Team Antani is pounding the pavement, talking to voters about their most important issues. We will work hard every day to earn the support of every voter."

If elected, Antani would go on to become the highest ranking Indian American elected official in Ohio's history, and the first Indian American state Senator in Ohio.

The Ohio Senate is the upper chamber of the Ohio General Assembly, the legislative body that makes all state laws for Ohio's 11.5 million citizens.

Hyderabad/Vijayawada: (IANS) The Andhra Pradesh Police claimed to have cracked the murder case of Florida-based NRI businessman Chigurupati Jayaram with the arrest of a realtor and his driver, but hours later the victim's wife approached Telangana Police in Hyderabad and

demanded a thorough probe.

Jayaram's wife Padmashri lodged a complaint with Jubilee Hills police station in Hyderabad, demanding that they investigate the case as Jayaram was murdered in the city.

After submitting a three-page letter to the police, she told reporters that investigations by Hyderabad police alone could bring out the truth.

Earlier, Andhra Pradesh police said Jayaram, who was found dead in his car in Krishna district on Friday, was killed over a money dispute.

Realtor Rakesh Reddy, the main accused, and his driver Srinivas were presented before media persons in Nandigama.

The body of Jayaram (55), who was director of Coastal Bank, was found on the back seat of his car off the national highway near Nandiagama close to Vijayawada on January 31.

After grilling many people including his relatives, police cracked the case. Krishna District's Superintendent of Police Sarvashresht Tripathi

told reporters that Reddy murdered Jayaram as the latter had failed to repay a Rs 4 crore loan.

Jayaram, also a Managing Director of Express TV, a now defunct Telugu channel, had come to Hyderabad from the US a few days ago.

As Reddy was demanding the money, he had blocked his mobile number.

The accused contacted Jayaram on WhatsApp from another number, using the display picture of a woman and started chatting with him. 'She' asked Jayaram to come alone to a house in Jubilee Hills.A When the businessman reached there, Reddy and his driver overpowered him and tortured him. The realtor demanded Rs 6 crore

seized on her comments and said that as a former prosecutor, he had dealt with rape cases. He said he feared her sentiments might lead some women to be too ashamed to report rape.

Rao responded that she had made it "very clear" that "rape is a terrible crime for which men should be held responsible."

"I was trying to make in perhaps not the most elegant way the sort of common-sense observation... It's the advice my mother gave me; it's the advice that I give my children. And I certainly regret any implication of blaming the victim," she said.

Other Republicans leaped to her defense, pointing out that the American Bar Association had given her a rating of "well qualified." The Senate committee is majority Republican.

The top Democrat on the committee, Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, as well as Democratic presidential candidate Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, focused on Rao's work for the Trump administration and its goal to roll back agency regulations.

The accused then shifted the body to Jayaram's car and took it to Krishna district and left it in a field adjoining the national highway to make it appear like an accident. Before shifting the body, Rakesh spoke to two police officials of Hyderabad over phone.

Police gathered clues from the CCTV footage from different toll gates on the Hyderabad-Vi-

Jayaram's wife Padmashri lodged a complaint with Jubilee Hills police station in Hyderabad, demanding that they investigate the case. Jayaram was murdered in the city.

jayawada highway. Reddy, who was driving the car, also stopped at a wine shop at Nandigama to buy liquor. Empty liquor bottles were later found in the car along with Jayaram's body.

Police investigations revealed that Reddy had come into contact with Jayaram after the latter had sought his help to deal with the problem created by lockout in his company on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Rakesh then became friends with Jayaram's niece Shikha Chowdary.

The SP said their investigations were continuing to find out if any other person or persons were involved in the murder.

Jayaram's wife told reporters in Hyderabad on Tuesday night that Shikha, instead of rushing to the scene, barged into their house in Jubilee Hills.

"May be," she replied when asked if Andhra Pradesh police were trying to shield some accused.

In a related development, two police officials in Telangana were transferred following allegations that after killing Jayaram, the accused spoke including the interest. As Jayaram had only Rs 6 to them over phone. Assistant Commissioner of lakh with him, Reddy, in a fit of rage, banged him Police Malla Reddy and Circle Inspector Srinivaagainst a sofa. Jayaram sustained a head injury sulu were transferred after their names cropped and died on the spot. up during the investigations.

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NRI Pulse

Can Quitting FB Change Your Life?

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

Microsoft Lays AI Sensors For Smart Farming, Cutting Edge Healthcare In India

BY NISHANT ARORA

New York: (IANS) Want to quit Facebook?

According to a new study, it can have both positive as well as negative effects on your life.

The study, led by Hunt Allcott, Associate Professor at the New York University, suggest that Facebook plays an important role as a source of (real) news and information, as people who quit showed reduced factual news knowledge.

However, it also reduced political polarization. On the other hand, quitting Facebook improved subjective well-being, suggesting that forces such as addiction and projection bias may cause people to use the social networking site more than they otherwise would.

"We find that while deactivation makes people less informed, it also makes them less polarized by at least some measures, consistent with the concern that social media have played some role in the recent rise of polarization in the US," Allcott, said. But,"Facebook can improve people's lives, whether as a source of entertainment, a means to organize a charity or an activist group, or a vital social lifeline for those who are otherwise isolated.

"Any discussion of social media's downsides should not obscure the basic fact that it fulfills deep and widespread needs," he said.

For the study, the team recruited 2,844 participants, aged 18 and older and spent at least 15 minutes on the social networking platform everyday.

With United Phosphorus, Microsoft is working on providing front-end capabilities for farmChina, the world's biggest agricultural proers. ducer, is leading the race when it comes to emEscorts is working with Microsoft for its powering farmers with Artificial Intelligence Cloud and AI technology enabling precision ag(AI)-driven technologies. riculture capabilities to help farmers make inThe aim is clear: To help the community digformed decisions and get more from their farms. itally record information to cut costs and increase In collaboration with the International Crop yields -- with just a smartphone in their hands as Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics AI leveraged Cloud computing to make sense of the data for farmers.

India has now embarked on a journey to bring AI sensors into the fields.

For Anant Maheshwari, the company's India President, Microsoft has begun empowering small-holder farmers in India to increase their income through higher crop yield and greater price control.

"We are working with farmers, state governments, the Ministry of Electronics and Infor(ICRISAT), Microsoft has developed an AI-Sowmation Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry ing App powered by Cortana Intelligence Suite of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to create an including Machine Learning and Power BI. ecosystem for AI into farming," Maheshwari told The app sends sowing advisories to particIANS. ipating farmers on the optimal date to sow. The In some villages in Telangana, Maharashtra farmers don't need to install any sensors in their and Madhya Pradesh, farmers are receiving aufields or incur any capital expenditure. All they tomated voice calls that tell them whether their need is a feature phone capable of receiving text cotton crops are at risk of a pest attack, based on messages. weather conditions and crop stage.

After laying the initial infrastructure for "There are companies that serve equipments smart agriculture, Microsoft has also taken furand capabilities for farmers. We are working with ther steps towards cutting-edge health care with most of the stakeholders, like generic crop protecthe help from AI-based "Intelligent Cloud" and tion and seeds company United Phosphorus Ltd "Intelligent Edge". and engineering conglomerate Escorts, to create Nearly three million heart attacks happen better AI-based models for farming in the counin India every year and 30 million Indians suffer try," informed Maheshwari. from coronary diseases.

Food Delivery Apps In India Bet Big On AI

New Delhi: (IANS) Driven by a surge in online food orders especially among millennials, leading food delivery platforms are embracing Artificial Intelligence (Ai) in a big way to better read fast-changing consumer behavior, minimize errors and enhance customer experiences.

According to Bengaluru-based research firm RedSeer, the Indian online food delivery market is expected to hit $4 billion by 2020 and to handle and leverage terabytes of data for delivery efficiency has led food aggregators Swiggy and Zomato bet big on AI and Machine Learning (ML).

"Swiggy's mission is to bring unparalleled convenience into the lives of urban consumers.

We do this by operating a three-way, hyper-local marketplace where we match consumer demand with supply from restaurants and delivery partners," Dale Vaz, Head of Engineering and Data Science, Swiggy, told IANS. "We use AI/ML across this three-way marketplace to deliver a wow customer experience, unlock business growth and drive operational efficiency," added Dale, who joined Swiggy in July last year from Amazon India.

On the consumer side, Swiggy is using AI to deliver a personalised discovery experience for them -- be it catalog intelligence, customer intelligence, relevance and personalised customer experience and real-time signals (last-mile distance

February 2019

between the restaurant and customer location).

On the restaurant side, it is using AI for time-series based demand prediction models that help its partners plan ahead for demand.

"In addition to our dedicated delivery fleet

(the largest in the country), AI models help us ensure that we provide a highly accurate delivery promise to our customers and meet that promise in an efficient manner," informed Vaz. According to Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal, at the beginning of 2018, they were at 3.5 million orders a month. "With 21 million orders per month, as far as we know, we are now the market leader in

the food ordering space in India," he said recently.

Swiggy, which recently raised $1 billion, on Monday acqui-hired Kint.io, a startup which specializes in applying deep learning and computer vision for object recognition in videos.

Zomato has acquired a desi startup called TechEagle Innovations for dronebased food delivery.

"We believe that robots powering the last-mile delivery is an inevitable part of the future and hence is going to be a significant area of investment for us," said Goyal.

Uber Eats is experiencing a nearly 50 per cent monthon-month (MoM) growth in its first year of operations in India. It has more than doubled in terms of the number of orders in the last three months.

"Uber Eats has gained great momentum in India and is one of its fastest growing markets in the Asia Pacific region," Bhavik Rathod, Head of Uber Eats, India, said recently. Uber Eats is currently present in 37 cities in India.

In a novel effort to predict the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among the Indian population, Microsoft India and Apollo Hospitals have launched the first-ever AI-powered heart disease risk score API (application programme interface).

It provides the capability of applying ML and AI to cardio-vascular health records to develop an Indian-specific heart risk score.

With the new heart risk score for India, Apollo Hospitals' AI model helps gauge a patient's risk for heart disease and provides rich insights to doctors on treatment plans and early diagnosis.

"This shows how AI-driven models can make a big difference and help the doctors in a country where health care needs.

The company has also applied AI to devices for early detection of diabetic retinopathy to prevent blindness. Microsoft India also announced a partnership with SRL Diagnostics to expand the "AI Network for Healthcare" to pathology to detect cancer.

Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairman and Executive Director of Narayana Health, has performed over 15,000 heart operations. His hospital chain does one-sixth of heart surgeries in India.

"His hospital chain is working on Kaizala app, Power BI and Azure to run the operation smoothly.

"Dr Shetty aims to put all electronic health records on Kaizala for real-time data analysis.

This gives a doctor full information about a patient and his past," said Maheshwari.

In October, NITI Aayog entered into a partnership with Microsoft to deploy AI technologies in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, natural language computing and sustainable environment.

Google Shows How You Can Be Safer On Internet

Simple steps such as adding a screen lock on the mobile phone and reviewing who can get access to your Google Account data can make you a lot safer on the Internet, according to a new Google campaign.

Targeted at young and first time web users, the new edition of Google's public safety initiative -- #SecurityCheckKiya - will ask people to take simple, yet important actions that can protect them from bad actors of the web and help keep their data secure online. Google said it would start encouraging users to take the security check-up of their account on its homepage in English and seven Indian languages including Hindi, Kannada, Bengali, Gujarati, Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu.

"Helping people manage their privacy and security is integral to everything we do. Through our initiative, we want to nudge Internet users by asking them #SecurityCheckKiya and encourage them to take action," Sunita Mohanty, Director, Trust and Safety, Google India, said in a statement.

The "Security Checkup" on the account gives personalized and actionable security recommendations to users that further strengthens the security of their Google Account.

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NRI Pulse

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

What Makes A Good Manager?

5. Good managers are hands on. They like to be more like playercoaches. Of course, this is very common in cricket. The captain of the team is a player also. This hands-on mindset not only gains respect from their subordinates but the managers also acquire greater compassion and understanding of the hardship that the subordinates experience. Unfortunately, as we move up the organization ladder, it becomes more difficult to be hands on managers. This is why it is better to have a flatter organization with as few levels of management as possible.

2. Good managers value the time of their subordinates.

They don’t like to keep others waiting just to prove the point that their time is more valuable than their subordinates time or that they are the boss. It also means that they are comfortable going to the their subject matter expertise (math, science, arts, literature, etc.) but also because of their listening subordinates’ office place or factory as they are comfortable with others coming to their office. skills (empathy) and passion for their work.

Similarly, what makes a good doctor is their bedside manners and not just their diagnostic or 3. Good managers love to mentor and coach their subordinates. They sincerely believe that treatment skills.

I am pointing out these two examples to the real purpose of management is to make ormake a point. Both are clinical in nature and dinary people extraordinary. Good managers are hands on experience matters. Good managers like brilliant diamond cutters. They take pride come from diverse experiences and encounters. in getting the brilliance and value of the rough Good management is as much an experiential sci- diamond. The best managers are therefore more ence as it is a cognitive science. And surprisingly like athletic coaches and trainers who take pride whereas the half-life of cognitive knowledge is in their athletes and put spotlight on their star getting shorter and shorter, the half-life of experi- athletes while they remain in the background. ential knowledge is getting longer and longer. It is In team sports such as basketball and football, it therefore not enough to have a good MBA, unless seems this is even more necessary. Management is team work and not solo practice. it is blended with experiential learning.

So what makes a good manager? Based on my own research and consulting experiences, I 4. Good managers practice detached commitfind that there are certain common behaviors, at- ment. I also refer to this as selfless independence. titudes, and traits among all good managers. And They tend to be independent of politics and ethos of the organizations. They tend not to be “yes here they are: men” to their own bosses. And finally, while fair 1. Good managers tend to be great listeners. and equitable compensation is important, they are They tend to care about their subordinates’ per- not obsessed by it. In short, good managers tend spectives and solutions to a managerial problem to have political, personal, and economic detachor issue. Listening enables them to understand ment with respect to the job at hand.

6. Good managers are deep generalists. In other words, they are not only experts in their field of specialization (R&D, Customer Service, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, or Manufacturing) but they also have knowledge about other functions and especially about the staff functions such as legal, IT, accounting, finance, and HR. In addition, they tend to have general knowledge of the industry and all of its stakeholders.

that there are multiple perspectives or solutions to a situation.

They don’t believe “it is my way or the high way.” In other words, they are good learners and they tend to be pragmatic and not dogmatic about their professional discipline (R&D, manufacturing, or marketing).

JAG’S THOUGHTS* What makes a good manager? No one knows for sure. Just as we really don’t know the origin of the universe and the evolution of mankind. With more scientific discoveries about the moons and the stars, we are revising our knowledge of the solar system and about climate change. So is the case for the science of management.

What makes a good manager is a discovery science. Therefore, we will revise our theories and perspectives as we accumulate more knowledge. However, just as I know quality when I see it, even though I cannot articulate or explain it, we know a good manager when we see one.

We definitely know bad managers. A bad manager is rude, authoritative, and has a management caste mindset. Also, bad managers genuinely believe that they are superior in intellect as compared to those reporting to them; and that their job is to demand work, loyalty, and favors from their subordinates.

This still does not answer the question: What makes a good manager? As I was reflecting on this question, it reminded me of a research study we had carried out in the seventies about what makes a great teacher. And contrary to expectations, a great teacher was great not just because of

February 2019

7. Good managers generate great “Ah Ha” moments. They suggest new initiatives and new ways of doing things. They tend not to be content with status quo and they don’t believe in the orthodoxy of their profession. In other words, good managers change, and embrace innovation and risk taking. They practice anticipatory management in favor of status quo or crisis management.

So what makes a good manager? Nobody knows for sure, but we are getting there.

*Dr. Jagdish N. Sheth is a renowned scholar and world authority in the field of marketing. His insights on global competition, strategic thinking and customer relationship management are considered revolutionary. He is currently the Charles H. Kellstadt Chair of Marketing at the Goizueta Business School, Emory University. https://www.jagsheth.com https://www.youtube.com/user/jag dishsheth

The Fall Of Chanda Kochhar Began With Whistleblower's Complaint Mumbai: (IANS) The FIR lodged by the CBI recently against ex-ICICI Bank MD and Chief Executive Chanda Kochhar, her husband Deepak Kochhar and industrialist V.N. Dhoot besides four companies and the investigation agency's raids on four locations in Maharashtra mark a critical stage in the case of a Rs 3,250 crore bank loan involving the Videocon Group that dates back to 2012.

The amount was part of a Rs 40,000-crore loan which Videocon got from a consortium of 20 banks led by state-run State Bank of India.

Kochhar's alleged conflict of interest came out in the open in March last year after media reports referred to the loan granted by ICICI Bank to Videocon Group, whose chairman Venugopal Dhoot had business links with her husband Deepak Kochhar. It was alleged that Dhoot transferred a considerable portion of the loan to a company he jointly owned with Deepak Kochhar.

The media expose was based on a complaint filed by a whistleblower, who flagged Kochhar's alleged impropriety and conflict of interest in a

letter to the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister.

The CBI registered a preliminary inquiry about Videocon Chairman Venugopal Dhoot allegedly paying crores of rupees to a firm promoted by Deepak Kochhar and a few relatives six months after Dhoot's group got the Rs 3,250 crore loan from the ICICI Bank.

The conflict of interest and governance issues arise from the fact of Kochhar being on the credit committee which cleared the Rs 3,250 crore loan in 2012.

The firm at the core of the controversy is NuPower Renewables, in which Videocon's Dhoot transferred his newly purchased stake to Deepak Kochhar for Rs 2.5 lakh in January 2009

shares were held by Kochhar.

Initially terming the charges against Kochhar as "malicious and unfounded rumours", the bank, coming under pressure, ordered a probe into the whole issue.

However, ICICI Chairman M.K. Sharma had then said: "The board does not see this as a conflict of interest in any manner since Videocon group is not an investor in NuPower Renewables, as there was no need to recuse herself from this committee.

This committee had many independent directors and the comand resigned as director. mittee was not chaired by her."

Thereafter, in March 2010, NuPower got a Chanda Kochhar, who proceeded on leave in loan of Rs 64 crore from a company called Su- June, quit her post seeking premature retirement preme Energy wholly owned by Dhoot. Soon on October 4, 2018. Her tenure as CEO of ICIafter, while Supreme Energy became a 94.99 CI Bank was to end on March 31, 2019. Kochhar per cent shareholder in NuPower, the remaining was appointed to the post in 2009.

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..... Features .....

NRI Pulse

CLASSIFIEDS NAME CHANGE

We Ravikumar Marineni & Venkata Lavanya Chilamakuri changed the name of our minor daughter from Venkata Pragnyasree Marineni to Pragnya Marineni.

To advertise in our Classifieds section, call 404-664-2805!

Foods That Can Change Your Hair Health

The market is full of hair care products, but to amplify their results, it is first essential to make dietary changes to include vitamins and minerals that promote hair growth and reduce hair fall significantly, suggest experts. *Eggs: The hair are build-up of protein, so it is essential that we always consume enough amounts to proteins to ensure augmented regeneration of hair. Eggs are the richest source of protein and are packed with high amounts of Biotin.

The goodness instilled in eggs prevents hair loss thereby promoting the hair growth. *Carrots: This season of winter calls for us to consume ample amounts of carrots. The carrots help the scalp in producing the natural sebum oil which as this oil keeps the roots healthy.

Not only this, carrots are enriched with Vitamin A which avert dullness of the hair strands and dryness of the scalp. This is how thinning of hair is prominently reduced as a moisturized and nourished scalp assures stronger and healthier hair.

Therefore, drink carrot juice to provide extra nourishment to your hair and scalp. *Walnuts: They are a powerhouse of Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E which prevent our hair from the excruciating and harsh effects

of the sun. Try and include nuts into your diet to assure that your hair are being protected with ample amounts of Biotin for hair growth and copper minerals for natural hair colour. *Greek yogurt: The Greek yogurt is charged with Vitamin B5 which helps with proper flow of blood to the scalp while promoting the hair growth.

Start your day with some greek yogurt and even a spoonful can help in boosting the elasticity of hair. *Citrus fruits: It is very important that you accommodate citrus fruits in your diet they shall help you in biding goodbye to split ends and roughness with the presence of abundant Vitamin C. The citrus fruits also boost the production of collagen which reinforces and braces the capillaries that supply blood to the hair follicles. Citrus fruits include oranges, kiwi, strawberries, blueberries, guava and tangerines that must be included for a balanced diet. *Green leafy vegetables: The greens are full of iron as its deficiency is main reason for hair loss and anaemia. The deficiency of iron in the body incapacitates the oxygen and nutrients from being transported to the hair follicles which eventually refrains the hair roots for its proper growth. Green vegetables also add a shine to your hair.

February 2019

The Fast Track To Medicine - 6 Year Direct Medical Programs

BY KRISTEN MOON*

trying to figure out future interests and goals.

Imagine instead of spending eight years Some students know from a young age that a on your undergraduate and medical degree, you doctor is what they want to be, but for those could finish in just six. With an accelerated di- who aren’t as sure, an accelerated program rect medical program, also called combined BS/ might be too big of a commitment. Of course, if you do decide against medicine after joining an MD or BA/MD programs, this is a possibility. accelerated program, you can get out of it, but These competitive programs give students that might cause you stress and disappointment.

Remember, the accelerated program is just the opportunity to go directly from undergraduate to medical school, with no need to apply to that - accelerated. Many times you are crammedical school. The benefits for these programs ming eight years of intense schooling into six are huge -- instead of being faced with the un- or seven years. You will most likely be going certainty of med school acceptance, students to school year-round to finish your degrees so quickly. There isn’t much time or can enter into their freshman year EDUCATION flexibility for some of the more with the assurance that they are well typical undergraduate experiences, such as regular socializing, traveling, or getting a summer job or internship.

Six-Year Programs

Once you’ve weighed the benefits and drawbacks, and you’ve decided that this is the right choice for you, here are two options for an accelerated direct medical program.

on their way to becoming a doctor.

Positives of an Accelerated Program

The application process for medical school is usually extraordinarily stressful and highly competitive. Therefore, by gaining acceptance into a direct medical program, you don’t have to worry about medical school come application season. Instead, you can focus on doing your best and growing as a student, with the assurance that your future is secure.

Acceptance into an accelerated program also means you will save money because these programs tend to take one or two years less than a standard program. You will be ahead of your peers and will be well on your way to earning your MD by the time they even enter medical school.

Negatives of an Accelerated Program

Howard University College of Medicine Located in Washington, D.C., Howard University College of Medicine admits a limited number of students into their BS/MD program.

Entrance requirements for the program include a minimum science GPA of 3.25 and a minimum overall GPA of 3.5. The student must earn a minimum of 504 on the MCAT. An interview and letters of recommendations are required as well.

University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine UMKC School of Medicine is located in Kansas City and offers a BA/MD program that fuses medical science and clinical skills with the liberal arts and humanities. Applicants must receive an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0 in the 17 core requirements of the university. Applicants must achieve a minimum of 24 on the ACT to qualify, and 1160 on the SAT if it was taken after March 2016.

For those who are certain in their chosen career path of medicine - and you want to get there fast - an accelerated direct medical program could be a good fit for you. With the above listed programs you can get your MD in just six years.

About the author: Kristen Moon is an independent college counselor and Students must commit their senior year of founder of MoonPrep.com. Moon Prep high school to a career in medicine. That can be provides one-on-one coaching services a lot to ask of high school students who are still catered to university admissions.

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NRI Pulse

February 2019

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NRI Pulse

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

Ekta Kapoor Common Looks, Unique Talent: Becomes A Mother Underrated Actors Making A Splash

Popular producer Ekta Kapoor has become a mother via surrogacy. She has named her newborn son Ravie Kapoor after her father and veteran actor Jeetendra, whose real name is Ravi Kapoor.

Her son was born on January 27.

"By God's grace, I have seen many successes in my life, but nothing beats the feeling of this beautiful soul being added to my world. I cannot even begin to express how happy my baby's birth has made me," Ekta said in a statement.

"Everything in life doesn't go the way you want it to, but there are always solutions to those hiccups.

I found mine and today, I feel immensely blessed to become a parent. It is an emotional moment for me and my family and I can't wait to begin this new journey of being a mother," she added.

Sources close to Ekta said: "She was keenly involved in the entire process. She would take constant updates about the mother and baby's health at every stage from the doctor. It was her pure determination to become a mother that made this happen."

After the news came out, Bollywood celebrities like Nimrat Kaur and Hansal Mehta welcomed her to "parenthood".

Dr. Nandita Palshetkar, who guided Ekta throughout the process, said in a statement: "Ekta Kapoor came to me some years back to become a mother.

We tried to help her get pregnant with multiple cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI) and also multiple cycles of In vitro fertilization (IVF). But we were unsuccessful.

"Hence, we had to take help of the technique of surrogacy which we performed nine months back at our Bloom IVF centre. Nine months later, she has achieved success with the birth of a child on Sunday."

Ekta's brother, Tusshar Kapoor, also became a father in 2016 via surrogacy.

New Delhi: (IANS) They stand out in front of the camera as easily as they can mix into a crowd of common people. Be it Rajesh Tailang in "Selection Day", Gajraj Rao in "Badhaai Ho" or Deepak Dobriyal in "Tanu Weds Manu" -- they are not quintessential 'heroes', but have made their way into the heart of the Indian audience with their endearing and impactful performances. *Rajesh Tailang: From the television show

*Sanjay Mishra: "Dhondu...Just chill!" -- a line which has become famous from the film "All the Best" by actor Sanjay Mishra -- has kept the audience rolling on the floor and laughing. With his roles in comedy films like "Dhamaal","Welcome" and "Golmaal Returns" among many others, the actor has shown his range with films like "Ankhon Dekhi", "Kadvi Hawa" and "Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain". *Seema Pahwa: She has played a mother in two successful films -- "Shubh Mangal Saavdhan" and "Bareilly Ki Barfi". Be it her cheeky conversations with Bhumi Pednekar over sex-related issues in "Shubh Mangal Saavdhan" or her annoyance at Kriti Sanon's evading tricks against marriage, Pahwa grips the audience with her tremendous screen presence and dialogues.

*Deepak Dobriyal: Who can forget Pappiji from the "Tanu Weds Manu" franGajraj Rao chise? The actor has experimented a lot with his charac"Shanti" in 1994 to "Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa" in ters and has given us memorable performances like 1998 to international visibility with "Siddharth" in Rajender Bhati in "Gulaal", Rajan 'Rajju' Tiwari in 2013 -- the actor has played various roles over the "Omkara" and Genda in "Dabangg 2". years. He was also seen in "Dev" and "Phantom", but he has come a long way and his character as *Brijendra Kala: Coming from Mathura, an overbearing father in Netflix's "Selection Day", Uttar Pradesh, Brijendra has worked in theatre as based on Aravind Adiga's eponymous novel, is an actor for more than a decade. He is popular bringing more attention his way. for playing slow and goofy taxi driver in "Jab We Met" or the sharp Sub Inspector Khan from "Dol*Gajraj Rao: He started his journey in acting ly Ki Doli", the idol seller in "PK" and a reporter by doing a minor role in Shekhar Kapur's "Bandit in "Paan Singh Tomar".

Queen" and since then, featured in bit roles in films and was seen in supporting characters in "Talvar" and *Kumud Mishra: He made his big Bolly"Blackmail". But it was just last year when the tables wood debut with Shyam Benegal's "Sardari Beturned for the actor when he played the middle-class gum". It was much later in the year 2011, when family patriarch Mr Kaushik in "Badhaai Ho". In an he finally got the spotlight, thanks to his role interview to IANS, Rao had said that it can only be Khatana bhai in Imtiaz Ali's "Rockstar". He has destiny that an "unexpected" role like this brought featured in blockbusters like "Airlift", "Sultan", him unprecedented attention so late in his career.

"Jolly LLB 2" and "Tiger Zinda Hai".

February 2019

I Was Very Nerdy: Sara Ali Khan

Actress Sara Ali Khan, who is currently riding high on the success of her latest release "Simmba", says acting has always been a dream for her, but then she got distracted because she was very "nerdy".

Was performing in front of the camera her first career choice?

"When I finished the tenth grade, I was almost convinced that I wanted to do medicine. But the thing is that I have a mild tremor problem and I realised that I can't do surgery.

So, I decided to do law and I studied History and Political Science. But then in my last year, I did an acting course," Sara said at a Leadership Lecture Series of Global Indian International School here on Sunday.

Describing herself, she said she is "somebody that till date loves reading and has studied almost every subject and has thoroughly enjoyed it in a university like Columbia and a city like New York". But the rush that she felt while doing theatre on stage, she says she had never felt like that.

"That's when I knew what I knew since I was a child."

Sara said her mother used to take away her books.

"Acting has always been a dream, but then I got distracted. Firstly, I was really fat and secondly I was very nerdy, and the combination meant that I shouldn't be acting. So I used to keep studying and there was a time when my mother used to confiscate my books because she would say it's not normal to study so much," she said.

A Bad Phase Isn't An Unsuccessful Period: Manisha Koirala

Jaipur: (IANS) A bad phase is not an unsuccessful period but it can teach you new lessons, actress Manisha Koirala said.

On the sidelines of the Jaipur Literature Festival, she said: "Life is not a bed of roses. There will be highs and lows in everybody's life. However, one should know that this is a difficult time and tomorrow shall be good phase."

According to Manisha, cancer has changed her as a person and she has become kinder, more gentle and has started enjoying every perspective of nature.

She said a tie-up between pharmaceutical companies and the government can provide cheap medical treatment for patients in India.

"I absolutely agree that cancer treatment is expensive in India, but this working can help ease

the burden of patients," she added.

However, she also emphasised that people must have a healthy lifestyle so that they may not need to go to the doctor.

Manisha said: "We need awareness on cancer in our part of the world, that is developing countries, as the developed countries are quite aware on the same. They visit doctors on time and hence, cancer is caught at the initial stage and they get cured on time. My body was giving me signs and symptoms, but I was unaware of the cause. Had I been aware of it, I would have gone earlier and got cured earlier."

She also urged women to come forward for the cause of women empowerment by not playing the victim card, but by becoming winners and

peaceful warriors.

Manisha also spoke about her book "Healed: How Cancer Gave Me a New Life". She said: "When I was sick, I was searching for positive stories. I could not get many stories, except the success story of Lisa Ray and Yuvraj Singh, who came out fighting successfully with cancer.

"So I decided that when I get okay, I will share my stories with people. I also believe that sharing helps lower the burden from your head and heart. Hence, I wrote the book and I am here at JLF 2019 as I had decided to be here once I become an author.

Manisha said there will be more books that she will write.

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NRI Pulse

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

February 2019

Ten Healthiest Way To Prevent Flu

BY DR. PANCHAJANYA PAUL, MD*

The most reliable way to fight flu has to come through a healthy diet, exercise, and sleep.

Here are top ten ways to combat flu that my family has been following for the last many years.

1.Vitamin C:

Linus Pauling, a two times Nobel laureate postulated that a high dose of vitamin C could protect against common cold. All raw fruits, vegetables, and meat are rich in vitamin C, and vitamin B. Much of vitamin B & C get destroyed during the cooking process. Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, grapefruits, berries, limes are rich in vitamin C. Another rich source of vitamin C is sauerkraut, which is high in vitamin C along with probiotics. Besides natural food, another option is to take vitamin C supplements in the form of liposomal formulations which are readily absorbable.

2. Probiotics:

Our body harbors billions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi which exists in a symbiotic relationship with the human genes.

These so-called good bacteria live as long as we are alive. These good bacteria called probiotics fight against the pathogenic bacteria to ensure its survival as well as ours. Eating food rich in a soluble fiber called pre-biotics supports these friendly bacteria. Any time we take antibiotics we kill some of the good bacteria which make our body week. Probiotic-rich food include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and pickles. Taking over-the-counter probiotics can also replenish some of the lost bacteria. And make sure to have the right amount of fiber in your diet in the form of apples, broccoli, carrots, beans, pulses, plantains, and sprouts.

3. Soups and Stocks: Soups, stocks, and

broths have been a traditional part of cuisine in cold regions. When we simmer the bones and meat for a long time and prepare a stew, many nutrients otherwise not available in regular diet becomes accessible. The hyaluronic acid and colla-

gen present in the broth help fight against germs.

Soups containing vegetables are powerhouses of vitamins and minerals. For vegetarians, a healthy alternative is a curry made with turmeric, ginger, garlic, onion, yogurt, and other herbs.

4. Cod Liver oil: In our busy modern life,

cod liver oil comes close to organ meat when it comes to nutrition. Cod liver oil contains a high dose of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin K2, and omega 3 acids. Other good sources are shark, krill or skate liver oil or desiccated beef liver capsules.

5. Saturated Fat: During the cold weather,

the body burns fat to keep warm. In the process, the body can become depleted in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K. Taking food rich in saturated fat will boost up the levels of fat-soluble vitamins. Besides, cholesterol is a powerful antioxidant and helps fight infection and cancer. High blood cholesterol increases the risk of heart diseases. Similarly, low blood cholesterol increases the risk of cancer and infection. Healthy fat to include are coconut, avocados, palm oil, organic grass-fed meat, egg, and dairy.

6.Honey:

Honey is rich in antioxidants and nutrients which help in immunity. The bees produce honey from the nectar of the flowers. Germs are always evolving in the wild and plants are the first to encounter them. Local raw honey is especially crucial as it can boost immunity against the local germs in your area. Honey has been used since biblical times as a healing remedy. The world health organization, as well as the British and Canadian health bodies, have recommended the use of honey to treat cold and cough for young children. Be aware, and do not to give raw honey to infants under one year of age. We have been providing our son honey in warm water with lemon juice for the last two years, and he rarely gets cold.

employ garlic to fight infections.

Garlic and onions have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

They boost your immunity and generate heat in the body especially useful for the winter months.

Also, garlic can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and helps prevent a heart attack. Unfortunately, many Hindu vegetarians avoid onion and garlic for religious beliefs, which may be okay for warm Indian climate, but put them at health risk in the United States especially during the winter months. Whenever I feel cold and feverish, I increase my intake of onion and garlic in the form of pickles, fries or eat them raw in the salad.

8. Exercise:

Aerobic exercise increases the blood flow to the body and the brain. The rapid breathing associated with vigorous training helps clear the airways and detoxifies the body. During exercise, the body makes free radicals. These free radicals kill the germs and cancer cells. Exercise also makes our lungs, heart, bones, and muscles stronger, and make the body resilient against all diseases. In addition, during exercise, the body secretes the endorphins which elevates mood, relieves stress, and serves the perfect antidote for the winter blues.

9. Outdoor time: Spending time outdoors

builds up our immunity. We get exposure to the sun which increases our vitamin D levels. We also 7. Onion & Garlic: Onion and garlic belong breathe fresh air rich in oxygen which boosts imto the family Allium. Many traditional medicines munity. We also breathe in bacteria present in the

soil and air which boosts our immunity. In winter it is especially important to have some outdoor time, preferably during the day time. However, if you are already having a cold, stay indoors till you fully recover. Besides, make it a habit to keep the door and windows open for five to ten minutes a few times a day to let the fresh air inside.

10. Sleep: When we sleep, the body gets freed

up from the daily chores and can focus all its resources to fight the germs detoxification. We need to sleep more hours during the winter months as the body has to fight extra hard to resist the germs.

Any loss of sleep or periods of sleep deprivation lowers our immunity and makes us susceptible to more attack from germs. *Dr. Panchajanya ‘Panch' Paul, MD, ABIHM, ABPN, FAPA - is an American Board certified - Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He holds an adjunct faculty position at Emory University School of Medicine; University of Georgia, and University of Central Florida School of Medicine. He is the author of 2 books- Stress Rescue & Sleep Coaching available on Amazon. Call 7709789393 or email georgiapsychiatry@gmail. com to schedule an appointment with Dr.Paul.

Climate-Friendly Diets Are Healthier: Study

After examining the carbon footprint of what more than 16,000 Americans eat in a day, researchers have identified that more climate-friendly diets are also healthier, according to a study.

"People whose diets had a lower carbon footprint were eating less red meat and dairy -which contribute to a larger share of greenhouse

gas emissions and are high in saturated fat -- and consuming more healthy foods like poultry, whole grains and plant-based proteins," said lead author Diego Rose from the Tulane University in New Orleans.

For the study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers built an extensive database of the greenhouse gas emissions related to the production of foods and linked it to a large federal survey that asked people what they ate over a 24hour period.

They ranked diets by the amount of greenhouse gas emissions per 1,000 calories consumed and divided them into five equal groups.

Then they rated the nutritional value of foods consumed in each diet using the US Healthy Eat-

According to the researcher, overall, diets in the lowest impact group were healthier, but not on all measures. This is because diets are complex with many ingredients that each influence nutritional quality and environmental impacts.

Diets in the highest impact group accounted for five times the emissions of those in the lowest impact group. The highest impact diets had greater quantities of meat (beef, veal, pork and game), ing Index, a federal measure of diet quality, and dairy and solid fats per 1000 calories than the compared the lowest to the highest-impact groups low-impact diets. on this and other measures.

"We can have both. We can have healthier Americans in the lowest carbon footprint diets and reduce our food-related emissions. And group ate a healthier diet, as measured by this it doesn't require the extreme of eliminating foods index. However, these diets also contained more entirely," Rose said. of some low-emission items that aren't healthy, "For example, if we reduce the amount of namely added sugars and refined grains. red meat in our diets, and replace it with other They also had lower amounts of important nu- protein foods such as chicken, eggs, or beans, we trients -- such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D -- like- could reduce our carbon footprint and improve ly because of the lower intakes of meat and dairy. our health at the same time."

“If we reduce the amount of red meat in our diets, and replace it with other protein foods such as chicken, eggs, or beans, we could reduce our carbon footprint and improve our health at the same time...�

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..... What’s Cooking? .....

Doodhi Barfi

5 Tablespoons ghee 5 Cups shredded doodhi. the P.S. LAKSHMI RAO Squeeze water. Peel and remove middle part with seeds. (Two doodhies approximately) 1 Cup whole milk or fat free coffee mate 2-¼ cups sugar 2 Tablespoons cashew nuts 2 Tablespoons raisins 1 Tablespoon slivered almonds 1 Teaspoon crushed cardamom

February 2019

doodhi and fry continuously in medium low heat being careful not to let it burn.

When the ghee starts to come out, add milk.

Cook until all the water from the milk is evaporated.

Add sugar and stir and continue to cook.

When the barfi starts to become thick, add rest of the ghee.

Keep stirring until the barfi loses its shine and little ghee starts to come out.

Add cashews, raisins, almonds, and cardamom powder. Mix quickly and pour the barfi onto a greased plate.

Cut the barfi into pieces when it cools down.

Makes ten servings.

Note: Takes about an hour to make barfi after shredding doodhi.

Bafouri Ki Sabzi

In a heavy nonstick four-quart pan heat one-teaspoon ghee and fry cashews and raisins until cashews become light brown and raisins become plump.

Add almonds and fry for thirty seconds. Transfer them into a plate. Return the pan to the stove and add three tablespoons ghee.

Add shredded

Chef Pallavi Nigam, host of "Amma Superstar" on Living Foodz

Garam masala powder-1/2teaspoon, Oil-1-2tablespoon, Ghee, Coriander leaves

Soak the dal for 6-8 hrs. Grind along with Chana Dal- 1cup soaked overnight or for 6 whole spice (ginger, garlic, kaali mirch daane, hours, salt) and steam it in the form of dumplings.

Kaali mirch daane- 5-6 in numbers, Heat oil and sauté ginger garlic paste. Add Jeera-1teaspoon, in onion and cook till done. Add tomato puree and Onion paste-1medium size onion, cook till dry. Add jeera, haldi, dhaniya powder, laal Ginger paste -1teaspoon, mirch, garam masala and cook till oil seperate.

Garlic paste-1 teaspoon, Add water and cook for a while. Add the Tomato puree-3-4 medium size tomato, dumplings and cook for few mins. Check seaRed chili powder -1 teaspoon, soning. Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve Turmeric powder-1/4teaspoon, with rice/paratha/roti.

Coriander powder-1 teaspoon,

..... InVogue .....

The Nineties Stage A Comeback From dungarees, pleated skirts, flannel shirts, flared pants and slip dresses to accessories like chokers, claw clips, bandanas and fanny packs -- which were a rage in the 1990s -- have made a comeback and are being readily endorsed by celebrities and commoners alike.

The 1990s made many a fashion statement, and Bollywood celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Sonakshi Sinha, Kriti Sanon and Kangana Ranaut, among many others, are digging into the looks from the era and sporting them with aplomb.

Ace fashion designer and couturier Manish Malhotra, who has been in the industry for over two decades, says fashion thrives on relevance.

"Some fashion trends are so relatable and nostalgic that you can pick up from where you left off. It reminds me of my days in costume styling in the 90s, whether it was Kajol's dungrees from 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', Karisma Kapoor in cold shoulder dresses and chokers in 'Raja Hindustani' or Urmila in denim skirts from 'Rangeela'," Malhotra told IANS. Malhotra, who has designed costumes for films like "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai", "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" and "Dhadak", said today stars such as Alia Bhatt, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Deepika and other "millennial heroines" are now often flaunting these trends.

"The beauty of fashion is that it thrives on relevance and reinvention -- and so it continues

From dungarees, pleated skirts, flannel shirts, flared pants and slip dresses to accessories like chokers, claw clips, bandanas and fanny packs- the 90s have made a comeback and are being readily endorsed by celebrities and commoners alike. to make comebacks when it comes to trends," he added.

Designer Nachiket Barve, who has showcased his work internationally, feels the 90s' fashion trends need to be handled with care.

"Fashion is a giant melting pot today where virtually everything is done. The 90s are the new 70s, a nostalgic sweeter time for the millennials today who look back at it with a new vision. I personally feel trends are over. The future is about making your own stories through the way you style yourself. Today, trends change every five seconds," Barve told IANS. Other trends which have made their way back are bardot necklines, pastels and earthy tones, high-waisted pants, cold shoulders and twin sets -- which have also been seen in some Hindi films.

Actress Katrina Kaif was seen sporting dungarees in "Jagga Jasoos", while Sonam was seen

donning pastels in "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo" and Kareena Kapoor Khan rocked boyfriend shirts in "Veere Di Wedding".

Asked why people are looking back two decades for fashion trends, designer Monica Shah of label JADE told IANS: "When it comes to style, it doesn't help to look at time in a linear fashion. Aesthetics from the past always seep into the present and influence everything we see around us, especially in fashion."

"It is from the clashing of these two elements that something unique is born. Some pieces remain classics right since their inception -- they transcend time and trends owing to the mood of the current generation, the socio-political climate and so on."

Shah says it does not seem prudent to label these pieces after one particular age, especially when every generation can relate to it.

"What matters through this all is that creators as well as wearers are pushed to carve their own distinct niche, form their own individuality, and give their unique touch to these classics to create something new and original," she added.

Designer duo Sonam and Paras Modi from the label SVA say one thing in fashion which is constant is change.

"The 90s was a time when street style was at its peak. Designers today are adapting to the street style, in their runway representation, it was only about time that the elements from the 90s had to make a comeback. It is a fresh change as trends which were so 90s are relevant today as well," Sonam said.

Fashion and history go hand-in-hand, said Paras.

"Every season we see a fresh change, and new trends emerge. Sometimes they are extremely futuristic in appeal, and sometimes we look back at history and see elements coming back again. So whether it is the 90s street style or the 60s retro elements, time and again we see different trends making a comeback," he said.

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