SEEMA November 2023

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NOVEMBER 2023

HOW TO AVOID ENTERTAINMENT OVERLOAD

UNDERSTAND YOUR RISK FOR DIABETES

AYURVEDIC HEALTH HACKS

Chandrika Tandon

THE THE GRAMMY-NOMINATED GRAMMY-NOMINATED ARTIST ARTIST LEAVING LEAVING A A LASTING LASTING IMPRESSION IMPRESSION THROUGH THROUGH HER HER UNWAVERING UNWAVERING COMMITMENT COMMITMENT TO TO MUSIC, MUSIC, EDUCATION, EDUCATION, AND AND HUMANITARIAN HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS. EFFORTS.

MEET OUR

CONTRIBUTORS FOUNDER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

SHARE/ LIKE/ TWEET/ US ON

SEEMA KUMAR EDITOR

JESSICA DOWNEY CREATIVE DIRECTOR

SAJID MOINUDDIN DESIGN

HB DESIGN EDITORIAL COORDINATOR @seemanetwork

ROHINI KAPUR WRITERS

@seemanetworks

MAUREEN PETROSKY ABHIJIT MASIH BINDU GOPAL RAO LINDSEY GALLOWAY BRAND PARTNERSHIPS, DEVELOPMENT AND STRATEGY

ANJALI MANIAM @seemanetwork

SEEMA ISSUE 11 | NOVEMBER 2023 ™

ON THE COVER: COVER & FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHER: GEO MANTILLA MAKE UP: KAIA SHI

EMPOWERING SOUTH ASIAN WOMEN GLOBALLY SEEMA KUMAR, FOUNDER COPYRIGHT © 2023 SEEMA, JAYARAM, LLC SEEMA.COM PUBLISHED AT P.O. BOX 814, PENNINGTON, NJ 08534 SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: INFO@SEEMA.COM OR SEEMA.COM/ARTICLE/CONTACT-US TO SUBSCRIBE WRITE TO: Subscribe@seema.com SPONSORSHIPS, PARTNERSHIPS, ADVERTISING, NEWSLETTER AND EVENT INQUIRES: INFO@SEEMA.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ADVERTISING EMAIL: advertise@seema.com

BE YO N D L I MI T S - S E E MA

Music for the Soul

M

usic represents a much-needed

of Carnatic music that held a special place in my heart.

escape from the hustle and bustle of daily lives. It weaves

Chandrika Tandon, our cover star this month, recounted

its threads of solace and passion

her own enchanting journey through music, a story

within the walls of countless

that mirrored my own. The conversation with her was

South Asian homes, soothing the soul and uniting

a delightful reminder of the bonds we create with our

communities in song.

cultural heritage, which is imprinted on our hearts through the sweet harmonies of music.

For me, it was no different. I woke up to MS Subbalakahmi’s

4

suprabatham, and music was not just an auditory com-

However, as we indulged in this shared passion, I couldn’t

panion but an integral part of my formative years. The

help but reflect on the growing gulf between my busy

harmonious blend of diverse musical genres filled my

life and the melodies that once filled it. The busy work

home, yet amongst the melodies, it was the timeless allure

week, packed with deadlines and meetings, leaves me with

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M. CLARK VISIONS

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scant moments for musical interludes. The weekends,

In the midst of life’s relentless pace, it becomes essential

equally abuzz, are devoted to SEEMA, my constant

to remember the importance of revisiting our cherished

companion and project.

traditions. The music that once guided our hearts can provide solace and respite from our frenetic routines.

As the festive season unfolds, soon to be followed by

So, as the world prepares to revel in the holiday cheer,

the joyous festivities of Thanksgiving and Christmas,

let us not forget to make room for the enchanting

I find myself yearning for a pause, a precious moment

symphonies of our heritage, for that is what defines

to rekindle my connection with music. It’s during

our souls.

these celebrations that the world seems to come alive and provides us an opportunity to rediscover the passions we hold dear.

• Seema Kumar, Founder, SEEMA Network •

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Contents CO N T E N T - S E E MA

NOVEMBER 2023 • ISSUE 11

NOURISH 18

Veg Out

20 Dine-In Diwali 22 Festive Finesse

PROSPER 26 From Hyderabad

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to Hollywood 28 Growing Asian Population

EXPERIENCE 10

Star-Studded Celebration

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Wide Recognition

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Festive Season’s Big Releases

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Literary Excellence

30 Major Step Toward Gender Parity

INDULGE 34 The Changing

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Face of Fashion 36 Gifts That Keep Giving 38 Wearing in Their Welcome

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COVER STORY

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CO N T E N T - S E E MA

Treasured Talent

Chandrika Tandon is a Grammynominated artist, a distinguished business leader, and a devoted humanitarian.

FEATURES

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60 Defying Diabetes 66 Ayurvedic Health Hacks

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BREATHE

SEEMA RECOMMENDS

42 Raising Boys Right

70 Lies and Other Love

44 Speaking in Mother Tongues 46 How to Manage Holiday Stress

Languages - Sonali Dev 72 Delectable Desserts

48 Breaking Pelvic Health Myths N O V E M B E R

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Experience C E L E B R AT I O N

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RECOGNITION • F I L M

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Star-Studded Celebration Stars from the South Asian community joined together to commemorate the Festival of Lights at the New York City All That Glitters Diwali Ball.

Wide Recognition A growing number of communities across the U.S. are observing Diwali.

Festive Season’s Big Releases The best of Indian entertainment is coming to big screens worldwide.

Mark your calendar and get ready for thrilling cinema this festive season.

Literary Excellence Eminent authors to be part of IAAC’s Literary Festival

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Experience

H O L I D AY C E L E B R AT I O N • R E C O G N I T I O N • F I L M

Star-Studded Celebration On October 28, stars from the global South Asian community joined together to commemorate the Festival of Lights at the New York City All That Glitters Diwali Ball. The event, hosted by Mindy Kaling, Huma Abedin, Malala Yousafzai, Padma Lakshmi, and many other notables, celebrated inclusivity, the American dream, and the ascension of South Asians in the U.S.

Megha Tolia, Tania Sarin, Bina Palnitkar Photos Credit: Yvonne Tnt/BFA.com

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Anita Chatterjee, Furhan Ahmad, Anjula Acharia, Bing Chen, Shawn Horvath

Jay Sean, Thara Prashad

Anita Chatterjee Prabal Gurung, Huma Abedin

AATMA Performing Arts

Priya Shukla

Payal Shah, Anjula Acharia

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Experience

H O L I D AY C E L E B R AT I O N • R E C O G N I T I O N • F I L M

Wide Recognition

W

ith the South Asian population continuing to grow in the United States (Indian Americans are now the second-largest immigrant group at more than 4 million), more communities across the country are observing Diwali by creating public-school holidays. State lawmakers in New York recently passed legislation to make it a holiday in the nation’s largest school system.

In 2022, about 23 school districts in New Jersey gave students a day off for Diwali, and other districts across the country, including in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, also observed the holiday with a day off. Other school districts, including Maryland’s Montgomery County, designated Diwali as a Professional Learning Day, so students do not have to attend class.

Everyone has off this year, as Diwali falls on Sunday, November 12. Cities across the nation are recognizing the holiday with major celebrations. Here are some to check out this year throughout the month:

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Diwali Mela 2023

Date: November 4 Dallas/ Fort Worth, Texas One combined event of the year for greater DFW Community at Cotton Bowl Stadium.

Experience the grandeur and excitement of the biggest ever Diwali celebration in Dallas-Fort Worth. Join the extravaganza filled with dazzling laser shows, breathtaking fireworks, captivating Ram Leela performances, and a scintillating Bollywood concert.

Golden Gala

Diwali Masti 2023 with Bhagyashree

Date: November 4 Edison, NJ Get ready for a blast of fun and festivities at Diwali Masti 2023 with Bollywood actor Bhagyashree. The event includes an exquisite dinner, engaging games and exciting prizes for everyone to enjoy. Groove to the rhythm of Bollywood music and enjoy performances by Maheswari (India’s Got Talent semifinalist) that capture the essence of Diwali.

Festival of Lights at Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art Date: November 5 Washington, DC Celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, at an afterhours event where the museum will be lit up in celebration of light overcoming darkness. Enjoy food and sweets, watch performances, create crafts, and more. Enjoy seeing the Freer Plaza and

Moongate Garden lit up to celebrate Diwali. Lights will turn on at sundown and will be preceded by a traditional blessing called an arti.

Asia Society Celebration

Date: November 11 New York City, NY Diwali returns to Asia Society with an in-person, fun-filled, and multi-sensorial afternoon. This event is co-hosted in partnership with Asia Society and The Culture Tree. Enjoy puppet shows, dance performances, storytelling, and hands-on arts and crafts inspired by the holiday.

Diwali Miami 23

Date: November 12 Miami, FL Diwali Miami Festival of Lights returns for its third edition of the festival and starts from 5 pm onward in the heart of Miami. The event will be hosted by Arti Lalwani from the hit series Indian Match Making.

Diwali Grand Celebration

Date: November 18 Fort Lauderdale, FL Visitors to the Broward County Convention Center will get to enjoy cultural displays from all parts of India with music and dance performances in different categories such as Bhangra, Garba, folk, and Bollywood Fusion. In the last five years, this event has proved to be a major attraction in Broward County with over 60 vendor booths and thousands of attendees each year.

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Experience

H O L I D AY C E L E B R AT I O N • R E C O G N I T I O N • F I L M

Festive Season’s Big Releases Each year around Diwali, some of the best of Indian entertainment hits the big screens worldwide in multiple languages, and 2023 is no exception. Mark your calendar and get ready for big thrills this festive season.

Japan (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam)

This action-comedy-thriller promises a lot, and stars Karthi who last appeared in the much-loved Ponniyin Selvan series. Written and directed by Raju Murugan, the film is most likely to be a political satire like Murugan’s previous films, and the first look released earlier this year had every fan talking about Karthi’s badass gold-studded ensemble.

Tiger 3 (Hindi)

Starring Bollywood’s one and only Salman Khan, Tiger 3 is bound to bring big crowds. Co-starring Kartrina Kaif, the movie is a follow-up of sorts to Tiger, War, Tiger Zinda Hai, and Pathaan. Expect lots of action, fast-paced dialogue, and a couple of surprise appearances from other Bollywood actors.

Jigarthanda Double X (Tamil, Telugu, Hindi)

The premise is intriguing and should make for a light-hearted watch—it’s the 1970s and a filmmaker and gangster team up to make a film. Starring the multi-talented Raghava Lawrence and S. J. Suryah, the film is a standalone prequel to director Karthik Subbaraj’s Jigarthanda (2014).

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Literary Excellence The Indo-American Arts Council, a non-profit arts organization, is ardently committed to advancing, presenting, and fostering an understanding of the arts and artists with roots in India. This November, IAAC is proud to announce the Literary Festival 2023, scheduled for November 18-19 at the Conrad New York Downtown in New York. This two-day festival is set to showcase a distinguished lineup of literary luminaries, including authors who have recently published their latest works.

Brinda Charry

Brinda Charry came to the United States from India as a graduate student in 1999 and has been living here since.

She is a novelist-turnedacademic-returnednovelist. A specialist in English Renaissance literature (Shakespeare and contemporaries), she has published numerous books and articles in that field.

The East Indian is her first novel published in the United States. She currently lives in Keene, New Hampshire, with her husband and dog.

Elizebeth Varghese Elizebeth Varghese is a futurist, people & technology strategist, senior executive, and bestselling author of [Block]Chain Reaction: The Future of How We Live and Work. Elizebeth invites us to view the

dawn of the spacefaring economy with optimism.

Her book, Stellar Singularity, is the go-to guide for leaders who see the potential of New Space and are keen to understand the considerations in navigating the universe beyond planet Earth.

Elizebeth lives on the Upper West Side of New York City with her husband, two daughters (aged 12 and 16), and Chutney Theodore, the braveheart Yorkie.

Manreet Sodhi Someshwar

Manreet Sodhi Someshwar is an award-winning and bestselling writer of eight books, including the Mehrunisa series, the critically-acclaimed The Long Walk Home and The Radiance of a Thousand Suns, and most recently The Partition Trilogy. Hailed as ‘a star on the literary horizon’ by Khushwant Singh and garnering endorsements from Gulzar for two of her books, Manreet lives in New York City with her husband, daughter and cat.

Visit IAAC.us for more information.

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Nourish V E G E TA R I A N M E A L S

• R E S TA U R A N T S • TA B L E

•

Veg Out

If you are a vegetarian or plan to host some this holiday season, here’s your strategy to wow your guests and still make veggie dishes the star.

Dine-In Diwali

Celebrate Diwali by indulging in a memorable family meal at some of the finest Indian restaurants across the U.S.

Diwali Delight

Bring color and creativity to your celebration with Rangoli

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Nourish

• R E S TA U R A N T S • TA B L E

V E G E TA R I A N M E A L S

Veg Out

If you are a vegetarian or plan to host some this holiday season, here’s your strategy to wow your guests and still make veggie dishes the star.

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or non-veggies, hosting a vegan or vegetarian holiday celebration can lead to an overdosing of artichoke dip and green bean casserole. But a vibrant holiday meal sans turkey or meat should be a celebration of vegetarian food, not an afterthought. The good news is that plant-based and vegetarian food options and creative recipes are more abundant than ever. Here’s how to build your meat-free holiday meal that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

1. START WITH A SOUP. Not only is soup nourishing and delicious, but they are often filling. There are so many soup options that showcase the best seasonal veggies in fall. From roasted garlic pumpkin to savory carrot ginger, soups can be a showstopper for any holiday meal. One extra bonus: Soups can be made ahead of time, which is especially appealing with the chaos that comes with holiday entertaining.

2. GO BIG ON THE SALAD. Salads are often the forgotten child of the holiday meal. But nothing brings colors to a holiday table than fall produce, which is so vibrant. Get creative—go green, grain, or even add roasted veggies to your holiday salad.

3. DID SOMEONE SAY POTATO? If mashed feels uninspired, there are plenty of ways to step up your potato game. Roasted sweet potatoes with fresh herbs, cheesy potato gratin, aloo tikki with chutney, potato rosti (think pancake), or crispy potato galette will all bring plenty of oohs and ahhs.

4. ANYTHING GOES FOR THE MAIN. It’s so easy to get stuck in a lasagna rut or go with old

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standbys to avoid mishaps on game day, but don’t be afraid to get a little creative to bring something memorable to the meal. Try rich, savory meals like pumpkin and butternut squash curry (below), mushroom wellington, or roasted vegetable napoleon to wow your guests and keep entertaining exciting and fun.

PUMPKIN AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH CURRY Prep time: 40 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 8 Ingredients • 2 cups pumpkin puree, unsweetened • 4 cups of peeled and blanched butternut squash, ½-inch cubes • 1 cup vegetable broth • 2 cups coconut milk • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 tablespoon chopped ginger • 3 tablespoons honey • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • ½-inch each sliced red, yellow, green, and orange peppers • 1 cup sliced sweet or Vidalia onion • 1 cup carrots, ½-inch chop • 3 tablespoons curry powder or paste • 2 cups blanched broccoli (use same blanching procedure as used with butternut squash) • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1 cup chopped basil • 1 tablespoon fresh cracked black pepper • 1 teaspoon salt

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Directions 1.

Place a stainless steel, medium sized soup pot on the stove over medium-high heat. Once the pot becomes hot, add the olive oil.

2. Add the carrots and sauté for two minutes.

Add the peppers, and onions, continue to sauté for two additional minutes. Deglaze with the vegetable broth and stir. Add the pumpkin puree, coconut milk, ginger, heavy cream, honey, cayenne pepper and curry paste/powder. Stir the mixture until fully incorporated.

3. Place the 4 cups of peeled butternut squash in boiling, lightly salted water for 2-3 minutes. The squash should be cooked no more than 2 minutes so that it is firm to the bite. Drain the cooked squash and place in ice water for 5 minutes.

Strain the cooked squash and set aside.

4. Add the 4 cups of peeled, blanched butternut squash and broccoli into the curry mixture.

5. Add the chopped basil in the mixture, season with salt and pepper.

6. Continue cooking for 5 minutes.

7. Serve by itself or over rice.

8. If you would prefer a non-vegetarian recipe, try adding chicken or shrimp.

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V E G E TA R I A N M E A L S

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Dine-In Diwali Celebrate Diwali by indulging in a memorable family meal at some of the finest Indian restaurants across the U.S.

by Abhijit Masih When you’re not dining at home, you want your Diwali experience to feel like home. These culinary gems offer a delightful fusion of traditional and contemporary Indian dishes, ensuring that your Diwali feast is a truly unforgettable experience. From the vibrant streets of New York City to the sunny shores of California and beyond, these restaurants invite you to savor the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine, forging cherished moments of togetherness and celebration during this auspicious festival of lights.

AMBER INDIA, SAN FRANCISCO Amber India has been a cherished Bay Area dining destination that harmoniously blends the essence of traditional Indian cuisine with a contemporary and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s ambiance is adorned with a curated collection of contemporary Indian art, setting the stage for an experience that is deeply rooted in tradition but delivered with a fresh and modern approach. The dining experience is enhanced with an inspired selection

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of wine, beer, and craft cocktails, thoughtfully designed to complement diverse and delectable menu offerings.

SPICE AFFAIR, LOS ANGELES Spice Affair in Beverly Hills is the gateway to the finest Indian cuisine in Los Angeles. Whether you crave traditional Indian dishes or those with a contemporary twist, their menu promises to ignite your taste buds with exquisite flavors. It is a place, where you can savor the richness of Indian cuisine in a vibrant and inviting setting.

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RASIKA, WASHINGTON, DC Rasika is a culinary gem in Washington, DC offering an authentic Indian dining experience that is truly exceptional. With a focus on showcasing the art of Indian cuisine, Rasika presents a diverse menu featuring dishes prepared on the Tawa (griddle), Sigri (open barbeque), and Tandoori, as well as regional curry specialties. Rasika

ambiance and festive atmosphere, to discover a place where memorable moments are savored and cherished.

also boasts an impressive temperature-controlled wine cellar, making it a haven for wine enthusiasts. Rasika is the epitome of a remarkable and upscale Indian dining experience in the heart of the nation’s capital.

coming back for more. Drop in to savor the taste of India in the heart of Seattle at India Bistro.

AROQA, NEW YORK CITY aRoqa is an enchanting restaurant and cocktail bar, inspired by the heartwarming “roka” ceremony, where friends and family gather to celebrate the engagement of a couple over a shared meal. The immersive culinary experience at the eatery is designed to make every occasion, from anniversaries and birthdays to everyday happy hours, feel truly special. Step into the chic

INDIA BISTRO, SEATTLE India Bistro in Seattle is the ultimate destination for delectable Indian cuisine. As an award-winning family restaurant, that has proudly served the Seattle community and welcomed visitors from across the globe for over a decade. Their menu boasts authentic Indian flavors that have delighted taste buds and kept patrons

KALACHANDJI’S, DALLAS Kalachandji’s is Dallas’ oldest and most esteemed vegetarian restaurant, offering a delectable journey into India’s extensive and time-honored vegetarian culinary heritage. With a mission to provide cuisine that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also promotes wellbeing, tranquility of mind, and elevated consciousness, Kalachandji’s has become a cherished destination for diners seeking a unique and wholesome dining experience.

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Festive Finesse

A

long with welcoming friends and family, invite in Goddess Laksmi, the goddess of wealth, power, and beauty. The tradition of making Rangoli—colorful patterns using powered limestone, dry rice flour, flower petals, or even colored rocks—signifies welcoming her into the home. But Rangoli is not only thought to bring good luck and prosperity, but it’s also a fun activity to brighten up your Diwali table. The activity, which is a popular school activity during the festival of lights can be a beautiful and meaningful centerpiece of your Diwali table. To start simple, search for a reusable Rangoli mat on Amazon or Michaels or check out Youtube for a demo.

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• R E S TA U R A N T S • TA B L E

Bring color and creativity to your celebration with Rangoli

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Prosper E N T E R TA I N M E N T G E N D E R PA R I T Y

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P O P U L AT I O N

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From Hyderabad to Hollywood Sruthi Dhulipala’s Journey in Entertainment and Public Relations

Growing Asian Population

18 more distinct Asian groups were added to the 2020 census, up from 2010

Major Step Toward Gender Parity

India’s landmark legislation will boost women’s representation

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• P O P U L A T I O N • G E N D E R PA R I T Y

Sruthi Dhulipala’s journey in entertainment and public relations

by Abhijit Masih

I

n her work as a publicist, Sruthi Dhulipala has promoted some of the biggest Hollywood titles—Top Gun: Maverick, Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio, and House of the Dragon.

But the journey to get there hasn’t always been easy.

Dhulipala’s career in entertainment began with her fervent desire to delve into PR and communications and to carve her niche in the Western entertainment industry. In pursuit of her passion and the American dream, she moved to Boston and earned her Master’s in public relations from Boston University.

Combining her two loves, PR and music, she has been learning the ins and outs of the industry from scratch, without any guidance or mentors to push her case. She has worked her way up to the top through

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PHOTO CREDIT: ASH GUPTA

From Hyderabad to Hollywood

Afterlife, Bhediya, and more.

She’s proven time and time again that she has what it takes to make it in this industry. Dhulipala calls her journey in the United States a “primrose path.” While traversing her professional growth, she has consistently persisted with her journey as a musician. Born in a musical family and as daughter of Mridanga Vidwan D.S.R. Murthy, Sruthi got the opportunity at an early age to accompany him to concerts and learn by observing stalwarts such as Dr. L. Subramaniam and Balamurali Krishna Garu. She describes herself as someone rowing “two boats” simultaneously and balancing them together with much care and adoration. perseverance and hard work. “Being a South Asian in the American entertainment industry felt like a lonely voyage,” recalls Dhulipala. Undaunted, she pursued her Hollywood dream, while her peers were pursuing tech-friendly careers, which offered a safety net and a secure job.

Dhulipala began her PR journey in the United States as a Publicity Assistant at CBS Television Studios in Los Angeles. “You would think working for a globally popular show like The Big Bang Theory will give you the break that you needed in this industry, but not really,” adds Dhulipala.

She had to endure the hardships of an outsider, her different culture and background coupled with the fact that she was an immigrant with visa requirements.

“While it’s challenging to be on the path that I am on right now, I am an ardent believer in the value of giving back to society,” says Dhulipala. “My aim is to empower South Asians in the creative arena within the United States and facilitate their triumph. By offering personalized consultations to aspiring artists and creators seeking to establish themselves in the mainstream media, I strive to extend my assistance in any possible way.”

She only hopes to grow her influence in the future. “I aspire to motivate a larger audience to follow their passions fearlessly,” she says. “Utilizing my experience as a publicist, I endeavor to elevate South Asians onto the global stage while also creating music that conveys my personal narrative under my identity as a musician.”

Though it was tough, Dhulipala didn’t let these challenges come in the way and persevered to build a lucrative career in publicity, launching and delivering multifaceted branding support to musicians, entertainment shows and studios.

Her impressive resume boasts of promoting global brands such as Disney, Freeform, ABC, Autodesk, CBS, Dairy Queen and more. While spearheading communications for the Academy Award-winning studio MPC, Dhulipala promoted titles such as Jordan Peele’s Nope, Ghostbusters: N O V E M B E R

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Growing Asian Population 18 more distinct Asian groups were added to the 2020 census, up from 2010

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he U.S. Census Bureau is releasing more data from its latest 2020 Census, which is finally offering a glimpse into more detailed demographic numbers, taking into account how groups self-identify. For instance, this was the first year that Sikh were included in the census.

The data is showing a rapidly growing Asian Indian population, growing to 4.4 million people from 2010 to 2020, a 54.7% increase—making it the largest Asian alone group in the US for the first time (“Asian alone” refers to people who identify with only one group, as opposed to two or more).

on heritage, but accurate representation can drive resources to support different groups’ unique needs.

California remains home to the largest proportions of Asian populations. But other states like Texas, Hawaii, and Washington saw growth as well (see sidebar).

Advocates say further improvements are still required for the Census to fully capture Asian American diversity, but this new data is a step in the right direction for increasing representation and the unique identities of those living in the United States.

The data is already proving valuable toward policy recommendations, and determining where resources should be allocated among these unique populations.

“Detailed data are particularly critical for Asian Americans, who continue to be among our nation’s fastest growing and most diverse racial groups,” said Terry Ao Minnis, vice president for census and voting programs at Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

“Often viewed as homogenous, these communities include more than 30 detailed subgroups that can differ dramatically across key social and economic indicators.”

By separating detailed subgroups, it spotlights disparities often obscured when lumping all together.

For example, while Nepalese and Bhutanese Americans saw rapid 250%+ growth, Japanese and Laotian populations fell. Educational attainment, poverty levels and health outcomes vary greatly depending

California

18.9%

Texas

4.4 Million The number of people living in America claiming to be Asian Indian alone, growing by over 50% between

2010 and 2020.

New Jersey

10.6%

New York

Illinois

9.1%

5.8%

9.1%

The states with the largest representation of Asian Indians, according to the 2020 US Census.

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• P O P U L A T I O N • G E N D E R PA R I T Y

Major Step Toward Gender Parity

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he Indian Parliament made history this September by approving a law to reserve one-third of seats for women in the lower legislative house and state assemblies.

The bill passed both houses of Parliament and now requires approval from state legislatures before taking effect.

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India’s landmark legislation will boost women’s representation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the move as a ‘golden moment” for empowering women in politics. But the law won’t apply to next year’s national elections, disappointing some advocates. Despite being half the electorate, women make up only about 15% of India’s Parliament and 10% of state legislatures. The new quotas aim to change that, and reserves

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some marginalized community seats for women in groups who have been historically left out of politics due to gender and caste barriers.

After decades of stalled efforts, the overwhelming bipartisan support for quotas signals a major shift. But resistance remains among some male politicians who fear losing seats, while others argue women aren’t ready to govern.

While quotas alone don’t guarantee women’s empowerment, advocates hope they will open doors for future leaders. As more women enter Indian politics, representation can also encourage more and more women to get involved. “This law will break the glass ceiling,” said Kashmiri politician Safina Baig, adding that someday perhaps a quota won’t even be needed in the first place.

475 million registered voters in India are women (half the electorate), but they make up only about 15 percent of lawmakers in Parliament.

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The Changing Face of Fashion Young South Asian women designers showcase ancient traditions in new styles

Gifts that Keep Giving Our favorite finds for the holiday season ahead

Wearing in Their Welcome 5 wearable technologies that can help your health and wellness

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The Changing Face of Fashion Young South Asian women designers showcase ancient traditions in new styles At the recent South Asian New York Fashion Week in New York, two young women designers showed their unapologetic take on fashion, paving the way for fresh looks, while still honoring past traditions. Here we’ve rounded up a few of their top looks setting the stage for the fashion year ahead.

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Svarini

Designer Sheel Yerneni blended her South Asian heritage with current Western trends for Gen Z in her Svarini collection.

She incorporated luxurious traditional fabrics like royal brocade silks and embroidered prints.

But she styled them into modern pieces like corset tops, miniskirts, and lowcut dresses for a Y2K aesthetic.

The collection mixes Indian couture textiles with Western staples like crop tops and ruffled maxis.

Yerneni aimed to create fashion specifically for young brown women that taps into viral TikTok trends while still honoring her roots.

Svarini will donate 5% of all “Collection I” proceeds to Breakthrough, a non-profit powering the cultural shift that makes violence against young girls and women unacceptable. svarini.com

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Chaa Latte

Designer Promiti Prosun blended minimalist Western styles with delicate South Asian details in her Chaa Latte “Payal Collection.”

She edged sleek blazers, dresses, and tops with intricate payals for a subtle jingle, aiming to add a touch of feminine power inspired by her Bangladeshi heritage.

The overall aesthetic was modern and understated, as she worked to elevate basics like bralettes, kaftans, and power suits with the ornate anklets. chaalatte.com

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Gifts that Keep Giving Our favorite finds for the holiday season ahead The season of gift giving has officially arrived, and with Black Friday just around the corner, we’re already scoping out the best possible deals and best new products we’re eager to share with our friends and family. Here are a few of our early picks.

OUR PLACE ALWAYS PAN 2.0 The cook in your life will love this versatile ceramic nonstick pan that replaces a whole cookware set!

The Always Pan makes cooking easy with its 10-in-1 functionality. Plus its wide range of colors look great in any kitchen. Keep an eye out for their famous Black Friday deals. $150, FROMOURPLACE.COM

EMBER MUG2 Say goodbye to cold sips, and give the gift of perfect coffee with this temperature control mug. With the help of a handy app, you can set an ideal drinking temperature and the Ember mug will keep coffee or chai hot all day long. $150, EMBER.COM

EBERJAY SHERPA SLIPPER Have a friend or family member who always has cold feet? Treat them to cozy warmth with these cute and comfy sherpa slippers. The plush faux fur and rubber soles make them perfect for lounging inside or running quick errands. $62, EBERJAY.COM

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Wearing in Their Welcome wearable technologies that can help your health and wellness From smart rings that monitor health to augmented reality glasses providing hands-free photoshoots, the latest cutting-edge gadgets continue to prove that the future is here. Here are a few of the latest high-tech wearables we’re watching.

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OURA RING Acting like a personalized insight engine, the wearable ring reveals sleep, activity, and stress scores daily. The scores connect to an app, which you can use to monitor and track your habits that might make or break your scores. We love the subtle ring’s profile, and lightweight materials. $299, ouraring.com

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MUSE If you’re ready to take your meditation practice to the next level, this next-gen headband can give you real-time feedback. The headband detects brain activity and provides audio feedback so you can calm your mind and live with more peace and presence. $250, choosemuse.com

RAY-BAN META HEADLINER The next generation of smart glasses offer hands-free audio, and the ability to capture photos and video without interrupting your daily flow. We love the new colors in the Headliner style, which look just as good as standard sunglasses, but with a lot more AI features $299, ray-ban.com

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ZYGO SOLO If you’re a swimmer, you can finally stream your favorite music or podcasts while you dive into the deep end. These streaming headphones also offer guided workouts for even more aquatic audio adventures. $299, zygo.com

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EMBR WAVE 2 If you suffer from hot flashes, Embr’s discreet wristband can provide on-demand temperature regulation. By providing cooling or warming relief from hot flashes, this innovative device lets you take more control over your symptoms and improve your nightly sleep. $299, embrlabs.com

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• WELLNESS

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Raising Boys Right How one influencer is changing the next generation of men

Speaking in Mother Tongues Health information delivered in multiple languages won over South Asian communities

How to Manage Holiday Stress Four steps to surviving Diwali and Thanksgiving

Breaking Pelvic Health Myths N O V E M B E R

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Raising Boys Right

• WELLNESS

How one influencer is changing the next generation of men

N

avigating a grocery store.

The basics of dental hygiene.

Proper toilet seat etiquette. The perils of mansplaining. If these sound like valuable life lessons, welcome to the “No Dusty Sons” movement.

Since influencer Payal Desai hopped on the TikTok trend, generating 50+ videos on the subject since August, she has racked up views in the millions.

Desai’s reels are concise, charming, and efficient, sticking with a consistent soundtrack (an instrumental version of Luniz’s “I Got 5 On It”), homespun vignettes, her trademark direct gaze, and text captions that pack a punch. Her most popular video, about journaling as a tool to regulate emotions, has more than 10m views.

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The mother of two young sons, 7 and 3, Desai has no place in her worldview for lax parenting. No “boys will be boys,” if she has anything to say about it. Desai’s mission is to educate parents—and kids— about the burden of invisible labor. She defines “dusty” as “toxic masculinity, lack of emotional intelligence, weaponized incompetence, and laziness.” Desai, who began using TikTok and Insta primarily as a fashion influencer, started exploring more vulnerable content when she had her second child, Dev, at the beginning of the pandemic. Isolated and postpartum, she announced her sobriety pledge on her social accounts.

When the dusty son moment broke, Desai, a middle school teacher based in New Jersey, couldn’t help chiming in.

She says the series was born when she realized she could lean into her own life for inspiration, with the countless teachable moments she and her husband could model for their boys. Why continue to reinforce gender stereotypes that put the hefty burden of countless, unacknowledged tasks on women?

From addressing the household imbalance of chores to boosting emotional intelligence, Desai’s crusade to raise well-rounded human beings that “never withhold any form of self-expression of joy” is a welcome intervention.

A STUBBORN GENDER BIAS? South Asian mothers spend an additional hour of quality time per day with their young sons aged 0-2 than with young daughters.

Follow Payal: tiktok.com/@payalforstyle

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• WELLNESS

Speaking in Mother Tongues Health information delivered in multiple languages won over South Asian communities

The confusion that happened when the pandemic hit was real. Add a language barrier, rapidly evolving information, and a glut of fake news, and a lack of information becomes the perfect storm for vaccine hesitancy. But what happens when key public health information gets delivered in a language communities understand, at places they go, and on apps that they use?

A recent study out of McMaster University found that the early days of the pandemic hit

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South Asian populations in Canada the hardest. New immigrants who worked as essential and health-care workers, often in multigenerational homes, were especially vulnerable to misinformation.

The study found that the difference-maker for vaccine adoption was prioritizing the languages and cultural norms prevalent among South Asians. Once grassroots organizations paid careful attention to the messaging, vaccination rates increased. For example, when

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Zoom town hall meetings offered interpretations in Bengali, Tamil, and Urdu, participants became more receptive. Punjabi-speaking doctors, who stepped in on the ground level, also gained immediate traction with their target audience. (In 2021, more than half a million Canadians spoke predominantly Punjabi at home.)

In addition to removing the language barrier, another effective way of encouraging South Indians to frequent test centers was to set them up in familiar, convenient gathering spaces, such as banquet halls. Banquet halls, a staple for South Asian weddings and festivities, helped normalize and integrate vaccine awareness into everyday life.

“Language and culture matching between health-care workers, researchers, and community members builds trust, while poorly translated health messaging erodes it,” says Sujane Kandasamy, lead investigator of the qualitative study.

Her research points out that the sharing of vital information, with a lot at stake, is much more effective when it’s available in one’s native lan-

guage. Graphics tailored to the South Indian aesthetic, as well as apps favored by them, such as WhatsApp, also were huge factors contributing to the success of the outreach.

96%

The percentage of South Asian vaccination rate after this grassroots intervention

3%

higher than those who were not visible minorities.

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• WELLNESS

How to Manage Holiday Stress Four steps to emotionally survive Diwali and Thanksgiving It’s go-time with the holidays, Diwali around the corner and Thanksgiving riding its tails. Diwali, which welcomes Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance, into the home, reenacts the triumph of inner light over spiritual darkness. Celebrated over a span of five days, with a hefty bit of cleaning, cooking, entertaining and gift exchanges, it’s a marathon of a holiday that can leave you more depleted than delighted.

Although many people don’t tend to discuss mental health during the festive season, assuming it’s all laddus and love, a growing awareness of the holiday blues now has a toehold in the South Asian psyche. It’s precisely this time of year, with its whirl of social obligations, parties, shopping and lavish feasting, that stress levels can skyrocket. One effective strategy is pacing yourself. Here’s how: Clarify your boundaries You can establish your own personal rules of social engagement with coworkers, friends and family during the festival. Do you notice when your social battery may be losing its charge?

Despite the time-honored traditions, it’s crucial to prioritize emotional well-being first. If hosting guests at your own home causes anxiety, and too many social events outside the home wear you down, it’s perfectly acceptable to adjust the level of social commitments.

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Eat in moderation How many gulab jamuns does it take to feel sugared out? Just one should do the trick. Delicious fried foods and milk sweets are potent manifestations of Lakshmi’s prosperity, but too much of anything can take its toll on your digestion, throwing it out of whack, interrupting your sleep cycle, and causing turbulent mood swings. Far safer is to adhere to a sensible approach to indulgence, tasting a bit of everything but feeling no obligation to finish what’s on your plate.

Let your hair down On principle, it’s a smart idea to stick to your exercise routine, diet, and any mindfulness practice during the holiday.

But of equal importance is to let your hair down, give into the playful spirit of the holidays, and dance your Bollywood heart out. Plus, if you miss out on your regularly scheduled fitness class, dancing is the ultimate full body workout. You’ll be having too much fun to even realize you are working up a sweat.

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• WELLNESS

Breaking Pelvic Health Myths

by Abhijit Masih Dr. Rena Malik is a board-certified urologist and specialist in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. She has been recently honored with the Young Urologist award. She is passionate in helping patients manage complex concerns, including pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence and neurogenic bladder.

Dr. Malik busts some common myths and gives professional advice on how to tackle pelvic related issues.

What are some of the common issues faced by women pertaining to pelvic health?

I see patients for many things. Some of them include urinary incontinence. And there are two different types of incontinence. For the average person, you just know you’re leaking.

The other things we deal with is an over active bladder. About 16% of people in the United States have over active bladder, which is probably an underestimate. So people go to the bathroom more often and they need to go very urgently or having leakage related to that. That can be a huge distraction for people day to day. I also deal with prolapse, which is a vaginal bulge. I also take care of any problems with urination in general and sexual dysfunction for both men and women.

So if you’re having issues with sexual functions, you’re not meeting orgasm or you’re having insufficient lubrication or pain. Those are really important things to talk about, and we don’t talk about them enough, especially in the

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South Asian household. I think it’s important that you shouldn’t suffer in silence.

South Asian women tend to not make their health a priority. Why is that? What advice do you have for them?

We’re raised in a certain way—to be calm, quiet, obedient, beautiful and not draw too much attention. Where if you’re having this problem, just deal with it. Don’t bring it up. Don’t talk about it. Take care of your family, take care of your kids, take care of everyone else and we come last. I think that’s just a shift. I can be a

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better person if I feel better right. I can perform better in every aspect of my life, if I prioritize my health. I think we just forget that step.

What advice would you have for women who are facing problems? How do they bring their issues forward?

For many patients it can be very nerve wracking. Oh, how do I bring this up? What do I say? And then you forget because you’re so stressed. So I would recommend before you go to the doctor, write down the things that are bothering you. Also take notes so that you remember what you heard, because you’re a little nervous. Fortunately there are so many wonderful resources available now for education. You can learn about the condition that you have before you go to the doctor so that you can ask more educated questions.

There is no reason to be embarrassed.

Whatever it is, we’ve heard it. There is nothing you can do to embarrass us. So please feel comfortable.

What are some of the lifestyle changes one can make in their lives so that they do not have problems of the pelvic?

If you’re overweight, losing weight can help improve all of these symptoms. Second, watching what you’re drinking and eating.

Certain things can irritate the bladder, like coffee or tea, alcohol, spicy food, tomato based products and even sparkling water.

So people drinking a lot of carbonated beverages can notice some irritation. So what I tell people is don’t get rid of everything all at once. Try one thing at a time. Remove it from your diet. If you are having constipation, try to fix that, because constipation makes urinary symptoms worse. Those are the easy things that you can do. The other thing is to do pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor and potentially improve symptoms. I caution, though, if you’re having any pain stop doing those exercises and see a specialist.

What are some of the common myths about women’s sexual health that you would debunk?

One that’s very common is that lubrication is entirely associated with arousal. If she’s not lubricated, she’s not aroused, or if she is lubricated, she is aroused. That’s not always the case. As women enter pre menopause and menopause, their lubrication can decrease.

It doesn’t mean that you’re not aroused that there’s some something wrong with you.

Similarly, if you’re on certain medications, even as a young woman, it can interfere with the amount of lubrication you make. Our body is lubricating for protective reasons. So this is completely normal. Your body is completely healthy the way it is. Your vagina cleans itself.

A big myth is that you need to use all these products, but really you just need to use a very gentle soap on the hair bearing areas and then let soapy water rundown. And then the last one is that people who are getting recurrent bladder infections or UTI’s, they often feel like they’re dirty or they’re doing something wrong when in reality, that’s not the case. Usually there’s some problem with hormones, or there’s a problem with the microbiome in that area. That’s not something you did or got from your partner. It’s not that you are not clean. I want people to feel comfortable.

One of the most common ailments for women is UTI, what are some ways to treat it at home, without antibiotics?

Increasing your fluid intake is the cheapest and the easiest way to reduce your risk of UTI’s. That includes the fluid you’re drinking with your tea or the fruits, but certainly 2 or 3 liters is going to be really beneficial. Making sure you urinate after having sex can be helpful as well. There’s a lot of misinformation about cranberries. If you just drink the juice from the store that’s not going to do anything. You need a concentrated amount of a substance called proanthocyanidins, found inside the berry. It has been proven to also reduce the risk of recurrent UTI.

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Treasured Talent Chandrika Tandon is a Grammy-nominated artist, a distinguished business leader, and a devoted humanitarian.

• Abhijit Masih •

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HAIR AND MAKEUP: KANWAL BATOOL IG: IAMKANWALBATOOL STYLING : SANDEEP TUPILI (MAISON TAI) INSTAGRAM : @SANDEEPRAVI89 & @MAISONTAI FACEBOOK : @SANDEEPRAVI @MAISONTAI PHOTO CREDIT: JOHN MARTIN PRODUCTIONS INSTAGRAM: @JOHNMARTINPRODUCTIONS FACEBOOK: JOHN MARTIN PRODUCTIONS

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handrika Tandon’s name graces the NYU (Tandon) School of Engineering, but the true legacy she hopes to leave behind is not in the world of business or even philanthropy—she wants to pass on the intergenerational love as a heartfelt gift to her grandchildren.

Tandon’s considerable business experience includes being one of the earliest and youngest partners of McKinsey & Company, as well as founding and chairing her advisory firm, Tandon Capital Associates. She also chairs the Board of the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. However, music has been an integral part of her life as she consciously integrated music, service, and meditation into her professional journey. As the driving force behind the non-profit music label, Soul Chants Music, she has released four albums, including the Grammynominated “Soul Call.” Her latest musical offering is her recently released album—”Ammu’s Treasures,” which she considers as a heartfelt gift to her grandchildren.

Chandrika Tandon’s dedication to music, education, and humanitarian causes continues to have an indelible impact both in the world of music and in her various ventures.

Chandrika Tandon spoke to SEEMA about her inspirations, her professional and philanthropic work, her expansive repertoire of music and the heritage that she wants to pass on to future generations.

THE SONGS AND CHANTS OF YOUR CHILDHOOD SERVED AS INSPIRATION FOR THE ALBUM “AMMU’S TREASURE.” TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE ALBUM?

This is such a wonderful time in my life. “Ammu” is a term that means happiness and purity, which I didn’t know until we started to think about what my grandchildren should call me.

My first grandchild is five, and I started to simply sing to him.

I started with very simple Vedic chants, a few shlokas, as all good grandmothers do. We should leave behind something of ourselves with our next generations and that just evolved from

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one song to more chants. It is about giving to them as much as a global hug for the family. It’s a way that families can share and pass on the intergenerational love. That’s the feeling and the purpose of the album.

YOU REFER TO YOUR LATEST ALBUM AS A HUG FOR ALL AGES. WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THIS ALBUM AND THE PROCESS OF MAKING THIS ALBUM?

This was so much fun. It really came out one night when I had been singing for almost two hours to my grandson. My voice was tired. I’d had a long day at work, but he’s like, “Ammu, you need to sing this nine times again.” And I’m thinking to myself, ‘We’ll do a little recording of it, maybe with a piano—let me leave it for him. Even if I’m not there, he’s going to be listening to it. That’s how the idea started. Then I called three people and we went into MASS MoCA in North Adams, MA and in this beautiful setting the four of us sat there with a couple of my friends and over three days I just belted out 35 songs and chants.

The musicians then heard it and they said we really need a cello, a banjo and this could use a tuba. Then each musician called up another musician they knew and said, you got to be part of this.

So that’s how “Ammu’s Treasures” grew. Then I went into their studio properly, put my voice down. Then each of these guys like Kenny Warner—a great jazz pianist, came into the studio and played whatever he wanted to express. Rakesh Chaurasia, flutist extraordinaire, he has played on Scarborough Fair. So we have a very eclectic amalgamation, which blends different world sounds. Everybody wanted to express what love they felt for the next generation or for somebody else. So this was all an expression of love. That’s how this album came about. That’s why I call it a hug to the world.

YOU HAVE THIS DEEP CONNECTION TO INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC, HOW DID THAT INFLUENCE YOUR LIFE?

Music very simply helped me find myself. I discovered Hindustani classical and I worked with a lot of masters from Pandit Jasraj to Veena Sahasrabuddhe and Subhra Guha. I have had a lot of great teachers, but to sing and to find the note in Hindustani classical and to be at the level of sophistication and

“Music very simply helped me find myself.”

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excellence, you have to calm your mind. I would find that I needed to do a lot of calming, to find the note. So music and my spirit really went hand in hand. So then little by little I learned ragas and I studied all the techniques of Hindustani music.

This to me was finding myself, finding my spirit, finding out who is God, who am I, what is silence, how do I access that? So that’s been my whole journey over the last 23 years.

YOUR ALBUM, ‘SOUL CALL,’ WHICH BLENDS INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC WITH OTHER GENRES WAS NOMINATED FOR THE GRAMMY AWARDS. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE THIS UNIQUE FUSION?

My music has never been in one genre. I’ve trained in Hindustani music, I’ve trained in Carnatic music, I’ve trained in jazz, and I used to sing in western choirs. You name a pop song from the 60s and early 70s, I know them all. Then I sing in French, I sing in Portuguese, I have been singing all genres all my life. So when I think of music, I’m already thinking across boundaries. So for example, it’s much more apparent in my fourth album Shivoham. I blended a lot of the Dorian scale of some of these Gregorian chants together with beautiful Indian Hindustani ragas. The two come together very nicely, with the worlds of two different traditions. The way “Soul Call” happened was that one morning I was literally awakened by some force. I was hearing all these tunes in my head. These ragas, these amazing melodies and I kept hearing Om Namo Narayanaya. I started to record on my phone whatever was coming into my head. I called my teacher in India and asked do you recognize these scales? He said, ‘Oh, they’re quite sophisticated.’ So all of that reflected in this global vision. I think, “Ammu’s Treasures” is a further evolution of that.

‘Ammu’ is a term which means happiness, which means purity, which I didn’t know until we started to think about what my grandchildren should call me.”

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YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN A VARIETY OF INDUSTRIES, FROM FINANCE TO MUSIC. HOW HAVE THESE DIVERSE EXPERIENCES SHAPED YOUR PERSPECTIVE AND APPROACH TO LIFE AND BUSINESS?

I discovered two important dimensions of myself. The two dimensions I made a commitment to - the business life and also to pursue music, which was very important for my happiness.

I did not go into music to perform. I didn’t go into music to be in the industry. I didn’t go into music to make an album. I went into music because I love singing, it makes me happy. I have been exposed to so much global music in my work career because every night after my work, I would hit the bar in Brazil and just go and listen to Brazilian music just as excitedly as I’ve listened to M.S. Subbulakshmi. So music was a dimension I chose to invest myself in. The other dimension, which I made a promise to invest myself in, was service. I should do something which is beyond me. That’s how I went to NYU, where I didn’t go to for school. I’ve never been to college in America. I went to NYU met the Dean of the Business School and I said, can I help? And he said, Oh yes, come on in and be what they call the distinguished Executive in Residence. He and I worked together to make the school better. All of that gave me different

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“It’s a way that families can share and pass on the intergenerational love. That’s what the feeling and the purpose of the album.”

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CHANDRIKA’S F AV O R I T E F E W

kinds of pleasures and I learned so much more about myself.

DREAM DUET PARTNER – Bele Fleck or Kenny Werner

AS A SUCCESSFUL WOMAN IN BOTH BUSINESS AND PHILANTHROPY, WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE KEYS TO ACHIEVING A FULFILLING AND BALANCED LIFE?

GO-TO SONG ON A TOUGH DAY – Too numerous to name. Probably “Killing Me Softly.”

BEACH VACATION OR MOUNTAIN RETREAT – Beach vacation DINNER WITH A HISTORICAL FIGURE – My grandfather. He died when I was 18, and I really would like to see him again FAVORITE MANTRA OR MEDITATION PRACTICE – I do TM, Sudarshan Kriya and Vipasana IF YOU COULD GO BACK TO AN ERA – The 60s, my happy era. The music was amazing.

UNUSUAL PLACE TO FIND MUSICAL INSPIRATION – Air conditioner. When I hear any buzzing sound I listen for the tonic scale FAVORITE DISH – Bisi Bela Hui with potatoes and any south Indian sweet with jaggery CURRENT BOOK YOU’RE READING – Complete Works of Vivekananda PERFECT DAY OFF – To have my grandchildren with me the whole day FAVORITE CITY IN THE WORLD – New York City. You’ll have to take me out of here.

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I think, at the end of the day, what each one does doesn’t matter. I had an extraordinarily wonderful business career.

What made my business career exciting, were two things.

One is that I worked with some extraordinary people over the years, which was an important outcome of what made it happy. And the second, which I think was critically important, is that I worked hard for impact. So that was my business life. The philanthropy, I don’t even want to think of it as philanthropy. I think of it as a privilege. There are so many institutions I’ve been involved with but NYU is my greatest, most deep involvement. I have learned so much about education, about the psyche of students, the brilliant faculty, I get to ask questions, get to share their thinking and get to introduce my ideas in reshaping the course of these iconic institutions. I’ll tell you one story which I’ll never forget.

When we had given the big gift to the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, a young girl came to me and she said, “Miss Tandon, I want to thank you.

I’m the second of three kids. My older brother is a drug addict.

My mother is a housekeeper with three jobs. My father is a bus driver on disability.

I’m the person who’s at NYU Tandon School of Engineering.

I found a place where I belong.”

I thought to myself, this is

why we do what we do. We transform generations, we transform families, and we owe it to the people. So to me the possibility of engaging with time, talent and treasure is an extraordinary privilege.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE THE TANDON SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AT NYU WILL HAVE ON THE FUTURE EDUCATION?

If we lose a generation that doesn’t know how the world is getting transformed, we have really lost the possibilities of what a country can do. I think that’s really the opportunity that I saw when I invested in NYU. We can’t talk of happiness, we can’t talk of mental health, if people don’t have food on the table, or they have thousands of dollars of debt to repay and they’re dealing with anxiety. So I feel very strongly that we should make sure that the kids can have jobs, they learn the skills and that they can go out and serve the world. Our kids end up with some of the highest salaries when they graduate and we work very hard to make sure that that happens.

So that to me is part of the economic transformation.

Since I got engaged at the school, we have seen some of the highest percentages of students that are first in the family to go to college. It’s just a huge honor to be able to watch what’s happening to families as a result of this.

When you have kids first in the family to come to college, it is an intergenerational gift.

The first thing these kids do is go back and do things for their mother or their father or their grandparents. So I think the gift flows both ways.

HAIR AND MAKEUP: KANWAL BATOOL IG: IAMKANWALBATOOL STYLING : SANDEEP TUPILI (MAISON TAI) INSTAGRAM : @SANDEEPRAVI89 & @MAISONTAI FACEBOOK : @SANDEEPRAVI @MAISONTAI PHOTO CREDIT: JOHN MARTIN PRODUCTIONS INSTAGRAM: @JOHNMARTINPRODUCTIONS FACEBOOK: JOHN MARTIN PRODUCTIONS

•

“To me the possibility of engaging with time, talent and treasure is an extraordinary privilege. “

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“The two dimensions I made a commitment to—the business life and to pursue music—were very important for my happiness.”

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS OR INITIATIVES YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT OTHER THAN ‘AMMU’S TREASURES’?

There are so many at the moment, just on the musical front. Recently, I was at the World Culture Festival, working with two gigantic High school choirs, 250 kids and another 150 adults; talk of intergenerational and cross border. We had people from India and from Maryland High schools and I composed songs for them. ‘Vande Matram’ and ‘America the Beautiful’ coming together and to work with each one of them to get the accent of Sanskrit just right and the accent of English just right, is not a trivial task. It had these kids perform the chants from “Ammu’s Treasures.” I’m going to do the same thing in Panama in a few months, in India for another major Peace Festival. I have so many invitations, but my thrust that I’m focused on is not singing to people. I want to sing with groups of people. For about four years, I have conducted a community choir in Queens. I had an amazing group of people and the average age was about 75, of the people in that group. We have 100 people in that choir and I’ve got a repertoire of about 40 songs which I composed for them. These are extraordinary Sanskrit verses set to exquisitely beautiful choir pieces, which I now want to spread out to the world. I want everyone to sing it is such a joyous thing to do. It gives me so much joy and I want the whole world to share that gift with each other.

Advice to South Asian women breaking into male-dominated fields I will tell you from my own experience, I never walked into a meeting thinking I’m a woman, thinking I’m a woman of color, thinking I’m anything other than the best. So the single piece of advice I would give to any woman, particularly South Asian women, is that if you walk into a situation feeling disadvantaged, you will be disadvantaged.

You’ve automatically given yourself a discount.

When I’ve walked in there, I’ve always thought I’m the very best because I’ve done the work, I’ve thought about this and I’ve done the best I can. I spent a lifetime wearing this badge of a perfectionist with great honor. My mantra right now is—I am perfection. We are all perfection. I want to tell them all that they are perfection.

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Defying

These three luxury destinations put health and wellness at the center of the vacation experience

Diabetes • Lindsey Galloway •

South Asians have unique risks and challenges when it comes to diabetes and its associated conditions. But more research is helping patients get screened earlier and live healthier lives.

• Lindsey Galloway •

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M

ore than 37 million Americans—or about one in 10—live with diabetes.

But about one in five of those individuals don’t even know they have it. That risk may be even higher among South Asians, who have unique predispositions to the disease, and may require different screening metrics.

“Amongst the entire Asian American population, as per 2020 U.S. census, South Asian adults had the highest incidence of Type 2 Diabetes,” explains Dr. Chhaya Makhija, founder of Unified Endocrine and Diabetes Care in California. “Type 2 diabetes is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Together, T2D and ASCVD are leading causes of death and disease in the Asian American population.”

The disease can be managed and prevented, but knowing the risks and warning signs is key. In honor of this month—National Diabetes Month— we spoke with doctors about what women can do to detect the early signs and make the lifestyle changes needed to stay healthy for the long-term.

Drivers of Diabetes Risk

While research on why South Asians have a higher risk of diabetes is still forthcoming, some early studies have shown that South Asians may have reduced B-cell function (a type of white blood cell), which can affect insulin production, when paired with unhealthy lifestyles. “Higher intracellular fat in muscle and liver cells, lesser lean body mass and reduced Beta cell function all increase the risk of prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes in South Asian adults,” explains Dr. Makhija.

The Importance of Early Screening

Given the elevated risk, Dr. Hatipoglu advises that South Asians can never be too careful when it comes to advocating for their health. “It’s always important to be screened early,” she says. “Many times, individuals might not have any warning signs.”

Dr. Betul Hatipoglu, professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University, agrees, stating that genetics can contribute to higher insulin resistance, and being more prone to abdominal fat, which increases risk.

Early warning signs can include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and infections, which can indicate high blood sugar. Skin findings like acanthosis nigricans also warrant diabetes screening.

Understanding insulin resistance is key to better understanding diabetes risk. “Insulin resistance implies that the body’s own insulin is less effective as the cells in the body are resistant to its action,” says Dr. Makhija. Excess intracellular fat (fat within the cells of the body) eventually affects entry of insulin in the cells, and when that insulin can’t lower blood sugar effectively, diabetes is the eventual outcome.

Dr. Makhija recommends screening by age 30-35 or if BMI exceeds 23. PCOS, irregular cycles or infertility are other indicators for testing. Heart disease patients should also be screened, since diabetes accelerates atherosclerosis.

Immigrants to the United States may also face an

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increased risk, since dietary norms in the U.S. often include more fried foods, processed foods, and saturated fats, all which exacerbate the factors that contribute to diabetes.

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Preventing Prediabetes and Diabetes

If you haven’t yet been diagnosed, the right lifestyle changes can prevent diabetes. “Research has supported many beneficial aspects of the Asian

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dietary pattern, including the use of unsweetened tea, consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and use of soybeans and plantbased products,” says Dr. Makhija.

She cautions against excessive refined carbs, sodium, saturated fats, fried and processed foods.

Healthy carbs with high fiber can help, as will keeping an eye on portion sizes.

Staying active also has tangible benefits on blood sugar. “Physical activity plays a vital role in utilizing glucose for muscle energy, thereby helping to reduce insulin resistance and improve blood glucose control,” explains Dr. Makhija. “It has beneficial effects in every aspect of health,” She highlights walking, yoga and strength training as great options to pursue.

Quitting smoking, managing stress, and getting enough sleep also support prevention. “The important interventions are similar for all,” Dr. Hatipoglu.

“Healthy carbohydrate choices with high fiber, watching portion size, adding activity to your daily life, stress management, and sleep hygiene all count.”

Risks and Complications

When blood sugar imbalances persist undiagnosed and untreated, serious consequences can result.

“If blood glucose levels are high for a prolonged period, the symptoms are increased thirst, increased urination, increased susceptibility to infections and severe high blood glucose levels can lead to fatigue, weakness, dehydration and even diabetes coma,” warns Dr. Makhija.

Long-term, high blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves. “Diabetes mellitus type 2, if remained uncontrolled or in poor control, leads to complications like retinal disease (eye complications), impaired wound healing, foot ulcers, neuropathy and kidney disease,” says Dr. Makhija. If you’re experiencing any of these types of symptoms,

it’s important to get screened for type 2 diabetes right away.

Managing Diabetes

For South Asian women already diagnosed with diabetes, balancing blood sugar hinges on supportive lifestyle strategies. “Opting for foods with lower saturated fat and higher fiber content is an important element of change in nutrition,” says Dr. Makhija. “Other recommendations include avoiding processed foods, increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, lentils, beans, nuts and seeds along with personalizing the dietary recommendations based on culture, disease, age and other preferences.”

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control and non-fried cooking methods are also key, as is regular exercise, particularly strength training. “A plethora of evidence exists showing that muscle strength training helps improve insulin sensitivity,” says Dr. Makhija.

Work directly with your health care team for some advice on how to get started.

Beyond nutrition and fitness, Dr. Makhija’s holistic approach encompasses stress relief, restful sleep and smoking cessation. She also emphasizes diabetes education and personalized goal-setting. Medications can also supplement lifestyle strategies (See “The Hype and Risks Behind Ozempic” sidebar).

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Watching Out for Women’s Health

Diabetes impacts women’s health in additional ways. Diabetes has a strong link to polycystic ovarian syndrome, and women face additional risk during pregnancy for gestational diabetes, which requires specialized care. Menopausal women should note that diabetes accelerates bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis. “For women, pregnancy and menopause are high-risk periods,” says Dr. Hatipoglu. “Dealing with perimenopause weight gain with the postmenopausal increased risk of metabolic syndrome can be challenging.”

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle becomes even more essential during these pivotal times.

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Maintaining Vigilence

Education and awareness are the keys to understanding and managing diabetes risk. By sharing information with patients, they can take better charge of their own health and the health of their families. “In my practice, patients are educated about insulin resistance, root causes of chronic diseases and then 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine,” explains Dr. Makhija. “Defining goals, providing ongoing support and education are necessary to empower patients.”

With the right knowledge and treatment plan, diabetes can be managed and prevented all together, leading to healthier and more active lifestyles for all.

ASIANS LIVING IN AMERICA ARE

40% MORE LIKELY TO BE DIAGNOSED

WITH DIABETES, COMPARED WITH THE WHITE POPULATION– DESPITE HAVING LOWER AVERAGE BMIS.

The Hype (and Risks) Behind Ozempic The drug Ozempic has been in the headlines lately, as the medication (often prescribed to help manage diabetes) has been shown to curb appetite and has been heralded in celebrity circles.

An injectable medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. It stimulates the release of insulin when blood sugar is high. It also suppresses appetite and slows digestion to help control blood sugar.

In trials, Ozempic was shown to lower A1c levels (a measure of long-term blood sugar control) in adults with type 2 diabetes. But the drug also comes with warnings and risks, and shouldn’t be taken without doctor supervision.

The risk for gallstones also increases for women in general after age 40 in postmenopausal women, and Ozempic also comes with an increased risk of gallstones, so women should work with their doctors to minimize risk.

Women who want to conceive should also cease the drug two months prior to conception. “Upon discontinuation of these medications, there is a rebound weight gain usually after 5 weeks of discontinuation,” advises Dr. Makhija. “Patients should optimize lifestyle changes and discuss other treatment options with their diabetes care team.”

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Ayurvedic

Health Hacks

7 ways to restore balance, nurture ojas, and feel ageless • Elizabeth Marglin •

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hen it comes to matters of longevity, Ayurveda has an impressive track record. Practiced for 5,000 years, the crux of this holistic approach is that the “foundation of health is balance,” says Amita Jain, a doctor of Ayurveda Medicine and founder of Vedic Health. “All disease, whether mental or physical, starts from an imbalance of the natural elements that govern the body,” she says.

GLOW UP SKIN Ayurvedic tip: In the morning before bathing, apply a thin layer of warmed sesame oil to skin. Warm your oil by placing your oil bottle into a bowl filled with hot water. Apply to the entire body, either working from the neck down or from feet up, massaging the limbs with long strokes and the joints with circular strokes. Leave on for as long as possible before rinsing with a mild, natural soap.

To regain a balance between the body, mind, spirit, and the environment, Ayurveda recommends certain lifestyle interventions, with beauty as the icing on the cake.

Radiant skin, for example, is not just a result of topical treatments, but an external reflection of what’s happening internally: free flowing energy, optimal rest, a mind at peace, and less tension.

The holy grail of balance comes from what Jain calls “the three bioenergetics that control all the bodies functions.” These doshas, vata, kapha and pitta, are primal life forces that get aggravated, diminished, or excessive when our rhythms get out of whack. Whether you feel challenged in a specific area of your life, or just looking to bring the body back into a state of harmony, here are seven areas where a few simple changes can leave a lasting difference.

RESTFUL SLEEP Ayurvedic tip: Getting to sleep before 10 p.m. is mission critical, says Jain, because the hours between 10 p.m-2 a.m. are governed by pitta, the fire element, which channels the life force for important involuntary restorative functions. If you stay awake during this time, energy is taken away from this critical process. By the same token, getting up before 6 am can make you feel less groggy, because the kapha element kicks in around 6 am, infusing the morning with dullness.

Why it works: A well-timed, consistent, sleep routine gives you a lot of bang for your buck. As the saying goes, an hour of sleep before midnight is worth two after, because maintaining a congruent circadian rhythm helps with key biological functions throughout the day. The amount of non-REM sleep—deep, dreamless sleep—is highest in the earlier part of the night. That’s when key activity in the body happens, including muscle growth, tissue repair, wound healing, protein synthesis, and the release of growth hormones. Go to bed later, and metabolism slows down, which is why an emerging body of research is discovering the link between later bedtimes and weight gain.

To increase the benefit of the oil application, keep it on longer. Once a week, as possible, leave on the oil for an hour to help it penetrate the skin, wearing an old robe that you don’t mind getting oil stains on. This self-massage process, called self-abhyanga, connects anointing the body with oil and enveloping it in love. In fact, sneha, in Sanskrit, means both to oil and to love.

Why it works: Beyond mere moisturizing, regular abhyanga is a way to feel grounded, via the skin, which ayurveda recognizes as a major organ. The skin, says Jain, keeps our endocrine system healthy and is a gateway to nourishing our bodies’ more subtle channels through our pores.

BOOST METABOLISM Ayurvedic tip: Drink a glass of warm water first thing in the morning.

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elimination, stimulates metabolism and appetite, and can also relieve congestion.

INCREASE FOCUS Ayurvedic tip: Adaptogenic supplements such as ashwagandha, shatavari, brahmi, and tulsi can help you adapt to stress and neutralize its effects on the body.

Why it works: To be considered an adaptogen, an herb must be nontoxic, support the entire body’s ability to cope with stress, and help the body return to a state of balance. Ayurveda has several effective herbs that can help the body regulate, sustain focus, improve mood and fight fatigue. Make sure the supplements come from a reputable source and consult with an ayurvedic practitioner to get the best rec2ommendations and dosage.

Try: Organic India offers fairtrade supplements and herbs grown using biodynamic farming techniques, organicindia.com.

WHITER TEETH Ayurvedic tip: Oil pulling, or swishing coconut or sesame oil around in your mouth for 5-20 minutes, can brighten teeth, reduce harmful bacteria, and minimize gingivitis and bad breath. It’s best to spit the oil out onto a piece of paper and put it in the trash, as the fat in the oil will clog your pipes over time.

Why it works: The process of gargling with oil, which gets in the nooks and crevasses of the teeth, can help clear off plaque from the teeth’s many surfaces. It does wonders for gum sensitivity too, says Kirti Tewani, an Ayurvedic therapist and founder of bettergreenhealth.com.

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The Power of the Pause At the core of Ayurveda is the knowledge that present moment awareness is a vehicle for tapping into the wisdom of the universe. Even taking a micro-meditation pause to become still and quiet allows you to receive a subtle, sacred intelligence. For several moments throughout the day, try this five-minute check in.

1. Step away from computer and cell phone.

2. Sit down with a straight spine. With uncrossed legs, place feet firmly on floor. Roll your shoulders back and down. Close your eyes.

3. Notice your breath without changing it.

4. Focus on your breath, allowing the thoughts to come and go.

5. Inhale deeply and let out a longer exhale for several rounds of breath.

6. Observe the quality of your thoughts: Anxious, fast, foggy, sharp, relaxed?

7. If your thoughts are spinning, the easiest way to shift the energy is to focus on something you love or are grateful for.

F E AT U R E S - S E E M A Try: Tewani swears by Guru Nanda’s pulling oil, which she says has the best taste of all the oils she has experimented with, gurunanda.com

GLOSSY HAIR Ayurvedic tip: “Once a week massaging the entire scalp, and the entire head of hair with a designated oil, not only reduces hair loss but helps me connect with myself,” says Tewani.

It’s not enough to just apply the oil; knead the oil into scalp and hair. For best results, sleep with the oil in your hair, laying a towel over your pillow so it doesn’t get stained, and then wash out with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo in the morning.

Why it works: According to Ayurveda, the bell material neutralizes the acidity of the skin. The domed shape of the wand is conducive for rolling, an action that increases blood flow and stimulates the lymph glands.

Try: Kansa Organics make several sizes of kansa wands, kansaorganics.com.

Why it works: The scalp has roughly 30 energy-relieving points called marmas where the arteries, veins, and cranial nerves intersect. These marma points aid in boosting blood circulation, which in turn promotes healthy hair growth.

Try: Banyan botanicals makes a traditional bhringaraj hair oil that works well for all three doshas, banyanbotanicals.com.

CLEAR COMPLEXION Ayurvedic tip: A kansa (an alloy of copper and tin) wand for facial massage is designed for lymphatic drainage and to remove toxins, says Tewani.

Homemade Hair Oil It doesn’t take a lot of money to make a homemade hair oil for luxurious locks.

Here’s a recipe for hair oil from Recipe for hair oil from Kirti Tewani of bettergreenhealth.com.

• One cup of coconut oil • A handful of curry leaves • One tbsp Amla powder • One tbsp Fenugreek Seeds • One tbsp Black sesame seeds • A chunk of Aloe Vera (optional) Use a double boiling method and simmer it for an hour. Strain and apply after it cools.

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Lies and Other Love Languages -Sonali Dev

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rom the bestselling author of The Vibrant Years comes an emotional story of three women navigating ugly truths and safe lies with only love to guide them on a journey of motherhood, friendship, and life.

Bestselling advice columnist Vandy Guru built her career teaching others how to live honestly and courageously, but after the loss of her husband, Vandy’s public veneer can barely conceal her grief. When her beloved daughter Mallika suddenly disappears and her estranged childhood best friend Rani returns, stirring up long-buried secrets, Vandy’s carefully crafted life feels at risk.

Aspiring choreographer Mallika Guru is tired of failure. When another audition ends in rejection, she signs up for a genetic study to find out why she’s so different from her accomplished family. But the results reveal her whole life to be a lie, and Rani seems to be the only one who knows the truth.

Rani Parekh sacrificed everything for Vandy once. But to hold on to the life she’s rebuilt, she must confront her troubled history and face Vandy and Mallika. Join these three extraordinary women as they journey from LA to Mumbai on an incredible path of discovery, hope, and love.

Bestselling author Sonali Dev describes the book as a journey of friendship, motherhood, marriage, and finding yourself. The idea for the book comes from a conversation which she ahd with a friend a long time ago. “At the heart of that hypothetical conversation was motherhood. Carrying a child you wouldn’t raise for a friend on one hand and raising a child you didn’t birth on the other,” Dev recalls.

SEEMA’S VIEW: Lies and Other Love Languages is a gripping mystery intertwined with rich family drama and unexpected twists.

The novel delves into the depths of female friendship, motherly love, marital bonds, and the quest for life’s true purpose. With exceptionally relatable characters, this emotionally immersive story is a gem that comes highly recommended.

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visit SEEMA.COM A DV E RT I S E O N S E E M A N E T W O R K , E M A I L U S AT A DV E R T I S E @ S E E M A .C O M

F O O D - S E E MA RE COM ME N D S

DELECTABLE DESSERTS It is that time of the year when it is the season of all things sweet, and the best way to soak it in is to eat desserts.

• Bindu Gopal Rao •

We speak to three chefs some of their favorite (and easiest) desserts that you can make at home to please your guests’ sweet cravings this holiday season.

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Fresh Fruit Marquise Cake, courtesy Jayakumar Krishnan, Executive Chef, Paper & Pie Cafe, Bangalore

The Fresh Fruit Marquise Cake is Paper & Pie Cafe’s delicate recreation of a fresh fruit tart. This version replaces the crunchy with a soft, spongy cake, resulting in an indulgent yet vibrant and refreshing sweet treat.

INGREDIENTS Sponge cake 350 grams ●

FOR THE FILLING White chocolate 200 grams Milk 40 grams Gelatine sheet 2 grams Elle & vire cream 200 grams Grapes 5 grams Kiwi 5 grams Dragon fruit 40 grams Plum 4 grams Fresh fig 4 grams ●

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FOR THE SYRUP • Milk 30 ml • Water 20 ml • Sugar 10 grams ●

METHOD To make the filling, take a mixing bowl and combine white chocolate and 40 grams of cream. Warm the mixture gently in the microwave and mix it until smooth and well combined.

In another mixing bowl, dissolve ●

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the gelatine sheet in cold water.

Once softened, add it to the white chocolate and cream mixture and stir to combine. Add 200 ml of cream directly to the mixture and blend it thoroughly.

After mixing, set the mixture aside.

To make the syrup, mix sugar, water, and milk until the sugar is dissolved.

To assemble the cake, begin by covering your chosen design mold (round or square) with plastic wrap or clean film. This will make it easier to remove the cake later. Place the sponge cake in the mold.

Pour the filling evenly into the mold as a base layer. Ensure it is spread out uniformly.

Remove the crust from both sides of the almond sponge.

Apply syrup to both sides of the sponge to add moisture.

Carefully place the syrup-soaked sponge into the cake mold on

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top of the filling.

Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator and allow it to rest for about 4 to 6 hours. This chilling time will help the flavors meld and the cake to set.

After the resting period, remove the cake from the cooler. Flip it upside down onto a clean surface or serving plate, gently removing the design mold and the plastic wrap.

Cut small cubes of assorted fruits of your choice. Mix the fruit cubes with cake jelly.

Arrange the fruit and cake jelly mixture on top of the cake.

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Chinese Egg Custard Tarts, courtesy Naveen Kumar, Pastry Chef, Cantan Chinese Egg Custard Tarts, often referred to as ‘dan tat’ in Cantonese, are a beloved pastry in Chinese cuisine. These delectable treats consist of a tender, flaky pastry shell filled with a creamy, sweet, and velvety custard made from a combination of eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla. The result is a delightful contrast between the crisp crust and the luscious custard.

INGREDIENTS Egg yolk 6 Caster sugar 100 grams Pure (thin) cream 150 ml Milk 125 ml Vanilla extract 2 tsp Frozen puff pastry (thawed) 2 sheets

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METHOD Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). ●

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In a jug, combine the egg yolks, sugar, heavy cream, milk, and vanilla extract.

Mix well to create a smooth custard mixture, and then set it aside.

Take one pastry sheet and cut it in half. Place one half on top of the other, aligning them, and roll them up from the shortest end to form a log. Repeat this process with the second pastry sheet.

Cut each log into six equally sized rounds.

Roll out each round on a floured surface to create a 10-cm circle. These will be used as the pastry shells for your custard tarts.

Grease the holes of a muffin pan, and carefully press

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each pastry circle into a greased muffin hole, ensuring a snug fit.

Fill each pastry shell with the prepared custard mixture. Be careful not to overfill, leaving a little space at the top.

Bake the custard tarts in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes. They will be ready when they are puffed at the edges and appear pale golden on top.

Remove the custard tarts from the oven and set them aside to cool slightly.

Once they have cooled, serve these delightful Chinese Egg Custard Tarts and savor the exquisite contrast between the crisp pastry crust and the rich, velvety custard.

Orange Chocolate Mousse, courtesy Naveen Kumar, Pastry Chef, The Fatty Bao, Lavelle Road, Bangalore The Orange Chocolate Mousse combines the bright, zesty flavors of oranges with the rich, indulgent taste of dark chocolate. The base of an orange chocolate mousse is a velvety and airy mousse made with dark chocolate, which lends a deep, bittersweet richness to the dessert. To balance this intensity, fresh orange zest and juice are incorporated, infusing the mousse with a vibrant burst of citrusy brightness.

INGREDIENTS Dark Chocolate 220 grams Fresh Orange juice ½ cup Whipped Cream 1 cup Orange zest ½ tbsp Vanilla essence ½ tbsp Orange slices, peeled for garnish ●

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METHOD Melt the dark chocolate using a microwave-safe bowl or the double boiler method.

In a separate bowl, add the whipped cream. To

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the whipped cream, add the melted chocolate, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla essence.

Gently fold and combine all the ingredients until you have a smooth, even mixture.

Divide the mousse mixture into serving bowls or glasses.

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Cover the serving bowls and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until the mousse is fully set.

When ready to serve, garnish each serving of chocolate orange mousse with freshly peeled orange slices.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate-orange mousse chilled.

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