Saathee Charlotte February 2016

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February 2016

In this issue: Why India is turning down Facebook’s free Internet The rise of solar power in India

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page 14

February 2016 Issue # 213 Editor

page 74 page 8

page 24

Turning Down Free Internet

Solar Power In India

Myanmar’s The Latest Film News and Dangerous Jade Industry Clips

Samir Shukla (saatheemag@hotmail.com)

Publisher & Advertising Divakar Shukla (rakavid@aol.com)

Ad Design / Layout Nageshwar

Media & Marketing

HeLLo ReaDeRS! Why Indians are turning down Facebook's free Internet. Check pg. 08 for details.

The future looks bright for solar power in India. See pg. 14.

Dancing in the American political mosh pit. See the column on pg. 18.

Romance in film: storytelling separated by culture...or is it? Read the column on pg. 30.

Solve our latest puzzle for kids, the Brain Train on pg. 44.

Read about children’s dental health as they grow on pg. 52.

Test your knowledge about India and its culture in our quiz on pg. 60.

The AstroScope, our exclusive monthly horoscope is on pg. 120.

Get daily updates about our community, news, analysis and videos at our recently revamped website saathee.com We welcome all comments and suggestions.

QuoTe: "I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

- Voltaire

IN THIS ISSue Turning down free Internet . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 08 Solar power in India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 14 Teatime in the City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 18 Subcontinental Divide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 20 Film Clips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 24 Upcoming Movie Releases . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 26 Mirror, Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 30 Sangeet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 36 Namaskar, Y’all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 40 Youth Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 44 Mastering Meaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 46 Personal Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 50 The Dentist Visits You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 52 Thinking About Thinking . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 56 Test your India Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 60 Nutrition for Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 62 Marketing Turnaround . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 68 News Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 74 Immigration Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 80 Community Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 84 Spot the Differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 88 Community Organizations . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 92 Pop’s Puzzles and Jokes . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 116 Festivals and Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 118 Puzzle Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 118 AstroScope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 120 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 122 Index of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 124

Cover: Lighhouse, Sri Lanka

The Dondra Head Lighthouse is located on Dondra Head near the southernmost point in Sri Lanka and is the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka.

Photo: Dreamstime.com

Jennifer W. Allen

Contributors: Kirit Shukla, Judith L. Bergman, Parul Kharod, Ahsen Jillani, Lakshmi Challa, Shyama Parui, Gail Martin, Mo Vidwans Vatsal Suthar, Balaji Prasad, and Jalendu Vaidya.

All contents © 2016 Shukla Entertainment, Inc. Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily of the publisher or editor.

Please contact us prior to submitting articles or photographs.

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

For a free subscription, visit Saathee.com and click the “about” button.

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Why Indians are turning down Facebook’s

FREE INTERNET tiny subset of the World Wide Web,” Sunil Abraham, executive director of the Bengaluru-based Centre for Internet and Society, told GlobalPost.

The Free Basics app is part of Facebook’s Internet.org, a “zero-rating” internet service that provides limited access for no charge to the consumer. The original Internet.org was heavily criticized in India for violating net neutrality, the principle that all content on the web should be accessible to consumers at the same speed, without discrimination by providers.

Last spring, as part of a homegrown “Save the Internet” movement, over 1 million people wrote to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to protest services that disrupt net neutrality by providing only a small fraction of the internet to their users.

India’s Department of Telecommunications has already recommended that such platforms be disallowed. Before it makes its own recommendations this month, the TRAI asked concerned citizens for another round of input on zero-rating apps. The criticism has been so loud that, at the end of December, Free Basics’ local telecom partner was ordered to take the service down until a decision is reached.

Though Free Basics does not require payment from the

By Nimisha Jaiswal, GlobalPost.com NEW DELHI, India — Imagine a billion of the world’s poorest gaining overnight access to health information, education, and professional help — for free. Add to this one rich man who wants to make that dream a reality.

That’s the invitation that Facebook has sent to India. Many there, however, are rejecting such benevolence.

Facebook has introduced its “Free Basics” project in 36 countries. The company claims that the app acts as a steppingstone to the internet for those who are otherwise without access, by providing them with a few essential sites — or “basics” — to get started.

“We know that when people have access to the internet they also get access to jobs, education, healthcare, communication…

We know that for India to make progress, more than 1 billion people need to be connected to the internet,” wrote Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a recent op-ed for a major Indian newspaper. “Free Basics is a bridge to the full internet and digital equality.”

However, net neutrality researchers and activists in India define it quite differently.

“Free Basics is a zero-rated walled garden that gives users a Saathee.com

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websites it shares, Facebook’s competitors are unlikely to participate and provide user data to their rivals. And while there are currently no advertisements on Free Basics, Facebook reserves the right to introduce them in the future to garner revenue from their “walled-in” clients.

According to Abraham, such a platform harms free speech, privacy, innovation and diversity by adding another layer of surveillance and “censoring” the internet.

Mahesh Murthy, a venture capitalist who is part of India’s “Save the Internet” movement, puts it more bluntly.

“What Facebook wants is our less fortunate brothers and sisters should be able to poke each other and play Candy Crush, but not be able to look up a fact on Google, or learn something on Khan Academy, or sell their produce on a commodity market, or even search for a job on [Indian recruitment website] Naukri,” said Murthy.

Zuckerberg and Facebook’s India team have vigorously rebutted net neutrality activists in India, including Murthy, challenging their criticism of Free Basics and accusing activists of deliberately trying to prevent the masses from gaining internet access.

“Critics of the program continue to spread false claims — even if that means leaving behind a billion people,” wrote Zuckerberg in his Times of India op-ed.

According to Abraham, this is a misleading assertion. “They are falsely framing the debate, they are making it look like we have only two choices,” he told GlobalPost. “The choice is not between less people on the internet and unregulated [Free Basics].”

Several alternatives are being proposed. Abraham does not advocate a complete ban on Free Basics, instead suggesting a “leaky” walled garden where users would be given 100 MB of full internet access for every 100 MB of Free Basics consumed.

The “Save the Internet” campaign, however, wants Free Basics barred altogether. It proposes returning to previously implemented schemes like providing data on the purchase of a phone, or letting users access the full internet after watching an ad. The Universal Service Obligation Fund, set up by the Department of Telecommunications to provide affordable communication technology in rural areas, could also be used to finance free data packs.

While Facebook could potentially contribute to such funds to promote its connectivity goals, the millions of dollars it has spent loudly defending “Free Basics” in India suggest that the company is deeply attached to its own scheme.

Facebook has claimed that “more than four in five Indians support Free Basics,” according to a survey that it paid for.

Indian users of the social network have received notifications encouraging them to send a template letter to the regulator in support of Free Basics. Even users in the US were “accidentally” notified to add their backing to the Indian campaign.

Some of the company’s critics suggest that it is driven less by philanthropy, more by guaranteeing itself a stream of new users.

Murthy points out that a large number of the world’s populations not yet on the internet are in India and China — and Facebook is banned in China. “So who becomes essential to Mark Zuckerberg’s balance sheet? Enter us Indians.”

While Indian activists agree that connectivity is an important goal, they insist that “Free Basics” in its current form is not the solution or even the only option right now. All it does is whets the appetite of the consumer, according to Abraham.

“You can compare Free Basics to when you go through the mall: You see the people selling cookies, and the aroma fills the whole mall,” he said. “That’s what Free Basics does — it gets you interested in the cookie. But it doesn’t solve the affordability question.”

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sources within just seven years from now, and over 25 percent by 2030. And yet India struggles with poor infrastructure, relies on coal for 61 percent of its power consumption, and a fifth of its population lives in poverty. Can it really afford a major shift to expensive solar power?

The Indian government and the country’s solar innovators are optimistic. Last month India committed to the Paris agreement to reduce emissions and helped found the International Solar Alliance, a group of 120 countries committed to expanding and improving the use of solar power technology.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government

By Nimisha Jaiswal, GlobalPost.com NEW DELHI, India — Free speech in cartoons can get tricky. The Australian newspaper learned a lesson about what crosses the line in December, when a cartoon in its pages drew international accusations of racism.

Something about the stereotypical illiterate Indian trying to eat — with mango chutney — solar panels sent by the United Nations just didn’t elicit a laugh.

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TEATIME IN THE CITY Notes from the Editor’s Desk January 1, New Year dawns The holidays are over, the political season of 2016 gets ratcheted up several notches and Presidential candidates become more focused and go on the prowl for voters.

By Samir Shukla Polimosh: Dancing in the american Political Mosh Pit Welcome to my political diary. I call it Polimosh. It’s a dance in the mosh pit that is American politics. This column is geared to politically independent thinkers and is beholden to no party or candidate. All ideologies are considered and put through the ringers. Functionality of politicians and policy are applauded and dimwits are taken to task. Facts are of the essence.

Here’s my motto as a political junkie: if you can go see it for yourself, go see it. If you can go hear it for yourself, go hear it.

If it is allowed to touch and feel, do it. Leave no stone unturned as you ingest political propaganda. Look on the other side of the coin even if your political leanings fall on a specific side. It can’t hurt. That is the way to extract truth and facts, keep propagandists at bay, and make logical, not emotional decisions.

Every political party spins the truth and twists the facts to win seats. The work of the American people by those in legislatures, congress, state capitols, and the White House could be done in a thoughtful and cooperative manner, albeit preceded by robust dialogue. That’s the hope of people who put politicians in office. There will be differences in philosophy, but negotiated deals and laws are not that difficult to achieve. That is not the case in current American politics. It has become a mosh pit; a free for all. And though enjoyable to watch on occasion, it’s not good for the country.

Thinking minds and moderate politicians can resolve our problems and unravel some of the distrust between citizenry.

Ideologues and political purists are hijacking conversations and creating chaos. The so-called political correctness is not the problem. It’s an irrelevancy that politicians blow out of proportions. Politicians also love to bash the media, but would get nowhere without it. The term “media” in today’s society is a muddled term. The long-established gatekeepers such as the New York Times are, of course, the media. But so is the guy writing a blog, posting signs, passing out flyers, or talking to his neighbors in order to persuade them to his way of thinking. In this over-connected world, we are all media.

Every election is important, so it’s bit of a cliché to say this election is a once in a lifetime event. However, this election does feel different. There are angry outsiders in the front of the pack of candidates. The Republican nomination process may end up in a brokered convention in July if no clear winner surfaces during the caucus and primary season. The Democrats are fighting it out, but it’s really just a two-way competition between Sanders and Clinton. It will get resolved by end of March.

I’m espousing a simple concept: political independence. By all means throw your support to candidates of your liking, which I hope you’ve done after logical reasoning and not via emotions, but keep your intellectual political independence.

Unaffiliated and independent voters are the middle ground, the spine of the country, if you will. They are the coveted voters that will shape a candidate’s success in a general election.

In this column, I will write about my thoughts on debates, primaries, and the general election, still nine months away. Any political event I attend will be noted through analysis. I will also post this on Saathee.com on a weekly and ongoing basis. Join me on the journey, fellow polimoshers.

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January 8, Trump Hits Rock Hill, SC On this drizzly evening, I slogged the lines and sat through Donald Trump’s rally in Winthrop University Coliseum, Rock Hill. It was a near-capacity crowd of supporters, curious bystanders, entertainment seekers, and a few detractors. Trump is clearly surprising everyone with his staying power leading up to the primaries. I’m among those who thought he would fizzle out before the voting begins. But the story is otherwise. His supporters like to hear what he has to say. They say he speaks his mind, unlike career politicians. Overhearing conversations among those in the long line to the venue revealed that Trump’s simpleton sloganeering is working. His same lines are oftrepeated. Many people wore shirts and caps with Trump’s motto for his campaign, “Make America Great Again.” I wondered about that. Just what does that mean? What part of America is he going to make great again? Will he use some of his billions in wealth or a magic wand? Trump can excite a crowd with slogans bereft of details. His stance on immigrants, China, and Muslims has gained traction among his crowd. This evening Trump checklisted his oft-repeated mantras including that of building a border wall and making Mexico pay for it. The crowd, mostly white folks, ate it up. So it goes. The highlight of the evening? I filled up my gas tank for $1.67 per gallon in South Carolina before I hopped the border and drove back to Charlotte. Love these low gas prices.

January 12, State of the union address President Obama pontificated on his presidency at this final state of the union address. It was a legacy speech that quietly taunted his opponents. He was looking inward and backward to his accomplishments. He knows the slacker congress is not going to support much of anything he wants to do in the coming months so he didn’t bother coming up with a list of things to accomplish in his final year. He made a passionate callout to the electorate and common folks on coming together to solve our problems. Maybe a few people will take that to work. At the end of the address, his call to eradicate cancer in the near future felt a little like an afterthought as an unconnected dangling statement. It’s a worthy pursuit, but it was rather anti-climactic.

Bottom line: If you are a Democrat you mostly liked his speech and wish him well. If you are a Republican, you didn’t like the speech and can’t wait till he leaves office.

January 12, State of the union Republican Response South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley gave the response to President Obama’s State of the Union address. Haley was continued on page 32

Samir Shukla is the editor of Saathee magazine. contact - saatheemag@hotmail.com

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SUBCONTINENTAL DIVIDE An Indian Subcontinent Dialogue Mothers, Managers, and Manufacturing

without someone who is knowledgeable in desk assembly. To me it seemed logical. It’s like Wall Street money, the lottery, stock investments, and internet startups in basements. They have nothing to show but paper, or a promise; they have no skills other than how to make cash from manipulating a manufacturing team somewhere in this world. The reaction from the managers in my family was swift and brutal.

First, there were the excuses. If we didn’t manage, the factories wouldn’t run. Then, it was time for prejudiced speculation and general stereotyping. Punjabis can only delegate and not work. Middle easterners can only eat lamb.

Americans are too obese to manufacture anything. French take 4 hour lunches. Mexicans have stolen all the manufacturing jobs. Syrian immigrants just want to live on welfare and molest women. Then, people got even more defensive. “Why should I have to repair my own car?” a cousin exclaimed. “I mean, I can learn, but I have better things to do with my time.”

Better things to do. The service sector in each community has to stay local. No matter how many jobs Fortune 500 companies move back and forth to the cheapest labor sources to maximize profits for shareholders, you can never get a head gasket put on your car by a Chinese sweat shop worker across the world. Your plumber, electrician, yard guy, the waiter, and grocery clerk, they are all part of the local economy. They make or repair local things. True, you can google, “Replacing roof” but it will probably be disastrous when you attempt the work.

If you tried it enough, you could get very good at it, but then you would become a “roofer,” something a manager doesn’t want to be known as.

Most of us are motivated by competition, real or imagined, to succeed by example or through a need to prove our worth to family, friends, colleagues, classmates, or even enemies. I now realize that I left home so early that my brother’s law degree, or my cousin’s medical degree had no effect on me. Enough days of being called a typist, and maybe things might be different today. I was influenced by the example of people who run America—small business people. Over the years, I saw my bosses at different printing companies crawling under nasty printing presses to make rush repairs. I saw them loading boxes into their Cadillacs and getting their Brooks Brothers shirts torn or stained. These people were already millionaires, but they grew up climbing from various menial jobs into business ownership. They still got their hands dirty, because there should be no pride when you have to provide for the family; when many employees and their families depend on you as well. Perhaps, Third World economies are improving because the new managers once worked with their hands. Perhaps, working class people will be the new managers, and know the truth about what it takes to manufacture a product…an object you can touch, an object you can take pride in, take true ownership of.

By Ahsen Jillani One of the defining moments of my life was when my mother, during my rare visit home, declared in front of senior family members and friends that I was a “typist” in America. I had been living away from family for long enough at that point that I ignored the comment and just smiled. The reaction from the high-level members of the “career police,” however, was less than comforting.

My eldest uncle took me aside later and offered sage advice about returning to Pakistan and using my dad’s influence to land a decent job. I felt that others in the house that evening just looked at me with the usual distrust and disappointment that would be expected if you weren’t on the Big Three (Doctor/Lawyer/Engineer) track. I hinted to people over afterdinner tea that I was a typesetter and a graphic artist, but that only raised eyebrows in the wrong direction.

My father said nothing about it that night. The next day, I was remote-connected to work sitting on a sofa on one side of his bedroom and he softly said, “These people are idiots. Work with your hands. Create something tangible. That’s the only kind of work.” His comment was especially shocking coming from a man who never even carried his briefcase to his car. He seemed to everyone a born executive who would look down upon people who did the tangible work. But the retired economist in him had made a few discoveries over 50-some years looking at Asia’s struggling economies and the even more disturbing economic disparities.

This past New Year’s Eve I decided to launch an ill-timed attack on the unsuspecting family members who were posting their usual photos of eating exorbitant meals that cost more than their servants would earn in 6 months. For months, I was looking at Facebook posts and getting Skype messages from exotic locales like Rome, Geneva, London, and vacation spots like Fiji and Phuket, Thailand. I had been feeling like these people were attending those managerial business meetings (and reaping the rewards) that differentiate the cream from the rotten crop. My mother was still talking to me from the afterlife.

At 55, I should be ordering lesser people to do things. I should have my necktie and suit handled by a servant. I should have my car door opened by a saluting guard at the office. After all, my father had all that at age 30.

At 55, I still live like I did at 25. I’m still a typist (130wpm now); I run big copying machines, folding machines, cutting machines; I box and tape jobs for FedEx, and I haul boxes of printing back and forth between multiple offices. This is hardly managerial behavior, but I like to produce things that are tangible, and I like to look at my printed designs and shake hands with happy clients when I deliver projects to them. My employment philosophy is very simple: I work with people who want to work. If they don’t, they can find another job they enjoy. I remain puzzled about why managers constantly have to chase employees to meet goals. I feel like managers should be fired if they hired disinterested or lax employees.

So on New Year’s Eve, I thought it would be great to plug the value of manufacturing for any successful economy. After all, a thousand managers can’t put together a Walmart desk Saathee.com

Ahsen Jillani a former editor and publisher, is originally from Islamabad , Pakistan , and now lives in Charlotte.

He owns Must Media, a PR company focusing on both political and corporate clients.

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February 2016

FILM CLIPS Neerja

Sanjay’s Super Team Nominated for an Academy award

Neerja is a biopic and a cinematic representation of the dramatic events that unfolded on September 5, 1986 when Pan Am Flight 73 from Bombay to New York was hijacked in transit at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi by Palestinian extremists from Abu Nidal’s terrorist outfit. This is the story of Neerja Bhanot, a 22 year old part time model, who was the head purser on the flight. She had escaped an abusive marriage at a very young age and as a life change, decided to become an air hostess, subsequently impressing everyone so much that they made her a purser. Throughout the ordeal, she didn’t succumb to her fears and instead fought her personal demons from the past and from the minute the plane was hijacked, through the terrifying 17 hours to the grueling end, she used her courage and wits to make sure that the passengers were protected, going as far as to hiding the passports of the American passengers. She managed to save the lives of 379 crew and passengers, all at the cost of her own life. Neerja is directed by Ram Madhvani and stars Sonam Kapoor and Shabana Azmi. It releases on February 19.

The animated short film Sanjay’s Super Team has been nominated for an Academy Award for Short Film (Animated).

The film is made by Sanjay Patel and Nicole Grindle for Pixar.

In the film young Sanjay, a first-generation Indian-American, is obsessed with television, cartoons and his superhero action figures. He is reluctant to spend time in daily prayers with his devout Hindu father, but a flight of imagination helps him develop a new perspective that he and his father can both embrace. The film was shown in theaters recently before animated features like The Good Dinosaur. The Academy Awards will be shown on Sunday, February 28 on ABC.

Deepika Padukone to Commence Filming with Vin Diesel Deepika Padukone has signed on to play a role in the Vin Diesel starrer XXX: The Return of Xander Cage. She will be joining the rest of the cast in February to commence her segment of shooting. Tweeting about the same, the film’s director D.J. Caruso posted, “We start in January. She starts sometime in February.” Later he added, “I have been blessed with this amazing cast and this week we will add a few more players! @deepikapadukone She is stunning and XXXtremely talented”. The film is slated to release in early 2017 and also stars Jet Li.

Eight renowned Bollywood filmmakers to come together for a film Eight filmmakers, Rajkumar Hirani, Zoya Akhtar, Shyam Benegal, Homi Adajania, Nagesh Kukunoor, Imtiaz Ali, Mira Nair and Sriram Raghavan will be coming together for a feature 8 short film compilation. The caveat is that they won’t be directing, but mentoring specially selected up and coming young directors who each direct one of the films. The directors will be chosen from a crew of technicians, assistant directors as well as executive producers, and will be provided with infrastructure, guidance and monetary help. The short films are slated to go on floor in March and the makers are looking for a June release.

Sanjay Dutt to be a free man on February 27 Actor Sanjay Dutt will be a free man on February 27. According to news reports, the Maharashtra government remitted his sentence in the Mumbai serial blasts case. Dutt was incarcerated serving a five year jail sentence for his involvement in the 1993 blasts, after it was upheld by the Supreme Court in March 2013. The release is scheduled pending all legal formalities go smoothly.

DFW South Asian Film Festival The 2nd annual DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) South Asian Film Festival kicks will take place Feb. 19 – 21 at locations in downtown Dallas and Plano. The opening night film, Miss India America, will screen on Friday, Feb. 19, followed by a red carpet and cocktail reception. The rest of the specially-curated line-up will be showcased at the Angelika Film Center in Plano, followed by panel discussions with attending filmmakers, after-parties and networking events, all taking place in Plano.

The second iteration of the festival boasts more than a dozen curated shorts, documentaries and feature films that focus on issues affecting the South Asian (India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka) sub-continent, as well as explore the lives and stories of the South Asian Diaspora in the United States. For full details visit www.dfwsaff.com.

Irrfan Khan to Portray poet Sahir Ludhianvi The versatile actor Irrfan Khan has signed on to play legendary poet Sahir Ludhianvi in director Jasmeet Reen’s bio-pic.

According to reports, he has been preparing for the role for many months, learning everything about Ludhianvi’s lyrics and poems. The film will be co-produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Arshi Dua. Khan did the voiceover for Bhansali’s latest hit film Bajirao Mastani.

Saathee.com

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February 2016

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February 2016

UPCOMING MOVIE RELEASES February 5

Direct Ishq (Director: Rajiv S. Ruia) Cast: Rajniesh Duggall, Nidhi Subbaiah, Arjun Bijlani, and Rajesh Shringapure

BHK Bhalla@Halla.Kom (Director: Rakesh Chaturvedi Om) Cast: Manoj Pahwa, Seema Pahwa, Ujjwal Rana, Inshika Bedi, and Yashpal Sharma

Ishq Forever (Director: Sameer Sippy) Cast: Krishna Chaturvedi, Ruhi Singh, Lisa Ray, Zakir Hussain, and Chetan Pandit

Ghayal once again (Director: Sunny Deol) Cast: Sunny Deol, Om Puri, Murli Sharma, Soha Ali Khan, Tisca Chopra, and Shivam Patil

Channo Kamli Yaar Di (Cast: Pankaj Batra) Cast: Neeru Bajwa and Binnu Dhillon

LoveShhuda (Director: Vaibhav Mishra) Cast: Girish Kumar and Navneet Kaur Dhillon

Neerja (Director: Ram Madhwani) Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, and Shekhar Ravjiani Tere Bin Laden Dead or alive (Director: Abhishek Sharma) Cast: Manish Paul, Sikander Kher, and Pradhuman Singh

Hail Caesar! (Directors: Ethan and Joel Coen) Cast: Channing Tatum and Ralph Fiennes Sanam Teri Kasam (Director: Radhika Rao) Cast: Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane

February 26 aligarh (Director: Hansal Mehta) Cast: Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao

Maheshinte Prathikaaram (Director: Dileesh Pothan) Cast: Soubin Shahir

Bollywood Diaries (Director: K.D. Satyam) Cast: Ashish Vidyarthi, Raima Sen, Salim Diwan, Karuna Pandey, and Vineet Kumar Singh

February 12 Fitoor (Director: Abhishek Kapoor) Cast: Aditya Roy Kapur, Katrina Kaif, Tabu, Aditi Rao Hydari, Rahul Bhat, and Akshay Oberoi

Love Shagun (Director: Sandesh Nayak) Cast: Anuj Sachdeva, Nidhi Subbaiah, Manit Joura, Vikram Koccher, and Taran Bajaj

Luckhnowi Ishq (Director: Aanand Raut) Cast: Adhyayan Suman, Karishma Kotak, Sharat Saxena, Hemant Pandey, and Mukesh Khanna

Beiimaan Love (Director: Rajeev Chaudhari) Cast: Sunny Leone, Rajniesh Duggall, Daniel Webber, and Rajiv Verma

Zoolander 2 (Director: Ben Stiller) Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Munn, and Macaulay Culkin

March 4

Ko 2 (Director: Sarath Mandava) Cast: Bobby Simha and Prakash Raj

Do Lafzon Ki Kahani (Director: Deepak Tijori) Cast: Randeep Hooda and Kajal Aggarwal

Deadpool (Director: Tim Miller Cast:â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Ryan Reynolds and Brianna Hilderbrand

Jai Gangaajal (Director: Prakash Jha) Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Prakash Jha, Manav Kaul, Rahul Bhat, and Queen Harish

February 19

Zubaan (Director: Mozez Singh) Cast: Sarah Jane Dias, Vicky Kaushal, Manish Chaudhary, and Meghna Malik

Dhara 302 (Director: Jitendra Singh Naruka) Cast: Rufy Khan, Dipti D, Gulshan Pandey, Vicky Pandit, and Gagan Pradeep Saathee.com

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February 2016

Come to Liberty Tax at Concord Mills Mall Let us prepare your taxes and we'll hand you $50 cash on the spot.

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27

February 2016

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Saathee.com

29

February 2016

MIRROR, MIRROR A Conversation From the Outside Looking in...

Romance in Film: Storytelling Separated by Culture...or is It?

By Jennifer Allen

Whenever you’re in the mood for watching a film, most often you find a specific genre in order to browse through in your video queue. More often than not, you’ll catch yourself riffling through the Romance section to find that one film which offers the best “warm fuzzy feeling” after watching 2 (or more) people find each other and sharing a few brief moments of their lives and love with us.

But how is “Romance” defined between American and Hindi Films?

The biggest difference has to be that American cinema tends to (in most cases) create a Romantic movie and only a Romantic movie. Sure, it could be presented as a wacky comedy or a tragedy of star-crossed lovers, but the main narrative stays relatively simple.

You know that The Notebook will be about an on and off again romance that will culminate in that one memorable scene of Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams kissing in the rain.

With the melding and You know that we will follow greater acceptance of world Woody Allen and Diane cultures in recent years, the Keaton as they decide whether or not they can typical Hollywood or remain together as a couple Bollywood style is becoming in Annie Hall. Within the less and less defined. interaction between the lovers, you rarely see them express their emotions beyond a few flirting glances, or some awkward dialogue before finally at the end they run across an airport or walk into a crowded room if only to say, “No one puts Baby in a corner.”

Indian films tend to, as a rule, mix Romance into other genres and make one grand adventure filled with vibrant color, music, action and just about everything else. While in American films we’re more of a silent observer, Indian films puts you right in the scene with the characters as a participant of sorts.

We watch in Veer-Zaara as Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta fall in love, and we join their adventure over many years as the social unrest between India and Pakistan threatens to keep them apart. We join Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit in their whirlwind of arranged marriage, sacrifice and maintaining the ideal family dynamic in Hum Aapke Hain Koun. Often in the middle of the story there will be at least one or more lavish musical numbers with dancing, singing and beautiful costumes. Usually these involve either the lovers expressing their attraction towards each other or some grand celebration such as a wedding or holiday.

Is one approach to Romance any better than the other? Well the different techniques used in the two schools of film have been shaped by their target audiences and the societal norms of each.

Bollywood love stories tend to focus on a love within the restrictions of class, country or a family matter such as an Saathee.com

30

arranged marriage. Often the tale ends with the knowledge that the lovers will be together for many lifetimes to come. The movie’s extravagance from sets and costumes to its intricate cornucopia of plot elements is perfect for the South Asian audience who watch it to escape from mundane life.

While Hollywood does have its own share of exuberance in film. The general American moviegoer, in the past few years, has preferred grandiose violence instead of a simple love story.

More money is made by how many structures can be blown up or how many enemies can be taken down by a single hero.

The love story is often tacked on as a tertiary element and the love interest is often there to be eye candy.

There are exceptions to both rules, of course, especially with the way the cultures of the world have blended over the years.

From the American standpoint, we only have to look at the films of Baz Luhrmann. The Australian born director has a vast background with ballroom dancing, theatre and most recently painting. It’s very apparent that he’s been influenced by both Hollywood and Bollywood musicals with the magnificent scope of sets, costumes and music in films like Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge! The love story intertwines within social struggles and musical numbers in such a way that would be perfectly at home in a Hindi production.

On the opposite side of the coin we have Nikhil Advani’s Kal Ho Naa Ho which incorporates some of Hollywood’s most famous romantic clichés such as an independent female lead who falls for the boy next door, timid attraction and a tragic ending that still manages to make you smile even with all the tears rolling down your face. While some Bollywood elements are still present such as the musical numbers, it does not follow the typical love story formula that Bollywood fans are accustomed to... and yet it still works.

With the melding and greater acceptance of world cultures in recent years, the typical Hollywood or Bollywood style is becoming less and less defined. Merging the two on a more consistent basis I think would make for some of the most unique and entertaining cinema in years. We’ve already seen a touch of that in a little film called Slumdog Millionaire. While it has not met with love from some Indian critics and artists, it has nonetheless helped to unveil the Bollywood film style to a much wider audience.

In the end, how people fall in love is just as unique as the films that portray it. Whether you show your devotion by holding a boombox over your head or twilring around together in synchronicity with hundreds of other colorfully dressed dancers, tales of love in any form provide us with a story that transcends the typical conventions of social or geographical boundaries.

Jennifer Allen works at Saathee and is also a Podcaster, Blogger, Photographer & Graphic Artist .

February 2016

Here’s my parting message. Change your party affiliation to Unaffiliated. Dump the parties. In North Carolina, unaffiliated voters can vote in either primary. It’s a small way to shake up the branches, make extreme partisans on both sides less important. The independent middle needs to swell and take back the nomination process, reduce the effect of massive campaign money, and moderate the election process. The two established political parties are sure as hell not going to do it.

Teatime in the City continued from page 18

courageous in removing the Confederate flag from the South Carolina state capitol, although the impetus to do so followed a tragedy. It was a genuine move that briefly endeared her to the progressives. She is popular in the state. Her response to Obama was a typical one that a Republican/conservative would have given. She gave a decent speech, but I was intrigued by her recognition of legal immigrants and her party’s participation in helping create the corroded political atmosphere. “We as Republicans need to own that truth. We need to recognize our contributions to the erosion of the public trust in America’s leadership. We need to accept that we’ve played a role in how and why our government is broken,” she said. Bravo. Many conservatives didn’t like that, but it needed to be said. The bombastic rhetoric won’t work in the general election, and she knows it. Bottom line: Haley would make a formidable Vice Presidential candidate. She may not be jockeying for the VP ticket, but the eventual Republican nominee would be an idiot to not at the least have her name on their selection short list. She could go after Hillary Clinton, if she wins the Democratic nomination, in manners the blokes can’t. She can play her conservative card while connecting with the vast numbers of moderate women as well as immigrants and minorities.

election 2016 Notes North Carolina Primary and ID Law North Carolina voter registration deadline for the primary is February 19. Early voting is March 1-12 and the primary is on March 15. The state of North Carolina now requires a photo ID to vote on Election Day. Approved IDs include Driver’s License, Passport, and Military ID, Veterans Affairs ID, some Tribal IDs and others. There are several exemptions with declaration of reasonable impediment. For more details, visit the site http://voterid.nc.gov/ upcoming Debates Republicans February 6: Manchester, New Hampshire, St. Anselm’s College Institute of Politics (ABC News) February 13: South Carolina, TBD (CBS) February 25: Houston, Texas, University of Houston (CNN)

January 19, Sarah Palin endorses Trump I read about this momentous occasion for Trump this afternoon.

Many Republicans and conservatives want to stop Trump. A Palin endorsement may do the trick. Just ask John McCain.

Democrats February 11: Milwaukee, WI (PBS) March 9: Miami, FL (Univision)

January 23, Bernie Sanders National Live Stream Bernie Sanders did a brief National Live Stream on YouTube to his supporters to fire them up before the primaries. He emphasized the individual donors making small contributions that are fueling his campaign. He repeated his campaign mantras of billionaires and the wealthy taking the country for a ride. “Almost all of the new wealth is going to the top 1 percent.

Top 10 percent have more wealth than the bottom 90 percent combined,” he explained. He also said a rigged, corrupt campaign finance system is eroding people’s confidence. He hit the nail on the head when talking about his candidacy that’s unnerving for Clinton, “We have formed a campaign that has the establishment shaking, they are shaking. If we win in Iowa and New Hampshire… let me tell you we are doing better and better in South Carolina.” He sounds reasonable when he genuinely talks about the broken criminal justice system, comprehensive immigration reform, and climate change.

Sanders said, “the political revolution is all about… when ordinary people stand together.” This call for a revolution is laudable. The problem is he is living in la-la land when talking about big changes. Let’s say he wins the nomination, gets elected and even if the Democrats regain congress (a mighty tall order), free college education for all and single payer healthcare are not happening in this country anytime soon. That would require the mindset of at least 60 percent of Americans to think that way and then push their representatives to act. Hillary Clinton has shifted a bit further to the left in recent weeks to counter Sanders and she now talks of “incremental” changes to healthcare and economy. That is a more logical way of doing business. Most ordinary folks don’t have the capacity to do revolutions in their lives. They make incremental changes to improve their lot. But in the current divided country and congress, even incremental change is difficult. It remains to be seen if he can counter the Clinton Juggernaut after Iowa and New Hampshire.

Saathee.com

Libertarians March 7: Raleigh, NC (9pm), The leading candidates for the Libertarian Party’s nomination for President face off eight days before the North Carolina primary. Moderator: Barry Smith, Carolina Journal Primaries February 9: New Hampshire February 20: South Carolina (Republican primary) February 27: South Carolina (Democratic primary) March 1: Georgia March 1: Tennessee March 1: Virginia March 15: North Carolina Conventions Libertarian National Convention May 27 – 30, Orlando (LP.org) Republican National Convention July 18 – 21, Cleveland Ohio (Gop.org) Democratic National Convention July 25 – 28, Philadelphia (Democrats.org) Some Regional Voter Resources North Carolina State Board of Elections: http://www.ncsbe.gov/ncsbe/ South Carolina State Election Commission: http://www.scvotes.org/ Georgia Secretary of State/Elections: http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/?section=elections Virginia Dept. of Elections: http://elections.virginia.gov/ I always welcome your comments.

32

February 2016

BUSINESSES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

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MUSIC COLLECTION

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Motels, Convenience Stores, Gas Stations, Dry Cleaning, Laundromats, and more.

Hindi Remixes, Bhangra, Garba, Hip-Hop, Top 40

Our Presence at your occasion is considered an invitation that we take very seriously.

Customer Satisfaction & Broker-In-Charge Confidentiality 919-219-6941 is our goal! cs.real@gmail.com Chandravadan Shah

For Booking Contact DJ Hangama

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djhangamanc@gmail.com

Chess for All Ages Open to all ages and skill levels.

Welcome beginners and casual players.

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Casual Play Classes Camps Tournaments After School Programs

Saathee Discount: 15% off First Camp or Class Mention this ad. Exp 4.5.16

980-265-1156 www.CharlotteChessCenter.org 1800 Camden Rd. Suite 108 Charlotte, NC 28203 Saathee.com

33

February 2016

ANIS H S H A H www.RealtorAnish.com

Broker

Licensed in NC & SC

I have SOLD most of my listings and am in need of new listings.

If you are thinking of selling, please contact me!

New Listing - Basement - Brookhaven Amazing 6 bedroom / 4.5 bath brick-front home in desirable Brookhaven community. Gourmet kitchen with SS appliances and new granite counters, eat in island, tile backsplash & bay window breakfast nook. Large family room plus formals. Freshly painted, new carpets, and new hardwoods floors on main level. Master Suite with Balcony & Glamour bath with jacuzzi, Finished Basement with tons of space. Fantastic community amenities. Wonderful opportunity! $489,900

New Listing - Kenilworth Immaculate home with spacious floor plan. Bedroom/office and full bath on the main level. Beautiful open kitchen with gas cooktop and granite counters. Large sunroom with vaulted ceiling. Formal living room and dining room with bay windows and columns. Master bedroom with trey ceiling and sitting area. Huge deck overlooks level backyard. $359,900

Coming Soon - Basement - Firethorne Stunning Custom Built Renaissance Villa with 3 levels of indoor/outdoor living. Grand central hall staircase with flanking balconies overlooking the foyer. Formal living areas, open Family Room, and fantastic views from all three Terraces. Magnificent Kitchen is with custom finishes, prep sink, oversized Island, and much more.

Luxurious Master Suite, finished basement with Wet Bar, and spectacular tee-togreen view of 12th hole. A wonderful opportunity.

Rental - Blakeney Greens

ED T N RE Beautiful townhome in Ballantyne area. Open layout, private backyard, great location. $1,395 / month

www.RealtorAnish.com Serving the Carolinas’ Real Estate needs since 2000 LOTS FOR SALE Land – The Sanctuary Beautiful wooded estate lot in The Sanctuary. Over 6 acres! The Sanctuary is one of only a handful of James Audubon sanctuary/centers in the Carolinas. Enjoy pool, tennis, walking trails, kayaking, and much more at The Camp, a picturesque 17-acre waterfront amenity area at the heart of the community. Build your dream home here! $379,000

NEW PRICE - Land - 3 Lots! - Millstone Creek Three beautiful residential lots available for sale. Two lots are adjacent to one 1 another. Just 10 minutes south of LY Ballantyne. This development consists of ON FT estate homes build with all brick, stone, or LE stucco exteriors. Choose your own builder.

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Recipient of the President’s Cup for Overall Company Sales Leader 2008-2015

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Nandi Daniels Executive Assistant Cell: 704-737-2384

FAX: 704-749-9558 ashah@helenadamsrealty.com www.RealtorAnish.com

15235 John J. Delaney Dr. Charlotte, NC 28277

SANGEET Popular Music of India

By Kirit Shukla

Lyrics in English: Eka Radha, eka Mira, donon ne shyāma ko chāhā Antara kyā donon ki chāha men bolo Ika prem divāni, ika darasa divāni, Eka Radha, eka mirā ...

Radha ne madhuban men dhundhā, Mira ne man men pāyā Radha jise kho baithi, vo Govind Mira darasa dikhāyā Eka murali eka pāyal, eka pagali, eka ghāyal Antara kyā donon ki prita men bolo, Eka surata lubhāni, Eka murata lubhāni, Ika prem divāni, ika daras divāni ...

Mira ke prabhu Giridhar nāgar, Radha ke manamohan Radha nita singār kare, aur Mira ban gayi jogan Eka rāni eka dāsi, donon Hari prema ki pyāsi Antara kyā donon ki tripti men bolo Eka jita na māni, eka hāra na māni, Eka Radha, ek Mira ...

Ika prem divāni, ika daras divāni …

Legendary Music Directors

Ravindra Jain (Feb. 28, 1944 – oct. 9, 2015) Ravindra Jain, a renowned music composer, singer, and lyricist was born blind, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. He was one of the eight siblings. Jain received musical training from many gurus, including Pundit G. L. Jain, Pt. Janārdhan Sharma and Pt. Nathu Ram. He decided on a career in music and went to Kolkata and Mumbai (formerly Calcutta and Bombay) to compose music for films and later TV serials. He began composing in the 1970s and worked on over 200 films. He had also composed music for songs of many TV serials and several Indian epics including Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Luv Kush from the 1980s to date.

He wrote lyrics and composed music for historical, religious, cultural, social, political and non-filmy albums in different Indian languages. He served as one of the judges in the hit Indian TV music show “Sa Re Ga Ma” Challenge in 2009. He once told a newspaper interviewer, “Music is everything for me. It is the very way of life for me. I was not unaware of my talent. I was determined to overcome my handicap and scale heights of success in music.” He was reciting a poem with the lines in Hindi: “Bandha ānkhon se aise kām karo, ānkha khul jāye ānkha wālon ki.” It means that: “Work in such a way with closed eyes that it can open the eyes of those who can see.” He further elaborated, “Today’s music is no composition at all, but a simple assembling of sound beats. It is much too decorative from outside but hollow within.” He passed away in October of 2015 in Mumbai from multiple organ failures. India’s PM Narendra Modi said in a statement, “He will be remembered for his versatile music and fighting spirit.” You may want to visit the website www.ravindrajain.in for more information.

Meaning (Summary): Radha and Mira, both loved Krishna, but do you know the difference”! One is fond of (His) love and other is fond of (His) glance. Radha searched Him in the garden called “Madhuban” and Mira found Him in her mind. Radha who lost Him, that Krishna, Mira had glanced Him. One is the flute and other is the anklet; one is frantic and other is injured. But do you know the difference”! One is lured by his face appearance and other is lured by his idol. Mira’s God is “Giridhar Gopal” (Krishna) and for Radha, He is “Manmohan,” (one who captures the mind).

Radha always does the make up (on her body) and Mira became a female monk. One is a queen and other is a reverent. But do you know the difference in their satisfaction”! One is not accepting her victory and other is not accepting her defeat. Radha and Mira, both loved Krishna...

Lyrics in Hindi:

awards He received many prestigious regional awards (in different languages) for his lyrics and music. Some are: Padma Shri and the Civilian award of Govt. of India, in 2015. He won a Filmfare Award for best music director for the Raj Kapoor film Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985). He was nominated for other films including Chitchor (1976), Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se (1978).

His lyrics to the famous Hindi song “Eka Radha, eka Mira” from the film Ram Teri Ganga Maili are given on this page.

evergreen and Classic Lyrics eka Radha, eka Mira Note: The contents of this article are compiled from the news, books, internet and my knowledge and love for Indian music.)

Song: Eka Radha, eka Mira ...

Film: Ram teri Ganga maili Year: 1985 Music: Ravindra Jain Lyricist: Ravindra Jain Singer: Latā Mangeshkar Based on Indian Classical Rāgā: Kirvāni (Mujrā) Tāl/Rhythm: Kaharavā Starring: Rajiv Kapoor, Mandākini Saathee.com

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NAMASKAR, Y’ALL Reflections and a few confessions as an Indian American in the Carolinas Schooling Myself in education

people within a certain income bracket and of course available at a price. Don’t get me wrong, it is not necessarily a criticism because consumers like to have a choice. Although how parents make decisions about their child’s school appears to be wildly confusing. Whether admission in a school is a means to an end or an end in itself seems unclear. While we associate peer pressure with tweens and teens, I have seen its effect on parents deliberating school options. I guess none of us are completely immune to peer pressure.

This is an interesting contrast to selecting a school here with only a limited amount of choices such as home school, assigned public school, charter schools or private schools. When my oldest turned 4, I somehow lacked the confidence to send my child to the assigned public school where the only criterion was the name of the street we lived on. So I found myself digging up online ratings, school reports and seeking opinions of professionals as well as trusted friends and neighbors. Much to my amazement, the public school had a great reputation and our children’s experience lived up to it. What caused my initial hesitation? Was I looking for lavish classrooms, buzz words in the curriculum or a cleverly designed brochure that grabbed my attention?

Based on anecdotes and observations from my sources, if I return to India at this point, I think I will be pleasantly surprised by how many schools are offering advanced curriculum and my kids will love the variety of sport and extracurricular activities. But I will be startled by some of the schools that are in dire need of support to keep running. The local teachers gasped when they heard that a teacher in India could have a classroom size of 35 to 50. And sadly in a culture that reveres education there is still a large percentage of the population that needs to be literate, particularly women.

On the flip side, I’ve heard from parents who’ve recently moved from India say that they love the opportunity to be in their child’s classroom as a volunteer and how pleasant it is for their child to work in an environment that is not overly competitive or stressful. But they lament the lack of STEM programs and advanced subjects, although their children may be happier with less homework. Not to mention the heavily politicized tug of war with common core that leaves many frustrated with education policies.

One is not necessarily better than the other and a debate on education in India versus the US will be not only useless but also fiercer and perhaps more entertaining than the ones between presidential candidates. I guess we have to ask ourselves about what we want for our children based on our individual mission as parents. And at the same time humbly accept that despite our best intentions, we don’t always know what’s best for our children. To quote Rabindranath Tagore, “Don’t limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time.”

By Shyama Parui An unusually warm December somehow made me less prepared for dipping temperatures and I find myself impatiently awaiting spring or “Basant Ritu.” In India, this short lived but favored season arrives early in February and “Basant Panchami” marks its traditional celebration. Although some parts of India I cannot be nostalgic about. In Mumbai, the only two seasons we experienced were hot and humid and unbearably hot and humid.

Here in North Carolina, predicting the arrival of spring seems to be combination of myth, meteorology and simply chance. So with advice from our local groundhog named Queen Charlotte, weather reporters or observations from the window of my home, I could just pick a date and still have a fairly high probability of being right. That does not stop us from repeatedly checking weather apps, following the news to see if Queen Charlotte saw her shadow and frequently inserting our views on the current temperature in conversations. While we could all lose some of our bad habits, some traditions are worth holding on to. The unscientific predictions stated on Groundhog Day and the celebration of spring or Basant Panchami in the middle of February may not make any sense at a rational level, but we continue our dearest traditions for reasons far greater than logic.

My favorite springtime tradition is watching kids participate in “hathe–khori” where children hold a piece of chalk and write on a small chalkboard. You may wonder what’s so special about that. Well, this is part of beautiful ritual where children seek the blessing of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning before they begin formal education. Even though we see advanced versions of the chalkboard such as Doodle Pro and a range of digital tablets, the spirit of honoring academic and artistic learning remains unchanged.

Speaking of education, the Principal of my children’s school requested that I share information about schools in India. With a noticeable growth in the population moving from India there was a sense of curiosity about how the schools are and a desire to be better prepared to answer questions. They were full of questions about what the schools might look like, whether there were public or private schools and how the schools were run.

Kudos to the school for making an effort to understand its student base.

So I geared up for some homework. Having lived here for more than 15 years I had to call friends and family to get up to speed about today’s schools, particularly elementary schools.

As I suspected, a sea of change had occurred mostly in larger cities, especially with people’s increasing spending power. My own school was no longer the humble teaching institution it had been when I was a student but had undergone a transformation. A virtual tour revealed a swanky new building with an assembly hall that reminded me of a cruise ship. Other pictures made me go, “Whoa, wait a minute! What have you done to my classrooms, my images of childhood and memories of my friends and teachers?”

One big realization was that education has turned into a commodity, one that is neatly packaged and advertised to Saathee.com

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YOUTH CORNER What’s the biggest problem with snow boots?

They melt.

Word World

By Kirit Shukla

F T

L

I S

Where can you find an ocean with no water?

On a map.

O

What did the ocean say to the beach?

Nothing, it just waved.

R

Why do you get if you cross a chili pepper, a shovel and a terrier?

A hot-diggity-dog.

What kind of hair do oceans have?

Wavy.

Make words using 4 or more letters. The central letter must be used in each word. Letters cannot be used more than once per word.

Use all letters for the subject word (underlined in solutions below) 11+ words = Excellent; 6 to 10 words = Good; 5 or less = keep looking. Words we found are in solutions below.

What washes up on very small beaches?

Microwaves.

Brain Train

What did one flag say to the other?

Nothing, it just waved.

Hi Kids, Here is a simple quiz. See if you can solve it.

Two tables are given below. Compare the two tables and find the missing number ?? in the table on the right. Can you?

Why did the clown go to the doctor?

Because he was feeling a little funny.

1 2 3 6 5 4 7 8 9

Why don’t cannibals eat clowns?

Because they taste funny.

1 4 9 36 25 16 49 64 ??

What do you call a boomerang that doesn’t return?

A stick.

The answer given on the bottom of this page (no peeking).

Why can’t a nose be 12 inches long?

Because then it would be a foot.

Dadaji’s moral short stories for kids His name was Sheikhchalli. He was a vendor and carried a pot of milk on his head to sell it in the open market. This is a common scene in India. As he was walking he kept on daydreaming. He said to himself, “With the money I get from selling this milk, I will buy some eggs. The eggs will hatch into fine chickens. When chickens will grow into hens, I will sell the hens. I will continue and get lots of money. I will save that money and I will get married. We will then have children. I will play with them. When my kids ask me for money, I will shake my head and say no. When he dreamt of saying “no” he actually shook his head hard and the pot of milk fell down. The milk ran out on the ground. He lost his wish by daydreaming.

He was repenting.

Moral: Building castles in the air will not stand.

Answer for brain train: 81. (Hint: Use a simple math judgement.

Numbers in the table on the right are squares of the existing numbers in table on the left.)

Word World (Solution):FILO, FIRST, FLIRT, FLIT, FLORIST, FOIL, FORTIS, FRIT, LIFT, LIST, RIFT, RIOT, ROIL, ROTI, SIFT, SILO, SILT, SLIT, SOIL, STIR, TIRL, TOIL, TRIFOIL, TRIO

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MASTERING MEANING

Harnessing the Power of American English

By Judith L. Bergman

15. Gritting her teeth, the sitter cleaned up the mess that the baby had made. ___ a. Irritates and annoys me; makes me cringe. b. Summoned her strength and faced an unpleasant task. c. Boldly told us something he knew was completely false.

We actually have been designing quizzes in these articles since 2007 (or maybe earlier!) to test your knowledge of very common, very frequently used idioms and idiomatic (nonliteral) expressions you will hear used by native speakers of American English. Many of these expressions refer to items which are closest to us, such as parts of our bodies. There were over 70 different idioms and metaphors incorporating teeth and tooth in The FreeDictionary.com. 1 We suggest that you go through the quiz items, marking your answers on a separate sheet of paper. Use your mistakes as a guide to further practice and then retake the quiz at a later time until you score 100%!

Match the idioms with teeth and tooth with the correct meaning (a,b,c) within each group of three sentences:

16. She looks lovely but she’s actually a little long in the tooth. ___ 17. Watch those boys. They’ll go at one another tooth and nail. ___ 18. I’m going to fight tooth and nail for that promotion. ___ a. Unflattering reference to someone showing signs of aging. b. Fight each other like animals. c. Make a strenuous effort.

19. Keep me away from the dessert table. I’ve got a real sweet tooth. ___ 20. She went over the yard with a fine- tooth comb but couldn’t find the keys she had dropped. ____ 21. So who’s going to finance that venture — the tooth fairy? ____ a. Sarcastic reference to a mythical source of money. b. Searched very, very carefully not missing any details. c. Love for sugary foods.

1. In this town, support for that candidate is as rare as hen’s teeth. ____ 2. It was a real kick in teeth when the management transferred him out of the department he had helped to develop. ___ 3. With their elaborate gowns, jewelry and hairstyles, the Hollywood stars were armed to the teeth hoping for an award.___ a. Being treated unfairly and badly. b. Overly equipped or prepared. c. Extremely scarce

Suggested strategies to increase your mastery of meaning this month: See how many uses of teeth and tooth you can find in your local newspaper and in magazine articles.

4. He managed to pass his physics exam by the skin of his teeth. ___ 5. The baby kept us up most of the night because he is cutting teeth. ___ 6. She cut her teeth on the family business before going to work for a large corporation. ___ a. Obtained her first experience and learned the basic skills. b. Just barely, by the smallest margin. c. Has new teeth emerging from his gums.

References: 1, http://www.thefreedictionary.com/teeth, tooth idioms Note: Correction in the January Mastering Meaning answers: II – b: ALL end in the /z/ sound. answers: 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-b, 5-c, 6-a 7-a 8-c, 9-b, 10-c, 11-b 12-a, 13-c 14-a, 15-b 16-a, 17-b 18-c, 19-c, 20-b, 21-a

7. They vowed to fight tooth and nail against the proposed changes in the zoning laws. ____ 8. I love a challenge and can’t wait to sink my teeth into that project!. ___ 9. I’m sure he would give his eye teeth to own a luxury car. _____ a. Make a strenuous effort using all their resources. b. Would very much like to have that thing. c. To undertake to do something with great enthusiasm and focus.

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10. We need very strong enforcement and strict penalties to put teeth in the new regulations. ___ 11. He gnashed his teeth when his application for a business loan was turned down! ___ 12. Getting the town council to release any information about the proposed redistricting was like pulling teeth! ___ a. Extremely difficult. b. To be very angry, even clenching or grinding one’s teeth in rage. c. To make something very powerful and effective.

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PERSONAL FINANCES How to declutter and simplify your financial life

really have much diversification in your investments. One fellow was investing in mutual funds fairly sporadically mainly on whims as and when his friends suggested something or he saw success with these mutual funds somewhere else. What had happened in this process was that he really did not give much thought to what he was doing. Not only he was not properly diversified but also he really had not thought of what his long-term goals were and towards which he should be investing. Not just bringing it all-together but also decluttering and simplifying will give you the proper long-term focus that you need to do well with your investments.

There are other “must” things that also need to happen, like having a proper “Will.” Over 50% of the population in the United States does not have a Will. Without a Will the state takes over and the job of an administrator becomes three times as complicated. It does help to imagine what actions your trustee will have to go through if you don’t simplify your financial life now. Titling your assets properly, having beneficiaries on all assets (to avoid probate) and reviewing your goals and investments will be some of the other must things that should be done.

For seniors, taking proper care of the surviving spouse will be a top priority. If you have all your financial information (including account numbers, what, where and whom to contact) in one place and with clear instructions in your will or otherwise as to what should happen with your assets when you are gone, that will be the best last “love note” you will ever leave for your spouse. It will be greatly appreciated not only for the personal content in it but also for all the homework you have done for them.

I should also mention about what needs to happen in today’s “digital” world. All of us have digital accounts, with IDs and passwords, and many of us do transactions electronically. Of course we love to have emails and texts going back and forth, are active on Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp and many such wonderful tools at our disposal. If proper action is not taken now to make sure that your digital world will not completely freeze after someone passes on, it could create a heap of issues. I have read about a couple who, in the middle of a divorce, were not concerned much about the custody of the dog and the child but were arguing over how to divide up the list of their friends on Facebook. Perhaps that is not where your worries lay, but decluttering and simplifying your financial life will certainly put your mind (and your administrator’s) at ease.

Do it now.

By Mo Vidwans

Albert Einstein once said that “out of clutter find simplicity.” Perhaps that is the reason he could find seemingly simple principles out of a very complex universe that he was studying. Not bad considering that once he was a clerk at the patent office and his desk and office were thought to be most cluttered.

Our financial lives also get very complicated at times and then we get lost into the financial maze and don’t quite know what to do. I have observed a few couples and families sabotage their own finances and financial success, in a way, by making things much more complicated than they need to be or doing things that are beyond their means.

Clearly for most of us there is much to do. Granted some of us are very organized and keep things in order but some of us are not; and I am not sure that it is the high degree of organization that brings success or it is keeping things simple.

I believe it might be the latter.

There are things we can do now which will help us in our daily financial life today and which will also help our administrators/trustees after we are gone. The most imminent thing to do is to bring all the financial information and documents together in one place so that you or your administrator will not have any difficulty understanding what is involved. My father had this impression that opening different accounts in different banks is the way to keep your money safe. Perhaps, but then imagine our surprise when we got a call from a bank manager many years after his passing asking us what should be done with the bank account he had opened. Opening so many unnecessary accounts in different banks was neither more safe nor keeping it simple.

With all the information in one place you will automatically begin to comprehend the redundancy of accounts, or the fact that there is not enough diversification of assets or that some documents are missing, not to mention a few of the potential problems. Gathering information together will also include information about your pension, 401Ks, IRAs, credit cards, life insurance, annuities, house deeds, wills, trusts, bank accounts, long-term investments and many such items. When it is all together you will also begin to see the holes in your planning like things that are missing or wrongly done that need to be corrected.

One couple I worked with was so surprised to find that they did not have any beneficiaries mentioned on any of the investment accounts they had. Even the smallest saving account I welcome any questions on this article or the previous ones, also the needs to have a beneficiary mentioned. Most people think that suggestions for any future financial subjects of your interest that you since everything they have is in a joint account (joint accounts would like to know more about. are usually not even a good idea even between husband/wife) they are covered but usually that is not so. Imagine the surprise one husband had when he found out that he still had his divorced wife’s name as a beneficiary on his life insurance Mo Vidwans policy and on many other investment documents. It was Vidwans is an independent, board certified financial planner. For details visit probably the last name he wanted to have on such documents. www.vidwansfinancial.com, call 984-888-0355 When all your financial information is together, in a big or write to mpvidwans@yahoo.com. folder or a binder, and you start looking at it all-together, you may begin to see holes or gaps, for example that you don’t Saathee.com

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February 2016

THE DENTIST VISITS YOU Children’s Dental Health Month

By Vatsal Suthar February is Children’s Dental Health month and I wanted to build from the pregnant patient considerations I outlined in the last article. It’s never too early to begin taking care of your young one’s teeth. The buds for your child’s baby teeth have been developing in the womb weeks leading up to delivery. In certain cases, your baby can be born with teeth! No doubt there are many health considerations for a newborn, but proper oral health care should begin well before the first teeth even begin to appear.

In the daily routine of feedings, diaper changes, and minimizing risks on your new bundle of joy, consideration should strongly be given to including good early oral health practices. Babies are born without the bacteria that cause cavities. They only get it from saliva that passed on from their parent or caregiver’s mouth. Sharing spoons and testing foods before giving it to the child passes on germs, as does cleaning a pacifier by your mouth instead of rinsing with water. Other activities that can pass saliva are mouth kisses or allowing baby to suck on your finger after it has touched your mouth. In this way, the state of health (or disease) of the parent’s mouth is being passed on to your child. Simply, if you have a mouth with gum infections or active decay, your child will get infected with the same germs if you any of the above actions are taken.

Before teeth erupt, use a soft, damp cloth to wipe inside your baby’s mouth twice a day. Continue doing this even after the first few teeth begin to appear. After, you should add a baby toothbrush to supplement the daily regimen. A common mistake is for parents to think that a toothbrush is not needed until all the baby teeth have come in to take care of cavities. The earlier a baby is introduced to toothbrush, or similar instrument, the better your chances to avoid their resistance in using one later in childhood. Gently brush these early teeth with a small smear of toothpaste and eventually graduating to a pea size amount when they reach two years of age.

Babies can begin to have teeth come in at around 6 months of age. All 20 of their primary teeth should be out around the time they are three years old. It is imperative to never let your child be put to sleep with a bottle filled with milk, formula, juices, or any other sugary liquid. The sugars in these drinks increase the chances of your baby developing early cavities, or “baby bottle tooth decay.” You should strive for the child to finish the bottle before falling asleep. If a bottle is an absolute must at bedtime, fill it with water instead to eliminate a sugar source from bathing the teeth all night. Halfway to their first birthday, it will also be time to require fluoride to take care of the erupting teeth. Most babies get their required intake from water in our homes. Keep in mind that bottled water does not have any fluoride to help keep teeth strong.

One of the most asked questions I get from parents-to-be or new parents is: “When does my baby really need to first see the dentist?” The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) recommends that a child be seen when the first tooth appears or no later than the first birthday. Most general and family dentists can see kids but a child’s needs are different than adults. Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry.

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These specialists have two to three years specialty training following dental school and limit their practice to treating children only.

Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs. They have very specific knowledge and expertise in answering your questions in regards to concerns about your little one’s mouth and teeth including thumb sucking, nutrition concerns, and tricks to make tooth brushing at home easier with your child.

Furthermore, when children visiting a pediatric dental office see other children there, a kid feels more comfortable. This fun environment increases the chances for a pleasant visit and reduces anxiety for each visit in the long term. In turn, this familiarity will help kids become acclimated to dental appointments in the future.

To build self-confidence, encourage your child to brush his or her teeth on their own when old enough. Always monitor the child’s brushing technique thoroughly to ensure a proper practice. The best way to teach a child is to lead by good example. Allowing your child to watch you brush and floss your teeth teaches them the importance of good oral hygiene.

Manual or powered, the AAPD recommends that any softbristle brush can assist with keeping your child’s smile cavityfree. Choose one specifically designed for children’s smaller hands and mouths. Look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Also, remember to throw out a toothbrush after 3 months or sooner if the bristles are fraying.

The damaged bristles can harm the gums and are not as effective in cleaning teeth. Toothbrushes should also be replaced when your little one gets sick with a cold, cough, or fever.

In regards to dental emergencies, the most common is untreated cavities on teeth that become painful due to infection.

Preventing this catastrophic moment for your baby is easy with regular check ups with a general or pediatric dentist. Based on the age and amount of teeth, your doctor will give advice on when to begin taking x-rays on the child. With protection from lead aprons, digital technology and newer equipment, the amount of radiation exposure is very minimal during this exam.

Another reason for dental emergencies in children is accidentally injuring the mouth playing or during daily activities. Calling your provider as soon as possible can ensure a proper assessment and treatment.

There are many health considerations in the first few months and years in a baby’s life. Among them is taking care of their oral health, as a child’s dental health history is a strong predictor of their adult condition. The parents or caregivers are crucial in establishing good habits from the very start at birth.

Next month, more dental insight will be provided as the child transitions into adolescence.

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Vatsal Suthar is a private practice general dentist in Columbia, SC aiming to increase dental awareness for the South Asian Community.

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February 2016

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THINKING ABOUT THINKING To Succeed at the SaT or anything else – act!

By Balaji Prasad “I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.” ― John Locke There is only one way to get something done: to do it! This sounds simple enough, and almost like a circular argument.

Many things are that simple – so simple, that our brains get freed up to over-think and over-analyze, creating a false sense of difficulty. action rules If we take the simpler view, we see that action rules. We act to make things happen. We apply our energies to something to make it move. It seems fair to say that the energy exerted by my neurons as they go about creating these words, and that by my fingers as they type is stored in the form of this article that you are now reading. There was only one way to write this piece: to let my neurons and fingers expend energy in the right manner.

Likewise, there is no magic formula for doing well in the SAT test. You have to get those neurons prepped and working in the right direction. You need the right kinds of actions to make that happen.

I am it!

Now that we have stopped making excuses, and are restraining ourselves from blaming innocent animals, we are finally getting somewhere. We shall not lie to ourselves. If I am not doing something, I don’t really care that much, regardless of how much I assert otherwise by pounding the table.

Since you are making the decision, as we must surely agree by now, you can decide to free your desire from the inertia that envelops it in the form of competing desires. Or, you can at least decide to accept the current state of affairs, to avoid the false expectations that will meet with predictable disappointments.

You have now decided to do something, rather than nothing!

A project has been chartered, and you are clear that it will not move forward without action – constant, continuous actions that keep moving the needle. And … it is your baby. Just yours.

The birth of passion As we have asserted, all accomplishments require energy and action. Some of us are fortunate, and are relatively selfdriven. We are able to apply our energy toward certain things that we feel a passion for. And when our passions match what we desire at a more practical level (things such as fame and fortune), it all just seem to click into place. But this is not always true. We are not born with the passion for the things that lead the way to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. In fact, passion is born from engagement with something repeatedly.

You get to know the thing, the thing gets to know you, and you and it become one. Then it is a dance that you enjoy; others enjoy The dog ate my homework!

The evidence shows that it is not simple to get the right watching you dance too. things done. People want to lose weight, but don’t do what is Passion’s mother needed to make that happen. You want to complete that home The trouble is that you cannot wave a magic wand and make project you have been putting off for so long, but Facebook passion happen. The baby needs to go through a gestation happens. In fact, lots of other things happen besides the thing you say you want. If we look a little deeper into this, we can see period, before it is born. Action! We can do all the wishing and that it is not that nothing gets accomplished; it is just that the hand-waving we want, but it is only when we apply ourselves over and over again to something does the passion begin to right things do not get done.

But therein lies the secret to this whole thing. If you decide show signs of arising. And when it does, a baby is born. But that there is a particular thing that is “more right” than others, there is good news and bad news. The good news is that you then that is what gets done. Clearly, you are doing the deciding. are now a proud parent bonding with a beautiful baby; the bad You are the judge, jury and executioner. There is no one else to news is that you are not done. You need to go through all that is involved in bringing up baby. appeal to – no one to say “the dog ate my homework” to.

Honesty is the best policy … especially toward yourself This may not be so obvious, but when we keep saying one thing and keep doing something else, we may need to do a timeout, and play referee between the mouth and the rest of the body. Which one are you going to trust? I suggest that our bodies and behavior do not lie – which is why polygraph tests work at least some of the time.

You say you want to do well on the SAT test, because you are convinced that it will make a huge difference in how colleges view your application. If so, pause for a second to check whether you are, in fact, taking some action in that direction – to position yourself for the best score you can achieve. If you are doing that, then you are on your way. If not, then you should at least stop saying that you think the SAT test is important to you. Trust that if your desire does not show up in your fingers and your toes, that the desire is weaker than other desires that you simultaneously have within you.

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Postpartum depression?

While it may appear that your life changes, and the baby consumes all your time – what, no more Facebook? – it’s not really that bad. Life goes on, along with a myriad other things and interests, you just have a new passion that brings value and joy to your life.

If you need some bootstrapping for the SAT/ACT to develop passion for reading, writing, math, I can help. If you are already self-driven, disciplined and putting your energy with passion into preparing for these tests, I may be able to help tune your technique, and give you the edge. In any case, I wish you much action, and all the best with that baby!

Balaji Prasad is an IIT/IIM graduate, a published author, SAT/ACT Online and Offline Coach, interview, resume, and career coach at NewCranium.

Contact: 704.746.9779 balaji.prasad@newcranium.com February 2016

SAP TRAINING • SAP FI, CO, MM, ABAP Weekend & Weekday Classes begin soon! (see schedule)

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February 2016

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February 2016

Test Your

Knowledge Cities of India

1

3

2

This city is the capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Bhopal is known as?

5

4

Bhopal is said to have been founded by this king of which dynasty?

In December 1984 Bhopal suffered the worst industrial disaster in the world. What chemical company was responsible?

The largest mosque in Bhopal.

7

6

This stupa near Bhopal is a world heritage site.

8

This national park is located in Bhopal.

9

What is the official language of Bhopal?

Madhya Pradesh is nicknamed what, due to its geographical location within India?

Answers: 1. Bhopal 2. The city of lakes. 3. Union Carbide 4. King Bhoja of Paramara dynasty 5. Taj-ul-Masajid 6. Stupa at Sanchi 7. Van Vihar National Park 8. Hindi 9. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Heart of Indiaâ&#x20AC;?

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February 2016

NUTRITION FOR LIFE together the key players to further the contributions pulses make to health, nutrition, and sustainability.

The “Pulse” of Life

By Parul Kharod

But the first to participate and most vocal has been an NGO called Navdanya. It is an Indian-based non-governmental organization which promotes biodiversity conservation, biodiversity, organic farming, the rights of farmers, and the process of seed saving. Navdanya has helped set up 54 community seed banks across the country and trained over 500,000 farmers in “food sovereignty” and sustainable agriculture over the past two decades. Navdanya has also set up a learning center, Bija Vidyapeeth (School of the Seed), on its biodiversity conservation and organic farm in Doon Valley, Uttaranchal, north India. Navdanya claims to be a womencentered movement for the protection of biological and cultural diversity.

They started a campaign called “Pulse of Life,” which held an event on January 6, 2016. The Pulse of Life feast is an inspiring one on how to add pulses to your daily life. The mouthwatering menu included the following:

In Hindi, there is an idiom, ‘Ghar ki murgi, daal barabar’.

Somehow, this phrase demotes the humble daal (pulses and lentils) as being inferior to the chicken.

However, all recent research shows that animal proteins are harmful for our health, and we should all be eating more whole grains and beans. The benefits of beans and pulses are not just limited to individual health.

Pulses not only sustain and nourish people with their high nutritional content, but they also sustain the land by regenerating the soil, and save water by requiring little water input. Thus, daal sustains the life and energy of the farmer, the land, and the water.

The 68th United Nations General Assembly has declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (IYP) to heighten public awareness of the nutritional, economic, and environmental benefits of pulses and legumes.

Navdanya Pulse Feast 2016 The key messages of the campaign are as follows: Salad 1. Pulses are highly nutritious. Pulses are an important source of fiber, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and plant-based • Sprouted Whole Pulse salad - Sprouted Moong and Moth mixed with fresh salad vegetables & lime protein.

2. Pulses are economically accessible and contribute to food • Nine Bean Salad - Array of colorful & nourishing pulses: Rajma, Lobiya, Chana, Whole Urad, Whole Moong, Navrangi, security at all levels. They are inexpensive to buy and they Geheth, White & Black Bhatt seasoned with fresh herbs have a long shelf-life.

3. Pulses have important health benefits. They keep you satisfied Main Course: for longer than many other foods. Recent studies have found • Rajma Chawal - spicy rajma/kidney beans with steamed aromatic Basmati rice that eating a meal with pulses and beans made study participants feel fuller than a meal without pulses. This can • Chholey Bhatturey - Kabuli Chana cooked in Indian spices and served with roasted wheat bhatturey help with balancing blood sugars and thus manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, coronary conditions and cancer.

• Kadhi & Bajra Roti - Besan blended with curd and seasoned with Indian spices accompanied with a winter special bajra roti.

4. Pulses foster sustainable agriculture and contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Pulses have a • Geheth stuffed kachodi - Nutrition packed pulse, Geheth, positive impact on the environment because they fix mixed with delicate Indian spices and stuffed in an Indian nitrogen in the soil, increasing soil fertility. kachodi 5. Pulses promote biodiversity. They also help increase • Fermented dal Idli - Fermented urad dal & rice cakes organic matter and microbial biomass and activity (e.g. steamed and served with Indian arhr dal sambar and bacteria, fungi) in the soil. For this reason, they play a key chickpea coconut chutney role in crop rotation and the health of the planet.

• Fermented dal Dosa - Crispy Dosa made with fermented urad dal and rice and served with arhr dal sambar and To celebrate the International Year of Pulses, there are many chickpea coconut chutney campaigns and competitions being held worldwide. India is the • Rajasthani mixed dal & Missi roti - Urad, Moong and world’s largest producer, importer and consumer of pulses, and Masoor dal served with bread made with chana, Jaew, and has enthusiastically announced several initiatives to participate. gehun The Pulses Conclave: India Pulses and Grains Association • Masoor dal khichdi - Masoor dal and rice cooked together with simple Indian spices will host a three day mega event from 17 Feb 2016 - 20 Feb 2016 for the global pulses trade and industry in Jaipur. Over 800 delegates from India and across 24 countries including Australia, USA, Canada, Russia, Spain, Pakistan, Kenya, Myanmar etc., are expected to participate in the Conclave.

continued on page 114

Parul Kharod, MS, RD, LDN is a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist and works as a Clinical Dietitian with Outpatient Nutrition Services at WakeMed Hospital in Cary and Raleigh. She can be reached at parulkharod@gmail.com

The International Conference on Pulses for Nutritional Security and Agricultural Sustainability will be held on November 12, 2016 at New Delhi, India which will draw Saathee.com

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February 2016

Ribald Floral & Events Specializing in South Asian Weddings • Mandaps • Fresh Flowers • Fresh Floral Garlands • Table Decorations • Room Decorations • Receptions • Linens & Dishware • and more!

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February 2016

HINDU CENTER support hindu Center expansion Leave a Lasting memory on hC Wall.

sponsor a briCK $1001 $5,001 for 5 X 7 marble plaque $10,001 for 8 X 11 marble plaque expansion project update: Grading, parking Lot and foundation completed. building work in progress, stone work 90% complete and outside stonework started!!

2016 membership Drive

Annual membership: $101, students & seniors $31 Donate brick and become life member for $1001!

Upcoming Hindu Center Events & Activities: Maha-Shivratri: March 7, Monday Dhuleti: March 20, Sunday Holika Dahan: March 23, Wednesday Chaitra Navratri: April 8, Friday thru April 15, Friday Swaminarayan Jayanti: April 9, Saturday Chetti-Chand: April 10, Sunday & Ram Navami: April 15, Friday Hanuman Jayanti: April 22, Friday Ugadi / Gudi Padava / Baisakhi Mela: April 23, Saturday Voice Of India Radio Program is not on the air currently.

WNOW station was sold and we are negotiating with them and other stations to resume the broadcast. For more info email: voiceofindiahc@gmail.com

hINDu CENtEr OF ChArLOttE 7400 City View Drive, Charlotte, NC 28212 Ph. 704.535.3440 Fax. 704.535.6923 email: administrator@hcclt.org

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MARKETING TURNAROUND Social Media and the Speaker

By Gail Z. Martin Speakers today face tough competition. Economic uncertainty has led many companies and organizations to scale back on events and to renegotiate speaker fees and reimbursement. Despite those hardships, speaking to groups is still an important income stream for many experts, and a way to gain recognition for coaches, consultants and authors.

Much of the advice for authors in the previous chapter can also be applied for speakers. Many speakers also have books or info products they’ve written, so they can benefit from promoting both their books and their availability as a speaker.

Social media can lend a hand.

Provide a free sample Event organizers are understandably reluctant to book a speaker they’ve never seen. You can use web video to help overcome that reluctance by providing planners with a free sample of your speaking technique. Planners may check out your web site before contacting you for a full demo DVD, so a couple of short clips that show your strengths as a presenter may be enough to encourage them to move further with the process of booking you for their event.

Don’t stop with posting clips to your main web site. Utilize video on your Facebook and LinkedIn sites, and Tweet about new YouTube videos when you post them. You can also include your new videos on your blog, with the opportunity to add extra commentary or insights.

Event planners like to see evidence that you’re in demand as a speaker. Blog and Tweet about your upcoming events, and update your Facebook and LinkedIn status when you’re heading out for events and when you post photos, video or a recap after the event. When you speak, invite listeners to become your social media friends, fans and followers, and encourage them to post comments on what has been most helpful about your presentation.

Work with event promoters before and after the events where you speak. Offer to provide guest blogs or articles related to your topic, and be sure to send them your YouTube video.

Always ask for recommendations, and post these on your sites.

Audio samples are also great previews of what you offer as a speaker. When you do a teleclass or a radio interview, include a link to the audio on your web site. Choose a snappy segment of a teleseminar to keep it short, but be sure to showcase both your knowledge and your delivery style.

Promote your upcoming events Event planners also love speakers who help them put the word out about their events. When you contact groups to speak, be sure to mention if you’ve accumulated a large number of Facebook fans or Twitter followers, and if your opt-in newsletter list is in the thousands, that’s also a terrific plus. Talk up the event and encourage your followers to attend for the chance to meet you in real life.

If you will be traveling, contact Meetup groups in the area and invite them to join you at your next event if the program is open to the public. If you can’t invite them to the main event, Saathee.com

see if they would like to do a coffee get-together or fireside chat with you during time in your travel schedule that would otherwise be wasted. You can also connect with the local chapters of national organizations of which you are a member or which pertain to your topic (groups such as eWomenNetwork, National Speakers Association, NAWBO, etc.) and issue the same invitations.

Don’t forget to connect via the online groups on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter for all of the same groups to invite them to attend and share tips related to your speech content. Talk about your upcoming programs on your own Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages, not from a hard sell, but in terms of the valuable content you’re looking forward to sharing. You may find that some of your existing contacts will be in the area to attend, or have friends they can send your way.

Promote by Tweeting live from the event. Don’t just Tweet about your part—let everyone know how much fun you’re having, how valuable the speakers are, and what a great event it is. Tweet about the people you meet and the workshops you’re attending. Take photos from your cell phone and upload them right away.

Promote after the event (great for being asked back again) by blogging, Tweeting and uploading after you get home.

(Make sure you’ve copied the organizer who invited you so he/she can see how much free publicity you’ve provided.) Write an article for your newsletter and then share it on your blog and in sound bites on your Twitter feed. Carry your digital video camera to the event and create a videoblog scrapbook, then post it on YouTube. Tweet the link, add it to your other social media sites and be sure to use Social Bookmarking to share it. When you send follow-up emails to the other attendees and speakers you met at the conference, include the links to your video and other promotion so they can also bask in the afterglow. Link to the organizers, speakers and attendees you’ve met on Facebook, Twitter and other sites, and choose the very best connections to add on LinkedIn. Send a note to the speakers you met at the event extending that contact and offer to have them as a guest on your blog or podcast. Now you have another reason to talk. This can be a great way to share referrals to other possible speaking engagements or opportunities for collaboration for both of you.

Of course, if you’re hosting a guest on your site, that’s yet another reason for social media promotion!

If you’ve got names for key contacts in the city to which you’re traveling, whether those are reporters, radio hosts or business contacts, look for them on Facebook, Twitter, blogs and LinkedIn and make a connection. Let them know you’ll be in the area and would like to talk or meet for coffee. You can also marshal your LinkedIn contacts near your event city and ask them for referrals to local media or connections to the kinds

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continued on page 78

Gail Z. Martin owns DreamSpinner Communications.

Contact her at Gail@GailMartinMarketing.com

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India and Pakistan were on the brink of real progress.

Then everything went wrong

By Nimisha Jaiswal, GlobalPost.com

Different governments that have held power in India may also have something to do with the animosity.

“We have a deeply felt, inherent Pakistan bias, both in the Indian middle class and Indian media,” said Happymon Jacob, a professor of disarmament at Jawaharlal Nehru University who has participated in informal diplomacy between the two countries. “[For decades] the state has been telling the Indian people and media that Pakistan is evil, that Pakistan has done this that and the other.”

Looking at India’s loud public rhetoric against Pakistan this month, the state’s narrative seems to have taken hold.

“I can give you an endless list of reasons as to why you are responsible,” Arnab Goswami, a popular Indian news anchor, told his Pakistani guests at a televised debate he hosted after the attack. Similar anger was visible across Indian news channels, and on the streets.

“We shouldn’t go to the talks. India is a big country and Pakistan can never attack us, but they are habituated to carrying out these attacks and they will never listen to us. What is the point?” Pramod Kumar Pal, an auto-rickshaw driver in New Delhi, told GlobalPost.

Much of this anger is now directed at Modi, who won many of his nationalist supporters with a hawkish stance on Pakistan.

His visit to Sharif last month was seen as a betrayal, an unwillingness to “teach India’s neighbor a lesson.” According to Jacob, Modi’s Hindu nationalist party the BJP is disappointed and confused by his peace efforts.

“Modi thought that given his popularity, he would be able to carry the day in reaching out to Pakistan,” said Jacob. “[But] we have a 24/7, [TV rating] seeking, very virulent Indian media that is completely anti-Pakistan. Some of the parties that were promoting dialogue with Pakistan are completely opposed now to Pakistan simply because they want to give the BJP a taste of its own medicine.”

Despite many canceled talks over the years, however, relations have never been permanently severed. Raghavan attributes this to an equally large but silent group of Indians who are open-minded about Pakistan.

“It’s always better to go for talks, without them we cannot reach a solution,” said Praveen Gupta, a footwear store owner in New Delhi. “There is no advantage in war. We cannot let terrorists who oppose our prime minister’s efforts succeed.”

It is similar pragmatism on the government’s part, and its belief that at least a part of the population shares it too, that has made politicians who were once as anti-Pakistan as Modi come around, says Raghavan.

“At the end of the day, eventually, somebody has to talk to somebody else [and that] is recognized across the political spectrum in both India and Pakistan,” said Raghavan. “[The outreach] was pragmatic recognition that there has to be dialogue with the country across the boundary. There is no other option, really.”

NEW DELHI, India — This month, the strained ties between India and Pakistan are being tested yet again.

Back in December, a surprise visit to Pakistan by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif’s birthday, was seen as a strong gesture of goodwill. Talks between their foreign ministers were scheduled for Jan. 15.

Then, almost predictably, everything went wrong.

At least six gunmen attacked the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot, Punjab, killing seven soldiers and a civilian. The Indian army’s counter-offensive went on for four days. Links to Pakistan were assumed, and evidence that implicated Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad was quickly found. The talks, after much speculation, have been “deferred.”

The residents of Pathankot burned effigies of Nawaz Sharif, blaming the neighboring country for betraying India once again. Opposition politicians and news media angrily accused Modi of being naïve enough to believe that Pakistan, hand-inglove with terror outfits, would ever agree to peace.

The outpouring of vitriol against Pakistan is not new. It has occurred after every terror attack in the 69 years since the two countries were carved out of British India in 1947, and sometimes in between.

“Obviously there is a very troubled relationship in the past and there is no getting away from it,” said Pallavi Raghavan, a historian of India-Pakistan relations at the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi. “There was a very traumatic partition in 1947. Many families that became influential in India and Pakistan came from refugee families who had traumatic experiences during the partition.”

Why Myanmar’s massive jade industry is so deadly Four wars, a nearly impermeable border and poor travel

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— though bruised in recent elections swept by their chief rivals, the National League for Democracy — still dominates powerful industries that are marked by neglect for human life.

The army’s financial tentacles aren’t just wrapped around the jade business. A GlobalPost investigation, Asia’s Meth Wars, also revealed links between the military and militias that have become key players in Asia’s billion-dollar methamphetamine trade.

Their prime product — little pink meth pills — are churned in mountain hideaways patrolled by armed groups. In jade mining areas, meth and heroin are de facto legalized amid police neglect.

There’s a reason why roads leading to Myanmar’s jade lands, and its meth production hot spots, are lined with army checkpoints.

The military wants to prevent outsiders from seeing places where abusive army-linked syndicates reap fortunes — all while the world celebrates the Myanmar’s supposed shift from tyrannical misrule into a freer democratic state.

In Myanmar’s far north, more than 100 people were killed on Nov. 21 in a jade mine landslide. The next morning, bodies were still being pulled from beneath the rocks.

On Dec. 26, another large landslide was feared to have killed dozens in Kachin state.

The catastrophes have drawn attention to Myanmar’s brutal and corrupt jade industry.

Myanmar’s jade mines are among the bleakest places in all of Asia. In these zones, death is so common and lawlessness so obscene that the government forbids almost all outsiders from coming to take a look.

The landslide happened in a dusty and isolated outpost called Hpakant, in Kachin state. Its once-green hills have been ground down into yawning pits — big as football stadiums — that resemble craters on the moon. Each day, men descend in hopes of digging out a chunk of quality jade.

This jade extraction industry is dominated by Myanmar’s military figures and their associates, whose firms plunder jade with heavy machinery.

Their profits are staggering. The jade industry was worth up to $31 billion in 2014 alone, according to the investigative non-profit Global Witness — which calls Hpakant a “dystopian wasteland.”

Though jade is Myanmar’s natural bounty, its profits are hoarded by a few. Only a sliver of this wealth is steered toward repairing the nation’s crumbling roads, hospitals and schools.

Even less is used to preserve the safety of miners who scramble into pits in flip-flops and ragged shirts.

While army-linked firms devour jade’s profits, their lucrative business also lures desperate men and women to the mines’ fringes. They are known as “yemase”: freelance scavengers picking through rubble unearthed by the big machines.

They appear to have comprised most of the landslide’s victims.

Their work is technically illegal. After all, army-backed firms own the rights to the land and the rubble they dig up. But in a nation where many survive on less than $2 per day, some believe that risking landslides (and a beating by security guards) is worth it — particularly if they hit the lottery and spy a valuable jade stone overlooked by the big mining companies.

“The stone that makes you a millionaire and the stone that makes you nothing can look the same from the outside,” one jade miner, Myo Aung, told GlobalPost in 2013.

“Think of it as a badly dressed girl. She’s unpolished and unwashed.” If a freelance miner can “fix her up” and sell the stone, he said, the payout can be life-altering.

This dream of finding a stone worth upwards of $30,000 brings droves to the mines’ outskirts. They often set up tents near their prime scavenging spots.

It was this sort of camp, spread out in the shadow of an abandoned 5,000-foot rubble pile, that got buried when the huge mound of rocks collapsed before dawn last Saturday.

Many miners were killed as they slept.

The encampment was “just a slum,” according to a local administrator contacted by Reuters. A state-backed newspaper claimed the miners had been previously warned to vacate the area.

Precise details are difficult to grasp since the military considers Hpakant to be a no-go zone forbidden to almost all foreigners. (A notable exception: dealers from China, the world’s biggest buyer of jade.)

But this disaster is still a reminder that Myanmar’s military Saathee.com

NASA, NOAA Analyses Reveal Record-Shattering Global Temperatures

2015 was the warmest year since modern record-keeping began in 1880, according to a new analysis by NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies. The record-breaking year continues a long-term warming trend — 15 of the 16 warmest years on record have now occurred since 2001.

Credits: Scientific Visualization Studio/Goddard Space Flight Center Earth’s 2015 surface temperatures were the warmest since modern record keeping began in 1880, according to independent analyses by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Globally-averaged temperatures in 2015 shattered the previous mark set in 2014 by 0.23 degrees Fahrenheit (0.13 Celsius). Only once before, in 1998, has the new record been greater than the old record by this much.

The 2015 temperatures continue a long-term warming trend, according to analyses by scientists at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York (GISTEMP). NOAA scientists concur with the finding that 2015 was the warmest year on record based on separate, independent analyses of the data.

Because weather station locations and measurements change over time, there is some uncertainty in the individual values in the GISTEMP index. Taking this into account, NASA analysis estimates 2015 was the warmest year with 94 percent certainty.

“Climate change is the challenge of our generation, and NASA’s vital work on this important issue affects every person on Earth,” said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. “Today’s announcement not only underscores how critical NASA’s Earth continued on page 90 76

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of people you’d like to meet. Make your travel dollars stretch further by piggybacking extra mini-events or meetings onto your events.

Don’t overlook online PR Don’t leave it up to the event organizers to publicize your upcoming appearances. When you book an engagement, write a press release and upload it to the many free online press release distribution sites. Every release increases the number of places your name shows up in search engine results, and those links can help drive traffic to your site.

Then Tweet the links to your releases, post them to the Social Bookmarking sites, and add them to your other web sites and social media pages.

You may also want to create a blog just for your news releases, and a separate blog for your upcoming appearances and have both feed into your web site and other social media pages. It makes it easy and inexpensive for you to add to your releases and events without requiring a designer’s help, it keeps your schedule and news prominent and fresh on your sites, and it makes your effort and links to triple duty.

When you’re working the local media in the city where you’ll be speaking, don’t overlook locally-based Internet radio shows, event posting sites tied to the newspaper or ZIP code that allow you to upload the event announcement, and the load-your-own-news option now available on my online newspapers and TV/radio sites. You could cut your own inexpensive Video News Release (VNR) with a friend playing the anchor and a digital video recorder and make it look like a TV interview, then upload it. (Note: The intent is to create an informative item in a news-like format, not to mislead the viewer to believe that they are watching a clip from an actual news show. Always attribute your company as the producer in the clip credits.)

Use your social media to find new ideas for events and bookings. Set Google Alerts not only for your own name, book titles and company name, but use it to see what your competitors are doing. Add the names of the top five speakers in your topic/industry and see where they’re speaking. That may give you new ideas for the local or regional chapters of the same organizations, or for a presentation that is similar but not repetitive to pitch to that group next year.

If you subscribe to sites like eSpeaker.com or other online speakers bureaus, be sure to use the forums and member profiles to make your own connection to other speakers.

Introduce yourself and forge alliances where you both share research, contacts and tips about events. You can also use Facebook and LinkedIn to do the same with the speakers you meet at the conferences and events you attend. Remember?

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IMMIGRATION MATTERS H-1Bs - america’s Most Sought-after Visa What You Need to Know for Cap Season

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By Lakshmi Challa It’s almost that time of year: Cap Season. For those not entrenched in the world of H-1Bs, America’s most sought after work visa, Cap Season refers to the months leading up to the brief window starting on April 1st when USCIS accepts the filing of cap-subject H-1B applications. Foreign nationals seeking first time H-1B status, a status that offers temporary work authorization in “specialty occupations,” are subject to the Congressionally-set annual numerical cap on the allotment of visas granted each year. Currently, this cap stands at 65,000 for new H-1B visas. An additional 20,000 visas are designated specifically for applicants that have obtained a Master’s Degree or Higher in the United States from qualifying colleges or universities. While some employers are cap-exempt—such as non-profit universities or research organizations— most first time H-1B applications must be selected in the cap lottery to secure H1B work authorization. Successful applicants will be authorized to begin work on October 1, 2016, the start of the governmental fiscal year.

Filing by April 1st is crucial for new H-1Bs applicants. In the first week of April 2015, the USCIS received approximately 233,000 H-1Bs petitions for the available 85,000 slots. On April 7th 2015, the USCIS officially stopped accepting application for the H1B lottery.

Given both the increasing demand as well as the heightened scrutiny that H-1Bs applications have recently been subject to by the USCIS, it is increasingly important for H-1B employers and employees to prepare the strongest petition possible.

• Time is Critical ü Make sure all attorney checklists are carefully read and fully completed to ensure timely completion of your petition. Get all of your supporting documents to your attorney as early as possible so any additional information needed can be gathered in time for its inclusion.

• Moving from F-1 or OPT status ü Students with pending or approved H-1B petitions may qualify for “Cap Gap” – this extension allows eligible students to remain in F-1 status during the cap-gap period between the end of the F-1 status and the October 1st beginning of the H1B status. Speak with your attorney to determine your eligibility.

• Staying in the U.S. üIf your cap case is selected, do not plan to travel abroad until you have an approved H-1B in your hand. Contact your attorney if emergencies arise that require travel outside the US. President obama’s Recent executive order: a Brighter Future?

President Obama’s December 31, 2015 Executive Order offers some light on how he hopes to reform US employment-based immigration system in the final year of his term. The new ruling—that is not yet law and will be open for public comment until February 29, 2016—seeks to formalize into actual regulation previously ambiguous employment immigration policies that are currently outlined in agency memoranda and precedent decisions. Among the many improvements to the H1B program included in this Order is a proposal that would offer job flexibility to H-1B workers who are in the process of applying for a green card. We are continuing to follow the progress of this rule and all other changes to U.S. immigration policy with hopes that the future of employment-based immigration will offer clearer and more decisive policies for the 21st century.

Helpful Tips for Preparing a Strong Petition • Master’s Cap ü Individuals with advanced degrees seeking to qualify under the specific set-aside of 20,000 H-1B visas dedicated to U.S.-earned master’s degrees known as the “master’s cap” should carefully assess whether they are in fact eligible to apply. Over the last two years, USCIS has shifted its interpretation of U.S.-earned master’s degrees to mean only master’s degrees awarded exclusively by qualifying institutions under Section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This means a “public or other nonprofit institution” that “[i]s accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association” or has been granted preaccreditation status. If a college or university doesn’t meet this standard, the H-1B visa will likely be rejected. For H1B hopefuls graduating from U.S. colleges or universities that have only recently been accredited now is the time to obtain letters verifying the accreditation of your school for inclusion with your H-1B petition. USCIS is increasingly reluctant to qualify beneficiaries under the master’s cap who attended a college that obtained its accreditation after the individual’s attendance.

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February 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS Events of Note

IaSNC Valentine’s Day Celebration Indo-American Society of North Carolina (IASNC) is presenting a Valentine’s Day Celebration at the Grand Barcelona Ballroom of Meridian Convention Center, 312 West Meadowview Road, Greensboro, NC on Saturday February 13, 2016 from 6 - 11pm.

The program includes formal dinner, live DJ dance party, Family event and fun games for kids and adults. There is free entry for members, nonmembers $100 (Family of four), $35 single adult, and $20 for additional kids/additional persons.

For ticket purchase online contact www.iasofnc.org or pay at the gate. To participate in performances or additional information contact committee@iasofnc.org.

80s Retro Ski Weekend Celebrate 80s pop culture and ski back in time with 80s bands performing nightly, skiing in retro attire, snow tubing and much more. It all takes place at the Beech Mountain ski resort in North Carolina from February 18-21. For more details call 828-387-9283 or visit www.BeechMtn.com.

Basant Bahar Hum Sub presents the annual Basant Bahar celebration on Sunday, March 20 at the Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary, NC. The 2016 theme is “Rang De - Fusion of Colors.”

The spring fest celebrates colors of Holi, colors of unity, colors of joy and more. Admission is free. Applications to perform must be submitted by Jan 24 and auditions will be held on North Carolina Jazz Festival Feb 14 from 2-5pm at Cary Arts Center. For full details visit The musical weekend, taking place from February 4-6, will www.humsub.net. feature an all-star lineup of national and local jazz musicians and singers. The fest takes place at the Hilton Riverside Hotel, an evening with Dr. atul Gawande Lecture Wilmington, NC. For complete lineup of performances and to The Learning Society of Queens purchase tickets visit www.NCJazzFestival.com. present “An Evening with Dr. Atul Gawande” on Wed, February 24 Nuv Yug India Fest (7pm) at the Knight Theater at The Nuv Yug organization will present the annual India Fest in Levine Center for the Arts, Charlotte and Raleigh. The multi-hued cultural fest will be downtown Charlotte. Tickets are presented in Charlotte on Sat-Sun, March 12-13 at the Park Expo $45 to attend. Dr. Atul Gawande is Center. The long-running Raleigh festival will be held on Sat-Sun, a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship March 19-20 at the NC State Fairgrounds. The festival features winner and the winner of dance performances, visual arts, crafts, food, vendors, fashion, AcademyHealth’s Impact Award and exhibits of India’s culture. Auditions for dance performances for highest research impact on health care. His three books, will be held in Charlotte on Sat, February 20 and Raleigh on Sat, Complications, Better, and The Checklist Manifesto, have all February 27. For further details visit www.nuvyug.net. been highly praised inside and outside the medical community.

His newest book is Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters only owls exhibit in the End. He is a New Yorker columnist, an author - but, most The Museum of York County, Rock Hill, SC presents the exhibit of all, a physician, with a practitioner’s grasp of the everyday “Only Owls” featuring owl artwork by more than 30 artists, as challenges of healthcare delivery. Dr. Gawande is a general well as mounted owls to showcase the beauty and mystery of and endocrine surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in these majestic creatures. The exhibit runs through February 28.

Boston, a professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School For more details call 803-329-2121 or visit www.CHMuseums.org. and professor at the Harvard School of Public Health. He is the head of Ariadne Labs, a joint center for health systems Pankaj udhas in Concert innovation created with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Legendary singer Pankaj Udhas will perform in the Harvard School of Public Health. Gawande serves as lead Raleigh on Sunday, March 6 beginning at 5:45pm at advisor for the World Health Organization’s Safe Surgery the Stewart Theater. He returns to the US celebrating Saves Lives program, and is the founding chairman of 35 years of his musical journey. The show is Lifebox, an international not-for-profit implementing presented by Live Spectrum. Ticket prices begin at systems and technologies to reduce surgical deaths globally. $49 and child care will be available on site. For more details call For more details write to learningsociety@queens.edu or visit 877.222.9324 or visit www.livespectrum.com. www.Queens.edu.

Queen City Sahelis Gala The QCS will present a fundraising gala, “An Evening of Giving,” in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the charities supported. This fundraising event will feature Dinner, Entertainment, Cash bar, Raffles and Music. It will take place on Sat, February 6 at 6:30pm at the Providence Country club, 6001 Providence Country Club Dr., Charlotte. Entry is $100 per person. The event is for adults only. For tickets, sponsorship or raffle donations and event details e-mail at qcsahelis@gmail.com.

Queen City Sahelis (QCS) is a Charlotte-based social network of

Flow Poetry/art exhibition The Hillsborough Gallery of Arts presents FLOW, a poetry/art exhibition featuring the work of the Gallery’s artists and of NC poets inspired by nature and rivers. FLOW is dedicated to the Eno River Association, whose mission is to conserve & protect the natural, cultural, & historic resources of the Eno River Basin.

The exhibition runs through February 21. Hours: Mon-Sat 106, Sun 1-4. 121 N. Churton St. Hillsborough, NC 919-732-5001.

For more details visit www.hillsboroughgallery.com.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS women of South Asian Origin. The mission of QCS is to organize Community News charitable events and assist charities that are underfunded, Study in India this Summer unrecognized and unable to grow independently or just Are you ready for a life-changing experience in INDIA? The starting out. The group meets several times a year and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a faculty-led, organizes charity events. summer study abroad program in India. Participants spend First Summer Session (almost 6 weeks) in India learning about Sangeet Saagar 2016 society and culture for 7 hours of UNC credit. No prior Sangeet Saagar 2016 is the premier South Asian Acapella knowledge of Hindi required. You do not have to be a full-time Competition on the East Coast featuring 6 teams from across the UNC student to apply. The application deadline is February 11.

US, hosted by the Delta Sigma Iota Fraternity. Teams will sing mashups of Hindi and English songs and will take place on Sat, Three of the program weeks are spent in Delhi, the vibrant February 13 at 6pm in the Stewart Theatre, Talley Student Union political and cultural capital of India. Also included are on NC State University’s Campus in Raleigh, NC. Tickets can excursions to contrasting cities and regions of India: Punjab, be found at sangeetsaagardsi.com. All proceeds from this event Hyderabad (Telangana), Agra (UP), and Haridwar-Rishikesh will be donated to Sight Saving Academy India. For more (Uttarakhand). Dates are May 10-June 17 (First Summer Session). Faculty leaders: Dr. Afroz Taj and John Caldwell information about SSAI, visit http://stopblindness.org/.

(Dept. of Asian Studies). Receive course credits and EE general education requirements. The estimated program cost: $4,000 Saraswati Vandana The Indian Performing Arts includes tuition, lodging, all meals, local transportation, Association of Charlotte presents monuments, Study Abroad office fees, and insurance. Airfare “Saraswati Vandana” on Sat, March to Delhi is not included. For full details visit the website: 5 (4-7pm) at the Gandhi Bhavan, http://studyabroad.unc.edu/programs.cfm?pk=127.

Hindu Center, 7400 City View Dr., Charlotte. This is an annual event where local artists come together to share their artistic talents related to Hindustani classical music and Indian classical dance. Individuals or groups can present either vocal, instrumental or dance in classical or semi classical style. For full details visit www.ipaac.org.

NYe Celebration at Goels Plaza

Winter Walk, Botanical Gardens Join for an informative stroll through the delights of the Susie Harwood Garden on the campus of University of NC at Charlotte on Sunday, February 28. There is so much to appreciate in a southern garden in winter – bright berries, bark textures, evergreen structures, and magically fragrant flowers. Learn about treasures to add to your own garden and soak in the beauty of the fourth season exploring the southern garden.

Guided tours begin at 1pm & 2pm with a short presentation on Camellias – the gems of the southern garden. Meet at the McMillan Greenhouse. Cost is $5 per person (free for membersyou may join at the door). The gardens are located at 9090 Craver Road, Charlotte, NC 28262. For more details call 704-687-0721.

World Culture Festival 2016 The World Culture Festival 2016 is a celebration of The Art of Living’s 35 years of service, humanity, spirituality and human values. The festival will celebrate the diversity in cultures from across the world while simultaneously highlighting our unity as a human family. A wide range of inter-cultural events are scheduled including music performances, keynote speeches and meditation sessions. The Festival runs from Mar 11-13 in New Delhi, India on the grounds opposite Mayur Vihar Phase 1 Metro Station. For more information visit www.artofliving.org.

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Bollywood-famous DJ Kenz kept the 500 hundred guests on the 10,000 square foot dance floor alive to welcome 2016 at Goels Plaza in Morrisville on New Year’s Eve. There was a balloon drop, live Times Square action on the big screen, confetti cannons, and the Mayor of Morrisville showing off his moves. There was plenty of music, dancing and food to ring in the New Year.

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February 2016

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Auto Accidents Workman’s Compensation DWI, Speeding Revoked license and Similiar Traffic Infractions and Simple Divorce SERVING THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY My parents are IMMIGRANTS therefore I can understand your situation. You will be treated with the utmost integrity and respect.

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February 2016

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Solar Power

News Notes

continued from page 14

continued from page 76

raised India’s solar capacity goal to 100,000 megawatts by 2022.

The target is an ambitious 20 times current production. If India can meet it, it will become one of the biggest solar powerhouses in the world. “With about 300 clear, sunny days in a year … the solar energy available exceeds the possible energy output of all fossil fuel energy reserves in India,” a senior official in the Ministry of Power, who asked not to be named, told GlobalPost.

Competitive bidding on India’s solar projects have allowed companies like the US-based SunEdison to offer the lowest-ever price per unit for solar energy in India, at 7 cents per kilowatthour. And a rising number of start-ups, encouraged by the government’s support, are stepping in to India’s solar market.

“Given the scale at which the Indian government wants to promote solar, making it reach every household, the timing to switch to solar has never been more conducive than it is right now,” said Samarth Wadhwa, the founder of Sun Bazaar. “Now solar has penetrated into the customers’ minds.”

Wadhwa believes that solar power can be more reliable than the government’s current coal-dependent power supply. His company reaches out directly to urban customers online, allowing consumers to choose how much they want to invest in solar energy, suggesting products that match those prices and installing them in their houses.

“The cost of thermal power is also appreciating, and if we take that into account the cost of a solar system for a household will repay itself within five years,” said Wadhwa.

It isn’t just urban, middle- or upper-class India that can reap these long-term benefits. Infrastructure, ranging from roads to power plants, is poor in rural India — but that is exactly why “off-grid” solar projects are finding success in remote villages.

“To find solar street lights or roof-top mounted solar panel, with battery and associated wiring in the home or shops for lighting and other appliances is a common sight in rural areas now,” said Shyam Patra, the founder of Naturetech Infra. The company provides solar energy directly to rural homes and small and micro enterprises in India’s poorest states, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. “Even petrol pumps and mobile towers operating in rural areas are going for solar power,” he added.

The government is trying to help, too. According to the government official, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy offers a 30 to 40 percent subsidy for the cost of solar lanterns, home lights and small systems.

“Around 20 million solar lamps are expected by 2022,” the official said. “These typically replace kerosene lamps and can be purchased for the cost of a few months’ worth of kerosene through a small loan.”

Despite support from the public and private sectors, solar power still has a few hurdles to cross before it really takes off in India. Both Sun Bazaar’s Wadhwa and Naturetech’s Patra point to the lack of quality control on solar products as one.

“There are a lot of cheap and low-quality products coming in from China,” said Wadhwa. “That erodes consumer confidence in solar, because these systems are known to fail.”

According to the power ministry official, strengthening transmission lines and improving grid infrastructure will also be crucial. Patra added that costs are pushed up because providing services to small rural projects is currently expensive.

India’s massive population may actually be an advantage in bringing costs down. “If we look at what SolarCity is trying to do in the US, if it is economical for them at their limited scale, it will obviously be economical to India at the scale we have.”

For now, it looks like no chutney will be necessary.

Saathee.com

observation program is, it is a key data point that should make policy makers stand up and take notice - now is the time to act on climate.”

The planet’s average surface temperature has risen about 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.0 degree Celsius) since the late-19th century, a change largely driven by increased carbon dioxide and other human-made emissions into the atmosphere.

Most of the warming occurred in the past 35 years, with 15 of the 16 warmest years on record occurring since 2001. Last year was the first time the global average temperatures were 1 degree Celsius or more above the 1880-1899 average.

Phenomena such as El Niño or La Niña, which warm or cool the tropical Pacific Ocean, can contribute to short-term variations in global average temperature. A warming El Niño was in effect for most of 2015.

“2015 was remarkable even in the context of the ongoing El Niño,” said GISS Director Gavin Schmidt. “Last year’s temperatures had an assist from El Niño, but it is the cumulative effect of the long-term trend that has resulted in the record warming that we are seeing.”

Weather dynamics often affect regional temperatures, so not every region on Earth experienced record average temperatures last year. For example, NASA and NOAA found that the 2015 annual mean temperature for the contiguous 48 United States was the second warmest on record.

NASA’s analyses incorporate surface temperature measurements from 6,300 weather stations, ship- and buoybased observations of sea surface temperatures, and temperature measurements from Antarctic research stations.

These raw measurements are analyzed using an algorithm that considers the varied spacing of temperature stations around the globe and urban heating effects that could skew the conclusions if left unaccounted for. The result of these calculations is an estimate of the global average temperature difference from a baseline period of 1951 to 1980.

NOAA scientists used much of the same raw temperature data, but a different baseline period, and different methods to analyze Earth’s polar regions and global temperatures.

GISS is a NASA laboratory managed by the Earth Sciences Division of the agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The laboratory is affiliated with Columbia University’s Earth Institute and School of Engineering and Applied Science in New York.

NASA monitors Earth’s vital signs from land, air and space with a fleet of satellites, as well as airborne and ground-based observation campaigns. The agency develops new ways to observe and study Earth’s interconnected natural systems with long-term data records and computer analysis tools to better see how our planet is changing. NASA shares this unique knowledge with the global community and works with institutions in the United States and around the world that contribute to understanding and protecting our home planet.

For more information about NASA’s Earth science activities, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/earth

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February 2016

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February 2016

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Carolina Khadayata Samaj.

For Further Details: carolinakhadayatasamaj@yahoo.com Jaswant Mehta - 704.839.1965 Rita Shah - 704.321.0740

Charlotte agaram Tamil Palli Agaram Tamil Palli serves the Tamil speaking community in Greater Charlotte area by conducting Tamil language classes at CPCC, central campus.

For Further Details: Megalai Ezhilarasan agaramtp.coord@gmail.com 704.456.9881 http://agaramtamilpalli.wordpress.com

Carolinas Christian assembly Carolinas Christian Assembly located on 12601 Idlewild Road in the city of Matthews, NC, offers worship, fellowship and community assistance to all South Asians living in the Charlotte area. Pastor, Dr. Shibu Cherian, offers free counseling services to married couples and is a licensed premarital counselor.

For Further Details: 704-771-1414 (Church) 404-840-6745 (Mobile) www.carolinaschristianassembly.org

art of Living (Healing with Breath) Art of Living is dedicated to serving society by strengthening the individual. This is done through self-development programs that recharge the body, mind and spirit and allow people to function at their optimum potential. People from all backgrounds, religions and cultural traditions come together in service and celebration.

For Further Details: 980.216.8732 charlotte@us.artofliving.org www.artofliving.org/charlotte

Charlotte Gita Study Group Beginners and advanced students of the Gita are welcome. The group meets the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 3 - 5pm. This course is based on the Home Study Course of the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, Saylorsburg, PA. Each session starts with meditation followed by a recorded lecture in English and discussion among the group.

For Further Details: Rishi and Shikha Bhatnagar - rishi@solveron.com - 513.518.5300 Shridhar and Kruti Dave - skdave@hotmail.com - 704.844.9567 www.freewebs.com/gitastudy

association for Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Development - Charlotte A volunteer movement committed to promoting sustainable, equitable and just development. AID Charlotte supports grassroots organizations in India and initiates efforts in various interconnected spheres such as education, livelihoods, natural resources, health, womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s empowerment and social justice.

For Further Details: Kiran Uppalapati - 704.307.6450 Venkata Ramana Duddu - 662.231.2350

Charlotte Hindu Center Table Tennis The Charlotte Hindu Center Table Tennis group meets every Wednesday from 6.30 - 10 pm. All levels and types of play. Takes place at Vihar Hall, Hindu Center, 7400 City View Dr, Charlotte, NC. For Further Details: 704.607.8412

BaPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir A spiritual, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selfless service. Activities include: Daily Arti 6:30 am & 6:30 pm; Weekly Satsang Sabha held every Sunday which includes Bhajans and spiritual discourses: Adults: 4pm, Young Men (Ages 23-36) - 3pm, Young Women (Ages 23-36) - 4pm, Teens - 4:30pm, and Children - 5pm.

The Temple is located at 4100 Margaret Wallace Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28105.

For Further Details: 704.573.0805 www.baps.org

Charlotte Kriya Yoga Group The group promotes Kriya Yoga Meditation as taught by the lineage of realized masters such as Mahaavatar Baba Ji, Lahri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteshwar Giri, Paramahamsa Yogananda, Hariharananda, and Prajanananada. A sincere seeker who follows the path of Kriya Yoga with love and devotion and a desire for spiritual growth can attain Self-realization. The center hosts two annual initiation programs and a weekly Sunday meditation for initiates.

For Further Details: agupta1@carolina.rr.com www.kriya.org

Bethel Christian Fellowship Bethel Christian Fellowship offers services in various South Asian languages (i.e. Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, etc.) Sunday School (11:15am - 11:45am); Sunday Worship Service (11:45am 1:15pm). Sunday Service Location: Fort Mill Church of God - 216 Academy St., Room 102. Fort Mill, SC 29715. Saturday Service Location: Life Builders Church - 730 Oak Dale Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216.

For Further Details: 803.792.7223 Pastor: Rajan Samuel pastorofbcf@gmail.com

Charlotte Malayalee association The association promotes and facilitates the cultural, educational, social and economic welfare of the Charlotte Malayalee community.

For Further Details: cltma@cltma.org 704.517.5850 www.cltma.org Charlotte Marathi Mandal CSMM promotes Maharashtrian culture and language.

Maharashtra mandal is committed to serve Carolina Marathi community with various cultural, social and traditional Marathi

Carolina Khadayata Samaj All Khadayata families of NC and SC are welcome to be part of the Saathee.com

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Gurdwara Sahib The Gurdwara works to enrich the lives of the Sikh & Punjabi communities of Charlotte and surrounding areas. Located at 1760 Stoney Creek Lane, Charlotte, NC 28262. Regular Program: Every Sunday: 10 - 11am, Asa Di War by Bhai Satnam Singh Jee, 11am 12pm, Keertan by Children, 12 - 1:15pm, Keertan by Bhai Satnam Singh Jee, 1:15 - 1:30pm, Ardaas, followed by Guru Ka Langar.

For Further Details: www.charlottegurdwara.org

programs and special events.

For Further Details: csmmonline@gmail.com www.charlottemarathimandal.com Charlotte Telangana association This association was formed to promote Telangana cultural activities within greater Charlotte area. It brings together all the Telangana people living in the area to discuss, plan, and take action around the development of Telangana focusing both on rural and urban areas.

For Further Details: www.charlottetelangana.com

Hindu Center of Charlotte The Hindu Center of Charlotte holds many regular events and religious ceremonies. The temple library is stocked with books, CDs, DVDs and other materials on varied genres such as religion, culture, history, philosophy, yoga and health. The temple is located at 7400 City View Dr., Charlotte, NC 28212.

Upcoming Events: Mon, Mar 7: Maha Shivratri Wed, Mar 23: Holika Dahan Sun, Mar 27: Dhuleti, color, food, music For Further Details: 704.535.3440 / 704.607.8412 (facility manager) admin@hcclt.org www.hcclt.org

Charlotte Vipassana Meditation Group Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills. The Charlotte Vipassana Meditation Group holds weekly group sits and monthly all day sits for established students (those who have taken at least one ten-day course from S. N. Goenka or one of his assistant teachers). Ten-day courses are also available for all students. Never a charge for a course.

For Further Details: 704.277.5013 - rbddesai@gmail.com 704.563.5440 - dspranger@gmail.com www.dhamma.org

IaMC (Indian american Muslim Council) - Charlotte IAMC is committed to promoting peace, pluralism and social justice for all through advocacy. The organization is also committed to promote and protect human rights and human dignity in India as they are the foundation of freedom and justice.

IAMC-Charlotte seeks to reach out to Indian Muslims living in and around Charlotte to strive for Inter-Faith, Inter-Community understanding with particular focus on Indian Diaspora.

For Further Details: Ashfaq Mehdi - 704.904.5778 Afzal Syed - 704.770.1103 iamc-charlotte@yahoogroups.com

Classical Music association of Charlotte (CMaC) CMAC sponsors many classical concerts during the year in Charlotte. Membership forms are available at shows.

Upcoming Events: Sun, April 3: Veena Concert by Rajhesh Vaidhya and party Sun, May 22: Vocal concert by Aishwarya (Great granddaughter of M.S) and party For Further Details: Lakshmi Muthukrishnan - 704.814.9355 - lakshmi7778@yahoo.com Jayashree Panduranga - 704.541.3361 - cacmusic@yahoo.com www.onlinecmac.org

India association of Charlotte The organization works to foster better understanding of the rich diversity of Indian culture by the larger community in and around Charlotte.

The Festival of India is held annually in September.

For Further Details: Toni Sawhney - 704.604.2133 Lal Vishin - 704.545.3727 www.indiafestival.net

Dada Bhagwan Group What is Gnan Vidhi? It is the scientific process of attaining Self Realization in the presence of Atmagnani. It is the gracing of real knowledge that separates the real Self from the non-self. The benefits of Gnan Vidhi are many: attaining awareness of the soul, getting solution through right understanding, removing wrong beliefs and destroying past sins.

For Further Details: 877.505.3232 www.dadabhagwan.org

Indian Performing arts association of Charlotte (IPaaC) IPAAC promotes classical Hindustani music by inviting wellknown artists from India and offers music classes at various locations in Charlotte.

For Further Details: contact@ipaac.org www.ipaac.org

ekal Vidyalaya Foundation Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India (EVFI) was established to help in the overall development of the remote tribal and rural villages in India. Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA along with EVFI is committed to the cause of eradicating illiteracy from tribal areas.

Education is the key to self-esteem, self-sustenance, and economic freedom. The Carolinas Region of the EVFUSA conducts fund raising and awareness programs in North & South Carolina.

For Further Details: Ekal Charlotte: Kameswar Tulasi - himadeeps@yahoo.com Ekal Columbia: Janak Dalal - jaydalalcolumbia@gmail.com Saathee.com

Jain Center of Greater Charlotte (JCGC) The JCGC serves the spiritual, cultural, social, and community needs of Jain families in and around Charlotte area. JCGC is dedicated to the practice, understanding, promotion, and preservation of the Jain faith. Activities include celebrating major religious festivals such as Mahavir Jayanti, Paryushan, Diwali, and 94

February 2016

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS For Further Details: Anju Desai - ajdesai66@gmail.com - 980.622.0125 Shubhra Chakraborty - shubhra.chakraborty1@gmail.com 704.942.4798 www.prathamusa.org

routine programs like Swadhyay, Poojas and children’s Pathshaala.

The Center is located at 7631 Mallard Creek Rd., Charlotte, NC 28262.

Upcoming events: Sun, Feb 7 (Chaudash): Pakkhi Pratikraman 6:30pm Tues, Feb 9 (Ekam): Snatra Puja 10am Sun, Feb 14 (Satam): Paathshala for children 10:30am Sun, Feb 21 (Chaudash): Pakkhi Pratikraman 6:30pm Sun, Feb 28 (Pancham): Monthly Meeting & Paathshala for Children 2pm Weekdays: 9:30am - Prakshal and Pooja, 7:30pm - Aarti and Mangal Divo Weekends: 10:30am - Prakshal and Pooja, 7:30pm - Aarti and Mangal Divo For Further Details: JCGC President: Vibhakar Modi - 704.258.4507 info@jaincenter.us www.jaincenter.us

Probasi of Charlotte Probasi’s goal is to organize cultural and educational program related to Bengal in the Charlotte area, to increase Bengali cultural awareness, and to provide community service in the area.

For Further Details: www.probasi.org Sahaj Marg Meditation Sahaj Marg which means Simple or Natural path, is a Raj Yoga system of spiritual training based on the heart centered meditation.

The features of this meditation include transmission of divine energy into the heart of the practitioner and cleaning of deep impressions, thereby regulating the mind. Regular practice of this system of meditation integrates the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of human being, while still encouraging people to maintain a normal family and working life. A group meditation is held at the Unity of Charlotte on Sundays & Wednesdays.

For Further Details: Srikanth Katakam - 704.496.4411 naturalpath.nc@gmail.com www.srcm.org

Life Bliss Charlotte Meditation Center The Center works to spread the knowledge of Yoga and meditation by letting people experience the teachings of Vedic Science in its purest form delivered by the enlightened master Paramahamsa Sri Nithyananda. Life Bliss Foundation is part of a worldwide movement for meditation and healing. Paramahamsa Nithyananda is a global leader in the science of enlightenment and the author of more than 300 books published in 27 languages.

For Further Details: LifeBlissClt@gmail.com 704.766.1420 / 704.992.6114 www.innerawakening.org

Sangamithra Foundation Sangamithra Foundation is a Charlotte based charity organization formed by a group of people who strive to make a difference in society. The team has taken the path of identifying the needs of underprivileged communities in India and provides support to meet those needs. Sangamithra is reaching out on a global scale and working collectively towards realizing its vision.

For Further Details: www.sangamithra.org info@sangamithra.org

Net IP Charlotte NetIP Charlotte is the only official Carolinas chapter of North America’s Largest Network of Indian Professionals. NetIP Charlotte provides a forum for on-going Career Developmental and Professional Networking activities. It also arranges various events and maintains deeper ties with Businesses & the Community.

For Further Details: www.netIPnc.org

Shantiniketan Senior Center of Carolinas The Shantiniketan Senior Center of Carolinas (SSCC) is located at 1817 Central Ave., Room # 208, Charlotte, NC. The Center is open from 10am - 3pm and presents members with activities, outings, access to physical care and mental well being and care.

For More Details: Nimish Bhatt - 704.560.4910 / 704.491.1186 nimishbhatt@bellsouth.net

Nuv Yug Nuv Yug is a cultural organization with a mission to promote awareness of Indian cultural arts and heritage. Striving to create synergy among various cultural groups from the South Asian region.

Upcoming Events: March 12-13: India Fest, the Park Expo Center, Charlotte. Auditions are on Sat, Feb. 20.

For Further Details: www.nuvyug.net

Shree Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal Vadtal On the 1st Saturday of every month, Shree Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal Vadtal has kirtans and bhajans at the Hindu Center of Charlotte at 5pm. After the bhajans, there is Aarti and Mahaprasad.

In addition, on the 3rd Sunday of every month, an additional Satsang Sabha is held at a sponsor’s house from 3 - 5pm.

For Further Details: Ramesh Dhanani - 704.392.4488 admin@issvcharlotte.org

Pratham - Charlotte Pratham organizes grassroots programs in the area of primary education. Pratham has made an impact on the learning levels of several million children through its Read India campaign. It has developed an accelerated learning technique which helps children to read and write in two months. With nearly half the children in India who attend schools are not learning to read and write at the required level, Pratham is trying to fill an important gap in the area of primary education.

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Shri Rang avadhut Parivar (Parspar Devo Bhav) The group meets Thursdays from 6 - 8pm in Charlotte. The group recites Datta-Bavani, singing devotional Dattatraya Bhajans and reading Guru-Lilamrut. Detailed information about Charlotte 96

February 2016

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS For Further Details on VPSC contact the following: vsccarolinas@gmail.com Prathmesh Shah - 704.763.3059

meetings, Literature, Videos, as well as Nareshwar Ashram and Shri Avadhut’s life are available.

For Further Details: Bharat Shah - 704.724.6247 Nagesh Patel - 704.399.7805

Vibha Charlotte Vibha Charlotte is volunteer driven organization dedicated to create a brighter future for underprivileged children. Charlotte Action Center has a group of energetic and enthusiastic volunteers from varied backgrounds. This group came together through a strong belief in Vibha’s mission and resolved to create a positive societal impact in India. The group works to organize social events that spread awareness and raise funds to further the organization’s mission.

For further Details: Volunteers@charlotte.vibha.org http://sites.vibha.org/Charlotte/home

Sindhi association of the Carolinas The Sindhi Association of the Carolinas (SAC) organizes religious, cultural, community, and social events in Charlotte. SAC also sends donations for the needy to the schools in India for Scholarships and for camp refugees in India.

For Further Details: sindhiassociationcarolinas@gmail.com 704.779.2396 SouthPark Cricket Club South Park Cricket Club is based in Charlotte and has been an active member of the Mid Atlantic Cricket Conference since 2002.

The club home base is at the Reedy Creek Park, 2900 Rocky River Rd, Charlotte, NC. For Further Details: anishtr@hotmail.com www.southparkcc.org

Greensboro art of Living (Greensboro) The Art of Living Foundation offers programs to uncover the strength, peace, and joy that lie at the core of every human being.

Part I courses are offered regularly in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Greensboro which cover breathing techniques to eliminate stress & tension; skills for improving relationships at home and at work; practical wisdom to get the most out of life; insight into the laws that govern the mind & emotions; low-impact yoga and the breathing-based technique called Sudarshan Kriya, or the healing breath.

For Further Details: Nirupama Shankar - shankar.nirupama@gmail.com Puja Verma - puja_usa@yahoo.com http://us.artofliving.org/greensboro

Srishti of Charlotte Srishti works to fulfill the NC community’s need for togetherness and the desire to showcase Bengali culture, heritage, literature, theatre, music and popular arts. Literally, the word Srishti means an act of creation. Though established and coordinated by a group of Bengali families, Srishti welcomes and brings together people of varied cultures, ethnicity, languages, backgrounds and nationalities who are interested in East Indian traditions.

For Further Details: Santanu Sarkar - 704.541.3451 www.srishticharlotte.org

BaPS Greensboro BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Greensboro features activities which include Sunday Sabhas: Shishu (Toddlers) sabha: 4 - 5pm; Bal/Balika sabha: 4:15 - 5:30pm; Kishore sabha: 2 - 3:30pm; Main sabha: 4 - 6pm; Gujarati classes: 2:30 - 3:45pm and Arti at 6pm followed by Mahaprasad. Fresh Shayona snacks available on Sundays.

Located at 922 Gallimore Dairy Road, High Point, NC. For Further Details: bapsgreensboro@gmail.com

Telugu association of Greater Charlotte area (TaGCa) The organization’s mission is to bring together Telugu speaking people and to promote Telugu Culture. TAGCA organizes regular events and programs.

For Further Details: www.tagca.org Trimurti Temple Trimurti Temple is open daily, morning puja (10am) and evening puja (7pm). Sunday abhisekhams (11am) and other special pujas.

The temple is located at 6519 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC, 28216.

For Further Details: 980.219.7556 contact@trimurtitemple.org www.trimurtitemple.org

Greensboro Cricket Club (GCC) There are several teams that play Cricket in the Greensboro area.

The goals of GCC are fun, fitness, and friendship.

For Further Details: 336.501.3566 (9:00am - 9:00pm, S&S) Dev (Greensboro Warriors) - happy4mehta@yahoo.com Venky (Triad Tigers) - venkyhot@hotmail.com

Vallabh Pushti Samaj of Carolinas (VPSC) VPSC is starting construction of “Shrinath Dham Haveli” for benefit of entire Vaishnav Samaj and Pushtimargiya devotional activities. VPSC is moving forward with objective to fill devotional need for hundreds of Vaishnavs in Carolinas to worship and pray together, perform “seva and rituals” and to observe and celebrate festivals and to perform and engage in humanitarian and educational activities. Regular “Paath and Bhajan” recitations are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month from 4 - 6pm at Shrinath Dham Haveli - 1006 Vickie Lane, Stallings, NC 28104.

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Gujarati Cultural association of Piedmont (GCaP) The Gujarati Cultural Association of Piedmont serves the Asian Indian community through sponsored events, cultural, educational and social programs. Located at 127 Landmark Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410 For Further Details: Jack Dhekar - 336.254.1727 Manubhai Patel - 336.253.7182 www.gcap.us 98

February 2016

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS India association of the Triad (IaTNC) Greensboro The objective of the Association is to promote social, cultural and educational interests of its members, develop understanding between members of the Indian community and other residents of the Triad area, and make the latter aware of issues of concern to the Indian community.

For Further Details: committee@iatnc.org www.iatnc.org Indo-american Society of NC (IaSNC) The objectives of IASNC are to support the Indian, South Asian and American community residing in Greensboro, NC and vicinity and other individuals interested in learning the culture, traditions, and arts of India. Specifically, IASNC promotes Indo-American cultural, arts and sports events and also school based volunteering activities.

Upcoming Events: Sat, Feb. 13: Valentine’s Day Celebration, 6pm, Meridian Convention Center, Greensboro, NC. The program includes formal dinner, live DJ dance party, Family event and fun games for kids and adults. Call 336684-5833.

For Further Details: Krishna Balu - 336.292.9462 - balu4428@infionline.net www.iasofnc.org Indo-uS Cultural association of Winston-Salem The Indo-US Cultural Association’s primary mission is to increase awareness of the cultural heritage of India which is tremendously rich in its diversity and history. The Association seeks to reach out to the thriving Indian-American community within the Piedmont and Triad areas to share the vibrant Indian culture and promote cross-cultural understanding.

For Further Details: Manish Kumar, 336.565.6427 kumar.manish1983@gmail.com www.indouswinston.org Life Mission, uSa This ashram has been established to provide helpful benefits for all - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. All these benefits can be achieved through the natural remedies of yoga therapy, Ayurveda, naturopathy and diet. The ashram is located at 8136 NC Highway 119, South Mebane, NC 27302.

For Further Details: 336.421.0690 Dr. Manoj - 848.459.7401 lifemissionusa@gmail.com www.lifemissionusa.com Prabhupada Village Prabhupada Village is a rural Hare Krishna community situated in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Puja/Worship of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai/Sri Pancha Tattva starts at 5:00am every day. Every Sunday at 3pm there is chanting, dancing, feasting and philosophy. The temple is located at 1283 Prabhupada Rd, Sandy Ridge, NC 27046.

For Further Details: 336.593.2322 / 336.793.7138 prabhupadavillage@gmail.com www.prabhupadavillage.com

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Quan am Buddhist Temple All interested in Buddhism are welcome. The temple is located at 1410 Glendale Dr., Greensboro, NC 27407 For Further Details: www.ChuaQuanAm.com Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center of Greensboro, NC The Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center regularly conducts Sai Bhajans, Study Circles, various service activities and SSE classes (for students) every Sunday from 9:45 am - 12:15pm.

For Further Details: Swami Rajendran - 908.875.6964 Dr. Varatharajah - 336.851.9150

Raleigh art of Living Foundation Art of Living gives practical knowledge and techniques to unlock deepest potential and bring fullness to life. The techniques are effective in reducing stress levels and increase health, physical energy, enthusiasm, self-esteem, awareness, and clarity of mind.

Advance courses are also available once every few months. Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar’s mission is to create a violence free, stress free society and One World Family. Art of Living center holds follow-up sessions on Thur, Sat, Sun and Kirtan Satsang every Friday evening. The Art of Living Center is located at 4000 Bear Cat Way Suite 102, Morrisville, NC 27560.

For Further Details: 919.793.8490 rdu@us.artofliving.org www.behappytriangle.org atlantic Coast Sikh association One of the oldest Sikh associations in the Southeastern USA. It meets every Sunday from 11:30am to 1:30pm at its Kirtan is done

by Bhai Dyal Singh Jatha. Classes for Punjabi and religious studies are held for children at the same time. Gurdwara located at 3108 Sparger Road, Durham, NC 27705.

For Further Details: Bhai Dyal Singh - 919.309.1045 www.acsagurdwara.org Balagokulam Gokulam is where Lord Krishna’s magical childhood days were spent. It was here that his divine powers came to light. Every child has that spark of divinity within. Balagokulam is a forum for children (4-15 years age) to discover and manifest that divinity. It will enable Hindu children in the US to appreciate their cultural roots and learn values. This is done through games, yoga, stories, songs, shlokas, arts/crafts, and Seva (selfless service) in the community. Sessions are free for all and held on Saturdays.

For Further Details: balagokulam.rtp@gmail.com (Raleigh) hss.charlotte@hssus.org (Charlotte) www.balagokulam.org BaPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir invites everyone to the regularly scheduled events: Ravi sabha - every Sunday at 4 - 6pm followed by Aarti and Maha Prasad. Mahapuja conducted every Purnima at 7pm. Many classes are conducted. Fresh Indian snacks and sweets available at Shayona. Located at 1020 Aviation February 2016

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560.

For Further Details: 919.469.6605 www.swaminarayan.org Bengali association of North Carolina (BaNC) BANC seeks to promote Bengali culture, language, music, arts and social activities by offering varieties of programs for members of INDO-American community within North Carolina and adjacent states. The association is organized exclusively for charitable, cultural, social and educational purposes.

For Further Details: Ratan Ray - 919.461.2386 - ratanray@hotmail.com Swaty Sen - 919.510.7943 - swaty_sen@yahoo.com banc_members@googlegroups.com www.banc-online.org Bharatiya Senior Citizens of NC BSCNC is an organization for Senior Citizens of Indian Origin that are age 60 years and over. BSCNC members meet on the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Cary Senior Center in Bond Park in Cary, NC from 10am to 4pm. The next meeting will be on February 13. The group will celebrate Valentine Day on this day and all members are requested to dress up appropriately for the event For Further Details: Kusumben Desai (President) - 919.677.8513 Natver Parikh (Vice President) - 336.266.5209 Upmanyu Shukla (Director) - 321.696.1474 Carolina Rajasthani association The Carolina Rajasthani Association organizes several events throughout the year and works to promote Rajasthani culture to the greater community.

For Further Details: carolinarajasthanis@gmail.com www.carolinarajasthanis.org Chinmaya Mission Chinmaya Mission is a worldwide organization promoting spiritual growth as started by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. The Chinmaya Mission Raleigh Durham (CMRDU) chapter conducts Balavihar classes from kids on Sun from 10am to 11:30am at Reedy Creek Middle School, Cary. The classes are tailored to each age group by special curriculum created by experienced Swamijis and Acharyas exclusively for CM Balavihar. Curriculum includes learning to chant the BhagavadGita verses, singing devotional bhajans, stories from scriptures, family pujas, meditation, and fun activities like picnics and competitions. Introduction to Hindi and Sanskrit is also included.

Parents can enroll their children in Balavihar through the website.

A regular adult study group is conducted for adults on Sunday mornings.

For Further Details: www.chinmaya-RDU.org Dada Bhagwan Foundation The Foundation was formed with the goal of spreading peace and harmony to the world through the science of Akram Vignan - the science of Self Realization as expounded by the Shree A.M. Patel, known as Dadashri or Dada Bhagwan. DBF organizes Spiritual Satsangs /Gnanvidhi (2-hour scientific process of self-realization) of Pujya Deepakbhai around the world. There are no formal Saathee.com

lectures, but instead in the format of questions and answers on various topics. Held every 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturday of each month from 5 - 7pm followed by Prasad. Located at the HSNC Hall, 309 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC. For Further Details: 877.505.3232 ext 1003 rabhatt@yahoo.com www.dadabhagwan.org Datta Yoga Center - Raleigh Mission: Spread the teachings of Sadguru Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji of Mysore. Activities: Namasankeertana - Bhajans written, composed and sung by Pujya Sri Swamiji. Kriya yoga classes conducted by Pujya Sri Swamiji-trained teachers from India. The group meets on the first Saturday of every month and every major festival day for Satsang and Namasankeertana (divine singing). Everyone is invited to attend.

For Further Details: Srinivas Chittineni - 919.484.1993 Suresh Kota - 919.461.0843 Duke Diya Duke Diya is a Duke University student organization that is committed to providing a forum for interaction through political, cultural, community service, and social events relating to South Asian Americans.

For Further Details: 732.865.3173 www.dukediya.com ekal Vidyalaya Foundation RTP Chapter Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India (EVFI) was established to help in the overall development of the remote tribal and rural villages in India. Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA along with EVFI is committed to the cause of eradicating illiteracy from tribal areas.

Education is the key to self-esteem, self-sustenance, economic wellbeing and happiness. The Raleigh Chapter EVFUSA conducts fund raising and awareness programs in the Triangle area.

For Further Details: Ekal/RTP - raginiusa@yahoo.com eKTaa Student organization EKTAA (meaning unity) is the South Asian Student Organization at North Carolina State University (NCSU). The organization was founded in 1970. The motto is â&#x20AC;&#x153;unity within diversity.â&#x20AC;? EKTAA strives to spread culture and heritage of South Asia all over the campus as well as the local community and the organization works hand-in-hand with many organizations on and off the NCSU campus, as well as South Asian organizations from area universities.

For Further Details: www.ektaa.org Geet Bazaar Radio Program Every Sunday morning from 10am - 12om on WKNC 88.1 FM, join hosts Afroz Taj and John Caldwell, for a wide variety of music from India, Pakistan, and other countries and languages of South Asia.

Geet Bazaar will also publicize community events free of charge.

For Further Details: Dr. Afroz Taj - 919.851.1119 taj@unc.edu

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Gem Raleigh Church of God Attend worship services, prayer meetings or weekly Sunday school. Located at 316 Watchet Place, Wake Forest, NC 27587 For Further Details: Pastor Thankachan Mathai - 919.395.6208 globalem@gmail.com Gokul Bhajan and Vedic Studies Weekly satsang of parents and children singing bhajans and glorifying past times of Lord Krishna. Multimedia assisted programs every Friday 7 to 9pm at HSNC, Morrisville, NC. Children learn slokas, learn presentation skills, manage and lead various projects such as book distribution, charity for cow protection, food for poor, and prison seva.

For Further Details: bkdasa@gmail.com 919.491.9536 www.gokulbhajan.com Grihastha Family Institute Grihastha Family Institute offers parenting workshops for the parents of 6 to 16 old in Cary, NC. These workshops are free and conducted in collaboration with AID-INDIA, a non-profit organization. There are three workshops: Essentials of Parenting; Rate your Parenting; Know your Child.

For Further Details: www.grihastha.org Heritage India association of NC (HIaNC) Heritage India Association of NC aims at providing Indian cultural experience through performing arts, cultural arts, fine arts & crafts of India. Its mission is “to preserve and promote Indian heritage and culture.” During the year, the association presents several events and also coordinates Indian dances for the main stage performances for the Raleigh International Festival.

For Further Details: yashcgarg@gmail.com Hindi Vikas Mandal of NC Hindi Vikas Mandal (HVM) based in the RTP area, promotes study and appreciation of Hindi Language, and strives to foster Indian culture and traditions through Hindi. HVM has special focus on the youth from the preservation of Indian heritage. Every year HVM has been organizing Kavi-Sammelan (Poetry Reading); Independence Day Function with over a dozen other Indian organizations of the RTP area participate in this function where HVM takes the lead; celebrates Dushera Festival and a members’ picnic. HVM also conducts weekly Hindi classes (10:30 - 11:30am on Sundays) at HSNC for children.

For Further Details: Saroj Sharma - 919.460.7830 https://www.facebook.com/hindivikasmandal/ Hindu Society of North Carolina The Hindu Society of NC temple is open daily from 7:00am 9:00pm. Morning Aarti: Mon-Fri 10.30am, Sat-Sun 10:00am.

Evening Aarti: Mon-Fri 8:00pm, Sat-Sun 6:00pm. There are many other regular events taking place at the temple. All major religious celebrations are observed. Facility rentals are also available. Priest services are available at your home and/or at the Temple at a nominal charge. Activities: Yoga, Hinduism and Meditation classes; Weekend Community Classes: Jain pathshala, Hindi Saathee.com

classes, Sanskar Gurkul Classes, Tamil classes, Balmukund classes; Youth Affairs: Ohm Squad is the youth wing of HSNC involved in the youth activities like camp, games, craft and arts.

Located at 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC and serves the greater Triangle area.

For Further Details: Saroj Sharma - 919.654.5224 Trilok Pillai (manager) - 919.599.6597 hsnc@hsnconline.org www.hsnconline.org Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) The HSS conducts activities to develop character and leadership skills in participants, emphasizing values such as self-discipline, self-confidence and a spirit of selfless service (seva) for humanity while maintaining Hindu cultural identity in harmony with the larger society. HSS is inspired by the idea that the whole world is one family. HSS has over 100 chapters (shakhas) across the country.

Activities are tailored to include yoga, games, songs, lectures and discussions on Hindu dharma and culture.

For Further Details: www.hssus.org (click Chapter Locations on the Top Left, then select North Carolina) HumSub HumSub is dedicated to sharing the social and cultural traditions of India with the residents of the Research Triangle Park and North Carolina.

Upcoming Events: Sun, Mar 20: Basant Bahar, Fusion of colors. Cary Arts Center.

For Further Details: www.humsub.net Immanuel assembly of God A full Gospel Christian church serving the Indian / South Asian community in Raleigh and RTP area of North Carolina. The Church is located at 5419 S. Alston Ave, Durham, NC 27713.

For Further Details: 919.442.8537 thechurch@immanuelassembly.org www.immanuelassembly.org India Development & Relief Fund (IDRF) The Triangle chapter of IDRF supports volunteer-based, honest and highly experienced non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India in serving their populations’ critical needs around education, childcare, healthcare, women empowerment and tribal welfare, as well as relief and rehabilitation in times of natural disasters.

For Further Details: www.idrf.org.

Indian american Forum for Political education (IaFPe) IAFPE is the oldest and largest Indian American organization for political education with numerous chapters throughout the United States. The North Carolina Chapter is in Raleigh and is motivated to educate the community on political issues and help the community with various services. Support is needed from the community and members to help the chapter grow and provide relevant services and informative events.

For Further Details: www.forum-nc.org

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Indian Classical Music & Dance Society (ICMDS) ICMDS is dedicated to the task of promoting Indian classical music and dance in the Triangle area. ICMDS invites top artists from all over the world to perform in the Triangle area.

For Further Details: www.icmds.org Indian Talent Discovery Foundation ITDF was established to promote any form of art that has originated in India. The primary objective of the foundation is to encourage local talent to excel in the chosen art to become professionals. The art can be in any form such as Indian Classical and Bollywood dance, Indian music, Astrology, Numerology, Palmistry, traditional medicine, Vaasthu Shasra, and so on.

For Further Details: contactus@itdfoundation.org www.itdfoundation.org Indo-american Friendship Foundation The foundation works to improve Friendship between the People of India and USA through Cultural and Technological Exchanges.

For Further Details: iaff10@yahoo.com www.iaff1.org InStepp InStepp is located in Durham and its mission is to create a vibrant community by empowering women who’ve come up against some challenges in their lives to rise above those challenges and succeed personally and professionally through innovative, genderresponsive training, educational and prevention services. Services include employment & career counseling, resume development, skills training, federal and state benefits application, financial and tuition assistance, community and college referrals, computer skills training and more. InStepp welcomes all women from South Asia and understands the differences in customs and religions across South Asia and can provide services in many South Asian Languages.

For Further Details: 919.680.8000 pmanhas@instepp.org www.instepp.org International Buddhist Progress Society - NC Temple All are invited to the temple, which is open from 10:00am - 5:00pm Tuesday through Sunday, with Sunday services at 10:00am followed by a free vegetarian lunch. The temple is located at 2529 Prince Drive, Raleigh NC 27606.

For Further Details: 919.816.9866 www.blianc.org International Community Church ICC is a worship center for people from India and neighboring countries. Church services at Reedy Creek Baptist Church 1524 N. Harrison Avenue Cary, NC 27513 For Further Details: 919.233.2900 Pastor: Joseph B. Jesudason http://www.icc-nc.org/

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International Hindi association IHA promotes Hindi language and literature and has chapters all over the United States. The Raleigh Chapter periodically organizes Kavi Sammelans with local and indigenous talents. Open to those interested in listening to poetry or in reciting poetry.

For Further Details: Saroj Sharma - 919.656.5224 Sudha Om Dhingra - 919.678.9056 www.hindi.org International Swaminarayan Satsang organization (ISSo) ISSO is a socio-religious organization and its primary objective is to advance the Sanatan Dharma in accordance with the principles and teachings of Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya, founded and ordained by Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan Himself. ISSO RaleighDurham chapter organizes a regularly scheduled biweekly “Satsang Sabha,” every other Saturday, at HSNC Cultural Hall (309 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville, NC-27560), which includes Kirtan bhakti, Katha, Aarti and Mahaprasad. Pujya Santo visit often to impart the divine knowledge of Swaminarayan Bhagwan.

For Further Details: 919.964.1008 isso.nc@gmail.com http://issonc.org ISKCoN New Goloka Temple of NC New Goloka temple is a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The Radha-Krishna temple is in a rural setting at 1032 Dimmocks Mill Rd. Hillsborough, NC. Visitors are welcome any day of the week to come have darshan of Sri Sri Radha Golokananda. Every Sunday at 4:00pm, there is a special program consisting of arati, kirtan, Bhagavad-gita discourse, and a prasadam feast. From 4:30 - 5:30pm, there is a Sunday School program for children ages 3-7 and 8-12. Children take part in learning Bhagavad-gita slokas and bhajans, understanding the basic philosophy, reciting and hearing stories from the Vedas. New Goloka also provides educational classes and programs for adults.

New Goloka Daily Darshan Times 4:30 - 5:00am, 7:15am - 1:00pm, 4:15 - 5:45pm, 7:00 - 8:00pm. Saturday and Sunday Darshan open from 7:15am - 8:00pm.

For Further Details: 919.593.6827 golokanandapriya@hotmail.com www.newgoloka.com Kiran Kiran is a community based South Asian organization promoting self-reliance and empowerment of South Asian women and men who are in domestic violence through crisis counseling and intervention, language assistance and translation and resource referrals in a confidential manner. Services offered at Kiran are confidential and free of charge. The organization spreads awareness about causes and effects of domestic violence in the community and cooperates with organizations in the USA and elsewhere with similar objectives. Kiran assists and provides information on referrals to professional and community services regarding legal issues, health care, short-term child care, psychological counseling, and temporary shelter and housing.

For Further Details: 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 877.625.4726 919.839.6203 kiran@kiraninc.org www.kiraninc.org 106

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Lakulish Yoga and Health Retreat Lakulish Yoga and Health Retreat is a secluded resort in Caswell County. It is a place of natural beauty that stimulates a spirit of detachment and inspires and uplifts visitors. This resort is hallowed by a Yogi, a Sannyasi who ensures that the true practice of Dharma and Yoga flourishes here, offering the NC community and visitors an ongoing program of free Yoga Classes. The classes are offered each Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00pm, and each Saturday from 11:00am - 1:00pm.

Located at 8136 NC Highway 119 South, Mebane, NC. For Further Details: 336.421.0690 lifemisionusa@gmail.com www.lifemissionusa.org Maitri A student organization at NC State that aims at unifying various cultures at university. The organization works to help and support Indian students at NC State, but also creates opportunities for them to immerse in the global culture while retaining their rich Indian identity.

For Further Details: www.maitrincsu.org Nuv Yug Nuv Yug is a cultural organization with a mission to promote awareness of Indian cultural arts and heritage. Striving to create synergy among various cultural groups from the South Asian region.

Upcoming Events: March 19-20: India Fest, NC State Fairgrounds. Auditions Sat, Feb. 27.

For Further Details: www.nuvyug.net Pakistani american association The Pakistani-American Association (NCPAA) promotes Pakistani culture to all the communities in the Triangle Area of NC. Several events are presented during the year including a family dinner on the second Friday of every month.

For Further Details: payamber@ncpaa.org www.ncpaa.org Pratham - Triangle area Pratham is a grass-roots organization that works towards universalizing primary education in India. It is one of the largest NGOs in field of literacy movement in India. Pratham continues to evolve, grow and works to meet the continually changing needs of the children it educates. The NC chapter actively aims to collaborate with individuals, local organizations and community associations and seeks ideas, volunteers and resources to deliver the vision of “Every Child in School and Learning Well.”

For Further Details: Rajeev Thalla - rajeev.thalla@gmail.com Monica Awasthi - awasthimonica@yahoo.com www.prathamusa.org Professional Indians’ association PIA is a meetup that serves young South Asian professionals in the Triangle Community. The group is made of Indian professionals and grad students interested in cultural events, socializing and Saathee.com

meeting/making friends with like-minded people around the Triangle. Monthly events include meeting at bars/restaurants, Bollywood movie nights, potlucks, Indian concerts/performances, outdoor activities, community service and volunteering. It is an opportunity for professionals to share their thoughts on respective industries, social causes, the economy and politics.

For Further Details: http://www.meetup.com/PIATriangle/ Raleigh Sai Center Parthi Sai devotees of Triangle area meet every Sunday from 4:00 - 6:00pm in the Mini-Hall of Hindu Bhavan in Morrisville. There will be Study circle, Bhajan Practice, Veda Chanting etc. during the 4:00 - 5:00pm slot depending on the week, followed by bhajans from 5:00 - 6:00pm. The center carries out several service activities as well, including Human Values Education (SSE) classes for the children of different age groups.

For Further Details: Rakesh Huria (President) - 919.244.1263 rsc.president@yahoo.com.

Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of NC The Society draws inspiration from the timeless, philosophical wisdom of the Vedanta as practiced and preached in the modern day by Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda.

Practical Vedanta and the message of the harmony of religions and the spiritual oneness are studied. Regardless of background and/or knowledge the organization welcomes participants.

For Further Details: www.vedantanc.org RTP Maharashtra Mandal The Mandal is a home away from home for Marathi-speaking people. The goal of the Mandal is to advocate the vibrant culture, the rich heritage and the language of Maharashtra. The Mandal is dedicated to showcase the cultural, social and traditional attributes of Maharashtra to the local community through variety of entertaining programs, and events.

For Further Details: Mohana Dighe - 919.378.1947 Sameer Mohile - 919.851.8799 www.rtpmm.org Sahaj Marg Meditation - Triangle area Sahaj Marg translates to “The Natural Path.” It is a simple system of Raja Yoga meditation and spiritual practice that helps one realize the ultimate potential within oneself. Regular spiritual practice under capable guidance enables aspirants to progressively experience the sublime presence of the divine in their daily lives.

Sahaj Marg system of meditation is freely offered to seekers worldwide through Shri Ram Chandra Mission. In Triangle area, group meditations are held on Sunday and Wednesday.

For Further Details: Raj Solanki - 919.303.7447 raleigh.center@gmail.com www.srcm.org, www.sahajmarg.org Sahaja Meditation Ongoing meetings, seminars and workshops are available in Raleigh. There is never any charge for Sahaja Meditation instruction. RSVP in meetup: Sahaja-Meditation-Triangle-Group Thursdays at 7:30pm.

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Triangle Gujarati association (TGa) TGA’s mission is to promote and serve Gujarati culture in the Triangle area by organizing various events and programs throughout the year and impart Gujarati culture and language on the youth.

For Further Details: nctga00@gmail.com Sky Meditation and Kaya Kalpa Yoga Benefits include longevity, wellness and stress management. www.nctga.org Triangle Sky Meditation group holds weekly group meditation and Triangle Rang Mandal simplified physical exercises every Friday in Cary for those who have attended Shri Vethathiri Maharishi’s Kaya Kalpa Yoga course. Devotees of Pujya Sri Rang Avdhoot Maharaj meet every Saturday Kaya Kalpa Yoga Courses are held several times a year for anyone in Cary or Raleigh from 8:30 - 10:30pm to sing devotional Dattatreya Bhajans and Datta-Bavani in a spiritual atmosphere.

14 years and above.

Special programs are organized on Guru Purnima and Rang Jayanti For Further Details: and on the occasion of Pujya Sri Prem Avdhoot Bapji’s annual visit 919.830.9764 to the US. vikram.renganathan@gmail.com For Further Details: www.vethathiri.edu.in rangmandal@gmail.com South Indian Fine arts academy (SIFaa) Triangle Vegetarian Society (TVS) SIFAA is a non-profit organization that works to arrange and promote concerts and performances in the Triangle and Triad The mission of TVS is to build a sense of community between current vegetarians and people who are interested in vegetarianism areas, concentrating on Carnatic music. and have a forum for a discussion of issues.

For Further Details: For Further Details: 919.773.1580 barman@cs.unc.edu www.sifaa.org www.trianglevegsociety.org SV Temple of North Carolina Triangle Vipassana The temple is built on over nine acres of centrally connected triangle area. This grand tribute to Lord Venkateswara and his Vipassana, which means to see things as they are, is one of India’s consorts is designed to exacting standards of shilpa shasthra and most ancient techniques and was taught 2500 years ago as a features the only shrine in North America to incorporate abodes to universal remedy for universal ills. The Triangle Vipassana Lord Viswaksena and Lord Sudarshana/Lord Narasimha as part of meditation group holds weekly group sittings in Cary and Raleigh Srinivasa Parivaram. The temple rituals are performed in on Thursday, Saturday, and Monday and 3-hour sitting on 3rd Sunday each month, and one day sitting once every few months accordance with Pancharathra Agama Shastra. for established students (those who have taken at least one ten-day For Further Details: 919.468.0040 course). There is no charge for the course. comm@svtemplenc.org For Further Details: 732.213.9660 www.svtemplenc.org carync.sittings@gmail.com www.dhamma.org Tamil Cultural association of North Carolina (TCa NC) TCA NC was formed for the purpose of providing youths with urdu Majlis exposure to Tamil culture. Everyone is invited to join TCA and become part of the organization promoting Tamil culture in the Urdu Majlis, the Triangle’s Urdu Literary Society, meets monthly in the FedEx Global Education Center on the campus of UNC Triangle area.

Chapel Hill. Meetings include discussions of the life and works of For Further Details: major South Asian poets as well as opportunities to share original tca_nc@yahoo.com poetry and other writing. Urdu Majlis is co-sponsored by the www.tcanc.org Carolina Asia Center and the South Asia Section of the UNC Dept. of Asian Studies. It is an intellectual endeavor with no political or Triangle area Telugu association (TaTa) TATA is committed to building a vibrant Telugu Community and religious affiliations. promoting Telugu culture and language in the Triangle area of For Further Details: Afroz Taj - taj@unc.edu - 919.851.1119 North Carolina.

Ashraf Faruqi - pasbaan@hotmail.com - 919.596.4792) For Further Details: committee@tataonline.org Vaishnav Samaj of Triangle area www.tataonline.org A group of like-minded devotees who meet for religious worship and understand Pushti Marg Principles at large. Regular Bhajan Triangle Bangladesh Society (TBSNC) TBSNC strives to arrange musical programs by artists who have recitations are held 2nd Sunday of the month from 4:00-6:00pm and captured the hearts and minds of millions of Bengali, Urdu and Seniors are requested to encourage youngsters to participate in the activities.

Hindi-speaking music fans all around the globe.

For Further Details: For Further Details: Arvindbhai Shah - 919.233.7677 Ishtiaquem@gmail.com Vithalbhai Shah - 919.803.9027 www.tbsnc.org Located at 9308 Fairbanks Dr, Raleigh, NC. For Further Details: balaram.krishna@gmail.com 919.757.3135 www.sahajamediation.com

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Regional

Yeamans Hall Rd., Hanahan, SC (Adjacent to the Police Station).

For Further Details: www.tthanahan.com

Hindu Society of eastern NC (Greenville, NC) The temple celebrates major festivals and holds regular bhajan Hindu Society of Greater Spartanburg seesions and Geeta study.

A daily Aarti is conducted at 7:00pm, Balvihar classes are from For Further Details: 10:00 - 11:45am on scheduled Sundays, and Satsang is on second Temple - 252.752.2670 Sunday of every month from 5:00 - 7:00pm. Temple is located on B.S. Srivatsa - 508.654.0360 1130 Fairview Church Road in Boiling Springs, SC 29303.

Hindutemplenc@gmail.com For Further Details: 864.599.7048 Sri Mata Shakthipeetham of NC The mission of this organization is to establish Sri Mata Hindu Temple and Center (Columbia, SC) Shakthipeetham for the Hindu community of North Carolina, offer The temple is located at 5704 Kiawah Road, Columbia, South worship, and conduct pujas. Lewisville, NC. Carolina 29212. It is open on weekdays between 8:30am to 12:00 For Further Details: noon and between 5:00 pm and 8:30 pm. On weekends, the temple www.aumsrimata.org is open between 8:30am to 1:00pm and 5:00pm to 8:30pm. Bal Gokulam (Sunday School) classes are held every Sunday from Sri Somesvara Temple 10:30am to 12:00 noon. Classes are designed to help children build Sri Somesvara Temple is located near Asheville at 95 Mount Soma physical, mental, cultural, social & spiritual lives.

Blvd., Clyde, NC 28721. There are regular pujas, aarti, and special For Further Details: events. Major festivals are celebrated.

803.772.6940 For Further Details: www.hindutemplesc.org 828.476.4073 / www.srisomesvara.org.

India assoc. of Greater Charleston (IaGC) The IAGC was founded in Charleston to bring together people who were interested in India and to provide a forum to increase the american South asian Cultural assoc. of Columbia, SC understanding of the heritage of India in US. The Association’s fundamental goal is to increase cultural For Further Details: awareness and develop cultural understanding among American http://www.indiaassociationofgreatercharleston.com South Asian Community in Columbia area. A monthly Lunch meeting is held on the Second Sunday of every month between 1 International Fellowship Church of Greenville, SC to 3 pm ($9 per person charge).

The church offers Sunday worship services and other weekly and For Further Details: occasional activities for people of Indian origin within the Contact in the evenings: 803.233.7042 Greenville, SC area.

512.547.7077 For Further Details: Pastor Suhas Raiborde - 864.234.1256 Bethel Christian Fellowship www.internationalfellowshipchurch.org The Fellowship offers services in various Indian languages (i.e.

Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, etc.) and Sunday Worship Kannada association of Greater Greenville (KaGG) services are at 11:30 a.m. Located at the Fort Mill Church of God, An organization devoted to the awareness and promotion of Student Life Center Building, 216 Academy Street, Room 102. Fort Kannada culture in the Greater Greenville area of SC. KAGG is a Mill, SC. primarily run by volunteers and invites Kannadigas living in and For Further Details: around Greenville area to participate in the organization. Kannada 803.792.7223 classes for children are also conducted.

Pastor Rajan Samuel - pastorofbcf@gmail.com For Further Details: www.bethelchristianfellowship.org 864.430.4973 www.kagg-sc.org Carolina Buddhist Vihara (Greenville, SC) Regular beginner meditation program conducted by a Buddhist Masjid Noor-uL-Huda Monk. Activities are held Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday On the first and third Saturday of every month from 6:00 - 8:00pm, evenings: 6:30pm (puja), 7:00pm (meditation), and 8:00pm Islamic session is held by Hafiz Mohammed Basheer. Quranic (“Dhamma” talk or discussion). A youth program is also held once Reading classes for children are also conducted daily. The Mosque a month. is located at 517 Winmet Dr., Columbia, SC. For Further Details: For Further Details: dhammasc@hotmail.com Dr. Shami - 803.749.0827 Qari Abdul Khader Multani - 803.740.5127 Hanahan Table Tennis Training Center Mosque main number - 803.754.2632 There are no membership fees of any kind to play at HTTTC. Free open play and training, USATT league. Informal free coaching as Spartanburg Buddhist Center time permits. Open to all levels of players from recreational to The center’s resident monks seek to preserve Theravada Buddhist competitive. The center is located at City of Hanahan Gym, 1255 traditions and welcomes all who are interested in Buddhism,

South Carolina

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Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the history and culture of India. Join us to see: a large ensemble of dancers present 3,000-year-old classical and folk dances of india india's rich classical dances brought to life through dance dramas, costumes and masks the show's signature dance, "unity in Diversity," featuring international dance styles set to musical instruments from around the world

Tickets: 704.330.6534 tix.cpcc.edu

This project was made possible, in part, with funding from the Arts & Science Council, the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great

Weddings Graduations Family reunions Other Events

Free hot Breakfast â&#x20AC;˘ Free Wireless Internet â&#x20AC;˘ Seasonal heated Pool university Place: 8525 N.Tryon St. Charlotte, NC

Minutes from Oasis Temple & Hindu Center, UNCC & I-85 / I-77

704.549.4544 Ask for hema Saathee.com

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February 2016

Welcome To The Wonderful World Of Travel At

Ttravel Guru Shakoon Panjwani

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Southeast Asian culture, or meditation. Since the center opened in 2010, a regular English-speaking group meets at 6:00pm on Thursdays for meditation, a brief Dhamma talk, and short discussions. Location: 770 Bryant Rd., Spartanburg SC 29303.

For Further Details: 864.279.7546 https://www.facebook.com/spartanburgbuddhist2012 Telugu association of Greater Greenville The Telugu Association of Greater Greenville, SC, serves the Telugu community of the Greenville/Spartanburg area of South Carolina.

The group sponsors several events throughout the year.

For Further Details: www.taggsc.org Vedic Center of Greenville Daily Aarti is conducted Monday - Friday at 8:00pm. Bal Vihar classes are conducted Sundays from 11:15am - 12:30pm. Sri Venkateshwara Suprabhatam is held on 2nd Saturday of each month at 9:00am. 499 Bethel Road in Mauldin, S.C. 29662.

For Further Details: 864.967.2852

704-542-5315 Fax: 704-841-0748

E-mail: ttravelguru@hotmail.com

Consolidated Fares On Major Airlines Asia, Africa, Middle East, Europe and more.

Tour Packages and Cruises • Taj Tours Within Europe Visa and Passport services 8714 Darcy Hopkins Dr. Charlotte, NC 28277

Hello Readers!

find many more interesting stories, articles and community news at

Send your organization’s events and happenings to Saathee by the 15th of the month and we will publish them here in the Community organizations section in the following month’s issue as well as online.

Send to: saatheemag@hotmail.com

w w w. s a a t h e e . c o m Buying or Selling a Business?

Nutrition

Let our experts assist you!

continued from page 62

Dessert • Besan Barfi • Moong dal halwa Feeling inspired?

Here are some ideas for ways you can help promote the 2016 International Year of Pulses.

1. Eat more pulses! Include pulses more often in your daily diet and in your weekly meal planner, but also choose pulses at restaurants 2. Bring pulses into gatherings with family, friends and colleagues 3. Be social and talk about it! Post your pulse dishes, use the hashtags #LovePulses #PulseFeast #IYP2016 and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

4. Do you have a blog? Include a link to our website in it.

Include links to iyp2016.org and Pulses.org in your social media posts!

5. Donate pulses to your local food bank.

We are what we eat! Food should be good for the people and good for the planet. So let that murgi (chicken) live in peace and help yourself and the planet by eating more daal!

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OVER 50 LISTINGS FOR SALE • Convenience Stores • Gas Stations • Motels • Dry Cleaners

• Investment Properties • Land • Restaurants • Automotive

If you are considering buying or selling a business or real estate, please contact us.

Prashant Parmar 704.517.6698 prashant@aspectbrokers.biz www.aspectbrokers.biz 1923 J N Pease Place, Suite 101 Charlotte, NC 28262 February 2016

serving north, south Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes (Veg & non-Veg) For­catering­contact:­­Andy­@­704-512-9177­or Passagetoindiaclt@gmail.com We­now­cater­Gujarati­food­for­all­occasions We carry fresh Flowers and Flower Garlands for all Events.

PlaCE yOuR ORdER On-lInE aT

www.PassageToindiaNC.com Lunch Buffet: Mon to Fri (11 - 3) & Sat & Sun (11:30 - 3:30) Dinner: Sun - Thurs: (5 - 10) & Fri - Sat (5 - 11)

Special LUNCH BOxES $4.99 & up Lunch­Buffet:­$8.99­ Weekend­Brunch­Buffet:­$10.99

Over 30 items including Pani Poori, Bhel,Chat Papdi, Pav Bhaji, Idli,Medu Wada, sambar,Vegetable Chowmein, Chilli Chicken, Tandoori Mix Grill,Goat Curry & more

We Serve Fresh Dosa on Table - Please ask your server

WE­SERVE­hALAL­MEAT

704-549-1886­­oR­ 704-512-9177 9510 university City Blvd. suite 101, Charlotte, nC 28213

TAkEoUT­SPECiAL

15%­oFF Take Out Only. Cannot be combined with any other coupons. Other restrictions may apply. Must present coupon. Exp: 3/5/16

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WIThIn 5 MIlE RadIus Only. nO COuPOns OR dIsCOunTs. REsTRICTIOns aPPly.

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CannOT BE COMBInEd any OThER OffER OnE COuPOn PER TaBlE. MusT PREsEnT COuPOn. ExCludEs BuffET, IndO-ChInEsE & sOuTh IndIan ExP 3/5/16

POP’S PUZZLES & JOKES

By Kirit Shukla

Note: * denotes abbreviation of the word or phrase Clues across: 1. Female spouse in a marriage.

5. Chhatrapati ___, Maratha warrior king, battled the Mughal empire.

11. Any person of great knowledge or wisdom.

13. Parlor; a large social room.

14. Tree-climbing, American carnivores, active at night, with yellowish-grey fur and a long, black-ringed tail.

16. Similar; equal.

17. An anthology, picture book or the like.

18. Always.; at all the times 19. Severe trial; any painful, difficult or trying experience.

21. Being a single thing or unit; not two or more.

22. An elementary school, in honor of Bernice, in Houston.

23. Scholastic Assessment Tests. (*) (Trademark) 24. The sixteenth letter of the Greek alphabet. (π) 25. Mississippi. (*) 26. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. (*) 28. A notion; a thought.

30. Gumbo ingredient; Ladies’ finger; Bhindi (Hindi).

32. A session to communicate with the spirit of the dead.

34. The mayor of a Spanish or Spanish American town.

36. Rhode Island. (*).

38. A unit of weight = 2000 Pounds in U.S. and Canada.

40. Gold (*) (A symbol of the chemical element).

41. Combined into a sum.

43. A slave of Abraham’s wife Sarah. (Bible) 46. Besides; in addition.

47. Done or emerged freshly.

48. Standard Length. (*) Saathee.com

Clues Down: 1. Informal conversation between persons.

2. Individual Retirement Account. (*) 3. The front part of a building facing a street.

4. Of or pertaining to a church.

5. Capital of South Korea.

6. Isles. (*) 7. Lovers’ festival day, (Feb. 14th).

8. Having life; in existence.

9. Anything said or done to arouse laughter. (HeeHee!) 10. The tendency to remain in a fixed condition. (Physics) 12. Having or formed into a rounded projecting part.

15. New Mexico. (*) 20. Hazard; the chance of injury, damage or loss.

21. Osteoarthritis. (*) 23. To sew the eyelids of (a young hawk). (Falconry) 24. A woman having the rank of equal before the law.

27. The son of Isaac and Rebecca. (Bible) 29. District of Columbia. (*) 31. An electric or gas stove with an oven & heating surface.

33. American Dental Association. (*) 35. Something to watch over and attend to.

37. A deity of God used as an object to worship.

39. To row.

42. Defensive Lineman. (*) (Football) 44. Alternating Current. (*) 45. Connecticut. (*) (Puzzle solutions are on next page. NO peeking!)

Hee Hee Student: “Guru, how are tax and a fine different?”

Guru: “A fine is a tax for doing something wrong. A tax is a fine for doing something right.”

•••••••••••••• Judge: “Why do you want to divorce your husband?”

Lady: “For health reasons. I am sick of him.”

•••••••••••••• Booddhoo was driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

The cop pulled him over and asked: “Sir, where are you going?”

Booddhoo: “I must be late, everyone is coming back.”

•••••••••••••• Mafatlal sent a text message: “Darling, I am going to a disco club in my BMW. Where are you?”

Girlfriend: “I am seating right behind you in the bus.”

•••••••••••••• 116

February 2016

Word Find (Created By Kirit Shukla) Find & circle the words in the puzzle.

(Subject: “Some religious leaders of the world”)

Math Magic Use these numbers only once: [1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9] in empty squares, to get = the final given answers.

Note: Follow the order of operation per basic math rule: ×,÷, +, The multiplication or division is done before addition and subtraction. (solution on next page)

ABBEPIERRE ADISHANKARA AGAKHAN ALI AUROBINDO BUDDHA DALAILAMA FOX GURUNANAK IAN ISAIAH

JESUSCHRIST MAHAVIR MARY MORE MOSES OSHO POPEFRANCIS PRABHUPADA SAIBABA SAINTPATRIC SUNMYUNGMOON

The unused 5 letters spell, ”A mystical poet, weaver and saint in 15th century who was critical of both Hinduism and Islam.”

eZ-BZ TEST YOUR IQ

(The common letters are “RS” - Fill in the blanks) 1. The crime of purposely setting fire to own building or someone’s property. _ RS _ _ 2. A person who signs at the back of his check. _ _ _ _ RS _ _ 3. A city in SE Russia, on the Ural river. _ RS _ 4. The date on which some event occurred in the earlier year. (for example: marriage) _ _ _ _ _ _ RS _ _ _ 5. A self-propelled, steerable, light aircraft. _ _ RS _ _ _ 6. Please reply. (Repondez S’il Vous Plait. (*) RS _ _ 7. Different; varied. _ _ _ _ RS _ 8. Bearlike. _ RS _ _ _ 9. A stallion. _ _ RS _ 10. “Carolina ___”, Charlotte’s football team. _ _ _ _ _ _ RS 11. The buttocks. _ RS _ 12. Abroad; foreign. _ _ _ RS _ _ _ 13. Relative Strength Index. (*) RS _ 14. To refuse to give up. _ _ RS _ _ _ 15. The modern Iranian language. (Persian). _ _ RS _ 16. An aircraft runway without airport facilities. _ _ RS_ _ _ _ 17. Internal Revenue Service. (*) _ RS 18. Least good. (Opposite of Best) _ _ RS _ 19. The flights of steps. _ _ _ _ RS 20. Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic. (*) RS _ _ _ 21. Not dense or crowded. _ _ _ RS _ 22. Of an earlier time; former. _ RS _ _ _ _ _ _ 23. The seventh largest planet of the Solar system. _ _ RS 24. Substitute or synthetic. (Artificial) _ RS _ _ _ 25. Plunged into or as if into a liquid. _ _ _ _ RS _ _ (Puzzle solutions are on next page. NO peeking!)

Kirit Shukla Contact him at kiritsshukla@hotmail.com

Saathee.com

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February 2016

Festivals & Holidays

FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS February 2016 Feb. 2 - Groundhog Day Feb. 2 - Imbolc Feb. 4 - Shattilā Ekādasi Feb. 8 - Chinese New Year Feb. 9 - Mardi Gras Feb. 10 - Ash Wednesday Feb. 8 - Darsh Mauni/ Somavati (No Moon) Feb. 12 - Vasant Panchami Feb. 14 - St. Valentine’s Day Feb. 15 - Presidents’ Day Feb. 18 - Jayā Ekādasi Feb. 19 - Chhatrapati Shivāji Jayanti Feb. 20 - Vishvakarmā Jayanti Feb. 20 - Desert Day (Jaisalmer) Feb. 22 - Māghi Purnima (Full Moon) Feb. 22 - Guru Ravidās Jayanti

Spot the Differences Solutions from page 88 1. Earring added 2. 3rd Cobra snake added 3. Turban changed from red to blue 4. Pungi (Snake Charmer Flute) colors changed 5. Decorative ball changed from fuchsia to green 6. Coins added 7. Ring removed 8. Color bands on basket added 9. Baskets added 10. Necklace removed

1

3

10

4 2 7

9

March 2016

8 5

6

Mar. 1 - Shrināthaji Pātotsava Mar. 4 - Swami Dāyanand Saraswati Jayanti Mar. 5 - Vijayā Ekādasi Mar. 7 - Mahā Shivarātri Mar. 8 - Darsha Amās (No Moon) Mar. 10 - Ramakrishna Jayanti Mar. 13 - Daylight Saving’s time begins Mar. 17 - St. Patrick’s Day Mar. 19 - Āmalki Ekādasi Mar. 20 - Palm Sunday Mar. 20 - Vernal Equinox Mar. 20 - Ostara Mar. 23 - Holi Mar. 24 - Dhuleti Mar. 24 - Purim Mar. 25 - Good Friday Mar. 27 - Easter Sunday

Puzzle Solutions

Math Magic

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February 2016

Phone: 770-457-7440

Fax: 770-457-7448

email: info@thetraveluniverse.com

3520 Breckinridge Blvd, Suite 112, (aTLaNTa) Duluth, Ga 30096

ASTROSCOPE

General Predictions for February 2016 LIBRa (Sep 23 - oct 23) -

aRIeS (Mar 20 - apr 20) -

This is the period of great achievement and celebration. Your friends and elders will be with you to enjoy the tremendous success. You will enjoy love and respect from your higher authorities. You will be able to invest some money in business or home affairs. The time is changing to be more positive for students. Your enemies won’t even dare to harm you, so don’t lose your self-confidence.

Don’t get involved in new things during this month. The period is good for family happiness, but your workload and outside activities will develop frustration. Your subordinates will extend their full support to you. You will see a steady rise in your income. Hard work is going to reward you with a bonus during this month. Your spouse will achieve success in the second half of the month.

TauRuS (apr 20 - May 21) -

SCoRPIo (oct 23 - Nov 22) -

Try to be practical this month. It is a better time to concentrate on enjoying family and social life. A long range career-related decision might take shape. The time is good for students. If working, chances of a promotion are there. In either case, there will be a rise in income. Be aware of your surreptitious enemies as they could destroy your plans and take away any happiness.

This period will make you very comfortable. You will come in contact with some influential people. A rise in status as well as rise in income is possible and you might enter into profitable deals. Travel will prove to be very relaxing. Others will appreciate your social, religious work. There are chances of getting a promotion. Overall this month will be good.

SaGITTaRIuS (Nov 22 - Dec 21) -

GeMINI (May 21 - Jun 21) -

After a positive start, you will experience a minor downfall this month. You may lose your confidence and make wrong decisions. Try to maintain an easy temperament and keep working hard. Don’t overthink things. Travel could be the best activity and could also bring some income. A strong para-psychic experience may bring major change in your circle of friends and relations with your subordinates.

You will be very active and busy during this month. You may gain a lot of success in your business as it will be an actionoriented period. Your friends and family will offer whatever assistance you need. You will be relieved from financial worries. Attraction and new relations with a member of opposite sex will make you feel relaxed. A change in residence or investment in business is indicated, so make quick decisions.

CaPRICoRN (Dec 21 - Jan 20) -

CaNCeR (Jun 21 - Jul 22) -

Your income and expenses will balance each other during this month. You may experience delay in pursuits and ups & downs in education or business. Wise decisions may harbor you from wastefully spending money. Investment in long-term savings will prove beneficial. The time is good for changing your employment or field of study. A minor dispute with family is likely possible.

Leo (Jul 22 - aug 23) -

Now is the time when your plans regarding investments in property will materialize. You will be successful due to your active life and aggressive actions. Friends and siblings will offer whatever assistance you need. Your opponents will dare not to face you. Don’t get involved in any love affair. Students will get unexpected positive results. Try to control what you say and any egoistic thoughts.

VIRGo (aug 23 - Sep 23) -

During this month you will feel spent due to lack of vitality. A family member’s ill health might disturb your peace of mind. You may have to live in an undesirable place. It is better to keep yourself busy with hard work. You may act a little hyper during this month. Try to control the things you may say to friends & family. As far as income is concerned, there no big change. Traveling may prove to be rewarding.

Saathee.com

This month will relieve you from tension and anxiety.

On the domestic front you will be happy, as your long cherished desires will be fulfilled. You will travel during this month and it will bring good results. You may receive good news about benefits or monetary gains. You will defeat your enemy. Watch your health and don’t dispute with your spouse. aQuaRIuS (Jan 20 - Feb 19) -

Your hard work and labor will give dividends. Good news from far-off places is possible. You will enjoy the power of artistic expression and interpretation. Your emotional actions will provide great rewards. A pleasant journey or change in the workplace may take place. A relaxed state of mind is also indicated. You will gain an edge over your competitors. A change in internal relations with your spouse is possible.

PISCeS (Feb 19 - Mar 20) -

You will get mixed results during this month. There would be a lot of opportunities coming your way, but you may not be able to utilize them. A health problem may disturb you. The time is not good for heart patients. There may be a rise in status and position, but without much financial benefits. A very positive change in life is possible in the final days of the month, although you may have to make a huge compromise.

By Jalendu Vaidya • Contact: 973-223-5047 www.jmvaidya.com

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February 2016

IMMIGRATION Challa Legal Services (P) Ltd 401, Flora Building, Road No. 3, Banjara Hills Hyderabad, India 500 034 Phone: 91-984 972 9266

Saathee.com

Challa Immigration Law Office Perm/Green Cards · Sports Visas Family Cases · Work Visas · Citizenship USCIS & DOL Audits · Fiancee Visas Business & Visitor Visas Deportation Defense · USCIS representation Family and Individual Petitions Challa Law has added new members to our team!

Anjni Patel Administrative Staff

Nam Douglass Associate Attorney with immigration experience.

The Challa team speaks Hindi, Gujarati, Telugu and Spanish for your convenience.

Lakshmi Challa

www.challalaw.com

info@challalaw.com

Challa Law Offices, PLC

Challa Law Offices, PLC

5040 Sadler Place Ste 200 GLEN ALLEN, VA 23060 804.360.8482

5105 Grace Park Drive Morrisville, NC 27560 919.380.4044 | Fax: 919.380.4474

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February 2016

CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES: Convenience store / Gas station for Sale in Greenville, SC. $40k inside sales / $50k lotto sale + gas / ATM / check cash.

Contact 704.975.2688 or 864.836.8262.

Dry Cleaners for sale in Charlotte, NC. Good Location with potential to expand. Priced to sell. Call 704-451-4452.

Convenience store for sale with property in Lincolnton, NC. Good location with potential to expand.

Priced to sell. Call 704-813-2462.

Retail / C-Stores: Interstate C-Store: Blacksburg, SC $195K + Inv, GR $3.2M; C- Store: Chapel Hill, NC $45K + Inv, GR $750K; General Store: Danbury, NC $549K + Inv, GR $2M C-store on River Call 704-821-8888 or visit www.Countysouth.biz.

Nanny needed: M-F 8am-5pm for 4 month old in Fort Mill, SC. Must have legal status & own transportation.

Contact 517-316-6849 to discuss (preferably after 5pm on weekdays or anytime on weekends).

Cook/Household Help Wanted in south Ballantyne/Waxhaw area MonConvenience Stores/Gas Stations for Fri. Must have own transportation.

Lease or Sale in NC. Great opportunities with upside potential. Contact 704-965-6943.

Only serious inquiries; must have Household Help Needed in University capital for goodwill / inventory. Please City area of Charlotte. (Arbor Hills) 2call 803-789-3133.

3 times a week for 2-3 hours daily.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: C-store/Gas Station for lease. Great location next to college with excellent Cook/Household Help Wanted in margins & branded gas. Must sell. Morrisville, NC. Competitive salary.

Make an offer. Call Guru Patel at 503- Must be able to drive. Call 919-272-6254.

330-8723.

Help Wanted to manage Motel in Convenient store for rent in Cherryville, SC/NC. Single or couple. Experienced NC. Store is currently closed. Call 803preferred. Accommodations provided.

235-6672 or 803-235-6671. email: hotels@pm-hotels.com or call Indian Grocery Store for Sale: Open 704-502-2444. for 10+ years; great location in the Triangle area of NC. For details call Nanny Needed M-F 8am-6pm for 1 year old near University Area in 919-274-6181 or 919-272-6277 Charlotte.

Must have own Gas Station / Convenience store for transportation and drivers license.

Sale in Greenville, SC area. BP brand Competitive rates provided. Contact gas. Call 864-205-3825.

704-806-5004.

Businesses for Sale in the Ohio area.

Call Atul Shah for details: 614.216.9094 Convenience store help wanted in Kannapolis, NC. Part-time or Full-time.

Gas station /Convenience Store for Call 704-787-1567.

Sale in Yadkinville, NC. 2 Acres including store + inventory, storage, 2 Kitchen & Front Desk Help needed rented properties & 3 bedroom/2 bath for Indian Fast Food Restaurant in home. Gas tank inspections up to date. Charlotte (University Area). Should be Asking $399k but negotiable. Contact willing to work weekends & evenings.

Must have legal status. Call 704-909-7783.

Heather at 336-399-5688..

$10/hr. Must be able to drive.

Experience needed. Call 704-654-5361.

Part-time / Full-time Cashier needed for C-store off I-77 in Rock Hill, SC. Please call Hasmukh Patel 704-907-5884.

Full time Babysitter needed for 9 month old. Should be able to drive. Experience needed. Contact 405-589-4233 for details.

Night auditor/Front Desk Needed: All shifts for franchise hotel in Fort Mill, SC. Part-time/full- time. Must have experience, legal status, fluent English and computer skills. For couple we will provide accommodations. E-mail bwhospitality78@gmail.com.

Help Wanted: Need single or couple for front desk at franchise hotel in Raleigh, NC. Must speak English & have legal status. Accommodations provided.

Please call 919-208-3513 or Email jashospitality@yahoo.com.

Gas Station Help Wanted: Full-time Single or Couple in Columbia, SC. Experience Preferred. Must speak English. Call 803-466-5861.

16 Room Independent Motel for Sale Gas Station Help Wanted: Single or Hotel Help Wanted in Charlotte. Front in McCormick, SC near Augusta, GA. Couple full-time in Albemarle, NC. Must desk all shifts. Must have experience, speak fluent English & have legal status. legal status, fluent English and Price $290k. Call Sam 706-401-0974.

Experience a plus. Call 704-915-1026. computer skills. For couple we will Nanny Needed to look after 2 girls provide accommodations. E-mail between 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM, mars803@gmail.com Monday thru Friday in Matthews. Domestic help needed for Gujarati Email shailesh.prasad@yahoo.com or family in Rock Hill SC. Excellent cooking Learn about land in the Call 704-340-8206. & cleaning skills required. Competitive

LaND FoR SaLe: apex, NC area (named the #1 place to live by Money Magazine). The Landman, Bob atkinson can help!

Call 919-362-6999 or visit www.learnaboutland.com.

Saathee.com

Housekeeping couple needed for 40 room motel in Rock Hill, SC. Independent. Legal status preferred.

Call 803-487-3303.

salary & allowance for rent. Must be legal US resident & drive. Call 803-448-4820.

experienced Threading Practitioners or Licensed esthetician in Charlotte & Gas station & Subway help wanted: Raleigh. New locations now open. Full Full/ Part-time in Richburg near Rock or part-time. Great pay and flexibility.

Hill, SC. Must speak English & have Experience required. Good English skills.

Please call 980-322-1110 (M-F 9-5). legal status. Please call 704-737-7230.

122

February 2016

CNas / PCas Wanted: Always Best Care is hiring CNAs / PCAs to care for Seniors. Call 919-449-8138 or apply online

SERVICES

Live Band for Garba / Raas, Wedding songs, bhajans. Call 704-568-8206.

https://abcraleigh.clearcareonline.com/apply/

360 Media Solutions uSa: Web designing; e-commerce’s Portals; Web solutions; Search Engine optimization; PPC marketing; web analytics; Social Media; web contents writing; Graphic design; software solutions, etc. Call:

Priest available for the following services: 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.

Night audit/ Front desk help wanted for Franchise motel in Charlotte, NC. Full-time / Part-time. Must have experience, honest, reliable, and fluent in English. Call Nina 704-299-3364.

Gas Station Help Wanted: Couple, full-time in McCormick, SC (near Greenwood & Augusta) & Lincolnton, GA. Must speak fluent English & have legal status. Good pay. Call 704-299-8535.

Hotel Help Wanted in Charlotte.

Competitive salary and accommodations provided. Front desk - all shifts (experience a plus) & housekeeper.

Must be fluent in English. Call 704-765-1447 or e-mail 123nash@gmail.com Subway & store help wanted in Greensboro NC. Single or couple full / part time. Must speak fluent English, have computer knowledge & legal status. Please call Bailey 704-737-1555.

Hotel Management Firm Now Hiring: Housekeepers, front desk (must speak fluent English), and General Manager of franchise hotels.

Experience required. E-mail resumes to abcone@abcinns.com or call 704649-6833 (M-F, 9AM-5PM).

PROPERTY FOR SALE S. Charlotte home for sale in highly desirable J.M. Robinson/Providence school zone. Huge bonus/5th BR with large walk in closet could be 2nd MBR. 3600sf.

MLS# 3124099. Email allison.melissa@gmail or 704-942-7534.

Motel Furniture For Sale: approximately 75 rooms. Plus 32” LG TV sets. Great value for small motel owners.

Call 704-889-7095, Ext 1121.

MATRIMONIAL Indian parents seeking correspondence for daughter 29 years old, 52, working as management at retail store for 2 years.

Contact bsr2007@gmail.com Florida based family seeks proposals for daughter, 24/5’3”, slim, light complexion, and very pretty. Associate degree in medical services, on hospital support staff. Suitors from US or Canada preferred. Please call 407-3093587 for exchange of details.

Saathee.com

704-953-9313; email avk2004@hotmail.com

or reach360media.com Garland Design Studio By: GP. Flower shop for all occasions. E-mail gunsham.patel53@gmail.com or call 704-548-2852 | 704-779-0277. www.facebook.com/GarlandDesignSt udioByGp/

astrologer With Gold Medals Jayanti Lad- Contact for Health, Wealth, Relationship, Child, Enemies, Court Cases, Marriage, Job, Business, Vastu Problems, Preparing & Matching Horoscope. Call 919-4635180 or Jayantinlad@yahoo.com

Feng Shui is an ancient Art of creating Abundance and Harmony in your life.

Contact Abha Thakore for a Business / Personal Consultation. 864-360-1237 or abhathakore@gmail.com.

Pretty Face - Indian beauty parlour.

Threading, facials, waxing etc conveniently located at Ballantyne /South Charlotte area. Please call for appointment 704-726-8928.

Gujarati Priest in NC & SC for Ganesh, Randal, Laxmi, Sharda Pujan, Satyanarayan Katha, Wedding, Vastu, Baby Shower, Hawan, Grah Shanti.

Kishor Trivedi Home: 336-774-0597 Cell: 336-486-7925 E-Mail: kishor7@juno.com

Pari Beauty In Matthews: Threading, Waxing, Facials, massage for new born and mom & other services. 26 years of experience. Special Deals & Great Service. Call: 704-846-7912.

Mehandi (Henna): Award-winning artist in the Chapel Hill / Durham, NC area specializes in Mehandi parties.

Perfect for weddings, birthdays & gettogethers. Creative & beautiful art!

Contact: Krishna Priya Dasi: 919-8247734; krsnapriyad96@gmail.com; www.lotuslyrics.com/henna.html Dholi For Hire: Plays the Dhol (drum) for any occasion! Classes Available!

Barat, Doli, Graduation, Birthdays, Baby Showers & any other festivity.

Affordable rates! Call Arpan Bhandari 704-843-7202 or email: arpandholi@yahoo.com 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. Neeta’s Beauty Parlor: Charlotte area open 7 days a week. Full service. Call for appointment. 704-968-0270.

To all Gujarati families: Interested in learning everything Gujarati (culture, food, language, etc). If willing to add an additional house member, call Nik 803-579-1405.

123

Professional Editing and Writing Services Press releases, marketing materials, proofreading, brochures, newsletters, and special event programs for corporations, small businesses, and motels.

- Reasonable Rates - Quick turnaround -

704-534-5931

cometriderx@yahoo.com

Saathee Classifieds Business ads are $25 Personal ads are $15 Upgrade to color or add a box for additional $10 Saathee.com ads posted daily (call for rates) We accept all credit cards and checks.

Ads up to 25 words. Deadline for print is the 20th. Web ads daily.

How do I Submit classifieds?

1. on-line: saathee.com (classified section) 2. e-mail: Saatheemag@hotmail.com 3. Fax: 704.527.7590 4. For more info call 704.527.7570 Saathee Magazine PO Box 11468 Charlotte, NC 28220

February 2016

Advertisers Index A. S. Art Studio (Fundraiser for A Child's Place).....89

Digital Room Photography ...................................69

Patel, Champa (Real Estate).................................69

Access Realty & Funding (Chandravadan Shah)....33

DJ Desi (Amit Vasi) ..............................................53

Patel, Mrugesh (Law Offices) .............................125

Accounting Solutions (Muhammad Kamran Awan)15

DJ Hangama .....................................................33

Patel, Tony (Real Estate) .......................................91

Ali & Sons Car Care ...........................................45

DJ Lalit (Lalit Hemnani) ........................................61

Pathak, Atul (Real Estate) .....................................16

All Car Care.........................................................82

Eshaan Jewelers .................................................15

Payal Groceries ...................................................57

Allure Brow..........................................................85

Fairview Home Mortgage.....................................12

Peacock Indian Cuisine (Charlotte) .......................19

Anand, Versha (Real Estate) ...............................103

Fashion and Jewelery..........................................45

Piece Of India, Inc................................................49

Anil Bedi & Associates PC (CPA & Consultants) ....75

Fresh Dental .......................................................70

Piedmont Health Care (Gastroenterologist V. Trivedi, MD) 99

Anova Groups (Clinical SAS Training & Placement).103

Friends Travel ......................................................47

Puja Boutique (Charlotte) .....................................25

Aroma Indian Cuisine (Charlotte) ..........................67

Gandhi International Market...............................111

Rajbhog Foods ....................................................53

Around The World Market (Charlotte)....................42

Geological Resources, Inc. ...................................75

Rajdeep Video & Photography (Ramesh Panjabi)...37

Asian Divas (Makeup Artist/ Beauty Salon)............37

Global Mall / Legacy Jewels ..............................127

Regal Oaks Dental ............................................107

Asiana Fusion.Sushi ............................................83

Global Weight Loss ..............................................22

Ribald Floral and Events.......................................63

Aspect Commerical Realty (Prashant Parmar).....114

Goehring & Strang PLLC (Immigration Law)

Ritu Selects - India Inspired Couture.....................97

....97

Austin Village Eye Care (Dr. Keshav Bhat) ...........109

H2 Laser & Skin ..................................................21

Robert Brown LLC (Oza, Rishi: Immigration Law) ..10

Ayesh Mian (Wedding Planning and DĂŠcor) ..........87

Hindu Center of Charlotte (Events) ..................64-65

Roop Beauty (Pooja Patel) ....................................91

Ballantyne Tech Academy ....................................57

Idolize Brows & Beauty ......................................43

S S Event Services (Event planning, Photo, Video) .125

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Charlotte)........51

India Grocers (Charlotte) ......................................93

Saffron Restaurant and Catering ........................109

Barot, Tushar (State Farm)....................................12

Indian Expressions (Vishal & Shekhar in Concert)..13

Shah, Anish (Real Estate)...............................34-35

Bashyam, Spiro & Coats, LLP (Immigration Law) 101

International Community Church .........................66

Shah, Kirti (CPA - Sepa Consulting) ....................46

Bhindi Jewellers ................................................2

Jaipur Indian Restaurant (Charlotte)......................79

Shining Star Academy..........................................73

Bipin Parekh Realty, LLC ......................................41

K & M Accounting................................................69

Shukla, Kirit (Music Lession & Band) ....................97

Blakeney Dental ..................................................38

Kasarla, Gopal & Veena (Real Estate & Mortgage).41

Shyama Beauty Parlour .......................................57

Blooming Buds....................................................10

Khanna & Sons Jewelers.....................................11

Singh Tutoring .....................................................21

Bombay Grille (Charlotte) .....................................81

Kirti Shah CPA .....................................................80

SJ Iyer Realty ......................................................25

British International School of Charlotte ................71

Krut Systems (LED, Signs, Solar) ..........................23

Skyzone (Indoor Trampoline Park).........................99

Carolina Law Group (Monty Desai) .......................39

LED Lights (Smart Energy Solutions- Hari Bol Inc) ..126

Sleep Inn (Charlotte) ..........................................113

Carolina Wedding Belle (Event Design & DĂŠcor) ....53

Liberty Tax (Mruthy Aduri).....................................27

South Charlotte Endocrinology (K. Narasimhan, MD) 58

Carolinas Christian Assembly ...............................79

Live Spectrum Ent (Pankaj Udhas in Concert) .........3

Surgical Specialist of Charlotte.............................19

CaroMont Medical Group (Dr. Manu Patel)............87

Maadhurya Photography......................................47

Taylor Morrison (Homes Inspired by You)...............28

Challa Law Offices, PLC (Immigration)................121

Maharani Indian Cuisine (Charlotte)......................87

Thakkar, Beena (Realty)..................................54-55

Charlotte Chess Club .........................................33

Malani Jewelers ................................................128

The Blue Taj.........................................................39

Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat .........................48

Malaya Kitchen (Charlotte) ...................................85

Travel Universe ..................................................119

Charlotte Music School........................................85

Mathur, Gitanjali (Allen Tate Realtors)....................27

Travelinks ............................................................37

Chaupatti (Casual Indina Kitchen - Charlotte)........77

Matthews Family Dentistry ..................................72

Triangle Table Tennis ..........................................91

Chiro-Carolina

...............................................72

Meena Jewelers (Zaveri Bazaar).............................9

Trivedi, Madhusudan (Priest - "Bapu")..................89

Chugh Attorneys at Law.......................................31

MyShadi Bridal Expo............................................17

Ttravel Guru ......................................................114

Concha, David (Immigration Attorney)...................87

MyTripFare (Travel agent)...................................125

Tyagi, Rita (Real Estate)......................................103

Concord Children's Clinic ..................................83

Nationwide Ins. (Maqsood Khan) ..........................63

Uni World Travel...................................................12

Copper Restaurant (Charlotte) ..............................29

Neeta's Beauty Parlor ..........................................89

Vallabh Pushti Samaj of Carolinas (VPSC).............59

County South Realty & Business Brokers..............66

New York Life Insurance (Rasheed Ulhaq).............21

Vemuri, Krishna (Realor).......................................43

Crown Cab Charlotte...............................19/78/109

North American Bancard ......................................5

Vyas Travels.........................................................44

Curry n' Cakes (Charlotte)....................................69

Nuv Yug India Fest .................................................6

White Horse Weddings.........................................61

Dances Of India (Charlotte) ................................113

OM Tech Training ................................................99

Woodlands Vegetarian Cuisine (Charlotte) ..........105

Dentist (Dr. Prashant Rao-Cedar Walk Dentistry)...83

Pac N Fly (Travel Agency) .....................................61

Worldwide Travels .............................................121

Dentist (Pineville Dentistry - Lina V. Mistry, DDS) ...58

Parekh, Smita (NY Life) ........................................38

Young Engineers Of Today....................................63

Desai, Rajarshi (CPA, PLLC) .................................71

Passage To India - Fine Indian Cuisine ...............115

Zafran Kabab Palace (Charlotte / Pineville) ...........25

Devam Jewelers....................................................7

Patel Brothers (Charlotte) .....................................95

Saathee.com

124

February 2016

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125

February 2016

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MalaniJewelers.com