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March 2017

In this issue: Concerts: Mika Singh, Anoushka Shankar, Arijit Singh, Shankar Mahadevan

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March 2017 Issue # 226 Editor

Samir Shukla

(Samir@Saathee.com)

An Indian Joins the U.S. Infantry page 10

Indian Spy Princess Fought the Nazis page 18

HEllo READERS!

Director Ritesh Batra brings the famed British novel The Sense of an Ending to the big screen. See story on pg. 14. Read about the Indian spy princess who died fighting the Nazis on pg 18. Find the list of latest upcoming movies in our section on pg. 28. A new reporting project describes how drought, storms, and floods are forcing Tamil Nadu to contend with severe water stress. See pg 22 for the story. Is China buying Hollywood? The new movie The Great Wall may provide answers. See pg 36 for the story. Catch up on the all the activities of the regional community organizations beginning on pg. 102. The AstroScope, our exclusive monthly horoscope is on pg. 136. Get daily updates about the community, local and national news, latest movie releases, analysis and videos at our website www.Saathee.com We welcome all comments and suggestions.

Tamil Nadu Can you Spot Drought and the Differences its Effects in these images? page 22

page 68

IN THIS ISSUE

QUoTE:

"The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.” - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

An Indian Joins the Infantry . . . . . . . . pg. 10 Teatime in the City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 14 Indian Spy Princess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 18 Tamil Nadu Drought . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 22 Film Clips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 26 Upcoming Movie Releases . . . . . . . . . pg. 28 Chai Table Readers' Forum . . . . . . . . . pg. 32 China is Buying Hollywood . . . . . . . . pg. 36 Namaskar Y’all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 40 Mirror Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 44 Mastering Meaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 46 Personal Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 50 Dances of India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 52 Thinking About Thinking . . . . . . . . . . pg. 56 Uncertainty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 60 Test Your India Knowledge . . . . . . . . pg. 64 Youth Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 66 Spot the Differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 68 Sangeet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 70 Nutrition for Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 78 Salmonella and Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 80 Heart to Heart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 82 Eye on Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 84 News Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 92 Community Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 96 Community Organizations . . . . . . . . pg. 102 Pop’s Puzzles and Jokes . . . . . . . . . . pg. 130 Festivals and Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 134 Puzzle Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 134 AstroScope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 136 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 138 Index of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 140

Cover: Playing Dhuleti

Holi marks the arrival of spring, new blooms, harvest and a sense of renewal. Indians around the world mark the day by playing with colors, singing and dancing, and of course, lots of good food.

Photo: IStockphoto.com

Publisher & Advertising Divakar Shukla

(rakavid@aol.com)

Ad Design / Layout Nathan C. Andrews

Digital Media & Marketing Assistant Jennifer W. Allen

Contributors:

Kirit Shukla, Judith L. Bergman, Parul Kharod, Dr. Maha Gingrich, Shyama Parui, Ketu Desai, Kamal Darji, Mo Vidwans, Zafar Khan, A. Spaice, Amoli Kothari, Kamesh D. Patel, Balaji Prasad, and Jalendu Vaidya. All contents

© 2017 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. Mission: Our goal is to be a valuable source of information for the South Asian community and to be a vital advertising tool for businesses.

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

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An Indian Joins the Infantry

By Kamal Darji

was sick and tired of the paradigm set by my fellow Indians; most of them were applying to medical school or something in the healthcare profession. While both are respected endeavors, I refused to be another carbon copy. I wanted to do something that broke the shackles of redundancy, so to speak. I wanted to challenge my anxiety and do something that would not only break me out of my shell but utterly destroy it. Even my recruiter made it known that I was a bit of an anomaly. I was an Indian guy and a vegetarian, to boot, interested in a combat job. He said most of the other Indians wound up picking jobs in healthcare or intelligence. The propaganda of the videos had gotten to me, and I was excited by the prospect of shooting multiple weapon systems and, ultimately, fighting for a country that had given me everything.

There I was, at the recruiter’s office, sitting across Sergeant First Class Dudley; he was going over my options. Despite the increasing number of options he listed, my mind had already been made up. On September 9, 2013, I, a recent college graduate, enlisted into the United States Army as an Infantryman or an 11 Bravo. I had the itch to join, so to speak, since high school. When I was in high school, there were an influx of Army recruiters and Marine recruiters walking through the hallways. I admired the way in which they carried themselves, and on some deeper level, envied the confidence they projected. I was raised in an Indian household where education was an extremely integral part of our psyche. As a result, I attended East Carolina University and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in English. It was towards the end of my time there that I got in contact with my cousin. My cousin, Pruthvish, was the only person in my family who was in the military. His stories and, ultimately, the ways in which he had changed piqued my interest. I wanted that kind of structure and discipline in my life. I Saathee.com

continued on page 128

10

March 2017

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TEATIME IN THE CITY Notes from the Editor’s Desk

Decades passed and one of the two documents he was now to inherit was a diary written by Adrian. The pursuit of this diary, which the older Veronica will now not release to him, awakens Tony into realizing the past he remembered is not quite true as he further delves into the story. I haven’t read the book, but have seen films based on books I have read and the two forms of art don’t necessarily mesh, of course. Some books are simply too hard to film, and you can’t film a book by its every word. Batra delved further into this dilemma when I asked him if he felt nervous guiding a beloved book into a film. “A movie cannot be narration. You have to develop relationships,” Batra explained. He was talking about the challenge of bringing a book to film. “The material is very hard and a great book is a great responsibility,” he said, explaining that it took a team effort of the screenwriter, the actors, his direction and vision to make the film. The cast of British actors bring all the characters to life in soft shades and subtle emotions. The film is well-acted, tinged with humor, nicely paced shifting between the present and flashbacks, chatty yet cinematic. I watched the film as a watermarked screener on a laptop so didn’t quite get the big screen feel, but the movie got under my skin, making me think about my own hazy memories and actions from decades ago. Batra’s direction goads the viewer to peek inside Tony's life and ethos as he connects memories from college days to his present life. Tony has to deal with the discovery that his assumption of his old friend Adrian committing suicide was not due to the harsh letter he sent to him and Veronica; further investigation reveals something entirely different. Tony’s impact on the lives of his old friends was much less than he thought, and as he searches for closure by trying to get his hands on the diary, he learns more about himself and how his past interactions may have been more inconsequential than he previously thought. ”In the novel we don’t meet a lot of the characters because it was strictly in Tony’s shoes and Tony is talking to us,” Batra said of the challenge of developing the other characters for the film. When asked how he matched actors with the characters he explained, “We had a round of auditions for the younger parts and the older actors were offered the parts. Jim Broadbent is obviously the right person to play Tony.” The other older actors, especially Charlotte Rampling playing the older Veronica was also a natural match, he said. Batra’s next project is Our Souls at Night an American drama based on the novel by Kent Haruf. He is currently editing the film which stars Robert Redford, Jane Fonda, and Judy Greer. It will premiere on Netflix sometime in 2017. The Sense of an Ending, which also stars Harriet Walter, Emily Mortimer, and Michelle Dockery, is scheduled to be released in the US on March 10.

By Samir Shukla

Director Ritesh Batra Brings Famed British Novel to Screen The Sense of an Ending is his second feature film

Jim Broadbent and Ritesh Batra on the set of The Sense of an Ending Photo: Robert Viglasky

Bringing a book to life in a film seems a daunting task. It’s a dilemma director Ritesh Batra tackled with when bringing author Julian Barnes’ famed Man Booker-winning novel The Sense of an Ending to screen as his second feature film. The result is a subdued and nuanced film that’s a study of the recesses of memory and reflections on the perceived results of one’s actions on other people. Batra was born in Mumbai in 1979 and his love of film led him to New York where he studied cinema. He made several short films that made noise at film festivals around the It was his subtly-crafted world. It was his subtlyfilm "The Lunchbox" - with crafted film The Lunchbox, starring Irrfan Khan and Irrfan Khan and Nimrat Nimrat Kaur and released in Kaur that launched Batra's 2013, that launched his career career as a talented and announced his arrival as director. a talented director. The film, his first full length feature, became an international sleeper hit and won rave reviews around the globe. The Lunchbox was decidedly Indian and filmed in Mumbai, Batra’s home base, while his newest film, The Sense of an Ending, is a decidedly British venture. Batra told me in a recent interview that he is a huge fan of British writer Julian Barnes and was “honored” when he was asked to direct the film version of his novel The Sense of an Ending. Writer Nick Payne had already written the screenplay and Batra set out to visualize the film. The story revolves around 60-something Tony Webster (played by Jim Broadbent) who is a bit of a recluse, living an uneventful existence until secrets of his past during college years are upended one day when he receives news that the mother of his college girlfriend has bequeathed him two documents. The news moves him to recollect those memories of younger years, and the connected lives of his first love Veronica and one of his best friends Adrian. During college, he wrote a harsh letter to Veronica and Adrian upon learning they were now seeing each other. Adrian committed suicide some time later and Webster assumed it was his disturbing letter that led him to do it. Saathee.com

Samir Shukla

is the editor of Saathee magazine. contact - samir@Saathee.com

14

March 2017

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March 2017

The Indian Spy

Princess Who Died Fighting

THE NAZIS By Christopher Woolf, PRI

She was a Muslim. A refugee. A princess. A guerrilla fighter, trained in bomb-making, sabotage and secret communications. But above all, she was a war hero. Noor Inayat Khan was a British agent during World War II. And she made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against fascism. She was “a citizen of the world,” according to Shrabani Basu, the chair of the Noor Inayat Khan Memorial Trust and author of the biography, “Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan.” Noor was born in Moscow in 1914, but brought up in France and Britain. Her father was Indian, a musician and an influential Sufi Muslim teacher descended from royalty. Her mother was an American, originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and a Sufi convert. Saathee.com

Noor was an unlikely warrior. “She was actually a dreamy musician. She wrote children’s stories,” Basu says. “She played the harp. She played the veena [an Indian stringed instrument]. She composed music.” Her family was living in Paris when the war broke out, and when Germany invaded France, the family fled. “So they came as refugees to Britain,” explains Basu. “And she volunteered — her sole aim was to volunteer for the war effort, and help her adopted country, France, win back its freedom. And to fight fascism.” Noor joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force in 1940, but her fluency in French brought her to the notice of the Special Operations Executive, a secretive organization set up by Winston Churchill to promote guerrilla resistance in Nazi18

continued on page 88

March 2017

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Tamil Nadu

Narendra Modi, the prime minister, has stirred a buying spree following his party’s 2014 electoral victory. The former chief minister of Gujarat, a western Indian state, coaxed domestic and international investors to build new ports, develop new mines, build electric generating stations, purchase military jets and ships, and lure multi-national, high-tech companies to set up back-office operations in the country’ s biggest cities. Modi’s development-at-any-cost model looks a lot like the plans that richer counterparts executed in the previous century: the Marshall Plan that the United States deployed to rebuild Western Europe after World War Two, and the opening of the Chinese economy in the 1980s under Deng Xiaoping. The 21st century though has produced new circumstances that are impeding Modi’s development goals: dire ecological stress, disarray in economic markets, and swelling civic resistance. An Indian Ministry of the Future would help this nation of 1.3 billion people understand that vastly altered patterns of rainfall and water use are literally drying up the nation, causing huge financial losses and leading to deepening social conflict. Such a ministry, were it so empowered, might also convince India’s leadership to replace its obsolete and dangerous development strategy with a much more pragmatic approach that elevates ecological values, especially the conservation of water, as essential principles of progress. The Ministry of the Future could easily start its work here in Tamil Nadu, a state that sits at the southern tip of India’s geographic triangle. Tamil Nadu is renowned in India for its thriving and orderly cities, superior medical care, and fine universities. Chennai, its capital, is the country’s fourth largest metropolitan area. Defined by the Bay of Bengal on the east and south, tall mountains and forests to the west, and flat coastal plains, Tamil Nadu also is pitched on the frontlines of the powerful forces of climate, water scarcity, and fast population growth that are beginning to bludgeon the Earth’s densely populated coastal regions. This month Circle of Blue, in collaboration with the Wilson Center, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, is in Tamil Nadu. Saathee.com

A farmer from Mannargudi, in the Cauvery Delta region of Tamil Nadu, stores scarce water in stainless steel pots and a cistern at his home. The worst drought in 140 years is battering the southeast Bay of Bengal state. Photograph @ Dhruv Malhotra/Circleofblue.org A Bay of Bengal laboratory of Eco-Stress Tamil Nadu’s treacherous position along a dynamic coastline of warm, storm-fueling water, is exacting a huge economic and human toll. Erratic rainfall and sharp growth has contributed to a sizable share of Chennai’s drinking water transported from rural water wells and served from tanker trucks and plastic bottles. A deep drought now grips the state, killing harvests and producing drinking water shortages. In Karnataka, a neighboring state, riots erupted in September over a court order to share water from the Cauvery River. A hospital in Coimbatore cancelled surgeries because the water reserves stored in big plastic tanks ran dry. The drought generates such stress on farmers in this state’s Cauvery Delta region, one of India’s great grain bowls, that 17 farmers have committed continued on page 132

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March 2017

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March 2017

FILM CLIPS Badrinath Ki Dulhania

Director Shashank Khaitan and producer Karan Johar present the romantic drama Badrinath Ki Dulhania. Badrinath Bansal from Jhansi and Vaidehi Trivedi from Kota belong to small towns but have diametrically opposite opinions on everything. This leads to a clash of ideologies, despite both of them recognizing the goodness in each other. The colorful film stars Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Gauahar Khan, and Mohit Marwah. It opens in theaters on March 10.

Remarkable Journey

Poorna

Kong: Skull Island

Poorna is based on the true story of the youngest girl in history to climb Mt Everest - a 13 year old Adivasi girl and her astonishing journey from a village in Telangana to the top of the world. Since Nepal requires climbers to be at least 16 years old to scale its peaks, Malavath Poorna and her team of Nepalese guides climbed the 29,035-foot mountain 2014 from the northern side in Tibet, where there are no age restrictions. The climb was verified by the China Tibet Mountaineering Association in Lhasa, making her the youngest girl to climb Everest. The expedition was sponsored by the Andhra Pradesh Social Welfare Residential Educational Institution Society as part of its program to encourage and help underprivileged students in India. The film is directed by Rahul Bose and stars Dhritiman Chatterjee, Heeba Shah and Rahul Bose. It releases on March 31.

A team of explorers and soldiers travel to an uncharted island in the Pacific, unaware that they are crossing into the domain of monsters, including the mythic Kong. This reinterpretation of the King Kong films is directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts and stars Tom Hiddleston, Corey Hawkins, Brie Larson, and Samuel L. Jackson. The adventure begins in cinema houses around the world on March 10.

Jagga Jasoos

Indian-Americans are among the most successful communities in America. A culture built on a fierce commitment to education, family, community and entrepreneurship. Through lively first-person stories, the documentary Remarkable Journey explores the “pioneer” generation of Indian immigrants to North Carolina. These energetic newcomers helped fuel the expansion of opportunities in science and business in the region, as they met the challenge of passing the “essence of India” on to their children. With Indian food, music, dance, meditation, yoga, Buddhism, and Ayurvedic medicine all having a growing impact in the West, the film Remarkable Journey offers a lively portrait of one of the world’s great cultures. The film will premiere on March 11 at the Carolina Theatre in Durham. For more details visit, http://remarkable-journey.com/.

Saathee.com

In the film Jagga Jasoos, directed by veteran hitmaker Anurag Basu, join Jagga, a gifted teenage detective (Ranbir Kapoor), who along with a female companion (Katrina Kaif), is on a quest to find his missing father. The film also stars Sayani Gupta, Saswata Chatterjee, and Mukesh Hariawala. Music is by Pritam Chakraborty. The film opens in theaters around the world on April 7. 26

Phillauri

Set in Punjab, Phillauri is about an NRI Punjabi boy named Kanan (Suraj Sharma) who returns to India to get married to his childhood sweetheart. As luck would have it, his horoscope reads that he is a Manglik and that he would need to marry a tree before he can marry Anu (Mehreen Pirzada) to ward off any threat to his love life. Grudgingly he gets married to the tree and to his shock, he finds himself being trailed by an unearthly entity that is revealed as Shashi - the friendly spirit (Anushka Sharma). Shashi used to live on the tree and when Kanan married the tree and then the family chopped it down as a ritual - she finds herself in the world of Kanan not knowing what to do and figuring how she is facing such a predicament. Anushka Sharma produced film directed by Anshai Lal. It hits theaters on March 24. March 2017

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March 2017

UPCOMING MOVIE RELEASES March 3

March 24

Viceroy’s House (Director: Gurinder Chadha) Cast: Huma Qureshi, Manish Dayal, Om Puri, Hugh Bonneville and Gillian Anderson

Anarkali of Arrah (Director: Avinash Das) Cast: Swara Bhaskar, Sanjay Mishra, Pankaj Tripathi, and Ishteyak Khan

Wilson (Director: Craig Johnson) Cast: Woody Harrelson, Sandy Dian, and Shaun Brown

Aagaya Hero (Director: Kumar Tandon) Cast: Govinda, Richa Sharma, Ashutosh Rana, Murli Sharma, and Makarand Deshpande

life (Director: Nigel Phelps) Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, and Ryan Reynolds

Phillauri (Director: Anshai Lal) Cast: Anushka Sharma, Diljit Dosanjh, Suraj Sharma, and Mehreen Pirzada

Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai (Director: Keshhav Panneriy) Cast: Arbaaz Khan, Manjari Fadnis, Supriya Pathak, Ashutosh Rana, Rati Agnihotri, and Prem Chopra

Commando 2 (Director: Deven Bhojani) Cast: Vidyut Jammwal, Adah Sharma, Bhavana Reddy, Esha Gupta, and Nargis Fakhri

March 31

Poorna (Director: Rahul Bose) Cast: Rahul Bose, Aditi Inamdar, S. Mariya, Dhritiman Chatterjee, and Heeba Shah

luv Shv Pyar Vyar (Director: Pardeep Raja) Cast: Gaurav Ajay Kaura, Dolly Chawla, Gulshan Pandey, Lokesh Batta, and Ravi Kumar

Ghost in the Shell (Director: Rupert Sanders) Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Michael Pitt, and Juliette Binoche

March 10

Naam Shabana (Director: Shivam Nair) Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Manoj Bajpayee, and Danny Denzongpa

Badrinath Ki Dulhania (Director: Shashank Khaitan) Cast: Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Gauahar Khan, and Mohit Marwah

April 7

Sarkar 3 (Director: Ram Gopal Varma) Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Manoj Bajpayee, Yami Gautam, Amit Sadh, and Jackie Shroff

Kong: Skull Island (Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts) Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, and Corey Hawkins

The ottoman lieutenant (Director: Joseph Ruben) Cast: Ben Kingsley, Michief Huisman, and Josh Hartnett

Jagga Jasoos (Director: Anurag Basu) Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Govinda, Adah Sharma, and Sayani Gupta

March 17

Muzaffarnagar 2013 (Director: Harish Kumar) Cast: Aishsarya Devan, Mursaleem Qureshi, Ekansh Bhardwaj, and Dev Sharma

Machine (Director: Abbas Mustan) Cast: Mustafa Burmawalla and Kiara Advani

April 14

Beauty and the Beast (Director: Bill Condon) Cast: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans and Ewan McGregor

Trapped (Director: Vikramaditya Motwane) Cast: Rajkummar Rao and Hardik Mehta Saathee.com

Bahubali 2 – The Conclusion (Director: S. S. Rajamouli) Cast: Prabhas, Tamannaah Bhatia, Anushka Shetty, Sathyaraj, and Ramya Krishnan

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Begum Jaan (Director: Srijit Mukherjee) Cast: Vidya Balan, Gauahar Khan, Pallavi Sharda, Ila Arun, and Mishti

March 2017

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THE CHAI TABLE Saathee Readers’ Forum

A Visit to Manav Sadhna By Amoli Kothari (age 16)

There is usually great anticipation as to how to celebrate the milestone which marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. While many people choose to throw a huge party and invite everyone they know, others may choose to keep it simple and hang out with a few close friends and family. However, for my sweet sixteen, I got the best of both worlds; after celebrating my big day with all of my friends and my twin sister, me and my family traveled to India and celebrated with grandparents and close family members. However, we wanted to do something unique and original to celebrate our milestone. To make it a lasting one, we visited dozens of underprivileged yet bright kids at Manav Sadhna. This is an organization that has been doing amazing social work on the Gandhian principles for decades, right from the aptly suited location of Gandhi Ashram in Amdavad. I communicated with Vandanadidi at Manav Sadhana, the backbone of the organization, before traveling to India. I was extremely excited to finally visit the place that I had heard so much about. It was a blazing hot afternoon when we entered the riverside campus of Gandhi Ashram, which once served as a hub for independence movements. The atmosphere was filled with tranquility, with the sudden departure of traffic congestion and noise. Many large shady trees blocked the scorching sun and a few squirrels took notice of our arrival, while stray dogs were unperturbed as they rested next to a small puddle. The courtyard of Manav Sadhna was filled with the cheerful voices of kids. We removed our shoes and assembled in an artistically decorated room. The kids began to file in upon an announcement of our arrival by Jagatbhai and Yogeshbhai, an enthusiastic man with an energetic voice. He greeted our family and introduced us to a group of curious kids whose gleaming eyes were upon us. A small child approached us with a birthday card, made from handmade paper. All of the children sang the usual happy birthday song and a few other songs to wish us. We handed over custom-made backpacks and sweets to all of the kids. It was such an amazing, unimaginable feeling to experience. I began to admire how well the children could overcome the melancholy of their reality, by wearing such beautiful smiles on their faces. I suddenly felt connected to them, which led me to spend several afternoons with them for the next two weeks. I shared one on one conversations with many of the children. Each child came with his or her own story about his or her dreams and aspirations. They felt so comfortable talking to me as I taught them English and in return they helped me polish my Gujarati. In the process, I enhanced the Manav Sadhna website (www.earnlearn.org) by adding pictures and information about the children. Furthermore, the children were proud to demonstrate their creativity by creating greeting cards, key chains, and other gift articles, all made from recycled material or hand-made paper. My humility grew when I met a young man of around 19 years, who once attended the program to learn basic life skills and eventually became self-sufficient enough to run his own delivery rickshaw. He is now supporting his aging parents, while tutoring kids at the ashram and hauling goods to earn a living. Saathee.com

I realized that the spirit of Gandhiji is still present at the Ashram. It is evident that the lives of these growing children are being changed, one child at a time, by teaching them the essential skills of life, developing their curiosity, and building their selfconfidence so that they can dream big. The social impact that results from converting plastic bottles to colorful planters and making handicrafts from rags is truly impressive. Until now, I felt grateful to live in America and to be able to afford a lot more than I need, but now I’m feeling truly blessed to have visited this Ashram on my sweet sixteen. It has taught me to discover the beauty in the small things in life and to be grateful for everything I have been given. The experiences I collected in those two weeks are irreplaceable.

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Spring By Zafar Khan

I hear the steps advancing Who is knocking at my door? I’m Spring! The season of hope and joy Warmth and tenderness Light and brightness I give life to the dead Smile to the sad with God’s permission I’m Spring! I radiate happiness Remove darkness I`m the season of colours Buds await my coming The breeze warms up once again and kids dance to welcome me. I’m Spring! The season of love and beauty.

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March 2017

With ‘The Great Wall,’ is China Buying its Way Into Hollywood? By Ada Tseng, PRI

China has the second largest movie box office in the world. So it’s no wonder that Hollywood panders to Chinese audiences and censors. Marvel Studio cast Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing in “Iron Man 3” — even though they cut her scenes from the international version of film. The Chinese government saves humanity in “2012” and “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” and the heroes of “The Avengers,” in an act of flagrant Chinese product placement, use Vivo V3 phones. It would be easy to assume that Hollywood is always the panderer. But if there was ever a film where the opposite were true — where the Chinese film industry panders to Western audiences — it might look a lot like “The Great Wall.” At least, Aynne Kokas thinks so. She’s a professor of media studies at the University of Virginia and the author of the recently published book “Hollywood Made In China.” “The Great Wall,” a US-China co-production directed by Zhang Yimou, starring Matt Danon, and released in theaters in February, is the most expensive Chinese film to date. Three of the four production companies that financed the film are Chinese-owned, says Kokas, which means that this film is actually China trying to enter the US market, rather than the other way around. Other signs that it’s the Western audiences that are being courted: The film’s language (it’s mostly in English); the title (“They use the most basic possible reference to China. If you don’t know anything about China, you probably know about the Great Wall,” says Kokas); and the chosen genre (martial arts films have had a history of appealing to international audiences in a way that Chinese comedies, for instance, have not). And then there’s Damon. For all the controversy around the casting of the actor in a “white savior” role in a story set in ancient China, Zhang plainly acknowledges that Damon’s involvement was a Chinese strategy to attract non-Chinese audiences. Hollywood stars have been cast by the Chinese film industry for years, but few with as much clout worldwide as Damon. His recent film “The Martian” made $95 million in China. “The way the market is right now, we can’t make an internationally successful film on our own,” Zhang told The New York Times. “If we didn’t have Matt Damon, if we didn’t speak English in the film, then it would just be a purely Chinese film.” “The idea of Hollywood being pandered to is uncomfortable, because it suggests that Hollywood has diminished in global standing,” says Kokas. “Or at least that their position is being challenged in a way it hasn’t been challenged before.” In the last decade, China’s domestic ticket sales grew by an average of 35 percent per year, according to official data from China’s State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television. The Chinese box office was estimated to Saathee.com

36

overtake the North American market by 2017 — until last year, where there was a dramatic slowdown with only a 3.7 percent growth from 2015 to 2016. But whether it takes one more year or five, the shift is already happening. Films like “Pacific Rim” and “Terminator: Genisys” made more money in China than in the US, and 2016’s “Warcraft” was an example of a film that flopped in the US, but still ended up doubling its production budget, in large part because it broke box office records in China. However, Zhang’s differentiation between a “purely Chinese film” and an “internationally successful [Chinese] film” shows that what the Chinese film industry is chasing is not just the money, but instead what Hollywood, as a brand, inherently represents: global appeal. Maggie Lee, Variety’s chief Asia film critic, reviewed “The Great Wall” when it first premiered in China in December. She believes China yearns for recognition and validation abroad. But she wouldn’t call the film an example of Chinese pandering. China’s strategy, she argues, is much more direct. “They’re buying their way in,” says Lee. The film’s most highprofile investor, China’s Dalian Wanda Group, bought out Legendary Entertainment, the American media company that first developed “The Great Wall” in 2016. The group is now also the owner of America’s largest theatrical distributor, after buying AMC Theatres in 2012 and acquiring Carmike Cinemas in 2016. Money may not be enough to get China what it wants though. “China is still quite strict with content regulations, so the question becomes, how much does that affect China’s ability to become a global media leader?” says Kokas. “There may be limitations on the amount of growth the Chinese market can have if they don’t have the ability to make whatever they want, including the types of films that may be popular for global audiences.” That’s why the future success of projects like “The Great Wall” will be revealing. “Every time there’s a new co-production, there’s hope that it will be the breakout film that actually works [for both markets],” says Lee. “But so far the Chinese audiences’ reaction to ‘The Great Wall’ has been that it’s a clearly a vanity project by the studios and it’s supported by the state as a soft power stunt. But even their own people aren’t buying it.” That said, the spectacle of seeing Zhang directing Matt Damon was enough to draw enough audience members to make back the film’s $150 million budget in Chinese theaters alone. The verdict is out whether the Hollywood audiences are charmed. March 2017

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March 2017

NAMASKAR Y’ALL Reflections and a few confessions as an Indian American in the Carolinas My Confessions as a Swim Mom

future depends on it. I recognize them because I have been in their shoes. • The Laid-Back Folks – They look so tranquil, you can picture them on a hammock by the beach. No stress, no worries and sometimes no idea where their kid is when the frantic Child Gatherer comes looking for them. • The Possessively Territorial Species – As you head to the swimmer’s area at the Championship Meet, there will be a stern looking person guarding their team’s section. Even if they have room they will not let you infiltrate even an inch lest you threaten their world. Watch out and step carefully! • My Child is the Centre of the Universe Kind – the most infuriating but the less said about them the better so I am going to stop here.

By Shyama Parui

Amidst the noisy chatter arose the distinct sound of bells, startling me and forcing me to find its source. I looked around wondering where it could be coming from. I was not at the temple, school playground, carnival or any other place that I had previously associated with bells. To my surprise and delight, I saw a woman ringing colorful cow bells to cheer on her grandchildren who were swimming in a race. That was the very first Swim Meet (swimming competition between individuals and teams) I attended and one of the most memorable ones as I was soaking in the new experience whilst also getting soaked. I realized that sitting in the very front row close to the participants diving in was a rookie mistake. If you’ve read my article about the Olympics, you’ll know that I did not grow up in an environment where competitive sports were a way of life. When my children discovered that At the time of defeat they loved swimming they or the sting of failure what kept looking for excuses to get into the pool and you say and how you react eventually joined the local truly tests your skills not recreational swim team. My only as a parent but also introduction to world of as a coach or friend. leagues, strokes, meets as well as my official role as a “Swim Mom” began at that point. It’s true that it takes a village to raise a child but it also takes one to run a Swim Meet. At first I thought the term sounded more like a social gathering at the neighborhood pool rather than a competition between teams. However, it is aptly named because a Swim Meet creates a great community atmosphere. Just as beginner swimmers learn the actual meaning of swimming jargon such as streamline and recovery, newbie volunteers learn what it means to be a Child Gatherer and how to tattoo the EHL (i.e. Event, Heat, Lane) information on their child’s arms. Don’t worry; these actions are neither illegal nor as insane as they might sound. After watching hours of practice and races, I have picked up a few skills myself although mine are strictly applied outside the pool. Here are some laughable but practical ones – timing laundry such that you never run out of clean towels, deftly peeling swim caps that have stuck together without ripping them, how to avoid passing out in spite of spending hours at indoor pools and last but not the least, spotting your child correctly from a group of 50 children wearing identical swim caps, suits and goggles. Coaches have a huge influence but at the youth level, swimmers and their parents are a non-negotiable package deal. It is for this reason that I find the different parenting behaviors at the poolside so fascinating. I don’t think of my observations of fellow Swim Moms and Dads as good, bad or indifferent but simply as eye-opening.

• The Anxious Nail Biters – Sitting on the edge of their seat, they can barely watch as their child swims to touch the wall at the other end. There is probably a tornado building inside them almost as if they are the swimmer and the fate of their Saathee.com

If I had to put myself into a category, it would be “The Ignorant Kind,” for I have neither the knowledge nor the genes to augment my children’s swimming or any other athletic skills. I can’t take credit for any of their medals but on the bright side I don’t have to accept any blame either. At times I wonder whether being the child or sibling of a famous swimmer or coach is a boon. Don’t tell me you haven’t speculated about little Boomer Phelps’s potential as a swimmer or the possibility of the Graf - Agassi kids displaying unprecedented tennis prowess. Of course with a middle name like Das and a last name like Parui my kids are on their own and while that may be a disadvantage in the sports arena, it is also a blessing that liberates them from the burden of fulfilling someone else’s dream and expectations. My journey as a Swim Mom has highlighted my strengths and painfully revealed some of my shortcomings. Everyone will cheer for the winner or rally behind the person with the highest medal tally but as a parent you stand by your child no matter what. At the time of defeat or the sting of failure what you say and how you react truly tests your skills not only as a parent but also as a coach or friend. From personal experience, I can tell you that it is not easy. You have to carefully balance being supportive and sharing honest feedback so your children are driven to do better and not discouraged from continuing a sport they truly love. That’s when being a trapeze artist sounds easier. My children have come a long way from jumping into the pool and paddling like little puppies and as I have watched them evolve as swimmers, my favorite part has been being the biggest fan of the Parui swimmers. My husband and I used to scream to the point of being hoarse until the kids pointed out that they couldn’t even hear us. That does not however stop me from enthusiastically jumping out of my seat, cheering and clapping. I have proof. Once, in the excitement of a race I dropped the camera out of my hands and didn’t even realize it. So, the second half of the footage (no pun intended) only recorded shaky images of my feet with sounds of loud claps and cheers. Did I mention it is one of my favorite videos?

Shyama Parui

Shyama is a long time North Carolina resident and an ardent writer. You can reach her at: shyamashree_parui@hotmail.com

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March 2017

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March 2017

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

By Jennifer Allen

work, we cannot go to restaurants, to baseball games, to any public place.

Dude looks like a lady? The Misconceptions of What it means to be Transgender

The lGBTQ community has overall been brought to the forefront by the media in the past decade or so. Do you think this is a good thing or bad, and why? I think the increase in visibility for the LGBT[Q] community has both pros and cons. Greater knowledge of us leads to less ignorance, and more acceptance. However, hyper-visibility can also lead to a spike in hate crimes and more vitriolic rhetoric from reactionary movements— especially in the United States, where we’ve seen a resurgence in activity from what’s called the ‘Religious Right’. At this point, the transgender community, particularly transgender women of color, have seen the most deadly years on record twice in a row (in 2015 and 2016) coinciding with unprecedented visibility and public discourse of transgender people. However, I still firmly believe that visibility is an improvement over the closet. The more the media acknowledges the existence of LGBT[Q] individuals, the more LGBT[Q] kids and teens will realize that […] nothing is wrong with them.

The controversial bill House Bill 2, also known as the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act or the (so-called) Anti-LGBT Law has garnered its share of news over the past few months since it was first deliberated in North Carolina congress. Some see it as a good thing, others not so much. What is not readily apparent is… who or what is this Bill supposed to protect? A part of the problem is that the general populace is still not quite sure what the differences are between a transgender vs transsexual, and intersex vs genderqueer among other terms that have become a part of the lexicon in recent years to explain an individual’s gender. House Bill 2 seems to specifically be addressing the Transgender population, but If you can remove a group they don’t realize what this of people from the term means. I cannot offer the definition of human, you best knowledge on the can justify doing just about subject, not being a anything to them. transgender myself, though I have known people who are in various stages of gender transition. I decided to go right to the source and asked Casper, a college student who recently announced his transition from female to male, for his take on the community and how the outside world has responded to it.

South Asian governments such as Pakistan and India have declared transgenders (particularly Hijras or those who identify as female) to be “not human” and often associated as a “third gender”. What are your thoughts on this? I have less knowledge than I would like on how transgender people are treated in countries like Pakistan and India. I had heard that hijras were a relatively respected group in India, but I could have been wrong. I do think there’s a difference between transgender people being considered “third gender” and being considered “inhuman”. To say that trans people are a third gender is a particular perspective on transgenderism, a way of articulating it. Some people find it inaccurate, others do not. To dehumanize a class of people, is always bad. If you can remove a group of people from the definition of human, you can justify doing just about anything to them.

You are a transgender who identifies as male. Can you, in your own words, explain what this means? The way I articulate my identity is thus: I disagree with the gender assigned to me at birth. I suffer from what is called dysphoria, a discomfort of the body that I have plans to alleviate by undergoing HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). Not all transgender people suffer from dysphoria, and not all transgender people seek to physically transition. It is a personal decision that is up to the individual, and often transgender people, even if we need treatment for dysphoria, cannot afford to physically transition.

Any other thoughts you’d like to share? I would like people to know that gender identity and sexual orientation are separate. People can be transgender and straight, or transgender and gay, etc. In addition, presentation is not always an indicator of identity.

Have you had any life experience changes after you announced your gender identity? How so? I have had to socially transition at my college, and all of my professors, employers, co-workers and classmates have been mostly very understanding. There have been some awkward moments with people using the wrong pronouns or saying some ignorant things, but otherwise my experience has been positive, because I was lucky enough to come out at a very liberal, sheltered college. My family has also been supportive, although my father had a difficult time at first.

What are your thoughts about NC’s House Bill 2? I agree with what Laverne Cox said on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert regarding HB2 and other so-called ‘bathroom bills’ that are popping up all over the United States: this is not about privacy or protecting women from predators, it is about the right of transgender people to exist in public spaces. If we cannot safely use the restroom of our gender identity, we cannot Saathee.com

One thing I would also like to stress is that being transgender does not by default make you a bad person. House Bill 2 seems to assume that transgenders are simply “choosing” this lifestyle to further a goal of physical and sexual abuse towards those who are not. If there’s anything that should be taken from this, it’s that being a good or bad person has nothing to do with your gender. Once North Carolina lawmakers can get past that, perhaps we can put more efforts into more important things like education to help alleviate all forms of prejudice in this world.

Jennifer Allen

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

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March 2017

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MASTERING MEANING

Harnessing the Power of American English By Judith L. Bergman

Having been professionally trained as a speech and language pathologist or therapist, rather than as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, I am constantly surprised by the unexpected complexities of my native language. Most of my accent reduction clients began to learn English in their schools between five and ten years of age, starting with the alphabet and basic vocabulary and yet they are not familiar with the multiple meanings and idiomatic uses of very common vocabulary items. Beyond the basics of everyday vocabulary are layers and layers of these multiple meanings and idiomatic or non-literal expressions that I just take for granted. I decided to take a mental inventory of common items in my living room and see how many of these layers of meaning and usage I could uncover. Here are the items I selected: table, chair, match, floor, carpet, rug ceiling, window, and curtain. Can you insert the correct word from the list above in these sentences in place of its meaning in parenthesis or as the missing word in the idiom: 1. The committee decided to _____(postpone) consideration of the proposal until they met again. 2. His rudeness at dinner simply _____ (surprised and astounded) me. 3. I can’t believe they met online. They are so compatible that they seem like a____ made in heaven. 4. I think the contractor is paying his workers under the _____. (illegally to avoid taxes) 5. She is going to ____(preside over) the meeting. 6. After a short introduction the head of Human Resources took the _____. (rose to speak formally to the assembled group) 7. It is very undignified and inappropriate for our senators to get into a shouting ____. (loud argument) 8. I missed the project deadline and I hope the district director doesn’t call me on the _____ again. (reprimand me) 9. When he found out that his son had wrecked the car he hit the _____. (got extremely angry) 10. That tech company is now worth millions and so are the people who got in on the ground _____. (purchased shares or got involved in it from the very beginning) 11. The speaker addressed the _____. (person conducting the meeting). 12. My third grader is already learning his multiplication _____s. 13. With the new administration, I hope that all of our good climate research won’t go out the _______. (be wasted, gone, no longer considered important) 14. I like to watch game shows where contestants have to ____wits (compete using their intellectual skills and knowledge). 15. When our insurance company wouldn’t cover the flood damage I felt like they had pulled the ______out from under my feet. (abruptly withdrew expected help in a difficult situation) 16. They drank themselves under the _____ .(became very intoxicated) 17. It’s not a good idea to sweep a problem under the _____. (try to ignore or hide) Saathee.com

18. After 50 years of business, the company will bring down the _____. (close) 19. Who is the ____(lead professor) of the Math Department? 20. He was considered the best debater on the team but he certainly met his ______(equally skilled opponent) in the regional competition.

Suggested strategies to increase your mastery of meaning this month: Read news and feature articles in your daily newspaper and look for ways the names of the items in the living room inventory are used. Notice whether any of the expressions in this article are used by your colleagues and pay attention to the setting and the context. Another interesting experiment, especially if you didn’t know all of the answers, is to hide the answer section and ask a friend or colleague who is a native speaker of English to take this quiz. When you see how how easy the task is for him, you will understand the difference between absorbing English as one’s native language from birth and learning it as a second language. References: 1, http://www.thefreedictionary.com Answers: table: 1, 4, 12, 16 chair: 5, 11, 19 match: 3, 7, 14, 20 floor(ed): 2, 6, 10 carpet: 8, 17 rug: 15 ceiling: 9 window: 13 curtain: 18

Judith L. Bergman M.A CCC

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PERSONAL FINANCES By Mo Vidwans

Tax Preparation for this Year

all about it and show it sincerely. Miscellaneous income (jury duty, gambling winnings) needs to be shown too; some income of the educational scholarships can be taxable. If you have donated goods to charity organizations keeping proper receipts and a list of what is donated is important. If you are donating cash then the check is your receipt. All unreimbursed business expenses can be claimed in the Itemized deductions; just have the back-up material ready to support the deduction. Credits against the taxes are always better than the deductions against the income. There are many credits available that you can take advantage of. The foreign tax credit mentioned above is just one of them. Some credits are nonrefundable meaning that they can work only against the taxes that you actually owe. If you don’t owe taxes then these credits would not work. Childcare, education, retirement savings credit are some of them. There are others but they are more obscure. All of these have income limits. Earned income credit is one of those which you can get even if you don’t owe taxes.

With the new Administration in place and both houses of Congress in political alignment with each other and the administration, it is expected that there could be changes to the tax laws before the end of the year. It is not clear how far and how extensive the changes would be and hence nobody knows, at this time, what the impact would be on the middle class families. But it is assumed that we will not be worse off compared to what we have now (if we remembered to follow all the rhetoric of the campaign). It also remains to be seen what the implementation date would be. Last month we focused on preparation for 2016, what paperwork we need and in particular how to go about getting ready for filing the 2016 taxes. So let us focus more on preparation for 2017 and beyond since, as I mentioned in the last article, it is an all-year endeavor and, always, the sooner we get started the better it is.

Unless Congress revives laws In 2017 seniors are losing the 7.5% threshold for medical expenses in itemized deduction. Seniors may not Credits against the have realized it, especially if taxes are always better they were using tax software to prepare their taxes that for than the deductions against medical expenses they were the income.There are many given a special 7.5% credits available that you deduction, as against those can take advantage of. who are not yet 65 had to contend with 10% deduction, before they can use all their medical expenses. It was a major advantage for seniors and at the moment it is history. My suggestion, for this and all other changes that may be forthcoming and not beneficial for us, is that the citizens write to their Congressman and the two Senators and let them know what you do not like; after all never forget that they are representing you. We cannot claim more than $3,000 for capital losses to reduce income in any one year but the losses are carried forward indefinitely. This means that every year you can claim the losses if you still have any, up to $3,000, until you exhaust the losses. Nobody likes to have such losses but let me just say that when we are dealing with stock/bond market such miscalculations are inevitable. We are all human after all. Foreign taxes paid, generally on dividends coming from foreign companies that you may own, are there in your 1099 statements and sometimes ignored because we don’t know what to do with it. In fact it is one of the biggest tax advantage we have because they reduce our taxes directly dollar for every tax dollar. No paperwork required up to a limit, just claim them on line 48 of your 1040. Energy credits have been dwindling slowly over the past few years and are supposed to disappear completely in 2017 and beyond. Claim what you can in 2016 and, as mentioned above, let your representatives know your displeasure. No paperwork (1099s etc.) does not mean you don’t have to show that income; actually it is far from it. Assume IRS knows Saathee.com

Tax planning for future years Tax planning is critical at any age but it takes different forms. In our thirties and forties we are going after maximum deductions like IRAs for all earning members of the family, HSAs for health needs, Itemized deductions and many others. When we get to the age between 60 and 70 then it morphs in a different way. After 59.5 of our age we can withdraw from an IRA and not get penalized even though we still have to pay income taxes on it. At the age of 70.5 we must withdraw from our IRAs a specific amount (it depends on the total value of your IRA at the end of the previous year) dictated by IRS every year otherwise we get penalized 50% of what we should have withdrawn. So this period in between 60 and 70 is to be watched carefully. Here is why. It happens more often than we think but when we delay withdrawing from IRA and reach 70.5 and must withdraw a dictated amount, which is usually substantial, it can easily push us into the higher income tax bracket; which means more taxes and it can push us into higher Medicare bracket too which is even more detrimental. We do get the IRA money grow a bit longer in those 10 years but then the double whammy hits us. Managing the IRA withdrawals over those ten years (between the age of 60 and 70) so that we stay within our income tax and Medicare bracket is critical. It is easier to manage this if we start thinking about it earlier. It is like averaging the withdrawal of our IRA funds over the 10 years to keep our income leveled. This consideration is overlooked by many and then we end up paying more taxes than we need to. I welcome any questions on this article or the previous ones, also the suggestions for any future financial subjects of your interest that you would like to know more about.

Mo Vidwans

Vidwans is an independent, board certified financial planner. For details visit www.vidwansfinancial.com, call 984-888-0355 or write to mpvidwans@yahoo.com. 50

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March 2017

DANCES OF INDIA

about 12 inches off the floor and take their hand off the barre. Dancers whose weight is over the supporting leg will be able to maintain the pose. Repeat this test on both sides. This will Some tips for Budding Classical Dance Teachers allow them to feel their body balance their weight. and Students Drilling the basics by doing the first few steps of any I receive calls from new teachers on a regular basis, asking classical dance each class is extremely beneficial for posture and for a little guidance. Many classical dance teachers are new to stamina. Repetition is good for muscle memory as well. the country. They have either completed their arangetram (dance graduation) prior to coming to the USA or they have Tip 3: Keep them safe from injuries. Many students are involved taught professionally in India and moved here. In any case, the methodology of teaching in India versus US is quite different. in sports such as soccer, track, and tennis. On a regular basis, I I thought I will share some personal thoughts on this subject have students coming to classes with sprained ankles, hurt and let teachers and students ponder on these ideas. As many knees, painful elbows, and so on. When students are younger, of you are aware, in India, students of dance have exposure to their injuries heal faster. Their injuries will show up more as Indian mythological stories by being immersed in the culture. they get older. As you may not have time to stretch in class, To teach the new IT generation in India, media is promoting please ask your older students to spend at least five minutes to stories through newspapers, warm up and stretch before they come to your class. Other tip magazines, Internet sites, and for teachers is to start with a slower dance as a warm up. By Dr. Maha Gingrich

television series. Students who are born here in the US do not have that exposure. Parents become the channels of cultural learning. If they do not get that exposure, it makes it difficult for students to comprehend the nuances of Indian classical dance forms. In a multicultural setting where contemporary educational strategies are implemented, we have to come up with a different mindset to teach these classical dance forms. Most of the time, in India the teacher teaches and the student imitates. But in the USA we have a great opportunity to actually teach the stories from epics and literature to the second generation. So make it more educational and conversational between the teacher and student. Most Indian classical dance teachers want their students to experience the same level of knowledge and access to dance as they experienced when they learnt the dance back in India. When teaching students who are born here, teachers often have to adapt and repackage what they teach in ways that are meaningful for their students. So I just decided to list few simple tips:

As the demand for classical dance training continues in full swing, take your time and make it a lifelong gift to the students.

Tip 1: As you know, many young students have their cool posture of drooping shoulders. In order for students to develop good balance, we must first teach correct posture and placement right from the beginning of training. Especially in the early years, the first lessons are important because you are building a sense of rhythm along with technique. It takes many years of training to develop the strength in the legs and the back needed to balance their posture equally on both legs. Start early on the posture. Don’t wait until they learn a lot of fundamental techniques.

Tip 2: To test for the correct balance on one foot, have students hold onto the barre (if you have one) or make them stand closer to a wall for support. Then ask them to stand straight while slightly bending the knees. Next, tell them to raise one foot Saathee.com

Tip 4: All classical dances require for the feet to sound clear while they beat the steps. Working on the balls of the feet is key for clear sounds. Teaching students to separate their sounds at an early age is important for developing techniques, making sure they are not using the front of their feet to dance. The weight should be distributed equally on their feet. Body alignment is important as well, especially if they are squatting.

Tip 5: In Guru Kula or traditional dance schools, teachers always started with Prana Yama’s or breathing exercises to release tension, stress and increase focus. As you enter the dance classes, notice your own breath to help you become centered. Draw your students’ attention to their breath to help them become present in body, mind, and spirit. Remind them that movement rides on breath and that breathing is not just about the lungs. It takes place on a cellular level as oxygen travels through the cardiovascular system.

In spite of Bollywood fantasy, many still want their children to learn these ancient sciences of dancing to better their children’s understanding of culture, improve self image and develop incredible stamina to perform (and of course college applications). As the demand for classical dance training continues in full swing, take your time and make it a lifelong gift to the students. Any classical dance form takes years of dedication and hard work. Precision of technique and posture is most critical for classical dance forms. Many students struggle with the forms and postures for years. Only practice and repetitions will enable them to master them. Thanks for what you do as classical dance teachers.

Dr. Maha Gingrich

For questions or comments contact via e-mail at: Gingrichmaha@gmail.com

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March 2017

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THINKING ABOUT THINKING By Balaji Prasad

Escaping “Me” If you are like the famous Houdini, you manage to twist your way out of things that challenge other lesser mortals. The nice thing about the me-box, though, is that it is largely defined by you, even if it is influenced by others’ thinking. The first step before going to what you can be, namely, outside the prison of the me-box, you need to understand what the me-box is. And this is where the situational-me becomes important. It is much easier to deal with something more defined, like a “me” that is bounded within a clear context. You can be a better tennis player. You can be a better SAT test taker. You can be a better mathematician or reader. All of these things can be fairly well defined in terms of both where you are today, and where you can be tomorrow. This is very different from wanting to be a happier person, or a more successful person, or someone who is looked up to by others. Those more abstract “me’s” tend to be very hard to define, let alone measure, and therefore very difficult to attain.

Be All That You Can Be

“We are what we believe we are.” ― C.S. Lewis

Do you ever feel that things could be better? That life holds something more, something that somehow is a bit elusive? If you are like most of us, the answer is probably, “yes”. However, the question could be a bit wrong, and can lead us to wrong actions (and inactions). Let us reflect a bit, using a slogan from the eighties to bootstrap our thoughts. The US Army had a catchy slogan. “Be all that you can be,” they said for about two decades, when this used to be the Army’s call to young people looking for a way to succeed in life. The Army belted out the catchy jingle as often as they could, during TV commercial breaks. It seemed to work. Lots of people were drawn to a career as Army men and women. They also added a tagline later, just to make things clearer, and Can Be a tad bit more exciting: “find your future in the Army!” When you define a specific box with specific boundaries, it becomes easier to define a new box with broader boundaries. Be If the boundaries are measurable in some ways, that could be You are what you are. Exactly that. Nothing more, nothing even better. For example, if your SAT Math score is 600 out of a less. There can be no argument about it, if “you” is defined in possible 800, it is clear what your current box is, and what a the context of this moment. More correctly, you are whatever possible expanded box looks like – maybe 700, or even 800. it is you are doing, where your mind is focused, and whatever But we have to be careful about measurable things too. We else is happening inside of you unbeknownst to what you can take this idea too far. Measurement is not always the best indulgently call, “me.” If you are reading these words, there is thing since sliced bread. Some things are measurable, and some a stream of associative-memory-driven thoughts that flow are inherently harder to quantify, but that does not mean that alongside the words that stream in through your eyes, as you they are any less important. So it is possible to get a good math read these words. score, without gaining specific competencies that may be more But that is not quite what you mean, when you say, “this is important than what an SAT score would reflect. Scores can me!” That statement is a bit more abstract, and goes well actually cause a loss of focus on competencies that lie outside beyond a characterization of the entity that operates in the the box defined by some score. limited context of the here and now. Becoming Breaking out of a box doesn’t happen in an instant. Even “Me” The above distinction is important. It distinguishes between Houdini took some time to extricate himself from complex a situational-me that is not talked about often, and the abstract tangles. So, rather than viewing a breakout as a discrete event “me, me, me”, that is talked about often. Maybe, a bit too often. that suddenly happens, it is more helpful to see it as a This could be an obstacle to going beyond what you “are”, to progression. You can progressively become a better tennis what you “can be”. The abstract-me makes it a bit like not player. You can progressively improve your competencies in knowing where you are on a map, and wanting to get math, and likewise, the subset of math competencies defined by SAT scores. somewhere, that may or may not even be on the map! If you know where you are – the box you are in – as well as Abstractions are distractions, if we can agree on that. At least more often, than they are not. Being in the real world helps, if the box you would like to expand into, you are halfway there. one is going to make one’s way through the various crooked The other half comes from an inspiration driven by the cat’s paths that twist and wind their way in unknown directions in observation in Alice in Wonderland that any road will take you “there”, if you don’t know where you’re going. If you know the real world. So maybe, it would be a good idea to get a good handle on where you’re going, then only some roads will take you there. the “me” in a more specific way, in a more situationally Find those roads, and hit the road! If you need help, whether it bounded way. The whole thing can get quite complicated is a career push or an SAT/ACT push, please reach out to me. otherwise, especially if you see that your definition of the abstract-me may not even be your own definition, but a Balaji Prasad characterization based on what the people around you have is an IIT/IIM graduate, a published author, accepted as me-patterns, and which you may have SAT/ACT Online and Offline Coach, interview, resume, and career coach at NewCranium. unconsciously accepted as a “truth”. Contact: 704.746.9779 The Me-box is a terrible thing. It is a prison that traps you. balaji.prasad@newcranium.com Can you do a Houdini on it? Saathee.com

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UNCERTAINTY Conversations in Science & Math By A. Spaice

The time shift

Tuesday arrives. My day for a quick tidying-up around my rooms. I do this. Then it rains. I’m renting a bungalow. Far from everyone and everything; I’m certainly not keen to get back to the usual routine, not yet. I’m waiting. Just a month ago, I got a call that I haven’t been able to shake. Some strange number, a voice I couldn’t really hear clearly, it sounded so short and dry, and the news. The news that my best friend was “unreachable.” Yes, four weeks now. Was when the call came, had it been a Tuesday? Yes, must’ve, because I think I was holding two pillowcases, moving them around the house. But the call came, and I dropped them, left them where they were. I guess it doesn’t matter if you’re in the city, or in the country, or somewhere else, I didn't know then that but waiting is an in-between such days could come so kind of place. You just have easily to an end, that we to sit still. Or do you? Is time would find ourselves real? Me, I’ll try to reminisce, separated by continents... instead of worry. Yes, the old studio, the old colleagues, the old footpaths and parks and tea houses here, they’re starting to come back to me. Eliza and I had so many great conversations spaced with moments that let long silences happen. Words get in the way of real communication, she would hint, in those quiet times of sitting together. I didn’t know then that such days could come so easily to an end, that we would find ourselves separated by continents and even decades. I think, and this is just a guess, but I’m feeling my way towards this, so I’ll tell you. I have been discovering, slowly, that we only can put meaning to a thing once we spend some good quantity of time around it, and its environment, and around people who speak the language of it and together learn the intimacies of curls and repeating gestures and unspoken ideas that come in layers. It’s raining, again. It’s raining even now. Questioning. What might be coming? What might be next? Instead of my usual routine, which involves flats and a cat and watering plants and laundry, I knew I had to make a shift. So I came out here. Right here. This is where I am. I’ve gotta pay attention to this. It’s wet out. Feels like monsoon. The staccato voice on the other side, I remember, had told me to stay calm. It spoke the words in short and clear statements, the way you would if you were writing an explanation of chaos theory. We don’t know too much right now, Spaice. Sometimes things happen that we just cannot predict, or explain. Can you wait? We may need to ask you some more questions, in time. A few days after that, I dialed their number, to see where things were with the search, if there was any update, that kind of thing. But it just rang and rang, and… I don’t know. I guess I had this idea that I should do something, that I needed to put action to work, otherwise, well, then you wouldn’t know, you Saathee.com

wouldn’t have data, and you couldn’t make informed decisions. Right? Wasn’t that how I had been trained to do things? But I couldn’t get through. So I figured, I’d get moving. Clear the decks and get fresh air. Eliza and I used to come here, to work on our separate projects. That’s a big part of why I wanted to be back, too. You go around the world and you see a bunch of places, but sometimes what you want most of all when you’re looking for comfort is the familiar. Where you used to go. What you used to do. I’m back, and it’s the same, pretty much, in every way but one. I am older. You always think, when you’re young, “Oh, I have time.” My aunts and uncles used to say that, and I’d shrug, and now I’ve become so much like them I don’t recognize myself. My last visit here was 12 years ago. Eliza was with me. I’m trying to think. A lot of colors, in one scene: thin yellow curtains, silk and streaming light, the green of the grass just outside the picture window, the blue of the great sky, stretching for as long as I can remember. In my memory, the scene is a composite of a lot of feelings, plus the still-vivid picture of a wooden table in the kitchenette, with scraps of peels from apples on a white plate. A teacup. There was always an unreasonable quantity of paper surrounding her. These lay among her pens, and postcards, her unsent letters. Fragments of notes, bits of equations and penciled theories and sometimes, the occasional poetry. Eliza was always noting what people said. Physicists, especially, followed by artists, philosophers, and poets. I remember thinking, ‘Huh.’ It wasn’t easy to keep up with all the glittery quotes. But I can’t think right now. I’ve got to focus on not-thinking. This trip, I think it’s working, a little. I’m starting to relax. Out here feels good. You’ll find the birds, the breeze, the water in a small stream close by. I can’t quite hear it, but almost. Something about the patterns of the old geometrical designs call the eye. Something beautiful is here, in the weave.

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March 2017

Test Your

Knowledge Cities of India

1

3

2

The second largest city in Maharashtra.

The city of Pune was the center of what great empire established by Shivaji maharaj?

5

4

Many automobile companies have a presence in Pune leading it to be known as “___”

Central Pune is at the confluence of these two rivers.

Pune is known as the “___ “ due to the presence of many educational institutions.

7

6

Founded in 1885 in Pune, this was the first privately governed college in India.

8

The historical fortification in Pune that was the seat of the Peshwas of Maratha Empire.

9

By the 13th century Pune came to be known as…

Mahatma Gandhi’s wife Kasturba died at this historical palace in Pune during her internment.

Answers: 1. Pune 2. Maratha Empire 3. Mula and Mutha Rivers 4. India’s Motor City 5. “Oxford of the East” 6. Fergusson College 7. Shaniwarwada 8. Punawadi 9. Aga Khan Palace.

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March 2017

YOUTH CORNER Word World

I

By Kirit Shukla

w

t

E

R

Who wants to be a Scholar?! Answer the ones you know and research to answer the rest. There is only one correct answer.

S

1. Arrange these North Carolina cities from West to East. (a) Charlotte (b) Raleigh (c) Ashville (d) Greensboro

t

2. Music director of 2015 Hindi ‘Bajirao Mastani’? (a) Anu Malik (b) A.R. Rahman (c) Pritam (d) Sanjay Leela Bhansali

3. The first Talkie film in India “Alamara” was produced in the year (a) 1925 (b) 1931 (c) 1935 (d) 1939

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; 7 to 10 words = Good; 6 or less = keep looking. Words we found are in solutions below.

4. This does not belong to the festival of “Holi”: (a) Colors (b) Fire (c) Popcorn (d) Fireworks 5. The sum of the external angles of a triangle: (a) 60 (b) 120 (c) 180 (d) 360

Brain Train

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

6. The symbol of chemical element ‘Platinum’ is (a) Pa (b) Pt (c) Pm (d) P

Find the value of # If: A = 3B, D = 2C, B = 4C. Then A = # D

7. The distant between Mumbai and Delhi by highway is approximately (a) 1200 km (b) 1800 km (c) 1400 km (d) 1000 km

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

8. A “belligerent” attitude is (a) Peaceful (b) Helpful (c) Warlike (d) Intelligent

Dadaji’s moral short stories

Answers are below. No Peeking.

Scholar: All correct; 1st Class: 9 Correct; 2nd Class: 8 Correct 3rd Class: 7 Correct; Need to improve: 6 or less

Word World (Solution): REIS , REIT, REST, RISE, RITE, SIRE, SITE, SITTER, STET, STEW, STREW, TEST, TIER, TIRE, TITER, TRES, TRET, TRISTE, TWISTER, WEIR, WERT, WEST, WIRE, WISE, WITE, WREST, WRITE

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10. The airport code of “Orlando” Florida is (a) MCD (b) ORD (c) ORF (d) RDU

Answer for brain train: 6

Moral: Do not underestimate tiny things. They have their own capacity and values.

9. The capital of Bhutan is (a) Punakha (b) Gonphu (c) Damphu (d) Thimphu

Scholar Answers: 1.c, a, d, b.; 2.d; 3.b; 4.d; 5.d; 6.b; 7.c; 8.c; 9. d; 10. a

A small mouse lived in a hole tucked away under a big mountain facing the East. One day he came out of his searching for food. The mountain looked down at him and said, “You poor little mouse. I pity you. Look how small and insignificant you are. The mouse looked up to the mountain, munching on a small berry and replied, “What is the problem with my small size?” The mountain said, “See how big I am! The clouds kneel before me and I can withstand tornadoes and hurricanes. I will stand here for thousands of years.” The little mouse was smart but humble. He smiled and said to the mountain, “I do agree that I am very small and you are big. But, I can dig holes right into your foot and live there. Can you stop me from doing that?” The proud mountain was speechless, embarrassed and quite ashamed. He went about his business and never again troubled the mouse.

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March 2017

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

See if you can spot the 10 differences between the original photo on top and modified one on bottom. Answers are on pg 134.

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March 2017

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SANGEET Popular Music of India

Main to rangi hari hari ke rang, Lāj se gulābi gāl Mohe rang do lāl, Nand ke lāl lāl, Chedo nahin bas rang do lāl, Mohe rang do lāl, Nand ke lāl lāl, Chedo nahin bas rang do lāl, Mohe rang do lāl

By Kirit Shukla

Tribute to living legends of Bollywood

Shreya Ghoshal (1984– Present) Shreya Ghoshal is a renowned playback singer and the winner of many awards for songs sung in various languages. She was born on March 12, 1984 in Murshidabad, West Bengal, India. She started learning classical music in her early childhood. She first received recognition and success as a singer in the popular Bollywood film Devdas in 2002 and she continues to record hits including in the 2015 film Bajirao Mastani. I attended Shreya Ghoshal’s live concert in Charlotte a few years back and it was a blast. Her voice and live presence were incredible. She sang her heart out with ballads and dance numbers and had the audience on its feet several times during the concert. She is praised as one of the most versatile Indian singers of this generation due to her serene and melodious voice. She remains busy recording and touring. She sang too many hit songs and they cannot be listed here. It’s very simple, just listen to her music and enjoy.

Meaning (Summary): Color me red, O son of Nand (Krishna), Don’t tease me, just color me red, color me red.. I see you, enraptured, touch my glass-like, untouched body; why do you just keep looking at it. He twisted my wrist, turned it, twisted and turned my wrist. Bangles were broken, and when I lugged, he hugged this green scarf (of mine)and snatched it with a jerk. I was colored green in the color of Krishna, with my cheeks turned pink with shyness. Color me red, O son of Nand (Krishna), Don’t tease me, just color me red... lyrics in Hindi:

Awards Ghoshal has been nominated for 250+ awards and won over 100 awards in a short period (including six Hindi film Filmfare awards and five National film awards) in more than one category, by different organizations, in many languages.

The lyrics to her famous Hindi song “Mohe rang do lāl” (on the occasion of Holi) is given on this page.

Note: The contents of this article are compiled from the news, books, internet and my knowledge and love for Indian music.

Evergreen and Classic lyrics Mohe Rang do lal

Song: Mohe rang do lāl … Film: Bājirao Mastāni Year: 2015 Music: Sanjay Leelā Bhansāli Singers: Shreya Ghoshal, Pundit Birju Mahāraj Lyricist: Siddharth-Garimā Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepikā Padukone, Priyanka Chopra

Kirit Shukla

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lyrics in English: Mohe rang do lāl, Mohe rang do lāl, Nand ke lāl lāl, Chedo nahin bas rang do lāl, Mohe rang do lāl Dekhoon dekhoon tujhko main hoke nihāl Dekhoon dekhoon tujhko main hoke nihāl Choo lo korā morā kānch sā tan, Nain bhar kyā rahe nihār Mohe rang do lāl, Nand ke lāl lāl, Nand ke lāl lāl, Chedo nahin bas rang do lāl, Mohe rang do lāl Marodi kalāyi mori, Marodi kalāyi mori Hān kalāyi mori, Hān kalāyi marodi, Kalāyi mori Choodi chatkāyi itrāyi, To chori se garwā se lagāyi Hari yeh chunariā, Jo jhatke se chhini Hari yeh chunariā, Jo jhatke se chhini Saathee.com

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Heritage India Association of North Carolina Presents

2017 HERITAGE INDIA FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2017, 3:30pm - 8:30pm VENUE: HSNC Cultural Hall, Morrisville, NC GENERAL PROGRAM:

Classical Group dances, Group Fusion/Folk dances in all age categories, Musical Group Presentations, Children’s Art Competition, Heritage Awards Ceremony and a FREE EYE CAMP. Send General Program entries to: yashgarg@gmail.com

Joyous celebration of Heritage – Showcasing Indian dances, Art, & Culture

SPECIAL FEATURES: BOLLYWOOD DANCE COMPETITION & FASHION SHOW CATEGORIES: A. 9-12 yrs. B. 13-16 yrs. C. 16 yrs-Adults Each Dance Category Receives Heritage Trophy Award for the Best Dance. Contact Sangeeta Nayak, Dance Competition Chair: nayaksang@hotmail.com PLEASE NOTE: All dances are limited to 5-6 MINUTES; Must have minimum five performers; Completed Form with names of the performers must be sent before April 10. Send Music for all performances in mp3 format to Aruna ji at: arunam0401@yahoo.com

ART COMPETITION Two Categories: A. 9-12 years B. 13-15 yrs. Best art gets Heritage Trophy. Contact Youth Co-Chair Akshar for form & theme at: aksharjha@gmail.com

PLEASE REGISTER FOR ART COMPETITION, DANCE COMPETITION & FREE EYE CAMP.

FOR VOLUNTEERING: Contact Vidya Arvapalli at: vidyaravapalli@yahoo.com For ADVERTISING IN THE BROCHURE: contact Naresh Giri at: Ngiri@yahoo.com or Yash Garg at: yashcgarg@gmail.com FOR VENDOR INFO: Contact Naresh or Ruchi Giri : ngiri@yahoo.com For Event information, please contact any one of the above persons Festival pictures are taken by Mohan Palani. Please contact at: palani.mohan@gmail.com

ADMISSION: TICKET PRICE AT THE GATE: $10 ADULT, $5 FOR STUDENTS & SENIORS, AND KIDS ABOVE 5 YRS. SPECIAL DISCOUNTED TICKETS FOR $7 ARE AVAILABLE TO PARENTS OF PERFORMERS FROM MARCH 1 TO APRIL 25 - ADVANCE PAYMENT ONLY.

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NUTRITION FOR LIFE National Nutrition Month

tissues such as those in the mouth, eyes and nose. It helps keep body temperature constant at about 98.6 degrees, and it transports nutrients and oxygen to all cells and carries out waste products. Make a habit if drinking water regularly throughout the day. Have your kids develop a habit of drinking water.

By Parul Kharod

March is National Nutrition Month. It serves as a reminder for all the New Year’s resolutions we made in January; a gentle nudge to be mindful and get back on track if we have started • limit or avoid unhealthy beverages: Juice, soda, diet soda, to veer off. Or to start making changes in case you never got diet green tea, fruit punch, Gatorade, Capri Sun, and any such around to making any resolutions! drinks that have sugar, artificial sweeteners, or artificial The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics promotes National colors are harmful for the body. Save them for an occasional Nutrition Month every year with a different theme. This year’s treat but not as part of your daily routine. theme is “Put Your Best Fork Forward.” There is no one super food or one best diet. In fact, one diet • Get Physical: You don’t have to join a fancy gym, but we do need to move more. Whether at home or at the office if you does not fit all! The best diet for you is one that you can have a desk job, make sure to get up every 30 minutes or maintain with long-term health goals in mind, with every hour and walk around for a couple of minutes. Add commitment to healthful lifestyle behaviors, healthy eating whatever exercise routine you are more likely to stick to. habits and daily physical activity. So here are some tips that may serve as a guide and a • Fix healthy snacks: Healthy snacks can sustain your energy reminder as we move forward with this year. levels between meals, especially when they are balanced. Avoid packaged snacks made with maida and hydrogenated 17 Tips for a Healthy 2017 fats. Avoid fried snacks. Avoid granola bars and protein bars! Eat real food - try raw veggies with hummus, or a tablespoon of • Start the day right: Eat a good breakfast. Start your morning peanut butter with an apple or banana or a fruit with some nuts. with a balanced meal that is rich is fiber and includes some protein to give you good lasting energy all morning. Oatmeal • Avoid protein powders and excessive supplements: Any cleanses or powders that promise to build muscle or cause made with milk or soy milk with some fruit and nuts or a magic weight loss or are all harmful to the body in the long run. smoothie made with fruit, nuts and Greek yogurt, or whole grain toast with peanut butter. Or make Upma from whole • Eat foods with fiber: Not fiber bars or supplements, but foods grains such as cracked wheat or quinoa or steel cut oats. rich in fiber such as whole grains, beans, and vegetables. • Make half your plate full of vegetables: This could be two • Choose fats wisely: Avoid foods and snacks made with cooked vegetables or one subzi and one salad or vegetable vegetable shortening (Dalda) or hydrogenated fats. Choose soup. The more variety and colorful vegetables we eat, the low fat dairy; 1% milk and 2% cheese – limit dairy portions. better. Vegetables give us many vitamins, minerals, fiber and If you eat meat, choose 2-3 oz. portions of lean meats. Include anti-oxidants. healthy fats from nuts, nut butters, seeds, and avocado.

• Eat colorful fruit: Fruits also give us many vitamins, • Use spices: All of our spices and seasonings have minerals and anti-oxidants. Because fruit is all sugar, do antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Use watch portion sizes. On an average, we should eat more turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and fenugreek on a regular basis. vegetables than fruit. There is a myth that people with diabetes should avoid fruit; this is not true. All fruits can be • Explore new foods and flavors: Add variety to your diet by expanding your range of food choices. Select a fruit, vegetable enjoyed by diabetics; however, watch portion sizes and limit or whole grain that’s new to you or your family, and fruit to two cups per day. experiment. • Be mindful of portion sizes: Not just fruit, but we all should be mindful of all the food we eat. Eating small balanced meals • Eat more plant-based meals: Vegetarian and vegan diets have consistently proven beneficial for weight loss, better heart and at regular intervals is the key to good long-term health. kidney health, and to reduce risk of cancer and other chronic • limit eating out: Grabbing quick meals from restaurants and diseases. If you do include animal proteins, limit them to 1-2 fast food places may seem convenient, but it does take a toll days per week. on your health. Restaurant foods are very high in sodium and

they also contribute to extra calories and Trans fat. The • Enact Family Meal Time: Plan to eat as a family at least a serving sizes are larger so it is easy to overeat. Make it a habit few times each week. Set a regular mealtime. Turn off the to pack lunch and snacks from home. TV, phones and other electronic devices to encourage mealtime talk. • Cook healthy meals at home: In exchange for time and convenience, the art of cooking has been left behind. Revive the skill; teach it to your kids. Prepare extra meals over the weekend, use crock pots for easy meals. There is no substitute for a healthy home-cooked meal.

• Drink water: Water is one of the body’s most essential nutrients. Water helps maintain blood volume and helps regulate blood pressure. It helps lubricate joints and body Saathee.com

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 78

March 2017

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perishables, prepared foods, and leftovers within two hours (or 1 hour if the temperature is 90°F or hotter).

Salmonella and Food You may know that Salmonella can contaminate poultry and eggs but it also sneaks its way into many other foods – ground beef, tuna, pork, tomatoes, sprouts, and even peanut butter. Learn what you can do to make your food safer to eat. Salmonella is bacteria that commonly causes foodborne illness, sometimes called “food poisoning.” Every year, Salmonella is estimated to cause 1 million foodborne illnesses in the United States. Outbreaks of illness linked to Salmonellacontaminated cucumbers, chicken, raw tuna, and many other foods have occurred in the past few years.

To avoid Salmonella, you should not eat raw or lightly cooked (runny whites or yolks) eggs. Salmonella can contaminate perfectly normal-looking eggs. Cooking reduces the number of Salmonella bacteria in an egg. Lightly cooked egg whites and yolks have caused Salmonella infections.

You can reduce the chance of Salmonella infection for you and your family. Remember to follow the clean, separate, cook, and chill guidelines below. Be especially careful to follow the guidelines when preparing food for children, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and older adults.

Check Your Steps Six Facts That May Surprise You Don’t let Salmonella sneak up on you or your loved ones. Find Follow the Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill guidelines to help out six facts that may surprise you, and learn how to lower your keep you and your family safe from food poisoning. chance of getting sick. Clean You can get Salmonella from eating a variety of foods. Wash hands with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds before and Salmonella can be found in a variety of foods including chicken, after handling uncooked eggs, or raw meat, poultry, and vegetables, eggs, fruits, sprouts, beef, pork — and even seafood and their juices. processed foods, such as frozen pot pies and stuffed chicken Wash utensils, cutting boards, dishes, and countertops with hot, entrees. Contaminated foods usually look and smell normal, soapy water after preparing each food item and before you go which is why it is important to know how to prevent Salmonella on to prepare the next item. Don’t wash raw poultry, meat, and eggs before cooking. infection. Bacteria can spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces. Salmonella illness can be serious and is more dangerous for Sanitize food contact surfaces with a freshly made solution of certain people. In most cases, illness lasts 4–7 days and people one tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach in one recover without antibiotic treatment. Symptoms of infection gallon of water. include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Symptoms typically appear 6 to 48 hours after eating a contaminated food; Separate though this time frame may be substantially longer in some Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from other cases. Diarrhea can be severe, and the person may be ill enough foods in your grocery cart and in your refrigerator. Keep eggs to require hospitalization. Although anyone can get a Salmonella in the original carton and store them in the main compartment infection, older adults, infants, and people with weakened of the refrigerator, not in the door. Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from ready-toimmune systems are more likely to develop a serious illness. eat foods, such as salads and deli meat. For every one case of Salmonella illness confirmed in the Use separate cutting boards and plates for produce and for laboratory, there are about 29 more cases of Salmonella meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs. illnesses that are not confirmed. Most people who get food Never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw poisoning usually do not go the doctor or submit a sample to a meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs. laboratory and so no one learns what germ made them sick. That’s why Salmonella causes more illness than you might Cook suspect. Reporting suspected outbreaks of foodborne illnesses Use a food thermometer to ensure that foods are cooked to a to your local health department helps disease detectives safe internal temperature: 145°F for beef, veal, lamb, and fish identify outbreaks and stop them from happening again. 145°F for pork and ham (allowing the meat to rest for 3 minutes Salmonella illness is more common in the summer. Warmer before carving or eating) weather and unrefrigerated foods create ideal conditions for 160°F for ground beef, ground pork, ground veal, and ground lamb Salmonella to grow. When eating outdoors in the summer, such continued on page 88 as in the backyard or on a picnic, be sure to refrigerate or freeze Saathee.com

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March 2017

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March 2017

HEART TO HEART

Heartfulness: Purity weaves destiny The Science of Spirituality: Life in Life

By Kamlesh D. Patel

In this penultimate article of this series, Kamlesh D. Patel explores a different facet of the evolution of consciousness. He writes of love, transmission and the need for connection and communion along the way

What do most people want more than anything else in the world? If you examine the research about this question, you will find a number of answers, including happiness, peace, trust, appreciation, freedom, money, etc., but the most fundamental of all is love. Love is the center of life. Most poetry is created in the name of love, most music, art and film. “God is love,” “Love conquers all,” and so on. All great mystical teachers have extolled the importance of love. All the great saints have loved God and loved humanity. The Buddha did not speak about love, but one of his most famous statements is that he would keep coming back again and again until every human being is liberated. Is this not love? In this series we have focused on the evolution of consciousness and the other subtle bodies, as a result of doing a spiritual practice. So how does love enter into this domain of the science of spirituality? It is vital to understand, because in fact it is only love that can propel us to the end of this journey of expansion of consciousness, with all its ups and downs. Of course it is possible to go part of the way without love, just by wanting to grow individually, and even for that you need enough interest to commit to the process. But to reach that state of stillness, the center of our being, love is essential. Love makes the path smooth. Let’s take a worldly analogy. Marriage. What happens in a marriage where there is no feeling, no love for the other? Is it easy to accept the foibles and funny habits of another person at close quarters if there is no love? In contrast, what happens when we love? Even the faults of the other person seem so adorable. We accept so much more when love is there. It softens the way forward. Love overcomes obstacles with ease. In a marriage or partnership, love brings connection and eventually communion and oneness. We are genuinely interested in the well-being of the other person. We put them first, we care about how they are feeling, what happens to them, and support them in all ways. We feel their feelings and know their thoughts. We finish each other’s sentences and respond to each other’s needs instantaneously. You have probably seen elderly couples who have been together a lifetime, who are so merged together that they understand each other completely without saying a word. With motherhood, the state of connection and communion moves to an even more profound level; the feeling of giving defines a mother’s relationship with her children. Giving is the quintessence of motherhood. Mothers do not sacrifice anything for their children – whether it be giving birth, staying up all night with a sick child or loving a rebellious, disobedient teenager. It is natural for a mother to love. Loving is connection. Love creates empathy, compassion, and the awareness to ‘feel’ the other person’s needs at the deepest level. At such moments, everything we have flows from our heart into the heart of the other, naturally, without our needing to do anything. We don’t have to look far to know that love opens our hearts. Even at the most human level, the Saathee.com

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experience of falling in love, or loving your newborn child, is instantly understood. The world appears rosy, and we exude a vibrancy that is easily recognizable. The heart has a very interesting property – in its purest state it is actually an infinite universe of potentiality. The more it opens to deeper levels through a spiritual practice, the more we expand its field of existence, the spectrum of consciousness, and the more we become aware of our connection with the hearts of others. A pure heart feels connection with every other heart. A vacuum can be created in the heart by love, which results in a flow of current from heart to heart. So let’s relate this now to the spiritual journey of expanding consciousness. What happens if the practice we do is mechanical, routine and dry? You could compare it to a dry, loveless relationship. There is no spark, no interest, because there is no communion. So there is no expansion. Instead, there is resistance, and the practice is ego-driven, just like a loveless relationship is ego-driven. When interest is there, a spiritual practice comes alive and there is wonder, experience, opening and magic in every moment. We are given enormous support to develop this interest in our spiritual practice in today’s world. How? With the help of yogic transmission. Transmission is the most sublime, subtle love. Transmission is from the Source, so it is the purest love possible. As the heart opens to love, the flow of transmission nourishes us from the inside, like a mother’s love nourishes a child. While transmission itself has no qualities, it dissolves boundaries and removes separation. It transmutes the grossest of forms to the subtlest of states. It loosens the knots of our entangled existence, making way for joy and bliss. Transmission is the ultimate catalyst. Where does transmission come from, this potent love that seeks out the very core of our being? Transmission is always there, and it is infinite in its nature and application. It is there in the fabric of existence as the subtlest forceless force emanating from the Source. But knowing it is there is one thing; it is quite another thing to be able to utilize transmission for the expansion of consciousness and spiritual evolution of others. That requires a special relationship with the Source itself. And that is the real role of a Guru, a spiritual Guide of the highest caliber. Because such a Guru can transmit that subtlest essence into our hearts, so that consciousness expands with the purity of true love. The Guru is like a mother, giving us birth into a higher dimension of existence, and filling us with a love that passes understanding. Perhaps this is what Swami Vivekananda meant by saying, “The Guru is the bright mask which God wears in order to come to us. As we look steadily on, gradually the mask falls off and God is revealed.” With transmission, there is life in life. The heart, the canvas of consciousness upon which the subtle bodies of the mind play, is nourished. We thrive, we blossom, and eventually our consciousness expands to its fullest potential of complete Oneness. And thus our life takes on a meaning that is otherwise only found in dreams.

Kamlesh D. Patel

Kamlesh D. Patel is the fourth spiritual guide in the Sahaj Marg system of Raja Yoga meditation, teaching Heartfulness meditation free of charge. contact carolinas@heartfulness.org for more information or visit www.Heartfulness.org

March 2017

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EYE ON THE MARKETS Trends and Commentary By Ketu Desai

What is Trump Trade?

The election of Donald Trump marked an important turning point in financial markets. The election also resulted in a new phrase that has driven the markets, “Trump Trade.” The “Trump Trade” is a set of asset classes, sectors, and market drivers that are expected to do well with the new President’s policies. The policies generally center around three items: tax reform, deregulation, and infrastructure spending. Let’s examine each of these, describe the specific market movements, where we are currently economically, and the risks. President Trump and Congressional Republicans agree that there should be lower rates and a broader taxable income base. Trump wants to reduce the number of tax brackets to The "Trump Trade" is a set about three from seven, and reduce the highest rate from of asset classes, sectors, 39.6% to 33%. They would and market drivers that also look to simplify the are expected to do well process and deductions. For under Trump's policies. corporate taxes, he wants to reduce the rate from 35% to 15%, and also simplify the process. Trump has said that we should get more specifics over the coming weeks. The question many will ask is how do we make up the revenue difference? Deregulation and infrastructure will be ongoing. President Trump has said he wants to cut regulations by 75%. Further, he has said that for every new regulation, two must be eliminated. He has already started with certain financial deregulation and will likely focus on some deregulation related to the EPA. Over time, President Trump wants $1 trillion of investment in infrastructure. He campaigned on spending to improve our roads, hospitals, bridges, tunnels, airports, etc. The objective of these policies is to stimulate economic growth. If taxes are lower, consumers and businesses have more capital to spend and invest. If there is less regulation, it is easier to conduct business, get new projects approved, and most likely cheaper to do business. Infrastructure projects are job creators. All of these items are positive for economic growth, and that is what the market has been reacting to. The “Trump Trade” for the economy means higher economic growth, higher inflation, higher interest rates, and stronger U.S. dollar. The policies above are aimed at higher economic growth, however, with higher economic growth comes higher inflation due to higher demand for goods, services, and labor. As inflation increases or is expected to increase, the Federal Reserve increases interest rates to prevent overheating of the economy. Further, investors sell bonds, which has the impact of increasing interest rates. Lastly, the U.S. dollar appreciates because global investors invest in the U.S. because of its higher growth rates and interest rates, relative to other developed markets. What does the “Trump Trade” mean in terms of markets? The “Trump Trade” has meant investors favoring assets that perform well with these policies. More specifically, it has meant Saathee.com

equities over fixed income. It has meant investors favoring domestic over foreign. It has meant investors favoring growth over yield. It has meant investors favoring cyclical over defensive. It has created a market environment where there are certain asset classes, sectors, and companies that are winners and others that are losers, many of which in a bifurcated way. Where does the economy stand currently and does it need this boost? Let’s examine, starting with the consumer, as the consumer is nearly 70% of U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The unemployment rate is 4.7%, a level we have not seen since pre-crisis. Wages are also growing, wages have grown north of 3.5% in recent months, according to the Atlanta Fed, also numbers we have not witnessed since the crisis. Approximately 4.3 million workers across the country will see an increase in the minimum wage early this year. A recent payroll number was 80k higher than expected. Consumers with wage and job growth are confident. Consumer confidence is at a 13-year high, a 7.1% increase from January last year. From this and other data, the consumer appears to be healthy. Moving onto corporate health, earnings have not grown for the previous seven quarters. That said, fourthquarter earnings that have been released are pretty good, earnings have grown approximately 5%. Further, earnings are expected to grow this year by high-single digits. Businesses do appear confident. Anecdotally, many CEOs have expressed cautious optimism on the economy and their outlook on earnings’ calls. Small business confidence is also at the highest level since 2004. The latest GDP report showed that business spending, which hasn’t been a major factor post-crisis, is improving, growing 2.4%, lifted by rising spending on equipment and research-anddevelopment projects. All these data points would suggest that the economy is in pretty good shape, and further stimulus would augment the economic outlook, but there are risks. One of the clear risks to these pro-growth policies at this point in the economic cycle is that the economy overheats causing rapid inflation. This could potentially cause a decrease in purchasing power for Americans, if wages do not keep up with inflation. Further, the Federal Reserve would have to act more aggressively in increasing interest rates, which could lead to a crash in the market. There is also much risk in how the policies are implemented and often with such policies the devil is in the details. There are other risks such as having too strong of a U.S. dollar that hurts in trade. Unforeseen risks are also worth being cognizant of with such drastic changes in the outlook. There is a lot going on in financial markets with much to be gained and lost. Stay tuned!

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Ketu Desai

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

March 2017

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March 2017

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Salmonella

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occupied Europe. “And so she was recruited as a secret agent,” Basu says. That was early 1943. “Even though she was Sufi, even though she believed in nonviolence,” Basu says, “she knew there was a bigger fight to be fought.” Noor’s idealism apparently made some of her colleagues question her suitability for the field. She once said she couldn’t tell a lie, “which of course doesn’t quite fit with your life as a secret agent,” Basu notes, “because that’s a big lie. You have a cover name. You have a false passport.” But documents from the National Archives show that her superiors saw the “steel” in her character, Basu says. “They saw an inner strength in her, and they knew she would do the job.” Noor Inayat Khan, That job was extremely dangerous. She in the uniform of the was assigned the role of radio operator and British Women’s dropped into France in June 1943. Radio Auxiliary Air Force, operators were in constant danger of is pictured in 1943. Credit: Imperial War capture, as the German secret police, the Gestapo, could triangulate signals to find Museum their locations. Life expectancy was only six weeks, according to Basu. Noor’s “circuit” of agents was quickly compromised, and most of her team was arrested. But she was resourceful enough to keep operating in Paris under the noses of the Gestapo. However, in October 1943, Noor was betrayed. Her name was “sold to the Germans” by the sister of one of her colleagues, Basu says. “It was a love triangle,” says Basu. “Noor was very beautiful. Everyone was in love with her. And this sister was jealous of Noor. And she betrayed her.” Noor did not go quietly. “They broke into her flat and arrested her. But Noor being Noor put up a big fight,” Basu says. “It needed six burly men to hold her down … she bit fiercely and drew blood.” She also made two daring escape attempts, but was recaptured. German agents tortured Noor in hopes of forcing her to reveal contacts and knowledge of the British communications systems. But she never broke. “She wouldn’t even tell them her real name, and they never discovered the fact she was Indian.” However, she had failed to destroy her notebooks, and the information in them helped the Germans lure several more British agents into deadly traps. After almost a year in captivity, Noor was transferred to Dachau concentration camp, where she was tortured again, and then along with three other female agents, shot to death by the Nazis. She was just 30 years old. Witnesses say at the end she shouted “Liberté.” “So they didn’t get her spirit,” Basu says. Noor was also a princess, descended from a once-powerful Muslim dynasty in southern India that was perhaps most famous for its stubborn resistance to the imperial power of Britain in the 18th century: the sultan of Mysore. (As a side note, during the Revolutionary War, the US recognized Muslim Mysore as an ally, and the Pennsylvania State Navy named an 18-gun ship after Sultan Hyder Ali, one of Noor’s ancestors.) Basu says the principles Noor fought for are still relevant today. “We see the neo-fascist groups rising in Europe. We see the far right emerging everywhere. We see walls being put up against refugees … The things she fought for, these are messages we need to remember. We need to remember these lessons of history. Why did we fight against fascism?” Saathee.com

160°F for egg dishes 165°F for poultry (chicken, turkey, duck), including ground chicken and ground turkey 165°F for casseroles Microwave food to 165°F or above. Keep food at 145°F or above after cooking.

Chill Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or colder. Refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared foods, and leftovers within 2 hours (or 1 hour if the temperature is 90°F or hotter).

Do I have a Salmonella infection? Contact your doctor or healthcare provider if you have: Diarrhea along with a temperature over 101.5°F Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving Bloody stools Prolonged vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down Signs of dehydration, such as: Making very little urine Dry mouth and throat Dizziness when standing up Article Courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.CDC.gov).

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every region on Earth experienced record average temperatures last year. For example, both NASA and NOAA found the 2016 annual mean temperature for the contiguous 48 United States Courtesy, NASA was the second warmest on record. In contrast, the Arctic experienced its warmest year ever, consistent with record low sea ice found in that region for most of the year. NASA’s analyses incorporate surface temperature measurements from 6,300 weather stations, ship- and buoy-based 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. 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 with a different baseline period, and different methods to analyze Earth’s polar regions and global temperatures. GISS is a laboratory within the Earth Sciences Division of Earth’s 2016 surface temperatures were the warmest since NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. The lab modern recordkeeping began in 1880, according to independent is affiliated with Columbia University’s Earth Institute and analyses by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric School of Engineering and Applied Science in New York. Administration (NOAA).

NASA, NOAA Data Show 2016 Warmest Year on Record Globally

Globally-averaged temperatures in 2016 were 1.78 degrees Fahrenheit (0.99 degrees Celsius) warmer than the mid-20th century mean. This makes 2016 the third year in a row to set a new record for global average surface temperatures. The 2016 temperatures continue a long-term warming trend, according to analyses by scientists at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York. NOAA scientists concur with the finding that 2016 was the warmest year on record based on separate, independent analyses of the data. Because weather station locations and measurement practices change over time, there are uncertainties in the interpretation of specific year-to-year global mean temperature differences. However, even taking this into account, NASA estimates 2016 was the warmest year with greater than 95 percent certainty. “2016 is remarkably the third record year in a row in this series,” said GISS Director Gavin Schmidt. “We don’t expect record years every year, but the ongoing long-term warming trend is clear.” The planet’s average surface temperature has risen about 2.0 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 degrees Celsius) since the late 19th century, a change driven largely by increased carbon dioxide and other human-made emissions into the atmosphere. Most of the warming occurred in the past 35 years, with 16 of the 17 warmest years on record occurring since 2001. Not only was 2016 the warmest year on record, but eight of the 12 months that make up the year – from January through September, with the exception of June – were the warmest on record for those respective months. October, November, and December of 2016 were the second warmest of those months on record – in all three cases, behind records set in 2015. Phenomena such as El Niño or La Niña, which warm or cool the upper tropical Pacific Ocean and cause corresponding variations in global wind and weather patterns, contribute to short-term variations in global average temperature. A warming El Niño event was in effect for most of 2015 and the first third of 2016. Researchers estimate the direct impact of the natural El Niño warming in the tropical Pacific increased the annual global temperature anomaly for 2016 by 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit (0.12 degrees Celsius). Weather dynamics often affect regional temperatures, so not Saathee.com

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

Doctoral Student Builds Toilets in India and Provides Clean Drinking Water By Jennifer Goren, PRI

Children drink water from the SHRI sanitation system. Credit: Courtesy of SHRI

When Anoop Jain graduated from college in 2009 and got a good job as an engineer, his parents figured he was set. But then a year later, he left his engineering job to go to India to work in community development. At first, he says, his parents, who are Indian immigrants, were “really nervous.” But now, they’re happy with what he’s doing. He’s founded an organization called Sanitation and Health Rights in India (or SHRI) that builds public toilets in Bihar state, one of the poorest in India. SHRI works with local communities to end the practice of open defection, a huge public health issue in India. An estimated 600 million people in India lack access to toilets and sanitation. SHRI now has four public facilities, and they hope to complete two new facilities by the end of the summer. These toilets also serve another function: they provide clean drinking water. As the waste from the toilets decomposes in an

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underground tank, it produces methane gas, which is used to power a water filtration plant that supplies clean drinking water. The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has pledged to build millions of toilets to deal with the lack of sanitation. But just building toilets doesn’t address the entire problem. Reports suggest that many people aren’t using the government toilets, especially in rural areas. Jain says his group assumes that people want to use toilets. One problem with the government toilets, he says, is that they have pit latrines that fill up with waste. People either have to pay to get them emptied or do it themselves. “No family wants to do that, especially in areas where the caste system is still so deeply entrenched,” Jain says. “They don’t want to be associated with the ‘untouchable’ caste, which in many parts of India is still responsible for emptying waste.” SHRI’s toilets are free because they want to encourage people to use them. They sell the filtered water at a nominal fee to help fund the operation. “So far we’re seeing 3,000 to 4,000 men, women and children a day at our toilet facilities, and we sell over 100,000 liters of safe drinking water each month.” Jain, who’s 29, is now a doctoral student in public health at UC Berkeley. And he has been recognized by Forbes as one of its “30 under 30” social entrepreneurs. But he says working in India can be a humbling experience. In the US, “I consider myself a person of color,” he says. “But when I’m in India, I am seen as an American” — essentially a white American. He dresses like an American, and he speaks Hindi with an American accent. Jain recalls one incident when he got into an argument with a group of young men in Bihar state who were harassing the workers building the toilets. Although the young men were from the Brahmin caste (India’s highest caste), they were also poor. And they started yelling at the workers. “They were afraid that the low caste community was getting services and they would be left behind,” Jain says. When he tried to speak to the men in Hindi, one of them responded in English. “He was telling me that I didn’t know what I was doing. He said ‘my friends and I are all out of work. You’re building toilets. Why don’t you get me a job?’” Jain says when he tried to explain that SHRI wanted to help the poorest of the poor, the young man shot back, “Who are you to decide who’s poor here?” Jain says he struggles with the fact that he’s always an outsider, but he accepts it. “Too often development workers begin to feel that maybe we are part of the community,” he says, “and we’re not.”

A US-trained scientist was deported, then became the ‘father of Chinese rocketry’ By Matthew Bell, PRI

Fear can lead to dumb decisions. And that could be an unintended consequence of US President Donald Trump’s ban on travel and immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries, according to Peter W. Singer of the New America Foundation. There are legitimate security concerns when it comes to deciding who to allow entry into the US from places like Syria and Iraq. That is why rigorous vetting procedures are already in place for asylum seekers from war-torn countries. “It’s a two-year process. It involves all sorts of different things from background checks to fingerprints to iris scans, you name it,” Singer says. Singer notes, however, that the framing of Trump’s executive order is about the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 — even though the home countries of the 9/11 plotters aren’t included in the ban. Saathee.com

“If this executive order had been put into place back in 2001, it would not have stopped either 9/11 or any single act of terror in the United States that has occurred since,” Singer says. Take the case of Qian Xuesen, a Chinese scientist Singer recently wrote about in Popular Science. Qian was born in China in 1911 and came to the United States in 1935 to study aeronautical engineering at MIT. He later took a job with the US government and worked on several programs, including ballistic missile technology and the Manhattan Project, the secret atomic bomb program. In 1949, Qian was named director of the jet propulsion lab at Cal Tech. Singer says Qian earned a reputation for being an undisputed genius. But in that same year, Mao Zedong’s communists took over mainland China. Soon after that came Sen. Joe McCarthy’s Red Scare, a witch hunt targeting suspected communist sympathizers in the US. Singer says Qian’s attendance at a party held before the war was used to implicate him as a communist sympathizer and a security threat. The FBI apparently believed that the social gathering was organized by communists from Pasadena, California. “Solely for the fact that he attends this party, his application for US citizenship is denied. ... [Qian] then loses his security clearance, and then he’s placed under house arrest,” Singer says. The Chinese scientist was held in detention for four years, and then deported back to China in 1955. The head of the US Navy at the time was quoted as saying that Qian’s deportation was “the stupidest thing this country ever did. He was no more a communist than I was and we forced him to go.” Back in China, Qian went on to become a national hero who helped make great strides in China’s nascent nuclear, missile and space programs. “Over the next couple of decades, [Qian] becomes known as the ‘father of Chinese rocketry,’” Singer says. In fact, Qian helped develop the long-range missiles that still target the US today, Singer says, along with the Chinese nuclear program. Singer sees Qian’s story as a powerful example of how fear of outsiders in the short term can end up backfiring on your own nation’s security. “We lost one of the top scientific minds of the last century that had already contributed greatly to US security and was clearly going to contribute more,” Singer says. “Then in turn we helped jump start this vast [Chinese] missile and space complex that’s still a rival to us today.” Not every scientist or university student being blocked from entry to the US by Trump’s executive order is going to make the same kind of impact that Qian did, of course. “But each and every one of them will be a story of lost opportunity,” Singer says. More: We’ve been here before, say historians who explain Trump’s executive order.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS Events of Note

Beyond Bollywood Exhibit - thru Apr 2 (Raleigh) The City of Raleigh Museum is hosting its first Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit “Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation.” The exhibit is the first national exhibit to celebrate the history and achievements of IndianAmericans in the United States. Beyond Bollywood was created in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s Asian Pacific American Center with the goal of going beyond the stereotypes of Southeast Asian Indians by exploring their daily lives, to struggles in a new country and contributions to food, culture, and politics. “We were excited to open this exhibit in Raleigh” said Ernest Dollar, Director of the COR Museum, “It is a great opportunity to tell the story our rapidly growing Indian community through exploring Indian American’s impact on American history.” In addition, the museum is partnering with local groups to present a series of public programs and events to highlight Wake County’s connection to the exhibit. “Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation” is a creation of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. The exhibit will have an extended stay at the museum through April 2, 2017. The museum hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m./Sundays 1-4 p.m. Admission is free; donations accepted. For more details, call 919-996-2220 or visit www.cityofraleighmuseum.org.

Vijay Iyer Sextet Concert, Tue March 7 (Chapel Hill)

The Grammy-nominated jazz composer/pianist and multiform collaborator Vijay Iyer was named DownBeat Magazine’s 2015 Artist of the Year and 2014 Pianist of the Year, a 2013 MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellow and a 2012 Doris Duke Performing Artist. With 20 albums covering a singularly diverse terrain, his accomplishments extend well beyond his recordings. A polymath whose career spans the sciences, humanities and the arts, his writings have been published in Journal of Consciousness Studies, Wire, JazzTimes, the Best Writing on Mathematics anthology and the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Critical Improvisation Studies, among others. He will perform with his sextet on Tuesday, March 7 at Memorial Hall, UNC Chapel Hill. For more details visit www.carolinaperformingarts.org/

Dances of India - Apr 29 (Charlotte)

2 to Tango 3 to Jive, Comedy Play - Mar 12 (Chapel Hill) The comedy play “2 to Tango 3 To Jive” will be presented on Sunday, March 12 beginning at 6:30pm at East Chapel Hill H.S. Auditorium. The play features national award winning actor Saurabh Shukla, Sadiya, Siddiqui, Achint Kaur, and Preeti Mamgain. The show is brought to the Triangle area by Live Spectrum. Tickets range from $29 - $69 and VIP seats are available. Child care will be available by Goddard School. For further details call 877-222-9324 or visit www.LiveSpectrum.com.

Anouskha Shankar Concert - Apr 7 (Durham) Sitar maestro Anouskha Shankar will perform on Friday, April 7 at Page Auditorium, Durham at 8pm as a tribute to her father Ravi Shankar. Shankar comes to Duke Performances with a six-piece classical ensemble to play the timeless ragas she learned as a child, paying tribute to her father’s rich legacy while also forging her path as a master in her own right. Tickets range from $10 - $55. For more details visit, www.dukeperformances.duke.edu. Saathee.com

Come and celebrate the history and culture of India with the 15th anniversary of Dances of India presented on Saturday, April 29 beginning at 4pm at the Halton Theater on CPCC Central campus. Choreographer Dr. Maha Gingrich and a large ensemble of dancers will present classical and folk dances. Stories will be brought to life through dance dramas, costumes and masks. The performances will end the signature finale dance “Unity in diversity” - set to international dance styles and music. For more details call 704-330-6534 or visit www.tix.cpcc.edu. 96

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

oak City Revolution - Mar 25 (Raleigh) The 2nd annual Bollywood fusion dance competition sponsored by the Ektaa student organiztion of NC State University. It will take place on Saturday, March 25 starting at 6:30pm in the Stewart Theatre, 2610 Cates Ave., Raleigh, NC. Tickets are only $15 to watch collegiate teams compete in these energetic performances. For more details visit, www.Oakcityrevolution.ektaa.org.

Ekal Sur Ekal Taal Music Shows - Mar 3-17 (Various) The Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation presents its annual fundraiser shows with this year’s “Ekal Sur Ekal Taal” musical concerts. The shows will feature Bollywood songs, folk songs and dances, patriotic songs, Indian devotional music and more. The evening includes dinner and performances. The shows are as follows: Fri, March 3, Charlotte, 6:30pm Hindu Center, 7400 City View Dr. Info: 704-787-3349 Fri, March 10, Raleigh, 6pm HSNC Main hall, 309 Aviation Pkwy Info: 732-713-4192 Sat, March 11, Fayetteville, 7pm Hindu Bhavan, 907 Cedar Creek Rd. Info: 910-824-0095 Fri, March 17, Lexington SC, Meadow Glenn Middle School Info: 803-665-4050 For more details on Ekal Vidyalaya visit, www.Ekal.org or www.ekal.org/us/events.

Pushpadolotsav - Mar 12 (Charlotte) BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir presents the annual Pushpadolotsav (Holi) celebration on Sun, March 12 beginning at 4pm. It’s a celebration of the arrival of spring with a flowerladen swing, devotion and mahaprasad (dinner). The temple is located at 4100 Margaret Wallace Rd., Matthews, NC. For more details call 704-573-0805 or visit www.baps.org/charlotte.

Samir & Dipalee Concert - Apr 21 (Charlotte) Samir & Dipalee are prolific singers and performers. The duo have sung playback in Hindi films as well as on TV. They will perform songs from decades of Hindi films during a live Full Frame Documentary Film Festival - April 6-9 (Durham) concert on Friday, April 21 in charlotte. The venue and time are The 20th annual Full Frame Documentary Film Festival will yet to be decided. For more information call 843-814-4538 or return on April 6 – 9 in Durham, NC. Each spring Full Frame write to rsaddy@yahoo.com. welcomes filmmakers and film lovers from around the world Shankar Mahadevan Concert - May 5 (Raleigh) for a four-day, morning to midnight doc fest of over 100 films, Veteran singer Shankar Mahadevan panel conversations, and southern hospitality. The festival will perform live on Friday, May 5 at landscape is walkable and it is only a 10-minute walk end to Duke Energy Center, Memorial Hall end. Full Frame’s 2017 Film Schedule will be announced in midAuditorium, Raleigh beginning at March. For more details, visit www.fullframefest.org 7:30pm. He will be supported by Siddharth Mahadevan and Shivam Kedri Gopalnath Saxophone Concert - Mar 26 (Charlotte) Mahadevan. The concert is a fundraiser The Classical Music Association of Charlotte for Aim for Seva. Tickets range from presents a saxophone concert by Dr. Kadri $25 - $199. For tickets and more details Gopalnath. He will be accompanied by Sangeetha visit, www.aimforsevausa.org. Kalanidhi (violin), Sri. Thanjavur Govindarajan (Thavil) and Rajendra Nakod (Thabla). The concert is on Sunday, March 26 at Tate Hall, CPCC beginning at 3:30pm. For more details call 704-814-8355 or visit www.onlinecmac.org.

Sounds of Kolachi Concert - Mar 31 (Chapel Hill)

Mika Singh Concert - April 7 (Charlotte) Singer Mika Singh will perform live in Charlotte on Friday, April 7 at 8pm at Ovens Auditorium. He will perform with a live band. For tickets and info call 704-769-5511 or 843-814-4538 or write to rajivsaddy@hotmail.com. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com.

Nuv Yug India Fest - March 2017 (Charlotte & Raleigh) The Nuv Yug Cultural Association presents the Nuv Yug India Fest on Sat-Sun, March 18 - 19 at the NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC and on Sat-Sun, March 25 - 26 at the Park Expo Center in Charlotte. The events feature performances, arts, fashion, exhibitions, crafts, food, vendors, and more. The audition deadlines for performers at Sat, February 25 for the Raleigh fest and Sat, March 4 for the Charlotte fest. For more details call 919228-9867, write to team@nuvyug.net or visit www.nuvyug.net. Saathee.com

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

rhythm section. Guiding the journey, composer, theorist and Community News singer Ahsan Bari spins outrageous, bluesy, modal riffs. Sounds USATT National Team Trials in Raleigh of Kolachi defies boundaries in its mix of classical, avant-garde, Triangle Table Tennis has been selected to host the USA jazz and rock music. They will perform at Memorial Hall, UNC Chapel Hill on Friday, March 31 at 8pm. For more details visit, Table Tennis (USATT) 2017 National Team Trials. This event will attract the top players in the U.S. to compete for the right www.carolinaperformingarts.org. to represent the U.S. during the 2017 World Table Tennis Championships in Germany. Qualifying rounds will be held Taj Express: The Bollywood Musical - Mar 12 on March 23, with individual selection rounds on March 24, 25, (Greenville, SC) and 26, guaranteeing intense competition on all days. Event and single day passes are available for purchase, allowing local spectators to enjoy the high level play.

The musical show, “ Taj Express: The Bollywood Musical Revue” will be performed on Sunday, March 12 beginning at 6:30pm. Taj Express explodes with the sounds of India and Bollywood, capturing the vibrant, expressive spirit of the world of Bollywood movies that have been entertaining billions of people in India for generations. Through a fusion of film, dance, and music, this dazzling international sensation will take audiences on a live cinematic journey through modern Indian culture and society during their 2017 US tour. The production is a high energy celebration of new India’s pop music, Bollywood culture, and deep traditions featuring colorful costumes, joyful dance, and live music. Tickets range from $25-$45. The venue is Peace Concert Hall, 300 Main St., Greenville SC. For more details call 864.467.3000 or visit http://www.peacecenter.org/ The Waiting Rooms Gujarati Play- Mar 19 (Charlotte) Charlotte Gujarati Samaj presents The Waiting Room, a play in Gujarati on Sunday, March 19 from 4 - 7pm. Tickets begin at $25, kids under 5 are free. The price includes dinner. Childcare will be available for kids 3 and older for a nominal charge. The show will take place at Oasis Shriners, 604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte. For more details, call 704-8196745 or 704-491-9970.

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Immediately following the National Team Trials, Triangle Table Tennis will host a USATT High Performance Training Camp for qualifying advanced and elite athletes, including National Team members as well as top local and regional players, on March 27-29. Following the USATT High Performance Training Camp, Triangle Table Tennis will host the upcoming 2017 Butterfly Cary Cup Championship, a Butterfly Tour event, and renowned USATT 4-star sanction level table tennis tournament now in its 16th year. With cash and prizes totaling over $18,000, the 2017 Butterfly Cary Cup Championship will once again attract top competitors from across the U.S. and the world. This perennially popular tournament will run from Thursday, March 30 through Sunday, April 2 with multiple events for hundreds of players of all levels. The main event, a Giant Round Robin with 160 players, will begin on Saturday, April 1. Spectators are invited to enjoy the finals on Sunday, April 2, free of charge. “We’re delighted that Triangle Table Tennis, and our sponsors including USATT and Butterfly, can bring these 3 exciting national events, totaling 11 days with the top players in the U.S., for the benefit of local players and spectators,” said Ann Campbell, President of Triangle Table Tennis. Triangle Table Tennis is the largest table tennis center in the U.S. and has a mission of promoting table tennis as a life-long sport for players of all ages and skills levels. With 30,000 square feet, 40 Butterfly competition tables, large court sizes, professional sport flooring, high ceilings, high intensity lighting, well-outfitted fitness room, locker rooms with showers, pro shop, break room, and spectator seating, Triangle Table Tennis exceeds the standards for USATT and ITTF competitions and training. The center is located at 2900 Perimeter Park Drive, Suite 200, Morrisville NC. For more details call 919-388-0272 or visit www.triangletabletennis.com.

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS 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

Art of living (Charlotte) 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 are welcome. For Further Details: 980.216.8732 charlotte@us.artofliving.org www.artofliving.org/charlotte

Association for India’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, women’s empowerment and social justice. For Further Details: Kiran Uppalapati - 704.307.6450 Venkata Ramana Duddu - 662.231.2350

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Charlotte) 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, Matthews, NC, 28105. For Further Details: 704.573.0805 www.baps.org

Bethel Christian Fellowship BCF was founded to “Raise Up The Next Generation For Jesus Christ.” The Fellowship offers services in various Indian languages (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam) with a Sunday School from 9 - 9:55 am and Sun Worship from 10 - 11:45 am. The Fellowship is located at 7604 New Town Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173 For Further Details: 803.792.7223 Pastor Rajan Samuel - pastorofbcf@gmail.com www.bethelchristianfellowship.org Saathee.com

Carolina Khadayata Samaj All Khadayata families of NC and SC are welcome to be part of the Carolina Khadayata Samaj. For Further Details: carolinakhadayatasamaj@yahoo.com Jaswant Mehta - 704.839.1965 Rita Shah - 704.321.0740

Carolinas Christian Assembly Carolinas Christian Assembly located on 12601 Idlewild Road in 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: 404-840-6745 (Mobile) www.carolinaschristianassembly.org

Charlotte Gita Study Group Beginners and advanced students of the Gita are welcome. The group meets the second and fourth Sunday 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 and discussion For Further Details: rishi@solveron.com - 513.518.5300 skdave@hotmail.com - 704.844.9567

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 The Mandal adds to the vibrancy of Charlotte with various events including the Ganapati Festival which are designed to keep the cultural values and traditions alive. The community is encouraged to participate. For Further Details: www.saathee.com/charlotte-marathi-mandal

Charlotte Sahaj Marg Center Sahaj Marg which means Simple or Natural path, is a Raja 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 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 Wednesdays. For Further Details: Srikanth Katakam - 704.496.4411 www.sahajmarg.org www.meetup.com/Balanced-Life-Meditation/

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

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: President: Devender Reddy Gudepu - 702.510.8355 charlottetelanganaassociation@gmail.com www.charlottetelangana.com

Charlotte Vipassana Meditation Group Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a remedy for universal ills. The Charlotte Vipassana Meditation Group holds weekly group sits and monthly all-day sits for established students. Ten-day courses are also available for all students. Never a charge for a course. For Further Details: 704.277.5013 - rbddesai@gmail.com 704.807.3933 - madhaviparikh@yahoo.com www.dhamma.org

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, March 26: Saxophone concert by DR. Kadri Gopalnath and party, CPCC Tate Hall, 3:30 pm Sun, April 23: “Kshetra Sangeetham” vocal concert by Dr. Vijayalakshmy and group, CPCC Tate Hall, 3:30 pm For Further Details: Lakshmi & Muthukrishnan - 704.814.9355 Jayashree & Panduranga - 704.442.1186 memberservices@onlinecmac.org www.onlinecmac.org

Gurdwara Sahib (Charlotte) The Gurdwara works to enrich the lives of the Sikh & Punjabi communities of Charlotte and surrounding areas. 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. Located at 1760 Stoney Creek Lane, Charlotte, NC 28262. For Further Details: www.charlottegurdwara.org

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: Sun, March 12: Holika Dahan Sun, March 19: Dhuleti Saathee.com

Tue, March 28: Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Baisakhi Sat, April 1: Swaminarayan Jayanti Sun, April 2: Cheti Chand Tue, April 4: Ram Navami For Further Details: 704.535.3440 / 704.607.8412 (facility manager) admin@hcclt.org www.hcclt.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 annual Festival of India is held every September in downtown Charlotte. For Further Details: Toni Sawhney - 704.604.2133 Lal Vishin - 704.545.3727 www.indiafestival.net

Indian American Muslim Council (IMAC) of Charlotte IAMC is committed to promoting peace, pluralism and social justice through advocacy. The organization is also committed to promote and protect human rights and dignity in India as they are the foundation of freedom and justice. IAMCCharlotte seeks to reach out to Indian Muslims living in Charlotte to strive for Inter-Community understanding with focus on Indian Diaspora. For Further Details: Ashfaq Mehdi - 704.904.5778 Afzal Syed - 704.770.1103 iamc-charlotte@yahoogroups.com

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: Jyoti Kulkarni: 704-804-1275 Chaula Jain: 704-248-1515 contact@ipaac.org www.ipaac.org

Jain Center of Greater Charlotte (JCGC) JCGC serves the spiritual, cultural, and social needs of Jain families around metro Charlotte area. It is dedicated to the practice, understanding, promotion, and preservation of the Jain faith. Members meet regularly for worship, ceremonies, and festivals throughout the year. These activities include celebrating major religious festivals such as Mahavir Jayanti, Paryushan, and Diwali, and programs like Swadhyay, Poojas and children’s Pathshaala. Upcoming Events: - Sat, March 11 (Chaudash): Pakkhi Pratikraman @ 6:30 pm - Sun, March 12 (Poonam): Paathshala for children @ 10:30 am - Sun, March 26 (Teras): Monthly Meeting, Volunteer Appreciation & Paathshala for Children @ 4:00 pm - Mon, March 27 (Chaudash): Pakkhi Pratikraman @ 6:30 pm - Wed, March 29 (Bij): Snatra Puja @ 10:00 am Regular events are as per below:

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Weekdays: 9:30am - Prakshal and Puja; —- 7:30pm Aarti and Mangal Divo Weekends: 10:30am - Prakshal and Puja —- 7:30pm Aarti and Mangal Divo For Further Details: JCGC President Vipul Shah: 704.705.0314 or info@jaincenterus.org www.jaincenterus.org 7631 Malliard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28262

JET USA (Charlotte) Jeeyar Educational Trust (JET) Charlotte chapter is a non-profit running under the guidance of Sri Jeeyar Swamiji. For Further Details: chinnajeeyar.org/jet_usa/localchapters/charlotte/ jetnc@jetusa.org 704.847.1574 / 248.495.4590 www.Facebook.com/JETUSA.Charlotte

Kriya Yoga (Charlotte) 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: Adesh Gupta - info@charlotte.kriya.org - 704.814.7476 www.kriya.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 events and maintains deeper ties with Businesses & the Community. For Further Details: www.netIPnc.org

Pratham - Charlotte Pratham organizes grassroots programs in the area of primary education and has made an impact on the learning levels of several million children through its Read India campaign. With nearly half the children in India who attend schools not learning to read and write at the required level, Pratham is trying to fill an important gap in the area of primary education. For Further Details: Anju Desai - ajdesai66@gmail.com - 980.622.0125 Shubhra Chakraborty - shubhra.chakraborty1@gmail.com 704.942.4798 www.prathamusa.org

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 region and community. For Further Details: Saathee.com

Swapan Nandi - 704.708.5993 Anindita Paul Bhunia - 704.360.2326 welcome@probasi.org www.probasi.org

Sahaja Yoga Meditation Sahaja Yoga Meditation classes are free to attend and meant for all age groups who desire to find his or her true self, which is full of peace, joy of life and love for others. Sahaja Yoga was founded and developed by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi and teaches very simple techniques of meditation. Sessions are conducted weekly or biweekly at 5935 Hickory Grove Rd, Charlotte. For Further Details: www.meetup.com/SYCharoletteNC/

Sangamithra Foundation 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. Works collectively towards realizing its vision. For Further Details: info@sangamithra.org / www.sangamithra.org www.facebook.com/SangamithraFoundation

Shanti Niketan Senior Center of Carolinas The Center values diversity, holistic health, peaceful living, civic and community engagement, especially for under-served populations including Refugees, Immigrants, and Minorities (RIM). Efforts are made to support a rapidly diversifying population with the understanding that a vibrant diverse population adds to the strength and well-being of the whole community. Location: Midwood International & Cultural Center, 1817 Central Ave., Room 208, Charlotte. For More Details: http://uisac.org/

Shri Rang Avadhut Parivar (Parspar Devo Bhav) Devotees of Guru Dattatraya Rang Avadhut and Shri Prem Avadhut meet on Thurs from 6-8pm in Charlotte for recital of “Datta-Bavani,” singing devotional Dattatraya Bhajans and reading “Guru-Lilamrut.” -Info about meetings, literature, Videos, as well as biographies of Nareshwar Ashram and Shri Avadhut’s lives are available. For Further Details: Bharat Shah - 704.724.6247 Nagesh Patel - 704.399.7805

Shri Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal Vadtal On the 1st Saturday of every month, Shri 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 Sun every month, a Satsang Sabha is held at a sponsor’s house from 3 - 5pm. For Further Details: Ramesh Dhanani - 704.392.4488 admin@issvcharlotte.org issvcharlotte.org

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

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 South Park Cricket Club (SPCC) The South Park Cricket Club is a group of gentlemen who play competitive cricket for fun. SPCC is based in Charlotte and has been a part of the Carolina Cricket League since 2010. The Club practices every Wednesday at 5:30pm at Kilborne District Park in Charlotte. For Further Details: anishtr@hotmail.com www.southparkcc.org

Srishti of Charlotte Srishti works to fulfill the NC community’s need for togetherness and the desire to showcase Bengali culture, literature, theatre, music and popular arts. Literally, the word Srishti means an act of creation. Srishti welcomes and brings together people of varied cultures, ethnicity, languages, and backgrounds who are interested in East Indian traditions. For Further Details: Santanu & Bhabani Sarkar - santanu_kumar@yahoo.com committee@srishticharlotte.org www.srishticharlotte.org

Telugu Association of Greater Charlotte Area (TAGCA) TAGCA was formed with an intention of preserving and promoting the Telugu cultural heritage and traditions among the Telugu speaking people residing in Greater Charlotte area. The association organizes social and cultural events and festivals that reflect the Telugu people culture from India. For Further Details: pr@tagca.org www.tagca.org

Trimurti Temple Devasthanam The temple grounds offer many areas to explore including 14 sanathis with traditional Mandabams for various Hindu deities. Open daily with a Morning Puja at 10am and Evening Puja at 7pm. Sunday Abhisekhams at 11am as well as 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

Vallabh Pushti Samaj of Carolinas (VPSC) VPSC’s objective is to fill devotional need for hundreds of Vaishnavs in Carolinas to worship and pray together, to observe and celebrate festivals, and to engage in humanitarian and educational activities. Paath and Bhajan recitations are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month from 4 - 6pm. A VYO Youth Saathee.com

(ages 6-14) educational Meet is also scheduled on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of each month. The Shrinath Dham Haveli is located at 1006 Vickie Lane, Matthews, NC 28104. For Further Details: Bhupinbhai Shah - 704.224.6500 Prathmesh Shah - 704.763.3059 vsccarolinas@gmail.com

Vibha Charlotte Vibha Charlotte is volunteer driven organization dedicated to create a brighter future for underprivileged children. 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 sites.vibha.org/Charlotte

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; lowimpact yoga and the breathing-based technique called Sudarshan Kriya, or the healing breath. For Further Details: Sonal Chhawchharia - sonal.chhawchharia@gmail.com Puja Verma - puja_usa@yahoo.com http://us.artofliving.org/greensboro

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

Greensboro Cricket Club (GCC) There are several teams that play cricket in Greensboro, NC. The goals of GCC are fun, fitness, and friendship. For Further Details: Venky - venkyhot@hotmail.com

Gujarati Cultural Association of Piedmont (GCAP) The Gujarati Cultural Association of Piedmont serves the Asian Indian community through sponsored events, cultural,

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Now Enrolling For EOG & EOC prep Elementary, Middle

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Math: K - 8 & Common Core Math I, II & Ill

Middle School Advanced Sciences Biology, Chemistry & Physics

College

High School

English I, II & III AP Chemistry, AP Physics Spanish and French I, II, III, IV & V AP Spanish and French Language & Literature PSAT / SAT / ACT Test Prep Pre - Calculus, AP Calculus Statistics

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Spanish: Grammar & Literature

Physics: Introductory & Advanced French: Grammar & Literature

neW lARGeR lOcAtiOn in tHe SAMe cOMPleX: 501 Pinner weald way, Ste 101, Cary, NC 27513

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

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

India Association of the Triad (IATNC) 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

Indian Association of the Carolinas (IAC) The mission of the IAC is to promote the Indian culture by hosting community events such local picnics, Diwali and Garba and similar celebration and sports events. Their Center is located in Winston-Salem. For Further Details: Gopal - 336-509-5943 Hasmukh - 336-971-5594 (Membership Help) indianac14@gmail.com www.indianac.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. For Further Details: Krishna Balu - 336.292.9462 - balu4428@infionline.net www.iasofnc.org

Indo-US Cultural Association of Winston-Salem The Association’s mission is to increase awareness of the cultural heritage of India. The Association seeks to reach out to the 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.org Saathee.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 / sarvadrik@gmail.com www.prabhupadavillage.com

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 Mata Shakthipeetham of NC The mission of Sri Mata Shakthipeetham is to provide a place of worship for Hindus in Triad Area according to Agama Sastras (in a traditional way) in all religious, charitable and educational dimensions and perform and uphold Hindu religious activities as defined in Vedas. The Temple is located near Winston-Salem, NC. For Further Details: smsofnc@gmail.com www.aumsrimata.org

Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center (Greensboro) The Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center regularly conducts Sai Bhajans, Study Circles, various service activities and SSE classes (for students) every Sunday from 9:45am - 12:15pm. For Further Details: Swami Rajendran - 908.875.6964 Dr. Varatharajah - 336.851.9150 www.sathyasaicentergso.org

Winston-Greensboro Cricket Club (WGCC) Everyone from Triad Area in North Carolina, from the cities of Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem and all nearby locations are welcome to come and join the club. The goals of the WGCC are fun, fitness, and friendship. WGCC is also a member of the Carolina Cricket League. Practice Sessions during the regular season are held every Wednesday at 5:30pm in Weston Park, Winston-Salem. For Further Details: www.wgcricketclub.com

Raleigh

Art of living (Raleigh) 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,

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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. The Center is located at 4000 Bear Cat Way, Suite 102, Morrisville, NC 27560. For Further Details: 919.659.5939 rdu@us.artofliving.org takeabreathraleigh.org www.artofliving.org/us-en/raleigh BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Raleigh) BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir of Raleigh 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 Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560. For Further Details: 919.469.6605 www.swaminarayan.org http://www.baps.org/Global-Network/North-America/Raleigh

Bengali Association of North Carolina (BANC) The Bengali Association of North Carolina (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: exec@banc-online.org www.banc-online.org

Bhartiya Senior Citizens of NC (BSCNC) BSCNC is an organization for senior citizen 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 10 am to 3 pm. The next meeting will be on March, 11. Members will celebrate the Holi festival. For Further Details: Yogeshbhai Gandhi (President) 910.391.1809 Ramesh patel (Vice President) 443.848.9333

Carolina Rajasthani Association (CRA) The Carolina Rajasthani Association’s mission is to preserve and promote Rajasthani culture, values, heritage and traditions. CRA’s purpose is to preserve and promote the Rajasthani culture and heritage and promote their rich culture by celebrating traditional festivals. For Further Details: carolinarajasthanis@gmail.com carolinarajasthanis.org

Chinmaya Mission Raleigh-Durham (CM RDU) Chinmaya Mission was founded by Swami Chinmayananda. Not satisfied with degrees in literature and law or with other Saathee.com

worldly aspirations, he pursued the spiritual path under the guidance of Swami Shivananda and Swami Tapovanam. Dedicated to spreading the knowledge of Vedanta and other Hindu scriptures and to provide to individuals and the practical means for spiritual growth and happiness. CM RDU conducts weekly discourses (Satsanga-s) and study groups for adults, and classes for youth (Yuvakendra) and children (Bala Vihar). For Further Details: www.chinmaya-RDU.org

Dada Bhagwan Foundation (Raleigh) Every living being is in constant pursuit of happiness; no one likes suffering. This search only ends when the source of eternal happiness is found. This can only be attained through realizing your true Self. A path to eternal happiness was discovered by A. M. Patel, also known as Dada Bhagwan, and was revealed to the world as Akram Vignan, a spiritual science. It is based on the foundation of Self Realization. This unique science provides practical day-to-day solutions that lead to harmony and happiness in life. Dada Bhagwan Satsang, Raleigh center invites everyone to the regular events at HSNC, Saturdays 5 - 7pm. General Satsang followed by Aarti and Prasad. Satsang Venue: HSNC, 309 Aviation Pkwy, Rooms 5 & 6, Morrisville, NC. For Further Details: 1-877-505-3232 Ext 1003 wcraleigh@us.dadabhagwan.org 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). For Further Details: Srinivas & Anita Chittineni - srinivasrc@yahoo.com 919.484.1993 Suresh Kota - info@dycusa.org - 919.461.0843 www.dycusa.org

Duke Diya Diya is a Duke University student organization that committed to providing a forum for interaction through events relating to South Asian Americans and anyone interested in South Asian culture, politics or economics. Duke Diya represents the six major nations of South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Social events like club mixers and semiformals, especially with other Duke cultural groups and South Asian organizations at UNC and NC State, are also an extremely enjoyable aspect of life with Diya. For Further Details: diya.duke@gmail.com www.dukediya.com

EKTAA Student organization (NCSU) EKTAA (meaning unity) is the South Asian Student

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Organization at North Carolina State University (NCSU). The organization was founded in 1970. The motto is “unity within diversity.” 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: ektaaexec@ektaa.org www.ektaa.org

Geet Bazaar Radio (NCSU) Every Sunday morning from 10am - 12pm on WKNC 88.1 FM, join hosts Afroz Taj and John Caldwell, for a wide variety of music from South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and beyond. They specialize in the music of the Indian film industry, with lots of ghazals, qawwalis, bhajans, and Indi-Pop to round out the mix. Geet Bazaar will also publicize community events free of charge. For Further Details: Dr. Afroz Taj & John Caldwell - 919.851.1119 geetbazaar@wknc.org

GEM Raleigh Church of God Come and join in every Sunday from 10:45am to 1pm. They have worship services, prayer meetings, Sunday school, and much more. Located at 3331 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27612 For Further Details: Pastor Thankachan Mathai - 919.395.6208 globalem@gmail.com

Gokul Bhajan & Vedic Studies (Raleigh) Weekly satsang of parents and children singing bhajans and glorifying past times of Lord Krishna. Satsang every Friday 7pm - 9pm at the HSNC in Morrisville, NC with a dinner afterwards. Gokulam Learning Center in Durham every 1st & 3rd Saturday from 5pm - 9pm with a dinner afterwards. 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

Gurdwara Atlantic Coast Sikh Association One of the oldest Sikh associations in the Southeastern US. The association meets every Sunday for Diwans along with Akhand Paths celebrated on appropriate dates. 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 Rangila - 919.309.1045 acsagurdwara.tripod.com

Heritage India Association of NC (HIANC) Heritage India Association of NC aims at providing Indian cultural experience through performing arts, cultural arts, fine Saathee.com

arts & crafts of India. Its mission is “to preserve and promote Indian heritage and culture.” During the year, HIANC presents several annual events and also coordinates Indian dances for the main stage performances for the Raleigh International Festival. For Further Details: www.saathee.com/hianc

Hindi Naatak Group The Hindi Naatak group is based in Raleigh-Triangle area. Its motto is to promote Indian culture and heritage by utilizing local talent to stage Hindi Plays. Explore your dream to act on stage in a professional 2/3 act Hindi play. You must meet following criteria: You are male or female of 20 to 50 years of age. You can read and speak Hindi fluently. You have some experience in working on or off stage. You can make 3-4 months of weekend commitment for the project. Also need a team who can work behind the scenes to manage rehearsals, publicity, sales of tickets, and other arrangements. For further details: HindiNaatakNC@gmail.com.

Hindi Vikas Mandal of NC Hindi Vikas Mandal (HVM) based in the Raleigh-Triangle 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 for the preservation of Indian heritage. Every year HVM has been organizing KaviSammelan (Poetry Reading); Independence Day Function with over a dozen other Indian organizations of the RTP area participates 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: https://www.facebook.com/hindivikasmandal/

Hindu Society of North Carolina The Hindu Society of NC temple is open daily from 7am - 9pm. Morning Aarti: Mon-Fri 10.30am, Sat-Sun 10am. Evening Aarti: Mon-Fri 8pm, Sat-Sun 6pm. There are many other regular events taking place at the temple. All major religious celebrations are observed. Facility rentals are also available. Activities: Yoga, Hinduism and Meditation classes; Weekend Community Classes: Jain pathshala, Hindi 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: 919.481.2674 (Temple Office) info@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

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(seva) for humanity while maintaining Hindu cultural identity in harmony with the larger society. Activities are tailored to include yoga, games, songs, lectures and discussions on Hindu dharma and culture. The HSS also has a Balagokulam forum for children (4-15 years age) to discover and manifest the divinity of Lord Krishna’s magical childhood in Gokulam. There are Chapters in Cary, Morrisville and Chapel Hill. For Further Details: www.hssus.org www.balagokulam.org

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 Event: Sun, March 12: Basant Bahar For Further Details: www.humsub.net

Immanuel Assembly of God A full Gospel Christian church serving the Indian / South Asian community in the Raleigh area of North Carolina. Service is offered Sundays at 10:30am & Bible Study is Wednesdays at 7pm. The Church is located at 5419 S. Alston Ave, Durham, NC 27713. For Further Details: Pastor Sam Daniel 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: info@idrf.org www.idrf.org

Indian Christian Prayer Fellowship An Indian Christian Prayer Fellowship based in the RTP area that meets every Friday from 7:30 - 9pm. This group is part of the Carolina Christian Fellowship, so you get to be part of a bigger church community while you also have fellowship with likeminded people with similar culture in a smaller group. Located at the Cary Church of God on 107 Quade Drive, Cary, NC. For Further Details: 919.451.9662 919.929.0706 www.carolinachristian.net

Indian Classical Music & Dance Society (ICMDS) ICMDS is dedicated to promoting Indian classical music and dance in the Triangle area by inviting top artists from all over Saathee.com

the world to perform at various venues around the region. For Further Details: questions@icmds.org 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. The Center is located at 1413 Boxwood Lane, Apex, NC 27502 For Further Details: Dr. Subhas C. Mohapatra - President 919.362.7653 www.iaff1.org

InStepp InStepp’s 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. InStepp welcomes all women from South Asian cultures and can provide services in many South Asian Languages. For Further Details: 919.680.8000 919.680.8282 info@instepp.org www.instepp.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/

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 - 919.460.7830 / 919-851-0225 www.hindi.org

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ISKCoN New Goloka Temple of NC New Goloka temple is a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Visitors are welcome any day of the week to come have darshan of Sri Sri Radha Golokananda. Every Sunday at 4pm, 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 - 5am, 7:15am 1pm, 4:15 - 5:45pm, 7 - 8pm. Saturday and Sunday Darshan open from 7:15am - 8pm. The Radha-Krishna temple is in a rural setting at 1032 Dimmocks Mill Rd. Hillsborough, NC. For Further Details: 919.732.6492 newgoloka108@gmail.com www.newgoloka.com

ISSo Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple ISSO’s primary objective is to advance the Sanatan Dharma in accordance with the principles and teachings of the Original Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya, founded and ordained by Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan Himself. A new Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir will be opening soon at 500 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511. Bhoomidaan and Murtipratishtha yajman opportunities are available for a limited time. They organize a weekly “Satsang Sabha,” every Saturday, which includes Kirtan bhakti, Katha, Aarti and Mahaprasad. For Further Details: 919.964.1008 issonc@issousa.org www.issonc.org

Jain Study Center of North Carolina (JSCNC) The JSCNC was organized to study and understand Jain religion, philosophy, rituals, and literature and to educate the children. Over the years the Center has participated in many activities for youths and adults, where an environment is created making members feel like a part of the family. Jain pathshala and swadhyay are held routinely for children and adults respectively. For Further Details: jscnc101@gmail.com jscnc.org

Kiran, Inc Kiran serves and empowers South Asian victims of domestic violence in NC by helping them rebuild their lives and ending the cycle of violence. Although domestic violence is rarely talked about in South Asian communities, it is a rampant and preventable public health problem. Kiran is passionate about promoting healthy family relationships in South Asian communities and raising awareness on the prevalence of domestic violence in South Asian homes through outreach and advocacy. Kiran’s core services comprise of a 24 hour free and confidential hotline, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, Saathee.com

translation assistance, resource referrals, skills development and other culturally sensitive support services needed to meet the unique challenges of South Asian victims. For Further Details: 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 877.625.4726 Office: 919.831.4203 kiran@kiraninc.org www.kiraninc.org

Krishnadham USA The mission is to foster the richness of Hindu cultural heritage by imparting the values of love, wisdom and devotion in future generations. Provide a platform for learning and for sharing our experiences and values with the society at large. The time is coming when a new Vedanta inspired sanctuary will manifest. This inspirational experience will be expressed in buildings, pathways, water flows, and connections with the surrounding natural setting at a location not far from Lake Jordan in Chatham County of NC and will be recognized as Krishnadham USA. Current address is at 795 Beaver Creek Road, Apex, NC 27502 For Further Details: info@krishnadhamusa.org bakulparikh11@gmail.com www.krishnadhamusa.org

Maitri (NCSU) 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: maitri.ncsu@gmail.com 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. For Further Details: www.nuvyug.net

Pakistani American Anjuman The North Carolina Pakistani-American Anjuman (NCPAA) is a non-political, cultural and social organization that strives to promote the presence of the people from Pakistan living in the Triangle area of North Carolina. Their mission is to provide cultural and social interaction for the families and individuals of the Pakistani community and to offer a variety of programs and services to its members. Several events are presented during the year including a family dinner on the second Friday of every month. For Further Details: 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

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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 group is made of Indian professionals and grad students interested in cultural events, socializing and meeting/making friends with like-minded people around the Triangle. Monthly events include meetings, 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 - 6:15pm in the Mini-Hall of Hindu Bhavan in Morrisville. There is also a study circle, Bhajan Practice, Veda Chanting etc. between 4 - 5pm depending on the week, followed by bhajans from 5 - 6:15pm. 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: rsc.president@yahoo.com raleighsaicenter.org

Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of NC The Ramakrishna Vedanta 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: 919.806.5928 vedantanc@gmail.com 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: mail@rtpmm.org www.rtpmm.org Saathee.com

Sahaj Marg Meditation (Triangle) 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 the Triangle area, group meditations are held on Sunday & Wednesday evenings. For Further Details: Raj Solanki - raj_solanki@yahoo.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-TriangleGroup Thursdays at 7:30pm. Located at 9308 Fairbanks Dr, Raleigh, NC. For Further Details: balaram.krishna@gmail.com 919.757.3135 www.sahajamediation.com

Sewa RTP Sewa RTP - a chapter of Sewa International - is a team of volunteers who organize various activities - ranging from local community service to fundraisers for developmental projects in India. Currently Sewa RTP has following activities on monthly basis: Sewa Day, Workshops / Seminars, Assisting Community in Emergency situations, Chapter Meetings - 3rd Thursday of every month. Sewa International USA is a Hindu faith-based humanitarian service organization. For Further Details: www.sewausa.org/rtp

Sky Meditation and Kaya Kalpa Yoga Benefits include longevity, wellness and stress management. Triangle Sky Meditation group holds weekly group meditation and simplified physical exercises every Friday in Cary for those who have attended Shri Vethathiri Maharishi’s Kaya Kalpa Yoga course. Kaya Kalpa Yoga Courses are held several times a year for anyone 14 years and above. For Further Details: Rajendran Kailasam - 919.824.8429 sky.cary@yahoo.com www.vethathiri.edu.in

South Indian Fine Arts Academy (SIFAA) SIFAA is a non-profit organization that works to arrange and promote concerts and performances in the Triangle and Triad areas, concentrating on Carnatic music. For Further Details: 919.773.1580 www.sifaa.org 120

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SV Temple of North Carolina The temple is built on over nine acres of centrally connected triangle area. This grand tribute to Lord Venkateswara and his consorts is designed to exacting standards of shilpa shasthra and features the only shrine in North America to incorporate abodes to Lord Viswaksena and Lord Sudarshana/Lord Narasimha as part of Srinivasa Parivaram. The temple rituals are performed in accordance with Pancharathra Agama Shastra. For Further Details: 919.468.0040 comm@svtemplenc.org www.svtemplenc.org

Tamil Cultural Association of North Carolina (TCA NC) TCA NC was formed for the purpose of providing youths with exposure to Tamil culture. Everyone is invited to join TCA and become part of the organization promoting Tamil culture in the Triangle area. For Further Details: tca_nc@yahoo.com www.tcanc.org

Triangle Area Telugu Association (TATA) TATA is committed to building a vibrant Telugu Community and promoting Telugu culture and language in the Triangle area of North Carolina. For Further Details: committee@tataonline.org www.tataonline.org

Triangle Bangladesh Society (TBSNC) TBSNC strives to arrange musical programs by artists who have captured the hearts and minds of millions of Bengali, Urdu and Hindi-speaking music fans all around the globe. For Further Details: Ishtiaquem@gmail.com www.tbsnc.org

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 www.nctga.org

Triangle Rang Mandal Devotees of Pujya Sri Rang Avdhoot Maharaj meet every Saturday in Cary or Raleigh from 8:30 - 10:30pm to sing devotional Dattatreya Bhajans and Datta-Bavani in a spiritual atmosphere. Special programs are organized on Guru Purnima and Rang Jayanti and on the occasion of Pujya Sri Prem Avdhoot Bapji’s annual visit to the US. For Further Details: rangmandal@gmail.com Saathee.com

Triangle Vegetarian Society (TVS)

The mission of TVS is to build a sense of community between current vegetarians and people who are interested in vegetarianism and have a forum for a discussion of issues. For Further Details: barman@cs.unc.edu / www.trianglevegsociety.org

Triangle Vipassana Meditation Vipassana, which means to see things as they are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques and was taught 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills. The Triangle Vipassana Meditation group holds weekly group sittings in Cary and Raleigh on Thursday, Saturday, and Monday, a 3-hour sitting on the 3rd Sunday each month, and one full-day sitting once every few months for established students (those who have taken at least one ten day course). For Further Details: Hitesh & Vaibhavi Parekh - 732.213.9660 / 919.601.3555 carync.sittings@gmail.com www.dhamma.org

Urdu Majlis Urdu Majlis, the Triangle’s Urdu Literary Society, meets monthly in the FedEx Global Education Center on the campus of UNC: Chapel Hill. Meetings include discussions of the life and works of major South Asian poets as well as opportunities to share original poetry and other writing. Urdu Majlis is cosponsored by the Carolina Asia Center and the South Asia Section of the UNC Department of Asian Studies. It is an intellectual endeavor with no political or religious affiliations. For Further Details: Afroz Taj - taj@unc.edu - 919.851.1119 Seema & Ashraf Faruqi - pasbaan@hotmail.com - 919.596.4792

Vaishnav Samaj of Triangle Area A group of like-minded devotees who meet for religious worship and understand Pushti Marg Principles at large. Regular Bhajan recitations are held 2nd Sunday of the month from 4-6pm and Seniors are requested to encourage youngsters to participate in the activities. For Further Details: Arvindbhai Shah - 919.233.7677 Vithalbhai Shah - 919.803.9027

Vibha Raleigh Vibha is dedicated to creating a brighter future for underprivileged children. The Raleigh Action Center has a group of energetic and enthusiastic volunteers from varied backgrounds, including working professionals and students. 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 events that spread awareness and raise funds to further the mission. For Further Details: volunteer@raleigh.vibha.org sites.vibha.org/nc

Vraj Education Raleigh Kendra The Vraj Education Raleigh Kendra is conducting comprehensive weekly teaching of Hinduism and Pushtibhakti

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International Community Church A WORSHIP CENTER FOR PEOPLE FROM INDIA AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES

We Welcome You to Become a Part of This loving Spiritual Family “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (The Holy Bible)

Pastor: Joseph B. Jesudason

Regular Activities

Worship Service - Sundays at 8:30 AM Child Care Available 1524, North Harrison Avenue, Cary (Next to SAS Campus)

Children’s Sunday School & Adult Bible Study - Sundays at 11 AM 1215 Jones Franklin Rd Suite 204 Prayer Fellowship - Wednesdays at 7:00 PM Meet at Four Zones at host families Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Cary, Morrisville, Holly Springs & Chapel Hill

SERVING GoD AND THE CoMMUNITY SINCE JUNE 1984

Zakar Bible Club: Character development of children through memorization of God’s powerful & redemptive word.

Please send your child and receive guaranteed life lasting blessing.

Church office: 1215 Jones Franklin Road, Suite 204 Raleigh, NC 27606 (919) 233-2900 or (919) 467-4435 (Residence) www.icc-nc.org

We welcome you to come and receive a blessing through this evangelical, Christ-centered, Bible-based, non-denominational, loving, caring, mission-minded spiritual family church.

Serving Buyers and Sellers Since 1989 Our experienced and talented agents can speak English, Hindi & Gujarati Offering Motels, Restaurants, Dry Cleaners, Laundromats, Convenience Stores, Land and more

Let Us Help You Buy or Sell A Business

County South Realty & Business Brokers 303 Indian Trail Road South Indian Trail, NC 28079

704-821-8888 www.countysouth.biz

CONVENIENCE-STORES:

C-Store: Monroe, NC $1.79M + Inv, Property included, Gas Gallons 600K C-Store: Charlotte, NC $159K + Inv, Annual sales $444K, NO GAS C-Store: Rockingham County, NC $295K + Inv, C-Store: Chester, SC $35K + INV, Inside Sales $300K C-Store: Danville, VA $49K+ INV, GR $800K C-Store: Landrum, SC $85K + Inv, Inside Sales $529K, Owner financing C-Store: High Point, NC $350K + Inv. GR $295K, Property included C-Store: Chatham County, NC $140K + Inv, GR $1.07M

FOOD:

Deli/Sandwich Shop: Lincoln, SC $175K , Sales $270K Pizza: Newport, TN $95K, Seats 106

OTHER SERVICES

Land: Charlotte, NC $2.2M, Possible C-Store Location 6.491 Acres Chemical Manufacturer: Hickory, NC $450K w / prop., Annual Sales $360,967 Hair Salon: Charlotte, NC $115K, GR $238K Dog Grooming: Summerville, SC $75K, GR $167K Saathee.com

More listings available at our website: www.CountySouth.biz 123

March 2017

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Marg backed by Vraj Temple Pennsylvania. Raleigh Vaishnav children will get an opportunity to recognize, learn, and exercise Pushtimarg guidelines and leverage rich Shri Vallabh Mahaprabhuji heritage to improve individual life style. For Further Details: vraj.raleigh@gmail.com for timing and location information. www.facebook.com/VrajEducationCenter/

Regional

Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India (EVFI) was established to help in the overall development of the remote tribal and rural villages in India. Ekal 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 EVFI USA conducts fundraising and programs in Raleigh & Columbia. For Further Details: Southeast Regional President: Chander M. Aggarwal cmaggarwal44@gmail.com - 407.454.3739 Carolinas Regional President: Janak Dalal jaydalalcolumbia@gmail.com - 803.665.4050

Grihastha Family Institute The Grihastha Family Institute has a mission of preparing everyone with the basics and nuances of marriage and family management, and to compensate for the loss of traditional structures, norms and methods that used to support the family structure. Workshop camps and consultations are available. For Further Details: krishna@grihastha.org www.grihastha.org

Hindu Society of Eastern NC (Greenville, NC) The temple celebrates major festivals and holds regular bhajan seesions and Geeta study. For Further Details: Temple - 252.752.2670 B.S. Srivatsa - 508.654.0360 Hindutemplenc@gmail.com

ISKCoN of Sandy Ridge - Temple of the Holy Name in Prabhupada Village The Temple of the Holy Name, situated in Prabhupada Village, a rural community, is a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Prabhupada Village is also home to the Bhaktivedanta Archives and the Festival of India. Everyone is welcome to take darshan of Sri Sri Parama Karuna Nitai Gaurasundara from 5am-7:30pm, 7 days a week. Special program every Sunday at 3pm with arati and kirtan, bhajans, discourse on the Bhagavad-gita As It Is and a pure, vegetarian feast. Festivals celebrated year round. For Further Details: 336.593.2322 tothn@iskconpv.org www.iskconpv.org Saathee.com

Nithyananda Sangha North Carolina (Inner Awakening) Inner Awakening 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. Nithyananda Sangha North Carolina 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: 704.766.1420 / 704.992.6114 innerawakening.org nithyananda.org

Sri Somesvara Temple (Asheville) The Sri Somesvara Temple is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. It is a Vedic Shiva temple at the center of Mount Soma, a community commonly referred to as “Mount Kailash of the West.” People travel great distances to experience Sri Somesvara’s powerful Linga, profound silence, and timeless vibrations. The temple is open every day from 9:30am to 6:30pm. Aarthi is at 6pm. For Further Details: 828.476.4073 www.srisomesvara.org

South Carolina

American South Asian Cultural Association of Columbia, SC The American South Asian Cultural association of Columbia’s fundamental goal is to increase cultural awareness and develop cultural understanding among American South Asian Community in Columbia, SC area. A lunch meeting will be held on the second Sunday every month between 12:30 2:30pm at Persis Biryani & Indian Grill, 1728 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210. Cost is $11 per person. For Further Details: Contact in the evenings: 803.233.7042 or 512.547.7077

Carolina Buddhist Vihara (Greenville, SC) Carolina Buddhist Vihara is a temple and monastery in South Carolina, USA. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering teachings of the Buddha, primarily by bringing Theravada Buddhist nuns and monks to Greenville. “Theravada” refers to the oldest surviving branch of Buddhism, the highly traditional school found in countries such as Sri Lanka, Burma, Cambodia, and Thailand. Activities are held Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings: 6:30pm (puja), 7 pm (meditation), and 8 pm (“Dhamma” talk or discussion). A youth program is also held once a month. Temple located at 113 Woodridge Circle, Greenville, SC 29607 For Further Details: 864.329.9961 greenvillebv@gmail.com www.carolinabuddhist.net

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Established 1990

Tuesday Evening Special Vegetarian Platter only $10.95!

featuring North Indian delicacy: MAkkI kI ROTI AND SAAG (creamy spinach sauce & corn bread) with whipped yogurt & kheer dessert.

Royal India is an award-winning Indian restaurant

We offer the finest of Indian & Pakistani cuisine. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian (halal meat available). Our menu has delicious seafood, tandoori, chicken, lamb and goat dishes along with the finest Indian breads. Catering in NC, SC & VA • Service to all Major Hotels Banquet Hall Facility • Party Planning Lunch Buffet: 7 days a week & Dinner Buffet: Every Sunday Dinner A La Carte 7 Days A Week Monday - Thursday

Sunday

Lunch Buffet : 11:30 am to 2:30 pm Dinner : 5 pm to 10 pm

Lunch : Noon to 3 pm Dinner Buffet : 5 pm to 9 pm

Friday & Saturday

SUNDAY BUFFET

Lunch Buffet : 11:30 am to 2:30 pm Dinner : 5 pm to 10:30 pm

“A FEAST FIT FOR A KING!” Chaat, Pani Puri, Papdi Chaat & more!

www.royalindiannc.com

Royal India 3901-103 Capital Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27604 919.981.0849 ramroyalindia@gmail.com

Catering Hotline: 919.875.9721 (Ram or Babba)

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Hanahan Table-Tennis Training Center The primary focus & mission of the HTTTC is creating a professional image for the “sport” of “table-tennis” in the United States. The center is open on Wednesdays & Thursdays from 7 - 10pm and Saturdays & Sundays from 2 - 6pm. No partner needed but athletic attire is required. The center is located at City of Hanahan Gym on 1253 Yeamans Hall Road., Hanahan, SC 29410. For Further Details: 843.256.3949 tthanahan@hotmail.com www.tthanahan.com

Hindu Society of Greater Spartanburg A daily Aarti is conducted at 7:00pm, Balvihar classes are from 10:00 - 11:45am on scheduled Sundays, and Satsang is on second Sunday of every month from 5:00 - 7:00pm. Temple is located on 1130 Fairview Church Road in Boiling Springs, SC 29303. For Further Details: 864.599.7048

Hindu Temple and Center (Columbia, SC) The temple is open on weekdays between 8:30am to 12:00 noon and between 5pm and 8:30pm. On weekends, the temple is open between 8:30am to 1:00pm and 5:00pm to 8:30pm. Bal Gokulam (Sunday School) classes are held every Sunday from 10:30am to 12:00 noon. Classes are designed to help children build physical, mental, cultural, social & spiritual lives. It is located at 5704 Kiawah Road, Columbia, SC 29212. For Further Details: 803.772.6940 www.hindutemplesc.org

India Assoc. of Greater Charleston (IAGC) The India Association of Greater Charleston (IAGC) was incorporated when the residents of Indian origin in Charleston felt the need to organize a community of people who were interested in the culture and heritage of India and share the profound beauty of this culture with others. They celebrate various events throughout the year including Diwali & various Picnic gatherings. For Further Details: Omi Hasija (Chairperson) - 843.766.4661 iagcchs@gmail.com www.indiaassociationofgreatercharleston.com

Indian Upstate Fellowship Service The Indian Upstate Fellowship holds weekly service on Sundays, 5:30 - 7:30pm, followed by dinner, in Greenville, SC. For Further Details: Pastor Suresh Jonnalagadda - 864.561.1016 www.indainupstatefellowship.org

Kannada Association of Greater Greenville (KAGG) An organization devoted to the awareness and promotion of Kannada culture in the Greater Greenville area of SC. KAGG is a primarily run by volunteers and invites Kannadigas living in and around Greenville area to participate in the Saathee.com

organization. Kannada classes for children are also conducted. For Further Details: 864.430.4973 kaggculturalcommittee@gmail.com www.kagg-sc.org

Masjid Noor-Ul-Huda (MNH) The Mosque is open for five daily prayers in congregation every day of the year. On the first and third Saturday of every month from 6pm - 8 pm, an Islamic session is held by Hafiz Mohammed Basheer. Quranic Reading classes for children are also conducted daily. The Mosque is located at 517 Winmet Drive, Columbia, SC. For Further Details: Masjid main number - 803.754.2632 info@noorulhuda.org www.noorulhuda.org

Spartanburg Buddhist Center of SC The Center’s resident monks seek to preserve Theravada Buddhist traditions and welcomes all who are interested in Buddhism, Southeast Asian culture, or meditation. Since the center opened in 2010, a regular English-speaking group meets at 6pm on Thursdays for meditation, a brief Dhamma talk, and short discussions. The Center is located at 770 Bryant Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303. For Further Details: 864.327.8726 https://www.facebook.com/spartanburgbuddhist2012

Telugu Association of Greater Greenville Telugu Association of Greater Greenville (TAGG) is a nonprofit organization devoted to the awareness and promotion of Telugu Culture in the Greater Greenville Area. The association caters to the cultural and social needs of the Telugu people living in and around Greater Greenville Area. TAGG organizes events to celebrate major festivals and organizes a picnic during the summer as scheduled activities. In addition, TAGG screens choice Telugu Movies mostly throughout the year and organizes special cultural events from time to time, usually performed by artists from USA and visiting from India. For Further Details: www.taggsc.org

Vedic Center of Greenville Daily Aarti is conducted Monday - Friday at 8pm. Bal Vihar classes are conducted Sundays from 11:15am - 12:30pm. Sri Venkateshwara Suprabhatam is held on 2nd Saturday of each month at 9am. The Center is located at 520 Bethel Road, Mauldin, SC 29662. For Further Details: President: Geera Desai - 864.451.4305 864.967.2852 www.vediccenterofgreenville.org Send your organization's updates and events to us by the 15th of the month for inclusion: info@Saathee.com

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March 2017

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March 2017

An Indian Joins Infantry continued from page 10

I shipped out for Basic Training on September 9, 2013. Basic Training is a bit of a blur, but there are some distinct memories that will forever be etched in my mind. One particular encounter with a Drill Sergeant had him looking me square in the eyes and saying, “So you signed up to kill people but you won’t f****** eat animals? Basic Training was a rude awakening for a guy who had just graduated from college. I was a sheltered kid who had been supported, financially, by his parents. At first, it had been a blessing, but then I had taken advantage of their hard work. In a way, I felt this next part of my life was a just punishment for my prior actions. I wanted to experience pain and suffering so I could learn to be more grateful. There was a lot of running, a lot of pushups, a lot of sit-ups and just about anything else the Drill Sergeants could conjure up with their colorful imaginations. When I graduated from Basic, I found out my first duty station would be Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. I arrived in El Paso on December 13, 2013. When you first arrive at a duty station, there is a process known as in-processing. Essentially, it is an orientation every new soldier must finish before arriving at his or her unit. Due to everyone being on leave, it took me an entire month to finish in-processing. I was told my unit would be 4th Battalion 17th Infantry Regiment, or, more conveniently, 4-17. I will never, in my life, forget my first encounter with my squad leader, Staff Sergeant Vargas. On Day 6 of in-processing, I had missed the bus due to negligence. I had been waiting out there for the bus at least half an hour early. However, not seeing anyone, prompted me to go back to my room. Consequently, five minutes later, I get a call from Stewart, another new soldier, telling me I had missed the bus. I arrived in the COF, or the area in which we worked. Out walked this Puerto Rican man with the build of a linebacker and the death stare to match. He had tattoos on his neck and seemed to be looking for a reason to unleash his fury. He said, “Darji, you done with in-processing.” I attempted to sound unafraid and said, “No, SGT, I missed the bus earlier.” At this point, the muscles on his face started rearranging themselves and he was sizing me up like a lion does its prey. I didn’t know for sure but, at that moment, it seemed a switch had been flipped. He calmly asked, “How old are you, Darji?” I said, “24, SGT.” That’s when it happened. He bellowed, with all his fury being unleashed, “How the f*** does a 24-year-old grown ass man miss the f****** bus?” I did my best impression of a statue at this point and didn’t utter another word. He said, “Get the f*** down and start pushing.” As I was doing pushups, a culmination of thoughts went through my head. I was pondering why I had signed up for this and if it was truly the right decision. I was thinking the future would be scary if this man was part of it. That was just the beginning of my transition into the Infantry. Due to me having a degree, I had been given the rank of Specialist. Most of the guys had to earn that rank; as a result, I had a giant bullseye on my back. I was the dreaded species known as the “college specialist.” Everyone disliked me at first and felt that I was a condescending college graduate who was attempting to infiltrate their world. As a result, I was getting “smoked” constantly. The expression of “getting smoked” is when you’re told to perform Saathee.com

a myriad number of exercises at the discretion of someone who is higher ranked than you. I was smoked constantly the first few months. It was not always unwarranted; I would mess up frequently as I lacked common sense. I was described as a very book-smart person who had not even an iota of common sense. It was also done as a way of checking where my head was at. They wanted to assess how far they could push me and how I reacted to it. There were many times I wanted to quit. There were days I just didn’t feel like this was worth it, and I told my squad leader that I wanted to go home. He looked at me, seemingly lost in thought, and said, “Shut your bitchass up Darji before I punch you in the f****** face.” I took his word for it and didn’t say another word about going home the rest of the day. I have not always enjoyed my time in the Infantry. I have downright hated it at times. However, with that being said, I feel it was a necessary step in my progression as a man. I am glad it was my decision, and I saw it through even though some people laughed at me and said I would never make it. Overall, I believe my three years in the Infantry have made me a stronger person physically, mentally, and emotionally. On some levels, I felt I learned more about life in the Army than I ever did in college. I have had the privilege of getting trained on and shooting a copious number of weapons and learning how to push through to the objective no matter what obstacles are in your path. More importantly, once I earned their respect, I had the support of some of the most loyal people I have ever met. I always thought of my parents and my sister when I wanted to quit. I couldn’t imagine going home and looking them in the eyes and telling them I quit. It was with the support of my peers that I was able to push through. I met some great leaders who led by example and brought out the best in me. I was born in Chicago and raised in New Jersey; however, I’ve called, North Carolina home for the last ten years before leaving for the Army. I was honorably discharged from the United States Army, two months ago, as a Specialist or an E-4. I was stationed in Fort Bliss three years and four months. Unfortunately, I did not get to go overseas; however, as my family and friends have professed, I was lucky in that aspect. I was able to push myself far outside my comfort zone and master many different weapons’ systems. I was able to shoot machine guns, throw live grenades, and push myself physically, mentally, and psychologically. I plan to pursue a Master’s degree; however, for the time being I am conducting my research and considering my options. It is tough in some regards because I am a black sheep, of sorts, in my family. It is tough to find others in the Indian communities who have served in the Army, let alone, in a combat job. Not too many people, including some of my own family and friends, understand what my role as an Infantryman consisted of. As my time in the Army comes to a close, I will not the miss the times out in the field freezing or the lack of sleep. However, I will miss the camaraderie I had with some of the guys here. I have a sister I love very much but I do not have a biological brother. After this experience, I can truly say I have brothers whose kinship is something I truly cherish.

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Contact Kamal Darji at kdarji5@yahoo.com.

March 2017

POP’S PUZZLES & JOKES By Kirit Shukla

Note: * denotes abbreviation of the word or phrase Clues Across:

1. The basic monetary unit of Switzerland. 6. A person or thing that frames. 11. A cowboy. 12. A bed or vein of ore; lode. (Mining) 13. To run away secretly. 14. Thought of as perfect model; of a perfect kind. 16. The basic monetary unit of Japan. 17. Of the oldest known Predynastic culture of Egypt. 20. Used as a cry of encouragement to foxhounds. 22. A devil’s offspring; young demon. 24. Of a kind of liquid crystal in which molecules form layers, with the molecules ordered within each layer. 25. To doze or sleep lightly for a short time. 26. Compact disc. (*) 27. New Hampshire. (*) 28. National Heritage Iron Group. (*) 30. A gas produced by destructive distillation of coal. 32. Virgin Islands. (*) 33. A girl who is a graduate of a particular school/college. 35. The state bird of Connecticut state. 37. Fatigued, worn-out. 38. Feeling great horror; terrified. 39. Wicked. 40. Something given or gotten free of charge. (Slang) 41. Rare earth element. (*) (Geochemistry) 42. A decimal point. (Math) 43. Having recently died. Saathee.com

Clues Down:

1. The Goddess of love and beauty. (Norse Myth) 2. An abnormal breathing sound, as in a lung decease. 3. A pseudonym. 4. National consumer panel. (*) 5. A New Year’s Day festival celebrated by Sindhi people. 6. Moving in a playful lively manner. 7. Region; a level surface of ground. 8. Signification; purport. 9. A bony fish with long, slippery, snakelike body. 10. Radio frequency. (*) 15. To lose or give off a stored electrical charge. 18. One of the main divisions of a drama or opera. 19. A person appointed to some position. 21. A beverage of wine & honey, drunk by ancient Greeks. 23. Massachusetts. (*) 24. South Dakota. (*) 26. An S constellation between Hydra and Corvus. (Astron.) 29. A line on a map connecting points having equal hours of sunshine in a standard period of time. 30. A basic unit of radioactivity measurement. (Abbrev. Ci) 31. Los Angeles. (*) 32. To stay with as a guest for a time. 34. Not extinct. 36. “Sai ___”; British Artist Blacksmiths Association. (*) 38. Skill; craftsmanship. 40. Foreign Office. (*) HeeHee (Puzzle solutions are on page 134. NO peeking!)

Hee Hee

Booddhoo: “Guru, what is the most common cause of hearing loss amongst men?” Guru: “His wife saying that she wants to talk to him.” •••••••••••••• Manager: “Why do you want to work in our office?” Chakram: “You see, I cannot take my afternoon naps in my home because the kids are making loud noises.” •••••••••••••• Clerk: “Do you want to buy the gun for your self-defense?” Chakram: “No. I will hire a lawyer for self-defense!” •••••••••••••• Husband: “Where is my book: ‘Secrets of living 100 years?’” Wife: “I burnt it. Your mother is coming tomorrow!” •••••••••••••• Mafatlal: "The price of this cow, $5000 is very high.” Vendor: “Why do you say it is expensive?” Mafatlal: “Well, it has only one eye!” Vendor: “Do you want to use the cow as a tailor or do you want it for milk?” •••••••••••••• 130

March 2017

Word Find (Created By Kirit Shukla)

Find & circle the words in the puzzle. (Subject: “Holi”)

ASHES BARSANA BONFIRE BRINDAVAN CATCH COCONUT COLORS DANCE DHULETI DIP DRUMS FESTIVAL GULAL

HOLIKADAHAN HUMANPYRAMID KRISHNA LIT MUSIC NARASIMHA PHAGWAH PRAHLADA PRAYERS PYRE SOCIALEVENT WATERGUNS

The unused 6 letters spell is ”Holi is the — festival in India.”

Math Magic Use these numbers only once: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] 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 page 134)

EZ-BZ

TEST YOUR IQ

The common letters are “IB” - Fill in the blanks)

1. An S constellation between Virgo & Scorpius. _ IB _ _ 2. Immunoglobulin. _ _ _ IB _ _ _ 3. Ancient region in the S Caucasus, now Georgia . IB _ _ _ _ 4. An excuse to avert punishment. [Latin] _ _ IB _ 5. Madam; a title used in India by a servant. _ _ _ _ _ _ IB 6. That can be seen. _ _ _ IB _ _ 7. Vibraphone; vibrations. _ IB _ _ 8. Something given that shows respect & honor. _ _ IB _ _ _ 9. A member of a people of SE Nigeria. IB _ 10. A small bed with high sides, for a baby. _ _ IB 11. To refuse to permit; forbid by law. _ _ _ _ IB _ _ 12. A threadlike structure made for weaving. _ IB _ _ 13. The Niger-Congo language of SE Nigeria. IBIB _ _ 14. A short, sharp, witty attack in words. _ _ _ IB 15. Unintelligible chatter. _ IB _ _ _ 16. The NSAID drug: [C14H18O2] IB _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 17. A group of people having a common occupation. _ _ IB _ 18. To tell or write about. _ _ _ _ _ IB _ 19. The projecting arm of a crane _ IB 20. A large volume containing a collection of previously published works by a single author. _ _ _ IB _ _ 21. In the same place. (Latin) IB _ _ 22. One of many kids born of the same parents. _ IB _ _ _ _ 23. Anything fit to be eaten; food. _ _ IB _ _ 24. A steel beam which in cross section is letter I. I-B _ _ _ 25. The sacred book of Christianity. _ IB _ _ (Puzzle solutions are on page 134. NO peeking!) Kirit Shukla Contact him at kiritsshukla@hotmail.com

Saathee.com

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March 2017

Tamil Nadu

continued from page 22

suicide in the last several months. Over 100 more have died of heart attacks. The region has never experienced such mortality from depleted harvests, a 59-year-old cardiologist told us. November and December are especially tough months for Tamil Nadu. Two months ago, in December 2016, a cyclone blasted the northern reaches of the state, piling streets with downed trees and halting electricity and water distribution for a week in Chennai and nearby communities. A year before, heavy rains caused a flood that overflowed sewage treatment plants and drowned almost all of Chennai in fetid waters that killed 18 people and brought the city to a near standstill for a month. More than 400 others died from flooding across the state, according to the state’s chief minister. The offices and warehouses of EBay, Amazon, and other prominent tech companies housed in new buildings in Chennai’s IT corridor were shut and lost millions of dollars.

A Civil Reckoning and Awakening Government officials are not ignoring Tamil Nadu’s situation. Nor have the state’s citizens and influential public interest organizations. A powerful civic awakening is unfolding across Tamil Nadu that is driven in large part by water stress. Various campaigns, organized on Facebook and Whatsapp, are challenging polluters, and bringing lawsuits that disrupt operations of soft drink bottlers and other water consuming industries. Tamil residents say water shortages are impeding their constitutional “right to life.” Access to adequate supplies of clean water is seen as an essential facet of that right.

Circle of Blue’s senior editor Keith Schneider interviews a farmer south of Chennai about drought, water supply, and using groundwater for irrigation. Photograph @ Dhruv Malhotra/Circleofblue.org

Coal-fired power plants still dominate Tamil Nadu’s electrical supply grid. Here a sea water-cooled power plant, framed by saltmaking evaporation ponds, along the Bay of Bengal in Tuticorin. Photograph @ Dhruv Malhotra/Circleofblue.org In December 2004, without warning, huge waves rose up from a Pacific tsunami and crashed against Tamil Nadu’s 1,072kilometer coastline (669 miles). The sea tore through fishing villages, demolishing homes and businesses. More than 6,000 people drowned. Seven years later, in November 2011, a cyclone wrecked the $US 5 billion Nagarjuna oil refinery, which was under construction along the coast in Cuddalore District. Later, a big new coal-fired power plant just 14 kilometers (8 miles) away also got into trouble. A citizen lawsuit questioned the plant’s effects on coastal fisheries and water supplies, and the legitimacy of studies and permits used by the company building the $1.6 billion generating station. A decision in 2014 by the National Green Tribunal, a high court that decides environmental cases, halted construction of three new electrical generating turbines at the plant. Together, the refinery and power plant form one of the most costly clusters of stranded fossil fuel assets in the world. Tamil Nadu, in sum, joins Venezuela, Brazil, Nepal, almost all of Africa, and northern China as a region beleaguered by acute ecological change that also is producing billions of dollars in losses, draining economic performance, and causing social unrest. Saathee.com

Chennai has turned to desalination plants to convert the salty waters of the Bay of Bengal into drinking water to meet some of the city’s rising demand for water. The city also is evaluating its land use planning to prevent more of its marshes and ponds from being paved over for new buildings. Prime Minister Modi, in a signal shift from coal, is positioning this state and more than a dozen others to develop cleaner, less water intensive energy industries. The idea, Modi asserts, is to help cool the planet, stabilize water reserves, and heat up India’s economy. Tamil Nadu is host to the world’s largest photovoltaic generating station, and enormous wind farms. The Central Government backed away from building a 4,000-megawatt coal-fired power plant along the coast in Cheyyur that would have forced the relocation of three coastal villages and thousands of fishing and farm families who have sustained an ecologically-balanced way of life for hundreds of years. Shelving the Cheyyur coal plant and encouraging a powerful move to wind and solar energy signals a pivot on much cleaner sources of electrical generation that is internationally significant.

About Circle of Blue: Founded in 2000 by leading journalists and scientists, Circle of Blue provides relevant, reliable, and actionable on-the-ground information about the world’s resource crises. With a focus on water and its relationships to food, energy, and health, Circle of Blue has created a model of front-line reporting, data collection, design, and convening that has evolved with the world’s need to spur new methodology in science, collaboration, innovation, and response.

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Visit www.CircleofBlue.org for more details. Read this article at its original source: www.circleofblue.org/2017/world/choke-point-tamil-nadu/

March 2017

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Spot the Differences Solutions from page 68

FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS March 2017

1. Light Bulb On 2. Cans Added 3. Color Changed 4. Color Changed 5. Color Changed

Mar. 1 - Ash Wednesday Mar. 3 - Rang Panchami Mar. 8 - Āmalaki Ekādashi Mar. 8 - International Women's Day Mar. 11 - Chaumasi Chaudas Mar. 12 - Holi (Full Moon) / Purim Mar. 12 - Daylight Saving Time starts Mar. 13 - Dhuleti / Hola Mohala Mar. 17 - St. Patrick's Day Mar. 19 - Ostara Mar. 20 - Spring Equinox Mar. 21 - Jamshedaji Navroz (Parsi) Mar. 24 - Pāpamochini Ekādashi Mar. 27 - Darsha / Somavati Amās (No Moon) Mar. 28 - Gudi Padvo (Shalivahan Shake 1939 starts) Mar. 29 - Cheti Chand

2

6. Seagull Added 7. Beard Added 8. Popcorn Added 9. Cookies Added 10. Color Changed

1

7 10

3

April 2017

9

Apr. 1 - April Fool’s Day Apr. 5 - Rama Navami Apr. 7 - Kāmada Ekādashi Apr. 8 - Vāman Dwādashi Apr. 9 - Palm Sunday Apr. 11 - Hanuman Jayanti/Chaitry Purnima (Full Moon) Apr. 11 - Hazrat Ali Birthday Apr. 11 - Passover Begins Apr. 11 - Theravada Apr. 14 - Good Friday Apr. 14 - Baishakhi Apr. 16 - Easter Sunday Apr. 18 - Tax Day Apr. 22 - Earth Day Apr. 23 - Varuthini Ekādashi Apr. 23 - Lailat al Miraj Apr. 26 - Darsha Amās (No Moon) Apr. 26 - Administrative Professionals Day Apr. 28 - Akshay Trutiā / Parashurām Jayanti Apr. 28 - Arbor Day Apr. 30 - Ādi Shankarāchārya Jayanti

8

6

4

5

Puzzle Solutions

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Math Magic

from page 130

Saathee.com

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March 2017

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General Predictions for MARCH 2017

ASTROSCOPE ARIES (Mar 20 - Apr 20) -

This will be one of the most relaxing months of the year for you. You will enjoy love and happiness. Your income will go up and a rise in status is also clearly indicated. You may face a minor dispute with friends that could ruin your mood during second half of the month. The time is nonetheless very good for making positive decisions and starting a new business. You may celebrate a religious/social event. TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 21) -

A sudden positive change in life could take place this month so it is very important to accept it. Your associates will grant full support. You may get an opportunity to achieve your dream, but because of thoughtless acts, you may face some serious health trouble. Try to control your ego and your temper. Your mother’s health may deteriorate which will worry you. You should be able to maintain a normal flow of income. GEMINI (May 21 - Jun 21) -

Your intelligence will be on par and you will enjoy your current status in society. You may be able to publish your creative writing, but don’t wait until last week of the month. Cooperative support from your spouse and kids will be there. You may receive bad news from a far-off place regarding your sibling. A very important family-related decision may fall in jeopardy. Use your intelligence to solve any problems. CANCER (Jun 21 - Jul 22) -

You may start a journey towards fulfilling your dreams. Quick decisions and fast action are very important. Follow advice from your siblings. You may have to work hard to regain confidence. It is advisable to follow somebody else’s decisions. A sudden benefit will delight you this month. Try to be positive and enjoy the blessings of a higher power. The third week of the month should be more positive. lEo (Jul 22 - Aug 23) -

Now is the time to slow down and look inward. Focus on earning extra money because unexpected expenses are on the way. At the same time your health may also deteriorate. Stay with old friends and avoid any major changes in life. The second half of the month will be more critical. Your children could provide very good support this month. You may benefit from a sibling. Don’t dispute with your spouse. VIRGo (Aug 23 - Sep 23) -

You may see many positive changes this month. Your own actions will bring more income for you. Don’t wait ‘til the last week for any major decisions. The only possible enemy is your own ego. Try to be nice and friendly with everyone. You may need to spend some money for your kids but make sure it is used for an appropriate cause. Time is also very good to buy a house, but don’t invest in the stock market.

professionals may achieve an excellent goal this month. Time will move fast and be full of new events. To avoid problems, control your sentiments. Don’t try to fly, just move at a regular pace, but don’t forget to travel! SCoRPIo (oct 23 - Nov 22) -

This is the time when you will waste money on luxuries as expenses will be out of control. Unexpected travel is also possible this month. Don’t follow any advice from your friends or spouse, but instead listen to your parents to take safe action. Postpone any major decisions, if possible, to next month. Try to avoid speculation in stock market. A minor health ailment could be there. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21) -

Be prepared to enjoy good news within your family. A little change in your ideology will bring excellent reward. Try to be more happy and active. Long distance travel can also be fruitful. If involved in a family business, you must avoid misunderstandings. Your spouse will also gain benefits from your good luck. Move fast, make positive decisions and try to take full advantage of this time. CAPRICoRN (Dec 21 - Jan 20) -

Avoid any major changes or deals this month. Just focus on your current activities and your flow of money will intensify. During last week of the month, you will experience mental relief due to encouragingly good thoughts. Your work will lessen and make you feel relaxed. The period is good for spending on social gatherings with friends. A minor dispute with a partner is possible this month. AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 19) -

A major financial loss is possible this month and could be related to either your spouse or health. Try to focus on your career and don’t lose self-confidence. Try to be stubborn and strong; so don’t compromise. You will have excellent performance at work. Your income may increase but savings won’t. You may enjoy an unexpected favor from your mother or daughter. Travel could prove relaxing but expensive. Long cherished dreams may come true this month. Destiny may play a very important role in your life; simply surrender to it. A family member’s attitude may develop a disturbance. Try not to travel with family. Your enemy may take revenge on you and attain considerable success. A sibling may delight you with good news during the beginning of the month. Listen to your mother, as it may bring you good luck.

lIBRA (Sep 23 - oct 23) -

You must try to control your feelings. Your expenses may exceed your limits. You must listen to your elder siblings. This time is not good if you are an artist or a celebrity. Medical

Saathee.com

PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20) -

136

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

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March 2017

CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES:

Gas Station/Convenience Store for Sale in Claxton GA. $100k inside sales. Contact Biren 912-704-2607. Dry Cleaners for Sale in Spindale, NC. Serious inquiries only. Contact Moe Patel 828-286-2816 or patel155565@yahoo.com. For Sale: 15 room Motel + 2 bedroom apartment near Columbia, SC. Excellent condition. Good location in town. Owner retiring. Call 803-484-5475 or 803-229-2554. laundry & Dry Cleaner for Sale in Raleigh, NC. State of the art plant plus one pickup store. Capacity to expand up to 4 pickup stores. Asking $225K. Send email to drycleanersnc@gmail.com. Gas Station for lease in Jackson, NC. Inside sales: $30K, Gas $20K, Lottery $25K per month. Looking for $50K + inv. $1600 per month. Call 252-676-7454. C-store for Sale 45 miles from Columbia, SC along with displays for fresh produce & frozen items. Call 904307-4770. Gas Station/C-Store w/ Deli for Sale in Gastonia, NC. High-traffic. Excellent location close to major highways & hospital. GR $2.5M. Must have capital for inventory. Contact 704-609-3047 or amitrpatel@hotmail.com. Indian Restaurant for Sale in Cary, NC. Currently running. Inventory included. Contact 706-399-3275. Grocery Store & Halal Meat Shop for Sale in Morrisville, NC. Good sales. Owner financing available / partnership for meat shop. Contact 336-613-5521. Motel for Sale: Recently renovated 20room all brick Motel in Trion, GA. Ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apartment w/ 3 bedrooms & full kitchen included. Owner financing available. Call 770-309-8156 or 813-484-0238. C-Stores with Gas Available: Multiple locations in NC and SC with an average investment of $160k. Call Brian at 864300-4889. C-Store/Gas/land for Sale in Statesville, NC next to I-40. Includes inventory, land (1.41 acres) & store (2560 sqft). Greyhound / U-Haul contracts. Newly installed slot machines. $300k or best offer. Please Call 424-750-6500 or email rshah7844@gmail.com. one Stop Shop: Hotel for Sale in Florence, SC. C-store for Sale in Lincolnton, NC. Call Lena: 336-684-1152. Saathee.com

Retail / Convenience Stores: Neighborhood Store: Winston-Salem, NC $285,000 + Inv, Annual Sales $1.7M; Neighborhood Store: Asheville, NC $150K + Inv, Annual Sales $825K; C-Store: Myrtle Beach, SC $149K + Inv, Annual Sales $720K â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no gas; Call 704-821-8888 or visit www.Countysouth.biz.

C-Store/Gas Station for lease/Sale in Gastonia, NC. Great Opportunity with high potential. Only serious inquiries; must have capital for goodwill/ inventory. Please call 980-250-4995.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

Housekeeping couple wanted for Hotel in Rocky Mount, NC. Accommodations provided. Contact 443-538-3997.

Gas Station Help Wanted Immediately: Multiple stores in Greensboro area with full-time & part-time positions. Must have prior experience and be able to work flexible hours. Great pay! 336-509-4054.

Housekeeping couple needed for Hotel in Cleveland / Akron, Ohio. Accommodations provided. No English necessary. Call 919-673-7623 or ram@omdevelopmentcorp.com.

Help Wanted: Sales, Warehouse and Office/Admin positions available for Distribution Company in Charlotte . Contact Chris Meister at 704-494-3200 or meister@superiorwholesalenc.com

Hotel Help Wanted: Managers & housekeeping for Franchise Hotel in Rock Hill, SC. Experience required. Accommodations provided. Send resume to rsrkcorp@yahoo.com. Call 803-606-9994 between 12-6 pm.

Convenience store/gas station help wanted in Rock Hill, SC for evening shift. Good pay. Legal status required. Call 803-792-4452.

Join the team at Manhattan Jewelers! Looking for honesty and hard working attitude. Must have basic computer skills. Training is provided. Email for more information: Manhattanjeweler@gmail.com

Hotel Help Wanted in Charlotte. Competitive salary & accommodations provided. Front desk - all shifts (experience a plus) & housekeeper. Must be fluent in English. Call 704-4644427 or e-mail 123nash@gmail.com.

Manager needed for limited service property in South Carolina. Please call 803-517-4662. 138

Front Desk Clerk needed for Motel in Durham, NC. Must have front desk experience, computer literate, fluent in English, and legal status.Call 919-4523131 or Email kenco00@hotmail.com. Gas Station Help Wanted: Single or couple, full-time in Albemarle, NC. Must speak fluent English & have legal status. Experience a plus. Call 704-915-1026. Front Desk help wanted at Charlotte Hotel. 9am-9pm. Accommodations provided. Monthly salary. Come by Lamplighter Inn or call 803-554-6377 10am-2pm for an appointment. Restaurant Help Needed: Indian fast food restaurant near UNCC area looking for front desk and kitchen helper. Call 704-909-7783 or apply by email to shree_kailash@yahoo.com. Elder Care needed for Gujarati family near South Park Mall, Charlotte. Good pay. Call for details: 704-910-2889. Gas Station Help Wanted: Highland Creek BP in Charlotte. Part-time or fulltime. Call 704-877-6606. Babysitter Needed from 1-5 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in South Charlotte. Call 732-334-8555. Nanny needed in Greensboro, NC for twin baby boys (7-months old). Please call 336-926-0454. Experienced Housekeeping Couple needed for Days Inn in NC. Must have legal status & fluent English. Accommodations provided. Call Samir at 336-342-2800. Sales Help Wanted: Individuals with customer service skills. Corporate mall business in Charlotte. Temp to perm with flexible schedule. Qualified Individuals should show responsibility, loyalty, discipline, honesty and can deliver sales numbers. Contact 704231-5038 or pvdadlani@gmail.com. Retail Sales Associate needed for Clothing & Sports Store in Columbia, SC. Must have legal status and speak fluent English. Opportunity to advance quickly to management. Contact 706877-0315. Nanny Needed to take care of 1.5 yearold + cooking near Concord Mills in Charlotte. Live-in/Live-out is fine. Call or text 814-431-3442. Full-time Gas Station help wanted in Rock Hill, SC. Must speak fluent English & have legal status. Call 704-737-7230. March 2017

Hotel Management Firm Now Hiring: Housekeepers, front desk (must speak fluent English), and General Manager of franchise hotels. Experience required. Email resumes to abcone@abcinns.com or call 704-649-6833 (M-F, 9AM-5PM). Accounting Help Wanted: Full time opening at manufacturing facility in High Point, NC. Please send resume to kajalb@amerifabintl.com.

Hotel Help Wanted: Experienced Front Desk Clerks needed for Franchise Hotel in Charlotte, NC and Manager needed for Hotel in Virginia. Fluent English required. Call Mr. Patel 828-446-3080.

Experienced Threading Practitioners or licensed Esthetician in Charlotte & Raleigh. New locations now open. Full or part-time. Great pay and flexibility. Experience required. Good English skills. Please call 980-322-1110 (M-F 9-5).

live-in Nanny needed for cooking and light housekeeping in Cary, NC. Must be able to cook Gujarati Vegetarian food. Call 919-444-1597.

Motel Help Wanted: Housekeeping, Managers & Night Auditors for Independent & Franchise Motels in South Carolina. Accommodations provided. Call 803-387-6715.

Full-time/part-time help for motivated individuals at Burger restaurant near RDU on NC-54. Legal status & fluent English required. Email inquiries to skanjiya@jakeshamburgers.com.

Motel Help Wanted: non-franchise Motel looking for front desk and housekeeping in Goldsboro, NC. Accommodations provided. Legal status and fluent English a must. Call 919-396-1752.

looking for Couple to manage Subway Restaurant in Kinston, NC. Legal status, fluent English & computer skills required. Call Milan Patel at 252521-5656.

Nanny Needed for 6 month-old at home in Waxhaw, NC starting at the end of March. Full-time (9am-5pm). Can either have own transportation or pick-up. Call 704-222-5218.

Experienced Travel Agents needed in North Carolina. Guaranteed salary plus other benefits. Sent resume to travelconsolidator1975@gmail.com.

Kitchen Help Needed for Hindu Center of Charlotte. Part-time cooking assistant for Maha Prasad. Call Ashok Shah at 704-460-5569. Saathee.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE

11 Acres of land for Sale in Waxhaw, NC. Great Investment property or build your mansion. Going cheap for $125K. Cash buyers only. Call 704905-1939.

lAND FoR SAlE:

learn about land in the 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 SERVICES

Wedding Photographer available for Virginia & North Carolina. Contact Shilp Shah 757-553-6319.

Fresh Homemade sweets and snacks available from award winning specialist. Pick up or delivery available in the Carolinas. Call for details. 336887-0440. Leave a message.

Beauty Parlor in Columbia and Charlotte area: Waxing, Threading, Bridal Henna & Makeup, Facials. Call for appointment: 704-526-8707.

looking for a multilingual Priest to perform Hindu Rituals at your home? Contact Sastriji 704-231-0751 or 704-6257578; Email: sastrigal2007@gmail.com

Certified Henna/Mehndi Artist available in NC and other states. For all occasions (corporate, birthday parties, weddings, etc). For free consultation: 832290-0059 or email: arpna001@gmail.com; Facebook.com/Nikki-Aggarwal-HennaArtist-1673373292919497/. Will work closely with you to meet your needs.

Pretty Face - Indian beauty parlour. Threading, facials, waxing, etc conveniently located in the Ballantyne /South Charlotte area. Call for appointment 704-726-8928.

Gujarati Priest: Devendra Dave Independent priest. Ganesh, Randal, Navratri, Diwaliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Laxmi & Sharda Pujas, Satyanarayan Katha, Weddings, Vastu, Baby Shower, Funeral Seva. Call Daveji 704-780-3563. God Blessings to All.

live Band for Garba / Raas, Wedding songs, bhajans. Call 704-568-8206. 139

Pari Beauty In Matthews: Threading, Waxing, Facials, Massage for newborn and mom & other services. 27 years of experience. Special Deals & Great Service. Call: 704-846-7912. 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 Gujarati Families: I am interested in learning everything Gujarati, culture, food, language, etc .If willing to help, please call Nik 803-579-1405. 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. Dholi For Hire: Plays the Dhol (drum) for any occasion! Barat, Doli, Graduation, Birthdays, Baby Showers & any other festivity. Affordable rates! Call Arpan Bhandari 704-641-4761 or email: arpandholi@yahoo.com Garland Design Studio By: GP. Flower shop for all occasions. E-mail Ghanshyam.patel53@gmail.com or call 704548-2852 / 704-779-0277. Facebook.com/ GarlandDesignStudioByGp/ Neetaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beauty Parlor: Charlotte area open 7 days a week. Full service. Call for appointment. 704-968-0270.

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: info@saathee.com 3. Fax: 704.527.7590 4. For more info call 704.527.7570 Saathee Magazine PO Box 11468 Charlotte, NC 28220 March 2017

Advertisers Index Raaga Restaurant (Chapel Hill, NC)...........................63

9 Gems (Gems and Jewelry).................................... 42

Heritage India Association Of NC (Festival)................72

A Economy Driving School .................................... 115

Hindu Center Charlotte....................................... 76-77

Raghu Mothukuri Allstate Agent................................65

Accounting Solutions (Muhammad Kamran Awan)...99

Hyderabadhouse (Biryani Place)............................... 53

Rahi Spa and Boutique (High Point, NC)....................59

AIM for Seva - (Shankar Mahadevan Concert)..........11

Inchin's Bamboo Garden..........................................43

Rajbhog Foods....................................................... 141

Allstate (Ravi Reddy)...............................................142

Inspirations by Bella..................................................25

Rajdeep Video & Photography (Ramesh Panjabi)......71

Anil Bedi & Associates PC (CPA & Consultants)........ 51

International Community Church ...........................123

Ravi Varma (Broker / Realtor)....................................37

Apna Bazaar (Morrisville).......................................... 43

Isha Inner Engineering & Hatha Yoga - Surya Kriya...75

RB Realty Group (Ravi Bheemarao)........................ 113

Arijit Singh Concert Atlanta ........................................ 8

ISSO - NC (International Swaminarayan Satsan Org) 74

Real Triangle Properties (Joe Mathews)..................103

Around the World Market (Raleigh/Durham)...........121

Jigna Shah CPA..................................................... 115

Religious Ceremonies (Swminath Sastrigal)..............27

Art Of Problem Solving Academy .............................31

Kabab and Curry (Raleigh)........................................29

Ribald Floral and Events......................................... 101

Aspect Commerical Realty (Prashant Parmar)........101

Kasturi Indian Cuisine (Greenville, NC)...................... 57

Robert Brown LLC (Oza, Rishi: Immigration Law)......69

Barot, Tushar (State Farm)........................................ 99

KB Zaveree.................................................................4

Robotics Academy (RTP)...........................................65

Bashyam, Spiro & Coats, LLP (Immigration Law)....129

KDP CPA.................................................................. 61

Roma Galgali (Realtor)..............................................57

Beyond Bollywood (City Of Raleigh Museum)........... 58

Khanna & Sons Jewelers......................................... 19

Rons Henna Art (Mehndi / Henna)............................ 32

Bhindi Jewellers ..................................................... 2

Lahiri, Indra (Financial Advisor - Merrill Lynch).......... 25

Royal India Restaurant (Raleigh)............................. 125

Bhogal CPA, PC........................................................49

LED Lights (Smart Energy Solutions).......................133

S S Event Services (Event planning, Photo, Video).....99

Bipin Parekh Realty, LLC...........................................34

Level Homes............................................................ 54

S&S Accounting & Tax Services, Inc......................... 59

Blooming Buds.........................................................27

Liberty Real Estate (Sunny Sebastian).....................115

Sarika Agarwal CPA PLLC........................................ 55

Bollywood Photo Booth / DJ Hangama...................141

Live Spectrum (Play - Two To Tango, Three to Jive)...17

Savarimuthu, Christopher (Real Estate).....................39

Carolina Wedding Belle (Event Design & Décor)......137

Lotus Salon & Spa....................................................61

Shah & Trivedi CPA, PLLC.........................................69

Cary Internal Medicine & Diabetes Center, PA........ 107

Maadhurya Photography........................................137

Shah, Kirti (CPA - Sepa Consulting) .........................46

Cary Medical Clinic...................................................48

Malani Jewelers.....................................................144

Singh, Manjeet (Real Estate).....................................29

Chandni's Beauty Salon .......................................... 35

Marriott Raleigh Crabtree Valley................................21

Sitar Indian Cuisine (Durham)................................... 97

Cilantro Indian Café Cary..........................................51

Maxim Tours.............................................................27

Smart Properties (Real Estate - Smruti Patel)..........119

County South Realty & Business Brokers............... 123

Millennium Hotels & Resorts (Special Event Space).. 39

Sonal Furniture (Atlanta)........................................... 30

Crescent Dental (Dr. Kavita Ghai)............................ 119

Mina's Brow Spa (Morrisville)................................... 37

Spices Hut / Bawarchi Restaurant............................ 89

Dance Of India (Charlotte - Dr. Maha Gingrich)......... 95

Mishra Architecture PLLC.........................................94

Sri Somesvara Temple (Mt. Soma, North Carolina)....33

Darji, Iyer, Joshi & Patel (Accounting & Tax Services).41

MyTripFare (Travel agent)........................................141

Super Desi Bazaar (Apna Sabji Mandi Greensboro).. 62

Desai & Desai LLP (CPA & Financial Services)..........23

Nagpal, Sunil MassMutual Financial Group)..............47

Tower Restaurant (Morrisville)...................................48

Devam Jewelers.........................................................7

Nationwide Ins. (Maqsood Khan).............................. 35

Travel Universe......................................................... 38

Dharani South Indian Restaurant (Morrisville)............85

NC Dermatology Associates..................................... 86

Travelinks................................................................. 95

DJ Desi (Amit Vasi)................................................... 71

NCSU Nazaare....................................................... 127

Triangle Indian Market (Cary)..................................111

DJ Lalit (Lalit Hemnani).............................................69

Neurology & Pain Management Center..................117

Triangle Women's Ctr (Haritha Nadendla, MD FACOG). 88

Duke Performances (Anuskha Shankar)...................24

Nishit Patel Car Sales............................................... 25

Ttravel Guru..............................................................60

Ekal Vidylaya Foundation (Music Concert & Dinner).. 15

North American Bancard ........................................ 13

Tuggle Duggins, PA (Scott C. Gayle - Attorney at Law).. 33

Ektaa NCSU (Oak City Revolution)...........................127

Nunna Realty (Shiv Shankar Nunna).......................105

Tutoring (Nirmala Koripella - A+ Tutoring)............... 109

Embassy National Bank..............................................5

Nuv Yug India Fest......................................................9

Udupi Cafe (Cary)................................................... 111

Evershine Properties...............................................135

Palika Bazaar & Jewelers......................................... 73

Uni World Travel......................................................137

Eye Level .................................................................20

Paracha Ent. (Mika Singh Concert)..............................3

Vallabh Pushti Samaj of Carolinas (VPSC).................67

Friends Travel........................................................... 71

Paramount Montessori.............................................55

Vyas Travels..............................................................70

Geological Resources, Inc.................................41/101

Patel Brothers (Cary)...........................................90-91

Walker Lambe Rhudy Costley & Gill, PLLC............... 87

Global Mall / Legacy Jewels ..................................143

Patel, Mrugesh (Law Offices)....................................81

West Cary Medicine (Dr. Kareem M.D.).................. 119

Godavari (Truly South Indian - Morrisville)................. 83

Pathak, Atul (Real Estate)..........................................45

Worldwide Travels ....................................................81

Grand India Mart (Groceries).....................................93

PR Tax Associates (Tax & Accounting Services).........57

Y2 Academy (SAT Prep) .........................................16

Greater Triangle Realty (Thomas John)..................... 97

Preston Corners Pediatric Dentistry (Cary).............105

Zayka Restaurant ................................................... 79

Gujarati Natak (The Waiting Room)........................... 12

Proficient Accounting & Tax Services, Inc. ...............63

Zeera Indian Restaurant .......................................... 37

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March 2017

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March 2017