Well, another election is here. This November is a very off year election season, as just a few local and regional seats are being contested. Check with your local election commission for mayoral, city council or municipal elections. Remember Election Day is November 4, 2025. Local elections are as important as national elections, as city councils and mayors make decisions that immediately affect you. Go to the non-partisan website Ballotpedia.org to easily find your local election ballots.
Don’t forget to visit Saathee.com for regularly updated content.
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. Thanks for reading.
Some highlights in this issue:
♦ Read about “A Transition to Reacceleration” in the Eye on Markets column on page 46.
♦ The Dances of India column features the recently revived dance art form, “Perini Shiva Thandavam’ on page 50.
♦ 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).
“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Saathee
“Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent.”
November 2025 Issue # 330
Editor Samir Shukla (Samir@Saathee.com)
Publisher & Advertising
Divakar Shukla 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:
Cover: Valluvar Kottam, Chennai
Valluvar Kottam is a monument situated in the southern city of Chennai. It is dedicated to the classical Tamil poet philosopher Valluvar. It is the city's biggest Tamil cultural center. It was designed by South Indian traditional architect V. Ganapati Sthapati, who is also the architect of the Thiruvalluvar Statue at Kanyakumari.
Photo: Adobe Stock
Taige Shukla, Rupa Pereira, Sonali Sethi, Dipika Kohli, Rishi P. Oza, Balaji Prasad, Hiren Deliwala, Dilip Barman, Ketu Desai, Dr. Maha Gingrich, Ahsen Jillani, Parul Kharod 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. - F OUNDED 1998 -
(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.
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 is published monthly. Deadlines for advertisement, submissions and events information is 15th of the month.
It’s a particular smell. That of diesel fuel and the fumes of a machine that burns it for its functioning. There’s usually a bit of black smoke or exhaust fumes that spew when you turn a diesel fueled engine on.
The aroma is, um, distinct. If you’ve ever passed through the thin black stream of smoke emanating from an 18-wheeler truck when on the road, then you know what I mean.
In our case the diesel gulper is a farm tractor that we bought last year to help manage the several acres of land that we now call home. This time of year, mid-October, the fall breezes of the American South are sweet, and they help quickly dissipate the diesel fumes, cleansing the air.
During fall in the South, or I suppose much of the country, the cool breezes and colors on the leaves meet plantings – bulbs, flowers, or bushes and trees, dug and stuffed into the ground for bloom in the spring. Winter crops also make their way into the ground in the surrounding farmlands near our homestead in this corner of North Carolina.
No part of the country can best a Southern spring, and now the fall is no less joyous. Both arrive slowly and linger longer than in other parts of the country. I feel the South in its air, whether it is warming spring breeze or cooling fall breeze.
Until we bought the tractor, I had never thought of diesel fuel. Never had the need for it.
Editor’s Desk continued on page 110
Upcoming Events
Verse & Vino: Charlotte, NC (November 6, 2025)
Verse & Vino is Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation’s annual fundraiser. For over a decade, this celebration of reading, writing and the joy of libraries –shared with a community of readers and authors – has become one of our region’s most anticipated events. It will take place November 6, 2025, 6pm, at Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S College St, Charlotte, NC. Info: 704-339-6000 or visit Foundation.cmlibrary.org.
Madhu & Govind Chandak present Raj Kapoor: A Legacy of Music & Romance on Friday, November 7, 2025 starting at 7pm at HSNC’s Cultural Hall. This fundraiser for the Heritage India Association of NC (HIANC) will feature the singers Dhawal Chandwadkar, Swarada Goadbole, and Abhilasha Chellam along with accompanying live musicians. Food will also be available for purchase. Tickets and other info available at tugoz.com/rtprajkapoor.
Cape Fear Kite Festival: Kure Beach, NC (November 7 – 9, 2025)
Set your sights to the sky at the 18th Annual Cape Fear Kite Festival between November 7 & 9, 2025. An annual tradition, both amateur and professional kiters take to the sky with a dazzling array of colorful kites of all shapes and sizes seaside at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Pack picnics or visit food trucks and various vendors on-site during the two-day festival. Bring the whole family and your four-legged friends for fun beside the shore. Find out more at Wilmingtonandbeaches.com.
Uma Shakti Dham Diwali: Gastonia, NC (November 8, 2025)
Vishnu Umiya Foundation and Uma Shakti Dham present Diwali celebration on Sunday, November 8, 2025, beginning at 2pm. The venue is Gastonia Day School. For more details, call 252508-9898, 704-678-3834.
Hariharan in Concert: Kannapolis, NC (November 9, 2025)
Popular singer Hariharan will perform live with a band on Sunday, November 9, 2025, 5pm, at Kannapolis Performing Arts Center, 425 MLK Jr., Ave., Kannapolis, NC. Presented by Nachbaliye Dance Academy and LMT Seva. For more details, call 203-710-2241 or 612-978-3040.
Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival: Huntersville, NC (November 15 – 16, 2025)
Spend a weekend with fast-paced action, four-legged fun. The Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival at Rural Hill is back, bringing together top-tier sheepdogs, lovable pups, and dog lovers of all kinds for an unusual festival. It will take place November 15 – 16, 2025 at Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC. Info: 704-875-3113 or visit Ruralhill.net.
Diwali Musical Night:
Charlotte, NC (Sunday, November 16, 2025)
Hindu Center presents the annual musical night on Sunday, November 16, 2025, starting at 6pm. Singer Neha Verma (of SaReGaMaPa fame) and her live Raag N’ Roll band will perform. It takes place at Vihar Hall, Hindu Center, 7400 City View Dr., Charlotte. For more details, call 704-488-8145, 704-6789991 or visit Hcclt.org.
Worldquest
2025: Charlotte, NC (November 20, 2025)
WorldQuest is global trivia where high school students, trivia buffs, and community teams all go head-to-head to prove who really remembers their geography teacher’s lessons. Recognized as North Carolina’s largest global trivia competition and international education program. The event helps raise funds for the World Affairs Council of Charlotte’s education programs, supporting students, educators, and our community as they navigate today’s complex global landscape. There are several categories. It will take place in Charlotte on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Details: Worldaffairscharlotte.org.
Ice Skating at Camp North Pole: Charlotte, NC (November 20 – January 4, 2025)
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. It happens from November 20 – January 4, 2025, at Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Ave, Charlotte, NC. Details: Camp.nc.
NOV 28, 2025
Upcoming Events
Carolina Renaissance Festival: Huntersville, NC (Through November 23, 2025)
Triangle Got Talent: Cary, NC (December 6, 2025)
History comes alive with nonstop, day long entertainment, arts and crafts, games and rides, jousting knights on horseback, and feasting. The Renaissance Festival is a 16th century European-style art, food and entertainment festival combining outdoor theater, crafts, circus entertainment, and marketplace. Each weekend from October 4 to November 23, 2025. There are also themed weekends. Info: Carolina.renfestinfo.com.
Novant
Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade:
Charlotte, NC (November 26, 2025)
Enjoy this annual Thanksgiving Eve Parade on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 on Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte. The parade will begin at 5:30 pm. Enjoy lights, music and festivities. Info: Nnovanthealththanksgivingparade.com.
Charlotte Turkey Trot: (November 27, 2025)
The Turkey Trot is a Charlotte Thanksgiving tradition for the past 37 years. The largest road race in North Carolina recorded over 11,000 participants last year. The community comes together to kick-off the holiday season with a healthy morning run or walk before heading home for food and family. Starting and finishing at South Park Mall, participants can choose from an 8K Run, a 5K Run/Walk, a 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk and a 50-yard Tot Trot. 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC. Info: Cltturkeytrot.com.
Triangle Vegetarian Society Thanksgiving: Durham, NC (November 27, 2025)
The country’s largest vegetarian Thanksgiving will be held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Café Parizade, Durham, NC. There are also preThanksgiving events. Find all the details at Trianglevegsociety.org/thanksgiving.
The Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular: Charlotte, NC (November 28 – December 30, 2025)
Ballantyne’s Backyard will host the fourth annual walk-through light show, November 28 – December 30, 2025. The Carolinas’ most dazzling holiday tradition is back at 11611 North Community House Road, Charlotte. Now in its fourth year, the event continues to bring holiday magic, memory-making moments, and more than a million lights to life. Last year, more than 90,000 visitors attended. Info: Ncholidaylights.com.
HumSub’s Triangle Got Talent (TGT) is a talent showcase celebrating the vibrant and diverse talents of the Triangle community. As part of HumSub’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations, TGT will offer a platform for performers of all ages and backgrounds to display their skills, whether in music, dance, comedy, or other performing arts. Finalists will perform at this Triangle Got Talent Grand Finale in front of a live audience. Catch it on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Alston Ridge Middle School, Cary, NC. Info: Humsub.org.
Mistletoe Market will take place the first three Saturdays of December 2025 from 2-7 pm.
Vintage Charlotte, Studio Cultivate, and the CampFam are bringing back your faves with a few holiday surprises. At Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Ave, Charlotte, NC. Details: 980-337-4600 or visit Camp.nc.
ICC Christmas: Apex, NC (December 6 – 31, 2025)
International Community Church presents its annual Christmas celebration events:
Dec 6: Christmas Pageant, beginning at 10am. Dec 13: Christmas Carol Service, beginning at 4pm. Carol singing in several Indian languages including Hindi and Tamil with musical instruments by children.
Dec 25: Christmas morning worship, 10am.
Dec 31: New Year Watch Worship, 10pm. The church is located at 1402 E. Williams St., Apex, NC. For more details, call 919-233-2900 or visit Icc-church.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
What the Whole World Can Learn from India’s AI Journey
By Vilas Dhar
When the world gathers in India for the Global AI Impact Summit in February 2026, it would be easy to mistake it for one more technology conference. But this could be a very different get-together. It could become a defining test of whether governments, companies and academics can choose a path of co-creation, drawing lessons from India’s experiment with open digital innovation to build a global artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem that serves humanity.
India’s digital public infrastructure shows what happens when openness is a design feature of a system from the beginning. Aadhaar, the open digital identity framework, now serves more than 1.4 billion people. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), built as an interoperable financial network, has become one of the world’s most used payment systems, processing nearly 17 billion transactions in January 2025 alone. Together, these systems helped increase the share of financiallyincluded individuals in India from 53% in 2014 to 80% by 2024, a transformation that would have otherwise taken decades.
Chandnis Chandnis
Before I Forget One Woman’s Journey Through Fading Memories
Mirror, Mirror by Jennifer Allen
“Is this the right place?... What did I come out here for?”
I came across Before I Forget almost serendipitously through a YouTube video mentioning stories which use memory and recollection to reach their audience. As a first-person exploration game, it’s relatively short at 4560 minutes depending on how in depth you wish to dive into every little detail.
The setting is depicted like a constantly shifting watercolor painting as the protagonist wanders throughout her London flat. You immediately sense something is off when you spy various Post-It Notes strewn around to remind her of seemingly menial tasks. Eventually all color washes away as she continually gets lost in a seemingly endless hallway of doors on her way to use the restroom.
It isn’t until you finally find said restroom that you spy one of those ‘pill a day’ containers on the bathroom counter with a prescription label for Donepezil; an inhibitor medication to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
As the player investigates each item displayed in the flat, words and pictures will emerge bit by bit like a brush exposing a lost artifact. You can observe an array of photos and celebratory cards showing the protagonist and her husband at various stages of their relationship. You eventually learn that this woman is Dr. Sunita Appleby, an award-winning Cosmologist who is married to Dylan Appleby, a pianist and composer.
With tender voice-over from Anjali Kunapeneni as Sunita and Mason Scott Robinson as Dylan, you’ll be treated to assorted fleeting flashback moments as she remembers certain points in their relationship. A small purple umbrella prompts one of how they met in Amsterdam while music on the radio shifts to the day they moved into the flat as newlyweds.
The Year of the Composition
Composition
Similitude
Similitude
Kismuth and the Way II by Dipika Kohli
Once at a house party around the time I was in my early twenties, after giving up on art school in New York and moving back to the Triangle, I met someone cool. This nice lady, a bit older, whom I wasn’t expecting to say this, but she said it. She said, ‘Oh! That’s what you want to do? Wow. It’s really quite refreshing. You’re not trying to be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. Frankly, I’m just so, so tired of all that.’ (I was, too.)
Maybe you can relate? I want to write something relatable, this time, since ‘similitude’ is something writers are supposed to try to aim for when we write. So that there’s a reason for you to read, because what would be the point if there wasn’t something in it for you? I mean, this was the month I almost didn’t write this piece because at Thanksgiving when I visit people who are related to me, I really do freeze up. I mean, you can’t talk about the quote you find so amazing with them, this one:
“The laws of physics applied to what we know of the universe at large aren’t enough to build a full cosmological theory encompassing the birth and death of galaxies as well as the history of the entire universe. The cosmologist need supplementary info and almost always the extra ingredients take the form of philosophical preferences or aesthetic judgements.” — The End of Physics, Theory of a Unified Theory, by David Lindley
Kismuth continued on page 80
Next to Sangam Mart
Winter Holidays and Healthier Food
Winter Holidays and Healthier Food
Kharod
In the September issue, we talked about Indian festivals of Navratri and Diwali. Let us continue the conversation to include other winter holidays celebrated here in November and December. Often our indulgent eating starts during Navratri, Diwali and extends to family reunions during Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Add to that other holiday parties, and it stretches into a three-month long feast. Just like we talked about healthier foods and ingredients for Navratri and Diwali, let us see what foods are available in winter that can be part of a healthier feast.
● Apples: A very good source of Dietary Fiber and Vitamin C, apples are perfect as a snack with peanut butter. Add chopped apples to oatmeal or a salad. Add an apple to dal while cooking for a unique flavor.
● Butternut Squash: Roast it or bake it, add it to dal/sambhar or make soup with it. Butternut squash is a good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium and Magnesium, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium and Manganese.
● Cranberries: Cranberries are a good source of Vitamin E and Vitamin K, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C and Manganese. Use them in baking or add them to salad or make chutney.
● Greens: Green vegetables such as spinach, kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, mustard greens, Bok choy, and broccoli are nature’s pharmacy for preventing many chronic diseases. They are high in Dietary Fiber, and rich in Folic acid, Vitamin C, Potassium and Magnesium. They contain bioflavonoids like Quercetin, and phytochemicals such as Lutein, Beta-Cryptoxanthin, Zeaxanthin, and Beta-Carotene. Green vegetables are also a major source of Iron and Calcium. Use a variety of greens in dal. sabzi, salad and soups.
Nutrition for Life by Parul
Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving!
Upcoming Movie Releases
November 7
Predator: Badlands (Director: Dan Trachtenberg)
Cast: Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi
Ek Din (Director: Sunil Pandey)
Cast: Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi
Nuremberg (Director: James Vanderbilt)
Cast: Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, Leo, and Richard E Grant
Sarah’s Oil (Director: Cyrus Nowrasteh)
Cast: Zachary Levi, Sonequa Martin-Green, and Vincent D’Onofrio
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert Pattinson, and LaKeith Stanfield
Haq (Director: Suparn Verma)
Cast: Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam
Train Dreams (Director: Clint Bentley)
Cast: Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, and William H Macy
The Great Pre-Wedding Show
(Director: Rahul Srinivas)
Cast: Thiruveer, Teena Sravya, and Rohan Roy
November 14
De De Pyaar De 2 (Director: Anshul Sharma)
Cast: Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, Tabu, and Rakul Preet Singh
The Running Man (Director: Edgar Wright)
Cast: Glen Powell, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t (Director: Ruben Fleischer)
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and Morgan Freeman
Jay Kelly (Director: David Freyne)
Cast: George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, and Stacy Keach
Arco (Director: Ugo Bienvenu)
Cast: Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, Flea, Natalie Portman, and Mark Ruffalo
Run (Director: Uwe Boll)
Cast: Amanda Plummer, James Russo, and Barkhad Abdi
Trap House (Director: Michael Dowse)
Cast: Dave Bautista, Sophia Lillis, and Bobby Cannavale
November 21
Wicked: For Good (Director: Jon M Chu)
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jeff Goldblum
120 Bahadur (Director: Razneesh Ghai)
Cast: Farhan Akhtar and Raashii Khanna
Rental Family (Director: Hikari)
Cast: Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, and Akira Emoto
Haunted 3D: Ghosts Of the Past (Director: Vikram Bhatt)
Cast: Mahaakshay Chakraborty and Chetna Pande
Gustaskh Ishq (Director: Vibhu Puri)
Cast: Naseeruddin Shah and Fatima Sana Shaikh
Mastiii 4 (Director: Milap Zaveri)
Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, Aftab Shivdasani, and Arshad Warsi
November 26-28
Zootopia 2 (Director: Byron Howard)
Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, and Idris Elba
Andhra King Taluka (Director: Mahesh Babu Pachigolla)
Cast: Ram Pothineni, Upendra, and Bhagyashri Borse
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
(Director: Rian Johnson)
Cast: Daniel Craig, Josh Brolin, and Glenn Close
Tere Ishk Mein (Director: Aanand L Rai)
Cast: Dhanush and Kriti Sanon
Saathee.com/movies has the latest info on where the movies
F i l m C l i p s
Haq
A diverse group of people navigate the harsh realities of debt, loans, and financial hardship in modern society, as their personal lives and relationships face mounting pressures. The film is directed by Suparn Verma and stars Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam. Look for it on November 7, 2025.
De De Pyaar De 2
The movie unfurls the concerns of a young woman’s family in response to her romance with a 50-year-old. Anshul Sharma directs Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, Tabu, and Rakul Preet Singh in the movie that is slated to open on November 14, 2025.
Nuremberg
A WWII psychiatrist evaluates Nazi leaders before the Nuremberg trials. He becomes increasingly obsessed with understanding evil as he forms a disturbing bond with Hermann Göring. Russell Crowe and Rami Malek star in the James Vanderbilt film. It releases on November 7, 2025.
Sarah’s Oil
The true story of eleven-yearold Sarah Rector, an African American girl born in Oklahoma Indian Territory in the early 1900s, who believes there is oil beneath the barren land she’s allotted and whose faith is proven right. Directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh, the film features Zachary Levi and Naya Desir-Johnson. It opens on November 7, 2025.
120 Bahadur
Jatadhara
Directors Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal tell the tale of the enigma of Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, examining myths about its alleged supernatural powers. Starring Sudheer Babu and Sonakshi Sinha. Movie opens on November 7, 2025.
Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar star in the movie about valiant Indian soldiers fight against Chinese troops during the 1962 SinoIndian War, preventing a potential occupation of Ladakh region in the Battle of Rezang La. The Razneesh Ghai film opens on November 21, 2025.
Mastiii 4
Three unhappy husbands plan to leave their boring marriages. Their bold scheme offers liberation and thrill, but the aftermath takes surprising turns. Milap Zaveri directs Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, Aftab Shivdasani, and Arshad Warsi. The film opens on November 21, 2025.
To “Get” is Human; to Not “Get” is Divine
To “Get” is Human; to Not “Get” is Divine
Thinking About Thinking by
Balaji Prasad
“I want to sing like the birds sing, not worrying about who hears or what they think.” ~ Rumi
One of the most difficult places to swim is in the insides of someone else’s head. However, it is quite common. Just look around to see widespread signs of this habit.
“She’s like that!”
“He won’t compromise on that!”
“They’ll disapprove and bad mouth us!”
Is there anything wrong with making such assertions? Can it cause harm to you?
What you see is what you get!
“Getting” things as they are rather than using word soup to frame things that are out of whack prevents blindness. The above kinds of summary assertions say more about emotional tangles inside than about the people that are ostensibly the subject of these pronouncements.
It is not just that we incorrectly calibrate the reality. These kinds of statements will become selffulfilling prophecies. There will be results and
consequences that are in line with the imagined reality because of incorrect judgments and decisions. We might unconsciously behave in ways that may influence the people we hold these theories about to actually behave in line with such theories. The predictable, “see, I told you so!” is likely to follow.
All this stems from a philosophical error called “the fallacy of reification” in which Dr. Frankenstein makes his nonsensical assertions come to life. And we get, in the real world, what we “got” inside the mind. As we “thought” we would.
But what if we could somehow stifle our imaginative and linguistic prowess, and choke down the ability to brew strange-tasting word soup? Even if we fail to “get” the reality, we will at least know that we don’t get it. That could be a better place than if we think that we understand something but actually have it completely wrong. In other words, would it not be better to be in a conscious state of not-knowing versus in an illusionary one of “knowing”?
But there is something else to keep in mind too, besides self-awareness about our word-world discordance: reality is not always knowable to the extent that we would like.
Many things cannot be “got”
Going back to the commonly observed penchant to swim inside the recesses of someone
Thinking continued on page 82
The Course Business of Fine Air
Ahsen Jillani
“You have an Ivy League college, Berkeley, Southern Cal, University of Virginia here,” my dad’s secretary told me on the phone. “It is time to transfer.” I paused for a minute. “But I have a girlfriend,” I said softly. That ended the conversation. Karen left of course but I continued to spin out of control at discos with the prejudices of the Iran hostage crisis still lingering in the early days of the Reagan era.
The college newspaper was the only salvation where I trained or influenced many young people who went on to have careers in publishing, literature, and journalism.
I landed a nice white-collar position as the editor of a financial/legal paper locally. Then I quit it all and followed my first wife to Virginia because her lesser paying job demanded an immediate transfer.
Three years later, I returned divorced and remarried working blue collar in a printing company because the George H.W. Bush economy hadn’t yet experienced the trickle down from the Reagan yuppie and isolationist culture.
This set the stage for malaise that felt more like being dunked in a jar of mayonnaise. Ignorance is always our friend and often a bedfellow of stupidity. “Hey, I work for a printer. I can start a literary magazine.” I was too naïve to know that art had nothing to do with reality at any level. I kind of started a publication called The Charlotte Poetry Review, with zero money and zero plans, but a hefty dose of irrational exuberance.
This venture was a lot like jumping out of the bushes in a marathon near the last mile and acting like you are about to win it all.
There actually was a literary community here in Charlotte but they were mostly dormant since the 1970s. Plenty of groups got together and workshopped their writings but nothing was mainstream. CPR and the
Subcontinental Divide continued on page 72
Subcontinental Divide by
A Transition to Reacceleration
on the Markets
by Ketu Desai
The economy is in a period of transition. The current backdrop is uneven growth and restrictive monetary policy. This will give way to accelerating growth in 2026 with accommodative policy. The drivers of this transition will be fiscal expansion, a manufacturing renaissance, AI, and a Fed cutting cycle.
The administration pivoted over the summer from contractionary policies such as DOGE and onerous tariffs to fiscal expansion from the One Big Beautiful Bill and deregulation. The deficit is already tracking ahead of last year. The One Big Beautiful Bill will add another $2.75 trillion to the deficit, according to the Wall Street Journal. Much of the Bill has to do with tax incentives and immediate expensing to drive capital expenditures. The tax incentives combined with the tariffs are meant to drive domestic manufacturing. There have been $5.1 trillion dollars in investment commitments to bring manufacturing back. While not all of it will come through, the point is that there
will be a significant increase. Corporates will make those decisions later this year and into Q1, driving a growth acceleration in 2026.
We are starting to see early signs that corporations are starting to plan for 2026. The latest ISM Manufacturing PMI showed that the New Orders Index moved from contractionary to expansionary. Durable goods orders were up 2.9% last month. Goods orders, less defense and air (a proxy for business spending), are running at an annualized level above 5%. Both industrial and manufacturing production surprised to the upside. The credit impulse is turning positive, which usually precedes growth acceleration. The AI data center capex boom remains a big portion of the expansion. The major hyper-scalers will spend nearly half a trillion dollars next year on the buildout. This alone will put GDP growth for the economy at 1.67%.
This spending is not going to stop any time soon. According to reports Larry Page has said, “I am willing to go bankrupt rather than lose this race.” Mark Zuckerberg said that he would rather risk, “misspending a couple of hundred billion dollars” than miss out on developing super intelligence.
Eye
Notary
ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL OCCASIONS
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
LAW OFFICES OF DAVID A. CONCHA
725 East Trade St., Suite 105 (Court Arcade Building) Charlotte, NC 28202
We can also serve your needs in the following areas: Auto Accidents
Workman’s Compensation DWI, Speeding Revoked License and Similiar Traffic Infractions and Simple Divorce
SERVING THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
My parents are IMMIGRANTS therefore I can understand your situation. You will be treated with the utmost integrity and respect. Saturday and telephone consultations available
Member American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
Perini Shiva Thandavam A Revived Art Form
of India by Dr. Maha Gingrich
When I was 6 years old, Guru Padmashri Nataraja Ramakrishna came to our house and told my father that he wished to teach me Kuchipudi dance form. I remember him doing a small dance in our living room. I was astonished to see a man do such exemplary facial expressions depicting a woman. He left such an impression that even today I remember his dance and the song quite clearly. He sure was a gift to the classical dance forms of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
While many of our ancient temples and art forms have been preserved throughout the ages, many more have been lost as well to the devastations of time and foreign rulers. In recent years, due to the dedication and determination of some great men and women, some of these precious cultural gems have been revived.
The rebirth of Telangana heritage dance, Perini Shiva Thandavam also known as Perini, is one such success story. This dance flourished centuries ago in the Teluguspeaking regions, reaching its peak during the Kakatiya Dynasty’s rule. The dance finds mention in the early medieval work Bharataarnavam by Nandikeshwara.
Based on this work, Guru Nataraja Ramakrishna first made mention of Perini in his award-winning book Daakshinaatyula Natyakala Charithra. I actually have a copy of it in my library. As it is written in Telugu language, my reading is a bit slow but steady.
Perini is the militant male dance tradition of the 10th century A.D. This dance was performed before the battle, honoring Lord Siva. The rulers of Kakatiya Dynasty, whose capital was Orugallu, now known as Warangal, were great devotees of Lord Nataraja, the king of dances. As I mentioned before, during their rule, the Perini dance form attained its highest peak. The breathtaking temples they left behind are a clear example of their legacy.
Due to its spiritual history, this dance style became a natural method to stimulate the warrior spirit. With the fall
Dances of India continued on page 88
Dances
Adding Teenagers to Your Auto Insurance Policy
by Anuj Kasera
Last time we discussed the insurance requirements for new immigrants, who must take their own separate insurance. In this article we will talk about the insurance implications of adding your teenager to your policy. You must consider not only the cost of adding the new driver but also the risk to your personal assets if your child is involved in a major accident.
Your auto insurance policy will cover all licensed members of your household if they are listed on your policy. If your child is not listed on your policy and has an accident, the carrier may deny the claim, and you will be responsible for all damages.
When to add a child to your policy:
Learner’s permit: Your child will need to get a learner’s permit as the first step. Many insurers do not require you to add a child with a learner’s permit but do let your carrier know as rules differ from company to company. Premiums typically remain unchanged until the individual obtains their full license.
If you have a business auto policy, it may be different. Your company may add your child as an additional driver with no experience and that will increase your premium. Talk to your agent or company at the earliest to avoid any surprises.
Once fully licensed: You will need to add your child to your policy as soon as they are licensed. Your insurance company will be notified automatically by the DMV when a new driver is added to your household. Do not take the risk of waiting for the insurance company to force the update. Until you add the new driver, you may be personally liable for any damages in an auto accident involving your child.
Rates will most likely go up as your child will be considered inexperienced and higher rates will apply. Most insurers will consider them new drivers for the first three to nine years. There may be some steps you can take to reduce the impact as discussed below.
Parent policy vs. Separate policy: A child living at home or going away for full-time college can remain on the parent’s auto policy. Separate policies are almost always more expensive. If the child who lives with you gets their
OB3 Part 3: Everything Else
Financially Speaking by Rupa Pereira
It just hit me; we’re two months away from the end of the year! Where did 2025 go and how is it going to end? As I write this, we’re still battling an onset of shutdown-imposed consequences – delays at airports, delays in postal services and delays in non-emergency public services. When will government shutdown be a thing of the past? My hope is by the time this article makes it in the November edition that we’re not staring at the stark consequences of the shutdown, but then, who has the crystal ball?
I don’t have the power to call off the shutdown, but I can surely educate you on landmark legislation that had us all fawning over till the shutdown stole its thunder. If you’ve been following my series in the past couple of months, I covered tax provisions of One Big Beautiful Act that was signed into law by President Trump in July 2025. It was a significant tax act that will take months to implement. We discussed changes to personal tax scenario and education planning. In this final instalment, I’ll focus on other aspects of the One Big Beautiful Bill, i.e. OBBBA in short and how it applies to other entities.
Let’s look at how businesses will be impacted. When we speak of businesses, we’re referring to an entity that exists
on its own, long after its original owner has passed. Corporations primarily fit this bill and to some extent Partnerships or LLCs, if they choose to be treated as Corporations. Businesses rely on various tax provisions to manage their operating and financial footprint.
Provisions related to previous Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that were extended as a result of OB3 were:
● Corporate Tax Rate remains intact at 21%.
● Qualified Business Income Deduction of 20% retained for Passthrough Entities.
● 100% Bonus Depreciation restored beginning January 2025.
● Immediate Expensing of Capital Expenditure rather than amortizing or capitalizing the spend – up to a dollar limit.
● Domestic Research and Development expenditure can now be expensed where previously they had to be amortized.
● An increase in reporting threshold from $600 to $2000 for those that are paid as a contractor or for independent work relieves stress for the businesses that issue these 1099s.
Financially Speaking continued on page 82
SHAH & TRIVEDI CPA, PLLC
Certified Public Accountants & Wealth Planners
SMALL FIRM PERSONALITY WITH BIG FIRM CAPABILITIES
• Bookkeeping
• Full Service Payroll
• New Business Set‐Up
• Business Consulting
• Review & Compilation
• Accounts Receivable/ Payable
• Individual & Business Taxes
• Advanced Tax Planning
• Notary Services
• Business Buy‐Sell Intermediatory
• Foreign Income Tax/FBAR/FATCA
• Tax Matters related to Income/Property in India
• ITIN Acceptance Agent
• Representations with government authorities
• Big 4 firm experience YOUR FINANCIAL SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS
Kirti
Shah, CPA, Chartered Accountant (India)
Hardik Trivedi EA (IRS), MBA, CCA
Kalgi Trivedi, CPA
Two Locations to serve you: Charlotte: 3230 Prosperity Church Rd., Ste. 202
Research Triangle Park: 3528 Davis Drive, Morrisville
See if you can spot the 15 differences between the original photo on top and modified below. (Solution on page 104)
Midlife Crisis or Midlife Opportunity?
Mindful Masala by Hiren Deliwala
There’s a quote by Andy Andrews that goes, “You’re either in a crisis, just coming out of one, or about to go into one.” That rings true for most, especially during midlife. For many in the Indian diaspora in the U.S., and really anyone who has spent years raising kids, managing a household, building a career, and keeping life running, midlife can feel like unfamiliar territory.
We finally have more free time, fewer urgent responsibilities, and no rigid routine tied to school drop-offs or extracurriculars. And yet, instead of peace, many of us face a strange kind of restlessness.
They call it a midlife crisis for a reason. The kids are growing up or have already moved out and started making their own decisions.
The job has settled into a rhythm that’s more predictable than inspiring. The house is quiet. And now we’re left with time, something we once longed for but now don’t quite know what to do with it.
There’s often an internal tug-of-war: Should I stay in my current role or move into management? Should I start a business? Reinvent myself? Some people explore side hustles, open franchises, or pursue second careers. Others wrestle with how to spend time with a spouse now that the parenting phase has slowed down.
Add to this the emotional weight of aging parents, our own health changes, and questions around relationships and purpose—and it’s no surprise this stage gets labeled a crisis.
But what if we could look at this time differently? What if, instead of a crisis, it’s just a transition, a shift that opens the door to new possibilities?
I’ve started thinking of it as a midlife opportunity. I’ve seen friends use this time to do things they never had the chance to do before. Some took up hiking or running marathons, others explored painting, learned music, or began traveling more. These aren’t dramatic overhauls. They’re often small, steady shifts toward something fulfilling.
In my own case, my wife and I have been empty nesters for about eight years now. We live in a house that once echoed with daily activity, and suddenly we had to figure out how to live together in this quieter version of life. The dynamic has changed. With the kids gone, we’ve had more time to focus on ourselves and each other. We’ve used this time to visit our aging parents in India almost every year, spending a month with them and reconnecting with extended family. That alone has been a gift we couldn’t offer before.
We’ve also made space for our kids in new ways, by taking vacations together, having deeper conversations, and forming more adult friendships with them. Recently, we reconnected with friends we’ve known for over 25 years but
Mindful Masala
continued on page 94
Jaipur Literature Festival
North Carolina 2025
Story and photos by Samir Shukla
The joy of words, magic of literature, and the exchange of diverse ideas are part of the burgeoning Jaipur Literature Festival, which began in the Indian city of Jaipur in 2006 and has now become a globally recognized event. It has grown into one of the world’s largest and most prestigious literary gatherings, featuring authors, writers, scholars, artists, critics, journalists and thinkers from around the world. The festival has been expanding with satellite events around the globe in the past few years, including in North Carolina. The weekend of September 26 – 28, 2025, the Jaipur Literature Festival NC’s 2nd iteration was held on the lovely campus of UNC Chapel Hill.
JLF North Carolina featured renowned authors, chefs and actors. The opening night on Friday was a discussion between Suketu Mehta and William Dalrymple on the latter’s important new book, The Golden Road – How Ancient India Transformed the World, which lays out the markers and roads of the influence of ancient India on the ancient world. Dalrymple has named this ancient sea and land route as “The Golden Road,” a definitive path of connection via trade and spirituality.
Actor and author Kal Penn discussed his career and book, You Can’t be Serious, released in 2021, in a witty morning session on Saturday. He told stories of dealing with uncles and aunties while growing up, stereotypes he had to deal with early in his career, and vignettes from his formative years.
One of my favorite segments was about food - “Mapping Memory, Mapping Cuisine.” The segment featured three chefs, Maneet Chauhan, Meherwan Irani and Cheetie Kumar, who moderated the lively discussion.
The conversation veered into all things food, along with trials and tribulations on the path to becoming renowned chefs, the expectations of restaurant customers, the “authenticity” of beloved foods, and how and where many ingredients and loved foods originated or evolved.
There were several other segments and panels, including a discussion with author Kiran Desai. The festival is slated again next year in Chapel Hill. For more information on Jaipur Literature Festival and its many international satellite events, visit Jlflitfest.org.
Kiran Desai at JLF NC 2025
By Dilip Barman
Around the turn of the century I loved reading Kiran Desai’s debut novel, Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard. I’ll always remember the inviting writing and tongue-in-cheek descriptions of Sampath Chawla. In an Indian village he climbs a tree and is taken to be a holy man, attracting followers from afar. Trying to avoid the humdrum of his everyday life he plants a silly seed but is surprised at how seriously people take his hints of holiness. (This was based on an actual man, Kapila Pradhan, who lived for fifteen years in a tree.)
Kiran Desai went on to win the prestigious Booker Prize, given for her 2006 The Inheritance of Loss about the legacy of colonialism. The prize is given to, according to its website, “what is, in the opinion of the judges, the best sustained work of fiction written in English and published in the UK and Ireland.” Her mother Anita Desai was shortlisted for the prize thrice and Kiran Desai’s new book, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, is now shortlisted.
The discussion with Kiran Desai was incisive. She discussed the impact of her mother on her writing, noting how remarkable it was to be penning lines sitting on the same veranda as her mother had and having similar settings - stray dogs, kinds of weather, passersby.
The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny was twenty years in the making and has turned out to be a massive book. She described it as “a big globalized Desi romance.” Part of the inspiration was what she saw as an immigrant in multicultural New York. Underlying the novel is consideration of how migrants and immigrants are treated or seen as “other” in cultures including ours, India’s, and other countries.
In the discussion, the moderator, friend and fellow prizewinning author Suketu Mehta, described his visiting Italy. In the midst of so much to see, he ended up focusing on migrants.
I loved Kiran Desai’s response about “the other”, saying, “dogs see dogs, babies see babies, migrants see migrants.” She paraphrased Swiss novelist Max Frische’s oft-cited quote, “we asked for workers, they sent us human beings.”
Kiran’s Fall Activities
From university events to local community outreach opportunities, Kiran has been busy this fall. October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and support survivors. Both the Town of Cary and Town of Morrisville issued proclamations about the month and presented them to Kiran. A BOD member represented Kiran at the Holly Springs DVAM vigil. The organization participated in resource fairs put on by Duke University, North Carolina State University, CharlotteMecklenberg Police Department, and the Durham Crisis Response Center.
Kiran participants also hosted a well-attended virtual panel discussion with a family law attorney, an immigration attorney, and an advocate and survivor. Members attended attended the Regional Victims Advocate Meeting hosted by fellow DV agency Safe Passage. Awareness was raised at Kiran't booth at Hum Sub Diwali where Ramesh Patel did beautiful Henna designs.
For more details, visit Kiraninc.org.
Amdavad Recommended as Host City for Commonwealth Games 2030
Gujarat’s largest city, Amdavad has been recommended as the proposed host city for the Commonwealth Games 2030, the Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport recently confirmed.
The final decision on the host nation for the Centenary Commonwealth Games will be made by the General Assembly of Commonwealth Sport and will be announced on November 26, 2025, in Glasgow.
First hosted in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada, the Commonwealth Games will see its 24th edition play out in 2030. The last edition was held in Birmingham, UK, in 2022 and the upcoming one is scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2026.
Photo by
Dilip Barman
The Cost of Trump’s Immigration Overhaul
The Cost of Trump’s Immigration Overhaul
Immigration Matters
by Rishi P. Oza
President Trump’s second presidential term has been a blinding whiplash of policy changes, and announcements unseen in the field during my almost two decades of practice. The administration has reinstated travel bans from specific countries (with little fanfare this time around), sought to introduce a $100,000 fee to be applicable to new H-1B applicants and even floated the idea of a “Gold Card”, designed to provide wealthy immigrants with a pathway to residency status in exchange for a $1M deposit into the US Treasury Department.
Mounted onto these changes has been a complete about face before the immigration courts, where the administration has moved aggressively to speed individuals through removal proceedings and ostensibly out of the country.
Most notably, the Immigration Courts have now ruled that they have no jurisdiction to grant bond to individuals that have entered the United States illegally. This reading of the law is truly novel and overturns decades of previous precedent whereupon someone that had entered the country without status could seek release from detention. As such, a grandmother that entered the country unlawfully 30 years ago would be unable to request a release from immigration detention while a court determined if she could remain in the United States.
As one of my colleagues from our office in Cleveland recently noted, even the infamous murderer Ariel Castro was eligible for a bond following his arrest for kidnapping, rape and aggravated murder. Compare this to the fact that an individual considered unlawfully present in the United States is not even eligible for bond speaks to the seemingly obvious discrepancy in how the criminal justice system treats defendants compared to the immigration system’s treatment of foreign nationals.
Additionally, the Immigration Courts have streamlined the ability to dispose of cases quickly. In a recent decision issued by the Board of Immigration Appeals, an Immigration Judge may “pretermit” or dismiss an application for asylum without even permitting an applicant to provide testimony or arguments.
While the Board’s rationale was predicated on longestablished case law, the practical effect of its decision is that individuals in removal proceedings should expect that their cases are moved along at a much faster pace than previously experienced.
Much of this may be in response to a growing trend in immigration courts of delay. Case delays have ballooned over the last decade. According to publicly available data, the average removal case takes over 500 days to complete with some cases taking years. Moreover, for the first time since 2012, the immigration court backlog has decreased. Despite the pronouncements of the Trump Administration, less than 2% of new cases before the Immigration Courts are
Immigration continued on page 94
Regular Activities
Sunday Worship Service: 9 AM (Dynamic Praise Time)
Children’s Sunday School & Adult Bible Study: Sundays at Noon
Sunday Love Meal: 11 AM
Wednesday Intercessory Prayer Fellowship: 7 PM
Zakar Bible Club: Character development of children through memorization
God’s powerful
redemptive word. Please
Community Focus
Legacy of NCIAP: People’s Medical Care A Champion
By Sonali Sethi
for Community Care
On October 9, 2025, Dr. Vinod Jindal was presented with the 2025 Community Champion Award by the Triangle Business Journal. This distinguished award shines a light on individuals who lead with heart, vision, and unwavering dedication. It honors those who tirelessly lift up their community, turning compassion into action to make a positive and lasting impact.
Dr. Jindal received this award not only for his professional achievements as a respected ophthalmologist, but also for his humanitarian efforts through NCIAP.
NCIAP: People’s Medical Care is a nonprofit healthcare organization of medical providers supported by the Indian and South Asian community, dedicated to providing quality medical care. It began as Dr. Jindal’s idea and came to life with the collaboration of his colleagues: Dr. Vandana Devalapalli, Dr. Samudra Vijay, Gurjit Sawhney, and later joined by Sudha Rathie and the late Dr. Yash Kataria. They created a mission rooted in ‘hassle-free healthcare for all,’ offering both basic and specialized services to those in need.
This award celebrates the 14-year journey of how a group of compassionate, inspired individuals transformed healthcare access across the Triangle.
Community Focus continued on page 80
Photos courtesy Suresh J Photography and NCIAP
Subcontinental Divide continued from page 42
mother company, Sandstone Publishing, were just plain weird. The magazine was free because we insisted that local merchants advertise with us, and we put out a very expensive monthly money-pit and distributed 1,000 copies around artsy spots around town.
Soon the CPR readings exploded on the scene and local and regional poets were featured at smoked-filled pubs and coffee shops to listen to the winners of our twice-yearly poetry contests.
Soon, we announced a book publishing venture that got listed in top national magazines and became one of the biggest contests nationally for a few years.
Shoeboxes full of mail came daily, and while I worked 14 hours shifts trying to pay the rent and for my newest addiction, literature, my wife processed the material with an infant daughter in tow.
We featured local visual artists on the covers so the readings and events spread to art galleries, bookstores and ultimately we were proclaimed responsible for a renaissance in literature. Our books and magazines were being sold in national box stores. The venture, however, was hemorrhaging money, both with the magazine and the book publishing disasters. Slowly, I started to be embraced by the underbelly of the art world.
I got cynical as the boss started garnishing my already dismal wages to pay for printing the books. What I was getting instead were aggressive writers who thought they could make the NY Times Bestsellers List if they only had 5,000 books in the inventory.
Academics wanted to give me admissions to their colleges with lucrative teaching arrangements on the side. Other publishers came to events to read their works and told me to submit anything I wanted to their magazines or a full manuscript for a book.
The quid pro quo hints finally made me realize that I was now in the large intestine of the beast. This was not dog eat dog – this was tiger eat chihuahua (with me being the chihuahua). So, five years out, I realized that this idealistic dream I had was a lie. You agreed to move in those circles and fit into the wine and cheese gatherings listening to mediocre poetry and clapping loudly, or they chewed you up and spit you out in the cheap merlot glass.
The philosophical side of the business of art was bothering me more and more as well. I somehow always saw the art of creation as a solitary endeavor. You didn’t unfurl a canvas or sit in front of a blank sheet of paper and think, “Let’s see … what does the audience want according to current trends?” Art to me was an obsession and not a social event. It changed you internally. It calmed and tamed the demons. It was not about how many books you sold or how much your most recent painting went for.”
Today, I just write. These poems below the Saathee readers are the first to read. They simply helped me pull together and untie the knots that have been tying my feet for years.
I’m no Van Gogh or Coleridge – people who were constantly haunted; people who couldn’t quite finish — and just call it a day . . .
TREE
Time reads differently, when I put the chainsaw
Down, rest on the stump that last connected life
To dirt, and touch this fresh-cut clockface of pine,
The terrifying but now peaceful foot of a fallen
Bull elephant, still returning to earth, as it knew,
As it promised in the hushed still night, in the storm,
In the season of love; in the season of pain.
Yesterday is just a story, the light ring of spring
The dark circle of sleep, and here, where my eye
Touches, mysteriously, no spring … no spring.
I’m counting backwards. I’m counting years.
“I loved you once. But I was stupid then.”
“You should walk to increase circulation.”
“Quit drinking and meditate more.”
Am I firewood, am I furniture?
Is an insensate termite or a consumed lover
Returning me home? It is maybe spring
I am reading the time of a downed dinosaur
In a dead forest, sawdust at my feet.
STORM
In this listless storm
Warm fog
A squirrel burying an acorn
Earlier a lone gray fox
The doe – perhaps widowed – with a fawn
Under that ligustrum shrub
Where a frantic bird screams
In blackness all and every night
Did I turn off the stove?
Is my account overdrawn?
After removing bread and blackberries
Is the car trunk still open as drizzle starts?
Did I ever love? Did I ever love?
I can’t remember.
Ahsen Jillani
a former editor and publisher, is originally from Islamabad, Pakistan, and now lives in Mint Hill, NC. He owns Must Media, a PR firm focused on political and corporate clients. Contact: aj@must-media.com.
by Taige Shukla
(IG: @whatsthe_chai
Baby Corn Manchurian
Hi Saathee family! So excited to be back and sharing a new recipe with you all! This is one I’ve been meaning to test out for quite some time. I’m a huge fan of gobi Manchurian, so when I discovered baby corn Manchurian for the first time this summer, I knew I had to try it at home. I used very similar ingredients and steps to gobi Manchurian, with a few tweaks here and there. Give this Indo-Chinese dish a try for your Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving plans, it’s the perfect appetizer or side. And, as we know, corn is a staple this time of year, so why not make baby corn that’s packed with flavor! For full how-to video, follow @whatsthe_chai and @saatheemagazine on Instagram
Ingredients Directions
1 jar of baby corn (about 15 pieces) For Batter:
1 tbsp all purpose flour
2 tbsp corn starch
1 tsp red chili powder & About 1 tsp water For Sauce:
½ green bell pepper (cubed into 1-inch pieces)
¼ red onion (diced into 1-inch pieces)
1 small green chili (halved)
2-3 cloves of garlic (minced)
1 inch piece of ginger (minced) or 1 tsp worth
2 tbsp green onion (chopped)
1 ½ tbsp ketchup
1 tsp sriracha (or chili-garlic sauce)
2 tsp soy sauce
2 tsp lemon juice or vinegar
Corn starch slurry (1 tsp corn starch + ¼ cup of water)
Salt & Pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp brown sugar (my personal secret ingredient)
Servings: 2 - 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes / Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Prep your vegetables and set aside. For the baby corn, cut in half lengthwise then cut in half one more time for 1-inch pieces.
Toss the prepped baby corn together with the batter ingredients. Add a small bit of water to ensure the corn is fully coated. Fry in oil until golden brown. You can also try air frying the battered corn at 350°F, spray with oil before air frying. Set aside on a paper towel to soak up excess oil.
Prepare the sauce. In a pan on medium-high heat, sauté the garlic, ginger and green chili in oil until fragrant (about 2-3 mins), then add bell pepper, red onion and green onion, sauté for another 2-3 mins. Stir in the remainder of the sauce ingredients until it begins to thicken.
Turn off heat and mix in the fried baby corn. Toss until fully coated. Garnish with extra green onion and sesame seeds and serve as an appetizer or side dish.
Check out page 86 for additional recipes for Warm Spiced Brussel Sprouts Salad & Roasted Butternut Squash Soup For even more recipes visit Saathee.com/recipes
Mortgage Loans
How New Foreign Worker Visa Fees Might Worsen Doctor Shortages in Rural America
How New Foreign Worker Visa Fees Might
Worsen Doctor Shortages in Rural America
By Patrick Aguilar
There are almost 1.1 million licensed physicians in the United States. That may sound like a lot, but the country has struggled for decades to train enough physicians to meet its needs – and, in particular, to provide care in rural and underserved communities.
Foreign-born physicians have long filled that gap, reducing the overall national shortage and signing up to practice in often overlooked regions and specialties. Today, 1 in 5 doctors licensed to practice in the U.S. were born and trained in another country.
But the ability of physicians from other countries to obtain work in the U.S. may be threatened by the Trump administration’s aims of limiting foreign workers. In September, President Trump issued a proclamation requiring employers sponsoring foreign-born workers through a type of work visa called an H-1B to pay a fee of US$100,000 to the government.
The White House has signaled doctors may be exempt but has not clarified its position.
For appointments, please call
519 Keisler Drive, Suite 104 Cary, NC 27518
• Physical Examinations
• Women’s wellness visit, pap smear
• School/ Sports Physicals
• Sick visits, fever, cough, cold, wheezing
• Diabetes, Thyroid and other endocrine problems
• Heart diseases, high BP, high cholesterol
• Depression, Anxiety, ADHD
• Asthma and lung diseases
• Women’s health issues, menopause
• Minor procedures done at office like mole and cyst removal, wart treatment, suturing and laceration repair.
As a physician and professor who studies the intersection of business and medicine, I believe increasing restrictions on H-1B visas for physicians may exacerbate the physician shortage. To grasp why that is, it’s important to understand how foreign-trained doctors became such an integral part of U.S. health care – and the role they play today.
The roots of today’s physician shortage
The Association of American Medical Colleges, a trade association representing U.S. medical schools, estimates there will be a deficit of about 86,000 physicians in the country by 2036.
The roots of this shortage stretch back more than a century. In 1910, a landmark study called the Flexner Report detailed significant inconsistencies in the quality of education at American medical schools. The report resulted in the closure of over half the country’s medical schools, winnowing their numbers down from 148 to 66 over two decades.
As a result, the number of doctors in the U.S. declined until new training programs emerged. Between 1960 and 1980, 40 new medical schools launched with the help of federal funding. In 1980, a congressionally mandated assessment deemed the problem solved, but by the early 2000s, a physician shortage emerged once more. In 2006, the American Association of Medical Colleges called for raising medical school enrollment by 30%.
Growth in medical school enrollment hit that target in the late 2010s, but even so, the U.S. still lacks enough medical graduates to fill yearslong training programs, called residencies, that early-career physicians must complete to become fully qualified to practice.
Especially lacking are primary care physicians –particularly in rural areas, where there are one-third as many physicians per capita as in urban areas.
Opportunities for foreign-born doctors
Even as the U.S. built up medical school enrollment in the 1960s and 1970s, the government joined other countries such as the U.K. and Canada in creating immigration policies that drew physicians from developing countries to practice in underserved areas. Between 1970 and 1980, their numbers grew sharply, from 57,000 to 97,000.
Foreign-born and -trained physicians have remained a key pillar of the U.S. medical system. In recent years, the majority of those physicians have come from India and Pakistan.
Citizens of Canada and Middle Eastern countries have added significantly to that count, as well. Most arrive in the U.S. as trainees in residency programs through one of two main visa programs.
The majority come on J-1 visas, which allow physicians to enter the U.S. for training but require them to return to their home country for at least two years when their training is complete. Those who wish to remain in the U.S. to practice must transition to an H-1B visa.
A small percentage of physicians come to the U.S. on H1Bs from the start.
H-1B visas are employer-sponsored temporary work permits that allow foreign-born, highly skilled workers to obtain U.S. employment. Employers directly petition the government on behalf of visa applicants, certifying that a foreign worker will be paid a similar wage to U.S. workers and will not adversely affect the working conditions of Americans.
Several programs sponsor H-1B visas for physicians, though the most common requires a three-year commitment to work in an underserved area after completing their training.
Foreign physicians fill a crucial need
In 2025, foreign-trained medical graduates filled 9,700 of the nearly 40,000 training positions. Of those, roughly onethird were actually U.S. citizens who attended medical schools in other countries, with the remainder being foreign citizens seeking more training in the U.S.
After residency, these doctors frequently practice in precisely the geographic areas where the physician shortage is most severe. A nationwide survey of international medical graduates found that two-thirds practice in regions that the federal government has designated as lacking sufficient access to health care.
These doctors also occupy a disproportionate number of primary care positions. In a sample of 15,000 physicians who accepted new jobs in one year, foreign-born doctors were nine times more likely to enter primary care specialties. In 2025, 33.3% of internal medicine, 20.4% of pediatric and 17.6% of family medicine training positions were filled by physicians trained in other countries.
Who will pay?
Approximately 8,000 foreign-born physicians received H-1B visas in 2024. The new requirement of a $100,000 sponsorship fee would hit hardest for hospitals, health systems and clinics in areas of the country most significantly affected by the physician shortage.
These organizations are already under economic strain due to increasing labor costs and Medicare payments that have not kept pace with inflation.
Dozens of these hospitals have closed in recent years, and many currently do not make enough money to support their operations.
On September 25, 2025, 57 physician organizations cosigned a letter petitioning Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to waive the new application fee for physicians.
Already, however, the new rule may be having a chilling effect. Despite years of annual growth in the number of foreign-born applicants to U.S. physician training programs, 2025 has seen a nearly 10% drop. If the new H-1B fee is applied to physicians, the number is likely to keep falling.
Article courtesy of theconversation.com.
Patrick Aguilar is Managing Director of Health, Washington University in St. Louis
Nope. Cannot, as they say here in Cambodia. Can. Cannot. It’s quite simple and handy. Language is a great way to get to know a culture, I feel. So, for fun, I’ve been taking some drop-in Khmer language classes, so as to get a better understanding of this place and relate better, speaking of relating. After all, I’d learned some Vietnamese when I was in Viet Nam, though admittedly, you kind of had to, if you wanted to get by there, and here, more people speak English, so, as weird as it is and as annoyed as I’d been with people who live here this long without fluency, I know it can happen. This summer was me in Japan and I’d forgotten I can speak Japanese. There was all kinds of delightful relating happening, and I made two new friends. We are in a LINE group and it’s super nice, and cool. I love this, because small talk is the stuff of life that makes it fun and relaxing and leads to big talk, later. When you’re all very comfortable with each other. Talk, like all that universe stuff in the quote. Philosophy, art, existentialism... you know.
This is why, I imagine, it felt so cozy when the lady acknowledged my multi-dimensional life interests and goals. I was happy to have her go, ‘Cool.’ Maybe it was the validation. Maybe it was the honesty. Maybe it was the novelty of it. You could just talk to her; she was listening to you. The you of you, not a shell she was projecting her own idea of you and what you ought to be onto. That is not fun.
When I write and share here, I realize I’m writing to her and others like her. Middle-aged women who had these ideas about what a life was going to be in the United States and, largely, I’m going to guess, went along with the program. But who harbor a secret side. A side that let herself be herself, away and apart from the glaring crowd, out from under a microscope of scrutiny, and gleefully blissful in her own private sphere. A protected one that she is alone very much in charge of, and there, she is aware of herself, and invites only the closest and most trusted to join her in. To know her.
We could share in our mutual understanding that when you can’t beat ‘em, you don’t have to join ‘em, as the saying likes to advise. No. You can simply... leave.
Now, this decision doesn’t go over well here in Cambodia when you talk to people about it because family is family and that’s how it is, out here, too. But sometimes you can get through. Sometimes, you can see younger people going against the ritual, the traditions, and doing their own things. I’m sure that it’s a worldwide trend. I’m hoping that people are getting the chance to explore their potential identities before fixing up something that isn’t them, and agonizing about it, later, acting out on unfulfilled desires and scapegoating the poets in this world who do their own things because that is more them, and they can’t help it. Art gets made, thanks to those folks, and I’m glad for that, because I love to see it.
Dipika Kohli
is an author who is based in Phnom Penh. Discover her books at kismuth.com and ther projects at dipikakohli.com.
Community
A Vision of Accessible and Hassle-Free Healthcare
The inspiration for NCIAP originated when Dr. Jindal and the other co-founders witnessed family and friends struggle to get basic medical care while visiting from overseas. A simple medicine refill, a sudden injury, or a routine diagnostic test could become emotionally and financially burdensome without insurance.
At the same time, local job market changes in 2011 left many Triangle residents unemployed and uninsured. Families suddenly found themselves unsure how to access essential care. Witnessing these challenges, the founding team felt compelled to act. They came together with a shared vision to bridge the gap between community needs and accessible, hassle-free healthcare, and NCIAP was born.
The co-founders contributed clinic space, medical equipment, and, most importantly, their time and clinical expertise.
From the start, NCIAP’s approach was simple: patients pay a nominal fee for a medical visit, removing insurance from the equation entirely. This accessible model serves uninsured and underserved individuals, as well as visitors from abroad—offering care to everyone, regardless of their ethnicity or financial status.
The first NCIAP clinic opened in Raleigh in 2011, becoming a beacon of light for those who often had nowhere else to turn. With each patient’s visit, the mission grew stronger: healthcare should be a right, not a privilege
As the demand increased, in 2019, a second clinic opened in Apex to serve the growing community. With its continued service, NCIAP providers have seen more than 60,000 patient visits and counting. Each visit not only offers medical relief but also helps prevent unnecessary emergency room and urgent care costs. It’s proof that compassion and practicality can go hand in hand.
The Legacy of Service
What began as a vision of one man, a vision of hassle-free healthcare for all, has evolved into a vast network of physicians, volunteers, donors, and community partners who form the foundation of local accessible care.
The organization’s growth, day-to-day operations, and impact are now guided by its dedicated board members: Dr. Vinod Jindal, Sunny Surana, Dr. Deepak Pasi, Anu Mehra, Nishant Munjal, Dr. Bal Agarwal, Gurjit Sawhney, Samudra Vijay, Dr. Vandana Devalapalli, Malay Jindal and Dr. Renuka Kandula. They embody the value of seva (selfless service) and continue to drive NCIAP’s mission forward.
Every year, NCIAP hosts a fundraising gala that brings together volunteers and supporters to celebrate its community impact and renew its commitment to service. The event is a true testament to the unwavering trust the community places in NCIAP’s honorable mission.
NCIAP’s story is a reminder that the heart of healing lies within the community itself. Every donation, volunteer hour, and word of support helps ensure that someone in need receives medical care. The community can be a part of this mission by spreading the word.
For more details, visit Nciap.org.
Thinking continued from page 40
else’s head, if we had a little humility, we’d realize that this is not a place that is as easy to plumb the depths of as we might have fancied it to be. This inscrutability is not hard to see even in one’s own self. Do we always fire on all cylinders? Do we never feel emotional pulls that may cause difficulties? Do we wish that we didn’t do certain things we do? All of this hints at a lack of complete grasp over oneself. If one cannot understand, predict or manage oneself fully, how then could we ever hope to accomplish this extraordinary feat inside others?
These pursuits of getting into people’s heads is not just unrewarding. There is significant opportunity cost. We divert our mental resources away from the things that actually matter because our minds are grappling with a potentially useless and hopeless feat.
But it’s even worse than that. If our minds get muddled with theories about what someone might think, feel, etc. based on false beliefs about who they are, or what they are capable of handling, these things intrude into the options we have at our disposal. We may find ourselves doing things that stray from our original purpose. We may find ourselves making compromises that prioritize unnecessary and trivial things at the expense of much more important things.
Fortunately, none of this is necessary. But only if we have the mindset of “good ‘nuff” for these kinds of slithery and slippery things.
Many things don’t need to be “got”
In many things, we do need to be aware of the people around us. But only to an extent. We operate in this manner only if we realize that people have agency!
“Agency”, per the Oxford dictionary, is “the ability to make decisions and act independently”. What this effectively means is that we cannot control what other people think or what they do. They are independent. They have a range of options at their disposal that may be much more than we unilaterally deign to bless them with, aided and abetted by our ever-promiscuous imagination. They can handle more things than we may think them capable of. And, all hell will not break loose, in general, despite what our expansive imaginings portend.
Of course, all this does not mean that we do whatever we please and fail to be considerate or thoughtful. But thoughtful is not the same thing as “thought-full”, the affliction that is, unfortunately, not too uncommon.
What matters is that we focus our resources on singing our song, and that we put our heart and soul into it, and that we avoid getting distracted by our thoughts going to places that they shouldn’t go to, such as swimming in other people’s heads.
Sing sweet, in key, and with the rhythm and drumbeat of life. Your life. Avoid the deep and murky waters of other people’s heads.
Balaji Prasad
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.
Financially Speaking continued from page 54
A particular provision related to sale of stock of a qualified small business can benefit from a higher exclusion gap such that gains can be tax free. Imagine you enjoyed growth and success from a tech or biotech startup as a founding member or investor over the past 5-10 years. Chances are good that when you sell, your gain may be taxfree if it meets the size, holding period and nature of involvement in the business.
There are no income or AGI restrictions to qualify for this provision.
While our primary focus would be on income tax reduction, there’s another looming tax that hits us when we’re deceased – the Estate Tax. As one prospers and adds zeros to their net-worth, the value of their Estate can mushroom within a limit that is subject to Estate Taxation.
Without OBBBA, the previous limit, above which Estates would be taxed, would have decreased from current $14M to $6M, sending high-net worth families in a frenzy of estate planning strategies. With the new law, the Estate Tax Limit has been permanently changed to $15M beginning 2025 and will be indexed for inflation beginning 2027.
On Healthcare front, those who rely on Marketplace and Affordable Care Act for their health insurance may see their out-of-pocket premiums go higher as a result of lower premium tax credit and more restrictive coverage.
A relatively unknown but important change is a 1% tax on foreign remittances beginning in 2026. Those that use cash, money orders, cashier’s checks will be affected. Using a US bank account/credit/debit card or digital payment processors can avoid this 1% tax surcharge.
In summary there’s a lot to like about One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It offered stability in tax brackets and tax rates, as well as improved deductions for seniors and those in service workforce.
This, however, it has also shifted conversations around student loan planning, estate planning, senior planning and healthcare planning.
There are income phaseouts for new deductions: No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Seniors, Full Child Tax Credit, entire SALT (State and Local Taxes) deduction when itemizing, which means making too much can sometimes hurt. Ouch!
There you have it. It’s a wrap on the OBBBA series and I leave you with this parting note as we stay afloat through a government shutdown (which is simply a case of overspending where the most powerful country in the world is unable to balance their checkbook).
A shutdown caused quite a hangama, The offices now feel bekaar.
The bosses yelled, “Arey yaar!” “No bandobast for this budget tamasha!”
Rupa Pereira
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
● Pomegranates: Eat the seeds as a snack, sprinkle them on a salad, or mix with plain yogurt to make raita. Pomegranates are a good source of Dietary Fiber and Folate, and a very good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K.
● Pumpkin: Pumpkins are good source of Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Magnesium and Phosphorus, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Riboflavin, Potassium, Copper, and Manganese. Use it in soup or sambhar. Make bread with it or add pumpkin puree to pancake batter. There are also many variations of pumpkin sabzi.
● Sweet potatoes: The American dark orange variety of sweet potatoes are a good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin B6, Potassium and Manganese, and a very good source of Vitamin A. Add to sabzi and curries instead of white potato to get in more nutrients. Add to bean soups for a nice creamy texture.
● Spices and seasonings: These are not just for flavor, but also help with that help with seasonal colds and other ailments that crop up in winter. Include cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, cumin, ginger, black pepper, turmeric, etc.
If you do go to holiday events, here are some tips to stay healthy during the festive season. You do not have to stay away from all the treats. A good strategy is mindful eating.
● If you are at a buffet table, first check out everything, decide what you like most, and then take small bite size portions of all your favorite foods.
● Never go to a party when you are starving. Eat a healthy snack or a small meal at home before you go to avoid overeating. Also skipping meals to ‘save room for later’ is not a good idea either.
● Slow down. Savor each bite. This will help you enjoy the food and eat less.
● Balance your plate. Do not fill a plate with high calorie appetizers and dessert.
● Drink water. Keep in mind that drinks like punches and eggnog can add a lot of calories, so just have a small serving. Alcohol can induce overeating, too.
● Plan time for exercise. Involve family and friends in playing outdoor games or go for a walk.
● Eat until you are full, not stuffed. Be mindful and listen to your body.
● If you do overeat at one meal, make the next meal lighter.
Whether you are hosting a get-together or contributing to a potluck, here are a couple of recipes to try:
Recipe: Warm Spiced Brussel Sprouts salad
Ingredients
1 pound Brussel Sprouts
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup pomegranate seeds
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1 tablesppon lemon juice
Salt to taste
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp chaat masala
¼ tsp roasted cumin powder
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
Method
Wash and trim Brussels sprouts. Slice the sprouts very thinly, or shred using a food processor. In a skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the sliced onion and saute until soft. Add the garlic and cook until soft. Cook until Brussel Sprouts are slightly soft but not too mushy. Remove the Brussel Sprout mixture in a bowl. Add the remaining ingredients. Mix well.
Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients
1 medium size butternut squash, peeled/cut into big chunks
1 red onion, sliced
3-4 Roma tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, halved and seeded
3-4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ginger powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
½ teaspoon cloves powder
salt and black pepper to taste
Method
In a flat glass baking pan, place all the vegetables from the butternut squash to garlic. Add the oil and coat the vegetables.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes in a pre-heated oven. Bake until the vegtables are tender. Let cool.
Put the roasted vegetables in a blender. Add water as needed to puree the soup. The soup should be thick and not too watery.
Put the soup through a fine sieve to remove tomato seeds and any other fibers and to make the soup smooth. Heat the soup in a pot. Add the dry spices. Let cook on medium for about 10-15 minutes. Serve hot.
Parul Kharod
is a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist and works as a Clinical Dietitian. She can be reached at parulkharod@gmail.com.
own vehicle, you can still add the vehicle to your policy to save money.
If the child is away in college and gets his own car, most likely a separate policy will be required. Rules differ from carrier to carrier and so you may want to shop around or talk to your agent.
You may also want to get a separate policy for your child if you are concerned about personal liability exposure. Remember that insurance follows the car. Regardless of who is driving, the owner of the car is responsible for the damage that exceeds the insurance policy limit. Consider increasing your policy limits or getting umbrella coverage that will protect you in such situations.
How to reduce the impact of rate increases
● Many insurance companies offer good student discounts for those who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
● Evaluate whether you can raise your deductible. A deductible is the out-of-pocket amount that you will have to pay for your property damage before the insurance company pays you. Just make sure that you can afford the higher out-of-pocket cost in case there is a claim. A higher deductible can lower the premium significantly.
● Review your policy to see if you need full coverage on the old cars. If your teens are driving the older car with low market value, you may be able to reduce the coverage to decrease the premium. Just understand the implication of the reduced coverage. Full coverage may be required if the car is financed or leased.
● Choose the right car for your child. An older, used car will be cheaper to insure than newer, sports car.
● Some companies may give driver education discounts by completing an approved driving course.
● Sign up for the tracking program where the insurance company can track the driving habits like speeding and harsh braking. Safe driving will reduce the premium over time, but conversely poor driving habits will increase it.
● If your college student lives more than 100 miles away from home and does not have a car, you may be eligible for a distance student discount.
Finally, one of our client’s son hit a parked car while backing out of the parking lot. He did the right thing by leaving his contact information on the other party’s car. He could have walked away but with cameras all around, there would have been serious repercussions as it would be considered hit and run. So, explain the importance of honesty and safety to your child. It will go a long way!
We will cover the accidents and claims in another article.
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 info@monains.com.
Dances of India continued from page 50
and destruction of Warangal, however, the grand tradition of Perini Thandavam was lost during the pillage and rapine of the Turkic invaders. This majestic dance form almost became extinct until 1974. For the first time in 800 years, this dance form was revived and adorned the stage. This credit goes to the decades of hard work by the great Guru Padmashri Nataraja Ramakrishna.
Perini takes its name from the Sanskrit word Prerana, which means, “to inspire and invigorate”. It is obvious that the rhythm, chanting of syllables and the incredible speed of the dance clearly inspires the warriors, dancers, and audience alike. When you watch the dance clip online, make sure you look at the unbelievable footwork of the dancer. Dancing at such amazing speeds and using the same foot repeatedly is not an easy task. It takes a lot of stamina, practice, and great fitness by the dancers to execute the rhythms. As you watch this dance style, the most immediately noticeable aspect of this dance is the rapid-fire tempo and execution of moves. It is easy to see why it was the masculine dance of warriors.
The music for this unique dance form is accompanied by Conch shell, Drums, Bells, and tongue twisting Rhythmic Syllables enabling dancers to reach a point of frenzy resulting in the audience to sit by the edge of their seats.
As the time passed, they introduced two varieties of Perini, one is Perini Shiva Thandavam for men emphasizing the vigorous male martial aspects, and the other is Perini Lasyam for women focusing on graceful feminine movements. Classical dance has two styles, Marga and Desi. Marga is more spiritual in nature, while Desi is more popular and dramatic in nature and theme.
The five most important elements of this Perini dance style are Ghargaram meaning footwork; Vishamam the acrobatic element; Bhavashrayam, the imitation of nature, animals, and demons; Kaivaram, in praise of kings and gods; Geetham meaning music.
There has been some debate about whether Perini is a classical (saastriya) or colloquial (janapada) dance. However, even a casual observer of dance can see the reminiscence of traditional dance styles like Kuchipudi and Bharatha Natyam at play. It is filled with the emotions or rasas of Raudram (fury) and Veeram (valor). Indeed, the text on which it is primarily based (Nritta Ratnavali) and Natyacharya Nataraja Ramakrishna’s own training in Kuchipudi and revival of Andhranatyam only further weigh the argument in favor of classical status.
Perini is now considered the state dance of Telangana. To ensure that the efforts to revive this dance form do not perish, it is essential to continue to support this dance form. If the students, teachers, and audience continue to propagate this dance style, I am sure this traditional dance will be preserved and passed on to the next generations.
Dr. Maha Gingrich
For questions or comments, contact via email at GingrichMaha@gmail.com.
As a secondary treat, we also learn that Sunita’s passion for Astronomy comes from her Leela Auntie (Bushra Lashkar). Small, endearing tidbits gradually emerge of the pair’s trips at night via a small telescope. We hear Auntie speak of various tales such as the punishment of Prajapati (in the Constellation Orion) which adds some endearing insight into the protagonist’s South Asian culture.
Before I Forget is the first title published by 3-Fold Games. The two-person team of Chella Ramanan and Claire Morwood who met by chance at a British game jam where they would also conceive the game’s concept. They also made sure to research the effects of Alzheimer’s disease with mental health charity to make sure the dialogue and puzzles would be more authentic. The inclusion of a somewhat abstract watercolor palette was used to better covey the contrast of confusion and clarity.
Since its final release in July of 2020, the game has been lauded as a unique experience to help explain the emotional impact of dementia through a first-person viewpoint. The gameplay allows the player to gradually piece together each part of Sunita’s rich life-story right along with her. It’s also extremely encouraging that it compassionately celebrates the culture of a South Asian woman.
If you know someone struggling with dementia, I highly recommend playing this game if only to gain the tiniest existential glimpse into what they may experience on a dayto-day basis. Perhaps, it’ll even leave a similar resonance to one of Leela Auntie’s tragic tales when you find yourself gazing up into the night sky…
Before I Forget is available to play now on PC and Console.
These are but a few scenarios discussed in Ekta R. Garg’s new novella, The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.
Initially influenced by a writing exercise in college, this novella explores a series of five “What If” scenarios based on famous fairy tales and nursery rhymes. Each short story is recontextualized in a series of prequels and sequels to flesh out certain characters, and in some cases intertwine them with other well-known ones.
Each retelling is done in a similar fashion to Garg’s previous works… with quick wit and emotional buildup as we follow these cherished characters on journeys turned slightly eschew. Most even conclude with a delightful twist which in hindsight is both creative and plausible.
While similar retellings and twists have been presented before such as in the TV series Once Upon a Time or the Terry Gilliam film, Brothers Grimm, it’s always a pleasure to experience new, innovative takes involving these timeless stories.
Etka in her conclusion asks readers to submit requests for future volumes similar to The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories. If you’d like to see another classic tale included in a future micro collection, you can contact her at sayhello@ektargarg.com or via social media on Instagram, @EktaRGarg
Jennifer Allen works at Saathee and is also a Podcaster, Blogger, Photographer, Graphic Artist, Gamer, Martial Arts Practitioner, and an all around Pop Culture Geek. You can reach her at Saathee@Saathee.com
Book Review:
The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories
The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories
By Ekta R. Garg Atmosphere Press
Have you ever wondered why Jack and Jill went up the hill?
Mayhap you’ve pondered the consequences of the two conmen after they’d convinced the Emperor to don his “new clothes”?
A new housing cycle will be another key driver of growth. The administration will likely want to boost growth ahead of the mid-term elections next year. The focus will turn to housing. They are likely to declare a housing emergency, in which they will look to tap the $35 trillion dollars of housing equity built up. Housing makes up only 15-18% of the economy, but it punches above its weight through a multiplier effect of all the other things homeowners buy.
Financing the spending will be cheaper with a Fed cutting cycle. The Fed cut 25 bps in September. They are likely to cut at least once more this year and multiple times next year.
The current expectation is that they get to around 3% on the Fed Funds rate by the end of next year. The markets will price that in well before. The Fed will be able to cut because productivity will likely expand with AI. Productivity per worker is at all-time highs.
Evidence from academic studies and company anecdotes suggest that AI is boosting labor productivity by over 26%. This will only increase as more sophisticated models have more use cases. This will drive wage disinflation. Productivity is the magic pill that allows for disinflationary growth. It will also likely lead to lower job creation, allowing the Fed to cut.
This quote from Palantir’s CEO Alex Karp sums why the Fed will be able to cut for productivity, inflation and employment reasons, “we’re planning to grow our revenue, while decreasing our number of people. This is a crazy, efficient revolution. The goal is to get 10x revenue and have 3,600 people. We have now 4,100.”
The markets are starting to sniff out the acceleration in growth. Cyclical names such as steel maker Cleveland Cliffs is up over 15% in the past month. Caterpillar is up 43% over the last six months. Or boom and bust semiconductor names such as Micron is up 42% over the past month. The metal and mining ETF is up 65% in the past six months. Copper looks like it could break out. Asian markets are up 38% for the year, Africa up 56%, Latin America up 37%. The yield curve has steepened. Financial conditions are loosening. The dollar is weaker.
Perhaps most importantly earnings expectations are accelerating upward. Earnings will grow double-digits this year and are expected to grow in the teens next year. Financials are in the process of re-rating. They are at the intersection of fiscal expansion, deregulation, Fed rate cuts, and AI. They are benefitting from a steeper yield curve, increasing IPO and M&A activity, deregulation, lower capital requirements, and margin improvement from AI & technology. Their balance sheet and income statement are levered to an improvement in rates. They trade at just 15x cash flow, compared to 20x for the S&P, a 25% discount. Earnings are expected to grow double digits in 2025 and 2026.
There is upside to these numbers. M&A and equity capital market deal volumes are up 40% over the last year. The leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts this month was the largest one in history, by a wide margin.
This is an indication that risk-taking is back. Basel III endgame will make capital requirements lower. Bank mergers have risen to a four-year high. Morgan Stanley’s cohead of the financial institutions group sees the possibility of $100 billion in bank consolidation in the years ahead. Margins have expanded to 20%, trailing only tech within the S&P. Margins will continue to expand as technology and AI get integrated.
Goldman’s CEO said, “the initial registration prospectus for an IPO – might have taken a six-person team two weeks to complete, but it can now be 95% done by AI in minutes.” Virtual assistants like Wells Fargo’s Fargo and Bank of America’s Erica automate 80%+ of customer inquiries, reducing staffing costs and increasing service efficiency, which cuts expenses while improving satisfaction. Margin expansion means that the multiple re-rates closer to a market multiple. Longer-term the sector could trade as a growth sector with new financial infrastructure on the blockchain, stablecoins and tokenization.
Looking forward, the market will focus on third quarter earnings, the economic data, geopolitics, and the latest from Washington.
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
“It would be an extraordinary honour for India to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in Amdavad (Ahmedabad). The Games would not only showcase India’s world-class sporting and event capabilities, but also play a meaningful role in our national journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047,” PT Usha, President of Commonwealth Games Association India, said.
“We see the 2030 Games as a powerful opportunity to inspire our youth, strengthen international partnerships and contribute to a shared future across the Commonwealth,” she added.
The Commonwealth Sport Evaluation Committee’s recommendation follows a rigorous review process. Candidate cities were assessed on technical delivery, athlete experience, infrastructure, governance and alignment with Commonwealth Sport values.
Both Amdavad, India and Abuja, Nigeria, submitted proposals to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games.
India has previously hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010, staging the event in New Delhi.
CWG 2026 Glasgow will be a scaled-down edition with several sports like hockey, badminton, wrestling and shooting cut from the program.
Source: Olympics.com.
Mindful Masala
continued from page 58
hadn’t seen in a long time. A trip to Dallas and another to Florida became a deeply meaningful reconnection with old friends.
These relationships feel richer now because they’re no longer just built around school calendars or kids’ birthday parties. They are intentional.
This phase also brings a new kind of freedom. We’ve been able to start regular fitness routines like yoga and going on hikes during the week, something that felt impossible when mornings were consumed by school prep and commuting to the office. We can try new restaurants, travel spontaneously, or simply take a walk in the park. But often, we still don’t. The challenge isn’t a lack of time, it’s inertia. It’s the pull of the familiar. It’s easy to stay in our comfort zones and hard to believe we still have the energy to change.
It doesn’t help that many of us resist being pushed, even by well-meaning friends. A friend might say, “Let’s go to the park,” and the first thought is, “Why? What would I do there?” But just going—just showing up—can break the dullness. Even watching a movie that you didn’t plan to watch can spark something fresh. Maybe you laugh. Maybe you will talk more. Maybe you learn something new about your partner or yourself.
One of my favorite immigrant stories is The Namesake. At the end of the film, Tabu’s character—a Bengali woman who has spent most of her adult life in the U.S.—decides to return to India to pursue music, something she had put aside for decades. The beauty is, we don’t need to move across the world to do that anymore. With the internet, online courses, and virtual communities, we can pursue almost anything right from where we are.
All it takes is a bit of willingness to begin, to risk being a beginner again, and to open ourselves up to discovery.
Personally, I started learning guitar about two years ago. I’m no expert, but it has become a deeply satisfying part of my life. I didn’t have the time earlier, or perhaps I believed that learning something new wasn’t as important as focusing on the big responsibilities—raising kids, building a career, and keeping life moving. But now there’s space to explore the things I once pushed aside.
Of course, midlife isn’t all smooth sailing. There are real challenges. Our parents are aging. Our kids may still be figuring out their lives. Our jobs may feel less stable than before. And yes, we’re aging too with health concerns, new limitations, and other realities creeping in. Life is still complex. But that doesn’t mean we can’t see this period as a time of possibility.
The predictability of life can lead to boredom. The job, the home, the routines, these are all familiar. The kids brought adventure, surprises, and emotional ups and downs. Now, that adventure has settled into stability. And while stability is good, it can also feel dull. I’ve found myself saying, “I’m bored,” more than I care to admit.
My wife will suggest a few things I could try, and I’ll immediately say no to all of them. It’s a strange paradox: wanting something new but not wanting to step outside what’s comfortable.
When we’re not intentional, the default takes over. The phone. The TV. The evening drink. These things slowly fill up the spaces that once held energy and excitement. They’re easy, but they may not nourish us. And over time, they add to the feeling of a life that’s slipping into something small and routine.
So the real question becomes: how do we break the default and create something better? There’s no single answer. But we can start, maybe with a conversation, a walk, a new hobby, a short trip, or a new connection. We don’t have to leap; we just have to move.
Midlife doesn’t have to be a crisis. It can be a doorway to something new. And what we find on the other side might just surprise us.
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
Immigration continued from page 66
based upon any alleged criminal activity (apart from illegal entry into the United States). Nevertheless, no reasonable observer of the immigration system doubts the seriousness of the government’s actions or its overall ability to act.
These changes are not only limited solely to the Immigration Courts. USCIS recently has announced changes to the naturalization process, now requiring applicants to answer more questions to prove their understanding of civics and even indicating that “neighborhood checks” may be permitted in select cases. While the agency’s ability to conduct investigations from “neighbors, employers, coworkers and business associates” as to an applicant’s character is inherently questionable (will applicants now be at the mercy of a disgruntled coworker or crazy neighbor??), the implications are that the citizenship process will also be harder.
All in all, if Trump’s vision of the United States is to reduce immigration, he may be focusing all levers of the government towards that aim. Whether that is a good idea remains to be seen.
Immigrants are entrepreneurial, risk-takers and inherently adaptable. Seeking to rid the country of such characteristics (or at least mute them) seems to be dubious proposition and may have cascading effects on the US’ long term global competitiveness and culture. Elections do indeed have consequences, but whether the American voter signed up for this type of overhaul remains unclear.
Rishi P. Oza
is Partner at Brown Immigration Law, a firm that focuses solely on immigration law; he practices in Durham. roza@rbrownllc.com.
Choose openness over proprietary control
There is a lesson here for the world - growth doesn’t happen merely by replication, but by setting long-term intention and disciplined, consistent execution. By choosing openness over proprietary control, India demonstrates that transformative technologies can scale while remaining accessible to those who need them most. That same choice, applied to open source AI, could create a flowering of innovative outcomes.
Much of today’s AI development, especially in the West, is shaped by corporate competition and closed architectures. Companies often seek short-term advantage by restricting access to models and infrastructure.
Yet, the most disruptive advances in AI are already emerging from open-source communities that prioritize accessibility over control.
India’s unique position makes it an outlier story in what is often characterized as an AI ecosystem dominated by the West and China. India’s linguistic diversity, demographic breadth and democratic values create a natural testbed for AI systems that must serve varied communities. Projects like Bhashini, India’s AI translation platform, show how open collaboration across languages and cultures can expand access to information at scale – and bring billions of new users into new markets created by AI tools.
Openness as a strategic and moral imperative
But this is not only India’s story. It is a global opportunity. If AI is to become the infrastructure of the twenty-first century, the world must treat openness as a strategic and moral imperative. That means making datasets – especially those that cover non-commercial realities that matter deeply to individual and community welfare –compute resources and safety tools broadly available. It means enabling startups and nonprofits to innovate without prohibitive technical or financial barriers. It means creating shared mechanisms, such as India’s proposed AI Safety Institute, and moving into cross-border activities by building collaborative efforts, like Robust Online Open Safety Tools (ROOST), which develops and distributes safety tools for everyone.
The economic case is clear. A recent survey by McKinsey, Mozilla Foundation and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (which I lead) found that organizations prioritizing AI are 40% more likely to adopt open-source models versus their closed competitor models. Nearly threequarters of technology firms already use at least one opensource model. Openness lowers costs, increases future flexibility, reduces duplication of effort and accelerates innovation globally.
As the host of the 2026 Global AI Summit, India has the opportunity to extend this lesson outward. The UN Global Digital Compact has already called for open data, open standards and open AI models by 2030. India can align this global agenda with its own experience, convening governments, corporations and civil society to move from principle to practice.
Lessons for the world
1. Design for openness from the start
When systems are built open from the beginning, they establish trust, invite participation and accelerate adoption. UPI and Aadhaar scaled rapidly because entrepreneurs, banks, and communities could integrate without prohibitive licensing or closed architectures. Retrofitting openness after the fact often leads to technical inefficiencies and governance battles that slow progress. Starting open ensures that infrastructure evolves with broad input and becomes more resilient over time.
2. Diversity is an asset, not a barrier
India’s linguistic and demographic range has proven that diverse participation creates stronger systems. When technologies are tested in many different contexts, they adapt more quickly and avoid the narrow biases that emerge in homogeneous environments. Bhashini’s success reflects this principle: by engaging multiple communities in building its linguistic databases, the platform produced tools that are accurate, widely accepted and globally relevant.
Diversity, when embraced as a design feature, produces systems that are inclusive and adaptable far beyond their original setting.
3. Shared infrastructure unlocks innovation
When datasets, compute resources and safety tools are made widely accessible, innovation does not remain the privilege of a few dominant actors. Small startups gain the capacity to compete, academics can test new ideas and governments can deploy public-interest applications without vendor lock-in.
Shared resources create a baseline of capability on which specialized solutions can be built. The multiplier effect is clear: one investment in shared infrastructure can support thousands of applications that serve local communities and global challenges.
A closing call for global co-creation
India’s Global AI Summit in 2026 must be more than a spotlight on achievement. It should launch a new phase of global collaboration. The Summit should signal that every nation, institution and scholar is invited not just to observe, but to build together. Official activities from the IndiaAI Mission demonstrate how inclusive strategy and multidisciplinary collaboration can ground national AI ambitions in openness and shared values. India offers not a closed blueprint, but a working model and a partner for global AI co-creation.
By aligning India’s open innovation experience with global purpose, we can build systems to confront humanity’s most urgent challenges together. The Global AI Summit of 2026 could mark the moment the world pledged co-creation – not just for India’s AI future, but for all of humanity. Article courtesy of World Economic Forum. Visit Weforum.org.
CarToon Corner
Tune Your Brain
Solve these brain teasers - Solutions on Page 110
PUZZLES
Magic Maze
Puzzles 4 Kids Answers on page 110
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.
Rome is the capital of _____.
Warsaw is the capital of _____.
Kampala is the capital of _____.
Lima is the capital of _____.
Nairobi is the capital of _____.
Ulaanbaatar is the capital of _____.
Chess Puzzles
Difficulty:
Game reference: Hutschenreiter vs Anastasian 2016
Directions: Black to move, win material.
Difficulty:
Game reference: Andreikin vs Lanin 2007
Directions: White to move, checkmate in 3.
Difficulty:
Game reference: Bjerke vs Antipov 2008
Directions: Black to move, checkmate in 4.
Readers
Festivals & Holidays Puzzle Solutions
November 2025
Nov. 1 - All Saints Day
Nov. 2 - Daylight Saving Time Ends
Nov. 2 - Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Nov. 4 - Election Day
Nov. 5 - Guru Nanak Jayanti
Nov. 5 - Kartika Purnima (Full Moon)
Nov. 11 - Veterans Day
Nov. 13 - World Kindness Day
Nov. 14 - Nehru Jayanti / Children’s Day (India)
Nov. 16 - International Day of Tolerance
Nov. 19 - Darsh Amas (No Moon)
Nov. 24 - Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur
Nov. 27 - Thanksgiving Day (US)
Nov. 28 - Black Friday
Nov. 29 - Small Business Saturday
Nov. 30 - Gita Jayanti
Key Word Search Answers from page 103
Key Word of the Month: PUMPKIN
Go Figure! answers from page 103
Spot the Differences Solutions from page 56
1. Number change
2. Shirt color is different 3. Man is missing 4. Man facing opposite 5. Extra horn added
6. Cow different color
7. Man’s mask is missing
8. Woman is wearing mask
9. Pole is missing
10. Jewelry added on horn
11. Fence different colors
12. Cow is missing
13. Taj Mahal added
14. Googly eyes added
15. Branding on cow
Puzzle Solutions from page 102
Desai & Mehta CPAs PLLC
Our Services:
♦ Monthly Bookkeeping
♦ Payroll
♦ Tax Planning
♦ Corporate & Partnership Tax Return
♦ Personal Tax Return
♦ Consulting & Tax Planning
♦ Merger & Acquisition
♦ Business Evaluation
♦ Audit Representation with federal/state tax authorities
We are committed to providing close, personal attention to our clients. We take pride in giving you personalized assistance. We are an extension of your business team.
♦ Big 4 firm experience
♦ Serving all 50 states
♦ Experience with international tax matters
♦ Your active partner in business decisions
7301 Carmel Executive Park Drive Suite # 320 Charlotte, NC 28226
Arrogance may spoil any and all social relations during the beginning of the month, especially with your partner. Try to control your temper and avoid disputes else this will continue through the second half of the month. You should maintain your regular income but lose a source of extra funds. Work hard while planning a new business venture.
Taurus
(April 20 – May 20)
You will enjoy a fast track to happiness this month. If unemployed, you may get a dream job opportunity or start a new business with a rise in status as a side benefit. A minor dispute with your kids could bother you. You may have to spend money on house repair work. If involved in a legal dispute, you should gain the advantage in regard to the judgment.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
You will face the consequences of your egoistical attitude during the first week of the month. Accepting advice from a well-wisher can help convert this dour situation into a beneficial one during second half of the month. Your savings should rise but avoid disputes with family. Your kids could prove to be very good guides. Watch your health and drive carefully.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Even though you will do very well financially, a lack of peace of mind could still linger. Try to slow down and take a trip or two to feel more relaxed. Things should improve towards end of the month, but low self-esteem may lead to further frustration. Positive solutions to enduring problems will delight you.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
A careless attitude could lead to financial losses and diminish your happiness. However, things should improve dramatically during the second half of the month. Wait until then to make a move and don’t take on any new debt to cover the losses. A positive relationship with your partner should prove beneficial for your future. This is also a good time to invest in real estate.
Virgo
(August 23 – September 22)
You may experience numerous unexpected yet positive changes during this period, so be sure to maintain a relaxed temperament while accepting them. Your luck will favor you further through your partner by the last days of the month. Also get ready to work hard over the next few years. Otherwise remain cautious while evaluating a potential business offer else you could lose it.
Libra
(September 23 – October 22)
A costly mistake may create problems at the beginning of the month, but wisdom may protect you from losing an important opportunity. Real estate investments and partnerships can prove beneficial. This is a good time for a change of career. Ignore your instincts and listen to the opinions of well-wishers to remain happy and enjoy success.
Scorpio
(October 23 – November 21)
Business prospects will be good this month, though you could become over enthusiastic about the results. In fact, these new business deals can increase your reputation with influential people. Don’t lose self-confidence and try to control your temper. Friends and associates will support you. Happiness with your partner will also be there. Be very careful while driving this month.
Sagittarius
(November 22 – December 21)
You will experience a sudden positive turn this month. Shifts in your personality and social perspective bring great happiness and relaxation into your life. Trust your wits to make confident decisions. Some minor family issues could be there. You may count on your friends or associates during this transformative period. Avoid borrowing money this month.
Capricorn
(December 22 – January 19)
Profits in your business/trade will be higher than expected, so be sure to focus on saving as much money as possible. Students will gain positive results during this month. This is a good time to find a new relationship. If partnered, avoid a stubborn attitude and lower your aggression. Your destiny will help you to make the right decisions.
Aquarius
(January 20 – February 18)
Be cautious when voicing your morals as they might hurt your reputation. Dishonesty could also cost you. Avoid major moneyrelated decisions this month. This is a good time to celebrate religious events. You could benefit through a business partner. Approach any potential life changes with extreme skepticism.
Pisces
(February 19 – March 20)
It’s time for property investment to materialize as your creative intelligence will be a huge benefit. This is a favorable time for love and romance. Friends and siblings will offer whatever assistance you need. Your opponents will dare not to face you. The only thing you have to seriously watch is your health. This is also a good period for a long distance journey.
CLASSIFIEDS
C-store with Property for Sale / Lease in Denmark, SC along with displays for fresh produce & frozen items. Gross income $40k / Lotto $25k per month. Daily income not included. Priced for quick sale! Call for full details 904-307-4770.
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.
C-Store for Sale in Milledgeville, GA. The store has lottery, COAM games for years, and impressive numbers. Opportunity for new game agreement soon! Call 301-852-1916.
Business Opportunities 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.
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.
C-Store Help Wanted
Looking for person experienced in running a store located in Milledgeville, GA. It has lottery, COAM games, and retail. Competitive pay. Call 301-852-1916.
Front Desk & Laundry Help Needed for Franchise Hotel Accommodations provided. Concord, NC. Call 704-772-5554.
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.
Elderly Help Needed live-in or full-time Hindi/Punjabi speaking companion in Fort Lauderdale, FL for 77 year-old lady with slight memory loss to help with household chores. Decent compensation. Call or text 919-448-5433.
Seeking Sales Manager
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.
Live-In Elderly Help Needed ASAP for Gujarati Family (only 2) near Charleston, SC. Light cooking and cleaning to help take care disabled wife. Please call / text 843-367-7557.
Cashier Wanted for Convenience Store near Kannapolis, North Carolina. Very attractive salary! Accommodations provided. Text or Call 704-701-9482.
Part-Time Business Opportunity
Looking for licensed / unlicensed financial professional for one of the fastest growing companies in North America. Highest compensations plans with ownership of your business from day one. Guaranteed support and professional training provided. Call 704-390-4747 for details.
Hotel Help Wanted
Looking for Manager & Front Desk for properties in Charlotte, NC. Must have legal status. Contact Nita Shah at 704-502-2630 or gm.nita.shah@gmail.com.
Manager / Front Desk Needed for Franchise Hotel in Rock Hill, SC. With Accommodations. Please call 803-517-4662.
Front Desk Manager & Housekeeper needed for Franchise Hotel in Concord/Kannapolis, NC. Accommodations provided. Call 980-454-9093.
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 704-4600379 between 6-9pm.
Elderly Couple Help Needed In Wilmington, NC. Household, Companion / Sitter, Driver. Must also be able to prepare Indian dishes. 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.
For Immediate Hire
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.
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.
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.
Multiple Positions Available for Franchise Hotels in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC. Call 843-333-5810 or 917774-2889.
3 Full-Time Positions Available at Gas Station in Charlotte, NC. Legal status required. Good pay! Call 704-299-8535.
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.
Gas Station/C-Store Help Needed in Greensboro, NC. Must have previous experience. Great salary with benefits. Call 336-509-4054.
Hotel Help Wanted Front Desk, Laundry & Maintenance for franchise motel near Raleigh, NC. Fluent English required. Experienced preferred. Couples welcome. Accommodations provided. Please call 919-659-8897.
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, and offering tailored furniture solutions to meet the needs of hotel environments. The ideal candidate must be self-motivated and 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. Monday to Friday in High Point, NC (not remote). Email resume to rajm@amerifabintl.com.
Seeking Bride
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
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.
43 year-old groom looking for Bride. Physical Therapist. Contact 919-437-1202 or dharmessh57@gmail.com.
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.
40 year-old groom looking for Bride. Medical Doctor. US Citizen in North Carolina. Contact 919-437-1202 or bpraja1985@gmail.com.
Well-educated 3rd 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.
Looking for well-educated bride for 32 year Gujarat groom, completed MS in Regulatory Science, currently working in a pharma company in NJ. Call 980-729-1097 or 857-3977115 or chintansathiya33@gmail.com.
Property for Sale in India
Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat. Plot size: 500 vaar or 4500 sq ft, Located near Mahesvari Palace, Sardar Patel University, Nana bazaar, Mota bazaar. Call Rajesh: 706-633-4577.
For Sale
GOGO Ultra X 3-Wheel Motorized Scooter. Almost new and hardly used. 300 lb. weight capacity. Color: Black. $900 Negotiable. Call Rina at 252-525-3291 and leave message.
House for Sale
103 Needle Park Drive in Cary, NC. 4BR, 3.5BA on 0.3-acre lot. Spacious, prime location near schools and shopping. Call Jamal at 704-488-0024.
Rooms for Rent
near Charlotte (Concord). 1 bedroom with private bathroom or partial house. Utilities included. $800 / month. Call or text 704-956-8504.
Saathee Classified ads: Get great adversting results with Saathee Magazine, weekly email newsletter and Saathee.com. Call 704-527-7570 or email saathee@saathee.com rates and details.
Jia Photography Charlotte
Weddings, engagements, baby showers, maternity, newborn, family portraits, seniors/graduations, headshots, corporate events, real estate, product, branding. Timeless style, fast delivery. Available to travel. Call/text 803-504-0663.
Pari Beauty in Matthews
Threading, Waxing, Facials, Massage for newborn and mom & other services. 36 years of experience. Special Deals & Great Service. Call: 704-846-7912.
Priest Available for Shree Satya narayan katha, Shanti hawan, Vastu shanty, Weddings, Baby shower, Bhumi pujan, Mata ki chowki pujan, Funeral, all types of karmakand. Please call Viral Bhatt 704-438-6334.
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.
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 347-321-47460
Now, here I am, someone who for much of the first quarter of this century didn’t even own a lawn mower, reaching for my phone to call our lawn guy when needed, now sitting atop this tractor, scanning the perimeter and marking the next area it will be used for clearing and cutting. The brush cutter attached to the back chews up tall grasses, weeds and unwanted privets, while the loader hooked in the front can assist with hauling away fallen or cut logs, big pieces of rocks, mulch, or whatever else that needs to be moved around.
We even moved a piece of furniture from another nearby house in the loader.
I had imagined riding around on a motorcycle in my semi-retirement days. I now engage in tractor talk. The whiff of diesel fumes now familiar every time I crank the engine. Owning a substantial piece of land, we spend a lot of time cutting, pruning, cleaning, raking, and planting. All the while making use of this motorized equipment so essential on rural farms and large tracts of land.
The view is thronelike on top of a farm tractor, which is at once a giant lawn mower and a mini open-air tank, able to subdue the land it has set its mind on working. The mind, the worker, me, driving the beast.
Ever watch National Geographic specials where the sound of a howl in the jungle or other animal calls attracts fellow hunters while making prey scurry? The sound of farm tractors can attract fellow local tractor owners. In our case a friendly long-retired neighbor who shows up with his own tractor when he hears mine at work in the field, to lend a hand. We never had a neighbor come over and help mow the lawn when we lived in the burbs within Charlotte city limits. Rural folks are friendlier that way.
On this mid-weekday I’m cutting the northern quarter of the property. The weather is perfect, it’s an almost unrealistically gorgeous day, completely comfy temperatures where the sun behaves like a long-lost friend, some hazy clouds speckle the blue sky, a yellow carpet of golden rods cover parts of the field, even a couple of butterflies flutter nearby.
The diesel aroma is now routine as the tractor chops away the tall grass. A cool block of wind swooshes by.
Hey, I haven’t given up on riding a motorcycle on winding rural roads, one day. Riding an iron beast like a tractor just maybe a predecessor to riding an iron horse. This thought occurred to me at the precise moment while I was near the edge of the property, cutting near the road, when a rumbling Harley cruised by. I smiled and waved a victory sign to the rider. I don’t think he saw me, but I was content at that moment riding on a different iron beast on the bumpy fields, on a bright fall day.
It’s that time of year in the rural South. Romance season, one might say, for diesel fumes and fall breezes.
Samir Shukla
is the Editor of Saathee Magazine
Contact: Samir@Saathee.com
X: @ShuklaWrites
Newsletter: ShuklaWrites.Substack.com
Why did the banana go out with a prune?
It could not get a date.
Magic Maze & Puzzles4Kids answers pgs 102 -103
Advertisers
Index for Charlotte, South Carolina & Atlanta Region
