Let’s get the tax stuff out of the way and enjoy beautiful springtime in the south. The south is a particularly lovely place during its long spring. Renewal is in the air and the team here at Saathee Magazine - writers, photographers, artists - help bring you fresh, original content every month and regluarly via our website.
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As always, thanks for reading.
Some highlights in this issue:
♦ NIH Funding Benefits Us All. Read the essay on Page 26
♦ Read about “Quickly Changing Backdrop” in our economy on Page 46
♦ Check out “My Meeting with Kishore Kumar” on Page 50
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“Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.” - Isaac Asimov
Cover: Rishikesh
Lakshman Temple, Rishikesh, is located in the state of Uttarakhand and situated on the banks of the holy Ganga River.
Photo: Adobe Stock
“Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent.”
April 2025 Issue # 323
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 & Manimaran
Contributors for this issue: Taige Shukla, Dr. Kamal Menghrajani, Dipika Kohli, Shyama Parui, Ahsen Jillani, Hiren Deliwala, Girish Modi, Ketu Desai, Ayuzah Shah, Rishi P. Oza, Raajeev Aggerwhil, and Jalendu Vaidya.
Mission: Our goal is to be a valuable source of information for the South Asian community and to be a vital advertising tool for businesses. - F OUNDED 1998 -
Saathee (USPS 021-116) (ISSN: 1543-8147) is published monthly by: Shukla Entertainment Inc.
612 Heather Ln., Charlotte, NC 28209
Periodicals postage paid at Charlotte, NC and additional mailing offices.
Page 30 Master of Some Page 14 Editor’s Desk: The Human Frontier
Page 58 The Power of Deep Work
Page 74 Recipe: Gujarati Cauliflower Shaak
The Editor’s Desk pg. 14
Upcoming Events pg. 18
NIH Funding pg. 26
Kismuth and the Way II pg. 28
Master of Some pg. 30
Upcoming Movie Releases pg. 34
Film Clips
Namaskar Y’all
.pg. 36
.pg. 40
Subcontinental Divide pg. 42
Pot Shatters pg. 44
Eye on the Markets pg. 46
Meeting with Kishore Kumar pg. 50
Immigration Matters pg. 52
Raajeev’s Corner pg. 54
Spot the Differences pg. 56
Power of Deep Work pg. 58
Community Focus: Hindu Center .pg. 60
News Notes
.pg. 62
The Carying Place pg. 68
College Admissions Insider pg. 70
Recipe: Gujarati Cauliflower Shaak pg. 74
Cartoon Corner pg. 98
Tune Your Brain pg. 100
Pop’s Puzzles & Toons pg. 102
Festivals and Holidays pg. 104
Puzzle Solutions
AstroScope .
. .pg. 104
.pg. 106
Classifieds pg. 108
Index of Advertisers pg. 112
Editor’s Desk
Editor’s Desk
by Samir Shukla
The Human Frontier
I was riding on the light rail in Charlotte after a concert one summer night last year.
The train was packed. The show was at the football stadium downtown, so imagine a sea of people pouring out into the streets afterwards. Some headed for their parked cars, others hailed rides, many walked to the nearby light rail station and jumped on the train, toward their homes or to parked cars along the train’s route.
My mind was still buzzing from the music and the energy from the sea of people swaying and dancing to the music in unison. Now the same throngs walked along the streets, like a marching ants army, spirits raised high, conversations flowing. A couple of guys had set up a percussion set with trash cans and buckets on a street and were making a lovely racket, while another couple of streets down a saxophonist added sinewy curves to the night.
After marching several blocks with the crowd, I made it to the station, shuffled onto the train, found a spot and stood among the crush of people.
The train began moving and I closed my eyes for a moment and thought of the existential experience of being human. A philosophical wave rode over me on this perfect, warm summer night, where the colors spilled outside the lines and were made more vibrant by raucous live music.
I felt a steady stream of energy as the fading music coursed through my veins while myriad human voices chatted around me, all stitched into the clackety clack and the swoosh of the train in motion.
This moment, well, also many times before in different situations and locations, evoked a single word that defines, in my knotted world view, the crux of human experience. Just one word? Wait a minute. And does it define the whole of human experience? One word? Yes, I say. What word holds the weight of the heaving, hulking human mass?
I’ll let you ponder upon and about that a bit. Think of all the things that delineate us from the other living entities on our floating marble. Emotions, anxieties, anger, lust, envy, love, hate, wanting, giving, nurturing, destroying, narcissism, selfishness, selflessness…I can go on.
Upcoming Events
NC Science Festival: (April 1 – 30, 2025)
The festival celebrates the educational, cultural, and financial impact of science in North Carolina. The fest provides the opportunity to cultivate a positive environment that encourages children to pursue science-related careers and encourages businesses to invest in NC. There will be over 400 events statewide and virtual catered to all ages. Info: Ncsciencefestival.org.
The NC Azalea Festival will take place between April 2 & 6, 2025 for colorful garden tours, entertainment, waterfront street fair, fun family events and grand parade while showcasing Wilmington’s exceptional artwork, gardens, rich history and culture. This parade is filled with floats, marching units, bands, clowns, horses, visiting celebrities and the Azalea Queen. Catch fireworks over the Cape Fear River after a day at the Street Fair. You can also enjoy over 250 years of residential history with the Historic Home Tour. More details: Ncazaleafestival.org.
Full Frame Documentary Film Festival: Durham, NC (April 3 - 6, 2025)
The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, dedicated to the theatrical exhibition of nonfiction cinema, returns from April 36, 2025 in Durham, NC at several venues. A variety of international documentary films will be screened along with appearances by filmmakers and film experts. For a full list of films, ticket prices and other details, visit Fullframefest.org.
Come See Me Festival: Rock Hill, SC (April 3 - April 12, 2025)
All frogs and friends are welcome to this year’s lineup of great events between April 3-12, 2025. Kick off the Festival with the Come-See-Me Parade, enjoy live music and food throughout the week and wrap things up with the Tailgate Party and Fireworks Extravaganza. Visit Rock Hill, SC and start making plans for this beloved festival tradition. Details: Comeseeme.org.
Charlo
tte SHOUT! (April 4 - April 20, 2025)
Uptown Charlotte will transform into a creative paradise between April 4 - 20, 2025. The festival weaves together the talents of internationally and locally acclaimed artists, dancers, musicians, poets, storytellers, photographers, chefs and thought leaders. It is a feast for all the senses and all ages, serving up soulful music, food, images, playful installations, inspiring performances, and ideas. Info: Charlotteshout.com.
The iMAGINE Upstate STEAM Festival benefits the community by strengthening education, workforce development, and the economic vitality of Upstate SC. Students from PreK – 12 engage in STEAM activities that directly relate to real-world careers. The festival provides a connection between industry needs and education by offering schools, businesses, and non-profits a venue to showcase opportunities in STEAM. This year’s festival will be held in downtown Greenville, SC on Saturday, April 5, 2025. More info at: Imaginesteamsc.org/upstate.
Hindi Rang Manch presents the Hindi natak “Adhe Adhure” on April 5 & 6, 3pm at Durham Arts Council, 120 Morris St., Durham, NC. Written by Mohan Rakesh and directed by Nileena Pani Dash. Info, call 919-824-6931 or 919-621-1181.
Columbia International Festival (April 5 – 6, 2025)
The festival brings together many of the area’s international communities to build better relations between various ethnic groups and with the South Carolina community at large. Learn about the cultural heritages of around 100 countries, displayed by their foreignborn hosts through pictures, artifacts, and many other items. Sample the exotic flavors of foreign cuisines from around the world. There will be many dance performances. The event will take place between April 5-6, 2025, at the SC State Fairgrounds. More info at Cifonline.org.
Meet with providers from businesses offering resources for seniors such as: Home Care, Independent and Assisted Living, Personal Care, Medicare, Financial Planning, End of Life Planning, and more. Snacks and tea are available for purchase. Entry is free. HSNC Cultural Hall, 309 B Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC. For more details, call 919-3384037 or write to SeniorExpoHsnc@gmail.com.
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Upcoming Events
Gujarati Natak: Charlotte, NC (April 11, 2025)
Charlotte Gujarati Samaj and Hindu Center present the Gujarati natak “Wife Happy to Life Happy” on Friday, April 11, 2025. Dinner is from 6:30 - 7:30pm and natak begins at 7:30pm. Nimesh Shah and Mallika Shah star in the comedy. At Vihar Hall, 7400 City View Dr., Charlotte. For more details, call 704915-2939 or 803-412-1805. Dinner and tea are included in the ticket price.
Surmayee Shaam: Cary, NC (April 12, 2025)
Radha Krishna Temple of NC and South Indian Fine Arts Academy present an evening with vocalist Sooryagayathri on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 4pm. She will be accompanied by Adarsh Ajaykumar (violin), Prasanth Sankar (tabla), PV Anilkumar (mridangam) and Silesh Marar (percussion). Venue is Alston Ridge Middle School, 7833 Fussell Ave., Cary, NC. Info 919-803-9984 or visit Rktnc.com.
Festival of India: Matthews, NC (April 12, 2025)
Experience the colors and cultures of India at the 4th Annual Festival of India in Matthews, Saturday, April 12, 2025 (noon6pm). This festival brings the rich traditions of India to downtown Matthews with Indian dance performances, Bollywood entertainment, music, art, and interactive cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy turban tying, henna tattoos, and the elegance of a saree tying, while indulging in delicious Indian cuisine and shopping for unique Indian souvenirs in an open market setting. Stumptown Park, 120 South Trade St., Matthews, NC. Info: Indiafestival.net.
Heroes for Hope Walkathons:
North Carolina (April 13 & May 4, 2025)
Kiran’s walkathons will take place on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at North Cary Park, 1100 Norwell Blvd., Cary, NC and on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at Marvin Efird Park, 8909 Newtown Rd., Waxhaw, NC. For more details, visit Kiraninc.org.
GCAP
Holi Festival: Gibsonville, NC (April 19, 2025)
The Gujarati Cultural Association of Piedmont presents the “Holi Festival” on Saturday, April 19, 2025 (noon - 4pm). Enjoy music, vendors, wine and Holi colors. Grove Winery, 7360 Brooks Bridge Rd., Gibsonville, NC. For details, call 336-430-7961 or 336-471-6242.
TAGCA 5K Run & Walk:
Concord, NC (April 20, 2025)
The Telugu Association of Greater Charlotte Area will hold a 5K Run and Walk on Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 8am, Frank Liske Park, 4001 Stough Rd., Concord, NC. The registration deadline is April 13. For more details, call 904-343-9965 or register at Tinyurl.com/tagca5k.
Charleston
Jazz Festival: (April 21 - 27, 2025)
The Charleston Jazz Festival draws music lovers from around the globe from April 21 - 27, 2025 to showcase the city’s musical heritage. There will be musical performances by acclaimed international headliners including Terence Blanchard, the Richard White Trio, the Mark Sterbank Quartet, Jazzmeia Horn, Paquito D’Rivera, and The Big Chief Donald Harrison Quartet. Details: Charlestonjazz.com.
MerleFest: Wilkesboro, NC (April 24 - 27, 2025)
MerleFest has been known for discovering new talent in American roots music. This year’s celebration, slated for April 2427, 2025, will introduce many new artists as well as present music veterans such as Bonnie Raitt and The Avett Brothers. The festival is known for its unique mix of traditional, rootsoriented music from the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, Americana, blues, country, Celtic, Cajun, cowboy, zydeco, rock and many other styles that the late Doc Watson referred to as “traditional plus.” Details: Merlefest.org.
An annual staple in Carteret County in the small quaint town of Beaufort, the 20th Annual Beaufort Wine and Food Festival returns between April 24 - 27, 2025. The four-day series of events at various locations include wine dinners with top-notch chefs and award-winning wines, a fashion show, brunch, and a large wine and food tasting. Learn more at Beaufortwineandfood.org.
The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival was founded in 1982 and has become a community tradition. The festival will feature entertainment of all genres, arts and craft vendors, street performances, and delicious food & beer. The 2019 festival will offer even more free entertainment and classic community favorites to Downtown Fayetteville. More details at: Thedogwoodfestival.com.
Tuck Fest: Charlotte, NC (April 25 - 27, 2025)
The annual Tuck Fest will take place at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte from April 25 –27, 2025. There will be bands performing and many competitive activities including biking, water sports, climbing and more. Food and other vendors will also be on hand for the daylong festivities. Details: Tuckfest.whitewater.org.
BOOM Charlotte: (April 25 - 27, 2025)
BOOM Charlotte 2025! Get ready for the eighth annual BOOM Charlotte 2025—a three-day celebration of art and the unexpected! Mark your calendar for April 25 – 27 and dive into an immersive experience featuring dance, music, theater, poetry, visual art, and film. BOOM Charlotte is an exploration of community and creativity. Info: Boomcharlotte.org.
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Upcoming Events
Vaisakhi Mela: Charlotte, NC (April 26, 2025)
Gurdwara Sahib Charlotte presents the annual Vaisakhi celebrations on Saturday, April 26, 2025, beginning at 11am. Enjoy kids’ games, volleyball tournaments, basketball tourney, vendors, food, raffle and more. The Gurdwara is located at 5715 University Blvd., Charlotte. For more details, call 609-915-8351 or 832-552-0022.
Meditative Melodies: Matthews, NC
(April 26, 2025)
Heartfulness of Charlotte presents “Meditative Melodies”nurturing souls through meditation, music, and dance, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 3:30 - 6:30pm at Fullwood Theater, 264 E. McDowell St., Matthews, NC. Reservations required. Info: Heartfulness.us/event/meditative-melodies.
Hindi Vikas Mandal Recitals: Morrisville, NC (April 27, 2025)
Hindi Vikas Mandal of NC presents a gathering of poets and writers for heart-warming recitals. It takes place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, 6pm at Hindu Bhavan Cultural Hall, 309 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC. Snacks and tea will be available for purchase. For more info, call 919-656-5224 or 919-801-0672.
CMAC presents a violin ecstasy concert featuring the Akkarai Sisters on violins and accompanied by Vidwan Jayachandra Rao on mridangam. It will take place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, beginning 4pm at Gandhi Bhavan, Hindu Center, Charlotte. For info call 704-904-9454 or visit Onlinecmac.org.
North Charleston Arts Fest (April 30 - May 4, 2025)
The North Charleston Arts Fest features more than 100 national, regional and local artists and performers in the areas of Dance, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, Crafts, Photography, Media Arts and Literature. Residents and visitors from throughout the Southeast and beyond are invited to experience a variety of free and modestly priced performances, workshops, exhibitions, and activities in venues throughout the city, including libraries, businesses, community centers, and parks between April 30-May 4, 2025. See more info at Northcharlestonartsfest.com.
Hope You Dance Musical Play: Cary, NC (May 16, 2025)
Ekal Raleigh presents “Hope You Dance” - A Bollywood Musical Play on Friday, May 16, 2025, beginning at 6:30pm. This is a fundraiser for Ekal. The event will take place at Alston Ridge Middle School, 7833 Fussell Ave., Cary, NC. For more details, call 919-621-4571 or visit Ekal.org/event/Raleigh2025.
Sundarkand: Morrisville, NC (May 20, 2025)
HSNC presents a Sundarkand with Guruji Ashwinkumar Pathak on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 beginning at 7pm. Followed by Aarti and prasad. HSNC is located at 309 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC. For more details, call 919481-2574 or visit Hsnctemple.org.
Sudha Ragunathan Concert: Cary, NC (May 24, 2025)
Padma Bhushan awardee and singer Sudha Ragunathan will perform live on Saturday, May 24, 2025 beginning at 5:30pm at Alston Ridge Middle School, Cary, NC. The show is a fundraiser for the Carolina Murugan Temple. For more details, call 919-460-0065 or 804-248-8070.
Red Baraat Concert:
Greenville, SC (May 28, 2025)
Straight out of Brooklyn, multi-dimensional bhangra funk band Red Baraat mixes effervescent Punjabi rhythms with elements of hip hop, jazz, and hard-driving punk energy. Founded by Sunny Jain, renowned on the dhol, Red Baraat’s purpose is to manifest joy and unity in all people. Music fans the world over flock to their live shows. Their concert is at the Peace Center’s Gunter Theatre on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 beginning at 7:30pm. Tickets are now available Peacecenter.org.
Keep up with all the events happening in our region with Saathee Magazine. The best way to find them is in these pages or online at our regularly updated events section: Saathee.com/events
NIH Funding Leads to Breakthroughs that Benefit Us All
I grew up in Charlotte and was fortunate to work on the Voice of India radio program and on Nazar Television. I learned so much from my time there, including how to engage and identify what was important and relevant to the community.
I went to college and then medical school at UNC Chapel Hill. I became a doctor and did my internal medicine residency at the University of Michigan, followed by fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. I was a cancer doctor on faculty there for several years.
Later, I was selected by the White House to be the first ever oncologist for the Cancer Moonshot, and to serve as the physician helping with strategy for the Health Outcomes team.
I stayed at the White House for a year and a half, and, during that time, I learned a lot about how the federal agencies work. As I reflect on the recent changes to the federal government, I’ve been processing how the cuts
to federal funding and the federal workforce are likely to affect people’s day-to-day lives and wanted to share some of these thoughts.
To start, the impact of cutting funding for scientific research is likely to dramatically affect multiple aspects of American life for decades to come. Around the time of World War II, the US realized that it was important to build in-country capacity to advance science. This was highlighted by advancements in radar, the production of penicillin as an antibiotic, and the creation of the atomic bomb. While these research and development advances had clear applications during wartime, the investment in creating them started an era of US innovation and high-tech entrepreneurship & employment. Early funding of US scientific research led to advances in optics, vaccine development, rockets and propulsion, and other fields.
These advances helped keep Americans alive, provided jobs, and served as an engine for our economy. In the post-war period of the 1940s, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was formally established, with different components (“institutes” and “centers”) that were focused on the science of
My Voice by Dr. Kamal Menghrajani
The Year of the Composition Support
Kismuth and the Way II
by Dipika Kohli
A friend of mine, whose opinion I respect quite highly regarding art and making it, told me that what I do is ‘create collections.’ Sequences, he had said. I took very seriously this nugget of reflected comment, veering my future artistic creations in a way that has been heavily influenced by this comment. Artist friends can see things you can’t see in yourself. We need one another, to grow as individuals and creatively, too.
I like to meet artists I know, on occasion, and give each other feedback. We value the high-quality exchange. Even with very little communication or regular contact between us, there is an implicit trust that when we meet, we will of course discuss where we were with making
Looking forward to these encounters is a great joy, and affirming, as having such people in your life can be an immense source of support. Perhaps that is because with this network, we who wish to make, and make for others, and put our best effort forth to do this, can lean on the threads of a web that’s invisible to the eye, yet so taut and sturdy, and well-perceived by the heart. It is ready to catch us, anytime we fall into the inevitable turmoil of ennui or self-doubt. But it bounces us back, if we let it, and does so with an energy that invigorates us. If we have a support system like this, we can feel safe, secure, and lucky. Acknowledging this web, I feel, is meaningful for composing. Without support, we can’t create well. My friends are my greatest sources of encouragement. I couldn’t be me, as I am, writing as I have come to write, without them.
Kismuth continued on page 80
Master of Some
My Voice by Taige Shukla
I used to root myself in the age old saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none”. But upon further reflection I realize the full meaning of the old saying, and it is just not true. While yes, I view myself as a “Jack of all trades,” I’d like to believe I’ve actually mastered quite a few of them.
Like many others, I find that I suffer from an “imposter syndrome”. Not sure what that is? Consider yourself lucky because maybe you haven’t had the chance to become familiar with it. Imposter syndrome is simply a fun way of saying self-doubt. So, because of this syndrome I have always had trouble recognizing that yeah, maybe I am pretty darn good at some of these trades!
I absolutely love to learn and grow as a person, so of course I jump at any and all opportunities to do so. While I was growing up this meant that I was the child who always had an activity lined up, whether that was an acting course, dance class, softball, or an academic club. I was always on the move, but more often than not I viewed myself as rather average at most of these activities. Now upon further reflection this was simply imposter syndrome hard at work. Turns out I was actually an excellent dancer; I went on to become a co-captain of my college dance team (NCSU Nazaare). The same goes for acting, I now have an agent that represents me, and I have appeared in a few commercials and PSAs. As far as academics, I was fortunate enough to graduate from a top university in North Carolina (NC State, Go Wolfpack) with two degrees (marketing & Spanish) and am now running my own business. Now softball, that is a trade that I absolutely was not a master of, but man was it fun to participate in team sports.
The love for learning and growth remains fierce in my adult life, but sadly so does imposter syndrome, and if anything, it has grown worse. Sprinkle in some perfectionism and you are in for quite the ride. I’m 100% sure that I am not alone in saying this, but I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. I’ve taught English in Spain, covered live concerts & events and did voice over work for radio stations, hosted a segment on a local tv show, worked as an account manager at an ad agency, managed several social media accounts, and I am now entering the vast world of entrepreneurship.
There she goes again, the “Jack of all trades”. This might be why I am testing out the waters of self-employment, so I have somewhere to channel all of that life experience. But alas the treacherous syndrome is lurking right underneath the surface. I find myself questioning if my current knowledge is enough to make a name for myself, have I mastered what it takes to run a marketing business. The simple answer is…there is no simple answer. Can anyone truly have every piece of knowledge there is to run a successful business?
The truth of the matter is, I will find out in due time. I will need to learn how to slay the imposter within and let the experience that I do have prevail. I’m doing that now, by typing out a few of my successes in life, achievements that I haven’t let myself acknowledge or appreciate. I’m slowly starting to recognize that this “Master of Some” has a lot to offer thanks to the many trades she has under her belt.
This “Jack of all trades” is excited to master a few more.
Taige Shukla runs Taige Media, LLC.
Contact: taigedshukla@gmail.com
ANISH SHAH
ANISH SHAH
NC & SC REALTOR®
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IF YOU ARE THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING, PLEASE CONTACT ME!
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This 2021 Built energyefficient home features a full brick exterior with an inviting front porch. Inside, the home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 and 1/2 baths. The open-concept main level features LVP flooring throughout. A spacious great room flows seamlessly into the large kitchen with granite counter tops, SS appliances, including a gas range. Upstairs, the primary suite features his-and-hers sinks and a large walk-in closet. Two spacious secondary bedrooms, versatile loft space, a full bath and the laundry room are also on the second level. 2 car attached garage located at the rear of the home. Mint Hill Village is conveniently located off of I-485 and close to historic downtown Mint Hill. Schedule your showing today! $419,900
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Two and Three bedroom Townhouses and a Three Bedroom Single Family home available for Rent in Ballantyne and Steele Creek. Please call for details.
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Beautiful 5 bedroom and 2.5 bath NEW CONSTRUCTION home with a two car attached garage in the heart of Statesville. Conveniently located near I-40, I-77, shopping and restaurants. This new community will have a pool and walking trail for residents to enjoy. This home offers an amazing open floorplan with lots of natural light. Gourmet kitchen with an island and SS appliances including gas range. Walk in pantry, walk in closets. Main floor has a luxury owner's suite with spacious walk in closet. Primary bath has large walk in shower and double vanity. Spacious secondary bedrooms with walk in closets. Lots of storage. $2,295/month
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HUNTERS VALLEY
Almost 3,700 Sq. Ft. Beautiful and well maintained full brick home in sought after Hunters Valley. Excellent Location and Top Rated Schools. Large Private Backyard with Mature Trees. Open Floor Plan with Lots of Windows and Natural Lights. Five Bedrooms and 3 1/2 Baths. Home has Two Story Foyer, Big Formal Dining Room, Butler's Pantry, Formal Living Room, Oversized Great Room with Fireplace, Kitchen with Island and Large Walk-in Pantry, Primary Bedroom with Trey Ceiling, Master Bathroom With Jacuzzi Tub, Walk-in Shower, Dual Vanities, Spacious Secondary Bedrooms with Walk-in Closets, Nice Deck. Lots of Storage. Home needs updating and it is reflected in the asking price. This is an Excellent buy!
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Gorgeous Townhouse in Sought after Ayrshire in Fort Mill. New Neutral Paint. Beautiful open layout with lots of natural lights. Kitchen with Granite Countertops and Tile Backsplash. Great room with Gas Logs Fireplace. Primary Bedroom with Trey ceilings. Large Master Bath with dual vanities and a big walk-in shower and a garden tub. Huge walk-in closet. Spacious secondary bedrooms. Hardwood Galore. Modern light fixtures. Close to Highways and Shopping. Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer are included. This one is a must see! $374,900
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Upcoming Movie Releases
April 4
A Nice Indian Boy (Director: Roshan Sethi)
Cast: Karan Soni, Jonathan Groff, Sunita Mani, Zarna Garg, and Harish Patel
A Minecraft Movie (Director: Jared Hess)
Cast: Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Emma Myers, and Jennifer Coolidge
Freaky Tales
(Director: Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck)
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Jay Ellis, Normani, and Ben Mendelsohn
Eric Larue (Director: Michael Shannon)
Cast: Judy Greer, Paul Sparks, and Alexander Skarsgård
The Luckiest Man in America (Director: Samir Oliveros)
Cast: Paul Walter Hauser, Walton Goggins, and David Strathairn
April 11
The King of Kings (Director: Seong-ho Jang)
Cast: Oscar Isaac, Pierce Brosnan, and Uma Thurman
G20 (Director: Patrick Riggen)
Cast: Viola Davis, Sabrina Impacciatore, and Clark Gregg
Jaat (Director: Gopichand Malineni)
Cast: Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, and Saiyami Kher
The Amateur (Director: James Hawes)
Cast: Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, and Laurence Fishburne
Jack (Director: Bhaskar)
Cast: Siddhu Jonnalagadda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya
Phule (Director: Anant Mahadevan)
Cast: Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa
Sacramento (Director: Michael Angarano)
Cast: Michael Angarano, Michael Cera, Kristen Stewart, and Iman Karram
The King of Kings (Director: Seong-ho Jang)
Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Oscar Isaac, and Mark Hamill
The Uninvited (Director: Nadia Conners)
Cast: Walton Goggins, Elizabeth Reaser, and Pedro Pascal
Bhool Chuk Maaf (Director: Karan Sharma)
Cast: Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi
Gunslingers (Director: Brian Skiba)
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Stephen Dorff, and Heather Graham
April 18
Sinners (Director: Ryan Coogler)
Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, and Delroy Lindo
Kesari – Chapter 2 (Director: Karan Singh Tyagi)
Cast: Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan, and Ananya Panday
Sinners (Director: Ryan Coogler)
Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, and Michael B. Jordan
Sneaks (Director: Rob Edwards)
Cast: Anthony Mackie and and Laurence Fishburne
Ghaati (Director: Krish Jagarlamudi)
Cast: Anushka Shetty and Vikram Prabhu
The Ritual (Director: David Midell)
Cast: Al Pacino, Dan Stevens, Ashley Greene, and Patricia Heaton
Mirai (Director: Karthik Gattamneni)
Cast: Teja Sajja, Manoj Manchu, and Ritika Nayak
The Bhootni (Director: Sidhaant Sachdev)
Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Mouni Roy, and Aasif Khan
April 25
Havoc (Director: Gareth Evans)
Cast: Tom Hardy, Timothy Olyphant, and Forest Whitaker
Kannappa (Director: Mukesh Kumar Singh)
Cast: Vishnu Manchu, Mohan Babu, and R Sarathkumar
The Accountant 2 (Director: Gavin O’Connor)
Cast: Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, and J K Simmons
Saathee.com/movies has the latest info on where the movies are showing or streaming.
Test
The worlds of three ordinary people converge during a historic cricket match, ultimately forcing them to make life-altering decisions. Director S. Sashikanth guides the cast including R. Madhavan and Nayanthara. Begins streaming on Netflix April 4, 2025.
The Amateur
After his life is turned upside down when his wife is killed in a London terrorist attack, a brilliant but introverted CIA decoder takes matters into his own hands when his supervisors refuse to act. James Hawes directs Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, and Laurence Fishburne. The film opens on April 11, 2025.
Bhool Chuk Maaf
Phule
A biopic on Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule, considered to be a pioneering couple in India’s societal history. They are often credited for underlining the importance of girls’ education and selfdependence. Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa star in the film directed by Anant Mahadevan. Look for it on April 11, 2025.
Four Letters of Love
They were made for each other but how will they ever know it? As ghosts, fate and the sheer power of true love pull them together, so too does life threaten to tear them apart. Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Gabriel Byrne star, Polly Steele directs. Look for it on April 25, 2025.
A quirky romantic drama set in a small town, revolving around a couple caught in an unusual circumstance. Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi star in the Karan Sharma directed film. It opens on April 11, 2025.
The Accountant 2
The Accountant applies his brilliant mind and illegal methods to reconstruct the unsolved puzzle of a Treasury chief’s murder. Ben Affleck returns as the protagonist along with Jon Bernthal. Director Gavin O’Connor’s vision of the film opens on April 25, 2025.
The Surfer
A man returns to the idyllic beach of his childhood to surf with his son. When he is humiliated by a group of locals, the man is drawn into a conflict that keeps rising and pushes him to his breaking point. Directed by Lorcan Finnegan. Starring Nicolas Cage, Finn Little, and Rahel Romahn. May 2, 2025.
The Shopping Craze The Shopping Craze
Namaskar, Y’all by Shyama Parui
In a kitchen mishap last month, I ended up getting four stitches on my right palm that suddenly poured a few hours of free time into my lap. And I certainly took advantage of the opportunity and watched movies that have been sitting on my watchlist for weeks. As I was watching Confessions of a Shopaholic, I wondered what my shopping habits would say about me. In my view, I am not close to being a shopaholic by any definition.
Go ahead, roll your eyes, and say, “whatever.” I do not believe that I shop enough or obsessively enough to earn that label, and I am certain that my husband will attest to that. In fact, at times, I experience boredom at the mall, I discard printed catalogs, ignore online ads, and decline free offers. Although, if I see myself through my mother’s eyes, I am drowning in my desire to purchase and own possessions unrelated to valid needs. Well, that seems scary, so I am going to stick to my own evaluation.
Jokes aside, it is easy to fall into the trap that the movie’s central character Rebecca fell into. External pressures to empty your wallet can be so high that consumers continue to buy things for which they do not have space. The urge to collect desirable goods can turn into a financial burden and refraining from that transaction can cause withdrawal symptoms, often destroying personal relationships. I suspect this problem is worsening with every generation.
Unlike my parents, I face an incessant flow of advertisements daily to acquire products, subscribe to services and entertainment options paired with multiple options for payment, too. I succumb to those temptations more often than I would like to admit. Am I doomed?
Over the past several decades, there has been a shift in the global economy away from agriculture, manufacturing of durables to a heavy focus on consumer goods. Overall, the frequency and quantity of shopping per person has increased, and one can observe that change without referring to business articles. Simultaneously, the average
Namaskar continued on page 88
The Toaster
The Toaster
“He drank beer; sometimes he drank two beers.”
“When?” I asked, alarmed, making a paan at 1:30am on this autumn night in 2005.
“In Chicago,” My mom said. “I would never have married him if I knew he drank beer.”
In late 1974 we returned to Islamabad from my dad’s first stint in Bangkok and Saeed Ahmad Burhr had a Toyota van sent to us as my dad’s order of the white 1974 Toyota Corolla was en route. We previously knew Saeed Burhr as Saeed Gulab Khan. In the present moment in 2005, putting a paan full of tobacco in my mouth, I thought of Saeed in the very early ‘70s, maybe in 1971. He was present at parties as a very large but suave gentleman with large black plastic framed glasses. I thought then that, given his demeanor, his previous name Saeed Gulab Khan was very appropriate to his reputation with the ladies. Only Saeed Gulab Jaman would make the ladies swoon into his manly arms any faster.
Gulab, er, Burhr, was ahead of his time, having been twice divorced and sporting memberships to country clubs and tennis clubs, and always driving fancy cars like the blue
Sunbeam Arrow, which was my mom’s first (and only) attempt behind the wheel with family friend Aziz Khan as instructor making a noble attempt to at least get her out of the neighborhood without running into a light pole. There’s always a price to pay. What with the loaner cars and a brand-new name, and mysterious employment status, Saeed Burhr would arrive randomly about 2ish on weekdays and hang out. He did not own a pair of scissors. With his well-slicked curly hair, he would have bold conversations with us kids about life and careers as we stared in horror at copious amounts of hair popping out of his ears, nose, and at what looked like a grayish-black fur coat under his large neck. Since now named after an ancient massive tree, I often pictured him eating a rotten bison leg and smiling.
When dad arrived 4ish, he would be a little bummed but spent 30 minutes socializing with the man who had arrived 2 hours earlier to flirt with his wife—and win over his kids. Next to the 275 pound 6’3” hairy giant, dad looked like a garden gnome…a frail baby-faced man with thin bones and a sort of sexy little belly. If Guchu (don’t ask me about my maternal uncle’s nickname—I don’t want to know) came,
Subcontinental Divide continued on page 92
Subcontinental Divide by Ahsen Jillani
When the Pot Shatters
My Voice by Ayuzah Shah
I woke up Sunday morning, ready for my usual volunteering shift at the Novant Hospital. As I checked my phone first thing in the morning, I immediately noticed a flood of notifications—everyone posted that it was Easter Sunday.
“Oh wow, the last 10 holy nights of Ramadan and Easter Weekend are happening at the same time,” I thought.
As I got ready and headed to the hospital, I couldn’t stop thinking about the countless discussions I’ve had in school about America being a melting pot. The idea of people from different faiths and backgrounds coming together on a day like this felt hopeful and uplifting. It reminded me that being an American is truly a gift, living in a country where diversity is not only present but often celebrated.
When I entered the cool building, I was greeted by a wave of Easter decorations—sparkly eggs, Easter bunnies, and small pictures of Jesus adorned the walls. I headed up to the geriatric department’s usual location on the 9th floor. Time flew by as I made rounds on patients, asking if they needed anything, cleaning beds, and refilling ice jugs. However, all the walking around and running errands for patients while I was fasting left my legs feeling quite tired. As I approached the final hallway, I let out a sigh of relief.
“Finally, the last stretch,” I thought to myself.
I continued my usual workflow, sanitizing my hands and knocking twice on the door of room 9431 before slowly
maneuvering my cart inside. The moment I stepped into the elderly woman’s room, she began to wail at top volume.
“Ahhhhh, my remote, give it to me!” she screamed.
I took a deep breath before addressing her. We had gone over how to handle aggressive dementia patients during orientation a few weeks earlier.
“Oh, ma’am, is this the remote you need?” I asked, gesturing towards the white TV remote on the floor.
“Yes, please hand it to me, sweetheart,” she moaned desperately.
I felt sympathy for her state of mind, so I quickly picked up the remote and began to refill her ice jug just as the RN had instructed me that morning. As soon as my hands touched the ice-cold Ziploc bag, she asked me a question.
“Why in the world do you have that thing on your head?” she asked, looking repulsed. I knew she was referring to my hijab. I had a prepared explanation ready, as I was accustomed to questions about it. However, in the middle of my explanation, a scowl appeared on her face.
“Oh shoot!” I thought, realizing I had forgotten she was a dementia patient and had trouble understanding complex matters.
I tried my best to explain it to her in simple terms, thinking that she was just struggling to understand me. Halfway through the second explanation, I fell back onto the freezing, hard hospital floor.
The outlook is quickly changing as major portions of the economy are flashing warning signs, including housing, government, and consumer spending; nearly two-thirds of all US expenditures. The Atlanta Fed GDPNow tanked in just weeks, now running at a negative 1.5% for the first quarter. The Citigroup economic index has also shifted into negative territory with a drop of over 30pts in just five weeks.
We are starting to see the impact of high rates and prices hitting housing. Homebuilder stocks are down 11% over the last month. Toll Brothers reported a poor earnings report in which they said that their average selling price was down 7.74%. Each component of the Wells Fargo Housing Market Index was down in January, ranging from prospective buyer traffic to builder confidence. Housing starts have started to roll over. Historically, each time starts have rolled over, it has led to a meaningful economic weakening. Housing is approximately 15% of the US economy, as it moderates, it is a headwind to growth.
We are entering a new regime of shrinking government. Fiscal growth in recent years has been one of the primary reasons that the US has outperformed the rest of the world. US nominal growth was up 50% over the past five years and was driven by US government discretionary spending, up 65%. With that support now gone, a major driver of economic growth is gone. DOGE is leading the charge. It’s only been a few weeks, but the total savings are estimated at $65bn. Congress is signaling that they want further fiscal tightening. They passed a budget which calls for $1.5-$2 trillion in spending cuts.
While it is to be seen whether DOGE or Congress will reach their goals, the point is that the government is now in a headwind to growth. Unemployment claims in the DC area have already skyrocketed. This will impact surrounding ecosystems including defense, lobbying, consulting, and local business and real estate. It is estimated that for every federal employee there are two contractors. The collateral damage could lead to approximately a million layoffs.
It’s not just the government that is letting people go. We are seeing layoff announcements across corporate America. Some notable ones already in 2025 include Meta cutting 5% of its workforce, Southwest cutting 15%, Chevron cutting 8,000 employees, JPM reporting rounds of layoffs, Starbucks
Eye on the Markets by
My Meeting with Kishore Kumar
My Meeting with Kishore Kumar
When I was growing up in the 1950s, I had started listening to Kishore Kumar’s songs since my passion is music. He was not my favorite singer, though I liked many of his old songs including S. D. Burman and Madan Mohan compositions. Kishore Kumar became famous when he sang in the opening scene of Aradhana movie for Rajesh Khanna. He then reached a pinnacle when started singing for Amitabh Bachchan and other actors.
Kishore Kumar’s maiden USA concert in 1978, with Amit Kumar and Anuradha Paudwal, had kicked off in New York. I remember that Ameen Sayani of Binaca Geetmala fame had introduced Kishore Kumar and I had snapped many photos of the concert with my film camera. I had taken a few action photos of Sayani on stage with Kishore Kumar, which I sent to him in Bombay via someone.
Sayani wrote me a nice thank you letter and invited me to meet him on my next trip to India. I did meet Sayani in 1980 at his office near Naaz theater in Bombay and had spent about an hour with him talking about Radio Ceylon. I also watched Sayani recording an episode for a program and had explained to me that he did not record songs in between commentary but placed cues so that the engineers at Radio Ceylon played the actual records. Sayani had complimented me for having some rare 78-rpm records in my collection, which he told me Radio Ceylon did not have! I was surprised that when I was asking my wife to take my picture with Sayani, he spoke in fluent Gujarati with her.
While Anuradha had sung a couple of duets with Kishore Kumar, her husband Anil was acting as the lead musician and accordion player. After the show I invited both to my home in New Jersey to spend a couple of days as guests.
Amit Kumar performed for the first time in public at this concert. He and Kishore sang a couple of songs that included yodeling. They also sang the famous Padosan song “ek chatur nar” intermixed with comedy. I believe Helen also performed a couple of dances in that concert.
My Voice Kishore Kumar continued on page 86
My Voice by Girish Modi
Girish Modi with Kishore Kumar in 1978. The woman on the right is actress Helen.
A Whirlwind of 60 Days
Trump’s
Attempts to Remake the Immigration System
Immigration Matters
by Rishi P. Oza
Presidents are typically measured by their accomplishments in their first 100 days in office. President Trump’s second term has been anything but methodical –quite contrarily, his promise to employ a ‘shock and awe’ strategy, has been jaw-dropping in its flurry of orders, but tepid in terms of accomplishments.
Admittedly, 60 days into any new president’s term is hardly a fair barometer for judging accomplishments, but his campaign boasts are now running headfirst into the challenges of actual governing. To quote the old adage: talk is cheap and Trump’s desire to remake America’s immigration system will need to register less shock value and more in terms of governance competency.
Case and point are the US Department of Homeland Security’s recent announcement of its enforcement of Alien Registration Requirements. These requirements have been mandated under the Immigration and Nationality Act for over three decades but largely unenforced, due largely to the logistical headache of tracking such vast sums of information. Much media attention has been placed on this little used statutory requirement that requires foreign nationals register with DHS while in the United States; failure to do so may result in criminal and civil penalties, which the Department of Justice recently announced would be a prosecutorial priority.
While DHS was successful in raising the collective blood pressure within immigrant communities, the agency failed to advise stakeholders on how foreign nationals were actually expected to go about doing so, only stating that further instructions would be forthcoming. As with all governmental programs, the details associated with any mandate will be an insight as to the seriousness of the instruction – without a mechanism by which individuals can register, the DHS press release and the hoopla surrounding it are just that: hoopla.
Presently, even if a foreign national wanted to comply with this statutory mandate, DHS provides such individuals with no way of actually doing so. Foreign nationals cannot simply walk into a local DHS office and request to be fingerprinted (quite frankly, getting fingerprints rescheduled for current applicants for immigration benefit is hard enough). DHS has not issued any forms or guidance on how to register an address, provide notice or communicate with the government in the manner that the administration wishes.
In practice, USCIS, a subagency within DHS, often fails to update addresses for individuals with active and going cases; inundating the agency with hundreds of thousands of additional address locations without providing the already backlogged agency with additional funding to process this information is curious, given that the agency already takes almost 15 months to approve a spousal visa petition, nearly three years to adjudicate certain waiver Immigration Matters continued on page 72
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Finally, I decided to silence those thoughts. Instead of overthinking, I took a leap of faith and embarked on this creative journey. Since I’ve always enjoyed creative writing, I thought I should first familiarize myself with this new art form. I started listening to rap, determined to ‘study the art.’ Five minutes in, my ears surrendered. The bass rattled my brain, the lyrics flew past like machine-gun fire, and I found myself wondering—do I need a translator for this? I explored the work of other rappers. I tried slower beats. I also started working with a good rap instructor, the cheapest I could find in Los Angeles.
As I’ve mentioned in my previous essays, I come from a Bania family in India — a member of the merchant class. Our community is known for its frugality, sharp bargaining skills, and strong integrity. Following my Guru’s advice, I created a character called Mr. Cheap Gupta and began writing rap songs from that character’s point of view. Here are a couple of my verses from the rap song:
I’m Cheap Gupta, king of thrift. No need for luxury, if you catch my drift
Love for green, runs deep
Counting cash in my sleep.
Came from India, Fresh off the boat
Now look at me, LV on the coat
Silent Whispers
Silent Whispers
Sometimes, a single sentence can shake your entire reality. Last August, I visited my spiritual Guru, Shri Tarneiv Ji, in Toronto. During our meeting, He said something that was so extraordinary that I couldn’t sleep for three days. You see my spiritual Guru whom I have known for over 25 years, suggested that I should try rapping. RAP! Rhythm and Poetry — it seemed like a wild idea. He knew I had been doing comedy for many years, but rapping seemed completely out of the blue, so elusive.
For the next three days, negative thoughts flooded my mind: “Rajeev, you are musically impaired. You can’t sing, and you certainly can’t rap. Are you aware that rap often involves dancing? You’ve always been too self-conscious—you’re even afraid to dance in the shower.”
Then, those self-deprecating thoughts invited their cousins— ones that were more self-affirming and even boosted my confidence. Suddenly, my brain flipped: “You studied Computer Science at Berkeley. You studied AI at Stanford, how hard can rap be?” But just as quickly, the self-deprecation committee shut them down: You were bullied in high school, and you have used comedy to overcome your shyness. You’re a nerd. A balding, middle-aged nerd. Act your age. Stick to spreadsheets, Raajeev.” Those thoughts ran through my mind like a stock ticker, wreaking havoc on my sanity.
Went to Berkeley, while finding a mate
Going dutch on every date
If it’s free, hand it to me
Even a cuss word, thrown at me
You pay full price, I pay half
Saving cash, makes me laugh
Don’ do drugs, never been high. Stackin’ my money, till it hits the sky
Dad used to say when I was a pup Beta, keep your word and zipper up
My wife and I began posting dance videos on Instagram and YouTube under @Mr.CheapGupta.
Since rap was still an uphill battle, I figured— why not start with something even more outside my comfort zone? Dancing. On the Internet. For the whole world to see. What could possibly go wrong? But it’s been a blast! We’ve posted over 30 videos and quickly gained over 10,000 Instagram followers and nearly 75,000 YouTube subscribers. Going through the journey of following a regimen of rap practice and silly dancing has provided many benefits.
First, it deepened my understanding of rap as an art form. It also gave me greater insight into the struggles of marginalized communities, like African Americans, who express their life experiences through rhythm and poetry.
Second, I felt connected to my inner crazy child — the wild, uninhibited part of me. I had taken creative writing classes at UC Berkeley extension
Raajeev continued on page 80
Raajeev’s Corner by Raajeev Aggerwhil
Spot the Differences
See if you can spot the 15 differences between the original photo on top and modified below. (Solution on page 104)
The Power of Deep Work
What We’ve Missed in the Hustle
My Voice by Hiren Deliwala
We have all had those days when we rush from one meeting to another, clear out our inboxes, respond to Slack messages, and update reports. By the end of the day, we collapse onto the couch, feeling like we’ve been incredibly productive. But then, a nagging thought creeps in: What did I actually accomplish?
This feeling isn’t new. We know this dynamic all too well—the difference between being busy and being productive. Checking off a long list of tasks feels satisfying, but it’s worth asking whether those tasks are moving us forward in a meaningful way. Are we truly accomplishing something that matters, or are we just filling our time?
Cal Newport, in his book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, makes a powerful point: “The ability to perform deep work is becoming increasingly rare at exactly the same time it is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy.” When I first read that, it hit me. The ability to truly focus on high-value, cognitively demanding tasks has become a rare and precious skill. It’s not just that we can’t get enough done; it’s that, as Newport
explains, the things that really move us forward are harder to do in a world constantly pulling us in different directions.
The reality is that what I’m sharing here isn’t anything new. We already know that focusing on deep, meaningful work matters. The challenge is implementing it. We know what’s important, but how often do we allow ourselves to be swept away by the daily tide of distractions?
Take Adam Grant, for example. As the youngest full professor at Wharton, he’s a great case study in how deep work can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. In 2012, he published seven academic papers in top-tier journals — a monumental achievement in academia. The following year, he wrote Give and Take, a bestselling book that landed on the cover of The New York Times Magazine. By 2014, he had published over 60 peer-reviewed papers, all while continuing to teach and mentor. It’s not just the sheer volume of his work that stands out, though. What’s truly remarkable is how deeply he focused on those high-impact tasks, while keeping distractions to a minimum. It wasn’t about working harder, it was about working smarter, focusing on what truly mattered.
That said, deep work isn’t always easy. Before we can
Sai Kavuri (NC) 703-953-6169 spkavuri@gmail.com
Ankitkumar S. Desai (NC) 704-340-8004 ankitdesai127@gmail.com
Hindu Center of Charlotte Expansion Community Focus
Hindu Center of Charlotte’s New Vedic Mandir - Opening Summer 2025
Community Focus by
Taige Shukla & Divakar Shukla
In 1982, the Hindu Center of Charlotte was inaugurated, becoming one of the first temples to open in North Carolina. The original mandir was 4000 sq ft on three acres of land. According to Hemant Amin (President of the HC), “the goal was and continues to be to serve the Sanatan Dharma needs of Charlotte and surrounding communities.” The HC complex grew in the early 90’s to six acres with the addition of the 5000 sq ft Vihar Hall (now expanded to 12,000 sq ft with a kitchen).
Over the last 30 years, the complex has grown to cover 22 acres as land parcels in the area were gradually purchased, including a church across the street, residences on City View Drive and three acres near the greenway. The HC complex now
encompasses priest and cook residences, Vivek Hall, Ghandi Bhavan, Vihar Hall, and the original temple. When it opened, the HC was run entirely by volunteers with no full-time employees. Now it employs nine priests, three office managers, three cooks, and several cleaning contractors. The original temple was completed for approximately $200,000 while the cost of the new Vedic mandir is nearly $11 million. Construction on the new temple (Vedic Mandir) began in 2014 and is now approaching completion, with the anticipated opening during the summer of 2025. The project took longer than anticipated due to the Covid 19 pandemic, supply chain issues, additional lots purchased, and city code requirements. After breaking ground in 2014, the expansion has grown into a 22,000 square foot space for the community. Amin said, “the HC worked closely with community members and groups to ensure the space was built ‘for the people, by the people’”, making the Vedic Mandir a new home to over 22 Hindu murtis / deities.
The HC strives to remain inclusive, accounting for as many groups in the Carolinas as they can, united under the Sanatana Dharma. With over 3,000 members, this
Hindu Center continued on page 88
Scan QR code for a video tour of the new mandir or visit: Saathee.com/tv
Groundbreaking of Vedanta Center of NC (Universal Temple)
The Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of North Carolina (NC) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on March 9, 2025 for its new temple, marking a momentous occasion at the sacred grounds of 3109 Globe Rd, Morrisville, NC. The event was attended by several prominent figures along with representatives from major Hindu temples across the Triangle region. These included members of SV Temple Cary, BAPS Swaminarayan, Hindu Society of North Carolina, Radha Krishna Temple in Apex, and Triangle Area Hindu Temples (TAHT), showcasing a display of unity and solidarity within the local Hindu community.
The groundbreaking ceremony was graced by two senior monks of the Ramakrishna Order, Swami Sarvadevananda, Head Minister of the Vedanta Society of Southern California, and Swami Atmajnanananda, Minister from the Vedanta Center of Greater Washington D.C. area. Together, they led the worship service, offering blessings and prayers for the success of the temple’s construction and its future role in the community.
The temple, dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Maa Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda, will stand as a beacon of spiritual light and guidance. Sri Ramakrishna, who taught the oneness of all religions, emphasized that all paths lead to the same divine truth, a profound message that transcends sectarian boundaries. Swami Vivekananda, who brought these teachings to the world stage, furthered this vision through his call for global harmony and understanding.
The Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of NC, a nonsectarian organization, follows the ideals of the Ramakrishna Mission, which upholds the belief that all religions are valid paths to the ultimate goal of life. Swami Vivekananda’s teachings, inspired by Ramakrishna’s insights, emphasized the service of humanity and the recognition of the divine presence in all people.
Dr. Samrat Das, President of the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of NC, expressed his hopes for the temple’s impact on the community, stating, “The new temple will not only serve as a spiritual center but will also work to promote the essential teachings of Swami Vivekananda, especially in today’s world. It will be a space for people to unite, find peace, and contribute to the service of humanity.”
Hopkins India Conference 2025
The inaugural Hopkins India Conference, organized by the Gupta-Klinsky India Institute at Johns Hopkins University in collaboration with Indiaspora, will serve as a platform for fostering collaboration between key stakeholders in the United States and India. This year’s theme, “Innovations and Partnerships for Global Progress”, reflects the growing importance of the U.S.-India partnership in addressing global challenges across research, education, business, policy, and technology. The conference, taking place May 9 – 10, 2025, will feature thought leaders, policymakers, academicians, and corporate leaders from both nations to discuss and design solutions for a better world. Location: Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center, Washington, D.C. Info: Hopkinsindia.events.whova.com/registration
U.S. Director of National Intelligence
Tulsi Gabbard Meets PM Modi
The Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, visited India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a trip on March 17, 2025. She also conducted interviews with several prominent media outlets in India. Modi noted the special significance of her visit as the first high-level visit to India from the U.S. in President Trump’s second term. Modi wrote on X, “Glad to welcome @TulsiGabbard to India. Exchanged views on further advancing the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Both countries are committed to combating terrorism and enhancing maritime and cyber security cooperation.”
Gaurang Doshi Receives NC Heritage Award
NC Governor Josh Stein recently announced that six traditional artists or groups will receive the 2025 North Carolina Heritage Awards for their lifetime contributions to the state’s cultural vitality. The N.C. Heritage Award is the state’s highest honor for traditional artists.
The 2025 North Carolina Heritage Awards honorees include Gaurang Doshi, a North Indian classical musician from Winston-Salem. Doshi is the second Indian (Asian) American in the history of the state to receive this award.
Other awardees are Helen Gibson, a woodcarver from Brasstown; The Glorifying Vines Sisters, a gospel quartet from Farmville; Chester McMillian, a Round Peak guitarist from Mount Airy; and Herman and Loretta Oxendine, Lumbee traditional artisans from Pembroke.
Since 1989, the N.C. Heritage Awards have recognized North Carolinians who have significantly influenced culture in their communities, such as teaching or training local artists, making seminal recordings or objects, being recognized as the sole or one of few practitioners continuing the tradition, or continuing an art form or style that can be traced back along a lineage of artists for generations. The 2025 honorees were
all nominated by their peers and selected through a panel process.
“North Carolina’s traditional arts community embodies the joy and diverse culture of our great state,” said Governor Stein. “I congratulate the 2025 Heritage Award recipients for their accomplishments and thank them for their contributions to North Carolina’s cultural life.”
“This year more than ever, we are reminded of the value of our local traditions and the importance of safeguarding those art forms for future generations,” said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “This group of artists tells the extraordinary story of our state’s rich cultural heritage.”
The 2025 North Carolina Heritage Awards ceremony will take place at the A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater in Raleigh on June 7, 2025, at 2:30 p.m., and will feature performances and demonstrations by each artist. PineCone, the Piedmont Council on Traditional Music, will partner with the N.C. Arts Council to produce the ceremony as part of its Down Home concert series. Tickets are available now at Pinecone.org.
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
For more information, visit Dncr.nc.gov.
Conversion of PIO card to OCI card
Indian Immigration will accept all Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards (including handwritten ones) along with valid foreign passport, as valid travel document until the extended deadline of December 31, 2025.
Indian Immigration Check Post(s) will continue to consider all PIO cards valid for exit from/entry into India till December 31, 2025. This extension of timeline is subject to the condition that if in the meantime, any deadline is notified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) thereby making handwritten PIO cards invalid, then PIO cardholders may have to obtain appropriate visa from Indian Missions/Posts.
All PIO cardholders (handwritten and machinereadable) are meanwhile advised to convert their PIO card to OCI card before this deadline.
All the applicants under the Consular Jurisdiction of the Embassy of India (those living in Bermuda, Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia) may visit the following link for details: Services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-oci-services. VFS Helpline Numbers: Consular Services (For PIO, OCI and Renunciation) 800-320-9693
In case of any other specific queries related to PIO to OCI conversion, email: Fsoci.washington@mea.gov.in.
The AAHOA Convention & Trade Show is hospitality’s leading event and brings together the who’s who of the industry for networking, learning, and connecting on the largest trade show floor in hospitality.
AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) is one of the fastest-growing organizations in the hospitality industry and is the largest hotel owners’ association in the world, with nearly 20,000 members in the United States. AAHOA Members are predominantly first- and second-generation South Asian immigrants from India, who have risen in the U.S. hospitality industry and now dominate the market. AAHOA Members own more than 36,800 properties across the country, amounting to 60% of all hotels, employ 1 million workers accounting for over $51.3B in annual payroll, and contribute 1.4% to U.S. GDP annually.
Each year, AAHOA’s national convention is one of the largest events in the lodging industry, attracting the biggest names and hospitality entrepreneurs. The convention showcases partner organizations, educates members about important public policy issues, and uncovers investment opportunities.
This year it will be held in New Orleans on April 15 –17, 2025.
For full details, visit Aahoacon.com.
IAAC Literary Festival Call for Submissions
The Indo-American Arts Council’s Literary Festival 2025’s Call for Submissions is currently open. The deadline to apply is May 01, 2025. Submit your published work to feature in the annual IAAC Literary Festival that will run on November 15-16, 2025, in New York City. This festival celebrates the richness of Indian literature and welcomes authors across genres, from poetry to children’s books. Join esteemed writers for engaging discussions, readings, and networking opportunities. For more details visit, Iaac.us/books.
27th Full Frame Documentary Festival
One of my favorite events returns to Durham, NC on April 3 – 6, 2025, the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival. It is one of the most important and largest alldocumentary film festivals.
Full Frame has shown many outstanding films, some of which take place in or are about South Asia. Sometimes truth is even more exciting than fiction and, especially in the hands of talented filmmakers, so many stories on a
wide variety of topics come to life these four days in Durham.
Films that I have enjoyed over the past few decades (I started going in its early days when it was the DoubleTake Documentary Film Festival) span topics such as personal interest like a biopic of a female wrestler in India, music documentaries of many different genres, politics, hummingbirds, children’s book authors, and much more. It’s an opportunity to hear important filmmakers like Deepa Nair, Michael Moore, Martin Scorsese, and more, as well as new filmmakers talk about their craft and share behind-thescenes perspectives of the making of their films.
Typically, over 70 films, parties, and panels are presented. The best way to attend is to buy a pass. The passes entitle you to claim a certain number of tickets. Beyond those tickets you can, with a pass, stand in “lastminute” lines and get admission after ticketed patrons are seated. You can instead opt for buying individual tickets and not have a pass.
For details, visit Fullframefest.org.
- Dilip Barman
Book Review:
Sundara Kāṇḍa—The Canto Beautiful
The Fifth Step in Tulasī’s Shrī-Rāma-Charita-Mānasa. Annotated Word-for-Word Translation (White Falcon Publishing)
The Ramayana is one of the most beloved devotional narratives in India and much of South Asia. This volume of Sundara Kanda is a republished version and is a beautifully designed, full-color and glossy book. It features a translation of Poet Tulsi Das’s Sundar Kanda, the most popular Canto of his great spiritual masterpiece Shri Rama Charita Manas.
This book was first published in 1987 under the title: The Gospel of Love, An English Rendering of Tulasī’s Shrī Rāma Charita Mānasa, (The Spiritual Lake of Rāma’s Pastimes). After being out of print for years, the family of the translator Chandan Lal Dhody has brought the book back to life in this lovely modern edition.
The artwork is by special permission from India’s renowned Gita Press and the book is laid out with clean typography. The original text in Dev Nagari script is presented with clear translations, helping readers navigate this time-honored literary work. This is an annotated work with word for word translation in prose.
The Introduction is written by Raleigh, NC resident Dr. Neela Thapar Moorjani, whose maternal grandfather Chandal Lal Dhody is the translator.
This volume is an excellent addition for family collections and those who love the timeless words of Tulsi Das and the Shri Rama Charita Manas
For more information, visit Ramasinspirations.org.
The Carying Place
Teaching homeless, working families the skills for financial independence
By CORDUSA’s youth ambassadors
Debolina Chatterjee is the Senior Family Support Specialist of an organization called The Carying Place (TCP), a nonprofit with the goal of teaching homeless, working families the skills for financial independence as well as providing short term housing and many services for individual needs.
Here is an interview conducted with Chatterjee that gives more details on the organization’s work.
Give a brief introduction of The Carying Place. TCP is a Cary, NC-based organization that has been serving the community since 1993. Its primary mission is to support working families with children who are experiencing homelessness. To be accepted into the program, families must meet specific criteria. Once accepted, they enter a transitional housing phase lasting 4 months. During this phase, families live in TCP housing at no cost while receiving the skill set for financial and life needs. This period provides families with a much-needed opportunity to save, pay-off housing-related debts, and better position themselves to apply for rental housing. Upon completing the transitional housing phase, families have the opportunity to participate in the graduate program, which offers ongoing support to help them maintain stable housing and financial independence. Unlike the transitional housing phase, the graduate program has no set end date and can extend for several years, offering long-term assistance in securing better jobs and preparing for homeownership.
Why did you leave your career and decide to join TCP? Since childhood, I have found great fulfillment in supporting my community through various local opportunities. It would also seem so that the TCP was an organization that was right there, and so I first volunteered with the non-profit. I was so inspired by its
mission that I decided to pursue a full-time role there, choosing it over continuing my career in research and science. This led me to make the decision to transition my career and join the non-profit sector.
How many people do you encounter daily who suffer from homelessness?
The Carying Place is not an emergency shelter. I, therefore, do not meet people on a daily basis. Families spend weeks or months applying for the program similar to a job or college application process. We have 15 houses in Cary, 14 are for transitional housing families and one for a permanently disabled family. We can only help 14 families at a time. We also work with families in the graduate program i.e. families who have completed our transitional housing program. Typically, we work with about 30 to 36 families in the transitional housing program and approximately 45 graduate families annually.
Is there a specific instance in which you can remember where your financial literacy and life skills made an impact on someone’s life?
There have been many instances where I have seen families make better financial choices thanks to the guidance we provided. Most of the families that come to us have little to no background in money management. They often struggle to balance their income with their expenses and find it difficult to distinguish between needs and wants. For example, instead of prioritizing essential expenses like rent, they Carying Place continued on page 82
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Top 6
Questions
About Medical School Costs: Navigating the Application Process
Top 6 Questions About Medical School Costs: Navigating the Application Process
Kristen Moon
Choosing the right medical school is a crucial step in your journey toward becoming a doctor. With so many factors to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the costs and application process. To help you navigate this complex decision, we’ve compiled answers to the top six most frequently asked questions about the costs of medical school.
1. Is applying to medical school more expensive than applying to undergraduate programs?
Applying to undergraduate programs is generally less expensive than applying to medical school. One major factor is that medical school applicants tend to apply to a larger number of schools compared to undergraduate applicants, increasing overall costs. Medical school applications also involve multiple fees.
Using AMCAS to apply to MD (Doctor of Medicine) schools, the first application is $175 and each subsequent application is $46.
Using AACOMAS to apply to DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) schools, the first application is $198 and each subsequent application is $57.
TMDSAS (Used to apply to schools in Texas) uses a flat $200 fee.
The average applicant could apply to 25 - 30+ schools given the competitiveness.
In addition to application fees, applicants are also responsible for MCAT Exam Costs, any MCAT prep coursework or materials used (this varies greatly but can range anywhere from around $100 to several thousand), MSAR Database access (optional to show all medical school requirements by school, one year is $28, two years is $36), transcript sending fees.
2. What are some common costs associated with applying to med school that applicants should expect?
MCAT: $345 and exam change fees, if needed, range from $50 to $200 depending on how much notice is given for the date change request.
Secondary application fees vary by school but typically are $25-$150
CASPer and/or AAMC Preview- Casper $85 and $15 per score report after the first 8 (included in the test fee). AAMC PREview $100 flat fee with unlimited score distribution.
3. Are there any ways to reduce some of those costs?
The AAMC Fee Assistance Program helps reduce the financial burden for MCAT examinees and AMCAS applicants who may not be able to afford the costs of taking the MCAT or applying to medical schools. Eligibility is based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ poverty-level guidelines and other requirements. For full details, visit the Fee Assistance Program webpages.
This program significantly lowers application costs by waiving the AMCAS application fee for up to 20 schools, reducing the MCAT registration fee by 50%, and providing free access to valuable resources like the MSAR. Many medical schools also waive secondary application fees for recipients, and PREview and CASPer exams are typically free as well.
The AACOMAS Fee Waiver Program assists applicants applying to osteopathic medical schools by covering the initial application fee of $198. However, applicants are responsible for an additional $50 fee for each school beyond the first.
College Admissions Insider by
filings and a mind-boggling five years to approve investor visa petitions. Are we sure that this agency can handle more work?
From a practical perspective, USCIS will surely have a database of information with the names, addresses and phone numbers of foreign nationals in the United States. However, who reasonably assumes that individuals in the US unlawfully are going voluntarily to register under such a system? Most individuals in the US without status avoid interacting with the government at all times and so menacing criminal and civil penalties (i.e. 30 days of jail time and a $200 fine) is an empty threat when compared with the possible consequences for registration (i.e. deportation).
Migrant populations, particularly the undocumented, are forced to operate in the margins of society, unable to obtain Social Security numbers or drivers licenses. The expectation that these populations will suddenly invite attention, particularly in an enforcement-heavy environment, is folly.
Trump’s push for heightened removals has been coupled with some questionable government employment practices. As has been well documented, he has taken an axe to the federal labor force, terminating the employment of thousands of federal workers, including immigration judges, who, unlike federal court judges, are employees of the US Department of Justice and therefore serve at the pleasure of the President and the Attorney General.
What makes the Administration’s decision to terminate IJs curious is the current backlog of pending immigration cases (currently exceeding 3 million cases nationwide) would seemingly require a surge of qualified immigration judges and not a reduction in force. By thinning out the courts, the capacity for the DOJ to address the gargantuan backlog is further pinched, which strikes at the very thing that Trump wants to see: more deportations. How the government intends to increase deportations with reduced staffing is an open question that remains unanswered.
Has Trump done an excellent job of projecting his Administration’s priorities when it comes to the immigration field: the answer is undoubtedly yes. He has long been a master of the media and shaping public opinion through his use of the president’s bully pulpit. However, as indicated above, what the President says versus what the government actually does are often two different things –that “big, beautiful” wall from Trump’s first four-year term remains only partially completed.
He has never been one to shy away from a fight and with his control over the Congress, Trump can certainly put a stamp on the immigration system writ large. Of course, the mid-term elections are less than two short years away and, despite continued disillusionment with the Democratic Party, Trump’s clock is ticking – whether he’ll continue to talk or actually get results remains to be seen.
Rishi P. Oza
is Partner at Brown Immigration Law, a firm that focuses solely on immigration law; he practices in Durham. Contact: roza@rbrownllc.com
College continued from page 70
The TMDSAS offers a limited number of fee waivers to applicants who demonstrate financial need. The TMDSAS Financial Hardship Fee Assistance Program covers the entire TMDSAS application fee. However, it does not cover fees for secondary applications, test fees (such as the MCAT), or other related expenses. To be eligible, applicants must provide documentation demonstrating financial hardship. Since waivers are limited, they are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Other ways to reduce costs are to limit the number of schools you apply to, applying strategically to those you have the best chance of admission to. In general, students usually have higher chances of admission to their in-state schools or schools they can demonstrate a significant tie to (family lives there, they used to live there, etc.).
4. What are secondary applications, and what is the typical cost involved?
After students submit their primary applications, schools may send a secondary application which is a supplemental application sent to an applicant by a specific medical school. These applications allow the school to gather more detailed information about the applicant and their fit for their program; it is common to be asked about experiences with diversity, challenges overcome, and why this particular school just to name a few topics. The typical cost for a secondary application is around $100 per school, though prices can vary depending on the institution, ranging from $40 to $200.
5. What should students keep in mind when traveling to a med school campus for an interview or visit?
Many schools offer second-look or closer-look days, allowing you to save costs by waiting to visit until after receiving an offer or acceptance. Interviews are a full-day experience—plan your travel arrangements accordingly. Many admission committees include student members— network with them throughout your interview day to gain valuable insights and get a sense of the school’s culture.
6. What else should students consider when applying to medical school?
Interesting Note (although not directly related to the application process): Some MD/PhD programs are designated as Medical Scientist Training Programs (MSTPs), which are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These programs not only cover the full cost of medical school tuition but also provide a stipend to students, effectively making medical school tuition-free while also offering a source of income. This can be a significant financial advantage for those pursuing both medical and research careers. However, it’s important to note that not all MD/PhD programs are MSTP-designated. One such MSTP program I am familiar with is the University of North Carolina.
Kristen Moon
For more details, contact Kristen@moonprep.com
by Taige Shukla (IG: @whatsthe_chai)
Gujarati Cauliflower Shaak
Spring is here Saathee family! And I know most of us want to be outside enjoying the fresh air and warmer weather, so let’s reduce the amount of time we might have to spend in the kitchen. This month’s recipe is so quick and easy that you’ll be in and out within about 30 mins. Gujarati shaak is basically an Indian-spiced vegetable stir-fry. You can generally add several different types of vegetables to this recipe, and it will turn out equally as delicious. This time around I went with a classic, and staple in our household, cauliflower shaak. My grandma (Amma) makes this all the time, and I’ve never realized just how simple it is. We like to serve it with dal, rice, roti and usually 1 or 2 other types of shaaks. You can also find the recipe for Gujarati dal at: Saathee.com/saathee-recipes-gujarati-dal. Give this classic a try and let us know what you think! Follow Taige for more recipes on Instagram and TikTok | @whatsthe_chai. Special thanks to Amma (Charu Shukla)
1. In a pan on medium heat, make the vhagar with jeera & rai (temper the cumin and mustard seeds) for about 30 seconds or until the seeds begin to pop.
2. Add in pre-chopped cauliflower florets, ½ tsp salt, and turmeric powder. Sauté until ingredients are combined, then add in 1/4 cup water and cover. Let steam for about 2 mins.
Optional: you can also add in potatoes and peas. If you choose to include these, chop 1 medium potato into small cubes and sauté in the vhagar for 5 mins, or until potatoes are slightly softened, then add in the cauliflower and ¼ cup of peas. Continue with the recipe starting at Step 2.
3. Stir in red chili powder, dhana jeera, sugar, and a bit more salt if needed. Continue to sauté until the cauliflower (and optional potato) is slightly softened or easily pierced with a fork. Turn off heat and mix in cilantro.
For a traditional Gujarati meal serve with dal, rice, and/or roti. Enjoy!
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:
Work Completed: Grading, Parking Lot , foundation, stone work inside and outside.
Work Continues: Main Shikhar and electrical.
2025 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Annual Membership: $101, Students & Seniors $31 Become life member for $1001!
Upcoming Hindu Center Events & Activities:
Mahavir Jayanti: April 5th, Saturday
Chaitra Navratri : March 30th, Sunday thru April 6th, Sunday
Ram Navami & Ram Sita Kalyanam: April 6th, Sunday
(Ramayan Reading: starts April 5th, ends on April 6th)
Gujarat Sugam Sangeet: April 8th, Tuesday
Gujarati Comedy Play: April 11th, Friday
Hanuman Jayanti: April 12th, Saturday
Holi Festival Of Colors: April 13th, Saturday
Maha Prabhuji Patotsav : April 26th, Saturday
Akhatrij: April 30th, Wednesday
Vasavi Matha Jayanthi: May 10th, Saturday
Gayatri Jayanti Havan: June 1st, Sunday
Ratha Yatra: June 28th, Saturday
HINDU
7400 City View Drive, Charlotte, NC 28212
704-535-3440
O F C HARLOTTE
Lord Mahavir Jayanti Celebration
April 5, 2025 (Saturday)
Sri Ram Navami
April 6, 2025 (Sunday)
Ramayan Reading starts April 5 (Saturday) & Ends on April 6 (Sunday)
Ram Sita Kalyanam: April 6 (Sunday)
Experience the Magic of Gujarat Sugam Sangeet With Shyamal Munshi
Join us for an unforgettable evening where music, poetry, and storytelling come together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat. This Sugam Sangeet program blends soul-stirring melodies, timeless poetry, and engaging narratives, creating an experience that is both heartfelt and entertaining.
April 8, 2025 (Tuesday)
7 pm at Hindu Center Vihar Hall ( Admission: $20 / person) Delicious food will be available for purchase from 6-7 pm
For more info., please contact:
Hemant Amin: 704.258.3588
Amita Patel: 704.606.7996
Rajni Patel: 704.488.8145
Bharti Patel: 704.678.9991
Malti Mehta: 704.763.9978
Kshitish Mehta: 704.560.5459
Vimal Patel: 704.915.2939
April 12, 2025 (Saturday) 108 times Chanting Hanuman Chalisa from 10 am to 6 pm followed by bhajans, aarti and Prasad Hanuman Jayanti Celebrations
H INDU C ENTER
Vaishnav Samaj of HC is Celebrating Shree Mahaprabhuji Pragatya Utsav
Saturday, April 26th, 2025 (4 pm - 7 pm) at Hindu Center, Vihar Hall
The celebration will include Shobha Yatra, Sthapna, Sarvottam Path, Followed by Kirtan, Bhajans, Discourses, Cultural Programs, Arti, Ashray Pad and Mahaprasad.
Please join us to celebrate this joyous / auspicious occasion! Shree Mahaprabhuji Pragatya Day Ni Khub Khub Badhai
For event sponsorship & details: Jankiben Shah 704-516-2420
Hindu Center: 704-535-3440
For Event Communication: Kshitish Mehta: 704-560-5459
Shrutiben Shah: 704-763-0320
Shri Vallabhacharya (1479-1531 C.E.) was a devotional philosopher, who founded the Pushti sect in India. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna and worshipped the Shrinathji form of Lord Krishna. He is also known as Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya.
O F C HARLOTTE
Presented by:
Charlotte Gujarati Samaj & Hindu Center
April 11, 2025 at Vihar Hall
Hindi Center
Kismuth continued from page 28
I still work the way I like to work – in the moment, on the spot. Going where the going takes me, wondering and wandering, and not quitting. I hold on to being open to the possibility of being changed by what I might hear.
I make collections. I write in sequences. Things are backwards and forwards and sometimes they wrap around themselves.
I like the short essay. I like the poem. I liked writing postcards back when that was a thing. Brief and to the point. Is everything you do short and sweet? Another brilliant piece of feedback, from a musician. Me: ‘Yes! Oh, maybe that’s why I like to host popup salons. Or write for newspapers and magazines, and not publish long, drawn-out things that I can’t keep track of because I’m thinking of the next project, the next week, the next encounter and relishing the anticipation of moving forward, moving on.’ I didn’t know when I heard these things that I prefer short works or collections.
The truth is, everything I look back on that I care about is a series of short things.
A series of good conversations, with friends, means there is continuity and progression. A sequence of seasonal sets of written pieces, for my zines, or even a yearlong collection like this very story is a part of. I love to find ways to connect small pieces loosely, across an arc.
In writing and sharing collections, I get to know more about what the subjects are that we are inquiring towards. Viewer and reader, maker and artist. We are in a dialogue. Back in high school there was a romance associated with the hermetic type of person, as in, someone hiding away in a cavelike space, writing or whatever. Not my style. I need and value the artistic support that comes from friends who are going to be able to tell me what they see or feel or sense I could do better.
I see my works as dots and invite people who engage with them to make their own connections. To draw a picture that befits your own aesthetics. To see what you see in yourself, reflected, here.
We talked about seasons, change, midlife and our futures, though we are well aware that with our chosen path, such a thing is all up to the people who will surround us and trust us to deliver on the things we say we can. Art is not the kind of thing that grows your money mountain. But it can help you make sense of sorrows, meet moments of grief honestly, cope, and heal.
I think the strength in artistic work lies there. Its capacity to showcase to you bits of the artist’s lived experience, and implore you to ask, too, ‘Who am I?’ Nature has it set up for us to change as we go, to co-exist with past versions of ourselves that are in conflict with themselves at times, too. We, too, are collections. Of all that we were, and all that we are: the many selves, in the one.
Dipika Kohli
is an author who is based in Phnom Penh. Discover her books at kismuth.com and other projects at dipikakohli.com.
Raajeev continued from page 54
with a renowned poet, Clive Matson. Clive wrote, Let the Crazy Child Write, a book that encouraged uninhibited creativity. In his class, he urged students to write freely, without overthinking. The idea was to pour your thoughts onto paper first—then bring in the editor to refine the work.
Dancing to cheesy Bollywood songs was an exhilarating experience that connected me to how I used to feel as a child growing up in Old Delhi. I also felt liberated from the constraints of traditional joke structures, no rigid premise, punchline, or forced laughter. My spiritual Guru, Shri Tarneiv Ji, had mentioned that the goal of life is to be like a child. He would point out to my middle son, Vicktor, that when he was two, he would wake up in the morning and do a somersault. How many of us adults wake up with that feeling? Well, with the newfound tools, I do feel that urge not only in the morning but all day.
Third, through the meditation lectures of my Guru, I have learned that regardless of our religious beliefs, we can all agree that God is creative. When we fully immerse ourselves in creative pursuits—be it singing, dance, painting, or writing—we align with the Divine and discover true joy.
This newfound happiness and enthusiasm have also sharpened my focus on my IT business, which I’ve been running for over 25 years. Despite my talent and hard work, I had felt something was missing — passion. With my creative endeavors, I feel my soul is fully satiated as it has found a fountain of happiness.
Last week, I was watching some of our dance videos of Mr. Cheap Gupta, my exaggerated version with a serious flaw. The character, Mr. Cheap Gupta and his wife are only motivated by money and greed. I found myself laughing at the silly moves. I was happy not because I am narcissistic but because I was marveling at Mr. Cheap Gupta as a character who was able to overcome his hesitations, fears, insecurity and even heal the scars of bullying by taking a leap of faith. A faith that would put him on a new phase of a creative journey that seemed insurmountable and farfetched in the beginning.
I started relating Mr. Gupta’s journey as that of a hero’s journey that Joseph Campbell described in his book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, a seminal work that outlines a hero’s journey in form found in myths, legends, and modern storytelling.
From my own personal experience, I humbly suggest that if you ever felt some uneasiness, itchiness or restlessness that linger for weeks, don’t ignore it. Don’t try to suppress them through oral medicines. Take the time to listen to those silent whispers. Listen to those hints and follow some creative endeavors that your heart has always desired. For all you know, it may be the Divine giving you hints to follow an unconventional, even an illogical path … but one that could ultimately bring you joy, peace and unbridled happiness.
Raajeev Aggerwhil
is a Los Angeles-based comedian. Follow his latest work on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok @Mr.CheapGupta
VEMA MORTGAGE
BHAVEN SAYANIA DMD, MS NEAL PATEL DMD, MS
Carying Place
continued from page 68
might spend money on things like dining out or buying a new iPhone. For them, the line between needs and wants is often blurred, which makes it challenging to shift their mindset. Changing these habits can be daunting, especially when they are barely able to manage their own financial situation, yet still help others. It takes time to change these deeply ingrained behaviors. It usually takes 6-8 weeks for families to start realizing where their money is going and how it impacts other areas of their lives. In some cases, it takes months or even years for a real shift in their mindset. One example that stands out involves a woman whose driver’s license had expired. I advised her to make an appointment to renew it, but she insisted on going for a walk-in session instead. When I asked why, she said it was because she didn’t like the picture on her license. I encouraged her to think about the bigger picture—getting pulled over and receiving fines would be far worse than a photo she wasn’t happy with. A few days later, she called me and agreed that renewing the license and avoiding potential fines was the right decision. This instance is just one of many where small changes in perspective can have a significant impact on someone’s life, and it’s always rewarding to see those changes take hold over time.
How do you bring awareness to the community about homeless people’s needs? How do homeless people gain awareness about your organization?
Homeless individuals become aware of The Carying Place through various channels. Many hear about us from friends or family who have previously benefited from our services. Others may discover us through a simple Google search or by being referred by social workers. Volunteers and the broader community gain awareness through advocacy efforts. For instance, during spring festivals in Morrisville, nonprofit vendors, including The Carying Place, set up booths where families can stop by to learn more and receive information. We also organize fundraising events, and occasionally, we participate in speaking engagements and community meetings to raise awareness about our mission and the needs of homeless individuals.
How does The Carying Place partner with other non-profit organizations?
The Carying Place partners with many nonprofit organizations across Wake and Durham County. We recognize that we can’t provide every service, so we collaborate with other organizations that can fill in the gaps, such as providing clothing, food, tutoring, mentoring, job training, homeowners counseling, and other essential necessities.
How many people are on your team? What are all the different roles that are included to support the community first?
There are 6 full-time, 2 part time, and 2 contract employees. However, there are over 300 volunteers that support the organization’s mission annually. I consider everyone to be a part of one big team.
How do volunteers contribute to your work?
Volunteers play a crucial role in our organization. They assist in decorating and furnishing homes during the transitional phase of the program, help pick up donations, and support families as they move out and set up their new homes. Volunteers also staff the front desk, answering calls, assisting with program applications, and addressing the needs of visitors. In addition to office tasks, volunteers support fundraisers, provide meals, and meet with families to discuss topics like budgeting, serving as support partners. They also provide support to guest presenters and often facilitate weekly educational programs for the children and teens. Our board is entirely made up of volunteers who provide valuable guidance and expertise to help the organization run efficiently. These contributions and many others are essential to our success, and we wouldn’t be able to function without their dedication.
What is your long-term vision for Carying Place, and how do you see it involving here, in Wake County?
Our long-term vision includes two primary goals: building affordable housing and developing the graduate program, which is still relatively new. Both are essential for ensuring lasting stability for the families we serve. While the graduate program provides ongoing support to help families maintain their housing and financial independence, they may still struggle with affordable housing. If a person is paying more than 30% of their income on rent, they are rentburdened. Therefore, one of our long-term goals is to build affordable housing for families. Together, these goals are key to creating a sustainable and supportive future for families in our community.
For more information on The Carying Place, visit Thecaryingplace.org.
Interviewers: Anika S, Shirom M, Aaryan M (CORDUSA Youth ambassadors)
Writers: Anika S, Shirom M, Aaryan M, Sanjana C (CORDUSA Youth ambassadors)
Info: Cordusaraleigh.org
CORDUSA’s Youth Ambassador Program offers local youth leadership opportunities through community service. Participants engage in activities centered on sustainability, addressing issues like the environment, food insecurity, housing instability, education, and intergenerational connections. These young leaders approach their work with purpose, thoughtfulness, and empathy.
CORDUSA’s youth ambassadors aim to raise awareness about other local non-profit organizations making a significant impact in underserved communities. To achieve this, they interview representatives from these organizations. The youth take on the tasks of researching the organizations, creating questions, conducting the interviews, and compiling the responses.
Bhargavi Rao, the Head of Programs and Community Engagement at CORDUSA Raleigh, mentors and guides the youth by offering them valuable leadership opportunities within the organization.
My Voice Kishore Kumar continued from page 50
Since I was providing free photography, national promoter Mr. Walia became my friend and gave me permission to meet Kishore Kumar privately at the hotel and at JFK airport when they were leaving after finishing his tour in America.
When Kishore Kumar was waiting in the hotel to be driven to the airport, Amit asked him to give him some money so that he could buy some audio cassettes. I remember vividly that Kishore Kumar had lifted his white shirt and reached into the hidden pocket in his tee-shirt and pulled out a wad of dollar bills for his son.
He then asked me to escort Amit so that he would not get lost.
Amit and I then went to a nearby Woolworth store, where he had bought a couple of dozens of audio cassettes of American singers.
I was quite shocked that a Hindi singer trying to learn and imitate American singing styles. After we returned to the hotel, Amit signed a photo of him which I had taken while he was singing on stage.
I saw Kishore Kumar sitting in the baggage area with his fiancé Leena Chandavarkar and actor David when I went to the airport. Amit was not there, perhaps he had decided to stay on a few more days.
I presented him with the photo album of the New York concert and impressed him. I remember, though all my photos were color photos, Kishore Kumar commented that all the media in India would prefer to have photos in black and white.
I explained to him that they can convert color photos into black and white.
Afterwards, when I asked Kishore Kumar to give autograph on five copies of his best photograph I had taken, he commented in Hindi “Modi I know you are going sell these photos” to which David replied, why does it matter since I already gave him the album. I had not recognized Leena Chandavarkar, since I had never watched her movies previously because of my interest in music only.
Kishore Kumar with Leena Chandavarkar at JFK Airport in 1978, before their marriage. Leena’s father is on the extreme right.
When Kishore Kumar asked me to meet him when I go to India, I asked him that I want to see him recording a song, to which he had agreed. When Kishore Kumar and Leena got up and went to the ticket counter, I took the opportunity and took a photo of Kishore Kumar standing next to Leena, her father and Walia. I remember that Leena was reluctant to take her photos, so she not only grabbed Kishore Kumar’s goggles and put them on but also tried to cover her face with her sari!
Later, when Kishore Kumar moved in the boarding area, I followed him and asked a musician to take my photo with him. I did not see Leena but Helen was sitting next to Kishore Kumar and was looking for something (maybe lipstick?) in her purse.
The photographer was so quick that I could not ask Helen to look at the camera.
I remember Kishore Kumar came to America every year for the next four years. However, I had not attended his concerts. But Walia had told me that Kishore Kumar was remembering me for my photography.
Girish Modi
is a 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.
consumer’s behavior and expectations have changed. For example, durability is not essential anymore.
I remember my dad advising us to select items that would last longer but today, even expensive products such as cellphones are past their peak functioning after two years. Fast fashion chains count on customers to discard their clothing after wearing it once or twice, which in turn creates a whole new problem of waste disposal but that is another topic.
The only good thing about wearing awful school uniforms during my childhood in Mumbai was the excitement I felt when my family took me shopping for festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali. Except for special occasions such as family weddings, there was little incentive to splurge. BOGO deals, loyalty points and enticing sales were unheard of in those days. Besides, the weather did not offer much of an excuse for seasonal fashion.
My friends and I were only aware of a handful of international brands such as United Colors of Benetton and Swatch to name a couple so the craving to procure those popular labels was limited. As I am writing this, it feels like a lifetime ago because the retail landscape in India has transformed over the last two decades. Although, the tendency to buy unnecessary things, hoard stuff and indulge in extravagance is not new.
I am not embarrassed to confess that I am just as materialistic as the person next door. In true American spirit I have embraced consumerism by obtaining impractical thingamabobs every season. In the early 2000s, traditional Indian attire and home décor were not available in local stores and when they were available at fairs such as The Festival of India, I found them to be low in quality and high in price, so I stayed away from them.
Later with the influx of vendors selling a wide variety of Indian merchandise from online businesses to the Home Goods down the street, my purchases in that category have grown exponentially.
All of this without even trying and despite my stubborn refusal to attend any of the “live” sales on social media. If you are wondering what they are, the “live” sessions are like the new age version of QVC shows.
I fear that my children who are now stepping into adulthood will need to make tough decisions to balance their finances and shopping. They have handled money responsibly until now. Today’s young adults are vulnerable in a world where influencers try to coax viewers and retailers reward impulsive decisions. I will advise them to examine their motivations for shopping as well as set up guidelines for their financial decisions. The idea is not to base goals simply on numbers such as income or balance expenses and savings but to further understand who you are buying for and why.
We often forget to question the intention behind our purchases. It is worth asking, if we are buying to impress other people based on brands or novelty, will that benefit us in any way? Should we grab an online deal on a product to own a designer brand or wait to walk into a store to experience its luxurious quality and then determine if the
extravagance is worth the indulgence or in some cases, the investment?
It is my firm belief that when it comes to spending discretionary income, delayed gratification, introspection, and self-awareness are instrumental in controlling wasteful expenditure. I will refuse to install shopping apps on the phone to steer me away from impulsiveness and avoid platforms that make me nauseous with excessive advertising. And if I ever cross the line from being crazy about shopping to becoming addicted, I promise to seek help. I urge fellow shoppers to do the same but remember that retail therapy is not an option for this malaise.
Shyama Parui
is a long time North Carolina resident and an ardent writer. You can reach her at: shyamashree_parui@hotmail.com
Hindu Center continued from page 60 project was an important one for the Hindu Center in order to accommodate the rapidly growing community.
In addition, the HC plans to create an outdoor space or yagyashala specifically for havans, large events, and wedding ceremonies.
What’s pending? According to Hemant Amin, the construction is nearly complete. All that remains are finishing touches such as installation of the doors and external domes along with final inspections and permits. While it’s hard to guarantee an exact opening date, he is fairly confident the mandir will be operational by the end of the summer.
In the meantime, the Hindu Center of Charlotte continues to host community events and activities at its campus, including a weekly youth group (CROP), cultural festivals & celebrations, and daily worship.
Remain up to date on these community events and the HC expansion with Saathee Magazine and saathee.com. Check out the Saathee TV video and experience the full walk through of the new Vedic mandir plus an interview with Hemant Amin at saathee.com/tv.
Divakar Shukla (left) Hemant Amin (right)
My Voice NIH continued from page 26
cancer, heart disease, etc. NIH set up labs close to D.C. – they built buildings, hired scientists, and created the infrastructure needed to do cutting-edge, world-class research. But they also realized that excellent science could come from anywhere in the country. And instead of only funding research advances from a relatively small pool of people in their own labs, the NIH started providing funding for research done at universities and academic centers across the country.
In fact, NIH now provides about 75% of its budget to fund discovery and innovation across the US.
NIH is the largest funder of biomedical research in the world, and it pays for research in two ways. One, it gives money directly to the researcher to carry out experiments, and two, it gives some money to the institution where the work is being done.
The first pot of money allows researchers to independently pursue their ideas for how to advance their fields. The second pot of money is meant to help cover the cost of rent, electricity, hiring staff to do tasks that are shared among multiple research projects, etc. In this way, NIH funds the research and the creation and maintenance of scientific infrastructure in our country.
We, as a nation, get a lot from this investment. When it comes to new medicines, NIH has funded the basic research that led to the discovery of every single FDA-approved medicine for at least a decade. Additionally, making new treatments is very expensive. NIH provides a little over half of the investment needed to create a new medicine, with the other half invested by pharmaceutical companies. Without NIH investment to show which candidates are promising, pharma would not be able to develop and distribute the medicines that our society relies on.
One often-cited example of how government-funded research has changed American lives was a study on the venom of the Gila monster, a type of lizard. Scientists wanted to understand how the venom worked – and they had the academic freedom to ask this type of question because of government research funding. Well, as it turns out, they discovered the compound that would lead to the creation of Ozempic.
By funding scientists and their ideas, even when they may not seem to have any relevance to human health, NIH has produced countless examples of new understandings and new treatments that can benefit people across the US.
While NIH funding has technically been increasing over the past several years, when adjusted for inflation and the increasing costs of doing science, the value of funding has actually been flat for over two decades. The repercussions of this are that China has started to catch up. In 2023, China surpassed the US for the first time as the global leader in scientific publications. In 2024, of the top 10 research institutions for health science, seven were in China.
In February of 2025, the current administration announced that they wanted to cut NIH funding. They wanted to cap the amount of money they pay institutions for shared infrastructure expenses (keeping the lights on, etc.). They made this announcement without any warning,
and without giving universities and research centers any time to change their budgets or economic forecasts. While these proposed cuts are now mired in court, the effect they could have would be devastating. Many institutions stand to lose $100 million or more, which means they will have to close down research programs, sell off expensive scientific infrastructure, or shut their doors altogether.
As an example, the University of Alabama, which is the second largest employer in the state, stands to lose $70 million if the NIH funding cuts go through, which would lead to mass layoffs in Birmingham and beyond.
Cutting funding will destroy the US’s previous global advantage in science and technology.
Now is the time for us to invest more, to engage more in STEM, to advance research that will foster innovation, increase entrepreneurship, and continue to grow the economy. By tearing down the US’s scientific infrastructure, we will only fall further behind – and it could be decades before we are able to rebuild and catch up once again.
Dr. Kamal Menghrajani
is a Charlotte native and a passionate Tar Heel basketball fan. She is a hematologist and medical oncologist in New York City and was the first oncologist to join the Cancer Moonshot team at The White House.
Contact: kamal.menghrajani@gmail.com.
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without Aunt Saliha, saying he was in the area on government business, dad took advantage and quickly left the group and went upstairs.
So on one of these afternoons, probably on a lovely fall day in 1975, the discussion turned to the quality of manufacturing, with Guchu quickly blasting Pakistan for being backward in everything. He had just returned from getting his architecture degree in the UK and this was phase two of his enchanted and enamored overseas desi attack on the motherland. I was lounging on the white lambskin rug in front of the radiogram, soaking in the vast knowledge being imparted.
Then mom mentioned “The Toaster,” and I paused as if space and time were now frozen through eternity. I was no stranger to The Toaster. On occasional travels into the kitchen pantry to fetch tools and do stupid things like setting the gasoline can on fire in the driveway with the help of Cousin Baqar, I would stare at that chrome toaster on the top concrete tier of the storeroom. With GE carved in relief on its side, and a spring wrapped around the exit wire for extra safety, it was a work of art. I would press it up and down in curiosity and each time it would be like the shutter of a camera traveling back 20 years to Chicago, Illinois.
It was 110V and could not be used in Pakistan. While collecting yellow eucalyptus caps in the driveway in the mid-70s to make roads for my Matchbox cars in the downstairs guestroom, I thought about Chicago sometimes. I wasn’t born then. I heard about dad’s record setting PhD, which was often touted at gatherings. He finished in 5 days, three months, or 15 months or something like that and the record still held when I finally left for college and finished my undergrad in just 5.27 years. But my father’s trip home from Chicago was always a curiosity. I imagined him leaving with one rolled up diploma, one copy of the thesis about resettlement patterns after partition, one Agfa camera and some slides, and a 110V toaster that would work nowhere in Asia.
So, yes, Guchu brought it out during that historic discussion in 1975 and plopped it down on the living room table in front of Saeed Ahmad Burhr and there was a silence; a shocking emasculation that rendered all of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, China, and Bhutan impotent in front of the large chrome reflection of this General Electric mid-century modern rounded work of art that evidently made solidly golden toast that necessitated dad stuffing it into his suitcase on the final journey out the door of his high rise apartment in downtown Chicago.
I can imagine him rinsing his final beer bottle under the sink and leaving it at the trash bin at the rear entrance—a man, a beer, a toaster. A flawed man with an open heart, and hope for an electrical grid change.
Since dad always yielded, the only fight I remember between my parents was in 1976, and it spilled out into the
TV lounge upstairs. Mom came at him with scissors (which is what Saeed Burhr always needed) clacking and cut two of his fingers open. Dad pointed at his heart with a tragic smile on his face. I don’t know where it started and where it went. Sister Sarah and I were screaming and crying while dad’s blood dripped on the floor. They were innocent people caught in a storm.
We never saw Saeed Burhr again. Soon we left for Bangkok for stint number 2. I never saw that toaster again. Maybe in a dream, it popped, and steaming golden toast emerged, and two lovers smiled at each other.
Ahsen Jillani
lives in Mint Hill with his fat tomcat Goofus. Contact: ajillani@carolina.rr.com
My Voice Pot Shatters
continued from page 44
I was in shock.
“What just happened? Did she actually just do that?” I thought as I came to terms with the fact that this old lady just tried to rip my hijab off
I attempted to handle the situation by genuinely seeing her side of the story. I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. After all, during the month of Ramadan, I am constantly reminded to be forgiving.
“Ma- Ma’am, are you alright?” I stuttered nervously.
“NO! I’m not alright with people like you ruining America. All you people do is make everyone around you uncomfortable, and I hope you know that no one actually appreciates anything you do with that towel on your head. You are ruining my life and everyone else’s. YOU WILL NEVER BELONG HERE,” she yelled in an unforgettable tone.
I could feel my face burn up. Tears swelled in my eyes as her words echoed through my head. But no, I couldn’t cry in front of her. That would prove that she was right. This was the moment my melting pot shattered. The shiny steel pot in my head fell off the stove, and its contents spilled to the ground, mirroring my broken sense of belonging.
For the first time, I questioned the ideal of America as a land of acceptance and unity. Instead of feeling proud of our nation’s diversity, I felt ashamed. Patient 9431’s harsh perception of my presence made me feel like I didn’t belong. This moment, marked by anger and prejudice, left me grappling with a sense of disconnection from the very ideals I had once embraced. If I met her again today, the elderly woman probably wouldn’t recognize me or remember that this had happened. But for me, she broke the melting pot that I was once proud of.
Ayuzah Shah
is a high school student at the Early College at Guilford and originally from Pakistan, with a passion for writing. She hopes to pursue a career in the medical field and enjoys exploring South Asian culture through her work. Contact: ayuzahshah@gmail.com
My Voice Deep Work continued from page 58
really engage with it, we have to recognize the forces that work against us. For most of us, shallow work fills up our day — tasks like replying to emails, attending routine meetings, and handling administrative duties. These are necessary, but they don’t require much cognitive effort. Deep work, by contrast, involves things like writing, strategizing, and solving complex problems. The activities that demand sustained focus and while creating new value.
And here’s the thing: shallow work has a way of taking over. We feel productive because we’re constantly busy — answering emails, checking in on Slack, sitting through meetings. But, as I’ve found, busyness doesn’t necessarily equal progress. In many ways, we’re caught in a culture that worships busyness. There’s a strange sense of validation that comes with being overwhelmed, with being constantly “on.” We tell ourselves, Look how much I’ve done today, but how often do we stop and ask ourselves, Did any of it actually matter?
In my own experience, I’ve found that the pursuit of efficiency, doing more in less time, can sometimes lead us to optimize the wrong things. I can send 500 emails in a day, but does that make a real impact? On the flip side, when I’ve taken the time to write a proposal that wins a major client or developed a strategy that transforms how we approach a challenge, that feels like accomplishment — because it moves us forward in a meaningful way. Efficiency is fine, but it’s accomplishment that truly drives us.
I’ve also learned that implementing deep work isn’t about finding a magic solution but rather making intentional choices. For me, one simple practice that has helped is using the kitchen timer method, which is, essentially, a version of the Pomodoro technique. I set a timer for 25 minutes, turn off all notifications, and just focus. After the timer goes off, I take a break, then repeat. It’s not a groundbreaking technique, but it’s been surprisingly effective in forcing me into bursts of intense concentration, which in turn helps me tackle more meaningful tasks.
Another thing I’ve found helpful is batching shallow work. For a while, I let emails and meetings interrupt my day in a constant cycle. Now, I schedule specific times to deal with them. I’ll check emails twice a day, for example, instead of constantly checking my inbox. It’s not perfect, but it helps create space in my day for deeper, more focused work. And in those periods of deep work, I’ve started treating them as non-negotiable, much like I would an important meeting with someone else.
In reading Give and Take by Adam Grant, another lesson I’ve come to appreciate is how the most valuable work often comes when we lift others up. Helping others succeed is a key element of deep work. It’s not just about focusing on my own tasks; it’s about creating value for others as well. For me, that means mentoring a colleague instead of simply answering their questions via email or collaborating on a project that will benefit the whole team. Real accomplishment, I’ve realized, is not just about what
I achieve alone. It is about the impact I have on those around me.
Ultimately, I’ve come to realize that our culture’s obsession with busyness needs to be re-examined. For too long, we’ve celebrated being busy as a sign of success, but I’ve learned that busyness isn’t the goal, but accomplishment is. Adam Grant didn’t rise to the top by attending more meetings or answering more emails. He focused on deep, meaningful work that created lasting value.
So, when I look back at my own day, instead of measuring it by how many emails I’ve sent or meetings I’ve attended, I try to ask myself, Did I do something today that truly mattered? It’s not about how busy we are, it’s about how much we’ve accomplished. And while I’m still figuring this out myself, the key lesson from Newport and Grant is clear: If we want to move forward, we need to make deep work, not shallow busyness, our priority.
Hiren Deliwala currently serves as the Leader of Solutions Architecture for the Worldwide Public Sector at Amazon Web Services (AWS). He received his MBA from UNC Chapel Hill. Contact: hcdeliwala@gmail.com
Eye on Markets
continued from page 46 cutting 1,100 jobs, and United Healthcare offering buyouts. These announcements have already led to consumer weakness.
Retail sales also fell nearly 1% in January, the most in nearly two years. Walmart cut guidance for the year. Consumer sentiment indicators are weakening, while service PMI is in contraction. Consumer delinquencies are on the rise, with personal spending lowering to counteract it. Initial unemployment claims have jumped 17% since the end of January; the majority of these being white collar jobs which will have a disproportionate impact on overall spending.
The combination of housing, government and consumer is a major headwind to growth. When more than two-thirds of the economy is in flux, that is a lot to overcome. After nearly being cut in half, the time might be here to take a position in long duration treasuries. They will get double benefit from weakening growth and lower issuance due to a lower deficit as DOGE continues its progress. Positioning is way offsides, with an all-time high in short positioning in the TLT (long bond ETF). After many years of equity put, the put is now in the Treasury market.
During an inflationary environment, treasuries were a drag to a portfolio. During a growth scare, Treasuries will not only hedge the portfolio but be a source of return.
Looking forward, the market will focus on a Fed meeting, the latest in Washington with geopolitics, and 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
12/31/25
CarToon Corner
Tune Your Brain
Solve these brain teasers - Solutions on Page 110
PUZZLES
Answers on page 104
4 Kids Answers on page 110
Maze Answers on page 110
Magic
Puzzles
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.
June, July and August are _____ (season) months. Monday, ____, Wednesday, … ____ machine: Lets you see your bones. ____ Knievel (American stunt performer). An ____ a day keeps the doctor away.
Answers on page 104 Go Figure! Answers on page 104
Chess Puzzles
Difficulty:
Game reference: Dronavalli – Beeke 2012
Directions: White to move and win material
Difficulty:
Game reference: Panchanathan – Ganguly 1999
Directions: Black play and force pawn promotion.
Difficulty:
Game reference: Sandipan – Goihl 2001
Directions: White to move and checkmate in 4.
Hello Readers
We welcome comments and suggestions about our puzzles and cartoons pages. Send your thoughts to Samir@Saathee.com
Festivals & Holidays Puzzle Solutions
April 2025
Apr. 1 – April Fool’s Day
Apr. 2 – World Autism Awareness Day
Apr. 6 – Sita Navami
Apr. 7 – World Health Day
Apr. 8 – Kamada Ekadashi
Apr. 9 – Chaitra Sukhladi / Gudi Padwa / Ugadi
Apr. 12 – Passover Begins
Apr. 12 – Chaitra Purnima (Full Moon)
Apr. 13 – Palm Sunday
Apr. 14 – Vaisakhi / Ambedkar Jayanti / Mesadi
Apr. 15 – Income Tax Day
Apr. 17 – Rama Navami
Apr. 18 – Good Friday
Apr. 19 – Patriots’ Day
Apr. 20 – Easter Sunday
Apr. 20 – Passover Ends
Apr. 21 – Mahavir Swami Jayanti
Apr. 22 – Earth Day
Apr. 23 – Administrative Professionals Day
Apr. 24 – Vallabhacharya Jayanti
Apr. 24 – Yom Hashoah
Apr. 25 – Arbor Day
Apr. 26 – Pretzel Day
Apr. 27 – Darsh Amas (No Moon)
Apr. 30 – Parshuram Jayanti
Word Search Answers from page 103 Summer Tuesday X-ray
vel
pple Key Word of the Month: TAXES
1. Monkey added 2. Man removed 3. Shirt color changed
4. Train light added
5. Well removed
6. Tree branch removed
7. Dog added
8. Tree leaves removed
9. Train number removed
10. Bike added
11. Poster added
12. Color changed
13. Man added
14. Bird added
15. Color changed
Solutions from page 102
Astroscope
Aries
(March 21 – April 19)
After a slow start, things will gradually improve with significant results by the end of the month. Avoid disputes with your kids or parents. Business deals may be delayed, but positive changes are on the way. The best course of action right now is to begin a path of change by accepting life’s risks. You will enjoy self-confidence and good health. Travel for family matters will bring good results.
Taurus
(April 20 – May 20)
This will be an action-oriented period for you as an unexpected upturn in your love life can provide some muchneeded luck. Your income will rise due to your work team’s efforts and achieve the success needed to gain the attention of fellow associates. The announcement of a new family member is also possible. This is a good time to invest in home or commercial property real estate.
Gemini
(May 21 – June 20)
During the first half of the month, you may face turbulence with everyday routines. Competitors will try to tarnish your image, and a dispute with your partner is also strongly indicated. However, the month will end with you gaining the advantage and providing a relaxed state of mind. Substantial financial earnings are possible by the last week. Your friends or associates will also provide good news for you.
Cancer
(June 21 – July 22)
This month will feel like a roller coaster with multiple ups and downs. Try to curb your expenses, including any purchase of a new vehicle. This is a good period for artists and politicians. Business-related travel could bring you good revenue during the second half of the month. Multiple ideas and opportunities may come your way, but you should delay any decisions until the last week. Be sure to drive carefully.
Leo
(July 23 – August 22)
You’ve hit a period where you shouldn’t make quick decisions. An overly active schedule this month could cause you to make repeated mistakes. Handle any problem with confidence and don’t avoid or skip responsibilities. You may gain success at your place of business or job and earn the favor of senior staff. You also will enjoy satisfaction in your love life, as bravery always wins when it comes to matters of the heart.
Virgo
(August 23 – September 21)
Clarity of thought and self-confidence will be hard to come by this month. In fact, you may not receive support even from friends and associates. Risk-taking tendencies must be curbed. Things will improve significantly during the last week of the month. A para-psychic power can help during this phase of life, along with meditation to enjoy some peace of mind.
Libra
(September 22 – October 20)
This period should fly by as you use a tremendous amount of energy to carry out day-to-day pursuits. You will try to materialize a long-held dream. However, try not to make any major career or business-related decisions even though you could feel very relaxed. Avoid using dishonesty to achieve success. Things will turn in your favor very soon but be sure to control your spending habits.
Scorpio
(October 21 – November 20)
It is time for your life to slow down. You may want to throw a party, but it’s not advisable. Don’t get involved in new ventures and try to maintain your reputation. You will gain rewards in the coming period. Take time for yourself to help rebuild your overall well-being. Your income will be on the rise if you keep working hard. Travel also should be avoided.
Sagittarius
(November 21 – December 21)
Hopes and dreams should be realized in this month. If you wish to enter into a new enterprise, there will be grand support from well-wishers. This month will also bring substantial gains in your business, trade, or job. This is not a good period for love. You could experience a dramatic shift in the behavior of family members. Business-related travel is possible this month.
Capricorn
(December 22 – January 21)
You may have to change plans due to unavoidable circumstances. You could feel like you are losing something with no power to influence it. This change is for the better so remember to remain patient. Keep working on that important project and you should see improvement after the third week of the month. Avoid any financial risks and don’t dispute with seniors in the family.
Aquarius
(January 22 – February 18)
Even though you’ll lose an opportunity to gain higher status, a marked increase in income is indicated. You will feel more courageous, and any journey undertaken shall be fruitful. You will be inclined to support your siblings. Relations with clients and/or associates will improve as the period continues. Financial investments or inheritance could bring in extra money and then spend it on a well-deserved vacation.
Pisces
(February 19 – March 20)
This could be a period of mental anxiety, so try your best to dodge potential negative catalysts. Your partner’s health problems may unintentionally add more to your uneasiness. Friends, siblings or associates can help you. Your family atmosphere will also be quite happy. Accept advice from experienced young people before making any decisions. You may develop eye or throat-related problems. Refrain from excessive spending.
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Vegetarian Household in South Charlotte looking for live-in help with daily household tasks, including light cooking, cleaning, and assisting with childcare when needed. Please call 704-900-9134.
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. Send resume to kajalb@amerifabintl.com.
Housekeeping Couple Wanted in Greenville / Simpsonville, SC. Good Pay. Indian team boss. Accommodations provided. Call or text between 9am to 5pm to 828-386-5184.
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.
Help Wanted
Convenience Store seeking Part-Time or Full-Time staff in Kannapolis or Concord, NC. Must have legal status. Please call 704787-1567 or 980-255-1919.
Manager Couple Needed for Franchise Hotel in Fort Mill, SC. Hotel experience, basic computer skills and legal status a must. Email bwhospitality78@gmail.com.
Cashier Wanted
for Convenience Store near Highland Creek, University City area of Charlotte. Experience required. Attractive salary! Text / call 704-904-5613.
Gas Station/C-Store Help Needed in Greensboro, NC. Must have previous experience. Great salary with benefits. Call 336-509-4054.
Front Desk & Laundry Help Needed for Franchise Hotel Accommodations provided. Concord, NC. Call 704-772-5554.
Looking for Household Help in Apex, NC. $25 hour, part-time (4 hours / day, 4 days /week). Call 336-554-1377.
Help Needed at Perfume Stores in Charlotte and Pineville, NC. For details, please call Veer Singh at 415-265-8686.
Hotel Help Wanted
Front Desk, Night Auditor & Housekeeper (Single / Couple) for a franchise hotel in Raleigh, NC. Perform duties according to franchise brand standards. Accommodations provided. Please call/WhatsApp at 443-889-4091 (manager) or 919-348-7950.
Looking for Babysitter to take care of newborn babies in Raleigh, NC. Female preferred. Call 843-333-5810.
Housekeeping Couple Wanted for Franchise Motel (Econo Lodge) in Southern Pines, NC. Interior Corridor property & Accommodations provided. Great salary! Call Bipin 910-916-3288.
Cashier Wanted for Convenience Store near Kannapolis, NC. Very attractive salary! Accommodations provided. Text or Call 704-701-9482.
Manager / Front Desk needed for a Franchise Hotel in Rock Hill, SC. Accommodations Provided. Please call 803-517-4662.
Gas Station Seeking Help in Rock Hill, SC. Single or couple. Good pay for an experienced person! No accommodations. Call 803-659-3330.
Hotel Help Wanted
Hiring experienced Operations Manager and Housekeeping Couple for interior corridor hotel in Suffolk, VA. Accommodations available. Legal work authorization required. Call or text 804-991-0306 / 804-317-1915.
Hiring for Eyebrow Threader & Esthetician in Kannapolis, NC. Please text 704-4502900 with your information.
Couple & Night Auditor Needed for Franchise Hotels in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC. Call 843-333-5810.
Gas Station / C-store Help Needed stores near Huntersville and Northlake areas. Must speak English and be family friendly oriented. Please call for more information 704-402-4661.
Front Desk Clerk Wanted for Franchise Motel in Fort Mill, SC. Fluent English, and basic computer skills required. Text 704-302-3318.
Front Desk Manager & Housekeeping Couple Wanted for franchise hotel in Columbia, SC. Accommodations provided. Fluent English required. Text / call 704-701-9975.
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. Email resume to kajalb@amerifabintl.com.
Housekeeping Couple Needed for Hotel near Charlotte airport. Good pay with accommodations provided. Call Tarun 704-350-5161.
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 704-460-0379 between 6-9pm.
Property for Sale in India
Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat. Plot size: 500 vaar or 4500 sq ft, Located right before Raguvir tenements, near Mahesvari Palace, Sardar Patel University, Nana bazaar, Mota bazaar. Call Rajesh: 706-633-4577.
Room For Rent
in Morrisville (Brier Creek) near RTP. One bedroom with attached bathroom in a Townhome, for vegetarian professional. Rent $950 per month. Utilities included. No pets or smokers. Text/Call: 847-877-0154.
Matrimonial / Seeking Companion
Seeking Groom
Seeking well-educated, US raised Kamma/Naidu groom from any profession for 27-year-old, US raised Telugu speaking girl. MD, first year Resident Pediatrics & Internal Medicine in NC. Text PriVen 919-8174715 or 919-800-7210.
Well-educated MS Software Engineer, BE Computer Engineer Girl. 32 year-old, never married, well-settled, and goodlooking. Vegetarian, Spiritual, Gujarati, US H1-B-140 approved living in Anaheim, CA. Looking for Boy, preferably IT/ Medical professional but will accept any higher education. Text Shailesh 260-602-3354.
Seeking Bride
Uncle seeking suitable match for Nephew (Agarwal). PhD, Professor of Electrical Engineering in Charleston, SC. Handsome, 32, 5'7", H-1 Visa and well settled. Caste nobar. Text details to 864-915-0619.
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.
Well-educated MD Internist / Hospitalist (Non-Interventional Cardio Fellowship) Man. 35 year-old, never married, well-settled, and good-looking. Vegetarian, Spiritual, Gujarati, only child, US Citizen. Looking for Girl, preferably Medical professional but will accept any higher education. Text Shailesh with details 260-602-3354.
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.
Gujarati Priest
Devendra Dave Independent priest. Ganesh, Randal, Navratri, Diwali's Laxmi & Sharda Pujas, Satyanarayan Katha, Weddings, Vastu, Baby Shower, Funeral Seva. Call Daveji 704-780-3563. God Blessings to All.
Rajeshree Beauty
Eyebrows and full face threading, facial, waxing, henna for hair & hair color, body & hair massage. Please call 704-995-5230.
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.
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.
Priest:
Ganesh, Shiv, Lakshmi, Randal, Paduka Pujans; Wedding, Baby Shower, House warming, Satyanaryan Katha, Mundan & Yagnopavit; Funeral, Navchandi, Tarpan, Havans, etc. Online puja available. Call Rajendra Bhatt 732-841-7832.
Music Lessons
Indian Classical: Veena, slide guitar, other string instruments & vocal for all ages. Music professional and teacher Sri Suman Laha. Contact: sumanguitar@gmail.com or WhatsApp +1 310-818-9068.
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.
Alterations
Specializing in alterations for both Men’s and Women’s clothing in Charlotte, NC. Including Western & Indian Outfits. Contact Sanish Verma 980-349-0351.
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.
Art House
We provide custom art work, logo design, menus, wall art, murals, mandala art, wedding gifts & decorations, and more. Let’s create something extraordinary together. Call Bhumi 984-317-9125.
Psychic Readings by Savanna: Removes all bad luck, negative energy and does chakra balancing and karma cleansing. Plus Tarot card, palm, aura and soulmate reading. Call for free consultation Savanna: 980-251-5495
Of course, many other creatures nurture their young, many likely also have emotions and exhibit other humanlike behavior. But only us fragile buggers come with a mind laden with social, environmental or self-inflicted trials and travails that forever mark us. Evolve us. Guide us. Manipulate us. Stumble us.
This one word also encourages exploration of the micros and the macros of life, if you will, and it’s a mash of a geometry of emptiness and a biology of fulfillment.
It is at once physical and utterly abstract. A word that demarcates boundaries. It is cold and warm.
Here’s a hint. What might you say when the raw emotions of those around you crowd out your own thoughts? Or when you are in a crowd, like on a fully loaded train, and you yearn for some air? You may think of a simple sentence.
You close your eyes and think, I need some space.
Now you’re onto something. Now you are triangulating. Now you have stumbled upon that word. A word that wraps the entirety of human condition into five letters.
Space.
That’s what it all comes down to, an all-encompassing little word. We all need personal space, emotional space, a warm and cozy physical space. A joint to call all our own. Call it a firewall or a portal. You can block things out or let them in. This joint is empty, but it is also full, all depending on your line of sight, your views and biases.
It’s about inner and outer space. In the continuing narratives of my favorite sci fi franchise, the final frontier beckons, always, but the real frontier is the one that we will never conquer or understand fully, and that is the human frontier. That is an exploration incomplete. It is a space that is wholly and uniquely defined by each individual.
Finding your intersection of calm and contentment, happy and alive, while entangled among people and caught in a maelstrom of opposing forces. That is your goal. That is your exploratory mission.
When and if people can develop the intellectual and emotional maturity required to inhabit this space with others and learn to give way or take the lead in support, of course depending on the situation or condition, the whole of humanity will be the beneficiary.
There would be a lot less conflict and dissonance, that’s for sure. And a lot more sharedness.
Finding that juncture, that elusive space, is where clarity and meaning converge. This joint doesn’t have to be perfect, it doesn’t require reaching out to some invisible god, but it is about creating a connectedness.
When you dive into that five-letter word, the result can be confinement or vast openness, depending on your focus and effort. It’s right there, within your reach.
