It is almost time for the Festival of Lights, a joyous time of year celebrated by many in South Asia as well as by Diaspora all over the world. Light a diya, a traditional clay and oil lamp, this Diwali for peace and prosperity in the world.
We have lots of interesting articles gathered here for this issue. Also, hop on over to 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 “Insurance for New Immigrant Drivers” in our informative column beginning on page 30.
♦ The essay, “Helping Your Child Through Speech Bump and Stuttering” is on page 42.
♦ The article “Udit Narayan’s Legacy” can be found on page 44.
We would be happy to add anyone in the Carolinas to the Saathee subscription base at no charge, simply visit saathee.com/subscription and also sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter and Instagram (@saatheemagazine).
“I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise, what is there to defend?” - Robert Redford
Cover: Arunachala, Tamil Nadu
Arunachala is a hill in Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, and one of the five main Shaiva holy places in South India. The Arunachalesvara Temple to Shiva is located at the base of the hill.
Photo: Adobe Stock
“Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent.”
October 2025 Issue # 329
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: Girish Modi, Rupa Pereira, Shikha Singh, Dipika Kohli, Raajeev Aggerwhil, Shyama Parui, Hiren Deliwala, Preethi Sriram, Ketu Desai, Maitri Acharya, Shuchi Mehta, 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.
Saathee
(USPS 021-116) (ISSN: 1543-8147) is published monthly by: Shukla Entertainment Inc.
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Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily of the publisher or editor. Please contact us prior to submitting articles or photographs. Saathee is published monthly. Deadlines for advertisement, submissions and events information is 15th of the month.
I laughed hard the other day. A really good belly aching laugh. I was not watching TV or reading something funny. There were no comedians around. It was just a typical Thursday afternoon sauntering about the house after work. I was walking across the living room, bare feet, and my right leg seemingly developed a brain of its own. A pranking body part, if you will.
The leg did a shuffle and swung to the right, and I stubbed the big toe on the corner of the sofa, hard. I felt like I was in a slapstick movie or physical comedy sketch coming to life in the living room as I bounced around a few seconds on one foot, holding my toe. I was a character in one of my favorite old Looney Tunes cartoons.
In those slapstick films, cartoons and sketches, the clumsiness is coordinated. This flattening of the toe was wholly unintentional and rather painful. But it made me laugh.
It seems the further I travel into my sixth decade on the rails of life, the more my body parts have increasingly begun playing tricks on each other. My own bones and scrawny muscles conspire and occasionally trip me up. Just for fun. The brain, the alleged protector of the body, goes along for the cheap laugh.
On that Thursday it was the toe that got in the way of the leg making its own merry fun. The initial burst of pain and anger quickly turned into laughter. What else to do with your own clumsiness?
I slapped my right knee as if to goad it into behaving. I let out some warm words and got mad at myself. The toe hurt and now my belly ached, from the ensuing laughter.
Editor’s Desk continued on page 110
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Upcoming Events
Broken Images w/Shabana Azmi:
Raleigh, NC (October 2, 2025)
India’s legendary actress Shabana Azmi stars in the play Broken Images, which is written by Girish Karnad and Alyque Padamsee, on Thursday, October 2, 2025, 7 – 8:30pm, at Fletcher Opera Hall, Raleigh, NC. For more details, call 919434-1966 or find tickets at Ticketmaster.com.
Global
Mela: Atlanta, GA (October 4 – 5, 2025)
The 25th anniversary edition of Global Mela, featuring, vendors, food, shopping exhibition, kids’ activities, magic show, performances, and more on October 4 – 5, 2025. Free entry, parking, and prize giveaways. Global Mall is located at 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross, GA. Info: 770-416-1111 or visit the website: Amsglobalmall.com.
History comes alive with non-stop, 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.
CMAC presents a classical vocal concert by Sikkil Gurucharan on Sunday, October 5, 2025, 4pm, Gandhi Bhavan, Hindu Center, Charlotte. CMAC members free, others $15 - $40. For more details, call 704-904-9454 or visit Onlinecmac.org.
Hindi Vikas Mandal and HSNC present Ramleela, Ravan Dahan on Sunday, October 5, 2025, beginning at 4pm, at 309 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC. Featuring mela (food, stalls, clothing), Ramleela and Ravan Dahan. For more details call 919-656-5224 or visit Hsnctemple.org.
Vibha will present a garba night on Sunday, October 5, 2025, 6 - 9pm, at Cary Senior Center, 120 Maury Odell Place, Cary, NC. Tickets are $15 per person, 10 and under free. For more details, call 919-800-1789. Visit Vibha.org.
Children’s Garba: Charlotte, NC (October 5, 2025)
The annual children’s garba will take place at The Hindu Center, 7400 City View Dr., Charlotte, NC, on Sunday, October 5, 2025, in Vihar Hall, 4 - 7pm. Enjoy and teach kids garba and raas. Aarti will be conducted at 6pm. For more info, call 704-535-3440 or visit Hcclt.org.
Neil deGrasse Tyson: Charlotte, NC (October 7, 2025)
The famous astrophysicist and author will talk about “Search for Life in the Universe” on October 7, 2025, 7:30pm, Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte. Details: Boplex.com or call 704-372-3600.
South
Carolina State Fair: Columbia, SC (October 8 – 19, 2025)
Every year, people of all ages descend upon Columbia to attend the South Carolina State Fair. The fair includes a wide variety of exhibits, thrilling rides, and unique food – such as chocolate-covered bacon, doughnut burgers, and even fried coke. This year’s theme is “Harvesting Happiness” and will run between October 8 - 19, 2025 at the Fairgrounds on Rosewood Drive in Columbia, SC. For more information, visit Scstatefair.org.
Tryon International Film Festival (October 9 – 12, 2025)
The annual Tryon International Film Festival is one of the few film festivals in the world that employs the entire town. Various screening venues operate seamlessly during the three-day event as retail shops, restaurants and bars come alive with activity as filmmakers and fans walk the streets, enjoy street entertainment and art. The dates are October 9 - 12, 2025. Info: Tryoninternationalfilmfestival.org.
Wishing You a Happy Diwali! Wishing You a Happy Diwali!
Triangle Gujarati Association presents Sharad Purnima with a twist of tradition and fusion! Come dressed in your vibrant garba outfits and dance the night away to a mix of garba and Bollywood beats with DJ Chirag. It will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 8pm, at HSNC Main Hall, HSNC Main Hall, 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville NC. Food will be available for purchase. Details: Nctga.org.
Fall for Greenville (October 10 – 12, 2025)
Discover a world of tempting tastes, sights and sounds, as mouthwatering aromas carry you along Greenville’s Main Street. With over 40 restaurants featuring over 200 menu items and free entertainment on seven stages, Greenville, SC invites you to enjoy this popular outdoor festival. Taking place from October 10 - 12, 2025, indulge in a weekend full of flavor. Admission is free. Learn more at Fallforgreenville.net.
Charlotte Vegfest: (October 11, 2025)
The fest will place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, noon – 6pm, at Victoria Yards, Uptown. Enjoy treats and food from over 100 vendors. Charlotte Vegfest brings together national, regional, and local veg-minded businesses for a broad mix of old and new favorites. Info: Charlottevegfest.com.
Hum Sub Diwali:
Cary, NC (October 11, 2025)
Hum Sub presents the annual Diwali celebrations on Saturday, October 11, 2025, 9am – 9pm, at Koka Booth Amphitheater, Cary, NC. Experience Indian dances and music, food, and shopping all in one day that culminates in fireworks that will light up the night skies. Details: Humsub.org.
BCH Octoberfest: Concord, NC (October 12, 2025)
Breast Cancer Hub presents its annual fundraiser on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Odell Elementary School, 1885 Odell School Rd., Concord, NC from 11:30am – 3:30pm. Featuring food, fashion, games, henna, jewelry, vendors, and more. There will also be a dance competition. Free entry. For more details, visit Breastcancerhub.org.
North
Carolina State
Fair:
Raleigh, NC (October 16 – 26, 2025)
The North Carolina State Fair returns to the fairgrounds in Raleigh, NC from October 16-26, 2025. The fair features all sorts of attractions, competitions, fair food and rides for the whole family. Parking has also been expanded with a free shuttle service available. Various ticket packages are available. For more information, visit Ncagr.gov/divisions/ncstatefair.
Boo at the NC Zoo: Asheboro, NC (October 18 – 26, 2025)
Celebrate autumn and Halloween at one of the country’s largest zoos. Activities for the whole family. The two weekends are October 18 - 19 and October 25 - 26, 2025 from 9am to 3pm at the North Carolina Zoon and Botanical Gardens in Asheboro, NC. For more details, visit Nczoo.org.
Diwali Cultural Program and Mela: Charlotte, NC (October 25 – 26, 2025)
The event features clothing, jewelry, crafts, community performances, food stalls, vendor booths and more. Free admission both days, October 25 – 26, 2025, 11am – 7pm. Vihar Hall, Hindu Center, 7400 City View Dr., Charlotte. Details, 704-535-3440 or visit Hcclt.org.
TGA Diwali Gala Dinner: Morrisville, NC (November 1, 2025)
Experience the joy of Diwali through a flavorful dinner. appetizers, and sweet treats await, all amidst the glow of traditional lamps. Join for a festive feast that celebrates the essence of Diwali - family, flavors, and lights. It will take place Saturday, November 1, 2025, starting 5:30pm. HSNC Main Hall , 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville NC. Info: Nctga.org.
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.
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
VEMA MORTGAGE
•
PROVIDE PRIMARY CARE AND FAMILY MEDICINE
• 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.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 For Those Who Come After
Mirror, Mirror by Jennifer Allen
“Men trip not on mountains; they stumble upon stones.”
~ Esquie
Warning of light spoilers for early points of the game
Imagine the excitement of starting up a brand-new game for the first time.
You find yourself at the start screen and after fiddling through some preliminary game settings, you click New Game.
A black screen wistfully graced with a few sparse flower petals gradually fades away to reveal the sounds of gulls and ocean waves to complement an array of
peculiar statues and buildings. In fact, one of the very first things you can’t help but notice is the vast number of objects seemingly suspended in place.
It’s a tiny detail portrayed within a world that immediately expresses an explosion of wild imagination. Across each of the game’s explorable areas, there is this unnatural pause of seemingly impending destruction which lies just above a surface of bold color and life. It’s a subtle way to communicate that something about this world is… not allowed to fully resolve.
The more I continued to play this game, the more I felt absolutely spellbound by these seemingly whimsical yet disturbing imperfections.
The opening area is the small town of Lumière, and almost immediately you as the player are free to scurry
The Year of the Composition Silence
Kismuth and the Way II by
Dipika Kohli
‘You studied Japanese so that you could talk to us? About things like the rain and the ajisai?’
She meant the hydrangeas.
‘That’s right. “The colors, so richly blue, so saturated purple, with so many shades of those, and... the pinks! I’d never seen... “That’s what I’d wanted to say when I was a teen and in Japan in summer for the first time. But I couldn’t, I only had two years of high school Japanese... yes, well, thank you. My teacher was excellent, and strict, so yes, I did learn... but you have to start somewhere, and I didn’t have the words at the start. I didn’t even know they were called ajisai. Now I do. Now I say all that.’
She and I had just met outside, moments prior, on the pathway. Here we were again, in the nice park on the outskirts of Sapporo, walking in opposite directions on a lush loop I hear is quite snowy in winter. But this was August, and it was hot.
‘It’s hot, isn’t it. We Japanese... we love ajisai,’ she began to say in earnest, then her voice cracked. Only because I’ve been to Japan many times and have spent so much of those times with so many people here did I know not to say anything, here. You don’t want to interrupt silence.
Kismuth continued on page 80
Prevention: Physical exam, Pap smear, School/Sport exams, Depression/Anxiety
Treatment: Heart Problems, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Thyroid Problems
Procedures: Mole Removal, Warts Treatment, Cyst Removal, Allergy Testing, Cosmetic Procedures, Weight Loss Treatment, Botox and Fillers
Next to Sangam Mart
Insurance
Information for New Immigrants for Driver’s License
Insurance Information for New Immigrants for Driver’s License
by Anuj Kasera
Welcome to the Carolinas! Whether you are a new immigrant, an international student or a visitor and are planning to drive, proof of insurance is essential to get a driver’s license (DL). Each state has its own insurance requirements and additional documents, like proof of legal presence, will be required during the licensing process. In this article, we are going to talk about insurance requirements for immigrant drivers who have never been licensed before in the US.
Note that if you are a temporary visitor in the US, it is legal to drive a car in the Carolinas with your Indian license. But if you are here on student/work visa or Green Card, it is expected that you must apply for the US license within a short period of arrival. You may borrow your friend’s car, rent from a car rental company or buy from a dealership or private owner – but you will need to have your own liability insurance to get a license.
Proof of liability insurance is required to get a DL, regardless of whether you own a vehicle or not. If you do not own a car, you will need to obtain a “non-
owner’s liability insurance” policy. Each family member will need to have their own liability insurance. Most people first get their DL and then purchase a car. After you purchase the car, all family members can cancel their individual policies as they will be covered by the single auto policy that you will purchase to register the car.
We often get the question on whether new immigrants can borrow their friend or relative’s car. The general rule is that Insurance follows the car which means that anyone driving the car with the owner’s permission is covered. So, if your friend/relative has given you permission to drive their car and you have a valid license from a foreign country, you can start driving at least temporarily.
If your friend or family member has allowed you to operate their car on an occasional basis, their insurance will cover you as well. But if you are staying with them or plan to regularly use their car, the owner will need to add you to their policy.
The owner of the car should understand the risk of allowing you to drive their car. If you are involved in an accident, it may show up on the owner’s records as well and push up their premium. Both you and your friend/relative should discuss the implication of adding you to their policy with the insurance agent or even letting you borrow the car.
Upcoming Movie Releases
October 3
Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari (Director: Shashank Khaitan)
Cast: Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf
Play Dirty (Director: Shane Black)
Cast: Mark Wahlberg and LaKeith Stanfield
Anemone (Director: Ronan Day-Lewis)
Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis and Sean Bean
The Smashing Machine (Director: Benny Safdie)
Cast: Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt
Ikkis (Director: Sriram Raghavan)
Cast: Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Simar Bhatia
October 10
Roofman (Director: Derek Cianfrance)
Cast: Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, LaKeith Stanfield, and Peter Dinklage
After the Hunt (Director: Luca Guadagnino)
Cast: Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield, and Chloë Sevigny
Tron: Ares (Director: Joachim Rønning)
Cast: Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Hasan Minhaj, and Jeff Bridges
Sasivadane (Director: Sai Mohan Ubbana)
Cast: Rakshit Atluri and Komalee Prasad
Kiss of the Spider Woman (Director: Bill Condon)
Cast: Diego Luna, and Jennifer Lopez
A House of Dynamite (Director: Kathryn Bigelow)
Cast: Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, and Jared Harris
October 17
Good Fortune (Director: Aziz Ansari)
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Aziz Ansari, and Seth Rogen
Dulhaniyan Le Aayegi (Director: Akashaditya Lama)
Cast: Khushali Kumar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Piyush Mishra, and BC Aunty
K-Ramp (Director: Jains Nani)
Cast: Kiran Abbavaram and Yukti Thareja
Vrusshabha (Director: Nanda Kishore)
Cast: Mohanlal, Roshan Meka, Shanaya Kapoor, and Ragini Dwivedi
Ballad of a Small Player (Director: Edward Berger)
Cast: Colin Farrell, Fala Chen, and Tilda Swinton
Telusu Kada (Director: Neeraja Kona)
Cast: Siddhu Jonnalagadda and Raashii Khanna
October 21-24
Ek Deewane ki Deewaniyat
(Director: Milap Zaveri)
Cast: Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere (Director: Scott Cooper)
Cast: Jeremy Allen White and Jeremy Strong
Bugonia (Director: Yorgos Lanthimos)
Cast: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, and Alicia Silverstone
Thama (Director: Aditya Sarpotdar)
Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Paresh Rawal
Blue Moon (Director: Richard Linklater)
Cast: Ethan Hawke and Margaret Qualley
Last Days (Director: Justin Lin)
Cast: Sky Yang, Radhika Apte, and Naveen Andrews
October 31
Baahubali: The Epic (Director: S S Rajamouli)
Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, and Anushka Shetty
The Taj Story (Director: Tushar Amrish Goel)
Cast: Paresh Rawal, Sneha Wagh, and Namit Das
Saathee.com/movies has the latest info on where the movies are showing or streaming. All dates subject to change.
i l m C l i p s
Good Fortune
A well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker and a wealthy venture capitalist. Aziz Ansari directs and stars in the film that also includes Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, and Sandra Oh. The film will be released on October 17, 2025.
Bugonia
Two conspiracy-obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth. Emma Stone, Alicia Silversone, and Jesse Plemons star in the film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. Look for it on October 31, 2025.
Vrusshabha
What happens if two sworn enemies from a previous life are reborn as father and son in a new birth? What wins - love or revenge? Nanda Kishore directs Mohanlal, Roshan Meka, Shanaya Kapoor, Zahrah S Khan, and Ragini Dwivedi in this epic film opening on October 17, 2025.
After the Hunt
A college professor finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a pupil levels an accusation against one of her colleagues and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come to light. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, it stars Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield. Opens October 17, 2025.
The Running Man
Thama
This universe needs a love story. This one is bloody. The horror film is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal. It opens in cinemas on October 24, 2025.
A man joins a game show where contestants, allowed to go anywhere in the world, are pursued by “hunters” hired to kill them. Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, and Lee Pace star, Edgar Wright directs. The film will be released on November 14, 2025.
A city dweller compelled to spend a 10-day mourning period for his father in the rugged countryside of western India, tenderly bonds with a local farmer struggling to stay unmarried. Directed by Rohan Kanawade and stars Bhushaan Manoj and Suraaj Suman. Opens on November 21, 2025.
From Desi to Pardesi My Observations as a Tourist in India
From Desi to Pardesi My Observations as a Tourist in India
Namaskar, Y’all by Shyama Parui
Complaints, complaints and more complaints! Ever wonder why there is an incessant flow of grievances from every corner. Perhaps because there are people everywhere. I’ve grown to realize that most complaints are about things that we hold nearest to our heart and those that we are completely alienated from. While this may seem like a strange contradiction, its validity was evident from my recent trip to India over the summer. It had been seven years since we had visited as a family and, needless to say, much had changed. Alas, that also meant that our familiarity with the country that is home to most of our extended family members had declined.
It’s hard to get excited about traveling, especially when it takes over 24 hours from door to door across multiple time zones. Both rational and irrational whining is part of the package deal. However, it was a relief to see that my teenaged children were trying to make the most of it by seizing every photo op in the prettier sections of newer airports designed to attract attention. Personally, it was access to a clean shower at the airport lounge that made the journey bearable, and I am sure that our family members hugged us longer because of it.
What was meant to be a rapturous reunion quickly spiraled into a stressful situation when my
mother, who is only a few months away from turning 90 years of age, fell sick and had to be hospitalized. To my horror, it was a challenge to acquire a properly equipped ambulance that can also navigate through Mumbai’s brutal traffic. My takeaway from the entire episode was that both India and the USA lack a sound healthcare system that places the patient as its highest priority. It is also an area where complaining may not yield any results. Frustration is an unwelcome and unavoidable side effect of hospitalization.
As I waited outside the ICU hoping and praying for Maa’s recovery, memories from happier times kept me afloat. Recollections of mach bhaja (fried fish) and jhol, (stew) made by Maa, the debate between chicken and mutton curry among my siblings, me groaning about having to eat korola (bitter melon) and kumro (gourd) flooded back. My craving for those simple meals and childhood banter skyrocketed. Dining in some of the fanciest restaurants offered some consolation indeed but its joy was temporary. The magic of family recipes is irreplaceable.
Robbed of familiarity, I felt most alienated on the roads and highways of Mumbai and therefore unabashedly joined the chorus of complaints initiated by local Mumbaikars. As a passenger, it is mindboggling to watch how pedestrians and drivers are equally ignored and unrewarded by the ever-growing traffic and never-ending road construction. Forget about emulating the aggressive drivers who go about dodging insane numbers of people and vehicles, I do not even dare to try my hand at backseat driving.
Namaskar continued on page 82
Helping Your Child Through Speech Bumps: A Parents’ Guide to Stuttering
Helping Your Child Through Speech Bumps: A
Parents’ Guide to Stuttering
My Voice by Shuchi Mehta
You’re listening to your toddler chatter away, and suddenly… they get stuck. “P-p-pani joye chhe!” Or maybe they stretch out a sound, “Ssssssssee the doggy?” It’s a moment that can stop you in your tracks and plant a little seed of worry. Is this stuttering?
First, take a deep breath. You’re not alone in this, and it’s common. Many children between ages two and five go through a “bumpy” speech phase. Honestly, you can think of it like this: their brains are firing off new words and big ideas so fast that their mouths are literally trying to catch up! Most of the time, they grow right out of it.
But how you react in these moments truly matters. Your support can shape how your child feels about speaking long-term, helping them stay confident and happy to talk.
Let’s break down what’s what, and how you can be their biggest cheerleader.
Just a Phase? Spotting the Normal Bumps
As your child’s language skills explode, it’s perfectly normal to hear a few stumbles. These are usually no cause for concern and might look like:
● Repeating whole words: “Can we-can we go now?”
● Using little filler words: “I want, um, the other one.”
● Pausing for a second to find the right word.
These bumps often come and go. You’ll probably notice them more when your child is tired, super excited, or trying to tell you a long, complicated story.
When
It Might Be More: Signs of Stuttering
Sometimes, you may notice that the bumps are more frequent or intense. That’s when it’s a good idea to pay closer attention. True stuttering can involve:
● Sound Repetitions: Repeating parts of words, like “bb-ball.”
The AI Boom Continues
Ketu Desai
The AI boom is accelerating. It is increasingly the major source of growth for the economy. AI capex is 6% of the economy but has contributed more to GDP growth this year than the consumer, which makes up more than 70% of the economy. Data center construction will soon surpass general office construction. Large cap tech’s spending now makes up over half of the total capital spending in the economy.
Cloud cap-ex growth is running at 56%, that’s after 65% growth last year. The major hyperscalers, Meta, Microsoft, and Alphabet all increased their capex spend guidance during Q2 earnings to $100bn, $120bn, and $85bn, respectively. The numbers are so high, it doesn’t seem real. In aggregate, it is expected that $7 trillion will be spent on AI infrastructure over the next decade. This is an arms race.
This spending has benefited companies throughout the supply chain. Taiwan Semiconductor, which sits at one of the earliest stages of the AI supply chain, reported earnings growth of 60%. Nvidia, a four trillion-dollar company, grew
sales 56% with 72% margins. Vertiv, which makes cooling systems for data centers, reported 35% growth and guided to 23-25% growth.
The power necessary for these data centers is enormous. The 2027 AI server rack designs require 50x the power of the server racks that power the internet today, according to Goldman Sachs. US data center power demand is expected to double by 2028 to 95 GW, per S&P Global. By 2030 demand is estimated at 117 GW, up 147% from 2024. Meta alone expects to have 1.3 million GPUs online for AI workloads by the end of the year. It is working on two major data center projects, including the 5-gigawatt Hyperion data center in Louisiana, which is enough to power roughly five San Franciscos. Bain estimates that the demand for energy will outpace the supply by the end of the decade. This dynamic is starting to be reflected in prices. The latest auction of the largest US grid operator (PJM) saw clearing prices rise 833%!
While the AI economy is booming, the rest of the
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Bridging Worlds Through Dance: My Journey from India to Flamenco
My
Voice
by Maitri Acharya
I was eight years old when my family and I moved from the vibrant streets of India to a quiet city in North Carolina. But even as we adjusted to our new home, I carried with me something deeply rooted in my identity—Indian classical dance. I trained in Bharatanatyam throughout my childhood and into my teens, and later, as an adult, I earned a diploma in Kathak.
But my dance journey took an unexpected and beautiful turn years later during a study abroad program in Sevilla, Spain. It was there that I saw Flamenco performances for the first time. I was instantly captivated. The immense power, the raw intensity, the emotional expression, it all struck a chord deep within me.
I didn’t know then how profoundly it would shape my artistic path.
At the time, living in a small city in North Carolina meant Flamenco wasn’t easily accessible. There were no nearby teachers, no regular classes. Pursuing this new passion would require years of patience and determination—and a lot of travel to bigger cities to receive proper training. But I was driven. The discipline I had built through years of Indian classical dance helped me stay committed even when it wasn’t easy.
As I delved deeper into Flamenco, I noticed something fascinating: echoes of Indian dance within it. Flamenco has historical roots that trace back to India, and I could feel that connection. The complex footwork, the coordinated use of upper and lower body, the depth of emotional storytelling, so many of these elements felt familiar, yet entirely new.
That curiosity led me to create FlamenKatha, a collaborative dance piece with Kathak artists that explored the parallels between Kathak and Flamenco. We performed it at the NC Dance Festival in Greensboro last November, and the experience was nothing short of magical. It was a true meeting of cultures, traditions, and histories—all through movement.
Bridging Worlds Through Dance continued on page 88
Gandhi’s Enduring Legacy: Truth, Leadership and Nonviolence
Raajeev’s Corner
by Raajeev Aggerwhil
When Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore first met in 1915, their friendship embodied the meeting of two towering minds who sought the soul of India in very different ways. Tagore, the poet and philosopher, enriched the world with his vision of universal humanism, while Gandhi, the leader of the masses and a reformer, forged a path of mass mobilization and direct action. Their exchanges reflected two contrasting yet complementary approaches: one seeking salvation in beauty and universality, the other in simplicity and discipline.
Their friendship was warm, though never without friction. Tagore bestowed upon Gandhi the title of Mahatma—great soul—while Gandhi reverently called him Gurudev, the revered teacher. One particular incident, often retold, captures the philosophical difference between the two great men. In the early morning at Santiniketan, Tagore’s beloved school, Gandhi, draped in his simple white khadi, waited on the veranda for his friend, Tagore, for their walk. Inside, Tagore was preparing for the meeting. He stood before a long mirror, his flowing beard brushed neatly, his elegant robe draped with care. To Tagore,
appearance was not vanity; it was a reflection of beauty, dignity, and respect for the moment.
Gandhi grew impatient, slightly annoyed while Tagore kept combing his hair and taking his time preparing. When Tagore finally emerged in his flowing robe, Gandhi questioned him why he had taken so long to prepare. Gandhi gave his own example of simplicity and his plain dhoti and may have questioned Tagore’s motive and obsession about his own appearance. At that point, Tagore replied to Gandhi that he did not wish to give to this world anything that is not beautiful. In this gentle clash— simplicity against beauty, austerity against artistry—lay the essence of their relationship: not hostility, but respectful debate.
Gandhi and Tagore both believed in the universality of truth but had different perspectives. Gandhi believed in the simplicity of truth and its absoluteness. Tagore came from aesthetics, beauty and worldly appearance. They both were right in their own ways. However, their disagreements were less about putting each other down than but respecting and understanding each other’s point of view. That itself is a valuable lesson in today’s world, so fractured by polarization. Their example reminds us that that truth can be found not in terms of absoluteness but may vary from an
Raajeev’s Corner continued on page 88
Financially Speaking
by Rupa Pereira
When I think of fall, I think of yellow, orange, red. Crispy, cooler mornings and leaves changing colors – love this time of the year! When I think of taxes, I think of black, white and grey. With that in mind, let’s dive into the monochromatic world of tax legislation and its impact on college planning.
Continuing our conversation from the previous month where focus was on personal tax legislation which ranged from extensions, new provisions, modifications to eliminations.
Extensions applied to Income Tax Brackets and Income Tax Rates and Estate Planning Tax rates:
New provisions included Trump Accounts, deductions on tip income, overtime income and higher deductions on senior income. Modifications involved qualifying criteria for healthcare marketplace subsidy and Medicare/Medicaid coverage as well as Itemized Deduction and State and Local Tax (SALT) limits. We also saw elimination of Residential Energy credits, few green tax subsidies and Electric Vehicle Credits as we’ve known for the past few years.
But that’s not all. Higher-Education Planning, Student Loan Planning will also be dramatically transformed due to significant changes to current landscape.
First with the positives. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act
OB3
Part 2: Education Planning
Part 2: Education Planning
brought about several significant changes to 529 plans, making them more flexible for a wider range of educational expenses beyond traditional college tuition.
The law now allows 529 funds to be used for a broader range of K-12 education costs, including books, supplies, and online learning materials, not just tuition. It also permits funds to be used for educational therapies for students with disabilities, standardized test fees (like the SAT and ACT), and dual enrollment tuition. The annual per-beneficiary limit for K-12 expenses has doubled from $10,000 to $20,000. In addition, 529 funds can now be used for certain postsecondary credentials, such as professional licenses, certifications, and registered apprenticeship programs. This supports individuals who are pursuing vocational and technical careers rather than a traditional four-year college degree.
Moreover, under the terms of the OBBBA, funding of up to $5,000 per year is allowed towards a Trump Account held for a child born between 2025 and 2028. Parents and relatives can contribute up to $5,000 annually (adjusted for inflation) to the account, with funds growing tax-deferred until the child reaches age 18. Funds can be used for higher education among other qualifying expenses.
Now onto the gripes:
The new law limits financing options, making it harder for student borrowers to manage their debt. It affects families with college-bound students, current students and those that have graduated with student loans.
Financially Speaking continued on page
Spot the Differences
See if you can spot the 15 differences between the original photo on top and modified below. (Solution on page 104)
My Bad
Masala by Hiren Deliwala
Harrison Ford might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of emotional vulnerability. After all, this is the man who gave us Indiana Jones, Han Solo, and countless other gruff, no-nonsense characters. But in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking, his character, a cranky, aging therapist, has a habit of casually dropping the phrase “My bad,” along with a thump on his chest It’s usually tossed out in a low-key moment, often after a small mistake or a missed cue. He says it with just the right mix of sarcasm, and a hint of actual accountability.
When my friends and I saw that, we latched onto it immediately.
We started using “my bad” in our own group texts, jokes, and even with our spouses. It became our catchphrase, our go-to response for everything from forgetting an errand to showing up late. And of course, we had to include the chest thump. “Didn’t take the trash out again? Thump – my bad.” Forgot to pick up groceries? Thump - my bad.”
Before long, we were doing it so often we started joking about having chest pain. “Yaar, I am hurting from all these ‘my bads’ - I need a break from being wrong.” It was a
laugh, but sort of true too. What started out as a running joke turned into something more. It gave us a funny, familiar shorthand to acknowledge mistakes without getting too deep into the emotional muck.
But over time, I started to ask myself: Is “my bad” enough? Is it just an easy out, or can it mean something real? What was it helping us say or avoid?
There’s something disarming about “my bad.” It’s a casual, culturally acceptable way to own a mistake without getting overly vulnerable. It doesn’t ask for forgiveness. It doesn’t open the door to an emotional conversation. It simply says: “Yes, that was me. Theek hai na yaar (let’s move on).” In my professional life, it works well. In emails and meetings, “my bad” is an efficient way to acknowledge a missed update or a minor oversight. It’s almost expected.
But in personal relationships, I’ve found it doesn’t always cut it.
Speaking only from my own experience and from watching the men around me, saying a heartfelt “I’m sorry” doesn’t come naturally. There’s a kind of inherited cultural connotation, especially among men, that apologizing is a sign of weakness or defeat. I grew up in a home where I rarely saw my father apologize (sorry Dad! And I am proud of how you have grown over time). The unspoken rule was just keep going and time will take care of it.
As I got older, especially during that in-between phase
Mindful Masala continued on page 94
Mindful
We Welcome You to Become a Part of This Loving Spiritual
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (The Holy Bible)
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
NC Diwali Holiday Campaign
The Uma Shakti Dham is working on a campaign for Diwali to be an official NC state holiday. A petition has been created for the campaign. According to the campaign, “Across the country, many states and school districts— including New York City, California and New Jersey—have already recognized Diwali in their official calendars. North Carolina now can join them in demonstrating solidarity with and respect for its Hindu citizens. We respectfully call on the North Carolina State Government and the Department of Public Instruction to officially recognize Diwali as a state holiday. By doing so, North Carolina can ensure that Hindu families have the chance to fully honor their traditions while also promoting greater cultural awareness and appreciation among all residents.” The petition can be found at https://c.org/jLjJyF4Qcv.
Eight new Indian Consular Application Centers across the U.S.A
India’s Ambassador Vinay Kwatra virtually inaugurated eight new Indian Consular Application Centers (ICAC) across the USA in early August 2025. The new ICACs have been opened in Raleigh, Orlando, San Jose, Dallas, Detroit, Columbus, Edison, and Boston. One more ICAC will soon open in Los Angeles. This expansion increases the total number of ICACs to 17, making consular services more accessible to Indian and American citizens in the United States. In addition to the new centers, the Embassy of India is enhancing operational accessibility. All 17 ICACs will operate six days a week, including Saturdays, extending beyond the previous five-day schedule. This change accommodates those who prefer to access services on weekends. Several miscellaneous consular and attestation services will also be provided through the Indian Consular Application Centers. 6. For more information on ICAC locations, services, and hours, visit the Embassy of India’s official website: Indianembassyusa.gov.in.
Sergio Gor Appointed as Ambassador Designate to India
President Trump has announced that he is appointing Sergio Gor, who runs the Presidential Personnel Office, to serve as ambassador to India and as special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs.
“Sergio’s role as Director of Presidential Personnel has been essential to delivering on the unprecedented Mandate that we received from the American People,” Trump wrote on social media.
The 38-year-old Gor, Trump added, would remain in his post until confirmed by the Senate.
The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 will be Held in New Delhi
The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, unveiled the logo and key flagship initiatives for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, which will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from February 19 – 20, 2026.
Being hosted for the first time by a Global South nation, the Summit is guided by the principles or Sutras of People, Planet, and Progress. The discussions will be further centered around 7 thematic Chakras - Human Capital, Inclusion, Safe & Trusted AI, Resilience, Science, Democratizing AI Resources, and Social Good, underscoring how AI can be an impactful force for citizens, communities, and the planet alike.
Remarking on the momentous occasion, MeitY Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, said, “The India AI mission has made very good progress. If we see from the beginning, our main goal was to give better computer facilities to a large number of students, researchers. We had a target of 1000 GPUs, and today we are at 38000 GPUs, which is very good progress.” Further highlighting key initiatives he added, “The AI Data Labs are intentionally located across diverse regions, reflecting our approach to inclusive growth and ensuring that technology is democratized in line with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of equal access to opportunity. Our target of 570 Data Labs will be spread across the country and open doors for students going forward.”
The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 will feature a series of flagship initiatives, including:
● AI Pitch Fest (UDAAN): It will showcase innovative AI startups from across the globe and high-potential ventures from India’s Tier 2 & 3 hubs, with a special focus on women leaders and differently-abled changemakers.
● Global innovation challenges for youth, women, and other participants: The initiative aims to foster AI-driven solutions that address real-world public challenges across sectors.
● Research symposium: A one-day interdisciplinary gathering set to showcase cutting-
edge AI research forum that brings together leading researchers and practitioners from India, the Global South, and the wider international community to present frontier work on the impact of AI, exchange methods and evidence, and forge collaborations.
● AI Expo: The Expo for Responsible Intelligence will feature 300+ exhibitors from India and 30+ countries with 10+ thematic pavilions.
Launch of eight new foundational model initiatives: Under the IndiaAI Foundation Models pillar, eight pioneering projects have been launched to build indigenous AI models trained on India-specific data. Selected from about 506 proposals, these initiatives span multilingual and domain-specific models, scientific discovery, healthcare, and industrial innovation laying the groundwork for India’s AI leadership.
The large-scale summit is expected to see participation from heads of states, global leaders, policy makers, researchers, industry experts and innovators.
Yudh Abhyas 2025 Concludes
Yudh Abhyas 2025, the annual bilateral Army-to-Army exercise between India and the United States concluded on September 14 after two weeks of intense engagement. The exercise, conducted between September 1 – 14, 2025 at Fort Wainwright and the Yukon Training Area in Alaska, brought together around 450 personnel of the Indian Army, led by a battalion of the Madras Regiment, with soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division.
Exercises included Indian and American officers working side by side on operational planning, command and control, and coordination across brigade and battalion levels. This was followed by field training in challenging sub-arctic terrain, including drills and maneuvers, specialist training such as sniper and reconnaissance, counter IED training and laying of obstacles and demolitions. These activities allowed soldiers from both armies to adapt their procedures to one another and build familiarity under realistic combat conditions.
The exercise also included live-fire activities during which artillery units from both sides conducted joint firing. This was supplemented by mortar live-fire exercises that
tested coordination in fire control and communications in a demanding terrain, providing valuable lessons in precision, adaptability and joint targeting.
In parallel, joint training on combat medical preparedness was also carried out at the Medical Simulation Training Center. This component of the exercise boosted ability of the two armies to provide integrated medical support in extreme climates.
In the final phase, combined tactical operations and validation drills were executed in adverse weather conditions. Infantry units, artillery, aviation, electronic warfare and counter-drone systems were employed under joint command and control. This phase also included a Distinguished Visitor Day on 11 September, where observers witnessed live-fire maneuvers and combined operations. Senior officers from both sides expressed satisfaction with the teams operating together, and on each others’ equipment, towards fulfillment of assigned realworld tasks.
Yudh Abhyas has evolved significantly since its inception when it began as a platoon-level exercise focused on peacekeeping. It has steadily grown in scale and complexity, alternating between locations in India and the U.S. Today, it represents one of the most advanced and largest bilateral exercises conducted by India.
Yudh Abhyas is a hallmark of the growing military-tomilitary interaction between India and the U.S. aligned with the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between both countries.
“Together, we sharpen our skills for peacekeeping, humanitarian response, and combat operations because we know that the challenges of the future will demand cooperation across borders,” said Col. Christopher Brawley, commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Arctic), 11th Airborne Division. “When our soldiers trained side by side, we demonstrate to the world that our partnership is strong, enduring and prepared to meet any challenge.”
Yudh Abhyas, which means “Preparing for War” in Hindi, began in 2004 as a counterinsurgency training exchange. Over the years, it has evolved to include brigadelevel command post exercises and field training exercises focused on conventional, unconventional, and hybrid threats, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
“Exercises such as Yudh Abhyas create the ideal environment to test concepts, refined procedures and most importantly, learn from each other’s experience,” said Brigadier Rajeev Sahara, commander of the Indian Army, 65th Infantry Brigade. “I thank our American hosts as the partnership continues to be invaluable to us.”
The exercise also provided opportunities for cultural exchange, sporting events, and professional development workshops. U.S. and Indian Soldiers will work together in planning, execution, and after-action review phases, building mutual understanding and trust at all levels.
Yudh Abhyas alternates annually between India and the United States. This year the exercise was held in the United States, and next year’s iteration will return to India.
Tel: 704-525-8824
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Chandnis Chandnis
Photos by Girish Modi
Udit Narayan is my favorite singer just like Kumar Sanu and I was thrilled to meet him in Atlanta a few years ago during his concert tour with Alka Yagnik.
When I had visited India in December 1980, I went to HMV studio by invitation from Arun Paudwal to observe recording of a movie song. Bappi Lahiri was the music director, and he was rehearsing a song with musicians, recording personnel and a singer, which was apparently Udit Narayan according to Arun.
Narayan was struggling in that rehearsal, and Bappi Lahiri was getting impatient and ended up rehearsing the whole song by himself. Though the session had gone on for several hours, I left a couple of hours after getting a taste of it.
Udit Narayan’s Legacy
one of the highest selling albums of the 1980s and was a breakthrough for the careers of Anand–Milind as well.
“Mujhe Nind Na Aaye” is another one of Udit Narayan’s impressive duets with Anuradha Paudwal, also composed by Anand-Milind, and featured in the film Dil which starred Aamir Khan and Madhuri Dixit. It is also one of the songs I like very much.
The first song I heard from Narayan was “Papa Kehte Hain” from the film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, starring Aamir Khan, that established Narayan as a playback singer and earned his first Filmfare Award. The soundtrack of QSQT is
In the 1990s Udit Narayan sang many songs in Hindi as well as other languages.
However, “Aye Mere Papa the Great” which is a song from Papa the Great film released in 2000, where Narayan sang with his 9-year-old son Aditya that had caught my attention. I was so moved by that song along with two other songs “Bindiya Saji Nahin” and “O Rabba Rabba Mujhe Pyar Ho Gaya” that I started falling in love with Narayan’s voice. He had become famous in a short time.
Narayan sang record-setting duets with Lataji for the Dil Toh Pagal Hai. As appreciation of Narayan’s singing, I had written an article about him based on Papa the Great theme and titled it “Like Father, Like Son” that was published in a couple of Indian magazines.
Udit Narayan’s career had reached pinnacle of fame in the 90s with the romantic song “Aye Ho Meri Zindagi Mein Tum Bahar Banke“ featured in the film Raja Hindustani and won five consecutive Film Fare awards.
Udit Narayan continued on page 92
My Voice by Girish Modi
Scams and Frauds
Here are the tactics criminals use on you in the age of AI and
cryptocurrencies Scams and Frauds
Here are the tactics criminals use on you in the age of AI and cryptocurrencies
By Rahul Telang
Scams are nothing new – fraud has existed as long as human greed. What changes are the tools.
Scammers thrive on exploiting vulnerable, uninformed users, and they adapt to whatever technologies or trends dominate the moment. In 2025, that means AI, cryptocurrencies and stolen personal data are their weapons of choice.
And, as always, the duty, fear and hope of their targets provide openings. Today, duty often means following instructions from bosses or co-workers, who scammers can impersonate. Fear is that a loved one, who scammers also can impersonate, is in danger. And hope is often for an investment scheme or job opportunity to pay off
AI-powered scams and deepfakes
Artificial intelligence is no longer niche – it’s cheap, accessible and effective. While businesses use AI for advertising and customer support, scammers exploit the same tools to mimic reality, with disturbing precision.
Deepfake scams use high-tech tools and old-fashioned emotional manipulation.
Criminals are using AI-generated audio or video to impersonate CEOs, managers or even family members in distress. Employees have been tricked into transferring money or leaking sensitive data. Over 105,000 such deepfake attacks were recorded in the U.S. in 2024, costing more than US$200 million in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Victims often cannot distinguish synthetic voices/faces from real ones.
Fraudsters are also using emotional manipulation. The scammers make phone calls or send convincing AI-written texts posing as relatives or friends in distress. Elderly victims in particular fall prey when they believe a grandchild or other family member is in urgent trouble. The Federal Trade Commission has outlined how scammers use fake emergencies to pose as relatives.
Cryptocurrency scams
Crypto remains the Wild West of finance — fast, unregulated and ripe for exploitation.
Pump-and-dump scammers artificially inflate the price of a cryptocurrency through hype on social media to lure investors with promises of huge returns – the pump – and then sell off their holdings – the dump – leaving victims with worthless tokens.
Pig butchering is a hybrid of romance scams and crypto fraud. Scammers build trust over weeks or months before persuading victims to invest in fake crypto platforms. Once the scammers have extracted enough money from the victim, they vanish.
Pig-butchering scams lure people into fake online relationships, often with devastating consequences.
Scammers also use cryptocurrencies as a means of extracting money from people in impersonation scams and other forms of fraud. For example, scammers direct victims to bitcoin ATMs to deposit large sums of cash and convert it to the untraceable cryptocurrency as payment for fictitious fines.
Phishing,
Old scams don’t die; they evolve.
Phishing and smishing have been around for years. Victims are tricked into clicking links in emails or text messages, leading to malware downloads, credential theft or ransomware attacks. AI has made these lures eerily realistic, mimicking corporate tone, grammar and even video content.
Tech support scams often start with pop-ups on computer screens that warn of viruses or identity theft, urging users to call a number. Sometimes they begin with a direct cold call to the victim. Once the victim is on a call with fake tech support, the scammers convince victims to grant remote access to their supposedly compromised computers. Once inside, scammers install malware, steal data, demand payment or all three.
Fake websites and listings are another current type of scam. Fraudulent sites impersonating universities or ticket sellers trick victims into paying for fake admissions, concerts or goods.
One example is when a website for “Southeastern Michigan University” came online and started offering details about admission. There is no such university. Eastern Michigan University filed a complaint that Southeastern Michigan University was copying its website and defrauding unsuspecting victims.
The rise of remote and gig work has opened new fraud avenues. Victims are offered fake jobs with promises of high pay and flexible hours. In reality, scammers extract “placement fees” or harvest sensitive personal data such as Social Security numbers and bank details, which are later used for identity theft.
How you can protect yourself
Technology has changed, but the basic principles remain the same: Never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown senders and enter personal information only if you are sure that the website is legitimate.
Avoid using third-party apps or links. Legitimate businesses have apps or real websites of their own.
Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. It provides security against stolen passwords. Keep software updated to patch security holes. Most software allows for automatic update or warns about applying a patch.
Remember that a legitimate business will never ask for personal information or a money transfer. Such requests are a red flag. Relationships are a trickier matter. The state of California provides details on how people can avoid being victims of pig butchering.
Technology has supercharged age-old fraud. AI makes deception virtually indistinguishable from reality, crypto enables anonymous theft, and the remote-work era expands opportunities to trick people. The constant: Scammers prey on trust, urgency and ignorance. Awareness and skepticism remain your best defense.
Article courtesy of theconversation.com
Rahul Telang is Professor of Information Systems, Carnegie Mellon University
What Can I Do For You?
Adult Dance Student by Preethi Sriram
There seem to be many rules and regulations that need to be followed within society. These rules help to keep structure and order. Some make sense for our daily lives and in modern society. For instance, with the simple traffic rules: Green light, go / Red light, stop.
Some rules seem to not have clear rights or wrongs, or society has created “teams” for which side they feel is correct. So, who knows better than whom? Who is right, and who is wrong? Are there various directions and ways or is there only one path and the rest have strayed? Is there a spot for rule breakers?
One of my favorite dance pieces that I have watched is the story of Kannappa, which feels like a new tale every time I watch, read or think about it.
In the story, Kannappa is a hunter. One day, he sees a priest performing an offering at the temple to the murti form of Lord Shiva.
He too wants to perform an offering to Lord Shiva. However, as a hunter, he is not trained in the ways of rituals. As such, he offers what he knows and finds worthy to offer to the Lord.
He brings fresh flowers. Fresh meat is given as an offering. He takes water in his mouth and pours it over the murti.
The priest returns and feels disgusted when seeing this was conducted and then goes back to providing the traditional offerings to the murti. Much to the priest’s irritation, the devotee keeps coming back and conducting his own offerings.
One day, as Kannappa comes to perform his regular offerings, he sees one of eyes of the Shiva lingam bleeding. He knows exactly what to do and he plucks out his own eye. Then he sees the other eye bleeding. And he decides he will offer his other eye.
In the story, Lord Shiva understands the pure devotee’s heart and restores his sight.
Does this old story have modern relevance? Are there lessons that can be taken within the modern-day context?
Kannappa was a devotee of Shiva. One can say, even from the beginning he was “blind” or ignorant of the rules of society and the appropriate way to worship.
He is a Lord Shiva devotee and provided offerings regularly to the Shiva linga. But his offerings and his way of
page 80
Adult Dance Student continued on
Helping Your Child
continued from page 42
● Stretching Sounds: Holding onto a sound for a long time, like “Mmmmmmommy.”
● Blocks: Getting completely stuck, where it looks like they’re trying to talk but no sound comes out for a moment.
● Physical Tension: You might notice their little face tighten up, some rapid blinking, or other signs of physical effort when they try to speak.
● Frustration: The child seems aware of the struggle and is clearly bothered by it.
If you’re nodding along to these points, it may be time to think about getting some professional advice.
Your Superpower: How to Help at Home
Your calm and patient presence is the most powerful tool you have to ensure that the anxiety around speaking stays in check and fluent communication is promoted. Here are a few simple shifts in how you interact that can make a huge difference:
1. Swap Questions for Comments: When a child feels like they’re being quizzed (“What did you build? What color is it?”), the pressure mounts. Instead, try making simple comments. For example, instead of asking, “What’s on your shirt?” say, “Wow, that’s a cool dinosaur on your shirt!” This invites them to talk without the pressure to perform.
2. Become a Patient Listener: This can be the hardest thing to do, but it’s probably the most important. Fight every urge to finish their sentences or tell them to “slow down” or “take a breath.” Just listen. Give them the space to finish their thought, no matter how long it takes. Your patient silence speaks volumes and tells them, “I’m here, and I’ve got time for you.”
3. Set a Chill Pace: Kids are little sponges. If you tend to speak quickly, try a slightly slower, more relaxed pace in your own speech. You’re not “teaching” them anything; you’re just creating a calmer communication vibe for them to soak up.
Turn Down the Pressure, Turn up the fun
The best way to build confident communication is to make it feel like play! Try to weave some of these low-pressure activities into your daily routine:
● Special Time: Dedicate just 5-10 minutes a day to pure, one-on-one time where your child leads the play and the conversation. Put the phone away, ignore the laundry, just have fun together.
● Storytime: Read books together slowly. Pause and let them point things out or chime in but never feel like you must rush to the end.
● Sing-Alongs: There’s a reason we learn the alphabet through a song! Music and rhythm help words flow more easily. Put on some favorite tunes and have a little jam session.
● Pretend Play: Talking through dolls or action figures takes the focus off your child and makes conversation feel like a game.
● Take Turns: Simple board games or card games are great for practicing the natural, easy back-and-forth of a conversation.
Trust Your
Gut: When to Call in a Pro
While most kids outgrow speech bumps, it’s always wise to seek professional advice if you have a nagging feeling. Consider reaching out to a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) if:
● The stuttering has been going on for more than six months.
● You see that physical tension or struggle when they talk.
● Stuttering runs in your family.
● Your child starts stuttering after age 4.
● They seem to be avoiding talking or getting really upset about it.
Getting an evaluation doesn’t automatically mean your child will start therapy. It might just mean getting expert guidance and peace of mind. But if support is needed, starting early helps prevent the stutter from becoming a source of anxiety. The goal is to raise a child who loves to talk and share their ideas with the world, bumps and all.
References:
1. The effects of parental speech rate in children who stutter. Sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0021992425000619. Accessed September 8, 2025.
2. Stuttering Foundation – 7 Tips for Talking With Your Child. Stutteringhelp.org/7Tips. Accessed September 6, 2025.
3. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) –Stuttering. A
4. sha.org/public/speech/disorders/stuttering. Accessed September 9, 2025.
Shuchi Mehta
is a Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and founder of the blog & instagram account CooBabbleBol. She graduated with a Masters in Speech-Language Pathology from Northwestern University in Chicago. She believes that small changes in the way we talk/play with our littles can make a world of difference. Contact: snkharod@gmail.com.
by Shikha Singh
(IG: @spicymillennial)
Pistachio Cloud Cake
Hello Saathee family! If you’ve ever wanted to impress with dessert but felt short on time (or baking confidence), this Pistachio Cloud Cake is for you! Starting with a simple mix and adding a pistachio twist, it bakes up light, zesty, and full of flavor. It’s quick, foolproof, and guaranteed to have your guests asking for seconds. Proof that sometimes the easiest recipes make the biggest splash.
Ingredients Directions
1 package white cake mix (14 ounces)
1 cup key lime sparkling water (can be lemon or lime)
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and butter or cooking spray a 13x9 in pan.
Step 2: Beat cake mix, sparkling water, oil, eggs, 1 package of the pudding mix, 1/2 tsp salt, cardamom powder, and crushed saffron until the mixture gets light fluffy.
Step 3: Toss in the crushed pistachios and coconut flakes and fold them in the mixture using a spoon.
Step 4: Pour the mixture into the pan and bake 25 to 30 mins until the center is baked. Take the cake out of the oven and let it completely cool at room temperature.
Step 5: While the cake is cooling, make the frosting by beating heavy whipping cream until it starts to thicken a little. Then add sugar, 3 tablespoons of the pudding powder and 1/2 tsp of salt. Beat until a thickened, smooth icing is made.
Step 6: Spread the icing onto the cake and add additional crushed pistachios if desired for garnish.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days (if it lasts that long)
For more recipes, visit Saathee.com/recipes
Hindu Center Expansion
Leave a Lasting Memory on HC Wall. Sponsor Plates for $1001, $5,001, $10,001, $25,001 or more Expansion project update:
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Work Continues: Main Shikhar and electrical.
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Upcoming Hindu Center Events & Activities:
Children's Garba: October 5th, Sunday at Vihar Hall
Karva Chauth: October 9th, Thursday
Sharad Purnima: October 10th, Friday with Garba at Vihar Hall
Dhan Teras: October 18th, Saturday - Kali Chaudas: October 19th, Sunday
Diwali / Mahavir Nirvana Day: October 20th, Monday
Annakut / Govardhan Pooja / New Year: October 22nd, Wednesday
Diwali Cultural Show: October 25th, Saturday & October 26th, Sunday
Tulsi Vivah: November 1st, Saturday
Karthik Poornima Deepotsavam: November 4th, Tuesday
Diwali Dinner: November 16th, Sunday
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HINDU
Narender Dudee DDS
After half a minute or so and having readied herself, she said. ‘Thank you,’ wiping a tear. ‘Thank you for learning Japanese so you could... talk to me. Because, English, no. No, I can’t.’ (Eigo wa dame... dame desu yo.)
And here I was. Aware of the plain real fact that I had achieved one of my old goals. To learn Japanese for the sheer purpose of being able to talk to people, like, just normally, back and forth, the way I’m writing this. And to be understood. And to understand. Isn’t that what teens want?
Back in Utsunomiya, a city in Tochigi prefecture, all those years ago, I was bicycling through rice paddies skipping school in the rain. It was too hard at school, no one understood me. So I vowed I’d learn Japanese.
Now, I could talk casually as I couldn’t then, and this was nice. Sometimes people ask me if I have roots here, which is quite surprising. In this instance, I usually say, ‘Himitsu.’ (Secret.)
Culture is the little things, I think, that pack together to make a place what it is, and silence is a huge part of Japan’s.
My short books, Kismuth, have been writings about ‘quiet space.’ Related? Probably. Japan had truly influenced me, and at a young age. Before the summer exchange program, I’d been to Tokyo as an elementary school student, on a family trip for a few days. Tokyo is big and colorful, but even as a little girl I could sense there was something about Japan that was... very quiet.
Maybe it’s not just about getting fluent in a language or familiar with a place, but the subtle things you pick up on that you wouldn’t have if you weren’t immersed in a faraway land for so long.
I told one person that you could have a whole conversation in Japanese like: ‘You know... Yeah... and the flow... And yeah.... those things.’ Because so much is said between the lines, in the nonverbal exchange, with eye contact or averted eyes, in the spatial distance between you and them. Words aren’t there. But so much other stuff is. To read the air, that’s a literal translation, is so very important when learning and speaking Japanese. It’s big, but you can’t get that from textbooks or apps. You must experience it.
Back in Phnom Penh again, somehow the clang of construction and smartphone noises that are everywhere all the time here make it hard to experience the quiet. It was good to go to Hokkaido. To remember my own preference for that.
On that day I met the nice older lady and her friend on the walk in the park, saying goodbye in the slight rain, we seemed to have more to say to one another but no need to put it into words. ‘It’s nice in the rain, isn’t it?’, I said. ‘The sound.’ A slight bow, bright eyes, an open smile: these were her reply.
Dipika Kohli
is an author who is based in Phnom Penh. Discover her books at kismuth.com and ther projects at dipikakohli.com.
off
ering are not part of the traditions and goes against the rules and regulations within the scriptures.
He is not aware of how a priest would do a puja. He cannot chant the mantras. As a hunter, he lived by eating meat and this was what provided him with sustenance, and he first offered that to Lord Shiva.
But somehow, in all his blindness to society, Lord Shiva understands him.
This is the “Rasa” or the “essence” of the tale, and it is a message that is within various stories of Sanatana Dharma and other philosophies as well.
In the well-known song “Kurai Ondram Ilai” sung famously by M.S Subalakshmi and written by Sri Rajagolapachari, there is powerful line of the following: “Thiraiyin Pin Nirkindrai Kanna/Vunnai Marai Ondum Gnaniyar Mattaumay Kanbar.”
How this translates is that the devotee is saying that even though the murti is behind a curtain and only the priests can see, there are no issues or worries from the devotee.
So, what is the “right” way to do something? Since Kannappa did not follow the rules of the priest, was he “wrong?” What does this even have to do with modern society?
Is there any sort of “practical” applications to this old story in the current day? Or is it just an old tale that should be left in the archives?
There are rules created in society that we clearly understand now are not justified. For instance, who should sit in front of the bus/who is in the back? Rosa Parks showed that we all deserve an open seat.
Who can sit at the counter of a restaurant? Some may take for granted today that brave youngsters before us, within Greensboro, North Carolina, decided to protest the laws of segregation by taking their seat at the counter.
How should a new playground be designed and which children should be kept in mind so that all the children can enjoy themselves?
Who can enter a building? Should buildings be redesigned for more ramps to allow for wheelchairs?
A shift in thinking is constantly needed for society to be more inclusive.
If we start thinking of “what can I do for you” and how can we work together, individually we can have the curtain opened from our own blind spots and as a society help to become more accommodating to people of various experience and walks of life.
This series of articles is about the journey and unique insights of an adult dance student learning classical Indian dance and the experiences and perspective of taking classical Indian dance as both an American and an Indian.
Preethi Sriram
is a classical dance enthusiast and lifelong learner of dance. Contact: SriramPreethi@hotmail.com Adult Dance Student continued from
Namaskar
continued from page 40
Switching gears, figuratively of course, let me share that during the planning phase of our trip, when I had first suggested visiting Delhi and Agra, my kids vehemently opposed it. I tried to reason with them but after a bout of failure, I resorted to emotional appeals. However, as soon as we saw the Taj Mahal, a first for me too, we were mesmerized by its beauty. The kids had completely forgotten about their objections, and I am glad that we were together at that moment, soaking in the splendor of an architectural masterpiece. As a flood and earthquake resistant structure that has survived since the 17th century, it is awe inspiring to architects, artists, and tourists alike. Shah Jahan’s Taj Mahal along with other monuments and palaces commissioned by Akbar illustrate that skillful alliances, tactful negotiations and efforts toward inclusiveness can result in peace which brings prosperity. So, I’m left wondering why parts of Mughal history have been thrown out of school textbooks? Are Indian students complaining or are they simply relieved that their course material has been cut down? I hope that the new generation of young adults are vocal about what’s right because apathy is a bigger threat to society than meaningful protests.
In addition to historical sites, we managed to visit three Hindu temples, one Bahai temple and a mosque. Based on these visits, it dawned on me that a spiritual experience is agnostic to religious affiliations. Any place that offers a sense of inner peace and a serene environment for self-reflection
can provide solace and awaken spiritual connection with a higher power. While our time for shopping was cut down due to heavy rain and my lack of motivation, it was lovely to see my kids enjoy it for a change. Sarees, shoes, and costume jewelry captivated their attention and, unfortunately, depleted my wallet. What is even worse is the challenge of assessing fair price. At times, I think that it is acceptable to pay a little extra if the money goes to hardworking artisans directly. On the other hand, I don’t want to be fooled. There is a tendency around the world to overcharge tourists especially if they suspect that you are from the United States. Recently, reporters from a Paris publication found that Parisian cafes were indeed charging more from customers who looked stereotypically American versus those who appeared stereotypically French.
One thing that bothered me at the tourist attractions was being perceived as foreign. Not being recognized as Indian was a slap in the face. We were visibly different, seen as outsiders and immediately asked to show proof of citizenship. It simultaneously stirred up irritation, sadness, and a feeling of loss that is hard to explain. We call ourselves desis (natives) in the USA but sadly, we have become pardesis (foreigners) in the land of our birth!
At the end of my trip, despite the varying range and reasons for complaining, I admit that I have no regrets, and I can’t wait to return once the memory of these complaints’ fades.
Shyama Parui
is a long time North Carolina resident and an ardent writer. You can reach her at: shyamashree_parui@hotmail.com
If you are planning to rent a car, the rental company will need to see at least state minimum liability insurance or the non-owner’s liability insurance. The rental company may also require full coverage for the car. Rental companies can offer the necessary insurance, though it may be at a higher cost. Most rental companies will rent you the car based on your foreign license, but they absolutely will require proof of insurance coverage.
If you decide to buy a car, you will need to ensure that you have the proper insurance coverage before you sign the papers and start driving. If you are financing the car, most likely the financing company will require you to show proof of insurance which will cover theft or damage to the car. If you do not have a lien on the car (example – purchased with cash), then only liability insurance is mandatory. You may choose to cover your car depending on your financial situation, value of the car and your risk capability.
Now that you have decided whether you are going to borrow, rent or buy, it is time to get the NC driving license. In North Carolina, you will need to take proof of liability insurance (DL123 form) to the DMV. This is a certificate of insurance which serves as proof to the NC DMV that you have the minimum liability insurance coverage required. Your insurance company should be able to issue this form. In South Carolina, DL123 is not required, and you can just show your policy as proof of insurance when you go to the DMV.
We will discuss the various coverages provided by the policy in detail in another article but here is brief overview of two most common coverages:
Liability: Both NC and SC require this coverage to issue you a license. This covers damage to other parties if you are responsible for the accident. There are two parts to this coverage: 1) Bodily Injury which covers medical expenses and lost wages if you injure someone and 2) Property Damage which covers the other party’s property. This coverage does not cover you or anyone in the car. Coverages differ by state. NC minimum limits are $50,000 for bodily injury person, $100,000 for bodily insurance per accident and $50,000 for property damage per accident. SC minimum limits are $25,000, $50,000 and $25,000 respectively.
Comprehensive and Collision: This is not mandatory although your financing company may require it to protect itself. It covers damage done to your vehicle in an accident, theft, fire etc. A deductible usually applies before the policy will pay you.
In our next article, we will discuss in detail the different coverage provided by the auto insurance policy.
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.
Financially Speaking
continued from page 54
Besides education savings accounts, student loans were an acceptable way to finance a college degree. Undergraduate students would qualify for a Federal Stafford Loan or parents could borrow up to the full cost of attendance. For graduate degrees, Graduate PLUS loans existed that would permit those pursuing a master’s degree to borrow up to the full cost of attendance.
When repaying these loans, students could enroll in income-driven payment plans such as SAVE, PAYE, where they were permitted to pay a percentage of their adjusted gross income over a period of 20 or 25 years and possibly earn forgiveness at the end of payment term. Under certain income levels, payments could be $0 and would count as qualifying payment. In addition, Public Service Loan Forgiveness was available to eligible borrowers who were employed in qualified non-profit institutions and made requisite payments over 10 years.
Starting in July 2026, new borrowers will have only two main federal repayment options: a Standard Repayment Plan with fixed payments and an income-based Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), which ties payments to income but requires up to 30 years of payments before forgiveness. Existing income-driven plans will be phased out, and borrowers will need to transition to the new system in 2028. The law requires a $10 minimum monthly payment under RAP, and a borrower’s RAP monthly payment will be based on their AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) and number of dependents.
The law eliminates the Graduate PLUS program, effective July 1, 2026, with legacy provisions for current borrowers to complete their program of study. For students in graduate or professional studies, effective July 1, 2026, the law caps the annual graduate loan limits at $20,500 for graduate students and $50,000 for professional students. The aggregate loan limit is capped at $100,000 for graduate students and $200,000 for professional students.
Under the new act, Parent PLUS loans will have a lifetime limit on how much they can borrow on their children’s education. The bill limits parents to borrow $20,000 per year for each child, with a total cap of $65,000 per student.
These newly instituted Parent Plus limits, coupled with restricted access to IDR plans, could mean that more families must look beyond federal loans for their education costs. Think of private student loans, home equity loans, distributions from retirement etc. While Federal Loans don’t have a credit-check, private loans for undergraduate students go through underwriting and most often require a co-signer with approvals/terms/rates being more restrictive than Federal Loans.
Since the fall season coincides with FAFSA and college application season, plan your moves accordingly since not all is black and white with how one pays for college.
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
individual’s perspectives and an honest exchange to understand that perspective is the right approach.
Unlike most leaders of his age, Gandhi conceived leadership not as power over others. He once said that he wished to be a “leader of zero.” Though the precise wording has been retold in many forms, the essence remains unmistakably Gandhian: true leadership requires annihilating one’s ego and putting the interests of the masses above oneself. To Gandhi, leadership was not about conquering the minds of the masses by force but about winning their hearts. By calling himself a leader of zero, Gandhi believed that greatness can never arise from domination but from humility. That humility stems from the ability to erase one’s own identity, where only the cause is of paramount importance.
This vision of leadership is especially urgent today. Across societies, leadership is too often equated with the accumulation of wealth and power. Gandhi reminds us that real strength lies in serving the cause. His model suggests that the most enduring leaders are not those who demand obedience, but those who inspire trust through selflessness. Such leadership resists the forces of arrogance and polarization.
It is leadership that listens, acknowledges error, and seeks consensus rather than conquest. In an era marked by deep divisions, Gandhi’s idea of being a “leader of zero” points us toward leaders who build unity by placing themselves last, not first.
If Gandhi is remembered most for one principle, it is nonviolence—ahimsa—which he called “the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.” Unlike many who treat peace as a temporary truce, Gandhi insisted that nonviolence must be a way of life, a discipline of the heart. His rejection of violence was not naïve idealism. Gandhi saw clearly that violence, even when committed for noble causes, yields only ephemeral results. In his words, “I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.”
For Gandhi, nonviolence was not weakness but courage. He believed, and often repeated, “Nonviolence is not a weapon of the weak. It is a weapon of the strongest and the bravest.” To refrain from striking back when provoked, to resist oppression without hatred requires not passivity but immense strength of will. It is easier to wield a sword than to bear an insult; easier to retaliate than to endure. Gandhi saw in nonviolence the highest form of heroism.
His words echo hauntingly in times of conflict and destruction: “What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?” By stripping away the banners under which wars are waged, Gandhi exposed the universal human cost.
Even in despair, he held to hope: “When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it—always.” These words remind us
that force and violence do not work in the long term. Only truth and love endure.
The friendship between Tagore and Gandhi shows us the value of respectful debate in the pursuit of truth. Gandhi’s vision of leadership as humility challenges our notions of power. His philosophy of nonviolence offers a weapon stronger than any arsenal.
The ongoing wars in the world remind us of the terrible cost of aggression and the fragility of peace. Cities reduced to rubble, families torn apart, and millions displaced show that even in the name of security or pride, violence leaves scars far deeper than any temporary gain. Gandhi’s words echo across this landscape: “Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary.” His insistence that lasting peace can never be built on conquest but only on reconciliation offers a moral compass in a time when brute force is too often mistaken for strength. The challenge is to remember that true security does not come from domination but from the dignity we extend to one another.
Raajeev Aggerwhil
is a Los Angeles-based comedian. Follow his latest work on Instagram, YouTube and TikTik @Mr.CheapGupta. He can be reached at raajeev24@gmail.com.
Bridging Worlds Through Dance continued from page 50
Today, I’m proud to share that my Flamenco journey has reached an exciting milestone: I’ve been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana Certamen, a highly competitive Flamenco competition taking place in New York City on October 18, 2025. It’s an honor I don’t take lightly, and it’s a testament to the years of learning, exploring, and staying true to my passion.
As someone rooted in Indian heritage and deeply engaged with Flamenco, I feel incredibly fortunate to experience both cultures through dance. In many ways, this journey has come full circle, and my exploration of Flamenco has taken me right back to the rhythms and spirit of Indian classical dance.
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue growing as a Flamenco dancer and to share this powerful art form with my community here in North Carolina. I want to make Flamenco more visible, more accessible, and more appreciated, because I believe its passion and storytelling can resonate with everyone.
Dance has always been my way of connecting across cultures, histories, and emotions. And as I keep moving forward, I hope to keep building those bridges—one step, one rhythm, one story at a time.
Maitri Acharya
is a dancer trained in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Western and Latin styles. She is an artistic and managing member of Flamenco Carolina, a Durham-based group focused on performance, education, and outreach. Drawing from her background, she creates collaborative works that explore rhythm and expression. Instagram: flamencocarolina.ole, Facebook: FlamencoCarolina, email: flamencocarolina@gmail.com
around and take in the sights as you play both Gustave and Sophie, a pair for whom it becomes apparent very quickly they still love each other despite a falling out 4 years prior.
The style of the town is reminiscent of La Belle Époque; a time roughly between 1870 and 1920 often regarded as Europe’s “Golden Age.” With Paris, France as its center, this became a time of bustling construction, technological innovation, and advancements in the arts. It was during this period that the Eiffel Tower was completed, and you can even see this structure in the background yet in a similar state of interrupted decay as the top drips to one side like a half-burnt candle.
Moving about the town you then catch a brilliant contrast between two popular art styles of the period. The freeform softness and color of Art Nouveau appears to be in constant battle with the hard lines and geometric balance associated with Art Deco.
Yet another contrasting style is brilliantly foreshadowed in the game’s own title.
Clair Obscur is a play on an art style popularized during the Italian Renaissance known as Chiaroscuro.
This method utilizes a stark contrast of light and dark to add dramatic depth and volume to its subjects and environment.
This is most notable in a scene near the end of the prologue where we’re introduced to this enigmatic figure known simply as The Paintress. The people of Lumière are at the mercy of this strange colossus in the distance who every year paints a new number and then returns to her sorrowful retreat at the base of that distant monolith. On this day, known as “The Gommage,” residents who have reached the age shown on this monolith will then cease to exist.
right to exist. There is a beautiful yet macabre sense of camaraderie in this combined effort, and that the dream we all aspire to is greater than any one of us.
“We lay the trail for those who come after…” ~ motto passed down by past Expeditioners
The environment itself seems to mirror this… as everything on the continent feels like a rich cacophony of contrasting visuals, sounds, and perspectives. These experiences are but another subtle nod to the ever-present itch at the back of your thoughts that this world is not quite right.
Even the music, composed by Lorien Testard and featuring vocals by Soprano Alice Duport-Percier, will transgress between gentle piano and strings in one scene to a succinctly punctuated electronica theme in another. This is a celebration of France’s music evolution from impressionist composers like Debussy to modern dance artists such as Daft Punk.
With so much said in the game’s marvelously crafted subtext, it absolutely devastated me when the first half suddenly throws all of these wonderful things away to make way for the second half. The free and colorful longing of fantasy must needs make room for the sharp angled truth of reality… and this twist is only one of many the spiraling narrative will expose both you and the characters to for the remainder of the game.
Clair Obscur’s creative team sought to create a game which, much like its story, celebrates the influences of the past while simultaneously crafting something truly unique for others to build upon in the future.
Even the fight sequences are clearly inspired by some popular Japanese games released in the 1990s and early 2000s. Its characters are just as full of contradictions as the environment they traverse.
“I never faulted you for wanting to believe. You’re fighting. To change things. I understand, I just... in a “different world” right?” ~ Sophie
“We’ll break the cycle. So she can’t steal anyone else’s future.” ~ Gustave
From this point, the story shifts to the proclaimed Expedition 33: a selection of volunteers who plan to set out across the sea to confront The Paintress and cease her annual transgressions if only to save the remaining residents of Lumière from further suffering.
As you travel with the Expeditioners, you experience right along with them the progress of each previous attempt. The influence of these people is presented in such a way that their past endeavors paved the way for future generations to build upon and overcome.
Each is imagined as a group of living souls leaving small footprints upon on a path humanity is traversing to earn its
The game ultimately doesn’t patronize you with a neat little ‘happily ever after’ bow on top. It makes it painfully clear that no one is distinctly light or dark, but instead a magnificent Chiaroscuro we must learn to understand and accept.
And in that way… we are all able to observe all those tiny little footprints along the path and continue forward.
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
Udit Narayan
continued from page 66
Udit Narayan and Kumar Sanu both owe their rise to Alka Yagnik with whom they had sung many popularized duets. These three singers have broken many records and I call their period the diamond age of film music.
Narayan was one of the most prominent singers of Bollywood throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. He has been the on-screen singing voice for various Bollywood stars. He has sung for Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, Dev Anand, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn. In 2009, Udit Narayan was awarded India’s fourth highest civilian honor Padma Shri.
He competed with his closest professional rival Kumar Sanu who also won five consecutive Filmfare awards in the 1990s.
Through the 90s, Udit Narayan was the closest rival of Kumar Sanu for the title of most popular male playback vocalist in Indian cinema. This was nothing small as movies are the primary vehicle for disseminating popular music to the Indian public.
Though he wasn’t quite as prolific as Sanu, Narayan boasted one of the most distinctive voices and original singing styles. This reminds me of the glory days of Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar.
When I met Udit Narayan with his wife Prema, I was so excited that I started talking with him about intricacies of his style which stands out among many male singers. I had gifted him a camera and two sheets of postage stamps bearing his image, which impressed him very much. I had taken video of the whole concert I attended that I will cherish for ever.
Girish Modi
is an 85-year-old retired engineer who is passionate about Indian music and classical dances. He donates money to various Indian organizations and provides free photo service. Contact: girish39@yahoo.com.
Kiran Bazaar 2025 Shines with Community Spirit
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, the HSNC Hall came alive with the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of Kiran Bazaar 2025. Shoppers explored a wide array of unique items, sampled delicious treats, and connected with friends old and new, all while supporting local vendors.
This year’s bazaar was Kiran’s biggest yet, drawing record-breaking attendance with more than 2,000 shoppers, 40 plus vendors, food, the dedication of over 50 Kiran volunteers, including members of the Cary Teen Council Kiran Task Force and the generous sponsorship from the Sundaram Family.
For more information, visit Kiraninc.org.
Mindful Masala
continued from page 58
of engagement and marriage, I started learning otherwise. My soon-to-be wife made sure of that. She called me out and still does, made me reflect, and expected more than a shrug and a “my bad.” And I’m still learning. Marriage, I’ve found, is a good arena to practice many diverse skills including how to own your mess.
Then came the kids. And with kids came new levels of frustration, impatience, and being in control. I wanted the best for them, but too often, that came out as control. And when they didn’t do things “my way,” I could get angry. There were emotional and sometimes violent outbursts I regretted almost instantly. And in those quiet moments afterward, when guilt would creep in, I’d face the hard reality - I owe them an apology. But apologizing to your kids isn’t always easy. It feels awkward. Humbling and albeit necessary.
Across cultures and religions, the act of seeking forgiveness and offering it is central. Whether it’s faith, tradition, or just the desire to keep relationships healthy, we’re all taught that apologizing is not just polite, it’s necessary. I started to understand that real apologies go beyond just owning the mistake. They acknowledge the impact. They say, “I see how I hurt you, and I want to do better.” And maybe hardest of all - they challenge you to change. That takes effort and emotional energy. So yes, sometimes a quick “sorry” is enough and can move the conversation along but rarely brings true closure. But there are moments in marriage or any close relationship when “my bad” feels too small for the size of the mistake. Especially in close relationships - whether it’s with a partner, parent, kids, sibling, or friend—people can tell when you mean it. And when you don’t. When something you said or didn’t say causes real hurt, a casual phrase just isn’t enough. In those moments, real repair takes vulnerability—and vulnerability isn’t easy. A half-hearted “my bad” just adds to the hurt. But a real, honest “I’m sorry. I understand how that made you feel. I’ll do better.”
So what does “my bad” mean to me now?
It’s still a helpful phrase; a lighter way to flag the small stuff, a cultural shorthand that makes everyday apologies a little easier but doesn’t work all the time. Life gives us no shortage of opportunities to mess up. And just as many opportunities to grow from it. Sometimes a joke with your buddies is all you need. Other times, you need to sit down, look someone in the eye, and say what really matters. Thanks, Harrison Ford, for the laugh. And the phrase. But when it comes to the people I care about most, I’m learning to go deeper. To say more than “my bad.” To really show I’m sorry and mean it. And we live, we learn, and hopefully, we grow.
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
Eye on Markets
continued from page 46
economy is doing less well. The labor market is clearly weakening. Private payrolls only grew by 3k in June and 83k in July. Goldman estimates that job gains will slow to 30K per month in the fourth quarter.
This is well below the 80k necessary to maintain full employment. Continuing jobless claims are at cycle highs, near 2 million.
It is a “no hire, no fire” environment. Part of the labor market weakness is due to companies using AI to optimize their labor force. For instance, Broadcom now uses approximately 40 IT workers to support 50 thousand employees.
Or Shopify in 2022 had 11,600 employees, it now has 8,100 employees while revenue is up 91%. The other part of the labor weakness is natural economic forces, led by housing. Housing is in recession; prices fell in 39 of the top 50 metros in July.
Residential building construction has fallen four months in a row. The Case-Shiller home price index is down four months in a row, including during the important spring selling season. US home foreclosures have jumped 11% since just June. This underlying weakness will likely prompt the Fed to cut two or three times this year.
As far as markets are concerned, you don’t want to fade the AI stocks.
This is not the debt fueled tech bust in 2000. These companies are funding cap-ex from cash flow. They are not trading at 100x. In fact, many of the stocks, including Nvidia, Meta, Google, Taiwan Semiconductor, Vertiv, Marvell, and Vistra trade below a 1.0 PEG ratio, meaning that they are growing earnings faster than their multiple. None of the large cap tech AI names are even in the top 50 in terms of highest multiple in the S&P.
They have gotten cheaper this year, because the returns have been driven by earnings. They have had positive earnings revisions, while the rest of the market has not. They grew 26% in the second quarter compared to just 7% for the rest of the market.
This earnings outperformance will continue for at least the next year. Positioning is not stretched either. Morgan Stanley reports that the large cap tech names are the most under-owned in 16 years.
We are just at the beginning of the AI boom. It will take years to build out data centers and related infrastructure. AI agents, physical AI, AI drug discovery, autonomous vehicles, and robotics are in their infancy. Just as the economy is bifurcated between AI and the rest, so is the market, stick with the winners.
Looking forward the market will focus on the latest out of Washington, a Fed meeting, and the latest economic data.
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
Kirti Shah, CPA, Chartered Accountant (India)
Hardik Trivedi EA (IRS), MBA, CCA
Charlotte: 3230 Prosperity Church Rd., Ste. 202 Research Triangle Park: 3528 Davis Drive, Morrisville 980‑290‑3600 | Fax: 980‐500‐8874 contactus@shahandtrivedicpa.com www.shahandtrivedicpa.com
CarToon Corner
Tune Your Brain
Solve these brain teasers - Solutions on Page 110
PUZZLES
Answers on page 104
Answers on page 110
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.
Maker of IPhones _____.
India's only female Prime Minister _____ Gandhi. Seven days make a _____.
Superior is one of the Great _____. Rome is in _____.
Last month of the year _____.
104
Chess Puzzles
Difficulty:
Game reference: Almasi – Fedorchuk 2014
Directions: White to move, checkmate in 2.
Difficulty:
Game reference: Aleksandrov –Reinderman 1992
Directions: White to move, checkmate in 3.
Difficulty:
Game reference: Drazic – Anand 2000
Directions: Black to move, checkmate in 3.
Hello Readers
We welcome comments and suggestions about our puzzles and cartoons pages. Send your thoughts to
Festivals & Holidays Puzzle Solutions
October 2025
Oct. 1 - Maha Vanami
Oct. 1 - World Vegetarian Day
Oct. 2 - Gandhi Jayanti / Dussehra
Oct. 2 - Yom Kippur
Oct. 5 - World Teachers’ Day
Oct. 6 - Ashwina Purnima (Full Moon)
Oct. 6 - Sukkot Begins
Oct. 6 - World Habitat Day
Oct. 7 - Meerabai Jayanti / Valmiki Jayanti
Oct. 10 - Karaka Chaturthi
Oct. 10 - World Mental Health Day
Oct. 13 - Indigenous People’s Day / Columbus Day
Oct. 13 - Thanksgiving Day (Canada)
Oct. 13 - Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah
Oct. 16 - Boss’ Day
Oct. 18 - Sweetest Day
Oct. 20 - Darsh Amas (New Moon)
Oct. 20 - Naraka Chaturdashi
Oct. 20 - Deepavali / Diwali
Oct. 22 - Govardhan Puja
Oct. 23 - Bhaiya Duj
Oct. 27 - Chhath Puja
Oct. 31 - Halloween / Samhain
Word Search Answers from page 103
1. Removed Crane 2. Spire missing
3. Phone tower removed
4. Man on steps missing
5. Crane missing
6. Airplane added
7. Man eating a pita
8. Bouse color changed
9. Window added
10. Cutouts missing
11. Different colored wall
12. Cutout added
13. Eiffel Tower added
14. Different colored roof
15. Sign added
Solutions from page 102
Astroscope OCTOBER 2025
Aries
(March 21 – April 19)
New business opportunities or job offers may come your way. This is also a good time to invest in real estate, but don’t wait until end of the month to do so. During the second half of the month you could become quite busy with various activities. Support from your partner may delight you. This is also a period of enjoying some down time with friends and family.
Taurus
(April 20 – May 20)
You may earn additional income through hobbies and other fun activities. Family support and quick action may even boost your finances even more. Love and romance can bring much more happiness to your life. Health issues may create sudden problems. Drive carefully during the second half of the month.
Gemini
(May 21 – June 20)
You will enjoy the opportunity to gain higher status with a marked increase in your income also indicated by the last week of the month. Correspondence with clients and associates will improve as this period continues. In fact, many journeys undertaken right now shall be fruitful. You will feel more courageous as time flies by, but avoid being too aggressive as you make quick decisions.
Cancer
(June 21 – July 22)
Good news from afar may delight you by the last week of the month. Don’t ignore the actions of your business partner, as this may prove to be a costly mistake. Any health-related issues should disappear. It is now time to work on a long-term investment or build new relations. Avoid any disputes with your parents this month.
Leo
(July 23 – August 22)
After a slow start, things should accelerate by the second half of the month. Avoid any major decisions this month as they could lead to irrevocable mistakes. An aggressive attitude must also be curbed. This period is good for financial gains with some later spent on religious activities or social events. You may enjoy a short period traveling or even a picnic with friends.
Virgo
(August 23 – September 22)
You could experience a mixed bag this month. Uncertainty in the workplace may affect your confidence, so just keep working hard to achieve the desired results and don’t rush anything to achieve success. Unexpected financial returns are possible by the last week of the month. A significant improvement in your health may improve your state of mind as well. A spiritual experience is also possible.
Libra
(September 23 – October 22)
Time should fly by this month. You may experience a quick downward trend to your love life during the first half of the month. Try to avoid any immediate decisions to avoid disaster. Focus on learning more about those around you to facilitate wise decisions in the coming months. Health-related issues may linger. Meditation should help you avoid making mistakes.
Scorpio
(October 23 – November 21)
After a negative start, your situation will improve during the second half of the month. Egotistical comments can cost you. Listen to your partner instead of coming up with conclusions on your own. A major health problem may also bother you. A lack of confidence may lead you to lose an opportunity. Things will improve eventually so just relax and wait.
Sagittarius
(November 22 – December 21)
You are entering into a period of confusion due to various distractions. The work burden may feel like it’s too much. Keep working hard and avoid any unnecessary conversations with your associates for now. While a change of pace is a good plan, this will be nothing more than an illusion. Wait until next month for these to come to fruition. Your family may not assist with adverse situations.
Capricorn
(December 22 – January 19)
A lack of confidence can create problems, so try to develop selfconfidence and be flexible. Do not indulge in immoral deeds such as under table dealings. It is better to go on a trip with friends which could even lead to reuniting with an old friend/love in the process. Try to resist expenditures on luxury items. Don’t get involved in minor disputes with family.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
A very hectic month is shaping up between a busy schedule and enjoying time with family. These added responsibilities could lead to some unnecessary mistakes. Slow down and curb any aggressive tendencies. Listen to your partner before making any important decisions. You may also see a downturn to your health.
Pisces
(February 19 – March 20)
Major changes are on the way this month. You could alter your ideologies to adopt a new path, so be sure to listen to your inner voice and act on it immediately. Make quick decisions in all facets of life but Be very cautious with any public comments. Financially you will enjoy good fortune. The relationship with your partner may take a turn this month. A sense of relief will give you peace of mind by the end of the month.
CLASSIFIEDS
Business Opportunities
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.
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 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.
Employment Opportunities
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.
Front Desk Manager & Housekeeping Couple Wanted for franchise hotel in Columbia, SC. Accommodations provided. Fluent English required. Text / Call 704-701-9975.
Manager / Front Desk Needed for Franchise Hotel in Rock Hill, SC. With Accommodations. Please call 803-517-4662.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking for Caring Nanny to help 10 month-old in Harrisburg , NC. Monday-Thursday from 10 am-4 pm. Must have own transportation. Text / call 980-263-0667.
3 Full-Time Positions Available at Gas Station in Charlotte, NC. Good pay! Call 704-299-8535.
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.
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.
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.
Housekeeping Couple Wanted for multiple franchise hotel in Raleigh/Durham Area. Accommodations provided. Call or Text 919-410-8621.
Cashier Wanted for Convenience Store near Kannapolis, North Carolina. Very attractive salary! Accommodations provided. Text or Call 704-701-9482.
Live-In Elderly Care Needed near Charlotte in Fort Mill SC. Caretaker to be companion and cook for 2 people. Must be able to drive. Accommodation provided. Good Pay. Contact for details: 803-627-4239 or ilaamin49@gmail.com.
Gas Station/C-Store Help Needed in Greensboro, NC. Must have previous experience. Great salary with benefits. Call 336-509-4054.
Elder Care Needed in Charlotte Family needs assistance with daily activities for 86-year-old man in our home. Part-time or full-time. Good pay. Please call or text 704-661-5315.
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.
Front Desk Manager & Housekeeper needed for Franchise Hotel in Concord/Kannapolis, NC. Accommodations provided. Call 980-454-9093.
Gas Station / C-store Help Needed For stores near Huntersville & Northlake areas. Must speak English. Family friendly oriented people. Call 704-402-4661.
Full-Time Nanny Needed for newborn in Morrisville, NC starting December 1, 2025. Please contact 201-7231460 or lalitanekkanti@gmail.com for details.
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.
Saathee Classified ads: Sell your business, or property. Find the perfect job, hire the perfect employee. Get more customers. Get great adversting results with Saathee Magazine, weekly email newsletter and Saathee.com. Call 704-527-7570 or email saathee@saathee.com
Seeking Bride
40 year-old groom looking for Bride. Medical Doctor. US Citizen in North Carolina. Contact 919-437-1202 or bpraja1985@gmail.com.
Looking for bride for 47 year-old man with 19+ years of experience in IT field working as Application Architect in Charlotte, NC. Please call 980-406-0666.
Well-educated 3rd year Medical Student (25 year-old, never married, and good-looking, Vegetarian, Spiritual, Gujarati, only child, US Citizen) looking for girl, preferably Medical professional but will accept any higher education. Text Shailesh 260-602-3354.
43 year-old groom looking for Bride. Physical Therapist. Contact 919-437-1202 or dharmessh57@gmail.com.
US citizen, Hindu Punjabi, 32, currently working as electrician in Cary, NC seeking caring, educated Bride. Call 919-621-8204 or email sonnys0717@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.
Home for Sale
Beautiful 2017 East-facing house in West Cary, NC. Prime location! 2980 sq.ft, 5 bed/4 bath. $746K. Strong rental potential. Genuine buyers only. Text 919-824-2042
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.
Rooms for Rent
near Charlotte (Concord). 1 bedroom with private bathroom or partial house. Utilities included. $800 / month. Call or text 704-9568504.
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.
Apartment for Rent
Furnished studio apartment in Charlotte with washer / dryer & utilities included. $950 / month. Text only to 704-208-7872.
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.
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.
Neeta's Beauty Parlor
Full service. Near Hindu Center of Charlotte. For details on our services or to make an appointment please call 704-968-0270.
Affordable Wedding Photography
20 years of experience in Indian wedding photography. Specializing in film & digital photos. Engagement, Wedding, and Receptions. Contact Vivek: email: vivekweddingmemories@gmail.com or call 347-321-4746.
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.
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.
Alyssa’s Garlands
Unique fresh flower garlands. Boutonnieres, bouquets, flower ornaments. Exotic Flowers available on special Request. We ship nationwide. Contact Ila Amin at 803-627-4239 or ilaamin49@gmail.com
There’s nothing more self-defeating than getting mad at yourself. I’m convinced that a good portion of the conflicts, arguments and dissonance in the world are due to people’s own frustrations with themselves. Taking out their anger on the world or anyone nearby when they really should be slapping their own knee, realizing their own clunkiness and having a good belly laugh. Correct course.
Everyone has their own abilities and limitations, awkwardness and gracefulness, strengths and weaknesses.
We are an anomaly among all the species on this planet, with too many emotions and wide range of diverse physical bodies stitched together by nature, chugging along in the greater circles of life. We conquer and we stumble. We sing and we moan.
It may not seem like it, but sometimes that stumble –banging the head on a low ceiling, elbows landing on chair tops – these otherwise meaningless missteps offer a way in bettering ourselves. Laughing at ourselves, critiquing our own occasional stupidity or mishaps, these parameters of slapstick comedy are actually tiny slaps of reality checks.
My self-anointed importance of trying to be smooth, suave and dashing have been reset by the reality of revolting body parts. Sure, the bones crack and ping, but the increase in personal clumsiness, mini accidents, is humbling, in a good way.
When such an incident happens, and after a good laugh, clarity emerges. All that oxygen intake, after all, is good for the brain.
A few seconds after impact on that Thursday afternoon, while the toe was throbbing and teeth gritting with anger, I started giggling and then burst out laughing as if a fastpaced comedian was firing away funny jokes. That momentary real life slapstick sketch patted me on the back, telling me that sometimes the best laugh is laughing at yourself.
Here’s a thought. Look in the mirror and make wise cracks at your own behavior. In a world of incessant chaos this is liberating. Relaxing. An assessment of self, accompanied by laughter can be meditative. It’s a healing act of being joyful. Even when a body part might be aching or bruised from a stumble, this joy can be infectious. You feel like passing on this feeling of joy to others. Make them laugh, bring them along into the human commons.
Yes, sometimes a tripped foot can turn into serious injury. That is one of the pitfalls and unknowns of life. I’m not laughing at anyone’s misfortune. Aging bodies are clearly more prone to accidents. I laugh at myself when I trip on something. The steps you take for the rest of that day will be more cautious and thoughtful. That is a positive reward in itself.
Slapstick renames life with that energizing and somewhat rhyming word, laugh.
