Issuu

Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent

Saathee.com

January 2026

IN THIS ISSUE Dharmendra Remembrance: pg 38 Recipe: Rasmalai Tarts: pg 74 Classifieds: pg 108

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Hello Readers Happy New Year. So we begin the 2nd quarter of the 21st Century with the first 25 years now behind us. Technological advancements are speeding ahead with implementation of AI into just about everything. Only time will tell how we use and infuse these new tools into the global community. We welcome suggestions for our upcoming issues in the new year. Just drop us a note at one of our emails. Remember that when you call or visit one of our advertisers, be sure to mention that you saw their ad in Saathee Magazine, Saathee.com or the weekly e-Newsletter. We can’t bring this resource to you without their continuing support. Visit Saathee.com for regularly updated content.

“Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent.”

January 2026

Issue # 332

Editor Samir Shukla (Samir@Saathee.com)

Publisher & Advertising Divakar Shukla

Some highlights in this issue: ♦ Read about the health benefits of root vegetables “Find Your Roots” in the Nutrition for Life column on page 30. ♦ Find all the Upcoming Movies in our section on page 34 and Film Clips on page 36. ♦ The latest “Spot the Diﬀerences” is on page 56. We would be happy to add anyone in the Carolinas to the Saathee Magazine mailing list at no charge, visit saathee.com/subscription and also sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@saatheemagazine). “The tiger springs in the new year. Us he devours.” - t. s. eliot

704-527-7570 or saatheemag@hotmail.com

Digital Media & Marketing Jennifer W. Allen

Ad Design / Layout DSJ Graphics, Cooper’s Hive and Manimaran

Contributors for this issue: Shikha Singh, Rupa Pereira, Arvind K. Rajpal, Dipika Kohli, Rishi P. Oza, Balaji Prasad, Dr. Sanjay Ahire, Vaishnavi Janapareddy, Hiren Deliwala, Parul Kharod, Ketu Desai, Teena Mehta, Dr. Maha Gingrich, Ritika Sharma, Payal Nanjiani, Anuj Kasera, and Jalendu Vaidya. Mission: Our goal is to be a valuable source of information for the South Asian community and to be a vital advertising tool for businesses.

- FOUNDED 1998 -

Saathee Magazine P.O. Box 11468 Charlotte, NC 28220

Cover: Our Lady of Ransom Church, Kanyakumari Our Lady of Ransom Church is a Catholic church located in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India. It is known for its Gothic Revival architecture and historical significance dating back to the 15th century. Photo: Adobe Stock

704.527.7570 Saathee@saathee.com

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Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily of the publisher or editor. Please contact us prior to submitting articles or photographs.

Saathee (USPS 021-116) (ISSN: 1543-8147) is published monthly by:

Shukla Entertainment Inc. 612 Heather Ln., Charlotte, NC 28209 Periodicals postage paid at Charlotte, NC and additional mailing offices.

Saathee is published monthly. Deadlines for advertisement, submissions and events information is 15th of the month.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to

Saathee, P.O. Box 11468, Charlotte, NC 28220-1468 Saathee.com

January 2026

In This Issue

Page 14 Editor’s Desk: Pilot Copilot

Page 18 Upcoming Events

Page 26 Riding India: A Solo Woman Biker’s Journey

Page 74 Recipe: Rasmalai Tarts

Content The Editor’s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 14

Executive and Career Coach . . . . .pg. 42

College Admissions Insider . . . . . .pg. 70

Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 18

Eye on the Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 46

Recipe: Rasmalai Tarts . . . . . . . . . .pg. 74

Guru Tegh Bahadur Tribute . . . . . .pg. 22

Mr. Sour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 48

Cartoon Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 98

Solo Woman Biker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 26

Dances of India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 50

Tune Your Brain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 100

Kismuth and the Way . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 28

Homeowner Insurance . . . . . . . . . .pg. 52

Pop’s Puzzles & Toons . . . . . . . . .pg. 102

Nutrition for Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 30

Financially Speaking . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 54

Festivals and Holidays . . . . . . . . .pg. 104

Punch the Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 32

Spot the Differences . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 56

Puzzle Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 104

Upcoming Movie Releases . . . . . . .pg. 34

Mindful Masala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 58

AstroScope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 106

Film Clips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 36

News Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 62

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 108

Dharmendra Remembrance . . . . . .pg. 38

Youth Voices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 64

Index of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 112

Thinking About Thinking . . . . . . .pg. 40

Immigration Matters . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 68

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Saathee.com

January 2026

Editor’s Desk by Samir Shukla

Pilot Copilot Copilot. It’s a nice, compact word. It denotes someone who can take over when the pilot is unable or incapacitated, but the word can also mean a partner, helper, a fellow navigator. I’ve met couples who use the word to describe their partners and relationship. Buddies tag each other as copilots on a road trip. Most people hit a bump in their lives where they seek out or wish for a copilot, a friend or family member, to help them ease through whatever it is. This basic human goodness is pre-installed in most people and emerges for giving help during moments of need. I use MS Word as my writing tool and have used it for years. Of late Microsoft has installed their AI doodad called Copilot into it. It appeared out of nowhere one day. I didn’t ask for it. The idea of course is to oﬀer an “intelligent” assistant in composing, editing, designing, what have you. It’s part of the warp drive speeds with which pretty much all companies are diving into Artificial Intelligence. They have to oﬀer something lest they get left behind, or worse, lose market share. I can imagine somehow toilet paper will soon come with AI. Hey, come to think of it, that might not be a bad idea. I understand this concept of a digital copilot. It could be useful for drudgery or routine work. If you are looking to compose a routine presentation for work, it can be helpful in speeding things up. But when the task is to write or create something original, using my own thoughts, writing experience, with the travails and travels of a life lived so far, this assistant can become a nuisance, an instigator of slop disguised as “convenience” and douser of original thought. School kids and college students use these “helpers” and tools to write their papers. But are they also talking to people, digging up facts through multiple sources, seeking knowledge via repeatable experimentation? A degradation of inventive and original thought lurks in these tools and may erode the critical thinking capacity of incoming generations. Copilot installed in my writing tool was, for me, more like an intruder, someone watching over me. Editor’s Desk continued on page 110

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January 2026

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January 2026

Upcoming Events Ice Skating at Camp North Pole: Charlotte, NC (Thru January 4, 2026) A corner of Camp North End transforms into Camp North Pole for the holiday season with the annual ice-skating rink. Enjoy the fire pit, sip a hot seasonal beverage, enjoy local food, and find a gift for loved ones. Through January 4, 2025, at Camp North End in Charlotte, NC. Details available at Camp.nc.

Speedway Christmas: Charlotte, NC (Thru January 4, 2026) Speedway Christmas features more than five million lights on a four-mile course. Open 610 pm thru January 4, 2026 and features synchronized lights to music on 101.3 FM plus drive-in movies on the gigantic Speedway TV every Thursday through Sunday night. More info at Charlottemotorspeedway.com.

NC Chinese Lantern Festival: Cary, NC (Thru January 11, 2026) Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre will once again welcome the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival when it returns this winter for an 8th year. Chinese artisans will show more than 40 all new displays, each one comprised of hundreds of parts, and thousands of LED lights. Cultural arts performances will take place each night on the main stage. Details available at Boothamphitheatre.com.

Carolina Wedding Show: Greensboro & Winston-Salem, NC (January 17 & January 24, 2026) All things related to weddings will be on showcases at the Carolina Wedding Show taking place on January 17, 2026, in Greensboro, NC and January 24, 2026, in Winston-Salem, NC. For all the details, visit Carolinaweddingsshow.com.

King Holiday Parade: Charlotte, NC (January 17, 2026) The parade has long been a staple of the holiday celebration. Over 100 community organizations, marching bands, and step and drill teams will parade through the streets of uptown. The parade is on Saturday, January 17, 2026 and will begin at 9:30 a.m. Info: Charlottenc.gov.

Greenville Journal Run Downtown 5K: Greenville, SC (January 17, 2026) The 47th annual Greenville Journal Run Downtown 5K will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026. The race is one of the oldest, largest and most popular 5K events in the state, running strong since 1979. Presented by the Greenville Track Club and Sponsored by the Greenville Journal. 300 S. Main St., Greenville, SC. Info: Runsignup.com and search for the event.

Blowing Rock Winterfest: (January 22 – 25, 2026) Enjoy cold weather fun in the mountains at the Blowing Rock Winterfest happening January 22 – 25, 2026 at various locations around Blowing Rock, NC. For complete list of the many events and timings, visit Blowingrockwinterfest.com.

Aag ki Raat – Night of Fire: Columbia, SC (January 24, 2026) Aag Ki Raat is an annually held Bollywood-fusion dance competition hosted by the USC Indian Cultural Organization in Columbia, SC. The event features college. All proceeds from the show are donated to the Carolina Survivor Clinic, which works to provide comprehensive and holistic care for refugees in the local community. It will be held at the Koger Center for the Arts. For info, search for Aag Ki Raat on Facebook.

Kite Flying Makar Sankranti: Charlotte, NC (January 24, 2027) Enjoy kite flying (weather permitting) and Makar Sankranti celebrations on Saturday, January 24, 2025, from noon – 5pm. It will take place at Hindu Center, 7400 City View Dr., Charlotte. For more details, call 704-535-3440 or visit Hcclt.org.

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India Republic Day Celebrations: Charlotte, NC (January 25, 2025) Celebrate with patriotic and folk dances, food and flag hoisting on Sunday, January 25, 2026, 12:30 – 3pm at the Hindu Center of Charlotte, 7400 City View Dr. For more details, call 704-535-3440 or visit Hcclt.org.

Charleston Half Marathon & 5K: (January 31, 2026) Enjoy runs through historic Charleston, SC during the half marathon and 5K races. The runs take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026. For more details and registration info, visit Charlestonhalfmarathon.com.

January 2026

Upcoming Events A Conversation with Kamala Harris: Carolinas & Georgia (February 3 - 11, 2026)

Kumar Sanu & Sadhana Sargam Live in Concert: Charlotte, NC (March 21, 2026)

Former presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris is on a speaking tour for her book and experiences as a candidate. The tour stops on February 3 - 11, 2026 at locations in Carolinas and Georgia. Visit Ticketmaster.com for specific dates and tickets.

Triangle Wine and Food Experience: Raleigh, NC (February 5 – 7, 2026) The Triangle Wine & Food Experience has grown to become one of the leading charity wine auctions in the nation with all proceeds benefiting the Frankie Lemmon School & Development Center. Held annually, this year is on February 5 – 7, 2026, chefs, restaurants, wineries, and spirit brands from all over the world come together to participate in this three-day aﬀair. Lavish dinners and curated tastings all culminate in a grand auction. Info: Frankielemmonfoundation.org/twfe.

Legendary singers Kumar Sanu and Sadhan Sargam will perform with a live band on Saturday, March 21, 2026, 7:30pm at Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte, NC. Enjoy nonstop hits from films spanning decades. For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com

All Things AI Conference: Durham, NC (March 22 – 24, 2026)

Dog Days of Winter: Charlotte, NC (February 7, 2026) Celebrate winter with your furry friends on Saturday, February 7, 2026 featuring a variety of activities ranging from a 5K trail race, adoption events, clinics, ice rink access, doggy vendors and more. Admission is free. Details: Whitewater.org.

All Things AI is a conference focused on emerging tech tools, processes, and the people that make open source possible. Geared towards an audience of designers, developers, decisionmakers, and entrepreneurs of all skill levels with plenty of networking opportunities. This year the conference will take place at the Carolina Theatre and Durham Convention Center. Info: Durhamconventioncenter.com.

Chitra Veena Concert: Charlotte, NC (March 29, 2026)

Zarna Garg Live: Charlotte, NC (February 20, 2026) Stand-up comedian and screenwriter Zarna Garg will perform live at the Fillmore, 820 Hamilton St., Charlotte on Friday, February 20, 2026, beginning at 7pm. For The Classical Music Association of Charlotte (CMAC) presents a Chitra Veena performance by details call 980-266-6460 or visit Ticketmaster.com. Vishal Sapuram and party on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 4 pm in Gandhi Bhavan, Hindu center. Wilmington Marathon: (February 28, 2026) Tagged as Beach to Boardwalk, the annual event is a fast-paced race For more details, visit Onlinecmac.org. where participants run by the beach and through historic Wilmington, NC downtown. For more details on this scenic run, visit Wilmingtonncmarathon.com.

Green River Revival: Charlotte, NC (March 14, 2026) Kick-oﬀ springtime festivities with Green River Revival. Watch as the Whitewater Center’s resident leprechaun transforms the river green for St Patrick’s Day. Start the day with the Color Me Green 5K Trail run beginning at 9am before rafting down the river, doing yoga, and listening to live music. Info: Whitewater.org.

Keep up with all the events happening in our region with Saathee Magazine. The best way to find them is in these pages or online at our regularly updated events section:

Saathee.com/events

Nuvyug India Fest: Raleigh, NC (March 21, 2026) The annual NuvYug India Fest takes place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Jim Graham Building at State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Rd., Raleigh, NC. Enjoy performances, exhibits, food, vendors, kids’ activities and more. Admission is free. For more details, visit Nuvyug.org.

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January 2026

The Rhythm of Courage and Echoes of Ultimate Sacrifice

A Humble Tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee My Voice

by Arvind K. Rajpal

As I listen to Dha Dhin Ta Tit Kat Gadi Gan—the bols of Tāl Tivra played on the Mridang—something within me feels profoundly moved, spiritually stirred by the resonance of the Mridang or Pakhawaj. Tāl Tivra, like Chautal, and Sooltāl is traditionally played on the Mridang and carries a uniquely soulful quality that words can hardly capture. My admiration for the Mridang, or Pakhawaj, deepened while learning Dhrupad compositions, many of which are set in tals such as Chautal, Sooltāl, and Tivra, all played on this majestic percussion instrument. This inspired me to explore whether the Mridang had a place in the tradition of Gurmat Sangeet. A mid-17th-century portrait of Later, while pursuing a Guru Tegh Bahadur painted by master’s degree in Gurmat Ahsan, the viceregal painter of Sangeet, I was delighted to Shaista Khan, governor of learn that Guru Tegh Bengal, circa 1668–69 Bahadur Ji, the Ninth Sikh Guru, played the Mridang and introduced its use in Gurmat Sangeet. Last year, in 2025, Sikhs and Indians across the world commemorated the 350th anniversary of his martyrdom in late November. As I listen to the stories of his sacrifice and reflect on the hymns he composed, the sound of Mridang bols seems to grow louder in my mind—as though reminding me to share his contributions with those who may not yet know the depth of his influence on music, spirituality, and humanity. Guru Tegh Bahadur continued on page 96

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January 2026

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Riding India: A Solo Woman Biker’s Journey Across Cultures, Terrains, and Herself

around us. I started small, practicing within the familiar lanes of my city. I remember the early mornings when I would quietly take the bike out, determined to learn balance, throttle control, and road sense. Those first few weeks were a mix of fear, excitement, and self-doubt. But every time I sat on the seat and placed my feet on the ground, something in me shifted. The more I rode, the more I realized that this wasn’t just about learning a skill, this was about discovering who I really was. As my confidence grew, so did my dreams. The Meteor 350—my first real companion on the road— became a part of my identity. It carried me through my earliest experiences of freedom, long rides, and the feeling of the wind hitting my face for hours at a time. My connection with that motorcycle was emotional. It wasn’t just a machine; it was a mirror reflecting my growth. That bike taught me patience, consistency, and the joy of taking the slow route. More importantly, it taught me that the journey matters more than the speed. Eventually, as my goals evolved, I started craving more power, more stability, and more capability for

My Voice by Ritika Sharma

I come from Kutch, in the upper corner of the western state of Gujarat, a place where the earth meets the sky in an endless stretch of silence. A land known for its white desert, unpredictable winds, and raw, rustic charm. But what it isn’t known for, especially for women, is biking. Growing up, I rarely saw women riding motorcycles, let alone embarking on long highway journeys. Riding was considered unusual, bold, and sometimes even unnecessary for a woman. But somewhere deep inside, without any role models or riding culture around me, a small spark was waiting. I didn’t know when that spark would become a fire, but eventually, the road found me, and I found myself. My journey into biking wasn’t planned; it unfolded naturally. It began with a simple urge to learn something new, to challenge a norm that had existed long before me, and to move beyond the invisible boundaries Saathee.com

Riding India continued on page 90 26

January 2026

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January 2026

All the People

It Starts with Letting Go Kismuth and the Way by Dipika Kohli

Sometimes people tell me I’m a philosopher, and I guess that kinda does fit. At times I may pull quotes out of thin air that pop to mind when I’m talking to brand new people, for example, this one, which came up yesterday: ‘Nothing changes if nothing changes.’ It was a small group of retirees living in Siem Reap. I ran into them by walking by, noticing, and stopping in. I was the youngest, I think. They said, ‘Have a seat. Tell us about you.’ And I did. Talking to random people, pre-pandemic, was a big part of my personality. It’s coming back. Of the dozen or so who’ve known me for decades, they’ll be chuckling to know that I’m talking to new people in new places whom I don’t know very freely, once again. ‘But you can just mute the group,’ one of the elderly gentlemen said, pulling out a smartphone, tapping the familiar blue paper airplane icon. ‘It’s not good etiquette.’ This was by the side of the river, in Siem Reap, a town I’d not been to for more than ten years, but it had been the most important port city of my life, as this was where my ten-years-and-counting chapter in Cambodia first began. Perhaps in this decade, I learned to value my attention more than ever, turning oﬀ the valves where there was a threat of losing confidence, or being undermined, or facing the hostility that some will have because they’re in a bad place. You know what I mean. ‘But it’s still there, sitting there, taking up mental space.’ ‘True. But I would never leave a group because I’d be worried people would say, “Why did he leave the group?”‘ ‘But, why? Do you really care that much about what they might say? I mean, we’re not teens!’ ‘I care... though. I care. I don’t want to send a message that’s seen as passive aggressive.’ Kismuth continued on page 80

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January 2026

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January 2026

Find Your Roots

Nutrition for Life Beetroot: Beets are a superfood! The vibrant color comes from beta-carotene and betalains, which are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. They are rich in nitrates which has been shown to help lower blood pressure. They are also good sources of folate, potassium, iron, and fiber. There are many ways of enjoying beets – fresh grated or boiled. You can make salad, poriyal, raita, paratha, or add to soup, pulao, or any vegetable dish.

by Parul Kharod

January comes with new hopes for a better year ahead, and along with that come a host of new year’s resolutions. Many people who are targeting weight loss, unfortunately choose to give up carbs to achieve their goals. But did you know that root vegetables have many superior nutritional properties! Yes, they do have carbohydrates, but these are fiber rich carbohydrates that help regulate your blood sugar and improve your digestion. Root vegetables are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They boost immunity and have ani-inflammatory properties. Root vegetables are also linked to better mental health. They help us stay grounded in the literal sense. Root vegetables have fibers that are prebiotics which feed the probiotics in our gut and help the body produce calming neurochemicals like serotonin. Saathee.com

Carrots: Perhaps the most versatile vegetable used in savory and sweet dishes, carrots are packed with many nutrients. The red/orange color is due to the powerful antioxidant beta-carotene which helps with vision and boosting the immune system. Carrots are a good source of fiber and other nutrients that are good for digestion and heart health. Carrots can be eaten raw or cooked. Make savory dishes like salad, soup, raita, add to vegetables, daal, or any idli/dosa/dhokla batter. You can also make sweet dishes of course – carrot cake or gajar halwa.

Nutrition continued on page 86 30

January 2026

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January 2026

Resolve to Stop Punching the Clock Why You Might be Able to Change When and How Long You Work

By Jennifer Tosti-Kharas and Christopher Wong Michaelson About 1 in 3 Americans make at least one New Year’s resolution, according to Pew Research. While most of these vows focus on weight loss, fitness and other health-related goals, many fall into a distinct category: work. Work-related New Year’s resolutions tend to focus on someone’s current job and career, whether to find a new job or, if the timing and conditions are right, whether to embark on a new career path. We’re an organizational psychologist and a philosopher who have teamed up to study why people work – and what they give up for it. We believe that there is good reason to consider concerns that apply to many if not most professionals: how much work to do and when to get it done, as well as how to make sure your work doesn’t harm your physical and mental health – while attaining some semblance of work-life balance. How we got here Most Americans consider the 40-hour workweek, which calls for employees being on the job from nine to five, to be a standard schedule. This ubiquitous notion is the basis of a hit Dolly Parton song and 1980 comedy film, 9 to 5, in which the country music star had a starring role. Microsoft Outlook calendars by default shade those hours with a different color than the rest of the day. This schedule didn’t always reign supreme. Prior to the Great Depression, which lasted from 1929-1941, 6-day workweeks were the norm. In most industries, U.S. workers got Sundays off so they could go to church. Eventually, it became customary for employees to get half of Saturday off too. Punching Closk continued on page 66

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Upcoming Movie Releases H is for Hawk (Director: Philippa Lowthorpe) Cast: Claire Foy, Denise Gough, and Brendan Gleeson Return to Silent Hill (Director: Christophe Gans) Cast: Jeremy Irvine, Hannah Emily Anderson, and Evie Templeton

January 30 Human Cocaine (Director: Sarim Momin) Cast: Pushkar Jog, Ishita Raj, Siddhanth Kapoor, and Zakir Hussain

January 2 We Bury the Dead (Director: Zak Hilditch) Cast: Daisy Ridley, Mark Coles Smith, and Brenton Thwaites

Send Help (Director: Sam Raimi) Cast: Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien

January 9 Dead Man’s Wire (Director: Gus Van Sant) Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Colman Domingo, and Al Pacino

Haunted 3D: Ghosts of The Past (Director: Vikram Bhatt) Cast: Mahaakshay Chakraborty and Chetna Pande

Greenland 2: Migration (Director: Ric Roman Waugh) Cast: Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, a nd Tommie Earl Jenkins

Shelter (Director: Ric Roman Waugh) Cast: Jason Statham, Naomi Ackie, and Bill Nighy

Sleepwalker (Director: Brandon Auman) Cast: Hayden Panettiere, Justin Chatwin & Beverly D’Angelo

February 6 Vadh 2 (Director: Jaspal Singh Sandhu) Cast: Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta

January 16 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (Director: Nia DaCosta) Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, and Alfie Williams

The Third Parent (Director: David Michaels) Cast: Rob Lowe, Roselyn Sánchez, and Crispin Glover

The Rip (Director: Joe Carnahan) Cast: Matt Damon, Ben Aﬄeck, and Kyle Chandler

Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain: Fun On The Run (Director: Shashank Bali) Cast: Aasif Sheikh, Shubhangi Atre Poorey, and Vidisha Srivastav

January 23 Border 2 (Director: Anurag Singh) Cast: Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, Sonam Bajwa, Anya Singh, Parmvir Cheema, Mona Singh, Medha Rana, and Diljit Dosanjh

Solo Mio (Director: Chuck Kinnane & Dan Kinnane) Cast: Kevin James, Alyson Hannigan, and Julie Ann Emery A Private Life (Director: Rebecca Zlotowski) Cast: Jodie Foster, Daniel Auteuil and Virginie Efira Dracula (Director: Luc Besson) Cast: Caleb Landry Jones, Christoph Walz, and Zoe Bleu

Mercy (Director: Timur Bekmambetov) Cast: Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson

Saathee.com/movies has the latest info on where the movies are showing or streaming. All dates subject to change. Saathee.com

January 2026

p s m i l C l F i Greenland 2: Migration The surviving Garrity family must leave the safety of the Greenland bunker and embark on a perilous journey across the decimated frozen wasteland of Europe to find a new home. Cast includes Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin. Directed by Ric Roman Waugh. January 9, 2026.

Do Deewane Seher Mein Two socially awkward millennials love while struggling with self-acceptance. As they battle insecurities and societal pressure, their journey takes them from city chaos to serenity. Directed by Ravi Udyawar, the film stars Siddhant Chaturvedi and Mrunal Thakur. February 20, 2026

Dead Man’s Wire On February 8, 1977, Tony Kiritsis entered the oﬃce of Richard Hall, president of the Meridian Mortgage Company, and took him hostage with a sawed-oﬀ shotgun wired with a “dead man’s wire” from the trigger to Tony’s own neck. Gus Van Sant directs Bill Skarsgård, Cary Elwes, John and Al Pacino. January 9, 2026.

The Rip

Mercy

A group of Miami cops discovers a stash of millions in cash, leading to distrust as outsiders learn about the huge seizure, making them question who to rely on. Joe Carnahan directs Matt Damon and Ben Aﬄeck. January 16, 2026.

A detective stands on trial accused of murdering his wife. He has 90 minutes to prove his innocence to the advanced A.I. Judge he once championed, before it determines his fate. Chris Pratt and Annabelle Wallis star, directed by Timur Bekmambetov film. January 23, 2026.

How to Make a Killing Disowned at birth by his obscenely wealthy family, blue-collar worker Becket Redfellow will stop at nothing to reclaim his inheritance, no matter how many relatives stand in his way. Directed by John Patton Ford and starring Glen Powell, Margaret Qualley, Ed Harris and Topher Grace. February 20, 2026.

Gabru

da e protagonist an The story of th al on rs th facing pe child artist, bo in ed in w lives intert struggles, their an m hu of lebration an uplifting ce ar hank Udapurk as Sh resilience. n. ra m Si d an Deol directs Sunny . March 13, 2026

Movie release dates subject to change. Saathee.com

January 2026

A Musical Remembrance of 1960s Dharmendra My Voice

undisputed “Superstars” (Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Raj Kapoor in 50s; Rajesh Khanna in early 70s; Amitabh in mid1970s and up to mid-1980s, and the three Khans in 1990s and 2000s). But 1960s were blessed with fierce competition for stardom. Rajendra Kumar, Raj Kumar, Sunil Dutt, Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Vishwajeet, Jeetendra in late 60s, and of course Dharmendra. It is indeed a testimony to his “staying power” through his charisma and the unique blend of romantic and he-man personality that Dharmendra carved out a clear (wide enough) niche and substantial following long before his pairings with Hema Malini, Rekha, Rakhee, and Mumtaz gave us his hit movies and songs of 1970s. Whether it was the patriotic soldier (Haqueeqat) or principled idealist (Satyakam, Anupama) or romantic lover (Bahaaren Phir Aayegi, Pyar Hi Pyar) or angry/upset romanticist (Mere Humdum Mere Dost, Yakeen, Devar, Aayee Milan Ki Bela) or detective/spy (Aankhein), he did justice to diverse eclectic roles. He certainly held his own ground across four waves of superstars: Rajendra Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna, and Amitabh.

by Dr. Sanjay Ahire

November 24, 2025. Dharmendra No More… The news hit my social media feeds, instantly rewinding my mind down the memory lane all those decades back to my years growing up in 1960s! I remembered how as young kids, walking from our house in Vile Parle East to Juhu Beach in Mumbai, my friends and I used to pause in front of his posh bungalow in Juhu Scheme in the hopes of catching a glimpse of probably the most handsome Hindi movie star of those days. I didn’t follow Dharmendra’s career much after the apex of the movie Sholay. My memories of his acting tenure are focused primarily on 1960s and to a less extent on early 1970s. For many reasons, 1960s are (rightly) regarded as the “Golden Decade” of Hindi movies and especially timeless songs. Various decades have had their Saathee.com

Dharmendra continued on page 80 38

January 2026

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January 2026

E. T. Phone Home?

From the moment of birth, we are inundated with words. Some words are real enough. A rose is a rose is a rose, as was famously said. A thorn is a thorn too. When I say “rose” you know what I mean. And when I say, “don’t let the thorn hurt you”, you get that too. But when I say something like “democracy dies in darkness”, what on earth does that mean!? “What on earth” is an expression that is pregnant with meaning. It suggests “real-worldness”. If something is not of this earth, then it could be some vaporous thing: something of no consequence if you wish to live on earth rather than float in some empty space, several light years away from home. Words can say so many things! And say so many non-things like “democracy”. These are the kinds of things that people argue about endlessly and even kill one another for. Then there are things that are not clearly things or non-things. A “virus”, for example, is something that most of us have not had the opportunity to see, just as most of us have heard of “ghost” but have never had the pleasure of making an acquaintance with one. How do you know that such a thing exists? You “know” because someone told you so. Just as you know what the astrologer told you: “when Saturn is in the seventh house and is in alignment with Venus, you will have a great seven-year period during which time you should look to initiate your most important ventures.” Do you trust your astrologer? Do you trust your virologist? Whom do you trust more, and why?

Thinking About Thinking by Balaji Prasad

“It’s lonely out in space, on such a timeless flight … I’m a rocket man, burnin’ out his fuse up here alone.” ~ Elton John, Rocket Man In Steven Spielberg’s 1982 movie, E.T. the ExtraTerrestrial, the alien (E.T.) who finds himself on our strange planet is desperate to go home. Could some of us have landed on a strange planet and are unaware that the earth we were born on is now a distant star? Have we done a “Whodini” and escaped both ourselves and the ground we used to stand on? “Whodini” My head in the clouds? Or … Crowds in my head? Or … My self in a war? Or … Has this all gone too far? And my earth’s now a star? Clouds bring rain It never just rains. It pours! And, if one stretches out one’s hand to feel the drops as they fall, it may become clear that these are made of words. And other symbols.

Thinking continued on page 82 Saathee.com

January 2026

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January 2026

Silent Struggles of High-Achieving South Asians in Corporate America

Executive & Career Coach

I met Rajesh in San Jose, where I was speaking at an oﬀ-site his company had organized. Rajesh was an IT project manager at that time. After the session, he met me separately and shared how stuck he felt — seven years at the same level, no promotion, no movement, nothing. A few months later, he reached out for coaching. During our sessions, I got to know Rajesh more deeply. He was skilled, reliable, technically strong, ahead of deadlines, showing up even on Diwali and Christmas, and doing more than anyone asked of him. Yet… nothing changed. His career had plateaued. When he moved to the U.S. on a student visa, he had big dreams. After completing his postgraduate studies in computer information systems, he landed a job at a wellknown Silicon Valley firm. The early years were promising — he rose quickly and became a project manager.

by Payal Nanjiani

As a coach working with South Asian professionals, one thing always stands out: immigrants work hard. Long hours. Relentless eﬀort. Complete dedication. But over time, I’ve also seen the downside — exhaustion, burnout, and the silent frustration of working harder yet not moving faster. Because today, hard work alone is not enough. South Asians often wear hard work as a badge of honor. But here’s the truth — when you only “do more,” your eﬀort becomes invisible. Hard work without strategic visibility or influence doesn’t always translate into growth.

Coach continued on page 72

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January 2026

Time for a Strategic Approach level in four years. Notices of mass layoﬀs are the highest since 2003. Companies such as Amazon, UPS, Verizon, Merck, Novartis, Intel have all announced mass layoﬀs. The youth unemployment rate is double digits. Student loan delinquencies are at a record 14.3%. Auto delinquencies are the highest since 2010. Credit card delinquencies are the highest in 14 years. Home foreclosures are up 20%. The market is yelling at the Fed that major parts of the economy are weakening. Discretionary stocks such as Sweetgreen, Shake Shack, Chipotle, Norwegian Cruise, Lululemon, and Target were down anywhere from 30% to 80% in 2025. AI will only make the bifurcation worse. Cutting rates is bigger than the latest aggregate data. It’s about having a strategic view that allows the economy to grow with a solid foundation while lowering inflation. It’s about providing more certainty for businesses so that they can make decisions. Not having these wild swings in expectations just a couple of weeks prior to the meeting. Higher rates and restrictive policy are crowding out small business borrowing, especially given the funding demands for the AI data center boom. Higher rates are preventing housing supply from hitting the market. Unfreezing the housing market will boost growth, while lowering prices through increasing supply. Housing makes up only 15-18% of the economy, but it punches above weight

Eye on the Markets by Ketu Desai

The Fed cut rates at its December 2025 meeting. They hinted that they may be on hold for now. Pausing the cutting cycle seems misguided. The Fed has increasingly grown data dependent in recent years. This data dependency has made sense in recent years. Right now, it makes more sense to be forward looking and strategic. If they are going to be data dependent, focus on the details rather than the aggregate. The aggregate data looks fine. The Atlanta Fed GDPNow is tracking 4% growth, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. The economy is extremely bifurcated. Growth is being held up by the top-end consumer and the AI data center boom. The amount the hyper-scalers spent in the last year is approximately 2/3rds of the growth in GDP. This is not a sustainable or healthy way to grow the economy. Moody’s CEO sums it up, “I think there are elements of a 2-speed economy in the United States. There’s the AI economy and then there is kind of everybody else.” The AI boom will continue next year, and likely years to come. The spending is expected to hit $2 trillion next year. The larger long-term cost of this boom is the labor market. The combination of AI and natural economic forces are responsible for continuing jobless claims, hitting the highest Saathee.com

Eye on Markets continued on page 92 46

January 2026

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January 2026

Mr. Sour and the Sweet Lesson He Taught Me Instinctively, I began reciting my prayers. I looked at Limbu as though he were the divine presence I was invoking through my prayer. My intent was simple, to see the divine in him. As I sang and connected with his life energy, something magical happened. For a moment, Limbu’s eyes locked into mine, as if asking, “Are you sure?” But I continued praying, oﬀering love and devotion to the divine within him. Slowly, his energy shifted. His body softened. The barking stopped. He melted, right there on the rug, listening intently to the prayers, soothed by the warmth of my devotion. The calm lasted about ten minutes before he started barking again. I looked into his eyes once more and began reciting my prayers. This time, as if remembering what he’d just experienced, he quieted down again and melted into that same peaceful stillness. After that, Limbu and I became best friends. He talked to me in his own little ways, played with me, acted funny and mischievously, always full of joy and life. We connected at a deeper level, one that felt like mutual reverence. It was as if he was bowing to my recognition of his divinity hidden beneath the sourness he once projected. That day, Mr. Sour taught me something profound: How easy it is to see only the surface — the sourness, the bitterness, the defensiveness in others — and miss the divine spark within. Sometimes, what looks like hostility is just a cry for recognition, a call for love, for someone to truly see them. All it takes is a shift in consciousness, to look beyond the sour and connect with the sweet essence that lies within us all.

My Voice by Teena Mehta

I accidentally ran into a sweet couple during my casual evening walk. They were traveling for two weeks and needed a sitter for their dog — just for one day, not even overnight. I looked at the dog. I rarely sit for small dogs, and he wasn’t exactly one of those cute, loving bundles of joy that melt your heart. He seemed a bit standoﬃsh. But it had been a while since anyone asked me for help — and helping others is something I truly love to do. So, I agreed. A few days before the hosting day, their daughter came over to introduce us. The dog did not like me. There was a lot of barking. I don’t remember ever being afraid of too many dogs, but he barked so much that I thought he might bite out of sheer frustration. I reminded myself to be careful — after all, he’s an animal. He carried himself with such confidence that it was almost comical for his 20-pound frame. His self-image was far larger than his size. I found it oddly endearing, that proud, strutting gait of his. We were curious about his name. “Limbu,” said Anisha, the couple’s daughter. I had never heard that name before. She explained that Limbu means “lemon” in her native language, Marathi. “Because when he came to us,” she laughed, “he was very sour to everyone around him.” That made sense. I could feel that sourness in my first meeting with Limbu. The “meet and greet” went okay — I gave him lots of treats, hoping he’d warm up to me. But he remained distant. Finally, the day came. Limbu arrived with all his paraphernalia — bed, food, leash, toys — and, of course, his sour attitude. He started barking again as soon as he entered. My husband was on a work call and didn’t want the barking in the background, so I needed to calm Limbu down.

Saathee.com

Teena Mehta has a doctorate in microbiology and experience as a marketing manager in the medical device field, she enjoys blending scientific insight with creative communication. She lives in Cary with her husband and their 14-year-old son. Contact: dua.teena@gmail.com.

January 2026

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January 2026

Influencers of Classical Dances at Madurai are some of the examples. The grand master of all temple architectures for this dance style is my favorite Nataraja temple at Chidambaram, in Tamil Nadu, where my dance journey began. All 108 dance Karanas or poses are engraved in the temple’s grand entrance doors. These carvings have been preserving the history of dances for ages and visually influencing the visitors. This dance style flourished due to dancers and Gurus like Balasaraswati, Rukmini Devi, Kalanidhi Narayanan, Ram Gopal, Pillai family, Kamala Lakshman, Vyjayanthimala, Padma Subrahmanyam, Dhananjayan, C.V. Chandrasekhar and many more. These gurus have propagated this dance form to thousands of disciples Rukmini Devi across the world. They performed these dance forms beautifully gaining admiration and instilling passion in many Indian and nonIndian students. This enabled the dance form to not only survive but to flourish all over the world. On the other hand, the Kuchipudi dance form is perhaps the only tradition that takes its name from the village of its origin, Kuchipudi, located in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh. This dance style would not have survived if not for the generosity of the Nawab of Golconda Fort in A.P., who was

Dances of India by Dr. Maha Gingrich Now a days the word “influencers” is used in many ways. So many great people have influenced the way Indian classical dances are viewed by the world, without being called as “influencers.” They influenced survival, recognition, popularity, and styles of dancing. I could write a book on this as there are so many influencers and so many dance styles. I would like to briefly recognize some artists and leaders for their contributions to the sustainability of one of the most popular art forms for thousands of years. To start with, the dance form Bharatha Natyam, when presented in its purity, is one of the most subtle, sophisticated, and graceful dance forms in the world. This South Indian dance style is immensely popular in India and in many parts of the world including USA. The preservation of this dance style began with great temple builders, the Cholas, who ruled India between the 9th and 13th centuries. Dance poses abound in the grand temples like the Brihadeshwara temple at Tanjavur, the cluster of temples at Kanchipuram and Kumbhakonam, and Meenakshi temple Saathee.com

Dances of India continued on page 88 50

January 2026

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January 2026

Homeowner Insurance New Buyer 101

by Anuj Kasera One of your most important assets is your home. Having adequate insurance to protect the property in case of unforeseen circumstances is not only recommended but also mandatory if you have a mortgage. In this article we will talk about home insurance, especially for first time home buyers. We will then explore the details in future articles. Congratulations for achieving the American dream of owning your home! Along with the excitement, comes the overwhelming process of the many decisions you will need to make, including getting the right homeowner insurance. Process to get your homeowner policy starts much before the actual closing. Once your oﬀer is accepted, you need to shop around to get the best insurance quote – best not just in pricing but also in terms of coverage. Make sure that you fully understand the coverages, deductibles and exclusions to avoid nasty and expensive surprises. The lowest or cheapest quote may not be the best one if it does not adequately meet your requirements. Saathee.com

Ask a lot of questions – One thing I have learnt is that there are no wrong questions – answers may be wrong but not questions. Make sure that you understand what is covered and how much you need to pay as a deductible. I have had some clients who were not aware that under their current policy, their deductible was much more than what they could aﬀord. One of the main reasons that I have entered the insurance business is to spread awareness about this very important topic among our community. One mistake and your entire life’s savings can be wiped out if you do not have proper insurance. It is important to understand that insurance is not just a cost of ownership but also a crucial risk management tool. The main cost drivers are of course, the amount of coverages, type of construction, risk mitigation devices like sprinklers and home monitoring systems. Other factors which impact your quote include neighborhood crime rates, previous claims on the property, distance to nearest fire station and hydrants, age of equipment (HVAC, roof, appliances etc.). The agent should be able to sit down with you and answer any specific concerns that you may have.

Insurance continued on page 88 January 2026

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Wealth Beyond Financial Types Sahil Bloom’s book, The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life, is a timely framework for 2026 because it moves the goalposts of success. For families and individuals, it provides a “new scoreboard” that prevents the common trap of being “financially rich but life-poor.” While society tracks money, a truly wealthy life is a balanced portfolio of five distinct assets. Here are the 5 types of wealth broken down into their core pillars:

Financially Speaking by Rupa Pereira Reading books is more of a luxury given the numerous claims on time we have on our daily lives. There are bills to pay, commute to work, household chores, school/college and afterschool chauﬀeuring, home-made healthy meals, weekend social obligations and certainly some TV downtime. Did I even mention the endless hours of social media scrolling? Where does that leave us with any time for luxuries? And did I read that AI will soon make our jobs dispensable? Back in the day, as a young kid growing up in India, books were my anchor and a window into the world outside my finite domain. Fiction – detective, mystery, romance, drama – favored my young mind. While the stressors of life did keep me from active reading in my adult years, I’ve slowly restored this practice by resorting to audio books, particularly to engage the mind and stay connected to what makes us human and unique. Why does it matter? Since AI is upending the world we live in faster than we can comprehend, it begs the question – how do we stay focused on a future that belongs to us? While our financial wellbeing is where we place the most significance in terms of wealth, there are more dimensions to wealth beyond money and a recently published book captures this aspect beautifully. Saathee.com

Time Wealth: The freedom to choose how you spend your time, where you spend it, and with whom. To move from being a “time taker” (selling your hours to survive) to a “time maker” (owning your schedule). Social Wealth: The quality and depth of your relationships and your sense of belonging in a community. Building “relationship dividends,” the connections that provide joy, support, and energy over decades. Mental Wealth: Clarity of purpose, peace of mind, and a commitment to continuous growth and curiosity. To develop an inner life that is resilient to external chaos. It involves creating “mental space” through stillness (meditation, journaling) and maintaining a childlike curiosity to learn new things. Financially Speaking continued on page 82 54

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It’s My Time (Apna Time Aaj Hai) Mindful Masala by Hiren Deliwala We all experience time differently. As we grow older, our perception often speeds up, blurs, and sometimes feels like it’s slipping through our fingers. But no matter how we experience it, most of us share the same truth: we’re starved for time. Ask almost anyone how they’re doing, and you’ll hear the same response: “Busy.” It’s become our cultural password. Someone suggests coffee, starting a new initiative, or trying Pickleball (which I’ve been claiming I’ll try for years), and the script comes out: “I’d love to, but I just don’t have the time. I’m so busy. Maybe when things settle down.” But things almost never settle down. There’s never a perfect moment waiting like a neatly wrapped gift. Life simply doesn’t work that way. The Priorities That Consume Us Our days fill up quickly. Family needs attention. Work demands multiply. Responsibilities pile up like dishes after a busy weekend — and it stings even more when the dishwasher isn’t working. Before we know it, our calendar looks like a game of Tetris with no gaps left. Finding time for anything beyond immediate demands becomes truly challenging. But here’s what we rarely admit: when we say that “I don’t have time,” we’re saying we lack the mental space and energy. Sure, we could squeeze it in, but we don’t have the focus or capacity to give it our best. That’s why we hesitate. We want to do things right. We convince ourselves that when we have more time, more energy, more clarity, then we’ll finally begin that project or learn that skill. A Different Way of Thinking But what if we changed the conversation? What if, instead of saying “I don’t have time,” we started each day thinking: “It’s my time.” Not someday. Not maybe. Not “when things settle down.” But now — because now is the only time we truly have. Imagine starting each morning with this thought. Not as pressure, but as presence. This is my time for challenges, dreams, and passion projects. This is my time to show up Mindful Masala continued on page 94 Saathee.com

January 2026

Scarlet Dragon Links Military and Industry to Test Artificial Intelligence for Warfighters

An experimental autonomous mothership unmanned aerial system releases subordinate drones during Exercise Scarlet Dragon 26-1 at Fort Bragg, N.C., Dec. 9, 2025. The demonstration supports the exercise’s focus on integrating emerging technologies to enhance situational awareness and enable distributed sensing across the battlefield.

simultaneously receiving targeting data through NGA’s Maven Smart System. The streamlined data sharing allows the HIMARS unit to rapidly deploy anywhere in the world and quickly set up for oﬀensive or defensive engagements. “We’re doing cold-load training with a C-130, putting the HIMARS on the aircraft, driving it oﬀ, executing a rapid-fire mission and getting back on quickly,” said Army 2nd Lt. Ryan Mitchell, a HIMARS platoon leader assigned to the 18th Field Artillery Brigade. “Through Scarlet Dragon, we are doing advanced targeting with data received through Maven, rapidly getting that information to the launcher so we can deploy and shoot faster.” Another initiative included real time data sharing and tracking between AH-64 Apache helicopters from the 82nd Airborne Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade, drones and small UAS with the XVIII Airborne Corps Air and Missile Defense team, Sentinel radars from the 82nd Airborne Division and newly fielded SGT STOUT short range air defense systems from the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. The Sentinel radars and SGT STOUTs tracked Apaches and drones, pushing data to the corps headquarters to validate faster early warning systems for troops on the ground. Apache pilots tested their ability to identify and track small drones, while the SGT STOUT teams validated their tracking and targeting capabilities.

By Army Maj. Matthew St. Clair On a cold December day, deep in a training area on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, soldiers, airmen, Marines and civilian industry partners came together to test the latest drone and counter-small, unmanned aircraft systems technology, while rapidly sharing targeting data through the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Maven Smart System. Scarlet Dragon is the XVIII Airborne Corps’ premier innovation exercise, where new ideas and technologies are tested to solve current issues on the battlefield. “We’re focused on bringing new technologies and approaches to solve operational capability gaps and requirements that we identify from operational plans around the globe,” said Rob Braun, XVIII Airborne Corps chief technical oﬃcer. The Scarlet Dragon exercise series started in 2020 as a tabletop exercise in the basement of the XVIII Airborne Corps’ headquarters and has evolved into a triannual innovation event where joint services, government agencies and industry partners come together to test and integrate the latest technology for the modern warfighter. During this iteration, known as Scarlet Dragon 26-1, the XVIII Airborne Corps tested several initiatives. The 18th Field Artillery Brigade trained with the Air Force to rapidly load and deploy an M142 high mobility artillery rocket system from a C-17 Globemaster III, all while Saathee.com

Scarlet Dragon continued on page 76 60

January 2026

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News Notes India Conference Harvard The annual global conference on “Indian Business, Policy, and Culture” is a student-driven platform that explores the rich diversity of India, spotlighting the country’s rise as a major global force. For over 22 years, Harvard students across schools have united to host experts from fields such as business, economics, education, and culture, oﬀering attendees a well-rounded perspective on India’s present landscape and future potential. This year’s conference will take place February 14 – 15, 2026 at Harvard University. For further details, visit: Indiaconferenceharvard.com. Prime Minister Narendra Modi participates in India - Russia Business Forum with President of Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin at Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi on December 05, 2025. The two leaders agreed to expand trade beyond oil and defense despite Western pressure on New Delhi to scale back its decadesold close ties with Moscow.

Deepavali Added to UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List

Dance Pe Chance Competition One of the USA’s largest Indian American dance competitions is coming up. Dance Pe Chance, the prestigious dance event and competition, is produced annually by Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), NY NJ CT, in celebrations of India’s Republic Day. DPC has gained great importance in India’s Republic Day celebrations as it has staged the top dance forms with diversified artists and their cultures. Dance Pe Chance will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, beginning at 3pm. The venue is Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, 1 Memorial Dr., Trenton, NJ. Details: Dancepechance.org.

India AI Impact Expo 2026 The India–AI Impact Summit 2026 marks a defining global inflection point —where India prepares to transition its technological future from dialogue to demonstrable impact. Anchored in the principles of “People, Planet, and Progress,” the Expo envisions a future where AI advances humanity, fosters inclusive growth, and safeguards the shared planet. The Expo, which will bring together companies, scientists, lawmakers, and students, is slated to take place February 16 – 20, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. For more details, visit Impact.indiaai.gov.in. Saathee.com

Deepavali or Diwali, India’s festival of lights, was recently inscribed on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The inscription was adopted in the presence of Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, senior oﬃcials, and delegates from 194 member states, international experts, and representatives of UNESCO’s global network, at an event held at the Red Fort in New Delhi. The announcement came during the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee. UNESCO’s inscription acknowledges “Deepavali as a living heritage that strengthens social bonds, supports traditional craftsmanship, reinforces values of generosity and well-being, and January 2026

contributes meaningfully to several Sustainable Development Goals, including livelihood enhancement, gender equality, cultural education, and community welfare,” according to the announcement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said people in India and around the world were thrilled at the UNESCO honour. “For us, Deepavali is very closely linked to our culture and ethos. It is the soul of our civilisation. It personifies illumination and righteousness. The addition of Deepavali to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List will contribute to the festival’s global popularity even further,” he said in a post on X.

Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952), founder of SelfRealization Fellowship and author of Autobiography of a Yogi. Photo courtesy of Self-Realization Fellowship, Los Angeles, Calif. “Meditation is the science of God-realization,” said Yogananda. “It is the most practical science in the world. Most people would want to meditate if they understood its value and experienced its beneficial eﬀects. The ultimate object of meditation is to attain conscious awareness of God, and of the soul’s eternal oneness with Him. What achievement could be more purposeful and useful than to harness limited human faculties to the omnipresence and omnipotence of the Creator? God-realization bestows on the meditator the blessings of the Lord’s peace, love, joy, power, and wisdom.” During his 32 years in America and abroad, Yogananda shared Yoga philosophy and its scientific techniques of meditation through his epic life story Autobiography of a Yogi; public talks and classes; his voluminous writings of spiritual counsel and commentary; and through SelfRealization Fellowship, the international hub of his spiritual activities. For more information, visit Yogananda.org.

Microsoft Will Invest $17.5 billion in India’s AI Infrastructure Microsoft announced in December 2025 that the company will invest $17.5 billion in India’s cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure. This will be the company’s largest investment in Asia. The announcement follows a meeting between Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which the two discussed India’s AI future. Modi thanked Nadella in a post on social media, and said, the investments “help build the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities needed for India’s AI first future.” “The youth of India will harness this opportunity to innovate and leverage the power of AI for a better planet,” Modi said in a post on X, referring to Microsoft’s investment. Even though India lags other countries in advanced technologies like chips and AI, the country’s huge consumer market and public funding from the government are attracting global tech companies.

Youth Voices Enough I don’t know who needs to hear this but here I am They will stare if you laugh too hard They will stare if you are quiet They will judge if you dress up too much They will judge if you dress down too less Some will see wisdom and grace in your words While others will call you foolish, portraying you as selfish Some will say you are fierce as a warrior While others say you are as cowardly as a mouse

Birth Anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda

They will speak either way so let them be— It’s ok to cry seas when your heart is too heavy It’s ok to want a warm hug when it gets too cold It’s ok to need rest when weary And it’s ok to let go, if needed what is lost will return

Spiritual pioneer brought India’s wisdom to the West, introducing millions to Yoga with best-selling book Autobiography of a Yogi January 5, 2026, marks the 133rd birth anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952), author of the modern spiritual classic book Autobiography of a Yogi, and widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in bringing India’s ancient holy science of Yoga and meditation to the West.

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Just know that you are enough be yourself and let those roots grow People will truly climb their way to you Laugh as much as you want Be as bold as possible Because you are enough By Sri Vaishnavi Janapareddy Rising 9th grader, Panther Creek High School 64

January 2026

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4-day workweek experiments One way to shave hours off the workweek is to get more days off. A multinational working group has examined experiments with a four-day workweek: an arrangement in which people work 80% of the time – 32 hours over four days – while getting paid the same as when they worked a standard 40-hour week. Following an initial pilot in the U.S. and Ireland in 2022, the working group has expanded to six continents. The researchers consistently found that employers and employees alike thrive in this setup and that their work didn’t suffer. Most of those employees, who ranged from government workers to technology professionals, got Friday off. Shifting to having a three-day weekend meant that employees had more time to take care of themselves and their families. Productivity and performance metrics remained high.

continued from page 32

Legislation that President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law as part of his sweeping New Deal reforms helped establish the 40-hour workweek as we know it today. Labor unions had long advocated for this abridged schedule, and their activism helped crystallize it across diverse occupations. Despite many changes in technology as well as when and how work gets done, these hours have had a surprising amount of staying power. Americans work longer hours In general, workers in richer countries tend to work fewer hours. However, in the U.S. today, people work more on average than in most other wealthy countries. For many Americans, this is not so much a choice as it is part of an entrenched working culture. There are many factors that can interfere with thriving at work, including boredom, an abusive boss or an absence of meaning and purpose. In any of those cases, it’s worth asking whether the time spent at work is worth it. Only 1 in 3 employed Americans say that they are thriving. What’s more, employee engagement is at a 10-year low. For both engaged and disengaged employees, burnout increased as the number of work hours rose. People who were working more than 45 hours per week were at greatest risk for burnout, according to Gallup. However, the average number of hours Americans spend working has declined from 44 hours and 6 minutes in 2019 to just under 43 hours per week in 2024. The reduction is sharper for younger employees. We think this could be a sign that younger Americans are pushing back after years of being pressured to embrace a “hustle culture” in which people brag about working 80 and even 100 hours per week.

Waiting for technology to take a load oﬀ Many employment experts wonder whether advances in artificial intelligence will reduce the number of hours that Americans work. Might AI relieve us all of the tasks we dread doing, leaving us only with the work we want to do – and which, presumably, would be worth spending time on? That does sound great to both of us. But there’s no guarantee that this will be the case. We think the likeliest scenario is one in which the advantages of AI are unevenly distributed among people who work for a living. Economist John Maynard Keynes predicted almost a century ago that “technological unemployment” would lead to 15-hour workweeks by 2030. As that year approaches, it’s become clear that he got that wrong. Researchers have found that for every working hour that technology saves us, it increases our work intensity. That means work becomes more stressful and expectations regarding productivity rise.

Fight against a pervasive notion Anne-Marie Slaughter, a lawyer and political scientist who wears many hats, coined the term “time macho” more than a decade ago to convey the notion that someone who puts in longer hours at the oﬃce automatically will outperform their colleagues. Another term, “face time,” describes the time that we are seen by others doing our work. In some workplaces, the quantity of an employee’s face time is treated as a measure of whether they are dependable – or uncommitted. It can be easy to jump to the conclusion that putting in more hours at the oﬃce automatically boosts an employee’s performance. However, researchers have found that productivity decreases with the number of hours worked due to fatigue. Even those with the luxury of choosing how much time they devote to work sometimes presume that they need to clock as many hours as possible to demonstrate their commitment to their jobs. To be sure, for a significant amount of the workforce, there is no choice about how much to work because that time is dictated, whether by employers, the needs of the job or the growing necessity to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. Saathee.com

Deciding when and how much time to work Many adults spend so much time working that they have few waking hours left for fitness, relationships, new hobbies or anything else. If you have a choice in the matter of when and how much you work, should you choose diﬀerently? Even questioning whether you should stick to the 40hour workweek is a luxury, but it’s well worth considering changing your work routines as a new year gets underway if that’s a possibility for you. To get buy-in from employers, consider demonstrating how you will still deliver your core work within your desired time frame. And, if you are fortunate enough to be able to choose to work less or work diﬀerently, perhaps you can pass it on: You probably have the power and privilege to influence the working hours of others you employ or supervise. Article courtesy of theconversation.com Jennifer Tosti-Kharas is Professor of Management, Babson College Christopher Wong Michaelson is Professor of Ethics and Business Law, University of St. Thomas 66

January 2026

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January 2026

Immigration and Policy Updates

Based upon these new circumstances, my immigration firm recommends delaying any non-mandatory international travel for those individuals needing visa by Rishi P. Oza issuance until further notice. Individuals that currently have valid visas can continue to travel undisturbed, as this new change is only applicable to H-1B visa applicants needing Increased Scrutiny on H-1B Visa Applicants visa issuance. What remains unclear is whether this increased scrutiny will expand to other visa categories, but at US Consulates Abroad one would assume that US Consulates will eventually apply Per a recent announcement from the US Department of this same heightened scrutiny to all visa applications. State, US Consulates worldwide are increasing the scrutiny Supreme Court to Hear Arguments on of H-1B visa applications, for the purpose of national security and public safety. Reports have indicated that Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Change virtually all H-1B applications are now being cancelled and rescheduled until March 2026 or later, with timetables The United States Supreme Court has agreed to hear varying depending upon the specific US Consulate abroad. arguments on President Trump’s Executive Order (“EO”) During this time, US Consular services are increasing limiting the application of the 14th Amendment to the vetting operations, including scrutinizing applicant work Constitution to the children of US citizens and lawful histories, social media accounts and other publicly available permanent residents. The EO, dated January 20, 2025, seeks information. As a result, the issuance of new visas to to reinterpret the 14th Amendment, which states “All persons individuals seeking to return to the United States are being born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the delayed. jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of The announcement from the US Department of State the State wherein they reside.” states that US Consulates will be conducting “an online Under the President’s reading, the phrase “subject to the presence review …for all H-1B applicants and their jurisdiction thereof” excludes those individuals from dependents, in addition to the students and exchange citizenship if they were born from a mother who was visitors. To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for H-1B and unlawfully present in the United States and the father was their dependents (H-4), F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) at the instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social time of said person’s birth, or when that person’s mother’s media profiles to ‘public.’” The additional scrutiny is presence in the United States at the time of said person’s designed to “identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to Immigration continued on page 92 U.S. national security or public safety.”

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January 2026

SAT vs ACT: How to Create the Best Testing Plan for You

College Admissions Insider by Kristen Moon months before their first exam, plan to take the oﬃcial test by fall or spring of junior year, and expect to retake it once or twice to achieve their strongest score. Students considering the BS/MD path should ideally complete all testing by August before senior year to leave room for the extensive essays and applications ahead. Traditional college applicants should aim to finish by early fall of their senior year for the same reason.

Standardized testing can feel like one of the most overwhelming parts of the college process—but with the right strategy and timing, it doesn’t have to be. If you’re unsure which test to take, start with a practice test for both. It’s the best way to see which format and question style feel more natural. Each test plays to slightly diﬀerent strengths. SAT or ACT: Which Test Is Right for You? The SAT tends to favor deep analytical reading and has more algebra-heavy math. The ACT moves faster and includes a science section, testing interpretation more than actual science knowledge. It is important to note that the ACT has undergone some changes as well, which might help sway your decision. It is important to always consider your strengths. Are you strong in science or fast reading? ACT might be for you. Do you prefer a little more time and data analysis? SAT may be the better fit.

Should You Get a Tutor or Take a Class? In general, students should limit themselves to taking the SAT or ACT no more than two or three times, since additional attempts rarely produce significant score jumps and can add unnecessary stress. Choosing between a tutor and a prep class depends on learning style: highly selfmotivated students may succeed with books and online tools, those who struggle with structure might benefit from a class, and students who need help in specific areas may find targeted tutoring most eﬀective.

When Should You Start Test Prep? There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for test prep, but a general guideline can help students plan eﬀectively. Freshman year is the time to build strong foundational math and reading skills, read regularly, and take a simple diagnostic test just to become familiar with the SAT or ACT format. During sophomore year, students should take full-length practice tests for both the SAT and ACT, decide which exam suits them best, and begin light preparation—about one to two hours per week—which may even position some to take their first oﬃcial test by the end of the year. Junior year is when preparation becomes more serious: students should begin focused studying six to twelve

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What About Test-Optional Schools? Although test-optional policies may seem appealing, they are not a viable route for BS/MD or DO applicants, and many competitive colleges are reinstating testing requirements, so it’s important to check the expectations for every school on your list. Ultimately, test prep is a marathon, not a sprint—starting early, staying consistent, and viewing your test scores as just one part of your college story will help you navigate the process with confidence.

Kristen Moon is the founder of Moon Prep, an education consultancy brand with a focus on U.S. Medical programs. Contact: kristen@moonprep.com.

January 2026

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4. Visa Constraints The fear of losing legal status in the country creates constant anxiety. This often leads South Asian professionals to avoid negotiating salaries, accept heavier workloads, and remain in roles longer than they should. They hesitate to explore new opportunities or express dissatisfaction because they fear jeopardizing stability.

Coach

continued from page 42

But after that initial rise, growth stopped. He tried everything he knew: More work. More hours. More tasks. But each time, the promotion went to someone else. And each new job application ended in “we chose another candidate.” 5. Over-Reliance on Technical Expertise His frustration was real. Many South Asians place heavy emphasis on technical Common Struggles South Asian Professionals Face in competence, believing that skill alone will ensure advancement. Leadership roles go to those who Corporate America These are the barriers I consistently see in my coaching communicate effectively, influence across teams, and work — subtle, powerful, and often invisible even to the navigate organizational dynamics with ease. Without these people experiencing them. They don’t come from a lack of skills, high performers remain stuck in unable to make the talent or ambition. They come from cultural conditioning, jump to strategic levels. immigrant pressure, and workplace dynamics that South 6. Difficulty in Self-Advocacy Asian professionals are rarely prepared for. Many shy away from talking about accomplishments. Below are the struggles I consistently see — silent barriers that slow down even the most talented They don’t showcase results, articulate impact, or ask for opportunities — which makes them easy to overlook. Selfprofessionals. promotion does not come naturally to many South Asians. They feel uncomfortable highlighting their achievements, 1. Fitting In — Losing Identity in the Process Many South Asians try to blend in, only to dim their sharing their wins, or talking about their ambitions. They authenticity. They avoid rocking the boat, speak less in hope their hard work will be noticed on its own, just as it meetings, and prioritize harmony over healthy was in academic environments. But corporate America runs disagreement. By being overly agreeable and talking less, on visibility. they unintentionally become invisible in rooms where In corporate America, growth is not just a product of decisions are made. But in corporate America, leadership requires clarity, confidence, and contribution. By being hard work. It comes from visibility, influence, strategic overly agreeable and speaking less, they unintentionally communication, and the willingness to step into spaces where your presence is unmistakable. become invisible in rooms where decisions are made. South Asians bring grit, discipline, and extraordinary commitment. But to thrive and grow in corporate America, 2. Staying Only Within the Asian Community There is comfort in familiarity, and many South Asians we need more than hard work. unintentionally limit themselves to networks made up of people who look like them, sound like them, and share their Payal Nanjiani cultural background. While these circles offer emotional is an Indian-American executive coach, leadership expert safety, they restrict professional exposure. When and author. She is a trusted partner and advisor to leaders networking, socializing, and building connections happen and organizations globally. only within their community, the chances of getting access Info: Payalnanjiani.com. to mentors, influential leaders, or advocates from other backgrounds shrink dramatically. Careers in corporate America grow through relationships, visibility, and sponsorship—things that cannot flourish inside isolated Hello Saathees cultural circles.

If you have a passion for writing, cooking or baking, we are looking for fresh voices. Send a query to our Editor Samir Shukla at Samir@Saathee.com with article or recipe ideas. We will consider them for possible publication in Saathee.

3. No Conversations Beyond Work For many South Asians, the idea of small talk feels unnecessary or even uncomfortable. Growing up, conversations centred around achievements, responsibilities, and results—not weekend plans or hobbies. But in the U.S., these informal conversations are often the foundation of workplace trust. When professionals shy away from casual interactions, they unintentionally create emotional distance from colleagues and leaders. Their relationships remain transactional, and while their work might be excellent, their personal presence remains unknown. In corporate America, people promote people— they don’t just promote performance. Saathee.com

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Saathee RECIPES

by Shikha Singh (IG: @spicymillennial)

Rasmalai Tarts

Hello Saathee family! Sharing an easy, no-fuss dessert that looks far more impressive than the effort it takes. These Rasmalai Tarts come together quickly using simple ingredients while still delivering rich, celebratory ﬂavors. Perfect for entertaining when you want big impact with little work.

Ingredients 3/4 cup crumbled paneer 1/4 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup condensed milk 1/4 tsp cardamom powder

Directions

Servings: 2 - 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes / Cooking Time: 10 minutes

1. In a medium saucepan, heat paneer, heavy cream, and condensed milk until warm. 2. Add cardamom, rose water, and saffron and stir until well blended. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

1 tsp rose water 1/2 tsp saffron threads 1 packet of 16 mini tart shells (found at grocery

3. Place about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each tart shell. Garnish with edible ﬂowers or crushed pistachios. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, then enjoy!

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January 2026

“That’s what I really like about Scarlet Dragon,” said Army Chief Warrant Oﬃcer 4 Sean Benson, XVIII Airborne Corps senior geo-intelligence imagery technician. “It’s not an exercise with defined timelines or deliverables. It’s whatever we want to try to get to the outcome we need. If you have an idea and it sticks when you throw it on the wall, we’ll give it a shot.”

Scarlet Dragon

continued from page 60

The integration of the SGT STOUT into the maneuver force is a critical step in providing protection against shortrange air threats. “What I like about Scarlet Dragon is how I push, not just the soldiers, but also the equipment that we have to our limits and to see what we are capable of and how we can improve our system capabilities,” said Army Spc. Daniel Rosas, XVIII Airborne Corps Air Defense Battle Management System operator. “With the way the world is currently moving, especially when it comes to UAS or drones, it is a big threat, and it helps for us to push forward on what we can adapt when it comes to gauging and tracking these threats.”

The Future of Scarlet Dragon With every iteration of Scarlet Dragon, the integration process is refined, and the technology improves. In the future, the Scarlet Dragon exercise series will be tied in with Fort Bragg and XVIII Airborne Corps’ new Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost, which will oﬃcially open Jan. 23, 2026.

Army Spc. Jayson Lodermeier, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Division Artillery, 82nd Airborne Division, operates a Sentinel radar system during Exercise Scarlet Dragon 26-1 at Fort Bragg, N.C., Dec. 9, 2025. Scarlet Dragon integrates emerging technologies and operational units to enhance detection, data sharing and situational awareness across the battlefield.

An autonomous unmanned aerial system, configured as a mothership, deploys smaller drones during Exercise Scarlet Dragon 26-1 at Fort Bragg, N.C., Dec. 9, 2025. The system demonstrates the ability to extend operational reach by launching and controlling multiple drones over long distances in support of reconnaissance and data sharing objectives.

“During Scarlet Dragon 26-1, the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg held a soft opening for our new Joint Innovation Outpost, or JIOP,” said Army Lt. Gen. Greg Anderson, commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps. “With the JIOP and our Scarlet Dragon series of exercises, we will be able to develop and test soldier-driven, rapid innovation and technical transformation while providing the Army a model to revolutionize the acquisition process. It is making us more lethal at the tactical and operational levels of war.” The JIOP will allow soldiers to bring innovative solutions to the facility to work with civilian industry and academic partners to refine and produce new technology that can then be tested in Scarlet Dragon exercises and eventually shared across the joint force. In 2026, Scarlet Dragon will shift to the Indo-Pacific theater and U.S. Army Japan for its annual combined Yama Sakura exercise with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

An AH-64 Apache helicopter provides aerial overwatch during Exercise Scarlet Dragon 26-1 at Fort Bragg, N.C., Dec. 9, 2025. The exercise tests how aviation platforms integrate with ground-based air defense systems to create a shared air picture and accelerate decision-making against modern aerial threats.

Article and photos courtesy of the United States Army. Details: Army.mil.

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Dharmendra

Kismuth

continued from page 38

continued from page 28

‘But if it’s not adding value, why keep it around?’ The Paradox of Choice comes to mind, here, and so does The Law of Two Feet. Instead of going into explainer-lecturer mode, though, I let it go. Sometimes it is best to simply conserve your energy. Not wanting to not be liked is a real issue. I see that. I know that, and it’s understandable. But I... can’t relate. I care about my time and attention more than I care if someone’s going to gossip-hate. So what if they do. So what if they’re former friends or relatives or people I grew up with. So what? It’s a mindset I learned from many excellent mentors. Artists in New York, I think, were the first of that crop. They encouraged me to keep inquiring into things, philosophically, and play with ideas and find out stuﬀ. They didn’t get threatened by someone younger saying something cool. They said, ‘Let’s get a drink and talk about that some more.’ Artist-poet-musician-writer types don’t bother talking about the practicalities of how to make a living making art. Such chitchat is a waste of breath. It’s not important. Mostly, it’s simply... boring. Something cool happens when you delete things, like silly conversations that don’t add value to your life, I feel. It makes space. New people, new places, new ideas, new... new possibilities, in general. I like that. Attitude shifts can move mountains or help us frame things by getting perspective. Maybe that was why I like to get out of my routines and comfort zone every so often. Even a little shift like Phnom Penh to Siem Reap can do so much to show me how good I have it, right where I am. To be away, you can see, from a distance, just how lovely the things you have truly are. ‘I don’t want to lecture or anything, but I think that’s it, for me. Being aware. Of what I have, but also what I don’t have to deal with. All... of whatever it is, that’s going on back there... all of you are from the United States? Oh? She’s from Finland, huh. Switzerland? Oh, okay, hi. No, I haven’t been back, whatever back means, now, for ten years. No, eleven. Wait, is it almost twelve? Jeez.’ ‘You’ve been living in Cambodia for ten years?’ ‘Yeah, well, almost two were in Viet Nam.’ ‘That sounds like the pandemic.’ ‘Yeah. Yeah, it was.’ I heard more from them about what I’d been missing back in the United States. It’s divided. It’s hostile. It’s negative. It’s expensive. Healthcare costs are way up. The middle class... and so on. It was cool to have cultural reference points that some of us talk about when we get together with people who share the same passport cover. I guess, if there’s one thing I miss about living in the United States, it’s having some people ambiently around to laugh at my terrible jokes. Did I see Groundhog Day, someone asked. ‘Yeah, I did. Twice.’

Dharmendra co-starred with almost all the leading heroines of 60s, including Meena Kumari, Suchitra Sen, Sharmila Tagore, Nutan, Nanda, Tanuja, Sadhana, Saira Bano, Vaijayanti Mala, and Mala Sinha. And these pairings gave many memorable songs that even today have not lost their sweet grace, emotional depth, or zing. Even when female solo songs “centered” on actresses, one could not miss his charismatic presence on the screen for example – “Suno Sajanaa Papeeheney” (Asha Parekh); “Chalo Sajanaa Jahnaatak Ghataa Chale” (Sharmila); “Aapki Nazarone Samjhaa” (Mala Sinha); “Abhi Kya Sunoge” (Sharmila Tagore); “Agar Mujhse Mohabbat Hai” (Supriya Chaudhary), “Baagme Kali Khili” (Tanuja), “Allah Ye Adaa” (Mumtaz), “Milti Hai Zindagime Mohabbat” (Mala Sinha). So, I would like to pay a special musical tribute to Dharmendra’s 1960s memories through many of “his” (solo and duet) memorable songs from the 60s. The bandwidth of these songs (philosophical, sad, flamboyant, touching, romantic, inspirational) reflects Dharmendra’s versatility that contributed to his sustaining power in the fantastic 1960s that then stretched and elevated his stardom well into the 1970s. Here are 25 of what I consider to be his best (my favorite) (in random order) that will always be synonymous with this Romantic Lead of Hindi movies: 1. Ya Dil Ki Suno Duniyawalo (Anupama) [Sharmila Tagore] 2. In Baharonme Akele Na Phiro (Mamtaa) [Suchitra Sen] 3. Ik Haseen Shyaamko Dil Mera Kho Gayaa (Dulhan Ek Raat Ki) [Nutan] 4. Muzhko Is Raat ki Tanhaaime (Dilbhi Tera Humbhi Tere) [KumKum] 5. Main Suraj Hoon Tu Meri Kiran (Dilne Phir Yaad Kiya) [Nutan] 6. Kar Chale Hum Fida (Haqueeqat) [Priya Rajvansh] 7. Aayaa Hai Mujhe Phir Yaad Woh Zaaleem (Devar) [Sharmila Tagore] 8. Lo Chehraa Surkh Sharab Hua (Dilne Phir Yaad Kiya) [Nutan] 9. Hui Shyam Unka Khayaal Aa Gayaa (Mere Humdum Mere Dost) [Sharmila Tagore] 10. Jeet Hi Lenge Baazi Hum Tum (Shola Aur Shabnam) [Tarla Mehta] 11. Jaane Kya Dhoondti Rahti Hai Yeh Aankhen (Shola Aur Shabnam) [Tarla Mehta] 12. Mehboobaa Teri Tasveer Kis Tarhaa Main Banaaoo (IshqPar Zor Nahi) [Sadhana] 13. Mujhe Dard-e-Dilka Pataa Na Thaa (Akash Deep) [Nanda] 14. Aapke Haseen RukhPe Aaj Nayaa Noor Hai (Bahaaren Phir Aayegee) [Mala Sinha and Tanuja] 15. Dilne Phir Yaad Kiya (Dilne Phir Yaad Kiya) [Nutan] 16. Humsafar Mere Humsafar (Purnima) [Meena Kumari] 17. Yeh Dil Tum Bin Kahin Lagataa Nahi (Izzat) [Tanuja] 18. Main Kahin Kavee Na Ban Jaoon (Pyar Hi Pyaar) [Vyajayanti Mala] 19. Gar Tum Bhoola Na Dogey (Yakeen) [Sharmila Tagore]

Dipika Kohli is an author who is based in Phnom Penh. Discover her books at kismuth.com and ther projects at dipikakohli.com.

Dharmendra continued on page 94 Saathee.com

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Thinking

Financially Speaking

continued from page 40

continued from page 54

These are all clouds. Word clouds. They drench us with Physical Wealth: Your health, vitality, and energy levels; the “engine” that makes all other forms of wealth possible. To rain, making us wet, damp, soggy, sick and miserable! But the words don’t come from thin air. They come from be “fit for purpose” so you can physically enjoy the fruits of people! your labor at age 80 and beyond. The “wizdom” of the crowds We know some things directly through our senses. Even if there are no words for “cold” or “hot”, our minds can directly sense these. But words like “democracy” have to come to us through indoctrination. In fact, a lot of our words have seeped into our minds via other people, even from those who aren’t alive. We have received words from Charles Dickens, JFK, Marilyn Monroe and more. And today, we get trained by the good people from CNN, the Wall Street Journal, and others. Not all of this is wisdom. Some of it is plain wrong, for various reasons. Maybe, we should call such wizardry, “wizdom”? The crowd of people tutor us. They teach us what to fear and what to desire. What a “problem” is and what a “solution” is. What a “cause” is and what an “eﬀect” is. Sometimes, they use words that would take months of study for us to understand. So, we outsource our thinking and setting priorities to those who know these important words that have the potential to change our lives And, we trust that they have done a fine job of all this, driven by a passion for our collective and individual betterment. Trust! But the crowd also plays with our emotions. The emotions that swirl around the thing we call our “self”.

Financial Wealth: Money and assets, viewed not as the end goal, but as the tool that enables the other four types of wealth. To reach your version of “Enough.” The point where your assets support your desired lifestyle without requiring you to sacrifice your health or time. As an advisor, I view Financial Wealth as the base layer that “funds” the other four. When planning for 2026, I suggest not just looking at your ROI (Return on Investment); rather evaluate your ROL (Return on Life). I’ve seen many people enter a new year with a single-minded focus: “How do I make more money?” While financial growth is vital, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where Financial Wealth alone isn’t enough to feel secure. With the shifting economic landscape—new tax rules under the OBBA Act and the continued rise of AI—it’s critical that we manage our “Life Portfolio” using Sahil Bloom’s five pillars for our overall well-being. Here are a few recommendations from his book, which I am paraphrasing here: Reclaim your “Time Billionaire” Status. Time is the ultimate luxury. Use your budget to buy back time. This might mean hiring a task service, automating your bills, or choosing a shorter commute over a slightly higher salary. If a financial decision costs you 10 hours a week of family time, is the “profit” really worth it? Social relationships are the best predictor of long-term happiness. As the book suggests, we ought to prioritize “deep” connections with family and a “broad” network for growth and perspective. Don’t just look at retirement accounts; rather look at your investments in your Social Wealth graph. The most radical part of Bloom’s framework is defining Financial Wealth as having “enough” to enable the other four types. Stress-test your “Enough Number.” This isn’t the number that lets you keep up with the ‘Joneses’; it’s the number that allows you to stop worrying about money so you can focus on your Mental and Physical Wealth. You cannot enjoy compounded interest if you aren’t around to see it. In the new year, I encourage you to look at your bank statement and ask: “Which of the 5 types of wealth did this purchase serve?”. If your spending is 100% focused on Financial Wealth but your Time, Physical and Social Wealth are in the red, it’s time to rebalance your portfolio. Let your 2026 goal be one that ensures your financial plan serves your time, your health, and your family.

Skewed-tons laws of emotion Emotions are powerful things. Like earthmovers. They literally move the earth. Tons of it. The words don’t matter, the ‘wizdom’ spouters don’t matter, not even the truth matters. Emotion can move a thing from any place to any other place. It does alchemy, converting things into nonthings, non-things into things, and all things into nonsense. Emotions arise when the self wants to do things for its surviving and thriving. There are innate drives imbued by nature that help the human organism survive. When these are threatened, emotion is the fire that kicks in, corrals and prioritizes all available resources, and saves the day. But there are also things that the “wizdom” of the crowds has indoctrinated us with, as well as the mountains of words and word-patterns that have accreted in our minds over time. When these things kick up our survival emotions, there is a battle that ensues inside between nature and nurture. Who wins — nature or nurture? It depends on the self. Whether you trust the infinite capabilities of nature versus the “wizdom” of crowds and your soup of words, or … you are less impressed by nature.

Rupa Pereira

Balaji Prasad

is a CFP, EA, CSLP and an Advice-Only Planner and Tax Professional based in North Carolina. She specializes in cross-border matters and all things financial planning. Contact: info@fwjplanning.com

is an IIT/IIM graduate, a published author, SAT/ACT Online and in-person Coach, and K-12 Math Tutor at NewCranium. balaji.prasad@newcranium.com.

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January 2026

Sweet Potatoes/Shakarkandi/Shakkariya: Sweet potatoes come in diﬀerent varieties and each of them have diﬀerent health benefits. They are rich in fiber, vitamin C, manganese, and vitamin A. They also contain several antioxidants, including beta-carotene, chlorogenic acid, and anthocyanins. Sweet potatoes promote heart health, provide energy, and can help regulate blood sugars. They are versatile to prepare in sweet and savory dishes.

Nutrition

continued from page 30

Elephant Yam/Suran: Mostly eaten during religious festivals and fasting, suran is a good source of slow digesting fiber rich carbohydrates that regulate blood sugars and give energy for a longer period. Suran also has other nutrients potassium, manganese, and vitamins. Suran can be enjoyed cooked as a sabji – dry or with gravy. It can also be made into sweet dishes like halwa or kheer.

Taro root/arbi: Taro or arbi root is rich with resistant starch and fiber supporting gut health, stable energy, and better Garlic: Garlic has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiblood-sugar control. It is also loaded with minerals and inflammatory properties. Garlic has been shown to improve antioxidants. Arbi root can be prepared as a dry vegetable heart health by improving cholesterol profile and reducing or with gravy. oxidative stress. For people who are sensitive to garlic, and may have bloating and other issues Turmeric: The ultimate superfood, turmeric with garlic, they may be able to use garlic has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antipowder instead. inflammatory properties. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin Ginger: Ginger is a powerhouse due which has the most potent antito its natural antibiotic, antiinflammatory and antioxidant inflammatory, and detoxification properties. It is important to take a properties. Ginger has a compound small amount of black pepper with called gingerol which has antiturmeric to help absorb the inflammatory and antioxidant curcumin. Fresh turmeric root can properties. Ginger is very eﬀective be used in cooking or pickled. for nausea and helps with Turmeric powder is used in improving digestion. Ginger can cooking and can be made into hot also be a pain reliever helping with tea or with milk. arthritis and menstrual pain. Turnips/shalgam: Turnips are packed Onions: Onions have antioxidants, with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and vasodilatory, and anti-inflammatory are lower in calories and lighter in flavor. properties. They help with opening They help with gut health and have airways and improving lung function. They antioxidant properties. have been shown to help with improving blood pressure and cholesterol and regulate blood sugars. Yams/Ratalu: Ratalu is a rich source of fiber, potassium, and Similarly to garlic, people sensitive to onions may be able to minerals along with resistant starch. It has antioxidants tolerate onion powder. which gives it a bright purple color. Ratalu is used to make savory dishes and is a common ingredient in the popular Potatoes: Potatoes are the most versatile root vegetables Gujarati dish undhiyu. It can also be used to make sweets eaten all over the world, and loved by people of all ages. like kheer. Potatoes are rich in potassium, and a good source of fiber, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C. Other root vegetables include parsnips, rutabagas, yuca, Potatoes are healthy carbohydrates that provide the body cassava, kohlrabi, celery root (or celeriac), horseradish, with energy. Even people with diabetes can eat potatoes as daikon, jicama, Jerusalem artichokes, and fennel. part of a balanced meal. Cooling potatoes after cooking creates resistant starch (prebiotic) which helps with gut It is evident that root vegetables have a wide variety of health and prevent sugar spikes. health benefits, and we should include them on a regular For maximum eﬀect, cook potatoes (boil, bake, steam), let basis. So, dig in! them cool to room temp, then refrigerate for at least 12 hours; they can be reheated and you will still get the benefit Parul Kharod of the resistant starch. is a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist and works Radishes/Mooli: Radishes help with digestion and as a Clinical Dietitian. She can be reached at detoxification and have biochemical compounds that have parulkharod@gmail.com. shown to have cancer preventive properties. Radishes are For more Nutrition for Life articles, versatile to use and can be eaten raw or cooked in salads, raita, cooked as a vegetable or in a paratha. visit our website and follow this link:

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a Muslim. He presented the Kuchipudi village to Brahmins in order to maintain and influence the un-blemished art of Hindu puranic rituals and dance dramas. Originating as a Natyamela (group of dancers) tradition, this form was initially practiced exclusively by a group of Vaidiki Brahmin men. The idea of men dressed up as females did not attract the general audiences. It was with this idea in view that the pioneer Vedantham Lakshminarayana Sastry also initiated women into this discipline. Lakshminarayana Sastry has trained many talented disciples including Vedantham Jagannadha Sarma, Vempati Peda Satyam, Vempati Chinna Satyam, C.R. Acharyulu, and Ayyanki Thandava Krishna. He also trained the temple dancers, including Duggirala Jagadamba of Mandapeta and Srirajitham. Non-Kuchipudi artists like T. Bala Saraswathi, Ramayya Pillai, Mylapore Gouri Amma and Tara Chowdary came to him for training in Abinaya. Even today over 400 plus families of this glorious art are living in the village of Kuchipudi to elevate and influence this cosmic dance form. I must also write about Kathak, a North Indian classical dance form. We can imagine hearing hundreds of ghunghuroos or brass bells, as we envision subtle expressions and graceful hand movements of this dance. Originally, only Brahmins had the responsibility of acquiring the knowledge and the privilege of disseminating that knowledge and influencing the public. Their act of storytelling developed into a full-fledged art form, which came to be known by their function namely Kathak. It is believed that this community of Kathaks seems to have been in existence right from the Vedic times. Their influence that began back then is still in existence all over the world. I must applaud Artist Par Excellence Padma Vibhushan, the late Pandit Birju Maharaj. His talent, dedication, vivacity, innovation was apparent in every dance performed by him and his students. Birju Maharaj was a descendant of the Maharaj family of Kathak dancers, which includes his two uncles, Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj, and his father and guru, Acchan Maharaj. Even in the early part of his career, he was part of cultural troupes sent abroad by the Government of India to represent India at various festivals. He had extensively toured all over the world including Russia, U.S.A, Japan, U.A.E., U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Burma, and Sri Lanka for performances as well as educating and influencing his audiences. I hope this article will help you remember the influencers who worked hard to propagate these thousands of years old traditional dance forms for us to cherish, appreciate and treasure. Many years of practice, grace, speed, versatility and complete mastery of the art are necessary to do full justice to these classical dance forms. I feel blessed as a dance teacher to positively influence the next generations here in the Carolinas to continue these traditions.

Mortgage companies will require proof of homeowner insurance before the closing process. You will need to add your mortgage company to the policy so that if there is any major loss, the mortgage company is protected as well. Mortgage companies will usually require you to take full replacement coverage, for example. If the house were to completely burn down, what would it take to rebuild a similar house? Note that replacement value is diﬀerent from market value. You may have purchased the house for $500K but the cost of rebuilding similar house may be $450K or $550K. So, you will need to buy insurance coverage based on replacement to ensure that in the event of a total loss, you will have enough funds to rebuild the house. Your policy may not cover you if the loss is caused by certain events. Most policies don’t cover floods, earthquakes or other expressly stated exclusions. If your property is in an identified flood zone, most likely the mortgage company will require you to have flood coverage. Finally, pay close attention to the deductible amount. Deductible is the amount that you will need to pay out-ofpocket for a covered loss before the insurance company pays the remaining amount. For example, if your deductible is $500 and you suﬀer a covered loss of water damage for $5,000, the insurance company will pay you $4,500. Naturally, higher the deductible, lower the premium and vice-versa. In the above example, if your deductible was $1000, you may have saved few dollars on the premium but then insurance would have paid only $4,000. So, make sure you understand the risk associated with choosing a higher deductible. Make sure that you have enough money set aside to account for the deductible in case of a claim. Once you have understood your policy and want to go ahead with the purchase, you will need to decide whether you want to escrow the payment or pay it together at once. Usually there is a discount for paying the entire amount. The first insurance payment is considered part of closing cost and so can be paid out of closing rebates, if any. Alternatively, you can decide to pay the premium through escrows – in that case, your payment you make to your mortgage company will be increased by the insurance amount and will be paid monthly. Again, good luck with your investment and hope that you and your family enjoy the benefits of home ownership without having to worry about catastrophic events. In the next few articles, we will go deeper into the coverages as your home policy provides a lot of benefits.

Anuj Kasera is a long term resident of Charlotte, NC and owns an insurance agency, focusing mostly on home, auto and business insurance. He can be reached at anujkasera@gmail.com.

Dr. Maha Gingrich For questions or comments, contact via email at GingrichMaha@gmail.com Saathee.com

January 2026

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January 2026

bonds built on shared challenges and shared adrenaline. One of the most beautiful parts of riding through India is experiencing its cultural diversity firsthand. From sitting with fishermen on the coast, to sharing meals with villagers in the mountains, to talking with tribal communities in the North-East, every moment felt deeply personal. People are often curious when they see a solo female rider. But what surprised me the most was the kindness I received everywhere I went. People helped me without expectations, made sure I was safe, guided me through unknown routes, and treated me like family. India’s hospitality is one of its greatest strengths, and I’m grateful to have experienced it so closely. My journey wasn’t always smooth. I faced tough situations, challenging roads, bad weather, and moments of complete exhaustion. But every struggle added another layer to my story. Riding taught me how to stay calm under pressure, how to adapt quickly, and how to believe in myself when the road felt endless. I learned to take responsibility for everything—from fixing minor issues to making diﬃcult decisions on the go. More than anything, riding helped me understand myself better. It taught me resilience, confidence, independence, and emotional strength. I learned how to enjoy my own company without feeling alone. I learned how to push through fear without running away from it. And I learned that the world becomes a lot more beautiful when you’re not afraid to explore it. Coming from Kutch, where riding was not common for women, this journey became more than a hobby—it became a statement. A reminder that your starting point does not define your destination. Many girls from small towns hesitate to chase their dreams because they don’t see examples around them. I hope my story becomes proof that passion carries you further than fear ever will. My India ride became a turning point in my life. I saw the country in ways I never imagined, met people I will never forget, and discovered parts of myself I didn’t know existed. From deserts to beaches, mountains to forests, small villages to busy cities, every ride felt like a new chapter. Even today, the thrill of exploration continues to grow. The more I ride, the more I realize how much there is left to see. India is endless, and so is the hunger to explore it. From the silence of the Kutch desert to the roar of Himalayan winds, from coastal curves to high-altitude passes, my motorcycle and I have created memories that no map can fully capture. And yet, I know this is only a small part of what awaits. There are still countless roads I haven’t explored, stories I haven’t heard, and terrains I haven’t conquered. With every journey, my curiosity only grows deeper. I don’t ride for destinations. I ride for discoveries—both on the map and within myself. And as long as the roads keep calling, I will keep exploring, one horizon at a time.

Riding India

continued from page 26

diverse terrains. That’s when I explored the Super Meteor 650 and the Himalayan 450, both of which shaped me in entirely new ways. Switching to these motorcycles wasn’t only about upgrading the machine; it was about upgrading myself. Each bike demanded more focus, strength, and skill, which gave me more confidence and control in return. With every ride, I felt a stronger connection to the road and a clearer understanding of what kind of rider I was becoming. What began in the quiet lanes of Kutch soon expanded into a full exploration of India. If there is one thing I learned while riding across the country, it is this: India can never be seen in one lifetime, but it is a place where every journey brings you closer to its soul. Once I tasted the freedom of riding across states, I knew I didn’t want to stop. The diversity of India unmatched—its landscapes, its culture, its people, its traditions. Riding through these regions wasn’t just travel; it was transformation. One of my earliest exposures to India’s vast beauty happened along the coastline. Coastal India is where my riding felt the most liberating. With the ocean on one side and long open highways on the other, the experience felt like nature was riding with me. Goa’s friendly energy, Karnataka’s long coastal stretches, and beautiful Konkan highways gave me a sense of calm I had never known. The salty air, the rhythmic sound of waves, and the serene sunsets taught me to slow down and enjoy the moment. Riding next to the sea feels like therapy—the coastline showed me that even the most powerful waves meet the shore with grace, reminding me to stay grounded even in motion. From the coasts, I eventually found myself drawn to the mountains. The Himalayas hold a kind of magic that is impossible to describe unless you’ve stood there in person. Riding through Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and parts of the North-East revealed a different side of India—mystical, spiritual, and full of stories. The mountains demand respect. Every sharp bend and steep incline teaches you how to be present. Riding there isn’t easy; it tests your stamina, skill, and sometimes even your courage. But once you adapt to the altitude, the narrow roads, and the unpredictable weather, the reward is indescribable. Kashmir in particular shifted something inside me. The valleys, the people, the endless stretches of snow-capped mountains, it all felt surreal. There is a softness in the air of Kashmir that makes you reflect on life more deeply. Every rider knows that mountain roads teach you more than any classroom ever can. They whisper the truth about patience, humility, and trust in the journey. I carried those lessons with me long after descending from the high-altitude roads. Off-roading became another passion as I pushed myself further. Tracks in Spiti, forest trails, muddy stretches, and gravel chai points, all these varied terrains transformed me. Off-roading demands both mental and physical strength. It forces you to stay alert, trust your instinct, and commit fully. Every slip, every climb, and every sudden change in terrain taught me to face fear head-on. It made me braver and more aware of my capabilities. Off-roading also connected me with riders from different parts of the country, forming Saathee.com

Ritika Sharma is a rider, traveler, and storyteller. Living solo in the mountains, building dreams on two wheels. Contact: ritz19sharma@gmail.com. 90

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Immigration

Eye on Markets

continued from page 68

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through a multiplier eﬀect of all the other things homeowners buy. The major drivers of inflation are all lower or heading down, housing, oil, and wages. Breakevens (proxy for future inflation) across the curve are in the low 2% range. Prices on food and insurance will not go lower because rates are high. Unlocking many cyclical areas of the economy such as housing, autos, regional banking, consumer discretionary, small business, will allow for investment, which in turn will lower inflation through an increase of supply of goods and services. We are in the midst of an AI driven productivity boom. Inflation will come down through productivity growth. Despite the restrictive policy, AI adoption is increasing. AI adoption is nearly 50% among corporations. Two-thirds of S&P companies are discussing how to implement AI. It drives productivity, which per worker is at all-time highs. Evidence from academic studies and company anecdotes suggest that AI is boosting labor productivity by over 26%. We are moving into a new phase of AI, where AI agents drive margin improvement at companies outside of technology. BNY is a great example of this. The CIO said, “we have 117 solutions [including agentic] touching everything that happens at the bank and we’re seeing really, really tangible outcomes that impact our bottom line in terms of growing capacity.” She said that the company has about 100 digital employees that possess their own login credentials, email, and report to a human manager. Rocket has cut processing time of a mortgage application by 80% from 4 hours to 15 mins with AI. Bank of America’s Erica handles 2 million daily customer interactions. Public Storage has reduced labor hours by 30%. XPO has used AI to reduce empty miles by 12%, cut diversions by 80%, and improve productivity by 2.5 points. Taco Bell is testing Voice AI for drive-thru orders. Sweetgreen has reduced labor costs by 700bps and nearly 100bps in COGS in restaurants its tested AI tools. Qatar Airways made an ad completely with AI during a flight from Doha to Atlanta. New examples of AI implementation are popping up daily. The incoming year 2026 will be about margins. S&P margins are expected to hit nearly 15% next year. This is up from under 12% when ChatGPT was introduced. Margin expansion means multiple expansion. The margin expansion is likely led by names outside of large cap tech. Large cap tech is spending big, while the rest of the market is using AI to make operations more eﬃcient. This will mean that the AI trade broadens from the producers to the consumers. Looking forward, the market will focus on a Fed meeting, the latest from Washington, and year-end positioning.

birth was lawful but temporary (such as, visiting on the Visa Waiver Program or being present with a student, work, or tourist visa) and the father was not a U.S. citizen or LPR at the time of said person’s birth. This interpretation would exclude an entire class of youngsters with a disproportionate impact upon Indian citizens lawfully present in the United States on H-1B visas, but unable to obtain LPR or US citizenship status due to the bottleneck associated with visa retrogression. Indian citizens seeking green cards through their employers often wait nearly 13 years to complete the process whereas a citizen of neighboring Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal or Sri Lanka would wait approximately 3 – 3 ½ years for the same process. The EO, if implemented, would result in the children of such H-1B workers being denied US citizenship, resulting in them being relegated to nonimmigrant status. In support of its position, the Trump Administration argues that the 14th Amendment was “adopted to confer citizenship on the newly freed slaves and their children, not on the children of aliens temporarily visiting the United States or of illegal aliens.” However, when looking at the issue through the plight of Indian H-1B workers, the conclusion that they are in the US “temporarily”, while legally correct, is absurd on its face. Employment-based immigration practitioners often have Indian clients that have been in H-1B status for over a decade who are simply waiting for their green cards to be issued. Their children, most of whom have grown up in the US, are hardly foreigners and often have little to no knowledge of their parents’ homeland, aside from the occasional family vacation. Individuals challenging Trump’s EO rely on a 1898 Supreme Court decision (US v. Wong Kim Ark), which states that the child born in the United States born to Chinese parents who were not US citizens was also as US citizen at birth based upon a plain reading of the 14th Amendment. The case is slightly distinguishable, as Wong Kim Ark was born to Chinese citizens that were permanently residing in the United States; Trump’s EO targets children not born to individuals with permanent residency status. If the EO is upheld, the ensuing regulatory chaos would be enormous. Because individuals are not granted birth certificates by the federal government, but instead by individual states, each state would need to engage in an inquiry as to the immigration background of each parent to determine whether citizenship was conferred upon a child. Aside from the practical consequences, the Administration’s argument that children subject to the EO are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States is curious. If this conclusion were accurate, then these same individuals would ostensibly not be deportable from the United States as they would not be “subject” to the country’s jurisdiction.

Rishi P. Oza is Partner at Brown Immigration Law, a firm that focuses solely on immigration law; he practices in Durham. roza@rbrownllc.com.

Ketu Desai is the principal of i-squared Wealth Management Inc. (www.isquaredwealth.com), an investment management firm based in New Jersey. ketu@isquaredwealth.com Saathee.com

Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and not necessarily of the publisher or editor. 92

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Dharmendra

Mindful Masala

continued from page 80

continued from page 58

20. Ye Dil Diwaanaa Hai (Ishq Par Zor Nahee) [Sadhana] 21. Zilmil Sitaronka (Jeevan Mrityu) [Rakhee] 22. Kaliyone Ghunghat Khole (Dilne Phir Yaad Kiya) [Nutan] 23. Tum Sabse Haseen Ho (Mohabbat Zindagi Hai) [Rajashree] 24. Aapne Apnaa Banaayaa (Dulhan Ek Raat Ki) [Nutan] 25. Saathiyaa Nahi Jaanaa Ke Jee Naa Lage (Aayaa Saawan Jhumke) [Asha Parekh].

fully, to move forward instead of endlessly delaying for a future I can’t predict or control. Some things require timing — like a vacation planned for next year — but most of what we postpone doesn’t fall into that category. The Weight of the Someday List We and I have long lists of things we’ll do “someday, maybe.” I collected many of these items over the years, and they sat untouched before I eventually tossed them out. I realized not everything deserves to happen, and this isn’t about turning life into a frantic bucket-list race. It’s about recognizing what genuinely matters and choosing to make progress now, instead of letting things sit forever and facing regret after the moment has passed. There truly is a time for everything. Some experiences fit certain seasons of life. I’d rather try bungee jumping in my twenties, thirties, or forties than in my fifties. Some windows narrow. Some doors open now but won’t later. And beyond that, none of us knows how much time we have. I’m not trying to be morbid, just real. If we woke up tomorrow thinking “This is my time,” who knows what might shift? Maybe nothing. Maybe we slip into old patterns. But maybe we finally move toward what we want instead of endlessly preparing to begin.

If you are a connoisseur of Bollywood movies and music, I am sure you will find at least some of these to be your favorites, too. If you have not heard (or not heard enough of or have not heard in a while) some of these songs, you will find them delightful to listen and watch. Note that 19 of these 25 songs were sung by the immortal Rafi. But it doesn’t diminish the fact that Dharmendra seemed the perfect on-screen voice for each of them. (And if one were to attribute these songs’ popularity only to Rafi, then that would be certainly the case for all the leading stars of 1960s). I will revert to one of these beautiful songs to re-live those years. Thank you Dharmendra for your contributions to the Golden Decade. Your memories will be cherished for a long time to come through these timeless songs.

Dr. Sanjay Ahire is Professor and Co-Director of USC Operations and Supply Chain Center at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. He lives with his wife Sneha in Blythewood, SC. They share a deep passion for old Hindi movies and songs. Contact: drsanjayahire@gmail.com.

Every Moment Is My Time Every moment is my time because I choose how to show up. I can’t control everything — life changes, curveballs appear — but I control my response: my intention, my awareness, my presence. When we view time this way, it stops happening to us and becomes something we participate in. It’s not about control or hyper-productivity. It’s about recognizing that now is the only moment guaranteed. So how do we make this shift? It doesn’t require a massive overhaul or quitting your job to travel the world. It starts smaller. It starts with noticing. Tomorrow morning, try thinking: “This is my time.” See how it feels. Notice what shifts. Maybe you carve out fifteen minutes for something meaningful. Maybe you make that call. Maybe you simply see your life with more clarity. No, we can’t suddenly do everything. But we can make consistent progress on what matters — right now — instead of waiting for a perfect moment that may never come. Because the point isn’t perfection. The point is presence. Apna Time Aayega (Your time will come). But more importantly: Apna Time Aaj Hai.

Hiren Deliwala is a Charlotte-based overthinker, closet philosopher, and avid board gamer. He writes about everyday life, Indian upbringing, and finding humor in the chaos. When not philosophizing over chai, he’s usually losing arguments to his wife and, shockingly, learning from them. Contact: hcdeliwala@gmail.com Saathee.com

January 2026

Guru Tegh Bahadur

continued from page 22

Most Sikhs—and Indians of all faiths—remember Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib for his unparalleled sacrifice and honour him as a defender of human rights. Yet another dimension of his life remains less known: his profound devotion to music. He was a great musicologist, an expert Mridang player, a poet, and a composer. He composed 118 shabads, including pade, ashtapadis, shastriya shaili compositions, and shlokas, rendered in 17 rāgs. These include Asa, Basant, Basant Hindol, Bilawal, Bigagra, Dhanasri, Dev gandhari, Gauri, Jaitsri, Jaijawanti, Maru, Ramkali, Sorath, Sarang, Tilang and Todi. These compositions were incorporated into the Guru Granth Sahib after his martyrdom by his son, the Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is important to remember that the Banis of all Sikh Gurus are composed in 31 Shuddha Gurmat Sangeet rāgs and 31 Mishrit Raags and enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, which holds the place of the Living Guru in the Sikh faith. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s compositions continue to inspire Sikhs to live fearless, truthful, and spiritually grounded lives. His writings illuminate socio-religious and political challenges, highlight the transient nature of material wealth, and emphasize the futility of worldly pursuits. Central to his teachings are Naam Simran (meditation on the Divine Name) and unwavering devotion to God. Above all, his Bani teaches Sikhs to remain fearless and to stand firmly against cruelty and injustice. His supreme sacrifice to protect the freedom of Hindu religion is a powerful example of this message. As a child, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji had the privilege of receiving training in classical, vocal, and instrumental music. While the names of his music teachers are not documented, it is known that he learned Gurbani and Hindu mythology from Bhai Gurdas Ji, and spiritual teachings from Baba Budda Ji - two Sikh scholars and pivotal figures of early Sikh Faith. He also received military training from Bhai Bidhi Chand and Jati Mal Ji, who were devout Sikhs and exemplary warriors. They taught him horseback riding, warfare strategy, and provided weapons training. Guru Sahib was an exemplary swordsman and participated in the battles of Amritsar and Kartarpur. Because of the bravery he displayed in the battle of Kartarpur against Painda Khan—where he proved a formidable warrior—his father and the Sikhs began calling him Tegh Bahadur (“wielder of the mighty sword”) instead of his childhood name, Tyag Mal. Although he lived as a saint at heart —alongside being a poet, a musicologist with deep admiration for Bani and Gurmat Sangeet—he also lived the life of a soldier. To understand how such a saint embraced the sword and took part in battle, one must look at his family and childhood. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was the grandson of the Fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, who was martyred when Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s father, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, was only eleven years old.

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His grandfather’s martyrdom inspired his father, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji to establish the doctrine of Miri-Piri— now a core principle of the Sikh faith—which transformed the identity of the Sikh from a saint to a saint-soldier (santsipahi). This transformation was formally marked during Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’s Guruship ceremony, when he asked Baba Budda Ji to place two swords around his neck instead of the traditional sallī, a woolen ceremonial thread. He named the sword on the left Miri, representing worldly and temporal authority, and the sword on the right Piri, symbolizing spiritual power. The purpose of Miri-Piri was to teach Sikhs to cultivate strength, defend the right to practice faith without fear, and resist religious and social oppression. The philosophy encourages Sikhs to practice non-violence and remain saintly—yet to do so from a position of courage, not weakness. It reminds Sikhs to engage consciously in worldly life while keeping the spiritual realm as their ultimate destination. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji inherited this philosophy, lived it, and ultimately sacrificed his life without surrendering to tyranny. He sacrificed everything to protect those who were helpless. Although his martyrdom took place 350 years ago, many parts of the world continue to face similar struggles even today. Even in regions that appear to be wrapped in tranquility, injustice can disguise itself and exist in subtle forms. During such times, we must turn to the Guru’s teachings and Bani for strength, clarity, and guidance. If we witness injustice in our environment or communities, we must speak up and oﬀer our support to help confront and contribute to meaningful change. We must also remember the central practice of Naam Simran and make recitation of Bani and engagement with kirtan a priority, for this is the ultimate purpose of human life. My deep love for kirtan and music makes it impossible for me to overlook Guru Sahib Ji’s profound devotion and contribution to Gurmat Sangeet. His Bani serves as a spiritual prescription—guiding us to overcome our inner enemies and move toward liberation. As Sikhs, we should make a conscious eﬀort to learn and recite Bani in Gurmat rāgs and ensure that we pass down this profound spiritual heritage as a treasured heirloom to our future generations. This could be one way we could pay a humble tribute to our Mahan Guru and celebrate his life and remember his supreme sacrifice.

Arvind K. Rajpal is a Hindustani classical music teacher who sees music as a spiritual journey. She holds a Sangeet Visharad from Gandharva University and a master’s in Gurmat Sangeet from Punjabi University, Patiala. She is passionate about singing Gurbani in Gurmat Sangeet raags while aspiring to build a community united by love for music. She also teaches science in the Cabarrus County School System. Contact: Saluja.ak@gmail.com.

January 2026

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Tune Your Brain Solve these brain teasers - Solutions on Page 110

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January 2026

PUZZLES

Puzzles 4 Kids Answers on page 110

Answers on page 104 Saathee.com

Magic Maze Answers on page 110 102

January 2026

Key Word Search Fill in blanks of these clues, then take the ﬁrst letter of each word and unscramble them to ﬁnd this month’s Key Word. _____, capital of Scotland. The second month of the year _____. _____ Britannica, reference books. _____, capital of Delaware. Toronto is in province of _____. Go Figure! Answers on page 104

Boston is in this state _____. _____ Redford, famous actor. Answers on page 104

Chess Puzzles Difficulty:

Answer:

Difficulty: Game reference: Anton Guijarro v Liem Le 2016 Directions: White to move, checkmate in 3. Answer: 1. Rxf7+ Kxf7 2. Qh7+ Kf6 3. Rf8#

Puzzle provided by the Charlotte Chess Center

Directions: White to move and win material. 1. Qxh7 if 1…Qxh7 2. Rf8#

Visit: charlottechesscenter.org

Game reference: Aronian v I. Khamrakulov 1993

Difficulty: Game reference: Alekhine v Freeman 1924

Hello Readers We welcome comments and suggestions about our puzzles and cartoons pages. Send your thoughts to Samir@Saathee.com

Directions: White to move, checkmate in 3. Answer: 1. Nh6+ Qxh6 (1…Kh8 2. Rxf8#) 2. Rxf8+ Kxf8 3. Qd8#

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January 2026

Festivals & Holidays

Puzzle Solutions Spot the Diﬀerences Solutions from page 56

January 2026 Jan. 1 - New Year’s Day Jan. 1 - Kwanzaa Ends Jan. 2 - Hazarat Ali’s Birthday Jan. 2 - Pausha Purnima (Full Moon) Jan. 6 - Epiphany Jan. 6 - Sakat Chauth Jan. 12 - Swami Vivekananda Jayanti Jan. 12 - National Youth Day Jan, 12 - National Hot Tea Day Jan. 13 - Lohri / Maghi Jan. 14 - Makara Sankranti (Uttarāyan) / Pongal Jan. 16 - Lalit al Mi’raj Jan. 16 - Religious Freedom Day Jan. 18 - Darsh Amas (No Moon) Jan. 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr Day Jan. 23 - Vasant Panchami Jan. 23 - Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti Jan. 24 - International Day of Education Jan. 25 - Ratha Saptami / Bhishma Ashtami Jan. 26 - Republic Day (India) Jan. 28 - Jaya Ekadashi Jan. 28 - Multicultural Children’s Book Day Jan. 30 - Gandhi Punyatithi

1. Pig on a spit 2. Christmas tree ornament 3. Whirlpool 4. Zebra added 5. Hippo in the water 6. Ship sail 7. Sunset 8. Smooth water

9. Gorillas in the trees 10. Multi-colored sand 11. Propellor blades added 12. Mermaid figurehead 13. Man wearing a hat 14. Snowy trees 15. Dolphin fin

Key Word Search Answers from page 103 Puzzle Solutions from page 102

Edinburgh February Encyclopedia Dover Ontario Massachusetts Robert Key Word of the Month: FREEDOM

Go Figure! answers from page 103

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January 2026

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105

January 2026

Astroscope

JANUARY 2026

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

The ﬁrst half of the month could be incredibly positive for you. Creative work may get reorganized. Good health and cooperation with family may boost conﬁdence. You can count on help from your partner as they may teach you tactics to handle adverse situations. You may experience a downward trend during the last week. Avoid getting any legal matters.

After a lazy start, this period should take an incredibly positive turn. You may experience some complications but will ultimately achieve success with the assistance of your partner. Avoid listening to your friends. Don’t get involved in legal matters and be prepared for travel. Some digestion problems may bother you during the middle of the month. A sense of uneasiness may also inﬂuence your mind from time to time.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

You may have to compromise your morals this month, though destiny will ultimately be on your side. You may get terribly busy at your place of work, and this will bring in more money. You could also earn name and fame due to one of your hobbies. Consider starting new venture or investing in real estate. This is a good period to make new friends or think hard on a potential marriage proposal. Take extra precautions for your health as well.

Focus on your health this month. Destiny may keep a hold on to your life, so it’s advisable to surrender to it else you may end up developing adversity with your associates. Your efforts may not go the way you want; however you should feel more conﬁdent by the end of the month. Travel should be avoided and drive carefully to avoid accidents.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Now is the time to return to a daily routine. You may enjoy good news at work as both your workload and status will increase. In fact, your family reputation may help with this status increase. Your child may also gain some respect. If involved in business, this is a good time to expand but avoid investments in land property. Respect your elders to grant their blessing.

Even without self-conﬁdence and proper viewpoints, you should do well. Your reputation and education may even provide a good foundation for this. Don’t compromise within your circumstances and instead rely on your past knowledge. Despite potential mistakes, this should protect you during each and every step. An appreciation of these skills could also bring in extra income for you. Enjoy a long-distance journey.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

The labor you put into the ﬁrst half of the month will produce satisfactory (but not promising) results during the second half. You will experience disturbances in your day-to-day pursuits, so don’t get involved in too many projects simultaneously. A change in career is possible this month. This is a good time for a vacation. A religious or social ceremony is also possible within the family.

This will be quite an easy period as life runs very smoothly without any major events. Minor health issues could bother you this month. You should be able to maintain steady ﬂow of income. Spiritual power may constantly boost your conﬁdence and guide you in the right direction. You may enjoy respect at place of work during the second half of the month.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

After a positive start, things will disperse from your control, with sudden changes. Spend some money ﬁxing and decorating your house. Try to avoid conﬂict and do not argue with your spouse. The time, though, is good for making new friends or starting a love affair. Some type of family issue will make you spend substantial amount of money. Don’t stress, just be prepared.

After a slow start, life should take a positive turn. Be prepared to make quick decisions and immediate moves. A business partnership is also possible, though it could involve ﬁnancial risk. Don’t involve your partner in any business deals. Minor family problems could also be there so try to avoid them. Good health and self-conﬁdence should help you prevail.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

A very busy schedule and unexpected travel may change your plans from day to day. This is a good time to buy real estate. Go against your nature and be wisen as a misunderstanding with an associate may fuel a hot argument. An improvement in your health is clearly indicated. Bad news from your partner is possible during the second week of the month.

You may have to work against your own theory and listen to your competitors. Minor difﬁculties are also possible with your partner as your only support. Learn to compromise and go with the ﬂow. Otherwise, your decisions may hurt you and severely affect your health as well. You may get business partnership offer, but it’s best not to get involved. It’s advised to slow down and relax whenever possible.

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CLASSIFIEDS

Submit a Classified at: saathee.com/classifieds or email: saathee@saathee.com or call 704-527-7570

Business Opportunities Looking for a Business? An Indian store in RTP area is available for sale. Limited option of lease / owner finance / partnership available. Please contact by text 919-225-2518 or by email harig81us@gmail.com. Beauty Parlour Booth Rentals Available For personal service professionals in Cary, NC. For details, call 919-649-1228. Rental Property Management Business for Sale Established business for 20+ years in Raleigh/Greensboro area. 100K+ income. Invest as little as 5K with free 1-year full support and training. NC Real Estate license required. For details, call 919-358-3018. Hotel for Sale 105-Rooms in Mobile, AL. Price reduced. Call broker at 843-302-1999. Independent Financial / Insurance & Agent Development Opportunities Work from home in the financial insurance industry with excellent income potential! Call / text 908-590-4210 to schedule an appointment.

Employment Opportunities Gas Station / C-store Help Needed For stores near Huntersville & Northlake areas. Must speak English. Family friendly oriented people. Call 704-402-4661. Part-Time/Full-Time Business Opportunity Looking for licensed / unlicensed professionals for one of the fastest growing companies in North America. Maximize your income with our highest Compensation plan in North America. Guaranteed support & professional training. Contact Bhavesh Patel (Executive Director) 704-390-4747. Household Help Needed 2-4 times/week in Apex, NC. Please call 336554-1377. Cashier Wanted for Convenience Store near Kannapolis, North Carolina. Very attractive salary! Accommodations provided. Text or Call 704-701-9482. Saathee.com

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Gujarati Vyas family in Jacksonville, FL looking for live-in nanny to help take care of 1 year-old girl and help cook. Will have their own room & bathroom. Please call 917-226-0330.

Multi-Unit Hotel Management Co. looking for: Corporate IT/Business Analyst; Accounts Payable Assistant; Hilton/Marriott/IHG Hotel Certified General Managers. Front desk positions available. Prior experience Required. Competitive pay with benefits. Contact By Text only: 704-649-6833 or Email: abcone@abcinns.com.

Immediate Opening Experienced Manager at independent motel in Charlotte, NC. Communication skills and legal status required. Complimentary accommodations provided. Excellent salary w/ bonus program. Please send resume to wmalone683@gmail.com.

Help Wanted for Indian grocery store in RTP. Please contact by text 919-225-2518 or by call 919489-9084 or email harig81us@gmail.com.

Seeking Sales Manager

Front Desk Clerk Opening

to lead sales team of Hospitality supplier company in High Point, NC. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hospitality sales, outside sales, & account management, with a proven ability to analyze market trends & develop effective strategies to attract & retain clients by influencing stakeholders at all levels. Proficiency in Salesforce or similar CRM software for account management and sales tracking is preferred. Monday to Friday in High Point, NC (not remote). Email resume to rajm@amerifabintl.com.

at Hotel on W Sugar Creek Road in Charlotte. 3rd Shift (9pm - 7am). Some hotel experience, basic computer skills, and fluent English preferred. Please text 704302-3318.

Immediate Opening

for New Indian Restaurant in Spartanburg, SC. Please Call / Text 704-267-6272.

for Tandoori Chef in Fuquay-Varina NC. Text to 252-626-3655 or email info@zeeranc.com. Front Desk Clerk Needed for Franchise Hotel in Fort Mill, SC (near Carowinds). Some hotel experience, basic computer skills, and fluent English preferred. Please text 704-302-3318. Hotel Help Wanted

Front Desk / Manager, Night Auditor & Housekeeper (Single / Couple) for franchise hotels in Charlotte, Gastonia, High Point, NC & Columbia, SC. Accommodations provided. Call 704460-0379 between 6-9pm.

Gas Station Seeking Help Single or couple. in Rock Hill, SC seeking help. Good pay for an experienced person! No accommodations. Call 803-659-3330. Need a Professional Main Chef

Live-in Help Needed Vegetarian Household in South Charlotte looking for live-in help with daily household tasks, including light cooking, cleaning, and assisting with childcare when needed. Please call 336-416-0729. Front Desk Help Needed for Franchise Hotel Accommodations provided. Concord, NC. Call 704-772-5554. Gas Station/C-Store Help Needed in Greensboro, NC. Must have previous experience and legal status. Great salary with benefits. Call 336-509-4054.

Sales Associates Wanted for Mall Perfume Stores in Charlotte, NC, Pineville, NC, Hickory, NC, Memphis, TN & Knoxville, TN. Full-Time and Part-Time shifts available. Call Veer Singh: 415-265-8686.

Seeking Help for Elderly Couple with vegetarian Gujarati cooking or delivering food 1-2 times/week in Concord, NC. Must have own transportation. Call/text 248-515-2732.

Manager / Front Desk Needed for Franchise Hotel in Rock Hill, SC. With Accommodations. Please call 803-517-4662. Retail Sales Associates Needed for Mall in Durham NC. Call 336-554-1377. 108

Live-In Help Needed ASAP for Gujarati Family near Ballantyne, NC. Light cooking and cleaning. $2000 per month. Text or Call 781-228-1701 or 704907-7349. January 2026

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40 year-old groom looking for Bride. Medical Doctor. US Citizen in North Carolina. Contact 919-437-1202 or bpraja1985@gmail.com.

Beautiful iBrows in Carolina Place Mall. Full-time or part-time available. Hourly pay plus tips. Call Hashim 202-213-5227. Front Desk Help Wanted Looking for candidate to work Front Desk at Hotel in Pineville, NC. Must speak and understand fluent English. Prior experience in Hotel industry preferred. Accommodations can be provided. Please call 704-691-5061. Full-Time Cashier Wanted for Gas Station in Charlotte metro area. Legal status is must. Please call 704-2414499 for details. Hotel Help Wanted Front Desk / Manager, Night Auditor & Housekeeper (Single/Couple) for franchise hotels in Charlotte (Airport Area) & Winston-Salem (Near Hanes Mall). Accommodations provided. Call 704-626-4849 between 4-8pm.

Seeking Elderly Help For household work + cooking / delivering vegetarian Indian food (Punjabi, Gujarati, etc) 1-2 times/week in Wilmington, NC. Please call 202-257-7742 or 704-779-4431. Front Desk Manager & Housekeeping Couple Wanted for franchise hotel in Columbia, SC. Accommodations provided. Fluent English required. Text / Call 704-701-9975.

Well-educated 4th year Medical Student (25 year-old, never married, and goodlooking, Vegetarian, Spiritual, Gujarati, only child, US Citizen) looking for girl, preferably Medical professional but will accept any higher education. Text Shailesh 260-602-3354. US citizen, Hindu, business graduate, 33 currently working in a federal position in Raleigh, NC. Looking for educated bride. Call 336-683-7631 or cstore1947@yahoo.com. 43 year-old groom looking for Bride. Physical Therapist. Contact 919-437-1202 or dharmessh57@gmail.com. Looking for Bride for 47 year-old Gujarati man (never married, vegetarian, nonsmoker/drinker, but open-minded, single, and highly educated). Over 19 years of experience in the IT industry, currently working as an Application/Solution Architect at well-known U.S. bank in Charlotte, NC. Call 980-406-0666.

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57 year-old North Indian vegetarian seeks match. US raised US citizen; family in Charlotte for over 20 years. Engineer / Director. Briefly married 20 years ago in long distance relationship. Contact sobhavatishantha2025@outlook.com.

Travel Passion International & Domestic Air tickets. We process India Visa, OCI, Indian Passport Renewal, Hotel bookings & Tour packages. Call 509-550-9076 or 509-550-9034 or email travelpassion24@gmail.com.

For Sale / Rent

Seeking Furniture Salesperson to join a Hospitality supplier company team in High Point, NC. This B2B sales role focuses on developing new business opportunities, nurturing client relationships, & offering tailored furniture solutions to meet the needs of hotel environments. The ideal candidate must be self-motivated & goal-oriented with exceptional organizational skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required. Some understanding of commercial space planning and design principles preferred. Competitive base salary plus commission. Mon to Fri in High Point, NC (not remote). Email resume to rajm@amerifabintl.com.

Call Bob! Atkinson Properties Group 919-362-6999

Property for Sale in Tamil Nadu, near Yelagiri Hills by Bangalore-Chennai National Highway. 5+ acres with a huge well, surrounded by lush green orchards. Great investment. Low price. Single Owner. No encumbrances. Contact Mona via WhatsApp 602-743-2763. For Sale GOGO Ultra X 3-Wheel Motorized Scooter for seniors. Almost new and hardly used. 300 lb. weight capacity. Color: Black. $800 Negotiable. Call Rina for photos or more details at 252-525-3291 and leave message. 109

Neeta's Beauty Parlor Full service. Near Hindu Center of Charlotte. For details on our services or to make an appointment please call 704-968-0270. Affordable Wedding Photography 20 years of experience in Indian wedding photography. Specializing in film & digital photos. Engagement, Wedding, and Receptions. Contact Vivek: email: vivekweddingmemories@gmail.com or call 347-321-4746.

To Submit a Classified visit: saathee.com/classifieds or email: saathee@saathee.com January 2026

Tune Your Brain Solutions from Page 100

Editor’s Desk

continued from page 14

An overly enthusiastic helper wanting to make suggestions, write for me, think for me. An intrusive eyeball, getting in the way of my personal creativity. So, naturally, I disabled it. My writing slate is now again cleaner, relying on my own wits, words and composing capabilities, typos, grammatical errors, clunky sentences, all of it. Things I can go back over, review and rewrite. There’s always a need to reread and rewrite, which is something I rather enjoy, by adding this, deleting that, improving structure and flow, and getting it ready for presentation for anyone interested in reading. I have said this before and I’ll say it again; AI is a technological advancement that for the first time in human history is designed to reduce the need for humans. That’s ok, up to a point. We have invented new technology and plenty of devices to make our lives easier, less laborious. That’s a good thing. The dilemma here is that this full-on diving into AI will create large segments of unemployed and underemployed people. Less thinking, less inquisitive, dare I say, less balanced humans. Before we reach some type of utopian balance of humans and technology, there will be massive dissonance, dissolution and disillusion. This is the current dilemma we must analyze and work out together before divisiveness and distrust increase. A field guide is needed for the average person to know what is real or true and what is artificially created for the purpose of manipulation. There is already plenty of automated content slop tossed to us in our information consumption. So why does a Trekkie like me, someone who loves the technological world of Star Trek, now want a simpler, less tech world? I guess I’m underwhelmed, so far, by this scattershot AI popping up everywhere while slowly becoming overwhelmed with the barrage of automated digital content. These are murky waters. Can communities or societies emerge from this that are better aware, engaged and informed? Without the insertion of leaders, teachers, and mentors of strong ethical grounding keeping the alleys of technology swept and clean, I have my doubts. Maybe I’d like to slow technology at this juncture, at least for myself, while we are seesawing on this new world where AI is wobbly and still under our control. The tidal waves of exponential change can be seen on the horizon, rapidly approaching. Are companies creating technology that will cannibalize itself? Common sense, human creativity, hands-on eﬀorts, original writing, music, painting, filmmaking are all under threat. Give me paper and pen and I’ll get to work. Will I accept AI to a certain, minimal extent? Sure, I’m game for a bit more convenience. In the meantime, I’ll stick with human copilots, thank you very much.

Magic Maze & Puzzles4Kids answers pgs 102 -103

Samir Shukla is the Editor of Saathee Magazine Contact: Samir@Saathee.com X: @ShuklaWrites Newsletter: ShuklaWrites.Substack.com Saathee.com

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Advertisers Index for Charlotte, South Carolina & Atlanta Region 360insureall.com (Maqsood Khan) ......................49 Aag Ki Raat .......................................................25 AmeriFab International.......................................89 Anand, Versha (Real Estate) .................................73 BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Charlotte).......16 Bashyam Global LLP - Immigration Law............114 Bhindi Jewelers ...................................................2 Blooming Buds ...................................................47 Blumenthal Arts (Events) .......................................3 Brijal Shah (Keller Williams - Real Estate).............69 British International School of Charlotte................9 Brown Immigration Law (Rishi Oza, Partner) .......99 Business for Sale (Rental Prop Management) .........41 Carolina Law Group ...........................................95 Carolinas Aesthetics ............................................63 Charlotte Chess Center ..........................................4 Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat .........................60 Charlotte Trim Light ...........................................10 Chiro-Carolina ...............................................85 Color Master Collision Center ..............................81 Concha, David (Immigration Attorney).................73 Concord Children's Clinic ..................................27 Copper Restaurant (Charlotte) .............................17 Countywide Commercial (Pavement Solutions) ....111 Desai & Desai LLP (CPA & Financial Services) ......43 Desai & Mehta CPAs PLLC .................................51 Dhira Hapani (Realtor) .......................................29 DJ Lalit (Lalit Hemnani) .....................................39 Eesha Realty, LLC...............................................57 Elite Motors .......................................................23 Furtados School of Music....................................93 Geological Resources, Inc. ..................................105 Gleams LLC .......................................................73 Glo Dentistry (Ankit M. Amin, DMD)..................75 Global Mall / Legacy Jewels ...............................115 H2 Laser & Skin..................................................25 Health Markets (Medicare, Health, Life, Supplemental).53 Hindu Center of Charlotte (Events) ................ 76-79 Hitch Hiker's Guide to College .............................21 i Care Med Clinic (Pineville).................................13 Immigrant Forward Legal Solutions.....................49 Insurance - Tushar Barot, Supreme Insurance Serv. 105 Insurance Shopping (Sonal Patel - Independent Agent).97 JVC Realty (Balaji Tatineni Realtor / Broker).........61 KB Zaveree (Atlanta) ...........................................19 Khanna & Sons Jewelers.......................................15 Krunal Joshi (Life Insurance Advisor)....................39 Kumar, Kokila (Real Estate - Allen Tate) ................63 Lead Designs LLC...............................................89 Malak Jewelers....................................................35 Malani Jewelers.................................................116 Malaya Kitchen...................................................31 Master Mahindra (Psychic & Spiritual Healer).......29 Master Sakthi (Astrologer & Psychic Spritual Healer) 107 Mathur, Gitanjali (Howard Hanna Allen Tate)........27 Maxim Tours.......................................................39 Meenakshi Creations LLC....................................29 Mehta & McConnell, PLLC (Injury Lawyers).........91 Merrill Lynch (Monica Vadhera) ...........................85 Mint MedSpa & Laser Studio ...............................33 Mystic Spice Restaurant (Charlotte)......................83 Neeta's Beauty Parlor ..........................................31 New York Life Insurance (Rasheed Ulhaq) .............31 North American Bancard ....................................11 NRS PAY Credit Card Processing .......................113 NSD Tax & Accounting Services............................81 One 2 Entertainment ...........................................43 Patel & Samatova, Law........................................55 Saathee.com

Patel, Mrugesh (Law Offices)..............................107 Patel, Tony (Real Estate) ......................................31 Persis Indian Grill (Fort Mill, SC) ........................59 PKT Tours USA..................................................47 Pramukh Mandapam.........................................111 Prime Value Financials (Beena & Rahul Parmar)....41 Queen City Smiles (Dr. Kanupriya Tewari).............59 Raja Reslan - Financial Advisor (Edward Jones) .....21 Regal Oaks Dental & First In Smiles Dentistry .......67 Ruby Realty LLC (Neil Pathak)............................24 Rug & Home.........................................................5 Ryan Shah (The Sidd Ensemble Bhajan Band)......107 Saffron Restaurant and Catering...........................69 Satya Realty & SAT Prep .....................................65 Shah & Associates, CPA, PLLC.............................47 Shah & Trivedi CPA, PLLC ..................................55 Shah, Anish (Real Estate) ....................................71 Shankar Realtor (Shankar Sandir - Ram Realty) ....21 Sona Realty (Venkat Suryadevara) ......................101 SP Orthodontics (Matthews)................................63 Subham Supermarket ..........................................87 Swadhyay Pariwar ................................................7 Taaza Fresh Indian Bistro.....................................41 Taige Media........................................................81 Technone LLC (Securtiy Systems) .........................43 The Blue Taj........................................................17 TMSA (Public Charter Schools) .............................6 Travel Passion .....................................................49 Union Family Eye Associates (Dr. Keshav Bhat)......75 Uniworld Travel ................................................105 VAS Mortgage (Sunita Dalal)...............................51 VAS Realty LLC (Ashwani Dalal) .........................37 Vema Mortgage LLC (Chirag Rachhadia)........ 59/75 Vimal Realty (Vimal Patel Realtor/Broker in Charge).44 Windsor Run (Erickson Senior Living)..................13 Worldwide Travels ...............................................55

Index for Raleigh (Triangle), Greensboro (Triad) & Virginia 360insureall.com (Maqsood Khan) ......................49 Aag Ki Raat .......................................................85 AmeriFab International.......................................89 Anjappar (Now Open in Durham) ........................59 Apna Bazar (Morrisville) .....................................75 Aura Skin & Laser (Dipan Patel) ..........................31 Bashyam Global LLP - Immigration Law............114 Bhindi Jewelers ...................................................2 Blooming Buds ...................................................47 Bombay Central (Grocery & Take Out Food)..........65 Brown Immigration Law (Rishi Oza, Partner) .......99 Business for Sale (Rental Prop Management) .........41 Carolina Law Group............................................95 Carolina Weddings Show .......................................5 Cary Internal Medicine & Diabetes Center, PA........25 Cary Medical Clinic.............................................27 Chandni's Beauty Salon .......................................23 Charlotte Chess Center ..........................................4 Classifieds.........................................................108 Concha, David (Immigration Attorney).................73 Countywide Commercial (Pavement Solutions) ....111 Crescent Dental (Dr. Kavita Ghai) ........................31 Darji, Iyer, Joshi & Patel (Accounting &Tax Services).17 Desai & Desai LLP (CPA & Financial Services) ......43 Desai & Mehta CPAs PLLC..................................51 DJ Lalit (Lalit Hemnani) .....................................39 Eesha Realty, LLC...............................................57 Furtados School of Music....................................93 GCAP (Events) ...................................................13 Geological Resources, Inc. ..................................105 112

Gleams LLC .......................................................73 Global Mall / Legacy Jewels ...............................115 Health Markets (Medicare, Health, Life, Supplemental).53 Hindu Center Charlotte ......................................78 Huntington Learning Center .................................9 i Care Med Clinic (Pineville).................................85 Immigrant Forward Legal Solutions.....................49 Inchin's Bamboo Garden......................................29 Insurance - Tushar Barot, Supreme Insurance Serv. 105 Insurance Shopping (Sonal Patel - IndependentAgent)97 International Community Church.........................69 Johnson's Martial Arts - Tae Kwon Do ...................67 KB Zaveree (Atlanta) ...........................................19 Khanna & Sons Jewelers.......................................15 Krunal Joshi (Life Insurance Advisor)....................39 Lead Designs LLC...............................................89 Madan Khatri (Vema Mortgage) ..........................29 Malak Jewelers....................................................35 Malani Jewelers.................................................116 Marriott Raleigh Crabtree Valley..........................16 Master Mahindra (Psychic & Spiritual Healer).......29 Master Sakthi (Astrologer & Psychic Spritual Healer) 107 Maxim Tours.......................................................39 Mehta & McConnell, PLLC (Injury Lawyers).........91 Morgan & Allen Insurance (Hitesh Patel)...............17 Myriad Enterprises (Nitika Prajapati)...................13 NC Dermatology Associates..................................63 NCIAP (People's Medical Care)............................10 North American Bancard ....................................11 NRS PAY Credit Card Processing .......................113 NSD Tax & Accounting Services............................81 Oh' Calcutta (Restaurant Winston Salem) ..............79 One 2 Entertainment ...........................................43 Patel & Samatova, Law........................................55 Patel Brothers (Cary)...........................................83 Patel, Mrugesh (Law Offices)..............................107 PKT Tours USA..................................................47 Pramukh Mandapam.........................................111 PreJuve Medspa & Wellness (Neelu Agarwal MD) ...27 Prime Value Financials (Beena & Rahul Parmar)....41 Rajeev Devgon, CPA ...........................................77 RB Realty Group (Ravi Bheemarao) .....................33 Real Triangle Properties (Joe Mathews) .................77 Rug & Home.........................................................3 Ryan Shah (The Sidd Ensemble Bhajan Band)......107 Shah & Associates, CPA, PLLC.............................47 Shah & Trivedi CPA, PLLC ..................................55 Shah, Anish (Real Estate) ....................................71 Shamim Beauty...................................................67 Singh, Manny (Real Estate)..................................21 Sona Realty (Venkat Suryadevara) ......................101 Spectrum Family Medicine (Sujatha Sajeevan, MD)23 Spices Hut .........................................................61 St. George's Anglican Church ...............................21 Stylish Me ..........................................................25 Swadhyay Pariwar ................................................7 Taaza Fresh Indian Bistro.....................................41 Taige Media........................................................81 Technone LLC (Securtiy Systems) .........................43 TMSA (Public Charter Schools) .............................6 Travel Passion .....................................................49 Tutoring (Nirmala Koripella - A+ Tutoring)..........24 Uniworld Travel ................................................105 VAS Mortgage (Sunita Dalal)...............................51 VAS Realty LLC (Ashwani Dalal) .........................37 Vema Mortgage LLC (Vipul Hapani) .............. 13/23 Vimal Realty (Vimal Patel Realtor/Broker in Charge)44 Wake Spine & Pain..............................................69 West Cary Medicine (Dr. Kareem M.D.).................21 Worldwide Travels ...............................................55 January 2026